The New Blackmore Vale UPDATED 23/12/22

Troublesome puddle

IT’S been a puddle that’s puzzled for drivers for months – as well as the authorities, it seems.

A stretch of the B3145 between Wincanton and Sherborne has been waterlogged, some drivers claiming since August. However, it has been unclear just who should take care of the issue.

Driver Robert Green was among those to report the problem – but ran into an issue he was not expecting – establishing exactly which county the route was in.

“It’s right on the boundary between Somerset and Dorset,” he said. “It’s been waterlogged, right on a bend, since the hot weather.

“I got on to Dorset Council first and they said it is not their road, that it was Somerset County Council I needed to speak to.

“So I did that, and they said it was not theirs, as it is not in Somerset.”

He said the cause of the problem was unclear, but pictures show a drain struggling to cope with water whether due to rainfall, a

broken main, or something else.

“There’s water coming off the field, but it’s been like that since August,” Robert added. “The water can’t go anywhere because the drains are blocked up.”

Now, after your New Blackmore Vale visited the site and pinpointed the exact location of the problem, Dorset Council has claimed ownership of it and vowed to deal with the issue.

“We have checked with our Highways team and, looking at the details and maps you have provided, this is in the Dorset Council area,” a spokesperson said.

“We’ve requested an engineer to go out and assess it so the issue can be resolved.

“People can report a problem with highway drainage in the Dorset Council area on our self-service map. This enables them to pinpoint the location.”

The map can be found at www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads-highwaysmaintenance/maintenance/maintenance/ drainage-and-manhole-covers

New Blackmore Vale readers’ winter pictures showcase beauty of county

A walk around… Alton Pancras

Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade Park near the Church, which had bees flying from its roof when I visited. Opposite the Church is a useful display board with a map of the village and places of interest. Walk a short distance south down the road and turn right, west, up Ripp’s Lane which goes uphill for about a mile to the parish boundary where there is a gate into a field then, a furlong later, another gate onto the Old Sherborne Road.

Head north along the road for about a furlong until you get to a road down to Cerne Abbas. Opposite the road is a gateway giving access onto the Wessex Ridgeway heading north east. After passing the 200 metre contour with a trig point on the right it’s all downhill with splendid views.

After crossing the road near the source of the Piddle it goes uphill again where, at an unsigned meeting of ways, you turn right

and head east, going gently uphill along the ridge, again giving fine views. At a junction, veer south east passing by some Access Land with wild vegetation. Curve to the south, then south west down the hill and through some woodland which might still have some blackberries to harvest.

Eventually you will come to the Millennium Seat. It’s of stone with a plaque giving the names of all the residents (about 150) of the parish in 2,000AD.

Soon you’ll be back at your car but, before departing, you might wish to explore the village which has lots of fairly old houses with flint walls and thatched rooves. Now we’ve had some rain you can follow the River Piddle, which follows the road, up to its source.

Nigel Mykura / geograph.org.uk

Claire Norris

Tanya Andrews

Rachel Shergold

THE beauty of winter has been caught on camera by New Blackmore Vale readers.

In an online competition, we asked you to send us your best winter snaps.

And you responded in style, posting dozens of dazzling photos, showcasing the very best of our county in the cold season.

Whatever the season, from wildlife to snowfall, the Vale is majestic all year round. Here are just a few... Look out for results of the competition in the next edition...

Anne Johnstone

Ben Pulletz

Dan Groves

Tributes paid to Martock teacher after fatal crash on A303

JACQUELINE Anne Potter, 54, known to her family as Anne, died in a three-vehicle collision on the A303 at Podimore at around 7.50am on Monday, 5 December.

Her family has now paid tribute to a ‘fiercely loyal’ and ‘sweet’ woman.

They said: “We are left heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Jacqueline Anne Potter. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter.

“A kind, sweet and fiercely loyal person, we can’t put into words how much we will miss her.

“Anne, as she was known by her close family members, was a well-respected modern languages teacher at Bishop Fox’s School in Taunton for more than 10 years. The loss to our family and friends is immeasurable.”

Police are still urging witnesses they have not yet spoken to, or anyone with dashcam footage, to contact them on 101 and quote reference number 5222291026.

Plans submitted for 10-plot Gypsy and Traveller site in Mere

Ruston Planning, on behalf of the landowner, have lodged plans for the site at The Stables, Mapperton Hill, with Wiltshire Council

PERMISSION for a single Traveller pitch on the site was given in July 2015, including a mobile home, day room, touring caravan, septic tank, stables, hard standing, access and the keeping of horses.

The new plan seeks to add 10 more plots to the site, which measures around 1.9 hectares (4.6 acres). The eastern boundary of the site runs along the B3092 at Mapperton Hill and is enclosed by mature trees and hedgerows.

“Each pitch comprises one mobile home, one touring caravan and parking,” the application reads. It has prompted dozens of comments from residents.

Tim Scott Bolton wrote: “Mere is a spectacularly beautiful area of largely unspoilt countryside and this type of development is inappropriate in this position. The immediate needs of the Gypsy community were satisfied and it seems the original planning approval was the thin end of the wedge.”

Bruno Skinner, who says he has lived nearby for more than 30 years, also objected to the application.

“The exit onto this road is clearly dangerous and the land could have over 80 people on site with any number of vehicles,” he wrote. “Also, there is no pedestrian access to Mere along this busy road. The field is known to be prone to flooding so probable problems with drainage and foul water may arise, the more so with all the additional hard standing that would be required.”

Lalage Grundy, however, supports the plan.

“I would like to give my support for the increase of 10 plots at the site,” they wrote. “There is need for enough places for people to live. I am a resident of Mere and hope that this response will be part of the consultation.”

It comes after a site, at Piddlehinton, was approved with conditions including gating which was locked between certain hours.

The planning consultation is open until 15 December. For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov. uk and search for application reference PL/2022/08186.

Police appeal for witnesses

A woman was hit by a car in Sherborneand police want to speak

to witnesses

THE incident happened at around 2.20pm on Sunday, 27 November, in St Swithin’s Road.

The pedestrian, a woman in her 40s, was crossing the road when a red Vauxhall Astra, driven by a woman in her 20s, collided with her, said police.

PC Mike Rumsby, of Dorset Police, said: “I am hoping that somebody witnessed what happened and can help me with my investigation.

“Also, I am appealing for anyone with footage relating to the incident – whether CCTV or dashcam – to please come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220192275. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Flipped out

A CAR ended up flipped over in a river after a crash on Saturday 10 December.

The vehicle, a small four-door hatchback, left the road some time around 3.15pm at Martinstown. Firefighters from Dorchester attended the incident.

“Once in attendance this incident involved one vehicle that had left the road and ended up on its roof in a river,” a spokesperson said.

“Crews gave first aid to the two occupants and passed them over to be transported to hospital.”

The condition of the occupants is not known.

On page 31 of the 9 December issue of NBVM, in the story Life-saving kit, we incorrectly reported that Mr Robin Hussey died from a heart attack; he actually died from a bleed on the brain. We also incorrectly identified the Mayor of Gillingham as Rachel Cullingford; her name is in fact Sharon Cullingford.

We would like to thank Sharon Cullingford for alerting us to these errors and also take the opportunity to apologise for any distress caused by these inaccuracies.

Pantry’s plans for the future

There’s no time for resting on laurels at Sturminster Newton’s social supermarket

SO what is next for the Vale Pantry?

Well, in recent weeks, the charity has learned it will receive funding for a pantry manager who will run the shop for the next three years.

And another ambitious plan – to take the pantry further afield – is becoming a reality thanks to the special donation of a van, which it is hoped will be used to help those who cannot reach the shop.

More on that in the coming weeks – as well as news on opening hours.

“It’s important to know that our aims are always to see if we can get people back on their feet, while feeding them along the way, and since opening we have now been able to help well over 260 families back on their feet,” said trustee, Carole Jones.

Messages of thanks

As a testament to the work being done at the Vale Pantry, people have paid written to them and expressed their thanks.

Here are some of their messages:

“You all do a great job and are very kind and caring. You have made a huge difference to our lives since we met you all, not only for food but for the friendship you have shown us. And the support you have shown us. I can honestly say I look forward to coming to the pantry once a week to see you and feel surrounded by caring people.”

“Thank you so much for this morning. I was totally overwhelmed but also overjoyed at how wonderful the pantry is.

“We are so very grateful. You were all so welcoming and I can’t wait for next Thursday. Now I know where you are I’ll be on time!

“Thanks again from the bottom of my heart, I was quite emotional as I was cooking it all.”

“My husband has now had the last of his three surgeries and is 90 percent recovered. He has found some part time work and slowly getting back to normality.

“We would like to thank you so much for helping us through this very difficult time. I don’t know how we would have survived without your help, so thank you very much.

“Please pass our membership on to someone who needs it more.”

“Thank you for today. I really appreciate your kindness and welcoming team.

“I will try my best to attend the pantry as it’s lovely. When we left I felt calm and the girls kept saying how kind you guys are. Thank you so much.”

“We cannot thank you all enough for all you have done for us since we joined the pantry. You all have overwhelmed us with your passion and courage for the cause you work so hard to serve.

“We joined with worries that we would be looked down on, judged and ridiculed but our experience was far from that.

“You have all been there to support us through the lows and celebrate with us through the highs. You have made us laugh and you have made us cry. We cannot thank you enough for the friendship, compassion, respect and understanding that you have shown us and our children.”

To find out more about the Vale Pantry – and how you can help – log on to valepantry. co.uk.

“We cannot thank you enough for the friendship, compassion, respect and understanding that you have shown us”

Our loose Canon

Keeping the real reason for the festive season alive

by Canon Eric Woods

EVERY Christmas it happens: newspapers full of stories of political correctness gone mad. The County Councils which will not permit carol services to be advertised on their notice boards; schools which ban nativity plays; charity shops which are happy to sell you ‘season’s greetings’ cards showing a drunken office party, a lecherous Father Christmas or a flatulent Rudolph, but which ban any representations of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds – or the Christ Child.

Years ago that remarkable and doughty Christian, Dorothy L Sayers, best remembered for her detective stories, parodied all this in a Cat’s Christmas Carol The last verse runs:

All praise to His bountiful name! I do not quite know why He came; But I’m sure this is true –It had something to do With joy and with giblets for me, for me, With joy and with giblets for me!

I see my job at this time of year as doing all that I can to keep the real reason for the season alive and known to as many people as possible – so that no-one sits down to their Christmas lunch only vaguely aware of why or what they are celebrating.

The irony is that it need not happen. ‘Political correctness’ should be understood as the last gasp of colonial imperialism, of those in authority ‘knowing best’. If only they would listen to Jewish and Moslem leaders in this country who insist the best guarantee of the freedoms they enjoy is a vibrant Christianity, and especially a healthy Established Church. They look on in dismay as the historic creed of this country is mocked and marginalised, because they know that it is a short step from the belittling of one religion to the belittling of them all.

It is no accident that the first people to be witnesses of the birth of Jesus were shepherds, who in first century Palestine occupied a very lowly place on the margins of society. Here is the paradox of our faith,

repeated over and over again in the earthly life of Jesus: the closer we get to the sacred and the divine, the closer we get to the profane and the worldly. This world, for all its flaws, is the dwelling place of the holy. The Church, for all its flaws, is where the world can be most at home. Any divorce between the sacred and the secular impoverishes us all. Christmas is not about a few days of fantasy and escape, of tinsel and glitter that can then be packed away in their box. The mystery and the wonder of Christmas are that,

When the song of the angels is stilled

When the star in the sky is gone

When the kings and princes are home

When the shepherds are back with their flocks

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost

To heal the broken

To feed the hungry

To release the prisoner

To rebuild the nations

To bring peace among the people

To make music in the heart.

[Howard Thurman]

Have a very happy, and holy, Christmas.

A merry Christmas and a happy New Year from us all at Bramley Care

Especially during the Christmas period do we at Bramley Care appreciate that the work our dedicated carers do is such a great job. For many people living in our community the care that we provide is vital for them to be able to enjoy Christmas at home with their friends and loved ones. For those who reside in our luxury residential care homes, our managers and their teams of wonderful carers do their utmost to ensure that they enjoy a warm and loving Christmas, just as they would have done if they were still living at home.

Each of our homes boast

Light and airy en-suite bedrooms bursting with charm and most with wet room or bath facilities

Beautifully appointed lounges, orangery’s and dining rooms

Safe, secure and beautifully landscaped walled gardens

A dedicated, caring and professionally trained team

Delicious locally sourced home cooked food Full time Activity Hostesses that ensure meaningful and enjoyable activities A care planning app that allows loved ones to follow the day- to-day care of residents Our very own salons to ensure that one can keep up one’s appearance

House Child Okeford

During these festive times in our residential homes, the beautiful Christmas decorations, the programme of joyous entertainment, the anticipated Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and the cheery nature of our dedicated caring teams ensure that the homes are overflowing with Christmas spirit. Of course, it’s not only during Christmas that the homes are full of good spirit; our managers and their teams ensure that a loving and caring spirit is in the homes every single day of the year.

Millbrook

If you would like further information on Bramley Care please do get in touch as we would love to show you around one of our stunning residential homes or introduce you to our dedicated home care team. Furthermore, if after reading this, you feel that you would like to join our wonderful team, we currently have both full time and part time vacancies available. Further information and a contact form can be found on our website.

House Mere

Providing loving and professional care for people in our society is hard work, as well as emotional at times, but it is a truly wonderful and fulfilling role. The job satisfaction gained from those giving care is why so many caring people join the profession. Besides a rewarding role, the renumeration for carers at Bramley Care is up to £14 per hour. We also provide the opportunity to embark on career enhancing training and we offer career development within the company.

Old Rectory Stalbridge

The

Fireside nativity

SYCAMORE and Oak Classes at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School re-told the traditional nativity story around the comfort of a campfire

setting. Under the Stars drew everyone into a festive celebration of community and song. There were some fantastic performances from the children.

Classic Christmas

GIRLS in Years 7 and 8 at Hanford School in Child Okeford staged a nativity play which was as much an act of worship as it was theatre, and featured beautiful choral music.

Donald Kittermaster, who was headmaster of The King’s School, Worcester, before joining Hanford to teach English, wrote it for Mrs Canning, Hanford’s founder, in 1960.

The first girl to play Mary was Emma Kirkby, who later became the famous Dame Emma, the great soprano.

The costumes, some of which were given by Lady Rockley from the Amhurst Collection, are used every year and give the play its colour and added sense of authenticity and history.

Mrs Canning, who encouraged girls to develop an interest in art, wanted to recreate tableaus from Renaissance paintings –particularly works by Botticelli, Guido Reni and Murillo.

The play has been performed every Christmas since 1960 and its appeal is timeless.

and friends of St Nicholas Church of England Primary School very much enjoyed the children’s nativity performance in St Nicholas Church, Henstridge. All of the children made everyone very proud. Headteacher Mrs Alison Shearer said, “How wonderful to see the children singing and acting with a live audience again post covid. Our school community wishes everyone a very peaceful

happy 2023.”

Thank you for your support with our magazines and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from the team at Blackmore Vale Ltd.

Speedy Santas

Intrepid runners turned out for a festive fundraiser in Motcombe – raising nearly £4,000 for their primary school

DESPITE icy and drizzly conditions, the people of Motcombe turned up on Sunday 4 December for the return of The Great Motcombe Santa Run.

While the final fundraising amount is still to be confirmed, nearly £4,000 has been raised for Motcombe Primary School PTA from almost 350 runners, generous sponsorship from more than 30 local businesses and many supporters who came along and bought drinks and cakes.

“The money will fund projects such as an overhaul of the audio-visual equipment in the school hall and KS2 play equipment for the school field,” said an event spokesperson. “As well as resurfacing play areas and replacing the outdoor stage.

“Everyone was heartily warmed up before the race by CrossFit Shaftesbury.

“The fastest runner, Huw Davies, made a 3km run look effortless as he hurtled gracefully over the finish line only 10 minutes after the race started.

“The fastest female runner was Katy Sugden who completed the route in a blistering blaze.”

The Great Motcombe Santa Run will be returning on Sunday 3 December, 2023.

For more details and entry details, follow @motcombesantarun on Facebook and visit www.thegreatmotcombesantarun.co.uk

Festive folklore from around the world

CHRISTMAS traditions from around the world are on display at Kingston Lacy House this year, where the National Trust team has taken inspiration from festive decorations from around the world.

Each room in the house represents a different place and its traditions. There are 14-foot Christmas trees sparkling with lights, the mantelpieces have been festooned with greenery and the Dining Room is dressed for a festive feast.

In the Laundry Courtyard, the Shepherd’s Hut has been beautifully decorated with lamb’s wool throws, candles and a child’s wooden rocking reindeer, ready for a seasonal selfie. Share your pics on social media (#KingstonLacy).

Between 17-24 December, there are cracker craft workshops. You and your little ones can decorate and fill your own crackers for Christmas. Each cracker will contain the traditional paper hat and a joke (bring your own small gift to add if you like). The

workshops are free (suggested donation of £1 per cracker), no booking required.

Entry to the house is free for members. The decorations are on show until Sunday 1

The Salon at Kingston Lacy decorated for Christmas

January (closed Christmas Day). The property opens at 9.30am, and the house at 10.30am; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ dorset/kingston-lacy

National Trust Images Trevor Ray Hart

blackmorevale.net

Woman killed in tragic B3091 crash

A WOMAN has died after a crash near Shaftesbury.

The incident, which involved three vehicles, happened on the B3091 near the junction with Cole’s Lane at around 12.40am on Sunday morning (December 18).

Police said the crash involved a red Vauxhall Corsa, a blue Vauxhall Astra and a blue Citroen Berlingo.

Emergency services attended the scene and the driver of the Astra – a woman in her 40s from Sturminster Newton – was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has been informed.

The driver of the Corsa – a local woman in her 20s –received treatment for injuries that were not believed to be serious, police added.

Road closures were put in place as the emergency services responded to the incident and for an examination of the scene to take place.

Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who sadly died in this collision. We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, who has not already spoken to police to please get in touch with us to assist our investigation.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for their

The incident happened on the B3091 near Cole’s Lane

patience and understanding during the closures.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, by email to scit@dorset.pnn. police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 18:14.

New balance classes in Sturminster Newton

In 2023 Age Concern North Dorset is offering two weekly balance classes, aimed at anyone wanting to improve their balance, strength and stability with the aim of reducing the risk of falls. Classes, which cost £4 per person, will held at Sturfit

gym on a Wednesday morning starting on 4 January at 11.15am and 11.45am. Sturfit offers lift/ toilet/shower/changing facilities as well as ample parking and a refreshments machine. To find out more call the Age Concern office on 01258 475582.

Charity Christmas lights extravaganza!

Marlott Road in Gillingham (SP8 4FA) is the place to be for lovers of Christmas light displays. Open daily from 5pm until the new year, this charity display is raising money for Help for Heroes. It boasts coordinating music and special effects. All donations will go directly to the charity – give online via www.helpforheroes.org.uk or pop an envelope containing cash through the letterbox.

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

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

Everybody needs good neighbours

Keep an eye on your elderly neighbours, says charity Age UK as cost-of-living crisis causes many to cut back on heating and worry about affording essentials

WITH strikes hitting services and the cost-of-living crisis leaving many in a tough situation ahead of the holidays, people are being encouraged to make sure elderly neighbours are okay.

Age UK says 62% of older people have had to cut back on heating or powering their home to make ends meet, with 57% of people aged 60 and over worried about very cold weather.

So the charity is calling on households to help their neighbours if possible.

“This is shaping up to be a true winter from hell for many older people, because of the multiple threats to their health and wellbeing,” a spokesperson said.

“Covid-19 and other nasty winter bugs are circulating widely, and now, to cap it all, really cold temperatures are about to set in, at a time when we know lots of pensioners have been trying to reduce their energy usage in order to control their bills.

“And that’s not to mention the impact of strikes on public services and the possibility

of energy black outs further down the track.

“With so many problems to worry about, Age UK is appealing to the public to keep supporting the older people in their lives and to stay in touch to ensure they are managing to keep warm and eat well, despite soaring prices.”

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, said: “We know rising energy prices will put nearly a third of older households in fuel poverty this winter, meaning older people in approaching 3 million homes will be worrying about how to keep warm as temperatures plummet this week.

“Unfortunately, increases in the cost of living are coming hard on the heels of the pandemic, which severely undermined the health and wellbeing of many older people. And now some are telling us they simply don’t know how they will get through the difficult months to come. This really is shaping up to be a winter from hell.

“During the winter older people are likely to spend more time at home than

other age groups and are much more susceptible to the effects of the cold, particularly if they have pre-existing medical conditions.

“That’s why it’s so important that they can adequately heat their homes, helping them to stay well.

“The winter can have an adverse impact on older people’s mental health too. Darker, shorter days and less socialising place older people at greater risk of loneliness and isolation, which in turn can cause new mental health conditions like anxiety and depression to develop, as well as exacerbating any existing ones.

“So as winter bites it is important to take action to protect yourself if you are an older person, and it’s a reminder to the rest of us to look out for the older people in our lives.”

For practical information and advice, contact Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line Helpline is on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Bespoke kitchens, created to be the centre of your home

I have always been on the larger side, especially since having my children. I felt the need to change and be healthier, for my girls but also for myself.

When Covid hit, I spent the entire time working from home and I didn’t pay any attention to what I ate, I started to feel really down with how I looked and found everyday activities more difficult to do.

Then, at the end of 2021 I was told I had early cancer cells after a routine smear and I had a hysterectomy, after recovering I decided I would try to lose some weight.

This was the first time I’d tried to lose weight and was inspired by two friends who had done amazingly well with Slimming World, so I joined Gail’s Thursday evening group in Shaftesbury.

I love attending the group each week and find I look forward to seeing my new friends, finding out how everyone has done, sharing recipes and having fun. I still have a way to go to target but I know with the group, Gail, my mum and friends’ support I will succeed!

So far this year I have lost 4 stone 6lb and have dropped 3 dress sizes, I can now move around easier and I am feeling more confident with every award I achieve!

Christmas crib

The beautiful Yarlington House, home to the Count and Countess Charles de Salis, is ready for Christmas, complete with this stunning crib created by Charles. It’s particularly timely that this year the model trains refused to run, so Charles reflected real life with a model rail strike! The Count and Countess would like to extend an invitation to anyone interested to enjoy the crib this Christmas. Please contact Yarlington House on 01963 440344 or email carolyn. desalis@yarlingtonhouse.com to find out more. Yarlington House, Yarlington, Nr Wincanton BA9 8DY

A Christmas gift for the honey bees

It’s time to look after the hives by treating our bee colonies against a tiny but deadly invader against which they have no natural defences…

IF you’re not a beekeeper, you’re unlikely to have heard of varroa before now. It’s a mite (varroa destructor), about the size of a pinhead, and it lives on honey bees. Along with habitat loss, it’s one of the biggest threats to the continued existence of our native honey bee, which has been in longterm decline since the 1970s. Although the mite itself does weaken the bees it latches on to – it feeds on the bees’ blood and fat tissue – the biggest impact is caused by viruses entering the bees through wounds where the mite has been feeding. Those viruses can severely weaken the whole colony, leading to colony collapse. Almost all honey bee colonies in Britain now have the varroa mite living alongside them.

Introduced species

So, why is all this happening? When one species relies on another for its very existence, it’s unusual to find the dependent species causing the death of its host. The answer lies in how varroa came to be here in the first place.

Varroa mites evolved alongside the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and one learned how to tolerate the other. The Asian honey bee removes mites by constant grooming. We humans moved honey bees between Europe and Asia and as one type of bee came into contact with the other, the mite was able

to jump species. Not having evolved alongside it, our native honey bee (Apis mellifera) can’t defend itself against the mite.

Varroa’s life cycle is incredibly successful and starts when a female mite leaves its adult bee host to lay some eggs.

The mite is looking for a bee larva that’s about to be sealed into its wax cell just before it starts to pupate into an adult bee. It’s believed that the larva exudes a pheromone – a kind of “scent” – that can be sensed by worker bees in the colony and triggers them to seal the cell with a cap of beeswax. The adult varroa can sense this too and slips into the cell. She lays her eggs after the cell is capped – first a male egg and then several females, one every 30 hours. The eggs hatch and feed on the bee larva until they are mature and then mate. Those mated mites leave the cell as the adult bee emerges, ready to start the process all over again. The male mite and any immature females remain in the cell and die. Varroa prefer to lay eggs with male bee larvae (drones) – drones spend three days longer in their sealed cell than female worker bees and so one more female varroa will reach maturity. Very clever! The “R number” is very, very high for varroa in summer as their numbers multiply exponentially!

Untreated, a colony with varroa might get through one or two winters but the third

will almost certainly lead to colony collapse.

With colder weather around Christmas, our honey bees tend to cluster together inside the hive. There will be little or no brood as the queen will have stopped laying. It’s a perfect time to help reduce the varroa in each colony, giving them a better chance of staying healthy through to the Spring. Beekeepers trickle a warm solution of oxalic acid on to the honey bee cluster or heat solid oxalic acid so that it becomes a gas and spreads around the hive. Oxalic acid is found in plants like rhubarb and beetroot. It’s well tolerated by the bees and they’ll soon be feeling the benefit.

So that’s our little Christmas present to the bees. Maybe one day our native European bees will work out how to protect themselves from this devastating invasion.

To learn more about beekeeping and the North Dorset Beekeepers Association, look for NDBKA on Facebook or visit www.northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk

The Association is raising funds to build a new honey bee centre near Blandford and welcomes donations via its JustGiving page tinyurl. com/2p8kxhwb.

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions has been set up by husband and wife team Peter & Lizzie Price. Lizzie will be familiar to many as she has been involved with interiors, blinds and soft furnishings for over 28 years for a Wincanton based company, while Peter has over 40 years experience in the building and window industry.

Lizzie and Peter have a similar outlook on business with first class customer service paramount, and top quality products UK manufactured where possible combined with first class installation.

Lizzie has been a Silent Gliss specialist for over 15 years and is fully qualified to advise and measure for this premium product.

They offer a huge range of shading solutions for inside and outside the home including fabric roller, vertical and pleated blinds as well as venetians in aluminium and wood, either manual of motorised (an option that is becoming ever more popular and competitive says Lizzie).

With the onset of winter and increasing energy costs it is worth considering honeycomb pleated blinds with air trapping pockets to help retain heat within the room and during the summer they will help keep your rooms cool too.

Peter & Lizzie are delighted to have

sourced a British manufacturer of Plantation Shutters, avoiding the extended lead times and potential damage in transit with imports. These can be offered in any colour.

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions offer external roller blinds to reduce solar gain at source, awnings (manual or motorised) and to extend your outdoor living season they offer aluminium louvred roofed Pergolas, these are available in any RAL colour.

Lizzie and Peter offer home visits, with no obligation quotations, where they can show you a wide selection of samples

Flood defences for listed houses

doors to tackle flooding

WESSEX Water has applied for listed building permission to install flood doors on six properties in Coldharbour, between the junctions of Harbour Way and the B3145.

The scheme would see special doors installed on the properties in a bid to counter the effects of surface water flooding in the street.

“The aim of this scheme is to offer a solution to surface water flooding at selected listed building properties in Sherborne,” it reads.“This is to be done while taking into account the special architectural and historic interests of each property, ensuring that the physical characteristics of each listed building will not be substantially affected by flood protection measures.”

The affected properties are Endcote (No 1), Merry Cottage (No 2), Lorna (No 3), 4 Coldharbour, Simla (No 5), Meerut (No 6).

The application goes on: “External surface water flooding is a historic issue in this area affecting numerous properties. It has been frequently reported to Wessex Water and Dorset Council in the last five years.

“The flooding predominantly occurs at the junction of the A30 (Coldharbour) and Harbour Way, which is the natural low point in the surface water network.

“Properties in the area have low thresholds on the doors, often with steps down in the premises increasing vulnerability to flooding.”

Wessex Water and Dorset Council are cooperating in a partnership scheme to offer the addresses ‘property-level flood

protection’, the application adds.

“Following assessment, it has been deemed that the installation of flood doors is the most appropriate flood protection,” it says.

“The flood doors are designed with a seal which is present on the door structure and is set into the door frame.

“As a result, each time the door is locked (using a multi-point locking mechanism) the seals combine to form an effective barrier against potentially intrusive external surface water.”

For more information, and to comment on the scheme, log on to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/LBC/2022/07729.

Happy New Year

A row of houses in Sherborne are being offered new front

The children and staff at St Nicholas C of E Primary School, Henstridge sold their Christmas art and craft pieces, making a fantastic profit of £242.51. Each class has a new Headteacher challenge for 2023 – how fast can they make their profit grow? Everyone has already started planning for their economic awareness focus in Spring 2023. Congratulations to all the children, and a big thank you to parents and friends for supporting their endeavours.

Dancing on ice

Care home residents took to the ice in

Sturminster Newton for a festive treat

NEWSTONE House residents Joan Drake, Winnie Marriott and Roni Cattell enjoyed a half-hour private skate at the community rink after being invited by organisers.

They were guests of community co-ordinator Jacqui Wragg and joined by Newstone House Companionship Team members Karlene Horswill and Sam Hurst, care co-ordinator Lucy England and kitchen assistant, Maggie Crosbie.

Karlene said: “A lot of planning was involved to ensure our residents could have this lovely experience.

“The rink is often fully booked so we were very appreciative to be offered the session.”

There was even some live musical accompaniment featuring songs from the film Frozen sung by ‘Elsa’, aka Kylie Large.

Afterwards, Joan said: “I have never skated before in my life. This was so much fun.”

And Winnie added: “I haven’t smiled like that for such a long time. It was so enjoyable. Thank you everyone.”

Opened in 2011, Newstone House is officially rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.

JEWELLERS

Gurkha Welfare Trust ambassador plans epic trek across Nepal

Local photographer Johnny Fenn, from Mere, is planning to kickstart 2023 with an incredible fundraising challenge – walking the entire length of Nepal

JOHNNY is a long-term supporter and Ambassador of The Gurkha Welfare Trust. He will be setting off in early January, heading for Nepal’s western border to begin a journey that will see him walking for around four months. His route will take him through rugged mountain terrain, across rivers with suspended bridges, and along steep mountain tracks far from civilisation.

Johnny anticipates the journey, which could cover up to 1,400 miles and include 60 miles of vertical ascent, will take roughly 16 weeks. He aims to raise an incredible £18,000; the proceeds will be divided between The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Hello World.

“The GWT has been, for years, the lifeline that allows impoverished ex-Gurkhas to live their lives with dignity. It’s an incredible charity absolutely bringing real comfort to those in the hills.” There will be little comfort on the journey though, as Johnny plans to live like a porter, eating a simple plate of ‘dal bhat’ twice a day (rice, lentil dal, and vegetables).

“I will be accompanied by two porters that I have known for years, and who are also both excited to see the whole of Nepal,” Johnny said. “We will eat simple rice ‘dal bhat’ throughout; no meat, and just water and tea. I have 112 days to complete this, and if you have ever trekked in the hills of Nepal, you’ll know it’s a tough ask.”

Johnny has been involved with Nepal and the Gurkhas for many years. He is a former British Army Officer and served 16 of his 25 years with the Brigade of Gurkhas. His Gurkha service took him to East Timor and Iraq, before being posted back to the UK as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Brigade of Gurkhas. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, Johnny was appointed British Military Advisor

to ECOWAS in Nigeria, then took up the role of Field Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust in Pokhara, Nepal.

He is now a professional photographer and explorer, and he has travelled the globe on photographic adventures. Since becoming a photographer, Johnny has returned to Nepal at least once a year.

Johnny will be joined on sections of his walk by local staff and supporters including Hari Budha Magar, another Ambassador for the GWT. Hari is a double above-knee amputee and recordbreaking mountaineer who will be attempting to summit Mount Everest in 2023.

Johnny will be carrying a GPS tracker so supporters will be able to track his progress on the GWT website. Find out more at www. gwt.org.uk/news/walking-nepal. Visit Johnny’s fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnny-fenn-1

Top left: Johnny will be joined for some of his trek by Hari Budha Magar, a double above-knee amputee and record-breaking mountaineer. Above: Johnny’s challenging route will take him through the stunning landscape of Nepal

Your toy donations will give poorly youngsters a boost this Christmas

“THESE will make a lot of children very happy.”

New Blackmore Vale readers have done themselves proud in donating toys to children at Dorset County Hospital.

Last month, your magazine launched a Secret Santa Toy Appeal, encouraging people to replace wasteful purchases with a donation to youngsters undergoing treatment this Christmas.

You responded in typically generous style, with bags of toys and gifts being handed over to the Dorset County Hospital Charity.

Kitz Clifford, fundraising officer at the charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful for all the amazing toys, games and puzzles donated by the New Blackmore Vale Magazine –these will make a lot of children

very happy over Christmas and also into next year.

“It means a lot when we see children who come onto Kingfisher Ward for treatment leave with big smiles on their faces.”

The gifts were handed over by New Blackmore Vale editor in chief, Paul Jones, at the Dorchester hospital.

“We can’t thank our readers enough for their donations,” said Paul.

“There’s no doubt this Christmas has been tough for so many, so to receive such generous contributions is really heartwarming.

“There’s no doubt our readers have helped some very deserving young people have a

happy Christmas.

“Thank you.”

The Dorset County Hospital Charity exists to enhance care for patients.

It raises money to fund important extras, above and beyond the NHS budget, which make care for patients better.

Fundraising programmes include providing facilities, state-of-the-art medical equipment, enhanced training opportunities and staff welfare initiatives.

It also runs special appeals to support major capital projects, such as the Chemotherapy Appeal, or to provide extra funding for wards and specialist care areas.

For more information on the charity, appeals and to make a donation, log on to dchcharity. org.uk.

Editor in chief Paul Jones, second from left, hands over donations to fundraising officer Kitz Clifford and Katy and Lucy from the Kingfisher Ward Play Team at Dorset County Hospital

Dorset’s DocBike wins road safety award

A CHARITY founded in Dorset that works to save lives on our roads has been recognised with a Royal award

Docbike has won the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its exceptional contribution to motorcycle injury prevention.

The awards, organised by RoadSafe, recognise outstanding achievement and innovation at organisations worldwide that help to improve road safety.

DocBike works in collaboration with partners on a national level to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s roads due to motorcycle collisions.As well as providing roadside critical care, the charity helps motorcyclists become more skilful riders and reduce their risk of being involved in a collision, by sharing its research and

experience from attending collisions, along with championing BikerDown and seeking further rider training.

The Judging Panel which included representatives from Highways England and RoadSafe recommended to His Royal Highness that DocBike should receive an award.

Chris Smith QPM, co-founder and trustee of DocBike, said: “Working alongside Dr Ian Mew at the scene of road traffic incidents, it was clear that we needed to reduce the number of motorcycle collisions on our roads and would be able to engage more effectively with riders in high-risk groups, if we tried something new.

“Since starting DocBike as a project in 2013 with the support

of Dorset Police as our partner, our motorcycle injury prevention work has gone from strength to strength.

“This award recognizes the exemplary efforts of those who have helped us over the years and continue to do so into the future.”

Fellow co-founder Dr Mew added: “DocBike helps to keep bikers on two wheels in three

ways. Firstly, we provide critical care to any member of the public who needs life-saving intervention, not just motorcyclists; secondly, we teach members of the public how to manage the scene of a motorcycle crash and show them how they can help keep someone alive until the emergency services get there; and finally, we share our experience of why motorcyclists crash and give bikers tips and tricks from some of the UK’s most experienced riders, to help them become a more skilful rider and be less likely to be involved in a collision in the future.”

The award was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent during a ceremony at The Savoy in London on December 13.

Really tree-mendous

FAMILIES and children at a Salisbury centre have enjoyed a festive welcome thanks to a donation from a Gillingham garden centre.

The new arrival – a real Christmas tree – appeared at Shaftesbury Children’s Centre & Nursery thanks to Orchard Park Garden Centre.

The tree welcomes people in the entrance area of the children’s centre and it has been furnished with hand-made decorations created by the children at the nursery.

“Children, parents and staff would like to say a huge thank you to Orchard Park Garden Centre for their wonderful gift,” a spokesperson said.

For more information about activities and groups at Shaftesbury Children’s Centre and other North Dorset

Better with a sweater

Staff at Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors donned their wackiest woollies for charity It was the tenth consecutive year that staff from the firm have joined in the festive fundraiser.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Christmas Jumper Day has become one our great festive traditions which everyone looks forward to. It’s a fun way to spread some

Christmas cheer but also support a very worthwhile charity that helps underprivileged children in the UK and around the world.”

Proceeds from this year’s Christmas Jumper Day will go towards a project in Kenya and vital work in the UK.

Help for those in crisis this Christmas

Mental health services in Dorset will remain open over Christmas and new year

THE COUNTY’S Access Mental Health services will be open as usual to provide support during the festive period for people who are struggling to cope, anxious or feeling they are heading towards a crisis.

Led by Dorset HealthCare, the services offer round-the-clock help and advice to those in need, in person, over the phone and online over Christmas and the new year.

As the UK has emerged from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has kicked in, the county’s 24-hour helpline alone has fielded thousands of calls each month during 2022.

Services available include:

• Connection – a 24/7 telephone helpline (0800 652 0190) for people of all ages which can provide direct help or signpost to a range of other services

• The Retreat – drop-in service run in partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum which provides a way for over-18s to talk through problems with a mental

health worker or peer specialist face-toface. The Dorchester Retreat is open from 4.30pm to 11.30pm, Sunday to Wednesday. Online support is also available

• Community Front Rooms – face-to-face drop-in support service for over-18s in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and Weymouth, open from 2.15pm to 9.45pm, Thursday to Sunday. Virtual support is also available. They are run by local charities –

The Burrough Harmony Centre (Bridport), Hope (Shaftesbury) and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (Wareham and Weymouth) – and are all staffed by mental health and peer support workers.

Laura Ekelund, Dorset HealthCare’s Crisis and Acute Community Services manager, said: “This year has continued to challenge people’s mental health. We know this time of year can be particularly hard for many and we are here to help.

“Our Access Mental Health services provide easy and flexible ways to get the help you need, no matter what your situation or the time of day.

“We have face-to-face support available in the evenings and there is someone at the

end of a phone 24 hours a day. You can talk to mental health staff and peer specialists (people with their own lived experience of mental health issues) and get the right support and advice.

“We understand how hard it can be to ask for help, but please do contact us as we really want to listen and are here for you 24/7.”

For more information – including address details of the Retreats and Community Front Rooms – plus how to access virtual support, visit www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mentalhealth

A dog’s life

Charity founder organises vet clinic for hundreds of Sri Lankan street dogs – but she needs your help to treat more

AN animal lover from Sturminster Newton is heading on a volunteer trip to Sri Lanka in a bid to improve the lives of street dogs in the poverty-stricken country.

Alena Warburton first visited Sri Lanka in 2019 on her honeymoon, but was left devastated at the plight of dogs living on the streets. Since then she has self-funded two volunteer trips and set up a charity called Lucas Helps Dogs – named after her late pet – to support the some six million street dogs in Sri Lanka.

It funds spay and neuter clinics, rabies vaccinations, emergency treatments and aims to educate locals in animal welfare.

Alena said: “When I was first in Sri Lanka I saw a waiter brutally kick a heavily pregnant dog at a restaurant. At the time it really shocked me but I now know that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“The charity pays for emergency treatment to help injured and disabled dogs, but we are determined to spay and neuter as many street dogs as possible. Rabies is also prevalent over there, so we ensure every dog we treat is given a rabies vaccination.”

Alena runs the charity with two friends and in January the trio carried out their first spay, neuter and vaccination clinic in a part of the island called Ella. They funded the treatment of 50 animals..

They had planned to carry out a clinic for 500 dogs in 2023, but the economic crisis has sent costs soaring and means they will have enough for only half that number.

Alena said: “The vet bills in Sri Lanka have nearly doubled due to petrol and medication costs which has vastly reduced the number

Man guilty over biker’s death in village crash

A 42-YEAR-OLD who killed a motorcyclist by deliberately driving into him has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Paul Barrett, of White Road, Mere, pictured, appeared at Winchester Crown Court On December 20 and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing in January.

The charge relates to the death of motorcyclist Ryan Brindley, who died following a collision on the B3089 Hindon Road, in Dinton, shortly before 7.30pm on December 22, 2021.

That evening, Barrett had left an address in Mere, driving a Volkswagen Touran, to apparently travel to Wilton.

However, dash cam footage from that vehicle showed him driving through the village of Dinton a number of times, reaching speeds of up to 80mph despite it being a 30mph zone.

He then observed lone motorcyclist Ryan, 43, coming in the opposite direction, so turned around and followed him, driving at high speed to catch him up.

Barrett then deliberately collided with the rear of the motorcycle, carrying it along the road and causing Ryan to fall off onto the ground.

Ryan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Barrett was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment before being taken into police custody.

“It’s devastating after working so hard all year that we might not reach our target, and now we are desperately trying to raise as much money as we can. The cost of neutering and vaccinating one street dog is now around £25 but it is the only way to reduce the number of dogs on the street and more being born into a life of misery.”

Alena added: “There’s very few animal lovers in Sri Lanka and the ones who do care for them really do have their work cut out. We are doing our best to help as much as we can, and appreciate any support to continue our work changing the lives of street dogs.”

Visit www.lucashelpsdogs.com for more information or to donate to Alena’s campaign.

No safe way to drink and drive

More than 150 people have been arrested as part of a police drink-drive crackdown in the run up to Christmas

AVON and Somerset Police have arrested 169 people for driving under the influence of drink or drugs since 21 November as part of Operation Tonic.

The winter anti-drink/drug drive operation started earlier than usual to coincide with the World Cup, with officers warning drivers there is no safe way to drink and drive.

The operation is aimed at reducing fatal and serious injury Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) and protecting other road users.

In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/ or drug drive factor. They involved the deaths of 12 people.

Last year’s Operation Tonic, which ran throughout December, resulted in 246 arrests.

Acting Chief Inspector Andy Barry, the police lead for Op Tonic, said: “We are currently arresting around 50 people each week for drink or drug driving; this is not acceptable and there are no excuses. There is no safe way to drink or drug drive – you need to find another way to get home.

“We also want to remind people that if you are out drinking in the evening, there remains a real possibility you could be over the limit in the morning too and not safe to drive.

“So again, plan ahead and if you need to drive the following day, don’t drink. If you choose to drink and drive, there is a high chance of being intercepted by our officers.”

Police are also urging people to come forward with information if they know or suspect someone is drink driving.

Avon and Somerset PCC Mark Shelford said: “A staggering 2,300 drink/drug driving arrests are made in a typical year across Avon and Somerset. During this festive season please look out for one another and, if you do plan to drink, arrange a designated driver. There is no excuse to drink and drive.”

Drivers risk up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit.

Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Reports of drink/drug drivers can be made online or by calling 101. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call 999.

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Avian flu disease control zone announced

A CASE of avian flu has been confirmed near Dorchester.

Dorset Council says letters have been sent to all households within a 3km area of the site to register details of poultry or captive birds and to remind bird keepers of the special measures that are in place.

This area includes Broadmayne, West Stafford and south Dorchester.

People who do not keep birds can disregard the letter. The 3km area is known as a Disease Control Zone. Bird keepers must take special measures to heighten biosecurity and keep birds safe from the disease and prevent further spread.

If poultry or other captive birds are being kept, then bird keepers are being asked to record details of them either by completing an online form or contacting Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

Details will then be passed onto the Animal and Plant Health Agency to help their veterinary staff to assess the risk of avian influenza spread. They may visit the address to carry out a visual inspection of the birds to assess their health.

The risk to public health from the virus is very low, but it is important that people don’t pick up sick or dead birds.

You can report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey, by calling the Defra helpline 03459 335577 (option 7).

New senior coroner for Somerset

Mrs Marsh has been a Coroner since 2016 having previously worked as residential property solicitor.

SOMERSET County Council has now confirmed Mrs Marsh’s appointment, after she was installed as acting in the role.

Coroners are judicial office holders who are independently appointed and are responsible for investigating deaths to find out how, when and where they occurred.

Coroners will investigate a death if it was unnatural or suspicious, the cause of death is unknown or if the person died in any form of state detention, such as a prison or police custody.

The appointment was made after the council received the consent of the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor.

Mrs Marsh formally started in her new post on 1 December.

Samantha Marsh has taken up the role after the retirement of Tony Williams, who stood down in March 2022

• Christmas services: Saturday December 24, Christmas Eve

– Crib service, St John’s, Charlton, 3pm; Carols with lanterns, St Leonard’s, Semley, 6pm; Midnight mass, Donhead St Mary, 11.15pm. Sunday December 25, Christmas Day

– Christmas service, St Catherine’s, Sedgehill, 9.30am; Christmas family eucharist, St Leonard’s, Semley, 9.30am; Christmas family service, Donhead St Mary, 10.30am; Christmas sung eucharist, St Mary’s, East Knoyle, 10.30am; Christmas family eucharist, Donhead St Andrew, 10.45am.

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

• Lower Stour church services: Sunday 1 January –10.45am Together Communion – Tarrant Rushton.

• Knowlton Circle Benefice: Christmas Eve – 4pm Crib service at Edmondsham; 4pm Crib service at Gussage All Saints; 11.30pm Midnight mass at Cranborne; 11.30pm Midnight mass at Gussage St Michael. Christmas Day – 8am Holy Communion at Edmondsham; 9.30am Family Communion (shortened) at Wimborne St Giles; 10am All Age Service at Gussage All Saints. Sunday, January 1 –11am High Mass at Wimborne St Giles.

• Mothers’ Union: At the

ANGLICAN HIGH MASS AT WIMBORNE ST GILES

The monthly High Mass is now being offered again on each first Sunday at 11am. All most welcome 01202 828797 Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, on Friday 27 January from 10am-noon.

• SCT Christmas Day lunch: Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, from 12.30-3pm primarily for anyone without family at Christmas. Traditional lunch – vegetarian option – no charge. To join in and/or volunteer fill in the form(s) at the parish office.

• St Martin of Tours, Lillington: Sunday 25 December, family HC with carols, 9.30am.

• St Mary’s, Stalbridge: 24 December – Crib service 4pm and Midnight Mass 11.30pm; Christmas Day – Holy Communion 9.30am; 1 January

– Benefice service at Purse Caundle 11am.

• St James the Great, Longburton: Saturday 24 December, midnight mass, 11.30pm; Sunday 25 December, family communion, 10am.

• St Paul’s Church, Sherborne: 25 December, all age celebration, 10am.

• St Mary’s Stalbridge: 24 December – Crib service 4pm and Midnight Mass 11.30pm; Christmas Day – Holy Communion 9.30am.

• Sherborne Abbey: Crib services and lighting of the tree, Saturday 24 December, 3pm and 5pm.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church (BA22 7QB). No service on December 25 or January 1. A warm welcome to all. Phone: 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@yahoo.com

• Anglican High Mass at

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

CHURCH ORGANIST St Martin’s Church, Lillington, near Sherborne, seeks a new organist to play our recently restored organ for regular vibrant Sunday services. We have a wonderful vicar and very friendly congregation! Please phone Mark Church Warden 07817 845775

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

Children in need in our rich nation

FOR decades, many voters and pollsters have written off rural Dorset as being of any political interest due to its habit of consistently returning the same party to parliament. As I read the New Blackmore Vale’s letters page, do I detect that the blue wall might be crumbling here, too?

Indeed, I can’t help but wonder sometimes, reading the Tory columns, whether they’ve given up. Are they eyeing the next life raft to a job in a right wing thing tank, or the Campaign for Rural England?

The member for North Dorset desperately tried to connect with the thousands struggling locally this Christmas. He offered us his mawkish, jingoism-lite reflections on ‘our strong networks of community groups and charities’ that ‘deep within our British DNA [force] us to whether storms and rise to

challenges’.

Gosh, it’s like watching a re-run of Cameron’s ‘big society’ mashed up with Dad’s Army. And it’s typical of the Tories to venerate the charities that mop up after their failure to feed the country, rather than

address why the UK is in this position.

We shouldn’t be. The reality is, Britain is still a rich country. Millions of its population shouldn’t have to rely on a patchwork of charities for food. Different, intelligent choices are available.

Some 800,000 children in the UK living in poverty are not eligible for free school meals because, cruelly, the threshold for qualification has not increased with inflation. PWC calculated that extending meals to them would generate £1.71 in core economic benefit for every £1 invested – higher than for an increase in universal credit. And extending free school meals into the holidays would take the fear out of Christmas for families.

Buy hey – ‘free speech… helps safeguard our liberties’ proclaims Hoare. As the Manic Street Preachers once sang, freedom of speech won’t feed

my children.

I know what Conservatives will say – it’s not the duty of the state to feed people. I agree. The state should be fostering an economy that works for its citizens, providing sufficiently well paid, secure jobs so that people can feed themselves. But the Tories have failed to do that. So here we are.

For children in poverty, either the state feeds them, or it forces them to food banks like the one in Sturminster Newton - run by a Tory councillor! Truly, this is the conservative circular economy.

I choose to look forward to a brighter future next year. One where – let us dream for a second – the Tories give in to public pressure and call an election. One which brings in a Labour government. With local Labour MPs that don’t leave it to Children in Need to support children in need.

LibDems plough the middle way

MERRY Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers! I hope these columns over the past year or so have served to communicate and spotlight key issues.

Over the next few weeks, we shall be doing some surveying across North Dorset. If the proposed boundary changes come into effect, North Dorset will stretch from Alderholt to Sydling St Nicholas on one axis and from Bourton to Verwood on the other.

Ensuring we get to listen to every part of the area is a significant logistical challenge. Offers of help are always welcome!

It is so important that we do listen and that we do shape policies accordingly. We are looking to understand today’s major worries and concerns but also to find out what people want from a future Dorset.

The party in charge seems to be focusing its policy choices

on the one-third of the nation it relies on while the party of the other part is relatively weak in the South-West and still appears mired in its own dogma.

Other single issue parties, of course, cover the spectrum from

very right to ultra left, passing through environmental on the way. Elsewhere, we see the unwelcome spectre of Scexit. It is interesting to reflect that if you believe we should still be in the EU and want to rejoin, you now have no national political home.

The Liberal Democrats are still the party closest to that perspective but were so badly burned by it in 2019 that now there is a pragmatic, step-bystep approach to closer proximity with the rest of Europe.

As a nation, we see-saw, we veer this way and that, and we seem to be set for another such pivoting change at some point over the next two years. However, the point of balance, the centreline, the thoughtleadership, the one nation, one humanity, one world outlook comes from the Liberal Democrats.

Yes, third in votes cast last

time round but second in a great swathe of constituencies across the land and the first alternative of most electors. I repeat, the first alternative of most electors in three of the four nations in the kingdom.

Just as, at a local authority level, where we have demonstrated time and again the effectiveness of policies rooted in our principles of opportunity and fairness, we have a great deal to contribute nationally.

With a properly representative and democratic system we will do so. Every proposed change to the House of Lords, every new piece of devolution recognises the essentially undemocratic nature of first past the post voting.

Still, if you don’t carry photo-ID, none of this will matter because you won’t be able to turn up at a polling station and vote under whatever system, courtesy our present government.

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Forget ‘goblin mode’ – my word of the year has to be ‘change’

IN case you missed it, Oxford Dictionaries, for the first time, asked the general public to choose their ‘word of 2022’. The public chose ‘goblin mode’. Heard of the term before? No, I hadn’t either. Perhaps Oxford’s initial foray into democracy won’t be repeated in 2023?

It was on the back of this that, during a recent BBC interview, I was asked to sum up 2022 in one word. It is harder than you think. Go on, pause reading this article and have a go. Anyway, I chose ‘change’ as my word of the year. I think we have seen five principal changes this year:

1 With the death of Queen Elizabeth, an epoch sadly came to an end. We ushered in a new reign, our first since 1952. Huge change for our country and the

wider Commonwealth as a new Head of State took the helm;

2 We saw the European peace settlement, which had broadly existed since 1945, change dramatically when

Russia invaded Ukraine. The costs to the Ukrainian people and to the geopolitical and economic settlement of middle and western Europe are being felt and will be for some time to come;

3 Allied to point 2 above, the era of low interest and inflation rates which had existed since 2008 dramatically changed for the UK and most advanced global economies;

4 Our climate continued to change with the hottest and driest summer on record across Europe, devastating global floods and fires;

5 There was pretty seismic UK political change – two Heads of State and three Prime Ministers in the space of four months was an unique event by any measure – and one I never hope to see repeated.

Against the above backdrop I rather hope that my word for 2023 will be able to be ‘boring’ or ‘steady’. We all need some respite from the range and rate of change.

Turning to 2023, I will continue my regular advice surgeries. These are held in locations across North Dorset, usually on a Friday. Please email simon.hoare.mp@ parliament.uk if you would like an appointment.

As we approach the end of the ‘Year of Change’ may I wish everyone across North Dorset a very Happy Christmas and every peace and happiness for 2023.

It has not been an easy year and the worries of the cost-ofliving crisis are concerning everyone. Let us hope for a better 2023.

‘Temporary’ classrooms end in sight

LAST week came the announcement that I have been campaigning on long and hard in Parliament.

The Government has confirmed that funding will be allocated to The Gryphon School to finally rebuild its ‘temporary’ classrooms, which I was educated in – 25 years ago!

I have kept the pressure on the Government, having asked many questions in the Commons chamber, urging Ministers to support this bid, that is vital to for our local secondary school that reaches far and wide.

This is great news for the school and for Sherborne as a community. I will continue working to ensure this is done as soon as possible.

One of the flagship new Bills working through the Government machine at Whitehall is the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Some of the remit of this new Bill will deal with the current planning system and particularly issues relating to the Local Plan and development.

This follows on from a summit I held in May this year, with Housing Secretary Michael Gove. I made clear the concerns

among communities against developments such as the West of Sherborne and North of Dorchester development.

The Government will soon be launching a consultation on measures within this new Bill. Among the proposals will be steps to give councils the teeth they need to say no to developers who have acted badly in the past, like failing to deliver on their Section 106 obligations.

It also removes the need for councils to provide a five-year rolling supply of development, meaning the emphasis will be less on mandatory targets, but of the needs of communities, who will now have a greater say on how their areas develop.

Back in October last year, I started campaigning for the Government to take action on the issue of short-term holiday lettings of former established residential properties at the expense of local people’s access

to accommodation within their price range.

The Government confirmed a review on 29 June into this and last week confirmed its intentions to implement a licensing arrangement for short-term holiday lets which must be ‘licensed’ for their conversion from residential to take place.

There will be more information regarding this policy which will come clear into the New Year, but this is certainly good news for now and a step in the right direction.

I know the situation on the A30 in Sherborne has gone on for a totally unacceptable period of time and I will give you a full appraisal of the what has been done and what the local authority is and is not doing in my next column.

May I take the opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

Conservative MP for West Dorset Chris Loder

After what’s been a difficult 2022, ’tis the season to accentuate the positive

AS it’s been a bit of a grim year in so many ways, it would be uplifting to see it out on a positive note. It is after all the season to do our best to be jolly and all that.

While I consider myself to be generally at the glass-half-full end of the spectrum, I must admit the events of this past year have had me beginning to doubt my sanity in seeing any reason for optimism.

However, I do see some encouraging signs for hope.

One is a positive shift in the right-leaning media, away from outraged condemnation of environmental protesters, and towards an acceptance that the climate and environmental crisis is real and must be addressed sooner rather than later when it will be too late.

In a recent article in The Times the writer admits to having fumed at environmental protesters blocking roads and

throwing food at artworks, but goes on to reflect that he now sees that the protesters are, in fact, entirely right to be concerned, and that their cause is actually everybody’s cause.

He points out that it’s much

easier to loudly condemn protesters’ methods than to address what it is they are protesting about, namely the gulf between what almost every government agrees needs to happen, and what they are actually doing.

They are bodging the issue, and failing to protect us from the unfolding disaster.

Another positive sign is the recent announcement by HSBC that it will stop funding new oil and gas fields, and will expect more information from energy clients about their plans to cut carbon emissions. It may just be another example of corporate greenwashing, but let’s be hopeful.

At a more local level, something that gives me cause for hope is the fact that although humans have the capacity to be thoughtless, selfish, greedy and sometimes downright barbaric, we also have a huge capacity

for caring and compassion as was displayed during the Covid pandemic.

In my village, Hazelbury Bryan, the community response was exemplified by the actions of the Red Barn village store. The proprietors, Tara and Darren, packed up supplies of food and other items, and a team of volunteers delivered them to residents who were unable to collect for themselves.

So as we brace ourselves to see out the Old Year, and welcome in the New, let’s remember to look out for our neighbours, some of whom may face great challenges but find it difficult to ask for help. May we be slow to angry condemnation, and more understanding of those who experience the world differently to ourselves.

And let’s remember our capacity to care, both for our fellow humans and the natural world we all share.

Lords reform marginal issue for most

BATH is once again trying to tick its boxes on clean air by shunting traffic out of the city up the A350.

That means, for example, through Westbury.

Could it be that there are local government elections next year?

Wiltshire Council Leader Richard Clewer and I met virtually and agreed that Bath’s plan is not acceptable. I am taking it up with the Department for Transport.

I do try not to be too partisan in this column but the detailed announcement in the Commons by the new PM on dealing with illegal migration contrasted with the Leader of the Opposition’s yah-boo response so achingly that even his own thinly populated backbench looked shame-faced.

Illegal migration is at least as big an issue in the rest of Europe as here and if there had been a quick and easy solution that didn’t turn the UK into a

pariah state it would have been taken.

Sir Keir must know that sniping will only go so far and that sooner or later he’ll have to get some policies.

They will then be open to public scrutiny. Bring it on.

So far all I’ve seen is a plan to abolish the House of Lords, which may excite his activists but is a marginal issue for most people struggling with the global downdraught of covid, Putin’s war and the energy crisis.

As it happens, I too am far from happy with the upper House but, to be honest, it never comes up on the doorstep.

Let’s please modernise the Lords when we can but Sir Keir bigging it up as a top priority really is very odd.

On Thursday it fell to me to make a Statement in the House launching a Statutory Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Afghan deaths that were highlighted in the summer in which the Army was criticised and that has been the subject of litigation.

Lord Justice Haddon-Cave will investigate independently and report with recommendations.

The Overseas Operations Act last year was designed to reduce vexatious claims against soldiers while allowing the most serious, credible and non-repetitive allegations to continue to be investigated.

In short, fewer speculative legal claims and no witch hunts while ensuring the high reputation of UK forces is maintained.

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Talking newspaper volunteer appeal

SHAFTESBURY Area Talking Newspaper (for the blind and disabled) is a charity geared to supply local audio news to blind listeners, within an area of about 15 miles radius of Shaftesbury.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we lost some of our listeners and volunteers –especially editors.

Our ‘editors’ are actually script composers who cut and paste articles from the New Blackmore Vale and assemble them into a script of say 35 or so pages – half an A4.

We depend on the New Blackmore Vale almost entirely for our output and could not offer an acceptable service without it.

An editor/script writer is an ideal job for a volunteer happy working from home as once the script is ready it only has to be delivered to the The Friends Meeting House in Shaftesbury on the Wednesday following the publication of the latest edition of the magazine.

An editor would be asked to produce a script once every six to eight weeks, so not too onerous.

We have been in existence for over 30 years serving the blind in our area – we have made more than 1,300 recordings so far.

We record on USBs which are posted gratis by Royal Mail in re-usable wallets/envelopes. Recipients listen on players we supply on loan or which may also be purchased.

Our recordings are also available online or via Alexa devices.

Editors, of course, will be given advice on how to produce a script, and anyone interested should contact Colin Francis on 01747 851803 or email colinfrancis669@gmail.com

Colin Francis Lead Editor SATN

IN reply to the letter from Richard Foley (New Blackmore Vale, December 9) I would like

to repeat my previous letter: Why isn’t it compulsory for all new builds to install at the beginning, either solar panels or other sustainable power options? It seems a no-brainer to me.

Allan Robson Sturminster Newton

A BIG thank you to Lorraine Drake of the New Blackmore Vale’s magazine distribution department, and Joe, manager of Red Post petrol station, who arranged to supply and stock your three publications.

The petrol station – close to Winterborne Zelston off the A31 – re-opened in early December.

After a few phone calls and emails we now have the excellent New Blackmore Vale, Purbeck Gazette and New Stour & Avon magazines available free for all in the local community and visitors to Dorset to collect and read.

We have a small team of paperboys – senior version –who run a rota for Winterborne Zelston village and collecting from the well-stocked petrol station, this saves us time and money for petrol.

Winterborne Zelston paperboys Lynne, Steph, John and David (Merry Christmas and not on strike)

WHEN an honorary Dukedom is given to an active member of the Royal family, it is obvious it should be removed when physically he is no longer resident, nor active and even critical of the monarchy.

David Prichard Sherborne

THIS December, on top of the devastating reality of facing cancer at Christmas, families of children and young people going through treatment have increasing costs to get to hospital as well as a devastating rise in energy bills at home, when they need to keep their child warm.

For families supported by

Young Lives vs Cancer, life is getting even harder with the pressures of the rising cost of living.

As the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, we are seeing families we support in Dorset having to deal with the uncontrollable costs of cancer.

The pressure is becoming unbearable and they are left having to make impossible choices.

Young Lives vs Cancer has launched a crisis fund appeal to offer families grants to help lessen the burden of bills this winter and New Blackmore Vale readers can visit www. younglivesvscancer.org.uk to give today.

As well as donating, there are other ways the community in Dorset can support Young

justsocaricatures.co.uk

Lives vs Cancer’s work this Christmas.

You can visit our online shop – www.younglivesvscancer.org. uk/join-our-fight/get-shopping – to buy this year’s Christmas cards and toys or choose from our range of stocking filler gifts.

We also have a range of festive pin badges with designs available online and at J D Wetherspoon for a suggested £1 donation.

I would like to thank everyone in the community who has supported Young Lives vs Cancer this year. Your help and generosity mean the charity can continue to be there for more children and young people from Dorset facing cancer.

Liz Blunt

Senior fundraising engagement manager Young Lives vs Cancer, Dorset

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall –

A feast of Mozart and Schubert

Review by Francis and Sue Taylor

AS Christmas approaches and the days become shorter, people want to be cheered with memorable melodies and good tunes they can hum while driving home.

This is not the time for Götterdämmerung!

The Athenaeum Singers hit the spot here by giving us a concert of music by two of the greatest ‘tunesmiths’ in the world of classical music –Mozart and Schubert. The programme for the evening consisted of several shorter works by these two composers and included items for a soprano soloist.

It was a joy to see the Athenaeum Singers responding to their new young musical director, Thomas Mottershead, with such obvious enthusiasm. All eyes were on him, and the individual voice sections came in on cue, and, what is probably more difficult, stopped singing on cue as well. The choir made a good sound and were well supported by the flying fingers of Simon Dinsdale on the organ. The soprano soloist, Amy Carson’s, lovely clear agile voice was perfect for the programme and her enjoyment of singing came across to the audience. It is always a treat to see a soloist who can sing

beautifully while smiling.

The concert opened with Mozart’s Regina Coeli, written when he was only 15 after his first visit to Italy. The choir tackled the outer two movements with spirit, with the altos in particular being outstanding, while the inner two movements were superbly performed by Amy. This was followed by the Mozarts’s Exsultate Jubilate, a challenging piece for a soprano soloist, where Amy excelled and was supported ably by Simon who switched to the piano for this item.

Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus is well known to the choir and the audience and it is always a delight to see it on the programme. This performance

was both beautiful and sensitive – as well as being technically accurate – and for many of us was the highlight of the evening. The change of mood to the lesser known Jesu, wahrer Gottessohn was achieved with ease.

The second half of the programme was devoted to Schubert, starting with his less familiar Stabat Mater which the choir performed with confidence, though the sopranos struggled at times to maintain the pitch. This was followed by his popular Ave Maria where Amy, once again, demonstrated her virtuosity.

The final item of the evening was Schubert’s Mass no.2 in G Major, probably the best known and most performed of his

masses. The work is not technically difficult but still requires concentration and clear diction to bring out its song-like nature. We knew we were in for something special when the initial ‘K’ of the opening Kyrie rang out loud and clear. In the final two movements the soprano soloist would normally be joined by tenor and bass soloists, but in this performance the tenor and bass sections took responsibility for the solo parts. Despite their small numbers this was a successful experiment and they provided able support for Amy.

We wish the Athenaeum Singers well and we are sure they will continue to flourish under the direction of their new conductor.

Rosie’s final novel in historical series

AUTHOR Rosie Lear, who lives near Motcombe, has published her historical novel Endgame, the final title in a six-book series.

The year is 1450. Matthias Barton’s school is well established, Luke his stepson is at the great schools of learning in Oxford, but there is serious unrest in the country and the Sherborne area is affected by this.

Finn, a one-time pupil of Matthias has disappeared, anxious to find the Kentish rebels and join with them in their fight against the injustices as he sees them.

Meanwhile, in Sherborne, the civil disobedience against the Abbot and the

Bishop of Salisbury continues. Matthias is involved in the smaller disobediences while Finn is heavily involved in the larger and far more serious affairs around the rebel and so-called captain of Kent, Jack Cade.

Will Luke become infected with Finn’s daring escapades, or will he remain safely in Oxford? Can Matthias see the coming wars between the two houses, Lancaster and York? How much will this trouble the peaceful airs of Dorset?

With men from Sherborne becoming involved in these matters, will the Bishop of Salisbury survive the recent murders of The Duke of Suffolk and the Bishop of

Chichester? This is a time of turbulence for all.

Rosie has been a teacher for all her working life, owned a hotel, a children’s clothes shop and a health food store, brought up four children and enjoys amateur dramatics.

Endgame is available at Sherborne Abbey shop, Winstones of Sherborne, Motcombe Community Shop, Shaftesbury Arts Centre and on Amazon. The series is also available as an ebook.

The series also includes Missal for Murder, A Quenchless Fire, A Tale of Two Abbeys, Spare the Rod, The Abbot’s Dilemma.

Thomas Mottershead, the evening’s conductor, leads rehearsals for the concert

Arts group in need of a driving force

NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation FreeExpression Creative, based in Blandford, is looking for a proactive trustee to help deliver arts to the community.

The group is behind the Free Expression Arts festival, an annual event in the town centre, and the newly created Blandford Arts Hub at Nightingale Court.

year with community art workshops held over the summer, and a small shop selling local artist’s cards and gallery which

features different local artists each week.

It is hoped planning for the next arts festival can begin – it was forced to stop because of Covid-19 and the effort put into launching BAHub.

The success of both projects will depend on funding and help – for more information visit www.free-expression.com

To get involved as a trustee or volunteer, or if you are an artist and want to show your work, contact Kate at freeexpressioncreative@gmail.com

Folk festival fundraiser

ST PETER and St Paul’s Church in South Petherton is the venue for a barn dance which will help raise funds for the church and Petherton Folk Fest 2023.

Local band Hobson’s Choice will provide the music on Friday 10 February with the event for adults and children running from 7.30-11pm.

Pete Wheeler, chairman of the Folk Fest committee, said: “We anticipate that there will be a great community spirit, and lots of fun and laughter on the night.”

Tickets cost £12 adults, £6 under-16s and include a ploughman’s supper. Visitors are asked to take their own drinks. Tickets are on sale until 4 February and can be purchased from N & D News and The Brewer’s Arms in South Petherton and Seavington Community Store. Petherton Folk Fest 2023 is on Saturday, 17 June.

n VOCALIST StaceyLou will be celebrating and re-creating the music of Amy Winehouse, as well as other songs, at The Blackmore Vale Inn in Marnhull next Friday (December 30) from 9pm.

The Little Gallery featured the work of Becky Booth Art (right)

Elvis impersonator plays it for laughs

THE usual mayhem and lots of audience interaction are promised when Spitz & Co present musical comedy Elvis in Blue Hawaii at venues in Dorset next month.

The show follows sell-out tours of Gloriator, Gloria In The Mist and Les Gloriablès Award-winning Elvis impersonator Joe Reeve – best sideburns, GlosVegas 2014 –stars in his version of the classic Elvis film Blue Hawaii in the new production, while his long-time tour manager Josephine Cunningham is there to keep the show on the road – next stop, Vegas!

Artsreach director Kerry Bartlett said: “Audiences have loved each of the previous Spitz & Co tours and we are so thrilled to welcome the company back to Dorset for the first time since the spring of 2020.”

Elvis in Blue Hawaii is at Sandford Orcas (01963 220208) on Friday 13 January at 7.30pm, Buckland Newton (01300 345455) at 8pm on Saturday 14 January, and Wimborne Allendale Centre (01202 887247) on Sunday 15 January at 7.30pm. Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Two festive treats

TOURING arts charity Artsreach has re-released two digital performances for the festive season, captured during the winter lockdown of 2020, for people to enjoy free online in the comfort of their own home.

A mesmerising performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story A Christmas Carol, devised, adapted and performed especially for film by veteran Cornish actor David Mynne, was performed at Winterborne Stickland village hall.

A Dorset Christmas with The Ridgeway Singers and Band is a heart-warming seasonal celebration of all things Dorset with tunes and songs from the Puddletown and Hinton St Mary

manuscripts and new carols in the West Gallery tradition, interspersed with readings, archive photographs and other images from across Dorset, plus a special performance of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.

Both productions were captured and edited by Dorchester-based film company Pageant Productions and are available to watch online anytime until midnight on Sunday 1 January.

E-tickets for all events are available from the Artsreach website, and while the events are free to view, donations to Artsreach are welcomed. For further information and to register, visit www.artsreach. co.uk

Musical comedy Elvis in Blue Hawaii is coming to venues in Dorset

School praised in Ofsted’s report

A BLANDFORD school has been praised for having a 'caring ethos'.

Ofsted inspectors visited Milldown CofE Academy in October and their newlyreleased report rates the school as 'good' in all areas – and overall.

“Leaders are ambitious to provide pupils with a broad and exciting curriculum from the time they start in Reception,” inspectors said.

“The curriculum is well planned. It sets out the key knowledge pupils need to know, understand and remember.”

It said story time is an important time of the day, with an emphasis put on reading for youngsters.

But the experience doesn't end in the classroom, they noted.

“Leaders provide a range of experiences beyond the academic curriculum,” they said. “Hopes and Aspirations Week gives pupils the opportunity to learn about a

range of professions.

“Leaders ensure pupils are ready for the next stage of their education.”

Children also learn the ‘importance of respect and tolerance towards other’, the report notes, and that governors ‘know what is working well and what needs to improve’.

“Pupils are polite, courteous and well mannered,” the report added.

“There is a calm and orderly atmosphere in school and on the playground. Pupils enjoy school, feel safe and attend regularly.”

Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the school said: “We strive to create caring, thoughtful and passionate children who are proud of themselves and the communities they live in, and we are pleased that Ofsted recognised this and praised the school and the children for this.

“Our favourite quote from the report has to be this from

one of our children: ‘We don't just want to join the world, we want to make a positive difference to it.’

“This truly lives out our

vision of 'Inspire-BelieveAchieve'.”

To read the report in full, log on to https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/ v1/file/50200302.

Hanford triumphs at show jumping

PUPILS from across the year groups at Hanford School, Child Okeford, took part in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Grassroots and Regional Points League (RPL) competitions at Moreton Equestrian Centre.

The girls came away with rosettes in every class, many of them being placed first in their class.

Hanford won the 40cm class, 50cm class, 60cm class, 75cm class (pictured) and came second in the 85cm class. In addition, many girls were placed individually.

Head of riding at Hanford Charley Pearson said: “This was

a wonderful team effort –everyone played their part beautifully, including the ponies!

“I was proud of how the girls supported and encouraged each other. A big thank you to the parents who helped by transporting ponies and girls to Moreton and got them to the rings at the right time, in the right kit. This was no mean feat at 9am on a Sunday!”

Riding lessons are an important part of Hanford life and, as well as riding, the girls learn how to look after the ponies. Hanford is a Pony Club-linked centre and has its own indoor school.

Milldown CofE Academy in Blandford was rated ‘good’ overall

PHOTO: Milldown CofE Primary.

Back in time for 150th anniversary

CHILDREN at St Nicholas Primary School in Henstridge got all dressed up in Victorian costume to mark the school’s 150th anniversary.

Staff, pupils, governors and parents enjoyed the special Victorian Day, which also included traditional games, visitor sessions and a 150th birthday celebration cake – and the chance to look at the school’s

150-year-old logbook (pictured).

The youngest pupils made a time capsule and it was buried just outside the village hall on the new boules pitch.

The school has also celebrated the long service of the dedicated and hard-working Sandra Raison, a member of staff for 35 years.

Parents: help just a text message away

PARENTS and carers in need of health support and advice can now get it by text.

Parentline, a confidential texting service, has launched in Dorset to support those with children aged from five to 19.

Run by Dorset HealthCare’s School Nursing team, the service offers advice on a range of issues including toileting, sleep, development, behaviour, healthy eating, mental health, bullying, school refusal and exam stress.

Parents and carers simply need to text 07312 263131 and a member of the team will

respond.

ParentLine has already been supporting parents and carers of children up to the age of five for just over a year.

One parent, Annalies from Upton, said: “I feel texting is easier than a phone call as my eldest child normally interrupts phone calls and I find it hard to concentrate.

“With a text, I can write it and send it, then give attention to my child.”

Juliet Singleton, from the Trust’s Children and Young People’s Service, said: “It’s fantastic news for parents and

carers that we have expanded our ParentLine service to cover the five-19 age group across the county.

“We want to encourage anyone who needs support to text us so we can help them and provide the right advice in an easy, accessible way.”

Parents and carers can seek advice via the five-19 ParentLine service from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday –excluding weekends, bank holidays and school holidays – with a member of the School Nursing team responding to messages within one working

Dementia-friendly children

PUPILS at St Mary’s the Virgin Primary School, Gillingham, receive a Dementia Friendly Community award for their school.

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

Headmistress Sarah Willoughby says

that making the pupils dementia aware from a very young age was vital, particularly as some may encounter the disease within their own families.

School groups sing to people with dementia.

The photo shows some of the children from the team ‘Water’, who through their in-school activities collected £10 which they chose to donate to Dementia Friendly Gillingham.

day.

If you send text outside these hours, you will receive an automated message with advice on where to get help if you need it urgently. ParentLine is not an emergency service – for urgent medical help, contact a GP, NHS 111 or 999.

Specific advice about children aged under five is available by texting 07312 277162.

For more information about the ParentLine service for all age ranges, visit www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ parentline

Honours even against old rivals

By Avril Lancaster

IT was honours even after Shaftesbury FC 1888 played a traditional Dorset doubleheader against Portland.

The clubs are not physically close but they met in the early years of the Dorset Leagues and the FA Cup, and competed in the Dorset Combination/Dorset Premier League and now the Wessex League.

Portland United are a team that never gives up and a 120-minute Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final ended 2-2.

FOOTBALL

Shaftesbury’s Brad Hill won the tie on penalties 5-4 after keeper James Mayo hit the bar and then saved in the shoot-out in which Dominic Pansear-Dower, Ash Pope, Cameron Beard and Bailey Rowe scored.

Portland had been 2-0 ahead through Greg Borthwick and Matt Harvey. Rowe reduced arrears from the spot and Liam Farrugia salvaged a draw to take the tie to extra time.

Mince pies for fans and bubbly for Dominic

By Avril Lancaster

TESCO Superstore supplied mince pies to Shaftesbury fans entering the ground before the FA Vase 3rd round tie with Brixham at Coppice Street.

Players Cameron Beard and skipper Luke Delaney received bubbly and mince pies before the big kick-off.

Store manager Ben Smith and Tom Pearson are pictured with Cameron and Luke, and commercial manager Steve Gilbert.

The club thank Tesco and Virginia Hayward for their support of Shaftesbury FC 1888 and for sponsoring the

man-of-the-match.

Shaftesbury play Poole Town in the semi-final at home on January 10.

Making the return trip on Friday night in the Wessex League, Portland found themselves 3-0 down with two early goals from Rowe and Tyler Forbes.

Pansear-Dower’s 51st minute goal seemingly put Shaftesbury out of sight but Ryan McKechnie reduced arrears with two quick goals, and a 91st minute own goal rescued an incredible point for the visitors.

Dominic Pansear-Dower was presented with a bottle

1-1, with Brixham AFC winning 5-4 on

penalties.

Bailey

Hard going in freezing conditions

By Simon Hebditch GILLINGHAM

Angling Association’s Christmas match (13 pegs) was held on a cold and clear River Stour at Catholics on 18 December.

Entries were reduced by illness and family events.

As expected, the only fish caught were chub, and only six of the 13 anglers caught in the freezing rain.

The winner, Rob ‘Cheeky Boy’ Manns drew peg 45, Big Hole, and found a nest of chub willing to feed, catching six on the lead and bread, to weigh 14-04 and win a hamper and £60.

Runner-up was young starlet Jack Stamp who drew peg 57, the dead cow carp hole swim, at the bottom of Catholics. He caught

three chub on the stick and maggots, and three chub on the straight lead and bread, to weigh 12-12 to win a hamper.

Third went to Jason Randall who drew peg 61 and caught four chub late on the lead and bread to weigh 8-04 and win a hamper.

Other places went to: 4 Richard Cake, 4-09; 5 Dave Sealey, 2-00; 6 Simon Hebditch, 1-08.

The next match is on January 8. Anyone who would like to fish should book with Dave Sealey on 01747 823159.

The club’s fourth Winter Championship (15 pegs) was held on the River Stour at Trill/Catholics on December 11.

The event was fished in sub-zero temperatures on a ‘clear-ish’ river with lots of flow but chub were the only obliging species.

The winner was Jack Stamp, who drew peg 59 at the bottom of Catholics, and caught six chub on the stick and maggots before catching another nine on the lead and bread to weigh an impressive 24-10.

Runner-up was Dave Anders who caught six chub on the bread feeder from peg 61 to weigh 12-03.

Third was Clive Pettifer who drew peg 45, Big Hole, and caught four chub on the float and maggots to weigh 9-04.

Other places went to: 4 Pete Leach, 8-07; 5 Jason Randall and John Gatehouse, 4-12.

of bubbly by Paul Humphries (pictured) after the game, which ended

Rowe scored for Shaftesbury after Charlie Johansen had put the Fishermen ahead in the 77th minute.

PHOTOS: Steve Gilbert

Investors’ guides to Dorset’s opportunities

NEW guides to attract investment in Dorset have been published.

The documents, aimed at businesses and investors across the UK and abroad, showcase the potential for millions of pounds’ worth of opportunities to invest in the county.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has published the five investment prospectuses, which are available to download free of charge.

They highlight more

than 50 case studies of transformational business success from Dorset, including companies such as Lush and Sunseeke.

Each guide covers a specific sector key to the Dorset economy: advanced engineering and manufacturing; agritech; financial services; marine; and digital and creative.

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

Defence

professionals who help clients identify opportunities for growth and expansion in the

county.

The team offers a support package that includes location and

labour market advice, assistance on securing funding, introductions to training and recruitment partners, mentoring, networking and help with relocating staff.

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

“We have a great story to tell across a range of industries, with many businesses right at the cutting edge of high-growth sectors.

“Our guides explain why leading companies and organisations have based themselves here and the benefits that others can expect to enjoy if they follow in their footsteps.”

All the guides are downloadable from www.dorsetlep.co.uk

Pension plans in good shape..?

...We’re here to help

‘Reaching retirement age is not an ending, it’s the start of a new chapter in life.’

As Dorset financial expert Peter Harding explains, someone aged 60 today could easily live another 30 years.

So, it’s never too late to start or refocus your efforts on pension saving, regardless of how old you are.

Having a range of assets to rely on as a pension will give you options.

When you’re considering your future and what to do with your money, it’s vital to ensure your financial security will continue for the full duration of your retirement.

Putting the right plan in place will help ensure you can enjoy the future you want.

At Peter Harding Wealth Management, we have over 25 year’s experience. Our dedicated team of friendly, qualified financial advisers across Dorset, Wiltshire and the surrounding counties are available to help you plan, grow and protect your financial future with confidence.

Contact us today for an initial, no obligation consultation: Tel: 01747 855554

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk

Visit: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk

Call in: Have a coffee and a chat at one of our offices in Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Corsham or Canford Cliffs... we would be delighted to see you.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

Battlelab at Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith Newburgh, Wool, is a public-private initiative involving the Ministry of Defence. Inset, Vinita Nawathe, executive director of Dorset LEP

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

Cryptic crossword

Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6)

All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13)

Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8)

Head for pod content (4)

Across 1 Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6) 9 All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13) 10 Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8) 12 Head for pod content (4)

Down 2 Tree found in Skelmersdale (3) 3 Arab so in trouble gets graze (8) 4 Unusual thirst for summer clothing (1-5) 5 Square gets name in Spain (4)

6 Bring up seedy bar and see about new entrance to there clearly (9)

Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5) 15 Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5)

7 Serious division within confines of assemblage (5)

Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5)

Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5)

Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4)

Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4) 20 Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

Across 1 Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6)

8 Very small unwelcome plant gets cut by city (5)

11 Spur on officer in Europe not half over long period (9)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

Came across British cyclist hosting party with record set of rules (11)

Came across British cyclist hosting party with record set of rules (11)

All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13)

Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8)

Head for pod content (4)

Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5)

Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5)

Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4)

Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

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

across British cyclist hosting party with record set of rules (11)

13 All paler when moving around a line of latitude (8)

16 Plans for cycling privately (5)

17 Study again about area engaged by wine 18 Cheerful writer with posh car by yard (5) 21 Extra cut (4)

23 Victor, say, gets some greens (3)

2,200 lots on offer in three-day sale with something for everyone

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley would like to wish its clients a happy Christmas and is looking forward to seeing them at its three-day auction on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday December 28, 29 and 30.

Some 2,200 lots of exciting and interesting items will be on offer with something for everyone from collectables, ceramics and glass, objects of vertu, silver and jewellery to furniture, fabrics, textiles, books and paintings, with estimates starting from £10 into the thousands of pounds.

A well-engineered, scratchbuilt 5in gauge steam

locomotive is estimated at £3,000-£5,000 and a scratchbuilt model of HMS Nelson, built by British engineering firm Vickers Armstrong, could make £2,000 to £3,000.

Jewellery includes more than 100 lots of rings, 50 pairs of earrings – including a fabulous Carl Faberge-style green enamel and diamond orb form drop earrings estimated at £1,400£1,600 –bracelets, bangles and necklaces, and a vast collection of costume jewellery from a deceased estate.

Viewing for the sale is from Tuesday to Thursday December 20-22 from 9am- 5pm and a

Clarke’s Auctions

Three-day Christmas Sale

A pair of early Victorian giltwood and gesso Pier mirrors with ribbon decoration are estimated at £200-£400

colour catalogue is available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Clarke’s is taking entries for its sales in 2023 and enquiries for consignment, probate and insurance valuations, and part

or full house clearances should be made Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

We have moved to new premises –ready to welcome new and old customers. I have a large private collection of French and English antique furniture, antique architectural items, interesting antiquities and objects d’art for home et gardens. I return to Dorset monthly with fresh items from my collection. Open 7 days, but please check as I may be away on delivering. I look forward to your visit!

DUKE’S of Dorchester would like to wish all its clients and friends a happy and healthy festive season.

2022 has been another successful year of auctions including Jewellery and Watches, Fine Art, Contemporary and Asian Art.

Highlights included an oil by Zoffany, Edward Townsend singing the Beggar’s Ballad, selling for £429,000; a fine Chinese coral-ground bowl with superb provenance reaching £221,000; and a striking sapphire and diamond Cartier brooch making £39,000 in their respective December auctions.

A private collection of English literature, which included first editions and important association copies, achieved a total hammer price of just over £277,000.

Looking forward to 2023, which marks 200 years of Duke’s Auctioneers, the calendar is packed full of more specialist auctions than ever before: regular Interiors, two private collections and the second instalment of the hugely popular Sporting and Natural History auction, this time with two large and impressive collections of taxidermy.

Duke’s offers confidential

free valuations for sale and entries are invited for many upcoming auctions. Find more

information and the auction calendar on its website, www. dukes-auctions.com

A Cartier sapphire and diamond brooch sold for £39,000 in Duke’s December Jewellery and Watches auction

Jewellery, antiques and collectables

ACREMAN St Antiques Auction, Sherborne, is busy getting its Friday 30 December auction together.

The sale will feature more than 600 lots of jewellery, antiques and collectables, including two emerald and diamond cluster rings – one 18ct gold with a rectangular emerald surrounded by diamonds estimated at £2,8003,200, and the other set in 18ct white gold with an oval emerald surrounded by diamonds estimated at £1,500-2,000.

The auction also features Clarice Cliff china, including a ‘My Garden’ flower vase estimated at £80-120; a Lalique ‘Dahlia’ perfume atomiser £100-200; a selection of cameras including an antique Star Wizard no.4 bellows camera £40-60; a large selection of mid-20th Century G Plan and Ercol furniture including an iconic 1950s G Plan Butterfly chair by E Gomme £30-50; and a selection of 19th and 20th century paintings including a set of four gilt-framed original engravings by George Keating (1762-1842) depicting the ‘Deserter series’ estimated at £200-300.

Acreman will be closed from Friday to Wednesday December 23-28 but is open for viewing on Thursday 29 December

10am-5pm. The catalogue is available on Easyliveauction. com and Saleroom.com

Items are now being accepted for the January auction and specialist auctions to be held in the New Year, including Jewellery, Silver and Watches, Coins and Banknotes, Ephemera, Stamps and Postcards, Oriental, Textiles, Fashion and Apparel.

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

Acreman also has a valuation day every Wednesday 10am4pm at Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH, where valuations are offered free of charge on items being considered for auction.

An antique Star Wizard no.4 bellows camera is estimated to sell for £40-60

It’s time for a re-think on conifers

By Sally Gregson

IT often comes as a surprise that plants suffer the vagaries of fashion but it seems that certain plants, genera, entire classes of plants can go out of fashion suddenly.

It happened to conifers about 30 years ago. Beds of ‘dwarf conifers’ and erica that had been so popular in the 1970s suddenly grew into conifer plantations with dead heathers at their feet.

And we had all heard of, if not grown, those green monsters, veritable triffids, called ‘Leyland Cypresses’. Every small garden, it seemed, was edged, if not surrounded, rather intimidatingly, by Leyland hedges. They grew at top speed to hide an eyesore, make a quick hedge, mark a boundary, and forgot to stop growing. They were bi-generic crosses that can often exhibit ‘hybrid vigour’. Leyland Cypresses very quickly became everyone’s nightmare.

And soon every innocent

conifer was considered the same. Nobody trusted an entire division of plant-life. We threw the baby out with the bathwater.

Now it’s time for a re-think. There are a few, very slowgrowing conifers that take up to ten years to grow larger than a metre in all dimensions. And some of them are very pretty.

There are the fat globes of Pinus pungens ‘Globosa’, for example, that reach 45-75cm in height and 60-75cm spread over ten years. They have fat stems covered in pale blue needles

that extend in spring with silvery-blue new shoots. They like sun and good drainage and would earn a place in everyone’s front garden underplanted with orange crocus or small species tulips. Abies pinsapo ‘Aurea’ is another dwarf conifer that eventually makes a golden mound. Over time its fat stems grow out in all directions like an anarchic pyramid. Each shoot resembling a large paw with fat fingers of green new growth in spring.

The fat globes of Pinus pungens ‘Globosa’ reach 45-75cm in height and 60-75cm spread over ten years.

Then there’s Pinus strobus ‘Tiny Curls’ that looks as if it’s having a bad hair day. Its needles are blue-green, twisted and contorted in a fascinating way. It slowly makes a shrub up to 1m in ten years and would look good in a container by a sunny front door. It can also be top-worked as a standard tree.

It’s worth visiting a small nursery that specialises in conifers to discover your own new ‘must-have’ plant. You are guaranteed to go home with more than one.

Ins and outs of sowing pelargoniums

By Sally Gregson

AFTER the pleasures and pains of Christmas are over and gone for another year, there is a hiatus, a lull, in festivities. It can come as a relief from the excesses to get out into the cold winter garden and spend a quiet time in the greenhouse.

Seed-raised pelargoniums, or ‘geraniums’, are a good way of filling summer pots and window-boxes with colourful flowers throughout the summer until the frosts.

A greenhouse that is heated to 4˚or 5˚c, so that it’s effectively frost-free, is ideal for raising ‘geraniums’. Lots of varieties are available to choose from such as ‘Black Magic Red’ that produces typically red flowers over a crown of black-hearted leaves, that can be grown from seed.

Sow the seed just after

Christmas or early in January into 12cm shallow pots, or a half-tray filled with proprietary compost tamped down lightly. Sow the seed individually, widely spaced. Cover it with a fine layer of vermiculite or sharp sand and label the container with the name and date sown. Place the container in a tray of water to absorb the moisture before standing it down to drain, then put it in a covered propagator placed in a warm, sunny place.

Once the seed leaves have emerged, open the ventilators of the propagator to air for a few days, then gradually remove the seed tray from the propagator. Once the seedling roots are visible through the drainage holes, pot up the seedlings individually, placing them in a sunny, frost-free place and keeping them watered. A 9cm

pot is ideal at first, potting them on throughout the coming spring, until they are big enough to leave the shelter of the greenhouse.

Once the frosts are past, harden off the young plants

gradually – place them outside during the day, indoors at night for about a week. Keep the top growth pruned to shape the plants, encouraging them to make side shoots. And stand back and enjoy the success.

Seed-raised pelargoniums, or geraniums, are a good way of filling summer pots and window-boxes with colourful flowers

PHOTO: Rita-und-mit/Pixabay

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Vegetable hash great with festive leftovers

By Rebecca Vincent

FOR this recipe I’ve chosen two seasonal vegetables that tend to divide opinion, Brussels Sprouts and Jerusalem artichokes, but I hope you will give one or both a try for their nutritional bounty.

Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins C, K and B vitamins, beta-carotene and potassium, as well as beneficial phytochemicals like glucosinolates.

Jerusalem artichokes

are nutritionally dense –lots of minerals and B vitamins – but a lot of people tend to be put off because of their link with causing wind in some people. If you find you are susceptible, it is worth starting with just a small amount to enjoy their delicious nutty flavour and give your gut microbes a boost of prebiotic fibres.

Sprouts and artichoke hash (Serves 2-4)

6 leftover roast potatoes

1 medium Jerusalem

artichoke

12 sprouts (fresh or cooked)

A selection of leftover vegetables such as carrot, parsnips, root mash, leeks, kale 1 garlic clove (finely grated)

½ tsp mixed dried herbs Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper

Optional extras: leftover stuffing or pigs in blankets, lemon zest Wash the artichoke, cut lengthways into

quarters and then into thin, even chunks. Roughly chop the potatoes and vegetables – if using fresh sprouts, finely slice them.

Heat a large frying pan on a medium-high heat. Add oil, potatoes, artichoke and fresh sprouts if you are using them, stir occasionally for about ten minutes so the sprouts and artichoke start to soften. Then add in the garlic, herbs, your chosen vegetables and

extras, and stir frequently as everything warms through and gets a little colour.

Simple but lovely served with cold leftover roast turkey or ham, or a fried egg on top!

Sadly, this is my last column, after two years of seasonal recipes, and I wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to read and try my recipes. Whenever I’ve bumped into someone in the greengrocers buying their ingredients, or speaking about a recipe they’ve already tried, it’s made my day!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year! n Rebecca Vincent BSc (Hons); BANT-registered nutritionist; phone: 07515 019430; www. rebeccavincentnutrition. co.uk

Sprouts and artichoke hash is a nutritional bounty

A DORCHESTER restaurant is hosting community coffee mornings – and raising money for charity.

Luciano’s, in Brewery Square, is supporting Dorset County Hospital’s Greatest Need Appeal through its Monday morning coffee events.

Taking place every Monday from 9.3011.30am, the mornings offer customers bottomless teas and coffees, as well as a

range of cakes and bakes, for just £5 – with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to the hospital.

The Greatest Need Appeal is used by Dorset County Hospital to provide extra support where it is needed most – on wards and in specialist clinical units, and for the continuing enhancement of the hospital environment and facilities for staff and patients.

Restaurant general manager Kyle Hiener said: “I feel that with all the rising costs around us, our coffee morning Mondays give the local community a chance to get together and enjoy

warm beverages and indulge in lovely cakes and bakes while supporting Dorset County Hospital Charity.

“We have chosen The Greatest Need Appeal to show our support to

Have a cuppa and help out town hospital King’s Arms scoops top awards

areas in the hospital that may not always get all the funding they need.

“We welcome everyone – families and large groups and, of course, we are dog friendly, so bring your furry friends as well. We offer gluten free and plant-based bakes and, of course, milk alternatives are available on request.”

The Monday coffee morning offer is open to everyone and no booking is required.

For more information, visit https://lucianosrestaurant.co.uk/ dorchester, and for more on the DCH Greatest Need Appeal, see https:// dchcharity.org.uk/ greatest-need-appeal

THE King’s Arms, Dorchester, has once again featured on the prestigious The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay list

This is the second time the historic coaching inn has been featured in this definitive list of the best 100 hotels in the country. It first appeared within weeks of its opening in 2020.

The accolade is the most recent in a series of awards and acknowledgements for The King’s Arms. In the past week it has been awarded a clutch of AA Rosettes, scooping four rosettes for accommodation, and one rosette for food. It has also been shortlisted in the Best Hotel Category in the Dorset Tourism Awards and the Muddy Stilettos National

Awards.

The King’s Arms, one of Dorchester’s most iconic and treasured landmarks, re-opened in September 2020 following a multi-million-pound refurbishment by new owners the Stay Original Company.

It now boasts all day-eating and drinking, stylish public rooms and 30 splendid bedrooms.

Luciano’s, in Brewery Square, Dorchester, is supporting Dorset County Hospital’s Greatest Need Appeal

By Barbara Cossins SEPTEMBER and October

weather gave all of us in hospitality an extended late summer and autumn with customers enjoying eating, drinking and relaxing outdoors.

This was great and we were all busy in the restaurant and pub trade. However, now the damp and cold days and long dark nights have arrived. It is hoped people will still celebrate Christmas and the New Year, but we are all worried about what will happen in January, February and March.

Huge energy price rises and soaring inflation over the last few months have made customers very cautious about how they spend their money –and rightly so.

Hospitality plays a major role in the local and national economy and it is important to highlight how fragile our industry is right now. A shortterm cap on the electricity and gas unit rates helps, but we use a lot of units compared to the ‘average household’, and it does not help the rural families and businesses that rely on oil for heating at all.

The Government has again left us with very little practical support. Lowering the VAT rate would have helped offset soaring costs, even if it was dropped to 15 per cent rather than keeping it at 20 per cent.

All pubs and restaurants have to sell everything with 20 per cent VAT, which is basically a consumption tax we, and therefore our customers, have to pay to the government. It is one of the government’s biggest sources of revenue.

I’m sorry, but the Government just doesn’t seem to understand what it takes to survive as a small business. In the South-West we have some of the poorest counties in England.

The original Eat Out to Help

Out scheme probably wasn’t needed, people were just waiting to go out and socialise after the lockdowns, but now it would really help. The Government won’t listen to small businesses because we don’t have an organised pressure group and it is time for our – and your – local MPs to stand up and be counted.

Our great British pubs are at the heart of town and village communities, and the true value of that is greatly underestimated in my opinion, but they are closing down at an increasing rate.

You can never replace socialising face-to-face with modern technology – we all need real people and Covid-19 and lockdowns highlighted that. You can meet friends and family at home but mixing with your local community is important and that is where your local pub is the hub.

This is the first proper Christmas hospitality has seen since 2019, so I’m pleased with the bookings we have in the diary. We always try to offer good value and provide quality local, home-cooked fresh food.

No, we can’t compete with big supermarket prices, especially on alcohol, and people have to stop thinking they can have cheap good food

at a pub. To mention VAT again, supermarkets selling raw meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, cereals, nuts and pulses, culinary herbs and so on are zero-rated, as are most ingredients or additives used in

home cooking and baking.

For ‘restaurants’ anything made ‘in the course of catering’ is always at the 20 per cent standard rate, and that is before you add in the overheads and labour costs.

Our hard-working staff have been with us for many years and always have smiles on their faces. They are part of our ‘family’ and need to be looked after to ensure we keep upholding the standards you expect.

But pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and other hospitality providers can only do this with your support. Love your local or, as the saying goes, ‘use it or lose it’.

Have a very Merry Christmas and I wish a Happy New Year to all of you!

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

The Langton Arms at Tarrant Monkton, near Blandford –the hospitality sector is worried about winter trade

By Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

IT’S that time of year where we all get together and eat our own body weight in food. Our pets want to be involved but we need to be cautious about any sudden changes to their routine to prevent problems.

Giving treats in moderation is fine but making large changes to their diet for one day can have disastrous effects on their digestive system. This may be as simple as causing a mild colitis but diarrhoea on the carpet when the house is full is not ideal. At worst, gut effects may include vomiting leading to dehydration and/or pancreatitis which often require veterinary involvement. Both you, your pet

and your vet would prefer not to have to come into the practice on Christmas Day.

Christmas often involves relatives coming to stay. Older relatives are often on medications and many of these are toxic to pets if ingested. Please ensure that medications are kept carefully locked away to avoid accidental ingestion and any dropped tablets are found and disposed of.

With all the excitement of present opening and coordinating 15 courses for dinner, your pets can be left less well monitored. If they do accidentally eat something potentially toxic, intervention such as inducing vomiting is time dependent, and finding that something was eaten several

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation

At this time of year especially We remember the pets that have crossed to Rainbow Bridge, and those many owners with poorly or elderly pets who are hoping to be able to spend one more Christmas with them… Our thoughts are with you all. Should you need us over the Christmas period, we will be available to collect or receive pets which have passed and, as always, we are here to help you through this sad and difficult time.

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas Eve .................................................................... 10.00-12.00

Christmas Day ........................... Emergency Out of Hours Service

Boxing Day ................................. Emergency Out of Hours Service 27th December 2022 ........................................................ 10.00-12.00

New Year’s Eve .................................................................... 10.00-12.00

New Year’s Day ........................... Emergency Out of Hours Service 2nd January 2023 ............................................................... 10.00-12.00

Emergency Out of Hours Service: 07900 654440

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and thank you for supporting the work we do

Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners. Collection Service Farewell Room Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

hours earlier reduces the options for treatment and increases the risk of symptoms which may be life threatening depending on what has been eaten.

A reminder that anything that contains raisins, currants or sultanas has the potential to cause irreversible kidney failure and, as many Christmas dishes contain these, extreme care must be taken to prevent ingestion.

Most people know the risks of chocolate but, to clarify, white chocolate contains no cocoa powder so is no more toxic than other sweets, and milk chocolates combined with soft centres and so on have very low levels of cocoa powder, so toxicity is low – unless a lot has been eaten or your pet is small. Dark chocolate is potentially highly toxic and even small amounts in large dogs can be

fatal.

Foods containing xylitol – a sweetener – can cause very low glucose levels and potentially fatal liver damage in dogs. Many more drinks and foods, particularly sweets, contain this these days and it is essential that products containing it are not fed to dogs.

Alcohol is also more toxic to pets than to us. It may be funny to see a tipsy dog but life threatening symptoms can develop in pets which have drunk – or ingested – alcoholic drinks or food. Please be careful where alcoholic drinks are left so that they do not get drunk accidentally.

Christmas will – it is hoped – be enjoyed by everyone, including your pets, if you take simple steps to ensure their safety and prevent unwanted visits to the

worse.

Alcohol is more toxic to pets than to humans

PHOTO: Patou Ricard/Pixabay

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

Kevin, one. A very confident happy boy who needs to learn some boundaries

Sausage, five months, Very sweet-natured little cat who loves being stroked

BEHAVIOUR TIPS Tip #30: Puppy series

Tigger, four. A gorgeous tabby and white boy, very friendly and affectionate

Buttons, ten. Super sweet, yet a little shy

Schnitzel, five months. He wants attention but is not quite brave enough to come forward for it yet

housetraining

By Helen Taylor

AS with almost all puppy training, the key with housetraining is not to let puppy practice behaviours we do not want in adult dogs – in this case, toileting in the house.

Fudge, four. Looking for an understanding home to call his own

Trigger, two, Gorgeous ‘chucky’ chap who was found as a stray

Pickle, 12. Pickle is a sweet gentle lady

Shadow, one. Looking for a home in the country where she has outside space with sheds or barns

To housetrain your puppy in the shortest time possible, set a timer and take him out more often than the shortest interval between pees – often 15 minutes at eight weeks old – stay outside with pup until he pees or ten minutes have passed.

Reward every pee outside with a high value food treat and quiet praise.

After peeing, he can be allowed a bit of freedom in the house – supervised.

Boots, eight. Boots is very confident and loves a good fuss made of him

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 Black, small cat missing from Alder Hills area since 11 November.

FOUND CATS

Bonnie, 14. A sweet ‘chunky’ older lady who came to us through no fault of her own

As the next pee time approaches, either take him out again and repeat, or if he is due a rest or you cannot supervise him for an hour or two, confine him in his crate.

When you let him out of his confinement area, take him straight outside and repeat the wait/pee/ treat then freedom routine.

At night, for the first couple of weeks, sleep next to his cage so you can hear him stir and take him out in the night if needed so that he does not learn to practice crying to get out, or toileting on any indoor substrate – for example, newspaper, pads.

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or in the street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner. n White with black markings – Leigh Common, Wimborne.

n Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM; certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB); ABTC register of Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Animal Training Instructors; full member APBC & APDT (881); phone: 07951 985193; help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www. helentaylordorset.co.uk

Meditations in nature: A Jurassic adventure

By Susannah Curtin DECEMBER arrived with foggy days and gloomy, oppressive graphite-grey skies. I have longed for the sun to break through and, at last, it has. Today has dawned with a hoar frost, an ice-blue sky and not a breath of wind. The bright winter light is all the encouragement I need to head south from the Vale towards the Jurassic coastline, to while away the day looking for fossils and listening to the sound of waves breaking against the stony shoreline.

Some 71 per cent of our planet is made of ocean and I am not alone in being slightly obsessed with it. From time to time, I get a deep yearning to be beside it, in it or on it. Just like in Van Morrison’s uplifting song, I want to ‘smell the sea

and feel the sky, and let my soul and spirit fly’.

Eventually, I find myself wrapped up warm and strolling beside the incoming tide. Tiny rhythmic waves grace the shore from an ocean as flat and still as glass. Cirrostratus and stratocumulus clouds lace the horizon. It is a perfect winter seascape.

Making my way down the beach, much has changed since my last visit. The Jurassic coastline stretches for 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland, and is renowned for its frequent rockfalls and fossils. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as exposed in these colourful sea cliffs is a nearly continuous record of 185 million years of Earth’s history. The sedimentary rocks – sandstone, limestone and mudstone – record one of the world’s best sequences of the Mesozoic Era, in which

The Jurassic coastline stretches for 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland, and is renowned for its frequent rockfalls and fossils.

there occurred a rapid diversification of life and several major extinctions. Here on my favourite stretch, recent storms have washed the beach clean of pebbles, leaving limestone pavements that are decorated with fossilised belemnites, ammonites, oyster shells and seaweeds –fascinating works of art created by nature, rocks and time. It is not long before I find my own shiny, iron pyritised ammonites cleaned by the sea and carefully deposited to lie gleaming on the shore for me to discover. They are not always perfect specimens but that doesn’t matter, things do not have to be perfect to be beautiful or awe inspiring.

As I reach the end of the bay, sinister clay mudflows emerge from the cliffs like slow flowing lava. Yet, above my head desert-like sandstone ridges frame the blue sky. It is a place of enormous contrasts. Sat on rocks away from the cliff face, I watch as the sun drops beneath

its watery horizon. A lone peregrine falcon sweeps over and beyond the headland, and rock pipits tweet their last tunes before dusk is upon them. Behind me, I am startled by the sound of a small stream of rocks that are tumbling down the cliff, dislodged by an invisible force. Maybe it is time to move on now.

My day has gently unfolded along with my thoughts and emotions. Immersed in the stark beauty of the cliffs, the wonder of the Earth’s history, my fossil finds, the sea air and the freedom all this affords, I feel lucky to live where I do. Research based on Census data suggests that the closer people live to the coast the more they perceive themselves to be happier and healthier. I can see why this may be so.

Driving home under an orange sky and a rising full moon, I go home with a happy heart.

n Dr Susie Curtin; email curtin. susanna@gmail.com

London Road Clinic

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

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

Ginger and cinnamon: Sweet smells

By Fiona Chapman

I WAS talking to my husband and happened to mention that I needed to write the next article for the New Blackmore Vale. Well, he said, it must be about holly and ivy for Christmas. A nice idea but not really herbs.

It did, however, get me thinking about ‘Christmassy’ herbs and, of course, ginger and cinnamon popped into my mind as both are smells of, and used at, Christmas in mulled wine

and cakes, puddings and some of those delicious ginger and cinnamon drinks local to us all.

Mistletoe is another very obvious herb that you think of at Christmas but it is a powerful pagan herb that, like all the ancient celebrations related to the sun, including the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Nordic Yule festival, were incorporated into the Christian religion to convert the masses. Ginger and cinnamon are

lovely warming spices and very useful to us at Christmas if we over-indulge. Fresh ginger in a tea can stop you feeling sick and cinnamon tea will help to balance out the blood sugar.

I made a cinnamon, liquorice, burdock and dandelion decoction the other day which nearly blew my head off it was so sweet. It was to help liver detoxification, balance blood sugar and keep things regular and moving.

When I gave it to my unsuspecting father his surprise and horror was comical. His eyebrows, quite large anyway, disappeared into his hair and he started making spitting sounds. Perhaps not for everyone, then! As the leaves fall off the trees the mistletoe becomes more obvious. You can see all sorts of trees with great balls of green suspended in the air. The Stour Valley seems to be an incredibly good area for

How to do the festive season your way

By Alice Johnsen

EVERY year Christmas is preceded not just by Advent but by a steadily building pressure cooker. From media and merchandise to crazy diary planning and an excess of carols, Christmas can feel a bit overwhelming. For those grieving, Christmas is especially challenging. We all have different

reasons for Christmas being special. For some, it is the food, for others, catching up with friends and family, and, of course, the presents. Centred around the religious festival are so many cheering things that bring joy and light to the depths of winter. And that is a good thing until it leads to such a high through

its excess, the inevitable fall that follows outweighs the benefits.

The drive behind that excess is all too often fed by an enforced expectation from outside sources pushing us to presents, food, tableware, new sofas – why? – new homes, new, new, new…But let’s just remember, the people selling those things are not concerned with our budgets and real needs.

ourselves if we set the bar too high?

Reining in Christmas excess is not easy. It can help to have a few stock answers ready. For example, when a friend invites you to bring your children to something and you know that’s beyond your budget: “That sounds wonderful and I’m so touched you thought of us, but the diary is already full enough that week so not this year, thanks.”

TO MANAGE ANXIETY LIKE A PRO Visit http://www. mysafehaven.uk to discover at least five ways to improve your mental wellbeing using the Everyday Freedom from Anxiety Handbook

LEARN

What is important to you at Christmas? And how do you want to feel in January? Can those questions become the reminders you use to keep your Christmas plans realistic?

We all know it is too easy to overspend. I’m not suggesting we cancel Christmas. But this is a plea for individuality and self-monitoring. What are we teaching our children if we say yes to everything? What pressures are we creating for

Or presents for teachers at school – a potential minefield but something small, delivered discreetly, is just as right and heartfelt as a large, ribbon-bedecked parcel paraded up the aisle of the nativity play. This is not a competition.

It might help to identify your own Christmas values, to decide what is important to you at Christmas. Once you focus on what matters to you

FOOT

Health & Wellbeing

of Christmas...

mistletoe, which means the environment is healthy and there is a good amount of mistle thrushes and black caps to disperse the seed.

I have written about mistletoe and its properties for blood pressure, nervous diseases and cancer before, but at this time of year it is for hanging in your house at the winter solstice. If you want to follow Pagan or Druid tradition,

you give a sprig of mistletoe at the start of the New Year which stays hung all year bringing good luck and warding off evil. This is then burnt once the new mistletoe is brought in the following year. I expect I will be doing this, somewhere out of the way so no one notices!

Happy holidays.

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

and your family it is easier to build a Christmas around that, leaving aside the excesses that do not serve you well.

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

SEASONS GREETINGS

Martin, June and the volunteer drivers wish all our customers a Peaceful and Safe Christmas and Happy New Year

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES

We will be closed from 6pm on Friday 23rd December 2022 until 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday 3rd January 2023

NEW OPENING HOURS FOR 2023

From 1st January 2023 our office hours will be Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Saturday 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

SUNDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS CLOSED

Pre-booked hospital and medical trips can be made outside these hours. No same-day non-medical trips available.

Parents have to ask what they are teaching their children if they say ‘yes’ to everything.

PHOTO: Jill Wellington/Pixabay

AA warning over Christmas traffic

ALMOST 17 million cars are expected to hit UK roads in the coming days.

The AA is predicting high levels of traffic over the Christmas period, with millions setting off for Christmas on December 23 and Christmas Eve, causing lengthy jams at traffic hotspots.

A survey of more than 12,000 drivers revealed which days could freeze plans over the festive period with bumper-tobumper traffic.

Planned Network Rail strikes may add to the getaway mayhem as staff plan to walkout on Christmas Eve.

Almost a quarter plan to travel for work on December 15 and 16, after which businessbased travel drops off until the New Year.

A fifth (20%) said they are driving to do their Christmas shopping on Saturday, December 17, with one in 10 (12%) opting to use Christmas Eve as their final shopping day.

This year, the main days for celebrating with friends and family will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the survey said.

While the big day will be one of the quietest days on the road, of those driving almost two in five (39%) will be meeting up with their loved ones.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “While December 23 and Christmas Eve look set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail service staff may lead to increased levels of cars on our roads.

“If you do plan to use the rail

network, keep updated by checking train company websites to prevent your trip home for Christmas from hitting the buffers.”

He added: “New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have

been partying the previous evening.

“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.”

Cold spell sees record breakdowns

BREAKDOWN recovery firm

the RAC had its busiest day on record during the recent cold snap.

The firm revealed that on December 12 around 12,000 drivers needed help in freezing

conditions. RAC Breakdown spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said the record number of calls was down to a series of factors which combined to create a ‘worst-ever winter breakdown

Wincombe

MOT & REPAIR CENTRE

Established for more than 10 years, Wincombe MOT in Shaftesbury offers a range of services from oil changes to complex engine rebuilds, for all the major marques.

Established for more than 10 years Car & Van MOTs

Complex engine works.

Car & Van MOTs

Clutches and Suspension

Car & Van MOTs

Genuine manufacturers parts used wherever possible at customers request.

Tyre fitting service

cocktail’.

“(December 12) was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day.

“Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t see as many people breaking down.

“We believe two key ingredients have combined to create the worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail – a sustained period of cold weather with an absence of widespread snow that would otherwise keep people indoors, and a big rise in the number of drivers who can’t afford to maintain their vehicles as we well as they’d like to due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.”

He said the remainder of the week was also busy, with rail strikes likely forcing more people onto the roads.

With the harsh winter weather continuing to cause havoc across the UK, the RAC is warning drivers to be

prepared for the weeks ahead leading up to Christmas.

Dennis added: “Hazardous road conditions are continuing. Those who have to use more rural roads that haven’t been gritted will need to exercise great care, delay, or even abandon their plans.

“Before setting out, allow some more time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle thoroughly.

“We urge drivers who have to make essential journeys to leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.

“Anyone still wondering if it’s worthwhile carrying an emergency winter pack with them should imagine how it must have felt for drivers stuck on the M25 for eight hours recently.

“Carrying warm clothing layers – including a waterproof jacket – as well as a blanket, sturdy footwear, a flask of hot drink and power bank to keep phones charged are all extremely important.”

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

DEATHS

KEITH WHEELER

THANK YOU

BARBARA GRIFFIN

Barbara’s family would like to say thank to all friends and family for the cards and messages of sympathy and for the donations totalling £180 to the British Heart Foundation. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks.

IN MEMORIAM

SUZANNE NORTON

Died 27th December 2019

Chiropractor / Equestrian

I think of you in silence

I often speak your name but all I have are memories and your picture in a frame

My darling wife, I miss you, my heart still aches Mack

DEATHS

LANGDON VERONICA HELEN

Died 23 December 2014. It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight long years since you passed away, but time does not ease my sadness of losing you. Your Loving Husband, Richard xxx

BERNARD STONE

Aged 96 years of Holwell, formerly of Wonston Farm, Hazelbury Bryan. Passed away peacefully on the 9th December 2022. He will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 11th January at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust.

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

MICHAEL WELLS

Long time of Tarrant Rushton Passed away 30th November 2022 at Salisbury Hospice. Funeral took place at Poole Crematorium on 21st December 2022 at 11:30am. Donations to Parkinson’s UK. Fond memories from Peter, Timothy, Karen, Abbie and Jack. Ride free Mick.

On 8th December 2022 peacefully at home aged 82 years of Ludwell. Much loved Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Thursday 5th January at 12 noon. Family flowers only please but donations if desired to Marie Curie or Dorset Health Care (Shaftesbury District Nurses) may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques made payable to either charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

PAM ARTHUR

on 10th December, 2022, peacefully in St. Denis Lodge Residential Home aged 86 years, of Shaftesbury. Wife of the late Philip. She will be greatly missed by Nancy, Peter and family. Private burial. All enquiries to Merefield and Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532. www.mhfd.co.uk

SHEARING

Passed away peacefully at Salisbury Hospital on 4th December 2022 age 87. Mum to Chris and to Sara and granny to Natasha and Georgia. Funeral service to be held at the Halo Ceremony Hall, Poole (Crematorium) on Thursday 29th December at 12.00pm. Family flowers only, but donations if desired for Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal may be sent to Douch & Small Funeral Directors, 7 Leigh Road, Wimborne BH21 1AB. Tel 01202 882936.

Donate online at www.funeraldirector.co.uk/hazel-shearing

PETER BLAKE

Suddenly on the 13th December 2022 at Yeovil District Hospital. Peter William Charles aged 75 years of Stalbridge. Beloved husband of Margaret. Funeral service to be arranged. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

BARRY HALL

of Rawson Court, Gillingham died peacefully in hospital on 13th December 2022, with his family by his side. A celebration of Barry’s life for all friends and family to take place in the New Year - details to follow.

To our relatives and friends, Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. DAVID & WINNIE HOLLOWAY

Hazel Florence (nee Burton)

FUNERAL DIRECTORS DEATHS

DEREK HUNT

Peacefully on the 18th December 2022. Derek aged 79 years of Milborne Port. Dearly loved by all his family and friends. Funeral service to be arranged. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the British Heart Foundation or The Beacon Centre. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

RONALD GEORGE TRIM

Peacefully passed away on the 16th December 2022. Ron aged 93 years of Margaret Marsh. Much loved Husband of Audrey, Father of Colin, Richard, Martin & Helen. A dearly loved Grandad & Great Grandad. Funeral service at Margaret Marsh Church on Monday, 9th January at 11am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Dementia UK.

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

MURPHY JOHN THOMAS

Sadly passed away on 7th December 2022 at the age of 81yrs. Beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather who will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service to be held at St Luke & St Teresa Catholic Church Wincanton on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 12 noon. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of John for St Margaret’s Hospice Taunton and The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital may sent to A J Wakely & Sons, Wincanton

Sherborne

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Recruitment Employment rate increased slightly between August and October: ONS

THE UK employment rate fell increased slightly between August and October, according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate increased by 0.2 percentage points on the quarter, to 75.6%, but is still below precoronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic levels.

Over the latest three-month period, the number of employees increased, while selfemployed workers decreased, it said.

The ONS said the most timely estimate of payrolled employees, for November 2022, showed another monthly increase, up 107,000 on the revised October 2022 figures, to a record 29.9 million.

The unemployment rate for August to October 2022 increased by 0.1 percentage points on the quarter to 3.7%.

In the latest three-month period, the number of people

unemployed for up to six months increased, and this increase was seen across all age groups.

The economic inactivity rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points on the quarter to 21.5% in August to October 2022. The decrease in economic inactivity during the latest three-month period was driven by those aged 50 to 64 years.

“Looking at economic inactivity by reason, the quarterly decrease was driven by those inactive because they are retired,” the ONS said.

“In September to November 2022, the estimated number of vacancies fell by 65,000 on the quarter to 1,187,000.

“Despite five consecutive quarterly falls, the number of vacancies remains at historically high levels.

“The fall in the number of vacancies reflects uncertainty across industries, as respondents continue to cite economic

pressures as a factor in holding back on recruitment.”

Growth in average total pay (including bonuses) and regular pay (excluding bonuses) among employees was the same, at 6.1%, in August to October 2022; for regular pay, this is the strongest growth rate seen outside of the coronavirus pandemic period.

“Average regular pay growth for the private sector was 6.9% in August to October 2022, and 2.7% for the public sector; outside of the height of the pandemic period, this is the largest growth rate seen for the private sector and is among the

largest differences between the private sector and public sector growth rates we have seen,” the ONS report added.

“In real terms (adjusted for inflation) over the year, total and regular pay both fell by 2.7%; this is slightly smaller than the record fall in real regular pay we saw in April to June 2022 (3.0%) but still remains among the largest falls in growth since comparable records began in 2001.”

Meanwhile, there were 417,000 working days lost because of labour disputes in October 2022, which is the highest since November 2011.

Early retirement causing shortages

PEOPLE retiring early is a major cause of labour shortages in the UK, a new report claims.

The document, from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee, said it found many people had chosen to retire early as a ‘lifestyle choice’.

And it said the government should consider whether more will do the same in the future, and how more older people could be encouraged to stay in, or return to, work.

“It is possible that people got used to different habits and ways of working during the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted them to reflect on their careers,” the report said.

The Department for Work and Pensions should consider ‘what measures could be taken,

whether by the government or employers, to encourage future age cohorts to remain in the workforce’, it added.

On immigration, the report said an increase in non-EU workers had countered a drop in the number of people from the EU coming to the UK postBrexit.

“This means that, at a macro level, there has been no reduction in the number of immigrants to the UK,” it said.

“However, changes in the structure of immigration are contributing to labour supply problems.

“Some sectors, especially agriculture and hospitality which relied more on EU workers are experiencing acute labour shortages.

“The changing structure of

migration may explain why there are vacancies in roles associated with younger

workers despite much of the rise in economic inactivity being in those over 50.”

Industrial action has cost thousands of work days, the ONS figures show

People are retiring early as a ‘lifestyle choice’, the report says

Rural Planner

Senior Rural Planner role also available

Salary £26,000 - £38,000 DOE

Working as part of the Planning and Pre-Construction Department recruiting landowners and negotiating access for our trenchless buried fibre network. Whilst some background knowledge of internet service provision might be useful, it is by no means essential. We are looking for bright, engaging, rural-minded people who are quick to learn.

Key responsibilities

• Engaging with communities and landowners

• Liaising with landowners to propose suitable construction routes, adapt according to their input and confirm development plans

• Walking committed landowners through the legal agreement process

• Evaluate service maps and accessible land information

• Handing over a deliverable route plan to the Planning Team

Recruitment

EXPERIENCED VEHICLE TECHNICIAN - Full time Monday-Friday- Classic cars- engine rebuilding etc.Gillingham. Email: info@sigmadorset.co.uk

SCHOOL RUN DRIVERS REQUIRD FOR OAKWOOD TAXIS. Must be over 25. Could suit semi-retired person. All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only. For more details ring Andy on 01258 455555 between 10am and 2pm or email: oakwoodtaxis@aol.com

ROOFING LABOURER required based in Stalbridge area . Please contact Roy on 01963 362325

BOOKKEEPER, PART TIME REQUIRED for Moonfleet Farm DT2 7PU, familiar in the use of Quickbooks. Tel 07850 305725

KAVANAGH ROOFING LTD, Shaftesbury currently have the following vacancies:Contracts Manager

Experienced Roofers

Experienced/Trainee Lead worker Immediate start available For more information or to apply, please email your CV to lisa@kavanagh-roofing.co.uk

Experienced florists required for F/T and P/T work. Must be able to create bouquets, funeral tributes and bespoke wedding arrangements. Serving the general public along with telephone and online orders. Friendly, helpful attitude is required to join our existing team. In the first instance please email CV to office.carnivalflowers@btinternet.com

SCHOOL MINIBUS DRIVERS

Could this be your ideal part-time job? Do you enjoy driving? services throughout Dorset.

Dorset Community Transport is a charity providing minibus

Comprehensive training provided. No previous experience required. in your area. shifts available for school routes vacancies, as well as casual/relief Part-time, split-shift term-time

Candidates should have D1 on licence

(check reverse of photocard) or PSV entitlement.

for more details and to apply. Visit ectcharity.bamboohr.com/jobs/

For queries call 01258 287 986 Make a difference to people living in your community.

SITUATIONS

WANTED

CLEANING AND IRONING

PLUS OTHER HOUSEHOLD DUTIES, experienced, reliable, flexible with references.

Enhanced DBS (NHS Senior Staff) 07934 928903. Wincanton 7 mile radius.

FRIENDLY

CHURCH ORGANIST St

Martin’s Church, Lillington, near Sherborne, seeks a new organist to play our recently restored organ for regular vibrant Sunday services. We have a wonderful vicar and very friendly congregation! Please phone Mark Church Warden 07817 845775

AND

Recruitment

The Blackmore Vale Ltd continues to enjoy great success and we are looking for an experienced Account Manager

You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. Previous sales experience is required and you should be hungry for success.

The role is a hybrid of working from home/office and out and about within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid.

RELIABLE

EX-NURSE AVAILABLE for home support, companionship, trips out to appointments etc. Also RHS gardener. Sherborne and surrounding area. Call Jennie 07894 866787

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

Experienced/qualified Bench Joiner required for our high qualit y bespoke joinery workshop. Interesting & varied work. Must be able to work on own initiative. Immediate start. Competitive salary. For further details and an application form please contact: 0 01963 23219 or david@fcuffandsons.co.u k

Previous sales experience Hungry for success

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fantastic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 27th January 2023.

Recruitment

Flexible working would become ‘default’ position under new plans

THE right to request flexible working will become available from ‘day-one’ of employment, the Government has proposed.

A consultation over potential changes to employment law was launched in September 2021, running until December of that year, to establish whether changes should be made.

It came after a pledge in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto committed to ‘encourage flexible working and consult on making flexible working the default unless employers have good reasons not to’.

More than 1,600 responses to the consultation were received and the Government has now issued guidance on which proposals it will take forward.

On making the right to request flexible working the

‘default’ position, the report said: “On the balance of the evidence provided ... the Government believes that making the right to request flexible working apply from the first day of employment is a proportionate step to take.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to work arrangements and it is important that the legislation remains a right to request, not a right to have.

“The Government believes that early conversations about flexibility in the job design, recruitment and appointment phases should be encouraged – and this measure will directly support that goal.”

In response to the consultation, The Phoenix Group said: “If we give this right to request flexibility from day one, we open up our culture

at all entry points and can stimulate a change in the way we think about working hours as a whole.”

The consultation also asked for views on whether reasons to reject a request for flexible working should be altered, but based on feedback, it decided against recommending that.

However, the proposals did include changes that would require employers minded to

reject an application to discuss it with employees in a bid to encourage finding a workable compromise.

Lloyds banking Group said: “It is important that the shift to flexible working by default is seen as an improvement in the maturity of conversation between employee and employer, and changes to the regulations are introduced in a way that contributes to this.”

Youngstock Unit Foreman

We require an experienced stock person to take on full day to day responsibility of our progressive youngstock herd for our established Holstein Friesian herd in Somerset.

The successful candidate must be passionate about youngstock rearing from calf through to calving and be committed to providing our dairies with quality replacements.

An ideal role for someone looking to specialise, join a large team with a positive, ambi tious vision and the opportunity for career progression. The role could suit a couple or an experienced herdsman looking to be relieved from milking duties.

An excellent package, ongoing training and on farm cottage is available for the right candidate.

For further details or to apply please send covering letter and CV to -

E-mail – jack.elworthy@wykefarms.com Phone – 07912 514076

Sarum West Primary Care Network are looking to recruit an experienced Elderly Care Facilitator to work across their region.

The region covers seven practices but would be working predominantly in the East of the PCN which would include Wilton and West Lavington.

Working with local practices and the PCN to carry out detailed clinical assessments on nominated patients within professional boundaries.

30 hours pw preferable but flexible working is available. Ability to work alone or as part of a team essential.

Reports to the PCN manager and clinical lead.

Responses

to Ian.hall20@nhs.net

Closing date of 15th January but may close sooner if the right candidate is identified.

Why sheep are a little like people

By Tria Stebbing

IN little over a week, we have seen the field change from late autumn to winter. The seasons that were not so long ago confused, now seem to have reset themselves to the norm. Two weeks ago, over the field, we marvelled at the leaves still on the oak trees and the grass clearly still growing to feed the now resident deer. Today we visited the field shrouded in freezing fog, the leaves on the ground and a very cold winter picture.

Again, the sheep have stayed on their summer grazing fields as there is plenty of grass to go around. The flock has grown in size and it would now take several trips to move them all about. Humphrey the ram has just been on his yearly holiday to the girls’ field and it will be a few weeks before we know if his holidays will produce lambs for us next spring.

The different groups of sheep now have established their own hierarchy, and Humphrey being away has led to Lychett Boy wandering around like a lost sheep looking for his friend. Like people, sheep believe there is safety in numbers. When they lose a sheep–friend they notice and may even show signs of grief – equally when sheep are isolated, they get lonely and can get depressed, losing interest in eating and grazing.

We have noticed that our sheep are very good at showing us how they are feeling by their body language, facial expression and position of their ears. Disney Princess recently

had another sore foot and we found her on her own in the field, head down and ears back – she looks at you, talking with her eyes, trying to tell you she is hurting.

It is thought the sheep’s brain has similar properties to our own, particularly the basal ganglia, the part of the brain for decision making, learning and forming habits. Sheep form flocks and follow each other, forming loyal friendships, and will fight other rams to protect the weak in fights – maybe they show more human traits than we thought and they lead by example.

One of our rams, Jed, seems to have a permanently grazed head from butting at the other

ram – he either thinks he is dominant or that he needs to defend his friends.

The cold weather has meant we are now feeding the bales we harvested in summer. This year’s ewe lambs are a suspicious lot and when we took them their bale yesterday, ran away as fast as they could up away and over the hill, intelligence obviously lacking on this occasion. They are suspicious of lots of things, except the trailer. On this occasion we think they have worked out that whenever they go in the trailer, it is to move fields to better grass, so we never struggle to load them, which is good for us.

Christmas Day will mean a

few treats – Brussels sprouts are their absolute favourite, but only a few. We spend time with them on the big day, reflecting back on the previous year.

This year we lost Gizmo to being cast and Gemma to mastitis, but we gained a cracking set of ram lambs in King, Keane, Kaylen, Kasabian and Keiser, and lovely ewe lambs in KP and her sisters.

‘L’ is the breed letter for naming next year, so Larry will obviously be up there with the best.

Happy Christmas and a productive New Year to you all, especially to our fellow smallholders, may you rest and be thankful for at least five minutes over the festive period.

The flock receive some pampering during the cold weather!

Baby it’s cold outside, but not for reindeer!

By Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health

AS we approach the end of the year, I have been reflecting on all the articles I have written over the last 12 months.

A lot of the subjects have a seasonal focus and as a result I tend to have a little moan about the worrying weather conditions and how they impact our clients and their animals at the time!

But who doesn’t enjoy a conversation about the challenging British weather. It is especially relevant in farming and 2022 has been a tough year with regards to the summer drought, followed by excessive autumn rain and now extreme cold.

Whether it is too hot, too cold, too dry or too wet, perhaps we are never happy. However, the real impact comes with prolonged weather fronts which then affect the ability to plant, grow and harvest important feed sources.

I guess today has been no

different as we all head back to the office at the end of the day to thaw out and discuss how blooming freezing it is working outside!

We have been hearing from clients who have been contending with the conditions that have frozen drinking troughs and even milking parlours. This all makes the day-to-day work that much harder.

Trying to look on the positive side, at least it has been feeling festive! I do know at least some of my patients are certainly cut out for these sub-zero temperatures, and they are Santa’s Dorset-based team of reindeer.

Their adaptations to enable survival in the cold include their deeply cloven and flat hooves. They have a large surface area which makes for great snowshoes as well as good flippers for swimming. Their toes are sharp and are used to dig through deep snow to find high-carbohydrate lichens to

feed on.

As they walk their toes click and this means that even in white-out blizzard conditions, they can locate each other. Also, it means if they hear movement and no clicks, they know they are at risk from predation.

Reindeer are the only deer species where both the males and females have antlers. The males can grow sets up to 1.5 metres tall. They naturally drop theirs soon after the rut in the autumn while the females keep

theirs throughout the winter for means of defence, against feed supplies and of their young.

Reindeer vary in coat colour from white to brown and they all have thick coverings of hollow guard hairs which act as incredible insulation. They go through a moult in the spring, losing this thick hair. This pleases the local nest building bird population who harvest the shed hair and create the most cosy, lined beds for their chicks.

Reindeer are the only deer species where both the males and females have antlers

Making the most of what is under our feet

Could your farm’s soil hold the key to increased productivity, environmental benefits and long-term resilience? Local soil management experts believe so. Speaking to the Cornish Mutual Future Farming programme, they explain more about making the most of what is under our feet.

“Feed soils like you feed yourself –with a balanced diet. This builds soil biology,” said Tom Tolputt, Founder and Technical Director at Terrafarmer, a regenerative farming consultancy in which Cornish Mutual has recently made a significant investment.

“Increasing biology in the soil provides more nutrients which, over time, reduces the need to add them artificially. As well as improving the soil, this has a positive financial impact on a farming business.”

An increasing focus on soil health is also echoed by the government in the opening phase of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

“SFI is not about taking land out of

production,” said Tom Lewis from DEFRA. “It’s about working with farmers to achieve environmental sustainability alongside productivity with payments for providing public goods. The first of these ‘public goods’ is soil health.”

However, the benefits of good soil health go beyond productivity and resilience. The Future Farming Programme also spoke to the Farm Carbon Toolkit about the link between soil health and carbon sequestration, and to the Farm Net Zero project about their trial exploring land management practices and carbon sequestration.

To hear more about what these experts have to say, visit the Cornish Mutual Future Farming page: https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/ cmfuturefarming/industry-insightscase-studies/environment/

No hidden charges

Insurance

Tom Tolputt, Founder & Technical Director at Terrafarmer

Reindeer will form huge herds of up to half a million

Continued from page 86

I look after a small herd of reindeer in Dorset and have also travelled to a wildlife park in Surrey to do reindeer consultancy work for a herd there. So, if anyone needs some reindeer advice please do not hesitate to get in touch. They are fascinating creatures and as you have heard have evolved to become quite comfortable in cold conditions.

Wild reindeer are known as caribou and are found roaming freely in North America. They are found in the artic tundra in the spring as well as forests in the winter, and will form huge herds of up to half a million to migrate between the two areas.

In areas of Europe and Asia they have been domesticated

and are known as reindeer. In Scandinavia and Russia, the Sami people keep them for milk, meat and their hides. Not one part of the animal is wasted, even the antlers are carved into tools. They also rely on these animals to help with transport, carrying packs and pulling sleds.

Father Christmas will currently be busy preparing his sled team in Lapland, for a busy night ahead on Christmas Eve. But be safe in the knowledge that if it is a cold night the reindeer with be fully prepared and keeping themselves warm.

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and wish you and your animals good health and happiness for the year ahead.

SHEEP/GOAT PREGNANCY SCANNING, Dorset Based. Call/Text 07917 526462 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

HEDGE CUTTING, HEDGE LAYING, HAULAGE & FENCING - please call Andrew 01747 855198

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Place your ad today in our Farming Section call us on: 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net blackmorevale.net

Busy – and cold – down on the farm!

By Ruth Kimber

LIFE here is as busy as it gets, with the farm and all the winter routines, feeding, bedding and caring for the animals, not to forget the twice-a-day milking.

The turkey work has been made challenging in the cold weather – water pipes frozen, even the hot water in the farm turkey butchery froze. Water troughs had to be thawed, which demonstrates how cold it’s been – normally the cattle keep them going by use.

The farm shop and internet have been extremely busy –Naomi has been tormented with delayed deliveries as the roads around the country have been slippery and accidents caused various problems. The phone never stops!

Each year we install a life-size Nativity on a trailer

we converted into a stable –Jason and Clare from the shop came and friends Jean and Jeremy helped me dress the figures, then Paul and I installed it at the shop. I heard on social media that someone had posted ‘Christmas must be here, the Kimbers have the Nativity up’. This has been a tradition for many years, starting at the old farm shop on the farm.

However, business has been brisk, although we still have some lovely 3-4-5kg bronze turkeys left. We always aim to freeze birds for sale during the year, so turkey can be enjoyed not just at Christmas.

Calving continues with a good number of dairy heifers being born. Being so cold we use calf jackets to keep the calves warm. They are like a

The life-size Nativity on a trailer converted into a stable

padded coat, which I wash after each calf has finished with it. A good investment, they are hard-wearing and well made, they certainly play a part in calf rearing.

Sorry it’s short, just no time!

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen and Somerset Trading Barn, Linley Farm BA9 8 HD; www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

Phone: 01963 33177; open Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

Quality exhibits at fatstock show

'EXCELLENT' stock was on show at the Fatstock Show in Frome.

Organisers said a dry day helped create a super atmosphere at another 'highly successful' event.

The Frome Fatstock Society also presented a cheque of £500 to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, having given £500 to Cancer Research UK earlier in the year.

A quality entry of handled cattle saw a show ring packed with spectators as Phil David, of Exeter, judged the final championship line up.

Young Farmer Percy Clatworthy took the Supreme Championship with his Limousin heifer selling at 415p/ kg to Wayne Pullen Butchers of Milborne Port.

Reserve Champion, a Limousin Heifer, was shown by Ed Davies.

Champion in the Unhandled Cattle section was taken by Mark Hoskins with his Limousin Steer selling at 241p/ kg.

Champion Cow, judged by Martin Pearce of Dundry, went to Padfield & Dyke and their Fleckvieh selling at 188p/kg.

Cattle auctioneer Greg Ridout said: “It was fantastic to see such excellent show stock judged so well by Phil David.

“The quality was reflected in the premium prices buyers paid – well done to all exhibitors.

“We can always do with more to satisfy demand driven

principally by a number of butchers who regularly attend the market and are always looking to buy the very best.”

The lambs were judged by Patrick Langdown, Blandford, and Archie Hill of Shepton Mallet saw his Champion Beltex lambs sell at £200/head.

The Champion pen of pigs sold at £310/head shown by

Miss H Loveless, Bridport, was judged by Luke Smith, Guildford.

Calf auctioneer Tim Hector was pleased to see a quality entry judged by Will Weaver of Frampton Cotterell and a super British Blue Bull calf from Parr Farming taking the Championship and selling at £470.

Young Farmer Percy Clatworthy took the Supreme Championship with his Limousin heifer

Frome Fatstock Society presented a cheque worth £500 to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

What

HOUSE prices could drop by two percent in 2023, according to property website, Rightmove, in a boost for buyers.

The year 2022 started with months of record-breaking house price increases, huge levels of demand from buyers and homes selling more quickly than ever before.

As the year progressed, the market settled down after an exceptionally busy two years, and looked set to return to the kind of conditions seen in the years prior to the pandemic. However, interest rates started to increase, and some buyers put their moving plans

FOR SALE

BUILDING SITE FOR SALE

BA22 8AN 01963 440777

prices do in 2023?

on hold as mortgage rates also climbed.

So how could the events of 2022 affect the property market next year? Here’s how things are looking right now, according to Rightmove experts.

What could happen to house prices in 2023?

This year we saw asking prices in Great Britain rise by 5.6%, to an average of £359,137.

This was almost £17,000 higher than in 2021, when prices increased by 6.3%.

In 2023, Rightmove is forecasting average asking prices will drop by 2%, which means prices will still remain higher than they were after the incredibly busy home-moving period of 2021.

One of the main drivers of the house price growth seen over the past two years has been

the imbalance of supply and demand, with far more people looking to move than there were homes available for sale.

And in a more settled housing market, buyers will have the time and space to make sure they find the right home for them, the firm said.

As a result, they said they anticipate the time it takes to sell a home will increase to what would be expected in a more ‘normal’ housing market, of around 60 days.

Property expert at Rightmove, Tim Bannister, said: “After two and a half years of frenetic activity, it’s easy to forget that having multiple bidders immediately lining up to buy your home was the exception rather than the norm in pre-pandemic years, and there will be a period of readjustment for home-movers

as properties take longer to find the right buyer.”

Are people still looking to move?

After the uncertainty brought about by interest rate rises and high inflation, Rightmove says it is seeing signs that some buyers are ready to get started with their home moves as we head into the New Year.

This month, views of homes for sale on the site are up 11% when compared to the same period in 2021, suggesting 2023 moves are on the cards for those who are able to do so.

Tim added: “We’re heading towards a more even balance between supply and demand next year, but we don’t expect more significant price falls in 2023.

“This is reflected in our prediction of a relatively modest average fall of 2% next year.”