The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Breeders

farmers, including members of the

Cattle Breeders’ Society, were at Lower Mere Park Farm in Mere on October 9 for an open day event, where visitors had the chance to see the rare breed up close at the home of an award-winning herd.

Lower Mere Park is farmed by the Armishaw family and farmers from across the county and beyond took the opportunity to view the Red Ruby Devon Cattle on show, as well as talking about wider farming issues and catch up after a difficult few years during the pandemic.

But the breed itself was the focus of the day.

“Devons can be used for conservation and are ideal for the new environmental schemes being put forward because they’re low input, who will finish on grass,” said Ruth Armishaw.

“They are a medium-sized carcass and get amazing, marbled meat, fed only on grass.”

“They are a beef animal, grown for their beef, and it’s beautiful beef,” said Lisa Weaver, breed secretary of the society.“They are de signed to thrive in this country – and while certain animals are not allowed on conservation ground, they are. Red Devons have great big feet, which stop them causing so much damage.”

And Ruth said she was delighted to show off her herd, which features last year’s best cow, Mere Park Jubilee, and this year’s best young bull.

“My cattle can be seen out there, doing their job clearing both woodland and scrubland for the National Trust,” she said.

“Devons are lovely cattle, very gentle, particularly the bulls. They’re famous for their wonderful nature.”

Juno Doran

Then & now: The Stalbridge Market Cross

by Lottie Hayton

THE STALBRIDGE MEDIEVAL market cross is one of the most complete of its age still standing in Dorset.

Market crosses were often used to indicate where the right to hold a regular market or fair had been granted, although the Stalbridge cross has more colourful origins according to local legend…

In 1309, it is said a Knight of Malta, Galfridius de Mervin, was seriously wounded and had a vision of Saint John who presented him with some healing ointment, in return for which he was instructed to erect a pillar on his return home. Later, via his sister, Elfrida, who married into the Audley family of Stalbridge, the cross came to stand where it is today.

The religious imagery on the cross, including the front panel which appears depict the resurrection with Christ rising from his tomb, may support this and the date fits with the 1286 and 1335 charters granting Stalbridge the right to hold markets and fairs.

Some sources, however, have dismissed the tale, dating the cross to later in the 14th, or even the late 15th century.

Either way, the cross has remained a consistent part of the town’s landscape for far longer than many, if not all of the surrounding buildings.

One notable series of events witnessed by the monument was the development of John Wesley’s Methodist theology in the 18th century. With a doctrine focusing on sanctification and the transforming effect of faith on the character of a Christian, preaching and evangelism were key to the movement. Wesley himself is said to have preached at the foot of the cross.

Sources also record that the cross was witness to the ostracisation and persecution Methodists faced at the hands of communities who disagreed with the movement; a persecution which some say was instrumental in its growth, as later Methodists were able to point to such ordeals as evidence of martyrdom.

An extract from Wesley’s journal in 1766 reports one such incident:

“We rode to Stalbridge, long the seat of war by a senseless, insolent mob…they broke [Methodist’s] windows, leaving not one whole pane of glass, spoiled their goods, and assaulted their persons with dirt, and rotten eggs, and stones, whenever they appeared in the street.”

In Wesley’s day, the cross, standing then at 30 feet, would have been far more intact.

Featured alongside the resurrection scenes

Left: Stalbridge Market Cross (John Hutchins’ History of Dorset, first edition, 1777 courtesy Rachel Hassall, Sherborne School); from top: Stalbridge Market Cross, 2010 (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council); Stalbridge Market Cross (John Hutchins’ History of Dorset, first edition, 1777 courtesy Rachel Hassall, Sherborne School); Stalbridge Market Cross and High Street, 1918 (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council)

were images of the crucifixion, a fixed cross, several coats of arms, and three flights of steps at the base. Images from John Hutchins’ History of Dorset shows the cross in its glory days.

In 1918, Lord Stalbridge decided to sell the Stalbridge Estate at auction. Noting, however, the cross’s importance to the town he sold it to the Parish Council for one shilling.

Further testament to the cross’s ongoing importance to Stalbridge’s history are images showing the cross at the centre of VE day celebrations in the town.

Sadly, during a gale in the winter of 1949-50, the top section of the cross was blown off leaving it almost ruined.

By the mid 1950s, however, the council had replaced the top with a slightly shorter modern version.

In October 1960, a Grade II listing protected the cross and a light restoration and clean in 2018 on the centenary of its purchase ensured future generations will be able to enjoy this monument to the history of Stalbridge.

Thank you to Stalbridge Archive Society for their help in sourcing these images and research. For those keen to share and receive information about the history of Stalbridge, a group of volunteer archivists meet at The Hub on Wednesday mornings. More information can be found online www.stalbridgearchive.co.uk

Fireworks displays

THE SKIES ARE set to be ablaze with colour next weekend for Fireworks Night. A number of organised displays are set to take place across the Vale and beyond, including… Shaftesbury Primary School PTA Fireworks, 5.30pm, Thursday 3 November. Fireworks at 7.30pm, live music, tombola, hot food, refreshments, stalls and more. Family tickets £12.50 in advance, £15 on the night, adults £5 and children £2.50, available from the school office and Boatwrights Estate Agents.

Bruton Community Fireworks Night, Sexey’s School, Friday 4 November. Fireworks at 6.30pm, tickets cost £8 for adults, £4 per child, £22 for a family ticket. Barbecue, pizza, ice cream and more.

Leweston Fireworks Night, Leweston School, 6.15pm, Friday 4 November. This event is sold out.

Charity Fireworks Night at The Coppleridge Inn, Motcombe, from 6pm on Friday 4 November. Fireworks at 8.30pm, barbecue, mulled wine, bar, free entry.

Mere School Fireworks, 5.30pm, Saturday 5 November. Community event to raise school funds, featuring barbecue, pizza, fish and chips, ice cream and more. Sponsored by Bloomfield and Associates Ltd.

* Add your event to our website for FREE at blackmorevale. net/submit-event

Services of remembrance

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER is Remembrance Sunday, with a range of events taking place. Below are some of the services taking place across the Vale on the day…

Blandford: Remembrance Parade from 2.45pm with wreath laying in front of the Corn Exchange, music from Blandford Stour Valley Band and an open-air church service. All welcome.

Shaftesbury: Service at 11am at the town memorial. Marchers muster from 10.30am at the Kings Arms car park. Wincanton: The Wincanton Legion will lead proceedings from 10.45am at the war memorial.

Dorchester: The Civic Remembrance Day Service will be held at the war memorial. At approximately 10.40am, the Remembrance Parade will make its way into the Cornhill, down South Street and assemble at the war memorial for the 11am service.

Sherborne: A Remembrance Service will take place at the Abbey, gathering from 10.55am.

From top: VE Day 1945 (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council); Stalbridge Market Cross with its new top, 1950 early 1960s (Stalbridge Archive, courtesy Stalbridge Town Council)

photos: Canva

Classic cars for a good cause

Rotary event held this summer raised £1,000 for the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital and wowed the crowds

DOZENS OF CLASSIC vehicles shone in the late-August sun during the 27th Sherborne Historic Vehicle Rally (HVR).

The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles at Sherborne School Courts over the August Bank Holiday weekend, returning after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

Honorary chair of the HVR committee, Brian Chant, said organisers were grateful to entrants for making the event a success once again.

“A loyal band of over 70 enthusiasts and supporters attended the event in their beautiful vintage and classic vehicles, despite having to contend with numerous road works and closures on their thirty mile road run through Dorset,” he said.

Funds raised through the event mean £1,000 will be donated to the Friends of Yeatman Hospital, he added, taking the total

raised by the rally for local and Rotarysupported charities to £64,000.

“A special mention should also go to the marvellous Sherborne Town Band, who entertained the public and entrants while the judging took place, and to Abbey FM and in particular Ken Horswell, who provided expert commentary,” Mr Chant added.

R Jeffrey, with his 1938 Velocette KSS, was the winner of no less than four awards: Post-Vintage Class, the Hunt’s Cycle Shop Cup; Best Overall Class, the Able Driving School Cup; Most Desired Class, the Norman Brister Cup; Oldest Motorcycle on the Road Run, the Gordon Guppy Cup.

The event was sponsored by Broadpeak Car Storage, Brotherwood, Greenslade Taylor and Hunt, and Hunt’s Food Group.

Next year’s event will be on 27 August. For more information, visit www. sherbornehvr.org.uk

Insulate Sherborne

INSULATE SHERBORNE HELD its first public meeting to a concerned and enthusiastic audience of local people.

Peter Bywater of Ridgewater Energy described various methods of insulation, and explained the grants available through the Healthy Homes Dorset scheme.

The top tip which emerged from the evening, when planning to improve insulation in the home, was to carry out thorough research and get quotations from companies which offer a wide range of insulation services.

The quick fix of the evening was to check where draughts are coming from as low-cost solutions are probably available to stop them. A lot of interest was expressed in the ‘chimney balloon’ which can be easily fitted into the chimney cavity of an unused fireplace. This immediately reduces draughts as well as allowing ventilation.

Rachel Goodfellow of The Gryphon School told the meeting that Year 9 students are undertaking sponsored events to raise money for Insulate Sherborne to provide insulation materials for those who cannot afford it.

More information is available at www.insulatesherborne. org.uk Insulate Sherborne can be contacted at info@ insulatesherborne.org.uk.

Christmas collections

GILLINGHAM ROTARY CLUB is organising a Christmas shoebox appeal for disadvantaged and displaced children in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

Gifts are for youngsters aged one to three, four to seven, eight to 11, and 12 to 15. The closing date for donations is Friday 4 November. Flat-pack shoeboxes are available. For more information call 07580 023176 or visit Crockers on Gillingham High Street.

Pictures by Vicky Louise Photography

Latest round of Community and Culture Project Fund opens for applications

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 in funding for projects addressing cost-of-living challenges, arts, museums, heritage, community, physical activity and play activities.

Dorset Council has a pot of money on offer to help initiatives that make a difference to people.

Grants from £1,000 to £5,000 are available in the latest round of the Community and Culture Project Fund, which opens at 9am on Friday 4 November.

The latest round of funding will prioritise grants to applicants that address and support the cost-of-living challenge for vulnerable communities and those most in need in the Dorset Council area.

The types of cost-of-living projects that can be considered will focus on community warm spaces, community food projects, foodbanks and low level Mental Health projects.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “We’re encouraging community groups to apply for the next round of funding.

“Last time around, we distributed over £35,500 to local groups including theatre companies, groups that help people with learning disabilities, energy champions and efforts to improve recycling of waste.

“This time around, we will prioritise groups who have a focus on supporting people through the cost-of-living challenge, but also welcome applications from other groups too.”

For more information about the application criteria, how to apply and support with an application, visit www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ community-and-culture-projectfund

Details of new Motcombe homes revealed

PLANS HAVE BEEN submitted for 12 new homes in Motcombe. The scheme, submitted to Dorset Council by Amirez Developments, would see the homes built on land off Motcombe Road.

The application says the homes would all be ‘modest two-storeys – in-keeping with the height of two-storey cottages and houses throughout the village’.

Outline planning permission, for up to 12 homes, was approved by the council in March this year – this application provides details of the proposed development.

“Architecturally the buildings are designed to represent a mix of traditional and modern appearance – reflecting the mixed character of

houses along the road,” the application says.

A new access would be created off Motcombe Road, with a footpath running parallel to the road, set behind an existing hedge.

The access would lead to a shared driveway serving all houses, it said.

“There would be a pedestrian route parallel to the road set behind the existing hedge and which would emerge to the road at either end of the site,” it added.

The scheme is now out to public consultation before being considered by council planners. For more details, and to comment on the application, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for planning application reference P/FUL/2022/06095.

Dorset Council’s speed limit policy is a missed opportunity say campaigners

The draft of a new policy outlining how communities can request 20mph speed limits has been met with disappointment by campaign groups

DORSET COUNCIL IS set to consider the proposal, which would see £75,000 put aside for the implementation of lower speed limits, in the coming months.

The draft document, discussed at a meeting of the council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee on 6 October, outlines a number of criteria towns and villages would have to meet in order to be considered for the introduction of a 20mph limit.

But the policy has been met with disappointment by some, including Andrew Davis, chair of Fontmell Magna Parish Council, which is hoping to introduce speed restrictions on the A350 through the village.

He claims the document would leave communities having to meet too many criteria – at a large cost – to be granted the change.

After the meeting, Cllr Davis said: “My take away was that rather than making it easier for towns and villages where there is an identified risk to impose a 20mph limit, they are making it very difficult.

“There is also only a £75,000 budget for the whole of Dorset. They are talking between £5,000 and £35,000 per location.”

He also criticised a section of the policy that dictates areas wishing to impose a 20mph speed limit must currently have a mean average speed of 24mph or below before it would be considered.

“It’s completely nuts. In Fontmell Magna, we

have seen an average of 37.2mph for 80 per cent of the vehicles passing through the village,” he said.

“The S-bends and pinch points mean they have to slow down as they go through the village centre, so it depends where you take the measurements.

“It defies logic, but it is still in the policy.”

During the meeting, a proposal that would have required communities to conduct a referendum over any proposed change – with at least 60 per cent supporting the move – was removed from the draft policy, a move welcomed by the campaigners.

But Cllr Davis said it would still be challenging for small towns and villages to meet the requirements.

“It’s going to be difficult,” he added. “We will wait for the final decision to come out.

“But we will be making an application and I have asked if we could use Fontmell Magna as a pilot because we tick so many of the boxes.

“The costs they are talking about, we can’t afford as a parish council.”

Dilys Gartside, from the Dorset branch of the 20’s Plenty campaign, said: “The policy that will come forward will favour the outspoken communities that can fund and fight themselves.

“It’s a missed opportunity.

“The policy should be a county-wide, default speed limit. It’s the only one that will work in a rural area.

“Every single person in Dorset, if they’re concerned about speed, needs to tell their county councillors and let them know they would like slower speeds.”

The proposed Dorset policy will go before the full council at a meeting in the coming months.

Country Watch website launches

There’s now a one-stop rural resource centre for all things related to rural crime, following the launch of the Country Watch website www.

countrywatchdorset.co.uk

The website was set up by the Rural Crime Reduction Board, after it discovered the countryside communities had to trawl multiple websites to find information on rural issues. Now there’s one place to go for everything from reporting fly-tipping to accessing advice and support if you have been a victim of crime.

The Country Watch website is a simple, quick and easy way to find information and also links directly to other online resources and organisations to help you take immediate action. It’s the brainchild of Dorset PCC David Sidwick. “I set up the Rural Crime Reduction Board to break down silo-working in the hope of making life a little easier for our rural communities, and to show that we can all work together to tackle issues that blight the everyday lives of many of our residents,” he said.

“We are stronger together and we will be able to make a positive difference to the lives of Dorset residents.”

The A350 enters Fontmell Magna with a 30mp/h limit, but the Community Speedwatch team has clocked an average speed of 37.2mp/h for 80 per cent of

Hundreds hit the roads for biker charity fundraiser

More than 400 bikers

THE ANNUAL DOCBIKE fundraiser saw the wheels hit the road on two routes – a 30-mile trek from Alderholt or 35-mile effort from Bridport – with both finishing at Henstridge Airfield.

Organisers said the efforts of the bikers raised more than £8,000 for the Dorsetbased charity, which provides care to injured parties in motorcycle crashes.

The weather provided perfect riding conditions on the day, with Dorset riders Dr Ian Mew and critical care paramedic Mark Williams leading separate convoys through the Dorset countryside, followed by paramedic Rob Walker, who volunteers as a public engagement rider for the charity.

After completing their route, the bikers received a warm welcome from crowds at Henstridge, where they enjoyed live music

from The Hardcore Troubadours.

Dr Mew, co-founder and a trustee of DocBike who is based at Dorchester County Hospital, said: “While this event helps to raise much-needed funds for the charity, the support for what we do from the motorcycling community and beyond means so much more.

“Motorcyclists are statistically the most vulnerable road users, being 56 times more

likely to be killed per mile travelled than when in a car.

“Reducing motorcycle collisions while being able to provide life-saving critical care to anyone who needs it, not just motorcyclists, forms the cornerstone of our work and we are immensely grateful to every person and organisation across the county for their unwavering support.”

DocBike thanked everyone who took part, as well as businesses who donated raffle prizes, Bridport Town Council, The Churchill Arms in Alderholt, Henstridge Airfield owner Geoff Jarvis and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

For more on DocBike, log on to www.docbike.org

Illegal rave causes consternation

left shocked

ravers turned up for an illegal gathering –

find a space.

“For the next several hours, loud music could be heard booming in all the local villages.”

Police did attend the incident, they said, but the rave did not disperse until the following morning.

National Trust, which runs Stourhead, said the event did not take place on their land.

And the villager issued a warning to others to be on their guard for such events.

RESIDENTS WERE SHOCKED

of

made their way to secluded land near Penselwood in the early hours of Sunday 2 October.

partygoers were making their way to a spot near the Stourhead Estate, where they proceeded to rave until sunrise and beyond.

were shocked when they visited the site that morning. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The security barrier was forcably removed and participants parked all along both sides of ‘The Gallops’ and anywhere else they could

The villager added: “On Sunday morning, several residents went up to the site to see what was going on.

“There were some of the sub-human participants staggering around like drunken zombies.

“There were literally hundreds of nitrous oxide cannisters and used syringes everywhere, as well as human waste, general rubbish and used toilet rolls. Thank Heavens for the rain two days later.”

They said workers from the Stourhead Estate cleaned up the site, although the

“This is very big business,” they said. “These events are well organised and advertised on social media with the address given at the very last minute.

“Participants arrive not only in their own vehicles, but in coaches and minibuses.

“They come with their security demolition tools, stage, music, amplifiers, strobe lighting – and drugs for sale.

“It could happen near you. These people have no regard for others, wildlife, or the countryside.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident near Penselwood should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

History & heritage in Sturminster Newton

Find out more about the area’s fascinating past and help to preserve it by volunteering at your local museum…

STURMINSTER NEWTON MUSEUM invited Dorset finds liaison officer Ciorstaidh Hayward-Trevarthen for another regular visit at the end of September.

The session was well attended and among the items brought in for identification were a piece of gilded horse harness and a tiny medieval oil anointing flask. There were several fossils, mainly sea urchins, and sponge fossils from local Marnhull limestone. Pieces of worked flint, a fragment of a Bronze Age sword and a middle Bronze Age palstave axe were also identified.

If you have an object of interest, dug something up in your garden or maybe have a family treasure, the next Finds Day at the museum is on Thursday 26 January, 10am-2.30pm.

Volunteers needed for mill & museum

Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust is looking for volunteers at the

Volunteer Drivers Needed

mill and museum.

Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages and skill sets in archives, audio-visual, collections, education, exhibitions and events, front of house, marketing, outreach work, social media, research, website and IT. Some volunteer positions can be carried out remotely.

Anyone interested should email via the website, www.sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk, or phone Zilla Brown on 01258 473178.

Annual meeting of Heritage Trust

Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust’s annual meeting is at the Exchange on Wednesday 2 November at 7.30pm.

Sturminster Newton High School students will present the film Swanskin Seafarers of Sturminster Newton, about migrants from rural Dorset who travelled to Newfoundland in search of a better life. The students will talk about the project to share their story, and those of recent migrants to the area.

Everyone is welcome at this free event.

Remember them, and support the Royal British Legion

Blandford huntsman fined after fox killed by hounds

Okeford near Blandford, was found guilty

mammal

Act 2004, following a trial at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court.

offence under the

as being fined £6,000, the 62-year-old was ordered to pay a victim

of £190 and costs of £620.

charge related to an incident in the Bere Regis area on 13 November last year, when Pearson was acting as the huntsman and master for the day for the South Dorset Hunt.

Dorset Police received reports from members of the public monitoring the hunt that two foxes had been killed by hounds.

Officers attended on the day and subsequently obtained footage from the hunt monitors, which was reviewed as part of a detailed investigation.

The evidence showed Pearson appeared to be encouraging the hounds and did not have full control of them before they killed one of the foxes.

Sergeant Lee Turner, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said:

“We are fully committed to investigating all reports of illegal hunting and we have dedicated wildlife crime officers who receive specific training and guidance to assist in investigating these matters.

“Proving offences in these cases can often be challenging and I would like to thank all those who assisted our investigation by providing clear evidence to demonstrate Mark Pearson’s offending.

“I would particularly like to thank those witnesses who gave evidence at court.

“We have strengthened our numbers in our Rural Crime Team and this will assist us as we continue to address the concerns of our rural communities and take positive action in response to any offences that have been committed.”

Anyone wishing to report a breach of the Hunting Act should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Laura Edwards

Photo by Scott Walsh on Unsplash

Police dog Jeff is a real superstar!

A crime-fighting canine who became too much to handle for his owners has been recognised for his achievements with the police

DORSET POLICE DOG Jeff is celebrating after being recognised for his efforts by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, the Dogs Trust (www.dogstrust.org.uk).

The Animal Welfare Scheme Awards, organised by the charity, celebrate the work and success of service dogs working within the UK’s emergency services.

What makes Jeff’s success even more incredible is that he started his career in a rehoming centre after, as a pet, he became too much for his owners to handle. Staff at the rehoming centre realised his potential as a police dog, and he went on to join the team at Dorset Police.

The Dogs Trust has rehomed around 70 dogs in the last few years with police forces across the UK where they go on to work as successful service dogs.

Keeping people safe

Police Dog Jeff was awarded The Community Superstar Award for his work keeping the public safe across the UK.

PD Jeff’s handler, PC Sue Hillier, said: “Thank you to Dogs Trust for recognising the work that our dogs do.

“In Dorset, we prefer to rehome rather than buy our police dogs, and Jeff is a great example of a dog that has done great things since being rehomed as a police dog.

“In the two short years since he qualified, he has been to Cornwall, Scotland, Birmingham, and just a week after receiving this award, he was supporting us with our work in London ahead of the funeral of Her Majesty The Queen.”

Potential for greatness

Jeff arrived at Margaret Green Animal Rescue after he become too much for his owners to handle.

Staff identified his potential and he was selected for an explosive detection course which he passed with flying colours.

Since joining the team at Dorset Police, he and handler PC Sue Hillier have been deployed across the UK for large events.

This included the pre-search and seal operation for the G7 summit in Cornwall and the gathering itself, where he was responsible for searching The Eden Project prior to the arrival of the Royal family.

He also searched President Biden’s hotel, the hanger where they kept Marine One, and also the private toilets before President Biden went to use the facilities.

More recently, he completed a deployment to Birmingham where he was searching for explosives ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games.

Louise Crawford, animal welfare scheme coordinator at the Dogs Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate and recognise the success of service dogs working across the UK.

“It’s even more amazing that they all came from humble beginnings, spending time in rehoming centres before being identified as potential police dogs.

“We’ve been working with police forces across the UK for 20 years to ensure the welfare of police dogs is of the very highest standards, and to identify possible service dogs amongst the thousands of dogs we rehome every year.

“We never fail to be blown away by the stories of heroism and bravery shown by these crime fighters.

“Congratulations to Jeff and his handler Sue for their amazing achievements and thank you to all the police dogs and their handlers working across the UK.”

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

booked on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm.

appointment for

on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

Sturminster Newton – Gillingham

Barn bowled over

Fire service advice for winter safety

PEOPLE ARE BEING urged to take steps to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DEFRS) has made the appeal as households look to keep warm and cut energy use amid a cost-of-living crisis.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has launched ‘Stay Fire Safe’ in response to concerns that people will turn to alternative ways of heating and lighting their homes in a bid to save money.

Alongside this, DWFRS has its own #SaveSafely campaign, which offers advice on where savings can be a false economy, and how to reduce the risks when doing things differently.

There is also signposting to financial support, and a range of energy saving tips.

HAVE

GOT a rickety old shed at the bottom of the garden? Well, now might be the

check it, as one incident near Dorchester showed what can happen when the winds pick up.

Firefighters were sent to a property near the town at around 5.45pm on a Friday at the end of September after reports a barn had been damaged in high winds.

A spokesperson from Dorchester Fire Station said the structure had ‘blown over and was caught in power lines’.

“Once in attendance, the crew made the scene safe and handed the incident over to the police,” they added.

is understood no one was hurt in the incident.

Prevention delivery manager at DWFRS, Ian Hopkins, said: “The most important thing that people can do this winter is ensure they have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

“We offer free Safe & Well visits, which includes fitting these devices where they are needed, so there’s no cost to the individual.”

He added: “We know that the rising cost of living is a huge concern to so many people within our community, and we are doing all we can to support them with saving safely this winter. “Please take a look at www.dwfire.org.uk/save-safely and get in touch if you need our help.”

For more information on the free Safe & Well advice, which can include a home visit and the provision of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, call free on 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits

Bespoke kitchens, created to be the centre of your home

Avlaki’s Accidental Olive Oils

Deborah MacMillan and I didn’t intend to be olive farmers when we bought a small ruin on a seaside grove on Lesvos Island, Greece to restore as an escape from London. (Deborah is a painter and the widow of choreographer Kenneth MacMillan looking after his ballets with major companies around the world. I was presenting weekly broadcasts for BBC Radio.)

Every parcel of land on Lesvos is planted with olive trees: 11 million they say; we found ourselves with 1400. All pretty tired and the land starved of care. When we set to as good gardeners, the trees responded miraculously, making an excellent oil.

Lesvos oils are exceptionally light textured, never overwhelming other ingredients, so we realised they were perfect for the British palate IF you’re interested in good food! Thus started Avlaki Superb Organic Olive Oils.

Now joined by AVLAKI’s Organic OliveOil Soaps.

How to tell a good oil? The best sadly is in the olive still on the tree.

After that only ‘Extra Virgin’ comes from top quality fruit, picked and milled within 24 hours and tested for the proper taste and smell by a panel of oil experts.

which we keep separate as they have individual characteristics. Mountain grown ‘Agatherí’ is light textured with complex afternotes; lowland ‘Avlaki’ is buttery and creamy. Our 3rd oil

‘Lesvos’ is a mix of produce from colleagues - excellent for all culinary uses.

All AVLAKI’s oils are verified ‘Extra Virgin’ and certified ‘Organic’ from tree to bottle.

Most important: we only harvest in one month, December, when the fruit is

at its optimum for quality and taste. The milled oils then go straight into airtight containers.

AVLAKI keeps the true taste of the olive in their olive oils.

Buy online at www.oliveoilavlaki.com

Natalie Wheen

Avlaki looking towards the port

Coming to a library near you this November

around the Blackmore Vale host a

for

ON FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER from 4–5pm, Sherborne Library hosts Meet the Treacle Eater Clog – a talk and demonstration of Morris Dancing.

Mitch from Dorset Wildlife Trust on Friday 18 November from 2.30–3.30pm at Sherborne Library, and find out how we can help nature thrive in our gardens.

second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10–11am, Sherborne Library hosts Code Club – creative fun with CoderDojo and programming for ages 8–13.

Booking is advised for all events at Sherborne Library– visit Eventbrite online or call the library on 01935 812683.

On Thursday 10 November from 9.30am–12.30pm, Sturminster Newton Library hosts free health MOTs from the LiveWell Dorset team. Drop by for a 10 minute wellbeing check. For more information, call 01258 472669.

In November, Sturminster Newton

Library also sees the start of some new regular events. Every Thursday during term time only from 10–11.30am parents/carers and children can enjoy Learning Together: fun activities for children under five. Every first and third Saturday of the month from 10am–11am, Sturminster Newton Library host ‘Code Club’ – creative fun with CoderDojo and programming for ages 8–13.

Booking is advised for all events at Sturminster Newton Library– visit Eventbrite online or call 01258 472669.

To celebrate Halloween, Shaftesbury Library has a morning of fun planned on Saturday 29 October from 10.30–11.30am. Angela McAllister, author of over 80 books for children and teens, including A World Full of Spooky Stories, kicks off events with a selection of terrifying tales, followed by spooky craft activities. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent/carer. Call 01747 852256 to book or find out more.

Hedgehog heroes

FIREFIGHTERS rescued an unusual survivor from a barn fire near Blandford in the early hours of 11 October. In total, firefighters from Verwood, Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Poole, Wimborne and Sherborne were involved in tackling the blaze.

And the Verwood crew confirmed they had rescued one inhabitant of the barn – a hedgehog.

“This morning we’ve managed to ensure some wildlife is safe from the fire,” the spokesperson added.

IN-STORE

DETAILS

Climate Change Activists plant trees for the future

by Chris Harwood

THE WEATHER WAS kind to the 34

came to the new

October, many of whom were

from the

and had come

in

trees. It is their future for which we are fighting. We planted saplings suitable for the current climate in southwest England (oak, sweet chestnut, silver birch and beech) and others to help biodiversity loss (apple, wild cherry, hazel, lime, Canadian maple, sycamore, walnut and hawthorn). Some were bought from the Woodland Trust using grant money, some had been grown from last autumn’s tree seed, and some had been donated by neighbours via www.nextdoor.com

the

number

Correction

Some of the information in the article When war came to Templecombe, which appeared in the 30 September issue of the NBVM originated in a booklet written by Martin Batchelor, which can be found on the Templecombe village website www. templecombevillage.uk. The time of the raid was 9.15pm not 9.15am.

The centrepiece was a six-year-old oak, which had been grown in a large pot. We planted it in the middle of the new wood that we are creating and have called it the Queen’s Tree in memory of Her Late Majesty.

Low Vision Day

The Dorset Blind Association (DBA) is hosting a special event on 19 November.

The Dorford Centre (Bridport Road, Dorchester) will be the venue for a Low Vision Day event from the charity and the County Hospital. The DBA’s community support workers and NHS nurses from the hospital’s eye department will be on

hand between 10am and 2pm. A range of low vision aids will be on display to explore and there will be talks from guest speakers covering subjects including macular conditions, cataracts, and life as a younger person with sight loss and a guide dog.

Call 01202 712869 for more info.

you BEAT INFLATION

Three generations of history, craft and love, woven in

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

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

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

At Bakhtiyar we believe that no carpet is ever a lost ruin, beyond repair. As the Persian Poet Rumi once said “where

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

We invite you to join us at our winter exhibition in the beautiful Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset.

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of November 2022 Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

We will be showing a large selection from our extensive stock of hand woven Persian carpets, runners and kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces.

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

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

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

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.” Rumi

Dust off your Santa suit and your running shoes

Details of the 2022 Motcombe Santa Run have been released…

THE EVENT, WHICH sees runners of all ages and abilities take on a 3km route, will take place on Sunday 4 December, with most participants donning their Santa suits for the occasion.

“The village of Motcombe really knows how to put on a great show, with the phenomenally successful annual Motcombe Village Fête and the hugely popular Great Motcombe Santa Run attracting hundreds of visitors and raising thousands of pounds for charity,” said a spokesperson for the event.

“The streets and lanes of our beautiful Dorset village will be the stage for runners of all ages, speeds and abilities for a 3km run, jog or walk in a homage to the great man himself.”

Before the start, there will be a ‘fun and energetic’ warm-up with CrossFit Shaftesbury, behind the Motcombe Memorial Hall from 9.30am, before the race gets underway at 10am.

“Buggies and wheelchairs are welcome (although no bikes, scooters or dogs, please) and make sure to bring your support team – there will be mulled wine, mince pies and carols to keep everyone’s Christmas spirits soaring.”

This will be the fourth Great Motcombe Santa Run, aimed at bringing some joy, fun and exercise to the village. “The last event in 2021 raised almost £4,000 for Motcombe Primary School’s PTA, which helped fund the new Spiritual Garden and Forest School, both of which give the Motcombe students and teachers some muchneeded space for outdoor learning, relaxation and reflection,” the spokesperson added.

For more information, visit www. thegreatmotcombesantarun.co.uk, and to enter, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search for ‘Motcombe Santa Run’.

Accessible Santa visits & relaxed panto performances

Christmas is an exciting time but it can be overwhelming, which is why Adventure Wonderland in Hurn has scheduled an exclusive afternoon of Christmas fun for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

On Monday 19 December, you can enjoy exclusive Santa sessions, and the afternoon panto performances will be amended for SEN guests. The theatre lights will remain on during the show and guests can come and go as they please. Guests can meet all the characters before the show starts so there are no surprises. The volume of the show will be reduced and the flashing lights turned off to minimise sensory overload. More info at www. adventurewonderland.co.uk

Stay alert to scams this winter

Police and HMRC warn public to be alert to bogus tax rebates and WhatsApp requests

CRIMINALS CLAIMING To be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion, HMRC said. Contacts like these should sound alarm bells, they added, as HMRC would never call threatening arrest.

Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with HMRC, the department said, which is why Self Assessment customers should be extra vigilant. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “Tax scams come in many forms. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on gov.uk.”

Customers can forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk

Dorset Police is urging the public to remain vigilant following an increasing number of reports of WhatsApp scams.

The unsuspecting WhatsApp user receives a message purporting to be from a family member in need of urgent help. The message comes from an unknown number and states something similar to ‘their phone is broken’ and they cannot access their online banking– but they need to urgently transfer money.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or on 101.

Motcombe

Run

JEWELLERS

Christmas number 1?

A songwriter has teamed up with his son to record a Christmas single to raise money for two charities that helped them both through a difficult time

IN FEBRUARY 2013, Benjamin and Charlotte Francis welcomed their son Oscar into the world at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol, but their baby was born was gastroschisis, a birth defect where a hole in the abdominal wall allows the intestines to extend outside the child’s body.

The start of baby Oscar’s life – and that of the new parents – was plunged into a world of worry.

Soon after being born, Oscar underwent a long and intricate operation at Bristol’s Royal Hospital for Children, before being placed in an induced coma and transferred back to St Michael’s.

Ben and Charlotte barely left his side in the days and weeks that followed, as Oscar recovered with the help of the staff at the hospital.

The couple were supported by the Cots for Tots charity, which runs three houses that provide a safe and supportive place for families to stay while their child is in hospital.

Ben and Charlotte stayed there during the four months it took for Oscar to be able to come home.

“It was a difficult and emotional time,” said Ben, who hails from Gillingham. “We were thankful for the hard work the surgeons, doctors and nurses had put in, not only looking after

Oscar, but also the emotional support they gave us.

“While staying in the Cots for Tots house, we made friends with other parents who were also going through an incredibly tough time,” said Ben.

Ben is a singer and songwriter who performs under the name Seeking Benjamin, and this Christmas he has decided – with Oscar’s help – to use his skills to help the charities that supported his family, namely the Bristol hospital’s Grand Appeal and Cots for Tots.

Oscar and his dad have penned a festive song, Santa Leave Something For Me, as a thank you to hospital staff and to raise money.

“The song aims to bring just a moment of happiness and to give parents hope at such an emotional time,” Ben said.

The song can be downloaded, with all proceeds going to charity, from Seeking Benjamin on the Bandcamp website. You can also donate at www.seekingbenjamin.co.uk Santa Leave Something For Me will be released on 18 November.

Conservatories,

Conservatories,

Conservatories,

Top: Ben and Oscar hitting the high notes now; Above: Oscar soon after birth, at St Michael’s Hospital

Park Garden Centre,

Fascia,

Open

Gillingham, SP8

Open

Showroom

Open

(Showroom

only)

9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

only)

9am-12pm

Telephone

01747 826888

Telephone 01747 826888

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

only)

9am

Saturday 9am 12pm

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

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone 01747 826888

Telephone 01747 826888

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

Tel: 01747 826888

www.valecraft.co.uk

22 arrests in Dorset drugs crackdown

Part of the Operation Viper initiative and in line with a national crackdown on drug dealing, county lines gangs were disrupted and drugs, weapons and cash seized by the police

MORE THAN 20 arrests were made in Dorset as part of a national crackdown on drug dealing. The country-wide operation focussed on disrupting county lines operations – which see gangs exploit vulnerable people and children to supply drugs – between 3 and 9 October.

The week of intensification involved officers engaging in significant activity in relation to drug-related crime, in particular county lines, including: obtaining intelligence, visiting and safeguarding vulnerable people and making arrests.

In Dorset, police said the work led to a considerable disruption of alleged county lines gangs and removed a large quantity of suspected class A drugs from the streets.

Over the course of the week, officers carried out 48 cuckooing prevention visits, made 22 arrests and seized 146 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, £7,500 in cash, various weapons and 17 mobile phones.

In total, 27 people impacted by county lines were safeguarded.

The county lines intensification week supports the ongoing drug-related work that

is taking place in Dorset as part of the Operation Viper initiative.

Eradicating county lines

Operation Viper sees a dedicated team of officers working alongside local neighbourhood policing teams to use intelligence and enforcement to tackle suspected county lines gangs and make the region a hostile place for those intent on dealing drugs and bringing misery on communities.

ACC Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “This national week of intensification has further added to the excellent results achieved by our dedicated policing teams.

“This work supports our Op Viper initiative in protecting our communities and disrupting county lines and we will continue to work towards preventing and deterring county lines activity and the exploitation of the vulnerable.”

Zero tolerance

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “This is another fine example of the work that Operation Viper does across Dorset and my thanks goes to everyone involved in this ongoing operation to take drugs off our streets.

“This is exactly the type of action that I and the residents of Dorset want to see from our police force. We must show the criminals who exploit our young and vulnerable to ply their evil trade, that such crimes will not be tolerated in our county.” To report suspected drug dealing in your community, contact Dorset Police via www. dorset.police.uk/contact, email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk, or call 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Remember them, and support the Royal British

Fabric of dressmaking society

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

On

Famous in the dressmaking community, Stitch Fabrics by M Rosenberg & Son began in 1948 as a market stall. It was started by Maurice and his wife Freda (pictured right). As they dealt in fabrics, they learned to distinguish quality cloth, and this knowledge became the basis of their rapidly-growing business. When son Geoff was born, they passed their experience on, and he took the business to the next level. From market stalls to exhibition halls, the company then started a Travelling Fabric Show across the country to bring the season’s collections to the local population. They now travel the country and are renowned for arriving each season with their latest range of unique, quality, and designer fabrics. They sell online too - something that took off during the Pandemic - sending parcels all across the world. Known online as Stitch Fabrics, it is now an international business but still operates close to its roots. It is still family-run, with Geoff

©NewBlackmoreValeMagazine

in the forefront, and is still based on the foundation of quality materials, reasonable prices, vast fabric knowledge, and excellent customer service. Mention unusual or designer fabrics and their name will a;ways pop up. Their last Dorset fabric sale of this year is at the Digby Hall in Sherborne, DT9 3AA on Thursday, November 3, from 3-7pm and Friday, November 4 from 10am-3pm. You won’t want to miss it! Stitchfabrics.co.uk

Marathon triumph for Dorset runner

ON 25 SEPTEMBER, Eliza Brodie finally managed to run the Berlin Marathon in aid of the Dorset branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. She was among 45,000 runners who took the streets of the German capital, on a route that took in the old East and West Berlin with the finish line being the spectacular Brandenburg Gate.

The run was Eliza’s 34th marathon, with her support team in Germany headed up by her godmother, Sally Cadec, who is vicepresident of the Dorset branch of SSAFA.

Earlier in the year, Eliza also ran the North Dorset Villages Marathon and the Ham to Lyme 50km.

“I like running and I like a challenge,” she said.

“I always have a feel-good factor at the end of a run as well.

“I’m dyspraxic, which means my co-ordination isn’t brilliant and I was never very good at team sport at school, so the fact that I do running now is great. I’m part of a local running club, Running Forever, in Taunton so I do most of my runs with them. I’ve met some really lovely friends through this group as well.”

And she said the charity was one close to her heart. “Through my godmother I’ve learnt how much good work this charity does for serving and ex-service personnel and their families,” she added.

“I am lucky enough to be fit and able to run. Many service personnel have been injured in the line of duty and can no longer do so. I am running to support them.”

So far, Eliza’s efforts have raised more than £1,000 for the charity, and people can still donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ eliza-brodie4

Meanwhile, SSAFA Dorset is urgently in need of a fundraising co-ordinator to help planning and running charitable events. To volunteer, you do not need to have any military connection or knowledge, just community spirit and a desire to help people. For more details, visit ssafa.org.uk/volunteering.

Hospital outpatients now

to

Taunton

District

Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton in August,

The Trust has acknowledged the change could ‘inconvenience patients’ and says it has written to all affecting people to highlight support available, but that it was due to ‘significant staffing challenges’.

But one patient, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, branded the move ‘bordering on cruel’ and said they face a long journey from the Bruton area to Taunton for appointments - and others in the Vale would face similar.

“I am a patient at the haematology department at Yeovil Hospital, but all face-to-face appointments are now to be at

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the temporary closure of Yeovil’s haematology department (above) means that all outpatients now have to travel to Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital (below)

it is an hour and a half each way, which is just not possible for some people.”

The patient said as well as increased journey times, costs could have an impact on those travelling to appointments.

“There are added fuel costs, parking costs. It seems to me that it won’t make patients feel much better,” they said.

“I suppose sometimes they can do a phone consultation, but there are face-to-face appointments that have to happen.

“There are things, when you’ve got situations like this, that might look good on paper, but when you bring in the human element, it’s bordering on cruel.”

A spokesperson for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “In August we temporarily moved all new and follow up haematology outpatient appointments from Yeovil District Hospital to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for an initial period of six months.

“Chemotherapy and inpatient care will still be delivered at Yeovil Hospital.

“We took this difficult decision due to significant staffing challenges in our medical, nursing and administrative teams.

“Temporarily consolidating the haematology outpatient service in Taunton means we can continue to safely run the service while we recruit to the vacancies within the team, as well as ensuring patients are seen with minimal delays.

“Wherever possible we are offering patients virtual appointments to minimise their travel. Currently, about half of all haematology outpatient appointments are run virtually over video or telephone links.

“We understand that this will inconvenience patients and we have written to every individual affected to offer signposting to available support if they have concerns.”

Come join Maxine at Slimming World!

Myself and my daughter went along to a Slimming World group in Warminster, and on my first day I was really happy to find out that I could enjoy all my lovely pasta dishes and lose weight as pasta is a Free Food!

The group support each week was motivating, supportive and I felt confident to share tips to help others.

As I’m an asthma sufferer, losing weight helped me to not feel out of breath when taking the dog on our daily power walk which now feels amazing!

Seeing my daughter feel healthier, fitter and most importantly have more self confidence has inspired me to become a consultant and I look forward to helping others achieve their weight loss dreams.

My group will be held at Wincanton Memorial Hall from Wednesday 9th November at 7.30pm.

What

and do

a Lasting Power of

need

need somebody to rely on in later years, perhaps

authority.

behalf,

take

need

authority is given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney

Powers of Attorney are documents that, when registered,

have given another person

decisions

Winterborne

medical

in your Lasting

of Attorney, so that

comfortable

a Lasting

call us on

power to

power

Attempted robbery

13-YEAR-OLD boy was threatened with a knife during an attempted robbery in Blandford.

incident happened between 5pm and 6pm on Friday 7 October, in an alleyway next to Blandford United Reformed Church.

are now urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Dorset Police spokesperson said: “A 13-year-old local boy was approached by a man and threatened with a knife.

fingertips, a black hooded top with a red stripe across the stomach, black tight-fitting jeans with a rip in left knee and a chain looped from left pocket and black Nike trainers.

PC Nick May, of Blandford police, said: “I am urging any witnesses to this incident or anyone with information about the person responsible to please come forward. In particular, I would like to hear from the man who intervened and offered to help the victim.

can

“When another man shouted at the offender, he ran to a vehicle and left. The vehicle, which was parked in Whitecliff Mill Street, is described as a small, black car.”

The offender is described as about 5ft 11in tall, of stocky build and with black/brown hair. He was wearing a plain black balaclava of Lycra type material, black gloves with white bits on the inside of the

“I would also appeal for anyone who may have seen someone matching the description of the suspect around the time in question to please make contact.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, or by phone on 101, quoting occurrence number 55220165642. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Noonans Auctioneers of Mayfair are back in Shaftesbury...

Specialist London Auctioneers, Noonans of Mayfair, will be returning to Shaftesbury for their next FREE

DAY at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre, giving local people the chance to get an up-to-date valuation on their Jewellery, Watches, Coins, Medals and Banknotes.

Frances Noble, Head of Jewellery and Associate Director: “We are delighted to be returning to beautiful Shaftesbury. As market leaders in our specialist fields, our experts having unrivalled experience on all aspects of medals, numismatics, paper money, tokens, ancient, antique and modern jewellery, wristwatches and pocket watches. Our monthly visits to Shaftesbury give the opportunity to personally meet members of our team, have a coffee and a chat, and to consign to our forthcoming London auctions.

The current auction market is going from strength to strength. Recent highlights of jewellery and watches consigned through our Shaftesbury Valuation days include a stunning Cartier aquamarine cocktail ring,

circa 1940, complete with its original pencil and watercolour design on waxed paper, with the impressed Cartier stamp, designed for the vendor of the ring back in the 1940s; This beautiful ring sold at our Mayfair auction rooms for the hammer price of £20,000. Also consigned locally, a lady’s Rolex gold automatic wristwatch, circa 1996, with its original red leather and tapestry inset presentation box, selling for £3600.

Do take this opportunity to visit us at the Arts Centre for a free no obligation valuation - your pieces may be worth more than you think.!”

Noonans specialists will be at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Bell Street, SP7 8AR on Thursday 10th November 10am-2pm. Please ring 0207 016 1700 or email jewellery@noonans.co.uk for an appointment.

A lady’s gold Rolex automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Ref. 69178, Datejust, circa 1996. Sold 14 Sept 21, £20,000

Wessex Morris Men need you!

Come along to the side’s open evening on Monday 7 November to find out more…

by Ray Dyson, WWM Bagman

The Wessex Morris Men had a fairly active dancing season on the road entertaining the good folk of Dorset. In addition to our regular Monday evenings zig-zagging the county, we’ve done our usual round of local folk festivals and our now-traditional spots at the Sherborne Country Fair and the Bath & West Show, squeezed in a couple of weddings and had a great weekend away in Bedfordshire on a meet of Morris sides.

We are, though, an ageing side and in order to maintain the tradition and keep up our busy schedule of commitments we need some new blood. Wessex Morris Men are a welcoming bunch from a diverse range of backgrounds, who find Morris a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding pastime. Many of us are also involved in the local folk music and song scene. It is quite aerobic exercise and requires a good degree of hand/foot co-ordination to music, which can be taught

– not all members are ‘natural’ dancers.

Potential recruits are welcome to come along to our practice any Monday evening over the winter months, or to our open evening on Monday 7 November. We’re to be found at Pulham Village Hall (14 Duntish View, Pulham DT2 7DZ) on a Monday between 8pm and 10pm, after which we retire to the Halsey Arms over the road to unwind. Contact bagman@ wessexmorrismen.co.uk for more info.

by Canon Eric Woods

We’ve nearly reached November, and November is the month of Remembrance. On the first there is All Saints’ Day, when we celebrate the men and women of faith who have gone before us. I always think, not of the great and famous saints, but of people like a parishioner in the Wiltshire village of which I used to be Vicar. John Duck was his name, and according to his little headstone he died in 1665, the year of the Great Plague. And his fellow villagers, who saw into every detail of everyone’s life – as people in villages still do – recorded there that he ‘lived well to die never, and died well to live ever’. And I cannot think of a better epitaph.

And then there is All Souls’ Day, usually commemorated on 2 November. All Souls is a time for remembering those whom you have loved but see no longer. It’s important to have a season like this in which we can remember them, and say our ‘thank yous’ for them, and for all that they meant and mean to us still. Try to find a little time soon to say – each in your own way – your own thank you to God for those who in their

lives were near and dear to you.

And then it will soon be time ‘Please to remember the Fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot’. I don’t much like back garden fireworks – our cats hate them – but am still excited by wellorganised public displays. Apart from anything else, they’re safer. If you are going to one this year, I hope you have good weather – but no, I can’t help there. I’m in sales, not in management!

I suppose Guy Fawkes’ Day is not very ‘PC’ or ‘woke’ anymore. Yet the day still has a role if it can increase our determination not to surrender to irrational and dangerous fears, or to the repression of innocent men and women, or to the suppression of our traditional liberties in the supposed interest of religion, law or order.

Armistice Day is on Friday 11 November, when we remember the guns falling silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Then on Sunday 13 November we observe Remembrance Sunday. I am sure our churches will be as packed as ever for services of remembrance, and the crowds

will turn out for the laying of wreaths at the Vale’s many War Memorials, and to observe the Two Minutes’ Silence. Two minutes: not much to ask to remember those “that fought for England, following a falling star.” [G K Chesterton].

We must remember, in order to be renewed and re-inspired by the stories which are our foundation history: the stories of our nation and – more important still –the stories of our Faith. If we forget them – worse still, if we never bother to learn them – we beggar no-one but ourselves.

Dorset’s lifeblood

Volunteer drivers based in and around Dorchester convey vital blood supplies across Dorset and Somerset, to hospitals and incidents

Thanks to the dedication of the Devon Freewheelers’ (DFW) drivers – and the generous donations from businesses, organisations and the public – patients across Dorset and Somerset are able to receive potentially lifesaving blood components at the scene of an accident.

Major trauma patients suffering lifethreatening bleeding, or those with acute medical conditions, benefit greatly if a blood transfusion can be given at the scene and during their subsequent evacuation to hospital.

The charity DFW provides a free transport and courier service, supporting the NHS, air ambulances, surgeries and the community. Using the dedicated blood delivery car based at the Dorchester Fire Station in Poundbury, a team of 10 local DFW volunteer drivers is on call 24/7 every day of the year to transport blood to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).

Blood products are collected by DFW volunteer drivers from the Blood Transfusion Laboratory at Dorset County Hospital every 48 hours and transported to the DSAA base at the Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset Somerset border. Unused blood being returned to DCH as part of the same trip. In the event of the blood being used at the scene of an incident, an immediate replenishment is arranged. The on-call DFW volunteer driver is alerted to undertake the resupply, which can be required at any time day or night. This ensures that the DSAA Critical Care Team always have blood products available for their next response.

In 2021, the DFW team made 230 deliveries to the DSAA at Henstridge. This included 41 unscheduled replenishments, in which blood was needed at the scene of 41 major trauma incidents. This total had already been equalled by the middle of October 2022.

How you can help

DEVON FREEWHEELERS is entirely funded by generous donations from the public and local businesses. Just £10 covers the cost of fuel required to make a blood delivery.

You can donate online at www. devonfreewheelers.org.uk using the ‘Donate Now’ facility.

If you email fraggle3966@gmail. com confirming your donation, you will be informed when your delivery was made, and if it was subsequently used to save a life.

888561

01202 888561

WWW

WWW

WIMBORNE, BH21

MBORNE, BH21

Some of the Devon Freewheelers’team of volunteer drivers

We Will Remember Them.

As the country builds up to November 11 – Armistice Day – all our thoughts turn to the sacrifices of those who have fought for our country.

From the First World War to the Falklands, the Battle of Britain to Baghdad and beyond, our Armed Forces are the best of us all.

Remembrance activities in the UK – and here in the South West – are led by the Royal British Legion.

The RBL supports the Armed Forces community in a myriad of ways, with hundreds of thousands of volunteers doing what they can to honour not only the fallen, but those still serving – and their families.

We want to show our respect, and give something back. Your New Blackmore Vale magazine is publishing your messages to our Armed Forces.

For a donation of £10 or more – all of which will go to the RBL – we will publish your message of up to 25 words. It can be dedicated to one of The Fallen, a veteran, serving personnel or our brave forces in general.

“We are passionate about supporting our Armed Forces, as we know the people of Dorset are too,” said publisher David Armishaw.

“This is one way we can show our appreciation of those who take care of us each and every day – and we are proud to do so.”

Simply follow the instructions below to place your message, and we will remember them.

Open

Remember them, and support the Royal British Legion

On November 11, Armistice Day, the New Blackmore Vale magazine will publish your messages of remembrance and dedications.

For a donation of £10 or more, your message will be published in our remembrance feature, in print and online, with all donations given in full to the Royal British Legion.

To place your message, up to a maximum of 25 words, please call 01963 400186 and place your message with Lizzie, or place it online at www.blackmorevale.net/remembrance

SKITTLES

SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE AGM

Wednesday

BARN DANCE

Dust

DORCHESTER

Enjoy relaxed shopping for Christmas at The Dorset Brocante taking place on Friday & Saturday 11-12th

HALLOWEEN QUIZ, 29th October 7pm @ RBL Shaftesbury. £5 pp inc Broth. Fancy dress prize. Raffle. BYOB. Contact 01747 858219

HAZELBURY BRYAN PRIMARY SCHOOL JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 29th October @ 11am. Donations drop off Friday 28th October @ 10-12pm. DT10 2ED

LYN'S BINGO AT MARNHULL

Royal British Legion on Monday October 31st. Eyes down 7pm

SINGING BOWL SOUND

BATH 30th October 2pm Oborne Village Hall DT9 4LA £15. Please book with Dean

Events

HERBAL MEDICINE TALK & VEGETARIAN/VEGAN LUNCH.

Luzia Barclay DBTh MIRCH. 8th November 12:30pm @ Fifehead Neville Village Hall. DT10 2AL. Tickets from Marianne Hanman 01258 817953 or 01258 863516

YARD SALE

Treasure's from the attic

Saturday 29th & 30th October 10.00-16.00

3 Ramshill Manston DT10 1HD

POUNDBURY INDEPENDENT MARKET

Sunday 30th October 10am3pm. 70+ stalls with artisan makers, fabulous food and local producers. Three gorgeous locations across Poundbury - outside Bonjour Cafe, across the park and inside Jubilee Hall. Support local and shop independent!

Sturminster Newton Remembrance Parade. Sunday 13th November. Muster at 9.45am at RBL Club, Bath Road. All Welcome

will also be a short Act of Remembrance on Friday 11th November at the War Memorial in the Rec at 11:00am. All welcome.

Sturminster Newton Branch, The Royal British Legion, Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd November at 8.00pm

RBL Club, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton.

current members are encouraged to attend.

further info contact the Chairman on 01258 821612

number

Can town take strain of new homes?

A question for our MPs, councillors and all concerned on the future well-being of Gillingham: when all the new homes have been built, what then?

We have two petrol stations, five supermarkets, the factory shop, two garden centres, three business centres, several hairdressers, a post office, crockery and charity shops, and funeral homes. So far so good. We will not starve and all our basic needs are well taken care of.

There are two schools –Gillingham school is already at capacity; three chemists all of which are saying they are under pressure to cope; and two surgeries which we know are crying out for greater facilities, such as Frome and Sturminster Newton.

Westminster hospital does a wonderful job but needs much more capacity to release pressure elsewhere.

When all the available land is taken up will there be enough room for these urgent requirements? I assume there will still be a field or two left for the air ambulance to land because with a further several hundred cars from the new homes, the B3081 will definitely be choked to capacity.

Yvonne Phillips via email

I have no doubt David Sidwick has had a very busy first year as Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset and has achieved a great deal (New Blackmore Vale, September 30).

But I can find no mention that he is ever likely to address the problem of speeding traffic and total disregard of the limits along our country roads.

In his publicity notes, he promised to do all things for everyone, and on this basis I and my family voted for him. Shortly after his appointment I wrote to him regarding excess speeds along the A357 through

the conservation area of Newton.

I am very disappointed as I have not even had a reply. Perhaps this letter will jog someone’s memory.

Eve Eyres, Sturminster Newton

Like Paul Hooley MBE, the memory of February 6 1952 remains with me.

We were in the middle of a double Art lesson at our grammar school when our rarely seen headmaster appeared in the doorway of the classroom, looking even more glum than usual, and gave us 12-year-olds the sad news that George VI had died.

Our English master had served in the Guards and spent some of his time on duty within Buckingham Palace during the Second World War. He gave a talk at the time about his experiences within the household and recalled an occasion when the Royal family were at lunch.

The King asked for second helpings only to be scolded by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, who told him his subjects were unable to have ‘seconds’ and that he should show restraint.

I grew up in Gloucestershire and very often, in the late 1940s, spent the Easter holidays with my aunt, uncle and cousin on their dairy farm near Stroud. As a treat we often attended the horse trials in Badminton on the Duke of Beaufort’s estate. It was quite usual to see the Queen, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret with their hosts, the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, driving around in a LandRover and informally watching the events while sitting on picnic rugs on the grass, binoculars to hand – no apparent security – happy safer days.

The late Queen we know was a keen photographer and no doubt somewhere there are photographs of those happy informal family visits to

Badminton.

Wendy Mellish Huish Farm

In response to the article ‘Is there a future for rural churches?’ and Canon Eric’s honest reply (New Blackmore Vale, September 30) – not if those at the top of the Church of England have anything to do with it. To use a gardening example, if you chop at the roots of a tree but neglect to prune at the top, then it must fall over.

St John’s, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, is just one small church in a very large diocese. We have kept our building maintained, installed a kitchen and a toilet, ramp for wheelchair access and replaced the collapsing pews with sturdy

chairs.

Throughout the pandemic we kept our small congregation together and once we were allowed to open the church, have a service every Sunday and open the church every day. Unable to have any fundraising events but a regular coffee morning helped to keep in touch with the community.

A message arrived from the Archdeacon – a note of support perhaps – but no. What was required urgently was a short statement on our plans to pay the balance of our Diocesan Share.

Jo Churchill OBE Deputy Church Warden

Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset, claimed (New Blackmore Vale, 14 October)

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

that the RSPB has made an unsubstantiated suggestion that the Government is attacking nature.

As a Conservative MP, he should be aware that the UK Government has plans to scrap or amend crucial environmental laws which protect our most vulnerable wildlife and green places across the UK.

It is reportedly reviewing its nature-friendly farming scheme, one of the few positives to come out of Brexit, and the 38-plus Investment Zones which have been announced in England will have little or no restriction when it comes to planning regulations.

Instead of trying to discredit the RSPB and Dorset Wildlife Trust perhaps he should pay a little more attention to what is being discussed within his own political party.

Who would you be most inclined to trust to report the truth, respected nature conservation organisations such as the RSPB, the wildlife trusts and the National Trust, or a Conservative MP who backed Liz Truss for Prime Minister?

Calum Matthews via email

Readers may recall that edition 46 of the New Blackmore Vale carried my letter about the lack of a Minister for Men’s Health.

After I learnt that there is a Minister for Women’s Health and now a new position of Women’s Health Ambassador, I wrote to North Dorset MP Simon Hoare to ask why there was no Minister for Men’s Health. He responded: “I think you raise an interesting point and I wanted to let you know that I have raised this directly with the Secretary of State for Health.”

Mr Hoare subsequently forwarded the response he received from Maria Caulfield MP, the then Minister of State for Health. This is her letter:

“I should first point out that focusing on women’s health

does not mean ignoring men’s health. It is about acknowledging that women and men have different health needs.

“A specific focus of the health and care of women is necessary in order to recognise and meet the specific healthcare needs that women have. Although women in the UK on average live longer than men, women spend a significantly greater proportion of their lives in ill health and disability when compared with men. We also know that, historically, not enough focus has been placed on women’s health issues, such as gynaecological conditions, miscarriage or menopause, and that women have been underrepresented in different areas such as inclusion in clinical trials.

“The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to taking action on the range of conditions that particularly affect men, including heart disease and cancer. Tackling mental ill health, including suicide, and smoking, both of which are more prevalent in men, are also important areas of focus for the department.

“The NHS Long Term Plan commits to prevent up to 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases.

“Around three-quarters of all suicides are by men. The department is investing £57 million in suicide prevention through the NHS Long-Term Plan by 2023/24, including testing different approaches to reaching middle-aged men, a particularly high-risk group. We know that local authorities are taking a range of actions to target men specifically, for example through outreach activity in settings which men are likely to frequent – such as pubs, gyms and football clubs – and targeting men on lower incomes. The department provided over £550,000 last year to the Local Government Association for a support programme to help local authorities strengthen their

plans.

“With regard to prostate cancer, NHS England has partnered with Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) to deliver a prostate cancer risk awareness campaign, which ran from February to March 2022.

“NHS England is also working with local systems to address inequalities in prostate cancer care and awareness. Primary care networks have been asked to develop and implement a plan to increase the proactive and opportunistic assessment of patients for a potential prostate cancer diagnosis as part of their contractual requirements set out in the Directed Enhanced Service contract specification. NHS England is also implementing the Best Practice Timed Pathway for prostate cancer, including use of multi-parametric MRI prior to biopsy, to speed up diagnosis.

“In 2018, the Government announced £75million for clinical trials for prostate cancer, which is focusing on improving early diagnosis and survival rates as well as exploring options for different treatments for men affected by the disease.

“I hope this reply reassures Mr Condie that we continue to take men’s health very seriously.”

I am grateful for the response but while Maria Caulfield highlights various good works taking place, she appears to avoid answering the fundamental question: when will the Government give equal priority to men’s and women’s health by appointing a Minister for Men’s Health and when will we see a Men’s Health Strategy? Without such a post to champion men’s health issues in a coherent, national and strategic manner, I fear the current ad hoc processes will endure.

Ian Condie via email

A new accident blackspot for Sturminster Newton has been gained in Bath Road. It has

been supplied and built at taxpayers’ expense to solve a road safety problem that did not exist. It is called traffic calming.

It does not need a road traffic engineer to confirm that using the same piece of tarmac at the same time for traffic going in opposite directions is likely to lead to head-on collisions.

The philosophy seems to be that making the roads safer is best done by making them more dangerous. Orwellian indeed.

Bill Summers Sturminster Newton

Further to the report by the House of Commons Health Committee which found that patients no longer have relationships with their GPs, I can indeed confirm that I am no longer a person – just a number on a long practice list.

It seems my needs do not matter, my lack of a mobile phone and apps make me a nuisance and I am put off seeking medical help if at all possible.

I have several medical problems but have never bothered doctors unless urgent. I was raised to believe that you only made an appointment with a GP if symptoms were serious.

My recent experience has led me to the conclusion that I should remain quiet and at home self- medicating until I reach a point where I cannot continue and then go to an overworked Accident and Emergency department in a crisis, possibly not to recover.

That should free up more practice space and as I am only a number it will matter little to anyone except my family and friends.

Speaking to others I have found they too are experiencing similar problems with these ‘IT solutions’ from appointments to repeat prescriptions. What a sad state our once fabulous health service is in.

Name and email address supplied

Rotary reaches out to school pupils

Shaftesbury Rotary Club has launched its first RotaKids Club at a special assembly at Abbey Primary School.

Head teacher Michael Salisbury was presented with the school’s RotaKids Charter from Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, and the 12 members of the new club were presented with membership certificates, pledge cards and lapel badges before taking the RotaKids Pledge.

The club is made up of representatives from several year groups in the school and at its first meeting after the assembly, the officers were elected and possible community projects for the next year discussed. The youngsters came

up with lots of excellent suggestions.

Shaftesbury Rotary Club will support the club financially and by attending meetings and giving advice to the young people involved. Rotary District Council has also pledged financial support for the project.

RotaKids is a way for children aged seven-12 to make friends and get involved with important activities in the community, while having a great time in the process.

RotaKids clubs are based in schools, youth groups and community centres and with the help and support of teachers, youth leaders and local Rotary Clubs, young people can gain experience in helping others and

learning interesting new things.

Anyone who would like to know more or to get involved

with Rotary should contact hello@shaftesburyrotaryclub. org

School’s water project

A rural community in a drought-prone area of southern India now has access to a reliable and sustainable supply of clean water for the first time thanks to the support of Bryanston School in Dorset.

The introduction of a deep borewell, water pump and 2,000-litre storage tank in a Tamil Nadu village was

completed as part of the Life Water programme in association with school catering supplier Chartwells and its partner charity drop4drop

The community initiative has transformed the lives of 2,200 people in Padhirivedu St village who previously only had very limited access to clean water.

Lesson in the role of young carers

Pupils at Hanford School, Child Okeford, have been visited by the fabulous team from MYTIME Young Carers, a Dorset-based charity which provides much-needed support and advice for young carers across the county.

Hanford teacher Stephanie McMillan said: “We organised these sessions with MYTIME Young Carers to give the girls some knowledge about what other children may be dealing with in their day-to-day lives and how we can support them.

“The workshops went extremely well, the girls were full of questions and ideas about

how they could assist Young Carers in our communities and discussed how they could support the charity in future.”

The MYTIME charity staff led a series of workshops for each of the school’s year groups, each one tailored to the girls’ age. Pupils learned about what a young carer is, how having caring responsibilities at a young age can impact on a young person’s life and how everyone can offer support to those in such a situation. The girls fully engaged with the sessions and had insightful discussions around support, empathy and fundraising ideas.

Members of the RotaKids Club at Abbey Primary School, Shaftesbury

MYTIME charity staff visited Hanford School at Child Okeford

Baden-Powell: The story of a complicated man

In bizarre scenes at Poole quay in the fetid, pandemic-ridden summer of 2020, Scouts clashed with political activists as crowds of bewildered locals looked on.

The Scouts formed a human shield around Baden-Powell’s statue as protesters threatened to tear it down and throw it in the harbour, as was the fate of slave trader Edward Colston’s effigy in Bristol just days before.

Many onlookers wondered aloud about what the man who invented the Boy Scouts had done that was so bad? Was he really a racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, imperialist, as some were saying? Hadn’t he been about all about peace, happiness and woggles?

I wanted to give them answers but didn’t have all of them myself. I decided to delve further and write a feature on the light and shade of BadenPowell.

As a former Bournemouth Echo journalist, I knew Robert Stephenson Smyth BadenPowell through articles we’d written about him, mainly based on his connection to Brownsea Island, location of his 1907 experimental scouting camp and launchpad for what’s now the world’s biggest, nondenominational youth movement.

I was also aware of aspects of his darker, more controversial side that were driving the accusations. However, the more I researched, the more astonishing his life story became.

This was no feature, this was a book. My book, Robert Baden-Powell: A biography, which opens with the brouhaha on Poole Quay, scene of my inspiration, then travels back to 1857 and his ill-timed birth to a bereft mother grieving three

Everyone knows that Robert Baden-Powell was the chap who founded the Scout movement, right here in Dorset.

But did you know that years before even landing on Brownsea Island to set up his experimental camp, he was the 20th century’s most famous Englishman?

During the Second Boer War, the first conflict to be covered in-depth by the world’s media, his unorthodox methods of keeping a Boer army at bay while hopelessly outnumbered during the Siege of Mafeking in 1899/90, were slavishly reported, making him an unwitting global celebrity.

New Blackmore Vale reporter LORRAINE GIBSON writes about these and other fascinating aspects of the complicated man who lived two lives – both of them extraordinary – in her latest book.

dead siblings who’d preceded him. His father dies shortly after, leaving him vying for his mother’s love in a brood of ten children and dodging school lessons by scarpering into the woods to track, hunt and study nature and, subsequently, fail to get a place at Oxford, unlike his father and most of his brothers.

Later, his dreams of being an artist are dashed when he’s forced into the Army and sent to India. A pale, freckled redhead, he finds the heat and disease unbearable and once stationed in Lucknow has to convince even himself that he’s a competent officer, aged just 19.

Unremittingly obedient,

though, he gets stuck in and proves to be a practical, naturally-instinctive soldier, who also happens to love acting in drag. Soon he is managing his men and entertaining the regiment as Madame Butterfly whenever they need cheering up, which, with typhoid rampaging, is most of the time.

I follow him to India, where he meets a man who’ll be his ‘best friend in the world’ for 30 years, and to Kandahar, South Africa, the Gold Coast (Ghana) and back to wartime Britain, considering the main events that motivated the Poole protesters on the way.

Back in England in the early

Baden-Powell with his African koodoo horn, used to wake the pioneering Brownsea Island boy scouts

PHOTO: Scouts Heritage

1900s, both weary and wary of wars, he’s dismayed at the unhealthy state of poorer children, especially boys, who may be called upon to defend Britain. He begins devising a system, based on his highlyrespected military scout-training programme for soldiers, which he believes might help boys become healthier, more selfsufficient and good soldiers who can protect the realm – or even better, become the sort of men who can put a stop to wars, rather than fight them.

A chance meeting with a wealthy stranger who owns a private island – Brownsea –where Baden-Powell illegally landed to camp with his brothers as a child, leads him back there to test his scouting scheme and, perhaps, write a book based on the results.

The rest, as they say, is history and Scouts membership around the world now stands at 54 million and counting.

n Robert Baden-Powell: A biography, by Lorraine Gibson, with foreword by Bear Grylls OBE, is available for order from bookshops and www.pen-andsword.co.uk/Robert-BadenPowell-Hardback/p/21626

Music veteran is still going strong

by Lorraine Gibson

He may be 83, but Marty Wilde, the original 1950s pioneer of British rock and roll and veteran recording artist and songwriter, is still performing live and very much kicking.

Speaking to him ahead of his show at the Tivoli in Wimborne, we get chatting about Elvis Presley and he says that The King was a huge influence on his early career.

“We all wanted to be Elvis. Me, Cliff [Richard] and Billy [Fury], we all copied him – the hair, the clothes, the dancing, the turned-up collars and rolled up sleeves. It took me a while to realise that I wasn’t Elvis and needed do my own thing.”

Marty did do his own thing, racking up hit after hit with the likes of Bad Boy, Sea of Love, Endless Sleep and Teenager in Love. Then he wrote songs for Lulu, Status Quo and the massive next-generation teen

anthem, Kids in America for his daughter, Kim Wilde.

“You could feel the excitement in those early Elvis performances and that’s the thing that’s stayed with me. It’s what I still aim to bring to every show I do,” Marty said.

He’s been taking the current show to venues all year, including a 23-date tour with fellow 1960s artists Mark Wynter and Eden Kane.

But taking a rare month off – his first break in several years – has seen him write new songs, as well as his memoirs, and even get back in the recording studio.

By the end of 2022, the evergreen hit machine will have completed 54 concert dates and shows no sign of flagging with more dates scheduled for 2023.

Marty and his band, the Wildcats, will be rocking the stage at the Tivoli Theatre on Thursday 1 December.

Halo Fine Art in Brewery Square, Dorchester, is holding a Fabian Perez event in the gallery on Friday 11 November.

Fabian (pictured) has become a leading figurative artist of his generation, collected and acclaimed across the world. He is at the gallery

Marty Wilde says Elvis was a huge influence on his career

Fresh take on a Shakespeare classic

A radical and electrifying new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard II is being performed in Gillingham next week.

A nation is in turmoil. Three first cousins – Richard, Aumerle and Henry – battle for the supreme position of authority. Who will succeed in saving their country from a trail of ultimate destruction? And who will survive the challenge for the throne?

African-Caribbean theatre

company Tangle’s unique interpretation of one of the most compelling of Shakespeare’s history plays explores the politics of power and family alliances, and an original score of Zimbabwean music and song.

The play is being performed at Gillingham School Theatre (phone 01747 213023) on Wednesday 2 November at 7pm. Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Ready, steady –it’s panto-time!

The festive season may still be some time away but it’s never too early to start planning Christmas, according to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre which is taking bookings for this year’s panto, Dick Whittington.

The magical tale of the young man who set out to seek his fame, fortune and happiness in London Town, complete with his clever cat,

runs from 9 December to 1 January.

Performances feature Yeovil favourites Gordon Cooper and Jack Glanville, and make the perfect introduction to theatre for youngsters, with plenty of fun, games and audience participation.

More details on ticket bookings at www.octagontheatre.co.uk

Folk from Scotland

Firelight Trio are a new Scottish band who perform a full broad and colourful sweep of European folk music, from the music of the Balkans to Scandinavian polkas, and irresistible klezmer.

Band members Phil Alexander, Gavin Marwick and Ruth Morris (pictured) have over 25 years of experience as

professional musicians in bands including Moishe’s Bagel, Gavin Marwick’s Journeyman and more. Firelight Trio are in Briantspuddle (07788 100273) on Saturday 12 November and Shillingstone (01258 860319) on Sunday 13 November. Further information and tickets are also online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Veteran Cornish actor David Mynne is bringing The Odyssey to Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall next month. The performance is based very loosely on Homer’s epic poem – a love story that last decades, ‘proper Greek stuff’ with all the boring bits removed!

He will perform in Piddletrenthide (07786 880676) on Friday 11 November. Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Special evening at town museums

Visitors to any of a trio of Dorchester museums can now take in all three for the price of one special evening ticket today (Friday, October 28).

The town’s Keep Military Museum, Dorset Museum and Shire Hall Museum have teamed up to offer a special one-off ticket for all three to be used between 4-8pm.

Each of the venues will be hosting a unique activity on the night to welcome visitors.

The Keep will be

encouraging guests to track down runaway mannequins, while Ghostbusters will be welcome at the Dorset Museum for spooky sightings, and the Shire Hall Museum will be showing off the historic cells in a new light with torchlight tours.

Adult tickets are available for £10, with children going free.

For more details, and to buy tickets, log on to www. discoverdorset.co.uk

Richard the Second will be performed in Gillingham

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

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

• 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 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.

• 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.

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

• Shapwick: Third Sunday of

the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Blandford Methodist Church: Morning worship Sunday 10.45am, followed by refreshments in the hall –everyone welcome. Thursday 10am-noon – coffee morning, everyone welcome. Friday noon-2pm – lunch club for over-55s at £5 – phone 07817 505 543 to book. If you have a prayer request or are feeling lonely and need to chat, phone 07799 516735. For more details visit www.candwmc.org.uk/

• Fancy a coffee?: The churches in The Donheads, Charlton, East Knoyle, Semley and Sedgehill now have a team of friendly, approachable people available to offer home visits.

Contact Revd. Kate at rector@ benofbart.org.uk, 01747 830174.

• Sherborne Abbey tours: Everyone is welcome to join the tours which last 45 minutes to one hour. They run on Tuesday at 10.30am and Friday at 2pm until the end of November. No charge is made and booking is not necessary – visitors can turn up and the guide will be waiting near The Abbey’s porch.

• Taize services: Half an hour of prayer, meditation and music on the second Sunday of the month at 6.30pm, Cheap Street

Church, Sherborne. Everyone welcome. This informal, ecumenical service is based on the Taize Community’s worship founded by w Roger in the 1940s in Burgundy, France. Taize music has become part of the worshipping life of churches worldwide.

• Sherborne Abbey visitors: The abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturdays from 8am-5pm and on Sunday from 11am-5pm. The abbey may close when private services are taking place.

• Sherborne Abbey shop: More volunteers are sought to join the friendly team, especially as it is hoped to open the shop on Saturdays. Two shifts: 10.30am-1pm and 1-3.30pm, no experience necessary, training given. If interested please see manager Phil Prout, leave contact details at the Parish Office or email shop@sherborneabbey.com

• Christian Aid Sherborne branch: The branch, which has not been able to function fully since the pandemic urgently needs a new chairman and secretary. The jobs are not too demanding but bring lots of joy and companionship. Contact Jane Craw by phone on 01963 251527 or by email at jane@ jubileecottage.plus.com

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday October 30, 3pm United Service. Sunday November 6, 3pm, United Tea @ Three. Sundays November 13, 20 and 27 November, services at 3pm. A warm welcome to all. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff. mead@yahoo.com

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, 30 October, 10.45am, Communion – All Saints Langton Long; 4pm, Songs of Praise – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre. Tuesday 1 November, 6pm All Souls Service – St John Baptist Spetisbury. Sunday 6 November, 10.45am Together Communion – Tarrant Keyneston; Sunday 13 November, 10.15am Remembrance Service –

Blandford St Mary; 10.45am Act of Remembrance –Spetisbury; 10.45am Act of Remembrance – Charlton Marshall; 10.45am Act of Remembrance – Tarrant Keyneston; 10.55am Remembrance + Communion – Langton Long.

• 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. 30 October Lyndon Ford (Fareham), programme TBC. For details and updates visit the website at www.musicatgmc. org.uk or phone 07817 379006.

• Holnest Church: Join us for a home-cooked roast Sunday lunch in aid of the upkeep the church on Sunday 6 November 12.30pm at Glanville’s Wootton village hall DT9 5QF. Twocourse lunch £15 for adults, £7.50 for children. Tea and coffee included. Bring own wine or drinks with glasses. Booking essential – phone Graham on 01963 210632.

• Loving Earth Exhibition: Monday to Sunday 7-13 November, 10am-noon and 1-3pm – plus 7-9pm on Wednesday 9 November – Cheap Street Church, Sherborne; free admission. Sherborne Quakers are organising an exhibition of textile art as part of the Loving Earth Project which seeks to help people engage creatively with the climate crisis. Fifty textile panels will be exhibited.

• Christmas Tree Festival: Back again after Covid-19, hosted by Cheap Street Church and organised by Sherborne Churches Together. A tree has been allocated and individuals are needed to help make the decorations. Contact Shirley Fry on 01935 389124 or the parish office on 01935 713777.

• St Mary’s Stalbridge: 27 October – Holy Communion 10am; 30 October – Benefice Service at Stourton Caundle 11am; 30 October – All Souls service 6pm; 6 November – All age worship 9.30am.

We apologise for the disruption. Normal service has now resumed

Have you ever driven a car or been driven? You know your starting point. You know your destination point. Advice is offered as to the best route to use. You ignore it. The option of atlas, SatNav, Google Maps, signposts are there but you decide to ‘fly solo’. At some point in the journey you feel something isn’t quite right. The village you thought you’d have driven through by now hasn’t materialised. The sun is somehow rising in the West. You have two options. First, carry on and, Micawber-like, hope something turns up, only to find yourself driving round in circles, your blood pressure rising, time being wasted and your passengers losing patience. Or, second, you can pull over. Pause. Consult your passengers for their guidance, reference a map or ask for directions.

When time allows, I take my two older daughters to their High School in Gillingham. En route we pass Witch Lane. I ask

them ‘excuse me, I’m looking for Witch Lane’. They answer ‘which lane?’. I reply ‘yes’. They then ask where it’s near, I reply ‘Witch Fields’. Their reply is ‘which fields?’. They reply ‘which lane, which fields?’ And so on until they beg me to stop.

The driving around without a map, certain of the destination

but unsure of the route, trying to find which lane has felt a little like being an MP these last few weeks. The ship has felt rudderless, the crew mutinous and the seas rough. The Government has been tossed around by chill external winds and tides – over which they have no direct control, we must note that international rates of inflation and interest are rising – but Government decisions, affecting a large swathe of North Dorset, have not been helpful. While not part of the decision-making process, and indeed making known my opposition to much of the mini-Budget, I want to apologise to you. I know from my inbox that many people are worried. Many have felt perturbed and believed that the Westminster ‘bubble’ simply doesn’t get it. I want to assure you that I do, and our new Government does.

While conscious I mixed my transport metaphors, I do feel

that with a new captain at the helm/driver at the wheel we have a better, though not guaranteed, chance of finding the route to our destination and arriving there in one piece. There is no doubt that difficult decisions are going to have to be taken. The job of government, always hard, is now harder. Annoyance/ disappointment with the Government is high and patience has been worn thin. Through this article I want to assure you of one thing – the Parliamentary Tory Party has applied a cold flannel to its head. It’s put the shovel down. It’s stopped digging. A sense of relief has spread through the Party allowing us to re-focus on delivering for the United Kingdom and discharging the duties of governing placed upon us. Perhaps the words of public service announcements might suffice: “We apologise for the disruption caused. Normal service has now resumed.”

Sunak is the man for the moment

I cannot tell you how delighted I am that Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister. I’ve always supported this remarkable man, actively so as part of his team during both the summer and autumn campaigns. What struck me this time was not just the huge number of Conservative MPs endorsing Rishi but the fact that they come from all parts of my broad-church party. That’s important because he will have to quickly unite the world’s oldest political party after, let’s face it, a fractious and highly problematic interlude in our long history, one that most of us take little pride in.

The key challenge facing the Sunak administration will be economic as the country is buffeted by dire financial headwinds, many of which lie

beyond our direct control. But the auguries are good – we have seen the markets respond favourably to Rishi’s election already. Markets may seem an arcane metropolitan preoccupation, but their importance lies in the real-life

consequences they have for the public, most importantly my constituents.

The general sense at Westminster is that we now have a grown up in charge. Rishi Sunak is a decent, hard-working, competent, compassionate individual –definitely, the man for the moment.

I continue to lobby on the air quality issues I wrote about previously. The incinerator industry competes with more responsible reducing, reusing and recycling strategies for waste feedstuff, domestic and commercial. We already have too many incinerators yet more continue to be allowed. The cost is measured in terms of air quality and, possibly, human health.

It’s a pleasure to chair the

Place Partnership for Trowbridge, Wiltshire’s county town. Whether you live in a village or a market town, town centres are almost certainly important to you. Too many have fallen victim to changing retail practises in recent years and need to be helped towards rejuvenation and, where appropriate, re-purposing.

I’ve now heard back from the Department for Transport about progress on the eagerly awaited Dorset coast to M4 strategic study that we expect to have implications for the A350. So, it turns out that the study isn’t now expected to report until early in the New Year. That’s disappointing but I will continue to apply pressure so that the schedule does not slip further.

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

New Prime Minister’s record on the environment leaves lot to be desired

In his first address to Tory MPs as incoming Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has said that the Tory party is facing an ‘existential threat’, and that it must ‘unite or die’. He also said that stability and unity is the only way we will overcome the challenges we face and build a better, more prosperous future for our children and our grandchildren.

While his first declared priority is tackling the economic crisis, he says he intends to run an ‘environmentally focussed’ government.

Good luck to him with achieving stability and unity, but rather more serious than the fate of the Tory party is the fate of our planet, on which all our futures depend regardless of our individual political leanings. The stakes could not be higher, and not just for future generations. The world’s climate is already changing for the worse, as long predicted,

and urgent action is needed to save us from the course we are on.

Truss’s disastrous few weeks as PM included a refusal to address the issue of insulating the UK’s many old and leaky homes – in spite of it being part of the Tory’s 2019 manifesto; plans to scrap more than 500 environmental protection

regulations inherited from the EU – many of which the UK itself helped to draft; new ‘Investment Zones’ with minimal regulation to constrain development, scrapping the new farm payment system that was previously claimed to be a Brexit bonus; and re-starting fracking.

Small wonder she incurred the wrath of conservation groups whose total membership exceeds eight million UK citizens, aka voters. Truss may have now stepped down, but Sunak’s own record on the environment leaves much to be desired. As Chancellor he is said to have been focussed more on the costs of environmental action rather than the benefits, and with apparently no regard for the catastrophic costs of inaction.

His reluctant windfall tax on fossil fuel companies contains loopholes that encourage more investment in

oil and gas. He stood in the way of a nationwide programme of housing insulation, simply because of its upfront cost to the Treasury. Never mind the cost to all those who despite government support will struggle with heating bills this winter, as many do every year.

During the 2019/20 winter –before covid – the Office for National Statistics reported 10,320 excess winter deaths, mainly from respiratory and circulatory diseases that are worsened by living in cold conditions. Every one of those unnecessary deaths is a tragedy, and the preventable diseases add to the burdens of our already overburdened, understaffed and underfunded NHS.

Perhaps Sunak is going to treat us to Tory u-turns in a positive direction. If so, it will be most welcome. I’m not holding my breath.

Sunak was the stability candidate

Over the last week, the overwhelming message I have been receiving from constituents is that our priority needs to be political and economic stability. And it is in this spirit that I have decided to support Rishi Sunak as our next Prime Minister – and am delighted he has been selected.

Since the announcement of the ‘mini budget’, market forces have dominated the political theatre in this country – giving the impression that we are in a much worse position than other countries when the reality has been that the euro is at a 20-year low against the Dollar and the Japanese Yen is at a 32-year low – with interest rates and inflation going up across the world, not just here.

The Government was right to

take unprecedented action to address energy prices because of war. It was also right to encourage economic growth to avoid stagnation and recession.

I remember what it was like to be made redundant when the 2008 recession hit. In West Dorset, 18 per cent of our businesses closed during the coronavirus pandemic alone, so I know the value of economic growth and am determined to do all I can to ensure we prosper.

Therefore I welcomed the policies outlined by the former Prime Minister to avoid a potential recession forecast for spring next year. It is why I welcomed the decision to take Dorset seriously for economic growth by offering Investment Zones to bolster trading conditions for places such as Weymouth, Portland and Wool, and bring in quality jobs for people all across West Dorset. While I believe Liz Truss’s

intention to avoid a recession was right, the pace of her policies was wrong and caused ‘indigestion’ in the markets. And late last week, it became clear that the level of political turbulence was not sustainable and the drive to grow has to be balanced by stability, both political and economic. I made the decision to support Rishi Sunak in the recent leadership election after consulting many constituents and their priority was clear. ‘Political and economic stability’. Rishi, as Chancellor, delivered these core aims, and ranks consistently high among the many hundreds of constituents I have asked in recent days and I am sure he has the skills needed to unite us as a party, as a nation to weather the storms ahead.

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Conservative MP for West Dorset Chris Loder

Time to reset with General Election

Let me get something out of the way: Greg Williams, you need to talk to people rather than firing off money-wasting information requests and picking fights in these pages. Get on the phone to Derek Beer and you will quickly understand how active he has been on the fraught issue of Shaftesbury’s pedestrianisation. It is fraught because it ain’t easy and people have very polarised views on the subject. Situation normal.

We, in the centre-ground of politics, watch with mixed feelings the swirl of theory and dogma, of slogan and mantra that surrounds us. The people and party in power are damaging themselves, for sure. The concern is that the country is also being damaged, people are being hurt and enterprises are going under due to the instability, indecision and palpable lack of capability evinced by this crew.

What would I like to see? A General Election now. As a third Tory Leader this year, Rishi Sunak has no mandate from the people and a parliamentary majority owed to a discredited figure and the trainwreck of Brexit promises. That is the past. We need to look to the future in a time of

peril. We need a sturdy, well-made tiller for the ship of state, some decent hands on it and an agreed and purposeful course which is sensible, fair and positive.

My first mortgage was at an eye-watering – the word of the moment – 15 per cent. That felt okay because I had just come back from working in a country moving from dictatorship to democracy where inflation was close to 100 per cent, where begging had come back to the streets, where crime was rampant and the rule of law was close to disintegration.

It happens in the best of places where government loses touch with reality; where villages turn inwards to support themselves as best they can; where the towns are depressed and grey as economic activity declines and where the best people leave; where the cities become downright dangerous away from the tourist areas;

where workers only look out for number one; where the nation becomes xenophobic, where borders become ramparts not gateways and global issues become matters for others.

We need to wake up, reset and re-energise. A General Election is how to do that even if the result becomes a requirement for consensus. For a consensus, policies and plans must be inclusive and wellthought-through so others buy into them – there’s a novelty. You must listen to the policies and plans of others. You then engage your combined understanding and experience to find the way ahead using the best practitioners. It is called management. It is how the best organisations work. It is the route to stability and sustainability.

The alternative? More see-saw, zig then zag, chaos and uncertainty.

Conservative party has lost the plot

It’s becoming increasingly hard to write a political column that is current, considering we all file these about a week ahead of publication.

What is there left to say about the Conservatives? It’s like watching a slow-motion car crash, but one during which there is also a competition to see how many clowns can squeeze into the crashing car and pick up a ministerial salary. Who is left to have a go driving it, before it utterly wrecks itself, and the country with it?

Stuck in the boot of this tragic farce is you, dear reader. Maybe you’re struggling with an increase in your mortgage. Perhaps you can’t afford to put the heating on. Or you’re worried about the security of your pension. We are the hostages in this unfolding calamity.

Back to clowns – I wonder

if West Dorset’s Chris Loder feels like a clown now, after he backed Liz Truss stating: “I am certainly of the view that Liz is good news for rural Britain.”

Was she good news for your constituents, Chris? Do you still think ‘she has an

exceptional track record of delivery’ after her whole economic philosophy was rejected by the markets, gutted by Hunt and she was unceremoniously dumped out of office?

What about another Dorset MP and Liz Truss backer, Christopher Chope of Christchurch? He stuck his neck out to defend Truss’s tax policies as the pound crashed and borrowing costs spiralled. Mr Chope is so unpopular in his own party – remember when he blocked the members’ bill against upskirting? – that the whips didn’t even send him the memo to stay away from the media as Truss’s tax U-turns were imminent.

Now he has conceded that the Tory party is a ‘laughing stock’ and that the Conservative economic agenda is ‘trashed’, adding: “I don’t know where to go from here,

frankly.”

And that’s the key point. Our local MPs have no idea where to go from here. I know many people are fed up with Simon Hoare’s introspective, dithering radio appearances – even his own party members. The arrogance with which he repeats phrases like ‘the natural party of government’ as if the best the country deserves is him and his colleagues’ parlour games cannot be stomached.

I put it to you, Tory MPs of Dorset, that your party has lost the plot. That some of you want to bring back a proven, unrepentant liar as leader is a case in point. It’s time for a General Election, to bring in a party that is united, has a plan for government, and can restore the UK’s economic and international credibility. It’s time for a Labour government.

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Down

with futile bias overturned? That’s right (11)

having deficient energy (7)

message to artist with daughter I love (5)

of speech too much for the French English (5)

10 Writer backed song for Roman god (7)

4 Party unsettling Italy showing purpose (13)

Most substantial lagers drunk with time (7)

5 Endorse mobile accessory over breaks (7)

Cricket side with ambition at a stretch (2,3)

Fare system alternative – it helps in making courses? (4,9)

6 See exercise for worthless type (5)

Arrange again wild trees (5)

7 Increase significantly airport fee formulated cover landing principally (11)

A sport held in Manchester suburb usually (2,1,4)

8 Armed police force angered emir after unrest (11)

3x3

bold-

(5)

I tip man that’s played percussive instruments (7)

ME citizen with Irish –

14 Part of theatre to decline? It’s a hidden difficulty (7)

South Africa custom for stuffed meat (7)

Exotic dance held in Assam ballroom (5)

A man I fancy showing spirit (5)

the

applied between

of

with

First’s fightback falls short

by Andrew Clune

NDRFC 1st XV 17

Wimborne 34

NDRFC 2nd XV 15

Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew 12

It has been a tough few weeks for North Dorset RFC with both the first and second XV suffering losses.

Both sides were at home a fortnight ago and Wimborne –early favourites for the league title – travelled to Slaughtergate and met a North Dorset side that were very slow out of the starting gate and leapt away to a 24-nil advantage at half-time.

A few swift words from Michael Taff Bamsey had the home side fired up and they ‘won’ the second half 17-10

Handball ace Joe in winning GB team

Young Joe Trent from Corfe Mullen has just returned from a week in Kosovo with the under 20 GB Handball Squad.

They made history by taking their first ever tournament trophy, winning four out of four matches against Bulgaria, Kosovo, Malta and Andorra.

Joe, 20, started his handball journey at Lockyers Middle School, taking part in the after-school sessions run by Poole Phoenix Handball club, before progressing into the regional academy and the England youth team.

He has trained hard to achieve his dream of playing for Great Britain and after taking his A-levels at Corfe Hills spent a year developing his skills playing for Ikast under 19's in Denmark.

British Handball’s win in Kosova will see them

through tries from Tom Spinney, Adam Trevis and Marcus Higgs, but could not claw back the half-time deficit and Wimborne hung on 34-17.

It was a different but familiar story on the second team pitch with the home side having a slow start and letting local rivals Wheat Sheaf Cabin Crew off to a 12-nil head start before hauling them back in, first through an unconverted try to Dan Till, then a penalty to Will Collins.

A great break from Number 8 Dave Allan in the closing minutes set up Ben Parker who had to shrug off two tacklers to score the try. Will Collins added the extras and the

Badgers defended the last few minutes to win 15-12.

The 1st XV Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match went to Marcus Higgs while Will Collins received the award for the Badgers. Rich Otera sponsored the ‘Spirit of Rugby Award’ which for the firsts went to Charlie Jobbling and for the 2nds to Ben Parker.

Avonvale 18 NDRFC 1st XV 12 Amesbury 22 NDRFC 2nd XV 17 22 October 2022 The First XV travelled to Avonvale near Bath and seconds to Amesbury.

The firsts lost to Avonvale

with tries coming from Tom Hooper and Sam Jones, with Sam Stinton receiving the Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match, and Sean Perry the Rich Otera ‘Spirit of Rugby Award’.

In another tight match the seconds went down at Amesbury with a team that had a lot of late changes. Rich Miller, Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match, bagged two tries, and barnstorming Number 8 Dave Allan also crossed the whitewash. Dom Aviss, Rylie Lewis and Mitchell Pearce, who all had their first starts of the season, gave strong performances.

Delaney hits a screamer

by Avril Lancaster Shaftesbury suffered surprise defeats at Hamble Club and at home to United Services Portsmouth following a narrow loss to then leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the start of October.

The defeats came after a fruitful September.

Luke Delaney scored a goal of the season special from 25 yards out against United Services Portsmouth at Coppice Street on Tuesday night.

The visitors seemed to benefit from the chaos of their journey in midweek and with only one win this season

looked the best side Shaftesbury have seen all year. They looked organised and effective, considering they lost 0-3 to Moneyfields on Saturday.

Lamma Jatta opened the scoring when a blistering cross rebounded off James Mayo and hit Jatta to go in on 33 minutes. Jatta put Services 2-0 ahead, breaking clear and firing past Mayo on the stroke of halftime.

Delaney came on as substitute and reduced arrears leaving Shaftesbury to lay siege. United Services hit the bar, then Asa Philips, Adwell Chipangura

and Luke Burbidge all went close. Burbidge rounded keeper Charlie Shepherd then pulled up with an injury and the ball went wide, leaving Services with a 2-1 win.

Hamble Club are another side that have surprised a few this season, and the Monks got themselves 2-0 ahead on Saturday. Cameron Beard pulled a goal back, before a third goal in the 78th minute put the home side 3-1 ahead.

Sam Lanahan scrambled one back on time as Shaftesbury laid siege once again yet could not salvage a point, the match ending 3-2 to Hamble Club.

Wincanton Golf club results

Seniors monthly stableford – 16 September, 1 Ray Phillips 38; 2 Pete Starkey 37; 3 Philip Dewar 36 ocb; 4 Kees Schouten 36.

Rad Adsett Greemsomes Trophy – 17 September, 1 Pete Anyan/Ross Chandler 37 ocb; 2 Ian Chandler/Rob Ley 37; 3 Rab Clyde/Matt Copperwhite 34.

Seniors Captain’s Cup – 20 September, 1 Neil Auckland 38 ocb, 2 Chris Mieville 38, 3 Kees

Schouten 37.

Cats’ Protection Trophy – 24 September, 1 Chris Chapman 40, 2 Ray Hirst 36, 3 Richard Czemerda 34 ocb, 4 Jim Phillips 34, 5 Mike Taylor 34.

Seniors monthly medal – 27 September, 1 Chris Mieville nett 67; 2 Harry Eden nett 70; 3 Chris Dibben nett 71.

Champion of Champions 2022, winner – John Wolstenholme.

Jigger Anniversary – 15 October, 1 Jim Stephen 38 ocb, 2 John Wolstenholme 38, 3 David Whitehand 36 ocb, 4 Nigel Orr 36.

Seniors Monthly Medal – 18 October, 1 Philip Dewar nett 69, 2 Phil Francis nett 70 ocb, 3 Jon Reed 70.

Monthly stableford – 22 October, 1 Pete Anyan 39, 2 Mike Taylor 36 ocb, 3 Maxine Portnell 36.

Turbos punch above their weight

North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club have provided opportunities for competitive swimmers living in the area to meet, train and race since 2003.

Turbos train at Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Gillingham three times a week, led by head coach Rich Brocklehurst, along with a team of volunteers. Despite being one of the smallest clubs in Dorset, their swimmers – aged between nine and 18 – enjoy success individually and as a squad.

This month they took part in the Challenge Cup Gala hosted by the Bridport Barracudas club. Six clubs from Dorset, Devon and Somerset competed and Turbos came a close second – an excellent team performance, with many swimmers competing for the first time.

Earlier in October at the Swim Bournemouth Level 3 Back to Competition Open Meet, Turbos swimmers did equally well, this time competing as individuals. In a full weekend of competition swimmers took to the pool in races of all strokes and

distances ranging from 50 to 200 metres. They achieved a haul of 28 medals – eight gold, 12 silver and eight bronze – and 50 personal best times were recorded.

Rich Brocklehurst said: “I’m so amazingly proud of all our swimmers. If ever they needed proof that hard work pays off, their performances so far this season show it in buckets.”

Turbos train hard every week and many are aiming for the ASA Dorset County Championships in January 2023. Last year

Turbos swimmers competed in 58 races at the ‘counties’, which have tough qualifying times.

The club is run entirely by volunteers and is looking for qualified swimming teachers. Level 1 or 2 swimming teacher who would like to help train swimmers for competition should contact ndtvolunteer@ gmail.com

For more information about North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club and how to join see www.northdorsetturbos.co.uk

Lions call for half marathon help

Details of the 2023 Blackmore Vale Half Marathon have been revealed.

The Vale’s Lions Club (BVLC) will be organising the run, set to take place on February 5, setting off from Bishops Caundle at 11am.

A spokesperson for Blackmore Vale Lions said: “There was some doubt as to whether and when the BV½

would happen in 2023 with the changes to the running calendar necessitated by Covid. All is now back on track. We already have one major sponsor, Dike and Son of Stalbridge, but more would be welcome.”

They said they were also keen to hear from clubs, groups and individuals willing to help with the organisation of the run.

Runners are also being urged

to sign up and do their bit for charity.

“BVLC is dedicated to charitable giving and helping worthy causes and the less fortunate in life on an international, national and local basis,” a spokesperson said.

“The moto of Lions Club International, BVLC’s parent organisation, is ‘We Serve’. BVLC is proud to do just that.

Stickpole and maggots a winner

by Simon Hebditch Gillingham Angling

Association’s First Winter Championship on the River Stour from Deepwater to Catholics on October 16 had 18 pegs.

The event went ahead on a very low and clear river with the lower river at Catholics the place to draw claiming the top three weights – deep water

fishing was exceptionally hard.

Winner was James Kiernan who drew peg 56 and caught a mixed bag of ‘chublets’, dace and roach on the stickfloat and pole and maggots to weigh 13-10.

Runner-up was Jason Randall who drew peg 60 at Fifehead Hill and caught 12-00 of ‘chublets’ and dace on the stick

and maggots and corn.

Third was John Gatehouse who drew peg 44 above big hole and caught another all stickfloat bag of 11-04 of small fish on maggots and casters.

Other places went to: 4 Rob Fletcher, 8-09; 5 Jack Stamp, 7-09; and 6 Pete Edwards, 6-11.

The next match is on 30 October and the hope is for some rain.

“To do that we need money. The BV½ is a major source of income for BVLC and thus of our charitable giving and good works funding.

“Please help by running, helping organise, supporting the runners and organisers.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship, or if you are a club or group that can help, call 0845 833 7423.

And if you are a runner keen on entering, log on to www. bvlhm.yolasite.com

“Take part and you will be helping BVLC help others,” the spokesperson added. “We would love to see you there and taking part or helping others to take part and raise money for charity.

“It’s just the event to blow the cobwebs away after Christmas and prepare you for the London and other marathons and races. See you on February 5.”

Happy members of the North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club

Watch comes with

estimate

of Dorchester is inviting final entries into its December

be

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in 18ct

gold has already been consigned for the Jewellery and Watches auction on 8 December. This stunning piece was designed by one of the most influential and well-known watch designers, Gérald Genta, who designed some of the world’s most iconic watches, including the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Omega Constellation. The recognisable design is said to have taken inspiration from a diver’s helmet with the eight bezel screws exposed in full view. This reference 25654 (pictured) can be considered a

‘first series’ example comes with a pre-sale estimate of £90,000-£120,000. Only 800 examples were produced between 1983-98, limited to just 422 in yellow gold.

A breathtaking selection of jewellery from diamond and sapphire rings to emerald and pearl brooches will feature alongside the watches.

For a confidential free valuation or more information email Duke’s at enquiries@ dukes-auctions.com or phone 01305 265080.

Country house furniture and more

Lots of country house furniture will be sold when Clarke’s Auctions at Semley holds its auction on Friday and Saturday 11 and 12 November.

Among the lots are a 19th century French fruitwood farmhouse table estimated at £300-£500; a set of six late 19th century ash and elm Lancashire spindle back rush seated dining chairs at £200-£300; and a 19th century mahogany linen press at £100-£200.

The auction also includes a small 19th century oak dresser base, a pair of William IV hall chairs with armorial decoration, a 17th century oak coffer, a large Victorian oak window seat, Victorian chests of drawers, sets of chairs, corner cabinets, joint stools and more.

Clarke’s auction also features Persian hand-knotted woollen

rugs in a variety of colours and styles estimated at from £20-£40 to £300-£400, perfect for the winter months, and about 100 paintings including a charming watercolour painting by Thomas Bush Hardy depicting fishing boats at Calais estimated at £100-£200.

Viewing for this auction is on the Wednesday and Thursday before the sale from 9am-5pm and bidding will take place in the room on the auction days.

Clarke’s is taking entries for future sales and enquiries for consignment or for probate or insurance valuations and partor full-house clearances should be made to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

diamond ring

are

at

in Sherborne in

four specialist

over three days.

auction, on the morning of Wednesday 2

is devoted to Asian

Star of the show is a

3. Many lots are perfect for Christmas gifts, such as his and her Rolex wristwatches. The lot which stands out is a large three-stone diamond ring from a client in Wiltshire estimated at £15,000-20,000.

from a

collection in Dorset

at £10,000-15,000.

day

followed later the

the residual

a New Forest independent

merchant’s shop.

is selling a vast

of silver, jewellery and watches on Thursday November

An auction of antiques and interiors follows on Friday November 4. These popular auctions include Georgian, Victorian and later furniture and furnishings.

Viewing for these auctions, at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, starts on Monday 31 October. All lots can be seen at www.charterhouse-auction.com

Lots being sold for hospital appeal

Acreman St Antiques Auction, Sherborne, has had another busy month with the General Antiques & Collectors Auction on Friday 28 October featuring 842 lots, and the Specialist Textile, Fashion & Apparel Auction on October 21, predominantly a one-owner sale of mostly clothing through the eras.

Highlights were a 1920s flapper dress, hammer £340; 1940s silk wedding dresses, hammer £460; 1970s Saint Laurant dress, hammer £280; 1960s Jeff Banks dress, hammer £240; 1980s three-piece knitwear, hammer £210; 1960s Christian Dior dress, hammer £340; and an early crewelwork panel, hammer £700.

Acreman’s General Antiques & Collectors Auction has 250 lots of jewellery including 54 lots being sold on behalf of Yeovil Hospital New Breast Cancer Unit Appeal. Maggie Hague, who works tirelessly on the appeal’s behalf, campaigning and gathering jewellery donations, has won the BBC Radio Somerset Fundraiser Award 2022.

Acreman also has on offer a selection of watches including a lady’s bimetal Rolex wristwatch estimated at £1,800-£2,200, and a large selection of paintings and drawings including a

Breitling Geneve wristwatch estimated at £1,000-1,500

framed pastel portrait of Lillie Langtry by Frank Miles estimated at £100-£200. Toys include a collection of Pelham puppets and a large antique handmade doll’s house estimated at £60-£100.

Entries are now being accepted for the 25 November General Antiques & Collectors Auction. To consign items, contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 50874, or by email at auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk.

Acreman can take in anything from single items and complete collections up to full house clearances at competitive rates, and is happy to make house visits if required.

Free valuations are offered every Wednesday 10am-4pm on items prospective vendors are considering for auction, at Acreman Auction, 121, Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

Ambrosia for shade-loving plants

by Sally Gregson

Despite the heavy rains and winds, autumn has blown in with a spectacular show of colour this year. The leaves on the spindles – Euonymus – and Japanese Acers have turned a wicked red and screaming orange; the remaining fruits on the crab apples are sparkling like fireworks; and the ground is knee-deep in golden-brown leaves.

Leaf-mould is ambrosia to shade-loving plants. It takes a year or two for the leaves to rot down until they are ready to use in the garden. Make a ‘container’ for the leaf-litter by hammering upright posts in four corners with chicken-wire for the ‘walls’. The overall size should be as large as is practical. During the course of

the autumn tip the fallen leaves onto the heap, adding some ‘accelerator’ every 30-40cm. If you can persuade the male members of your family and friends to recycle their cups of tea and beer, so much the better. Adding a second containerised heap will mean that the leaves can be left for a year longer before being used. The resulting mix will be like

Christmas cake – rich, moist and nutritious for every plant it dresses. Once the rains have returned in the autumn, use this well-rotted leaf-mould as a mulch on shady borders to seal in the moisture. Tuck it in around the crowns of special plants, preventing weeds from getting a hold, and add it to the soil when planting.

Shady gardens beneath mature trees can get especially dry even in a wet winter, and after this summer’s drought they are especially in need of attention. Ask a tree expert to look at the canopy with a view to creating gaps in the cover to allow the rain, and light, to fall on the ground beneath in pools. It’s a particularly skilled job to prune and cut back branches without butchering the tree in

question, but the result will be a subtle joy.

Plant some specials in the sunny patches: Chinese and hybrid epimediums, Roscoea, Colchicum. They should be planted with plenty of the precious leaf-mould and a label to mark their positions when they go dormant. New hybrid epimediums are becoming more available, and the specialist growers have some very special forms. Roscoea are wonderfully exotic in appearance, but entirely hardy, flowering off and on throughout the summer, but completely dormant until late spring.

And colchicums mark the autumn with their translucent mauve flowers like spectral crocus. Spirits of the coming winter.

Evergreen for a sunny border

by Sally Gregson

As the daylight hours shorten and winter’s breath cuts across the garden air, the role of evergreen plants begins to take on more importance. They have served as background planting all summer and now their architectural substance brings structure and form to the winter borders.

Few evergreen perennials look as well in a sunny border as Euphorbia characias. Its upright stems, clothed in blue-grey leaves, stand like broad-shouldered sentries guarding a wall or the corner of a fence. Sometimes the wind creeps in and around, and spills open their stems like a child’s game, so it’s as well to position a new plant carefully, out of the weather.

As the winter turns, their stout stems gradually straighten to over 1m, and hook over like umbrella handles, their flowers enfolded in lime-green petal-like calyces. Until by spring they resemble tipsy guardsmen in lime-green busbies, populating a garden full of bright showgirls – the tulips and daffodils.

Euphorbia characias is a plant of the Mediterranean region. It needs good drainage as well as sunshine, and is fairly short-lived. After a few winters an older plant becomes disoriented and falls apart. Usually by that time its seedlings will have put themselves around the mother plant, ready to usurp their parent. The seeds form

in explosive pods which detonate with a loud pop. On a sunny day a stand of ripe stems can sound like distant machine-gun fire at midday.

Once the flowering stems have faded in summer, cut them back to the base to encourage new growth and extend the life of the parent plant. This form of Euphorbia hates its roots being disturbed, so it’s a question of finding the right seedling in the right place, rather than trying to transplant them. Or, of course, they are available from specialised nurseries as pot-raised young

plants.

Over the years several named forms of E. characias have been selected. Among the most popular is E. characias ‘Black Pearl’, whose true flowers resemble distinctive black eyes winking from among the lime green bracts. And E. characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’ is a more compact form – up to 40cm in all directions, with silvery grey leaves. Neither will come ‘true’ from seed, so take cuttings from a mature plant, being careful not to touch the irritant juices. They root easily and will flower within a year.

Leaf-mould can be used as a mulch on shady borders to seal in the moisture

The upright stems of Euphorbia characias, clothed in blue-grey leaves, stand like broad-shouldered sentries guarding a wall or the corner of a fence

REAL CHRISTMAS TREES

Carefully selected and delivered to your door. recycling service available. order online http://www. wincantongardenservices.

07585

821 726

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HEDGE CUTTING and Garden Maintenance using Stihl's latest electrical equipment to avoid disturbing wildlife/ people Call David 07786 658708

HOUSE CLEARANCE House, garage and garden clearances D&M services Call John or Simon on 07368 267647

Call

07760 487493

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quotation

Quotation

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

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

amralphlandscaping@gmail.com

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227

Tel: 01747 850544

Mobile: 07921 637227

GENEALOGIST

KBB

GRAVE

07585

KITCHEN

£2,000 grants on offer to youngsters

Grants of up to £2,000 to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds start their own business are available through Dorset Community Foundation’s South West Enterprise Fund.

The foundation has partnered with businessman Nick Robinson and Giles Smallwood to launch the fund, which offers entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 the grants to help with buying stock or equipment or pay business-related rent or bills.

Applicants, who must live

in Dorset and either be about to start a business within six months or have been trading for less than two years, have to present a business plan and answer questions about their ambitions at an interview.

Mr Robinson approached the community foundation with the idea after he realised that although there is a lot of support and advice for young people trying to launch their first venture, there is virtually nowhere to get the cash injection they often need.

MOBILE PET FOOD FRANCHISE.

200+ customers. Turnover 60k+ PA

Good profit, massive potential. Franchisor supplying pet food 33 years. Separate negotiation, van, 2 week stock. Training given. Experience not required. Must love dogs.

Genuine reason for quick sale, hence 10K Stuart 01258 446449

“We’ve both set up businesses and I set up a business when I was almost 30 and had saved up to prepare for that,” he said.

“That gave us the confidence to start the business and enabled us to buy the kit we needed. We are not looking to support the next genius healthcare app, we just want to support young people who are setting up straightforward businesses or to help them buy a piece of equipment.”

The founders, who met

while working in finance, say they have been impressed by the breadth and variety of the applications received so far.

“It’s really inspiring to see all of the different businesses being proposed and hearing their plans is a really fun part of the process,” said Mr Robinson.

The South West Enterprise Fund is open for applications. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at dorsetcommunityfoundation. org/apply-for-a-grant/grantsfor-individuals

SB BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES

Bookkeeping - Payroll & Pensions - VAT Returns - Tax Returns

samanthabroadwaybookkeeping@gmail.com 07845 535987

COMMERCIAL STORAGE SPACE available to-let in Winterborne Stickland and Stourpaine. Please contact: 01722 426810

Pension plans in good shape..?

...We’re here to help

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact us today for an initial, no obligation consultation:

Tel: 01747 855554

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk

Visit: www.findpensions.co.uk

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

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

Pets Should I castrate my dog?

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

Pet dogs kept in family houses are often castrated to enable them to be more acceptable companions and to reduce the risks to their health both from wandering and from certain age related illness. But it isn’t right for all dogs.

When I graduated 22 years ago, the general advice was to castrate your pet dog unless you intended to breed from them. We are aware now that there are certain reasons why this may no longer be the recommendation.

Certain breeds are at an increased risk of developing cancer if they are neutered before they are physically mature.

Rottweillers, for example, have a significantly increased risk of developing bone cancer if neutered before one year of age. Dachshunds have a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease (slipped disc) if neutered, and this risk further increases if they are neutered early. It is, therefore, now recommended that large breed dogs are not neutered before they are 15 months old and dachshunds not before 12 months.

However, if you have a large dog that needs neutering earlier because of management or behavioural issues, you will need to weigh up the balance of benefits with your vet. Earlier neutering should be carried out if necessary.

Currently, early neutering doesn’t appear to pose an increased health risk to most small breeds. Terriers especially are often quite ‘sexually active’ from a young age, so neutering before puberty can make them

much more enjoyable to live with!

Male dogs suffering from anxiety may be made worse by neutering. Testosterone gives them extra confidence, so castration may make this anxiety worse. It’s vital to understand the reason behind aggressive behaviour before deciding whether to neuter. Anxious dogs can show fear-related aggression, which may be mistaken for dominance aggression associated with male hormones. Assistance from a behaviourist will help resolve the anxiety before proceeding with castration.

Many male behaviours are learnt behaviours – scent marking and interest in in-season bitches, for example, are unlikely to be lost after neutering. Dogs that have a strong play drive are unlikely to change after castration, although dogs wandering to find a bitch will probably improve.

An alternative to immediate surgery is an implant that simulates all the effects of castration but only lasts approximately six months. This allows the assessment of any effects without the irreversible consequences of surgery. Repeated implants or progressing to surgical castration are then options if the effects are beneficial. Implants may also be used in cases where surgery or an anaesthetic carry additional risks – for older dogs, for example.

The health effects of castration can be multiple. Older entire male dogs are commonly affected by an enlarged prostate, which can cause difficulty urinating and defecating – this is reversed by castration. Benign anal ademonas can form on the anus and these will resolve following castration.

Neutering is commonly accepted practice but might not be right for all dogs

PHOTO: Carlos Ibanez/Unsplash

Testicular tumours are avoided by castration. Dogs with a retained testicle generally benefit from castration to prevent them passing on this genetic defect and to prevent the retained testicle becoming cancerous or twisted.

Uncommon risks of castration are prostate tumours and urinary incontinence and potential for weight gain. If you need help deciding whether castration is right for your dog, your vet will be happy to advise based on the dog’s breed, age, health issues and behavioural problems.

LOOKING FOR GOOD HOME FOR TWO BLACK KITTENS age 4 months

vaccinated

wormed .Preferably

. Call 01963 32231 for further details

CHIHUAHUA X MINIATURE PINSCHER PUPPIES for sale (all

more details:

815663

Mid

Cats looking for new homes

Fitz (ten) is a very loving and affectionate boy

Hattie (one) is looking for an understanding home

Tip #26 How to provide mental stimulation – get your dog to use its brain!

by Helen Taylor

Theo (two) is very sweet and loving once he gets to know you

For

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 Grey and white male, escaped from Damory Vets car park Blandford,

We are still offering

MID

October 13.

n FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner. n Black, long-haired with white star on chest – Sherborne.

in postcode areas

‘Training’ is not just about the end result – that is more owner control due to a better response to a trained cue. The process of learning something new – of thinking, of using trial and error, and working out what hits the jackpot – is what provides mental stimulation. Merely repeating the same cues over and over in the exact same situation is not likely to stimulate him much at all. This does not mean you need to keep teaching your dog new behaviours – although this is also good! Fine-tuning or improving – ‘shaping’ –responses to existing cues is just as stimulating. So, if your dog does a behaviour slowly or inaccurately in some situations – for example, only comes back slowly when on a walk – set specific but achievable criteria and only reward responses that meet that criteria. When he is meeting that criteria nearly every time, raise them again – but only slightly each time. So, initially only reward recalls if he comes back within 30 seconds. When he is doing this almost every time, change this to 25 seconds then 20 and so on.

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

In praise of the humble slow cooker

by Barbara Cossins

We’re all worried about how we’re going

cope during this winter’s cost-of-living crisis. I was so impressed with the new initiatives of some supermarkets, which are linking up with celebrity chefs. They have joined forces to try to educate people with their

meal

the food on our plates

and more pennies in people’s pockets. The chefs have come up with recipes under £2 per person, which are not only brilliant value, but also use fresh ingredients and take a no-waste approach to meal planning.

Cooking for a family is a real challenge when you’re also

trying to run your home, hold down a job or manage your own business, and look after your children, but it is the healthier option and would save you money on the weekly shop.

JUICING

Enford Farm Shop

Our local food bank has been given a number of slow cookers to be given out to get people cooking again. This is a great idea! I love mine, and they are very economical to run. As a child, I remember my mother and grandmother using their hotpots, or slow cookers as they are known today. They’re a practical way to cook up a one-pot meal, and make superior soups, stews and all types of casseroles.

My easiest slow cooker recipe is a whole chicken, with carrots, onions, potatoes, mixed herbs, and a stock cube, with

salt and pepper to taste. You can do exactly the same with a piece of pork. Pop it on in the morning, and you have the most wonderful meal ready and waiting when you come home from work with all fresh ingredients. Long, slow cooking helps to tenderise cheaper cuts of meat and brings out the flavour in braised dishes.

When I was at school, my favourite class was Home Economics, it was such a shame that this was taken out of nearly two generations of education. You would be amazed what you can cultivate in any little pot, on a bright window-ledge. In October, you can still grow spinach, herbs, and lettuce. As a child I would grow cress for my egg sandwiches.

Let’s enjoy getting back to basics and cooking from scratch, back to how our grandparents cooked to save money and fill our tummies.

n Barbara Cossins is founder of Loval Local Trust Local;www. thelangtonarms.co.uk; www. rawstonfarmbutchery.co.uk; www.lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk

Pumpkin soup for

by Lorraine Gibson

As the old saying goes, waste not, want not.

You can make the most of your Halloween pumpkins with this creamy and silky, garlicky and smoky soup. Beyond your Halloween celebrations, it is a perfect recipe for autumn and winter days that cry out for cosy suppers,

You can make it with any squash, and with or without the bacon.

Ingredients (Serves four)

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 large onion, roughly chopped 1kg (2lb) of pumpkin or butternut squash, skinned, de-seeded, chopped into chunks 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed

A litre of chicken (or vegetable) stock

4 to 6 rashers of bacon or about 200g pancetta/lardons (optional)

Ground black pepper; salt Teeny pinch of cinnamon 120 ml of whole milk or cream Method

Heat a large pan/stockpot over a medium heat then add and fry the onion gently for five minutes; add the garlic and cook together until soft, golden and caramelly.

While they’re cooking, prepare the pumpkin chunks. Add them and your stock to the pot then season with black pepper and salt to taste. Bring to the boil uncovered, then simmer for 30 mins or until the pumpkin’s soft.

Meanwhile, if adding bacon,

Try some colourful comfort food

by Rebecca Vincent Squash season is in full swing!

This family of veg are such versatile ingredients and work well in soups or stews, as well as being delicious steamed, stuffed, and/or roasted. This time I’ve roasted and paired them with a flavourful walnut crumb, which adds a nice contrast of texture. The components of the crumb can be adjusted to suit your taste, and even turned into a sweet version: pumpkin or butternut squash work well for this, simply omit the salt and pepper, use coconut oil instead of olive, and add cinnamon and nutmeg in with the walnuts instead of the savoury ingredients. It’s great served with a big spoonful of yoghurt and a little drizzle of maple syrup!

Squashes are excellent sources of carotenes – the more vibrant the colour, the greater their concentration. They’re also good sources of vitamins C, B1, B6, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, potassium, and fibre.

Walnuts are very nutrientdense, and a great source of vitamin E, manganese, copper,

phosphorus, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acid alphalinolenic acid, as well as being rich sources of both protein and fibre.

Roasted squash with a crunchy walnut crumb

(Serves 2-4)

½ medium squash (I used a crown prince, but most types would work)

10 whole walnuts (de-shelled)

2 garlic cloves

Leaves from a small bunch of thyme

Pinch of salt and pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees.

after Halloween

Pick

chop, fast fry and set aside. Remove soup from the heat, blend until silky smooth, return to medium the heat and stir in the milk or cream with the tiniest pinch of cinnamon then

add the bacon if using.

Taste to check it’s properly seasoned. Stir and serve in generous bowls with a swirl of cream and crusty farmhouse bread or black olive focaccia.

Cut the squash in half lengthways, scoop out the seeds, and cut into 2cm thick slices.

Lay on a tray, drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently toss to ensure evenly

coated.

Pop in the oven for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, pop the walnuts, garlic, and thyme into a small blender/food processor and pulse until coarse but well mixed.

After 15 minutes turn the squash and scatter the walnut mix over the top of each slice.

Pop back in the oven for about 10 minutes until the nuts are lightly toasted.

Lovely served with a nice roast, or as part of a warm salad medley!

n Rebecca Vincent BSc (Hons) BANT registered nutritionist 07515 019430; www.

rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

The spirit of Dorset...

Meditations in nature: The lizards of Hambledon Hill

by Susie Curtin

Mid-October, and the early morning sun throws a golden light over the Vale. Autumn has begun with its first brush strokes of orange, red and yellow, creating splashes of colour amid the hedgerows. By the time you read this, the landscape will be ablaze with autumn hues.

I am off to the summit of Hambledon Hill where the panoramic view never fails to inspire me. From this lofty position, I love to piece together my favourite places in the Vale – how close they seem from up there. As I climb higher, and the landscape unfolds before me, my spirits are lifted far beyond the daily news and the

inevitable anxiety it instils.

Instead, my thoughts and attention centre on the here and now, and the drama below as the crows chase away a pair of red kites gliding beneath me. Kites are such remarkable birds with their distinctive black wing-bars and their perfectly formed fork-tailed-rudders that steer them so elegantly through the air. There are buzzards and ravens, and kestrels too, searching for voles on the grassy slopes. It is the perfect place and day for raptors.

As I make my way along the ramparts and into the fields beyond, the sun becomes surprisingly warm. Stopping to take off my jacket, I hear a swift, staccato rustle of

movement under the hedgerow. A sound I recognise well –where there is one, there are usually more. And there, basking on dead wood beneath the brambles, are two lizards.

Although they are called ‘Common Lizards’ and are the most widespread of all terrestrial reptiles in the world, ranging from France through northern and central Europe across Asia all the way to the Pacific coast, they are not commonly seen as they tend to exist only in localised areas.

However, once you know where they are, you can easily spot them in warm sheltered, south-facing spots in open woodland, downland, or heathland. You just need to approach very slowly and quietly and stay out of their sunlight, and you will be able to get close. Female common lizards tend to be a little shorter and have stripy flanks, whereas the males are longer, and their flanks are spotted.

Its Latin name is Zootoca vivipara – the ‘vivipara’ because, oddly for a reptile, the

eggs of a common lizard are incubated inside the female, and she gives birth to six or seven live young in July following a three-month incubation period. These two mini-dragons are collecting as much warmth as they can before their hibernation in late October that will take place in communal groups underground or beneath woodpiles. In April, they will emerge once more to mate and bask here in the hedgerow.

As the cloud cover drifts in from the west, they retreat into the undergrowth, and I leave them to it and head off down the ride towards home. Autumn leaves are falling all around me, floating in circles until they reach my feet. Here they will transform into the nutrients that bring new life in the spring. The ebb and flow of nature mirrors our own journeys too, and I hope that in time, our security and prosperity will, once again, return and the world will be a better place.

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

‘Common Lizards’ are the most widespread of all the terrestrial reptiles in the world

Health & Wellbeing

Space can bring clarity and progress

by Alice Johnsen

October is a favourite month for many of us. It is the calm between the rush and demands of summer and the dark of the coming winter months. The autumn sunlight is at its most noticeable as it shines through the gaps. The spaces in between. They are what highlight its strength.

The spaces in between, while in themselves amounting to nothing, bring the value. The sweet spot, not just in a garden but in our lives too, from relationships, to our output of effort – in whatever form that takes – and in learning – the space around all these things is what brings about clarity and progress. It is the pause around a conversation, a training session,

a brainstorming session – that is where the magic happens.

We all need a lot of space. Space to think, to digest, to grow. To rest and recharge. But it can be hard to find on the treadmill of our everyday lives. Sometimes we have to make space. We have to take a step off the treadmill in order to process what we are doing and let it all

settle. Photographers use negative space to work around their subject. They refer to the empty space around the subject and is, they argue, as important as the subject itself. I think that is a useful way to think of space in relation to our own lives.

Likewise, our brains need at night to process the events, traumas, memories and newly acquired knowledge that day. That all happens in the prefrontal cortex of our brains. How efficient that process is is variable and one of the key factors is screens – phones etc. The light from such screens prevents that part of our brains working to maximum efficiency so if we are looking at screens up to bedtime and even worse, in bed, our

Try fresh nettle for better hair

by Fiona Chapman

I may have studied to be a witch, but I don’t really need to look like one! I have therefore booked to have my hair cut, something I detest. Every time I come out of the hairdresser I shy at myself in the mirror for days as I just do not look like me.

I have frizzy hair – let’s face it Fiona, your hair will always be frizzy said one hairdresser. I come back with it all straight and poofed and doing things I could never get it to do on my own!

After my last rather disastrous hair cut about eight months ago, I started to boil up a lovely tea, a cup of which I drank and then used the rest as a final rinse for my hair. I felt it made it grow incredibly fast and stronger.

Fresh nettle is the best. It is good for the

colour – it helps to prevent hair loss and it thickens as well as softens and shines.

You need a large handful of nettles –picked with gloves and washed. Cover them with filtered water, bring them to the boil and then simmer for at least 20 minutes. Take them off the heat and leave them to steep overnight. Strain, warm it up, drink a cup and use the rest as a last rinse on the hair, massaging the rather muddy green looking water into your scalp.

Do not rinse it off. It does not necessarily feel or smell great, like a conditioner does, but if you leave your hair to dry naturally, it will then start to feel wonderfully soft and healthy. It is probably the same with a hair dryer, but I don’t use one!

This basic recipe can be added to, depending on the condition of your hair and

initial hours of sleep are not as restful and restorative as they should be.

While I’m on my phone soapbox, there is also scientific evidence telling us we should not reach for those screens as soon as we wake up. Ideally we should be aiming for 20- 30 minutes of phone free time at the start of the day and 60 minutes at the end.

So as we move through autumn towards winter, I offer a suggestion for us all to take decisive steps to create space around the different parts of our lives to allow the full experience of everything we do to really filter down.

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

scalp. Equisetum arvense, the ancient horsetail plant, contains silicon and is used for thin, weak hair with split ends as well as for brittle nails. It can be used fresh – as long as the plant grows in the sun, not the shade – and it must be boiled. You can also add a pinch of capsicum into the mix to stimulate your scalp.

Lavender and/or rosemary are good additions if you have a dry, itchy scalp without dandruff. They also make it smell nice! If you want extra shine, add chamomile. All make a good, healthy, tasty tea. They can be bought as dried herbs if necessary and will help with hair growth from both inside the body and used directly on the scalp.

n Fiona Chapman is a Naturopathic Herbalist (Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

Aim for 20-30 minutes of phone-free time at the start of the day and 60 minutes at the end

PHOTO: Silvia/Pixabay

Traffic sees road-glare deaths drop

on the roads after

helped cut fatalities where sun dazzle was a contributory factor, according to the AA.

dropped from 41 in 2020 to 19 last year, while the number of severe road casualties (KSIs – killed and seriously injured) barely dipped, from 496 in 2020 to 491 in 2021, according to the latest Department for Transport statistics.

The return of traffic to UK roads, while putting more vehicles back on the road, likely reduced the lethality of incidents by slowing traffic speeds and making road users more wary of encountering others and vehicles.

The return to work and school last year would also have reduced the number of vulnerable road users exercising during the day and therefore chances of a deadly collision, the AA said.

although a blinding sun is a contributory cause of fewer road

(3,900 to 4,000 each year between 2012 and 2014, now down to 2,397 in 2020 and 2,369 in 2021), it is still a factor for 3%, or one in 33, road casualties.

Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

With sunset moving into the rush-hour period, the AA is warning drivers to be equipped and alert to how they might respond if suddenly blinded by low sun.

Above all, if drivers are unsure that the road ahead is clear, they should slow down. Not only does it give more time to spot and avoid unexpected pedestrians and cyclists but also other vehicles in front may slow down significantly.

Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

"Always keep sunglasses within easy reach when driving. You may need to use the sun visors, so keep them free from objects such as fuel receipts, other documents or even CDs as these could cause a distraction if they drop when the visors are lowered.

"Keep your car’s windscreen clean, both inside and outside to help reduce glare.

"Replace worn wiper blades and use a good quality screen wash that contains anti-freeze as this can prevent damage to the washer pump when temperatures drop heading into autumn."

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS LICENCE

Custom Tree Care Ltd of 17 Milton Abbas, Blandford, Dorset, Dt11 0AT is applying for a licence to use Unit 3 Hillside, Manston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1EY as an operating Center for 1x goods vehicles 1x trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the DfI, at Central Licensing Office, PO Box 180, Leeds, LS9 1BU stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the website: infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises license in respect of Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens, Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JR for the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of Monday-Sunday, 10.00–22.59.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov. uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours via email or phone on 01305 838028.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.

DATE: Friday 7 October, 2022

BRUCE FOSTER

BOULTON Susan

The family wish to thank the nurses and staff at Yeovil District Hospital and Wincanton Community Hospital for all their kindness and care. We also thank relatives and friends for their kind cards and messages of sympathy, for their attendance at the service and for donations. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks

SHERBORNE RNLI 'FISH SUPPER' AT SOMETHING ELSE FISHY, MILBORNE PORT11 OCTOBER

RNLI – “Saving Lives at Sea” Sherborne Fundraising Branch provided a “Fish Supper”, at the local restaurant at Milborne Port on the evening of the 11th October. The restaurant owners, Nicki and Martyn Else, of “Something Else Fishy” kindly provided their care and facilities to 38 guest diners. A great evening was enjoyed by all, and with added activity (thank you to “our” local businesses) the Branch raised £950 to be donated to the national RNLI funding pot.

DEATHS

CHISLETT Pauline Stella

aged 95 years of Yeovil. On 15th October 2022, peacefully

Sherborne House Nursing Home, Yeovil. After a short illness. Pauline will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 7th November at 10am. Donations in memory of Pauline are being invited for The RNLI. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 YES. Telephone 01963 440367

Philip Hix (Phil)

21/4/1945

Smile for all, a heart of gold. The very best the world

hold, Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day

love & miss you every day…Always in

‘Nip’ (Jacky), Paul, ‘Maid’ (Jane), John and family

DEATHS

JUDITH CLARE BENNETT

Peacefully on 7th October in Sturminster Newton, age 90. Much loved mother, grandmother and great friend to many. Funeral Mass 14th November, Marnhull. Family flowers only please. Donations welcomed to Mary's Meals or Shelterbox. Enquiries c/o Bracher Bros 01935 813479

DAVID JOHN FEW

Passed away peacefully on 13th October 2022 in Salisbury District Hospital aged 82 years. Much loved husband to the late Pat, a loving Dad to Kevin and Tracey, father-in-law to Simo and Lara and an amazing grandad to Joe, Kelcie, Fred and Archie. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 31st October at 3 pm. No flowers please but donations if desired to Parkinson's UK or The Fire Fighters Charity can be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk

or send a cheque made payable to either charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

BOULT Val

Peacefully at home on Wednesday 12th October 2022 aged 76 years. Much loved wife of Graham. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Funeral Service to take place at Lesley Shand Blandford Service Chapel on Friday 4th November 2022 at 1:00pm. After the Service you are all welcome to join the family at The Constitutional Club Blandford for refreshments. Brightly coloured clothing to be worn by request. No black. Family flowers only. Donations if desired in memory of Val to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent to Lesley Shand Funeral Services, 28 East Street, Blandford, DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online via www. funeraldirector.co.uk/valerie-boult

FRANK KEITH BURTON known as Keith

Peacefully passed away on the 5th October2022. Aged 97. Keith was formerly of Wyke, Gillingham. Beloved husband to Janet and father to Eliza, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. The Funeral Service is taking place at Salisbury Crematorium on the 7th November at 3pm. Family flowers only please. Any donations, if desired to go to The Fire Fighters Charity. Donations can be made at the service or to Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL. Telephone 01747 822494

MIKE "THE CLOCK" WHEELER

of Stoke Trister, died peacefully on 13 October 2022, aged 84. Husband of Rosemary, father of Nicola and Phillipa. Private family burial. A wake will be held at Hunter's Lodge Inn, Wincanton on Wednesday 2 November, 3-5 pm. All friends welcome to join us to raise a glass to Mike. Donations in his memory to RNLI, please send either direct to the charity or c/o Harold F Miles Funeral Directors, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES.

KEITH YOXALL

On 6th October 2022, peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital. Beloved husband of Barbara, much loved dad, grand- and great grandad and good friend to many. Funeral service will be at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 28th October at 1.20 pm. No flowers please, but donations if desired to Asthma and Lung UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk, or cheques made payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge FD, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

INGRAM VERONICA ANN

Passed away peacefully on 6 October 2022. Beloved wife of Terry, mother to Cheryl, Lorraine and Dale, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service at Tisbury Methodist Church on Friday 4 November at 11.30am. Family flowers only but donations to Tisbury Surgery and Alzheimer’s Research UK if desired. All enquiries to Chris White Funerals. Tel: 01722 744691

EDWARD MARK WALTHAM

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edward Waltham in Yeovil District Hospital on Sunday 16th October after a long illness. Husband to Ethne, sister to Mary, father to Mark and James, Grandfather to William, Edward, Thomas, Sophie and Jack. Edward will be sadly missed by his many friends and relatives. Our grateful thanks to the doctors, nurses and carers in ward 7B who supported Edward and his family with such care and dedication. The funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Purse Caundle on Friday 4th November at 12 noon followed by refreshments at the Cider Barn, Church Farm. Family flowers only please. Donations welcome for Parkinson’s UK or Yeovil Hospital Charity. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

DEATHS

MARGARET MARY RAYMOND

Passed away peacefully at Hays House, Sedgehill on 3rd October, aged 96 years. Sadly missed by family and friends.

Funeral service to take place at St. Simon & St. Jude's, Milton, 13:30 on Friday 4th November, followed by a burial in the churchyard. Flowers welcome or donations in memory of Margaret may be given, to Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, at the retiring collection or send to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QL.

ROMA DURDLE

Peacefully on the 14th October 2022 at Yeovil District Hospital. Roma aged 95 years of Sturminster Newton, formerly of Hazelbury Bryan. A much loved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Funeral service at St Mary & St James’ Church, Hazelbury Bryan on Monday, 31st October at 1pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Help for Heroes or Cats Protection. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

POWIS Edna Mary

Peacefully on the 7th October 2022, A dearly loved Wife of the late Jack, much loved Mother to Karen, Helen and Rachel. Funeral Service to be held at St Stephen’s Church, Kingston Lacy on Friday, 11th November 2022 at 12 noon. Family flowers only please but donations, if desired, to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Personal messages, memories and donations may be made online at www.oharafunerals.co.uk Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors 01202 882134

DOMENICA NINA ENGLAND

On 17th October 2022 peacefully in Dorset County Hospital aged 73 years of East Melbury. A much loved Mum to Carol, Sarah and Darren and their partners Andrew, Russ and Zoe, also a loving grandmother who will be sadly missed.

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 14th November at 1pm. No flowers please but donations if desired to Alzheimer's UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send a cheque payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU.

Tel: 01747 853532

BEALE, JANET ANN

Unexpectedly at home on 17th October 2022 Aged 63 Wife and Mother

Private cremation, followed by a service of thanksgiving at St John’s Church, Hindon, SP3 6DJ on 9th November 2.30pm

All details c/o Chris White Funeral Directors 12 South Street, Wilton, SP2 0JS and 01722 744 691

FRANCESCO SANTAGOSTINO

died at home on 21st October 2022. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. Donations if desired to The Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital or The Friends of Salisbury District Hospital may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send a cheque made payable to either charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

Funeral directors makes range of appointments

A DORSET funeral directors has welcomed new staff to its team.

Douch Family Funeral Directors has brought new team members on board, while other staff have taken on new positions within the business.

The group has seven branches across east Dorset and the Isle of Purbeck and runs the multi-award-winning Dorset Funeral Plan.

The team at its Lesley Shand branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford has been bolstered by the arrivals of Tim Randle, Peter Short and Melissa Harper.

Tim is a funeral director and also a trained celebrant who leads services.

Peter has moved from within the group to become a funeral director and Melissa has returned to the business after time out to have a family.

Also recently recruited is Josh Caldicott who is working at the AE Jolliffe & Son branch, in Ferndown.

Meanwhile, the company has recruited some ‘excellent’

staff and others within the group continue to develop their careers, according to Nick Douch, managing director.

“Peter, for example, has previously worked in customer service and has been fully trained while working for us as a funeral director,” he said.

“Melissa has returned after having a family and understands how the publicfacing side of the company is so important, and we are pleased to have her as office manager.

“In Tim, we also have a celebrant, and we are seeing more families asking for this service, so we can now provide this from one of our own staff, making funerals easier and more cost-effective.

“Josh has eight years’ experience in the industry and we will train him further and plan to put him through his qualifications.”

For more information on Douche Family Funeral Directors, log on to https:// www.funeraldirector.co.uk.

Tim Rendle, Melissa Harper, Nick Douch, Jonathan Stretch, Peter Short and Josh Caldicott

Four-day week bill is dismissed by Dorset MP during Commons debate

A DORSET MP objected when a proposal to allow employees to work a four-day week - but keep their full pay - was presented in the House of Commons.

The scheme, which would see the working week limited to 32 hours, was presented by Labour MP Peter Dowd, who said it was 'time for change' in the workplace.

Currently, the working week is limited to an 'average' - usually calculated over a 17-week period - of 48 hours.

However, most full-time employees work around 37 to 40 hours, based on a five-day week working eight hours each day.

But outlinging his plans, Mr Dowd said the movement for a shorter working week was "growing in strength".

Mr Dowd's bill also included a clause which would see anybody working more than 32 hours being paid an overtime rate of a time-and-a-half.

"All the evidence shows a four-day week with no loss of pay would be good for the economy, good for workers and good for the environment," he told the Commons.

"It may seem counterintuitive that working fewer hours results in greater productivity, but there is already mounting evidence that proves the hypothesis," he added.

"Wherever in the world a four-day week with no loss of pay has been trialled, it has been a win-win for both workers and employers. Productivity has improved, and so has the wellbeing of workers."

However, Dorset MP Sir Christopher Chope, who represented Christchurch

for the Conservatives, put on record his strong opposition to Mr Dowd's bill.

He said: "Effectively, what he is saying (is) that everybody who is working more than 32 hours a week would be prevented from doing so in the future under the provisions of his bill.

"If ever one could think of a hand grenade being thrown into the economy, that is probably a really good example of it."

Mr Chope said while Mr Dowd was entitled to bring forward his bill, as "everybody should have the right to bring in whatever bill they want to", he wanted to put on record his strong opposition to "everything contained" in it.

The bill came as around 70 companies in the UK are currently trialling a four-day week, with more than 3,000

workers receiving full pay despite the drop in hours.

And at the halfway point, 86% of the companies taking part said they were likely to consider retaining the policy after the trial ended.

Last month (September), South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) became the first UK local authority to move ahead with a four-day week pilot, again with no pay cut.

Before the trial began, leader of SCDC Cllr Bridget Smith, said: "The trial would be all about seeing if a four-day week has the same positive impact on productivity, staff wellbeing and recruitment in Local Government, as seen elsewhere.

"As a Council we are leading the way on this; it could be truly ground-breaking for local councils nationally."

Long-term sick numbers on rise

NEW figures reveal the number of people not looking for work because they are suffering from a long-term illness has hit a record high.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the unemployment rate in the three months to August 2022 fell to 3.5 percent, its lowest level for nearly 50 years.

However, the figures show the number of job vacancies fell, while a squeeze on pay continued, with wage rises failing to keep pace with inflation - the cost of living.

The estimated number of vacancies in the three months to September decreased by 46,000, to 1,246,000.

David Freeman, head of labour market and household statistics at the ONS, said: "While the number of job vacancies remains high after its long period of rapid growth, it has now dropped back a little, with a number of employers telling us they've reduced recruitment due to a variety of economic pressures."

The number of people aged between 16 and 64 who are not looking for work - the economic inactivity rate - increased to 21.7% in the three months between June and August period, the data showed, with those on long-term sick reaching 2.5 million.

Sir Christopher Chope, inset, voiced strong opposition to the plan

Recruitment

This

We

Part-time

BANK WARDENS

Hugh Sexey’s Hospital is a 17th Century almshouse for elderly people in need, based in the town of Bruton. We require two self-employed bank wardens to cover for our employed Wardens when they are on holiday. This would mean that the bank wardens will work between 1 and 4 days per week over approximately 3 months of the year. The successful applicants will be enthusiastic, energetic, caring, kind and patient.

The Wardens play a key role in the support of the residents in our com munity, by acting in the role of “good neighbour”. Therefore, experience of working with the elderly is desirable but full training will be given.

The Wardens cover the hours between 8am and 5pm (1 hour lunch un paid), 7 days per week, all year round. Free parking is available on site. These roles would be ideal for people who are retired or semi-retired. The deadline for applications is 18th November 2022.

The Hospital is committed to the safeguarding of our residents and the successful applicants will require an up-to-date DBS certificate. For more information, and to request an application form, please contact the Warden on 01749 813172 or via email at

BUTCHER REQUIRED with minimum 2 years experience. Full time at Pamphill Butchery, BH21 4ED. Competitive salary. Call Ed on 01202 857137 or info@pamphilldairy.co.uk.

*FULL-TIME COOK/HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED*

A lovely Witchampton-based family is looking for an experienced housekeeper to manage their home to a high standard. Duties include:

•Cooking

•Meticulous

•Laundry

•Dog care & Dog-sitting Live-in or Live-out. References essential. Competitive Salary. Please call 07957 828898 or email:sliiproperty8@gmail.com

ELECTRICIAN REQUIRED:

WD Ritchie LTD - Blandford based building firm specialising in disabled adaptations require a Self-Employed Electrician to carry out electrical adaptions/installs for various projects within domestic properties. Regular on-going work around 2-3 days per week on average. Must be fully qualified and able to issue certification and sign off work as necessary. Must be CIS. Weekly payroll payments on production of invoice & certification. For further details, please contact Lionel Parker 01258-456513

The Old Rectory

Exceptional residential care

The Old Rectory is a beautiful residential care home that specialises in dementia care. Tastefully converted from a former rectory and carefully adapted to make it safe and secure for dementia residents so they have the freedom to move about the home and can continue to have a full and active life. We offer a caring and welcoming environment that is a true home in every sense of the word, where people with dementia are respected as individuals. We offer an outstanding level of person centred care with dedicated specially trained staff.

Our home is your home

Light and airy bedrooms bursting with charm and most with wet room en-suites

Beautifully appointed lounge, orangery and dining room

Safe, secure and beautifully landscaped walled gardens

A dedicated, caring and professionally trained team Delicious locally sourced home cooked food Activities Hostesses that ensure residents are kept active and engaged

An app that allows loved ones to follow the day- to-day care of residents

Plus our very own salon ensures that one can keep up appearances

At Bramley Care we recognise the high costs and financial uncertainty that one faces when having to move into residential care, especially now with rampant inflation pushing costs constantly upwards. To provide our residents with peace of mind we offer a ‘fixed fee’; We promise that the fee agreed will not change, therefore giving our residents and their relatives a chance to budget and plan for the future.

If you or a loved one would like more information about moving into care, speak to our experts.

From our excellent home cooking to individually decorated private rooms and above all real loving care... life is tailored to you.

Recruitment

CHRISTMAS POULTRY PROCESSORS needs for first 3 weeks of December, to help with plucking and evisceration jobs, good rates of pay, friendly family farm between Wincanton and Bruton. 07812 009364

PART TIME MOTHERS

HELP WANTED

Afternoons 3pm - 6pm

Near Bruton

Please call Georgie 07872 557257

CARER NEEDED 3 evenings pw Gillingham 01747 229893

LIVE-IN COOK & HOUSEKEEPER required for elderly gentleman in Gillingham. 07485 082677

STONECUTTER/ LABOURER REQUIRED near Winterborne Stickland. 47 hours per week PAYE. 07796 792064

GENERAL FARM WORKER

Required on Dairy Farm in Sturminster Newton. Worker must have tractor driving experience. Apply via email to colberfarm@hotmail.co.uk Or phone 01258 472162

SEASONAL PRODUCTION

STAFF required in Zeals. Flexible, part time hours. Please call The Wheat Bag Company for more information 01747 840499

CRACKMORE GARAGE small friendly company looking for full time Vehicle Technician/MOT Tester Required £24,500-£36,500 please send CV to crackmoregarage@gmail. com or contact 01963 251221

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PLANT TECHNICIAN / EVENT PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER

Varied and interesting physical role, installing both live and artificial plants into workplaces and also for events across London and the Southwest. Superplants Ltd – Near Sherborne DL essential Please contact christina@superplants.co.uk

HOUSE KEEPER wanted near Cranborne Dorset, general domestic duties, dog sitting. No cooking. 3 bedroom cottage rent free. Beautiful but remote surroundings. Start January. salary negotiable. Apply to lts@lts-uk.com

CATERING ASSISTANTS & KITCHEN PORTERS at Milton Abbey School.

£10.14 - £12.00 per hour (dependant on experience). Full time or Part time roles available.

Weekdays and Weekends roles available. Morning, afternoon and evening roles available. 16 - 40 hours a week.

Opportunity for overtime. School open 52 weeks per year. Full training & development programme provided. Company benefits & pension available. Please contact Paul at pwallis@holroydhowe.com for more information.

ELECTRICIAN REQUIRED:

WD Ritchie LTD - Blandford based building firm specialising in disabled adaptations require a Self-Employed Electrician to carry out electrical adaptions/installs for various projects within domestic properties. Regular on-going work around 2-3 days per week on average. Must be fully qualified and able to issue certification and sign off work as necessary. Must be CIS. Weekly payroll payments on production of invoice & certification. For further details, please contact Lionel Parker 01258-456513

Recruitment

Come and be part of our team, Mulberry Court is recruiting!

Every day will be different while working with us at Mulberry Court – you could be going on day trips with the people we support to places such as Ascot, Longleat, Monkey World, or even a local farm to hang out with the alpacas! We’re situated right next to a garden centre and take regular trips to their café for lunch. We love gardening, arts and crafts and competitive games and sports, and never pass up the opportunity for a barbecue. Music is so important to us, and we have lots of in-house discos with karaoke, as well as trips to music festivals and concerts!

If this sounds like a job for you, here’s a bit more about us.

We are Salutem Care and Education, and Mulberry Court is one our residential services based in Gillingham. As part of our

support team, you’ll be working with adults with varying degrees of disabilities and helping to promote their independence and choice through meaningful activities and experiences. We enable the

individuals we support to achieve their goals and aspirations while living as independently as possible. We would describe the nature of our work as so much more than ‘just’ a job. Working at Mulberry Court feels like spending time with family where everyone is supported. There’s nothing more rewarding than making a positive impact and difference to the lives of the people we support.

Recruitment

ADMINISTRATOR SOUGHT FOR SHAFTESBURY OFFICE. Would suit Legal Secretary. Pay dependent on experience. Flexible hours (with a minimum of 30 per week). References essential. Please call 07742 419491

MOBILE CLEANER REQUIRED. Must be over 25 for insurance purposes. Dorchester and surrounding areas. 25 hours per week + overtime. Training provided. 07788 593040

COUNTER ASSISTANT WITH FOOD HANDLING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE. Full time at Pamphill Butchery, BH21 4ED. Call Ed on 01202 857137 or info@ pamphilldairy.co.uk.

EVENING CLEANER REQUIRED, 3 hours per evening. Monday-Friday. Key position, training provided. £10 ph. 17 miles from Dorchester. For further information emails toniedwards709@gmail.com

SITUATIONS WANTED

EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER available for night care. Insured, dbs and references. Contact 07792 063215

WINTER WORK WANTED Anything considered Call Ruth 07851 727696

STONE, RECLAIMED FOR WALLS etc, builders bag full £48 each plus free rubble, collection only, Wincanton 07790 827610

35mm FILM CAMERAS. Nikon F90XSLR & Lenses. Leica & Canon Compact Zoom. Agfa 2 1/4 Square. Other Accessories. Offers 01935 423088

COLLECTION OF 27 PRESCHOOL CHILDRENS

BOOKS includes, dinosaurs, learning, pop-up, activity, etc.as new condition £10 lot 01747 835680

MASTERCHEF AS NEW WOK - £9.99 2 SETS OF PETER RABBIT TRIO SET £30 ono for both TILED BONTEMPI GUITAR - £10 07936-107031

BREVILLE MICROWAVE

17 Litre Solo, 800 watts, Manual/Dial controls, Gc. Manual and Box £20. Gillingham 01747 824240

DEMIJOHNS 9 LARGE,3 SMALL plus 3 fermenting bins £12. Quantity of flared tip candle bulbs,40W & 60W B22 & SES. £1 each (not Led). 07721 530520

33 LP's - COUNTRY

WESTERN - £5007770 778740

WINGBACK, MINT GREEN ARMCHAIR. High 21" seat. Easier for ageing limbs to sit and stand. Excellent condition. £50. 07840 915538

VINTAGE DOLLS HOUSE and Furniture. 1960’s Triang Broom Dolls House and furniture. Good condition. £30 01935-813097

STIHL SH 85. Leaf blower/sucker. Complete. £50. Tel. 01935 814404

CURVED CORNER OFFICE DESK. Beech finish. V sturdy. 1600mm x 1150mm x 610mm x 810mm. Height 720mm. Disassembles to flat pack. £45 07973 222526

LOVELY CLASSIC GUITAR, unmarked, would make super room decoration , all strung and ready to play. £25 Ono 01747 822422

LARGE QUANTITY OF PAPERBACKS, “Fletcher,Frazer,Hayer” and 22 Beatrix Potter £30 lot. Box Postcards £15 job lot. 01258 820806

TRAM SEATS – pair wooden seats and metal framework, possibly 1930's, need repair £10 cash; mob 07774-628-641

DOMESTIC TRIPLE EXTENSION LADDER 23 feet 7 inches. VGC hardly used. £50 Ono buyer to collect. Shaftesbury 07971 118899

2 IN 1 ROGER BLACK CROSS TRAINER/exercise bike, hardly used. £50.00. Tel: 07733 489267

MINI 2009 ALLOY WHEEL 6-spoke wheel in good condition with NEW Avon tyre 175/65R15 (cost £70+) £50.00 - 01963 220506

LADIES RALEIGH

BICYCLE, two toned Purple/ 10 gears, very good condition. Could Sarah please phone. Tel 01747 841088 – £45

PARROT CAGE 4 FEET

LONG x 5 feet high x 30 inches wide. Electric reclining chair & XXL microwave Tel 01747 841088 – 07855 820332

SPANISH STYLE

TAPESTRY upholstered winged armchair. Little used. £40. Gillingham 01747 821437

ELECTRIC RISER RECLINER TIP-UP ARMCHAIR, excellent condition, beige, hardly used, cost new £1,249 can deliver £380 Tel: 01202 571839

BROWN LEATHER SOFA & chair, good condition £50 Gillingham 07745 876272

FORD FIESTA SPARE WHEEL & Tyre 195/50/15 £50 call 01963 31656

GARDEN SHREDDER. Works efficiently. Max cutting diameter 40 mm. £40 ono. 01963 845162

BOYS BIKE AGE 5-9 YEARS as new £10 Tel 01747 822422

PHASE EIGHT QUILTED 3/4 ZIP FRONT COAT, navy, with fur trimmed hood, size 10. Hardly worn £40 01258 818219

HARRODS TEDDY BEARS 2006 Alexander and 2007 Benjamin £15 each 01963 846141

6 ORNAMENTAL YORKSHIRE TERRIER DOGS. 2 large, 2 medium, 2 small. £50 ono. 07522 007423

CHRISTMAS SALES AT ST JAMES CHURCH, Longburton, DT9 5PG in aid of the Lily Foundation, 19 November. books, bric-abrac, craft, stalls, Christmas gifts (longfelt wants) free entry. Ring Sheila 01963 210486 for information

FULL SET OF WOODS (BOWLS) with bag, plus size 9 shoes £25 OVNO 07545065503 or 01258 820641

BATESOM TWIN AXLE PLATFORM TRAILER. 12 Ft bed length. Heavy duty ‘speed’ winch with sturdy vehicle ramps. Recent new floor, very tough trailer. £1480 ono. No Vat. Near Sherborne. Call Tom 01963 220438

Items for Sale

LADIES BLACK

WINDSMOOR 3 Quarter length coat 38 inches, detachable fur collar. Size 16/18 as new. £25 01202 861588

WOOD AND MULTI FUEL STOVES at discount prices. Latest pervious and exdisplay models traditional and modern design Wessex wood burners 01747 853110

PAIR OF MULTI-YORKE ARMCHAIRS. In excellent condition. £50 each ono. 01747 870304

YAMAHA ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH CASE Yas-23 Serviced and Excellent condition £450-00, Almeria Guitar with cover £45 call 01258 472826

LARGE COLLECTION OF SECOND HAND BOOKS. Free to collect. 07903 399377

WORKSHOP CLEARANCE sale. Including bandsaw,flipover saw,pillar drill,compressor,routers. bench etc. Further details call John: 01963 250144

WANTED CAR TRAILERS of all types 07736 871092

EXPERIENCING ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELDS affecting telephone, computing and television. Experienced assistance needed. Email newagerock@icloud.com

BEEKEEPING HONEY Extractor Equipment. 01747 822368

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

FREE

Time to maintain hedgerow havens

by Tria Stebbing

With the sheep happily grazing, it is time to turn our attention to the security and maintenance side of the field. We plan to keep the ewes on autumn grazing in the next village for as long as there is good grass. This gives us time to look carefully at the hedges in our own field. How boring…but it’s nice work in the wintery sun, and far better to have it sorted before the sheep come back. It is also a great social activity, and so many people stop to ask how to lay hedges.

Him indoors, or in our world ‘him outdoors’, has been working hard laying the hedges on our boundary. Hedgelaying is a craft that has been practised for hundreds of years. It allows the hedge to slowly increase in size and stay healthy, as well as providing a stock barrier and dense habitat for wildlife. If you see a hedge that looks as though

it has been plaited or woven at the bottom rather than harshly cut across the top, the chances are that it has been laid. In different parts of the country there are even different styles of laying.

When you lay a hedge, you bend or partially cut through the shrubbery and arch the stems without breaking them so they can be intertwined, forming a dense base from which shoots will form future height.

Pleaching is the term used to describe the partially cut stem, which is laid over. Sap will continue to rise through this small piece and will force the plant to regenerate, shooting new life from its base. This is nature’s own mindfulness, to sit in the sun, pleaching and weaving the ‘liggers’, knowing that you are making a hedge secure, thick and a haven for nature.

Don’t confuse the delicate art of hedge laying with the work of the huge machinery currently flailing the hedgerows next to our roads. These hedges can only be cut back at certain times of the year – flailing is not allowed between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds. It looks barbaric at times, but flailing is necessary to maintain light levels and to prevent the hedges encroaching into the fields or the roadside. Sadly, it’s simply not practical

for a farmer to sit basking in the sun laying his hedge by hand, hence those big tractors crawling along with their huge arms spread out – usually when you are in a hurry!

Our sheep also do an amazing job of keeping the hedge back. One, who we call black nose, is often found on her back legs working her way along the hedgerow picking her way through the leaves.

There are other jobs too. The stock fence will need tensioning, because one of the lambs had a fascination for putting her head through it last spring – the grass always being greener on the other side of a fence. The field will be safer for this essential maintenance and when I am walking the perimeter in the dark and mud next spring trying to put the sheep to bed I will at least be confident that they can’t escape… I hope!

Dairy farmer always open to change

Catherine Pickford, who farms at Alford Fields Farm near Castle Cary, has been awarded the coveted Farmers Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year for 2022.

Catherine has grown, moved farms and adapted her farming practices to the business it is today, milking 400 spring calving cows and supplying local cheesemaker Barbers

milk

from grazed grass.

The secret to her success has been her openness to change

and taking calculated budgeted risks including milking once a day for five years on her previous dairy farm and then moving to Alford Fields Farm, doubling the herd size and reverting back to twice a day milking since.

Catherine is an active member of her discussion group Gillingham Grazers, which has been a source of confidence and learning of best practice from peers and is now inspiring and helping the next generation of members to achieve their goals.

She is a role model and

inspiration to the dairy industry, especially highlighting the importance of women in the dairy industry. Five years ago, another member of Gillingham Grazers, the Loder family won the same national prize.

Catherine has been a consultancy client of the Farm Consultancy Group based at Sherborne for 24 years, initially with Gerard Finnan and for the last nine years with Phil Cooper.

Gerard said: “Catherine has always been willing to improve, focusing on clear goals to improving business profitability

to secure her future. This is now giving the next generation of farmer the opportunity, with her herd manager Nathan Crocker, buying into the business and sharing in its success.”

Catherine said: “Investing in the consultancy service with Phil, Gerard and their team has enabled us to take control of our business with monitored business planning which minimises risk in taking our big decisions. They have provided the skills that I lack in my team and have enabled us to grow our business faster with less risk.”

Insurer moves to support farmers better

Farming insurance specialist

Cornish Mutual is extending its range of services to better support farmers in an increasingly challenging climate.

“Farmers are going through a period of extraordinary challenge with the removal of farming subsidies and changes to environmental schemes, alongside pressures of climate change and high input prices,” said managing director Peter Beaumont.

“While the classic insurance

ATV

Flailing, harrowing & rolling

Tractor or ATV, Muck away, Digger work, All aspects of

work 07711

VARIOUS

response would be to diversify into other sectors we are doing the opposite and instead are increasing our commitment to the farming community.”

He added that results from a recent risk survey carried out by Cornish Mutual highlighted many farmers are deeply concerned about upcoming changes and unsure where to turn for information and advice.

Expanding its services beyond insurance products to help farmers manage risk would therefore assist businesses to

build profitability and resilience, increase natural resources and protect people.

Partnerships with technology companies would enable Cornish Mutual to give members access to cutting edge products. An early example is a collaboration with Quanturi to provide members with the HAYTECH probe which can reduce the incidence of haybarn fires and protect hay quality.

Advice provision will also play an important part. The organisation’s new health and

safety guide offers free advice and a template for farmers and farm managers to create risk management policies for their businesses.

Those needing more in-depth advice and support can access paid-for services which include farm visits and provision of policies to cover all aspects of health and safety including risk management and recordkeeping.

To find out more visit Cornish Mutual’s website www. cornishmutual.co.uk

CARAVAN

old,

caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service.

call 01935 873169

livestock in

livestock in

livestock in

Somerset

Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Please call the office on 01258 472314

Please call the office on 01258 472314

Please call the office on 01258 472314

Farming Bird flu: Vigilance is vital with our

by Ruth Kimber

The turkeys are growing well and have enjoyed the pastures – however, we are really worried about bird flu and have increased our bio-security. The closest case is only 20 miles away, so vigilance is key.

We can only do our best and pray our flock will keep safe.

We have been busy on the farm preparing for winter – most of the cattle will live in the farm barns during the winter months. The cows pretty much tell us when they don’t want to go into the fields any more this season! They linger around the gateways and along the track which leads to the pastures. The quality and taste of the grass this time of year has fallen. The grass becomes wet and stale. The cows much prefer the silage made of fresh spring grass! Having said that, some of the young stock will be happy and healthy outside on longer

term pastures. It is important the animals have the right food. Cows’

needs are different as milk producers than young stock whose needs are to grow a good

frame. Beef cattle’s needs are different again – they need to grow a good frame then finish

Bio-security has been increased to protect the turkey flock, says Ruth Kimber

flock of turkeys

All

We were so glad of the late summer/early autumn flush of

after the rain, which meant we were able to make more silage and extend the grazing season. More rain is needed to replenish the aquafers and reservoirs for next year.

The state of the whole world has probably not been so unstable since the Second World War – costs are rising but thankfully the value of food seems to be recognised more. The importance of

keeping waste to a minimum has never been more important for our purses and long-term improvement in our environment and climate change. Education is the route to teaching our young and not so young people how to budget – produce a nutritious tasty meal with affordable ingredients, conserve energy and water in our homes and workplaces. We really need a reset in our lives.

As Christmas is coming, we must spare a thought for our environment and buy gifts that are sensitive to our world. Less plastic, lower food and goods miles.

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn; Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD; phone: 01963 33177; www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; opening times Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

incalf BRB heifer. STIRKS (431) Steers to £1210 (LIMX). Others £1100 (CHX) £990 (BRBX) & £980 (LIMX). Heifers to £980 (LIMX). Others £915 (LIMX) £860 (2x) (CHX & LIMX) & £805 (LIMX). CALVES (670) - Beef Bulls to £352 (BRBX). Others £330 (BRBX) £320 (5x BRBX & AA) & £315 (3x

£245 (2x

CATTLE (102) Steers UTM av 209.8ppk to 260.0ppk & £1,755.00. Others 240.0ppk, 239.5ppk & 233.5ppk. Others £1,685.63, £1,576.80 & £1,543.30. Heifers UTM av 205.5ppk

Others

to 246.5ppk and £1,618.40. Others 243.5ppk, 241.5ppk & 239.5ppk. Others £1,601.40, £1,579.75 & £1,472.79. BARREN COWS (74) Continental av 165.3ppk to 213.5ppk and £1,712.27. Native Beef av 148.2ppk to 186.5ppk and £1,384.50. Dairy av 131.5ppk to 164.5ppk and £1,184.40. FINISHED SHEEP Lambs (536) ave 220.42ppk to 252.0ppk and £131.00. Others 250.0ppk, 247.0ppk & 246.0ppk. Others £130.00 (2x) £126.00 & £125.00 (5x).

for a powerful shearling. Others £470. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020 PRIME CATTLE (93) Steers UTM av 187.4ppk to 213.5ppk & £1,327.28. Others 209.5ppk, 209.0ppk, 208.0ppk & 206.5ppk. Others £1,293.63, £1,287.00, £1,283.12, £1,280.30 & £1,261.77. Heifers UTM av 180.7ppk to 214.5ppk (2x) and £1,310.50. Others 204.5ppk, 204.0ppk, 199.0ppk (2x) & 197.0ppk. Others £1,233.42, £1,205.05, £1,201.20, £1,168.50 & £1,138.32. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others £882.97 & £861.77. Dairy av 97.8ppk to 113.5ppk and £966.89. Others 112.5ppk & 109.5ppk. Others £945.73 & £914.63. FINISHED SHEEP (654) Lamb ave 202.94ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk, 220.0ppk & 219.0ppk.

£108.00

Monthly Sale of

Monthly

Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm

commences at approx. 12.30pm in Ring 1 **Live

on MartEye,

at gth.marteye.ie**

S/Horn, He, Ped Lim, L/Horn &

with August 22 onwards born

at

at

with

All

Including an incalf

to be sold with the

Air

until July born

– Cows previously

after. 3

1 Hereford cross

of

with

Monthly Sale of Breeding Ewes, Ewe Lambs &

(

Fortnightly

Ring 2 Orange Market

Sale of Native Store Cattle

Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle –

Months & Over, Prime Cattle &

Cows.

to be booked in with

to be obtained from Truro

on 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale

Local farmers invited to Cornish Mutual farm walks

“At Cornish Mutual, we know that farmers learn from other farmers and our latest series of farm walks will help them do just that”, says Tiffany Bailey, Farming Engagement Coordinator.

Hosted by farms across Dorset and the South West, the events are an opportunity for farmers to see how other farm businesses are diversifying into new areas or addressing current challenges. The farm walks take place on a range of different farm types and include hearing from the host farmers, a tour of the property and time for discussion and networking.

“There’s nothing better than seeing something for yourself,” said Tiffany. “As well as learning first-hand from the hosts, farmers will be able to discuss what interests or concerns them and share their own experiences.

“In this series, we’re concentrating on subjects central to our farming community and where Cornish Mutual is working with local experts to bring

valuable advice and support. These include soil health, succession planning, health & safety and rural crime.”

“Details of all our farm walks and upcoming events can be found on our website,” said Tiffany. “We are also keen

to hear from any farmers who might be interested in hosting an event.”

Measures combat surge in bird flu

New measures have been introduced to stop the spread of bird flu as cases soar.

Chief Veterinary Officers in England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading among poultry and captive birds.

From noon on Monday (October 17), it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

Implementing the highest levels of biosecurity measures on farm is the most effective way to reduce the risk of disease spreading within flocks, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The introduction of the AIPZ comes after the country has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian flu, with 190 cases confirmed across the UK since late October 2021 – more than 30 of these confirmed since the beginning of the month.

Now, keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential individuals on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures, and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for

consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

The introduction of an AIPZ follows a decision to raise the risk level for avian influenza incursion in wild birds in Great Britain from ‘medium’ to ‘high’.

For poultry and captive birds, the risk level has been raised from ‘medium’ to ‘high’ at premises where biosecurity is below the required standards, and from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ where stringent biosecurity measures are applied.

The AIPZ, now in force across Great Britain, does not include a nationwide requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review, the authority said. It does mean birdkeepers must:

• Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and that ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off – except in specific circumstances, for example, zoo birds

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources

• Feed and water birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds

Keepers should familiarise themselves with avian flu advice and report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.

Nr Chippenham

116.23-acre (47.04ha)

TO LET on behalf of Wiltshire Council by informal tender. A mixed farm with two dwellings and diversification potential. Range of modern and traditional farm buildings. Viewing strictly by appointment only on the 24th November and 8th December. Tender deadline 13th January 2023. Council Tax Band D and E. EPC exempt.

Chris Powell 01380 710535

West Parley

38.70 acres (15.66 ha)

TO LET. An equestrian holding comprising permanent pasture and substantial, high-quality facilities including circa 35 stables, two 20m x 40m equestrian schools, office and shop.

To Let by Tender. Tender deadline 4th November 2022.

Guide Price £43,000 pa

Morgan Clement 01202 843190

East Chinnock

10.08 acres (4.08 ha)

A single parcel of pasture land with areas of trees situated on the edge of the village and boasting far-reaching views over adjoining countryside. For sale by informal tender. Tender deadline 23rd November 2022.

Guide £100,000.

Lucy Carnell 01935 382901

Christchurch

0.83 acres (0.37 ha)

A parcel of permanent pasture surrounded by mature boundaries, occupying a secluded, peaceful location only 2 miles from Christchurch. Sited on the land is a dilapidated building. For Sale by informal tender. Tender deadline 25th November.

Guide £30,000

Morgan Clement 01202 843190

CORNWALL

Auction 17 November 2022

Hall,

and via Livestream

The

and

Winterborne

A

Blandford

A

TBC;

F.

Left to right: Bridget Legg, Imogen Judd, John Savage, David Price, Neal Wilson, Rosie Thorpe

Vacancies Available

Sexey’s Hospital is a Charity that provides affordable almshouse accommodation to elderly people in need. In order to be considered as a potential resident, applicants must be at least 60 years of age, be in need and be able to live independently. There are 24 1-bedroom flats on the 17th century site which is located between Bruton High St and Lower Backway. The flats are mostly suitable for single people, but couples may also be accommodated.

Residents facilitate a wide range of activities for themselves, including summer and Christmas outings, cards, scrabble, film and supper nights. A Warden is on hand during the daytime to act in the role of “good neighbour” and the extensive gardens produce flowers, fruit and vegetables for use by the residents for most of the year.

Residents pay a Monthly Maintenance Contribution which covers the accommodation and other services such as gas and electricity. Our properties qualify for housing benefit should you be in receipt of this already or are entitled to claim it. Free parking can be made available to those residents using a car.

We are expecting several flats to become available in the near future and would welcome applicants that satisfy the above criteria. If you are interested in one of our properties, an application form can be obtained by phoning the duty Warden on 01749 813172 or by submitting an enquiry form via our website – www.sexeyshospital.org

The Trustees would particularly welcome applications from people living in Bruton, Wyke, Redlynch, Batcombe, Brewham, Lamyatt, Pitcombe, Shepton Montague or Upton Noble. For further information, please contact the Master, Helen Rogerson 01749 814998 or via magister@hshbruton.co.uk.