The New Blackmore Vale Magazine (26/05/23)

Page 12: Coronation Champion Juliet Mosney shares her volunteering journey with NBVM

Page 8: North Dorset beekeepers deal with a swarm on the loose

Page 27:

Spring winners!

THE results of our Spring 2023 Photo Competition are in – and we’re sure you’ll agree from our front cover, the winner is a beauty!

A huge thank you to everyone who submitted images, which showcased spring beautifully across the Vale.

The top three, as picked by photographer Doug Chalk, were:

1st place: Anthony Young

2nd place: Annette Acreman

3rd place: Mark Holderness

“For me, the most ‘springlike’ shot is the lamb in the buttercups by Anthony Young; therefore, this one is my winner,” said Doug.

“Annette Acreman’s nicely-coloured snail on the Solomon’s Seal plant comes a very close second – well seen and caught – and third would be the goldfinch of Mark Holderness.

“Well done to all who entered.”

Now, all eyes are turning to summer, so get snapping and send us your amazing photographs of the Vale in the sunshine, or not, as the case may be! In return, your picture could be the cover star of an edition of the New Blackmore Vale later this summer – and you could pick up a trophy for your efforts. Send your summer snaps to newsdesk@blackmorevale.net before August 31.

First prize in the NBVM Spring photo competition went to Anthony Young, whose photo can be seen on this issue’s cover. Second prize was awarded to Annette Acreman (picture left), and third went to Mark Holderness (picture below)

Honorary mentions, clockwise from left, go to Kayleigh Harries, Mark Holderness, Luke Sims,Tim Balmer (x2) and Spike Haynes

Marnhull

ON April 19, St Gregory’s Church and the Marnhull Gardening Club planted a crab apple tree to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. The tree was planted in the southeast corner of St Gregory’s churchyard (quite near the War Memorial). From here it can be easily seen by visitors to Marnhull and, generally, by people driving through Marnhull along the B3092.

Above: The people of Zeals enjoy

Above, left to right: Lyndi d’Ambrumenil, Jacky Patch, Carol Affleck, Pippa Scholfield

Coronation in the Vale Kilmington

KILMINGTON celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III early, with tea and prosecco at 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1, at Home Farm Barn by kind permission of Jane and Harry Parker. For a small village it was well attended, and the weather was kind.

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Kilmington

& Stourton WI

By George Jeans, Mere

KILMINGTON and Stourton

WI celebration meeting in honour the Coronation of King Charles III took place on Tuesday, April 25, at Stourhead House.

Some members dressed in red, white and blue. England’s

Sovereigns In Verse by Norman King, was read by Bernie Isted, group secretary. Drinks were served and a toast given to the Sovereign. Members sang the national anthem, which was followed by the cutting of the cake. The weather was kind and the grounds were magical on this beautiful spring evening.

All Saints, Tarrant Monkton

THE flower team at All Saints Tarrant Monkton with Launceston decorated their church for the Coronation to celebrate the new King Charles III, encompassing his environmentalism, his many innovations and his multiple achievements.

Mere

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Family Law Advice

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

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

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

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MERE was adorned with over 100 Union flags plus bunting for The Coronation of Charles III and Queen Camilla. Picture and text by George Jeans, Mere

Fontmell Magna

FONTMELL Magna’s Coronation get together was lovely despite the weather. A special thank you goes out to Clayesmore senior and prep school for the wonderful pipers and for the service and washing up team from the prep school.

Blandford WI

AFTER working so hard serving the food and drinks as the town celebrated the Coronation at the Big Lunch, the ladies of Blandford Evening WI held their own party – a Coronation cream tea at their monthly meeting held in the Woodhouse Pavilion.

Glasses were raised, flags were waved and cream was spread to welcome in the new sovereign.

Purse Caundle

THE hamlet of Purse Caundle in Sherborne marked the Coronation of King Charles III with a garden party held in the grounds of the Elizabethan Manor House.

One of the most senior residents of Purse Caundle, Miss Robinson, was invited to plant a commemorative tree as part of the celebrations.

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What a buzz!

It’s peak swarming season for honey bees, as colonies outgrow their existing homes. Don’t panic if you spot a swarm in your garden –they’re not aggressive and can be moved by an experienced beekeeper

By Robbie Baird, North Dorset Beekeepers

PING! A fellow beekeeper has received a message on his phone, sent via the North Dorset Beekeepers’ website www. northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk/swarm-help. Someone in Blandford Forum has reported they have a swarm of bees in their garden and has asked if we can help. The answer? Of course we can – if it’s definitely a swarm of honey bees, if we can reach it without risking life and limb, and if they haven’t moved on before we get there!

A quick call confirms they appear to be honey bees and that they’re in a bush in the front garden. It looks like we should be able to help. The race is on. We both throw what we need into the back of the car and set off for Blandford.

So, what’s caused all this?

Most likely, as the number of bees in the colony increases dramatically in spring, they simply outgrew their home. Recognising this, the bees prepare to divide the colony in two. They raise a new queen and as soon as she reaches the pupation stage in her development from an egg, the existing queen leaves the hive and takes about half the bees with her. They’ll have filled themselves with honey before leaving, carrying food to their new home. The scene outside a hive where the colony is about to

swarm can look a bit scary, with loads of bees flying around in ever increasing circles. Then, the queen leaves the hive, and they all move off to settle somewhere close by – perhaps in a convenient bush or on a fencepost. Some of the worker bees become temporary scouts and set off to look for a new home. It could be a hole in a tree or somewhere less convenient to us humans, like down a chimney! Eventually, through a very democratic process of persuasion, and based on the reports coming back from the scouts, the colony decides where it’s going to live next, and off they all go again. Like most things to do with bees, how this all works out is magical.

Back in Blandford, we found the swarm in a big osmanthus shrub, about two metres above ground level and fairly easy to reach. The plan is always to offer the bees a ready solution to their home search – a woven skep or just a nice big cardboard box. Something that’s dry and dark inside will work. In this case, we used a cardboard box. The house owners told us the shrub was due to have a haircut, so we were able to remove a few of the branches, collecting them in the box. We shook the bees off the branches and turned the box upside down, placed it on a sheet, and put a wooden wedge at one side. Then you stand back and watch. There are always a few bees that continue to fly around the original site of the swarm, but if the queen has taken up residence inside the box, her workers will start fanning their wings, putting a chemical pheromone into the air, telling the remaining bees outside that “we’re all going

Far left: the bees in the swarm are focussed on surrounding their queen and stick together. Left: wrapped tightly in a sheet, the box of bees is ready to transport to its new home

in here”. Thirty minutes later, almost all the bees in the swarm had gone into the cardboard box. The heavens also opened, and the heavy rain probably helped them make their minds up! Job done… Well, almost. We used the sheet to wrap around the box full of bees, making it safe to transport to their permanent home. There was a perfectly prepared hive waiting for them with another beekeeper in Iwerne Minster, where they’ll be looked after as they build back to a full-strength colony during the rest of the summer.

Those Blandford house-owners were so grateful for the help offered by their local beekeepers that they gave us a donation towards our new honey bee centre in Shillingstone. Check out the North Dorset Beekeepers’ website for more information www.northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk).

You can learn more about the amazing world of the honey bee at a bee experience day, where you’ll be able to see what’s going on inside a beehive as part of a fascinating afternoon, spent with experienced beekeepers. You’ll find details at www.tickettailor.com/events/ northdorsetbka. Bookings are essential.

Wincanton climate fair

WINCANTON’S first Climate Fair champions the power of collective community action.

Bushcraft, upcycling and weaving with waste are just some of the activities on offer at Wincanton’s first Climate Fair, which takes place at the Balsam Centre on Saturday, May 27, from 10am to 2pm.

This free, family-friendly event will provide a lively morning of workshops, art, information stands, films, activities and discussion to provide inspiration for anyone who wants to find out how they can play their part, through community action, in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

Some of the workshops, such as bushcraft and Lynne Franks’ SEED Community Action Pod, must be booked in advance. See the Elements website for more information

www.elementsclimate.co.uk

Care for our carers

DORSET’S carers are invited to special events this Carers Week, June 5-11.

Carers Week is a national awareness week, which aims to shine a light on and show support for the millions of unpaid carers in the UK.

The economic value of unpaid care in England and Wales is an estimated £162 billion. Our social care system is dependent on those who care for family members and friends, yet many unpaid carers feel unseen and unvalued.

Local charity Carer Support Dorset is helping to address this by inviting unpaid carers to attend a carer cream tea at Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford on Tuesday, June 6, from 2pm. There are 30 places available. Booking is essential and should be done via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unpaid-carercream-tea-at-woodhouse-gardens-tickets-626239026787

Dorset Carers Hub is organising events throughout the week, including a roadshow at Pageant Gardens, Sherborne, on June 5 (10am to 3pm); Rethink Carers walk and talk on June 6 at Thorncombe Woods, Dorchester; a roadshow at Shaftesbury town hall on June 7 from 10am to 3pm; caring for carers information events at Dorset Museum, Dorchester, on June 7 from midday to 3pm; and an activity day on June 10 from 10am to 3pm at Dorset Carers Hub, 48 South Street, DT1 1DQ.

You can view the full programme of what’s on in Dorset this Carers Week, and find contact details for organisers at ourdorset.org.uk/carers-week-2023-5-11-june

A big thank you!

Sherborne Food Bank celebrates the achievements of its volunteers

THIS Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7), Sherborne Food Bank will be celebrating the incredible achievements of its 70 volunteers.

Sherborne Food Bank chairman David Kemp says: “Sherborne Food Bank faced an exponential rise of 47% increase in demand on its services in 2022, with 1,901 emergency food parcels delivered. We could not have met this challenge without the support of our dedicated volunteers who, week in week out, collect food donations, shop for products, sort and pack at our depot and deliver to recipients in Sherborne and the surrounding villages. We also acknowledge the work of our volunteer trustees and managers who ensure we operate smoothly and effectively as a registered charity, with all that entails.”

Jill Warburton, Trustee for Volunteers at Sherborne Food Bank, says: “Through the work of our loyal volunteers we have been able to raise the profile of the Food Bank, generating donations which enable us to respond to referrals for emergency food aid, while also helping young people by supporting breakfast and tuck clubs in local schools and youth centres. We plan to continue reaching out to other food poverty groups in our area, with the aim of working together to help those most vulnerable to the effects of the current cost-of-living crisis”.

If you are interested in learning more about the voluntary opportunities at Sherborne Food Bank please visit www. sherbornefoodbank.org

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New at The Newt

We catch up with Arthur Cole at Somerset’s stunning country estate hotel to find out more about the seasonal events programme

SPRING has sprung and it’s beginning to feel like summer.

So what does that mean this historic garden complexes?

We spoke to Arthur Cole, head of programmes at The Newt in Somerset, to see what is on the agenda at the attraction... Does it feel like the start of the season at The Newt?

“The seasons drive our agenda as a garden, a farm, a visitor attraction and an hotel. The programme of tours, workshops, courses, talks and events reflects the response of the landscape brought about by the seasonal change.

“Spring is my favourite time of year, the potential energy stored in the soil, seeds, stems and cells of the natural world is about to burst forth, and with it our programme of workshops, courses, tours, talks and events is blossoming.”

For someone who has never visited The Newt, how would you describe what they can expect?

“Come with no pre-conceptions, because they are almost certainly going to be dispelled!

“What is The Newt? The Newt is a garden in which to cultivate ideas: water them, nourish them, protect them and allow them to grow from concepts into tangible ‘living organisms’.

“The life-blood of The Newt is the team – it is this group of passionate, engaged, enthused and dedicated humans that breathes the life into the ideas and makes your visit the exceptional, inspiring and memorable experience that the great proportion of

first-time visitors enjoy.

“Yes, we do have one of the most exciting horticultural projects for a generation, three engaging, entertaining and educational museums, worldclass restaurants and a grotto that thrills and delights all ages – but without our team, and you the members, to bring them to life they are just exceptionally beautiful, sophisticated shells.” Are there any specials people can look forward to in the coming weeks/months?

“June has some fun new workshops… Hort Course: Succulents trialled last year and had such rave reviews that we have released it again. Hort Course: Espalier Fruit Training – in the wake of our Parabola apples being awarded National Collection status, ‘The National Collection of Apples by County’, we have the apple man himself Andy ‘Apples’ Lewis leading a course on how to espalier your fruit trees.

“Gardener & Chef – this is a favourite. Buggy over to our market garden, pick your veg while learning from the team how and what to grow, buggy back to the main estate to cook with Garden Café chef Beth Hopkinson, and eat your lunch al fresco under the dappled shade looking over the gardens. Bliss. How do you balance a commitment to the rich history of the estate, with bringing something new for visitors?

“We are privileged to have a well-documented history of the gardens and estate, and the generosity of Penelope Hobhouse and her son Niall in sharing their archive and their memories has afforded us the opportunity to paint a rich picture of what we, as a business, have taken stewardship of.

“Estates such as Hadspen have always innovated and developed. Look at how Vickris Dickinson (enters 1747, departs 1767) built the Georgian Palladian mansion, cleared acres of woodland and developed the gardens in the mid-18th Century.

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“See Henry Hobhouse II’s (enters 1785, departs 1792) late-18th Century parabola walled garden with its south wall orientated at 128 degrees to ensure full sun even on the shortest day of the year.

“Gaze into the flower hybrids created by Penelope Hobhouse (enters 1952, departs 1983) and celebrated plant breeder Eric Smith in the 1970s, and glean inspirational planting ideas through Nori and Sandra Pope’s (enters 1985, departs 2005) colour garden.

“All of these historical influences have encouraged and guided us when creating the new gardens, exhibition spaces, restaurants and hotels.

“We look to the future, while remembering the past.”

For more information on The Newt in Somerset – and for booking information – log on to thenewtinsomerset.com.

Book lovers

Giants of the local literary world will be at large in Sturminster Newton for the literary festival this June 5-10

THE experiences of a helicopter test pilot and the story of a Wimbledon tennis ace who escaped the Nazis will be among those discussed at the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival this summer.

The event, now in its fourth year, will run from June 5 to 10 with a programme that has expanded to included non-fiction, as well as encompassing the wider Wessex footprint.

Ticket holders can hear about a range of topics from a sequel to Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Michael Langridge, to the experiences of a helicopter test pilot from Chris Taylor, and nuggets of Dorset history from Jon Woolcott.

Other highlights of the festival include journalist Felice Hardy talking about her grandmother, an Austrian tennis champion who escaped the Nazis and went on to play at Wimbledon and West Dorset-based

author Brian Jackman, who will discuss how the natural surroundings of his parish inspired him to write Wild About Dorset

Local poet David Caddy will be reading Rupert Brooke’s poetry in a railway carriage at Shillingstone Station and the exquisite nature photography of Jane V Adams is the focus of another festival talk.

Fiction writers include Salisbury-based Elisabeth Conway and Matthew Harffy, from Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, a dramatic monologue by playwright Sue Ashby, From Sturminster Newton to The White House: the Fuller sisters in America, will premiere during the festival.

Local singers Rachael Alexander, Rachael Revell and Lina Felsa will perform some of the songs sung by the Fuller sisters on their tours at the turn of the 20th century.

As part of the event, the 1855 building will be transformed into a pre-loved fashion show catwalk for a talk by Libby Page on her new book, The Vintage Shop of Second Chances

And pomologist Liz Copas and cider maker Nick Poole will talk about their research into the lost orchards of Dorset.

Elsewhere, a walks programme includes a look at Robert Young’s Sturminster

Newton and the Marnhull setting for Tess of the D’Urbervilles

Talks on the stained-glass windows in St Mary’s Church will also be given during festival week. The church has glass designed by Harry Clarke and Mary Lowndes, two of the most famous stained glass artists of the 20th century.

Festival committee chair, Pauline Batstone, said: “I am delighted that we have such a full and wide ranging programme for our fourth year.

“Thank you to all those who have worked hard to bring this together and to all those who plan to attend our events.”

For more information, including ticket details, log on to www.sturlitfest.com

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A Vale Coronation champ

NHS responder Juliet was recognised as one of the UK’s most committed volunteers

BLANDFORD born and bred, Juliet Mosney was thrilled to be crowned a Coronation Champion ahead of this month’s celebrations, and enjoyed a prime spot at the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7.

Their Majesties the King and the Queen Consort, in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service, recognised 500 of the country’s most committed volunteers from almost 5,000 nominations.

One of these was Juliet, who currently lives in Salisbury and has been volunteering as an NHS Volunteer Responder since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. But her volunteering journey started long before then, as Juliet explains…

“I grew up in Blandford; my dad taught at the school for over 30 years and has only just, at the age of 85, finished being a Governor there. I went to Blandford Upper School, where I would help younger years with after-school sports clubs and I also

regularly visited a dear lady in a nursing home. I remember winning an award from the Lions Club for volunteering.

“At the start of the pandemic, I recall Matt Hancock requesting an ‘army of volunteers’ to come forward to support people in our communities so I signed up with the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme (nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk). I was able to do shopping and collect prescriptions for the vulnerable and those who were shielding. Volunteering helped me, as I live on my own, don’t have a garden, and was able to get out and about during the strict lockdown rules. People were overwhelmed to have their vital supplies delivered and most loved a socially distanced chat.

“I took my 15 year old nephew as my escort to the Coronation concert. We were blessed with a glorious, sunny evening in the company of the Royal Family, whom I could clearly see from my seat. I was most struck by the strong theme running through the concert of a King who has already given so much and who is so talented. He is a kind, compassionate King.

“I was very moved watching the

Coronation service at home with my parents, with such a strong theme of service and inclusion throughout.

“Volunteering was very much key to the whole Coronation weekend of celebrations and I will continue to do my bit to serve my community and those in need.”

Heads up for health

A ROADSHOW in Yeovil is being held to encourage local people to look after their mental wellbeing.

Taking place on Saturday, June 3, at the GateWay on Addlewell Lane, the Open Mental Health Roadshow promises to be an interactive and enjoyable, family-friendly event.

Themed around the five pillars of mental wellbeing (connect, learn, get active, take notice, and give), the roadshow brings together a range of local charity and community organisations alongside mental health support services to offer a range of interactive stalls and enjoyable activities, such as wellbeing workshops, nature walks, baby massage and willow-weaving. Confirmed participants to date include ARK at Egwood, MIND in Somerset, Somerset Skills & Learning, the North Star Group, Diversity Voice, Somerset Recovery College, and the Balsam Centre and its sister charity, The Growing Space.

Organisers of the event, the Open Mental Health Alliance, hope that the roadshow will encourage people to find out how they can look after their own mental wellbeing, as well as how to access the various mental health support services available in the county, should they need them.

The roadshow will run from 10am to 3pm and is free. The event will also include family-friendly entertainment, and the GateWay Coffee Shop will be serving refreshments throughout the day.

Find out more at www.openmentalhealth.org.uk/omhroadshow-yeovil

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Treacle Eaters celebrate 40 years

Yeovil based Morris dancing team, formed in 1983 and still going strong, will be touring the country this summer

CELEBRATIONS for the 40th anniversary of Treacle Eater Clog have already started. The dance season ‘clogged off’ proper at 5.30am, May 1, on Ham Hill south of Yeovil, where the Treacle Eaters were joined by Wyvern Jubilee Morris and Enigma Border Dancers to perform at dawn and welcome in the summer.

You can catch them in action around West Dorset:

Wednesday, May 31

7.45pm Rose and Crown, Bradford Abbas DT9 6RF

8.45pm Kings Arms, Thornford DT9 6QD

Monday, June 5 (with the Wessex Morris Men)

7.45pm Rose and Crown, Longburton DT9 5PD

8.45pm Hunter’s Moon, Middlemarsh DT9 5QN

Monday, June 19

8.45pm The Camelot, South Cadbury BA22 7EX

Monday, June 26

7.45pm Cerne Abbas, outside Royal Oak DT2 7JG

8.45pm Greyhound, Sydling St Nicholas DT2 9PD

Monday, July 10

7.45pm Halstock Village Shop BA22 9RJ

8.45pm Fox Inn, Corscombe DT2 0NS

Monday, July 17 (with the Knights of King Ina)

7.45pm White Horse, South Cheriton BA8 0BL

8.45pm Bird in Hand, Henstridge BA8 0QD

Tuesday, August 29

7.45pm Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton DT2 7BS

Performances are free of charge, however it is a Morris Tradition to pass around a hat. At the end of the evening the company usually retreats inside for refreshment and a music session. Do come along and view this traditional pastime and say hello. If you’d like to know more about Treacle Eater Clog, call 07974 590927, email secretary@treacleeaterclog.org, visit www.treacleeaterclog.org.uk or find the group on Facebook.

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Treacle Eater Clog, pictured on St George’s day at Stoford

The great outdoors

Students from The Gryphon School showed determination and resilience during a tough Ten Tors Challenge

THE Gryphon School, Sherborne, entered six teams into the Ten Tors Challenge, more than they have ever entered before. Teams of six students had to carry everything they needed to be self-sufficient and reach ten checkpoints over the course of two days and a night.

The Ten Tors Challenge is organised by the Army’s Headquarters South West with support from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as civilian emergency services and hundreds of volunteers.

Thousands of young people take part in either the 35, 45 or 55-mile challenge distances across Dartmoor, starting and finishing at Okehampton.

The Gryphon teams trained since September for the challenge, with two teams doing 35 miles, three teams doing 45 miles and the Year 13 team taking on the 55-mile challenge. Five of the six teams completed the event.

The sixth team, the first ever team of Year 9 students, did not quite get there but are determined to go back next time and try again.

Gryphon challenge leader Geoff Cooke said: “We are incredibly

months of training into this, and they showed amazing determination and resilience.

“While our youngest team didn’t manage to finish this time, we are immensely proud of them and know they will come back next year older, bigger and ready to try again. If everyone completed it, it wouldn’t be challenge, but even doing the training is life-changing.”

As well as the six school teams, sisters Rose and Alice took part in the 45-mile challenge with 874 (Sherborne) Air Cadet Squadron, and Ben and Lewis took part with Dorset Army Cadets.

Tors team triumph at first attempt

Leweston School’s inaugral Ten Tors Challenge team romped home

YOUNGSTERS from Leweston School, Sherborne, have become the first from the school to take part in the gruelling Ten Tors challenge.

The Leweston team started training in September to take part in the two-day, 45-mile trek. They set off at 7am on Saturday and reached the final checkpoint of the day at 8.54pm, and were up early on Sunday to cross the finishing line at 3.54pm.

Leweston would like to thank Sherborne Air Cadets who supported the school’s training regime and were on site at the weekend with their own teams.

It would also like to thank team manager Archie Griffiths, Mr Ryan-East and Mr Paget-Tomlinson, who kept training on track and were all at

Win Family Circus Tickets

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Vintage vehicles

Petrolheads can get their fix of classic cars and historic locomotives at Shillingstone Station this June

CLASSIC cars and vintage vehicles will be the order of the day at an event next month.

North Dorset Railway are once again hosting a classic and vintage vehicle rally at Shillingstone Station, taking place across the weekend of June 10 and 11, between 11am and 4pm.

A wide range of restored vintage vehicles will be on display. Visitors can also enjoy the restored historic station scene.

Music, a book fair, signal box tours, hot and cold refreshments and the museum and station shop will also be on offer, as well as a play area for the children.

Entry is free, with proceeds in aid of North Dorset Railway Charity.

“There is plenty to see and do,” said an NDR spokesperson.

“Visitors will be entertained by two local bands, one of which is led by the charity’s chairman, Jon Jenkins, the other with another volunteer Phil Challoner, with his band Flooded Lane will also play on the Sunday.

“The traditional second-hand book fair always proves to be extremely popular.

“But if it was the ‘real thing’ you were after, the restoration progress with Project 62’s USA type 0-6-0 tank engine, then you can see a real steam locomotive in its last stages of restoration.

“This may well be the first steam locomotive that will run on the restored and extended track bed in the next few years.

“For many railway volunteers this will be ‘business as usual’, as they will provide signal box demonstrations, encouraging visitors to pull levers and ring bells, and help those wanting to explore the historic features of the station.

“Throughout the day, there will always be an opportunity to sit in the 1950s Mk1 carriage and enjoy coffee or afternoon tea, all with beautiful views across to Hambledon Hill.”

Parking will be signposted to Bere Marsh Farm. For more information, visit www.norhdorsetrailway.co.uk

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WIN A Chance To Have Your Artwork On Display At Gillingham Station

The Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership photographic competition is calling for your photographs of Gillingham. Gillingham is North Dorset’s only station and is the gateway to the Blackmore Vale region, and to the historic landscape of Gillingham’s Royal Forest. To celebrate the link between Gillingham Station and the town, the rail partnership is working with Gillingham Town Council to create a permanent exhibition of artwork at the station. The Whitsun bank holiday is a great time to get your camera out and explore the town and its historic landscape. The aim of the competition is to create a series of artwork images showcasing the best

of what’s on offer in Gillingham. Prizes awarded for the top three photographs from each category below and the ‘best in show’. Winning artwork to be displayed on weather-proof aluminium composites like those exhibited at Sherborne Station Gillingham Town Council to create a permanent exhibition of artwork at the station. There are six categories for you to enter and we are asking for your photographs to be of a high resolution - a file size of 5MB and above.

• Open Category: Anything Gillingham.

• Under 16s: Same photographic categories for young people aged 16 and under.

• Nature: Royal Forest landscape, Flora, Fauna, Sunset, Water, Trees and Landscapes in their natural state.

• High Street and Town: General views, as advertising of shops and businesses is not permitted on railway property.

• Architecture: Buildings, Bridges, Interiors, Industrial, Historic, Churches, Monuments and Townscapes.

• Constables Challenge: Gillingham is home to the famous bridge painted by the renowned artist John Constable RA in 1823. It’s the 200th year anniversary of the famous painting and the townscape has somewhat changed concealing most of the bridge from view. Can you capture a photogenic image of this historic structure?

Derek Beer, Chairman of the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership writes: “This is a great opportunity for local photographers of all ages, students to stately, to put their work on show to brighten up the morning of people travelling to work and remind them how lucky they are when they return home weary. You can do anything that is

“Gillingham”. It’s probably better to avoid shots of humans though unless they are at work and then with their permission of course. We at your local rail partnership really look forward to seeing your photographic art work.”

For more information email blackmorevalecrp@gmail.com and to find out how to submit your hi-res images scan the QR Code or go to www.blackmorevaletrains. com/win-a-chance-to-have-yourartwork-on-display-at-gillingham-station-in-dorset/ The competition closes at midnight on 11th June 2023 Judging will take place shortly after this.

Constable’s Bridge: Image by Norman Crabb

Sherborne Station Artwork Exhibition: Image by Caroline Rowland

Try pétanque in Gillingham: New terrains opened by town mayor

NEW international-sized pétanque terrains have been officially opened in Gillingham.

Often known as boule, pétanque sees players aim to score points by throwing or rolling ‘boules’ closer to a small target ball (often called a jack) than opponents.

It is rising in popularity, and Dorset will host the 2023 Pétanque England Championships later this month. https://stouravonmagazine.co. uk/petanque-englandchampionships-coming-toferndown/

But on April 23, two new terrains were unveiled at Gillingham’s Town Meadow by mayor, Cllr Sharon Cullingford.

The facilities - funded through Section 106 contributions from developers

- will be on offer for free, with equipment available to hire from The Red Lion and The Phoenix Inn, with a £10 deposit.

Dozens attended the opening event, with a knock-out competition taking place to showcase the game, won by The Red Lion Kitties.

For more information, visit www.

GillinghamDorsetPetanque. co.uk. There is also an online booking system in a bid to avoid double bookings.

“The day would not have been possible with the support of both The Phoenix Inn and The Red Lion Public House – thanks to them both,” said a spokesperson.

Cllr Graham Poulter - Gillingham (Dorset) Pétanque promotor, Gillingham Town Mayor Cllr Sharon Cullingford (also inset) and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Barry Von Clemens

Green shoots of environmental hope

Shaftesbury’s Great Big Green Week, which runs from June 10 to 18, is jam-packed with environmental inspiration

COMMUNITIES across the Vale have responded very positively to the UK’s celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Now, in addition to the 53 events in Shaftesbury, there are also a large number in Tisbury and Gillingham, as well as a green marquee at Motcombe fete and an exhibition in Donhead St Andrew.

Simon Hoare MP will be opening proceedings at Shaftesbury Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, June 10. In the hall you are invited to add your contribution to the people’s exhibition – don’t be shy! If you have something that you have made or done, the Green Week organisers would love to put it on display.

There’s a plethora of

events, exhibitions, visits, talks, walks and practical interventions taking place all week. Come for the opening and stay for the herb event and/or the exhibition. And maybe even the evening candlelight walk.

• Arts: painting workshop, music, poetry, storytelling

• Visits: Abbey School garden, help the tree planters, wildflower fields

• Walks: farms, nature, trees

• Talks: Marine Protected Areas, the town clerk on sustainability, the science of climate change, herb demonstrations

• Practical events: litter pick, build bat and hedgehog boxes, garment upcycling, prepare to plant wildflowers

• Exhibitions: astronomy, nurturing nature

• Competitions: photography, poetry

• Children’s event: library activities (many of the other activities are inclusive of children)

There will also be a green market – an extension of Shaftesbury’s usual Thursday market.

At the heart of Great Big Green Week is the green vigil, and the meditative candlelit walk, which takes place every evening of Green Week. Take your green jam jar to Tesco customer services to collect your free tealight. The walk is an opportunity to reflect on climate change and the nature crisis.

Find out more at greatbiggreenweek.com/green-week-events/ great-big-green-week-shaftesbury. If you have any thoughts or questions, email chris@GreatBigGreenWeekShaftesbury.org

Fair

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Our loose Canon

Considering the relationship between science and religion…

by Canon Eric Woods

THIS article appears days before two of the most important annual Christian celebrations. This Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost – Whit Sunday – and a week later comes Trinity Sunday: the realisation by the first Christians that they couldn’t say all that they meant by the word ‘God’ until they had said, ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit’.

Let’s start with Pentecost. Some years ago I was invited back to my old college at Cambridge, Trinity, to preach the Whit Sunday sermon at Evensong. I must confess to feeling a bit nervous as I watched the Fellows of the College file in for the service, not least when the Master of Trinity (the ‘Head of House’) took his stall. For I was about to preach the story of the first Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples ‘like tongues of fire and a mighty rushing wind from heaven’ – to the Astronomer Royal!

I need not have worried. Lord Rees is a member of the Order of Merit, a past President of the Royal Society, and one of the most distinguished cosmologists and astrophysicists in the world. And he is also a true scientist – that is, someone with an open, everquestioning mind. As he told me at dinner afterwards, no scientists worth their salt will ever close their minds to the spiritual

dimension of life or creation. And those who say that science has the answer to all the mysteries of the universe are simply arrogant. I suspect that Jesus might have called them, as he did the Pharisees, ‘blind guides’.

Lord Rees went further. “True scientists don’t look for proof’’, he said. “If we had to wait for proof, science would never advance. Instead we look for hypotheses that work. And when we have found a working hypothesis, then we build on that to find another, and another. And it seems to me that Christianity doesn’t need proof either. It just needs to demonstrate that it works – and it does.”

I have been fortunate during a career which has been part academic and part pastoral to meet many scientists who know far more about the world and indeed the universe than I ever will – and who find that knowledge a springboard to faith rather than a barrier. The interesting thing is that they have all been people of great personal humility, whereas those who claim that science has ‘disproved’ religion have not only been extraordinarily arrogant: they have not been proper scientists at all. A little reverence before the mysteries of the universe would do them – and all of us – the world of good.

Problems always begin when either religious people or atheists become fundamentalist, and close their minds to the search for truth. That’s what the so-called ‘New Atheists’ have done, as fervent in their dogmas as any religious extremist. You see, the opposite of faith is not doubt. It is certainty. We all need to be a little humbler before the wonders both of the Cosmos and of God. Then we will start to discover the links between the two!

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GoodOaks Homecare Welcomes New Care Consultant To The Team

GoodOaks Homecare has welcomed a new member of staff to their growing team. Samantha James joined the team earlier this month as the new Care Consultant.

Samantha’s new role will be advising

clients and their families on the most appropriate care options for them, be that at home or otherwise. Working closely with the Care Manager, Samantha will be supporting clients throughout the care organisation process, and providing

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Samantha joins GoodOaks having previously worked as a Community Placements Manager as well as a number of years within the Dorset County Hospital scheme. She brings a fantastic skill set with her along with a wealth of knowledge in the industry.

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There’s been a murder!

Gillingham-based author Steve Wilkinson is celebrating the arrival of his latest novel, a murder mystery set in and around the Blackmore Vale

THERE’S been a series of murders in the Vale! Over the course of three weeks, three unusual murders – none of them obviously linked – are committed across the Blackmore Vale, Salisbury, and Yeovil. Steve Wilkinson’s “why done it” The Greater Good is a mystery written partly in homage to the southwest.

Your NBVM caught up with Steve to find out more…

“As I have lived in this region all my live, I have written several books that are sometimes based in the southwest. I write with no fixed genre, but I like to challenge the reader on their ideas and beliefs.

“I live in Gillingham with my wife and two wonderful daughters. After my favourite author, the late David Gemmell, sadly passed away in 2006, his words inspired me to start writing as a tribute. My

wonderfully patient wife kept nagging me to try publishing my stories. I took her up on the challenge, and surprisingly the publisher said yes!

“To date, I have written 18 novels. My first three novels were historical fantasy, which I self-published. Since then, I have never really stuck to a genre, trying my hand at sci-fi, mystery and my latest book, which I would class as a ‘why done it’!

“The Greater Good is my first fully published novel. It is set on the outskirts of the Blackmore Vale, because it’s good to write what you know. The inspiration came from several sources; I wanted to test how far a person would go when their faith is not only tested but given a darker direction. The three murder locations are all fictional, but anyone who knows this amazing area will recognise the places instantly.

“The novel investigates three painless murders across the southwest in just three weeks, none appearing to be linked or with any motive.

“I have another fully published novel coming out later this year called Primary Echoes, which is largely set in the village of

Tisbury.

This is a supernatural thriller, in which a local man investigates children under 13 who all experience the same strange phenomena.

Released by Olympia Publishing this year, The Greater Good is available in paperback from Amazon and Waterstones.

New lingerie collections at Shirley Allum

WHEN shopping in Shaftesbury, take time to visit Shirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie, and discover an amazing range of brands. There is an enormous selection of Triumph bras in stock sizes A-K cups style. Look out for the Triumph Amourette series, with its delicate embroidery and fine details that really help to highlight your figure.

From Wednesday 24th through to Saturday 27th May you can take advantage of a special offer and receive 25% off when purchasing any two Triumph bras, while stocks last.

Shirley Allum fashions and Lingerie also stocks Sloggi pants, with their extra-soft seams and premium core-spun material mix, which provide maximum comfort and the perfect silhouette. Sloggi briefs retain their shape wonderfully after each wash. Buy three pairs and get a fourth free.

Discover a wonderful collection of women’s sports bras, offering high quality at affordable prices. If you are planning your summer holiday, the store stocks a great range of swimwear, now in sizes 10 to 24.

The store stocks Mey nightwear and vests, including the season’s new range which features spring soft blues and corals. Mey is a family-owned company, based in southern Germany, that has been manufacturing lingerie, bodywear and nightwear since 1928. The company’s balance of tradition and innovation means that they are able to produce high quality, sustainable garments.

The entire range is made in Europe and has various certifications for sustainability, which means the company meets strict compliance criteria – so when you buy a Mey garment, you can be confident it really is as sustainable as it says it is.

Philip is the main agent for Mey in the UK, he says: “Mey is a fabulous brand to work with. We stock lingerie boutiques and department stores throughout the UK and Ireland and are delighted that Shirley Allum has now been one of our valued customers for several years.

“We enjoy taking part in lingerie week to meet Shirley’s customers and explain more about the Mey brand. Shirley actually visited the factory with us a couple of years ago to see for herself how the product is made.

“Mey offers a great range of basic lingerie, bodywear and nightwear/loungewear all year round and also twice a year.”

In the footwear section, new for this season, Strive footwear offers orthotic shoes made using premium natural materials. Strive footwear has a built-in contoured footbed designed by leading UK podiatrists, called ‘Biomechanical Footbed Technology’ Premium Natural Materials.

New stock can either be viewed online, or by visiting the Shirley Allum fashions and Lingerie store on Shaftesbury High Street. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

www.shirleyallum.co.uk

Small but mighty

Dorset Historic Churches Trust recognises the incredible efforts of a tiny Vale parish

SILTON parish, four miles north of Gillingham, has been recognised as the Historic Church Fundraiser of the Year.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust has awarded the Morshead Trophy for this year to St Nicholas Church, Silton.

The trophy is named after Sir Owen Morshead, one of the founders of the Trust in 1960. It’s open to every parish in the county and is awarded by Dorset Historic Churches Trust to the team that makes the greatest contribution to the annual Ride & Stride event.

Silton’s Ride & Stride participants raised over £2,000 in sponsorship, an amazing achievement for a small village. This is a significant contribution to the overall figure of £87,000 raised by 147 parishes across Dorset. While half of the sponsorship raised is returned to the parish, the event raises funds that allow the Trust to make grants totalling over £100,000 a year to help

conserve beautiful and historic church buildings all over Dorset.

The presentation was made at a special event in Silton village hall by chairman of the trust, John Stokoe. He congratulated all involved, adding “It is wonderful to see the success of a small community like Silton.”

Receiving the trophy on behalf of the parish, determined long-distance cyclist and participant Peter Williams thanked the Trust for its dedication. He added that “It would be hard to maintain Dorset’s highly treasured churches without the invaluable support of DHCT”.

This year’s Ride & Stride is on September 9.

Make do & mend

DON’T throw away your broken items, bring them to the expert volunteers at the Repair Cafe and give them a new lease of life!

Dorchester Repair Cafe is at Charminster Community Hall, Weir View, Charminster (DT2 9QY) on Saturday May 27 from 10am until midday. There’s plenty of parking, and you can enjoy a tea or coffee and a slice of homemade cake in the cafe while you wait for your bits to be fixed.

New volunteers are always needed as repairers and admin help. Call 07870950666 or email repaircafedorchester@ gmail.com for further information.

John Stokoe, Chair of DHCT, presents the Morshead Trophy to Peter Williams at Silton Village Hall

Advice for parents and tips for teens

Local parenting summit promises to help your children thrive in their teenage years

ADVICE when dealing with the challenges and pressures of raising a teenager will be on offer at a special event this summer.

On June 6, Bryanston School will host 21st Century Parenting – Inspired Thinking For The Modern Parent.

The event is designed to provide parents with the knowledge and

in the modern age, according to a spokesperson and will feature a panel of experts in child psychology, mental health, social and technological influences, behavioural science, nutrition, and more.

It also aims to explode common misconceptions and equip parents with the tools they need to help their children thrive throughout their teenage years.

The school has partnered with The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips for the event and has secured involvement from a variety of experts from all over the UK.

From parenting experts Alicia Drummond and Dr Maryhan to sexism and gender equality specialists Michael Conroy and Natasha Eeles, attendees will have access to a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from self-harm and gambling to drugs and bullying.

Dr Preetpal Bachra, deputy head of pupil development and wellbeing at Bryanston, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured the direct involvement of so many experts from so many fields as it will ensure the day covers all conceivable topics and sheds a much-needed light on even those very tricky areas that can be so difficult for a parent to talk about with their child.”

The 21st Century parenting event is being held prior to Bryanston’s 2023 Education Summit for educationalists and teaching professionals.

The summit aims to provide a day of inspirational talks and discussions on topical issues and education priorities for teachers and other educationalists from across southern England.

For more information, and a full list of speakers, log on to www. bryanston.co.uk/community/conferences

Alicia Drummond, founder of Teen Tips

(Photo courtesy of the Wellbeing Hub at Teen Tips)

Live the life you choose at home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Counting sheep

CERNE Sheep Group, which supports, educates and entertains about 30 local shepherds (with flocks large and small), enjoyed an interesting talk by Freda Hennnessy on hedges and ditches (and a few red herrings) at the Fox Inn this April. A big thank you to Barry Graham for supplying the screen.

Monday, May 29, is the Sherborne Castle country fair and Rare Breeds Survival Trust Show. Rosemary Lovegrove would welcome volunteers; please call or email her if you are able to help 01935 891415 or rosemary. lovegr@btinternet.com

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

A twist of fete

Motcombe is gearing up for a spectacular fete this June, with over 3,000 adults and children expected to attend

THE village of Motcombe has had June 10 in the diary for a year now, and is looking forward to the latest incarnation of its ever-popular village fete.

“Well it’s become a bit of a festival really,” explains fete co-organiser Barney Mauleverer. “We took on the mantle to help manage the event in 2018, which by then had become one of those ‘I-think-I’m-busythen’ moments.”

Working with co-organiser Scott Jackson, the pair rallied together a motley crew of like-minded villagers to help cover all key areas like the sourcing of hay bales, working out how to keep drinks cold in a field, training pigs to jump over hurdles and wiring up speakers.

“2019 was sensational!” says Scott. “We had way more people than expected and whilst our aim was for the event to ‘wash its

face’, we managed to raise enough money to give many of the local charities, projects and individuals around the Parish of Motcombe a little top-up.”

In 2022, post-pandemic the fete was the best ever. The sun shone, the crowds were huge and lots of money was raised for the community – an experience the organisers hope to repeat this year. There’s a full programme planned for the afternoon taking place in two arenas and one stage including gymnastics and hawk displays; professional comedian Duncan Oakley entertaining the children; the ‘world famous’ Motcombe games; Doggy Crufts, where pooches are the stars of the show; and the scarecrows.

After the fete, revellers can let their hair down and dance the evening away to Johnny Wild & the Broken Hearts, as well as local bands Jamarca and Loose Connections.

Food and drink will be available throughout the day, and as far as possible the organisers are supporting the Go Green Week by using recycled or refillable cups.

For more information visit www. motcombefete.co.uk or contact one of the team at team@motcombefete.co.uk

Chance of a lifetime

Wincanton Racecourse to host charity race in celebration of 40 years of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust

BUDDING champion jockeys are being offered the chance to ride out at Wincanton Racecourse in a special charity race.

The Bob Champion Cancer Trust has announced the race, to be run on Sunday, October 29, celebrating 40 years since the founding of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

The trust was set up in 1983, just two years after Bob’s fairy-tale victory on Aldaniti in the Grand National.

The Wincanton race will be run over one mile and two furlongs on the flat and will give 12 riders a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of race riding on a race day.

Bob said: “It makes me immensely proud that The Bob Champion Cancer Trust is still going strong and doing such good work 40 years after it was set up.

“Therefore, we’re delighted to be able to celebrate this with a fund-raising Charity

Day and race at Wincanton.

“This will give 12 lucky riders the opportunity of a lifetime, and we do hope that everyone gets involved and supports the day in any way they can.”

Jack Parkinson, general manager at Wincanton, said: “We welcome The Bob Champion Cancer Trust to Wincanton and are pleased to be able to host a day for them.

“Bob himself holds a special place at the heart of the jump racing community for what he has achieved and all the good work his trust has done.

“So, giving 12 riders a wonderful chance to ride around our track seems a fitting way to celebrate and raise funds.”

Applications are open now, with a closing date of midnight on May 12. The application form, with guidelines, is available at www.bobchampion.org.uk

Key criteria will be that applicants are under 12 stone, competent riders, can pledge to raise a minimum of £2,500 and

are able to source their own racehorse.

There will also be an official lunch on the day with a range of fund-raising activities to support the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Visit www.bobchampion.org.uk for more details, including how to apply to ride, how to get involved, how to attend the day/ lunch, sponsor a jockey and to donate. Sponsorship packages are available on request.

SIXPENNY HANDLEY CRAFT

FAIR & TEAS

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Saturday 27 May, 10am - 1pm, FREE entry

Crafts / Hot drinks / Homemade cakes. Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

INDOOR/OUTDOOR MARKETS

Saturday 27th May 9-4.30/5pm

Sunday 28th May 10-4pm

Shaftesbury Town Hall

FREE ENTRY

Supporting Weldmar Hospice and Dorset Somerset Air Ambulance

YARD SALE

27th/28th May 10am - 3pm

Household, tools, car, clothing, computer accessories, in-car cameras & lots more 13 Denham Drive, Guys Marsh, SP7 0AJ Cash only

HMS HERON BAND SUMMER CONCERT

Friday 30th June @ 7.30pm

St James Church, Longburton

Tickets £10 For tickets call Alyson on 07585 338150

EAST COKER PRESCHOOL

Golden Jubilee

Celebrating 50 years at the site! Saturday 10th June 12-4pm. Free entry Golden Trail, Raffle, food etc

THE OLD RECTORY AT MANSTON, DT10 1EX

Garden Open for NGS

Sunday 28th & Wednesday 31st May. 2-5pm

Delicious homemade cakes, teas £7 - children free

BINGO

Friday 26th May 2023 at the Royal British Legion Hall Coppice Street Shaftesbury

Doors open 6:45 p.m.

Eyes down: 7.30 p.m. Light refreshments. Raffle.

Proceeds to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

CROWNING GLORY. A history of crowns and tiaras by Daphne Atkinson. Cranborne Local History Society

7.30 on Tuesday 6th June in Cecil Memorial Hall, Cranborne Refreshments and Raffle. All welcome. Guests £3.

BLANDFORD EVENING WI JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 10th June 9.30 am till 12.30 pm

Corn Exchange, Blandford Entry 20p. Refreshments Clothes Toys Bric-a-brac

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

29th MAY

Alweston Car Boot Sale, Monday 29th May. Sellers

7am, Buyers 8am. Info: 01963 23436

SPRING FAIR Stalls, Plants, Raffle, Cream Teas, Musical Entertainment. Proceeds for benefit of patients and staff. Saturday 27th May 2pm-4:30pm

Westminster Memorial Hospital Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8BD

THORNFORD FETE AND CRAFT MARKET. At the Village Hall on Saturday 17th June 2pm to 5pm

DT9 6QB Bring the family for lots of fun!

COFFEE MORNING

Saturday 17th June 10:30 - 12:30

Marsh Farm, Ibberton DT11 0EJ

In aid of Woolland Church Enquiries 01258 817423

HONEYBUNS POP-UP SHOP

Sat 3 June 9.30am to 12 noon

Not quite perfect gluten free cakes at perfect prices

Dairy free/vegan options. Stock up your freezer

Pre-orders call 01963 23597 www.honeybuns.co.uk/ popupshop

Honeybuns, Naish Farm, Stony Lane, Holwell DT9 5LJ

STOUR VALLEY DOG RESCUE, Family Bingo at Oakford Fitzpaine Village Hall. Friday 26th May.

Doors open 6pm, eyes down 7.30pm

SHAFTESBURY LIBRARY

Saturday 3 June 11:00am12:00 noon. Join us to weave your own beautiful butterfly this half term!

CUCKLINGTON

GARDENS OPEN

17th-18th June 2023

11am-5pm

10 beautiful gardens.Tickets £8 from Village Hall @ BA9 9PY (St Lawrence’s Church fund)

GILLINGHAM CRAFTS AND GILLINGHAM TOWN TEAM presents the Three Rivers Market on Saturday 3rd June 2023 from 10-3.30 on The Town Meadow, Gillingham. BBQ supplied by The Red Lion. Lots of stalls to browse

SHERBORNE DIGBY HALL Monthly Market

1st Saturday of Month. June 3rd 10-3

Antiques, Arts, Crafts, Food & More Tel: 07717 454643

Events

27th & 28th May

GARDENS OPEN

Tarrant Gunville

In aid of Play Park

From 2pm - £7.50

Pay in car park. Cash only

Teas in Village Hall

Sorry, no dogs

LYN’S BINGO AT MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION on Monday 29th May. Eye’s down at 7pm.

VINTAGE TABLE TOP SALE

Saturday 3rd June 2023 gates open 10am

All sorts of items for sale At The Old Rectory Ashmore SP5 5AG

TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND CAR BOOT SALE SUNDAY 4th JUNE. Sellers 8.30am

Cars £5, Vans & Trailers £10 Buyers 9.30am£2 per vehicle Turnpike Showground Motcombe SP7 9PL

Saturday 3rd June at 2.15pm

In the garden of historic Eastbury House

Live music by Izy Styles & Julian Phillips

Mr Bubbles children's entertainer

Tea & homemade cakes 4 produce stall 4 classic cars bric-a-brac 4 books 4 jewellery 4 bottle tombola coconut shy 4 enjoy a glass at 'The Pimms Station' ...and lots more!

DORSETFEST

17TH JUNE 2023

DorsetFest is a family-friendly music festival set in the heart of the Dorset. The two-day event offers a fantastic range of music, entertainment and food stalls for everyone to enjoy. There is also camping available for those who want to make the most of the weekend, music and gorgeous setting!

Hanford Festival of Performing and Creative Arts

Head to Hanford between 19 – 25th June when the school opens its doors to the public for their Festival of Performing and Creative Arts with concerts and talks throughout the week. Take your pick from “An evening with Larry Lamb”, perhaps best known for his starring roles in Gavin & Stacey and EastEnders, a classical concert with leading violinist Shana Douglas and Julian Gallant on piano, a concert with the British soprano Alexandra Lowe or a ‘Play on Words’ with performer, composer and lyricist Hal Cazalet who will bring the lyrics and stories of P G Wodehouse to life in an evening of music, laughter, romance and glamour.

The range and wealth of talent involved in this week’s festival is remarkable and testament to Hanford’s commitment to fostering creativity, curiosity and fun. The events are all available to book here on Eventbrite and will cost between £10 – 20. Drinks will be available from 6.30pm and the events will run from 7 - 8pm. The week will end on an upbeat note on Sunday with the beautiful Hanford gardens on display to visitors as part of the National Gardens Scheme, along with live music from Blackmore Vale Brass, teas and cakes and magic by the Great Baldini. Book your tickets now at Eventbrite or go to the National Garden Scheme website for Sunday’s tickets.

| ALEXANDRA LOWE | HAL CAZALET | SHANA WILLIAMS

MEMORIES MADE IN MAY

Half term happiness awaits you at Adventure Wonderland!

There is so much to enjoy this half term (27th May to 4th June 2023) including all your favourite rides and attractions! Make a splash on Jungle Falls log flume or ride the waves of the Ghostly Galleon. Fly high on the Flying Elephants and get in a spin on the Turbo Teacups!

Your ticket also includes the huge indoor play centre, ‘Wild Thing!’, ‘Alice at the Movies’ crazy golf, Pony World animal area and the Alice in Wonderland Maze! Take your seats for showtime in The Theatre with family performances of ‘Tik Tok Time’ with Alice, the Queen of Hearts and Mr Rabbit!

If that’s not enough, Bluey will be visiting Adventure Wonderland on Thursday 1st June and making appearances throughout the day. Early booking is highly recommended for this fantastic all-inclusive character day event.

Book your adventure now! Check the website for all the info. Visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

• Blandford Methodist Church: Individuals are invited to Sunday services at 10.45am and to stay for refreshments. Thursdays: Everyone welcome for coffee and a chat from 10am-noon. Fridays: Lunch Club for the over-55s from noon at £5 a meal - phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505 543 to book. The church is anxious to offer help to all those in need - call church steward John Cornish Steward on 07799 516735.

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, June 4, 10.45am Together Communion at Spetisbury; 7pm The Well/ Country Fair event at Spetisbury. Sunday, June 11: 9.30am Communion at Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at Langton Long; 11am Family service at Tarrant Rushton. Coffee and cake –Spetisbury 10-11.30am June 5 and 19; Coffee and cake –Blandford St Mary 10am11:30am June 22; Coffee stop

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

– Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

• Spire Hill Benefice: Sunday, May 28, Benefice Service for Pentecost 11am at St Mary’s, Stalbridge, followed by a bring-and-share barbecue at the Rectory.

• St Leonard’s, Semley: Animal thanksgiving service

Sunday, June 11, at 9.30am. Bring your pet to church – or a photo if they’re a touch antisocial! Refreshments and dog treats to follow.

• St Mary’s Church, Charminster: Quintessentially Wind will be performing in the church (DT2 9RD) on Saturday, July 8, at 7pm. The talented band of instrumentalists, who are well-known and popular in the Hampshire/Surrey area, will

be playing light classics, film, show and dance music on a summer’s evening. Tickets priced £10, including drinks and nibbles – children free – are available on 01305 213403.

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

• Mothers’ Union: Sheila Soper will give a talk and show slides on South Sudan at a meeting in the Griffiths Room at Digby Memorial Church Hall on Friday, May 26, from 10am–noon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Lillington Church: The church is seeking an organist to play its newly refurbished organ occasionally or regularly at its 10am Sunday services. Anyone interested should contact the churchwarden, Mark, on 07817 845775 for more details.

• Sherborne Community Larder: Held in the grounds of St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Close DT9 4DU every Friday 9.30-10.30am. The Larder is run by volunteers and facilitated by FareShare. It functions through membership and is aimed at helping people make their money go further by reducing their shopping bills. Membership does not exceed £5 a week and in return members receive at least three times that value in food and sundries. To sign up – referral not needed nor is it means tested – turn up on a Friday or request a form from FSSouthernCentral@ fareshare.org.uk

• Sherborne Abbey: A new treasurer is needed for the abbey. A remuneration package is agreed for the post but comes with some voluntary contribution from the post holder. Anyone who is an accountant or knows one who would be interested in the role can contact the rector, Martin Lee, on 07725 593100.

• Sherborne Abbey Choir: New boy choristers for the Abbey Choir and girl choristers for the new Abbey Girls’ Choir are being recruited. Email james.henderson@ sherborneabbey.com or leave a paper note in the Parish Office.

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

Any Questions and the statistic that stuck...

I HAD never been to a live radio programme broadcast until attending Any Questions this month from Marnhull. The refurbished hall looks fantastic. What a vital asset a good village hall is to a rural community.

The BBC team was slightly concerned that a cricket match was being played directly outside as the broadcast went out. All was well, though. No well struck six. No unfortunate language.

Goodness me, but Danny Kruger MP must have felt he was a modern-day HumptyDumpty as he came to be firmly but fairly pushed off his lovely blue wall by the Marnhull Village Hall crowd.

The bit the crowd really disliked was the blame for a lack of progress being laid at

the door of the Civil Service, the Blob, as some have it.

It is a sad reflection on many career politicians that they do not have the management and leadership skills to galvanise teams to get things done. Even then, there is precious little mandate for what this crew are trying to push through.

The puff and phwaw of the Johnson 2019 win has evaporated, if it ever had any substance. Then Truss, now Sunak. The one undermined by her own actions, the other being undermined by the same forces that put Truss in power.

You only had to glimpse the unedifying spectacle of the

Trumpist

Terribly

Concerned Conservative New Wave conference thing at which the Home Secretary, cabinet collective responsibility notwithstanding, thrust herself forward to receive the braying support of those assembled. The most potent voices on the Any Questions panel came from the NFU and Oxfam. These seem to be well-led organisations.

The stat that stuck came from Oxfam.

It keeps an eye on a list of the top 100 food and energy firms worldwide. In the past two years their profits have risen by an aggregate £80 billion. If you

want to understand why so many commodities have increased in price so dramatically, just look at the list. It happens because it can. It happens because of imbalances of power, of influence, because doing the right thing is so often trumped (sic) by shareholder short-termism and greed.

Yes, Opportunity is good but Liberal Democrats always add Compassion and Fairness to create a better mix.

Although Any Questions is some 70 years old, it filled the hall to bursting.

The programme is delivered by a tiny but professional team intent on delivering a locallyfocused, meaningful experience for the audience as well as an entertaining, informative and influential national broadcast.

Sherborne council by-election to be welcomed

MORE than 3,000 residents in the west of Sherborne will soon face a by-election for a new Dorset councillor. It follows the resignation of the absent Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Hall earlier this month. I for one welcome his resignation, although this was a long overdue decision and an outcome which I had been calling for since he moved to Devon almost a year ago.

The reality is that local electors in the west of Sherborne have practically been without a councillor for almost a year and, in my opinion, the Lib Dem councillor has been totally absent in addressing significant issues, such as the re-opening of Kitt Hill – which should not have required my

CLARIFICATION

intervention to resolve.

It is revealing that the Liberal Democrat councillor resigned his seat after winning an election in Exmouth in Devon a few weeks ago. As someone who was born in Sherborne and who knows the town and local people well, I’m relieved the community can now choose a local, who lives here and truly understands the area.

Conservative MP for West Dorset

Chris Loder

Fortunately, the local Conservative candidate is a lifelong Sherborne resident and award-winning town business owner. Rebecca Burns, who is known to many, has pledged to restore strong links with

IN a recent edition of your NBV magazine, we published a story regarding the votes of MPs over a Labour motion on sewage being dumped in rivers, lakes and seas.

On April 25, shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon (Lab, Oldham West & Royton) put forward a motion that would have seen the Opposition take control of the order paper of the Commons, in a bid to force a vote on his Water Quality

residents, and to introduce a more modern, refreshed approach to Sherborne West’s governance and representation. Rebecca has my full support and you can expect to hear more from her in the coming weeks. In other news, I met with the Roads Minister, Richard Holden MP, last week, to discuss road safety for West Dorset. It followed the concerns I raised with him in the House of Commons in late April regarding safety and standards. We have recently had several fatalities on our roads in the constituency, including on the A30 which connects Sherborne and Yeovil, and on the A3066 in

(Sewage Discharge) Bill.

We incorrectly said he had brought forward the Bill itself.

We also said the Government introduced its own Bill - which was incorrect.

Instead, Conservatives backed an amended motion. Labour abstained from the vote. Chris Loder (Con, West Dorset) backed the amendment.

Environment secretary Therese Coffey said: “We’ve brought forward stronger

Mosterton. There was also a fatal accident on the A303 last week, north-west of Sherborne.

I am deeply concerned about these incidents – only a few years ago I lost one of my best friends from primary school in a fatal accident on the road from Sherborne to Dorchester. My sympathies go out to any family affected by a road fatality, and I was pleased the Minster and I had a constructive conversation to address local issues on some of our roads. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of local authorities and National Highways to maintain and improve our roads.

I will apply pressure where necessary to ensure these organisations are delivering.

regulations, tougher enforcement and the largest water infrastructure programme in history ... and we will make fines unlimited so that the polluter always pays.”

After the votes, Mr McMahon said: “The Tories feared our bill so much they shredded it, moving a wrecking amendment to our motion, removing all the powers and legal teeth that we know are needed.”

We apologise for any confusion caused by our piece and are happy to clarify.

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Reflections on the king’s coronation

IT was an honour to be invited to attend Westminster Abbey for The King’s Coronation.

I did not see it as a personal invitation but as a way of representing the whole of North Dorset.

I am a nosy person so the opportunity to ‘people watch’ was phenomenal.

The hats, colour and pageantry made it a feast for the eyes.

As we watched events unfurl, the unremitting drum of rain could be heard.

Later, on The Mall, I spoke to many families all of whom were soaked to the skin but were irrepressibly cheerful and just delighted to be in London and to be a part of history in the making.

If I may, I would like to make two observations on the Coronation?

First, I was in no way prepared for how religious the ceremony was.

That may sound odd given we were congregated in an abbey and led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Similar Royal events often seem to be State occasions

which happen to be held in a place of religious observance.

The Coronation felt entirely different.

The terrestrial played second fiddle to the celestial.

The King made promissory vows to his people, the Commonwealth, to justice and to democracy.

He made them to God. The private anointing with Holy Oil replicated the anointing of priests about to begin their ministry or those being Confirmed – it represents a vocational calling to serve.

Never before had I felt so keenly the link of Church and State.

Much has been made of the fact that The King looked serious.

I believe he was serious, conscious of the role he had been called upon to fulfil and his place in the long story of our nation’s history.

If marriage is to be entered into reverently, soberly and seriously, how much more so in the making of a King.

The fact that the anointing was done ‘out of sight’ before the High Altar and with the King stripped to just a plain white shirt amplifies this point.

No ornate dress but an ordinary man, about to begin an extraordinary job, asking for his God’s help. I found that profoundly powerful.

My second observation is it is hard to think of any

ceremony or organisation that has not undergone slow, organic evolution over the last 70 years.

Not so the Coronation. This was a challenge. In 1953 there were no women priests or bishops, women played a limited role in the military, politics and business.

TV ownership was low and black and white. Abortion and homosexuality were illegal. The death penalty legal.

The UK looks and feels very different today. We are a less rigid, more inclusive country.

So this was a huge challenge – to create a Coronation relevant for 2023 while respecting and reflecting the history and traditions of previous ones.

To demonstrate contemporary relevance while underscoring the line of Kingship stretching back to Anglo Saxon times. To tell a story of national evolution.

I think the challenge was met brilliantly. For that reason, the prayer of ‘God Save the King’ continues appropriate and relevant for our times.

Why Ukraine will ultimately prevail

A GREAT privilege to travel to Ukraine with my Defence Minister hat on. On this occasion my mission was to better understand the management of military casualties and their rehabilitation after injury, a matter of increasing interest to the UK and our allies.

We want to see what more we can do collectively to help, an undertaking the UK has taken an early lead in because of our acknowledged experience and expertise in military medicine gathered over the past two decades.

I am always struck by the tenacity and resolve of the Ukrainian people, wherever I’ve encountered them – in

country or training on Salisbury Plain.

What a contrast to the aggressor, reliant as it is on mercenaries and the disgorged contents of its prisons. The moral component of the war, as much as the kit and munitions being gifted, is why Ukraine will ultimately prevail.

Housing on a densely populated island is never going to be easy. In general, I’ve been resistant to concreting the countryside and believe there are still plenty of ‘brown field’ sites that builders can consume –they’re allergic to this because cleaning up developed sites cuts profit margins.

I also believe we can build vertically more than we have with three or four floor townhouses with nice roof terraces and balconies instead of gardens the norm rather than the exception.

Too often in the past we’ve been hoodwinked by avaricious developers and a fistful of big builders. That must stop.

I’m cautious about laying into so-called NIMBYs. It’s true that your take on house building is influenced by where you’re placed on the property ladder but home owners are parents and grandparents too, anxious to see family members in homes of their own.

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

Green Party success in local elections

WHAT a lively few weeks we’ve had, with plenty of jubilation and joy tempered with disappointment and dismay. Mixed emotions for pretty much all of us, with a dramatic round of local council elections followed by a coronation carried out with typical British pomp and circumstance.

While the coronation was disliked by some, the local election result was disliked by everyone in the Conservative party. ‘Disappointing’ according to Rishi Sunak, but nevertheless he intends to plough on with what he claims are the people’s priorities. The election results suggest the people disagree.

The coronation was certainly disappointing to everyone who believes in the democratic right to peaceful protest. The police waded in to prevent any hint of dissent, using the new powers given to them by the Conservative’s Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Act that

became law last year, and the Public Order Act that was given royal assent just days before the coronation. People simply standing peacefully, with placards expressing their view of the monarchy, were swept off the street. Such was the police enthusiasm that they even detained a bystander and several

Westminster Council volunteers who were handing out rape alarms.

The regret expressed by the police for some of their actions will be judged against how they use their new anti-democratic powers in future. The Conservatives claim the legislation is necessary to stop protesters from disrupting the lives of ‘ordinary hard-working people’, but it looks more like an authoritarian means of silencing opposition to government policies.

Nothing is going to disrupt all our lives more than the changing climate, which is rapidly growing increasingly extreme due to global warming, and the continuing depletion and gross pollution of our environment. The time is coming when all of us, environmental activists and protesters included, will regret not having done more to force the Government to take the actions needed to protect our

collective future.

The local council election results reflect the electorate’s view of the past 13 years of Conservative rule. The Green Party’s surge in popularity has been most welcome, with a record number of councillors elected, up from 281 to 481, including 33 new councillors in the South-West. This reflects the growing environmental concerns of most of us. The Office for National Statistics reports that climate change is the second biggest concern for 75% of adults in the UK, which shows just how out of touch the government is.

While we look forward to the next general election, regrettably the lack of proportional representation will inevitably mean that the result will continue to reflect the wishes of vested financial interests, media barons and wealthy donors, rather than the general population.

Starmer’s ambitious housing plans

‘NOTHING reeks more of decline than a country that no longer knows how to build things,’ said Keir Starmer to the British Chamber of Commerce last week. That’s certainly the case for house building, which he proceeded to focus on in his speech.

A lack of supply of new homes has driven the average house price to seven times the average income. Why? A principal reason is that the Tories have abolished house building targets. Sunak was forced to end them by a mutiny in his own party. The net result is that, in Starmer’s words, the Tories have ‘killed the dream, the aspiration of homeowning for a whole generation’.

Do we recognise this picture here in the Vale? We frequently hear about how people born here cannot afford to live here once they leave school or university. While we could perhaps all

agree there’s a problem, I doubt we would coalesce around a solution.

Take the pages of this newspaper. It often features stories about planning applications being rejected –and many with good reason. But how many of us could genuinely claim to being a BIIMBY –

build it in my back yard? Do we not know how to build things, as Starmer says, or rather do we just not want to build things where we must see them?

Difficult questions. Now, how about some solutions. A Labour government would bring back house building targets – but with some crucial changes.

Firstly, Labour will look at implementing more collective targets that apply across local authority areas. Currently co-operation is guided by a ‘duty to co-operate’ principle that causes more confusion than good. Take the example of Dorset’s previous housebuilding target before they were abolished. No one could agree on the number, because no one was sure how many houses Dorset would have to ‘take’ when Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole couldn’t fit in their allocation. Paralysis prevailed.

Secondly, under Labour local authorities would have more flexibility as to how they meet their targets. This includes greater ability to build on green belt. Starmer had an example of a council in Kent that built on a school playing field because the car park it originally planned to build on was in greenbelt. The playing field was not. Inflexibility thus leads to madness.

Thirdly, a Labour government will remove the veto effectively used by big landowners to stop shovels hitting the ground. Currently, it is too easy to amass landbanks that reduce the supply of developable land and drive up the costs of new homes.

Commentators have accused Starmer of being, ironically, too conservative in policy pronouncements to date. His ambition on housing shows this is far from true.

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Museum showcase for wartime relic

A SCULPTURE of top Nazi Hermann Goring’s head with two bullet holes in it is attracting attention at Dorset’s Tank Museum after featuring in a book.

The metal model of the Luftwaffe leader was shot by either Russians or Americans at the end of the Second World War and was probably brought back to the UK by someone from the Royal Tank Regiment.

It was donated to the museum in Bovington in 1957 and is featured in a recently released book that marks the visitor attraction’s centenary: The Tank Museum in 100 Objects

The book shows items especially selected by curator David Willey and is already proving popular.

The sculpture of Goring’s head was displayed in Berlin through the war – part of the cult of the personality encouraged by the Nazi party.

It now has bullet holes between the eyes and just below the nose – summing up what the victors felt about their Nazi foe.

David Willey said: “The Tank Museum’s mission has always been to tell the story of tanks and the people that served in them.

“I’ve put together a book detailing some

of – what I find to be – the most interesting items in our collection that tell these stories.

“One of those is the head of Goring with bullet holes in it. There are two stories

about who shot it – but it was either Russians or Americans.

“Disfiguring portraits of enemies has a long tradition going back to ancient Egypt and Rome – and more recently we watched as statues of Saddam Hussain were toppled after his defeat.

“Our Second World War exhibition in which this object is a part is running alongside our new exhibition called ‘Tanks for the Memories: The Tank in Popular Culture’.”

Hermann Goring was put on trial at Nuremberg at the end of the war and found guilty of four charges including war crimes.

He was sentenced to hang but cheated the noose by taking cyanide the day before and dying on St George’s Day, 1945.

The Tank Museum has amassed more than 100,000 collection items since it was founded in 1923.

David added: “Our extensive collection goes much further than just tanks, with medals, uniforms, weapons, photographs and art all playing a huge part in helping our audience to understand the history of tanks and tank warfare.”

Bovington Tank Musuem curator David Willey and the Hermann Goring sculpture – with bullet holes

n LIFE of Pi is being screened as part of the National Theatre Live programme at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

The story centres on a 17-year-old Indian boy, the soul survivor of a ship sinking, who ends up sharing a lifeboat

Rosa smells a rat

WRITER, performer and radio producer Rosa Torr is heading to The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton with Rattus Rattus: The Epic Tail of Man vs Rat

wonder whether it’s the rat that he is chasing after all...

Expect a funny real-life story about family, growing up and the times we all find we’ve gone a little bit mad.

with a terrifying Bengal tiger. The production, filmed at the Wyndham Theatre in London’s West End, explores themes of faith, solitude, survival and governmental corruption.

Life of Pi is being shown on Saturday, May 27, at 7pm.

Take a step behind the garden gate

THE Friends of Salisbury Cathedral are inviting visitors to their Secret Gardens of the Close event this weekend.

Nine gardens will be open around Salisbury Cathedral Close, showcasing a host of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees.

These are private gardens, so this is a rare opportunity to step beyond the garden gate, says Friends’ chairman Duncan Glass.

“We are eagerly awaiting the end of May when we hold our flagship event, which is made possible by the generosity of residents of the Cathedral Close who kindly open their beautiful gardens for us,” he said.

“The Friends’ charity is the cathedral’s fan club and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our Secret Gardens of the Close event safe in the knowledge that the money raised from ticket sales will fund important maintenance and preservation work at our wonderful medieval masterpiece.”

Tea and cake will be available in the Bishop’s garden

at South Canonry and an exhibition of botanical art will be on show in Sarum College.

The artwork will be for sale, along with cards and the book Secret Gardens of the Close, produced by Salisbury Florilegium Society and featuring its members’ paintings.

The event is on Sunday, May 28, and runs from 1-5pm. Entry is £10 (under-16s free), payable on the day at the tent on Choristers’ Green.

It’s New Year’s Day 2015 and Rosa’s dad has made a life-changing resolution. At the same time, a rat sneaks into her family home and so begins an epic battle for control of the house. As the months pass, her father goes to ever greater and more extravagant lengths to trap the rat, and Rosa starts to

The show is staged by Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach as part of the national INN CROWD project designed to support country pubs as a vibrant part of rural life.

Tickets priced £5 for the show on Sunday, June 5, are available from www.artsreach. co.uk

Wildlife artist’s open house

WILDLIFE artist L Paul Matthews is set to stage his spring open house exhibition near Dorchester.

Paul’s work attracted wide acclaim when he was a finalist in the David Shepherd Foundation’s competition for Wildlife Artist of the Year.

He has also been a finalist in

the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year competition

His work can be viewed online and at galleries across Dorset and beyond.

The exhibition is at 23 High Street, Puddletown (DT2 8RT) from May 26-29, June 3-4 and June 10-11, open from 11am5.30pm.

MAIDEN Newton Art Group is holding an exhibition and sale of artwork at Maiden Newton village hall (near the railway station) on Friday, June 9, from 5-9pm and all day on Saturday from 10am-4pm. Free entry and glass of wine with raffle ticket on Friday evening; refreshments served on Saturday.

Hunny Bunnies

Nine gardens will be open around Salisbury Cathedral Close in the Friends of the Cathedral fundraiser

So sad to see the decline of our town

WHAT a sad and sorry state Gillingham is in. It was never the most attractive place to live but at least it had some pride in its history and the inhabitants believed it had a future.

What do we have today?

Empty business premises, dogs’ muck, litter, cars parked all over the place and at times a high street that serves as a F1 race track.

I am sure I am not the only person unable to comprehend what has gone wrong and to wonder whether anything can be done to arrest the decline.

No doubt other towns like ours are going the same way, downhill, where the inhabitants have lost interest having realised that all the council is interested in is building houses and collecting council tax.

Can the infrastructure cope with all these people?

The influx of supermarkets has killed off the high street and it is a sign of the times that we now have charity shops, fast food outlets, estate agents and undertakers.

Thank goodness we still have Crockers, Reynolds, The Card Shop and a few others - no butcher, baker or candlestick maker or even an antique shop.

We used to have our streets swept, drains attended to and the occasional traffic warden to ensure that all drivers obeyed the law regarding parking.

All gone, and yet our council tax continues to rise. Why, and where has all the money gone? Don’t even mention the police or our ‘wonderful’ MP.

The town should be uplifted and moved to Somerset or Wiltshire, even better Australia. At least the sun shines in Oz.

I hate to think what the town will look like in ten or 20 years’ time - probably a giant sink estate.

Having got all that off my chest, I am confident that in due course the town will take a long hard look at itself and say ‘it’s past repair’.

Maybe others have different

views. Let’s hear from you. Name and address supplied

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to the very honest and kind person who found and handed my watch into Crockers of Gillingham.

My husband gave it to me on my 80th, so it means everything.

I send all best wishes and gratitude to this lovely person.

Diane Harvey Via email

I WOULD like to make some comments about Canon Woods’ article in the May 12 edition of the New Blackmore Vale Evacuation of British citizens from Sudan. I agree with him on this topic.

Profit. Come on, get real! This is what unfettered capitalism is all about.

If you as a chief executive of a public company find that you have a significant amount of cash available you can either plough it back into the business as an investment or pay yourself a large bonus and then hang on until you get sacked.

Evidence exists that a proportion of top execs are psychopaths – you are always going to get this form of abuse. I leave it to you to decide what’s likely to happen.

Strikes. If NHS workers could affect the pockets of bosses and shareholders and no-one else, I’m sure they would. However, I can’t think of any public industrial action which has done this.

At the present time, thankfully, the NHS has few shareholders and I’m sure most people would like to keep it this way.

The Government has consistently and cynically exploited the fact that nurses have been reluctant to strike in the past.

We in this country want European levels of public service but don’t want to pay European levels of tax.

The difference is made up by underfunding the wages of public sector workers. However, at some point, the camel’s back will break, which is where we are now!

Republican movement. Canon Woods is probably right that a lot of people would probably not want the likes of Boris Johnson or Tony Blair et alia as their elected head of state.

But this is because these people have made strategic important decisions and done something on the international stage.

Admittedly, some of those great decisions have been less than satisfactory but a lot of them have been good.

With a bad elected head of state you can at least vote them out. With a bad hereditary head of state, you are stuck with them until they die!

Philp John Dale Bradford Abbas

I HAVE just read Eric Woods’ latest article (New Blackmore Vale, May 12).

I would like to let him know that at last someone is speaking for the silent majority.

Diane Mullan Via email

CHRIS Loder’s column – New Blackmore Vale, April 14 –provokes a sigh with each paragraph.

Dorset to pilot ‘instant justice’. What could possibly go wrong?

As for his views on the sewerage scandal: Staff at England’s Environment Agency say it has been cut back to such an extent that they cannot do their jobs and the regulator is no longer a deterrent to polluters.

The agency’s environmental protection work has slumped from about £170m in 2009-10 to a low of £76m in 2019-20 and £94m last year.

All of this is under a Conservative government. If

the Government doesn’t fund the Environment Agency properly so it can do its work, and if monitoring is not in place on all the sewage outfalls, how can you even know how big the problem is?

This has resulted in an agency which is now essentially toothless and unable to hold polluters to account.

Finally, Mr Loder fails to point out that water companies have massively under-invested their profits over the last 25 years, prioritising shareholder interest instead.

Neither does he mention the serious harm which farm run-off from intensive agriculture causes.

The spotlight has been shone on this issue not by the Government but by numerous individuals and environmental groups.

I recommend he catches up with Paul Whitehouse: Our Troubled Rivers on BBC iPlayer for an overview of the situation.

Charles Ellis Blandford Forum

I AM very disappointed Gillingham Town Council has not organised a repeat of the River Pageant and Visit to the Historic Dockyard to celebrate the Coronation, after the undoubted success of the Jubilee Weekend events.

What were they thinking?

Richard Turner Gillingham

THE New Blackmore Vale – April 14 – carried a letter about the oil spillage in Poole Harbour, and it was even on Radio 4’s Farming Today

The point I want to make is nothing to do with clean up and so on, as we all know it should not have happened, especially in such a wildlife-sensitive unique area.

We should not still be looking for oil.

We mainly change our habits when we are forced to. A

smoker gives up smoking when diagnosed with lung cancer, many of us suddenly find ourselves exploring the countryside on foot or bike during shutdown and so on.

Just being told it is good for our health is not enough.

Good, efficient, reliable, affordable sources of energy are only going to be explored if oil is banned.

The potential to carry on using oil and the money to be made means the move away from oil will be slow and too late to make a difference to our lives and the planet.

People in Dorset should make their feelings known through letter writing, joining protests or whatever they feel is appropriate for them. We can do something.

Sara Cross Child Okeford

MAY I as a comparatively recent resident of Sherborne add my plea for action to save Newell House from further deterioration.

Sherborne is blessed with more than 350 listed buildings but those located on main entry points to the town have an additional impact on the impression given to visitors to Sherborne.

Newell House occupies such a position and it is sad to see its physical decline – exacerbated by a recent break in.

So can I urge Dorset Council to step up and consider how best it can use its statutory role relating to heritage buildings.

I fully appreciate that there needs to be dialogue where possible with the owner whose proprietary rights should be respected but ways must be found to protect and – where appropriate – revitalise such a wonderful historic building, along with the ancient barn at the rear.

David Gidney Sherborne

IN his latest column in the New Blackmore Vale of May 12, Canon Woods asked some provocative and thought-

provoking questions.

Whereas I doubt many would disagree with the sentiments he expressed concerning the first four questions, I feel his final point regarding the monarchy and an elected head of state is likely to cause far more debate and have far fewer in agreement with his establishment viewpoint.

Politicians – in common with many members of the royal family – have had a poor reputation for centuries and certainly Canon Woods gave some examples of possible precedents that few would find favour with.

How about politicians over the years such as Hugh Gaitskell, John Smith, Theresa May, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill and William Wilberforce?

The church has always been very close to royalty and the landed gentry through patronage, but is King Charles a better role model than any of the names I have given?

He was born into immense privilege and has seven palaces, 10 castles, 12 homes, 56 cottages and 14 ancient ruins he can rest his crown in.

I doubt any of these abodes are used to house those in need and less fortunate than himself, but are used for his relations, such as his brother, Andrew, who has a 30-room mansion to lounge around in.

King Charles admitted to adultery and continued a relationship when he married in 1981 and yet is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

He has many good points and is a committed environmentalist, but leaves a massive carbon footprint wherever he goes and is either ignorant or dismissive of public opinion.

He once flew to the USA to receive an environmental award and this inability to understand his subjects and keenness to lecture us, which his younger son does as well, does not bode well for the future of the monarchy.

My answer to Canon Woods’

final question is that I would most certainly prefer to have a politician of the calibre of those I listed, rather than a flawed and out-of-touch member of the royal family.

However, I do believe William has the makings of an excellent future monarch.

G G Phillipson Fordington

TO celebrate Volunteers’ Week from June 1-7, here at Young Lives vs Cancer – formally CLIC Sargent – we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers who help us in Dorset.

We are lucky to have an amazing team of passionate volunteers who have created a real sense of community and champion the charity.

Volunteers are crucial to our work and mission to help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them. We’ve been there before. We’ll face it all, together.

Volunteers make Young Lives vs Cancer who we are. The benefits of volunteering are felt by everyone from the volunteers themselves, to our staff teams and most importantly the children and young people we support.

Whether that’s volunteers in our shops, with office, warehouse or remote teams, volunteers with our Social Care teams, in our Home from Homes and our fundraising volunteers.

We wouldn’t be Young Lives vs Cancer without every single one of them stepping up and joining the team.

Often a volunteer comes to us after a personal experience of cancer in their family, but many also give their time to meet new people, develop their skills or simply because they want to make a real difference.

A famous quote states: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

We are always looking for more volunteers. If any readers would like to find out more, they can do so by visiting our website.

Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers and to the people from Dorset for continuing to support Young Lives vs Cancer.

Liz Blunt

Young Lives vs Cancer senior fundraising engagement manager – South Central (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, South Wiltshire and Channel Is

FACTOID OF THE FORTNIGHT

‘IF you throw those around, willy-nilly, you’ll never find anything...’

Parents everywhere will have uttered the phrase ‘willy nilly’ at one time or another, usually in relation to discarded toys or clothes.

But where does it come from?

Well, experts believe ‘willy-nilly’ hails from a historic saying, ‘will I, nill I’ which means ‘I am willing, I am unwilling’.

Its original meaning was ‘whether one likes it or not’, but it has evolved over centuries to the ‘willy-nilly’ we currently know.

Incarnations along the

way include ‘nilly-willy’, ‘willing, nilling’ and ‘William nilliam’.

So the next time you find yourself telling someone off, perhaps turn it into a lesson in the evolution of language!

Arrow words 123 456 8 13 15 17 Across 7 Obtain (7) 9 Midday meal (5) 10 Letter after zeta (3) 11 Noticing (9) 12 Hurl (5) 14 Duty rolls (7) 16 Spiral ear cavity (7) 18 Recurring theme (5) 19 Fixed values (9) 20 Equal footing (3) 21 Find the answer (5) 22 Blowing strongly, as in rain (7)

Seeds 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 20 21 22

4 6 123 456 8 13 15 17 Across 7 Obtain (7) 9 Midday meal (5) 10 Letter after zeta (3) 11 Noticing (9) 12 Hurl (5) 14 Duty rolls (7) 16 Spiral ear cavity (7) 18 Recurring theme (5) 19 Fixed values (9) 20 Equal footing (3) 21 Find the answer (5) 22 Blowing strongly, as in rain (7)

7 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 20 21 22

3 Down 1 Splendid (8) 2 Relating to water (4) 3 Wall opening (6) 4 Chooses (6) 5 Roundabout (8) 6 Muffled engine sound (4) 8 Amused (11) 13 Of late (8) 15 Right to vote (8) 17 Second (6) 18 Tiled picture (6) 19 Object made in a mould (4) 20 Disapproving of perceived impropriety (4)

7 Down 1 Splendid (8) 2 Relating to water (4) 3 Wall opening (6) 4 Chooses (6) 5 Roundabout (8) 6 Muffled engine sound (4) 8 Amused (11) 13 Of late (8) 15 Right to vote (8) 17 Second (6) 18 Tiled picture (6) 19 Object made in a mould (4) 20 Disapproving of perceived impropriety (4)

1

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

Killer sudoku

Brain chain (hard version)

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Get a group of singers for audition (7)

5 Top card game book ignored (5)

Across

1 Get a group of singers for audition (7)

Down

5 Top card game book ignored (5)

2 Firm given approval that is for biscuit (6)

9 Man in black say entertaining complete house gets to make unqualified commitment (2,3,5,3)

9 Man in black say entertaining complete house gets to make unqualified commitment (2,3,5,3)

3 A French man with unusual pull around France is disobliging (9)

4 Argument over a new tree (5)

6 Anger seen in diaries regularly (3)

10 Fault about lone criminal showing unjustifiable force (8)

10 Fault about lone criminal showing unjustifiable force (8)

11 Stick container close to plate (4)

7 Sufficient reason for foundation (6)

12 PM not for a largely new reform (9)

11 Stick container close to plate (4)

12 PM not for a largely new reform (9)

16 Draw advantage (4)

19 A ruling agenda moved devoted assistant (8,5)

16 Draw advantage (4)

8 Up-to-date way of operating by service sea (6)

17 Emotional outbreak? Heart is broken infused with yen (8)

11 Ink spilled in cupboard that’s joined together (5-4)

17 Emotional outbreak? Heart is broken infused with yen (8)

19 A ruling agenda moved devoted assistant (8,5)

13 Moral outlook binding Norway regarding race (6)

21 Disreputable group nearly always detaining Frenchman (5)

14 Fine stitching son removed in time to come

22 Agitate monarch with routine upset in lead (7)

21 Disreputable group nearly always detaining Frenchman (5)

22 Agitate monarch with routine upset in lead (7)

Across

1 Get a group of singers for audition (7)

5 Top card game book ignored (5)

9 Man in black say entertaining complete house gets to make unqualified commitment (2,3,5,3)

10 Fault about lone criminal showing unjustifiable force (8)

11 Stick container close to plate (4)

12 PM not for a largely new reform (9)

16 Draw advantage (4)

17 Emotional outbreak? Heart is broken infused with yen (8)

19 A ruling agenda moved devoted assistant (8,5)

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

21 Disreputable group nearly always detaining Frenchman (5)

22 Agitate monarch with routine upset in lead (7)

15 Policy followed by a Republican in an unbroken sequence (6)

18 Grasp plain matter of fact (5)

20 Border that’s neat needing no introduction

Down

2 Firm given approval that is for biscuit (6)

3 A French man with unusual pull around France is disobliging (9)

4 Argument over a new tree (5)

6 Anger seen in diaries regularly (3)

7 Sufficient reason for foundation (6)

8 Up-to-date way of operating by service at sea (6)

11 Ink spilled in cupboard that’s joined together (5-4)

13 Moral outlook binding Norway regarding race (6)

14 Fine stitching son removed in time to come (6)

15 Policy followed by a Republican in an unbroken sequence (6)

18 Grasp plain matter of fact (5)

20 Border that’s neat needing no introduction (3)

For the solutions, turn to page 103

Antiques & Collectibles

Autumn sales entries wanted Get your attic find valued for free

DUKE’S is inviting entries for its autumn auctions – a full list of upcoming sales can be found on its website.

The firm stages monthly Interiors auctions and biannual specialist auctions ranging from modern art and design, to 2nd century Roman sculpture, diamond jewellery and everything in between.

Standout results in the last six months include a sapphire and diamond pendent which sold for £16,900 –inclusive of fees, a rare St Cloud soft paste vase for £22,750 (pictured), a male golden eagle by the renowned taxidermist James Hutchings of Aberystwyth for £14,300, and a fine Chinese coral-ground bowl for £221,000 in Asian Art.

That’s not forgetting a bronze

maquette of Sir Winston Churchill by Oscar Nemon, which attracted fierce bidding and climbed to the impressive sum of £250,000.

The international platforms an auction house like Duke’s provides coupled with the ‘buyer rush’ bidders experience when bidding live usually results in pre-auction expectations being surpassed. Duke’s offers confidential free valuations for auction and walk-ins are always welcome in either of its two Dorchester salerooms.

Online and at home appointments can also be arranged at the prospective vendor’s convenience – find more information on Duke’s website or phone 01305 265080 to speak to one of the team.

SPRING has finally sprung and Clarke’s Auctions at Semley is offering free valuations on any items you may be thinking of selling.

So, if you are clearing out cupboards and attics or sheds and outbuildings, and have any interesting pieces, pop them down to the salerooms for a free verbal valuation.

If you have larger pieces of furniture, large collections or vehicles or motorcycles, you can arrange a home visit free of charge.

Clarke’s can also offer its services for valuations for probate and provide a house clearance service, either full or part, depending on your circumstances.

Having just sold a 2015 Volvo XC60 automatic estate car from a deceased estate for a shade over £10,000, including

premium, Clarke’s is accepting similar and vintage and classic vehicles for its next sale –contact Matthew Whitney on the number below.

For entries into any of Clarke’s future sales or for enquiries for consignment or for probate or insurance valuations, or house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109.

A rare Victorian copper jelly mould by Benham & Froud in the form of a Victoria Cross sold for £700

Busy month of auctions ahead

ACREMAN St. Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, has a busy month ahead.

It Specialist Textile, Fashion & Apparel auction is on Friday, June 16, at 10am (viewing Thursday, June 15, 10am-4pm); Specialist 20th Century Art on Thursday, June 29, at 10am; General Antiques & Collectables on Thursday, June 29, at noon; and Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, June 30, at 10am – including a 1658 Cromwellian Commonwealth silver tankard estimated a £3,000-£4,000 (viewing Wednesday, June 27, 10am-5pm).

This year Acreman will also be holding specialist sales of Stamps, Coins & Banknotes, Ephemera, Postcards & Photographs, Oriental, Militaria & Textiles, Fashion & Apparel.

American seal of approval

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

If you are downsizing or need to deal with a whole house, Acreman is happy to help with advice or valuations, and can arrange a full house clearance at competitive rates – it is also happy to make house visits if required.

If you have anything you would like to consign, contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 50874, or by email at auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk

Acreman holds a valuation day every Wednesday 10am4pm where free valuations are offered on items being considered for auction – visit Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND COLLECTABLES

Thursday 28th June

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES

Friday 30th June

TEXTILE, FASHION & APPAREL

Friday 16th June 10am

20thc Art Thursday 29th June

Viewing Wednesday 28th June 10am-5pm

THREE porcelain graduated plates, with the American presidential seal, feature in the Charterhouse auction of collectors’ items on Thursday and Friday, June 1 and 2.

“It never ceases to amaze me what we see and are asked to auction,” said Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse. “These three plates are certainly a long way from home, and it will be interesting to see where they end up going to after the auction gavel has come down, whether to America or not.”

The plates came to Charterhouse when it was asked to remove items for auction in a semi-detached cottage in Dorset.

Little is known of their history as the owner has moved into a care home, but they possibly came from an American embassy or even an

American military base. All three porcelain plates feature a gilt American presidential seal having the motto e pluribus unum within a gilt border of stars and stripes. They were made by Royal

Continued on page 49

Next

Richard Bromell with a porcelain plate with the American presidential seal

WANTED

Coins and Coin Collections

Call Nick: 07754 058850

WANTED

Vinyl Record Collections Call Nick: 07754 058850

Book online: blackmorevale.net

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL

Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100

Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

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

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PASTIMES

of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys.

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

Telephone: 01935 816072

Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk

Mobile: 07527 074343

Thursday 1st June 10am

Tuesday 30th 10am - 5pm

Wednesday 31st 10am - 5pm

Specialist Free Valuation Days

June Auction Programme

Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards

Tuesday 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Clocks

Wednesday 14th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys

Thursday 15th Medals, Militaria, Coins & Stamps

American seal of approval

Continued from page 47 York China in Hohenberg, Germany. The largest plate measures 35cm diameter and the smallest 20.4cm diameter.

In excellent condition, appearing to have had little use and never been near a dishwasher or microwave, they are estimated at £150-£250 in the Charterhouse collector’s auction.

The plates, and all the other lots, can be viewed at www. charterhouse-auction.com where live online internet bidding is also available. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for its summer specialist auctions including classic cars, classic motorcycles, pictures, books and decorative arts.

Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, can be contacted on 01935 812277 or via email on info@ charterhouse-auction.com

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

WINE

YONGZHENG PERIOD (1722-35). SOLD

Premium

A CHINESE ANHUA DECORATED WHITE-GLAZED STEM BOWL, YONGLE MARK, 18TH CENTURY. SOLD £29,900 INCL. Premium A

Buoyed by a surging economy, the market for Chinese antiques and art has been on an upward trend over the past 20 years. At the top end of the market, formidable sums are paid for the finest works once belonging to Imperial families of the Chinese Ming and Qing dynasties. This has paved the way for the middle market collectors and dealers branching out and the prices are now on the rise for ‘Min-yao’ wares (Also known as ‘people’s wares’, pieces which were manufactured for trade, export, and the more common population).

At Ma San Auction in Bath, we specialise in the authentication and selling of Chinese and Asian Art. We hold live auction sales every 2 months and offer free valuations on

FAMILLE VERTE PORCELAIN TILES, QING DYNASTY. SOLD £27,300 INCL. Premium

A CHINESE HARDWOOD SIX-PANEL SCREEN WITH

CHINESE CELADON JADE TRIPOD VESSEL, JIA, QING DYNASTY. SOLD £23,400 INCL. Premium

PAIR OF CHINESE DOUCAI

CUPS,

£23,400 INCL.

A JAPANESE PORCELAIN VASE, MIYAGAWA KOZAN, C1900-1910. SOLD £28,600 INCL. Premium

17/18th Century Chinese items previously sold at Ma San

Delphiniums star of June garden

By Sally Gregson

ONE of the highlights of an English garden in June is a bed of towering blue delphiniums. They must be the archetypical cottage garden plant. And yet delphiniums are becoming an increasingly rare sight.

Maybe it’s because gardeners are reluctant to take precautions against slugs and snails with the young plants. Or maybe organic solutions are not so well-known.

There are plenty of treatments available at the local garden centre, ranging from copper rings, through organic pellets, to dressing the surrounding soil with crushed seashells.

Once the delphinium plant reaches a certain size the slugs and snails have to get out their climbing boots and they tend to ignore them thereafter.

Perennial cottage delphiniums are usually grown from seed. The ‘Pacific Coast’ strain produces towering spikes

that are not just blue, but rich, deep purple, pink, white, and the blue of an English summer sky. The central spike of flower lasts quite a few weeks before being cut down. Then the side shoots often produce smaller flowers into July and August, before fading away completely until next year.

The seed strains are now so good that barely anyone grows the named forms any more. However, worth looking out for are the devilish, deep bluepurple D. ‘Faust’ with semidouble flowers and dark divided leaves; and D. ‘Spindrift’ with semi-double, pale lavender flowers with white eyes.

All the large-flowered delphiniums need a rich soil in sun, that drains well. It is worth top-dressing the border with well-rotted manure or garden compost in winter.

They associate well with ‘old’ roses in shades of pink, purple and white, that relish the

same rich soil and sun. And purple Salvia ‘Caradonna’ would add a deeper note to the composition.

Their cousins, the annual larkspurs, bring that touch of blue to a sunny, free-draining bed. They are especially pretty grown through a population of airy, light grasses such as Stipa tenuissima. They can be sown in

trays in the greenhouse early in the year, or outdoors where they are to flower, in early spring and keep them weed-free. Their flowers will last most of the summer punctuating the grasses with pops of sky blue, and with a mild winter they may even seed themselves around, putting themselves in just the right places.

Why it’s wise to pot on tomatoes

By Sally Gregson

AT last, the warmth has returned to greet the summer, and many gardeners’ thoughts are turning to growing tomatoes, aubergines and peppers in the greenhouse.

The frosts are past and the world, and the soil, is warming up. With a few days of sunshine these soft vegetables will respond with a growth spurt.

Having bought young plants, or raised them from seed in the frost-free greenhouse, it can seem like a good trick to avoid the task of regularly potting on fast-growing tomatoes in particular, by skipping the pot sizes and planting the young tomato straight into a bigger pot.

But putting small plants into big pots causes more problems than it solves.

The roots of young tomato plants tend to move outwards, seeking the sides of the pot where the moisture has

evaporated down the inside. They tend not to grow into the middle of the compost.

Consequently, there is a whole area of wet, nutrient-rich soil that is sitting underneath the middle of the young plant. In extreme cases this can cause the whole plant to rot.

And the container is full of nutrients that are going to flush through unused, and they have a fairly short shelf-life.

It is much wiser to pot on each time the roots are showing through the drainage holes at the bottom, into a slightly larger pot.

It needs doing perhaps every two or three weeks, when the nutrients have been used up and the roots have absorbed all that moisture.

By the middle of June, the tomato plants will be big enough to plant out in a prepared, sunny spot in the vegetable garden, or into a

grow-bag. They will need feeding regularly from the moment they start to form flowers with a high

potassium, tomato fertiliser to promote lots of fruit.

The days of tomato soup are back again.

Delphiniums are the archetypical cottage garden plant PHOTO: RTsocial/ Pixabay

It is best to pot on tomatoes each time the roots are showing through the drainage holes at the bottom,v into a slightly larger pot.

PHOTO: Andreas Göllner/Pixabay

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

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Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034

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

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

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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.

L.DAVIS AND SONS

Garden clearance and garden design

Concrete bases, patios, gravel, fencing and much more.

We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458 241230 or 07950 261510

LAWN MOWING SERVICE

Tel 01747 821726

LANGTON NURSERIES

(C W Abbott & Son)

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

Carpets

Vinyls

Rugs

Wood

Karndean

Underlay

Curtains

established in 1978

Fabrics

Blinds

Re-Upholstery

Gillingham:

Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pm

Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

OUR LOCAL SHOWROOMS: Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SPB 4QL | 01747 835394 Wincanton Business Park, Somerset BA9 9RR | 01963 33574

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

Wincanton: Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 4.30pm

TREEWISE

Experts in all aspects of

TREE SURGERY, HEDGECUTTING & STUMP REMOVAL

NPTC qualified & fully insured

No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations.

Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

Treecare Co. Tree Specialists

TREE STUMP REMOVAL

Pruning, bracing, shaping. Preservation of mature trees. Hedge cutting. Trees supplied & planted. Landscaping & maintenance. Heavy duty winch hire available. Tree Surgery BS.3998 Contractors to local authorities.

WOOD CHIPPINGS FOR SALE

Free Quotes & Advice

Tel/Fax: Shafts 853512 Mobile: 07831 262083

Established in 1976

At TreeCare we care...

LAWN SCARIFYING

Moss and thatch removal

Tel 01747 821726

COUNTRY BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES

Rural, garden & agricultural items bought & sold

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301

For all your fencing and decking needs

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

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

Tel: 01935 814272

Mobile: 07814246332

blackmorevale.net

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Sherborne Area 07768 771897

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

PORCELAIN & NATURAL STONE PATIOS

GARDEN WALLS, WATER FEATURES

FENCING & DECKING

M: 07809 415 902

Jamespricelandscapes@gmail.com

@jamespricelandscapes

Beach Huts

Shelters & Stables Poultry Housing, Dog Houses, Kennels & Runs

Garden Gates Fencing Bespoke Buildings

Garden Maintenance | Planting | Pruning | Planning | Propagation

Fully insured. Available now. 5 mile radius of West Stour.

RHS qualified gardener. New to area. Very experienced. Call Cat on 01747 590831 or email greenfinchgardening@ mail.com

blackmorevale.net

OUTDOOR RUBBISH & HEDGE TRIMMINGS

cleared and taken away, Free estimates.

07864 960768

TREES R US

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

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL GARDENER

Pruning, beds and borders renovated, large gardens maintained, new layouts design and planted. Phone 07760 487493

HEDGE TRIMMING FREE estimate 07864 960768 FOR SALE SCREENED

TOP SOIL DELIVERED

1T - 5T LOADS

TEL NO: 01258 861046

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

07725-649540

07928-300617

http://www.landpproperty.co.uk

GARDEN RESCUE Tel 01747 821726

LAWN MOWING SERVICE SHERBORNE AREA 07768 771897

HASKELL FENCING

All types of fencing supplied and fitted

We also have a minidigger for hedge removal if required. Blandford 07751 001515

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? Call Tim a friendly, hardworking and reliable gardener. Tel 01747 835278. Mob 07825 006013

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

LOGS R US

1 ton pickup load of logs £100

double load £160 dumpy bag £70

All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

£160 double load, £90 half load 01258 880892, 07980 036250

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD FOR SALE

Barn-stored Any size of load

If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773 254174

SELF DRIVE DIGGER and Dumper Hire 01258 861647 OPEN

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING - Your local mobile service07760 469411

Seasoned Firewoo d £90 per bag Free delivery, any area Call Phil on 07903 535 745

Family run business since 1946 Tel: 01963 250005

Family run business since 1946

Tel: 01963 250005

Mobile: 07976 934 252

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

JOHN EVANS PLASTERING 07898 605828

EVANS.PLASTERING@HOTMAIL.COM

PLEASE RING FOR A QUOTE

NEIL PIERCY PLASTERING

All types of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius. HELPFUL ADVICE & FREE QUOTATIONS. CALL NEIL: 07974 185923 or 07811 211586.

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

R&W FENCING SERVICES

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

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS

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

e: swbuildandrenovation@ gmail.com

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382 Mobile: 07881 504426

Building Construction Specialists

Home extensions | Barn Conversions Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes Project Management

Established over 40 years

Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280

E: andy@sandsltd.biz

w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

FITTED WARDROBES MADE to measure (in white, other door colours available), from £250, free quotes. Bob Humphries 07885 286508

GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073

D A Redwood Construction

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

daredwoodconstruction@gmail.com

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

Muck-away service of inert materials

826107

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

MARTIN SIMMONDS

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Friendly, Reliable, Professional - 07368 250305

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY

SWEEP

Brush & vacuum

APICS registered 01963 370038

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

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

New husband and wife chimney sweep team

DORSET Master Sweep

Martin Lee is proud to announce the introduction of his wife Jenna as Dorset Lady Sweep.

Jenna is currently undergoing an eight-month training programme with Martin as a two-member sweep team before qualifying in June this year with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, after which she will be working solo.

Martin explained that having successfully grown his business over the last six years, and with Jenna being made redundant late last year from her longterm employment, it was a

no-brainer to team up and train to offer Dorset and the surrounding area its only fully qualified and insured female chimney sweep.

So why not beat the rush and contact the duo now to secure your spring/ summer sweep appointment, complete with accredited safety certification for home insurance purposes?

Standard sweep appointments with HETAS certification from only £55. Contact Martin and Jenna now on 07933 472226 or for more information visit www. dorsetmastersweep.co.uk

Master Sweep Martin Lee is joining forces with his wife Jenna

Local Services

COMPUTERS & TECH

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150

http://www.dcenet.co.uk

Joseph Crocker Computers

COMPUTER

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

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

Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices General computer and IT advice NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

AERIALS & Satellite Direct

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

TOM MOSS

Mob: 07931 727 961

Email: tommoss50@aol.com

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

COUNTRY CARPENTRY

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

PHILIP STIRK

Painting, Decorating & Property Maintenance Free Quotations/No VAT Tel. 01747 825725 or mob: 07984 524446 Email: philipstirk@btinternet.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’

GARETH TANNER

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

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

SUB-LIME

25 years experience in modern and traditional property restorations. All general building works undertaken, specialising in lime rendering, pointing and plastering.

NO JOB TOO SMALL NO UP FRONT COSTS NO VAT Call Steve Taylor: 07855 787857 or email steve.sublimeplastering @gmail.com

LES BENHAM

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp

Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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

R

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help

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

• Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

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.

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

Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry

Decorating services

Refreshing sale and rental upgrades

Handyman projects

Plumbing repairs Tiling services

Contact: John Banham Office: 01747 838 087

Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

Maiden Newton Clearance Ltd

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

TB testing a stressful time for all

by Barbara Cossins

IT’S been a long week on the family farm as the dreaded TB testing has been taking place again. It’s so stressful, not only for the animals, but for the family and loyal staff as well. It was a disaster this time with two TB reactors and eight animals that need re-testing, which means we are still closed down.

We have been under TB restrictions now for many months and need two clear tests before we can move forward with our animals. We need to get on and sell them to other farmers and get the best possible price from market. We want to be able to be farming as we should be and not having endless restrictions placed on cattle movement. It’s very concerning all round with prices on the farms dropping for corn, oil and milk.

The price of milk has dropped so far that it’s below the price we can produce it for,

so it’s simply not profitable. I can’t see that the supermarkets have dropped their milk prices in the same way for the public – no surprise there. We can all see that dairy products on their shelves have remained roughly the same price as before. If the benefits are not being passed onto the public, then why should we show loyalty to a multi-million-pound supermarket chain?

Instead, please find out where your local farmer is with their own milk vending machine and support them straight from the farm gate whenever you can. Much better for everyone and wonderful milk, too.

It was Great British Beef Week recently but to be honest we celebrate British beef every day here at Rawston Farm. It’s a fact that British farmers produce the best beef and some of the best meat in the world. Our country has some of the best lush grass to feed our herds on,

and they are mostly reared outside all year round with no antibiotics or growth hormones used. Always buy British meat if you can and make sure you check the labels properly so that you’re getting what you expected.

I hope when you’re reading this article, we will be enjoying some good weather and sitting in our gar-dens with a glass of something cold. May is officially the start of summer, the flowers are blooming, and you can begin entertaining your friends and family and sharing food with each other, enjoying barbecues, seasonal salads and

vegetables. A fabulous thought. Just sharing a lovely local cheese board with a good chutney, crackers and biscuits with a glass of wine is my idea of heaven.

Finally, remember that it’s Open Farm Sunday on June 11, so find out where the nearest one is to you and go. It’s a fantastic and free family day out so please support your local farmers by showing up. n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local; www.thelangtonarms.co.uk; www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; www.lovelocaltrustlocal awards.co.uk

TB restrictions can close farms down for months

PHOTO: Mabel Amber/ Pixabay

Easy cheesecake takes the biscuit

Recipe and photos by Lorraine Gibson

THERE’S always a perfectly good excuse to have a biscuit, but since it’s National Biscuit Day today (May 29), why not elevate the humble biscuit to a thing of wonder?

Now I happen to love that staple two-pack of hotel-room tea trays, the Lotus Biscoff. It’s feather-light but the firm crunch is unique and perfect with a dark roasted coffee.

It’s also perfect for making one of the scrummiest cheesecakes that will ever melt in your mouth.

Here’s our family no bake, easy-peasy, five ingredient recipe, which goes down a storm if we have any left to serve up to guests.

Ingredients

248g pack of Biscoff biscuits

60/70g melted butter

500g room temperature cream

cheese

1 jar of Biscoff spread

100g icing sugar

Method

Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and pour into a bowl. Take out two tablespoons of the crumbs and reserve for later.

Mix the melted butter into the crumbs and press – very firmly until compacted – into an eight-inch square, lined baking tray.

Mix the cream cheese, 150g of the Biscoff spread and the icing sugar together and whisk until combined.

Spread the mix over your base and even out.

Melt 200g of Biscoff spread, pour over the mix and smooth

out.

Time to treat yourself, at the Clockspire!

Our Main Menu:

Set Sunday Roast:

Sprinkle the reserve crumbs around the edge – as in the photo – and place a single biscuit for decoration in the

centre or in one of the corners. Chill in the fridge – minimum three hours – serve and look smug while everyone tells you that it really takes the biscuit!

Meditations in nature: The mountains call

by Susie Curtin

AS much as I love the gentle rolling hills of the Dorset countryside, there are times when I yearn for the mountains, and the way they make you look up, and look up again, allowing your eyes to linger on the shapeshifting horizon between the clouds, the rocks and the sky. Whether you just like looking at them from afar, or climbing them, mountains have a strange magnetic allure. When life seems tedious or overwhelming, I long to be amidst them so that I can experience that profound sense of being insignificant. It affords me some perspective.

And so they called for my son and I as we drove up to the Lake District to scale the

heights of these romantic and culturally significant mountains. By the time we begin our first climb, it is late afternoon. From the still waters of Buttermere, we begin our ascent of Red Pike, through the fresh-smelling pine forest and up to Bleaberry Tarn, where we pause for a while to watch a shoal of young trout glistening and leaping on the surface. It is hard to imagine that any life could exist in this tiny, dark pool that is shadowed from the sun by the towering Chapel Craggs. Above the tarn, the summit of Red Pike beckons, its red syenite scree flanks giving rise to its name. At 2,476 ft, it is a steep and strenuous climb as the stone path suddenly turns to shifting scree. For the last 200

metres, my feet have struggled for purchase, and an energising medley of fear and excitement spur me to the summit from where the wild, verdant green of the Ennerdale valley suddenly springs into view. As my mind, lungs and legs recover, I stop for a moment to gather my thoughts. To the right of me I can see the coast and to the left the fells and valleys of the Lakes unfold.

We then follow the classic route along the Buttermere Ridge, up to High Stile, along to High Crag and down the Scarth Gap between Gamlin End and Haystacks. By the time we reach the peak of High Crag, the day is drawing to its close, the pressure has dropped and clouds are forming in the valleys, bubbling up the mountains’ flanks only to be rebuffed by the rugged cliffs that send them skywards.

And this is why the Lake District is so remarkable. It is a land of constant change. Light, weather and atmosphere shift

continuously making it an ethereal and unknowable landscape with no two experiences ever being the same. We watch as the clouds close in and it begins to drizzle. If I was nervous on the ascent of Red Pike, the descent of High Crag’s scree slope down Gamlin End instils greater fear as a slippery, rough scree path zig-zags into the mist. As we stop for a rest halfway down, the clouds begin to part, and the sky turns crimson and yellow. Suddenly, a beam of orange light shines on the moraines of the Ennerdale Valley. The sun’s last hurrah for the day. By the time we return to Buttermere, it is dark and the rain has settled in. This has been a remarkable adventure, no wonder the mountains call us here.

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

Health & Wellbeing

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

New eras and our fear of change

by Alice Johnsen

KING Charles III has been crowned, the public holidays are over and the bunting flapping gently in the spring sunshine is but a distant memory.

With this new reign comes a new era which means, of course, we are moving on from the old, Elizabethan era.

Let’s widen this away from just being about the Monarchy. This applies to every type of change in our lives. Change is something most people resist by reflex because we are, at heart, creatures of habit. So, when something new comes along – a new school, a new member of staff, a new way of doing something that’s been done ‘like that’ for years – we are suspicious and sometimes we feel challenged. Our memories of the old ways focus on the positive and we forget the bits of the old ways we didn’t like. We hanker back to the past.

It’s the fear of the unknown coupled with the mental effort, literally, of creating new habits in our heads, also known as meta-patterns. Our brilliant but slightly lazy brains get used to repeating things, so when we challenge them to new patterns, they don’t like it. That is, they don’t like it until those new

patterns start to feel familiar, then it’s okay.

This is a helpful thing to know because change can feel unsettling and challenging. The fear of imminent change can seep into all bits of our lives and really throw us off course. But if we can remind ourselves that what we fear leaving behind us once felt new and threatening, perhaps we can accept the current threat with a more positive and flexible mindset?

By looking to change with an inquisitive mind, we will surely adapt more quickly. And, of course, however much we engage in the new way, the influence of previous habits or methods will not leave us. What we learn from doing something again and again will stay with us for ever. As we move through our lives, adapting and engaging with new things, the sum of those parts becomes our greater ability to thrive and influence. So, in some ways, we could say while things change on the surface, we bring the old along to meet the new in a way that means old habits really do die hard.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne. Phone: 07961 080513; visit www. alicejohnsen.co.uk

‘Britain’s Bravest’ points way ahead

DID you know, many of the signs you use to help navigate your way around the roads of Britain are produced by an army of veterans and people with disabilities?

The signs are being worked on at Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), through its social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), at a factory in Kent. Used on England’s motorways and major A-roads for National Highways, the signs are not just helping drivers but also helping veterans and disabled people.

And thanks to a new pledge from Vinci (Ringway), Amey, Colas, H W Martin, Chevron and Highway Traffic Management, the factory will be able to continue operating and supporting the people who rely on the support it provides.

Michelle Ferguson,

MAZDA MX5 2004 Silver MOT to May 2024, 68000 Miles £2500 ono Tel. 07946 374982

2006 VAUXHALL VIVARO MOT Sept excellent runner £1000 Phone Paul 07442-015452

INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS

Established 1978

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

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

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

managing director of RBLI’s social enterprises, said: “As the country faces ongoing challenges with the cost-ofliving crisis, it is more important than ever that businesses come together to make meaningful choices that have a demonstrable, positive impact on people’s lives.

“This ongoing commitment from National Highways and their supply chain means we have been able to promote military veterans to more senior positions, hire more people with disabilities and for the whole of RBLI to become a real living wage employer.

“We cannot thank National Highways enough – together we will genuinely change people’s lives.”

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “We owe our veterans a great debt of gratitude and we’re proud of the

MINI COOPER 2009, Blue with Black sliding glass roof 79,000 miles, immaculate condition £2,500 07927 928329

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

MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and Unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

work National Highways is doing to boost employment opportunities through its road sign partnership.

“We have a long history of supporting those who serve in our armed forces and together with the additional £33 million funding for veteran housing and accessibility equipment, we are continuing to offer our support.”

Malcolm Dare, National

Highways executive director of commercial and procurement, said it was a pleasure to help such a company while providing the vital signs.

“We’re pleased to be supporting such a great cause as they continue to produce signs that are used on our roads, and in turn helping to support the veterans and disabled people that rely on this vital work.”

Anil Gurung, who lost a leg in Afghanistan, now makes road signs for National Highways PHOTO: National Highways

DVCA looks forward to a classic summer

Much cheered already by the Coronation of our new King and having watched his loyal subjects out and about in their classic cars on Drive-it Day, this is set to be a summer where the British shrug off gloom and reinvigorate that prized vehicle in their garage. The DVCA team have already taken the cherished R-Type Bentley on the Mendip Rally and wafted through the very beautiful Somerset countryside. Of course if you have no four-wheeled or two-wheeled treasure in the garage or

shed, you really need to look at the DVCA SPECIALIST CLASSIC AUCTION on Thursday 8th June. The auction is online, with bidding also by telephone or commission, enabling clients to bid from home or place of work. Viewing is by prior arrangement but much more convenient and flexible than a traditional auction. Details will be found on www.dvca.co.uk or there will shortly be one of our collectable, quality catalogues to purchase. The brief line up so far includes:

Two BENTLEYS , a Mk VI and an R-Type. 1968 BRISTOL 410 – a truly excellent example of British Craftsmanship.

JAGUARS including a 2004 XJS V6SE auto and a one-owner, low mileage XK8 Coupe.

MERCEDES-BENZ top spec low mileage 500SL with hardtop and virtually one owner, and a svelte CLS 500 Auto Saloon.

TRIUMPH finds include a rare film star 1936 Vitesse 14/60 Saloon and a 1980 TR7 Convertible from the Channel Islands. PORSCHE is represented by a rare 1976 911, 2.7 Targa Sportomatic whilst RELIANT offer a Scimitar SE6 GTE. Smaller sporty runabouts come from a 2010 BMW Mini Cooper D, a 1967 RILEY ELF, and with a little imagination a 1988 METRO CITY X, but best of all…. An immaculate and totally rebuilt and upgraded 1971 FIAT 500 ABARTH EVOCATION which must surely provide the most fun per litre to be found anywhere. For agriculturists we can offer a 1955 Grey Ferguson TED 20 and a bright orange 1950 Willys Jeep, both restored.

Motorcycles are also presented from BMW, Norton, Suzuki, a couple of Triumphs, a little Znen scooter and a truly jaw dropping Velocette MOV 250

All these and more plus our usual range of automobilia will be offered by auction on Thursday 8th June 2023

Please call 01963 363353 for more details.

Fiat 500 Abarth

IN MEMORIAM MEETING PLACE

SEMI RETIRED CHAP looking for a slim and loving lady partner. Text or phone: 07754 232184

MEETING PLACE

THANK YOU RANDOLPH HISCOCK

Eugenie, Carole, Natasha and Emma would like to say a huge thank you to all those who generously gave to the British Heart Foundation following the sad and untimely death of Randy. We raised just over £2,000.

PUBLIC NOTICES

MILTON ABBAS EMILY FAULKNER TRUST

The Trust makes a limited number of modest grants to assist students about to undertake University or vocational courses. Those eligible are students or former students of The Blandford School or those primarily resident in the North Dorset area. Anyone wishing to apply this year must submit his/her application no later than 20 July 2023. For further information and an application form apply to The Secretary, MAEF, Blanchards Bailey LLP, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9LQ or email val.dear@ blanchardsbailey.co.uk

LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

We, Amateur Players of Sherborne, hereby give notice that we have applied for a premises licence in respect of The Sherborne Studio Theatre, Marston Road, Sherborne, DT9 4BL. The licence is to allow The Sale by Retail of Alcohol between 1900 and 2300 Mon-Sat, and 1400-1700 Sat.

The application can be viewed at the offices of the Licensing Authority at Dorset County Council during normal office hours, or at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations to the Council about the application. Such representations must be in writing and must be made no later than June 15 th 2023. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5000.

MARGARET ROSE LOADER Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 82 Chettell Way, Blandford St. Mary, Blandford Forum, DT11 9PH, who died on 26/07/2022, must send written details to the address below by 27/07/2023, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified.

Leah-Mae Mansfield

c/o Blanchards Bailey LLP, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LQ. Ref: LMM/DOD0046/0211

SQDR LDR Graeme Young ASC RAF

27th May 1993

Star Trek 3

With love from Robin, Stuart, Fiona and Anne. Sadly missed.

DEATHS

ANTHONY ERNEST HARRIS

Peacefully passed away at home on the 4th May 2023, aged 87 years. Tony was much loved, and will be sadly missed by all. The Funeral Service is taking place at Salisbury Crematorium on the 1st June 2023 at 11am. Donations, if desired, are towards Salisbury District Hospital – The Stars Appeal, and collection is on the day.

ROBERT JAMES SMITH

Slipped away peacefully with his family at his side on 6th May, aged 71. Beloved husband of Jill, wonderful father to Holly and Sophie and doting grandfather of Ashton.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Service to take place at St Mary’s Church, Gillingham on Wednesday 31st May, at 12:30.

Followed by a burial in Gillingham Cemetery. Family flowers only please.

Donations in Roberts memory are for The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and may be sent care of Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL.

SARGENT PEGGY

Formally of Holnest Lodge, sadly passed away at Yeovil District Hospital 29th April 2023 aged 84 Loving Wife to Alan - Now reunited. Devoted Mother to Paul, David & Lynda. Doting Grandmother & Great Grandmother. Will be sadly missed Funeral service to be held at St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas on Wednesday 31st May 2023 12pm Family flowers only please but if you wish to make a donation in lieu to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance you will be able to in the retiring collection or forward a cheque made payable to charity directly to Funeral Director C/O Stuart Foster Funeral Services, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, BA20 1HZ. Tel 01935 508971

DANIELS-PALMER MURIEL JOY

Passed away peacefully at home in Puddletown on 1st May 2023 after a long and brave fight, aged 68 years. The loving wife of Lance, mother of Pete & Dean, mother in law of Ruth & Zoe and grandmother of Lilly & Thomas. The Funeral Service took place on Wednesday 24th May 2023, at Weymouth Crematorium. Donations to Weldmar Hospicecare can be sent via Colin Close Funeral Service at www.close-funeral.co.uk

DEATHS

CHRISTINE WAREHAM

On 27th April 2023, sadly but peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 73 years, of Shaftesbury.

A loving Wife, Mum and Gran who will be sorely missed. Private cremation. 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.

REX CHEESEMAN

Peacefully on 9th May 2023. Rex aged 84 years of Stalbridge. Dearly loved Husband to the late Mary. Much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Stalbridge on Tuesday, 30th May at 2pm. Family Flowers only please, donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, High Street, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0RB. Tel – 01963 362570.

MAUREEN (MO) WALTERS

Peacefully at home on the 12th May 2023. Maureen aged 72 years of Sturminster Newton. A dearly loved Wife, Mum & Nanny. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 2nd June at 12 noon. Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570.

BARWICK VICTOR

Husband of the late Paul Bryant, passed away peacefully on 13th May at Casterbridge Manor Care Home after a long battle with dementia, aged 80 years. Funeral Service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 9th June at 2.00pm. Donations in memory of Victor are welcomed for Dementia UK and may be forwarded to Bracher Brothers, Newell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

DAVE COOPER

On 14th May 2023, passed away suddenly at home aged 80 years, of Shaftesbury.

Much loved Husband to the late Wendy, a much loved Dad to Mark, Tracey and Lisa and Grandad to Tyler, Molly, Lola and Max. Funeral service takes place at St James Church, Shaftesbury on Wednesday 7th June at 12.00 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, for The Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU.Tel: 01747 853532.

REVELL MALCOLM JOHN

Peacefully on Saturday 13th May 2023 after a short illness. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium, Friday 16th June 2023 at 2:00pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Parkinson’s UK may be sent to Lesley Shand Blandford, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7DR. Tel: 01258 453425

wwww.funeraldirector.co.uk/malcolm-revell

WHITTINGTON Reginald

Aged 80 years of West Camel. On 8th May 2023, peacefully at his home. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. Funeral Service at All Saint’s Church, West Camel on Monday 5th June at 2:30p.m. followed by interment in the Churchyard. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Reg are being invited for Cancer Research UK.

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

LEWIS Michael Barrie

Died suddenly but peacefully at home on 2nd May 2023. Mike was a much-loved husband to Pauline these fifty-two years. Father to Anthony and Graham. Grandpa to Reuben, Georgia, Toby, and Sam. Uncle to Mark and Steven. He will be much missed by his family, and by the countless people he has helped during 51 years of public service; for 33 years as County Organiser for Somerset and South Avon Young Farmers from 1972, as a South Somerset District Councillor for Camelot Ward since 2002, and as a County Councillor for Castle Cary ward since 2013, representing constituents until the day he died. Following a family cremation, a celebration of Mike’s life will be held at St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury on 14th June 2023 at 2pm, and afterwards at Cadbury Court. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Mike are invited in support of Barnardos, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, Yeovil. BA22 7ES.

MARLENE BELBIN

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, 21 May 2023 at Salisbury District Hospital after a short illness. She was looked after so well in the Pembroke Ward. Much loved wife of the late Rodney, Mother to Lisa and Abigail, Grandmother to James, Josh, Millie, Myah, Keiran and Clarissa, sister to Mary and friend to so many. She will be sorely missed.

Funeral service to take place at Harbour View on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at 10.00am. No need to wear black but something red would be nice as it was Marlene’s favourite colour. No flowers but donations in Marlene’s memory being invited to Leukaemia UK or starsappeal.org and state Pembroke Ward in the message field.

SALISBURY Née Bussingham Angela Mary

Aged 72 years of Gillingham. On 15th May 2023, peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital. A dearly beloved wife, mother, nanny, great nanny and friend to many. Funeral Service at St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland on Friday 9th June at 12 noon followed by interment in the Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Angela are being invited for Radnor Ward, Salisbury District Hospital.

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

NICK CHAVE

On 16th May 2023, peacefully at home aged 89 years, of Shaftesbury. Formerly of Ansty and Tisbury. A beloved Husband to Mareth, also a much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad who will be sadly missed by all family and friends. A graveside service will take place at St James Church, Ansty on Thursday 8th June at 11.00am. No flowers please, but donations if desired for The Injured Jockeys Fund or The Stars Appeal at SDH 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

SHAVE Ruby May

Aged 89 years of Wincanton. On 12th May 2023 passed away peacefully. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Funeral service at St Peter and St Paul’s church Wincanton on Friday 2nd June at 2pm followed by internment in Wincanton Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ruby are invited for The Alzheimer’s Society c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury. BA22 7ES Tel: 01963 440367.

STEVE GIBBONS

Peacefully on the 22nd May. Steve aged 68 years of Gillingham. Dearly loved husband to Han, dad of Karen, Jules and Dave, grandad to his eight grandchildren. Celebration of life service to be held at Gillingham Primary School on Saturday 10th June at 3pm. Donations if desired for Gillingham Community Church. All friends welcome, please come casually dressed at Steve’s request. C/O Peter Jackson Funeral Service, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Recruitment

WANTED

EXPERIENCED

GARDENER one day a week to look after a pretty garden in Stour Provost

Please call James on 07831 645 490

ASSISTANT

HERDSPERSON / GFW required 30+ hours per week, near Sherborne. No milking - robots. Accommodation available.

Tel 01935 812170

WE ARE HIRING!

The Green Man at Kings Stag and the Kings Stag Coffee House is looking for Front of House and Kitchen staff to join the team.

We are looking for Chefs, Kitchen Porters, Waiters and Waitresses. Experience is helpful but not necessary as training will be provided. Minimum age for application is 16 and to have done your GCSE’s or equivalent.

To apply please either email us at info@greenmankingsstag.co.uk

Phone us on 01258 920022 Or come in and see us in person.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

Learning Support Assistant

Term Time Only Shaftesbury

Do you have a passion for supporting pupils with SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) difficulties and those with autism?

Ideally you will have experience of working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or are an experienced Learning Support / Teaching Assistant looking to further your career within Special Education.

Term time only actual salary range is £19,703 to £21,574 pa (pro-rated from £21,968 – £24,054 pa).

35 hours per week (08.30 – 16.00 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 08.30 – 16.30 on a Wednesday and 08.30 – 15.30 on a Friday). Part time, full days also available (must include a Wednesday).

Call 01747 449 858 to request a full job description and application form, or apply online: https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/learning-support-assistant-senshaftesbury-dorset-1835505

EVENING CLEANER REQUIRED

Dorchester 07788 593040

blackmorevale.net/jobs

PART TIME BAR WORK

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

STORES/PARTS PERSON required for Agricultural Engineering company near Shaftesbury. MonFri 8am-5pm with more hours available. Full-time/ permanent position. Agricultural background/ knowledge would be an advantage. Call Rich 07967 208754.

AVAILABLE at Sherborne Golf Club. Great working environment. Good rates of pay. Flexible hours available. Call Nicki on 01935 812475 or email bar@sherbornegolfclub. co.uk

CARER SUPPORTING ROLE-PART TIME

Male or female retirement age for brother (64) Support and socialising Phone Barb 01935 415081

Full Time Electrician/Handyman & Part Time Housekeeper/Assistant Gardener

Live-in couple required for a large property near Sixpenny Handley. Charming secluded cottage included. Mechanical and IT competence of particular interest. Caretaking duties every other w/e.

Phone 0777 186 1110

Housekeeper, Shaftesbury

Working as part of a small, efficient team carrying out a range of routine and additional cleaning duties to contribute to the cleanliness in all areas of the site. This includes classrooms, bathrooms, office spaces and leisure facilities.

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

£22,369 pa | 37 hours/wk

(07.00-15.00 Monday to Thursday, 14.30 finish on a Friday)

Flexibility will be considered for

the

right candidate

Call 01747 449 858 to request a full job description and application form, or apply online : https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/housekeepershaftesbury-dorset-1849763

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

Recruitment

DENTAL NURSE/RECEPTIONIST

The Bruton Dental Practice have been providing good quality dentistry for almost 20 years in Bruton. We are looking for a dental nurse/receptionist who can work full time or we would consider two part time nurses if they were the right candidates. You would be required to be on reception sometimes. Specific days and salary would be discussed at interview.

Uniform, indemnity insurance, CPR, medical emergencies, infection control are paid for by the practice.

We would also consider a trainee dental nurse if they were the right candidate.

Please contact Alison on 01749 812461 or email alison@ brutondental.co.uk

Landscapers and labourers needed. We are looking for skilled landscapers and general labourers to join our team. A good knowledge of hard and soft landscaping along with a can do attitude required, drivers preferred but not essential. Long term positions within an establish local company. Previous applicants need not reapply.

07792892999

info@greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk

blackmorevale.net/jobs

M B CROCKER LTD

Clean Room Production Operatives

Local Medical Company based between Gillingham and Shaftesbury

Various shifts available

£11.01-£11.56 per hour

Full/Part Time Office Assistant

Local Manufacturer located between Gillingham and Shaftesbury

Hours and hourly rate to b e discussed on interview

Email julie@meditechsystems.co.uk

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:

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB LEAD ER CLERK TO GOVERNORS

GYMNASTICS COACH *

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT LIFEGUARD *

MUSIC TEACHER

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

SINGING TEACHER

SPORTS CENTRE & BOARDING ASSISTANT

SWIMMING TEACHER *

*The necessary training and qualifications for these roles are desired but not essential and can be arranged for successful candidates

The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website - portregis.com/vacancies

Early applications encouraged

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicants will required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks

Farm worker/engineer required to run fixed machinery on a busy farm. Full time 40 – 50 hrs per week Please contact Paul 07967 388895 or email: Mail@mbcrocker.co.uk

Wincanton Primary School

Station Road, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9EL

Headteacher Mr. G. Wilson (NOR 387)

Telephone: 01963 32132. Email: office@wincantonprimaryschool.co.uk

Website: www.wincantonprimaryschool.co.uk

School Secretary/Admin Officer

Mondays to Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm Friday 8.30am to 4pm, term time only. Grade 13: (£11.38-£12.46ph) depending on experience. Permanent Post

We are looking for an efficient and hardworking person to be our Admin Officer in our busy and friendly school office. Areas of responsibility will include pupil records, attendance and correspondence to name a few. We would like to hear from you if you have:

•proven administrative experience

•good initiative

•excellent interpersonal and communication skills

•accurate grammar and spelling knowledge

•good literacy and numeracy skills

•good ICT skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook

•working knowledge of SIMS and ParentMail desirable, but training will be given.

•well organised and ability to prioritise

•ability to multi-task

•calm, reliable and efficient manner

•an understanding of the importance of confidentiality

Interested candidates are warmly invited to look around our school. Please contact the school office to make an appointment. Application packs and further information are available to download from the school website www.wincantonprimaryschool.co.uk.

Application forms should be returned to the Headteacher Mr. G. Wilson by 12 noon on Friday 2nd June 2023. Interviews Friday 9th June 2023. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to enhanced DBS disclosure and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any post is confirmed.

GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL

GARDENER – FIXED TERM CONTRACT

We are looking for a Gardener to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months, starting on 3 July 2023

37 hours per week

23 days annual leave

(plus Bank Holidays and 2 extra days at Christmas)

Local Government Pension Scheme

A full driving licence and experience of working in a similar environment are essential

Further information and application details can be found on our website: www.gillinghamdorsettc.gov.uk/recruitment

Closing date for applications: 4 June 2023

2.5m people are off work due to ill health, latest job figures reveal

MORE than 2.5 million people are off work due to ill health, according to new figures.

The latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 1 in 13 people currently working was on long-term sick leave.

Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at the ONS, told the BBC Today programme the number of people on long-term sick leave had risen by ‘well over 400,000’ since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Long Covid could be a factor, he said, as well as common conditions such as mental health problems and back and neck pain.

Meanwhile the new data, covering the first three months of the year, showed wage increases continuing to lag

behind inflation.

With price rises taken into account, the ONS numbers showed regular pay fell by 2%.

The employment rate edged higher, to 75.9%, while the

HELP WANTED FIXING MOWERS etc

Part-time vacancy. Suit semi-retired person 01935 822032 / 07881 816867

WE ARE LOOKING FOR OUR NEXT SUPERSTAR TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

Independent educational caterer

Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum £10.42 - £12.00 per hour

Full-time / Part-time / Weekday / Weekend / Morning / Afternoon and Evening roles available. 16 - 40 hours a week

Opportunity for overtime School open 52 weeks per year

Contact Paul @ pwallis@holroydhowe.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

unemployment rate also rose, to 3.9%.

And the number of vacancies fell once again, although around a million roles remain unfilled, according to the data.

Economic performance was also hindred by strike action, the report said, with the number of working days lost due to industrial action reaching 556,000 in March.

It came as that month saw walkouts in industries including rail, the NHS and education.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “It’s encouraging the unemployment rate remains historically low, but difficulty in finding staff and rising prices are a worry for many families and business.”

The shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said family finances were ‘being squeezed to breaking point by a further fall in real wages’, with fewer people in employment than before the pandemic an indication of the Government being a ‘drag’ on the economy.

FULL-TIME MOBILE CLEANER required around West Dorset area. Van provided. For further information 01305 261624

BRICK LAYER & GENERAL EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION WORKER

Required for long-established Shaftesbury based company Ability to undertake a range of various areas of work an advantage. Good rates of pay for the right person, dependent on experience and ability

Contact Andy 07979 210074 or email andy @sandsltd.biz for details

EXPERIENCED ADMIN ASSISTANT

12 hours per week | £12/hr Office based near Motcombe

Duties will include the day to day running of a construction company including answering the telephone, dealing with enquiries, filing, record keeping, employee and subcontractor paperwork, insurances, training, spreadsheets and generally helping the directors and contracts manager. Experience in admin & computer literacy is essential. Knowledge of the construction industry would be an advantage. Please email CV to fiona@onyxcivils.co.u k

Items for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS

VINTAGE DENBY WARE. Pattern arabesque dinner service, tea service etc

Price negotiable Call 01747 840777

FOUR LIGHT HARDWOOD WINDSOR

BACK kitchen chairs.

Price £100. Call 07807 009768

BATH CHAIR Bathmaster

Deltis with remote control

VGC £70 01963 363712

FOLDABLE POWERED WHEELCHAIR.

Lightweight & folds up to fit into car boot. Yeovil. 07884 260311 £500

S SERIES ELECTRIC TROLLEY, Lead battery01935 476815 £350

COAL EFFECT BRASS INSET ELECTRIC FIRE. Dark wood surround, marble base and back. vgc.£150 ono 01258 473234

GARDEN TABLE WITH 6 CHAIRS & cushions, Black coated steel, 63” x 35”. VGC £180. 07929 639692

PRIDE MOBILITY SCOOTER

Hardly used, easily dismantled.£450 01935 851876

STAG BEDROOM FURNITURE 5 pieces £85. Tel 01963 440891

FURO AVENTA ELECTRIC BIKE, black. 2 years old excellent condonation, £950 ONO. 01935 812985

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

GARDEN STRIMMER

As new - never been used £20 - 01258 452166

4 WHITE HAND BASINS £10 each or 4 for £30 07743 731685

BLOWER VAC 1800W NEW/ Boxed £25 - 01747 860822

POWER DEVIL GARDEN

SHREDDER £20 - 01963 362779

COAL BUCKET traditional black metal, hinged upper handle, unused £20 Tel:07891 987809

TREK NAVIGATOR 200 Ladies Bike. good condition. plus accessories. £40 01258 861738 / 07767 691520

ELECTONE ELECTRONIC ORGAN, 2 manual with foot peddles, working order, £50 ono. 01258 881299. buyer collects

DRUM MACHINE (Zoom Rhythmtrak RT-123). Hardly used. Boxed with instructions. £50. 01747 838882

LLOYD LOOM BASKET-WEAVE commode chair. Was over £250 new. Never used. Discrete, comfortable as chair. £40 cash. 07871 569174

A PAIR OF DOUBLE WALL lights in metallic finish and opaque glass shades. £30 for the pair. 07807 009768

18 ASSORTED SIZE CRITTLE WINDOWS and Cast- Iron Guttering. £50 ono will sell separately. 01747 824482

M & S HARVEST 9 PLACE setting dinner service, excellent condition, in boxes. - £50 Tel. 01202 873102

GOLF CLUBS BAG L/r handed £20 - 01963-824376

OWING TO PACEMAKER, SIP weldmatic T211P-ARC £20. Wolf mig 130. £30 Brian 01747-840434. Penselwood

FOLDING DOG RAMP - unused £30 - 01963-34851

EXTENSION LADDER

ALUMINIUM 11 foot six inches double vgc £40. Buyer collects Tel 01747 811551

ZANUSSI UNDER-COUNTER FREEZER. Working order. £15. - 01963 824497

LIGHT OAK DINING TABLE. 120cm x 82cm. Extends to 120 x 164. Good condition. £49. Call 01747 840777

VINTAGE STAINLESS STEEL Sheffield cutlery set. 3 piece dinner knives & forks. UNUSED. Boxed. £5 - 01935 851076

DOUBLE BUNKBEDS with Mattresses. Good condition. Downsizing, so free to good home. Tel: 01258 820497

MINI-ROTAVATOR/TILLER. Mains electric cable 10 metres. 4 Tines. 36cm Wide, 18cm Depth VGC £25 Ono Charminster. 01305 262318

MOUNTAIN BIKE, 18 gears, front suspension good condition

£35 Gillingham 01747 824240

FULL SET (20) ARSENAL “The All Time Greats” Cigarette Cards

(£90 on ebay) £25. 07598 982824

FERPLAST GUINEA PIG and rabbit indoor 2 tier cage 120cm, £50 - 07792 181314

HIGH BACKED WICKER CHAIR

£20.- 07592 067384 Bruton area.

250 x 35mm ORIGINAL SLIDES of Madeira £75 - 01202 677607

HIGH TRICYCLE Needs a lot of work. £40 ono 01258 830233

3 DOG BEDS - £12

Large dollshouse - £10 3 bird cages (1 large, 1 small, 1 chinese) £20 - 01963 330430

10 HARDBACK DANIELLE

STEEL BOOKS in excellent condition £10 - 01258 452166

ROLL-UP MATTRESSES

Free: Two barely used rollup single mattresses, ideal temporary beds for visitors. Tel. 01747 833734

SKY SATELLITE DISH VGC used 16 months only £20. collection near Bruton. 07400 754361

ARGOS DELUXE MOTOR CYCLE cover still in original packaging £20 - 07721 530520

4 JIGSAWS XL pieces for sale. 500 and 250 pieces. £4 each Tel 07599 829539

8mm PROJECTOR ELMO FPA

Original boxed condition, some cosmetics but works as designed. Power-lead and instructions included £35 - 01747-812569

LARGE WOOD FRAME Mirror 29”x41” VGC £15 - 07929 639692

FISHING EQUIPMENT

Fishing handle, as new - 6ft - £15 - 10ft long keep net + bank stick - £15. Large landing net - £15. Weighing bag - £5 01935 476815 (Bradford Abbas)

PORTABLE PA SYSTEM for sale, £45 Inc Mic & Stand. MP3 built in. 140 watts. 01747-838220

11ft 6” SHAKESPEARE

AGILITY Flattie rod, reel, stand plus tackle. Little used. £25 01963-371179

ROTAVATOR EARTHQUAKE

190cc Briggs & Stratton engine Can be seen working £50 - 01749-831168

MAGAZINE HOLDERS-FILES

50p each, 12 for £5, stout plastic as new, mob 07774-628641

CREAM CURTAIN POLE

3m LONG x 28mm DIAMETER. complete, As new. £15. Tel 01258-455793

SPARDA LADIES MOTORCYCLE boots size 6, worn once, £50 - 07847 746032

RALEIGH VULTURE MOUNTAIN BIKE. 20’’ frame, reasonable condition. Get fit for Summer! £35 for quick sale.

Sherborne 01935 813630

LADIES TROUSER SUIT

M&S Autograph Navy Trousers size 12 shirt Jacket size 10. Brand new £30 01747 826795

DUNLOP GOLF WET WEAR COAT and trousers in grey. As new. Size M. £15 - 01963 350118

GUITAR AMP ESP10 practice amp compact and lightweight 10w £15 - 07707 112910

BOOK ‘CONTROL ON THE RAILWAYS’ by Phillip Burtt £4 - 01929 471453

NEST OF 3 OCHRE TILED TOPS 70’s coffee tables. Good condition £50. Marnhull. 01258 821086

2 x 3 DRAWER BEDSIDE

CABINETS lilac/white good condition £ 50 Buyer collects. 01747 825856

A PAIR OF DOUBLE WALL LIGHTS in metallic finish and opaque glass shades. £30 for the pair. 07807-009768

FOLDING Z BED WITH COVER

Hardly used, very comfortable Suits guests/child £25 01963 31930

TOWER SLOW COOKER 3.5 litres with Cookery Book. Black with rose gold handles. New. Cost £50, accept £30. Shaftesbury Tel. 07966 053208

LITTLE USED and in pristine condition WHITE COT WITH MATTRESS £49.

Tel: 01963-23412

BRABANTIA 40m four arm rotary clothes line with ground spike and cover. £50 01963 23316

2x ATTRACTIVE DOUBLE WALL LIGHTS brass coloured with opaque glass shades £30 Tel.0196 440891

SLIMLINE FREEZER. £35. Call Tony 07541 302802

CHILD’S CAR SEAT, Graco Junior Maxi in black. 15-36kg unused and boxed. No longer required. £25 Telephone 01258 820135

WANTED Homark compact dishwasher 07368 233078

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

WANTED All militaria bought British/Foreign Single items or collections Contact Tim on 07904 082997

League’s invite to new teams

THE CCSL Skittles League season came to an exciting close with Killer Sharks Division 1 champions and Split Pins runners-up.

Other winners: Division 2 – winners Happy Wanders; runners-up Broken Harts; Team KO Cup – winners Lydford Sports; runners-up Spoofers; Team Nomination Cup –winners Catash 100s; runnersup Young Ones; Fours KO Cup – winners Happy Wanders (David B, Mike B, Dale p, Dean S), runners-up Killer Sharks (Kevin, Mark, Shaun, Stu);

SKITTLES

Pairs KO Cup winners Toby Hikers (Mark Aylward and Steve Hennessey), runners-up Happy Wanders (David Birch and Mark Birch).

The league is welcoming more teams to sign up for this social sport next season, which kicks-off on September 27-28 and runs through until May.

Pubs and social clubs are welcome to enter men’s, ladies or mixed teams of eight players.

Teams are required to be able to host games, so need an alley

Men and women break M12K course records

by Barry Shea

RECORDS were broken when St Greg’s Primary School in Marnhull, supported by Dorset Doddlers, again hosted the M12K.

A record 266 runners ran on an undulating course through Marnhull to Fifehead Magdalen and back to Marnhull, finishing on the school field.

The men’s and women’s course records were bettered in perfect conditions – a little chilly and overcast but relatively still.

Chris Peck of Egdon Heath Harriers posted a time of 40.29 and Vicki Ingham of Poole Runners finished in 44.29.

They both received a winner’s jacket from course sponsors Somerset County Cars of Yeovil.

Egdon Heath Harriers also took home the male and female team prizes.

First Dorset Doddler was Gary Blaber, who finished 15th in a time of 45.24.

Prizes were also awarded to the fastest Marnhull residents, Annabel Upshall and Charles

RUNNING

Ford.

Tom Hawtree of Marnhull Stores was the honorary starter, having sponsored this year’s race alongside SPAR. The event organisers and competitors are hugely grateful for Tom’s continued support of the school.

The event raised £7,389 for St Greg’s Primary School. Other sponsors and prize donors included: Thomas Fudge’s, Hall & Woodhouse, Marnhull Festival, Dorset Tech, Friars Moor, Symonds & Sampson, Luna Electrical Services, Prestige Roofing, Concorde Flooring Ceilings & Partitions, Camelot Builders, Wyke Farms, Compton Smith Interiors, AJN Steel, Cooks Garage, Hook Electrical Contractors.

St Greg’s also hosted a children’s fun run sponsored by Bounceabout. Nearly 50 children took part and each was rewarded with a milkshake care of The Dorset Dairy Co and finisher’s medal.

and a ‘sticker-up’, who replaces the skittles between shots.

Age and even ability are not a barrier to entry, this truly is a social sport where new teams are made to feel a part of the league and will enter Division 2.

Areas currently taking part include: Evercreech, Lydford, Castle Cary, North Cadbury, Barton St David, Somerton and Keinton Mandeville.

For more details, or to register a team, contact league secretary Toby Strang on 07783 134498.

ANGLING

£1,100 raised for air ambulance

STURMINSTER & Hinton

Angling Club chairman Ian Paulley presents a cheque for £1,100 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance raised from a fishing competition held on the River Stour.

The competition has become very popular, almost 90 anglers taking part in the third event held last year.

Another charity match in

aid of the air ambulance will be held on Saturday, September 16.

WINCANTON FC Ladies celebrated the end of their inaugural season in style with an award presentation. Main winners were: top goal scorer Donna Hitchens; manager’s player and players’ player Heather Wise; most improved player Cari Jones; chairperson’s recognition trophy Ella McIntyre.

The team are still welcoming new players and will be back in pre-season training at Wincanton Sports Ground on Wednesday, July 5.

For more information visit wincantontownfc.net/about-us

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Sport

Egdon Heath runners head marathon fields

by Paul Russell

LONG distance runners ran through some of the most picturesque villages in Dorset when they competed in the 13th outing of Dorset Doddlers’ North Dorset Village Marathon.

The 26.2-mile route, covered in slightly damp conditions, began in Sturminster Newton and took in Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber and Child Okeford before finishing along the Trailway in Sturminster Newton.

Edgon Heath Harriers scored a one-two with Chris Peck first over the line in 2h 39m 31s, followed by Charlie Williams in 2h 42m 40. Third was Kieron Summers of Weston AC who crossed the line in 2h 45m 01s.

First female Daisy Baker

Chance for youngsters to give fishing a try

DORCHESTER & District

Angling Society Juniors are hosting a fishing open day at Revels Fishery & Tackle Shop next Saturday (June 3).

Youngsters who have ever thought about having a go at coarse angling – fishing on lakes, canals and rivers – are welcome to go along to the free-to-enter event.

Experienced coaches will show juniors the basics of fishing equipment, which baits are used and how to care for and look after the fish that are caught.

No previous experience is required and no equipment is needed, just weather appropriate clothing.

The event runs from 10am until 3pm with a break in the

RUNNING

came in at 3h 21m 18s, with 2nd place going to Louise Austin (Littledown Harriers) with 3h 29m 04s, and in 3rd was Jody Higham (Dorchester RIOT) in 3h 33m 24s. In all 167 runners completed the course.

The relay races are always very popular and this year 30 teams competed. First male team were Chard Road Runners (Stuart Gold, Matt Robinson, Tom Priest, Wayne Loveridge) with a combined time of 2h 39m 46s. They retained their crown from 2022.

First female team over the line was R4T1 (Gill Pearson, Amy Hallet, Louise Mills, Lisa Hallet) in a time of 2h 57m 08s. In the mixed team relay,

Dorset Doddlers (Gary Blaber, Duncan Ward, Molly Rasch, Justin Perry) were first over the line in 2h 47m 42s.

The Dorset Doddlers would like to recognise all the hard work that goes into organising the race and thank everyone who helped with the event, the runners and the spectators around the course.

The Doddlers always make donations to local charities and organisations after its events and this would not be possible with the support of local businesses.

They would like to thank the following for their kind donations of support and prizes: Dorset Vehicle Rentals, Stalbridge Linen, Dorset Dairy Farm, Yeovil Rentals and Hawtree & Sons.

GOLF ANGLING

middle for a barbecue/ refreshments.

Juniors over the age of 13 will require a one-day rod licence, which the club can obtain if the youngsters don’t

have one.

To book a place, or for more information, contact junior secretary Graham Howard at juniors.sec@d-das. com or look for DDAS Juniors on Facebook. Booking closes on Thursday, June 1, at 9pm.

WINCANTON Golf Club –Seniors Monthly Medal – April 25: Simon Lenton nett 70 ocb; Philip Dewar nett 70; Richard Strong nett 72.

Monthly Medal – April 30: Rab Clyde nett 70; Mike Doddington nett 71; Adam Smith nett 73 ocb; Jim Stephen nett 73; Trveor Mills nett 73.

Seniors Stableford – May 2: Kevin George 37; John Westaway 35 ocb; Simon Lenton 35.

Seniors Back Nine Medal – May 5: Phil Francis nett 34; Chris Mieville 36; Steven Ireland 37 ocb; Philip Dewar 37.

Seniors Monthly Medal –May 9: Kevin George 38; Chris Dibben 37; Richard Strong 33 ocb; Steven Ireland 33; Trevor Mills 33.

Club Foresomes – May 13: Winners – Chris Chapman/Jim Phillips.

Camelot Shield – May 20: Adam Smith nett 66; Richard Czemerda nett 69 ocb; Phil Francis nett 69.

Janet scoops spoons trophy

SHERBORNE Golf – Ladies May Stableford and Pat Swift

Spoons: Division 1 – 1 Patricia Rawlins 30; 2 Kim Kennedy 29; 3 Angela Peel 29.

Division 2 – 1 Janet Towers 35; 2 Sharron McVie 33; 3 Meredith Christopher 31. Division 3 – 1 Jennie Grinter 31; 2 Alison Taylor 29; 3 June Weeks 28.

The Pat Swift spoons trophy was won by Janet Towers who had the best Stableford score.

A fishing open day is being held at Revels Fishery & Tackle Shop

When behaviour is due to a physical cause (II)

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

THIS is the second of two articles on how physical factors can affect behaviour.

Conditions can be present from birth or a young age. Certain breeds and coat colours – such as white Boxers – have an increased risk of deafness and this may lead to training difficulties. Abnormal vision due to abnormal eye development can lead to slow uptake with training or difficulty with certain tasks. Progressive conditions of the eyes such as progressive retinal atrophy can lead to complete blindness in young adult dogs which may cause anxiety or aggression.

The female hormone cycle can lead to significant temperament changes which are usually temporary. Bitches in

season can become aggressive. False pregnancies typically develop four to nine weeks after a season and can cause mammary swelling and milk production. Some, however, may only display temperament changes and these might not be recognised as hormonal changes.

False pregnancies can make bitches territorial, possessive –collecting or guarding toys –anxious or aggressive causing a normally friendly dog to become aggressive to other dogs, even those they live with. In most bitches this is a temporary state which selfresolves but some get ‘stuck’ in a false pregnancy and may need medication to reverse the changes. Spaying during a false pregnancy can lead to ongoing behavioural changes which do not self-resolve due to ovary

removal. Bitches displaying ongoing temperament changes may benefit from a prolonged course of medication to attempt to reverse these changes.

Entire male dogs develop many testosterone-driven behaviours such as scent marking. Many of these behaviours are ‘learnt’ and do not resolve with castration. Anxious male dogs may actually become more anxious and develop more severe fear-related aggression following castration and it is important to recognise this so that castration can be avoided if necessary or until the anxiety problems have been addressed. Entire male cats are much more likely to scent mark and fight, leading to an increased risk of infections, and castration usually reduces this behaviour.

Diseases affecting the brain can cause behavioural changes. Metabolic causes such as liver disease or diabetes mellitus can change an animal’s

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temperament and they may present as being quieter or aggressive. Cats with hyperthyroidism and generally older animals can develop symptoms of dementia which may lead to behavioural changes, loss of house training and an increase in vocalisation. Physical changes such as brain tumours may cause significant behavioural changes and previously friendly dogs can become unpredictably aggressive. Recurrent seizures or long lasting seizures can cause permanent brain damage which can also lead to temperament changes.

Dogs with long term dietary issues such as chronic diarrhoea can be more anxious because the gut microbiome can affect brain activity. Diets deficient in certain vitamins and minerals can also make dogs more anxious because the brain functions more efficiently on a complete nutritionally balanced diet.

Certain medications may also cause behavioural changes. For instance, some dogs become hyperactive and excitable on high doses of steroids. If your pet develops temperament changes since starting a medication it is worth reviewing potential side-effects in case the two are related.

Contact your own vet if you wish to consider any of these conditions as a cause of your pet’s own behaviour issues.

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White Boxers have an increased risk of deafness PHOTO: Charlotte Yealey/Pixabay

MID

DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

n Badger (three years). Badger is a confident cat with a lot of character and a lot of heart

n Bagheera (eight years). Lovely boy looking for a quiet home with no children or other pets

n Tommy (14 years). Everyone who meets Tommy falls in love with this charming fella

n Misty (four years). Loving, on her own terms, looking for a garden to explore in a safe location

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

n Aston (10 years). Looking for a country home to call his own

n Ben (two years).

Looking for a more ‘outdoorsy’ home with somewhere to keep warm

n JJ (one year). Desperate to be loved but is still a bit unsure of how to show it

n Jezzy (two years). Shy to begin with but very sweet and loving when she gets to know you

We also have a number of oldies looking for a loving home in their twilight years and need a special end-of-life carer to look after an old girl who needs a lap to cuddle on. We also have kittens which will be looking for homes in the coming weeks – please get in touch to register your interest.

Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc

For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/ blandford.

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n Black, wearing red collar, missing since April 16 from Bayfran Way, Blandford.

n Black, white patch on belly, missing since February 13 from Buckland Newton.

FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

n White and black, young unneutered male handed into Friars Moor Vets, Blandford April 29.

We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11, SP7 and SP8, and BH21. Phone: 01258 268695.

Tip #40: Of cats and dogs

by Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM

WHILE many dogs and cats live together very harmoniously and can even be great friends, cats can trigger a predatory and/or a threat-related –aggressive – response in dogs, depending on the dog’s prior experience and temperament. This can range from mildly annoying through highly stressful (to both) to fatal to the cat.

Cats that are very frightened of dogs can also do damage to a dog, but generally the risk posed to the cat by even a small dog is much greater.

If you are considering introducing a cat to a dog it is important to consider whether your dog or cat has previously coexisted harmoniously with the other species or not. If not, it then becomes very important to try to predict accurately how the dog is likely to react towards a cat before you commit to adding the other animal to your household.

If the dog has never lived with a cat and has shown aggressive or predatory tendencies towards cats previously, it would be unwise to try to introduce a cat to him. Next time, the practicalities of introducing dogs and cats and building a harmonious relationship.

n Helen Taylor is a qualified, accredited behaviourist, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, a Registered Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk, www.helentaylordorset.co.uk

Awards glory at Neal’s Yard

DORSET success story Neal’s Yard Remedies has been named International Business of the Year at the prestigious Solent 250 Awards.

The business, founded in 1981, harnesses the power of the finest natural and organic, ethically sourced herbs, botanicals and essential oils to make award-winning collections.

It has become a global leader with a growing presence across five continents.

The Solent 250 is a yearly listing of privately owned Solent businesses ranked by sales turnover.

The list is compiled by print publication The Business Magazine.

Richard Thompson, managing director of The Business Magazine, said:

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

“We’re pleased to present the International Business of the Year award to Neal’s Yard Remedies.

“They have brought their vision from Dorset and the UK to multiple global markets with such success.”

Neal’s Yard Remedies was founded by natural health advocate Romy Fraser in Covent Garden, London.

It was acquired by its present owners, the Kindersley family, 17 years ago.

Known for its distinctive blue bottles, the business was the first health and beauty brand to receive 100/100 for ethics by The Ethical Company Organisation in 2014.

It has six commercial locations in the county –Gillingham, Shaftesbury,

Dorchester, Bournemouth, Bridport and Ferndown – with its eco factory, offices and a store at Peacemarsh.

The Solent 250 private dinner and awards ceremony was held at the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.

Simon Smith and Leila Jundi of HSBC UK with the International Business of the Year award won by Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Forget the coronation picnic – it’s action stations after fly strike report!

by Tria Stebbing

WITH the village enjoying a coronation picnic on the parish field, the sun came out, which meant for us one thing. The flock nearest to us had reported a fly strike, so any thoughts of a picnic disappeared as we rushed to the paddock with the appropriate dousing gun and a pair of shears.

Fly strike gets worse when the weather is warm and wet, which it has been lately.

Blowflies are the culprits, the green/blue ones that come out in the summer, they lay their eggs in the wool, and when they hatch, they start to eat into the skin of the sheep.

The season used to be May to September but with the seasonal variations this can change year on year. As the fly targets the dried loose faeces on the back end of the animal, it is important to keep them neatly trimmed and clear of soiled fleece. Which brings us back to the nasty job in hand while the village were celebrating.

We put up a holding area to pen the ladies in, without stressing them out, and began the back-breaking job of trimming, treating and tail maintenance. While we had

them, we turned them over to trim feet and look for sore spots. A job well done, by the end of the afternoon the shearlings were all done with some relief on our part as we had spotted a lot of flies around them.

The fleece on the shearlings is very dense currently – they are last year’s lambs that have not been shorn yet, hence the name. As black sheep, I can only imagine how hot they must be feeling when the sun does come out. They are booked in for shearing early June.

Sheep that are being taken to the agricultural shows are shorn much earlier, as early as January, to ensure the fleece is a good length for showing. It always seems a bit cruel to me that they spend the coldest months with no coat on. The black sheep are also kept out of the sun just before a show, so that the black is dark and not bleached out by the sun.

The lambs continue to thrive and are playing ‘zoomies’ around the paddock, in between roughly butting mum’s udders to let down the milk. Our brush with mastitis seems to have safely passed and we are enjoying the fun that the lambs bring to the flock.

Like other smallholders, we could do with some dry days now as the mud is back and getting firmly stuck in between

the sheep’s hooves, and the lambs are sliding about when trying to suckle – clearly it was Ash before Oak this year!

ANGLER Jamie Bumby caught a 14lb 7oz grass carp at Sturminster & Hinton Angling Association’s Mappowder fishery.

The fish is believed to be the only grass carp living there, as well as being one of the biggest of all the carp at the venue.

Black sheep must feel hot when the sun comes out

Big team keeps show on the road

by Jo Child BvetMed CertAVP MRCVS Director

Friars Moor Livestock Health

THIS month I wanted to look at the roles that make up a farm veterinary practice and thank our incredible team. Sometimes, being a farm vet is quite lonely, we drive around in the car by ourselves, often spending a long time on the road, but we do not work alone.

In James Herriot’s day I think it was just the vet and maybe his assistant, but these days there is a massive support network of people, without whom we could not function.

The reception team answer the phone – always with a cheery manner, handling calls to run the day efficiently and reduce driving time, book visits and meet the unreasonable demands of the vets(!). They are the eyes in the back of our heads, remembering what we forget and they require an encyclopaedic knowledge of Dorset’s farmers and geography.

We have data analysts collecting information from on-farm computer software

programs, milk recording, mobility and body condition scores by our vet techs. They help design and produce reports for farmers and vets on efficiency, cost of production, fertility, mastitis, lameness, antibiotic usage, youngstock growth rates, the list goes on. They help us to meet the demands of a data driven world. Our pharmacy manager, who keeps our cars stocked not just with everything we need, but ensures we don’t lose any of it with regular stock takes. She

has the daily task of keeping up with product manufacturing issues and finding alternatives, checking pricing is competitive and ensuring the best service for farmers coming in to collect supplies. Our pharmacy receives daily deliveries of vaccines, wormers, antiinflammatories and antibiotics according to demand, which are then distributed to farm orders and our other collection points in Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

The clinical team is made up

of vets, vet techs and TB testers. You can think of the vet techs a bit like the large animal equivalent of vet nurses. They have a broad range of skills and carry out tasks that support the vets. Our vet techs are ROMS mobility score trained and they carry our calf weighing, vaccinations, freeze branding, disbudding, sheep pregnancy scanning, offer assistance for TB testing and moving large numbers of animals. We have foot trimmers, who trim lame animals, whole herds or visit farms regularly on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

We have a phenomenal team of TB testers and in this area, where we are testing most farms every six months and several every 60 days, they play a pivotal role in the practice to free up vets for clinical tasks.

Finally the vets, a tiny cog in a big machine. We could not carry out our roles without the support of all the other team members mentioned, so next time you call to book a visit, take a minute to think about the whole team that have worked to make that possible and ensure you get the best service.

Friars Moor TB testers carry out tests at most farms every six months and several every 60 days, freeing up vets for clinical tasks

action down at the farm shop!

WHAT a difference a week makes – the rain stopped, the sun shone, the grass grew, first cut silage making is done and most of the maize is planted, having spread some of the winter’s manure on the maize ground. The grass has motored out of the ground, just like the lawns and churchyard do at this time of year. The quality of the grass crop in May is generally the best of the year for milking cow silage. We hope we have made what’s needed for next winter’s dairy ration.

Now our dairy cows can at last go out to pasture day and night – once the silage fields regrow the rest of the herd will follow.

The farm shop played host to

a filming team a couple of weeks ago. We were contacted and asked if the film crew could use our shop as a set in a short film being made to highlight bereavement in young people. We were pleased to help. About 35 people turned up, including Ben Whishaw, who played the main character. The amount of kit was amazing, as was the

Continued on page 91

basis. Located nr Sixpenny Handley. 07768 158774

BAFTA-winning actor Ben Whishaw at Kimber’s Farm Shop

Crushed Stone Collection Yeovil Depot

BA21 5HA, Delivery Available Limestone Dust

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF

Continued from page 89

detail they went to with light and so on, blacking out the windows and doors and even the rooflights. They started preparing to film while we were still open, which amused and surprised our customers! The film will be previewed at the Cannes Film Festival!. We were location four and the last day of shooting.

of villagers past and present attended. Our parish council gave a good donation and the village hall waived the fee, making it possible.

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties and building land, and

Ben Whishaw is the voice behind Paddington and was Q in Skyfall, the Bond film. Now this week we learned he has won a Bafta.

They were a nice bunch of people.

The Coronation was celebrated in style here at Charlton Musgrove, owing to the hard work of a committee of inspired villagers. We had a top-notch tea party, with delicate sandwiches and dainty cakes, served on real table clothes and bone china crockery on Sunday afternoon, complete with skittles and so on. Our son-in-law Danj made a full-size Charles and Camilla, minus their faces, where people stood behind and posed. In the evening we had a live band and a Kimber Old Spot hog roast! The weather was kind and a lot

We even had a ‘princess’ attend! Mabel brought Stavordale Firefox Princess to the party for the children to see. Mabel has been halter training this pedigree Shorthorn calf, who really enjoyed the attention and was very well behaved. I’m sure King Charles would have approved!

To find out how this fast and efficient method of please contact:

In 2022 we sold over 3,500 acres across

ON FARM AUCTIONS

Saturday 10th June

To find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact: Mark Lewis | 01258 473766 Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190 Graham Barton | 01297 33122

Mark Lewis | 01258 Meredith Holmes | 01202 Graham Barton | 01297

Mill Farm, Mill Lane, Misterton, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 7RZ Dispersal of 3 Tractors, Combine, ATV, Buildings, Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment, Bygones & Miscellaneous.

In 2022 we sold over 3,500 acres across 8 counties.

We

We are hoping to get away for a holiday, which reminds me to say, please don’t be tempted to bring back plants, cuttings or seeds from abroad. Our native flora has suffered from pest and disease from foreign sources and invasion into the countryside by invasive plants. Just now, the Spanish bluebell is flowering and, as pretty as it is, it is displacing our very special native bluebells, of which we have the greatest numbers worldwide.

Our native bluebells have a flower stem that drops over at the head, whereas the Spanish bluebell has a straight, erect flowering stem, fine in the garden but definitely not in the countryside.

Including: New Holland T6020 with Loader, Ford 5030 2wd, International 685 with Loader, Claas Mercur Combine with 9ft Header, Kawasaki KLF 300 ATV, Spearhead Excel 565 Hedgetrimmer, JF FC800 Trailed Forager, International 435D Conventional Baler, Stoll Westmac R335 4DS Single Rotor Rake, Kuhn FC280P Mower Conditioner, Protech P220+ Post Driver, 2 x Marshall Rotor Spreaders, Various Trailers inc. Teagle Titian & Tiger, McConnel Ditch King, Kverneland 4f Conv Plough, Ransomes 4f Rev Plough, Joskin TR220 Topper, Marshall 1200gln Vacuum Tanker, Howard 60” Rotavator, 2.5m Power Harrow, Steel Framed buildings (approx. 60’ x 30’, 75’ x 19’ & 84’ x 40’), Field & Yard Gates, Various Metal, Building Equipment and Bygones, etc.

100% success rate at our SOLD SOLD

On

Mowing and Grass Keep Available

Holloway Farm, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum DT11 0SY

Tenders close 12 noon on Thursday 1st June.

Lot 1 – Approx. 70 acres of 1st Year Ley Grass (1st cut having already been removed) for mowing only

RESULTS FOR WEEK ENDING 19th MAY

SALE OF PIGS WEDNESDAY 31st MAY

SALE OF REARED CALVES

Sold 21% above guide

Lot 2 – Approx. 38 acres of permanent pasture for mowing only

Morden Sold 45% above guide

Lot 3 – Approx. 32 acres of permanent pasture for mowing and/or grazing

Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467

behalf of Mr Graham White (Ceasing Farming)

Symonds &Sampson

Symonds &Sampson

Stalbridge Weston

Guide £925,000

A character Grade II listed 3 bedroom stone house with a beautiful garden to the rear adjoining open fields in this extremely desirable hamlet. EPC Exempt; CTB F. Freehold

Sturminster 01258 473766

Charlton Musgrove Guide £695,000

A spacious detached 4-5 bedroom bungalow with flexible accommodation in a large plot surrounded by beautiful countryside. EPC F; CTB E. Freehold Sturminster 01258 473766

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge! out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you,

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in

We’re inviting Wimborne. Entries

To find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact:

To find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact:

To find out how

Mark Lewis | 01258 473766

Mark Lewis | 01258 473766

Marnhull Guide £650,000

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190

A beautifully presented double fronted 4-5 bedroom house with highly flexible accommodation and a double garage in a sought after village. EPC C; CTB F. Freehold Sturminster 01258 473766

Graham Barton | 01297 33122

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190 Graham Barton | 01297 33122

Iwerne Minster Guide OIEO £695,000

Graham Barton | 01297 33122

A charming 3 bedroom new house blending traditional materials with modern fittings, situated in a private courtyard development close to amenities. EPC TBC; CTB TBC. Freehold Blandford 01258 452670

100% success rate at our December Auction

100% success rate at our December Auction

100% success rate at our December Auction

100%

Sherborne Guide £324,950

Zeals Guide £795,000

21% above guide

Affpuddle Sold 21% above guide

Affpuddle 21% above guide

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

A 2 bedroom property situated within a modern courtyard development. The property has a private enclosed garden to the rear and a communal courtyard to the front. EPC D; CTB E. Freehold

Sherborne 01935 814488

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

West Morden 45% above guide

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

Winterbourne Houghton 233% above guide

An imposing and versatile 4 bedroom detached house with beautiful award winning gardens, far reaching views over countryside and close to local amenities. EPC D; CTB G. Freehold

Affpuddle Sold 21% above

Sturminster 01258 473766

Symonds &Sampson

£650,000 Bourton

£500,000

Bourton

A substantial four bedroom detached bungalow with generous living accommodation. Light and airy sitting room, characterful dining room, large kitchen, en-suite shower room, double garage, attractive garden, double glazing and central heating. No forward chain. EPC Rating E. Freehold.

Thinking of moving?

£250,000 Wincanton

Exceptional semi-detached house with solar PV panels with a battery storage system providing lower energy costs. Spacious kitchen/diner, sitting room with feature fireplace, two double bedrooms, sunny aspect garden, field view, parking. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

BRUTON

£225,000

NEW INSTRUCTION

We have now entered the busiest time of year for moving home. We have many active buyers looking for a property in Wincanton, Bruton, Mere, Gillingham, Stalbridge, Milborne Port and the surrounding villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

£325,000 Wincanton

WINCANTON

£145,000

An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on a mature development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first time buy. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON 01963 34000

NEW INSTRUCTION

WINCANTON £226,500

An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond. Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

£220,000

Mere

WINCANTON £179,950

An interesting semi-detached cottage style bungalow in a tucked away location close to the town centre. In need of redecoration and some updating, attractive courtyard garden, long driveway, gas central heating, two bedrooms and spacious lounge. No onward chain. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

Shaftesbury 01747 851151

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular residential development. The property is presented in excellent order and enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting room, fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D.

HAMLET LETTINGS 01963 34006

An elegant Georgian style town house set around a central green just a short walk to the town centre. Two allocated parking spaces, four/five bedrooms, spacious lounge/diner, courtyard style garden, two ensuite shower rooms and gas central heating. EPC Rating: C. Freehold.

A delightful three bedroom semi-detached house with an impressive fitted kitchen and stylish family bathroom. Spacious hallway, light and airy lounge/diner, driveway, garage, attractive garden and GCH. EPC Rating: TBC. Freehold.

Sutton Veny, Wiltshire. Guide Price £2,400,000

An outstanding country house of late 17 th Century origins with contemporary additions and well-presented accommodation situated in the heart of this popular Wylye Valley village. 4 Receptions, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 6 Bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, Cottage, Stables/Party Barn, Garage. Attractive landscaped gardens and extensive grounds. In all about 4 acres.

Berwick St John, Wiltshire. Guide Price £975,000

A stylish and well-presented village house with stunning rural views. 3 Receptions, Kitchen/Dining Room, 4 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Garage, workshop. Charming gardens with terracing.

Wardour, Wiltshire. Guide Price £570,000

A superbly refurbished 2 bed home converted from a former greenhouse in the grounds of an historic walled garden, fitted and equipped to an exemplary standard with light and airy living space.

Ashmore, Dorset. Guide Price £565,000

A charming semi-detached 3 bed period cottage with bags of potential, located in a lovely North Dorset rural village surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Cranborne Chase.

LITTLE FOREST, DOMMETT, BUCKLAND ST. MARY, CHARD

An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a detached 4/5 bedroom house, in completely private surroundings with grounds of over 3.5 acres, sensational views, outbuildings and nestled in an AONB. Although now in need of complete modernisation and renovation, there are few properties that offer the scope, flexibility and setting of this property.

Auction Guide: £850,000

Ilminster Office: 01460 57222 residential.ilminster@gth.net

PROPERTY & LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY 31ST MAY 2023 AT 2PM AT THE SHRUBBERY HOTEL, STATION ROAD, ILMINSTER, TA19 9AR

Scan code for further details

LAND AT MUDFORD, YEOVIL

A well-positioned parcel of versatile pasture land with fishing rights extending to approximately 10.68 acres (4.32 ha).

Auction Guide: £105,000

Yeovil Office: 01934 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

THE OLD DAIRY SHOP, LANGPORT ROAD, SOMERTON

A potential residential development opportunity. Historic outline planning for a new two storey home with new plans currently lodged with Somerset District Council.

Auction Guide: £125,000 Langport Office: 01458 250589 residential.langport@gth.net

7 BOWER HINTON, MARTOCK

A lovely terraced 2 bedroom Hamstone cottage in need of updating and modernising throughout, with conservatory and large garden.

Auction Guide: £180,000

Yeovil Office: 01935 415300

residential.yeovil@gth.net

THE BRAMBLES, LOWER WESTHOLME, PILTON, SHEPTON MALLET

A versatile property comprising a stable with adjoining pasture land extending to 1.82 acres (0.74 Ha) approx..

Auction Guide: £150,000 Wells Office: 01749 605605 farms.wells@gth.net

LAND AT MARSTON MAGNA, YEOVIL

An attractive block of level and versatile pasture land extending to 37.87 acres (15.32 ha) approx benefitting from direct road access.

Auction Guide: £410,000 Yeovil Office: 01934 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

FURTHER ENTRIES INVITED

LAND & BUILDINGS AT CORSCOMBE, DORCHESTER

An attractive and versatile enclosure of sloping pasture land extending to 2.31 acres (0.96 ha) approx..

Auction Guide: £40,000

Yeovil Office: 01934 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

For a free market appraisal or further information about selling by auction please contact: Justin.lowe@gth.net 01935 423474 at our Yeovil office

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT www.gth.net

EN SUITE ROOM TO LET, in lovely cottage. Charlton Musgrove. 01202 296167

SOUTH CHERITON

Asking price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Morton New on 01747 824547 for more information

BL AND FO RD FO RUM ALMSHOU SE CHAR IT Y

VACANT ONE BEDROOMED newly refurbished FIRST FLOOR

FLAT at our Barnes Homes site

Trustees are looking to appoint a single person or couple (aged 50+) who is/are of good character and has strong links with Blandford or immediate area. Applicants must be of limited income and be non-smokers.

No pets are allowed. There is no parking on site.

Initial enquiries may be made by calling the Chairman of Trustees on 07990 894250.

Trustees look forward to receiving your written enquiry giving details of your residency, personal circumstances, and reasons for applying to: -

The Clerk, Blandford Forum Almshouse Charity, Barnes Homes, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset. DT11 7HU.

Closing date 2nd June 2023

Edition 70

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Come and meet Derek, our 1946 Ford 8 van, at the Stockton Park Vintage Nostalgia Festival, 2nd - 4th June.