The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 114

A JEWEL OF A FIND!

Metal detectorist uncovers 16th century mourning ring in Vale countryside...

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War veteran receives France’s highest military honour

A “REMARKABLE” 105-yearold veteran from Castle Cary has been awarded France’s highest military and civil distinction.

Sydney “John” Maskell was

The BBC also provided his family with footage of Mr Maskell from their archives, offering a poignant reminder of his legacy.

The MP is calling for urgent

News

Signs of Spring

MILLIONS of snowdrops are beginning to bloom at the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy in Dorset.

Flowering between January and March, snowdrops are one of the first signs of life in gardens after the long winter months.

The grounds at Kingston Lacy have more than 40 varieties of snowdrop, with carpets of these delicate white flowers to see across the garden and estate.

Visitors can find swathes of common snowdrops along the along Lime Avenue or in Nursery Wood, while the rarer varieties are planted in the shelter of the Victorian Fernery, where raised beds provide an opportunity to see the flowers up close.

More snowdrops can be spotted along Lady’s Walk, where Henrietta Bankes (1867-1953), a passionate horticulturalist, first had her

gardener plant snowdrops in the early 1900s.

Thanks to Henrietta’s foundational planting, Kingston Lacy is now well known for its spectacular snowdrop displays.

However, snowdrops are being impacted by climate change.

Research carried out at Kew Gardens has shown that the flowering season has moved from around the end of February in the 1950s to early January in the 1990s.

Today, some snowdrops are spotted in early December.

“This flowering season has certainly started earlier than usual,” said Andrew Hunt, head gardener at Kingston Lacy.

“It’s been a mild, wet winter, so we’ve seen our early snowdrops coming out before Christmas whereas even last year they were coming out two or three weeks later.”

Andrew added: “I never tire of seeing snowdrops pop up.

Police presence

Picture and text by George Jeans

THE new Wiltshire Police mobile police station made a great effort to attend in the Salisbury Street car park, Mere, on Thursday, January 16.

Although the new mobile police station was unavailable on the day, those who did visit were appreciated.

The police will continue to visit village and small town locations as well as community events, inviting the public to speak with local officers and share any concerns.

“As one of the earliest flowers of the year, they’re a welcome reminder that spring is on the way.

“Kingston Lacy has a particularly splendid display of more than six million bulbs that are always popular with visitors.”

Snowdrops aren’t the only attraction in the garden at Kingston Lacy at this time of year.

Winter-flowering cherries bloom in the Japanese garden and the first camellias begin to bloom. Elsewhere, colourful cyclamen can be seen among the snowdrops as well as the unusual blooms of witch-hazel and speckled flowers of Hellebores.

Landmark restaurant closing ‘with deep sadness’

A DORSET restaurant is shutting down next month.

Bank House Brasserie, in Sturminster Newton, is shutting for the final time on February 15.

In a social media post announcing the move, husband and wife team Dawn and Oliver said: “It is with deep sadness that we are writing to inform you that Bank House Brasserie will be closing permanently.

“We would like to thank you for all your support and we hope to see you before we close.”

Bank House opened at a former Barclays Bank building in 2020, and offered diners an experience that was “not run of the mill”.

The independent, family-run restaurant promised a “simple and eclectic” menu.

However, the pair reminded anyone with gift vouchers for the eatery to ensure they book.

“If you have any gift vouchers, please ensure you use them before this date (February 15) – please note these are not refundable or transferable,” they added.

Drug driver gets three-year ban after crash that hospitalised children

A YEOVIL man has been handed a three-year driving ban after he crashed into a car in Sherborne, injuring two children.

The 53-year-old was driving a cement mixer on the A30 in the direction of Sherborne at around 12.30pm on July 24, 2023 when he drove through a red light, causing him to crash into the side of a blue Audi A5 that was making a right-hand turn into Sheeplands Lane.

The rear passengers of the Audi, a ten-year-old and an 11-year-old, were seriously injured in the crash and sustained injuries including a fractured pelvis, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs, lung injuries and a lacerated liver.

The defendant failed a roadside drugs wipe and a subsequent toxicology report

The man crashed into a car turning right into Sheeplands Lane Picture: Google

revealed his blood contained over six and a half times the legal limit of benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of the drug cocaine.

PC James Hazell, of the roads policing team at Dorset Police, said: “The driver in this case used drugs over the weekend before the collision, which led to him still being over the limit on a Monday when

driving and operating a heavy goods vehicle.

“The careless actions of the defendant that saw him go through a red light led to serious consequences for two innocent children.

“The children both received treatment in hospital and faced a long period of recovery during the school summer holidays when they should have been

able to freely enjoy themselves.

“I hope this case is a reminder to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence that it can have a serious impact on other innocent road users.

“Anyone thinking of driving and operating a heavy goods vehicle must do so while taking extra care and consideration for those around them.”

The defendant was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (January 14) after admitting offences of causing serious injury by careless driving and driving while over the specified drug limit.

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New houses to replace chicken farm

FIVE new houses can be built on the outskirts of Gillingham after plans were approved by Dorset Council last week.

The owners of the former chicken farm on Bay Road – Savage Cat Farm – submitted plans to demolish three agricultural poultry barns at the site and replace it with five new energy-efficient houses.

The farm was used as a broiler chicken business for more than 25 years, with the business producing more than 1.5 million chickens a year.

According to the planning statement, the farm’s main supplying contract was cancelled due to Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) rules in regard to maximum distances from their processing factory in Oxford.

Things were made even more difficult for the business as the only other processor is found in Cullompton which is over 60 miles away, and they were not taking on new farms at present as they have a large group of nearby farmers who supply them.

Prior approval was granted previously for the conversion of the buildings in May 2023 – but these latest plans include the installation of a solar array and a “vastly improved” design for the houses.

The houses would be a mix of three three-beds and two four-beds.

The plans faced opposition from

Gillingham Town Council, who requested the application be considered by Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee as they say the proposals are “out of character with the area” and will have an “adverse effect” on the rural character of the Gillingham Royal Forest Project Area.

They also raised issues with the site’s distance from Gillingham – roughly two miles from the town centre – arguing the houses would be classed as remote and those living there would be reliant on the use of cars.

According to Whiteacre Planning, who put the plans together on behalf of Savage Cat Farm, extensive landscaping would also enable the site to be restored, with the majority of the site returning to grass, trees and hedgerows thanks to replanting efforts.

A large bank of solar panels, previously used on the farm site, would be reused to provide renewable energy for the entire site.

“This scheme provides a vastly improved design in terms of space and living conditions compared to that already approved,” Whiteacre Planning said in the design and access statement.

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THE Madding Crowd ukulele band – pictured – will be performing at Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival in the town hall in support of Shaftesbury Dementia Friendly Community.

Residents evacuated as fire blazes through care home roof

A FAULTY wall socket is believed to have started a fire at a Dorchester care home –leading to the evacuation of residents.

The incident, at the Grassington House facility in Prince of Wales Road, was reported at around 10.05pm January 18.

Crews from Dorchester, Weymouth and Bere Regis were initially sent to the scene, followed by a second crew from Weymouth, two crews from Bridport, and others from Portland, Blandford, Wareham and Yeovil (Devon and Somerset FRS), as well as the aerial ladder platform from Yeovil and a command unit from Hamworthy.

At the height of the incident, around 50 firefighters were tackling the blaze.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, at around 2.30am, crews said they had extinguished the blaze, which was in the roof of the building.

“The crews did a great job at assisting

residents from all levels of the building and we believe 11 residents were displaced and rehoused by the local authority,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fir and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for the patience and support received.”

They said an investigation on Sunday indicated the cause of the fire was “believed to be accidental, due to a fault in a doublewall socket”.

Bringing the library to you

IF you, or someone you know, finds it difficult to get to your library due to health or mobility issues, the Home Library Service is here to help.

Whether you need help long term, seasonally or temporarily – post operation, for example, or during the winter – books and audio books can be delivered every three or four weeks from your local library by Royal Voluntary Service volunteers.

Some Libraries can even supply jigsaws on loan.

This service is free and staffed by trusted volunteers who are all DBS checked and carry ID badges.

Interested? Please call the Dorchester office of the Royal Voluntary Service on 01305 236666 or email dorsethomelibraryservice@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

You can also contact your local library directly to sign up for the service.

Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze in Dorchester.

Picture: DWFRS

One ring to rule them all found in the Vale!

WITH engraved figures and a skull etched into gold, it bears a striking resemblance to the ‘one ring’ from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books.

THe piece – discovered near Shillingstone in 2021 – is actually a 17th-century mourning ring, with initials and a death date engraved in the precious metal.

It was found in Dorset by metal detectorist Anthony Woolmington, who initially thought the ring was a more modern piece – but further inspection revealed its true historical significance.

“I found the ring on what I think may have been an old pathway running across the pasture,” he said. “It was about 8 inches down in soft ground, and at first, I thought it was quite modern, however, we quickly realised it was much older, probably from the 16th or 17th century.”

jewellery seems to have minimal intrinsic value, it’s always worth bringing it to auction.

“You never know when an item has historical or emotional significance that could elevate its value far beyond its scrap metal worth.”

At first glance, the ring appeared to be an ordinary 18-carat gold wedding band but on closer inspection, Hanson identified it as a mourning ring — a rare type of commemorative jewellery that became popular after the English Reformation, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The ring, now confirmed to be a mourning ring from 1692, will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers’ February Coin and Historical Sale.

It weighs in at just 3.7 grams, made of gold worth under £200, but experts at Hansons estimate the ring could fetch between £600 and £800 due to its historical rarity and striking design.

Charles Hanson, auctioneer and owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Even when

Mayor’s thanks

The ring features a distinctive D-shaped crosssection and an incised skull on its exterior, which faces to the left. This detailed design includes eyes represented by two circular recesses, a raised central oval to form a nose, and two sets of teeth indicated by five vertical lines.

The inside of the band reveals a maker’s mark—a Gothic capital B — which pinpoints its creation to the year 1692.

Further engraving on the interior of the ring includes the initials ML and the date of death, ‘23rd April 1692’.

Helen Smith, head of jewellery at Hansons, added: “The discovery of such a ring is truly remarkable. Mourning rings were often crafted to commemorate

THE Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Councillor Jeff Hart, has thanked all the shops and businesses in the town for their generosity in donating prizes for the Mayor’s charity events.

He said: “I am so appreciative of the kindness shown by local businesses and shops in providing such fantastic prizes for raffles and tombolas.

“I’ve received about £600 worth of meal vouchers, gift items, bottles, jewellery and books, which will be used as prizes at events like this week’s Celebration of Song, and the Auction of Promises on March 19.

“I’m supporting two wonderful charities – Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne.

“Having reached my initial target of £5,000, I am now aiming to raise £8,000.”

For more information about the event, contact community events and liaison officer, Gary Mason, at Wimborne Minster Town Council at gary.mason@wimborne.gov.uk or on 01202 881655.

significant losses, particularly during times of turmoil such as the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, and the subsequent political upheaval.

“This ring is an extraordinary example of both craftsmanship and the deeply personal nature of jewellery in that era. The fact that this mourning ring has survived more than 350 years is a testament to its enduring significance.”

When the ring was created, England was beset by conflict and tragedy. Civil war, the execution of a monarch, the plague of 1665, and the Great Fire of London in 1666 were all close by.

Mourning rings served as a poignant reminder of mortality and were often commissioned by families to mark the death of a loved one or commemorate significant events such as royal executions.

Hanson said: “If only this ring could talk, we could learn so much about the life it commemorates.

“It’s an incredible piece of history, and we are thrilled to be able to offer it to collectors and history enthusiasts.”

The ring, which was discovered in 2021, will be featured in Hansons’ February Coin and Historical Sale on February 27.

Hair raising fun with Hayley!

Text by Sue Jeans, pictures by Vicky Wagland MERE brownies and guides spent a fun evening learning about the art of hairdressing with Hayley from Hayley’s Hair Design.

Hayley talked about and demonstrated – ably assisted by her daughter – a variety of procedures. The girls were then let loose on Hayley’s training heads – they created some amazing hair styles.

Some of the girls with longer hair were given French plaits and left the meeting with their new styles.

Wassail ceremony

VILLAGERS gathered at Quiet Corner Farm in Henstridge on Saturday for the annual Wassail ceremony in the old orchard.

Following the ancient custom (the Anglo-Saxon word wassail means ‘be in good health’) around 40 revellers banged pots and pans to ward off evil spirits and to wake the trees up from their winter slumber. Illuminated by lanterns and bonfires, they joined the Wassail queen for the traditional ceremony around one of the orchard’s oldest trees to bring a good harvest this year.

The ritual includes making offerings to the apple tree in the form of toast placed in its branches, cider poured around the base of the tree and singing to it. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed hot mulled apple juice, more song and a good bite to eat in the barn.

Stolen items recovered

TWO dog statues, believed to have been stolen from West Dorset, have been recovered by police.

Officers recovered suspected stolen items, including highvalue power tools, gardening equipment and two statues from a vehicle in Dorchester on January 7.

The items are believed to have been stolen from Bridport and the surrounding areas in West Dorset.

PC Lauren Edwards, of Dorset Police, said: “As part of my enquiries, I am now issuing an image of the statues in a bid to try and find their owner.

“I would ask anyone who recognises them, or knows who they may belong to, to please get in touch.

“Also, if anyone has had a number of STIHL power tools or gardening equipment stolen from the West Dorset area recently, please get in touch with a full description of the item, including serial number, proof of purchase and any other distinguishing marks.

“If the items match the information you provide us, we will be in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via 101 or by making a report on their website using reference number 55250002574.

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Blackmarsh farm shop plans

A NEW farm shop has been proposed for the outskirts of Sherborne.

A planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council to change the use of one of the barns at the family-run Blackmarsh Farm at Dodd’s Cross, in Sherborne, to form a new farm shop.

The plans state the new venture would sit next to the already established toy barn, with both enterprises operating together.

The agent on behalf of the farm said: “The applicants, as well as being committed to farming and their food supply business, have the expertise to run a farm shop business at this site, which will fit in with the toy shop business and is already well established and this combined enterprise will provide an additional amount of employment for local people.

“The building that the toy barn operates from is a small section of the larger barn complex and the whole barn will be utilised by this business and this proposal sets out the change of use.”

The agent added that the proposed change in use would be “straightforward” as the plans don’t set out to alter the visual appearance of the barn or the structure of the building and that the internal fit out will be with portable/removable shelving, counters and equipment.

The farm underwent a major refurbishment in 2022 to introduce a shop alongside food and leisure facilities.

To view and comment on the plans, visit planning.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk and search reference P/FUL/2025/00243.

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August Motors, based in the heart of Salisbury

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

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

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Cafe culture: News from North Dorset Railway

by Hilary Daniels

ANYONE who remembers the film Brief Encounter must acknowledge that the cafe is an essential part of any station –and Shillingstone is no exception.

Shillingstone station’s buildings were originally built in 1863 and are a rare survivor of original Somerset and Dorset Railway architecture.

When the line finally closed in 1966, all other stations of this style were demolished, but Shillingstone, along with its track bed, was bought by Dorset County Council for a by-pass which never materialised and, almost by accident, survived.

The main building became a small industrial workshop for the MENCAP charity then, when it moved to larger premises, a furniture business

took it over.

By the time that went into liquidation in 1998, the buildings and platforms were in a sorry state –thieves had stripped the lead from the roof and broken many roof slates.

But the station has been restored and is now operated by the heritage charity North Dorset Railway, and includes a popular cafe open three days a week, between 10am and 4pm, throughout the year.

are! Not forgetting the sausage rolls, pasties, soups and – when the weather is kinder – ice creams.

is run entirely by volunteers.

Depending on the season, visitors might choose to sit in the warm and cosy log-fired station building, enjoy the fresh air and fabulous views on the platform, or be in the classic railway carriage.

The much-admired homemade cakes on offer often run out, that’s how good they

The station, its exhibitions and cafe can be accessed by visitors and trailway users alike, free of charge, on Wednesdays and weekends.

A significant proportion of the cafe income funds the maintenance of the buildings, restoration of railway rolling stock and future developments.

And like everything at the North Dorset Railway, the cafe

Cafe lead, Heather Bland, said: “I love being involved in a shared project which is fun, has taught me new skills – even at my age – and brings me into contact with some great people, and all without getting wet or cold!”

Anyone who would like to join the cafe team would be very welcome. Come and say hello!

Shillingstone Station cafe lead, Heather Bland

First tenant moves into Almshouse

WORK on new almshouse accommodation in Sherborne has been completed – and a new tenant has moved into another property.

Sherborne’s St John’s Almshouse charity has unveiled the first stage of its project to remodel part of the building to provide independent affordable accommodation.

Charity trustees said they are “delighted” to have made the new property – Garden Cottage – available.

It is the first to be finished after previous almshouse accommodation was shut and staff made redundant.

Now, the property is being redeveloped to create accommodation, alongside tea rooms and community space, in partnership with neighbouring Sherborne Abbey.

Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt, said: “Last year saw some really positive developments for the Almshouse. Firstly, we agreed our new collaboration with the Abbey which will breathe new life into the building through the Abbey’s community work, while enabling us to provide townsfolk with much needed affordable accommodation.

“We also opened our doors for a public open day and received overwhelming

support for our plans from the people that came. Our new MP Edward Morello has visited twice, and the Town Council has voiced support.

“A few months ago, the laundry room at the Almshouse housed washing machines, clothes airers and washing powder. Now it has been transformed into a kitchen diner. Rooms have been redecorated and the windows repaired too.

“We also have our first new unit, our Garden Cottage, completed. With a bedroom and bathroom upstairs, the unit is now occupied, providing a much-needed new home in the centre of the town.

“Our cottage in Trendle Street, which has remained open since the main House was

Luxury residential care at Millbrook House

Located at the foot of Hambledon Hill, Millbrook House is an elegant, spacious Georgian residence set in two acres of beautiful gardens in the North Dorset village of Child Okeford. A residential care home which allows our residents to enjoy peaceful surroundings, opulent décor, beautifully landscaped gardens, excellent cuisine and like-minded companionship in a stunning Georgian residence. Millbrook House provides this, along with an extemporary care team in a homely and loving environment.

temporarily closed, also has a new resident.”

The collaboration involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey was announced last year and will see some rooms remodelled to enable affordable independent living for people from the area.

Elsewhere in the landmark building, the Abbey will use downstairs space for a traditional tearoom and a suite of rooms upstairs to provide a support centre for young people and separate space for community projects.

Richard added: “2025 will be a very important year for the Almshouse. We need funds to make our vision a reality. We are sure that the town will back us.

“We all know that affordable accommodation is badly needed and we hope that before too long, and with the right support, we will be offering more new homes to local people.”

The Almshouse is encouraging both donations and legacy giving and any person or organisation interested and able to help should contact the Almshouse on 01935 813245, or via housewardens@ stjohnshouse.org

Literary talk looks at life’s work

THE life and work of the musicologist and LGBTQ+ pioneer Sylvia Townsend Warner will be the subject of a talk at Gillingham Library.

Mark Damon Chutter, chair and academic director of the Thomas Hardy Society, will explore and read from her literary fiction, such as Lolly Willowes, and poetry, including Drawing You, Heavy With Sleep, which mirrors her love and deep devotion to her partner, Valentine Ackland.

Readings will also be given from her diaries which connect her to Dorchester, first living at East Chaldon within a miniBloomsbury and Bohemian group of writers and artists, and then later at Frome Vauchurch in Maiden Newton.

A new statue of Sylvia Townsend in Dorchester is planned to be unveiled in December.

The talk is on Thursday, February 20, from 2.30pm3.30pm.

Primary school near Sherborne rated ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors

THORNFORD Primary School has been rated as good after a recent Ofsted inspection.

The school near Sherborne was praised for its high standards of education and exemplary behaviour.

The Ofsted report highlighted the school’s warm and supportive environment, where pupils are said to feel safe, valued, and motivated.

“The inspection team noted the school’s ‘exceptional’ efforts in teaching character education, fostering resilience, curiosity, and confidence in students,” a spokesperson said.

“In particular, the school’s commitment to personal development, and promoting excellent behaviour and attitudes were both graded as ‘outstanding,’ with pupils demonstrating impeccable behaviour both in the classroom and during social times.”

The report said the school’s ethos of kindness, encapsulated in the golden thread of “treat others as you would like to be treated,” is clearly embedded in

daily life at Thornford Primary, creating a culture of respect and inclusion.

The inspection also praised the school’s high expectations for pupils’ academic success.

“Pupils are achieving well in key areas such as phonics in Year 1 and mathematics in Year 6, with outcomes regularly exceeding national averages,” the report said.

“The school’s work on literacy, particularly its emphasis on reading and vocabulary development, was another key strength noted by the inspectors.”

The school’s broad and balanced curriculum was also commended, with an extensive range of extracurricular activities that enhance the planned curriculum, including sports, music, outdoor education, and residential trips.

The school’s dedication to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was also recognised, with quick identification and tailored support provided to help all pupils thrive.

Head of school Kirsty Blencowe expressed her pride in the school’s achievements.

“We are delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection,” she said.

“The results reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and the entire school community.

“Special mention should also go to previous Headteacher Neela Brooking, (who retired in July), who had ensured that the culture of the school was a

Shutters, Awnings, and so much more.

school was recently rated as

positive and inclusive one.

“We remain committed to providing an inclusive, highquality education that supports the academic and personal growth of all our pupils.”

The school’s leadership, including the local academy committee and the trust, was acknowledged for their strong oversight and commitment to staff well-being, further contributing to a positive and nurturing environment for both pupils and staff.

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Our range of Awnings are available manual or motorised operation up to 14meters long and Verandas custom built to any size, also suitable for use as a Carport.

We know customers want a highly durable product that is both water and impact resistant but retains the beauty and feel of real wood. With this in mind our new range have been developed with a material combining the beauty and texture of real hardwood with the strength and durability of PVC, stronger than Wood, lighter than MDF. We believe Bonded wood outperforms every other material used in shutter construction, with the added benefit of being fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.

The new range has concealed tilt, interlocking mortice and tenon joints, rebated hinges and locking stiles, recessed magnets and concealed fixings as well as being available in 8 gorgeous colours all as standard for no extra cost.

For when the heatwave arrives, we can offer a large range of Blinds and Shutters to suit your shading requirements, whether you would like blackout for a better sleep or screen blinds to reduce the solar gain into your rooms. Our expert advice and extensive experience will ensure you get the right product, and provide the shading solution you need.

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The

‘Good’ by Ofsted Picture: Thornford Primary School

SERO celebrates 21 years

ONE of the Latin meanings of SERO is to ‘link or join together’, and in April 2004 a group of women in Sturminster Newton decided to do just that.

This year SERO members are celebrating its 21st birthday and the tens of thousands of pounds it has raised for good causes.

Foremost is Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice, to which it has given just over £120,000.

The hospice provides practical and emotional support to families caring for a child with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Most of the children Julia’s House cares for are unlikely to live beyond 18.

Nearly £50,000 has been raised for other local charities, including the Cheese Festival in

Regular fundraising events include a stall at Hey Day, refreshments over the August Bank Holiday Art Trail in Child Okeford and the tea tent at the cheese festival.

In 2025 SERO will also be running a race night on

Saturday, March 22, and a VE-Day quiz on Friday, May 9, both at Child Okeford Village Hall and £15.

SERO would like to thank everyone who has supported it over the past 21 years. Email serocharity@gmail. com for further details and ticket sales.

Learning about life-saving dogs

MEMBERS of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild will hear a talk on from a representative of the Medical Detection Dogs charity at Dorchester Community Church.

The talk on Monday, February 10, at 2pm will follow a short business meeting.

The church is in Liscombe Street, Poundbury (DT1 3DF) and visitors are welcome –entry £3. Tea and coffee will be available. For more information, phone 01305 832857.

Sturminster Newton.

Fern Brook Lodge residents share laughter and memories

F

ern Brook Lodge care home residents in Gillingham enjoyed a reminiscence session led by regular visitor Jan Millward.

Jan brought a collection of memorabilia, sparking lively discussions and shared memories among the group. Residents enjoyed engaging with the items and trying on fun accessories, with the morning concluding in music and laughter during a group singalong.

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The activity is led by the care home’s dedicated onsite activities team who run a daily programme of events to bring the residents together to socialise and build friendships.

Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care.

The care home runs free weekly Welcome Wednesdays sessions enabling visitors to experience the warm and friendly atmosphere while enjoying complimentary cakes and hot drinks. Fern Brook Lodge also runs Memory Cafe sessions every Thursday from 10am to 11am which is open to people living with dementia and their carers. There is no need to book in advance for these events, just turn up.

Bikes at the library

SHAFTESBURY library is rounding off a successful celebration of passions and pastimes.

The last of this year’s ‘hobbies season’ events takes place tomorrow (Saturday, February 1) between 11am and midday at Shaftesbury Library.

Come and chat to members of the Dorset Vintage Motorcycle Club and see some of their beautiful motorbikes on display both inside and outside the library.

For more information contact Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk

Changing fashion

BLANDFORD Fashion Museum is ready for the start of a new season.

On Monday, February 17, the museum re-opens after its annual winter revamp.

The Museum’s curator and volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes to create a new exhibition focused on power dressing from 1770 to 1990.

The exhibition features two displays. ‘The Powerful Silhouette’ includes garments that were designed to making a lasting first impression.

‘A Wealth of Fabric’ takes a closer look at how an individual’s personal standing in society was demonstrated by the clothes and fabrics they wore.

Both displays are full of wonderfully sumptuous costumes and fabrics and are a feast for the eyes.

The Fashion Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more at www.blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk

New singers always welcome at Quire

THE Stanchester Quire, which will be reconvening for the spring term at Leigh Village Hall, Sherborne, next month, would welcome new members.

Singers are meeting for registration and coffee and tea at the hall on Saturday, February 8, at 10.30am.

They will be learning old songs from the south west of England depicting ‘love and courtship’.

Prospective members do not need to be able to read music as songs are learnt by ear, and the first session is free.

For more information, email stanchesterquire2@gmail. com or visit the group’s website, www.stanchesterquire.org

Join the brew crew

BEERS and ciders from near and far will feature in the annual Dorchester Beerex at the Corn Exchange this weekend.

The event, now in its 36th year, is organised by members of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.

It will raise money for several good causes, but the main benefactor will be Yeovil Freewheelers Blood Bikes, whose volunteers transport medical supplies to hospitals in Dorset and Somerset.

Proceeds from a raffle will go to Dorchester Youth & Community Centre, in King’s Road, a place for youngsters to meet safely and take part in activities.

Cerne Abbas Brewery is once again sponsoring the festival. Its representatives will be at the event and visitors will have a chance to try a selection of its ales, including a festival special 94 IPA.

Beerex committee chair, Gemma Scott, said: “The committee has been working hard in preparation for the weekend and we all can’t wait for it to arrive.

“The beer selection sounds fantastic, and I can’t wait to try some”.

She added: “This would not be possible

without the donations from sponsors, the hard work of committee members and the army of volunteers.”

Beers from all around the UK will feature. Dorset sees a rare appearance from Lyme Regis Brewery and its Steady Habits brew, a New England style IPA usually only made as a keg beer.

Dorchester brewer Copper St returns with its award-winning Imperial Russian Stout and Wimborne brewery Eight Arch with a cask version of its Quarterjack Porter.

Further afield, Liverpool’s Neptune brewery provides Jetty Pale Ale, from Scotland comes Brew Toon and Loch Leven breweries, and, from Northumberland, Metal Head Brewery’s Motorhead Porter.

Beers will be on offer to suit all palates, from golden bitters, traditional bitters and stouts to porters and milds, as well as a large selection of traditional ciders made free of concentrate.

Hot snacks will be available at all sessions plus a tuck shop and cloakroom, along with a small selection of wines.

Local acoustic artist Jack Daniels will provide live entertainment on Friday

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Bournemouth-based covers band Bullitt make their Beerex debut on Saturday with tracks from Muse, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and The Killers, among others.

The festival is on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1. Tickets are available from the following outlets, priced £11, including a free pint, souvenir glass and programme: Dorchester – The Convivial Rabbit and Tom Brown’s; Poundbury –Brace of Butchers; Weymouth – The Globe Inn; online – www.camrawdorset.org.uk

Anyone who would like to join CAMRA will get an extra two pints and an exclusive Dorchester Beerex 2025 lapel pin badge.

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Danny England, of Cerne Abbas Brewery PHOTO: Rich Gabe

Craftsmen create beautiful benches for school children

PUPILS at Gillingham Primary School have received a reading bench crafted by apprentices from Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties.

The bench was made as part of the apprentices’ work at the builder’s Gillingham Lakes development.

Sue Preston, headteacher at the school, said: “We are delighted to receive the kind donation of a reading bench for our school.

“Taylor Wimpey’s apprentices worked with a specific design to create a bespoke piece of furniture to fit a previously unloved corner.

“Stocked out with books and comfy cushions, the children love snuggling up to read a book at various points throughout the day.”

Family history

THE fictionalised lives of over 15 generations of a real family, some of whom lived through momentous times on the Somerset Levels, is told in a new novel by Sue Delves-Broughton.

The Uttermares: Tales of a Somerset Family is based on research she did on one branch of her family, who lived in the area for over 600 years.

They mainly worked as yeoman farmers and were quite prolific with many of them commemorated in plaques in local churches.

The central character in the book, Claire Taylor-Meade, whiles away a snowed-in evening, watching television, and cleaning her granny’s Victorian brass milk jug.

Under its lid she discovers a note which leads her to ask

questions about her family history.

Sue traced part of her ancestry back to the Somerset Levels in 1447 and Leiven Uttermeere, a refugee from Belgium.

The novel incorporates historical events such as the Battle of Langport in the Civil War and Methodist leader Charles Wesley’s visits to the West Country.

Sue said: “This book will be enjoyed by many, especially those interested in history and those who like a good story.

“The stories are pure fiction grafted onto pure fact, and tell how outside worldly events change the lives of very ordinary people, as is the case today.”

For more information, or to order a copy of The Uttermares: Tales of a Somerset Family, email fosters.farm@tiscali. co.uk

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A stitch in time

MEMBERS of the ‘Stitchers’ group at the Motcombe Grange independent retirement development in Motcombe are an active bunch despite being in their 80s and 90s.

The group is an offshoot of Motcombe Stitchers, which meets at Motcombe Village Hall and is run by Lynda Maynard.

Lynda goes along to the group – which includes some ‘experts’ and villagers – on occasion and her excellent advice and support is welcomed.

Members, who meet on Monday afternoons, recently completed their first major cooperative endeavour – a large blanket which will be sent to Ukraine.

They contributed squares and border strips and helped plan the layout and sew the squares together.

Members produce a variety of other items for charity, including hats and scarves for the Christmas boxes that Motcombe Methodist Church organises each year, and wrist-warmers and teddies to sell to raise money for the air ambulance.

Teddies also go to the Women’s Institute Scheme which supplies them to the police, fire service, ambulances and the air ambulance for children caught up in trauma.

They are currently also working as a group on smaller knee blankets.

Members also work on their own projects, for example a sumptuous, knitted cardigan in variegated wool, and enjoy other stitch craft activities such as

embroidery, tapestry, patchwork and mending.

Group afternoons are pleasant social occasions fuelled by tea and biscuits and much enjoyed by residents, as well as being a way to help others.

Other activities residents can enjoy at Motcombe Grange include lunch, coffee mornings, film club, bingo, physio sessions, craft and fundraising events, and special occasions such as the annual garden party and Christmas party, as well as musical events, talks, carols and visits from the local primary school and nursery group.

Muriel, age 96, the group’s knitting expert

Maisie’s on a mission to help horses

A HORSE-MAD Dorset youngster has vowed to raise as much money as she can for an equine charity after a visit to its Somerset home.

Last year, young rider Maisie raised more than £1,000 for World Horse Welfare (WHW) when she walked 10 miles from her home and climbed a 49-metre-high tower.

Now, the 10-year-old plans to raise as much money for the cause as she can in 2025.

Her commitment to the cause began last summer following a visit to the charity’s Somerset Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Glenda Spooner Farm, near Somerton.

“I left feeling inspired and wanted to help,” she said.

A month later, two horses she once rode sadly passed away and so she decided to do a sponsored hike in their memory to raise money.

“My friends and family thought I was a bit crazy,” Maisie went on. “And some did not think I would do it at first. They had a point, as I’m not much of a walker and will be the first to start moaning that my legs hurt halfway through a one-mile walk.

“I am also scared of heights and the top of the tower was a long way from the ground.

“But, on August 10, 2024, I achieved my goal and even though my legs hurt for days after, it was worth it.”

With a target of £50, Maisie was impressed by the support she received amounting to more than £600.

Spurred on by her success, she made another £300 with a tack sale and topped her new target of £1,000 at the end of 2024 with the sale of handmade Christmas

wreaths.

“I am so grateful to everyone who donated and supported me,” she added. “I had a lot of fun, faced new challenges and learned a lot, like if you want something bad enough you have to make it happen.

“If you have a passion or you have something that is important to you why not find out how you can get involved with volunteering or fundraising – together we can make a difference.”

Now, Maisie has made it her New Year’s resolution to continue fundraising with World Horse Welfare in 2025 and has launched a YouTube channel, Maisie’s Mane Mission, to record her efforts.

WHW’s south west regional fundraiser, Naomi Jones, said: “We think Maisie is just amazing and love how many fundraising ideas she’s managed to think of already.

“We wish her lots of luck for her future efforts, and we are really looking forward to supporting her with her 2025 plans.

“We are extremely grateful to Maisie and everyone who supports our work to help horses who need it most, both in the UK and further afield.”

For more about fundraising for World Horse Welfare, visit worldhorsewelfare.org/ support-us

Dorset creative is in the UK top 100

A CHILDREN’S author and app creator from Dorchester has been named one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs.

Jenna Whyman, who created Woogie Big Pants in 2020, has been included in Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign. The campaign celebrates the achievements of 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the UK.

Woogie Big Pants is a children’s book series and app providing inclusive, creative and healing tools for children. It focuses on empowering children through art, music, and dance, offering a unique approach to mental health and emotional well-being.

Small Business Britain highlighted Jenna’s work advocating for children’s mental health and wellbeing, and providing workbooks and communication tools to children’s services in Dorset.

“Being featured in the #iAlso100 is an incredible honour that holds deep personal significance to me.

“I am immensely proud to represent Dorset women in business, showcasing the strength, creativity, and determination that thrives in our community.” Find out more at woogiebigpants.com

TRAIN lovers and keen photographers in the Blackmore Vale area can take part in a competition celebrating 200 years of rail travel.

Winners in the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership competition will have their artwork on permanent display at their local station.

The competition has four categories:

• Open Anything railway and station related.

• Blackmore Vale Line Images from any of the following stations and heritage railways covered by the Partnership: Salisbury, Tisbury, Gillingham, Templecombe, Gartell Light Railway, Sherborne, Yeovil Junction, Yeovil Railway Centre and Crewkerne.

• Wild Card Something unexpected seen at a station.

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

Photos can be colour or black and white, printed or digital, the latter preferably JPEG or TIFF images at least 300DPI, preferably 400-600DPI, and file size of 5mb and above.

Photographs must be named – a title, location and the photographer’s name should be included in the file image.

The competition closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 5, and entries will be judged soon afterwards.

Top photographs from each category and ‘best in show’ will be exhibited at Gillingham Station and may be displayed at other stations covered by the Blackmore Vale Community Rail Partnership.

Hi-res images should be uploaded to a file transfer service such as WeTransfer and sent to blackmorevalecrp@gmail.com

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Our loose Canon

Celebrating the light that is inherent in our traditional Church celebrations

by Canon Eric Woods

IF you enjoy setting pub quizzes, here are some questions you may find useful. First: how long do the great Church seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter last? Answer: 40 days. Second: what about Lent? Answer: 40 days. Third, why then is the count from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day 46 days? Answer: Because you can’t fast on Sundays, the Day of Resurrection. Deduct six Sundays (good news if you are planning to give up chocolate or alcohol!).

Fourth, so how long does Christmas last? Answer: 40 days. Really? Yes. Christmas in the Christian calendar does not finish until the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, otherwise known as Candlemas, on 2 February. That’s when cribs in churches should be removed (though the shepherds should have been replaced by the Wise Men at Epiphany, 6 January).

when they also lost the Book of Common Prayer, altars, fonts, crosses and usually the Vicar himself. The Church of England had to go into exile, with its services celebrated in secret, until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. And once you have lost something, in time you become used to doing without it. That is why there were some unholy rows in the 19th century over attempts to restore the old traditions.

Candlemas began as the commemoration of Mary’s ritual purification according to the Mosaic Law after the birth of her son, and her offering of him, as her first-born, to the Lord. In prereformation times mothers of children born in the preceding 12 months would head the Candlemas procession, each carrying a candle to give thanks to God for the birth of their children.

Candlemas is also the third great celebration of the Light of the World. At Christmas the Light shone in the darkness, but only a few received it: Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. Then at Epiphany the Light cast its bright beams on the Church, the New Jerusalem. The Gentiles – represented by the Wise Men – were called out of darkness into the light of Christ.

You see, to Christians Christmas began rather than finished on Christmas Day. In medieval times, on 2 February, folk would process into church carrying candles to symbolise Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, when the old prophet Simeon recognised him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles”.

Sadly, most of England’s churches lost their candles and their candlesticks following the puritan victory in the English Civil War,

We live in a dark world. As the Gospel of John puts it, the light has come into the world, but people prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil. You can see the truth of that today on any news programme. But there is an old saying, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. Candlemas tells us that the candle is already alight, and burns steadily for me, and for you. The Light is now in our hands. We are called to be lights in a dark world. May we be worthy of our calling.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Letters

Council assets and Council Tax

IN the New Blackmore Vale, January 17 edition, Sarah Dyke MP talks of ‘years of financial strain’ and ‘local councils stretched to breaking point’ and ‘the chronic underfunding crisis’ in her thoughts on the SomersetDorset-Wiltshire strategic authority.

In the same issue, the double-inflation, 5% increase in Dorset’s Council Tax was given its first outing of the new year.

There’s nothing clever about this 5%, it is just the maximum allowed and therefore that is what it will be.

But there was no mention of Dorset Council’s bizarre asset portfolio, amassed ‘without purpose or without strategy’, comprising 65 hotels and guest houses, plus farms, business parks and industrial estates, exposed by the BBC last October as having a value of £441 million.

Selling it could mean no Council Tax for more than a year, or at least a substantial reduction for many years to come.

Why then does Dorset Council repeatedly and unnecessarily inflate its Council Tax – it is already the third most expensive in the country – while sitting on a mountain of inappropriate assets?

Are any of Dorset’s 82 councillors challenging this?

The money to acquire these assets – our money – only existed because too much had been collected from us in the first instance, and then it was quickly buried to justify collecting more next year.

And so it goes on – just like a bad habit – and the tediously patronising ‘but it’s only 24p a day’ is used again, like a stuck record!

Is a strategic authority really such a good idea, surrendering more power to folk who seem unable to control their bad habits?

Westminster would certainly need to set some exceptionally tight rules!

An alternative could be a pared-back, core-services-only council – one that only ever does what it is really supposed to do – but does so with excellence.

Dorset could strive to be the best council in the country, not the most expensive!

Clive Pallot Sherborne

Brothers making news in LA

MY sons now live in Los Angeles and have been in the midst of the devastating fires in the Palisades and Altadena areas.

They own a company called RMG News – Raishbrook Media Group – and go out daily and nightly to film newsworthy events.

My sons are identical twins Howard and Austin Raishbrook, and their younger brother, Marc. They all lived in our family home in Gillingham and attended the town’s primary and comprehensive schools before moving to Los Angeles and setting up their own news company.

Their work is regularly used on television stations in the US and occasionally in the UK. They were advisors on the 2014 film Nightcrawler, with Jake Gyllenhaal, and featured on television series about their work, the most recent one being Shot in the Dark, still available on Netflix.

Howard and Marc live in areas of Los Angeles that were threatened by the fires but, luckily, their houses were unaffected by them, apart from smoke pollution.

Austin now lives in Colorado, so was well away from all the danger, fortunately.

He received a bravery award from the Los Angeles police for saving a man from a burning car on the freeway in 2017.

Marc has not received any awards yet, but I am sure it will not be long as he is always the first to help when someone is in

trouble.

Even though their business is capturing news on video, they all have the admirable motto of ‘if help is needed, it’s more important than filming it’.

Howard recently posted his thoughts about the fires, along with quite dramatic photos on Facebook which can be seen at www.facebook.com/howard. raishbrook

I am very proud of the way he expressed his feelings about the situation.

I know he was understandably saddened by the destruction of families’ homes, but at the same time felt blessed his own house and family were safe.

I shall be visiting all three sons next month and they will be taking me to see a lot of the areas where thousands of people lost everything.

It will be a sobering experience, I am sure.

Howard also received an award for his assistance at a car crash last year in which a young girl burned to death but two were saved.

I was in Los Angeles on my yearly visit to my sons and was with him at the incident as he and some police officers tried to help.

I try not to think too much about the dangerous situations they get into and I am sure they do not tell me everything because I would worry even more!

Alan Raishbrook via email

Two died in plane crash

I BELIEVE AR Hayward’s wife

– New Blackmore Vale, Letters, January 17 – is referring to an air crash on April 29, 1980.

It happened on the Mapperton Farm Estate, Almer, near Blandford.

The aircraft involved was a GD F-111E, serial no 68-0057, from the 20th TFW which at that time was based at RAF Upper

Heyford, Oxford. Sadly, the two crew were killed.

I was a member of Dorset Police based at Shaftesbury at that time.

I and other officers were sent to the scene to ensure the area was secure so that investigations into the crash could be carried out by USAF personnel.

RIP Capt Jack A Hines and Capt Richard J Franks.

Glyn Coney via email

n MY mum was working in the Worlds End pub when the plane crash mentioned in AR Hayward’s letter – New Blackmore Vale, January 17 –happened.

She heard a loud noise and looked out of the window to see a plane approaching – it was so low she ducked as she thought it was going to hit the pub.

The plane carried on and crashed in Richard Seare’s field at Mapperton Farm.

The area was cordoned off for a number of days.

Tracy Haysom Via email

n Many thanks to James Jeffery, David Whitmarsh and Vic Flintham for also writing in with information about the plane crash.

Issues around housing crisis

LATER in the year, Dorset will not be alone in considering its Local Plan, with a primary emphasis on housing.

Let us recognise that there are two quite different needs. First, we need housing which firsttime owner-occupiers can afford; second, we need rental, and particularly social housing.

The common factor is, of course, that we need more of both, but the dynamics are entirely different.

House prices have undergone persistent inflation over a couple of generations because of money supply.

The contraceptive pill made

the two-income household viable for lenders.

Then liberation of financial markets injected a huge new source of funding.

Latterly exceptionally low interest rates left the buyer able to contemplate much higher prices, and government support has added further money supply.

We now need a period of financial restraint to get things back in balance.

New social housing has depended on subsidy from developers, which, of course, transfers cost to all the rest. v

It might be better to directly fund the big housing associations to build what they need, probably with licence to sell some houses on the open market to help with the finances.

But we also need planning authorities to have the power to determine the mix of large houses which turn a good profit and small houses which we really need.

The picture has been distorted by two other factors.

The rise of ‘buy-to-let’ transferred housing from the owner-occupier market to rental; and ‘right to buy’ took houses out of the social housing stock into owner-occupier.

Neither mechanism reduced the total housing stock.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne

North of Dorset does not count

READING the article about nominees for the Dorset Tourism Awards – New Blackmore Vale, January 3 – I cannot find many – in fact, four, three 3 in Blandford and one in Melbury Abbas – that really fall into the Blackmore Vale/North Dorset area.

This is against 57 in the south of the county.

There are many great businesses in the North which cater for tourists, and one has the feeling that, as in so many cases, the north of Dorset really does not count.

A Johnson Shaftesbury

Christmas cheer at the Yeatman Hospital

EVERY year the Friends of the Yeatman (FOYH) gives a gift to staff and a cosy fleece blanket to patients of the Yeatman Hospital. This is no small task and the trustees are extremely grateful to our administrator for coordinating this.

This Christmas staff hampers were packed, each containing an array of treats, including Christmas cake, panettone, mince pies, stollen, chocolates, cheese snacks and crisps, coffee, tea and cordial. Each hamper is accompanied by a note of thanks from the FOYH to show our real appreciation for the wonderful work the hospital staff do. 28 teams and departments are given hampers to be shared among more than 200 staff.

In addition, FOYH also provides fleecy blankets for patients who are in hospital over Christmas. Together with a card from the Friends, they

go some way to cheer what is for many a challenging day in hospital.

Why am I only writing about this now? Well, we wanted there to be a small element of surprise for staff and patients, even though we have done this for a number of years.

Our chair, Sir Christopher Coville, recently summarised some of the work done by the FOYH last year. This includes a comprehensive Five-Year Plan for Capital Projects which not only aids our planning for work for the next few years but also helps us put your financial support to the very best use.

The Projects and Small Grants working group has developed and implemented an excellent process to simplify bids for funding smaller projects, without losing any of

the governance required by the Charity Commission. The results have been immediate and of massive benefit to the hospital and other recipients, especially the young and disadvantaged.

The Friends and Events team have not only produced a series of most successful events but are now also focusing on increasing our marketing and looking at best ways to continue to secure funding for the future and, crucially, focusing on retaining the goodwill of our current members and supporters.

We continue to be so lucky to have the support of our treasurer, John Thompson, whose consummate skill, dedication and attention to detail is so important for our charity.

This is not a complete list of what is going on behind the scenes, but I hope it gives you an indication of the depth and breadth of the work covered by the trustees for the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital. Alice Johnsen Trustee FOYH

New Blackmore Vale reader Patrick Mitchell took this photo of a robin at Stourhead earlier this month

Education

Youth finds a voice in debating competition

TEAMS from Shaftesbury, The Blandford and Sturminster Newton schools took part in Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s biggest Youth Speaks competition so far at Shaftesbury School.

Each team had a chair, who managed the debate; a proposer, who put forward their motion; and an opposer, arguing against

“It was fantastic to see the effort the students put into their debates, arguing their points well in front of a judging panel and having to field questions from the questioner.

“If that was not enough, they did so in front of an audience and within a time limit – quite daunting for the students, but they all did an amazing job.

Jackson from Sturminster Newton High School, who debated whether the voting age should be lowered to 12.

The runners-up were Sophie Duke, Arabella Muir and Odette Miller from The Blandford School whose topic was: ‘Should we be telling our children fairytales?’

The winning team in the

Edmund Dobson, Blake Stonton and Sam Parsons, also from Shaftesbury School, whose topic was: ‘Should humans colonise Mars?’

The winners will now progress to the district competition at The Mountbatten School in Romsey on Saturday, April 5.

The Rotary spokesperson added: “Many thanks to Shaftesbury School for hosting the event, all the students for taking part, their schools and teachers for supporting them, and the judges: Rachael Gale –local teacher; Matt Billingsley – local solicitor, and Virginia Edwyn-Jones – town councillor and chair of Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce.”

Shaftesbury Rotary Club runs the local Youth Speaks event in partnership with Shaftesbury School.

The competition will be run again next year.

Anyone who would like to get involved with Rotary, should contact hello@ shaftesburyrotaryclub.org.

They also thanked the children involved in designing the kits.

The football kit for the outfield players was designed by Joanna Ridout in year 5, the goalkeeper kit by Reuben Butt and the netball kits by Charlotte Grills from year 4. Executive deputy head, Kelly McCall, said: “The children can’t wait for their next sporting challenge as they are sure the new kits will bring them good luck!”

Meet Sandroyd’s New Head

Sandroyd School is thrilled to announce the exciting appointment of Sarah Segrave as its new Headmistress, starting in September 2025. Sarah brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role, having served as Principal of Eaton House Schools and Headmistress of Eaton House The Manor Prep School in London.

A proud alumna of Cranbrook School in Kent, Sarah went on to study Education at the University of Durham and the Institute of Education. She began her headship journey at just 29, leading Eaton House Pre-Prep, before overseeing Eaton House Girls’ School and later Eaton House The Manor Prep, where she managed a thriving school of 250 boys aged 8–13. In 2022, Sarah became Principal of the Eaton House group, renowned for its innovative curriculum and balance of tradition and progressiveness.

Rhodri Thomas, Chair of Governors at Sandroyd, commented: “Sarah’s appointment is a perfect match for Sandroyd’s ethos. Her inspiring vision for the school will continue to honour its traditions while driving its future development. We look forward to welcoming Sarah, her husband Nick, and their two children to the Sandroyd community.”

Sarah shared: “It’s an honour to join Sandroyd, a school that not only excels academically but also radiates warmth and a strong sense of community. My family and I are excited to embrace this wonderful new chapter.”

Sandroyd continues to flourish as one of the UK’s leading prep schools for children aged 2 to 13, preparing them for top independent and grammar schools both locally and nationwide. With the introduction of new daily minibus routes across the Blackmore Vale, the school has become even more accessible to families in the area. While Sandroyd remains renowned for its exceptional boarding provision, its outstanding education is now equally available to day pupils, many of whom are taking full advantage of the flexibility and opportunities this offers.

SANDROYD

New group is boosting business!

IN BUSINESS, networking is vital - and events running in Shaftesbury and Yeovil are aiming to make it easy.

Founded in 2016, Lynx 2 Business (LTB) runs meetings to help businesspeople meet and learn more about what they do - and how they can support each other.

And the firm has revealed the calendar of events being held at The Royal Chase Hotel in Shaftesbury in the coming months as the group starts up in the town for the first time. They are set to take place between

9.30am and noon on February 5, February 19, March 5 and March 19.

Visitors can enjoy a cooked breakfast, tea and coffee, as part of their admission, with companies then introducing themselves to fellow guests.

The group also welcomes guest speakers, as well as giving one business an extended speaking opportunity at each event.

In Shaftesbury, things got off to a successful start on January 8, and more people are now being encouraged to join

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the group and push their business forward, with two free meetings on offer to anyone who is interested in finding out more.

“Being established for nine years should hopefully speak for itself, in that the group works and we know how to run it well,” a spokesperson said.

“Over a year, in Yeovil we have passed in excess of £500,000-worth of business between our members.

“We treat people as grown-up business people; if you can’t attend a meeting that’s

okay, provided sufficient commitment is being shown to the group and other members (we have a constitution which covers these aspects).

“We don’t ‘hit people over the head’, so to speak, if you can’t make it one week. It’s acknowledged that Lynx2Business is part of your marketing mix - it is not directly in priority to your business, which the founders had felt was the case with some other national networking groups, before establishing L2B.”

Testimonials to the group include one firm who said: “Lynx2Business has been a huge support for my business from the start. Meetings are always informative and constructive.

“Referrals and recommendations received to date have been so appreciated.

“I’ve made some great friends and

enjoyed some fab social events along the way.”

Another added: “A fantastic group with a wide range of businesses.

“It’s been a pleasure being a member and I look forward to each meeting.” n For more information, and to book a place, log on to www.lynx2business.co.uk.

Arts & Entertainment

Rock icon feels ‘honoured

MUSIC icon PJ Harvey has acknowledged the part played by Dorset’s music scene in shaping the artist she has become.

Accepting a special award for her contribution to music in Dorset at the Original Music Awards at Lighthouse Poole, the double Mercury Prize winner, who grew up in West Dorset, she said she felt ‘honoured and very grateful’ for the award.

In a video shown at the event she added: “The local music scene was hugely important for myself when I was a teenager and particularly Bridport where I spent a lot of time playing with many musicians.

Events

“I felt supported and encouraged by the whole artistic community there.”

She also noted the teachers and arts department at her school, Beaminster Comprehensive.

Polly Harvey cut her musical teeth playing pub back rooms and get togethers in West Dorset before joining Bristol-based band Automatic Dlamini then forming her own band in 1991 and moving to London where their first demo tape attracted the attention of John Peel, the music press and record labels.

She has consistently drawn on her Dorset roots, from the gutsy songs of her 1992 debut

album Dry, through the Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000) and Let England Shake (2011), to her most recent album, I Inside the Old Year Dying

In 2022, she published her verse novel Orlam, the first substantial work written in the Dorset dialect for decades.

“It’s wonderful to have this recognition,” she said. “Also, to highlight the importance of the arts in our region and everywhere, and the contribution that we can make to society.

“I think Art is hugely

DOG owners in Dorset are being given the chance to have their pet star in a production of the opera La Bohème at Bournemouth Pavilion.

The owner will also need to be prepared to go on stage in costume to look after their pooch.

Opera director and producer, Ellen Kent, said: “When we last did La Bohème in 2023 we asked local people to volunteer their pets – it was a huge success.

“We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of

MUSIC AWARD

PJ Harvey won a special award for her contribution to

important on an emotional level and on an intellectual level of understanding the world that we live in.

“But I think also, because of the encouragement I had throughout my education and education through the artists around me, I was able to believe in my own voice and I’ve maintained that belief my whole life and my whole career, always following my instinct.

“I can only encourage young artists to do the same.

“You all have an individual voice, every single one of you is different, so keep looking for what your voice is.”

new owners!

“We’re a nation of animal lovers, after all. I’m sure there is plenty of ‘doggie’ talent out there.”

The dog needs to be medium to small in size – and well behaved – and available for the performance on Friday, February 14.

Dog owners who would like to apply should send photos to ellen@ellenkent.co.uk. They are asked to include information about the breed, height, weight, age and name of the dog, along their contact number and address.

MULTI-AWARDWINNING guitarist, vocalist and songwriter

Laurence Jones is set to play The Treehouse in Frome.

Music Radar voted the young Laurence one of the world’s top 10 blues-rock guitarists, and he has shared stages with legends like Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa.

Laurence Jones is in concert in Frome on Saturday, February 1, and tickets are on sale at www.laurencejones music.com.

Tango triggers an unlikely romance

WHEN two people, no longer in the first flush of youth, find each other at a tango retreat in Buenos Aires a spark is lit and their passion smoulders – this was meant to be.

But one has work and family ties in South America, the other in North Devon.

They soon settle into the frustrations of a long-distance relationship, fuelled by regular tango sessions in Argentina, until one of them weighs up the ecological consequences...

Last Dance Saloon, being performed at three venues in Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity, blends music, song, tango and tales ancient and modern.

The show, presented by Devon-based Multi Story Theatre in the round, explores love, legacy and the future we envision for coming generations.

After the show, audiences are invited to stay for a social dance led by the company, and refreshments will be available.

Last Dance Saloon is at Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall on Thursday, February 13, Portesham Village Hall on Friday, February 14, and Broadwindsor Comrades Hall on Saturday, February 15.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Joni and the canyon crowd

MUSIC from the 1960s and 1970s created by the stars who inhabited Laurel Canyon, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, is coming to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.

The Lewes Music Group are presenting a two-part concert featuring all the songs from Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album Blue, including Little Green, River, A Case of You and California, in the second half.

The six-piece band will perform songs by Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Eagles and The Doors, among other Laurel Canyon musicians in the age of hippies and flower power, in the first half.

Joni Mitchell’s Blue: An Evening in Laurel Canyon is on Friday, February 7, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £20 from the box office or £22 online – phone 01202 885566 or visit www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

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Arts & Entertainment

‘Elvis’ playing it for laughs in musical comedy

RAUCOUS musical comedy promises to leave audiences in Dorset all shook up when Elvis in Blue Hawaii tours across the county.

Elvis impersonator Joe Reeve stars in his version of the classic Elvis film Blue Hawaii, while his long-time tour manager, the inimitable Josephine Cunningham, keeps the show on the road.

The show is presented by the Spitz & Co theatre company, which has had previous sell-out tours of Gloriator, Gloria in The Mist and Les Gloriablès, with Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach.

Artsreach director, Kerry Bartlett, said: “Spitz & Co have built a reputation for creating funny, original shows, and our audiences have loved each of their previous tours.

“I still remember the laughter in Winfrith following some of the most unbelievable and unexpected comedy moments in Les Gloriablès!”.

Elvis in Blue Hawaii is at the village halls in Studland on Wednesday, February 5; East

Big band sound in free concert

SWING Unlimited Big Band will feature in Jazz at the Allendale, a free concert organised by Wimborne Rotary Club, at Wimborne’s Allendale Community Centre.

The south coast’s foremost 17-piece big band, Swing Unlimited, will present a varied programme including swing, jazz and contemporary music, from the golden age of swing through to the present day.

A retiring collection will benefit Dorset Rural Music School, Youth Music Wessex and other Rotary supported charities.

Wimborne Rotary president,

Sue Young, said: “Wimborne Rotary is pleased to once again present this annual charitable concert, the proceeds from which will support two very worthwhile and local musicrelated charities and other charities Rotary supports.

“This concert always attracts a large and appreciative audience, and we look forward to welcoming them and are confident they will have an enjoyable evening.”

The concert is on Monday, February 3, at 7.30pm. Admission is free with tickets only available on the door, which open at 7pm.

Stour on Friday, February 7; and Wootton Fitzpaine on Sunday, February 9, all at 7.30pm.

Tickets and information about the show, recommended for ages eight-plus, are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Three to Tango Model show date

THREE musicians with a love of Argentine Tango music are set to take audiences in Dorset on a journey from the backstreets of Buenos Aires to the salons of Paris.

Tango Calor were formed by bandoneonist Mirek Salmon in 2016 and feature guitar virtuoso Daryl Kellie and vocalist Jimi Can.

Mirek, a prominent member of Moscow Drug Club, has also performed with BBC orchestras, Welsh National Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company, among others.

Daryl Kellie has been

described by Guitar World Magazine as ‘epic’, and Jimi Can is a consummate showman and key figure from Bristol’s burgeoning Afro-Cuban and Flamenco music scenes.

Tango Calor are at the village halls at Langton Matravers on Thursday, February 6; Drimpton on Friday, February 7, and Shillingstone Portman Hall on Saturday, February 8, all at 7.30pm.

Tango Calor are visiting Dorset with Artsreach and tickets and further information are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk

VISITORS to the South West Model Show at The Tank Museum at Bovington next weekend will be able to have a go at battling with some of the robots from the Robot Wars television programme.

The model show showcases a large range of scale models, offering a hands-on weekend for everyone from modelling experts to first-timers.

It includes specialist talks, tours, modelling tips and activities for mini-modellers.

Events co-ordinator, Milda Siauciulyte, said: “The South West

friendly weekend that celebrates the joy of model making, and we’re excited to introduce a robot battling experience this year with Extreme Robots.

“On top of this, visitors will also be able to explore the powerful, interactive exhibitions we have here at The Tank Museum.”

A wide variety of traders and exhibitors will attend, showing and selling models of all types – planes, boats, sci-fi, and, of course, tanks.

The South West Model Show is on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9.

Model show is a family-

Elvis impersonator Joe Reeve stars in his version of the classic Elvis film Blue Hawaii

Swing Unlimited Big Band are performing at the Allendale Community Centre PHOTO: Swing Unlimited Big Band

Arts & Entertainment

Drama group staging Charlie’s panto script

WINCANTON

Amateur

Dramatic Society (WADS) is back this year with another fun-filled, laugh out loud pantomime – oh, yes it is!

Charlie Bentley, who has been part of the group along with her family from a very young age, has written Ever After

Felix, played by Beth Redwood, falls head over heels in love with Ella, who just happens to be a princess.

Ella is played by Hazel Perrett, who is captured by an Evil Fairy – boo…hiss –played by Amanda Graffham.

Felix must embark on an adventure to save his one true love and in doing so, find out who he really is.

Other exciting, strange and colourful characters include Stan and Lee, two comedic bodyguards looking for a career change, played by

The Evil Fairy’s loyal companion – the cat – is played by Clare Barker. A panto just wouldn’t be panto without a flamboyant Dame, this year played by Johnathan Markendale.

WADS is proud to take part in the Cinderella Awards

organised by The Somerset Fellowship of Drama. It competes against other amateur pantomimes across the county and is hoping to take home a handful of awards again this year.

Shows are at Wincanton Memorial Hall on Friday, February 21, at 7.30pm, and Saturday, February 22, at 2pm

and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 adults, £7 children and concessions, and £30 family – two adults and two children. They will be available on the door or can be obtained via the group’s website, www. wincantonamateurdramatics society.org

Movie and stage tunes Music

THE Neil Maya Quartet, made up of some of the finest jazz musicians based in the south west, are set to present The Charlie Parker Story at three Dorset venues.

Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, forging a new genre in jazz and bebop, with fast tempos, virtuosic technique and advanced harmonies.

In this new show, saxophonist Neil Maya and his quartet celebrate some of

Parker’s most famous compositions including Ornithology, Yardbird Suite,

Now’s the Time, Blues For Alice and Cherokee, as well as great jazz standards that Parker brought to prominence.

In between numbers, Neil will talk about Parker’s eventful and troubled short life, and the influence he had on jazz.

The evening will also feature original compositions by The Neil Maya Quartet.

The Neil Maya Quartet are at Gillingham School Hall on Wednesday, February 12, at 7pm; Nether Compton Village Hall on Friday, February 14, at 7.30pm; and Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall on Saturday, February 15, at 7.30pm, as part of Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach’s spring season.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

MUSIC from the movies and the stage is on the menu when a 14-piece ensemble from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) journey from the West End to Hollywood.

The concert, guided by a BSO presenter, will feature music from Chocolat, Moulin Rouge, The High Pass, Toy Story, The Artist and James Bond and Harry Potter films.

The concert, performed with Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach, is at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Wednesday, February 5, and The Mowlem in Swanage on Friday, March 7, both at 7.30pm.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Barnaby Taylor and Codi Benson.

The Neil Maya Quartet are playing Charlie Parker

Wincanton Amateur Dramatic Society is performing Ever After

Church

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

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

– call church steward John Cornish on 07799 516735 or leave a message.

• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday – weekly gathering for older people 2.30pm-3.30pm followed by refreshments.

Tuesday – Footprints, an activities playtime for preschool children accompanied by parents, grandparents and guardians, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689 for more information.

• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2pm3.45pm.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday; Sunday service at 10.30am; Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper; Taizé Service second Sunday each month at 6.30pm. Further details from vicarlesley@ outlook.com

• Sherborne Churches Together: Dorset Youth for Christ ‘Youth Hangout’, a space for young people aged six-11 in Sherborne to connect with others their age, play games and explore the Christian faith. Every second Sunday of the month, 6.30pm-7.30pm.

• Digby Memorial Church

Hall: Sherborne Quakers meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599. The Children’s Choir rehearses on Mondays at 4pm – contact charlie. gurnham@sherborneabbey. com, assistant director of music, to join, or just turn up.

• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

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

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

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

• Longburton Village Cafe: Held in the village church of St James, the cafe provides tea, coffee – free refills and great cakes – for just £2.50. Tuesdays, February 4 and 18, 10.30am-noon.

• Lufton Church: BA22 8SU, just to the west of Yeovil. Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www. lufton.co.uk for details.

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

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Team Benefice: Sunday, February 2 – St Peter’s, 9.30am All Age Worship; St James, 9.30am Holy Communion; Enmore Green, 11.15am Holy Communion;

Margaret Marsh, 11.15am Holy Communion; Motcombe, 6pm Evening Communion. Sunday, February 9 – St Peters, 9.30am Holy Communion; Motcombe, 9.30am Holy Communion; Melbury Abbas, 11.15am Matins; Enmore Green, 11.15am Morning Prayer; St James, 6pm Pilgrim Service.

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

• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Mondays at 1.30 pm, free entry, retiring collection, everyone welcome.

• Sherborne Abbey: Sherborne Snowdrop Service Remembrance & Thanksgiving Service is on Friday, February 7, at 11am. The Sherborne Book of Remembrance will be available and names of loved ones can be added at the end of the service.

• St George’s, Damerham: Display of snowdrops in the Norman churchyard at the church at SP6 3HU, Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9, 10am-4pm. Homemade refreshments served 10.30am3.30pm, homemade preserves for sale plus other stalls. Free entry.

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

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

prayer services every other Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, February 2 – 10.45am Together Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Sunday, February 9 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10am11.30am first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am11.30am February 20. Coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesday to Friday.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday, February 2, 3pm –United ‘Tea @ Three’. Sunday, February 9, 3pm – afternoon service. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@yahoo.com

THE previous Government was committed to end the distinction between physical and mental health. For too long mental health had been seen as a Cinderella service. Health Ministers and others were keen to deliver parity of both esteem and attention to both. We did not say to someone who had a cancer diagnosis ‘pull your socks up’ or ‘snap out of it’, a response all too readily given if someone spoke of their mental health.

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Simon Hoare

Churchill’s Black Dog is well recorded and we will all know someone who has had a genuine mental health issue. It is right that they receive speedy diagnosis and effective treatment. Last year I was delighted to play a part in helping to drive forward delivery of new services in Shaftesbury continuing a longstanding of interest of mine in this area of personal health.

So, I do not want the following to be in anyway misconstrued – we do have a problem with mental health. Talking to local employers and educators, there is a growing concern that ‘it’s a mental health episode’ is becoming the go to phrase as a bad back or whiplash were in

Thoughts on mental health £1.6 billion going on road repairs

THE scourge of our daily commutes. Accidents waiting to happen. Emblems of our nation’s decline. What am I talking about? No, not people walking around while watching tik-tok on their phones. Although, personally, I do think that is the epitome of self-centredness. When did it become socially acceptable to watch videos on your phone without headphones?

I’m actually talking about potholes. No self-respecting politician, aspiring or elected, has gone through their lives without being photographed standing next to one, pointing at it, while making a stern, grumpy face at the camera.

In fact, I’m sure it’s mandatory for all local election leaflets to have said photo. Although, interestingly, despite the number of pledges to clean up the dog poop off our streets, you never see a candidate photographed picking up said

previous times. We do genuine mental health patients no favours if we, lazily, basket up every negative human emotion or incident response as being a mental health issue. The destination of that route is that the wider public loses both patience and sympathy and the ‘pull your socks up’ response resurrects itself. Some might call it tough love, but we do not help people if we pander to this default position.

So, what do we need to do?

I have heard of an employee who took time off work due to stress and mental health issues because another colleague was promoted in a competitive race. That was merely human disappointment. We need to say to our young the sadness of a death, the upset of a relationship failure, despair at less than expected exam results, the disappointment that person you fancy from afar but

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

dog poop, do you?

Anyway, potholes are a big problem. More than half of drivers said that potholes were their main concern about driving. Nearly a third of drivers in rural areas like ours said that their vehicles have

without reciprocation are natural human responses to natural human events. Our emotional range is what makes us human. It is the complexity of our responses that make us the apex species.

I am pretty certain that, at some point or another, we have woken up and thought we could conquer the world. On another occasion we wish the day over without us leaving our rooms. These are the ups and downs, the rollercoaster of life. If every day was Christmas Day, we would not appreciate it as fully as we do. We need the black, white and vagaries of grey in our lives to give us the colour and texture that makes us human. Emotional responses are not, of themselves, mental health, they are humanity writ large. The darkest hour is the one before the dawn is an important reminder for us all.

been damaged by potholes in the last year alone.

Fourteen years of Tory decline have left our roads in a disgraceful state. Did you know there are 100 times more potholes on our roads than there are craters on the moon? (Please don’t ask me how the Labour party calculated that…).

But it is the case that that pothole damage cost drivers almost £500 million just last year. That’s contributed to car insurance going up by more than £200 on average – in just two years.

Well, the Labour government is going to do something about them. We’ll fix seven million extra potholes each year. We’re investing £1.6 billion in road repairs this year – nearly 50% more than the Tories had promised.

We’re also helping drivers by reversing the Conservatives’ planned rise in fuel duty and

freezing it instead – saving the average driver £55 next year. And we’re going to tackle out of control car insurance premiums with a new taskforce.

Yes, I know, we do love a task force. But it’s worthwhile – it brings together the Association of British Insurers, Citizens Advice, Which? and Compare the Market, along with the insurance regulator. This is Labour’s approach to governing. Bringing experts into government, to challenge Whitehall thinking. Not Whitehall knows best. These next couple of months are prime pothole repair time. The unitary authorities scrabble to spend their highways budgets before the end of the financial year. So, get your pothole reports in at www.gov. uk/report-pothole. And perhaps that accident waiting to happen will get fixed sooner than you think.

A Government defined by failure

DURING the last Conservative Government, Axel Rudakubana was referred to the Prevent Counter Terrorism programme not once, not twice, but three times. He was alleged to have been removed from the education system for bringing a knife into school, was convicted of a violent assault against a child at school and was found to have been in possession of a knife on at least 10 different occasions. Nothing was done. He would go on to commit one of the worst acts of violence against children in our country’s history and has pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls and trying to kill 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport on July 29. He was additionally charged on October 29 with the production of a biological toxin, namely ricin, and possessing information, namely a pdf file entitled Military Studies in the

Reform UK Dorset county organiser

Thomas Gargrave

Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual. Rudakubana is the product of a completely failed system.

A failed criminal justice system, a failed social service system and, above all else, a completely failed immigration and asylum system.

The tragic truth is that if we did not have a failed

immigration/asylum system, Axel Rudakubana would never even have been in Britain.

We are now learning that Rudakubana’s parents are reported to have left Rwanda in 2002, to come to Britain. What we are also learning, however, is that Alphonse Rudakubana –father – is reported by The Guardian to have been an officer in the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during the Rwandan Civil War/genocide. If that is the case, and we must establish the truth, why were they ever allowed to enter Britain? Let alone be granted leave to remain here.

While clearly Rudakubana’s case is of the most extreme in nature, these are not isolated failures within our system. In 2022, Bournemouth man Thomas Roberts, a qualified precision engineer, was stabbed to death by Afghan, Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai. Abdulrahimzai had already been convicted in

absentia of two counts of murder in Serbia before being allowed to enter the country illegally via Poole Port, pretending to be an unaccompanied 14-year-old. The same litany of failures present in the case of Rudakubana were present with Abdulrahimzai.

A complete failure by the judicial system to have a zero tolerance to the carrying of knives, repeated failures by social services to take the necessary measures despite multiple opportunities, but above all else, a complete failure at our borders.

We need to have a radical change to both our immigration and asylum systems. We have to stop allowing our country’s borders to be run through the prism of left-wing human rights lawyers and instead exclusively focus on the future safety of our children and wider country.

dorset@reformuk.com

Flooding and climate change

THERE’S no doubt this January has come in with a roar, with plenty of wet weather and wind to blow the festive season cobwebs away. In Somerset we’ve had a huge amount of flooding, after back-to-back storms Éowyn and then Herminia battered the UK last weekend.

Somerset is always at the forefront of flooding, and it’s something I’ve spoken on many times in Parliament, including this month, urging the Government to properly fund agencies that deal with flooding so we can have better preparedness, mitigation and prevention. So many resources are focused on building back after the fact, which is important, but what I’m hearing over and over again from people in Glastonbury and Somerton is that they want more focus on prevention and protection –flood-proofing before it becomes

LibDem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke

a problem and people’s homes are damaged – which is happening with ever increasing frequency.

Unfortunately, with climate change a harsh reality, flooding is becoming more commonplace, so it’s more important than ever that we properly resource flood protections. It’s also glaringly

clear that at this juncture we must urgently take proper action on the climate emergency facing us.

My Lib Dem colleague Dr Roz Savage MP has been trying to do exactly that, with her landmark Climate and Nature Bill which was tabled for its Second Reading this month. This important piece of legislation will realign the UK with its international climate commitments. I was extremely proud to be in Parliament to support the bill on the day, as it is something I have long championed.

In fact, when I was executive lead for Environment and Climate Change at Somerset District Council, I put forward a motion to support this legislation in its earlier format and make climate change an urgent priority. While I was disappointed the current bill didn’t progress to a vote on this occasion, I am proud of the work

done to move it forward and ensure it remains alive in its current form. Roz worked hard to find compromise and common ground with the Government and other stakeholders, and secured some significant commitments from them to deliver measurable progress.

We Lib Dems will continue to hold the Government to account on its environmental policies and I look forward to voting for the bill in the future. I have heard the powerful voice of so many constituents, businesses, scientists and young people in Glastonbury and Somerton who agree – we must take action now to save our planet from the ecological disaster facing it.

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

Hospitality sector needs helping hand

WEST Dorset is not just a wonderful place to live, it is a wonderful place to visit. That is why every year thousands of people visit our world famous Jurassic Coast, our historic towns and our beautiful countryside.

All year round visitors and residents are looked after by our dynamic hospitality sector –whether it be our pubs, restaurants, hotels or campsites.

The hospitality sector brings in more than £150 million a year to West Dorset and employs nearly 6,000 people. It is vital to our local economy.

By and large these are small businesses – the ‘S’ in SME –independent traders, who have poured their heart and soul into making their dream a reality. They work long hours, for below minimum wage, so they can employ other local people

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset Edward Morello

at more than minimum, and contribute not just to the local economy but the local community.

Last week award-winning chef Tom Robinson of Tom’s Lyme Regis visited Parliament to speak to Ministers and Parliamentarians about the

importance of the hospitality sector, and how it serves Britian and our local communities, as well as to raise some of the many issues the industry is facing at the moment. Among the many concerns he eloquently highlighted, he made the point that the sector is responsible for 3% of national economic turnover, but pays 10% of business rates.

Last week I tabled an Early Day Motion calling for additional support for SMEs in coastal and farming communities like West Dorset, including the cancelling of the planned increases in National Insurance Contributions and reform of the current business rates system, so that small businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, have the chance to survive and thrive.

As Tom highlighted when he

Labour piling on the misery

I’VE been talking a lot to small and medium-sized businesses of all sorts in our area. Hospitality is the economy’s canary in the mine. When sentiment nosedives, the first thing people do is cut back on eating out, coffees at £3.50 a pop, days out, little treats and the pub.

Hospitality is telling me that since Ms Reeve’s slow-burn nightmare Budget things have been getting a whole lot worse and it’s laying people off. So, it looks like we must hunker down. Stagflation here seems likely as the UK sits on the sidelines while the US economy storms ahead. And what does Sir Keir and his people do – talk up the economy a bit, maybe? Nope, not a bit of it. With all the feelgood flair of a funeral director, he’s been piling on the misery as he rolls the pitch for further tax rises and shores up the pretence that the meltdown he’s creating is the fault of his predecessors.

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

Too many folk that can are voting with their feet. No wonder there’s an exodus of well-heeled people and fewer international investors wanting to risk capital here. Good thing Sir Keir is a human rights lawyer and not a salesman. It’s the Ratner effect – if you say your product is rubbish, don’t be surprised by the reaction. The Reeves Budget bumped

came to Parliament, this is a sector already on the brink, having to deal with increasing raw material and energy costs, all of which make margins paper thin or non-existent. The additional tax burden the Government seems intent on levying may be the final straw.

The Government needs to act fast or we will see business closures increasing, and ultimately the industry collapse. For our local communities and for our vital tourism business we cannot afford to lose these important employers.

The Liberal Democrats recognise that these small businesses are the heart of our local economy. We will continue to defend small businesses and our hospitality sector, and do all we can to pressure the Government to change its approach.

up government debt interest rates. That wiped out the headroom the chancellor created by hiking taxes in the autumn Budget. So, all those taxes and all that pain for nothing. She needs to correct course, urgently.

In desperation, Reeves has instructed regulators to cut back rules and red tape to boost growth. I’m cautiously supportive but am bound to note how uneasily that sits with the extra employment rights her Government is cuffing small businesses with. I’d also gently point out that, rather like forcing through emergency measures during the pandemic at pace with necessarily abbreviated checks and balances, she’ll have to own the consequences of deregulation.

For example, a constituent of mine recently suffered life-changing injuries when 33,000 volts jumped from an overhead power cable to his water-fed cleaning pole. I’ve

been trying to find out more about the regulatory environment and how it can be tightened without putting window cleaners out of business.

Where deregulation might work is in stripping out gold-plated market-facing impositions we inherited from the EU. Also in scope should be some of the nuttier elements of the headlong race to net zero that have seen us race ahead of other, far bigger, polluters. Ed Milliband’s crazed insistence on carbon ‘leadership’ includes banning boilers, loading cost on ordinary families and making it impossible to rent out or even sell older properties – of particular concern in rural areas like ours. Also in scope should be EU directive-based silliness like Environmental Performance Certificates. But I doubt it will be. I suspect Ms Reeves understands deregulation about as well as she understands growth.

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

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

7 Signify limits to deference by celebrity (6)

8 Boringly traditional feature of a town? (6)

9 A team of workers restricted measure of land (4)

10 Complete struggle with general survey (8)

Sudoku Pro

11 Avoid leader somehow however it is done? (4,2,5)

14 A secure feature about Thomas in charge of college – and sort of timer (6,5)

KILLER Sudoku Pro

18 Boy with gall excitedly detaining lecturer all over the place (8)

Down

1 Drink taken by US singer and instructor

2 Chapter on poem in secret symbols? (4)

3 Film is seen in dull diversion (6)

4 A second cathedral city falling short too

5 Virus spread by woman staying alive (8)

6 Inexperienced environmentalist (5)

12 US lawyer cheers headquarters providing source of information? (8)

13 City hospital with long time to accept line rank (7)

19 One busy parking giving sound of horn (4)

20 Glittery decoration in metal a deception largely (6)

21 Choice draught initially switched (6)

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

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

15 Ale lately deprived of substance in a gentle way (6)

16 Anglican church only demolished in former island (6)

17 Very reticent type pens current demand

19 Club by hotel has washing facility? (4)

Antiques & Collectibles

ACREMAN St. Antiques Auction, Sherborne, has more than 800 lots on offer over two days at the end of the month.

The Antiques & Collectables sale on Thursday, January 30, includes a one-owner collection of Oriental and a one-owner collection of Poole pottery.

A rare antique Daab Thailand (Siam) Rattanakosin late 18th, early 19th century sword in a leather sheath is estimated at £880-£1,000.

Advertiser’s announcement

the Sea King Helicopter at some time in their career.

papers. It is estimated at £25,000-£30,000.

The Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale on Friday, January 31, features a Rolex Gentleman’s watch-GMTMaster II Sea King Limited Edition, No. 029 of 123, in mint unworn condition with box and

This watch was commissioned following a request to Rolex by a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy stationed at the time at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. It was to commemorate over 47 years of multirole service by the Sea King helicopter in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Air Force’s Search Rescue Wing. Only 123 watches were made, one for every Sea King – now decommissioned –procured by the MOD.

To qualify for ownership of this limited edition timepiece, individuals had to prove a professional association with

The owner of this watch has had an 18-year association with Sea King helicopters in maintenance and later a managerial role.

Such watches rarely come up for sale, especially in mint condition.

The luxury watch market is outperforming many other investment markets and this piece could be a great opportunity for someone.

The catalogue and bidding are available through Easylive auction.com and Thesaleroom. com and Auctionet.com for Acreman’s timed auctions.

Acreman is now holding regular valuation days at its premises at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PH where its specialists can evaluate items.

Anyone who has items they may like to sell by auction should contact Gill Norman on 01935 508764 or 07908 333577 or email auction@acreman streetantiques.co.uk

AN amazing collection of more than 6,000 45rpm records from the estate of a DJ in Richmond, Surrey, are entered into Charterhouse’s specialist auction of Rock, Pop, Film and Entertainment Memorabilia on Wednesday, February 26.

“There is a vast selection of foot-tapping music which just makes you want to get up and dance!” said John Snape, from the auction house.

“We have seen and sold many record collections over the years, but never one as large as this.”

The collection spans five decades of music from the 1950s to the 1990s.

As a teenager in the 1960s, the owner used his pocket

money to buy records from the top 10 charts.

Over the years, he gained an encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music trivia in addition to the thousands of records he bought and played.

From The Beatles to The Clash, the collection encompasses all genres of music and is estimated to sell for £1,000-£2,000 as a single lot.

John Snape and the Charterhouse Team can be contacted for valuations of vinyl records and film memorabilia at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277 or via js@charterhouse-auction. com

SPORTING & Natural History returns for another expedition into the natural world with Duke’s sale later this month.

Once again, the saleroom will be transformed into an emporium of curiosities showcasing a collection of rare fishing paraphernalia, taxidermy, sporting attire and a variety of wonders from the animal kingdom.

A highlight of the collection is a magnificent taxidermy of a pike by J Cooper & Sons, London, in an aquatic setting, mounted in a glazed bowfronted case with gilt inscription: ‘Pike 20lbs. Caught by E. Smith on 24th September 1943. Jolly Anglers Association’, 45cm x 120cm.

Eric Smith was a prolific angler from Peterborough who fished at many major fishing

events from the 1940s to 1970s.

He won lots of trophies and medals for his achievements and was a long-standing member of the Jolly Anglers Association when he caught the pike.

The lot is estimated to fetch £800-£1,200 at the auction on Wednesday, February 26, at 10.30am.

To organise a free and confidential valuation with one of Duke’s specialists, email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com or phone 01305 265080.

Pike by J Cooper & Sons, London, estimated at £800-£1,200

Antiques & Collectibles

Hemington House collection and motorbikes Auction

PRIVATE collections of high calibre items lead the upcoming Interiors auctions at Dore & Rees.

The Select Interiors auction on Wednesday, February 12, features a wide range of furniture, pictures and decorative objects, including a sizeable collection of modern prints to lift the spirits of any interior space.

A number of private collections are consigned for the Wednesday, March 12, Curated Interiors auction, including the Collection of Hemington House, featuring high quality pieces of furniture, pictures, prints, Asian works of art and more.

If you have pieces you may

like to sell in this auction, contact Guy Tayler, head of Interiors, at guy.tayler@ doreandrees.com.

The Motoring team continues to grow its partnership auctions, with the first of the year at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show on Sunday, February 23. Head of Motoring, Nick Wells, and his team, will present everything from a wide selection of classic bikes through to modern super bikes at the show at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

A 2004 Confederate Hellcat, offered at £27,000-£31,000, was in a prominent US car and motorcycle collection until the vendor acquired it some years ago.

Under 50 are known to have been made, a number of which were destroyed – along with the tooling – in Hurricane Katrina, so no more will be produced.

A 2023 Ducati V4R Panigale, which gives a competition track-style ride – will be offered at an estimate of £22,000£27,000.

Nick’s next auction of Collectors’ Cars and Automobilia is on Saturday, March 29 – contact him to discuss selling any classic car and motoring memorabilia at nick.wells@doreandrees.com

Dore & Rees looks forward to seeing visitors at its auctions. Head over to www.doreandrees. com for more information.

CLARKE’S Auctions is holding its next sale on Saturday, February 8, with viewing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, February 5-7, from 9am to 5pm.

The viewing days are also Clarke’s regular monthly valuation days with specialist valuers on the premises to evaluate items prospective sellers may be thinking of consigning.

Anyone thinking of selling antiques and collectables is invited pop in with their items. Anyone unable to make it

Clarke’s Auctions

Antiques & Collectables Saturday 8th February Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th February

Viewing and Open Valuation days

Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk A neoclassical style two-tier garden fountain. Sold for £1,100 Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

This 2023 Ducati V4R Panigale

on

Clarke’s recently enjoyed success at the Gillingham Business Awards winning Gold in the New Business Award category for local businesses that have made significant contributions to the local economy, business innovation and community spirit.

Clarke’s says local businesses are at the heart of the economy and it looks forward to strengthening existing customer relationships and forging new

relationships with the local community at its new showroom at The Old Glove Factory.

Clarke’s is taking entries for its March Antiques & Collectibles sale and its Classic Vehicles & Automobilia sale being held in April.

To enquire about consigning items into these sales and probate or insurance valuations, or full or part house clearances, phone

Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 or 01747 855109. at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF. This Victorian silver fourpiece tea set sold for £1,800 hammer

‘Superstar’ contains a deadly poison

by Sally Gregson

HELLEBORES are very special. They need to be planted where their glorious flowers will be seen in the middle of winter – in a spot that everyone passes on the way to the front door or even centre stage out of the main window, because hellebore flowers demand attention. They are the divas of the garden, and would be at any

Hellebores –Queens of the winter garden

by Sally Gregson

JUST now our gardens are looking quiet, with only a few winter flowers braving the short, dark days. And of all the winter flowers, hellebores are perhaps the most gorgeous. That any flower chooses to perform at this dreary time of year is remarkable. That flamboyant hellebores burst into flower right now is exceptional. These days we are reaping

the reward of decades of work to produce the sort of flowers that would grace any garden at any time of year, let alone in the middle of a cold, dark winter. Specialist nurseries and garden centres too are displaying some wonderful examples that have been encouraged into perfection under a little cold glass. But they are not flowering prematurely. The glass is

time of year, but especially in the depths of winter when there is little else to detract from their performance.

Having chosen a spot where this superstar will be

merely protecting the flowers from the worst of the weather. Hellebores are totally hardy. Hellebores are the stars of winter. Hellebores are joyous.

Not only have breeders been working on different species, selecting forms that have beautiful foliage, but one or two specialists have also been selecting for form as well as flower colour. The bi-specific crosses are now available in subtle pinks and whites, that, as they mature, fade to burgundy, buff and cream. Their flowers will take centre stage for weeks until spring takes over.

In addition, the coloured flowers of H. x hybridus are becoming increasingly beautiful, displaying strong

prominently visible, prepare the ground. Ideally, they prefer a little shade, the soil should be rich and fertile, and they are greedy. So, incorporate plenty of garden compost or well-

yellows, splashed and spotted with bright red markings; whites and palest pinks splashed and spotted with red; or, if you prefer the dark, blue-blacks, these too are reaching new subtleties of colour. Each plant is unique. Each is beautiful. Each is a ‘must-have’. It is well worth checking out the opening hours of the specialist nurseries online and making a trip to see their wares in the flesh.

So, if you are beginning to suffer from a surfeit of dull, winter days, gather up your pocket money, re-mortgage the house and give yourself a special day looking at these beautiful hellebores. They will not disappoint.

rotted manure into the planting hole. Hellebores do not like ‘hot and dry’, so perhaps underneath a deciduous shrub or tree would provide shade in the heat of summer.

Dig a deep hole, at least twice the size of the present root-ball. Hellebores have very big root-systems that spread out very sizeably. Having planted it, water in the soil around the roots to ensure there are no air pockets and top-dress it with garden compost or well-rotted manure.

During the coming summer, try not to forget to water it during dry weather, and come December cut back the old leaves. This has two or three benefits. Firstly, it prevents the

cross-infection of black-spot or any other fungal disease from the old plant to the newly emerging shoots. It prevents the plant from getting too tall and leggy. And it stops naughty mice from nipping off the flower buds just as they are opening. Why this happens is quite a mystery. But they seem to enjoy flinging the flowers to their ladies, purely out of mischief. The flowers are not eaten. Indeed, hellebores contain a deadly poison which would kill a dog in 20 minutes. Do mice read the books?

So, enjoy them. Float the heads in a shallow bowl of water on the dining table. But don’t be tempted to nibble them!

Helleborus niger double fantasy and Hellebores Ashwoods

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Get in the Garden

Home & Garden

latest gardening news, hints and tips, with Mike

THERE has been a high level of interest in growing one’s own fruit and vegetables for many years now. For some, this has always been the case, but many people have been drawn to growing their own, leading to a rise in demand for allotments after many years of decline.

soil condition to be controlled with purpose made vegetable composts now available, or perhaps the use of ericaceous compost to allow the growing of blueberries. The latter are wonderful plants with interesting flowers and great autumn and winter colours, as well as the fruit. For best crops, have more than one plant, as it will ensure better pollination and larger crops.

There are many varied reasons for this increased interest and their co-incidence was probably the trigger which got the ‘craze’ going. One reason has been born from concerns about how supermarket food is produced and what chemicals are used in that process. Whereas many gardeners are now organic, most want as little pesticide used as possible and at least in one’s own garden there is an awareness as to what has been used.

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CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTATION

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Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

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Frosts can still be around until the end of May – but still be wary until the end of the first week in June – so until that time protect tender plants, such as peppers and aubergines by having them in a greenhouse or in the conservatory to start with. The aubergine is a very ornamental plant as well as being edible with purple flowers offset by sage green foliage. The fruit is, of course, purple, and egg-shaped on most varieties, but look out for a variety called Pinstripe with smaller, rounder fruit striped white and ‘pinky’ purple.

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local Driveway Specialist Installation Company

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Blackmore Vale Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

There is also the issue of food miles, which will be down to zero, unless your allotment is a long way distant. And then there is the option of using noncommercial varieties, which may not have the yield of those grown commercially but may well have better flavour and will mature at varying rates, suiting most households. There is also the freshness issue, and that will help maintain flavour, plus with all that effort you have put in, surely it’s going to taste fabulous!

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We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

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Peppers are also good fun. The standard large, fruited varieties are great, and I find most useful in terms of eating. However, some of you may be braver and like testing the tastebuds. If this is the case, then have a go at the thinner fruited hot chilli peppers or perhaps the dumpy Cheyenne type, which are excellent for pots.

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Fruit and vegetables can be grown in the ground, in raised beds and, increasingly popular is growing in pots on the patio, and a good range of varieties is now available for such growing methods. Such plants will perform several functions in the garden, including being ornamental, which is certainly possible with fruit such as blueberries, and all manner of vegetables, including oak leafed lettuce.

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Growing crops on the patio has other advantages, for example, it is easier to protect the crops from pests with the use of horticultural fleece on tender crops, which is also great frost protection, or netting, say strawberries, to prevent attack from birds. It also allows for the

Tomatoes, too, are ideal for pots. Although some of the traditional varieties are, of course, possible, I prefer the cherry types as the flavour can be so much better. Gardeners Delight is a favourite still, but I prefer Sungold, which is orange/ yellow fruited. The flavour is just great. Lots of people were raving about the mini plum tomato variety Rosada that we also grew and liked.

Root crops, too, can be grown on the patio, especially varieties such as Parmex Carrot, a ball variety, and Turnip Rubin, another quick maturing dwarf variety. These are tougher than the pepper and aubergine and so can be started sooner.

Burks, MD of The Gardens Group

Home & Garden

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

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ALL TYPES OF EXTERIOR CLEANING UNDERTAKEN. Gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, patio driveways and solar panels, drains unblocked. Call Ross or Pat on 01963371123. Whatsapp images to 07393-941500. Call on mobile 07747-709002.

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LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Seed

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ALL DIGGER WORK. Natural Stone Walls. Footings-Drains-Drives. Tel: 07301-007855

G.S GENERAL BUILDER. Extensions, renovations, alterations, plastering, brickwork, block-work, stonework and patios, fencing. NO VAT. Call Garry: 07933-921382

KBB KITCHEN FITTER, all aspects of kitchen fitting undertaken. 30 years experience, free estimates given. Tel: 01963 364550 or 07890 841827

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BAILEY & SUN LTD.

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STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING

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MARTIN SIMMONDS CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional 07368-250305 or 01747 590799

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

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

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

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DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

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Professional Cleaning Services offer regular and spring cleaning. If you are planning moving house we here to help! Just call on 07429 003541 or email korneliamiakisz@gmail.com

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

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STRUCTURAL PAINT in different colours. £25 p/m2 including the paint. I have a catalog where you can choose your colour. I offer painting with normal paint as well. £18 p/m2. 07955-291391.

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Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: The twilight ritual

by Susanna Curtin

JANUARY has disappeared in a kaleidoscope of winter weather. Now, as we turn the page into February, the border month between winter and spring, there is much to enjoy in nature. Not least the swathes of snowdrops, the catkins and the return of the light which increases from three and a half minutes each day to just under four minutes by the end of the month. Light gives birth to new life as buds begin to swell, and bulbs push further out of the ground.

Already, the birds are beginning to pair up, some have begun to look for nest sites, badgers are giving birth to young in their underground hideaways and the great crested newts have returned to my pond. Although I love the spontaneity that life offers and the chance for adventures, I am also a creature of habit. One of my regular joys is to watch the light slowly disappear at the end of the day, particularly that liminal time between sunset and

twilight, for during this time my garden is a hive of last-minute activity. With my binoculars by my side and a cup of tea, I am sitting beside my patio doors as I watch a swarm of goldfinch disappear over the hedge, followed by the regular mob of long-tailed tits taking their place on the feeders. They don’t stay long – they quickly twitter and flick around my garden before flying off to their next feeding station or roost.

A moment of stillness, and then the only birds to be seen are a pair of robins, two blackbirds, blue and great tits, and a single wren who, like a tiny mouse, is frantically in out of the flowers and foliage of my winter pots looking for small grubs and insects. But it is always the blue tits that steal my attention at this time of day. I remember when I was in my 20s and we were renovating our first house, there was an old swing in the garden with a hollow steel tube at the top. We used to watch a blue tit squeeze into this rusty cavity at

the end of each day. Unfortunately, the time came when the swing had to go. That night we watched this poor bemused bird as he looked for his roost and felt an enormous pang of guilt as we had rendered him homeless. Since then, I have ensured that there are numerous boxes up for them to roost in.

Blue tits are by far the most common species of tit in the UK. We have about 3.6 million breeding pairs but in the winter these are joined by an influx of European birds boosting their numbers to nearly 15 million. They are highly active birds who often seek the company of other species of tit. Their favourite food is insects, but they also enjoy nuts and seeds. The blue tits that nest here tend to stay relatively close to the area in which they were born and generally have a lifespan of three years. They are one of the easiest birds to encourage to nest in a garden. They usually start to pair up and look for a nest site in February – something I look forward to. But at the moment, two of my nest boxes are being used as a winter roost, and this is what I am waiting for now, to see them safely in for the night.

They, too, are creatures of habit, but roosting times tend to depend on light levels and weather and can vary by 20

minutes or so. Their behaviour before bedtime is quite intriguing. It is always the same. It begins with a feed and then a fly around the block with their ‘friends’, and then a return to the apple tree where they sit and prune, and nervously look around for danger, wiping their beaks on twigs. Eventually, they fly towards their individual nest box. They either enter immediately or hang around for a while still checking for any disturbance. Then, in a blink of an eye, they are in.

I can’t quite explain my fascination and wonder at this moment. There is the joy that I have provided a safe haven for this tiny bird as well as the quiet, thinking time that sitting and watching nature provides. But for me, it is more profound than that. It is an insight into the life of another living creature, and an understanding and a connectedness to nature. What strikes me the most, as I retreat from the window, are the similarities between us and them – the full stomach, the bedtime routine, the need for safety, shelter and security before we can finally withdraw from our surrounds and sink into a peaceful sleep until the sun rises on a new day.

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

Health and the power of the mind

by Fiona Chapman

A FRIEND of mine is having a knee replacement as I write. I know she was terrified going into the operation as it is done under local anaesthetic, which means she can hear everything going on, even if she cannot feel it. I just hope all has gone well. I have been telling her to concentrate on visualising herself better, to imagine she is doing her favourite walk – to feel the sun on her face, listen to the birds and the insects, look at the clouds and, as she lives by the sea, imagine the sound of the waves and feel how strong and pain-free her knee is and how she is able to negotiate the

uneven ground, the climbs and descents without discomfort.

The power of the mind is phenomenal, and it can make all the difference to recovery. The mind affects every molecule in our body and negative thoughts impede our development, health, happiness and joy of life.

I have been listening to an inspiring doctor, Dr Sam Watts, a cancer research/specialist. He is also deeply involved with Ayurvedic medicine and medicine from the Himalayas and Sri Lanka where they have always recognised that the power of the mind is key to longevity, health and happiness. He is putting this together with

western research into how the brain works to prove how integral this is to health and our general wellbeing.

He has come across many cancer patients who defy their prognosis, and he says that each and every one has had goals they have set themselves for themselves – not others – and they have visualised these down to the last detail. (His website, if interested, is https://www. mind-body-medical.co.uk).

As you may know, I have spent quite a bit of time in India at Ayurvedic retreats where you completely detox the body through fasting, purging and massage, and strengthen it again

through diet, herbs, massage, movement and meditation. It is the main form of medicine in India for most of the population. Testament to it is that my husband, who hates his January detox, is insisting that we go back to India to an Ayurvedic centre to do this all again. (So, too, are the once sceptical friends who came with us).

The fact that Dr Sam has the western evidence that the brain and body benefit from Ayurvedic treatment proves why these ancient traditions are still so powerful today.

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

Health & Wellbeing

Connection in the midst of chaos

by Danielle Goshawk

IN a fast-paced world, work deadlines, family responsibilities and the constant demands of daily life often leave little room for intimacy. For busy couples, finding moments of connection can feel like yet another item on an already overwhelming to do list. But connection doesn’t have to be elaborate, time consuming or picture perfect. What matters most is the intention behind your efforts, not the scale of your gestures.

As a relationship therapist, I’ve seen how small, thoughtful actions between partners can make a meaningful impact. If your days are packed and time feels scarce, here are some ways to nurture your connection and prioritise intimacy, even when life feels chaotic.

Release yourself from the pressure to make your quality

time look a certain way

Connection doesn’t require hours of planning or elaborate dates. Focus instead on creating moments that feel authentic to your relationship. Perhaps that’s sharing a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, exchanging a meaningful text during the workday or sitting in comfortable silence together after a long day. Make time, no matter how small EVEN 15 minutes of uninterrupted connection can make a difference. Schedule a short ‘mini-date’ into your day – whether that’s taking a walk together, sitting down for a meal or cuddling on the sofa before bed. The key is to be fully present during these moments. Put away your phones and let your partner feel seen and valued.

Offer meaningful actions WHEN time is limited, expressing love in ways that resonate most with your partner becomes even more impactful. If they value words of affirmation, leave them a thoughtful note. If they feel close through physical touch, take a few extra moments to hold their hand or offer a long hug. Small gestures tailored to their needs can strengthen your bond in profound ways.

Plan for future connection

IF your schedules truly don’t align, make a plan to spend intentional time together in the near future. Anticipation can be a source of connection in itself. Knowing you’ve carved out time – even if it’s weeks away –reminds both of you that your relationship is a priority.

Honour the effort FINALLY, celebrate the fact

that you’re showing up for your relationship, even amid the chaos. Love isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about the quiet, consistent ways we say, “I see you, and you matter to me.” Connection doesn’t require perfection or endless hours of time. By creating intentional moments to nurture your relationship, even in the midst of chaos, you build a foundation of love and intimacy that carries you through life’s busiest times. n Danielle Goshawk is a counsellor working with adults and couples, based in Lytchett Matravers and online – www. acaciacounselling.net. She is also the co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support which provides local businesses with counselling and wellness services – for more information email DorsetEWS@proton.me.

Winter fuel to zap that cold!

Coconut and butternut

squash soup

Ingredients

Serves 4

1 butternut squash

1 tin coconut milk

1 lime

1 tsp good Thai paste

1 squirt of tomato puree

1 tsp minced fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves roughly chopped

1 carrot roughly diced

1 red onion or shallot roughly diced

1 level tbs turmeric

1 500ml chicken bone broth or vegetarian stock

1 25g coriander leaves

Few drops of Thai fish sauce or pinch of Maldon salt and a screw of black pepper to release the power of the turmeric.

Method ROAST off the butternut squash in the oven for 40 minutes at

190 degrees or until soft to the touch all over.

Meanwhile, in a deep non-stick frying pan – or whatever you find works for you – put a glug of olive oil and add all the chopped ingredients plus a squirt of tomato puree, Thai green paste and the turmeric.

Push around with a wooden spoon until it all gets a bit of colour, then add the bone broth/ stock.

Squeeze the whole lime and leave the two halves in the pan. Add the coconut milk and whole chilli, and let all the flavours simmer and blend.

Once the squash has cooked, carefully halve it lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Rough chop it and put its flesh and skin in the bubbling soup base. Turn off and remove the whole chilli and the lime halves.

Add fresh coriander leaves and ladle the soup into a blender to blitz.

If it’s still very hot, do it in two halves, otherwise it might bubble and splat when you put the lid on the blender, or simply use a hand-held blender, in which case you might not want the caramelised skin.

If I want this as a whole meal

without bread, I put a handful of raw spinach on top of the soup, or rocket with some pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and a green salad on the side with avocado and a lemon and honey dressing.

n Annie des Forges, DirectorChef, The Table Bruton; Annie Austin, Director-Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.

Sundays

Valentines Afternoon Tea

Our

Joy in a bowl: Coconut and butternut squash soup

Bake Off star at garden centre

FOOD writer, author and Great British Bake Off star, Val Stones, is returning to Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil for a biscuit decorating demonstration and tasting.

Val – pictured – will talk about her love of baking and how that led to her appearing on series 7 of the Great British Bake Off, and prepare and decorate a variety of sweet biscuits.

comfort in baking and gardening, often using homegrown produce in her recipes.

She will invite members of the audience to measure, mix, knead, shape and decorate a batch of biscuits while she shares tales about baking for family, friends and colleagues.

Audience members will also be able to try a selection of Val’s homemade biscuits during the demonstration.

Val has always found

She has gained a large following on social media and uses that profile to encourage people to find joy in baking for others, regardless of expertise, and to grow their own, no matter how big their outdoor space may be.

The event is on Thursday, February 13, at 1pm in the garden centre and will end with a question and answer session and tasting, with a hot drink and savoury treat provided by The Apple Tree Restaurant.

Tickets are £15 and are available at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil or online at thegardensgroup.co.uk Advance booking is essential.

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Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more. Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm. 01258 450050

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.

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

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

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

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

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

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

How to keep your dog’s brain active

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

DOGS of all ages need to use their brains to keep them happy and to prevent behavioural problems developing. This can be achieved in many ways.

A dog’s brain responds to all the same senses as us but is much more targeted towards smells. A dog’s olfactory system – smell system – is 40 times larger than ours and one-eighth of their brain is dedicated to interpreting odours. Sniffing stimulates the brain, leading to dopamine release, which improves the dog’s mood, motivation and attention.

Simple ways to stimulate this system can involve hiding smelly treats around the house and encouraging your dog to search for them. More advanced methods involve placing a treat under a pot placed among other pots and encouraging your dog to work out which one contains the treat.

Dogs use their noses constantly while out on walks by checking out urine scents left

by other dogs as well as other animals. We know that dogs with dementia-type symptoms benefit from walks where they can check out smells. Even dogs with poor mobility can benefit from a short walk to enable this.

Other ways to stimulate your dog’s brain can involve longlasting treats or packing toys with food. If you pack a safe toy – such as a Kong – with food and then freeze it, it will keep your dog occupied for longer. How to pack it will vary from dog to dog because some will get frustrated if they can’t get the food out quickly whereas others will persevere until every last morsel has been removed!

Using food is an ideal way to motivate your dog but it is important to ensure that this does not lead to obesity or gut issues. Measuring out your dog’s daily ration and including this in their treats will avoid this. Small amounts of more highly desired foods such as peanut butter can be used sparingly to increase interest without causing problems.

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Varying the size and texture of the food packed in the treat add to the interest and difficulty of getting it out.

Other ways to keep dog’s brains active can involve a lick mat, where food is spread on to a textured silicon mat to extend the time taken to eat it, and a snuffle mat, where food is hidden within various shapes and structures to encourage sniffing and to extend the time taken to eat the food.

Any form of training uses your dog’s brain and can be as tiring as going for a walk. Particularly with puppies, keep

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training sessions short and try to avoid getting frustrated if your puppy loses concentration. Even three minutes can be a constructive training session. Vary the lessons and use play to maintain interest.

A dog who has used his brain is more likely to settle afterwards and this can help when you need to leave them for short periods to reduce separation anxiety. You can reduce behavioural problems by tactical feeding, targeted training and a good sniff on a walk, and these are all fairly easy to achieve.

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5 star licensed home breeder, Gorgeous rare breed loyal puppies available to view with both parents. Home reared - no kennels . Leave with first vaccine , KC, Vet check , Puppy folder and starter bag Insurance. £900 please call 07980-424995 for further information

A German Shepherd puppy uses a lick mat

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Lulu, four years. Sweet girl looking for a home as the only pet. May prefer to live indoors, see website for details

Dusty, 11 years. Delightful boy looking for a retirement home

Rene and Gruber, six months. Delightful pair looking for a home together

Misty, 10 years. Delightful girl and a bit of a character, never wanting to miss out on attention

Crumble, six months. Still a little wary but in the right home with someone who has time to give him will come on leaps and bounds

For

Mini and Yvette, six months. Sweet friendly girls looking for a home together

Mel and Sue, six years. Looking for a home together. Sweet sensitive pair who are friendly, enjoy a fuss and company

Take the stress out of visiting the vet

by Raychel Curson

VISITING the vet is essential for your dog’s health, but it can sometimes be a stressful experience for pets and owners. With a bit of preparation and a positive mindset, you can make the trip smoother and even enjoyable. I offer confident clinics at Newton Clarke Vets in Sherborne but here are some tips to ensure a stress-free vet visit.

Familiarise your dog with the vet environment

TAKE short trips to the vet when no appointment is scheduled. Allow your dog to explore the waiting area, meet the staff and receive treats.

Cherry, six months. Sweet, playful and incredibly ‘purry’. Could be homed on her own or with one of her friends, Crumble and Spud

Spud, six months. Very shy boy who needs an understanding home to allow him the time to come out of his shell

These ‘happy visits’ help your dog associate the vet clinic with positive experiences. Practice handling at home DOGS often get anxious during physical examinations. Help them feel comfortable by gently handling their paws, ears and mouth at home. Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise, so they’re more relaxed when the vet does the same.

Use positive reinforcement BRING your dog’s favourite

treats, toys or even a small blanket for comfort. Reward your dog during the visit for calm and cooperative behaviour. Positive reinforcement turns a stressful experience into a rewarding one.

Stay calm and reassuring YOUR dog picks up on your emotions. If you’re anxious, they might be, too. Speak in a calm, soothing voice and avoid showing nervousness. Be their source of comfort and confidence.

Desensitise to the car ride FOR dogs that dislike car rides, practice short positive trips as they are enjoying an enrichment activity. Gradually increase the distance to help your dog associate the car with positive experiences.

Schedule wisely BOOK appointments at quieter times to minimise waiting and distractions. Discuss specific concerns with the vet ahead of time to ensure a smooth visit. With preparation, patience and positivity, vet visits can become less stressful and more manageable for both you and your furry friend! If you need more support, contact Newton Clarke Vets to book a visit. n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching (email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk).

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

80th BIRTHDAY DEATHS

THE DISCO KID

PETE (PEDRO) STARKEY

80 YEARS OLD ON 27 JANUARY 2025

CONGRATULATIONS FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS

THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE OLD BREWERY CAFÉ.

YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO THE DORSET COUNTY HOSPITAL RADIOTHERAPY FUND AT THE ROBERT WHITE CENTRE RAISED THE AMAZING

TOTAL OF £1,000.00 : THANK YOU!

PUBLIC NOTICES

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of application for the GRANT of a PREMISES LICENCE

Proposed licensable activities: Supply of alcohol

Name of applicant: Alan Waistell, Address of Premises: Pine House, High Street, Wincanton Post Code: BA9 9JF

Date by which Responsible Authorities and other persons may make representations: 20/02/2025

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

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. Copies of representations are given to the applicant as required by the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005

IN MEMORIAM

ALAN KING

In Loving Memory of Alan King, Milborne Port, Beloved, Husband, Father, Grandfather and brother. 8th January 2025.

Heartfelt thanks to all at Newstone House.

GRAHAM JEANS

Treasured memories of a loving and much loved Brother, who was taken from us so suddenly on 5th February 1973. Always in our hearts and thoughts, with love Jenny, Colin, Mel and Martin. xxxxx

Irenee May Haines (nee Bastable)

Passed away on 17th January 2025 aged 95. Funeral Service to be held at The Church of The Holy Rood, Shillingstone on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at 2pm. No black please, bright colours and casual dress.

SHEILA MOSSÉ

04.10.1924 - 7.12.2024

A Thanksgiving service in celebration of Sheila’s life will be held on Wednesday 12th February at 2:00pm in St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton. Family flowers only but donations to The Brooke gratefully received at the service or via Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP.

EILEEN WINIFRED WHALE

on 13th January 2025, peacefully at home aged 96 years. Of Shaftesbury.

“A very special lady to all who knew her” Funeral service takes place at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Friday 31st January at 11.30am followed by interment. No flowers please but donations for Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

BOSLEY

Malcolm George

Peacefully on 22nd December 2024 at Fernbrook Lodge Care Home in Gillingham, aged 82 years, of Wincanton. Beloved Partner of Liz. Dearly loved Father of Kevin, Alison, Jonathan and the late Andrew. Loving Grandad and GreatGrandad. Loved so much by Liz’s Children and Grandchildren. Funeral service at Mendip crematorium on Thursday, 6th February at 12.30pm. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Malcolm for Diabetes UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel. 01963 362570

Peacefully on 3rd January 2025 at Hays House Nursing Home, aged 92 years. Beloved wife of the late Henry, much loved mother of Alistair, Matthew, Eleanor, Fraser and Imogen, and a treasured grandmother and great grandmother. A professional artist, calligrapher and teacher, Joan will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Funeral service at Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Fifehead Magdalen, on Friday 14th February 2025 at 11.30am, followed by interment. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired, in memory of Joan for either Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust or Julia’s House can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

HAIG (née Salmon) Joan Madeleine

DEATHS

Hart Mary Rose

Aged 93 years of Ansford, on 15th January 2025, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital, a dearly beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Funeral Service at St Andrew’s Church, Ansford, on Friday 14th February at 2pm. Followed by private interment in the churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for Dementia UK. C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: 01963 440367

MUNSTER ADAM JOSHUA

It is with great sadness that Terry and Linda announce the sudden passing of their beautiful son Adam on the 28th December 2024 at the age of 39. Daniel, Lewis, Alex, Russell, Claudia, Georgina, Olivia and Archie are grieving the loss of a loving brother. Funeral service to take place at Yeovil Crematorium, today, Friday 31st January 2025 at 12 noon. No black to be worn. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Adam may be given for Magic Moments The Children’s Charity c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963-31310

RANSOME

Josephine Mary Allan – ‘Joan’

Peacefully on 8th January 2025 in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 89 years, of Zeals. Wife of the late Charlie. Much loved Mum of Fran, Ad and Vic. Loving Nanny to Albert and Ed and all the animals. Funeral service today, Friday 31st January at Yeovil Crematorium, 3.20pm. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Joan for either Stars Appeal or Dementia UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent:

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

SIMPSON

Ann Rosemary

Peacefully at home in Henstridge on 9th January 2025, aged 82 years. Much loved wife of the late Michael. Dearly loved Mum, Granny, Great Granny, Sister and friend. Funeral service at St. Nicholas’ Church, Henstridge on Friday, 7th February at 11.00am. Followed by private cremation. At Ann’s request, please wear something colourful to the service. No flowers please. Donations if desired, for either Alzheimer’s Society or Parkinson’s UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent:

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel. 01963 362570

Hayter

Jonathan Charles “Jonty”

Passed away in hospital in California on 16th January 2025. Greatly loved Husband, Father and Grandfather. Friends and family will be meeting to celebrate his life and remember him at The George Inn, Mere on Friday 7th February at 7pm all who knew him are welcome

HUTCHINGS KATHLEEN (KAY)

Aged 93 years of Wincanton, on 13th January 2025 peacefully at Elliscombe House Nursing Home, Holton. A much loved Mum, Grannie, Great Grannie, Aunt and Friend. Thanks giving Service at St Peter and St Paul’s church, Wincanton on Tuesday 4th February at 2.30pm. Private cremation has taken place, Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Kay are being invited for Cancer Research UK C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel 01963-440367

CHRISTINE ELIZABETH SERGEANT

Formerly Kennedy née Alford

On 10th January 2025, peacefully in the Cedars Nursing Home aged 87 years. Formerly of Motcombe. Much loved Mother and Grandmother. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 4th February at 1.00pm.

No flowers please but donations for The Lullaby Trust may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

JUDITH ISOBEL NOAKES née Greenway “Judi”

Peacefully, but unexpectedly, on 15th January 2025 at the Royal Hants County Hospital, Winchester, aged 51 years. Formerly of Shaftesbury. Dearly beloved wife of Michael. Much loved daughter of Jon and Liz Greenway and sister to Bex. She will be sorely missed by many. Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 10th February at 1.00 pm. Family flowers only please. Donations for the Samaritans or The Fawcett Society may be made either online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532. Please make cheques payable to the individual charity

Pauline Rowley (nèe Mills)

much loved aunt, great aunt and great-great aunt died peacefully in St. Anne’s Nursing Home in Southbourne on 31st December aged 97.

POPE Willam Elliot (Will)

on 23rd January 2025 peacefully at his home aged, 89 years

Much loved brother to Heather & Jane.

Funeral service at St Andrew’s Church, Milborne St Andrew, on Monday 17th February at 2.30pm Family flowers only but donations for Milton Abbas Surgery can be sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW or online at www.grassby-funeral.co.uk

ELSIE JEAN COOMBES

Passed away peacefully at home, aged 89 years. Loved by all her family and friends. Funeral Service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 12th February, 2025 at 2.00pm. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Elsie for Weldmar Hospicecare may be sent c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. (Please make cheques payable to the charity)

ELIZABETH ANNE HETTERLEY

On 18th January 2025, peacefully at home aged 90 years. Of Shaftesbury.

Much loved wife of the late Neville. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 14th February at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations if desired for Cats Protection may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

FIELD Roger John

Suddenly, but peacefully on 12th January 2025 in Yeovil District Hospital, aged 67 years, of East Stour.

Much loved husband of Takako, son of Peter and the late Betty, stepson of Joy, brother of Linda and Hilary, uncle and great-uncle. A valued friend to many and a much respected piano tuner, he will be very sadly missed. Private cremation. Donations in Roger’s memory for either Cancer Research UK or Cats Protection League can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

JEAN ELSIE OLIVER

Passed away peacefully on 3rd January 2025 aged 92 years. Much loved wife to the late Michael, Mum to Sarah and Martin, Mother in law to Sarah, Nana to Christopher, Robert, Tom & Holly, Great Nana to William, Oliver, Mabel, Zara and George. Will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral will be held on Tuesday 4th February at 12noon at St Nicholas Church, Child Okeford, DT11 8ED. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www.close-funeral.co.uk

A J Wakely& Sons

Items for sale

NEW SINGER SELF THREADING SEWING MACHINE. Unused gift. £90 ono. Tel; 07745-812741

UNUSED GREEN HENDERSON Double Garage Door complete with frame kit and up-and-over kit, still packaged. £150. Buyer Collect. Bagber. WhatsApp 07801 803454

2011 FORD TRANSIT. Lower base panel-van 350 two parts for diesel. 4x4 104,000 miles. Full service history. X water authority. £4,650 no VAT. 01935-072421.

4 MODERN DINING CHAIRS. Cream upholstery seats/back. As new £100. 07966-053208.

VACUUM CLEANERS

WANTED, Must be working, will collect, all makes and models, especially Shark, GTEC, Dyson, Call Andrew 07799-417711

KING-SIZE MAHOGANY BED, complete with mattress. nearly new. £950. ono. Tel: 01935-415411 (Yeovil)

AWNING GREENHURST

2.5m NEW in packaging £150 o.n.o.07840 986402

Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

BRIGGS & STRATTON

STATIONARY engine. with trolley, non-runner. £30. (Stan) Tel: 01749-346838

LOGMASTER LOGSPLITTER, foot operated, portable. Suitable for domestic use, as new. 07532025256. £50. Blandford.

MORPHY RICHARDS

SPIRALIZER EXPRESS, 2 blades for spaghetti or ribbons for creative veg. cooking, Never used, £20. Tel. 01747 852725.

BRAND NEW ZIPPED SUITCASE, light weight (2.6kg) L:30” W:16” D:10”. 4 wheels, 4inside compartments and 2 outside. retractable handle. £30. Tel: 01935-815648

UPRIGHT FRIDGE FREEZER, working order. £25. (Maiden Bradley)Tel: 01985-844428

STEEL FOLDING LADDER, extends to over 12ft. £40. Tel: 01935-415411 (Yeovil)

SAMSUNG SMART 30 inch TV plus control unit, Recent model, working perfectly. £50 East Knoyle 01747 830350

BOXES - strong CARDBOARD (up to 12kg wgt) - ideal storage/house move. 40 for £20 STREET 01458 44 32 64 (leave message!)

MEACO DRY ABC RANGE 10L Compressor Dehumidifier. 3 years old. Excellent condition. £50. TEL 01747 858967

Adverts

1 ad per contact number. Please limit to: 15 words or less household items only

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS WANTED

GOLF CLUBS {10} +bag £10 buyer collects Wincanton 01963-824376

4 TYRES ON RIMS. Good tread 175 0 13. £49. 07391-306334.

ONEISALL DOG CLIPPER Used once £20 Phone 01747 840681

PIONEER TV/DTV, plasma screen, complete with remote control and wall bracket. Total width 40.5” (collection only) Milborne Port. FREE. Tel: 07860-969868

3ft SPRUNG MATTRESS only used for 22 months. Excellent condition. Buyer collects. Wincanton area. £40 07809-765330

KING SIZE DIVAN BED and matress, with drawers, hardly used £50.00 (buyer collects) Nr Sherborne. Tel: 01963-23477

7 CONCERT HALL BEETHOVEN Symphonies in vinyl (boxed) as new. £30. Tel: 07598-982824

POLYTUNNEL FRAME. Good condition. Free to anyone who dismantles/collects. 01258-472384.

SEVERAL BINDERS OF 1980’s Model Railway Magazines and some loose magazines. Free. Near Sherborne. 07415-345418

WHITE EXTENDABLE ROUND TABLE. £50. 07717-596779

GARMIN NAVMAN 5” Screen MY580LMT AUZ/NZ Satnav. Latest map updates. £25 collect from East Knoyle. 07790-409015

MINOLTA DYNAX 7000i 35mm film SLR camera. AF 35-105mm lens. 3200i flashgun. Minolta carry bag. £35 Collect from East Knoyle 07973-470557

2 x DARK GREEN VELOUR covered armchairs. Suitable for fireside or bedroom. Old, but excellent condition. £10 each. 07785-534524.

SEWING TREADLE TABLE. £50. 07936-107031.

100, 78lps, CLASSICS, Country and Pop. £50. Tel: 07890-285066

SMALL LIEBHERR FREEZER, 33” high , front opening 3 compartments, £30. Gillingham, 07972-699837

FREE. 2 POND KOI, 1 goldfish. Valid reason for re-homing. Sturminster Newton. Tel: 01258-472537

WEATHERBEETA 300g turnout rug. 6ft 3” Integral neck. Professionally cleaned vgc. £25. Tel. 07543-679877 Blandford area

8mm & SUPER 8mm WANTED working projector or digitizer. 07435-975266

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392-602014

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Jump in drug-drive road deaths

THE number of drivers killed in collisions in which the driver was under the influence of drugs has seen a 50% jump, says The AA Charitable Trust.

Between 2022 and 2023 drivers killed under the influence of drugs increased from 96 to 144 – the highest for five years.

The figures were revealed in the House of Lords by Transport Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, in response to a question from the Lord Bishop of St Albans.

Edmund King, director of The AA Trust, said: “Traditionally our safety message to drivers has always been ‘if you are going to drive, don’t drink and if you are going to drink, don’t drive’.

“But now it is essential to update that messaging to include drugs.

“A startling 50% increase in drivers killed under the

influence of drugs is extremely worrying.

“We don’t want drivers to be in any doubt – drink, drugs and driving do not mix.

“The police now have effective ways to test drivers for the presence of drugs at the roadside, but these figures show that too many drivers are dicing with drugs and death.

“Police now commonly use drug wipes known as ‘drugalysers’ at the roadside to check for cannabis and cocaine.

when it comes to drugs or drink when driving, the best advice is none for the road.”

The police advise it is an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in the blood.

This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs.

“The testing kit uses a mouth swab to check for the presence of drugs and a blue line appears if the person has taken them.

“We need drivers and their passengers to be well aware that drugs and driving don’t mix and

Limits set for each drug are different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low. They are not zero to rule out any accidental exposure, for example, from passive smoking.

The biggest risk when driving under the influence of drugs is the risk of causing a collision or deaths.

Driving under the influence of drugs can affect the ability to judge speed and distance,

reaction and coordination skills, cause blurry or impaired vision, drowsiness, aggression, erratic behaviour, panic attacks and paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, dizziness and tremors. Drugs can also create a false confidence which can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviour, which puts lives at risk.

Penalties for driving while impaired by drugs, mean drivers can receive a criminal record, a maximum penalty of six months in prison, an unlimited fine, an automatic driving ban of at least one year – three years if convicted twice in 10 years, Other problems drug-drivers may face include endorsement on driving licences for 11 years, increased insurance premiums, if those convicted drive for work, the employer will see convictions on driving licences, and trouble travelling to some countries, including the USA.

FORD PUMA, 2001, 63K miles, FSH, MOT Dec.25. Lady owner. £995. 01747-838755

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

FORD FIESTA, 1600 Zetec, Diesel, 2007, Blue, 4door, 95k, recent cam-belt with Full Service. 4 new tyres, many new parts, same owner since 2009. MOT July 25. £1650. Tel: 01747-853812

VANS, CARS, 4x4's MOTOR HOMES, CARAVANS, MOT FAILURES RUNNER & NON RUNNERS, FARM MACHINERY or just in your way ANYTHING CONSIDERED WANTED

Please call James anytime on 07389705470

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

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE S LIMITED CRD (3.0l V6 turbo diesel). 137,625 miles. MOT until 21/11/25. 4 new Goodyear tyres (summer 2024), new ignition system (with two keys), new oil cooler and new alternator. Dark blue (including grille) with black leather interior. A few scratches to bodywork and burn damage to driver’s footwell (repaired). Some damage to leather on driver’s seat. £2,250. Marnhull. 07586-685490.

Environment

County’s net-zero plans on agenda

ELECTRIC vehicles, solar power on buildings and land, as well as retrofitting buildings are at the heart of plans to make Dorset a net-zero county by 2045.

Dorset Council has outlined ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions across the council and the wider county as a whole.

Targets, originally set in 2020, have been updated to make the authority net-zero by 2035 and the county by 2045.

They are outlined in the updated Dorset Council Plan 2024-29.

The plans to make Dorset Council net-zero include:

n Making all council vehicles electric by 2030

n Transitioning to low-carbon fuels for larger vehicles by 2026

n Offering more electric pool cars for business travel

n Retrofitting more ecofriendly heating systems in council buildings by 2028, as well as installing LED lighting upgrades

n Installing solar power on council buildings to deliver 5MW by 2030

n Consider more larger-scale renewable energy installations on council land

Members of the council’s place and resources overview Committee were set to consider the proposals yesterday (Thursday, January 30).

Councillor Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council and

Drivers warned as recycling centre project gets underway

MOTORISTS in Blandford will have to deal with a series of temporary traffic lights when construction gets underway on a new tip next week.

The new waste management centre, located just south of Sunrise Business Park, will feature a modern Household Recycling Centre – HRC or tip – and a waste transfer barn, where kerbside rubbish and recycling will be collected before processing.

Construction is planned to start on Monday (February 3).

This new facility will replace the current site at Blandford Heights Industrial Estate, which Dorset Council said is challenging for some residents to use and cannot keep up with the growing demands of the

the cabinet member for climate, said: “As a rural, coastal county, it is crucial that we act now to address the climate and nature emergencies to protect the lives, livelihoods and ecosystems of Dorset’s current and future generations.

“Climate change and nature loss are huge global and national issues, but many of the solutions can be found locally.

“By acting now, we can build stronger, more resilient communities, drive growth in our local economy and help nature thrive in Dorset.”

As well as the Dorset Council Plan, the meeting was also set to discuss the first draft of the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to ‘restore and enhance’ nature across the county.

county’s waste services.

To ensure safe construction of the new site and its drainage, traffic management measures will be in place over the next few months:

n Monday, February 3, to Monday, February 24: Fourway temporary traffic signals at Sunrise Roundabout for site set up, archaeological work, and installation of drainage and electricity ducting.

n Tuesday, February 25, to Friday, April 4: Two-way temporary traffic signals on the A350 between Sunrise Roundabout and Hilltop roundabout to start building the new access road.

n Monday, April 7, to Wednesday, April 30: Four-way temporary traffic signals at

Hilltop roundabout for drainage work.

n Thursday, May 1, to Monday, June 9: Two-way lights on the A350 between Sunrise roundabout and Hilltop roundabout for drainage and access road works.

Once the new access road is finished, construction will move away from the highway and into the site itself, with completion expected by autumn 2026.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting development get underway.

“Recycling waste is key to our efforts in tackling the climate and nature crisis.

“With our extensive experience, we’ve come up with

Temporary traffic lights will be needed to enable the construction of the new facility

plans that boost development potential while keeping the impact on the natural environment to a minimum.

“Residents will be getting a brand new household recycling centre that’s easy to use and highly accessible, making dropping off waste smoother, quicker and an overall more pleasant experience.

“The new site also allows for better segregation of materials, which will help people reuse more items, as well as recycle as much as they can.

“Our teams will also benefit from the new facility, allowing our waste services to continue growing, leading to more waste being recycled and more efficient use of our funds for kerbside and commercial collections in the future.”

Dorset Council has outlined ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions

PHOTO: Dorset Council

High-flying Blandford in sparking form

HOCKEY

by Paul Cross Blandford & Sturminster 3 Weymouth Wayfairers 0

BLANDFORD went into the game on the back of a fourmatch winning streak, hot on the heels of Salisbury at the top of the league.

Blandford came out of the blocks like sharks smelling blood, creating more chances in the first 10 minutes than they have sometimes managed in whole games. While none of them quite resulted in the ball entering the back of the net, the signs were promising.

The movement between Brian Bell and Theo Browning was intoxicating, with the driving runs and precision passing of Paul Cross and Matty Lewis leaving the Weymouth defence chasing shadows.

It did not take long for Blandford’s magic to bear fruit. After 10 minutes, the ball came out on the left side of the D to Browning, who fired it towards the back post. Bell stuck out his stick, catching the ball beautifully, launching it into the roof of the net.

Shortly after, Bell turned provider, playing in Browning who drifted past the defender and keeper, but rushed the finish, putting it past the post.

On 25 minutes, Lewis spread the ball across to the right flank to an onrushing Cross, who dribbled past two defenders, before striking a sweet shot from just outside the D. Bell nipped in to brush it into the goal, but his touch went unnoticed by the umpire and the goal was disallowed.

Within five minutes, Lewis again swept the ball across to Cross. Once again, he dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a scorching shot towards the back post. It whizzed past attacker and defender alike and into the bottom corner, putting Blandford 2-0 up and firmly in control.

If Blandford were happy

with their start to the first half, the beginning of the second half sent them positively giddy. From the pushback, Cross dribbled up the wing, before slipping the ball inside to Lewis, who pinged the ball into the D to Browning. He laid the ball off to Brian Bell, who placed the ball past the helpless keeper.

However, the goal did not come without cost. Lewis took a stick to the ribs in the build-up and Cross pulled a calf muscle while striding down the wing. With Blandford short on bodies, Weymouth were able to gain some semblance of control. The home team stayed resilient and saw out the game relatively comfortably.

Rockies share the spoils

by Avril Lancaster

Pitching In Southern League

South

Shaftesbury 0

Tavistock AFC 0

SHAFTESBURY had a second successive draw at home to Tavistock AFC, following a 2-2 draw at Bashley.

The visitors arrived six

points adrift of Jim Milligan's side and set out their stall. Liam Prynn and Brooklyn Wilkins had decent chances,

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Monthly Medal –January 14: 1 Rick Graham nett 66, 2 Brian White nett 69, 3 Kevin George nett 71.

Seniors Front 9 Medal –January 14: 1 Harry Eden nett 36, 2 Neil Auckland nett 41 ocb, 3 David Hallett nett 41.

Seniors Roll Up Back 9

Stableford – January 17:

Winners – Phil Francis/Chris Dibben/Mike Case – 52 points.

Monthly Stableford –January 19: 1 David Amann 36, 2 Rick Graham 34, 3 Phil Francis 32.

Seniors Texas Scramble –

January 21: Winners – Mike Case/Chris Mieville/Kees

Schouten 44 points .

Seniors Roll Up Front 9

Stableford – January 24:

Winners – Chris Dibben/John Wolstenholme/Colin Jacobs/ Mike Case 58 points.

Monthly Medal – January 25: David Amann nett 67, 2 Mike Case nett 70, 3 Tristan Sams nett 71.

which Shaftesbury keeper Shane Murphy bravely saved. Without top scorer Remus Nixon, and Leighton ThomasYoung going off after 36 minutes, the Rockies could not find a way through with Cameron Beard, Brett Pitman, Liam Farrugia, Gabriel Rogers and Frankie Monk all bringing stops from Tavistock AFC keeper Aaron Dearing, who was in superb form.

Shaftesbury keeper Shane Murphy made some good saves PHOTO : Issac Fewins

Blandford and Sturminster’s man of the match Matty Lewis

Recruitment

EVERSHOT FARMS LTD

E XPERIENCED HERDSPERSON/GENERAL FARM WORKER REQUIRED

Located between Yeovil and Dorchester

An exciting opportunity is available in West Dorset on a 1,250 cow, high yielding modern dairy unit.

We are recruiting an experienced Herdsperson / General Farm Worker to join the team. Working closely with the Livestock Manager and deputising when required. The dairy has modern facilities that are in their next stages of investment.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Herd management/record keeping,

• Relief for our calving unit,

• Relief feeding,

• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and animal welfare following farm protocols,

• General farm tasks,

• Foot trimming an advantage.

In return we offer:

• A competitive salary and pension,

• Regular time off,

• Accommodation available on request.

Experience with livestock is essential. In addition, candidates must be self-motivated, have practical communication skills and be a team player. Part-time positions would be considered.

Please contact our Livestock Manager, Darren Trim for further details: 07815 313241 or dtrim@velcourt.co.uk

Now hiring In-House Solicitor (Wayleaves)

Are you an experienced solicitor looking for your next opportunity?

Wessex Internet is seeking a qualified solicitor to manage wayleave agreement, negotiations and support our Rural Planning team with land access queries. We are seeking someone with a strong background in property law and to support our teams by addressing legal related issues. This role may offer further opportunities to engage in wider legal department activities, depending on experience.

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive

• At least 2 years PQE or other commensurate experience

• Relevant experience within property law, with knowledge in electronic communication code

Benefits:

• Available as full time or part time position

• Part time hours are 20 hours per week

• Location: Blandford

GARDENER REQUIRED 1 DAY/WEEK, no mowing. North Cadbury. Tel: 07783-438287.

HAIRDRESSER NEEDED! Self employed. Experienced and colour confident. Clients available! Reception@hyggehairbarn.co.uk 07525-838554

PART TIME

ACCOUNTANT

REQUIRED for MB Crocker Ltd

Negotiable/flexible hours for end of month protocols Office Based in Marnhull. Xero software experience preferable. Please email cv to mail@mbcrocker.co.uk.uk Or call Paul for an informal chat on 07967-388895

SITUATIONS WANTED

LADY GARDENER/Painter/Dog walker/Mucking out horses available. 07936-107031.

PRIVATE CARER AVAILABLE in Blandford Forum and surrounding areas. 07342 752273

CARER AVAILABLE. Reliable, kind, experienced. Tisbury and surrounding areas. Tel 07557-001105

Now hiring Land Access Planner

Do you love the countryside and have a flair for negotiating? If so, this could be the perfect role for you!

Wessex Internet are recruiting Land Access Planners to join our planning team. Your role will be to liaise with landowners & farmers to agree access for our buried fibre broadband network, providing brilliant broadband to rural areas. We are looking for bright, engaging people who are quick to learn and know the countryside – all other training will be provided. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Requirements:

• Excellent agricultural & countryside awareness

• Previous negotiation & relationship building skills

• Knowledge of agricultural & construction machinery

• Previous Experience in GIS (Advantageous)

Benefits:

• Full time (part time hours considered)

• Location: Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire

• or Wiltshire

£40,000£45,000 per annum (depending on experience) Salary

£28,000£35,000 per annum (depending on experience)

WANTED OFFICE ADMIN/SECRETARY for farm office,16 hrs a week near Blandford. A knowledge of accounts and account software preferred and must be willing to learn and work out of the office on occasion . email office@ekhooper.com or call Jill 07967-959689

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER to join our team working on a prestigious 7 acre garden near Shaftesbury. Previous experience required and references. 07792-892999.

CLEAN ROOM PRODUCTION OPERATIVES REQUIRED

Local Medical Manufacturing Company based between Gillingham and Shaftesbury Various Shifts Available Email julie@meditechsystems.co.uk for immediate interview

Winterborne Stickland Nursery School Opening Soon!

We are looking for some special people to join us as we open our doors to children from 9 months to school age for yearround childcare. At this stage, we’re appointing a Deputy Nursery School Manager, Nursery Assistants and experienced Nursery Practitioners. We plan to be open for the Summer Term. If you are a kind, friendly, dedicated and ambitious practitioner, wanting to ensure that families in rural North Dorset experience the best possible childcare, we would love to hear from you! For more details and application forms please email:hello@winterbornesticklandnursery.co.uk

Niwaki Ltd 15 Chaldicott Barns, Semley, SP7 9AW United Kingdom

+44 (0)1747 445 059

www.niwaki.com

Or visit our website: https://www.winterbornesticklandnursery.co.uk/ For a chat or a visit, please contact 07714 364750

CLOSING DATE: 21st FEBRUARY

MERE SURGERY, WILTSHIRE DISPENSER

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our dispensing team.

The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of all aspects of dispensing, stock control, ordering and re-stocking of the dispensary.

The candidate will need to hold a Pharmacy Services qualification or equivalent.

Flexibility for additional hours to cover holiday and other absences is essential.

To see the job description and person specification please visit the Vacancies section on www.meresurgery.co.uk

To apply please send a CV and covering letter to: Michele Mason, Practice Manager, Mere Surgery, Dark Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DT or alternatively email: michelemason@nhs.net Telephone: 01747 860001

Disclosure and Barring check will be carried out at the level relevant to the

Recruitment

ASSISTANT GARDENER

The ideal candidate should be self motivated, fit and healthy, honest, together with an enthusiastic can do attitude. They should be confident working at heights and around water, happy outside in all weathers.

Experienced with both petrol and battery operated machinery. Excellent time keeping, attendance and the ability to think on the hoof. Ability to drive tractor and trailer an advantage as is a chainsaw certificate. Hours 8am to 5pm with two half hour breaks. Salary £23,000 to £30,000 depending on experience. No accommodation available, please contact Kay Brewer: 07960 242392 or dhg_stavordale@icloud.com

HR Advisor part-time

SENIOR WAREHOUSE MANAGER

We’re on the look out for a part-time HR advisor to provide HR support to our Niwaki team across the UK. Reporting to the COO, the role will be based at our Dorset HQ, and will oversee recruitment, HR documentation and processes, and provide support across the team.

Niwaki Ltd 15 Chaldicott Barns, Semley, SP7 9AW United Kingdom +44 (0)1747 445 059

You will be Level 3 CIPD qualified (at least) with great communication skills and a passion for working with people.

If this sounds like you, please send your CV to careers@niwaki.com

www.niwaki.com

At Niwaki, we inspire gardeners and creative types all over the world with our diverse range of Japanese tools and gear, defined by practicality, durability and style.

We’re on the look out for a part-time HR advisor to provide HR support to our Niwaki team across the UK. Reporting to the COO, the role will be based at our Dorset HQ, and will oversee recruitment, HR documentation and processes, and provide support across the team.

You will be Level 3 CIPD qualified (at least) with great communication skills and a passion for working with people.

If this sounds like you, please send your CV to careers@niwaki.com

As part of our next phase of expansion we are seeking a Senior Warehouse Manager to lead and manage our Warehouse operations at our Semley HQ. You will oversee order fulfilment, receiving shipments, stock management processes and systems and onsite H&S. You will also liaise with our teams regarding stock movement, e.g. to shows, and oversee the establishment of our new onsite Warehouse. Proactive, well organised and a strong communicator, you will have experience of Warehouse management and leading teams, be confident with IT and hold a Health and Safety qualification.

For further details on how to apply and a job description, visit https://www.niwaki. com/careers/. Full-time hours (Mon to Fri), circa £40K, depending on experience, plus benefits.

Port Regis is a delightful preparatory school, for day and boarding children aged 2-13, in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

We are seeking to recruit to the following roles: FINANCE GOVERNOR

FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANTS

HOUSEKEEPER

PIANO TEACHER

SINGING TEACHER

SWIMMING TEACHER

Applications are invited from candidates who are forward-thinking and bighearted, who model great drive and enthusiasm.

The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

The role of Finance Governor is an unpaid position on the non-executive Board of Governors. The successful candidate would be joining an already strong team of Governors within the School’s Finance Committee and be required to attend two Governor meetings per term (Finance and the full Governing Body).

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website - portregis.com/vacancies

Early applications encouraged

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks.

Field & Stream

natural world

F ebruary is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March. – Dr JR Stockton

by AJ Selby

WALK slowly, no, slower than that, or you will miss it. Stop. Yes, stop right there and look by your feet. What do you see? Just a clump of dead nettle stalks or maybe something else? Kneel down and observe – observe the first green shoots forming a crown around what was last year’s healthy plant, observe how much darker the young leaves are compared to the mature specimen. Can you identify the tiny leaves poking out of the damp earth? Tiny but unmistakeably nettle. And there are others, too, celandine and coltsfoot, and the first cowls of the arum lily ‘Lords and Ladies’.

The natural world has turned her face towards spring and this is a wonderful time of year to notice those small changes on our everyday walks. Stopping, rather than just walking, to your destination brings its own rewards and it will help sharpen up your observation as seeing one thing can often lead to another. Enjoy that clump of snowdrops underneath the hazel but look up and see the catkins dangling like their country name of ‘lamb’s tails’ from the bare branches. Look higher and watch the robin busying himself for a tasty meal.

There is so much to see, even though most of it needs a closer look, but it’s a good time to

learn about different plants or fungi that get missed when spring is in full flow. Take mosses and lichens, for example. A fascinating subject all its own but overlooked by many naturalists, lichens are everywhere and are not a single organism but ‘a stable symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and/or cyanobacteria’. That’s as technical as I am going to be, but if you are interested, it’s a huge subject with about 28,000 species globally.

Most people will see, but not notice, lichens on their daily walks. They can be little patches of orange or red – as well as green and grey – on walls and rocks as well as bark and branches of trees, both dead and alive. Ancient woodlands are a great place to see them, and as they are sensitive to pollution, they can be a good indicator of the health of a given area. They grow very slowly –only one or two mm a year, and many species prefer alkaline conditions such as old bark. The Woodland Trust informs us that tree species such as ash have a high bark pH, and some 536 species are associated with ash. Personally, I love the bearded types that look like a Green Man has snagged his beard while passing through. Mosses are equally interesting and differ from flowering plants in that they reproduce with spores. They love damp and dank conditions and much of our ancient forests

and temperate rainforests are rich with mosses and liverworts. There are about 1,000 species of both in the UK, but many are common and can be easily identified. From sphagnum moss to lawn moss and many others they all absorb water and create a humid environment for other species to flourish.

Many nature watchers look at the more easily identifiable species such as birds, mammals and the higher plants. However, the smaller things can often be the most interesting, and looking out for insects, butterfly lava and even smaller invertebrates, can reap rewards for the keen naturalist. As the old saying goes, “little bugs have lesser bugs upon their backs to bite ‘em, and lesser bugs have lesser bugs and so ad infinitum.” Go and explore the world of tiny creatures, as they are the base of the food chain for most of the higher species.

My favourite country film has now become an historical record although when it was filmed in 1974 it was a project to use unknown locals to portray life in a Suffolk village

– part documentary, part drama. Written by Ronald Blythe and directed by Sir Peter Hall, Akenfield tells the story of a lad who is about to bury his grandfather and needs to consider his future in the village and on the land. The film is told through the eyes of the grandfather as a voiceover, and he recounts his life in the village from a schoolboy before the First World War through to starting work on the local farm in pretty tough conditions.

The grandson is unsure if he wants the same sort of life and explores other options like emigrating to Canada. All the village characters are there, from old men to school kids, and there is so much social history to be seen in the film that it has become an important piece of 20th century village and farming life. The author, Ronald Blythe, passed away in 2023 aged 100 and lived an interesting and varied life. His biography, Blythe Spirit, has just been released and as I have been gifted a copy for Christmas, I am looking forward to reading it very soon.

Mosses love damp and dank conditions and reproduce with spores, unlike flowering plants. The UK has about 1,000 species

Cows in a fug in the fog

by Ruth Kimber

WE have suffered so many dull dingy days since Christmas and it’s not good weather for farm animals – the high humidity, with little or no air movement, can lead to respiratory problems.

Often these conditions were prevalent in autumn, and cattle suffered ‘fog fever’, but with our changing seasons, maybe ‘fog fever’ has shifted to winter! Whatever it’s called, it’s a nasty condition, that inhibits growth and the cattle don’t prosper. In bad cases the animal never fully recovers.

In the past we have had such problems, but so far so good this year. However, vigilance is all important, making sure the animals have the given area for their size, clean dry beds, plenty of air in sheds and vents to allow stale air to escape –outside loafing areas are a help, if possible.

The weather plays a huge part in any farming enterprise, a good cold snap with winter sun would do a power of good!

Farmers across the country have taken part in further demonstrations against the Government’s inheritance tax proposals, which have created instability in the farming world. One wonders what the hidden agenda is.

We have a new president of

the United States and I wonder what effect will this have on British agriculture. There’s talk of tariffs. We export to the US cheese from our area, indeed some of our milk in the form of cheese will land up there. Listening to the radio, the US exports to us more than we do to them, so maybe we won’t be badly affected. Who knows?

Beef and sheep are currently in short supply here at home, with market prices reflecting that.

We still haven’t tracked down who flew low and loud over the farmyard in the middle of a November night, causing panic in the turkey shed, resulting in several deaths and bruised birds. The military and emergency services have said it wasn’t them.

On a similar note, lambing season has just about started, so the old familiar plea – please keep your dogs under close control to avoid sheep worrying. All dogs are capable of sheep worrying, it’s in their pack nature.

Further reflections on Christmas. We had good attendance at our local church services – Christingle early December, a carol service, nativity on Christmas Eve and communion on Christmas morning. We are in an interregnum at present, with no

Bramble keeps on getting in a tangle

by Tria Stebbing

SOCIAL media and farming go together in this age of posting and sharing. Many of the small villages in the Blackmore Vale have their own pages, and how frequently do you see a post about a limping sheep or, worse still, a sheep on its back?

Our flock this week have

been through the motions, a limp, not eating and, of course, the delightful Bramble who continues to wrap herself up every day and then shout at the top of her voice that she is trapped. Some sheep keepers say that sheep are born to die, not referring to the end of life,

resident priest, so we rely on the services of retired clergy, who serve us well. Indeed, on Christmas morning, our regular organist, Simon, had three other services to cover, but the stand-in priest was also able to play for us!

I was talking to a customer who mentioned the church bells ringing in the new year. How lovely that this old custom continues in places. I learnt to ring as a young teenager and it’s something you never forget, like riding a bicycle. I remember ringing out the old year with the

bells muffled – a rag tied round the clapper – then the rag removed and a mighty peel ringing in the new year! I hope people can tolerate this once-ayear custom and not join the complainants who moan about other country noises! The bells bring so much pleasure to so many.

n Kimbers Farm Shop, Kimbers Kitchen, Somerset Trading Barn. BA9 8HD. ww. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk. Phone: 01963 33177. Open TuesdayFriday 8.30am-5pm. Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

Dull dingy days have not been good for farm animals

Mobile Service

Agricultural Specialist

Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

WANTED

Cows Cows Cows All Grades Also, Bulls plus Organic Cattle Farm Assured or Non-Assured No V.A.N Number, No Problem!

Payment on the day - Farm purchases Haulage Arranged

Brookfield Livestock Marketing Ltd

7 Days a week. Tel: 07811 381 159

Est

1886

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

Equestrian

Deadline to place your advert is the

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

HAYLAGE AND HAY 2024 good quality June made also small bale wheat straw. Collect or delivered. Blandford area. Call Jerry 07940-895803.

QUALITY HAYLAGE, hay . All June made. 3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales. Collect or delivered. Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293. www.henleyhaylage.co.uk

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email:

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)

Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALE (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.

Further details at www.gth.net

Tuesday 10th November at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns

for Monday 2nd November 2020

The November Collective Dairy Sale of 305 DAIRY CATTLE

n 87 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers from Beneknowle, Bettiscombe (x14) Birchwood (x18 Dispersal) Clevian, Dinnaton, Dorset (x11) Hinton, Huntlodge, Lilylane, Peacehay & Rothereld Farms LLP (x12, Crossbreds)

n 16 Incalf Cows from Rother eld Farms LLP (Crossbreds)

n 37 Incalf Heifers from Dayhouse, PT & JC Hinds (Pedigree), Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds) & J & J Waldron

n 3 Holstein Bulls from Beneknowle & Woodstone

n 8 Bulling Heifers from Greathill & Mr D Thorner

n 40 Yearling Heifers from Sutton Hall Farms

n 52 Heifers Calves from Hinton, Pensdown, Thakeham & Mr D Thorner

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 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. Others £113.00, £108.00 (5x) & £106.50.

Forthcoming Special Sales

6th FEBRUARY 2025 at 10.30am (Items

5th

To Include The Dispersal Sale of 62 HOLSTEIN AND FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS AND HEIFERS

Comp: 47 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 12 Incalf Heifers & 3 Maiden Heifers

n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127

n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

n CLOSED HERD for 13 years

between 9.00am-4.30pm) ENTRIES TO DATE: (2012, 6500 hrs) Claas Arion 630C TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 6150 TRACTOR; John Deere 2250 4WD TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 165 TRACTOR partly restored; (2007) Ifor Willams Tipping TRAILER; Tipping TRAILER; Bateson Tri-Axle 14’ Flatbed TRAILER c/w dropsides; 3 point linkage MUCKSPREADER; Fertilizer SPINNER; SIP 6 Rotor TEDDER; McConnell SUB SOILER; Hackett CHAIN HARROWS; 16ft CHAIN HARROWS; Small TOPPER; Fleming 8ft Ballast ROLLER; Small Ballast ROLLER; HD Muck GRAB; Big Bale SQUEEZE, like new; Loader BUCKET; Kidd PTO SAWBENCH; 6 Dumpy bags of LOGS; etc. ** Further Entries Accepted ** A 10% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on all lots subject to a cap of £250 (+ VAT) per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only. Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie

For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)

For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report.

NOVEMBER: Sat 7th

Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2: Saturday 7th November Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125

Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Approx 12.30pm Ring 1

Entries to date include:-

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.

NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5535

n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 25th January 2025

n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020

n 42 Continental Cows & Calves – 6 Ped Lim cows & calves

n 14 Native Cows & Calves

n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He

For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278

Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED*** Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED***

Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm

DAIRY CATTLE (75) Heifers to £3200. Others £2600 (3x). Cows to £3000. Others £2650. (986) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (712) Steers to £2470 (AA). Others £2320 (BRBX) £2300 (AA) & £2290 (2x BRBX). Heifers to £2100 (LIMX). Others £2000 (BRBX) £1970 (AA) & £1960 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (23) to £2340 (LIMX). STIRKS (274) Steers to £1400 (CHX). Others £1385 (CHX) £1210 (LIMX) & £1190 (AA). Heifers to £1370 (AA). Others £1235 (CHX) £1185 (B/SWISS) & £1180 (AA). CALVES (273) - Beef Bulls to £665 (BRBX). Others £590 (BRBX) £575 (AA) & £570 (BRBX). Heifers to £540 (AA). Others £535 (AA) £515 (BRBX) & £445 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £260. (3443) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2359) to £149. Others £145, £141 & £140. Overall Ave £102.04. CULL EWES & RAMS (909) Ewes to £218. Others £195 & £188. Rams to £215. Overall Ave £101.55. BREEDING EWES (25) to £180. Others £178. Overall Ave £148.58. COUPLES (56E & 72L) Doubles to £355 (£118.33/life). Singles to £275 (£137.50/life). Overall Ave £97.38/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (16) to £75. Overall Ave £43.38. GOATS (6) to £132. Overall Ave £105.67. (108) PIGS – STORE/FAT PIGS (60) to £175. BREEDERS (1) to £355. WEANERS (43) to £72. Overall Ave £46.19. CULL SOWS & BOARS (4+1) Sows to £60. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 27th January 2025 PRIME CATTLE (159) Steers UTM av 338.4ppk to 389.5ppk & £2,504.90. Others 384.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,487.74, £2,473.52 & £2,457.51. Heifers UTM av 338.2ppk to 388.5ppk & £2,374.68. Others 385.5ppk (2x) 374.5ppk & 368.5ppk (4x). Others £2,361.92, £2,339.98 & £2,333.14. Steers OTM av 267.5ppk to 329.5ppk & £2,102.40. Heifers OTM av 287.3ppk to 349.5ppk & £2,285.73. BARREN COWS (48) Continental av 177.5ppk to 225.5ppk & £1,558.21. Native Beef av 197.6ppk to 269.5ppk & £1,965.78. Dairy av 174.0ppk to 264.5ppk & £1,796.37. BULLS (3) av 153.5ppk to 171.5ppk & £1,529.78. FINISHED SHEEP (440) Hoggs av 321.70ppk to 336.0ppk & £188.00. Others 333.0ppk, 331.0ppk (2x) & 330.0ppk. Others

Forthcoming Special Sales

DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.

Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock to be booked in with the market office by 18th November. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm Fri 27th Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm Sat 28th Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

NOVEMBER: Sat 21st

AUCTION

Farming

HEDGE LAYING, Hedge and woodland planting, coppicing. Experienced crew available call 07929-995747

MOBILE CRIMPING AND ROLLING. All cereals, pulses and maize, up to 20 tonnes per hour. Call Andy 07979-758907.

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109

New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

HEDGE CUTTING SERVICES

07711-980871

FLAIL HEDGE TRIMMING, reasonable rates. Tel: 07831-523694

EXPERIENCED RELIEF MILKER. Covering Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. 07379-532040.

MEADOW HAY ROUND BALES, 2024. Silage bales, 2023. £15. Stour Row. Tel: 01747-855680

SHEEP KEEP WANTED. For a flock of ewes and lambs. Anything considered. Tel: 07495-423751

R&W FENCING. Agricultural paddock and stock. Also part time help required. 01258-880892 - 07980-036250

for just

*Not including VAT £1.12 per word*

HAY FOR SALE: Excellent quality small bales made in June 2024 and barn stored. £4/bale. 07961 080513 collect only.

but to how often they try very hard to do something very stupid that puts their life at risk.

The mud in the fields is bad currently. The sheep walk through the mud, it compacts into their hoofs and then when dry causes them to limp. They also have hooves that grow, sometimes trapping the mud in place and causing infection.

Footrot causes visible pain and lameness, and costs money to keep on top of. Next to scald, it is the most common cause of sheep lameness – the infection is carried by infected sheep and can live in the soil for 30 days. Quarantine, treating and vaccinating is the first line of defence – it takes time and patience to eliminate.

So back to the social media, helpful walkers posting about limping sheep is a common

sight, as sheep keepers we will be aware that our sheep are limping and will be hatching a plan to support the sheep in its diagnosis. We have one or two that are complete drama queens, the slightest bit of mud leads them to grazing on their knees, which looks dreadful to the passer-by.

This week Bramble has excelled herself in weaving the thorned bush around her entire body some days – we are still curious what she is looking for. She has plenty of hay, is fed cake once a day and, unlike the others, is not pregnant. We have spent time cutting the offending stuff away from the perimeters, and clearing it, but rest assured she can still locate a bit that we have missed with great speed. Sheep also try to attract the passer-by’s attention by lying on their side and rolling down an

Latest news from Synergy Sheep

Vet Emily Fraser

TheSynergy Farm Health Vets

last few months have come with seemingly no end of weather related battles. The clean up after storm Darragh is still ongoing and I’m sending prayers for a calmer 2025! One positive though - as temperatures cool hopefully pasture based parasite problems such as gut and lungworms will slow – what an autumn and early winter it has been for worms! Cold temperatures will also help reduce the spread of the Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) through the region. The recent wintry spell will certainly curtail midge populations for now, which are needed to spread Bluetongue virus between animals. The eastern part of the Synergy practice area is now in the BTV restriction zone, with surveillance blood testing being carried out around it. BTV-3 vaccine is now available so please speak to your vet if you’d like to vaccinate. This will be a useful insurance policy for both cattle and sheep farmers - who knows what the spring will bring as the midge population becomes more active again?

Looking forward, we are gearing up for lambing 2025, with our team of specialist sheep vets busy helping prepare and monitor ewe diets. Forage analysis is a great place to start when thinking about pre-lambing diets and we often blood sample ewes to check how well their diet is matching their needs in the run up to lambing. Speak to your vet if you would like some help assessing your diet this year!

incline or getting onto their backs. Once on their backs they cannot survive for more than 24 hours. If the fleece is wet and heavy, or the sheep is pregnant, it will not be able to right itself and will die from a build-up of gases in the stomach.

We sadly lost a ewe a few years ago, in the late stage of

pregnancy. She had been checked but got herself on her back before we returned – it was heartbreaking. If you see a sheep on its back and it is safe to do so, help it by tipping or rolling it back over – once back on its feet, it might need supporting for a few minutes, as it will be weak. We had one that would just do the same again and again.

Escaped sheep pop up frequently, too, demonstrating the thought that they are hard-wired to cause as much chaos as they can.

Please, too, be aware at this time of year ewes will be pregnant. Keep dogs on a lead – even if they are okay around livestock, the stress of an uncontrolled dog close by is enough to make a sheep abort her pregnancy, so please do the right thing.

We are scanning the ewes next week – I wonder what Humphrey’s success rate will be this year?

EVERY WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SALES OF PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, STORE & CULL SHEEP ********************************************************************

EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE & BREEDING CATTLE

WEDNESDAY 5th FEBRUARY FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS ********************************************************************

FRIDAY 7th FEBRUARY 1st CANDLEMAS SALE 1000 CATTLE ********************************************************************

WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY SALE OF REARED CALVES ********************************************************************

FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2nd CANDLEMAS SALE 1000 CATTLE ********************************************************************

MONDAY 17th FEBRUARY SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE ********************************************************************

RECORD PRICES ARE BEING ACHIEVED. STORE CATTLE ARE IN GREAT DEMAND - PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS AND CALL FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK

BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288

TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031

ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859

ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com

Spring Update

Thursday 6th March | 7pm Udder Farm Shop, East Stour, Gillingham, SP8 5LQ

You are invited to an informative evening with supper and the opportunity to enjoy a spring update on topics including: Symonds & Sampson Farms & Land market update Agricultural rents and tenancies

Friars Moor Livestock Health Efficiencies through Technology Old Mill Post-budget Farm IHT planning

Please confirm any dietary requirements with your RSVP.

Symonds &Sampson

Bramble has excelled herself in weaving the thorned bush around her entire body some days

Farming Focus™ is back

arming Focus™, the popular podcast from Cornish Mutual, is now back for its fourth series to cover more of what matters most to South West farmers.

Hosted by farmer and Nuffield scholar Peter Green, the new series sees farmers and industry experts tackle timely topics such as business planning, family regeneration and enterprise stacking.

In a recent episode, farmer Eddie Rixon explains how a shift in mindset helped him turn both his life and business around.

In 2017, after a series of catastrophic events, Eddie suffered a mental breakdown. “A good friend of mine could see that I wasn’t in a good place,” says Eddie. “He encouraged me to go on a course run by the ManKind Project. I was at a critical junction in life, and it was the catalyst for change that I needed.”

Drawn to how he could reshape the farm and diversify, Eddie spotted an opportunity to build natural capital. “I realised that we needed to not only regenerate the land but also our communities’ connection with food, farming, and nature.”

Eddie created Roots and Rhythms, funded by Innovate UK, which has seen the project team use the farm as a ‘living laboratory’. As a result, Eddie has transformed his approach on farm from ‘egocentric’ to ‘eco-centric’, helping shape better decision-making for all species on the land while remaining mindful of financial viability.

Also in this series, ‘How to spend less time in the business & more time on the business’ with Izak van Heerden and Anna Bowen, and ‘Different ways of being a farmer’ featuring Laura Awdry alongside Rhian & Jack Marchant.

Listen to all episodes of Farming Focus™ at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/ - also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

£525,000 Wincanton

£360,000 Lattiford

Thinking of moving?

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.

Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

O.I.E.O

£285,000 Queen Camel

£595,000 Wincanton

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 2:00PM AT THE DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE AND VIA LIVESTREAM

Penzance

£40,000

North Perrott Guide

£45,000

Wincanton

Guide £50,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

Wellington

Guide £72,500

Verwood Guide £125,000

Totton, Hants

Guide £80,000

3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Axminster | 01297 33122 Guide

A freehold commercial investment opportunity with scope for a range of uses in a prominent location close to the town centre, harbour and promenade. RV £5,200. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 432526

W. Steepleton

Guide £150,000

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

A ground floor retail unit forming part of an attractive Grade II Listed building with frontage to Market Place and North Street. RV £3,400. Leasehold 980 years remaining.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wimborne | 01202 843190

1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

A former town centre takeaway premises of 1,077 sqft with a 2 bedroom flat above with prior approval to convert to a single residential dwelling. RV £3,100. Freehold.

Tiverton | 01884 218911

Wimborne | 01202 843190

4.36 acres (1.76 ha) of permanent

pasture with a mains water supply situated on the outskirts of Totton within the New Forest National Park. Freehold.

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000 20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

Salisbury | 01722 334323

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Puddletown

Guide £150,000

A linked barn for demolition with extant planning permission to construct approx. 1865sqft of barn-style accommodation. Freehold.

A mid-terraced 2 bedroom cottage in need of updating, with a good size rear garden, located in this highly soughtafter village, close to Dorchester. CTB B. Freehold.

Pallington Guide £350,000

38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 251154

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Dorchester | 01305 261008

East Stour

Guide £225,000

Guide £250,000

Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000 20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

Warminster

Guide £150,000

Dorchester

Guide £200,000

A mixed-use investment opportunity comprising 4 bedsits and a commercial unit currently occupied by a barbers in the town centre. Freehold. RV £3,600. CTB A.

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

An attractive, vacant Grade II Listed property in a central location, currently arranged as three one-bedroom flats with walled front and rear gardens. Freehold. CTB A.

Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 261008

Lytchett Matravers

Guide £300,000

Shaftesbury Guide £95,000

Langtree

Guide £305,000 (whole)

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

A spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached property, sitting in a generous plot, in need of modernisation throughout, ideally located for Gillingham and Shaftesbury. CTB C. Freehold.

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

Sturminster | 01258 473766

A detached split-level property situated close to local amenities and within easy reach of the town centre, beaches and harbour, with scope for use as an HMO. CTB D. Freehold.

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Weymouth Poundbury | 01305 251154

Guide £425,000

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

A part-completed eco-home with adjacent annexe in a private position at the end of a no-through lane enjoying priavte grounds of just over an acre. CTB D & A. Freehold.

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Ilminster | 01460 200970

A detached 2 bedroom bungalow with scope for extension and remodelling (STPP) with a large garage and garden on the village edge. Well-placed access to Poole and Wimborne. CTB C. Freehold.

A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.

Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.

30.20 acres of pasture, arable and woodland and a traditional stone building benefiting from direct highway access. Offered in 4 seperate lots. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wimborne | 01202 84319

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Tiverton | 01884 218911

Hurcott Guide £200,000 A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

Guide £485,000

An attractive 3 bedroom farmhouse and 1 bedroom annexe with potential to reconfigure in gardens, woodland, buildings and a paddock set in 5.57 acres. CTB E & A. Freehold.

Iliminster | 01460 200790

Wellington Tiverton | 01884 218911

Wincanton Sturminster | 01258 473766

Guide £500,000

A handsome double fronted period property for updating in about 0.57 acres with former coach house, further buildings and part walled gardens. CTB F. Freehold.

Tarrant Gunville Guide £225,000-£250,000 A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

We are taking entries for our Spring 2025 auctions - contact your local office to arrange a free auction appraisal

Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Ilton

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Maiden Newton

000 Marnhull

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

284.56 acres

An attractive livestock/arable farm set in a beautiful part of West Dorset with steep sided valleys that support a well established and reputable sporting shoot. Includes farmhouse, range of agricultural buildings, yard and land. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Guide £3,950,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Maiden Newton

289.21 acres

A productive commercial agricultural property including a farmhouse and cottage, a substantial range of agricultural buildings and yards with arable, pasture and woodland. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Guide £3,950,000

Okeford Fitzpaine

de £435,000

de £435,000

33.19 acres

North Cheriton

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

Hanford

200.76 acres

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Well established permanent pasture land boasting stunning views over the Blackmore Vale, with an abundance of natural flora. Free draining loam over chalk soil, a former chalk quarry, mains water. Freehold.

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £350,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill are available to let on a Farm Business Tenancy for three years from April 2025. Two substantial blocks of pasture for cattle and sheep grazing. Tenders close 17th February 2025.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

To let by Tender

000 Marnhull

DORSET

Melbury Abbas

Mappowder Guide £595,000

A converted stone barn with over 3500 sq ft of flexible internal accommodation and stunning views with gardens and land totalling about 5.32 acres. Freehold. Guide £1,250,000

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

Shillingstone

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A substantial, versatile and charming period detached house within a popular village with large garden and open views over fields to Hambledon Hill. Freehold. Guide £965,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Stalbridge

Guide £850,000

Shroton

Shroton

Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated village. CTB D. Freehold.

A 4/5 bedroom detached bungalow with tremendously versatile and spacious accommodation and stunning views on the edge of the town, along with a building plot with outline planning for a single detached dwelling. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Child Okeford

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Guide £545,000

A double fronted 4 bedroom house on a small development of just three, in the heart of Child Okeford. Freehold.

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £650,000

North

North Cheriton

A beautifully and sympathetically renovated historic house of nearly 2500 sq ft in a superb central village location inside the conservation area. Freehold.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Leigh OIEO £500,000

A wonderful 2 bedroom end of terrace cottage of great charm and fully updated situated in a desirable village. Freehold. Guide £410,000

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

OIEO £400,000 An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488 accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

OIEO £400,000

Cheriton

Marnhull

Shroton

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Nether Compton

Mappowder

Guide £350,000

Dorchester

Guide £300,000

Guide £595,000

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens,

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

Enjoying a prime position within the sought-after village of Nether Compton. Overlooking the village green and surrounding countryside, this recently refurbished property boasts a sought-after location with a wealth of charm. Freehold.

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

A wonderful development/self-build opportunity for two new detached dwellings, in a rural location with views, set in 0.66 acres. With no CIL liability.

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Milton Abbas

Rent £3,500 pcm

Shroton

Shroton

A refurbished, spacious house in landscaped gardens, with versatile accommodation over three floors, currently configured to provide a selfcontained annexe.

Guide £435,000

Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated village. CTB D. Freehold.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Blandford | 01258 452670

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Are you up to date with the latest news on the Renters Rights Bill?

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Dorchester | 01305 261008

Rent £2,950 pcm

A characterful Victorian house overlooking Castle Hill on the outskirts of Mere. With five reception rooms and six bedrooms, the house is ideally suited to a large or extended family

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Gain essential insights into the legislation as it progresses through Parliament. Join Rachael James, Partner and Head of Lettings with over 30 years’ of experience, for the latest updates and industry predictions.

Thursday 27th February | 5pm - 7pm | Shire Hall, Dorchester Wednesday 19th March | 5pm - 7pm | The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 this

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Limited availability, book your place today: 01258 474265 | enewman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

North Cheriton

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Mere

Symonds & Sampson - Leading Property Auctioneers in the South West

The Essential Information Group collates comprehensive data on property sales at auctions across the UK and has released statistics that reinforce Symonds & Sampson’s position as the Southwest’s leading auctioneers (outside Bristol).

and Cornwall.

Auction Partner Meredith Wallis (pictured) is understandably proud of these statistics: ‘The national figures for December 2024 reveal that 69% of properties sold at auction across the UK. In comparison, our success rate was an impressive 90%, including residential and commercial properties across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset.

‘Our performance between October and December 2024 was equally impressive, selling 62 lots at auction with an 88% success rate. The regional average was 74%. Some auctioneers—particularly those offering online-only bidding—reported a 50% return, with one Somerset firm selling just three lots with a 60% return.

‘These statistics demonstrate that success follows success and selecting the right auctioneer is crucial.’

Symonds & Sampson are inviting entries into their property auctions over the coming months. If you would like further information about selling at auction, don’t hesitate to contact Meredith on 01202 843190, Mark Lewis on 01258 473766, or Graham Barton on 01297 33122 to arrange a free, no-obligation market appraisal.