The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 107

What’s inside this issue…

by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Debi Thorne

Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Jane Toomer Senior Account Manager Jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Fungi forage turns up trumps

A RARE and delicate fungus has been spotted during a nature walk held at a Dorset farm.

The unusual fungus, Artomyces pyxidatus, was discovered by expert mycologist Andy Knott, on a fungi foray at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone.

The fungus, known as crown-tipped

says. By cloning the genetics of our native species, Andy ensures we preserve them. He also selects the best specimens for commercial cultivation, to avoid impacting wild colonies.

He said: “Unfortunately, with all the habitat loss seen over recent decades,

Photo: Nick Dobbs

Famous Signal heads up STEM day

TELEVISION personality and former Royal Corps of Signals officer, Dick Strawbridge MBE, returned to his military roots to host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) challenge for local children at the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Camp.

Youngsters from the Dorset Army Cadet Force and Downlands Community School, Blandford Camp, were among those who participated in the interactive day of engineering and innovation.

Strawbridge, who served with the Royal Corps of Signals from 1979 to 2001 and left the British Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, led a session focused on coding robotic vehicles.

The hands-on experience gave youngsters the opportunity to explore the world of technology, problem-solving and teamwork.

One of the event’s highlights was a build challenge in which children put their creativity and engineering skills to the test – inspired by Strawbridge’s time on Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge

The teams constructed an array of projects, including go-karts, a doubledecker beach trolley, a suspension bridge with working elements and even a portable toilet.

The challenge was designed to encourage innovative thinking and collaboration, with the added benefit of gaining practical insights into engineering principles.

Adam Forty, who leads the museum’s

STEM education and outreach programme, said: “We’re delighted to have Dick Strawbridge here, not only as a former Royal Signals officer but as a passionate advocate for STEM learning.

“His hands-on approach really brought the day to life for the children, and we’ve seen them leave with newfound enthusiasm for problem-solving and engineering.”

After the event, Dick tweeted: “I had an amazing time at the Royal Signals Museum, visiting the units there, playing Scrapheap with the youngsters and giving a talk – my first time back in 30 years!!”

The day before the STEM challenge, the television star gave a Royal Signals Institution lecture in which he shared stories of his time serving with the Royal Corps of Signals and his subsequent journey in the limelight.

He also visited soldiers from the 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment and 13th Signal Regiment at Blandford Camp, engaging with personnel on the latest innovations in military communications.

To conclude his visit, Dick attended a dinner night with Royal Signals Museum volunteers and trustees, celebrating the museum’s continued efforts in education and outreach within the local community.

A walk around… Bradford Abbas

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

THIS is a short walk of a little over two miles because Bradford Abbas, although a sizeable parish, has very few public footpaths. Start at the church, which is most impressive. Then walk eastwards along the road for a short distance and you’ll see a sign on your right indicating a footpath. Join it. It leads south east and meets a road.

Cross the road and join the path that takes you past the site of the Old Mill to the parish boundary, the River Yeo. Return to the road, turn right and head uphill for nearly half a mile, crossing the railway line. Just before the railway line you’ll see on the righthand side of the road (the parish boundary) a sign protesting about a proposal by the Ilchester Estate to turn 400 acres of their agricultural land into a solar farm.

Not far beyond the railway bridge, on the left, is the start of a

byway heading west. It starts wide enough for vehicles but after a while narrows down to footpath width. When it meets a road, cross over and continue west. At the next crossroads look out for some interesting number plates on parked cars.

Continue westward as far as the next road and turn left, south, passing the church, then turn right passing the school. Then join a narrow footpath that takes you down to a bridge over the parish boundary again. Turn back and retrace your steps back to your starting point by the church.

Martin Bodman

Top: Dick Strawbridge with members of Dorset ACF – the winning team with their portable toilet concept Below: Cadets from Dorset ACF present their working suspension bridge to Dick Strawbridge, modelled on Poole Bridge

Kate comes to town

JOURNALIST and broadcaster Kate

Adie will talk about her career and life in a fundraiser for Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

Kate is best known for reporting from many of the world’s trouble spots, including the Gulf War, Northern Ireland during the Troubles, wars in the Balkans and the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.

She has received an OBE and the BAFTA Fellowship at the British Academy Television Awards, plus a clutch of honorary degrees.

She has also written four books, and has presented the flagship BBC Radio 4 series, From Our Own Correspondent, for decades.

Kate was announced as

appeal patron for Dorset County Hospital

Charity’s £2.5 million Emergency and Critical Care Appeal in April.

Dr Will McConnell, consultant at Dorset County Hospital, will lead the proceedings, at ‘An Evening with Kate Adie’ at Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, on Wednesday, November 20, at 7pm.

Kate said: “In my work, I’ve seen for myself the need for emergency and critical care – and our local hospital deserves the best.”

Dr McConnell, consultant respiratory physician, said: “I am tremendously excited to be able to hear Kate’s amazing stories about her life and career, which are even more relevant now, and to hear how she sees the future of journalism, the BBC and the health service.”

Superb kitchens designed and installed for you

Visit our showrooms to view our kitchen displays

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL

Warminster: 01985 219 200

5 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA

Correction

IN a History page column in the New Blackmore Vale of September 27 it was stated that John Blashford-Snell would be giving a lecture at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Thursday, November 12, 2024.

It should have read Tuesday, November 12. Tickets priced £22, are available from Eventbrite.

Bonfire bonanza

THE sky over Sixpenny Handley will once again be filled with world-class pyrotechnics, as the annual Firework Spectacular returns on Saturday, November 2.

The display, now in its 22nd year, has grown to be the biggest and best in the area. Organised by 1st Woodcutts Scouts, the display combines the very best of local food and drinks with two breathtaking pyrotechnic displays.

The evening starts at 6.30pm with a quieter display for younger children. The main

display starts at 7.30pm. For those wishing to grab food and drink before the display starts, the arena is open from 5.30pm.

Rob Easton, Scout Leader at 1st Woodcutts and part of the Firework Spectacular team, commented, “Every year we are approached by people visiting for the first time saying it is the best display they have seen.”

Tickets can be bought in advance from Budgens and Clarke the Butchers in Sixpenny Handley, and Chettle Shop. Further information can be found at www.woodcutts.org.uk

Community fund

CALLING all voluntary and community groups – the latest round of Dorset Council’s Community and Culture Project Fund is now open for applications.

Between £1,000 and £5,000 is available per application for projects that bring communities across Dorset together.

The grants, which are managed by Dorset Council, can support projects and events for community, arts, accredited museums, heritage, sport, youth, play and physical activity.

Over the last year, more than £100,000 has been awarded from the funds to a wide range of projects.

£54,625 was awarded to 14 organisations covering a diverse range of projects, from skateboarding initiatives for low-income families to theatre experiences for individuals living with profound learning

difficulties.

12 grants totalling £39,879 were awarded to support projects such as food banks, cookery classes, climate and environmental green initiatives as well as projects designed to support young people and families.

The Dorset Community Foundation also awarded a further £6,300 to three deserving applicants who met the criteria for the Dorset Performing Arts Fund.

The funding is a small project grant for up to 80% of the total project costs. Match funding covering 20% of the costs must be met by the organisation or community group.

Applications close at midnight on Monday 18 November.

Find out more about how to apply at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ capital-leverage-fund

Christmas is coming

A CHRISTMAS craft market in Stourton Caundle will raise money towards the repair of the village hall’s roof.

The village is home to lots of talented crafts people including glass blowers, jewellery makers, stitching enthusiasts and map producers.

The market is at Manor Farm Barn on Sunday, November 10, from 2-4pm.

Potty about pots

POTTER Emily Myers discovered her love of the craft nearly 50 years ago at King Alfred’s School in North London when she was 12.

She went on to study ceramics at Camberwell and Bristol Art Schools.

She is staging an exhibition, Variations on a Theme, at The Art Stable in Child Okeford, which runs until Saturday, November 16, 11am-3pm.

Her current work is an installation of a broad range of mini pots, which work as individual pieces, but also as an interesting collection.

Emily lives on the Hampshire Downs and is a fellow of The Craft Potter’s Association.

Seasonal inspiration

THE Ile Valley Flower Club will welcome national demonstrator Coral Gardiner to Broadway Village Hall, near Ilminster, in the run up to the festive season.

She will demonstrate a ‘Treemendous Christmas’ on Friday, November 8, from 2pm, doors open 1.30pm.

Tickets priced £15 are available via Cheryl on 01460 75025, Jackie on 01460 67149 or Ile Valley Flower Club’s Facebook page.

Halloween walk

DON your scariest costume for the Shaftesbury Rotary Halloween activity walk on November 2.

The walk starts at the Quaker Meeting House in Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury. Registration is at 5pm.

The walk is around 2km, and there will be an activity sheet for children to complete along the way.

Rotary will award a prize for the best-dressed child and the best-dressed family, so get creative!

The entry fee is £10 for two adults and up to two children, or £5 for one adult and up to two children (£1 for each additional child)

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The entry fee will help Rotary support good causes throughout the year.

For more details visit shaftesburyrotaryclub.org or email hello@ shaftesburyrotary.org

Flower power

STURMINSTER Newton Floral Group is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

To celebrate, the group invited the international flower arranging judge and demonstrator Michael Bowyer to create several stunning flower arrangements. These were followed by a delicious afternoon tea, a stunning 60th anniversary cake, and a few glasses of fizz!

A few of the ladies have been members of the group for over 30 years, and seen it compete at the Chelsea and Malvern Flower Shows.

The group has a wealth of memorabilia recalling members’ successes in flower arranging shows held in Sturminster Newton over the years.

Chairman Sandy Milne said, “We have seen the fashions in flower arranging change. Most recently we’ve noticed the impact of using less floral foam to hold the plant material in place, because of environmental issues. We’re returning to earlier methods of crumpled chicken wire and pin holders.”

Sturminster Newton Floral Group meets in the afternoon on the second Wednesday of each month in The Royal British Legion Hall in Marnhull. Visitors are always welcome. The content of meetings varies, from flower arranging demonstrations to workshops offering guidance on the best ways to make the most of shop bought and garden flowers, the occasional flower-related talk and crafty sessions with a flowery theme.

To find out more email sandramilne22@gmail.com

Timeless trains

STURMINSTER Newton Museum celebrated the arrival of a new model of the town’s former railway station in the 1960s at a cheese and wine evening.

A group of enthusiasts created the highly detailed, accurate model of the station over several months.

Museum visitors can run the trains, with sound and lighting effects – all controlled by push

buttons – hear recordings of the cattle market and see photos.

Model railway enthusiasts, their families, town councillors and friends from Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust enjoyed the celebration evening.

The museum has lots of local history, regularly changing displays and a super shop.

For opening times, visit www. sturminsternewton-museum. co.uk

The Vale Pantry is on the move

THE Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton is expanding its services due to increased demand.

The social supermarket helps those who may be facing food insecurity or financial struggles, with customers paying a small membership fee which allows them to pick up a variety of items.

The pantry unveiled ambitious plans last September to move and expand its premises and it has now been given permission for a change of use to a commercial unit.

The community service is set to move from the Market Place in Sturminster Newton into a 3,500 square foot unit at the top of Butts Pond, which will allow it to operate a new breakfast club and after-school club for young people as well as opening six days a week.

She said: “We are currently working with around 350-370 families at any one time. As we help people get back on their feet, new households join, and our door revolves.

The new space will include an open-plan kitchen, a cookery education area to provide hands-on cooking lessons for both adults and children, a café, a soft play area and office spaces to allow for drop-in support services.

The pantry, which has been running since 2022, will operate as a main family hub for Dorset Council – a single place to get support for children, young people and families – and be able to offer 24 new services with a focus on early help, parenting and more.

Trustee and founder Carole Jones said the pantry is at capacity at its current premises and the move will allow the service to help even more people in the area.

Flying high

AERIAL circus enthusiast

Francesca Drake is set to open a new studio, Phoenix Aerial, at The Grainstore in Blandford Forum.

Francesca, 37, opened her own school three years ago and has had more than 60 students and helped train two instructors. Her new studio will offer aerial hoop, trapeze and silks lessons for adults and children, and floor-based exercises like flex and stretch.

Francesca, from Sturminster Newton, said: “Contrary to popular belief, aerial circus is

“We are at capacity in our current premises and have had to refuse a number of applicants from towns further afield and refer them to the food banks in Gillingham, Blandford and Sherborne.”

Ms Jones said the pantry is being increasingly contacted by adult social services to help elderly people in a crisis.

“Many have dementia and often don’t have the capacity to shop for themselves and have no access to money and this can cause an extra need in the funds we have to raise for items we have to purchase especially such as incontinence pads and more,” she said.

“We also assist those being discharged from the hospital – this group of people needs regular visits, and we would welcome

for everyone. You don’t need to be flexible, strong, or fit. We meet you where you are and help you build from there.

“The beauty of aerial is that you quickly become stronger and fitter without feeling like you’re working out. It’s more like having fun and laughing with friends.”

Francesca and her team are holding an open day on Saturday, November 2, from 10am-1pm.

Visitors will be able to watch instructors and students perform, and ask questions.

new volunteers to help in this respect.”

Ms Jones said they would look to employ a youth worker and open the pantry during evenings to provide a safe facility for young people – but only if they can obtain further funding.

“This whole move to step up our offer is coming in at a huge cost with our initial build-out costs over £200K,” she said.

“Our ongoing running costs will also be challenging with rent, increased overheads and we really need to employ two further people to ensure we can run efficiently.”

She added: “Kim Voizey, our manager is one in a million and has the ability to be able to fix so many issues for people and she is ably supported by around 50 volunteers.

“Whilst I lead on strategy my time is spent writing funding bids and looking for every opportunity to bring in the money we need.

“We envisage our new overheads to be in the region of £350K per annum.

“We are so grateful to the residents in our community who make monthly standing orders to us, – this brings in around £40K each year but we really want to drive this and would love more help – we are open to anyone in North Dorset and we have a unique offer.”

There is also the possibility the new premises would the pantry to create new revenue streams through the café and letting the soft play area out for children’s parties.

Find out more at https://valepantry.co.uk.

Autumn adventures

HEAD to Kingston Lacy this half term and pick up a free booklet packed with ideas to help children make the most of the woods, garden, and parkland. Try your hand at rolling a beeswax candle to take home. Suitable for all ages, there’ll be help on hand so you and your little ones can enjoy this craft activity. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ kingston-lacy

Dorset car crimewave

POLICE are warning drivers to do what they can to deter thieves after a spate of vehicle crime in Dorchester.

Officers said a number of offences had been reported in the town and the surrounding area since the start of September.

In one incident, on the night of Friday, October 4, items were stolen from a vehicle parked outside the Kings Arms, in High East Street.

A CCTV image of a person police would like to trace in connection with the incident has been issued (above).

PC Glen Caddy, of the Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are issuing an image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with one incident in High East Street and would urge anyone with information regarding his identity to please contact us.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to urge vehicle owners to remain vigilant and report anyone seen acting suspiciously around vehicles to us immediately.”

More crime prevention advice can be found at dorset. police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ keeping-vehicles-safe/vehiclesafe-and-sound, he said.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240153416. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

Over 100 speeding drivers caught just in an hour

POLICE detected more than 100 speeding offences in a Somerset village – in just ONE HOUR.

Officers from the Avon & Somerset Police Road Policing Unit (RPU) carried out speed checks on the A371 in Castle Cary after residents raised

concerns over drivers breaking the 30mph limit.

And the RPU said on October 19, 60 minutes of speed checks revealed a whopping 109 offences.

They posted an image of one driver on social media, who was clocked driving at 60mph as

they passed over a 30mph road marking.

“Our attendance was as a result of complaints from local residents,” a spokesperson said.

“An hour-long check at this location resulted in 109 excess speed offences.”

Hard work and high standards pay off

ST ANDREW’S CE Primary School in Fontmell Magna is celebrating after a recent Ofsted inspection rated them ‘Good’ in all areas.

Inspectors praised the school saying it has “high expectations for all, putting pupils’ best interests at the heart of everything they do. The school has high aspirations for what pupils can achieve”. It goes on to say that “the school has designed a broad and ambitious curriculum for all subjects” and “there is a strong sense of community”.

The report also says, “The school sets high standards for behaviour...as a result the school is calm and orderly”. St Andrew’s Primary “prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education. Pupils learn to become active and responsible citizens.”

The school has been on a

journey of improvement in recent years after being rated as ‘Inadequate’ and placed in special measures by Ofsted in 2017. The school joined Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST) in 2020, whose support saw St Andrew’s move out of special measures following an

inspection in April 2022. This latest inspection sees the school hailed as ‘Good’ across all the inspection areas, an impressive feat.

Dan King, Head of School said “I am absolutely delighted with the recent Ofsted inspection report. It truly

reflects the high expectations we have for all our pupils and that they are at the heart of everything we do.

“The strong sense of community here is something we are incredibly proud of, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff team.

“We have been eagerly anticipating this inspection, confident in the knowledge that our curriculum allows each child to shine.

“I am deeply grateful to the entire team for ensuring that our children not only excel academically but also benefit from a wealth of enriching experiences—from forest school and creative arts projects to a variety of sporting opportunities and an abundance of trips that nurture their character.

“Together, we continue to offer a truly holistic education”

ME support group

HELP is available for people in Dorset affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and Long Covid.

The Dorset ME Support Group works in partnership with the CFS/ME Clinic at Wareham Hospital. Patients are referred to us when they have completed the Condition Management Programme.

Self-care coordinator Wendy Rideout says that she’s here to help. “My aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle, provide practical advice and guidance, organise social activities and workshops and offer one-to-one support where needed.”

Events and activities include mindfulness, stress management, carers support, arts and crafts, trips to the allotment, boat trips, walks,

secluded swimming, visits to museums/gardens/beaches, barbecues and picnics.

Members are offered informal monthly meetings, in which they can share information and mutual support, in nine areas across Dorset. Recently, one new member said, “I am so delighted to have discovered Dorset ME Support. I had the pleasure of meeting other members yesterday and returned home feeling so uplifted”.

The group also arranges regular online video calls for members.

If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a member at a cost of £10 per year, please call Carol on 01305 777670 or email help@dorsetmesupport.org.uk

Find out more about the Dorset ME Support Group at dorsetmesupport.org.uk

Racing for Keagan

COMMUNITY pub, the Alhampton Inn, is sponsoring a charity horse race at Wincanton in memory of Keagan Kirkby.

Kirkby died in February this year, when the horse he was riding in the Charing point-to-point ran into a jump.

The 1.33pm Juvenile Hurdle at the Keagan Kirkby Memorial Race Day this Sunday (October 27), will be sponsored by the pub in support of the Injured Jockey Fund and Racing Welfare.

Racing features large in the Athelhampton community, with Keagan, his friends and colleagues from Paul Nicholls’ yard regulars at the pub.

“Supporting Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockey’s Fund is awesome” said Flo Willis, a good friend and colleague of Keagan at Paul Nicholls’ yard, who also pulls pints at the Alhampton Inn. “They were immense for us after we lost Keagan”.

Town rallies after passing of Ivan

MORE than £4,000 has been raised via donations to pay for the funeral of a well-known figure in Sherborne.

Ivan Oldaker, known locally as Ivan The Cobbler, has been taking care of people’s shoes and cutting keys for families in Sherborne’s Cheap Street for 28 years.

His wife, Heather, announced on social media that Ivan had died last week resulting in an outpouring of love and support.

An online fundraiser was set up to help pay for the cost of his funeral, with a £4,000 target.

More than £4,500 has been raised so far.

On the JustGiving page, a customer of Ivan’s, Susan Hurst, said: “He was not only a true gentleman, but a friend to hundreds of people who had the good fortune to know him and to go into his shop to seek his professionalism with his shoe repairs.

“He has looked after the people of Sherborne for 28 years repairing all sorts of things, other than shoes and always with a smile and a dry sense of humour.

“We are hoping to help his family in their time of need and distress to raise enough money to give Ivan the send-off that he truly deserves.

“Funds raised will be used to pay for Ivan’s funeral and a wake, so all that knew him can celebrate Ivan.”

“Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world”

His wife, Heather, said: “The tragic passing of Ivan the Cobbler, my adored husband, has left all the family, as well as others, in shock as we reflect on the incredible impact he had on all our lives.

“He was a devoted husband, stepfather, son, brother and a

very devoted grandad to his five-year-old grandson Thomas.

“Ivan and Thomas were totally inseparable; they were like me and my shadow together.

“Those of you who were lucky enough to know him, Ivan was a popular figure in Sherborne

knew that Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world.

“He was truly one of the best and always ready to lend a hand and would make us laugh with his strange sense of humour.

“His love and admiration for his family was boundless.”

To donate to the fundraiser, log on to shorturl.at/pb6Zu.

Ivan’s funeral will be held at Sherborne Abbey on Wednesday, October 30. Starting at noon, all are welcome to attend, with a Wake to celebrate his life, at The Sherborne, Newlands.

The family will then hold a private cremation in Yeovil.

Tickets on sale now for new-look festive trail at Stourhead

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of its glittering Christmas light trail between Friday, November 29 and Wednesday, January 1.

This magical meander through Stourhead’s unique gardens, deep in the heart of Wiltshire, will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We have a brand new route and installations for 2024 so those people whom we welcomed to the trail last year can enjoy a unique experience which is sure to mesmerise families, friends and loved ones.”

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Stourhead has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

Discover hundreds of colour-changing lights stretching out into the distance across the lake, huge feathers floating high into the night sky, a sparkling tunnel of light and illuminations that fill the air with all the colours of the rainbow.

Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.

Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.

*separate charges apply

Christmas at Stourhead is brought to you by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.

What: Christmas at Stourhead - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens

When: From December 1-31. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.

Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Stourhead.

Admission: Off-peak: Adult £15, Child £10 (Age 3-16); Family £47 (2 adults + 2 children). Standard: Adult £22.50, Child £16, Family £74. Peak: Adult £24, Child £18, Family £80. Parking £8 per car.

Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Tickets can be booked at: www.christmasatstourhead.co.uk

Christmas Cathedral by Mandylights, My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo © Sony Music

Light as a Feather by Pyrite Creative, My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo © Sony Music

On the Tide, My Christmas Trails 2023.Photo © Sony Music

Thieves attempt ram raid

A CAR crashed into a wall of an Argos store in Yeovil in what police said was an attempted burglary.

A light-blue Seat Salsa crashed into the wall of Argos at the Peel Centre on Babylon Hill at around 5.25am on October 20.

The offenders failed to gain access to the store and fled the scene shortly afterwards.

Police constable Jack White, of Dorset Police, said: “I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with relevant information that might assist our investigation.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who was near the store and witnessed any suspicious activity at the time of the incident, as well as any motorists driving in the area of Babylon Hill who may have captured relevant footage on their dashcams.”

Those with relevant information are asked to contact Dorset Police online at www. dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240161576.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

Plastic fantastic

THOUSANDS of extra households in Somerset will soon be able to recycle plastic bags, crisp packets and more in their kerbside collections.

Somerset Council has been given the green-light to roll out the collections to more than 25,000 households.

It means people can leave out

Embroidery stories

THE Red Dress, a globally-famous piece of embroidery created and worked on by women living in poverty or vulnerable, is coming to Dorset.

The garment, started in 2009 and completed in 2023, will be accompanied by embroidered panels

produced by women from Sambhali Trust in Rajasthan, India.

The Red Dress, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, provides an artistic platform for individuals to tell their personal stories through embroidery.

The garment is constructed out of 87 pieces of burgundy silk dupion and has been worked on by 367 women and girls, as well as 11 men and boys and two non-binary artists, from 51 countries.

All 141 commissioned embroiderers were paid for their work and receive a portion of all profits from the tour.

As part of the Red Dress’s world tour, the garment and panels will be on display in the Barn at Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost, from November 29 to December 5. Visit www.hawkersfarm.org for opening times.

Hawkers Farm, run by Jennifer Morisetti, is home to Hawkers Re-Creatives, which helps make the fashion industry more sustainable.

Home from home

THE lives and experiences of the Windrush generation, 25 years after their arrival in the UK, is the subject of an exhibition of photographs at Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester.

Searching for the Motherland features more than 50 pictures taken by Robert Golden of London’s Windrush generation and their families during the 1970s.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 16, and entry to the exhibition is included with a museum ticket.

a wide range of plastic bags and wrapping, including carrier bags, bread bags, confectionery wrappers, crisp packets, food wrapping and cling film for recycling with their usual collections.

Households chosen to take part will receive a pack of blue collection bags this month, along with more information. At present, the only way to

recycle plastic bags and wrapping is at supermarket collection points.

The trial forms part of the larger £3m flexible plastic fund, which aims to inform how best plastic bags can be added to household collection services.

The government plans to introduce kerbside collection of plastic bags and wrapping across England by March 2027.

Mozart’s music

MUSIC scholars supported by the Tisbury-based charity the Cherubim Music Trust are set to perform a programme of music by Mozart.

The Cherubim Chamber Choir & Orchestra will present familiar and less familiar music from all periods of the composer’s life at Tisbury Church.

The concert will include movements of famous choral works including the Requiem, Ave Verum and Regina Coeli, plus lesserknown opera scanas from Ascani in Alba alongside Figaro and Don Giovanni

The Cherubim Music Trust loans instruments to music students aged 15 to 25 who cannot afford one that matches their ability.

Founded in 2001, it now manages more than 60 instruments valued at nearly £700,000.

The concert is on Sunday, October 27, at 6pm – for tickets, visit cherubimtrust.org/tkts

Searching for the Motherland

PHOTO: Robert Golden/Topfoto

Townswomen’s talk

JERSEY in Wartime will be the subject of a talk by James Porter to members of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild.

James is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, originally from Guernsey, and runs the Military History Group in Dorchester.

The talk is at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury (DT1 3DF) on Monday, November 11, and will follow a short business meeting at 2pm.

Visitors would be made very welcome – the charge is £3 – and tea and coffee will be available.

For more information, phone 01305 832857.

Musical evening

EASY listening Victorian style is on the menu at the Bow Room at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton next month.

Richard Hall, Gareth Jones and Clara Pears will present Melody of Moonlight at a meeting of the Blackmore Vale Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

The Smith family were at the centre of music making in 19th century Dorchester – teaching, composing and performing.

Visitors will be able to learn about their story through piano solos, duets and settings of humorous dialect verse by their good friend, William Barnes.

The event, presented with Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, is on Wednesday, November 4, at 7.30pm and entry is £4. Hot and cold drinks will be available at the bar.

Coffee morning

THE Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society is hosting its annual coffee morning in the United Church Hall, South Street, Dorchester, on Saturday, November 9.

Coffee and homemade cake will be available from 10am and a range of stalls, including books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, homemade cake and so on will be on offer for browsing.

Safeguard Your Hard-Earned Assets from 40% Inheritance Tax, Looming Care Fees, & Potential Family Disputes.

Inheritance Tax Planning: Are you concerned about losing 40% of your already taxed hard earned wealth to the government? Our bespoke legal strategies, meticulously crafted using trusts and wills, ensure your assets stay where they belong – in your family’s hands. Fully compliant with UK law, we shield your estate from the grasp of inheritance taxes, giving you peace of mind and financial security.

Care Fees Protection: With average care fees hitting £2,000 per week and typical stays ranging from 3 to 7 years, these expenses can quickly deplete most estates. Our custom-tailored solutions offer a lifeline. While many believe protection is impossible, we’ve developed a tailored legal strategy fully compliant with UK law to safeguard your assets, including protection against care fees.

Wills: Don’t leave your loved ones squabbling over vague wills! Oakwood Wills specializes in drafting crystal-clear documents that leave no room for ambiguity. No more family feuds. Just smooth, conflictfree asset distribution that honours your final wishes. Lasting Power Of Attorneys: Statistics don’t lie – the chances of incapacity rise with age. With our Lasting Power of Attorneys services, you can appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. No more court approvals, no more uncertainty in times of crises – just peace of mind knowing your interests are in safe hands.

For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.

Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

One to one and social events

No computerised matching or listings

Gold, Silver & Bronze memberships

of your own home.

Amanda takes shelter

TELEVISION and radio star

Amanda Holden ducked into a Somerset pub during a charity cycling challenge to take a break from the heavy rain.

Amanda Holden’s Big Ride to Work involved the Heart Radio co-host cycling from Bude in Cornwall to the Heart studios in Leicester Square in London over five days. She was set to clock up six hours of cycling a day and cover more than 250 miles.

Amanda took a rest at the Cross Keys pub at Lydford-on-Fosse where she sat beside a blazing fire to keep warm before being presented with a Cross Keys T-shirt and cap by owner David Grindley and staff.

David said: “We wish the team all the very best in their fundraising endeavours, we hope they won’t be too saddle sore.

Amanda hosts Heart Breakfast alongside Jamie Theakston and took on the challenge in aid of Heart’s charity, Global’s Make Some Noise. It works to change lives across the UK by funding projects delivered by small charities – tackling issues such as mental health, poverty and homelessness.

Meet your PCSO

A PCSO from the neighbourhood policing team will be at Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall on Tuesday, November 19, at 10.30am.

Local people can go along to the drop-in style event to raise any issues of concern, or report a crime or an incident, without making an appointment.

Half-term Halloween fun at the library

COME to Shaftesbury Library this half term for Halloween craft activities.

On Monday, October 28 (11am to midday), you can make a spooky moving witch paper plate decoration. Or create a beautiful dream catcher on Friday, November 1 (11am to midday).

Suitable for children age 4-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Call Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more info. Booking advisable via Eventbrite to guarantee your space.

Reading easier

THE Blackmore Vale North branch of adult reading charity

Read Easy will be showing seven short films in Sherborne today (Friday, October 25).

The films, Real People, Real Stories, are 90 seconds each and show individuals telling how the charity helps adults read.

They are being shown at St Paul’s Church Hall between 8.45am-10am and were set to follow similar events planned for Shaftesbury and Mere earlier this week.

Read Easy was founded in 2010 in Dorchester and now has just over 80 groups across

England.

The charity aims to give free, one-to-one, discreet coaching to adults who cannot read or find it difficult.

2.4 million adults in England – over 7% of the working age population –can barely read or cannot read at all.

Read Easy UK is now helping 1,000-plus adults learn to read in their community. It is continuing to establish groups in areas of high need and is planning to have more than 100 groups by 2025.

The short films will also be available on social media.

*Advertising Feature

Autumn brings with it dark evenings and colder nights and the cost of heating our homes during the coming months is at the forefront of our minds.

We recommend making the most of the daytime sun by keeping blinds open during the day to heat your home naturally but as soon as it begins to get dark close your blinds to keep the heat in. At Lizzie Price Shading Solutions we can offer several options to keep your rooms warmer by insulating your windows with Blinds or Plantation Shutters to reduce heat loss.

If you are looking to extend the use of your outside space, we can provide several all-weather products including Louvred roof Pergolas, Awnings, Verandas with glass or polycarbonate roofs and optional heating and lighting, which can also be used for Covered Walkways and Carports.

We will personally deal with you from the initial in-home consultation, where we will identify your needs and provide you with a quotation for the most suitable solution. All products are professionally fitted by us and guaranteed.

Contact us for a free in-home consultation by email enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.

Never too late

A NONAGENARIAN poet from Dorset has realised a long-held ambition and had a book of her work published.

Tide Wrack by Mary Buchan from Marnhull is an anthology of poetry which “in the most part has been inspired by the beautiful county of Dorset”.

“I only write when I am seriously moved,” says Mary, who is “over the moon” with her latest book.

“Coming to poetry later in life gives her a particular wisdom that can only be dreamt about by us youngsters!” says publisher Tim Saunders, who published Mary’s popular first book, Letters from Chapel Farm “The result is work that is readable, relatable and engaging. I like it because Mary is always concise and never labours a point.”

When Mary left school she went straight into farming. Her first job was as a herdswoman on a small isolated farm. When she married, she rented a farm with her husband. While bringing up their two daughters and son, Mary became a professional upholsterer.

Tide Wrack is available in all good bookshops and online.

Cycling in support of song

DURWESTON Choral Society’s Musical Director, Simon Twiselton, has completed a 50-mile sponsored bike ride in aid of the Society.

His route called at all the villages and towns of the DCS committee members.

These included Sturminster Newton, Hazelbury Bryan, Hilton, Blandford Forum, Stourpaine, Tarrant Gunville and Henstridge.

The sum raised was an impressive £1,145, which will go towards putting on the Society’s concerts.

A Candlelit concert, featuring Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Morning and other seasonal pieces is on Saturday, November 30, at 6pm.

The second performance premieres a new arrangement of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle on Saturday, March 22, at 7.30pm.

Durweston Parish Church is the venue for both concerts. For more information visit durwestonchoralsociety.org

Simon Twiselton with DCS Chairperson Lizzie Patterson

Photo: Vicky Francis

Dementia donation

BRAMLEY Home Care, at Wincombe Business Park in Shaftesbury, kick-started its monthly coffee mornings by presenting a cheque for £100 to Dementia Friendly Gillingham.

The home raised the money when it exhibited at Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and ran a competition to guess the number of toy cars in a box.

Annie Kings, on behalf of Dementia Friendly Gillingham, said: “We are so grateful to receive this wonderful amount, which means that all the various activities that Dementia Friendly Gillingham has in place can be kept going that little bit longer.”

Bramley Home Care dementia support tea/coffee mornings will be on the first Tuesday of every month, between 10am-noon.

For more information, email info@bramleycare.com or phone 01747 855844.

Mere literary festival

by George Jeans

THE Mere Literary Festival raises funds for local charities with donations regularly made to the Mere & District Link Scheme.

Events, which ran from October 9-12, were held in St Michael’s Church (pictured), The Grove Building and The United Reform Church.

Speakers included acclaimed chef Orlando Murrin, investigative journalist Tim Tate, Louis de Bernieres interviewed by Jo Hall (the ex deputy head of Gillingham School) and Hannah Barnes of BBC Newsnight

SLEEP Autumn SALE

KING FOR THE PRICE OF A DOUBLE

(From left) Rob Blackman, Annie Kings and Keith Ashman, from Dementia Friendly Gillingham, and office administrator Karen Mayall

Somerset’s young leaders

FIVE of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets in Somerset.

It is an honour awarded annually to those cadets who have excelled and shown remarkable leadership.

The Lord-Lieutenant cadets will assist Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, at official engagements, serving as ambassadors for the cadet forces.

Mr Saddiq said: “These are extraordinary young people who represent the best of the best. It will be a real pleasure working with them in the coming year.”

The newly appointed Lord-Lieutenant cadets are:

Cadet Corporal Emily Lynn from Portishead detachment, Somerset Army Cadet Force, recognised for her dedication and leadership

Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlotte Weeks of 1032 (Yeovil) squadron, RAF Air Cadets, who “embodies the spirit of the RAFAC” by seeking new opportunities

Cadet Sergeant Kara Campbell Meehan from Downside School Combined Cadet Force, noted for her confidence and

eloquence in embracing challenges

Cadet Sergeant Major Olivia Doran from Wellington School Combined Cadet Force, celebrated for her determination and outgoing nature

Leading Cadet Jessie Frost from Glastonbury and Street sea cadets, whose

her active participation.”

A spokesperson for Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association said: “Their appointment reflects not just their personal achievements, but also the values of teamwork and community service that underpin the cadet movement.”

The cadets with the Lord-Lieutenant and Somerset’s High Sheriff Rob Beckley

Five a day…

by Marilyn Willoughby

FOVANT’S

independent ladies welcomed clinical psychologist Professor Nigel North to their October meeting.

It was Professor North’s second presentation to the group, this time an interesting talk on research into the benefit of relaxation exercises for mental health patients (nothing to do with eating more fruit and veg, despite the title!).

Although sceptical, he compiled his own research. Subjects took part in some fairly simple methods of relaxation – activities such as sewing, social stimulation and awareness of others – for just 30 minutes, four times a week. The results showed patients experienced significant reduction in stress and anxiety.

Professor North’s research included forming two groups of patients with very serious limb injuries, high infection rates and risk of amputation. Group 1 followed the exercises, and after 10 weeks they were healing significantly faster than group 2, experiencing less pain and better sleep, improved blood pressure, cholesterol and immunity. They needed no amputation.

Nigel explained a difficult subject in layman’s terms, punctuated with interesting facts – the best being that places in the world with the highest consumption of dark chocolate have produced the most Nobel Prize winners! I’m just off to open my bar of 85%…

Thanks to Nigel for a wonderful evening. All proceeds raised through drinks and a raffle were donated to Nigel’s chosen charity, The Stars Appeal.

For all information on FILGroup and upcoming events, please email filgroup15@gmail.com

Youth mentors needed

by George Jeans SEEDS4SUCCESS

, a youth work charity based in Mere, recently held its AGM.

The charity offers children and young people a range of development opportunities, from conservation work to leadership training.

So far, the team at Seeds4Success have enabled 280 children and young people to access a range of development youth work opportunities. The charity is seeking mentors to help create life-changing outcomes for young people.

Anyone with a passion to improve the lives of young people can be a great mentor. Call Lee Cherry, mentoring and support manager, on 07570 819140 or email lee@ Seeds4success.org.uk

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

Leweston Prep Visit Week

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

Leweston Prep Visit Week | 11 – 15 November 2024. We believe that the best way to experience Leweston Prep is to have an individual tour, tailor-made to your requirements.

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

Contact our Admissions Team, or visit our website to book your place – admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk 01963 211054 | www.leweston.co.uk

Preparing your child for the journey ahead

Book a personalised tour during our visit weeks and find out more about an education at Leweston. 11 - 15 NOVEMBER

August Motors, based in the heart of Salisbury

Based in the heart of Salisbury, August Motors is a family run business that has been in the motor trade since 1971. Part of the Balmer Lawn Group covering Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, they are committed to building long-term relationships with their customers and providing a high-quality product and service.

As a main dealer for KGM, they offer comprehensive care for your vehicle, with expert servicing, MOT testing, and a wide selection of genuine parts. KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, recently celebrated 70 years in vehicle manufacturing, and in that time have built a reputation for engineering vehicles that combine performance, safety, and style. From electric cars and comfortable SUVs to the ultimate 4x4 pickup truck, KGM caters to every driver’s needs. Recognising the local agriculture, August Motors is proud to offer a range of KGM vehicles that meet the needs of the community, from reliable pickups to versatile utility vehicles. Proudly selling the Musso, which won 2024 Best Value Pick-Up in “4x4 Magazine”. We understand the importance of durability and efficiency in the field, and our team is here to help agricultural customers find the right vehicles to enhance productivity and mobility. The Rexton, along with the Musso has a huge towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. August Motors offer a “Tools

and Trade Discount” to businesses and individuals that purchase these models. Both vehicles can be seen in our advert opposite..

August Motors also offer an electric KGM vehicle, The Torres EVX provides an environmentally friendly option that don’t compromise on performance. For August Motors, providing electric vehicles, is about being a part of a more sustainable future.

August Motors is a premier KGM dealer that prioritises quality and customer satisfaction. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, look no further than August Motors and Balmer Lawn Group —where your automotive journey begins and ends with a smile. Come to visit and experience the difference for yourself!

The Torres EVX, electric KGM vehicle

Our loose Canon

Is the right to dignity in life more important than the right to die?

by Canon Eric Woods

HAVE you noticed how often, when celebrities snap their fingers, our politicians snap to attention? We have seen two examples of that recently. There was the demand of Taylor Swift’s manager (her mother!) that the singer should be given a police blue-light Special Escort Group for her Wembley gigs. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, pressed the Met to agree to the demand, and when they demurred brought in the Attorney General to add to the pressure. The Met had little option but to cave in. That is said to have cost us, the taxpayers, £150,000

Of course, it’s even easier if, as well as being a celebrity, you are also a “National Treasurer”. So Dame Esther Rantzen went straight to the top for get support for an Assisted Dying Bill. And, lo and behold, when Labour MP Kim Leadbeater came top of the House of Commons ballot for private member’s bills, she announced that she would this month introduce a Bill entitled “Choice at the end of Life for Terminally Ill Adults”. Sir Keir Starmer is reported to have said that he was pleased to have kept his promise to Dame Esther to bring it forward.

is in power, should be dictated by the rich and the famous (who are usually both). But that still leaves the issues which Parliament must

debate over the whole question of assisted dying, euthanasia, assisted suicide – whatever you prefer to call it. The 250 or so words I have left for this column are totally insufficient for me to do justice to the arguments for and against – and they are powerful arguments, on both sides. Let me just offer a few words of caution.

First, it is an absolute scandal that the hospice movement, providers of high-quality palliative care, receive so little government funding. Five years ago, the NHS covered about 25% of costs, but this has fallen to 17.7%. The rest is covered by charitable donations and fundraising. And why do successive Health Secretaries do nothing about it? Because of the cost, of course.

Second, former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is absolutely right to warn that the “right to die” could so easily morph into a “duty to die”. In over 40 years as a parish priest, I have met many families who have been heroic in their care for terminally ill family members. But I have also come across some who resent the time, the cost and the trouble of looking after their relatives, especially elderly ones. Some older people are made to feel guilty by their own kith and kin, simply because they are taking so long to die.

Keep your pension plans on course...

...we’re here to help

It’s never too late to start or refocus your efforts on pension saving, regardless of how old you are. At Peter Harding Wealth Management, we have 30 years’ 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. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may therefore fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Photo by Anton Repponen on Unsplash

Bikers coin in the cash for charity

DOCBIKE’S annual motorcycle ride out last month raised more than £8,000 for the life-saving charity.

DocBike regional leads led separate convoys starting from locations in Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and Somerset, and after completing their routes, motorcyclists received a warm welcome at the Dorset Bike Festival in Bere Regis.

More than 600 people turned out at the festival, which featured displays, stalls from motorcycle dealerships, food, live music and a grand raffle with prizes given by local businesses.

The event also provided DocBike volunteers with the opportunity to engage with motorcyclists to raise awareness of its work and how bikers can upskill their ride.

They also shared how to keep injured motorcyclists alive

until the emergency services arrive by attending a free BikerDown course.

Brett Callaghan, regional lead for Somerset and Avon, and deputy national director of DocBike, said: “This was the first time that we held the end point of our ride out at the Dorset Bike Festival, and we are delighted it was such a success.

“The DocBike charity receives no funding from the Government and relies on the generosity of the public to continue our life-saving work, so we are thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount which will help towards our evergrowing operational costs.

“Leading the Devon, Somerset and Avon ride into the Dorset Bike Festival was an amazing feeling – you could really sense the atmosphere as we came down the driveway.

“I could not believe how

many people were milling around the displays, food tents and, of course, the DocBike stands, and on top of that, the sun was shining!

“We hope to see this event grow even further and become a ‘must do’ event for all motorcyclists.”

DocBike would like to thank

everyone who came along and supported the event, and to extend its special thanks to Wooders Campsite, Perfect Party Tents, Moore Speed Racing, Ducati Bournemouth and Destination Triumph Dorset, for organising the festival and end point for the ride out.

Kayakers complete river challenge

WEST Knoyle kayaker Michael Koch, and his friend Ben Mallinson (from Sheffield), successfully travelled the whole navigable length of the River Stour to raise money for local charities.

The friends took a little longer on their journey than they initially predicted, but made it to the coast at Christchurch harbour 21 days after they first set off.

At the end of August, the pair left Gillingham to travel an estimated 55 miles which, as experienced kayakers, they worked out should take them two or three days.

However their first two days on the river were a “nightmare”, says Michael. They had to struggle through weed-choked stretches where the channel narrowed to two feet wide, haul their kayaks up and down steep banks to get past fallen trees, and navigate weirs, whirlpools, low bridges, a floating dead cow and low water.

They rescued a lamb trapped on the bank and returned it to the farmer.

When fully loaded, their kayaks scraped the bottom at a minimum depth of about half a metre.

Staying somewhere overnight was another problem because wild camping is illegal in most of England, and the riverbanks belong to landowners.

Furthermore, Michael sustained a wrist injury, their progress was frustratingly slow and after four days’ paddling, they had to call a halt at Blandford.

But our two kayakers are determined

young men. So, rested but undaunted, they resumed their journey at Blandford on September 16.

From there on the river was wider, water was deeper and obstacles reduced –notwithstanding river bailiffs and hostile anglers.

The pair were sucked down one weir, immersing Michael up to his neck.

Triumph prevailed. Michael and Ben reached Wimborne and arrived at their destination, the mouth of the Stour at Christchurch harbour, on September 17.

Michael and Ben came up with the challenge to raise funds for and promote awareness of two charities: ReadEasy Blackmore Vale North and Yeovil Sherborne and District Samaritans. The Blackmore Vale North branch of ReadEasy offers free one-to-one coaching, in a discreet setting. Most readers learn in 18 months or so. Find out more by calling Lesley on 07510 250 365 or email bvnsturminstercoordinator@readeasy.org.uk

You can still donate to Michael and Ben at https://gofund.me/41165722 and https:// gofund.me/242c521

FULL FIBRE BROADBAND HAS LANDED

Bringing faster speeds to rural villages and towns.

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

Gigaclear

Military history

AIR Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire spoke about Russia to a packed Digby Hall as part of Sherborne Historical Society’s new season.

The speaker drew on his experiences as Military Attaché in Moscow and his subsequent role as Commander in Chief of NATO forces in north-west Europe.

He gave fascinating insights into the character of Russia and Vladimir Putin, and his assessment of why Putin had invaded Ukraine.

An extended period of audience questions enabled Sir John to elaborate on this highly topical subject.

Bridge club drive

MEMBERS of Sherborne Bridge Club have presented £250 to the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital charity.

Sherborne Town Football Club kindly agreed to donate the bridge club’s rent, which was included in the sum raised.

Sherborne Bridge Club runs two duplicate sessions a week at the Terrace Football Club and one rubber bridge session during the closed season at the Bowls Club.

New members and visitors are always welcome – full details are available at www.bridgewebs.com/sherborne

Library craft event

SHERBORNE Library is holding a free children’s craft event on Thursday, October 31.

Spooky Crafts is suitable for children aged three to eight and runs from 10.30am-11.30am.

Harvest supper

THE Social Club at West Knoyle celebrated harvest supper with a supper of cold meats and salad, followed by apple crumble with custard and a cheeseboard.

During the evening a huge wooden spoon was awarded to the club’s number one stirrer – Stuart Hull.

A raffle with many prizes was held.

Join us at the Bakhtiyar Winter Exhibition

Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental hand-knotted carpet trade. Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, he and his son Koroush continue to carve a new path for the industry.

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. As an authoritative figure within the industry, Masoud is often invited to share his expertise and insider knowledge with media outlets such as the BBC to discuss the ever-changing market. He also advises auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value Persian rugs and carpets.

But we would be remise to say that is all we do, we carry out general carpet repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.

Our team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers, based in our London Warehouse, carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

We invite you to explore our winter exhibition in the Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset, and discover a wonderful world of exotic goods.

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of November 2024 Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

Purchase from a large selection of hand woven Persian carpets, runners & kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces from internationally renowned Persian carpet specialist Masoud Mazaheri’s latest buying trip.

Persian food will be served daily with all proceeds raised being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

MINTERN BARN, LUCCOMBE FARM, MILTON ABBAS, BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET, DT11 0BE

Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the signed Milton Abbas Road. Ample parking is available and Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.

Shaftesbury based domiciliary care agency Bramley Care receives national award for providing Gold Standard end of life care

Bramley Home Care has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award in recognition of the excellent end of life care they provide. Gold Standards Framework provides end of life care training and accreditation for frontline staff in health and social care.

Can you help?

NORTH Dorset charity Mindful, which offers support to people experiencing social isolation or memory problems, is looking for new volunteers.

Mindful offers a range of activities, including a fortnightly cafe in Gillingham, a fortnightly men’s activity group in Gillingham and a monthly cafe in Stalbridge.

Last month it ran an outing to Madjeston Farm in Gillingham where visitors enjoyed tea with homemade cake and scones and made friends with a variety of animals.

Volunteers are needed to help individuals living with memory loss or who are lonely and help out at Mindful cafes.

Anyone interested, even if only occasionally, should get in touch with Sally Nutbeem at snutbeem@gmail.com or on 07840 424148.

Candles for veterans

AN army veteran turned bee-keeper has launched a candle to support Combat Stress – the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans.

Bramley Home Care was one of 5 domiciliary care agencies from across the country receiving the award at the Gold Standards Framework annual conference and awards ceremony on Friday 27th September at BMA House in London.

Rob Blackman, Registered Manager of Bramley Home Care said: “This highly prestigious award demonstrates our commitment to delivering the very highest standards of end-of-life care.”

Julie Armstrong-Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for Gold Standards Framework said: “Congratulations to all the organisations who have successfully achieved accreditation and received the Quality Hallmark Award this year. The standard of care and compassionate cultures that have been observed is truly inspiring, showing a commitment to ensuring people receive the right care at the right time which has a positive impact on the people cared for and their families. Listening to what matters most to each and every individual and providing care in accordance with their goals, wishes and preferences is the Gold Standard and these organisations are delivering it. The Gold Standards Framework team are so very proud of all our Award Winners; with our ageing population it is so important we enable them to live well and when the time comes deliver quality care in their final year / days of life. A huge well done to you all!”

To find out more about Bramley Home Care visit bramleycare.co.uk

To find out more about the Gold Standards Framework, visit goldstandardsframework.org.uk/

David Dodge spent 12 years in the army, including five in Afghanistan, before leaving to work as a close protection officer.

Returning home for good he was finally able to pursue a fascination with bees first sparked in his teens.

In 2021, he and his family made their base at Cox’s Farm, and have been happily keeping bees and working with their health-giving honey and wax ever since.

“Supporting veterans has been on my mind since leaving Afghanistan,” explains David.

“I’ve lost too many friends to suicide and wanted to do something positive, but a second hip replacement at 54 meant running a marathon wasn’t an option. I love making beeswax candles and tried a number of military inspired ideas, eventually coming up with the design of a helmet sitting atop a pair of combat boots.

“I handmade a clay model, from which I cast a silicone rubber mould, which is what I use to hand pour each candle.

“The design represents a veteran’s service, while 30% of the profit made goes to veterans’ charities.”

Find out more and buy online at https://coxsfarmhoney. com

Carnival comes to town

THOUSANDS of people

enjoyed all the fun of carnival in Gillingham, the town’s largest event of the year.

The week kicked off with competitions, shows, a funfair and more before the main event on Carnival Saturday.

That started with an afternoon children’s procession followed by a steam cavalcade and a majorette parade before concluding with the grand

evening.

Mary Bailey, chair at the Gillingham Carnival Committee, said: “Both the children’s procession and the grand illuminated procession were of an exceptionally high standard, with an exciting number of juvenile entrants who are, of course, the future of carnival.

“We were lucky with dry weather all day, which brought

Gillingham Carnival is a traditional west country carnival which began in the early 20th century and is organised by volunteers.

The event costs £10,000 a year to run and is funded through fundraising and sponsorships from local businesses.

Among them this year was Taylor Wimpey, which donated £1,000 as first aid sponsor to

Cold wet summer to blame for lack of pumpkins this autumn

NATIONAL Trust gardeners have had to harvest pumpkins a month early, as climate change wreaks havoc with this seasonal crop.

Gardeners at the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy Estate in Dorset have harvested their pumpkins and squashes a month early and lost a significant amount of their seasonal crop because of this year’s changeable weather.

Climate change is making gardening, particularly kitchen gardening, much harder for the Trust’s gardeners, because traditional dates for sowing and planting cannot always be relied on.

This is the earliest the pumpkins have ever been harvested at Kingston Lacy and only half of their normal crop has survived.

Andrew Hunt, Head Gardener at Kingston Lacy, said: “Pumpkins need a long, hot growing season to do well.

“Unfortunately, we had a cold and prolonged spring, which meant that germination took place later than normal and then the cooler and wetter conditions over the summer really haven’t helped.

This, coupled with the cold, wet spell at the beginning of September, has brought the growing season to a much earlier end than normal.”

Many National Trust houses and gardens create autumnal displays, provide seasonal dishes in their cafes and restaurants, and also sell the remaining pumpkins and squashes to visitors. However, this year, there will be fewer available at Kingston Lacy.

Andrew continues: “We are going to have to be more creative with our displays this year!

“We won’t have as many and although we’re still going to be able to provide pumpkin and squash dishes in our café, they won’t be on the menu for as long.

“We are going to have to continue to review how the climate is impacting all of the produce that we grow here, and we may need to review the varieties in the coming years. If pumpkin harvests continue to fluctuate, we will have to adapt our growing methods.”

Alex Dixon Photography

Surviving pumpkins and squashes at Kingston Lacy

Blooming marvellous

THIS October half term, head to Dorset Museum and Art Gallery for a special exhibition.

‘We All Bloom Differently’ has been created by Dorset’s care leavers to mark National Care Leavers’ week. The exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the personal stories, thoughts, and creativity of those who have experienced being in care.

Each piece reflects the individuality and resilience of young people who have overcome challenges and blossomed in their own unique ways.

18 care experienced young people have been involved in the organisation of the exhibition, with many of them also showcasing their original work. Two of these young people are Alani and C-J. C-J said: “The exhibition is important to

JUMBLE SALE, Hazelbury

Bryan primary school, DT10 2ED, Saturday 26th October, 10am-12pm, 50p entry

BINGO!

Stalbridge Hall

Thursday

31st October

Doors open 6.30pm Eyes down 7.30pm In aid of hall funds

me because I want people to challenge the way they think of care experienced young people. Be proud with us of our achievements. Celebrate and enjoy.”

Alani said: “The exhibition is important to me because I’ve never really had the chance to create and work out who I am as a person. I have always had to listen and follow rules. In care I had to be what was expected of me and that got in the way of exploring who I really am.”

We All Bloom Differently will run from Monday, October 28 to Friday, November 1, 10am–5pm and entry is FREE.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills said: “The young people behind this exhibition invite you to consider the preconceptions often held towards those who are labelled as care

CHILDREN’S BALLET & STREET DANCE CLASSES Tuesdays in Sherborne for 3-12 year olds

Contact: http://www. helenlaxtondancecompany. com

CHRISTMAS THEMED

TABLE TOP SALE, 16th NOVEMBER

DAMERHAM HALL SP6 3 HU, Sellers 10am £10 table info@ damerham.org, Buyers 11am £1, Refreshments

experienced. Each young person, like their artwork, is unique, with a different lived experience. Come and lend your support, discover who our care leavers are, and find out what they have to say through their art and creativity.”

To find out more about the exhibition, visit: www.dorsetmuseum.org/event/ we-all-bloom-differently

COOKERY DEMONSTRATION BY GEORGE, Master Chef Semi finalist. Saturday 2nd November. Sturminster Marshall Memorial hall 6.30 for 7.00. Free glass of Fizz, finger food and a fun night. Tickets £20 liz.york@btinternet.com or 01258 857528.

GARAGE/YARD SALE, Factory Hill Bourton, SP8-5AY. Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th. 9am-5pm

ST JOHN’S CHURCH

ENMORE GREEN SP7 8QR Asian Adventures

An illustrated talk by David Grierson

Sunday 3rd November at 2.30pm.

£5.00 (to include tea and cake)

SHERBORNE DIGBY HALL MONTHLY MARKET

Saturday 2nd Nov 10-3

Antiques, Arts, Crafts & More

QUARTER QUILTERS EXHIBITION at The Exchange Sturminster Newton on 1st and 2nd Nov. 10-00 to 16-30 . Sale table and Trade stands.

BINGO

Friday 25th October Okeford Fitzpaine village hall

Eyes down 7.30pm Lots of prizes to be won Raffle

THE SOMERSET SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS Acting, Singing, Stage Dance, Musical Theatre classes for children from 4-19 years on Saturdays in Yeovil. Contact http://www. helenlaxtondancecompany. com

ROCK N ROLL, 60’s MUSIC. Thursday 31st October. 2pm4pm. Vicarage School Room, Queens Street, Gillingham. Refreshments and raffle

PROFESSIONAL FIREWORK DISPLAY and Fire Performer! Winterborne Stickland Sports Club DT11 0LZ

Sunday 3rd November Gates open 4:30 pm Display 6:15 pm Earlybird tickets £5 each. On the gate - adults £7.50 For advance tickets contact 07714-364750

Bar-Burgers-Gowies-Free Parking

Sorry - No Dogs

THE DORSET BROCANTE WINTER FAIR

Friday & Saturday

8-9th November

LARMER TREE GARDENS

Nr Salisbury

SP5 5PY

Artisan Gifts | Vintage | French Brocante | Textiles | Seasonal Lifestyle & Homewares | Workshops

Free Parking | Accesible Facilities Assistance Dogs Only

For more details or to buy tickets, please visit: www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk

The Winter Brocante Christmas Fair

The Winter Brocante takes place on Friday & Saturday 8 - 9th November and is a long anticipated Christmas Fair, held in the beautiful halls and garden marquee at the Larmer Tree Gardens, nr Salisbury. This year the fair will host 40 Exhibitors offering an excellent range of seasonal gifts & decorations, homewares, interiors, textiles, art, decorative antiques, furniture, French Brocante and flowers.

Seasonal Workshops will be taking place to make Christmas Wreaths or to learn Hand Embroidery, and you can enjoy fresh coffee and light refreshments in the gardens after shopping.

The fair will be held over 2 days. On Friday 8th November from 10 - 4pm, with Early Bird Entry 10 - 11am (£15), and General Entry from 11am (£7:50). The fair will be open 10-3pm on Saturday 9th November with all tickets £7:50. There is free parking on site, accessible facilities and beautiful gardens to explore. Please note that assistance dogs only are allowed into the event and gardens.

For more details about The Winter Brocante, to book workshops or to buy advance tickets at reduced prices, then please visit www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk

Therapy pet is a welcome visitor

I AM a volunteer for Pets As Therapy (PAT) in and around Shaftesbury with my dog ‘Poppy’, and wanted to make New Blackmore Vale readers aware of the work therapy pets do.

Poppy regularly visits care homes, day centres and GP surgeries, and she also meets children.

She always brings a smile to people’s faces when they meet her.

Poppy loves these visits as she enjoys doing a few tricks for her treats.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity that provides therapeutic pet visits to care homes, day centres, hospitals and schools across the UK.

Joy Kidd Via email

Thank-you for act of kindness

RECENTLY we were driving home and took a wrong turning. It was a narrow road and as we tried to turn round managed to back into a ditch.

A couple of minutes later a car which had seen we might have a problem stopped and with great difficulty managed to single-handed get us out.

We naturally wanted to show our appreciation, but our Good Samaritan was quite adamant in

his refusal.

He said his name was ‘James’ and finally suggested that if we wished we could make a donation to a charity.

If he reads this letter, we would like him to know we are doing as he wished.

His act of kindness was way beyond what most of us would ever expect.

Thank you.

Yvonne Phillips Via email

Bypass and an elderly driver

EXCITING news to hear from National Highways about the Sparkford bypass: “To be completed this winter, will tackle congestion, improve safety and help support increased economic prosperity”.

This will be a huge comfort to the elderly gentleman in Yeovil Hospital who, after losing his way during the diversion, drove down a farm track and into a brook, saved just in time by the farmer next morning.

Thanks also to the ambulance, fire engine and two police cars.

Name supplied Via email

Just William...or

Unjust William?

Prince William says he wants to help the homeless

His own home came from luck of birth alone

If he really wants to help the homeless

Why not open up each Royal home?

Let the homeless fill the empty castles, The palaces, the mansions, the estates,

Let them share the riches of the wealthy

Welcome in the poor with open gates.

That would be the Christian

thing to do

By someone who will head the Church one day –Prince William says he wants to help the homeless...

Perhaps he means he’ll simply help them pray!

Martin Hobdell

Swanage

Theatre group’s skittles evening

WIMBORNE Community Theatre (WCT) is inviting people to a fun skittles evening on Wednesday, November 6, to raise funds to support the development of our future production on the theme of ‘Home’.

Come as a team or as an

individual and join up with others in a friendly atmosphere.

There are prizes for the winners, and a raffle, and crisps and snacks are available at the licensed bar.

Entrance fee is £5 per person – pay WCT on the door – and the time is 7.30pm for a prompt start at 7.45pm.

The venue is Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2QR.

For further details, bookings and to order food beforehand, phone 01202 884201 or email barbarahart414@gmail. com. Visit wimbornecommunity theatre.co.uk.

Gill Horitz Wimborne

READER’S PICTURE

A pet therapy dog

NEW Blackmore Vale reader Josephine Gardner was amazed to see the Northern Lights from her home in Child Okeford earlier this month.

She had never seen them before and was surprised to see the ‘glorious sight’ so far south in the country.

Folk from the north and south

A NEW collaboration in acoustic folk song, born out of last year’s Shaftesbury Fringe, is promised when Jo Philby and Anne-Louise Richards perform at four venues next month.

Jo is a popular Orkney-based singer/songwriter renowned for her soulful and expressive vocals.

She regularly performs at the Orkney Folk Festival and throughout Orkney, and has toured further south over the years. She has recorded three albums to date.

Anne-Louise is a musician and singer/songwriter from Shaftesbury who has always been inspired by the folk tradition.

She is also well known as ‘Mermaid Nerissa’ and regularly performs at the Shaftesbury Fringe and beyond.

Jo and Anne-Louise share a

love of song, particularly of the sea and traditional love ballads. They are at The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury, on Friday, November 8; Sandy Hill Arts Centre, Corfe Castle, on Saturday, November 9; St Leonards Church, Sherfield English, on Wednesday, November 13; and Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Saturday, November 16.

Rachel at Parachute

SINGER-SONGWRITER

Rachel Hill (pictured) will be performing at Parachute, Sherborne (tomorrow, Saturday, October 26).

Original music and wellloved classics spanning folk, jazz and pop will be on offer at the intimate venue.

Rachel has completed her second international tour and performed at several UK festivals, including the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, in the last

THE well-known Mousehole Male Voice Choir is coming to the Merritt Centre at Sherborne Girls School to perform in aid of the RNLI.

The choral concert on Saturday, November 2, is Sherborne RNLI’s final fundraiser for the year. Tickets priced £17.50 are available from trybooking.com/

12 months.

Rachel, who has also amassed more than 150,000 Spotify streams in the last year, is known for her evocative songwriting and mastery of live vocal looping.

Entry is free and the performance gets under way at 8pm.

uk/DIOY

The venue has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, and audience members asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.

For more information, visit events@sherborne.com

The RNLI is this year celebrating 200 years since it was founded by Sir William Hillary.

A love of song: Jo Philby and Anne-Louise Richards

Arts & Entertainment

Half-term fun at local halls

FUN for families is promised this October half-term with three shows packed with puppetry, live music and more.

Running Dog Theatre’s The Goat Show, a rollicking adventure story about goats, division and overcoming conflict – but with chase sequences and ‘competitive poo collection’ – is at Sixpenny Handley Village Hall on Saturday, October 26, at 2pm.

Oskar’s Amazing Adventure by Fideri Fidera is an awardwinning, heart-warming play featuring a mix of storytelling, clowning, puppetry, music and song.

It tells the story of a puppy’s search for friendship in the wilderness of the Alps and is suitable for children aged two to seven.

The show is at Milborne St Andrew Village Hall on Monday, October 28, at 2pm; Hinton Martell Village Hall on Tuesday, October 29, at 11am; and Powerstock Hut on Wednesday, October 30, at 11am.

Fideri Fidera is offering a drama workshop, with creative activities, games and music, after the performances, inspired by the theme of hibernation and the animals in the play. Places are limited and booking is essential.

Scarlet Oak Theatre is staging Along Came a Magpie, a playful and heart-warming adventure for young children and their families featuring puppetry, plants – and lots of pots!

In the potting shed, the

Gardener loves the smell of the flowers, the feel of the earth and watching her plants bloom.

But along comes a magpie who turns her potting shed upside down! The message is that making friends is lots of fun but can sometimes be tricky.

The show is Buckland Newton Village Hall on Wednesday, October 30, at 10.30am; and Wootton Fitzpaine

Village Hall on Thursday, October 31, at 10.30am.

After each show, families can take part in a fun puppetry workshop with the company. Places are limited, so booking is essential.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.artsreach. co.uk where full details and individual box office information can be found.

Back to Tudor times at manor house

LIVING history will be coming to Athelhampton House, near Puddletown, this October half-term when it steps back in time to the Elizabethan period.

The family event will see all levels of society represented from gentlefolk to servants around the house and gardens.

Visitors will be able to try Tudor food, have a go at writing

TV pair team up to entertain

TELEVISION favourites

Brenton West and Raj Bisram are set to appear at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

Brenton, from The Repair Shop, and Raj, from Antiques Roadshow, promise an entertaining night filled with

personal stories, behind-thescenes anecdotes and lots of laughter.

Their show, It’s Never Too Late – How We Came to be Here, is on Saturday, November 2, at 7.30pm and tickets are available online at https://stur-exchange.co.uk/.

with a quill and kicking a Tudor football, and see clothing and dancing.

They can also see demonstrations of 16th century crafts and perhaps have a go at a few.

A spokesperson for Athelhampton House said: “Be prepared to spend the whole day in the house and gardens – in

this fully interactive event, you’ll be more than just a visitor, you’ll be able to become part of the Tudor community for the day!”

The event runs from Monday, October 28, to Friday, November 1, from 10am-4pm.

Tickets can be booked in advance at www.athelhampton. com

Running Dog Theatre is staging The Goat Show

Athelhampton House is going back in time for half-term

Brenton West (left) and Raj Bisram are coming to The Exchange at Sturminster Newton PHOTO: All-Electric Productions

Journey back into Barnes’s world

THE captivating play The Year Clock returns to Dorset this autumn, offering a poignant and vivid celebration of language, history and the remarkable life of William Barnes, one of Dorset’s most beloved literary figures.

The play, written by Tim Laycock and directed by Sonia Ritter, will be performed at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, on Sunday, November 3, at 3pm.

William Barnes (1801-86), a self-educated teacher, parson and poet, is most famous for his works in the Dorset dialect, including Linden Lea, later set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

But it was Barnes’s passion for philology, the study of more than 60 languages, and his quest

to uncover the roots of human speech, that he considered his greatest legacy.

The Year Clock brings Barnes’s life to the stage, drawing on his notes, letters and contemporary accounts sourced from the William Barnes Archive currently held in the Dorset History Centre.

The play is structured around the four seasons, symbolising key stages in Barnes’s life, and features poems and songs composed between 1835 and 1870.

The final piece, The Geate a-Vallen To, was dictated by Barnes to his daughter shortly before he died.

The production, accompanied by traditional Dorset folk music performed by Colin Thompson on violin and guitar, delves into

Canadian trio visiting Dorset

THREE Canadian musicians promise a mix of beautiful songs and storytelling, electrifying fiddle tunes and dazzling step dance when they visit Dorset next month.

Folk musician, singersongwriter and flautist, Allison Lupton, hails from rural Ontario where she played everything from community dances to soloing with orchestras. She has won multiple Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, including Traditional Singer of the Year.

Allison is joined by Canadian and US Grand National fiddle champion Shane Cook, and CFMA Solo Instrumental Artist of the Year and Canadian Grand Master Step Dance champion Kyle Waymouth.

Woven through their concerts are Allison’s original songs, which often provide a reminder of the historical connections

between Canada and the UK.

The Allison Lupton Trio are touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.

They are at Blandford Parish Church on Thursday, November 7, at 7.30pm; Woodlands Village Hall on Friday, November 8, at 7.30pm and Powerstock Hut on Saturday, November 9, at 7.30pm.

Full details and tickets can also be found online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Arts & Entertainment

Barnes’s inner conflict as a highly educated man who chose to write in the rural Dorset dialect, offering a moving exploration of the tension between Victorian England’s industrialisation and the fading rural way of life.

The Year Clock has been performed more than 70 times, capturing the imagination of audiences with its lively portrayal of Barnes’s world and the forces of change.

This revival, hosted in

collaboration with the William Barnes Society, supports the Barnes for All! campaign, raising funds to preserve Barnes’s archive at the Dorset History Centre.

For tickets – £20 standard and £10 under-18s – and further information, visit dorsetmuseum.org and sturexchange.co.uk

Learn more about the William Barnes Society’s appeal at williambarnessociety.org.uk/ appeal

Village full of artistic talent

TWENTY-FOUR artists who live or work in East Knoyle are coming together for an exhibition and sale of their work this weekend.

The event will raise money for the fabric fund for planned improvements to the village hall.

East Knoyle is well known for its artists across a wide range of media, including sculptures in stone, bronze and wood, jewellery, glass and paintings.

them will be in attendance some of the weekend to talk about their work.

Prices will suit all pockets.

Children from the village have been given paper and materials to create their own piece. These will be framed, on display and available for sale.

The village has members of the Royal Academy, along with talented amateurs, and many of those presenting pieces are professional artists.

Several artists will take commissions and many of

Teas/coffee and wine will be available at the event at East Knoyle Village Hall on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27, from 10am4pm.

Entrance is £1.50 including a raffle ticket.

For more information, contact ekartshow2024@gmail. com.

Folk duo Tim Laycock and Colin Thompson PHOTO: Tony Gill

The Allison Lupton Trio

Church

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

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

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

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

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday; Sunday service at 10.30am, refreshments available afterwards; Monday Music – a discussion group based on a piece of secular music and how it relates to people’s Christian lives – second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper; Taizé Service the second Sunday each month at 6.30pm. Further details on all activities from church secretary Sue Way on 07522 509868. Dorset Youth for Christ ‘Youth Hangout’, a space for young people aged six-11. Every second Sunday of the month, 6.30-7.30pm.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: The Mothers’ Union’s next meeting is on Friday, October 25, at 10am in the Griffiths Room. The Rev Lesley McCreadie will give an illustrated talk on the Walk to Rome. Everyone welcome. Sherborne Quakers meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. Everyone welcome. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599.

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

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

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

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

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, October 27 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John the Baptist, Spetisbury; 11am BCP Communion at St Mary Church, Tarrant Rushton; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Friday, November 1 – All Souls Day, 6pm, All Souls service at All Saints, Langton Long. Sunday, November 3 – All Saints Day, 10.45am, Together Communion at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury. Sunday, Coffee and cake – Spetisbury, 10am11.30am, first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary, 10am11.30am, November 21. Coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

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

• Lufton Church: Friday, November 1, 7pm. All Saints Day. High Mass. Lufton Church, BA22 8SU, just to the west of Yeovil. The service will be followed by refreshments. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for

one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.

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

• Sherborne Abbey: The abbey will welcome The Clock Change Ringers on Saturday, October 26.

• Sherborne Abbey Choirs: Two tenors and a bass are needed for the ‘back rows’ of the boys’ choir and the girls’ choir. They should be good sight-readers and able to rehearse on Friday evenings ahead of services on Thursdays and Sundays. Anyone interested should contact the parish office on 01935 713777 or email james.henderson@ sherborneabbey.com.

• Sherborne Abbey: City of Bristol Choir ‘Sing we Merrily’ concert on Tuesday, October 29, in the abbey at 1.30pm. Fifty members of the choir present a free hour-long concert as part of its autumn tour. Choral music by Stanford, Daley, Summers, Howells, Durufle, Gjeilo and Bruckner, conducted by David Ogden. Retiring collection for local Sherborne charities.

• Sherborne Abbey: The All Souls’ Requiem List is on the table at the back of the abbey –individuals can add the names of those they wish to be remembered on All Souls’ Day. The Requiem Eucharist is on Saturday, November 2, at 10am

in the abbey. Due to this service, the normal 9am Holy Communion service will not take place that day.

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

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

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

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

• St Mary’s, East Knoyle: All Souls Service, remembering those who have died, with music, poetry and candlelighting, Sunday, November 3, 4pm.

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

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

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

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

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meet at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday, October 27, 3pm, evening worship. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@yahoo. com

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

PR and the politics of extremism

AFTER my last column about the need for Proportional Representation, I had a couple of reactions from readers expressing reservations that PR would give too much power to extreme populist parties, in particular the far-right. The recent general election result for Reform UK has no doubt added to such concerns, but I would argue that PR is actually a protection against extremism. Also, a healthy democracy reflects the views of everyone, while at the same time exposing those views to debate.

Reform managed to get five MPs elected under First Past the Post (FPTP), and under PR they might have managed to get more, but having seats in Parliament doesn’t necessarily provide power. To have an influence on government policy, minority parties have to be prepared to work with others and form coalitions. Due to their extreme views, far-right

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

parties typically end up isolated, with mainstream parties avoiding working with them. Under FPTP, however, mainstream parties can feel obliged to adopt extreme policies to simply avoid losing votes, and this then gives extremist parties disproportionate influence. In

2019, for example, it’s reported that the Brexit Party agreed not to contest Conservative held seats in return for assurances that the next Conservative government would seek a hard form of Brexit. That has cost our country dearly.

PR is in reality the best way to manage political extremism. It only gives extreme parties power that is proportional to their support among voters, and it opens their extreme views to greater public scrutiny. PR also encourages political compromise and coalition building, and thereby ensures more representative governance.

Talking of governance, we await the new Labour Government’s first budget at the end of this month. Much has been made of the so called ‘black hole’ of £22bn in public finances inherited from the previous government.

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has vowed there will be

no return to austerity, but it’s hard to reconcile that promise with her recent demand that ministers draw up billions of pounds in cuts to infrastructure projects. This could affect projects such as hospital improvements, which are urgently needed as anyone who has anything to do with the NHS knows only too well, especially the staff.

Having been badly let down by the last Government’s phoney pledge to build 40 new hospitals, the NHS urgently needs investment if the health of our nation is to be rescued from the depths to which it has plunged, with rising rates of cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The NHS is an example of how vital it is for the bean counters to focus on the long-term benefits of investment, rather than the short-term costs. As always, prevention is better – and cheaper – than the cure.

Short-term pain, longer term gain

IT’S been a busy couple of weeks for the Labour government.

On the economic front, there was good news as the country returned to growth, following the stagnant last months of the previous regime. Inflation also fell to the 1.7%, the lowest rate since April 2021.

Then there was the recordbreaking investment summit, where a total of £63 billion of investment across the UK was presented along with 38,000 new jobs being created.

These stage-managed set pieces, where capitalism’s upper classes mingled with royalty in St Paul’s Cathedral, may not be to many Labour members’ taste. Indeed, I doubt the attendees arrived on a P&O ferry.

But restoring the UK’s reputation internationally as an attractive place to invest is important. I think we all suspect that the imminent Budget will be

one that increases taxes in order to release critical public services from the grasp of austerity.

As Labour has promised not to raise taxes on working people in its manifesto, that only really leaves taxes on businesses and unearned income as a place to go.

The summit helps place this short-term pain within the

context of Labour’s longer term plans to grow the economy, bringing in revenue for our public services through volume of activity rather than increasing percentage rates of tax.

Growth matters. But for any government to be successful, people need to feel the benefits of its policies directly, rather than just in abstract inflation and other economic indices.

A key part of our programme is the New Deal for Working People. It seeks to undo the conditions which have seen a growth in exploitative working practices and declining real wages. The deal includes employment rights from day one, ending fire and rehire practices and requiring those on zero-hours contracts to be able to gain guaranteed hours if they want them. The bill will ensure people can access flexible working where they need it. It’ll also make sure the minimum

wage reflects the cost of living.

While these measures will improve working conditions for many, the fact remains that in many families one of the adults, often the mother, cannot afford to go to work. That’s because the cost of childcare for two kids still exceeds the minimum wage in many parts of the country. And that’s if you can find a nursery with places.

While the last government committed to increasing the availability of childcare, making it possible for parents to go back to work, the policy wasn’t properly funded. Many providers have struggled to keep going on the income they receive to fund free hours.

The new Labour government will deliver an extra 3,000 new or extended nurseries, making use of underused classrooms in primary schools.

We’ll make childcare pay, as well as making work pay.

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Politics

Busy time in and out of Parliament

SINCE I last wrote, Parliament has returned after a short break. A break that meant I was able to spend a solid block of time in West Dorset. Among many highlights I got to meet residents of some of our care homes and listen to their concerns over important issues like the Government’s deplorable decision to cut Winter Fuel payments.

I held a series of surgeries with residents, many of whom we have already been able to assist, including helping a very sick gentleman stuck in France get home.

I spent some time with our Police and Crime Commissioner reviewing the Dorset policing plan and communicating my desire to see rural policing strengthen. I met with Bridport Town Council to discuss what support I could provide, as well

LibDem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

as with the liaison committee for the parishes surrounding Bridport.

I also held meetings and calls with a number of local businesses in an effort to save a vital village pub from being permanently lost. I remain

hopeful we can rescue the situation.

With Parliament back in session, I’ve had the opportunity to vote in support of changes to the Government’s plans to charge VAT on independent schools which would allow for exemptions for children with SEND. As well as for a motion calling on the Government not to cut the farming budget.

On the subject of rural affairs, I have asked the minister about support for rural banking

A new formula for MPs’ pay

THE disconnect between politicians and those they profess to serve has never been greater. Westminster has become a place of self-service, not public service, and is in need of the most almighty shake-up to realign politicians, and politics, with voters.

Keir Starmer’s recent donations revelations are not remotely surprising. It is symptomatic of a political class so out of touch that they do not even consider it abnormal for an elected official to be lavished with thousands of pounds worth of gifts, freebies and luxury penthouses for their children to stay in while they study for exams.

Labour, rightly, spent the last 14 years castigating the Tories for their sleaze and crony capitalism only, it seems, to replace it with their own version. We need politicians in Westminster who understand

just what a privilege and honour it is to serve one’s community. Reform’s Rupert Lowe is, in my view, an example of how our politicians and MPs should act. He pledged his entire MP salary to charity before he was elected and has stuck to his word. Understandably, not every MP can afford to do this, but aligning MPs’ pay, currently

a staggering £91,346 plus expenses, with that of working people would be a huge step towards restoring trust.

I would suggest that MPs being paid the same as a basket average of extremely important, but often monetarily underrecognised professions, such as teachers, nurses, bin-workers and farmers, to name a handful, would be highly beneficial in aligning MPs’ thinking with that of working people.

The net-zero madness is set to continue in Dorset with the proposed 175-hectare solar farm site at Wkye Farm, near Sherbourne. The proposal will blight this exquisite and rural part of our county and remove productive farmland from use for 30/40 years.

As a passionate conservationist, I just do not see the argument for renewables as a force for good. If anything, renewables are contributing to

hubs as we increasingly find ourselves without banking services in West Dorset. A topic I will continue to push the Government to take action on.

I also had the honour of joining fellow Parliamentarians in meeting the chair of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to hear about latest evidence on climate change, as well as discuss the UK’s progress on reducing global emissions. A critical issue which thankfully enjoys cross-party support.

the further destruction of our natural world due to their massively higher need for metals/mining and their highly inefficient land use. In Scotland alone, the Government cut down 16 million trees to make way for wind turbines – it is the very definition of madness.

New Nuclear really is the only viable, safe, cheap, base-load option, and the Rolls-Royce (SMR) system is extremely compelling. Each SMR takes up about two acres of land but produces enough constant energy to power one million homes. In comparison, the proposed solar farm at Wkye Farm will intermittently power just 20,000 homes but take up more than 520 acres. Solution? Plant millions of trees and go Nuclear!

Please do not hesitate to contact the party at dorset@ reformuk.com

Reform UK Dorset county organiser Thomas Gargrave

Still a joy to speak in the House

ONE of the great joys of serving as a Member of Parliament is the ability to speak in the Chamber of the House of Commons. Even now, after nearly 10 years of service, I still get that frisson of tension and slightly clammy palms. You think about all the famous voices who have spoken before over the decades – sometimes their words seem to reverberate around you.

Another joy was to serve as a Government Minister. The downside to fulfilling that role means you only get to speak in the Chamber as a Minister. You can take part in no other proceedings. So, freed from the semi-Trappist shackles of Ministerial life I am taking full advantage of being able to speak on matters of concern to North Dorset.

Conservative MP for North Dorset

I spoke recently in the debate about the imposition of VAT on independent school fees – the first time ever a Government has sought to tax learning. I took part in the Urgent Question on Gaza and Lebanon, asking the Minister when the Government would realise Iran will not let Hamas/Hezbollah stop, nor the Israeli Right allow their PM to sue for peace, and how the UK/US/France and Germany would respond next.

I took part in the Second Reading Debate on the removal of Hereditary Peers from Parliament. I chastised the Government for being far too timid and missing the opportunity for significant root and branch reform.

I had a question to the Prime Minister where I made the case for formal cross-party working to arrive at, possibly difficult, but enduring solutions to adult social care, SEND and local government finance.

The PM, kindly, agreed that there was merit in it and pledged to work across the aisle on these important and perennially problematic areas of policy.

Outside the Chamber I was delighted to bring a fearless constituency campaigner on the subject of preventing childhood brain tumours, together with two cancer campaigning charities, to Whitehall, to meet

my good friend the new Minister for Public Health. He agreed more needed to be done and will be pushing NHS England to be far more proactive than it has been in public health messaging to parents and carers.

It is a little-known fact that Health Ministers, contrary to public belief, do not have directional control of the NHS. That responsibility lies with NHS England, a so-called arms-length-body (ALB). The Select Committee I was recently elected to chair is likely to be undertaking a major piece of work on how these ALBs work and how democratic accountability and Ministerial direction can be created or restored.

I am also preparing for an Adjournment Debate on the operation of postal votes at our elections. More on this after the debate.

Time for action on public services

AS we approach not just Halloween, but that other ghoulish autumnal event, the Budget, rumours and rumblings of its contents are flying around Westminster. Will the Government hike Capital Gains, National Insurance or Income Tax? Who will be hit hardest, pensioners or small businesses? Will the Government see sense and prioritise rescuing the NHS?

We don’t know yet, of course. What I do know is that this Government has its work cut out trying to fix the extraordinary mess the Conservatives made of our economy and public services. Not just the terrifying £22bn black hole we’ve all heard about, but the more subdued issues, such as the recent news the economy grew by a paltry 0.2% in August.

What is clear is that this Government did not get off on the best footing by cutting the

Winter Fuel Allowance – a grave mistake in my opinion, and something that will impact vulnerable people in rural communities such as Somerset this winter. Already my casework inbox is full of pensioners worried about how they will survive the cold months. Often, they tell me they will have to make the stark choice between eating and

heating.

So, while people in Glastonbury and Somerton and the rest of the country wait to hear what the Budget brings on the 30th, it’s been another busy period in Westminster, and I was pleased to speak on several issues affecting our area. Perhaps the most important was the Liberal Democrat opposition day debate in Parliament, which we used to highlight the crisis in the NHS and lack of support for unpaid carers – issues the party has urged the Labour Government to prioritise.

I spoke about the fact that in rural areas issues facing the health service are particularly acute and wait times are above the national average. Last year in Somerset 21% of GP appointments took more than two weeks and 7% of appointments took well over a month. Additionally, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee

(EFRA) report on rural mental health concluded NHS mental health services are not fairly accessible for rural communities.

Clearly, this is unacceptable. To fix the mess made of the NHS by the previous Conservative Government, the Liberal Democrats want to give everyone the right to see a GP within seven days, or 24 hours if urgent, with 8,000 more GPs to deliver on that. I think this would begin the process of fixing our broken NHS. The new Government has spoken out about our crumbling public services, but now is the time to act.

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

Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury and Somerton

Sarah Dyke

Simon Hoare

Across

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

Killer Sudoku Pro

1 French in charge in dry continent (6)

5 Abandon some French monarch getting tense (6)

8 Day on newspaper is dreary experience (4)

9 Secretary with doctor detaining chaps in pedestrian place (8)

10 Free from dirt stadium in drought area (4,4)

11 Aid young dog losing lead (4)

KILLER Sudoku Pro

12 A Western capital located in hot island – or islands (6)

Down

2 Prescribed solution for mathematical equation (7)

3 Criminal noting without introduction measure of gold (5)

4 A mix top player represented roughly (13)

5 Revolutionary European opposing journalist crazy state concerning evolution (13)

6 Broadcast about home that’s ruined in an unspecified way (7)

14 Rule about date for medicinal dose (6)

16 Elegant young woman covering back (4)

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

18 Dislike article introducing way of telling story (8)

20 Popular guide is not honest (8)

21 Leave out Oscar with German (4)

7 Some children alarmed regarding a vital organ (5)

13 Principal institute starts to view eagerly public records (7)

15 Leading affliction after turn is wearing away (7)

22 Strong wine’s drunk ending in lethargy (6)

23 Mourn lieutenant that’s penned last word (6)

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

17 It might be observed among British Indians? (5)

19 Frenchman becomes weak when held up violent outbreak (5)

Criminal noting without introduction measure of

(5) 4 A mix top player represented roughly (13) 5 Revolutionary European opposing journalist in crazy state concerning evolution (13)

Broadcast about home that’s ruined in an unspecified way (7)

7 Some children alarmed regarding a vital organ (5)

13 Principal institute starts to view eagerly public records (7)

is

Antiques & Collectibles

Militaria collection auction highlight

DUKE’S has a spectacular double helix of sister auctions coming up, the Autumn Auction and Art & Design post-1880.

Brind’s life and rise through the military, from an oil painting of the general in his youth, to a photo during his years as a colonel, to a miniature portrait after his ascension as a general.

The collection also includes his personal sabre and several medals earned from his campaigns.

The collection stands as manifestation of the Autumn Auction’s qualities, amalgamating historical significance, art, provenance and tradition.

The Autumn Auction is on Wednesday, October 23, at 10.30am followed by the Art & Design post-1880 sale the following day.

Printed catalogues are available alongside the fully illustrated online versions.

Time is money

A 1960s VINTAGE Rolex wristwatch is estimated to sell for thousands of pounds in Charterhouse’s two-day auction of silver, jewellery and watches on October 28-29.

“The Rolex Submariner was bought new by the owner in 1967 with his first pay packet,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

“Working as an engineer, he wanted a watch which would be durable and practical, which it was.”

The Autumn Auction features an array of distinctive period examples including paintings, furniture, textiles, sculpture and silver.

A particular auction highlight is a collection of militaria belonging to General James Brind GCB.

The collection encompasses

Viewing begins at Duke’s Dorchester Fine Art Saleroom on Saturday, October 28.

Find more information on both sales and all upcoming auctions at www.dukes-auctions. com

Moving forward 57 years, the rare ‘meters before feet’ Rolex Submariner is showing its age, with replacement strap and heavily scratched glass, and is in need of a service.

Viewing for the auction starts on Monday, October 28, at The Long Street Salerooms,

Silver, Jewellery & Watch Two Day

Auction 30th & 31st October

Asian, Antiques & Interiors

Auction 1st November

Specialist Valuation Days

Watches, Jewellery & Silver 28th

Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 29th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys 30th

Spring Classic Motorcycle Auction

Further Entries Invited

A collection of militaria belonging to General James Brind GCB

A vintage Rolex Submariner wristwatch could sell for £4,000-6,000 in Charterhouse’s two-day auction on October 28-29

Sherborne, with many lots ideal as Christmas presents.

All lots, with live internet bidding, are available on charterhouse-auction.com.

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for advice and valuations on single items, collections and complete house contents at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, phone 01935 812277 or via info@ charterhouse-auction.com.

Clarke’s Auctions

Antiques & Collectibles Sale

Friday 8th & Saturday 9th November

1999 motorhome sells for £8,000

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley saw some good results at its last sale including a rare 17th century Flemish casket with pressed horn panels depicting scenes of hunters and animals among scrolling foliage, which created a buzz in the saleroom.

It attracted the attention of UK collectors in the room and online bidders, and finally sold for £6,200, including premium, to a collector in Belgium on the-saleroom.com.

Other lots to sell well were a modern French 18ct gold with heavy chain links which made £3,800, a Breitling Navitimer gentleman’s wristwatch sold for £2,600 and the private collection of 19th century and later desk seals collectively fetched £5,400.

In the Motor section a 1999 Volkswagen LT28 Oregon 98

motorhome sold to a lady on the south coast for £8,000 and, for local interest, an Austin Motor Company 25 Years Association commemorative bronze plaque presented to Flanders Garage Ltd in Blandford Forum fetched £280.

Clarke’s holds regular no obligation open valuation days when it has specialist valuers on the premises.

Prospective sellers can take along items to be evaluated or phone to make a specific appointment with a valuer at any time during the month. For consignment into any of Clarke’s future sales or for probate valuations, house clearances or any other queries, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Clarke’s offer free verbal valuations and home visits An 18ct gold & sapphire cigarette case retailed by Garrard & Co. Sold for £5,500.

Now accepting items for this and future sales

SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

For free verbal valuations please contact Head Office & Salesrooms: Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London Asian Arts; Carpets, Rugs & Textiles; and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 9th November SOLD FOR £10,000 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

Antiques & Collectibles

Auction house’s double header

ACREMAN Street Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, has a two-day sale coming up with Antiques & Collectors Jewellery on Thursday, October 24, at 10am, and Silver & Watches on Friday, October 25, at 10am.

Lots include Oriental ceramics; coins and stamps; ceramics, including Villeroy and Boch; furniture; toys, including a large rocking horse; militaria, including a South African medal

group; and collectables, including a large 1954 René Portocarrero (1912-85) abstract ceramic tile depicting a seated king.

Viewing is on Wednesday, October 23, from 10am-4pm, alternatively, the catalogue can be viewed online through Easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com

Acreman is now holding regular valuation days at its

premises at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH where prospective sellers can take in items for its specialists to evaluate.

paintings and contemporary art, Mondays and Saturdays.

Anyone unable to get along to the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment – house visits can also be arranged if required.

Acreman is also accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and can offer advice on items being considered for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk or visit the salerooms, open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm.

23rd October 10am-4pm

Valuation days run from 10am-3pm: Jewellery and watches, Tuesdays and Saturdays; silver and obje't d'art, Tuesdays and Saturdays; toys and collectables, Wednesdays and Saturdays; oriental and Asian, Thursdays and Saturdays; coins, stamps, books and ephemera, Fridays and Saturdays; militaria, Fridays and Saturdays; textiles and fashion, Mondays and Saturdays;

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections.

It can also offer advice and valuations to householders who are downsizing or who need to deal with a whole house and can arrange full house clearances at competitive rates.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 or via the email address above. This 1954 René Portocarrero large ceramic tile could make £100-200

How functional accessory has found a different modern purpose

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms

Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham FOBS used to be a functional accessory but they are now considered to be treasured antiques and even fashionable modern jewellery pieces.

These miniature charms were not only practical but also served as a symbol of status and personal style in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fob seals were important for two reasons:

1

– The weight of them provided a counterweight to a pocket watch: at one end of a watch chain and the fob at the

other so the chain was balanced and one end wouldn’t fall out of the pocket.

2 – They were usually set with a hardstone or a gold or silver panel which could be engraved with a monogram, family crest or motto, typically in Latin. It was used to stamp in molten wax to seal a letter or document giving a clue to the receiver who it was sent from.

Crafted from precious metals such as gold, silver, rolled gold, brass and pinchbeck – an alloy which imitated gold – fobs often featured intricate designs, engraved initials or coats of arms, making them valuable

heirlooms.

The hard stones used were usually carnelian, jasper, bloodstone, laps lazuli, amethyst and citrine, all of which have properties which lend themselves well to carving.

Some of the fobs swivel and had two types of hard stone on them, and some were ornately decorated with shells or serpents.

Today, antique fobs are

highly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate vintage craftsmanship.

They are now also worn as necklaces, stacked together following the latest fashion trend, and are given as keepsakes.

I think it’s wonderful that this fine jewellery tradition has found an albeit different purpose today.

Ultravox instruments and more set for sale

ICONIC

pieces of rock history are set to go under the hammer in Wiltshire - including a guitar used at the legendary Live Aid concert.

Auction house Gardiner Houlgate will host the Chris Cross Ultravox Collection event on December 3.

The sale will features items from the private collection of bass player in the band - famed for hits including Vienna - Chris, real name Chris Allen, including the Fender Squire bass used at the Wembley benefit concert in 1985.

The musician passed away in March, at the age of 71.

He was a founder member of Ultravox, who started out in London in 1974, performing on bass until they disbanded in 1987. Chris went on to become a psychotherapist.

Among other notable items being put up for sale in December are gold discs awarded to Ultravox, including one for seminal Christmas single, Do They Know It's Christmas?, on which Chris sang backing vocals.

Speaking about the auction, Ultravox

frontman Midge Ure, said: "Chris Allen taught me many things.

"From the moment I walked into a seedy rehearsal studio to play my first notes with Ultravox, he taught me about graphics, art, design, photography and of course synthesisers.

"He was an eclectic character, which reflects in the diverse collection of equipment he collected and leaves behind.

"From the Fender Precision Bass he was playing that day to the EMS

A gold disc, recognising sales of

‘briefcase’ synth he used on previous Ultravox recordings, everything here depicts a little piece of Chris’s character and diversity."

The sale will include instruments, studio equipment, vinyl, memorabilia, as well as some personal items. And a proportion of proceeds from the auction will be donated to three charities; Music for Youth, Music for All, and Youth Music.

For more details, log on to gardinerhoulgate.co.uk.

Antique fobs are highly sought after by collectors

the Ultravox album Vienna, is among the lots, as are countless guitars used by Chris, pictured

Home & Garden

Get exercise and good food on farm

A RARE breed farm is once again looking for people who like walking in beautiful countryside and taking good exercise to help at shoot days.

Volunteers are being sought to be part of the beating team on the farm near Cerne Abbas, with the assurance of being well fed with excellent elevenses and a lunch with wine during the day.

Mark Leatham, owner, said: “Anyone who volunteers will make friends with like-minded people, see some wonderful rare breeds, take home a brace of pheasants at the end of day and be able to shoot on the Beaters Day at the end of January.”

He said beaters can expect to walk between two and three miles in beautiful, secluded countryside each day. A number of the volunteers are ex-forces. For more details, call 07973 664524.

Planning and planting roses

by Sally Gregson

THROUGHOUT the summer, despite the rain, the floods and a general lack of warmth and sunshine, many gardeners have been noting and ordering new roses. Mail-order nurseries have the most scrumptious lists –long, and often quite specialised. And if you have succumbed and ordered from them, the roses should start to arrive soon, well wrapped in strong paper bags.

The regulations state that newly grafted roses should have three strong shoots and three root branches. Often the roots seem extremely long, perhaps too long for suffering backs. If they need shortening, use a sharp pair of secateurs to make a clean cut. This will promote branching of the roots at the cut, as if they were above-ground shoots.

Unwrap the roses as soon as they arrive and dunk the roots in a bucket of water until they are planted. Dig a deep hole in a suitably sunny spot where the

rose is to grow and incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure, garden compost or other fibrous organic matter. Position the rose as deeply as possible in the hole. It’s a good thing if the rose is planted too deeply – the flowering wood will be encouraged to root itself as well as the grafted rootstock. Fill the hole with the remaining soil mixed with organic matter, wiggling the rose around to ensure there are no air-holes around the roots.

How to sow broad beans

by Sally Gregson

AS the peak season for harvesting our own vegetables draws to a close, it is time to think ahead, to early next spring, and the next harvest. Broad beans are one of those few crops that are all the better for having spent the winter growing slowly, expanding and making delicious pods. If a row of Aquadulce ‘Claudia’ broad beans is sown in a sunny site before the end of the month, they will produce edible pods before the main avalanche of beans arrives, and with a bit of luck, beat the attentions of those dastardly blackfly. It’s an old-fashioned but green method of pest control.

Clean the projected seed-bed of all weeds, especially perennials like docks, nettles and dandelions. These are all weeds of enriched soil and seem

almost inevitable in a good vegetable garden of wellworked and manured soil. And while you are loosening their long roots, ensure the soil stays loose and well-drained.

Then with a line, mark out a staggered row either side of the string. Sow the beans with the scar facing up to ensure the seeds have good drainage. More seeds are lost through rotting off in damp soil than for any other reason.

Cover the seed with soil using a rake. Invert the head of the rake and tamp it down along the row. And label the row. It can look remarkably similar to all the other worked soil after a week or two of rain.

Then hungry little mice will come out from hiding and tuck in to your carefully prepared seed bed as soon as you leave. It is possible to buy small lengths of very fine wire mesh that can

Then firm it in with your heel, water it well to settle the soil around the roots and replace a layer of loose soil on top. Mulch the rose with organic matter and keep it watered. A handful of slow-release fertiliser works well at this point too. It won’t promote unwanted, instant growth but the nutrients will be readily available when they are needed in spring. By April the young rose should be shooting and even budding – all ready to fulfil its destiny.

be fashioned into tunnels that just need a mesh door at each end.

If these are unavailable, throw some netting on the seed bed. But be vigilant and remove it as soon as the beans germinate – which should be in a week or two in the warm soil. Their seed leaves will soon get

entangled in plastic mesh and it will be impossible to free them. With a bit of luck and a following wind, next spring you can enjoy lots of small, delicious broad beans picked before their leathery skins take over. A knob of butter and a sprinkle of sea-salt and the dish is ready to enjoy!

Broad bean seedlings being planted in rows

17D Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury SP7 9QJ

Home & Garden

WOODBURNING STOVES, new Eco, at discount prices. Previous and ex-display model bargains. Wessex Woodburners. 01747-853110

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647

WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER + OPERATOR HIRE, orchard,neglected area clearance, 07432 773151 blackmorevale.net

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

GARDEN RESCUE. Tel: 01747-821726

Curtain alterations Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

07951 284639

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474

Copyright BlackmoreVale

M & A J Landscaping ~ Fencing ~ Walling ~ Patios/Steps ~ Concreting/Tarmac ~ Tree work ~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377

DAVID KING GARDEN SERVICES

• Hedge cutting

• Tree work & garden maintenance

• Registered waster carrier • Free estimates

• No job too small • 30 years’ experience

• All areas covered 07831 091239

david.king63@aol.co.uk

01935 891195

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

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

GARDEN AND PLANTING DESIGN.

Wildlife gardens and meadows. Expert gardening, plant care and advice. Extensive plant knowledge. Call Stephen and Claire at Manyberries 01963 441454. www.manyberries.co.uk

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER

& 1.5ton digger, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience

Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034

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

PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run

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

LES BENHAM

Garden Property Maintenance

All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work

Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street,Gillingham,Dorset SP84AP

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

Soffits,

R US Get your garden ready for Autumn. Trees, Hedges, Patios, Turf & Fencing call Peter 07976-667130

transit tipper load £260 Half transit tipper load £160 Dumpy bag £100

TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294 BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING - Your local mobile service07760 469411

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale Barn-stored Any size of load If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773-254174 SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £185 double load £105 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250 LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £100 double load £200 dumpy bag £100 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081 LOGS FOR SALE

Home & Garden

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

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling.

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Family run business since 1946

Family run business since 1946

Tel: 01963 250005

Tel: 01963 250005

Mobile: 07976 934 252

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

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

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

All types of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius.

ADVICE &

CALL NEIL: 07974 185923 or 07811 211586.

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

Local Services

CARPETS

JAYS CARPETS

JAYS CARPETS

FREE ESTIMATES

Open 7 days week

Supply/fit Carpets Vinyls

Underlay Gripper Doorbars Next Day Fitting Available Professional with over 20 years experience.

www.jayscarpets.com 07790340846

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

B SNOOK CHIMNEYS

Problem Chimneys

Brush back and sweep

Includes Bird guards, Cowls & pots (re-fixing)

Insurance cover certificate for £5 mill pounds.

Donhead: 01747 828904

CHIMNEYS

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING

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

MARTIN SIMMONDS CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional 07368-250305 or 01747 590799 K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

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

 :0125 8 455947 :phoenixchimneys1@gmail com

Services

• Wood & multi-fuel stove installation

• New build houses – No chimney No problem

• Electric fire installation

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

• Metal twin wall chimney installations

• False fireplaces & media walls

• Chimney take down rebuilds

• Hetas inspection repair to current regs

• Log burner flexi liner installations

• Fireplace alterations drone surveys

• Cherry picker & scaffold if required

• Thatch property wood burners

• Plastering rendering exterior decorating

WWW.STOVEANDCHIMNEYSOLUTIONS.COM

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business

Covering The Blackmore Vale Area Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

FRIENDLY LOCAL EX BT TELECOM & WIFI ENGINEER. Problems solved, fully insured & DBS checked. 35 years experience. Adrian 07799 105008

Joseph Crocker Computers

Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices

OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

• Sell online easily,

• Buying advice, setup and installation

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

Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

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

M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07534952486 / 01305-849380

PAUL WEST DECORATING SERVICES and wall-paper specialist. Also hand-man. 35years experience. Free quotes. 07773-459168. paul.west945@gmail.com

INTERIOR PAINTER & DECORATOR - Excellent quality work, attention to detail. References available. Free no obligation quote. Call Kerry - 07785-912667

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

Painting & Decorating

Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

35 Years Experience

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

‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

LES BENHAM

Painting Services, Property Maintenance, Domestic/ Commercial Inside or Out, Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk /checkatrade

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Endings and beginnings

by Susanna Curtin

I HAVE never liked ‘endings’. There is a sadness when something lovely comes to its finale. But without endings, there are no new beginnings.

It’s a law of nature that life continually seeks places to prosper and germinate in a perpetuating cycle of existence. As my family would often tell me: “When one door closes, another will open” – a thought that has always brought some comfort. Although autumn is often described as a period when everything is coming to a close, it is really a period of new beginnings. As we light the home fires and hunker down for the chilly, dark evenings, the seeds of next year are already being sown by the autumn winds.

Today, after yet more rain, the crispy air and blue sky have enticed me out into the countryside for a long autumn walk. The colours are gradually deepening, more leaves are dropping from the trees and the vegetation that lines the verges of the lanes and paths is rapidly dying back, leaving the

browning stalks and the white, feathery seeds of the willowherbs and thistles.

Pushing through overgrown brambles on my way down to the river, I come across rows of umbellifer seedheads that are architecturally magnificent against the clear sky.

Umbellifers are from the Apiaceae family, and are characterised by their parasolshaped clusters of tiny flowers. My favourites are the large headed hogweeds that dominate the hedgerows, the hemlocks and the wild carrots which have a denser flower and seedheads that curl into the shape of a bird’s nest.

As I crunch through the autumn leaves beside the woods, I am reminded of my childhood and of the collages we used to make at this time of year with coloured leaves and seeds gathered from the forest floor. The chestnut-coloured conkers, the fine papery helicopter seeds of the field maples, sycamores and ash, and the acorns in their little cups were always my favourites. These were literally the seeds of

my childhood that instilled in me a passion for nature that has lasted my lifetime.

Each individual seed is a unit of production that has all the components it requires to reproduce another plant. Inside its protective coating and nutritional tissue, is a ripened and fertilised ‘ovule’, and inside this, is an active embryo with its own tiny root, stem and leaf, just waiting for the right conditions to germinate. But first, they have to travel as far as they can. Seeds are distributed by wind, gravity, water and by animals and us.

Some plants, for example, Himalayan balsam, witch hazel and impatiens, even use ballistic means to propel themselves as far away from the parent plant as possible. This is when the seedpods dry out and split open, catapulting seeds far and wide to avoid competition with their other fellow seedlings.

While most seeds have a relatively short lifespan, some, like our common poppies, have a seed longevity of up to 100 years and can suddenly burst into life when a field has been ploughed.

Then, of course, there are the seeds that sail. Combing the beaches of Cornwall, I used to delight in finding ‘sea beans’ which are sufficiently buoyant seed pods that have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from the Americas. They are also

known as ‘drift seeds’ and are produced by tropical trees that have overhung water.

When I eventually tidy my garden in preparation for next year, there will be something inherently rewarding about gathering, labelling and storing the prospect of future fruits and flowers, and also in planning and imagining my future garden. Many of the seed heads are so attractive that I like to leave them just for their structural interest, especially when adorned with winter frosts. They also provide a good food source for wintering birds. So, as this, anonymous poem recounts: “From tiny seeds, new life springs, tomorrow’s joy in what they bring, roots take hold, the future’s bright, as in every seed, there is new light”. It has been a beautiful day, and as I make my way home, I contemplate the philosophy of endings and beginnings. Buddhist philosophy would have it that endings and beginnings are a fundamental part of life and that we cannot escape impermanence –everything that has a beginning has an ending and vice versa. In nature, it is cyclical where the end of the day is just the beginning of night. The seeds of autumn are thus not the end of the grandeur but the beginning of the grandeur to come.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

Herbs and a holiday in Greece

by Fiona Chapman

THE rain this week, as I write, has been Biblical. The worst storm for 100 years is hitting Florida. We need to listen to nature and realise we cannot defeat her but should support and live in harmony with her. Likewise, we should listen to our intuition. On my last day of a lovely holiday in Greece, I woke up knowing I should not get on the scooter we had arranged to travel around. I ignored it, got on the scooter and came off it again at 25mph onto a Tarmac road. I was helped by a lovely Greek taxi driver and two –

rather attractive, so my husband said – girls who gave up an hour of their weekend to take me to the medical centre. (I did notice lots of hugging going on between my husband and the girls, so that cheered him up!).

We had been on a walking holiday, which is one of the best ways to see the country, the habitat and any wildlife. (Sadly, not much of that). As we walked, the whole air was scented by the most wonderful herbs.

Melissa pervaded the olive groves – it does not have quite the same scent and has smaller leaves than the UK version, but

on further research it is an important Greek herb named after the nymph Melissa who nursed Zeus and discovered how to use honey – hence it signifying honey in Greek.

Melissa is used for those in ‘depressive states’ and, after smelling it, you can only feel calm and happy!

Lesser calamint smelt wonderful as we brushed past. This can be made into a tea for stomach upsets and wind and is said to make a man merry.

We also came across pokeweed, or Phytolacca, which, as my husband said, you

only need to look at to know is poisonous. It is, if you don’t prepare it properly, and is on the schedule 20 – restricted herbs list. It can be used in very small doses to treat several conditions, from gastrointestinal disorders to cancer.

A Greek tea can be bought full of herbs from the mountains and valleys, often with a lot of sage, again abundant growing wild. Sage, among other things, improves memory and concentration.

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

Mindfulness: What is it and how could it help you?

by Emma Holmes

IN today’s busy world, we can begin to feel stress, overwhelm and anxiety more quickly and frequently. One way to manage these challenges is to find support in the practice of mindfulness. Although mindfulness stems from ancient traditions, it can help us manage our emotions, thoughts and improve our general wellbeing in the modern day.

Mindfulness entails giving our full attention to the current moment and purposefully focusing on the here and now. It encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings as they arise, without getting caught up in them. It is necessary to do this without adding our own judgements to the thoughts. Mindfulness helps create a sense of awareness and acceptance, allowing us to explore and view our inner world more easily.

There are many ways in which mindfulness can help with anxiety and stress. It can reduce overthinking, improve emotional regulation, increase self-awareness and help you enter a more relaxed state.

Many people find themselves overthinking in times of anxiety and stress. By using mindfulness, individuals can train their mind to focus on the present rather than thoughts

Mindfulness helps the whole body to be in a rested, relaxed state

rooted in the past, or the future. Studies have been conducted to show just how effective it can be, and the results illustrated a significant reduction in overthinking after people began mindfulness practice.

When we think worrying thoughts we can begin to react emotionally to these thoughts. To manage these responses, we need emotional regulation skills. Mindfulness promotes the awareness of our responses and the reduction of judgement attached to our thoughts. When we can view a thought without judgement, we no longer have to have a response to it. We can accept the thought as just being a thought and remain in a sense of calm.

By regularly practising mindfulness we become more aware of what is going on within us. We can notice

CARE FOR OAPS INCLUDING NAIL CUTTING, shaving, massage, sleep over care. Joyce, 07591 760333

experience this rested state the better equipped we are to deal with more stressful moments. There are so many ways to practise mindfulness, including body scans, meditations, breath work and mindful based tasks. Lots of apps and books are available to help you start your journey. Counsellors and therapists can also guide you to find a practice that works for you. Mindfulness can be done in as little as a few minutes a day and can make a big difference to your life.

changes in our body, mind, mood and state. We become more attuned and can begin to notice the start of stress and anxiety before they become more out of control.

Mindfulness helps the whole body to be in a rested, relaxed state. The more often our bodies

DOM MARSHALL THERAPEUTIC AND HOLISTIC MASSAGE, incl. Clinical Massage for chronic pain. Nr. Milborne Port, Sherborne, and home visits. 07710 652434 trefoilwellbeing.com

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

REIKI MASTER TEACHER

For healing, physical and mental wellness. Call Anthony on 07860-903526

EAR WAX REMOVAL AND FOOT CARE - For comfortable and effective ear wax removal and gentle foot care, call Holly on 07795 694794.

Real ale lovers hail The Sailor’s Return

THE Sailor’s Return in East Chaldon has won a special award from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pub, owned and run by landlords Tom and Amelia Brachi, won West Dorset CAMRA’s Beer Drinkers’ Pub of the Year Award.

The new award is for the pub in the area that serves the best cask conditioned real ale, but has different qualification criteria to the Pub of the Year award.

CAMRA members judged the award throughout the year via the organisation’s ‘Whatpub’ website, awarding marks for the quality of their pint.

Tom said: “We’re very surprised but thrilled to be awarded this accolade!

“As much as it’s CAMRA members’ recognition of quality, hopefully it reflects well on some great people in the south west producing a lovely product.

“Bar one well known Irish product, all our beers, lagers and ciders are made here on the south coast, and we want to support these great people without the need to look at larger or international brands.”

West Dorset CAMRA chair, Bruce Mead, said: “This is a new award for this year which recognises the pub that serves real ale of the highest standard across the year.

“The Sailor’s Return is a thoroughly deserving winner, and I can’t wait to visit again soon, to sample one of their excellently kept beers.”

n This award is run in conjunction with the launch and publication of the its 51st edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2025 available now.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

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

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

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

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

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

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

We

hope to see you soon, Cheers, Peter & Karlene

The Sailor’s Arms publicans Tom and Amelia Brachi with Bruce Mead (centre) West Dorset CAMRA chair PHOTO: Kylie Stroud

Annie’s ‘goldfish’ casserole!

THIS is my recipe for Herefordshire blade of beef tournado, slow braised in red wine and herbs, garlic and red shallots.

In case you’re wondering, I thought the carrots in the picture looked like goldfish!

Ingredients (serves 4)

1kg blade of beef cut into four large pieces (tornedo)

8 mini shallots peeled, keep whole

4 cloves garlic smash

1 stick celery, sliced thinly

6 medium carrots

1 bottle red wine

Handful of thyme

Maldon salt and cracked pepper

Method

Brown off the shallots in a frying pan, adding the celery pieces and smashed garlic. Put into a casserole dish.

Brown the large steak pieces on all sides in the pan and add to the dish. Add the thyme, a good squeeze of tomato purée and a beef stock cube.

Add the red wine to the frying pan, which will ‘clean’ the delicious flavours, and pour into the casserole pot.

Add the carrots.

Top up the casserole pot with water to well cover the ingredients, if needed.

Put the lid on and place in the oven for four to six hours on 150 degrees or until really tender.

To thicken after the casserole has cooked, make 50g butter and 50g plain flour into inch-size balls.

Strain the casserole, leaving the gravy wine in the pan, put onto boil and add the butter and flour balls, whisking all the

Time for music

On Thursday 31st October enjoy a little light music with your meal.

Our jazz nights fall on the last Thursday of each month and are enormously popular - come and see for yourself!

If you’re seeking a different vibe, our next Live Lounge lands on Friday 15th November - unwind with a signature Clockspire cocktail and our DJ’s chilled Ibiza vibes.

Just stop by - but we recommend booking a table if you think you’d like to eat.

Join our mailing list to stay up to datewith the latest events - visit our website.

time. The gravy will thicken and be beautifully glossy.

Serve with buttery mash and greens.

n Annie des Forges, Director/

Chef The Table Bruton; Annie Austin, Director/Host and Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip. Email, annie@thetablebruton. com.

Time to celebrate!

Join us at The Clockspire as we ring in the season – it’s our favourite time of year!

Perfect for groups and office parties, or simply to enjoy – our festive menu is filled with tempting flavours of the season. Start your celebrations with a bang.

2 courses £39 // 3 courses £45

Our Festive Set Menu will be served Wednesday – Friday at lunch and Wednesday – Thursday at dinner, from 27th November.

Herefordshire blade of beef tournado – a warming dish for autumn

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT 11 0QW

Half a pig approx £130.

Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, f ruit, veg, f ree range eggs and lots more.

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

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

01258 450050

Food and drink festival at Athelhampton House

DORSET Food & Drink Winter Food Fair is coming to Athelhampton House & Gardens at Puddletown next month.

The event will feature a ‘curated selection’ of more than 60 stallholders offering everything from local cheese, craft cider and chilli sauces to preserves, cakes and savouries – and a hog roast.

In the run up to the festive season, homewares, art, leather goods and homemade gifts for all budgets will also be for sale.

Musicians Blue Bridge, Barbara Gasior and Aaron Carter will entertain visitors over the weekend, and festival favourites Doctor Jazz will be playing on Saturday.

Dorset Food & Drink coordinator Caz Richards said: “The build up to the festive season can be heart-warming, but we’re ever conscious about how best to spend our money in an ethical and sustainable way.

“So we’re championing a ‘local Christmas’ and sourcing gifts and food from businesses on your doorstep.”

Caz added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors where they will be able to buy something small and tasty or perhaps splash out on a unique foodie or artisan gift.

“Either way, we hope that visitors will enjoy meeting the producers, discover new products or stock up on their favourites.”

Caz said the most stallholders accept card payments but wi-fi can sometimes be a bit slow, so it is a good idea to take some cash.

Dorset Food & Drink Winter Food Fair is on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, from 10am-3pm.

Tickets are available at www. athelhampton.com and are priced £5 – £7.50 on the gate –under-12s free.

Check tyres and have a safe TRIP

MORE than half (55%) of UK drivers do not always check their tyre tread before a long journey, new research from National Highways reveals as its new autumn safety campaign is launched.

In addition, more than a fifth (21%) of those who take long journeys and have broken down on the motorway, think their breakdown could have been avoided if they had conducted proper tyre checks before setting off.

Last year, there were more than 51,500 tyre-related breakdowns on England’s motorways and major A-roads, an increase of 14% since 2022. During October last year there were 4,053 tyre-related breakdowns, averaging around 131 incidents a day.

This autumn National

Highways has joined forces with Kwik Fit to spread potentially lifesaving safety tips. These include encouraging drivers to check both the tread and pressure of their tyres to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and reduce the risk of collisions.

As the weather changes, drivers are reminded to have a safe TRIP: Top-up, Rest, Inspect and Prepare. The handy acronym is a checklist: Top-up – fuel, water and oil

statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of tyre safety, particularly ahead of long journeys. Breakdowns caused by tyre issues are not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous for both the driver and other road users.

“We’re urging drivers to take a few minutes to check their tyre tread and pressure before setting off. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your safety on the roads.”

Rest – every two hours

Inspect – tyres and lights

Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the traffic and weather forecasts

Head of national road user safety at National Highways Matt Staton said: “These

Kwik Fit’s communications director Roger Griggs said:

“While punctures are sometimes unavoidable, many tyre problems can be prevented with the correct maintenance. Drivers should regularly check tread depth and pressures, particularly ahead of long journeys. Having sufficient grip is even more important in wet weather, and this will be severely compromised by low tread or incorrect inflation.

Technology can provide drivers with an increasing range of safety features in their car, but the most critical factor will always be the ability to steer and stop effectively.”

Tyre safety tips

n Check your tyre tread: Ensure the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm. If in doubt, use the ‘20p test’ – place a 20p coin into the tread; if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres may be unsafe. Failure to comply can result in £2,500 fine and up to three points on your license for each tyre below the limit.

n Check your tyre pressure: Refer to your vehicle handbook for the correct pressure and check tyres when they are cold for accurate results.

n Inspect for damage: Regularly look for cuts, bulges, or objects embedded in your tyres.

n Tyre Check: Kwik – Fit offers free no obligation tyre checks for those concerned about the condition of their tyres.

Motoring

KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, 76,900 miles .........................................................£6450

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1

Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles …………….£23000 + VAT = £27600

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11

Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt kit has been replaced, 90,200 miles ..................................................£21000 + VAT = £25200

2016 (16) Kia Sportage 3, 1.7CRDi SUV 5dr. 114bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise, auto lights & wipers, leather, heated seats front & rear, hill hold, 48,500 miles .......................................................................... £10950

2012 (12) Landrover Discovery 4, 3.0TD V6 GS 7 Seat Automatic 4x4 Station Wagon 5dr. 8 speed auto gearbox, MOT Sept 25, timing belts replaced 2021, customers car, no warranty, 155,400 miles ...............£5000

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

VW ESTATE, 02. Excellent order, 4 new tyres , MOT August , full service record, £1500 ono. Ring 01747-838477

RENAULT TRAFFIC BUSINESS+ PANEL VAN. white. good condition. 1600cc, MOT till 12/8/25. Reg 2017. Mileage 136196. ply-board inside, slight damage to n/s front bumper. price reflects this £8250.00. Tel: 07946-396912

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

SMART PASSION CONVERTIBLE 2016 Yellow/ Silver. Automatic, very economical Petrol 31000 miles. Zero Tax, ULEZ free. £7895. Phone 07900932433

2015 (65) Mini Countryman 2.0TD Cooper S D SUV 5dr. 143bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Chili pack, park sensors, auto lights & wipers, hill hold, ½ leather, heated seats, cruise, upto 60mpg, 83,800 miles ............................................................................................£6450

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles ..........................................................................................£12250

2012 (62) Renault Scenic 1.5DCi Dynamique Tom Tom 5 Seat MPV 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, cruise, park sensors, auto lights & wipers, £20 tax, 68mpg, cambelt replaced, 81,800 miles ...........................................................................................DUE IN

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, 63,600 miles ...............£6950

2016 (66) Volvo V40 2.0TD D2 R-Design 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, ½ leather, heated seats, cruise, auto lights & wipers, hill hold, FREE tax, upto 83mpg, 88,500 miles ..........£8250

DIAMOND CELEBRATION FOR PENSELWOOD COUPLE

James & Dale Sutton celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary with their family on 24th October at The Grange at Oborne.

Born at Templecombe, James then lived at Milton, Fifehead Magdelene and Cuclington before he met Dale in 1963, who lived in Fivehead. They married the following year, moving to a small village just outside Cheltenham to an old black and white house which was once the home of pilot amy Johnson.

James worked as a design engineer at Dowty Mining Equipment for 15 years, but with the demise of the coal industry they decided to move back to Somerset, settling in Penselwood, where they have been for the last 45 years. James went onto work with Westland Helicopters, seeing the development of the EH101 helicopter from initial concepts to the final production.

The couple has a son Tristan and a daughter Chloe, and between them they have six grandsons and one granddaughter.

On retirement they have a large garden and a menagerie of animals which keeps them busy and gives them great pleasure. They have created a Nature Reserve in a two acre field with three large ponds, two of which have islands for the wild ducks to nest on.

They have also enjoyed going on day trips to all sorts of places all over Europe - and have made 49 to date to 35 different destinations, with their favourites being Venice, Rome and Florence.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence.

Logical Transport South West Ltd, 65 Bishopsworth Road, Bristol, BS13 7JW is applying for a licence to use Logical Transport, Torbay Road Industrial Estate, Torbay Road, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7DT as an operating centre for 5 goods vehicles and 5 trailers

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyments of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, s86 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

THANK YOU

Bill and family wish to thank all who sent cards of sympathy and attended Mon’s funeral.

Special thanks to the Drs from Tisbury Surgery & the District nurses from Wilton Community Hub for all they did to make Mon’s last days as peaceful & pain free as possible.

Thanks to Ian Merefield & his team for the way they attended Mon on her last journey.

Very special thanks to Della & Jen for the way they cared for Mon on their coffee mornings in Shaftesbury, Also to the Rev. Kate Macfarlane for visiting Mon in her last days & for the lovely funeral service and her attendance at the grave.

IN MEMORIAM

DEATHS

Dorothy “Violet” Welch

16.08.1930 - 12.10.2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy “Violet” Welch on the afternoon of Saturday, October 12th at the age of 94. Violet was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. In honouring their wishes, there will be no funeral service. We kindly request that anyone who knew her enjoy a small sherry on her behalf. May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband, James George Welch.

ANNE PACE

Aged 73, passed away peacefully on 18th September 2024. A beloved resident of Gillingham, Dorset, for over 35 years, Anne was a true pillar of her community. Her warm spirit shone brightly through her involvement in the local choir and walking group, where she fostered friendships and shared her love for music and the outdoors. She is survived by her son, James, and her sister, Patricia, who will forever cherish her memory. Anne will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joan Anderson

Passed away peacefully on 1st October 2024 at The Malthouse Care Home, Gillingham, aged 90 years. Formerly of East Stour and latterly, Guys Marsh. Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother.

Funeral service at Christ Church East Stour on Monday, 11th November at 1.30pm.

Followed by private cremation. No flowers please. Donations if desired, for Dementia UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

ROBIN MARY GALE

Passed away peacefully at Henford House Nursing Home, Warminster on 4th October 2024 aged 89 Years Robin will be greatly missed by all family and friends. Funeral Service to take place on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at St Mary’s Church, Upton Scudamore at 11am Donations if desired, Made payable to St Mary’s Church may be sent C/o Iles and Vincent Funeral Services, 14 The Cornmarket, Warminster BA12 9BX Tel 01985 220161

Lionel Hansford

died peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on Saturday 12th October 2024 aged 95.

Funeral service to be held at St Simon & St Jude’s Church Milton - on Stour on Monday 4th November 12:00. Family flowers only, donations can be given at the service for Cancer Research UK

Enquiries to: Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL, Tel: 01747 822494

CROAD Ivan Henry

Suddenly on 29th September 2024 at home in Sturminster Newton, aged 78 years. Much loved family member and friend. Funeral service at Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton on Thursday 14th November at 11.00am, followed by private cremation. No flowers please.

Donations if desired, for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570

Veronica Suzanne Fletcher

‘’ Vonnie’’

On the 9th October 2024 passed peacefully away surrounded by her family aged 85 years of Shaftesbury Funeral service takes place at St James Church Shaftesbury On Friday 15th November at 1pm.

No flowers please but donations if desired for Cancer Research UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

ADAM - Hazel Mary nee Symes

DEATHS

passed away peacefully on 9th October 2024. Beloved wife of the late Roy, dearly loved mother of Stuart and Suzie, a devoted grandmother and great grandmother. A thanksgiving service will take place at St Martin’s Church, Cheselbourne on Monday, 28 October at 2.00pm. Family flowers only donations if desired for The British Heart Foundation which may be given online at www.ajwakely.com or sent to A J Wakely & Sons, 91 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LB.

Denise Caroline Claydon (Dee)

A much loved and joyful wife, mother and grandmother who will be sadly missed by all whose lives were touched by her. Passed away unexpectedly on 2 October. Funeral to be held at Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground Service Hall on Wednesday 6th November at 2 pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made by cheque payable to the Alzheimer’s Society and sent care of Cooperative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QT

DEANE Mary Alison

Peacefully on 9th October 2024 at home in Sturminster Newton, aged 93 years. Beloved Wife of the late Tony. Dearly loved Mother of Sara, Jonathan and Fiona. Much loved Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Mother In-Law and friend. Private cremation. Service of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Friday, 8th November at 2.00pm. Donations if desired, for Julia’s House can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570

KINDRED Hilary ‘ABBIE’

Peacefully on 9th October 2024, aged 85 years, surrounded by her loving family.

Much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Funeral service will take place at Sherborne Cemetery Chapel on Wednesday 13th November at 12noon, followed by interment in Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations if desired made payable to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can be sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW or can be made online by visiting www.grassby-funeral.co.uk

JAMES – Wendy Margaret

On 12th October 2024, peacefully at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital aged 77 years. Beloved widow of the late Geoffrey James, Stepmother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and in latter years Partner. Funeral service to take place at The Halo Ceremony Hall (formerly Poole Crematorium) on Friday 8th November 2024 at 11am. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for Association of Friends of Zetland Court may be made online at www.oharafunerals.co.uk.

Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors Wimborne 01202 882134

ADRIAN MARK BROWN

On 3rd October 2024 peacefully at home aged 54 years of Shaftesbury. A graveside service will take place at St Andrews Church, Fontmell Magna on Friday 1st November at 11am

Donations if desired for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

Martin Whatmore (of Sherborne)

Passed away peacefully at home on 9th October, 2024, aged 85 years, with his family at his side. Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 1st November, 2024 at 2.00pm. At Martin’s request no black or red to be worn, please wear smart casual attire. Family flowers only, donations if desired for Marie Curie may be sent c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. (Please make cheques payable to the charity)

Peter James Warren. 6th March 1946 ~ 4th October 2024

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of a truly beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend after a brave battle, peacefully at home with his wife Julie. He will be sorely missed.

A big thank you to St. Margaret’s Hospice, Wincanton Health Centre and the District Nurse Team for all their support. Funeral to be held on Wednesday 30th of October 2024, 2.30p.m. at Mendip Crematorium.

Please wear what you wish.

Donations, if desired, to St. Margaret’s Hospice or R.N.L.I. Please make cheques payable to your chosen charity. All enquiries to A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

Oborne Robin George

Aged 76 years. Of Tisbury. On 15th October 2024, passed away at Bramley House Care Home, Mere.

A much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Celebration of Robin’s life at West Barn Lodge, Fovant, SP3-5LL, on Tuesday 12th November at 2pm. Smart/Casual. Donations in memory of Robin are being invited for The Alzheimer’s Society. c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22-7ES. Tel: 01963-440367

Brian John Davis

Passed peacefully on 1st October 2024, aged 78. Much loved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Partner, and Friend.

Funeral Service will be held at Harbour View on Monday 28th October 2024 @ 2.30pm in The Long Barrow Ceremony Hall. Family flowers only please but donations in memory of Brian for Friends of Blandford Community Hospital, c/o Harbour View.

A

ADS Place your ad today Rachelle Cooper Classified Ads call 01963 400186

A

& Sons

A J Wakely& Sons

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

J Wakely&

J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

A

Independent Family Funeral Directors

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

Sons

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

• Prepaid funeral plans also available

• Prepaid funeral plans also available

•

• Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Tel: 01935 816817 Tel: 01963 31310 Hour Service –available including our Land Rover Hearse

J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance. Pre-payment plans available Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Pre-payment plans available

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Pre-payment plans available

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

• Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism Available 24 hours a day. Find

contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans available

member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Recruitment

Menopause and women at work

SOME 82% of UK employers offer general sick leave but only 6% offer menopause leave, according to global specialist recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

It highlighted the figures following World Menopause Day last week.

A further 66% of female professionals do not think their employer provides enough support for those experiencing perimenopause or menopause at work.

And if experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, 37% stated they would ‘try to cope’ or ‘ignore it’.

Almost a fifth would disguise it as a ‘general illness’.

Over half (58%) of female professionals are actively worried about the impact experiencing menopause may

TRACTOR DRIVER/ STOCKMAN. Wanted between Wincanton & Bruton. On Dairy and Beef Farm. Tel: 07812-009364

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

have on their work – due to the need to work from home, take time out or from reduced productivity due to low mood or lethargy.

Lucy Bisset, director of Robert Walters, said:

“Menopausal women represent a significant proportion of the UK workforce, yet our research highlights how workplace support for them is almost non-existent.

“This leaves women having to cope with a range of symptoms alone – ranging from hot flushes, low mood and migraines – so it’s no wonder many try to push them to the back of their mind.

“Not only are professionals covering up their symptoms –but there is a mounting worry among those yet to experience menopause that when they do, it will negatively impact their

SMALL CHEESE BUSINESS looking for Production Staff Hours to suit. Apply 01963 32231 for further details

EXCELLENT, RELIABLE

CLEANER required weekly in Chalke valley £18 per hour 07790-524241

CLEANER REQUIRED FOR DISABLED BACHELOR living in 2 bedroom bungalow, easily cleaned. In Iwerne Minster, Dorset DT11 8PQ. Approx 3 hours a week, £20 an hour. Cleaning materials will be provided. Please call Ludo on 07546681958 or 08722125909. Call anytime.

Head Housekeeper required

PLUMBER MANOR hotel at Sturminster Newton requires a head housekeeper for 5 mornings a week (including some weekend work). 8am-12.30pm but hours are variable depending on occupancy. Pleasant working conditions doing up to 16 bedrooms and bathrooms to a high standard. Previous experience would be helpful and references required as you would also be in contact with our guests. Own transport essential and ability to work on your own and as part of a team.

Duties will include managing the rotas for your team, liasing with the laundry service and the office staff for supplies.

Please email book@plumbermanor.co.uk with your CV. If you have any queries please ring 01258 472507

work, for example, delaying or diminishing chances of progression.

“Something that is a natural biological process for almost half of our workforce shouldn’t be having such negative repercussions at work. There have been numerous calls for better support for those going through menopause, however we are yet to see a real difference in this space.

“Improving support doesn’t have to be complicated or even time-consuming.

“Employers can start with creating space for open discussion around menopause at

work, helping to reduce any ‘taboo’ or discomfort around the topic.

“As with implementing any workforce change, asking for feedback from those currently experiencing or who have experienced menopause about what support they’d value most in the workplace is a great first step – whether that be ramped up hybrid-working, flexi-work times or even time off for those with severe symptoms.”

The findings come from Robert Walters’ Benefits Guide, which surveyed more than 3,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland.

P/T QUALIFIED EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER required at Dinton Pre-School to cover maternity leave with possibility of permanent hours afterwards. Term Time. Hours negotiable . Contact Alison on: 01722 716011 or enquiries@dinton-pre-school.co.uk

VERY EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER/ personal assistant (days/nights)/ finance/ operations management available remotely , DBS and insured. 07859-337637

LADY CARER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE has availability for all aspects of care from personal, shopping, appointments, meals, companionship, all with kindness and support. DBS and insured. Call Sarah on 07530 631847

DRIVERS REQUIRED, transporting students. Full time. Holiday pay. Pension Scheme. Further details: 07813-209841

CARER/COMPANIONMarnhull, 3 days/nights per week 24 hour live in Carer/ Companion with household duties for elderly lady Call 07807-046119

CARPENTER

Perry & Son Ltd are looking for a qualified, experienced and conscientous carpenter to join our team.

Tel 01747 811 285

Copyright BlackmoreVale

Nazereth Lodge Residential Care Home Penny St, Sturminster Newton DT10 1DE

CARE ASSISSTANT VACANCY DAY SHIFT

Are you looking for more income plus great job satisfaction? If you are interested in joining us we would be delighted to hear from you.

Whilst we prefer applicants to have previous experience, we can offer training to someone who demonstrates a genuine interest in older people and fully understands the meaning of “dignity and respect”.

Please note this position requires a commitment to alternate weekends. Nazereth Lodge rated as an “Outstanding” home by the Care Quality Commission.

Please contact us during office hours if you would like further information. Telephone: 01258 472511 or email: care@nazareth-lodge.co.uk

SKILLED GROUNDWORKER/PLANT OPERATOR

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team. Ability to set out & read drawings preferred. Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail.

We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

Recruitment

Port Regis is a delightful preparatory school, for day and boarding children aged 2-13, in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

We are seeking to recruit to the following roles: HOUSEKEEPER

NETBALL COACH

Applications are invited from candidates who are forward-thinking and big-hearted, who model great drive and enthusiasm.

The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website - portregis.com/vacancies

Early applications encouraged

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks.

Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Grounds Assistant Required Autumn 2024

A hard-working and adaptable person is required to join our small grounds team caring for our sports pitches, grounds and gardens. No previous experience necessary. All training provided.

For further details, please contact: Rupert Burnell-Nugent, Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD Tel: 01725 516329 bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org

Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves contact with children and is classed as “regulated activity” by the UK government. As such, a number of mandated pre-employment checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken to ensure that the successful candidate is suitable for work with children. Additionally, suitability for work with children will be assessed by taking up appropriate references and at interview. Finally, candidates should be aware that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Diseases spread from animals to humans

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

ZOONOTIC diseases are diseases spread from animals to humans, but the term can also be applied to infections that transfer from humans to animals.

Many diseases and parasites are fairly host specific – they only cause disease in the species they have adapted to infect. For instance, canine hepatitis virus only infects canids and caniforms – such as otters – and the human pinworm only infects humans.

FLAT COATED RETRIEVER PUPPIES. KC reg. Outstanding temperament. Microchipped. insured. Fully vaccinated. Available due to time wasters. Tel: 01963-458199/ 07736-886736

C.B. Brett & Son

Pet & Wildlife

Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food

Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories

Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107

Some diseases, such as rapidly mutating viruses including avian influenza – bird flu – can start off infecting one species and mutate to infect others. Sometimes these are dead end hosts – where infection does not spread further – but, in others, further mutation may occur. This happened with Covid-19 where, on mink farms in Europe, humans infected mink, the virus mutated within the mink and a new form of infection was transferred back to in-contact humans.

Many infections have no host specificity and many species

WORKING COCKER SPANIEL PUPPIES,KC reg, both parents health tested, fully vaccinated,can be seen with mum.dob 12/6/2024.£750 07976-904175

BEAUTIFUL BOXER PUPPIES. 1 brindle female. 1 white male. Fully vaccinated and microchipped. 07581-304656.

1 REMAINING BLACK WORKING

COCKER SPANIEL PUPPY (Female) docked & declawed. Vaccinated & chipped Ready now. £650 (Non KCR) 07983-622499

During the Covid-19 pandemic, humans infected mink on mink farms in Europe. The virus then mutated within the mink and a new form of infection was transferred back to in-contact humans

species. Many infections are only a risk to immunocompromised humans, but infections can be severe. Ensure good hygiene around pets and after handling farm animals.

can become infected. Some will be carried by one species without causing disease, but these can infect others, causing disease. For instance, reptiles can carry salmonella and commercial poultry units carry campylobacter, which rarely cause disease within these species, but can readily infect other species, including humans.

As humans we should be aware of infections that we can catch from pets and farm animals. A common one is ringworm, and this can be picked up from many different

Pierre needs a home

SOME 118 animals at national RSPCA centres have been waiting more than 100 days for a new home – including Pierre from Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Hampshire. Pierre – pictured – has spent 127 days at the centre, without being offered a forever home, highlighting a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. He still has a little way to go on his training journey but will make a fun and rewarding companion to the family who choose him.

Where raw food is fed to pets, ensure correct handling and avoid contact between young children with raw food, raw treats and dog bowls. Where raw meat is sourced from commercial units, high levels of bacterial contamination is likely to be present and antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are isolated more frequently from raw-fed dogs compared to non-raw fed dogs. Infections can also spread from humans to animals. For example, a number of cases of canine tuberculosis in the UK have occurred when infected humans caused disease in their pets. Ferrets are very susceptible to the human influenza virus and can become very ill if infected.

Being aware of potential diseases is important so that we can take simple hygiene steps to reduce risk, but this should not stop us enjoying the companionship and other health benefits that pet ownership brings.

Across England and Wales, the average length of time dogs, cats and rabbits are having to wait before someone adopts them has risen by almost one-third (31%) over the past five years – from 31.7 days in 2019 to 41.4 days in 2023 –according to new data from the RSPCA. Consequently, many rehoming centres are unable to take in new animals – with many in costly emergency boarding centres while they wait for space.

Halloween tips for dog owners: Keeping your pet safe and happy

by Raychel Curson

HALLOWEEN can be a fun and exciting time for families, but it also presents potential hazards and can be a bit overwhelming for our furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your dogs and cats safe and comfortable during the spooky season:

Sweets

Halloween treats can be dangerous for pets. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, and candy containing xylitol – a sugar substitute – are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep all candy and wrappers out of reach. If you think your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.

Costumes

While pet costumes can be adorable, always prioritise comfort and safety. If you do decide to dress them up, ensure the costume fits well, doesn’t restrict movement or have small parts that could be a choking hazard. Always supervise your pet when they’re in costume, and if they seem uncomfortable, it’s best to stick to a simple Halloween-themed bandana or collar.

Safe place

Trick-or-treaters, doorbells and

strangers in costumes can be stressful for pets. Create a quiet, safe space for your dog or cat where they can retreat during the evening. This could be a separate room with familiar toys, blankets and water to help them feel secure.

Decorations

Some Halloween decorations, such as fake cobwebs or small, easily swallowed items, can be dangerous for dogs. Be mindful of where you place these decorations, and avoid using real candles in jack-o’-lanterns, as dogs/cats can accidentally knock them over.

Lead & ID

If you plan to take your dog out for Halloween walks, always use a leash, as they might be startled by costumes or loud noises. Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification, like a collar with a tag and or microchipped, in case they get spooked and run off. By following these simple tips, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and stress-free Halloween!

n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB. Owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching. Email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk.

Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster) Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

Dusty, 13-yearold ginger and white friendly boy

, three-

and

Misty, 11-yearold grey and white sweet girl

Ritz and Carlton, four-monthold blue grey tabby and tabby white. Shy boys looking for a home together

n Outside cats: We have a number of outside cats in different locations needing to be relocated. We are looking for people with stables, farms, smallholdings or gardens where a mouser is needed to help with rodent control. For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/blandford

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please provide a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call. It may be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners. Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border

Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

Dinky

year-old white

black friendly boy

Gruba/ Rene/Mimi/ Yvette, four-monthold black and white kittens

Rockies prop up table after defeat

Division 1 South Malvern Town 2

Shaftesbury 0 by Avril Lancaster

THE Rockies slid to the bottom of the table with a second defeat in a row against a Malvern Town side that had won a nine-goal thriller against Bristol Manor Farm and were getting back to form.

Shaftesbury started well their best chance being when Asa Phillips whistled a shot just past Alexander Kovacevic's post.

Shane Murphy then made a good stop from Ibrahim Olateju to keep parity and pushed out piledrivers from Dion Molyneux and in the second half from Lewis Rose.

Malvern had taken the lead when Murphy could only push out a bouncing cross into the path of Alex Bell, who rammed the ball into the net despite the best efforts of Cam Beard on the line.

The home side scored a second when Bell finished off a

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Front nine-hole stableford – October 8: 1 Mike Case 18 0cb, 2 C Colin Jacobs 18, 3 Richard Strong 17.

Seniors back nine stableford – October 11: 1 Chris Dibben 21, 2 Steven Ireland 19, 3 Phil Francis 16.

Monthly medal – 12th medal: 1 Steven Ireland nett 70, 2 Mike Case nett 72, 3 David Amann

THREE sports stars will be open to question at a fundraiser at Wincanton racecourse later this month.

The Evening with Champions features Peter Wilson MBE, London 2012 Olympic Double Trap Gold Medallist; Harry Cobden, 2023/24 Champion Jump Jockey; and Nathan Hales, Paris 2024 Olympic Trap Gold Medallist.

nett 73.

Seniors back nine medal –October 15: 1 John Wolstenholme nett 37, 2 Geoff Lye nett 38, 3 Jon Reed nett 39. Seniors monthly medal –October 15: 1 Phil Francis 69 ocb, 2 Chris Mieville 69, 3 Steven Ireland 70. 2024 Singles knockout winner: Adam Smith. 2024 Pairs knockout winners: Glenn Ware/Chris Chapman.

The event is in aid of Dorset Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the Injured Jockeys Fund. It is on Thursday, November 28, from 7pm-9pm and tickets priced £30, including welcome drinks and canapes, can be booked at www.gwct.org.uk/ champions.

counter-attack with a fine strike into the top corner in the 65th minute.

Mary’s super salmon

SOMERSET angler Mary

Deakin – pictured – won a prestigious award after bagging a 31lb salmon on the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. The fish was only the second salmon Mary had ever caught – the first, caught on the same beat several years ago, weighed only 1lb.

Mary from Lower Langford, won the Malloch Trophy, organised by the Tay Rivers Trust, for the ‘best’ fly-caught salmon on a Scottish river for the 2023 season.

Historically, the trophy was awarded to the heaviest fish caught on the fly, but now, as fish caught are returned to the water, exact weights are often unknown.

The Tay Rivers Trust are seeking entries for salmon caught this year, as the 2024 salmon fishing season draws to a close.

Sam Davidson closes down an early Malvern Town attack at the Langland Avenue

Blandford make no mistake on away day

South Central Men’s Division 1 Forest Southampton 3s 0

Blandford & Sturminster Hockey Club 4

A WARM Saturday greeted Blandford as they made their longest journey to date, across to Eastleigh, to face bottom of the table Southampton 3s. The game started in good spirits, but it quickly became clear that Southampton were not a threat. However, Blandford lacked the ruthlessness to capitalise on this. A series of Hollywood passes and acrobatic dribbles replaced the usual slick, flowing hockey supporters have been used to seeing.

With Southampton’s forwards dropping back to support the midfield, Blandford were able to camp out in the opposition half. Twice, Paul drove down the right baseline, but both times the opposition

keeper smothered the ball. On the third drive, Paul cut inside and played a reverse ball across the back post.

Blandford struggled to break the deadlock. A strong strike bounced off the keeper and Theo managed to slip the ball under the flailing keeper, only for the whistle to blow as he made contact.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure and rallied at the top of the D for another short, where Matty’s stick suggested sticking it low instead of into the netting. A pacy drag into the bottom left corner resulted in a ringing backboard.

Blandford went into halftime up by a single goal and keen to up the intensity for the second half.

They came out of the gate stronger, exploiting the space far better.

Jack wins with roach and rudd

Mob: 07966 244536

by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry,

HOCKEY ANGLING

Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings

Air brake fittings

Hose clamps

Hydraulic Hoses

CHARLOTTE’S Lake at Harbourbridge Fishery in Chickerell was the venue for the tenth round of the 2024 Dorchester & District Angling Society Junior Championship. The fishing was unaffected by cooler temperatures and overcast skies, but sadly the number of anglers was.

and rudd.

Quick release couplings

Pressure wash hoses + lances

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked

Variation of oils

Mobile service available

Second was the everconsistent Alec Campbell with 16lb 2oz, and close behind in 3rd was a much-improved Josh Roe weighing 15lb 4oz.

Almost from pushback, Barney found himself inside the D, but his strike went wide.

However, another short corner strike from Tom put Blandford 2-0 up early on in the second, allowing them to find their groove, moving the ball around nicely.

Some good work from the back with Chris and Rob left Southampton chasing shadows.

Mitch slid into this space, before picking out Kippers, who was at the top of the D for the first time in his career.

He had time to move the ball into the sweet spot, before unleashing the might of Mjolnir,

walloping the ball past the stunned keeper and into the bottom right corner.

At this point, the game was becoming rather stale, until a rare attempt from Southampton to attack was mopped up by Rob.

He played the ball to Paul, who lifted the ball over the opponent’s stick, allowing Ed to run down the baseline.

He swung a wicked cross into the box for Theo to convert, righting the wrong of the first half.

The 4-0 win puts Blandford five points clear at the top of the league.

Only seven juniors participated, so each angler had plenty of room, and as a silverfish only match, carp would not be counted.

Top weight and top angler on the day was Jack Copp with 21lb 9oz of shimmering roach

With 75 points still on the table and only 22 points separating the top two, all is still to play for with three rounds to go.

For more information on DDAS junior events, contact Graham at juniors.sec@ d-das.com, or visit ddasjuniors. co.uk

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF

Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

For fishery information go to harbourbridgelakes.com

Dorchester & District Angling Society’s Jack Copp with his winning weight of 21lb 9oz at Charlotte’s Lake

Blandford went five points clear at the top of the table after their fixture against bottom of the table Southampton 3s.

Items for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS

AIR RIFLE .22 , Under leaver , very powerful £80 Call 07970 742471

DY’S LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIR. Still boxed. £100. 01935 475412.

BENNINGTON CARRIAGE two wheeler 13HH £650 01258-820526

O GAUGE RAILWAY. RC controlled. 01935 814440.

ADULTS ELECTRIC BICYCLE for sale (due to health problems) £375. 07555 110148

LOG BURNER excellent condition £250 07810 266695

WOOD WORKING MACHINES, Axminster planer/thicknesser. £200. Record Scroll Saw, £120. Draper floor standing pillar-drill £150. Extractor £90. Morticer with stand. £100. Tel: 01935-428975

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

ROOF LADDER, 16ft double aluminium ladder, old working electric cement mixer. £50. Tel: 01258-818360

PLASTIC GOLF TROLLEY. £10. Childs Bumper Car Seat. £10. 07785 534 524.

DISPLAY CABINET, 2 glass sliding doors and cupboard under, in 2 parts. £40 Buyer collects (Gillingham) Tel.07392 046655

BAMBOO SWIVEL/ROCKING ARMCHAIR with deep buttoned floral upholstery - 33’’W.-40,5’’H.32’’D. £30 Buyer collects (Gillingham). Tel.01747 837834.

PINE DOUBLE BED FRAME. No mattress. Dismantled ready to go. £20. Tel: 07731-580011

FIRE BASKET SWAN’S NEST 3 sided 18”x12” £50 Fire dogs and Fireback also available. 07762 818114

BEKO FRIDGE FREEZER, VGC. £50. Tel: 07794-136581

DOUBLE BED WITH STORAGE UNDERNEATH very good condition available 1st week in November from Sherborne buyer to arrange collection deposit required £45 from 1st Floor flat 07444-377106

INTERNAL DOOR. 15 panes of glass. £30. Tel: 07791-847767

SAMSUNG VHS PLAYER loads of videos travel/etc £20 the lot 01935-873441

DR BRUSH CUTTER, for spares or repair, engine starts,runs well £25, Tel No: 07818-345464

5 PIECE CAST IRON PAN SET with oven dishes included. Brand new. £50. Tel: 07833-641242

CASIO FULL SIZE KEY BOARD, with stand and adapter. £50. Tel: 07886-538350

LADDER, DOUBLE EXTENSION, 14ft closed. £35. Tel: 01747-840835

R/C HELICOPTER APPROX 2 feet long , lights, can be seen working, boxed ,cost £70 bargain £35 would make lovely Xmas present 01747 82 2422

AS NEW, NEVER USED, surplus to requirement, strong Rotary Clothes Line £45. 01935 812286 Sherborne SLOW COOKERS (2), both with removable pots, Tower Compact 1.5ltr £10, Cordon Bleu 3ltr high/ low temperature £15, 07713 244579 Sherborne

SINGLE 2’6”BED with spare pullout underneath. New mattress on top bed and under bed hardly used. Ideal for grandchildren or visitors! £30 Tel: 07919-338105

Sturminster Newton

SAGE BREADMAKER. Automatic dispenser. 2 paddles, one fixed, one collapsible. Excellent condition. £50. 07874 266213. Blandford.

HEATED TRAY 24x12” ex. con. £30 01747 590592

LONG HANDLED SCYTHE £30. (buyer collects). Sherborne. Tel 07875-566224

CLASSIC EASTEX HEATHER

BLUE pure wool suit. Size 14, ex.condition. Length 27” or 68.5cm. £30 ono. Tel: 01747-830284. East Knoyle

KEYBOARD YAMAHA PSR75

49keys(4octs) 100 sounds 25 rhythms tempo adjust earphone socket mains battery £50. Tel 01747-824455

BRAND NEW SPARE WHEEL and tyre. Fits Vauxhall Meriva £35 07933-262659

SEVERAL PAIRS GOOD QUALITY

LADIES SHOES. Size 42. Flat/low heel, vgc, mostly black, £10-£20. Tel: 01935-814872

SHAKESPEARE ZENITH CARP ROD 1850-330. 2 Section. Action 2 1/2 lbs. 3.3m length with Mitchell Reel Avocet Reel 2000RD £20. Telephone 01747 840473

NEW 40 VOLT CORDLESS LAWNMOWER. Including batteries and charger. £50. 01935 475412.

5 PIECE FIRESIDE COMPANION set, (Stand\shovel\brush\poker\ shovel, Brass & black, Hardly used\ Excellent condition, £25 ono, Tel 07449-116144

4 ROLLS, FENCING WIRE . Various lengths. 8ft high. square links. £50 Tel:01747-870824

KENWOOD CHEF AND LIQUIDISER, all attachments, excellent working order, £50. cash. 07709-121099

IKEA DOUBLE BED BASE, wooden slats, unused, cost £35 now £25 tel no 0781 8345464

BOOKS BY BOB CHURCH. Guide to Trout Flies & New Fly Patterns. Used/good condition. £20 Telephone: 01747 840473

MORPHY RICHARDS SPIRALIZER Express. Cuts vegetables into spaghetti or ribbons. Never used. £20. Tel. 01747 852725

BEKO 13.2 cu.ft. CHEST FREEZER. No longer required as our allotment days are over. FREE 07767-622159

11 x ASSORTED JIGSAW PUZZLES 500 & 1000 piece plus jaques felt large roll-up mat and case £15 lot 01747 835680

LARGE HEAVY DUTY TUB 60cm wide rope handles, as new used once. £10 Blandford 07786-823393

THREE BICYCLES, needs attention. Girls bikes aged 7-12. Free. 07967 812978

HARDLY USED AKAI HI-FI SYSTEM in its own 5ft. wooden cabinet with speakers and record deck £50 o.n.o 01747-826795

LARGE LETTER , Post Box, Classic Metal, Bow top, as New and Boxed, with keys £30, Gillingham 01747 824 240.

40 INTERNATIONAL COSTUME DOLLS. Various sizes and types, some hand made. Plastic, cloth, jute, beadwork etc. suit collector. £20.00 ono, Kington magna 01747 83 88 82

FRONT DOOR RED, letter box, knocker split frosted window. 186x83 UPVC. Needs locking rail. Lovely door. 01747-812569 for details. £50.

VIBRAPOWER SLIM 2. Helpful for fitness and weight loss. Excellent condition. Complete with instruction manual and all features. £40. 07833 498303

DOG TRAINING CAGE 30” x 19” £15 07935 698505

BOXED 3.5HP PETROL ENGINE 154F. Receipt for £160. Tried once to replace 4HP and not powerful enough. £50 call 01963-251747

CHEST FREEZER TOP LID VGC £40 01963-364097

BIRD TABLES ON STAND and nesting boxes. Well made £10-£35. Ideal Christmas gifts. 01963-824607

MOBILE CALOR GAS HEATER with bottle (no gas) V.G.C. £45. Tel 01258 451397

CHINESE RUG. 6x4. £50. 01305 568237.

FREEZER, vgc, £40. Tel: 01963-364097

WANTED

WANTED: FISHING BOAT, must be altogether and ready to go. Tel: 07950-450824

1980s AND 1990s VINTAGE COMPUTERS and mobile phones. Call Mike 07795-349466

DOMESTIC CLEANING HELP REQUIRED. Attractive pay. Telephone 01963-362381

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

CHEST

Field & Stream

The ins and outs of hedgelaying

by Tria Stebbing

WITH the sheep happily grazing and an occasional dry day, it is time to turn our attention to the security and maintenance side of the field. We plan to keep the ewes on autumn grazing for as long as there is good grass.

This gives us time to look carefully at the hedges in our own field. How boring – but it’s nice work in the wintery sun, and far better to have it sorted before they come back.

Chris has been working hard laying the hedges on our boundary and for other local smallholders. Hedgelaying is a craft that has been practised for hundreds of years and allows the hedge to slowly increase in size and keep healthy, as well as providing a stock barrier and dense habitat for wildlife.

If you see a hedge that looks as though it has been platted or woven at the bottom rather than harshly cut across the top, the chances are it has been laid. If a hedge is not laid it becomes a ‘lollypop’, a stalky thin base with a bushy top.

When you lay a hedge, you bend or partially cut through the

shrubbery and arch the stems without breaking them so they can be intertwined, forming a dense base from which shoots will form future height.

Pleaching is the term used to describe the partial cut stem, which is laid over. Sap will continue to rise through this small piece and force the plant to regenerate, and shoot new life from its base.

It’s nature’s own mindfulness, to sit in the sun, pleaching and weaving the ‘liggers’ knowing that you are making a hedge secure, thick and a haven for nature. In different parts of the country there are even different styles of laying.

This is not to be confused with the huge machinery currently flailing the hedgerows next to the roads, which can only be cut back at certain times of the year – it is not allowed between March 1 and August 31 to protect nesting birds. It looks barbaric at times but is needed to maintain light and to prevent the hedges from growing out too far into the fields or roadside. It is not

practical for a farmer to sit basking in the sun laying his hedge, hence those big tractors crawling along with their huge arms spread out – usually when you are in a hurry!

Talking of tractors, the maize is being harvested between weather fronts coming through. Yes, the mud on the road is a hazard at times, but that crop needs harvesting, it is part and parcel of living in the countryside. Drive expecting mud on the road or a tractor pulling out on you – I find it works for me.

Buddies on a nature mission

NEW ‘Nature Buddies’ will help break down barriers hindering people from engaging with nature.

The network of specially trained volunteers will help those with issues such as a lack of confidence or a lack of transport to enable them to enjoy the nature around them.

Dorset National Landscape was awarded more than £248,000 for its Nature Buddies initiative by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

A spokesperson for Dorset National Landscape said: “Whether it’s helping someone overcome a lack of confidence to venture outdoors or assisting

them in accessing transportation to reach nature-based events, Nature Buddies play an important role in aiding

connections between people and nature.”

Phil Sterling, Dorset National Landscape Partnership Chair said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding, thanks to National Lottery players.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the team to expand our reach in demonstrating benefits of the natural environment to health and wellbeing in Dorset.

“This grant will enable us to make a tangible difference, helping communities to help others to experience the joys of nature. We’re eager to get started.”

Those interested in becoming

The stock fence will need tensioning, as Sebastian had a fascination for putting his head through it last spring, the grass always being greener no matter if it is on the other side of a fence. Belle is also putting her head through to clean up after the rams – she likes her food, and everyone else’s does Belle. The field will be safer for this essential maintenance and when I am walking the perimeter in the dark and mud next spring trying to put the lambs to bed, I will at least be confident they can’t escape – I hope!

Nature Buddies are asked to register their interest with the Dorset National Landscape team.

Project coordinator Jules Hammon said: “At this stage we are particularly keen to hear from organisations that would like to upskill their existing volunteers to be able to offer Nature Buddies.

“All volunteers will receive full training and support. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our community and the natural environment.”

Find out more about Nature Buddies and how to get involved by visiting the website.

Anyone interested in becoming a Nature Buddy is asked to register their interest PHOTO: Centre for Ageing Better

Some of the spectacular colours currently in the hedgerow.

Farming

New farming conference at showground

LANDALIVE, a major new regenerative farming conference, is coming to the Bath & West Showground in Somerset next month.

The two-day event will include a full-scale exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, services and support to help farmers transition towards more environmentally sustainable and profitable ways of farming. It will also feature talks on climate-friendly farming from leading practitioners, advisors, soil specialists, policy makers, wildlife organisations and representatives from across the food supply chain.

Graham Harvey, LandAlive programme director, said: “We’ve got the best of regenerative farming expertise in one place with content tailored to the particular needs

and interests of farmers in the south west, but drawing in the country’s top speakers and farmer-pioneers.

“We’ll be looking at the nuts and bolts of regenerative farming practice, but also covering what’s new in soil science, technology, changing supply chain dynamics and, of course, the shifting subsidy landscape.”

He added: “It’s an amazing opportunity for farmers to get up to speed on the huge changes going on in farming.

“Paying attention to soil quality, rebuilding biodiversity and reducing dependence on chemical inputs is very much in the mainstream now.

“Given the bottom-line cost of inputs, and rising consumer demand for planet-friendly, gut-friendly food, it’s simply good business sense to look at

more nature-based solutions.”

Dairy and cattle for beef account for more than 40% of total output from farming in the south west, so regenerative approaches to herd and pasture management will be a key focus for the event, drawing on evidence that grazing animals play an essential role in restoring soil fertility and biodiversity.

The conference will also look at how to ‘weatherproof’ farms, with farm adviser Niels Corfield leading a session on

the subject with farmer Silas Hedley-Lawrence.

“Poor soil and pasture health is bringing systemic weaknesses to grazing operations,” said Niels.

“Our session will give farmers a better understanding of the causes of these issues and offer solutions that draw on first-hand experience as well as the latest soil and plant science.

LandAlive is at the Bath & West Showground on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23.

TB testing anxious time for farmers

by Ruth Kimber

WELL, no Indian summer this year! The rainfall records are being broken on a regular basis, but not just here, across Europe and beyond. Our French farming friends have suffered too, unable to plant the autumn crops, just like here, where only about 10% have been planted.

Yet we have a customer at Bath Farmers’ Market, who is Polish and whose sister is a farmer in Poland. She was telling me that her sister was desperate for rain, as the vegetable crops have all preformed badly, for lack of rain. Root crops, carrots and so on, are small and pinched, the soil hard, making harvesting difficult.

The maize was harvested here on our farm three weeks

ago, luckily just before the last wave of wet weather. We had a bTB test booked which made Tom go a week earlier than some of the crop would have liked. However, this proved a good intervention. TB tests are a stressful time, for families and animals. The disruption to businesses can be huge. If the farm has a bTB breakdown, the trading of live animals is restricted until two consecutive clear tests are achieved. It doesn’t affect animals going straight to the slaughterhouse or milk to the dairy.

It takes two days, firstly to measure the animal’s skin thickness and administer an injection in the neck, then three days later to see if there has been a reaction and measure any lumps. The vet reads a

table to see if the animal is a reactor or inconclusive reactor. The reactor will be culled, the IR will be re-tested. Thankfully we passed.

Even if an animal test shows a reactor, very often subsequent tests of the dead animal will find no TB – the testing system hasn’t changed in years and many farmers have little faith in its accuracy. Ironically, the government takes the reactor away, culls it, pays the farmer compensation, then the meat goes into the food chain as normal.

The maize was harvested without too much mud, then the grass reseeds and the early grass crops were planted and have started to emerge.

Our turkeys this year don’t seem to worry about the rain, they know no different! In

previous years, they took to the barn to avoid the wet weather.

They are doing well and the first batch will be ready for Thanksgiving. The year has appeared to be going fast and it won’t be long before the dreaded, shopping days to Christmas is mentioned.

We are lucky to have our family close at hand, seeing grandchildren often. However, our first one, Grace, has gone to university this year, so another chapter begins. It seems only yesterday when Hannah announced she was expecting! n Kimbers Farm Shop, Kimbers Kitchen, Somerset Trading Barn. BA9 8HD, on B3081 Wincanton Racecourse Road. www.kimbersfarmshop. co.uk; phone: 01963 33177; open Tuesday- Friday 8.30am5pm; Saturday 9.30am-4pm

Niels Corfield will talk about ‘weatherproofing’ farms

Precision farming

by Bogdan Butnaru MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health

GIVEN the current economic climate and climate change it has never been a better time to be introduced to the concept of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). To start with the whole concept can be quite intriguing. So, after doing a bit more research and having participated in a few meetings on the subject, I discovered a lot of very useful information about how farms can use PLF to gather livestock data, which can be fed back into the business to generate or to save money. What intrigued me is the word ‘precision’. The more I learnt about it, I started to look at how farms can operate with more ‘precision’, enhancing what they are already

doing to maximise profit, help with labour shortages, climate change and how vets can add value.

The challenge for dairy farms in general is to achieve the best possible standards of animal health and welfare, together with high lactation performance and minimal environmental impact. For larger farms, this may need to be done with a much lower ratio of husbandry staff to animals. Recent engineering advances and the decreasing cost of electronic technologies have allowed the development of ‘sensing solutions’ that automatically collect data, such as physiological parameters, production measures and behavioural traits. Such data can

potentially help the decisionmaking process, enabling early detection of health or wellbeing problems in individual animals and hence the application of appropriate corrective husbandry practices.

PLF is an opportunity for farms to put these new technologies to good use. A lot of technologies are available now, from cow monitoring systems – ear and neck tags, intraruminal devices and pedometers – which give very accurate data about the health, reproduction and feeding of the animals, to large scale automation systems – robot milking, ventilation fans, robotic manure collection, automated feed pusher and herd vision. And that`s just a few examples.

Good news is that access to grants can significantly ease the financial burden of adopting new technologies in PLF. The farming and equipment grant for 2024 is closed now but it is hoped it will open again in the spring of 2025.

Recently a few of our farms have implemented GEA cowscout neck tags which give data on heat detection health monitoring and cow position.

fitted the GEA cowscout in the spring of 2024, said: “Using the collars and segregation gate has eliminated the need for scratchcards and also significantly reduced the time our dairyman spends on drafting bulling cows during milking.”

Tel: 01258 452307

Mob: 07973 642278

Andy Roberts, at Higher Farm in Margaret Marsh, who

But PLF is not only about using the newest technologies. Faecal egg count to monitor the worm burden, applying the right vaccines at the right time, good youngstock management, a good diet and accurate feeding to yield, good pasture management with incorporating of herbal leys to boost livestock health, soil fertility and encouraging biodiversity, are all part of PLF. Fine-tuning and enhancing attention to detail in PLF can lead to better animal welfare, improved productivity and more sustainable practices.

Bogdan Butnaru MRCVS

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971

or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935 873169 or 07368380477.

IFOR WILLIAMS HB505, 2006.

Blue. Aluminum floor, 4 good tyres, very good condition. Added extra of two full length breast bars and head partition bite guard. £2,200 ONO–07581 035847

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

HAYLAGE, HAY. All June made. 3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales. Collect or delivered. Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293

THE BLACKMORE & SPARKFORD VALE HUNT IS LOOKING FOR A GROOM to work alongside an existing team. Full Time and or / Part Time work available. You must be used to physical work, be able to ride, turn horses out and most importantly be a team player. Hours can be flexible for the right person, but you will be required to work weekends. The job is based in Charlton Horethorne, DT9 4NL.

Accommodation also available if required. Preferable start date 4th November 2024.

For more information please call: 01258 817604 / 07771 518258 CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040

blackmorevale.net

HEDGELAYING AND PLANTING

please call James for more information 07930-262639

WANTED: 5-6 TONNE CATTLE FEED BIN on legs. Tel: 07747-108690

WANTED: Small piece of land. (Dorset area) Tel: 07810-472347

HEDGE TRIMMING AND HEDGE LAYING. Tel: 01747-855198

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109

New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, STORE & CULL SHEEP

EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE & BREEDING CATTLE

WEDNESDAY 30th OCTOBER FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS ********************************************************************

WEDNESDAY 6th NOVEMBER SALE OF REARED CALVES

To include 37 QUALITY FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN IN CALF DAIRY HEIFERS 18 DUE DECEMBER, 11 DUE JANUARY & 8 DUE MARCH TO PED AA. HB, CLOSED 11,500L HERD, LEPTO, BVD & IBR VACC. ********************************************************************

MONDAY 11th NOVEMBER SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE ********************************************************************

WEDNESDAY 27th NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FATSTOCK SHOW CLASSES FOR HANDLED & UNHANDLED PRIME CATTLE. BARREN COWS. PRIME LAMBS. PRIME PIGS & CALVES FATSTOCK SHOW DINNER FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM

TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS

ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL

| LONDON

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Hadspen, Bruton

Guide £3,200,000

Mappowder

Guide £1,250,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, barn/workshop surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A beautifully presented small country estate in a highly desirable location. Comprising a stunning 5 bedroom barn conversion, detached 2 bedroom cottage, 15-box stable block, office block, workshops and pasture land, in total 99.46 acres. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Fontmell Magna

Guide £800,000

Shroton

An historic Grade II listed detached house, thought to date from the 1500s with later additions up to the 18th century, set in wonderful gardens in the heart of the village. Freehold.

Guide £435,000

Shroton Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated village. CTB D. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Swainsford, Mere

Guide £710,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

The perfect blend of an old cottage with substantial recent extensions. Located in a rural position only approximately 1 mile to Mere. Paddock and 2 hunter stables. Freehold.

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

An original stone house, significantly extended and completed in 2023 offering in excess of 3000 sq ft of internal accommodation in a lovely countryside location with fantastic far-reaching views. Freehold.

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Middlemarsh

Guide £750,000

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on

the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

A detached 4 bedroom stable conversion situated in the picturesque village of Middlemarsh. The property includes a 1,459.5 sq ft commercial barn, a paddock, and ample space ideal for a home-based business. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Hartgrove, Shaftesbury

Guide £195,000

19.15 acres (7.75 hectares) of undulating, productive pasture land with far reaching views over the Blackmore Vale. Suitable for agricultural, recreational and equestrian uses. Freehold.

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Nr

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

North Cheriton OIEO £400,000

chain. CTB F. Freehold.

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

AUCTION FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT 2:00PM AT THE DIGBY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL,

North Perrott Guide £45,000

A parcel of land in a village location

measuring 0.15 acres with potential for development (subject to planning permission/consents). Freehold.

3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Yetminster Sherborne | 01935 814488 Guide £40,000

Yeovil | 01935 432526

Bere Regis

Wincanton

Guide £70,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

A ground floor retail unit forming part of an attractive Grade II Listed building in the heart of the town. Leasehold 999 years from Feb 2005 (980 years remaining).

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Wimborne

Guide £100,000

Verwood Guide £125,000

Yeovil

Guide £100,000

Guide £125,000-£150,000

Guide £150,000

5.70 acres of permanent pasture land with mature boundaries in a secluded location on the rural fringe of Colehill. Freehold.

1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A historic town centre retail property for renovation with land at the rear, suitable for a variety of uses or conversion/development subject to planning permission. Freehold.

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000 20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Bridport

Pallington Guide £350,000

A detached period brick barn with full planning permission for a replacement 3 bedroom dwelling with off-road parking and garden. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Shepton Mallet

A 0.38 acre garage site with 10 vacant garages providing development potential (subject to planning permission). Lapsed planning permission for 3 detached dwellings. Freehold.

West Moors Wimborne | 01202 843190

38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.

North Cadbury

Guide £275,000

Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000 20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

Guide £200,000-£250,000

Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000

A 3 bedroom semi-detached cottage for updating with garden, garage and parking in the popular village of Salwayash. Freehold.

Bridport | 01308 422092

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Dorchester

Corfe Castle Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £225,000

An attached Grade II Listed 3 bedroom cottage in need of complete renovation enjoying views towards the castle. Situated close to amenities and the coast. Freehold.

42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

Holwell

Shaftesbury Guide £95,000

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

An exciting investment opportunity comprising 3 maisonettes and a commercial premises in a historical building in the heart of Shepton Mallet. Freehold.

A quintessential character cottage for updating with 3 double bedrooms and extensive gardens of 0.33 acres in a popular village. Freehold.

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £275,000

Sherborne | 01935 814488

A three bedroom end of terrace cottage for refurbishment, enjoying countryside views situated in Lower Burton on the edge of the town. Freehold.

A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Dorchester | 01305 261008 Guide £300,000

£310,000

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

A detached 3 bedroom cottage for modernisation with a range of outbuildings and a large garden in

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Kings Stag Sherborne | 01935 814488

popular village with amenities. Freehold. Yeovil Yeovil | 01935 423526

Hurcott Guide £200,000 A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

Iliminster | 01460 200790

Lyme Regis

Axminster | 01297 33122 Guide £700,000 A 5 bedroom ‘Arts and Crafts’ style house for modernisation with glorious views in 0.52 acres of gardens with

Tarrant Gunville Guide £225,000-£250,000 A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

A detached 3 bedroom cottage in need of full renovation with 5.31 acres of garden and pasture land enjoying a rural yet accessible location. Freehold.

Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.

Sherborne| 01935 814488

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Hampshire and Cornwall

North Gorely

3.35 acres of pasture land with a poultry shed in the unspoilt surroundings of the New Forest. Freehold.

Salisbury | 01722 654378

Liskeard

A 0.04 acre site on the edge of the village. Freehold

A Grade II Listed mixed commercial investment opportunity. Freehold. Guide £300,000 East Looe

Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

A 5 bedroom property for updating with excellent views. Freehold

Axminster | 01297 331122

Freehold.

Countryside living Family homes Nearby schools

Join us on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October for our event weekend at Gillingham Lakes! On the Saturday we’ll have a hot drinks cart available so you can enjoy a hot beverage while touring our growing Dorset community. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning to relocate, discover how we can help you move with incentives including up to £10,000 towards your Stamp Duty*! Plus, if you’re a budding artist, bring your coloured-in sheet from the next page for a chance to win a £50 Waterstones Voucher†. Can’t make the event? You have until 31st October to bring along your colouring sheet and enter! Scan the QR code to book your appointment today!

#taylorwimpey Call 01747 897 215 taylorwimpey.co.uk

Wincanton

£375,000 Henstridge

£290,000 Semley

Thinking of moving?

Thinking of moving?

Having enjoyed our busiest month for a number of years we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages.

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

£290,000 Templecombe

£550,000 North Cheriton

UK Removals

All houses great and small! A worry-free service from planning, packing

Storage

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

European Removals

Our friendly team will help guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Country House Moves

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.

Sports centre set for major revamp

A

‘SIGNIFICANT’ revamp of Warminster Sports Centre is set to get underway in the coming weeks.

Wiltshire Council has appointed Beard Construction to carry out redevelopment work at the centre, including a new fitness suite, refurbished studio and a new ‘flexible community space’.

Work will start on the changes later this month or in early November, the council said.

The project follows recent work being completed at Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, Royal Wootton Bassett; The Olympiad in Chippenham; Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury; with improvements at Devizes Leisure Centre also nearing completion.

Improvement work will also

begin soon at Marlborough Leisure Centre.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for leisure, said: “I am pleased to confirm more details on the significant improvements to Warminster Sports Centre, which will make the fitness facilities more modern and accessible, and will encourage more people of all ages to access them.

“The plans for Warminster Sports Centre have been well informed by evidence that shows there is demand for the enhanced facilities we will be providing.

“We have the unique responsibility to not only ensure this type of project is a viable commercial venture, but to also serve our communities and ensure their health and wellbeing is well supported.

“This investment, and the

work we’re carrying out at some of our other leisure centres, meets all those needs and criteria, and we’re looking forward to the positive impact they will have.”

He thanked customers for their patience while the work is carried out, saying it would be “well worth it come the end result”.

The work is set to be completed in spring next year.

The current gym will remain in use while the new gym is being constructed and there will be no change to swimming pool access or changing.

Group exercise classes will face some disruption during the project, with fewer classes available and classes being relocated to the main sports hall – but more classes will be offered at Leighton Sports Centre in Westbury to offset the issues.

The council is contacting leisure members and customers directly about the plans. As a result of the changes, squash courts will be permanently removed at Warminster Sports Centre, with an alternative at Leighton Recreation Centre.

Morrish_Jubilee

Work at Warminster Sports Centre should be completed by next spring

Village pub to be auctioned

THE Grove Arms, a thatched village pub at Ludwell, near Shaftesbury, is set to be sold by auction next week.

The pub, on a plot of 1.3 acres, is for sale with Clive Emson Auctioneers at a guide price of £450,000-plus.

Mike Marchant, a senior auction appraiser in Wiltshire and Dorset for the firm, said: “The commercial property, available freehold with vacant possession, benefits from extensive accommodation with six letting rooms, all with en-suite shower rooms and a separately accessed twobedroom manager’s flat.

“The pub, steeped in history, has a substantial main bar and restaurant with around 50

covers and a commercial kitchen to the rear along with ancillary storage space, gardens to the front and rear and a substantial car park.

“On the ground floor is the main lounge bar, restaurant seating, pool table and snug, customer toilets, commercial kitchen, storeroom and cellar, with the letting rooms and flat above.

“Apparently there has been a licensed premises here since the 17th century – The Grove Arms has proved a welcome spot over the ages to rest and replenish.”

The auction starts on Wednesday, October 30, and ends on Friday, November 1.

RURAL LODGE TO RENT, nr Shaftesbury, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, £1500 per month plus bills. More details: mvwinery.co.uk/cedar-holiday-lodge-to-rent/ Call Clare 01747 854206

& REPAIR LEAKS FROM £150

If spray foam is fitted to your property it can mean that it may be unmortgageable, meaning when you come to sell your property the new owners may not be able to secure a mortgage due to the spray foam installed between your afters. If you have spray foam fitted in your roof, if left it can cause rafters and timbers to rot. The spray foam in your roof can be removed by our professional roofing team, rafters will be sanded down and wood filled and treated. Spray foam will be removed from your property and disposed of safely.

&

Dear homeowner, my name is Carl Morris and I am the sole owner of Worksmart Roofing & Building Ltd. My team and I are professional roofing contractors. I am a great believer in prevention is better than cure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables, we always allow up to 15 broken or slipped tiles. What this offer ensures is an overall roof clean and minor repairs, all gutters and downpipes will be cleaned once the job is finished.This service is from as little as £295 and will 100% prevent you from having large roof repairs or roof replacment.