The New Blackmore Vale Magazine (17/03/23)

Bike around Britain

One man is setting off on a solo cycling adventure around Britain’s coastline to raise money for a Dorset bowel cancer charity

LATER this March, Will Blight of Melcombe Bingham will be setting off on a bike ride that will take him around the coast of Britain. Likely to take him at least seven months to complete, Will aims to cover in the region of 6,000 miles to raise money for Dorset cancer charity Ducks and Drakes.

“My cycling set-up is somewhat unusual,” explains Will. “It is a Brompton folding bike towing a large heavy trailer, because I don’t travel light and besides, I’m away for a long time.

“There is no support vehicle, unless you count my trailer! And no, my Brompton is not electric – despite the large solar panel which will be fixed to the top of the trailer. That’s for phone and other device charging, the intricacies of which was worked out by my brother, Chris, to whom I’m very grateful!”

Will’s official send-off will be at 10am on Sunday March 26 (remember, the clocks go forward that morning!). He’s starting from outside The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester.

“To make the trip even more interesting, I have decided to visit as many castles as I can on the coast (plus a few inland at my discretion),” says Will. “Included in the 319 sites I plan to visit, there are a small number of standing stones, towers, palaces and forts, particularly where the castles are sparse.

“While not a castle, The Keep Military Museum is the nearest ‘castle’ type structure to me and they have an excellent frontage for

In 2006, Will visited all the RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK, covering 5,610 miles over 6 months and 3 weeks

my leaving event. Let’s hope it’s not snowing!”

The Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust is based in Dorset, and works to support young people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, as well as raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. The charity funds specialist nurses in Dorset County Hospital, specifically in the Colorectal Department and financially supports Dorset County Hospital’s new cancer unit.

You can follow Will’s journey on Facebook, where he’ll be posting on the Coast and Castles Cycle for Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust page during his travels.

You can donate directly to his campaign at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/coast-and-castles-cycle

Broaden your horizons

Ten of the UK’s top travel writers will be sharing their adventures at Sherborne’s Travel Writing Festival this April

Ten intrepid travel writers are taking to the stage at Sherborne’s Powell Theatre from April 14-16, to share their tales of adventure and adversity, excitement and exploration.

Organised by the Sherborne Literary Society and curated by the eminent local travel writer Rory MacLean, the festival promises to bring the world to Dorset. From Berlin to the Poles, Siberia to Madagascar, the authors will transport audiences to the wildest corners of the world, rediscovering a sense of adventure that for many has been stifled by the global events of the past few years.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to come to know these ten wonderful authors over the years,’ explains Rory. “I think the Literary Society may have realised the richness of my address book when they asked me to curate the festival,” he laughs. “It’s been inspiring to gather these fabulous, gifted friends together in one place for a change.”

Among these talented friends is Colin Thubron who, at 81, walked along the Amur River, which borders Russia and China. “Colin is the Yoda of travel writing,” says Rory. “He’s Britain’s greatest living travel writer.” That’s no small accolade, as he’s joined for the weekend by award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster Anthony Sattin, who will be talking about his latest book Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our Earth, the Arabist Justin Marozzi and the California poet Demi Anter (who’ll talk

about David Bowie alongside Rory, who worked with the pop megastar in Berlin).

Audiences will also hear from Sara Wheeler, a pioneering woman traveller in the once male-dominated field. Sara co-founded the self-titled Amazonians female travel writers group and she’ll talk about Glowing Still, her latest book in which she contemplates the value of friendship on travels that took her from Pole to Pole. Jay Griffiths – the fierce advocate of nature’s remaining wild places – will explore the wildness both within and without us, as she talks about the adventures that led to the creation of her seminal book on environmental issues, Wild

Rory points out that literary travel writing can enable us to experience true wonders of the world without leaving the comfort of Dorset. “We’re not guide book writers; we are explorers of places, times and the human heart. Our role is to interpret the foreign, to bring it home, to enable readers understand parts of the world that they aren’t able to visit. I firmly believe that by understanding other people, we can come to understand ourselves better.”

“All ten of us are motivated by a sense that the world is a bigger and more startling place than we’re led to believe. All we have to do is step beyond the familiar to be struck by the wonder… and in some cases the horror of the world.”.

Unlike at any other festival, in Sherborne there will be the chance for weekend ticket

On your bike!

Registrations are now open for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s latest fundraising event: Race from the Base

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has just opened registration for an ultra-cycling challenge at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, June 10 – giving you plenty of time to in shape!

This full-on challenge offers three different distances: 30km (The Circuit), 60km (The Cruise) and 100km (The Climb). All routes will start and finish at the airfield, which is the home of the DSAA team.

With a total of 500 places available, you can take part as a serious cyclist, or simply use it to have fun and exercise on what will (hopefully!) be a beautiful day in June.

The charity is asking anyone who is fortunate enough to gain a place to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said: “We are so excited to be launching this brand-new

holders to take tea with the authors.

“Our travels and writing are both solo experiences,” says Rory. “So it’s a thrill to be able to have the opportunity to share our experiences with the audience.”

This promises to be a treat for your tastebuds, with teas from around the world provided by Sturminster’s Comins Tea House. Enjoy a few hours in the fascinating company of these courageous adventurers and, perhaps, be inspired to set off on your own journey of discovery.

The ten featured authors will be on stage at various times over the weekend. For a detailed schedule and to book tickets, please visit www.sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com.

event to raise funds for the charity. Everyone wants to see where our life-saving crew are based, so having a cycle challenge that starts and finishes at our airbase is simply fantastic!

Sign up and register today at www.dsairambulance.org.uk/ race-from-the-base

Trustees confirm Almshouse plans

Jobs to go and residents to leave St Johns’ Almshouse after consultation

FOUR residents are being asked to leave – and 20 staff made redundant – at the St Johns’ Almshouse in Sherborne.

Trustees have announced the changes as it plans to embark on a transformation to make the site ‘more in keeping with the 21st century’. The news comes after a two-month consultation process with staff and residents.

On February 28, the trustees voted to change the charity’s operating model and have now informed its staff and those living in the Almshouse of the outcome in response to ‘a set of circumstances both unique and unprecedented in the long history of the Almshouse’.

“It is unfortunately clear that the current operating model is no longer sustainable. It has become increasingly difficult to attract new residents who want to live in the Almshouse and are fit to do so as it is currently configured,” they said.

The statement added that the future model could see the building converted into ‘fit-for-purpose flats for people in need, either within our existing Grade 1 listed building, or elsewhere in Sherborne’.

“We are at the start of our journey to modernise the Almshouse

Charity and are keen to engage with the local community and encourage their support,” the statement added.

However, the plans mean four residents are being asked to find new homes, with 20 staff losing their jobs.

“We can assure the community that during our consultation so far, we have looked very carefully at the individual needs of our remaining six residents and those who are capable of independent living have been offered self-contained accommodation in the Almshouse’s annex,” the trustees said.

“Unfortunately, those that have greater care needs and are unable to live independently are being asked to move to more suitable accommodation.

“Sadly, we will need to make redundancies, which will affect 18 part-time and two full-time roles, as we no longer require these to look after our two remaining residents.

“We will continue to employ a small team to take us forward on our journey.

“Those moving on will do so by June 30, as we feel this is an appropriate length of time for them to help residents to be settled elsewhere.

The community will now be consulted over possible changes at the charity, they said, with updates posted at www.stjohnshouse.org and on the almshouse noticeboard.

Photo: Google

Town-centre car park set for redevelopment

FOUR new homes could be built on a town-centre Wincanton car park site.

CL Planning, on behalf of Arlington (Wincanton) Ltd, has applied to build the properties on a 0.33-acre site at Churchfields, in the town centre.

The development, made up of two pairs of semi-detached properties – two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes – would be accessed via the Church Fields cul-de-sac.

A new parking area, with spaces for six vehicles, would also be constructed.

“The layout and design of the proposed dwellings have been carefully considered so as to minimize the impacts upon neighbouring properties,” the application said.

The homes would be in the shadow of the Churchfields building, currently an Avon & Somerset Police station.

That building could be converted into flats as part of a separate planning application.

For more info and to comment, visit southsomerset.gov.uk and search application reference 22/03341/FUL.

Plans for former village pub site

himself, as well as after employing a professional tenant operator, but ‘neither option has been financially viable’.

A LANDMARK village pub that closed in 2016 could soon become a house.

An application to change the use of The Mandeville Arms, in Hardington Mandeville, from a pub to a dwelling has been submitted to South Somerset District Council.

It comes after previous applications to adapt the building to create letting rooms and apartments went undetermined, due to an issue over problems evidencing phosphate neutrality affecting the district.

A plan to build two homes in the pub grounds has also not been adjudicated.

The application outlines how the owner of the pub has struggled to make it a viable business since buying the property in 2013.

“It had been closed as a public house for the three preceding years following the bankruptcy of the previous owners, during which time it had been marketed for sale but no one had purchased it,” it said.

It said the current owner has attempted to run the business

“The public house has been closed to the public since January 2016; a period of seven years,” it added.

“In the last 13 years, the premises have only been open as a public house for a total of three years and at no time during that period were the operators able to make the business viable.”

They said remarketing the business would ‘serve no useful purpose’ due to the economic downturn, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Hardington Mandeville is already served by The Royal Oak pub, the application said, with other pubs and restaurants in nearby West Coker and East Coker.

It said the permanent closure of the Mandeville Arms ‘might help secure and safeguard the longer term viability of the Royal Oak’.

No exterior changes would be made to the build, the plan says, though changes would be made internally to convert the property into a single home.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to southsomerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 23/00460/COU.

Take a seat

WALKERS in a woodland in Shaftesbury have been surprised to find chairs placed in various spots.

The seats have appeared in and around woodland at Breach Common in recent days, according to people using the popular route.

“Is someone encouraging us to stop, sit awhile and enjoy spring?” said one NBV reader.

“What a lovely thought.”

*Have you seen the chairs? Send your thoughts – and pictures of you using them – to newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Happy 103rd birthday Elsie!

ELSIE Lancaster, formerly of Sherborne, celebrated her 103rd birthday on February 27 surrounded by family and friends – and a mountain of cards – after receiving more than 500 cards wishing her many happy returns.

Elsie now lives at South Cary House, in Castle Cary, and received many of the cards after her family issued an appeal for people to send her a card to mark the occasion.

New balance

Improve your balance, strength and stability at Sturfit

PLACES are now available in the 11.15am and noon Age Concern balance classes at Sturfit gym on a Wednesday. A qualified trainer will provide gentle exercises to help improve balance, strength and stability. Small classes of 12 to ensure health and safety.

Classes cost £4 per person per session. To register and find out more please call Age Concern North Dorset on 01258 475582.

17th-century home reveals its secrets

Community archaeologists uncover the remains of Stalbridge House, home to groundbreaking scientist Robert Boyle from 1644-55

DORSET Diggers Community Archaeology Group and the Stalbridge History Society have completed the excavation of the house of 17th-century scientist Robert Boyle who, along with Isaac Newton, Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, was a founder member of the Royal Society, patronised by King Charles II.

In 1643, Boyle inherited Stalbridge House from his father, Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork. It was considered the fifth largest house in the county at that time. But how big was it? Only archaeology could help to answer that question. Archaeological investigations were carried out over four seasons, ending in the summer of 2022.

Community Archaeologist Chris Tripp led the dig: “After locating the exact position of the surviving foundations we wanted to find out just how big the house was, so we concentrated on finding the corners then joining the dots”. Using geophysical survey this was accomplished and, by digging small trenches at various points, the foundations were unearthed. Much of the stone foundations had either been taken away during demolition or altered during refurbishments, but what has survived gives an approximation of the house, at maximum size, of 46m x 30m.

Two surprises from these excavations were the ‘Great Drain’ and the stone well structure. Chris explained that, “the drain was built with large slabs of stone and was a metre square and ran next to the house and down the sloping site to where a large pond was once located, next to the gate that gave access to the estate”. The well was built just after the taking down of the house and was located by the team due to a square parch mark of dead grass during the hot summer of 2018. It sat in its own little stone house and was found, by dropping a plumb bob down to the silt, to be 8m deep, although it is probably much deeper.

Stalbridge House was Robert Boyle’s main home from 1644 to 1655. Here he began his pioneering laboratory experiments into colours, respiration, disease, combustion, sound and air pressure. The latter led to his famous air pump, capable of creating and sustaining a vacuum. He also discovered the inverse relationship between the

A walk around… Sixpenny Handley

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

PARK near the church and, after visiting it, walk south west down the road a short distance to a junction. Cross over and join a byway which continues south westwards, after nearly a mile being demoted to bridleway status.

After another half a mile there’s a crossing of ways with the Jubilee Trail. Turn right and follow the bridleway north westwards along a field edge for half a mile then, upon meeting another bridleway, veer north and make your way for about three furlongs long to the road.

Turn right and head eastwards along the road, being aware of

pressure and volume of a confined gas, known to the world as Boyle’s Law. Boyle was one of the leading scientists of his day and one of the most important figures in the history of scientific development, virtually founding the concept of experimental science and establishing chemistry as a science in its own right.

Dorset Diggers Community Archaeology Group has been helping local communities to research and develop projects for over a decade and led archaeological investigations in Maiden Newton, Nether Compton and now at Stalbridge in partnership with the very active Stalbridge History Society. They run a Facebook page and blog and can be contacted by email at tripp.chris60@gmail.com

pavement. After about a mile you’ll be back at the village which you might like to explore, or even visit the pub, before returning to your car.

Above: Finding the foundations;

Below: Members of the Dorset Diggers Community Archaeology Group uncover the 8m-deep well

Sing when you’re winning

Did you know that, as well as being brilliant fun, singing can improve lung issues?

A NEW Singing for Lung Health group is starting in Shaftesbury on March 17 at The Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk.

Running from 11.15am-12.30pm, the sessions will comprise breathing exercises, working with posture and lots of singing!

The group is for anyone with COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, breathlessness and any other lung issues.

Music-making and other creative activities can help you feel healthier and more positive – and seem to be especially good at improving quality of life if you’re living with a lung condition.

Run by Paula Fleming (pictured above), who has been active in Dorset’s community music groups for over 20 years, sessions are payable on a donation-only basis. Contribute what you can afford, with the aim that no-one will be excluded from this potentially life-changing practice.

Parking at the Meeting House is limited, but it is a short walk from the Bell Street car park. For more information please email Paula: pawlaflaming@yahoo.co.uk

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Big Lent Walk

SLIP into your walking shoes for the Big Lent Walk, on Saturday, March 25 in aid of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

On Saturday, March 25, parishes in Dorset are coming together as a community to support others in poverty around the world.

Focused on the participation rather than the distance, the Dorset Deanery Big Lent Walk brings together neighbouring parishes to walk in solidarity as a community.

Parishoners from Blandford, Marnhull and Gillingham are walking the North Dorset Trailway, starting at Blandford and Sturminster Newton and meeting at Shillingstone Station. Sherborne parishoners will join them from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone.

Members of the parish of Dorchester are walking from Martinstown to Hardy’s Monument.

“It’s an ideal way for our neighbouring parishes to feel connected and on the same journey,” says Steve Carrivick from the Dorset Deanery.

“What better way to link some of our parishes than using the disused railway lines, the Castleman Trailway and the North Dorset Trailway. Let’s see where our paths will lead us. There is no better opportunity to get out in nature, engage with your faith and practice solidarity than through a community Big Lent Walk!”

If you aren’t able to join the walk you can sponsor the participants at cafod.enthuse.com/pf/steve-carrivick

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Sherborne homeowners love sense of belonging and community feel of Platinum Skies village

A Sherborne couple have praised the community feel and sense of belonging they have experienced since moving to a Platinum Skies over 55s village.

Don, 80, and Elizabeth Tomlinson, 79, purchased a house in the independent-living community, based off the A30 and Horsecastles Lane, to downsize from their large family home in Sherborne where they had lived for 45 years. They moved to the Platinum Skies community as they felt they were ‘rattling around’ in their last home.

Homeowners in Sherborne can enjoy a host of activities organised by the dedicated onsite Community Managers such as live music events, coffee mornings, gardening talks and Pilates. The Tomlinsons also host their own quiz night in the community’s onsite bistro which is well-attended and aims to bring their fellow homeowners together.

Asked what the best bit about living in the community is, Don said: “Feeling you belong to a community. That was a selling point in terms of us coming here. Being given the opportunity to be a part of a community of people, and that’s absolutely being delivered here.”

The Platinum Skies Sherborne independent-living village features one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Mulberry House, and neighbouring two and three-bedroom houses in Canon Woods Close. In addition to the bistro and bar, communal facilities including an activity room, treatment room, and homeowners’ lounge.

Homes are available to buy in the Sherborne over 55s community from £130,000 with the Platinum Skies shared ownership option.

Elizabeth said: “We’ve got four children and we had been thinking about moving for years. Then one day we told our children ‘Guess what? We are moving.’ They couldn’t believe it, but now they’re all so pleased for us. They feel like they don’t have to keep an eye on us quite so much as we’re safe and secure here and they think that we’re probably going to stay here forever.”

Speaking about the highlights of living in the Platinum Skies community, Don continued: “Everybody is really nice here. It may sound a bit twee, but it’s a very nice place to live. Everybody’s in the same boat to some extent and so we all want to be part of a community.”

Rural retreats

Explore the Dorset homes of literary giants

THREE literary landmarks in Dorset have reopened this month.

Hardy’s Cottage, the childhood home of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and his self-designed Victorian home, Max Gate, both in Dorchester, as well as Clouds Hill, the tiny cottage belonging to TE Lawrence at Bovington, have reopened to the public after a winter break.

It comes as 2023 marks 100 years since Lawrence first arrived in Dorset and inhabited Clouds Hill.

Visitors will be welcomed with introductory talks from knowledgeable volunteers and invited to explore the rooms and beautiful gardens for a fascinating insight into the lives of these two historical figures, the National Trust said.

Overseeing the reopening has been property operations manager Rachael White, who said: “We’re really excited to be reopening the doors at Hardy’s homes and Clouds Hill once again.

“The houses will be looking at their best following deep cleaning that has taken place over the winter by our conservation team. The gardens are also springing to life with flowers coming into bloom.

“We invite everyone to come along and enjoy the atmospheric homes of Dorset’s most famous writer, Thomas Hardy and the legendary Lawrence of Arabia.”

The Trust said pre-booking is essential for Hardy’s Cottage and Clouds Hill and strongly advised for Max Gate.

For opening times and to book tickets, visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hardys-cottage, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/max-gate and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill, or call 0344 249 1895.

Above: TE Lawrence’s Dorset getaway, Cloud’s Hill; Below: Hardy’s Cottage, the childhood home of Thomas Hardy

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A hive of activity

As the beekeeping season gets underway once again, the Sherborne Beekeeping Association jumps into action…

by Judy Easdale

THE Sherborne Beekeeping Association (SBKA) is an active branch of the British Beekeeping Association.

We are extremely fortunate to have an apiary site on a cider farm just outside Sherborne, which is wonderful for the bees as it provides shade, sun and protection from most of the wind.

An enthusiastic committee presides over proceedings, consisting of weekly meetings at the apiary during the active summer period, management of three or four colonies of bees over the year, winter talks and an introduction to beekeeping course in the spring.

The management of the bees (who are what we call Dorset Mongrels: bees that have evolved for the conditions in Dorset, mainly of the Buckfast strain) consists of checking their health, trying to mitigate swarming, taking off of some honey at peak times of the year and making sure that the bees have adequate stock of food for winter.

The practice of apiculture is absolutely fascinating, and there are many different ways of doing any one task. It might be confusing at first, but you will adopt your own style of beekeeping, which suits both you and the bees, as you grow in confidence. Our seasonal bee inspector is very approachable. Each year we go on a bee safari with him, visiting a few different apiaries, which is as much a practical learning session as it is a social occasion – there’s tea and cake at the end!

Our bee management sessions are open to any beekeeper that is registered with us and wishes to take part. They are a reassuring reminder of the seasonal beekeeping tasks, as well as a reminder of what to look for in terms of health or disease. This is really important in inspiring confidence in one’s practice.

The SBKA’s beekeepers are keen to collect swarms locally, which our members

then rehome. It’s a great way to expand your apiary without spending a fortune!

The winter meetings, AGM and theory sessions for the course are held at Mill Farm, Bradford Abbas. The course consists of six theory sessions and a minimum of three practical sessions. The start date has not been decided yet, but hopefully will be in late April. Anyone interested should email the membership secretary on sherbornebees@org.uk or call 07719 578209.

Find out more about the club online www.sherbornebees.org

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Sign up your studio

Somerset artists are invited to join Somerset Art Works and sign up for one of the biggest visual arts events in the South West

SOMERSET Open Studios 2023 is now taking venue registrations.

Somerset Art Works members open their doors this autumn to allow a glimpse into often-private studio spaces and workshops, alongside pop-up venues, where audiences can meet the artist, see work in progress and visit the creative source.

Somerset is visually diverse and geographically vast, offering rich inspiration to countless artists and creatives over the years; from the romantic wilderness of Exmoor and The Quantock Hills, to the ruggedness of The Mendips, as well as the bustling coast, the calm of The Levels and busy market towns of the south.

Somerset provides a creative sanctuary for its many artists and makers working in fine art and craft, as well as multi disciplinary media and traditional materials such as willow, all of which will be on show during Open Studios. Whether it’s discovering a new artist, buying from a favourite or seeking your own creative inspiration, the event’s quality, variety and depth will amaze you.

Somerset Art Weeks takes place every autumn, alternating between Open Studios and Exhibitions + Events. After the return of the Art Weeks guide last year, Somerset Open Studios 2023 (September 16 to October 1) will feature a full programme of artist studios, demonstrations and activities for all to enjoy. The event is a fantastic way to explore the county, providing the opportunity to

experience a wealth of creativity in often little-known places, and to make a day of it alongside the best of what Somerset has to offer in hospitality amid stunning locations.

For artists and venues wanting to register, please see information about Memberships and how to join on the SAW website somersetartworks.org.uk.

To register interest or find out more, please contact artweeks@ somersetartworks.org.uk. Venue registrations open on March 1 and close on April

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Dedicated followers of fashion

THE ladies of Blandford Evening WI gathered in the Tea Room at Lime Tree House for their monthly coffee morning and to celebrate with the Costume Museum its re-opening for the visitor season after its winter re-organisation and deep clean. Several WI members volunteer at the Costume Museum and a visit is to be arranged soon for the rest to view the new displays for this year and appreciate the lovely old house built by the Bastard Brothers – the builder and architect who rebuilt Blandford after the Great Fire – for their seven sisters.

Take to the water

A beautiful new guidebook expounds the delights of paddling the waterways of Dorset and the South West

SUMMER’S just around the corner (honestly!) and whether you’re already thinking about how to entertain the children or considering maximising your time outdoors, the South West’s rivers, canals, lakes and coastline are a magical place to start.

Paddle Boarding South West by Lisa Drewe (Wild Things, £18.99) reveals over 100 places to canoe, kayak and SUP across the region, including 15 routes in Dorset. It is a practical showcase of how to have fun along our rivers, lakes and shores, with lots of ideas to help

Mill back in action

STURMINSTER Mill will reopen on March 25 after a long wet winter, and at least five floods!

Open Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from 11am-5pm, the fully functional mill will be producing tasty wholegrain flour until the end of September.

Enjoy a tour, browse the shop or simply sit in the mill’s beautiful surroundings with a cup of tea and a biscuit!

Students from the High School have created a wonderful display of information boards, explaining the mill’s historical links with Newfoundland and Swanskin.

families and beginners take their first foray into exploring our wonderful waterways.

Fabulous photographs bring each route and destination to life, and are sure to inspire the novice paddleboarder or kayaker onto the water. Closest to home is a gentle river trip from Blandford to Keyneston Mill, but there are plenty of ideas within these pages to get you out and about both locally and further afield.

The museum boasts many new displays, including Victorian rural clothing and the history of Sturminster from the Palaeolithic to the present. Every few months the museum hosts finds days, when anyone can bring items along to be identified. The next event is on May 25.

A fond farewell to Lampshade Man

The life and achievements of Tim Hargreaves, founder of Gillingham-based lampshade manufacturer Albioncourt, are celebrated by friends and family after his recent death

TRIBUTES have been paid to Gillingham’s ‘Lampshade Man’ – Tim Hargreaves – who passed away in December.

Tim was behind Albioncourt, the Gillingham-based lampshade manufacturer, whose premises are at The Idea Works, in New Road.

He founded the company in 1993 and was working throughout illness which eventually saw him pass away on December 6 last year.

A funeral was held on January 13, as tributes continue to pour in from, friends and customers alike.

“Tim had been unwell for many months but continued to be active within the company, mostly working from home over the last year,” said Albioncourt’s managing director, Jennifer Richards.

“Some may not have even known that Tim had been unwell, or at least the seriousness of it. Tim was never one to

think of himself, but always of others.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Friends and colleagues said Tim was widely known at trade shows as that ‘Lampshade Man’, with amusing anecdotes and astute observations. He had great knowledge of the lighting industry and others would search him out for his expertise.

He was also fondly thought of by staff at Albioncourt.

“To us, Tim’s staff, he was an excellent employer, which is reflected in the 20-plus years some of us have spent by his side,” Jennifer added.

“Tim was always much more than an employer. He was our mentor, role model, friend – our work family.”

Jennifer, along with Tim’s youngest son Jasper, will now continue the firm in honour of its founder.

“We will continue to make him proud of the company he established all those years ago, and fulfil his retirement plan of Albioncourt’s future as an employee ownership trust,” she said.

“From all of us here at Albioncourt, we thank you for your support.”

You can find out more about Albioncourt at www.albioncourt.co.uk

The fair comes to town

Wincanton Chamber Business Fair 2023 premieres this March, showcasing the town’s diverse and interesting commercial enterprises

ON Wednesday, March 29, Wincanton Chamber will be hosting a Business Fair at Wincanton Memorial Hall, the first of its kind in the area with a view to it becoming an annual event.

The fair will showcase businesses from in and around Wincanton, from the High Street to more hidden locales, highlighting the wide range of businesses Wincanton has to offer.

Funding has come from the South Somerset District Council Regeneration Fund, which enables the organisers to offer stands to businesses for free. There is no entry fee on the day either, which is open to the general public as well as representatives from businesses from further afield. “We would still like anyone wanting to attend to book a ticket so we have an idea of the numbers and can cater accordingly,” said a spokesperson for the organisers. Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite by searching “Wincanton Chamber Business Fair 2023” or by using the QR code in the picture opposite.

“It is our hope that the fair will encourage networking between local businesses, not only those with stands, but those attending on the day,” they continued. “It’s also an opportunity for those in Wincanton and the surrounding towns and villages to come and see what is available on their doorstep.”

The Fair will run from 10am-4pm, and alongside the stands there will be talks throughout the day from local business owners and entrepreneurs about their experiences. The organisers will be

unveiling the new Wincanton Visitors Map, which will help direct visitors to High Street businesses.

Details of the businesses attending, sponsors and guest speakers are available online and social media channels:

• wincantonchamber.co.uk/fair

• facebook.com/WincantonChamber

• instagram.com/wincantonchamber

If you’d like more information, please email fair@wincantonchamber.co.uk.

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Carbon Neutral Homecare Company expands service to North Dorset

GoodOaks Homecare, the UK’s only carbon neutral homecare company, is now providing its’ live-in care service across the whole of Dorset. This personalised alternative to residential care covers areas such as Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

GoodOaks calculates that the homecare sector produces over 484,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, a figure that is growing every year roughly in line with the growth of the care sector. To keep the 1.5*c target alive, that number needs to be reduced, dramatically.

Care professionals are reliant on their cars to visit clients, powered by older diesel or petrol engines, often in stop-start traffic and moving around suburban areas. GoodOaks calculates all the miles travelled by its care teams every year, and offsets the carbon produced by investing in tree planting and green projects.

Co-Founder, Ben Ashton, said:

“Becoming carbon neutral was an important investment for us to make. It’s so important we all do what we can to make greener choices, for our generation, and future generations.”

GoodOaks provide live-in and visiting homecare to clients in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Their phone number is 01202 125882.

Live-in Care you can rely on

Good Oaks Home Care was named among the Top 20 UK Home Care Groups in 2022

Our loose Canon

On remembering the true meaning of Mothering Sunday…

by Canon Eric Woods

I HAVE to admit that – as one half of a very happy marriage not blessed with children – I have mixed feelings about this coming Sunday, which most people now refer to as “Mother’s Day”. Of course it is lovely when happy, united families can make the day special for their mothers and have a wonderful family celebration. But for other people it can be downright painful, especially for the single, the gay, the childless, those who have lost children and – perhaps most painfully of all – those mothers whose relationship with their children has somehow broken down.

Let’s begin by getting the name right. Mother’s Day took off in the USA early last century as a national celebration, not of motherhood in general but of individual mothers by their own families. But in England the correct name is Mothering Sunday, which originally meant something quite different.

Sadly, like the American grey squirrel pushing out our native red, ‘Mother’s Day’ seems to be sweeping all before it. But it’s

terribly important to go back to basics, and reclaim Mothering Sunday and all it stands for.

At least we haven’t adopted the American date – the second Sunday in May. We still use the traditional fourth Sunday of Lent, which is also known as Refreshment Sunday: 19 March this year. It all began in the middle ages as a day-off from the rigours of Lent, in honour of the Virgin Mary. The practice developed of giving people time off to celebrate this holy day (‘holiday’) to visit their Mother Church – the cathedral, or their family’s parish church. For those working away, this brought an opportunity to make a rare and fleeting visit home – picking a nosegay of wildflowers for mum on the way. And so the seeds were sown of today’s version of the celebration.

Mothering Sunday can still have a meaning for everyone if we see it as a chance to celebrate not just the relationship between mothers and their children, but all relationships which are rooted and grounded in love, loyalty and respect. For make no mistake: all such relationships today are under stresses and strains of one kind or another. It is not just married relationships on which I would want us to concentrate this coming Sunday. It is all relationships.

So – whether you or not you have children, whether or not you are in a close and loving relationship with them, whether you are divorced or single, gay or straight – try to use Mothering Sunday as a day for affirming you own most important relationships. The original Mothering Sunday was not for ‘cornflake packet’ families. It was for the whole Family of God: what Archbishop Desmond Tutu called the ‘rainbow People of God’. And of course the rainbow is a promise – the promise of God’s love for each and every one of us. No exceptions!

Photo by Christie Kim on Unsplash

Win big this Easter!

Join in the fun at Shillingstone station’s

Easter Egg Hunt

SHILLINGSTONE Station’s egg hunt and day of train-tastic entertainment now includes model working railway displays! Entry to the egg hunt costs just £1.50, and every entry gets a free mini egg. Pop along to the station on April 9, pick up a question form from the station shop and discover the answers as you wander the railway,

signal box and museum.

The highest answers win a large Easter egg, with up to four winners on the day.

Hot and cold food will be available all day in the refreshment café. For further information visit www. northdorsetrailway.co.uk or find Shillingtone Station on Facebook (S&DJR Shillingstone). You can call the Station on 01258 860696 on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Activity squad needs new members

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to join a group dedicated to helping patients at Dorset County Hospital (DCH).

People are being urged to give a few hours a week playing games or doing puzzles with patients at the Dorchester hospital as part of a new Activity Squad, being set up by the DCH’s Volunteer Service.

Activities could include playing board games, doing jigsaws, singing and other activities that patients may wish to try.

Hannah Robinson, volunteer and patient experience lead at DCH, said: “Our volunteers are such an important part of the team at DCH. They give us the gift of time – which is invaluable and makes a huge difference. Our Activity Squad will spend their time socialising with patients and helping them remain active.

“Little things like playing a game or doing a puzzle can really help support a patient’s recovery and enhance their experience with us.

“If you enjoy spending time with people, have a good sense of humour and thoughts about how to support patient wellbeing, we would love to hear from you.

“We’re committed to supporting our volunteers and will make sure you enjoy your time with us too.”

To find out more, email volunteering@dchft.nhs.uk, or call 01305 255351.

The New Blackmore Vale DEADLINES

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

Has the time come to make plans for your future?

If you have worried about becoming forgetful or confused in the future, you may have assumed that your close family will automatically be able to take over managing your money. It may surprise you to know this is not the case. Your family will only be able to take over and look after your money if you have given them written permission, in a form that banks, utility companies and other organisations will accept.

The way to give this written permission is by making a Lasting Power of Attorney

If you have already received a diagnosis of dementia, you need to make your Lasting Power of Attorney sooner rather than later. We can help you make a Lasting Power of Attorney that is tailored to your circumstances. That gives your family all the permissions they need. And that builds in protection to prevent things going wrong

If you would like to talk about making arrangements for the future by making a Lasting Power of Attorney, please call Christine on 01308 424808 to arrange a date for us to call on you at home. Or email christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk

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

Advertising: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net or online at blackmorevale.net

Sunbeams Shillingstone. Nursery and pre-school. Our beautiful baby room has vacancies from April 2023. Babies 4 – 24 months.

To find out more information or apply contact Shill@sunbeamsdaycare.co.uk or call 01258 863523. Augustan Avenue, Shillingstone, DT11 0TX

For the love of libraries

Dorchester library and learning centre has a packed programme of regular events for adults and children…

TECHNOPHOBES will appreciate the support of the library’s digital champions Bob and Mike, who are on hand every Monday between 10.15am and 12.30pm and Thursdays between 2pm and 4pm to help with understanding and accessing your personal devices or setting up online accounts such as email or shopping.

The library’s ever-popular shared reader groups convene online every Monday (10am-11.45am) and Tuesday (2pm4.30pm). They’re open to all and free to attend – Reader Leaders bring stories and poems alive by reading aloud, with time to talk and reflect on the power of words. If you’d rather meet in person, there are two reading groups at the library itself, on the last Thursday of the month (from 10am and from 2pm) and the first Saturday of the month. You’ll need to sign up, so speak to a member of library staff for more information.

You don’t have to be a literature lover to

enjoy a ‘cuppa and company’ every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm. Pop in to the library for a chat and a hot drink to warm your cockles during these cold months.

The library stays open until 6.30pm every Friday for those wishing to start the weekend with a competitive tea time of board gaming… Bring your own tabletop game to play together or discover one from the library’s collection (ages 8-plus, from 4pm). Themed gaming events are advertised on the library’s Facebook page.

Advice, information and support can be gleaned from the volunteers with the Citizens Advice Bureau, who are at the library every Wednesday from 10.30amnoon. And your local councillors will be on hand on the first Saturday of every month to answer your questions and hear your opinions.

Makers will enjoy the monthly craft sessions, on the second Saturday of every month bring your own project and enjoy a drink and crafty company.

Younger library members enjoy a range of regular activities too. Foster an early love of books with rhyme time (0-18 months) every Tuesday (10.30am-11am) and Friday

(2.15pm-2.45pm). SEN-sational story time, fortnightly on a Tuesday from 2.15pm2.45pm, is suitable for under-fives – explore your local library and meet with other parents and carers who have children with additional needs, listen to a story, and share a range of sensory toys.

Pre-readers can socialise at the library with Duplo play (every other Tuesday, 2.15pm-2.45pm) and library gets lively on a Saturday from 10am-10.30am. There’s a regular Lego club for over-fives every Saturday from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Comic book club (every Friday in term time, 4pm-4.45pm) is a chance for comic book fans aged 8-12 years to get together, while code club (every Thursday in term time, 4pm-4.45pm) is a fun introduction to the creative world of computer programming for children aged 8-12 years.

Saturday morning sees the library host a pop-up craft activity, suitable for 4-12-yearolds and available between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Older children (10-16) can flex their love of Dungeons and Dragons or learn how to play at the D&D club, which runs every other Tuesday from 4pm-5pm.

Quirky lots up for charity auction

A variety of items and experiences are being auctioned off this month to raise funds for local charities

ATHELHAMPTON House at Puddletown is the venue for a sale which will raise funds for the house and local charities.

Lots include a prop used by actors Michael Caine and Lawrence Olivier; a ghost night stay at Athelhampton; and a book club session with internationally famous Dorset author Tracy Chevalier.

Giles Keating, of Athelhampton, said: “After the restoration over the last four years, we’ve got great furniture, pictures, curtains and garden items that just don’t fit the new settings, so we’re selling those, plus some wonderful donated lots to support local charities Dorchester Hospital Cancer Trust and Dorset Museum.”

Items from the house include a fine antique court cupboard, paintings of the Houses of Parliament, cast-iron garden seats and a door believed to have been used as a prop in the film Sleuth starring Lawrence

Olivier and Michael Caine.

Charity lots have been generously donated by supporters and local businesses and include private book club sessions with Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, as well Joanna Quinn and Jonathan Drori; a tour of Elizabeth Frink works normally hidden away in the museum storerooms; a private boat tour around classic Dorset seascapes; a spooky stay in four-poster beds at Athelhampton with candlelit ghost stories and secret passages; and rare bottles of Hardy’s Ale including the original 1968 vintage.

Duke’s auctioneers are organising the sale and waiving their commission on the charity items.

The auction is at Athelhampton House on Saturday, March 25, at 2pm with bidding on-site and online. Viewing is on Friday and Saturday, March 24-25.

Is your home heritage?

THE organisers of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week are seeking new venues to take part.

The event is a celebration of the architecture of Dorset, both historic and contemporary.

All the events are free, run by volunteers who open their buildings and give generously of their time. A spokesperson for the event said: “We need people who own, live or work in interesting buildings to join us in this county-wide event.

“Your building doesn’t have to be historic – it can be brand new, 10 years old or 50 years old.

“The event runs from September 8-17 and if you are interested in participating, please get in touch as soon as possible because we will start organising it all quite soon.”

Anyone who would like to get involved can phone 01202 888992, email dahw@edht.org.uk or visit www.edht.org.uk.

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

Skills practice

Friends of Stourconnect celebrates students completing its Connect 2 Employment course STUDENTS who have been working to improve their employability collected their certificates recently and celebrated the completion of their courses.

On Friday, February 17, the group of students who have collected their certificates from Helen Reed, the Mayor of Sturminster Newton.

Friends of Stour Connect offers the free course Connect to Employment to anyone aged 16 plus (there’s no upper age limit). It’s a skills and learning based programme to help people over

Artists needed to host workshops

the age of 16 with additional needs become employment ready and gain/keep employment.

Skills covered include teamwork, communication, looking after your money, job applications and CV writing, using public transport and customer service.

Work experience opportunities enable students to put their skills to the test with mentors at the community hub in the cafe, garden and charity shop. Find out more at www. friendsofstourconnect.org

CALLING all artists – the Blandford Art Hub needs you!

It is looking for artists in the making, those who have always dreamed of exhibiting their work as well as practising artists with skills to share.

The hub offers workshops for children, evening classes for adults, low-cost art supplies and an exhibition space, and it is hoped by next year it will become a permanent and much-loved feature of the community.

BAHub founder Kate Seeger has been busy getting ready for a summer of activities, including setting up the little shop and gallery.

She said: “Things have been reorganised so the little shop is bigger than last year, which means we can display and sell more artist creations.

“Our world’s smallest art gallery is still the same and offers a great opportunity for any artist to become our featured artist.

“We are particularly interested in those starting out, or who have never exhibited before.

“The other thing we would like to do is to have a wider variety of creative workshops and hope more artists can come forward to run a workshop.

“We can hire out the space to anyone interested.”

Over the past few years, BAHub has held brilliant workshops and exhibited some wonderful local artists. Could the next one be you?

For all the latest information visit the BAHub at Nightingale Court Garden, on the cut-through between M&S/Langton Road car park and Nightingale Court, East Street.

Alternatively, email Kate at freeexpressioncreative@ gmail.com or visit the website, www.free-expression.com.

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At Lizzie Price Shading Solutions, we o er a wide range of shutters all British made to suit every style and budget. Our shutters are available in a variety of colours, nishes, and designs, allowing you to choose the perfect option to match your home’s decor.

We can help you design and install the perfect shutters for your property, taking into account your speci c needs and preferences, allowing you to easily adjust the amount of light and privacy you need.

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Bus service is back

Residents rejoice as rural areas are now covered by amendments to existing route

THE much-missed bus service covering the Gillingham/Wyke area has been reintroduced.

The number 3 service, which runs to and from Sturminster Newton, Monday to Friday, now incorporates the Gillingham/Wyke area on its route. There are various stops in the Wyke area.

At present it does not stop at Waitrose or the library but discussions are in place to rectify this.

The full timetable can be viewed online at the South West Coaches website www.southwestcoaches.co.uk/Bus-Timetables or on the Traveline website www.travelinesw.com

If you don’t have access to the internet you can visit Gillingham Library, where you can use their public computers or purchase a copy of the timetable for 10p.

You can also call South West Coaches on 01935 475872.

Penselwood 10k

PENSELWOOD Community Association’s Tough 10k Challenge takes place on Sunday April 2 at 11am.

Organised in association with local running group the Dorset Doddlers, the event starts and finishes at Penselwood Village Hall. Runners can enjoy a scenic race with very little traffic interference.

Head to BA9 8LR in time for the 11am start. For entries and further information visit www.penselwood10k.co.uk.

Speak up!

A PUPIL from The Blandford School scooped best individual speaker at the Rotary Club’s Youth Speaks district final recently.

Lucy Ahsan (pictured with the other members of her team, Emma Watling and Odette Miller, from The Blandford School) won the award for the best individual speaker at the Youth Speaks district final in Romsey on Saturday March 4.

Judges commented on how her talk, in support of the motion Should young people be allowed to use social media? was ‘engaging’ and she was able ‘to draw the audience in’.

Having won the area competition, Shaftesbury School and The Blandford School represented Shaftesbury and Blandford Rotary Clubs at the district final.

The eventual senior winners were St Anne’s Catholic School with their talk on The negative influence of influencers The intermediate winners in a closely fought contest were Rookwood School from Andover with their talk Let’s ban fairy tales

If you want to know more or to get involved with Rotary, please contact hello@shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

The small village with a big heart

We caught up with Sian Highnam of the Fontmell Community Garden to find out how this caring village pulls together

THE village hall is the beating heart of Fontmell Magna. From garden projects to the regular community warm hubs, a dedicated crew of volunteers works tirelessly to organise and galvanise people from the village and surrounding schools, ensuring that everyone feels involved.

Sian Highnam runs the community garden, which she started in 2020 during the pandemic. “The garden provided an opportunity to get people together in a lovely way,” she explains. “A band of enthusiastic volunteers are always busy growing seeds, planting, watering and gathering blooms for enjoyment.

“This year we will have the village hall decked in red, white and blue blooms for the coronation weekend, and the garden will have lots of flowers for villagers to cut and enjoy.”

The involvement of local schools is integral to the

garden’s success. Every year, pupils from St Andrew’s School plant spring bulbs and sunflowers. The Fontmell Under Fives have three dedicated troughs which they plant up in October and May, and the garden and cafe are recognised options on the sixth form volunteering programme for students from Clayesmore School.

“Everyone works hard to make the hall a success,” explains Sian. “A special mention should be made of Lisa Le Druillenec, our village hall secretary, who has worked tirelessly to secure grants to enable us to fund some of these exciting projects.

“Rosie Anne Yates , the village hall chair, is always looking for ways to use the hall as a central hub in our small village and is a great ambassador for our village hall and its committee.

“Volunteers do what they can manage. We have those who garden, who bake cakes, who help at the cafes, who run craft sessions for the children… So many friendships have been made. It is actually very humbling.”

Their hard work was recognised at the end of last year with no less that three awards – the Dorset Volunteering award, a High Sheriff of Dorset community volunteering award and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Level 5 outstanding award for ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’.

If you’d like to get involved in any of the projects in Fontmell Magna, please email bookings.fmvh@mail. com

Caring for the carers

DOZENS of unpaid carers attended a special event at Dorset Museum, Dorchester, to thank them for what they do and the chance to meet and support each other.

Participants enjoyed taking part in activities, including craft and mindfulness.

Poppy Connell, operations manager at Carer Support Dorset, said: “Around 40 unpaid carers attended the event.

“It was wonderful to be able to give them the opportunity to have a few hours focusing on themselves.

“Hopefully they came away feeling positive about future initiatives in Dorset and appreciated for the work they do daily for the people they support.”

One carer said: “It was great to have something to look forward to on my calendar – somewhere to go and feel safe and valued.”

Carer Support Dorset can be contacted on 0800 368 8349 and info found at carersupportdorset.co.uk

College up for a revamp

The facilities at Yeovil College are set to expand and improve

PLANS to rebuild much of Yeovil College’s town campus have been submitted.

The scheme, submitted by JLL on behalf of the college’s construction partner BAM, would see a number of current structures on the Mudford Road site demolished.

The buildings to be demolished would be replaced by a ‘main block’, a sports block and a construction block.

As well as classrooms, the new fivestorey main building would include a training restaurant, hair and beauty salons, and a refectory.

The proposed replacement sports block

would be a two-storey building.

The third building – a construction block – would be a two-storey development, complementing the existing Construction Skills Building.

“At ground floor, the proposed block will contain demonstration and teaching classrooms, a plumbing workshop, as well as an estates office, staffroom, stores and WCs,” the application said.

“On the first floor, it is proposed to provide three additional classrooms, along with two electrical workshops and a fire workshop.”

The work would begin in the summer, with estimated completion dates of summer 2024 for the sports hall and construction block, and spring 2026 for the main block.

The redevelopment comes after Yeovil College was identified as one of 16 across the country to share funding from the government’s Further Educational Capital Transformation (FECT) programme.

For more details, and to comment on the application, visit www.southsomerset. gov.uk and search for application reference 23/00513/FUL.

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Then & now: Gillingham’s First World War hospitals

by Lottie Hayton

ON Saturday July 25, 1914, a remarkable event took place, which foreshadowed the horror of – and heroism displayed in – the First World War.

In the grounds of Thorngrove House, Gillingham, Dorset, home of Sir Harold and Lady Pelly, a Red Cross field-day was held. Over the course of the day the chain of events that would occur in the event of an invasion by a foreign force were enacted and practised.

Earlier that year, a fundraising event had been held in aid of the local Red Cross detachment at which Viscountess Portman, President of the Dorset branch of Soldiers and Sailors Families Association, paid tribute to the local Red Cross branch’s work.

By July, and following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo on June 28, the distant rumblings of a potential war seemed more threatening.

Demonstrations included first aid, cooking, nursing and stretcher bearing and were attended by commandants of the men’s and women’s Voluntary Aid Detachment in the Shaftesbury division of the Red Cross Society.

Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914 and British troops landed in France on August 7. In Gillingham, preparations were underway to provide medical support and the Market Hall, Grammar School and Council schools were put forward as locations to treat wounded soldiers from the front.

Townsfolk offered bed linen, beds and other supplies and in October, the Gillingham detachment was notified that they were to care for sick soldiers from Kitchener’s Army recruits.

Two buildings were eventually requisitioned in the town to provide hospital service under the Red Cross: Miss Dunn’s High School for Girls on the corner of Station Road and Buckingham Road and Plank House, Wyke Street, belonging to local solicitor Henry Wyld.

Lady Pelly, organiser of the July field day, became the first Commandant of Plank House while a Mrs Leatham was the Commandant of the Station Road Hospital.

With help from local residents, Mrs Leatham had prepared 25 beds at the Station Road hospital by 20 October, ready to receive the first five casualties on the following day.

Plank House, meanwhile, housed 12 beds, six of which were in open-air shelters in the garden. It was mainly used for septic and tuberculous cases and was mobilised on October 30. The Matron was Lady Superintendent Mrs E E Mary Farnfield ARRC.

The hospitals faced ongoing resourcing challenges: they were paid a paltry two shillings per patient, per day, and nurses and doctors were in shorter and shorter supply as the war went on.

However, local appeals continued to top up supply shortfalls and archive images show how many in the town offered help, including local Grammar School boys. Many of the sick arrived by train into Gillingham station

were collected by members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment and the boys.

The biggest challenge came on June 28, 1917, when a violent storm burst the dam at Gaspar, causing the overflowing River Stour to flood Bourton and Gillingham. Plank House was the worst hit.

and

Left: A blue plaque commemorates Plank House’s past; from top: Men from the Voluntary Aid Detachment wait at Gillingham Station to transport the injured to hospital; Miss Dunn’s High School for Girls was one of two buildings in Gillingham requisitioned to provide hospital service; volunteers from the town, including boys from the grammar school, collected soldiers from the station; (all photos used courtesy of Gillingham Local History Society)

Dr Farnfield, with the help of two soldiers, had to fight open the gates and he and the other staff worked desperately to save patients. Due to their efforts, no lives were lost.

Both hospitals overcame significant challenges over the course of the war. By the time Plank House hospital closed on January 20, 1919, 616 army sick and wounded had been cared for. The matron, Mrs Farnfield, was decorated with the Royal Red Cross by Queen Alexandra.

When Station Road Hospital closed on March 6, 1919, the total number of admitted patients stood at 792, but local reports suggest the figure was higher.

Today, part of the Station Road hospital, a hut given by the

Trustees to the Gillingham branch of the Comrades of the Great War, is the British Legion Clubhouse on School Lane.

In August 2014, blue plaques were placed by Gillingham Local History Society on the former hospital buildings and the clubhouse in recognition of the invaluable work done by the two hospitals during the First World War.

Thank you to David Lloyd, Chairman of the Gillingham Local History Society and the other Society volunteers for their help and information provided.

Above: Plank house staff and patients; right: Lady Superintendent Mrs E E Mary Farnfield ARRC was Matron at Plank House during WWI and was awarded the Royal Red Cross

School wins British Council award

STAFF and governors at William Barnes Primary School in Sturminster Newton are delighted the school has received a prestigious British Council award for bringing the world into the classroom.

They received the Foundation level of the International School Award which celebrates the achievements of schools which do exceptional work in international education.

The British Council seeks to promote an international dimension to the curriculum in schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

William Barnes’ international

work includes embedding aspects of Global Learning and Citizenship into everyday classroom teaching and having a whole school focus on three of the United Nations

Sustainable Development goals – Good Health and Well Being, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life on Land, leading to several projects now running in school.

In the last two years, some of the highlights of Global Learning have been:

n Year 6 Malala day – the children are inspired by Nobel prize winning educational activist from Pakistan and raise money to support her foundation.

n Year 5 – children learn about the impact of tourism and global warming on the small Himalayan region of Ladakh in Northern India and its fragile environment and culture

n Year 4 Plogging – Picking up

litter around the school environment while also raising fitness levels, learning about the impact of litter on local, national and global environments, and learning about how the problem is being tackled on the local, national and global scale.

n Connecting with an international school through the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms scheme, originally with a school in Nepal Reducing single use plastic waste in school using the Terracycle scheme, as well as campaigning to change from plastic straws for school milk and reducing the amount of laminated plastic being used in school.

100-plus runners from seven schools in cross-country race

PUPILS from seven schools – Thornford, St Andrew’s Yetminster, Sherborne Primary, Sherborne Abbey Primary, Buckland

Newton, All Saints, and Trent Young’s –competed at the Sherborne area CrossCountry race.

More than 100 children took part in the event hosted by The Gryphon School, with student sport leaders supporting the primary pupils and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Results: Girls – Team: 1 Sherborne Abbey Primary; 2 joint

Thornford Primary and All Saints Primary; 3

Buckland Newton Primary.

Girls – Individual: 1

Phoebe (Sherborne Abbey); 2 Lydia (Trent Young’s); 3 Tilly (Sherborne Primary).

Boys – Team: 1

Sherborne Primary; 2

Trent Young’s; 3

Thornford Primary.

Boys – Individual: 1

Lenny (Thornford); 2

Archie (Buckland

Newton); 3 William (Sherborne Primary).

Neela Brooking, headteacher of Thornford Primary School, who organised

the event, said:

“Congratulations to all the children who took part and a big thank you to The Gryphon PE department and the

student helpers for hosting and supporting the event.

“The children are already looking forward to the next competition!”

WINTERBOURNE WHITECHURCH HALL

Easter Bingo March 18th

Doors open 6pm Monthly bingos held-April 22nd.

EASTER BINGO

Hazelbury Bryan Primary School

Friday 24th March

Doors open 7pm

Eyes down 7:30pm

WICK CHARITY FESTIVAL

EASTER BINGO

March 24th at Sherborne Football Club, Doors open 7pm. For Air Ambulance and Eve appeal.

GILLINGHAM HISTORY

SOCIETY. AGM followed by Barnes Wallis and The Dambusters by Colin Higgs.

7:00pm - 21st MarchMethodist Church Hall

LYDLINCH CHURCH

Spring coffee morning & cake sale

Saturday 25th March

Hooper Hall Lydlinch

DT10 2JA 10am-12pm

All welcome, free admission

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

Fisherman’s Friends: One and All Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 17 March / 7.00 pm / £5 Bar / Snacks / Ice creams

Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

Events

BATCOMBE CHURCH

JUMBLE SALE

Sat 25th March Leigh Village Hall, 2.30pm

SIXPENNY HANDLEY CRAFT FAIR & TEAS

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Saturday 25 March, 10am - 1pm, FREE entry

Crafts / Hot drinks / Homemade cakes

Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

BLANDFORD & DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE UNIVERSITY of the Third Age. Shirley Critchley on “Mayhem, mutiny and murder: an 18th century naval epic” 31st March

2pm Durweston Village Hall

FYI 01258 628079

SOUTH WILTSHIRE AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Salisbury Vintage Spares Sort-out

Salisbury Livestock Market

Saturday 15th April 2023

Gates open 8am

Van/Trailer £10, Lorry £20 Buyers £2 per person Under 14’s FREE

ENCORE SINGERS

PRESENT a concert of popular tunes. United Church, Dorchester. 25.3.23 7.30pm. Free entry. Supporting C’Siders cancer support group

JUMBLE SALE

March 25th

MARTINSTOWN VILLAGE HALL, DT2 9JU

1 - 3 pm In aid of Church Funds

JUMBLE SALE

BUCKHORN WESTON VILLAGE HALL

25th March - 2.30pm Raffle Cakes Teas

JUMBLE SALE SATURDAY

18TH MARCH – 1pm 50p admission

Hooper Hall, Lydlinch DT10 2JA

In aid of the roof repair fund for the Village Hall

SHAFTESBURY LIBRARY

CHILDREN’S EASTER

holiday activities: Animal Handprints 01/04, Rocking Bunny Craft 03/04, DWFR story/craft 14/4. All at 11.00am

GARAGE SALE

1st April, Castle Cary Bailey Hill, behind Market House, BA7 7AD 10am-2:30pm

Sanders, Tile cutter, hammer drill, angle grinder, household goods.

LYN’S BINGO AT MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION on Monday March 20th. Eye’s down at 7pm.

JUMBLE SALE

Penselwood Village Hall

March 25th-2pm

White Elephant Cakes and Produce

TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND

CAR BOOT SALE

Sellers 8:30am

Cars £5

Vans & Trailers £10 Buyers 10am £2 per vehicle Turnpike Show Ground Motcombe SP7 9PL 19th March

11

5 40 64 22

BINGO! Stalbridge Hall

Thursday 30th March

90

Doors open 6.30pm

Eyes down 7.30pm In aid of hall funds

Initiative tackles loneliness in the workplace

A MENTAL health charity has joined forces with five partners to launch team-building packages for businesses.

Dorset Mind says its Minds Together initiative will help tackle loneliness in the workplace.

It says the current trend of hybrid working, while allowing employees extra flexibility, means staff have less human contact. This, in turn, can impact their wellbeing.

The charity’s creative solution offers businesses the chance to invest in, and improve, the connectivity of their workplace.

It will also support Dorset Mind financially, allowing it to deliver one-to-one and group support and education for

people in Dorset.

The charity is encouraging businesses to connect, learn and build their own Minds Together package.

Within this, they will choose a mental health educational session delivered by Dorset Mind’s training team combined with a fun activity from a range of trusted partners.

They are Rock Reef, R1SE Bournemouth, Resurface, Layla Gordon Nutrition and Eco in Mind – the charity’s own Ecotherapy Project.

Dorset Mind’s training sessions include:

n Mental Health Awareness

n Managing Stress, Anxiety and Burnout

n Boundaries and Resilience

n Courageous Conversations

which encourages people to make conversations about mental health part of their everyday routine

Activities offered are based upon the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which have been proven to improve wellbeing:

n Connect – Rock Reef’s session encourages teambonding by pushing people out of their comfort zones to compete on its climbing walls, a vertical slide and ‘Leap of Faith’ jump.

n Get Active – R1SE Bournemouth puts teams through their paces in a unique exercise class at its gym, in the Hilton Bournemouth.

n Take Notice – Resurface emphasises employee wellbeing through adventurous teambuilding surf, yoga and coldwater sessions, set against the beach landscape at Bournemouth.

n Learn – Layla Gordon Nutrition teaches employees about the importance of gut health and how to cook

nutritional, tasty food with colleagues.

n Give Back – Supporting the Eco in Mind project by working on its allotments which seeks to improve mood, reduce stress and allow participants to enjoy the benefits of nature.

Dorset Mind chief executive Linda O’Sullivan said: “Mental health has had to become everyone’s business and employers have a duty to look after their employees’ wellbeing, whether they work remotely or in their business setting.

“Evolving from lockdowns, the hybrid way of working comes at a cost to social inclusion.

“What better way to boost your team’s morale than enjoying a team-building day, while supporting your local mental health charity, too?”

For information about booking packages, prices and availability, contact Dorset Mind by email at partnerships@dorsetmind.uk

With more choice and flexibility surrounding retirement and with people, on average, living longer than before, it’s important to make sure your pension plans are on track.

Utilising our experience, we can help you manage your income and savings, whilst guiding you through the complications of tax, so you can enjoy the lifestyle you desire.

The harms of can’t-do government

WHAT to make of Boris and his honours list? The act of a romantic, mad, bad Byronic hero or the work of an unkempt Jack Falstaff larding the lean earth not with sweat but with ill-gotten and misplaced largesse?

To more positive, SouthWest things and the difference between cause and effect. This inter alia explains why the first powered flight was not made by a Concorde lookalike. The first powered flight, albeit unmanned, was made decades before the Wright Brothers by a pair of Chard-based lace mill engineers, Messrs Henson and Stringfellow. Yay, let’s hear it for the South-West! The astonishing power-to-weight of their miniature steam engine came from the engineering skills needed for the intricate world of mechanised lacemaking. A bit of analysis after the event points up cause and effect. Their canvas, marine-

style propeller was only ever good enough for a few yards of level flight. All that knowledge and skill, experimentation and incremental improvement missed the target when it came to the critical component of the airscrew. Sad but true.

When the Conservatives under Cameron and Osborne moved Social Care out from under the NHS, moving

responsibility to local government, did they also move enough money? You know the answer. Cause followed by effect, hard-wired.

Privatisation of energy supply – and, frankly, the other utilities – led to the managerialist effect of the salaries you see, the dividends you see, the hollowed out service ethos you see, all those compulsory pay-as-you-go meters, the ‘it’s market forces’ bleats from the regulators. Cause and effect – lose your grip, expect to fall; fail to lead, expect to come in second or worse. American electricity is half the price in the UK; French electricity only a bit more. Where we are is a disgrace and hurting all of us. We now have our own cold, home-made huddled masses.

This Government feels most comfortable strategising and politicising within its metropolitan self but seems less

able to do, to deliver. The effect is a diminution of governmental reach and a loss of faith in the importance of elections and politicians. Who must we look to to fix the lack of housing, dentistry and GP availability, long waiting lists, the exorbitant price of rail travel, putting tomatoes on the shelves? If less than effective government is the cause, then the effect needs to be that we plan and do more for ourselves within our local and regional communities. Look at the work of the Dorset Climate Action Network. Look at the foodbanks, pantries and community fridges across the county. Look at all the volunteering going on. The future is not about ‘them’ and ‘us’, the cause of so much friction and discord. The effect will be a coming together as ‘we, all of us’. Vote accordingly in May, if you have the chance, I say. But, vote – and don’t forget your photo ID!

Protestors not ‘naïve’ and ‘selfish’

I THANK the letters correspondent J L Mulley from Sherborne – New Blackmore Vale, March 3 – who responded to my previous column regarding climate protests. Great to receive feedback raising important points worthy of debate.

The first Insulate Britain protest on the M25 in Sept’21 provoked outrage in some quarters of the press over the possibility of ambulances being held up by protesters blocking roads. Oddly, the following month there was no such outrage at the actual death of a patient in an ambulance stuck in a lengthy queue outside A&E at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge, with not a climate protest in sight.

Last Friday’s simultaneous front pages of two national newspapers further illustrates the point. The Daily Mail fulminated about Gary Lineker’s tweet describing the language used by government ministers about

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

asylum seekers as ‘not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s’. A factually correct statement, but it resulted in Lineker being ‘stood down’ by the BBC from his role as a sports presenter.

The Guardian front page, however, focussed on a report that in England last year at least 511 people died before they could get treatment in hospital, because

of delays in ambulances reaching them and discharging them to A&E departments. That figure was more than double the 220 deaths in similar circumstances the year before, and the delays were the result of our crumbling NHS, not road blocks.

Calling protesters ‘naïve’ and ‘selfish’ is somewhat puzzling. Naïve perhaps in hoping to persuade the Tory government to save lives and reduce energy demand by insulating Britain’s notoriously leaky homes, especially social housing. However, hardly selfish in seeking to improve the lives of others, and risking imprisonment as a consequence.

The issue of present renewable energy sources being insufficient perfectly highlights the failed policies of successive Tory governments. The rug was pulled out from under the domestic PV installation industry just as it was getting into its stride, resulting in businesses collapsing and jobs

being lost.

The zero-carbon house building regulations were scrapped before they could come into effect, since when more than a million new homes have been built that consume excessive energy and now require retrofitting. Leaky older homes have not been properly insulated.

The development of energy storage systems has been inadequate, so we can’t save enough of the excess renewable energy generated when supply exceeds demand. The installation of onshore wind was effectively blocked, and here in Dorset the planning application for an offshore wind farm was blocked. These were all the result of political decisions.

Finally, the debate on population all too often focusses on the overall number of people, rather than consumption of resources. It’s a complex topic, with some surprises. We’ll look at it another time.

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Almshouse future: Share your views

THE local matters on which I work or help vary so much. Whether it is highways, housing, education or transport, or a very personal and private matter for an individual. This week has had them all.

On Saturday, I opened the new Cam Vale Community Hall in Longburton. Ten years ago, when I was the district councillor there, we started that project and it was great to see it finally reopened.

I have been taking a specific interest in Multi Academy Trusts recently, the organisations that run groups of schools, primary and secondary. An initiative that has taken effect over the last few years and has offered many schools much improvement. As with any initiative, there are ups and downs, pros and cons, and I have been looking at those in recent weeks so we can continue to improve our educational provision.

I’ll be looking to share this feedback with the Department

Chris Loder

of Education in the coming few weeks, so if you are involved with, in some way, a multi academy trust and have any feedback from your own experience, whether parent, teacher or in another way, I would be pleased to hear you.

The St John’s Almshouse in Sherborne is an institution that first opened in 1437. It has been a home to so many people over the years. And I know that the recently announced changes have caused considerable concern among people, in Sherborne and further afield,

especially with residents having to leave their home. I met the Almshouse trustees in January when residents first got in touch with me, and have awaited the ‘consultation’ response, which is here now, although I’m afraid the way forward is still very unclear.

I’d like to assure you I will be taking this up again with the trustees to get a better understanding of what the options are. If you feel strongly about the future of the Almshouse, can I ask you, not only to let me know, but also the trustees of the Almshouse directly.

Work is progressing well with the A30 in Sherborne. The road at the bottom of Greenhill, outside the hospital, now appears to be complete and the wall on Kitt Hill is being worked on as we speak. I hope we will see the road reopened within a few weeks.

On Monday this week, the Illegal Immigration Bill was debated in parliament for

second reading. Like many of you, the ongoing exponential rise in cross-Channel illegal migration has been a serious concern for me. Not just through the huge expenses involved in processing these people, but the fraying of community cohesion and, most worryingly of all for me, it has begun to significantly reduce our capacity to expedite a meaningful humanitarian response to those genuinely in need.

It’s what our country has been so good at for generations – whether it has been refugees from Europe in the Second World War, Syria, Afghanistan and more recently, Ukraine. We have always stepped up to help those affected by the most destructive conflicts in the world. Under the new laws proposed, the Secretary of State will be under a legal duty to remove illegal immigrants from the UK and we will see this Bill progress, I think, over the coming few weeks.

Government so wrong on small boats

STOP the boats, stop the boats, stop the boats shouted Prime Minister Sunak and his henchman Home Secretary ‘Cruella’ Suella Braverman, as the Tories attempt to fix their 13 years of failed immigration policy and hoodwink the British public into giving them some credit for doing so.

This attempt deserves to fail as it is out of step with the decency and compassion normally shown by us Brits to foreigners.

It follows a worrying trend of xenophobic behaviour against certain types of asylum seekers. It has been exacerbated since Brexit with the resulting loss of huge swathes of summer immigrant labour and the return to Eastern Europe, and Poland in particular, of those members of the workforce who were vital to keeping our nation afloat.

Contrast this current furore with the welcome received by the flow last year of Ukrainian refugees, which shows the British sense of fair play and justice of which this current Tory Government seems incapable.

The Home Secretary then rounded on Gary Lineker to criticise the language being used by the Government concerning the Bill. ‘Invasion’, ‘menace’ etc

– it is factually correct to state that these tropes are similar to those used by nationalist parties in 1930s Germany.

What if the terms of this Bill by Cruella had been applied when her and her husband’s forebears were attempting to leave Europe and come to the UK and were denied admittance? She, Sunak and Schapps should be reminded of facts like that when following a blatantly populist policy to help bolster their falling ratings in the polls.

If they followed the stories of these boat people from France and the terrible privations undergone by most of them then they would be showing more sympathy to their wanting to cross one final hurdle – the Channel – in their asylum chase.

Back to Lineker – by the time this column goes to press, he may well have been reinstated,

due to the solidarity shown by his fellow presenters leaving Match of the Day anchor-less.

What shouldn’t be forgotten is how he was suspended while Richard Sharp, the BBC chairman and Tory donor, has remained in post despite failing to declare the £800,000 loan he facilitated for Boris Johnson. The same Johnson – remember him? – who is now attempting to ennoble his disgraced father.

This discredited allowance of up to 100 ‘grace and favour’ awards to leaving PMs should be abandoned forthwith. It is so out of date in the egalitarian world we profess to maintain.

Also for the scrapheap should be the practice of political appointments to the post of BBC chair. Broadcasting should be independent of government. Maybe then we wouldn’t run out of MOTD presenters.

Conservative MP for West Dorset

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Variety truly is spice of an MP’s life

ONE of the joys of being an MP is the variety that each day brings. One of the hardest questions to answer is – and invariably I am asked it on a school visit: ‘What is a typical week like for you?’ The joy is that there is no ‘typical’ day. Parliamentary time is obviously set by when votes are scheduled to take place. My chairmanship of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee has, given current issues, taken up quite a bit of time. Serving my constituents by responding to their needs and meeting them is also, rightly, a hefty chunk. So, below I will try to answer, in bullet form the question posed. n Two advice surgeries meeting constituents to help address problems, such as housing, health and accessing Special Educational Needs, they are having;

n Researching and preparing a letter to the Planning Inspectorate in opposition to the Deer Park proposal in Blandford;

Conservative MP for North Dorset

n Meeting with representatives of the military to drive forward digital and skills links between our Dorset armed forces and the private sector;

n Briefing with police to discuss local concerns which have been raised with me from Blandford, Verwood and Gillingham;

n Conversation with the Prisons Minister regarding HMP Guys Marsh;

n Met the Roads Minister to discuss investment in the C13/ A350 Shaftesbury-Blandford

roads;

n Catch-up meeting with the leadership of Dorset Council to discuss a raft of issues but particularly raising the issue of verge-side littering and fly tipping;

n Attending a fundraising, toe-tapping, concert by RokiT at Gillingham’s Methodist Church raising money for the Turkey/Syria Earthquake Disaster Appeal;

n Researching and writing 100 questions as quizmaster for the St Gregory’s, Marnhull, PTFA spring fundraiser – a great night was had, winning score 118 out of 140;

n Discussion with the Home Secretary concerning breaking the evil of people trafficking and the need for Safe & Legal routes;

n On the select committee front that has included media work around the Windsor Framework, a meeting with the Bundestag’s EU affairs committee, a briefing from Speaker’s Counsel on the Framework; a ‘town hall’

virtual event with 300 NI residents to discuss the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement; podcast interview with Washington-based Atlantic Council and cross-examining the Secretary of State regarding NI Paramilitaries;

n Breakfast meeting with the Prime Minister at Number 10 to discuss a whole range of issues;

n Planting trees at the Milldown Nature Reserve in Blandford with fantastic local councillors Noc Lacey-Clarke, Byron Quayle and Sherry Jesperson and the brilliant Dorset Council Rangers Team;

n Attended the careers fair at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton talking to local students and a range of local business and college/training providers;

n Virtual meeting with the Schools Minister to go over some local schools issues;

n Wrote to all Park Home constituents with the information to allow them to claim their off-grid heating support payment.

Hopes rising of trade deal with US

FRESH from his triumph over Northern Ireland, Rishi Sunak has launched straight into delivering on another of the people’s priorities: stopping the boats.

Since 2018, 85,000 people have illegally entered the UK in small boats. 38,000 of that number came between January and October 2022. The problem is only mounting and serious action is demanded. Any attempt at stopping those deadly Channel crossings is to be welcomed.

Some have responded with misplaced outrage and unhelpful slurs. We have seen this all before. The announcement of last year’s Rwanda scheme caused a storm and there were serious questions about its legality. But in December 2022 the High Court ruled that it was, in fact, legal

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

and did not breach the UN Refugee Convention. Across the year, the Social Democratic government of Denmark was exploring a similar scheme. Numerous agreements are also in place with other safe third countries, as Rishi stated in PMQs.

Properly-defined legal routes for asylum seekers remain in

place. Since 2015 we have offered safety to 480,000 from around the world. Most recently, we have welcomed tens of thousands from Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Britain has not closed its doors to those in need and we remain an outward looking nation.

If that is lost on some of us at home, it seems clear to Americans. Following the Windsor framework, US lawmakers have signalled that Sunak’s pragmatic and effective dealing with the Northern Ireland issue paves the way for a new trade deal with the UK. Legislation with bipartisan support has already been introduced in the Senate to give Biden the authority to negotiate with London and fast-track a vote in Congress. A new trade deal with our largest ally would be a huge boost for our

economy. That it is on the table once again shows the success we can make of post-Brexit Britain.

Another sign of brighter days ahead is Andrew Bailey’s hinting that the Bank of England may be done raising interest rates. In early March, the Governor gave a speech noting that inflation has peaked and that core inflation fell even more than expected in January. CPI inflation is forecast to fall dramatically over 2023. Bailey also suggested that energy bills may start falling. Credit, bills, mortgages and essentials should all become more affordable in the foreseeable future. No one doubts that we still face serious challenges. But we can take comfort in signs that national policy is working and pressures will ease on people across the UK.

Simon Hoare

Litter picker’s solutions to problem

I WELCOMED Simon Hoare’s recent article in the New Blackmore Vale addressing the environmental vandalism of litter.

We are a shameful nation in this respect, as born out by a letter on the next page of the magazine from a lady back from Australia, taken aback by the amount of rubbish on our roadsides.

I organise the Marnhull Village litter picking group, one of the six Mr Hoare spotted out the other Sunday.

The group is actually organised with 30 volunteers regularly clearing designated patches throughout the main village and every three months we call out and organise clearing the main roads around – he witnessed just one of our bands. This nationwide problem needs addressing.

My thoughts of what can be done, some of which would

require legislation:

n Hidden cameras to catch and prosecute perpetrators. LARGE fines, utilise the money as below.

n Provide free disposal sites – our last road clear included 14 tyres, avoiding the site charge of £4.50 each. It would deter some – regrettably not all – from dumping.

n More budget for the council’s Litter Free Dorset team to initiate: contact every parish council to encourage them to set up a volunteer litter picking teams; initiate these teams to also clear the roads outside their immediate village/town and elsewhere – that is replicating what we have established in Marnhull, some requiring authorised traffic management; organise educational talks in schools

n More budget for the council’s waste disposal teams to clear litter. Our local, Shaftesbury depot, is supportive of our

efforts and has worked with volunteers on clearing certain stretches but its resources are very limited.

Most of the population abhor the dreadful state of chucked rubbish and fly-tipping. We need action to reverse this.

John Seear via email

MY wife and I recently attended a brilliant afternoon concert at Durweston village hall featuring the superb Westcountry folk duo Mitchell and Vincent.

The event was organised by Folky Owls, which is aiming to bring top folk performers to village halls in North Dorset.

Afternoon concerts are great for families who can enjoy an event together and avoid babysitting charges, and for older folks, like us, who don’t have to drive home in the dark.

We often bemoan the lack of accessible culture available to

rural communities and it is so reassuring that the young people at Folky Owls have decided to face this challenge head on.

I believe they have an exciting programme of events coming up this year details of which can be found at www.

facebook.com/folkyowls

Phil Wilson Gillingham

FOR over 30 years climate scientists have warned that climate change will cause extreme weather events and that they will become more frequent and more intense.

Last year one of those ‘events’ occurred in a region of Spain and severely affected the cucumber crop – so empty shelves in our supermarkets.

The ‘greens’ have been trying to persuade us to rely much less on fossil fuels.

These have become so expensive that our cucumber

Gym raises money to fix leaking roof

PIDDLEHINTON Gym, a local community hub for indoor sports and recreational activities on Piddlehinton Enterprise Park, is fundraising to keep its doors open.

It is used by more than 200 people and ten organisations every week for badminton, five-a-side football, archery, junior tennis, remote-control car racing, roller hockey and more.

The gym has provided affordable facilities to support the wellbeing of local residents and employees for over 15 years.

But the building’s 80-yearold roof leaks badly during heavy rainfall and must be replaced as it can no longer be repaired due to safety concerns.

Without raising the necessary funds, the gym will close in the next year which will mean the local community will lose facilities including the 32m x 12m main hall – two badminton courts – with sprung wood floor,

raised exercise area with multi-gym, exercise bike and electronic treadmill, plus club room with table tennis table, kitchen, disabled toilet and changing rooms, plus storage and large car park.

The building was a former drill hall for a military camp built in 1941 and has a long history of serving the country and local community.

In 2007, it was leased from Dorset Council under a 99-year non-repairing lease by Piddlehinton Gym Charity, run by local volunteers.

The charity was formed to manage the facilities and has invested more than £15,000 over the past six years maintaining the building, including multiple roof repairs, funded directly by gym users.

Paul Hayes, chair of the Piddlehinton Gym Charity, said rural sports facilities are in short supply and a negative impact on the wellbeing of the local

community would be caused if the gym was forced to close.

Piddlehinton Gym Charity has secured £25,000 of the £100,000 cost of replacing the roof, thanks to Piddlehinton Parish Council, Jade-Aden, Prototype Electronics and the clubs that use the gym.

The charity has applied for various funding grants but is now reaching out to the local public and organisations to help keep the vital community resource open.

There are several ways you can help:

n Become a corporate sponsor

for the gym – to reward this, beside positive publicity, the archery club is offering a taster session on a Saturday

n Donate via the GoFundMe page, www.gofundme.com/f/ piddlehinton-gym-new-rooffund

n Join one of the clubs. New members are always welcome.

n Use the facilities for your club – the gym is open seven days a week from early morning to late evening, subject to availability.

Mike Healy Treasurer

Piddlehinton Gym has a main hall with two badminton courts

growers cannot afford to grow cucumbers in heated glasshouses.

Ignore the climate scientists and the need to diversify our energy supplies, and no cucumbers.

It does not help that our supermarkets think producers should work for next to nothing.

Ms Coffey may have a point – eat seasonal foods, but the supermarkets have trained us to expect cucumbers – and many other foods – out of season.

Many producers have spent many millions of pounds and decades investing in the necessary greenhouses and the message from a Tory minister is: “If you want to eat cake, grow turnips.”

Is anything going to change?

Our political leaders will only do what does not offend their paymasters and our corporate leaders will only do what makes their shareholders happy – this ensures they can keep their multi-million pay packages and enormous bonuses.

What sort of message is this to our children and grandchildren ?

Richard Foley Tarrant Hinton

DOES anyone have any photos of past events connected with the Stalbridge WI – the older the better.

I would be interested to have a copy for our archives as it will be our 80th birthday this year.

My phone number is 01963 362745.

Elizabeth Wareham Via email

ERIC Woods has given one side of the ongoing debate about marrying and/or blessing same sex relationships in the Church of England – Our Loose Canon, New Blackmore Vale, February 17.

Here, may I suggest, is the other. The worldwide Anglican communion is aghast at the mother church’s departure from the 39 articles of the CofE, to say nothing of the Biblical imperatives that sex is for a man and woman within marriage –

Positive news about hedges

I WAS bemoaning the fact a few weeks ago that hedges are not being allowed to blossom as they are cut back to the same spot annually.

But, of course, that is not everywhere and last weekend as I cycled from Gillingham to Wincanton we saw evidence of more thoughtful management of hedges.

We cycled in a circle via Bugley/Kington Magna/ Buckhorn along More Lane to Wincanton then back past Stoke Trister and through Cuklington/Quarr and Wyke.

Some hedges had only been trimmed on the sides, or hedges had been trimmed one side of the road but not the other, and we saw hedge laying.

So look out for lots of white

there are no Biblical encouragements to depart from this.

There is nothing new about sexual boundaries being pushed and when the first Christians expressed care for women, children and the disabled they were at odds with the prevailing mores of society.

There are many same sex attracted Christians within the CofE who are celibate in obedience to Jesus and the church now ‘blessing’ those engaged in active same sex relationships must cause them much consternation.

Iain Maitland Via email

ON learning of another embarrassing rejection of Bourton Parish Council’s support for a new village hall, many Bourton residents will be extremely disappointed that, after almost three years of parish council discussions and negotiations with a developer, members of Dorset Council’s Northern Area planning committee, with one abstention, supported their officers’ recommendation to refuse permission for a new hall to be

blossom alongside these roads in April.

The photo shows our hedge laying and I put the following notice each end of the footpath to explain what we are doing:

HEDGE LAYING

We are trying to change things for the better, although at first sight it might not look like that.

Hedges are wildlife corridors.

In the past black/hawthorn hedge-laying was the best method to make a field stock-proof before barbed wire was invented. Hedge trimming has taken over from this labour intensive/costly work.

Best practice is to lay it, then trim it for three years to

constructed and given to the village in exchange for consent to build 30, mainly large, houses, on a site allocated in the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan for a new hall, 1.5 acres of amenity land and 10 small houses.

In 2020 Bourton Parish Council rejected suggestions to seek independent advice on the developer’s approach but, as with their disastrous handling of proposals for Bourton Mill, it can be reasonably concluded that senior councillors convinced other members they were fully competent in all matters relating to complex planning proposals, thus resulting in a further three years being wasted by our parish council in pursuing a project that was fundamentally flawed from the outset.

In defence of the parish council, it was perhaps inevitable that, with most councillors also being trustees of our village hall, they saw the offer of a new hall at no cost to the village was akin to ‘manna from heaven’ given the furore over previous failings to involve the community in decisions over the siting of a new hall.

The public display of the

‘thicken it’ then leave it and lay it again five years later. The photo also shows the left over brash that we had chipped and used to put around the trees we planted to fill gaps in the hedge.

developers’ initial plans in late 2020 attracted many unanswered questions.

However, subsequent negotiations and decision taking behind closed doors appears to have been the order of the day instead of making a meaningful attempt at the extensive public consultation this application deserved.

It was particularly telling that our two ward members on the committee spoke out so forcefully in support of the officers’ rejection of the parish council’s efforts to present the developer’s proposals as a ‘win-win’ for the village.

That planning permissions cannot be bought was underlined, by members and officers, in rejecting the argument that the purported community gains justified the loss of over half of the area of public open space and the setting aside of the policy requirement for 10 affordable homes in return for a large increase in larger homes for the open market.

Bourton deserves so much better from its elected representatives.

Andrew

Sara Cross Gold Hill Organic Farm Child Okeford

Wars of the Roses the setting for community play

REHEARSALS are well under way, costumes have been fitted and altered, and lines – almost – learned – which is just as well as the opening night of Spinning the Moon, Dorchester’s community play, is coming soon.

What makes this play so special for everyone involved is that it was set to be performed in 2020, but was brought to a grinding halt three weeks before opening night by the first Covid-19 lockdown.

But dedication and determination stayed strong among the cast of more than 90 people of all ages and experience, and once the all-clear was given they regrouped and restarted rehearsals.

Spinning the Moon, which opens on Tuesday, April 4, is set around Wolfeton House, near Dorchester, at the end of the Wars of the Roses.

Battlescarred Lord Trenchard returns home, only to find his lands have been mismanaged by his steward and the family faces ruin.

The steps taken to save the family finances affect everyone who lives on their land and as the play unfolds fortunes rise and fall as local society implodes.

Add into the mix some less than brotherly monks from Abbotsbury, along with a bunch of cunning women looking to improve their position by fair means or foul, a devious servant

and a completely unexpected visitation from far-flung places, and you have an utterly captivating play that blends history with fiction and tells its tale of poignancy and drama with power and humour.

The play is written by Stephanie Dale, directed by Peter Leslie Wild, movement director is Penny Levick and the musical director is Tim Laycock, assisted by Alastair Simpson.

Stephanie said: “When we were shut down by the first lockdown we were all devastated and didn’t dare hope we would ever get the play to the stage, but now, seeing it come together week by week as rehearsals progress, is the best feeling in the world. Everyone is determined that this play will be worth the wait.”

Spinning the Moon would not have happened at all if not for the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to secure funds, make sure safeguarding protocols are in place and keep

momentum going during the lockdown lull.

This has all been done by a hard-working team of volunteer board members of Dorchester Community Play Association, led by Rowan Seymour.

The play is at the Thomas Hardye Theatre in Queens Avenue, Tuesday to Thursday, April 4-6, at 7.30pm, Saturday, April 8, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and Monday to Saturday, April 10-15, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £16 plus concessions and family rates and are available from Dorchester Arts in High East Street, Dorchester. Phone 01305 266926 or visit www. dorchesterarts.org.uk

This is a promenade performance, and audience tickets are standing only. Anyone with specific accessibility requirements –such as mobility, audio or visual needs – should contact Dorchester Arts in advance and it will endeavour to accommodate you.

Funny but thought-provoking theatre

HOW happily married are the happily married? Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems.

Frome Drama presents Laura Wade’s 2019 Olivier Award winning comedy Home, I’m Darling about nostalgia and celebrating the present.

Judy Martin is determined to create the perfect 1950s home. But can the perfect housewife’s marriage survive in the 2010s?

The local cast under the direction of Jo Chivers have been hard at work perfecting their dance moves with instructors from Swing Time Frome.

“It’s tremendously exciting to be bringing such a fun and fresh play to the Merlin stage,” said producer Angela Fairgrieve.“Frome Drama is really proud to be one of the first amateur groups to have been awarded the rights to perform this funny but thought provoking piece of theatre.

“There’s been a real buzz about it since our season launch

back in November. What with jive dancing, 1950s tunes, authentic vintage props, gorgeous costumes, a magnificent set, not to mention our amazing cast and crew, you are guaranteed a wonderful night out at your community theatre supporting local talent.”

This clever, funny and emotional play is at the Merlin Theatre, Frome, from Thursday to Saturday, March 30-April 1.

Tickets priced £14 –concessions £10 – are available from 01373 465949 and online at www.merlintheatre.co.uk

Spinning the Moon, being performed at the Thomas Hardye Theatre in Dorchester, has a cast of more than 90 people

Noelle Grierson plays leading lady Judy in Home, I’m Darling

PHOTO: Tracey Rawlins

Madcap stuff in MADS’ new play

MANY of the younger members of Mere Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) who impressed audiences in the group’s pantomime last November will perform in its spring production, the comedythriller A Tomb with a View by Norman Robbins.

The murderously funny play is set in the library of Monument House, the ancient home of the dysfunctional and disturbing Tomb family, who await the reading of their late father’s will.

There’s no love lost between the Tomb siblings and the bodies are soon piling up. By Act 3

there are more corpses than live members left in the cast!

The plot twists and turns like a mad March hare. Is old Mr Tomb really dead? What has happened to his fortune? Can the family lawyer be trusted? Are the nurse and the romantic novelist who they claim to be? Find out how it all ends at The Lecture Hall, Mere, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 23, 24 and 25 at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £8 are available in person from Mere Library and Sprout & Flower, by phone on 01747 861257 or 07539 329798 or visit tickets@ mereamdram.co.uk

Poetry and stories

ACCLAIMED stand-up poet and storyteller Jonny Fluffypunk is heading to The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton with his new show.

He is performing on Sunday, March 26, as an Inn Crowd performance at country pubs in Dorset with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity.

Full details, including booking information and pub kitchen opening hours is available at www.artsreach. co.uk

Village choir marking 30th anniversary with concert

DURWESTON Choral Society is celebrating 30 years since it was founded with an anniversary concert next weekend.

The society has presented autumn and spring concerts in each of those years except during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some 235 singers of all ages and abilities have been given the opportunity to sing the major, classic choral works interspersed with diverse modern pieces.

The anniversary concert in Durweston Parish Church on Saturday, March 25, will feature the appropriately entitled ‘The

Music Makers’ by Sir Edward Elgar.

The choir, orchestra and soloists will be led by musical director Simon Twiselton, who has conducted all of the society’s concerts from the first one in March 1992.

His inspiration and expertise have given choir members a platform of huge musical endeavour and achievement over the years.

Durweston Choral Society is a popular and much valued local choir.

For further concert details visit durwestonchoralsociety. org

Sounds of lockdown in Sixpenny Session

MUSICIAN Steve Knightley, one half of folk supergroup Show of Hands, is bringing his one-man show ‘Unlock Me & Other Lockdown Laments’ to Sixpenny Handley village hall next weekend.

He will perform material that surfaced over two years of isolation and inactivity.

Songs such as The Bristol Slaver and You’ll Get By were refreshed by headlines and current affairs while classic covers such as Forever Young and The Boys of Summer struck a chord with the thousands who tuned in to his hours of online content during the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Sixpenny Sessions said:

“We feel very fortunate to have a musician of Steve Knightley’s calibre coming to our next Sixpenny Session.

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli.

“If you haven’t experienced his unique blend of folk and rock acoustic music, we would urge you to do so. We can guarantee you’ll have a great evening.”

Tickets for the concert on Friday, March 24, at 7.30pm cost £20 and are available online via Eventbrite – www.eventbrite.co.uk, search for Sixpenny Sessions – and from Clarkes the Butcher, 55 High Street, Sixpenny Handley.

Hot food – vegetarian option available – priced £5 will be available before the event from 7pm plus a bar. All profits from the event will be distributed to worthy causes within the community.

Jazz with a little

‘yabba dabba doo’

JAZZ inspired by cartoons is on the menu when the Neil Maya Quartet visit Dorset for three dates.

The band, featuring Neil Maya on saxophone and some of the most exciting jazz musicians in the SouthWest on piano, double bass and drums, are performing following the launch of their fourth album, Cartoon Jazz.

They will be injecting some ‘yabba dabba doo’ into audiences’ favourite looney tunes from Frozen to The Flintstones , Top Cat to Toy Story , The Simpsons to Sesame Street .

Some original compositions will also feature.

The quartet is at village halls in Studland – phone 01929 450587 – on Thursday, March 23; Marnhull –01258 820458 – on Friday, March 24; and Winterborne Stickland – 01258 880920 – on Saturday, March 25.

They are touring as part of the Artsreach’s spring season – further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Steve Knightley is one half of folk duo Show of Hands

• Lower Stour Benefice: Church services for March.

Sunday, March 19 – 9.30am, Communion – Spetisbury; 9.30am, Family Service –Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship – Langton Long; 11am, Communion –Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, March 26 – 9.30am, Communion –Charlton Marshall; 9.30am, Morning Worship – Spetisbury; 11am, Communion – Langton Long; 11am Communion(BCP)

– Tarrant Rushton. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10-11:30am, March 6 and 20; coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am-11.30am, March 16; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. Every Thursday, Morning Prayer by Zoom, 9am. Contact Jane Griffin for more information.

• Lent lunches: In aid of Medecins Sans Frontieres and Alzheimer’s Society –Thursday, March 23, 12.302pm, – St Mary’s, East Knoyle.

• St Mary’s Stalbridge: March 19 – Mothering Sunday Family Service 9.30am; March 23 –Holy Communion 10am; March 26 – Holy Communion 9.30am.

• St John’s, Enmore Green: Services in April. Palm Sunday, April 2, 11.15am Parish Communion with Narrative Reading of the Passion; 6pm Come with Me, a journey in words and gospel music. Easter services. Good Friday, April 7, 9.45am, Reflective Service; Easter Day, April 9, 11.15am, Morning Prayer, coffee and hot cross buns.

• Sherborne Chamber Choir: Concert on Saturday, March 18, at 7.30pm at Sherborne Abbey.

J S Bach Mass in B minor with period orchestra. Conductor Paul Ellis, soprano Rachel Elliott, counter tenor Robin Blaze, tenor Nicholas Hawker, bass Morgan Pearse. Tickets £5-£20 from www. sherbornechamberchoir.org.uk

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

• Blandford Methodist

Church: Sundays 10.45am –You are warmly invited to our services followed by refreshments. Thursdays 10am-noon – everyone is welcome to our ‘warm space’ for coffee and chat. Fridays noon – you are invited to our lunch club for the over-55s at £5 per meal; phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book. We are anxious to offer help to all those in need. If this is you, please call me or leave your message including your name and contact details. John Cornish, church steward –phone 07799 516735.

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

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, Taize Services: Half an hour of prayer, meditation and music, second Sunday of the month at 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. This informal, ecumenical service is based on the Taize Community’s worship founded by Br Roger in the 1940s in Burgundy, France, and now attracts thousands of young people each summer. Taize music has become part of the worshipping life of churches worldwide. For more details email vicarlesley@outlook.com

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

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

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

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

• Horton & Chalbury village hall: Third Sunday of the

month, 9am Breakfast Church.

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

10am BCP Holy Communion.

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

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

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

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

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

• Exeter Cathedral: Saying Goodbye Remembrance Service on Saturday, March 4, at 11.30am. A service for anyone who has lost a baby in pregnancy, at birth or in early years, whether the loss was yesterday or 80 years ago. This event is also for those grieving that they have never been able to conceive. Visit www. sayinggoodbye.org

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

ST GREGORY’S CHURCH

MARNHULL, Every Sunday 8am and 10am

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Masters win by a distance at Royal Navy Open meet

A TEAM from Wincanton Swimming Club achieved outstanding success at the 2023 Royal Navy Masters Open meet held at Millfield School.

The event organised by the Royal Navy Swimming Association is open to Masters – swimmers over 18 – from across the UK, having become one of the leading events in the Masters swimming calendar.

Sixteen swimmers from Wincanton’s Masters squad attended the meet to compete for the Lindsay Lant Trophy.

The trophy, awarded to the most successful visiting club, holds particular meaning for Wincanton, as it is named after the Masters swimming world champion Lindsay Lant, a much-loved coach at Wincanton Swimming Club.

Lindsay’s daughter, Philippa, led Wincanton team at this year’s event.

She said: “It’s always a very emotional meet for us as Mum

was not only a very successful Masters swimmer and a serving member of the Royal Navy, but was a dedicated coach for many years, giving her time and expertise to help all in the Masters community.

“I always encourage as many of Wincanton’s swimmers to compete at this event. This year, we were delighted that the team incorporated so many new club swimmers who wanted to be part of our fun and inclusive team.”

Wincanton’s swimmers put their all into the individual and relay events, coming away with 33 gold, 22 silver and 19 bronze medal places. Five Wincanton

Shaftesbury going strong

by Avril Lancaster

swimmers – Luke Elam, Philippa O’Grady, Adele Parham, Simon Emery and Paul Partington – also won overall best swimmer in their respective age groups.

Wincanton won the Top Visiting Team trophy by a huge 108-point margin.

Wincanton Swimming Club are celebrating 45 years of swimming success in the area. They are a Swim-England accredited club, with coach-led training sessions for Masters and Juniors held at Wincanton’s Sports Centre. Prospective members can visit www. wincantonswimmingclub.co.uk for contact details.

SHAFTESBURY made it three wins out of four with a convincing win against Blackfield & Langley to move on to 41 points in the Wessex League Premier Division. A mix up for an own goal put the Rockies ahead in the ninth minute.

Sam Lanahan set up Ash Pope for the second in the 59th minute with Tyler Forbes creating the third for substitute Korey Andrews with eight minutes left.

Dan Neild and Aiden Shepherd both hit the crossbar. The Watersiders pulled a goal back through Nick Yeomans before Joe Wickham wrapped it up in injury time to seal the three points for Luke Burbidge and Jim Milligan’s side.

Captains’ Putt Out and Drive In

AN important part of Sherborne Golf Club’s 129-year history is the annual Captains’ Putt Out & Drive In.

This year’s ceremony, held earlier this month, involved nearly 100 members braving the chilly early morning conditions to play a Texas Scramble in support of new club captain Iain McVie, new lady captain Angela Peel and new junior captain Theo AndersonGannon.

Having completed the competition and enjoyed a hearty lunch, members ventured outside again to show their appreciation for last year’s captains as they made their way to the green to perform the ceremonial Putt ‘OUT’.

Members then cheered the

new captains as they marked the occasion with the ceremonial Drive ‘IN’, using a vintage golf club and ball.

Club captain Iain McVie confirmed that £320 had been raised on the day, making £500 in total from the event going towards the Captains’ 2023 charity, Dorset Air Ambulance.

He singled out long-standing member Carole McGovern, who had baked a cake for the occasion. Carole’s splendid snowy white cake featured a Dorset Air Ambulance helicopter sculpted in fondant icing.

After raffling the cake, Iain thanked everyone for their generous support, adding that in

doing so, they had made a meaningful contribution to a worthwhile local cause.

The overall winners of the Texas

category were:

Scramble competition

were: S Nightingale/A King/D Backhouse/M Richards. Winners of the mixed

I McVie/A Peel/N Blackmore/J Scott.

Sherborne Golf Club captain Iain McVie drives off

Members of Wincanton Swimming Club

North Dorset pile on the points in final home game

by Andrew Wallace Clune

NDRFC 1st XV 71

Trowbridge 2nds 24

IN North Dorset’s last home game of the year they took on Trowbridge 2nd XV and in a weekend that saw three matches awarded walk-overs across the county it was fantastic to welcome the Wiltshire side to Slaughtergate.

North Dorset skipped to a 40-point lead at half-time thanks to tries from David Stickland, Brad Bignell, Luke Spicer, Robbie Sampson and a brace to Tom Steward. However, any thoughts that Trowbridge had come without a fight were quashed within two minutes of the half-time restart when they scored for a converted try.

The result was never in doubt as Tom Steward scored another two tries before Gavin Weeks and Sam Trevis bagged tries of their own.

But Trowbridge realised if they could score another three tries they would gain a bonus point to help in their battle against relegation and played

RUGBY

some fantastic rugby at the death to achieve that.

David Stickland, Henry Lunn and Robbie Sampson put in strong performances and were all in contention for Gritchie man of the match, as was full back Tom Steward, who with four tries and conversions bagged himself 36 points.

However, it was hooker Jack Spencer who was ever present around the park that took home the honours.

Robbie Sampson won the Ricardo Deldia Trophy for his intercept.

Frome 25

NDRFC 1st XV 23

NDRFC 2nd XV 24

Salisbury 2nd XV 17

BOTH North Dorset’s performance teams played their last league matches of the season on Saturday, March 11, the 1sts on the road at Frome and 2nds at Slaughtergate against Salisbury 2nd XV.

Just as in the first round of

TABLE TENNIS

the league another neck and neck game ensued against Frome, North taking an early lead through penalties to Tom Steward and two tries to Brad Bignell and one to Captain Charlie Jobbling.

The second half, however, saw Frome have a better run of the play, running in three tries without North being able to strike back.

Brad Bignell was the Gritchie Brewing man of the match.

The 2nd XV accounted for Salisbury to secure fifth place in the league, which is a great achievement.

Adam Trevis scored two tries while Dave Allen and Gavin Weeks scored one apiece. Tom Judd returned from injury to add two conversions.

Kenton Ward from the colts picked up his second Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match award while playing for the seniors.

With the league season finished, both the 1st and 2nd XV now embark on their respective cup runs.

Perch target fish on cold day

by Bill Hanson

THE final round of Sturminster & Hinton’s Winter Series took place at Colber in very bright conditions, a hard frost and a north-east wind.

However, 14 anglers braved the conditions to fish seven pegs above the white bridge and seven below.

The cold deterred the roach from feeding freely in most swims and perch became the target fish.

Simon Dennis had 11lb 3oz starting off with about 3lb of roach on maggot and pinkie before switching to the inside line with worm on the hook

ANGLING

over chopped worm.

There was a tie for second place on 8lb 14 oz between John Cattel and Mick Haskell, who fished very different methods.

John fished maggot over groundbait for roach but that line died and he then moved across the river and bagged up with chunky little rudd caught shallow on maggot.

Mick was upstream of the old railway bridge and ‘went traditional’.

He caught on the long rod and a Bolo float fishing and

loose feeding maggot and pinkie right across to the far bank features.

The upstream section was won by Bill Hanson with 8lb 1oz of roach caught on the bread punch, the middle section went to Steve Kedge with 5lb 11oz of small roach, and the downstream section was won by Jack Stamp who caught perch long and short on worm finishing with 8lb 9oz.

Thanks to Jeff Sibley and his team for the arrangements, pegging and running the administration –we’re looking forward to the Summer Series now!

singles: Winner; Chris Watkins (Stalbridge), runner-up Matt Webster (Child Okeford).

Open Doubles

Winners; Tom Scard (Chalk Valley)/Russell Haddon (East Stour), runners-up Matt Webster (Child Okeford)/Matt Pickford (East Stour).

GOLF

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Texas Scramble – February 28: Winners – Colin Jacobs/Simon Lenton/Steven Ireland – 45 points.

Monthly Stableford – March 4: 1 Adam Smith 40, 2 Chris Chapman 39, 3 David Whitehand 38.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – March 7: 1 Simon Lenton 37, 2 Steven Ireland 35; 3 Chris Mieville 34.

Seniors Back 9 Stableford – March 7: Winner – Malcolm Faulkner 17 points.

Winter Fourplay 2023: Winners: Adam Smith/Steven Ireland 157 points.

n SHERBORNE Golf Club

Ladies Section March Stableford competition (Thursday, March 2).

Division 1 – 1 Caroline

Beaumont 34, 2 Angela Peel 27, 3 Julie Whelan 27.

Division 2 – 1 Maureen

Dimishky 34, 2 Janet Towers 31, 3 Dawn Gilbert 30.

Division 3 – 1 Jane Close 32, 2 Shirley Dark 31, 3 Hilary Stratton 28.

Arrow words Wordsearch

Crossword

Across

1 Elderly (4)

4 Chosen (8)

8 ‘Again!’ (6)

9 Frozen water drops (6)

10 Lower-arm bone (4)

11 Type of microphone distortion (8)

13 Humiliation (13)

16 Sets up (8)

19 Satisfy (4)

20 Highfalutin (2-2-2)

22 Snack legume, often roasted or salted (6)

23 Captive (8)

24 Given task (4)

Down

2 Adult male (9)

3 Large museum scene (7)

4 Ledge (5)

5 Lingers (7)

6 Ascend (5)

7 Snake-like fish (3)

12 Build (9)

14 Get educated again (7)

17 Some beds, eg (5)

15 Hot-tasting yellow condiment (7)

18 First-rate (5)

17 Some beds, eg (5)

18 First-rate (5)

21 We breathe this to stay alive (3)

21 We breathe this to stay alive (3)

Chinese bowl full of Eastern promise

A LITTLE Chinese jade censer, or bowl, discovered in a house clearance, is expected to sell for £1,000 in Charterhouse’s specialist auction of Asian art next month.

“We all dream of finding a Ming porcelain vase used as a doorstop but on this occasion it was a Chinese jade censer found in the cupboard of a bungalow,” said Richard Bromell.

“The owner’s father had passed away and asked us to come in and clear the items in the property sorting for auction, recycling to charity shops where possible and then disposing of the rest as waste.”

The Chinese jade censer dates from the end of the 18th or early 19th century. It had been discarded in a cupboard for some time until Charterhouse rediscovered it.

Now entered into its next specialist Asian Art auction on Friday, April 6, it is estimated to sell well despite having a crack running through its body. Further entries are now being accepted for this auction –contact Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, who are available for help and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, on 01935 812277 and via rb@ charterhouse-auction.com

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, has a busy month ahead with a specialist Textiles, Fashion & Apparel auction of 470 lots on Friday, March 24.

That includes clothing from the Victorian era through to 1980s/90s with many designer names – Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Versace, Hermes and Jean Varon – with many items from the 1960s and 1970s also on offer, plus oriental textiles, antique lace, fabrics, curtains and quilts.

Acreman is also holding its two-day auction of more than 900 lots including two L S Lowry pencil sketches with annotation on the reverse estimated at £1,000-1,500 each, a collection of Brannam pottery, furniture and collectables.

The jewellery, silver and

watches sale on Friday, March 31 includes designer costume jewellery by Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Kenneth Lane and Alain Fleche, as well as many lots of gold and silver jewellery.

A silver 12-place setting of cutlery by Harrison Fisher & Co totalling 3,847g estimated at £1,200-1,500 is also on offer. Catalogues can be viewed online through Easyliveauction. com and Thesaleroom.com

This Chinese carved jade censer is estimated to sell for £1,000

Circa 1898 Brannam fish jug estimated at £100-£150

Diamond cluster ring sells well Pendant could sell for £10,000

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley saw some sparkling results in its sale held last weekend.

A stunning gold and diamond cluster ring with a large central old-cut diamond measuring about 3ct and surrounded by 15 smaller diamonds sold online for £17,000 to a buyer in London.

Two 19th century gold and diamond brooches fetched £7,500 collectively and a stunning 19th century diamond set bangle set with 16 graduated diamonds sold for £1,900.

A Georgian diamond and guilloche enamel mourning brooch with an oval panel set with woven hair sold for £1,600 and a yellow metal charm bracelet with five gold charms

fetched £2,350.

A late 19th/early 20th century rhino horn walking cane consigned locally saw fierce online bidding from overseas buyers and sold on the phone for £2,250, including premium, and a heavy pair of Victorian silver entrée dishes fetched £1,700, including premium.

A speculative oil painting of a young lady and two children entitled ‘Dorelia’ (left) sold on the phone to a buyer in London for £2,100.

Dorelia McNeil was a Welsh model and common law wife of Augustus John. They had four children together, two boys and two girls, so, although the painting was unsigned, it was possibly painted by Augustus John himself.

DUKE’S is holding an auction featuring close to 500 lots of silver, jewellery, watches and coins on Thursday, March 23, including widely recognised makers such as Cartier, Faberge, Heuer, Rolex, Smiths, Omar Ramsden and Omega, just to name a few.

A sapphire and diamond pendant set in white gold is a sale highlight. Originally from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) this stunning violet piece is coming to auction with a pre-sale estimate of £5,000-£10,000.

Other highlights include an Omega Speedmaster on a NATO black military strap, a gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and large collection of gold Queen Elizabeth Sovereigns.

There is no lack of marked silver either, hundreds of years old and by renowned makers such as Thomas Barker, London.

These silver lots are a valued investment – for example, a pair of George V silver pillar candlesticks, iconic in design and a real showstopper when sat upon a dining room table.

Viewing begins at Duke’s Dorchester Fine Art Saleroom on Saturday, March 18, at 9.30am and continues again on Monday, March 20, from 9.30am until the morning of the auction.

For more information and to view the fully illustrated online catalogue visit Duke’s website, www.dukes-auctions.com

Antiques & Collectables Sale

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th April 2023

A 19th century blue & white footbath. Sold for £500

Helpful hints for sowing seeds

by Sally Gregson

SOWING seed collected from the garden is one of the most satisfying jobs in the horticultural calendar. Open the paper envelope and out tumbles the promise of another summer, another year of flowers, another year of fresh vegetables.

Ideally the seed should have been stored somewhere cool –about 5 degrees centigrade, dry and dark. An ice-cream box in the fridge fits the bill perfectly.

Tip out the seeds onto the work-bench and work out how many resulting plants are needed.

With most fresh, homecollected seed it’s wise to allow for about a 10% loss at each stage – germination, pricking out and potting up. Plus, an extra pinch.

And keep the seed in case of disasters – the cat using the seed tray as only cats do, or butterfingers. Seed-sowing still works up to a month or so later. Try to resist the temptation to grow too

many plants. Remember the limitations of space for pots at the next stages.

Fill the seed-tray almost to the top and tamp down the soil level with another empty tray squashed on top.

Sprinkle the seed thinly over the surface – seed sown too thickly leads to straggly growth and damping-off. Cover the seed with grit, sharp sand or vermiculite, to prevent too much moisture around the germinating seedlings. And stand the seed trays in a larger tray filled with water.

Watering them with a watering-can often causes them to float off into the corners. Label the tray with the name and date, and put it in the cold frame, greenhouse or somewhere frost-free yet not too sunny.

And keep a close eye on the tray to check for germination. Once the seedlings are showing their seed-leaves they may need watering and thinning. Then

prick them out either into another tray at regular spacing or into small pots of compost, according to their size. Once

May comes it will be time to harden the little plants off, ready to plant out by the end of the month.

Heathers: Maintenance is the key

by Sally Gregson

FIFTY years ago every garden boasted a fashionable heather and conifer bed. We gardeners were sold ‘dwarf’ conifers to interplant with winter-flowering heathers (Erica) for a sunny spot. We planted them out and turned our backs. Just for a minute. And they grew, and grew.

The ‘dwarf’ conifers turned out to be just immature plants of full-sized forest trees – and the heathers grew woody and gangly. By year three the whole border was just a mess. It put many gardeners off growing both conifers and heathers for decades.

But, as with all plants, a little knowledge can save the day. Growers of conifers are a little more accurate with essential information these days. And the heathers are neatly split into two different types according to

soil types – there are the summer-flowering Callunas, the Heaths, that require acid, draining soil, and the winterflowering Ericas that tolerate alkaline soil.

And there are some gloriously coloured forms to compare and contrast in a border. Many, such as E. carnea ‘Foxhollow’ have bronzecoloured foliage throughout the summer months, and E. carnea ‘Vivellii’ has dark foliage that deepens by the winter. Contrast these with E. carnea ‘White Perfection’ or golden-leaved E. cinerea and the bed sparkles all year round.

Maintenance is key to a successful display. In the late spring, once the flowers have faded, take a pair of shears to the plants. Cut back the stems that have flowered without cutting into the wood, and give them all a close haircut, leaving

little mounds. Spread a top dressing of well-composted bark mixed with a little organic granular feed into the crowns to feed the plants. It’s better not to use your own garden compost for this job – it can be full of weed seeds however carefully

you exclude them from the heap.

In this way the plants will make flowering growth for next winter, ready to grace the borders with their pink, purple and white flowers, and colourful foliage throughout the season.

A display of heathers at RHS Garden Rosemoor

Hellebores – once the seedlings are showing their seed-leaves they may need watering and thinning

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How you can grow your own tomatoes...

AS the UK continues to endure a shortage of tomatoes on supermarket shelves, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given some handy tips for those considering growing their own.

The RHS says with a little guidance, you can be enjoying your own supply in just a few short months – whatever the weather in Morocco - so here are a few pointers:

Tomatoes grow and mature in a direct relationship with heat and light, so growing them in a heated greenhouse, or at least raising them in one before transplanting outside will give the earliest crops.

The good news is, there’s still plenty that those of us growing outdoors can do to get our tomato harvests off to a racing start.

RHS chief horticulturist for communications, Guy Barter, said: “Cold nights are particularly likely to set crops back, so covering plants with fabric or fleece (ideally biodegradable) on cold nights – indoors or out – can avoid setbacks that may delay flowering. The earliest and tastiest outdoor crops come from warm, sheltered, sunny places like a bright patio, while plants that are subject to some shade will be slightly slower to mature, delaying

harvests by as much as two weeks.”

Whether to sow seed or to buy young plants is a perennial debate for the vegetable grower. Often, raising from seed is seen as preferable (and usually, inexpensive), with plugs and young plants a valuable backup for time-short gardeners who want to keep the work down or have simply missed the boat to sow.

However, nursery-bought plants aren’t to be sniffed at, said Guy.

“For indoor crops, buy plants in April, or order plug plants now if you have somewhere warm and bright to grow the plugs on,” he said. “Seed can be sown now for outdoor crops for planting out in May/ June, potting into 9cm pots in six weeks’ time. They will need a bright, warm place (windowsills are not ideal but can work).

“If this is not feasible then buy plants – a good selection is offered by garden centres, or mail-order plugs can be bought for April delivery. Expect maturing crops in August.”

One of the most patience-sapping stages in growing your own tomatoes is waiting for the fruits to ripen. For what seems like weeks on end, they’re big, they’re juicy –but they’re green.

For an early crop, you want a tomato that ripens quickly. Cherry tomatoes ripen much faster than beefsteak varieties for instance.

Among the cherry varieties, some of the fastest to ripen are the orange varieties such as ‘Sungold’. This is simply because they don’t need to ripen so far, calling it a day at orange, rather than needing to progress right through to red.

Generally, cherry tomatoes mature before round ones; next come plums, and finally beefsteaks.

Sow too early, and your tomato plants will outgrow the windowsill before the great outdoors is ready. Sow too late, and you waste precious potential cropping time.

If you sow too early, the plants risk coming up against frost when moved out, or becoming leggy indoors while you wait for the weather to move them out.

RHS horticultural advisor, Jenny Bowden, said: “Wait until the end of March to sow tomatoes indoors (or in heated propagator in the greenhouse).

“Young plants can’t go in the cold greenhouse or outside until summer, and too often mine became leggy when sown too early.”

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Minimum wage hike puts pressure on bottom line

by Barbara Cossins

FROM food shortages on our supermarket shelves to reading the Farmers Weekly report on the NFU conference, there’s a lot going on. The headline being the usual hot-air, sketchy promises from our government.

It’s also been tough at the pub, not only dealing with the increasing prices of food and drinks but also having to cope with the living wage going up in April by nearly £1 an hour. People need the money to live, which I totally understand, but we cannot keep passing that burden onto customers – they just won’t wear it on eating out, it’s making it impossible all round.

The news reports say another 2,000 pubs are at risk of closure, which in turn threatens 25,000 jobs.

On a happier note, Friday night at the Langton Arms is Locals’ Night. It’s always great and heart-warming to see them supporting us and enjoying

themselves, and sorting out their issues and the world’s problems at the bar.

It made me laugh and put a smile on my face when a great friend told me a story about his neighbour’s school farm trip. When the children got off the bus they saw some cows and a girl asked: “Which cows produced the green and which ones produced the red top milk?” Honestly?

It highlights the importance of farmers connecting with the public. We all need to be educated about food and its origin, to understand it does not come from the supermarkets. That it comes from the earth and the animals, and is grown with love and care by our farmers.

We need to help more people understand where our food comes from and the importance of eating and drinking local and regional produce. That is why Open Farm Sundays are so important. On that subject, a

date for your diary – Open Farm Sunday is on Sunday, June 11, nationwide.

This year at Rawston Farm we will be opening our farm doors for a free day out. This is the first time since 2018, which was when we realised the need to create a food label that recognised what was grown and produced in our local area. A voice for our farmers that the public could trust and learn what was grown in their county.

A mini market featuring our Love Local Trust Local Awards entrants will also be on offer. Local farmers will be there to talk to you about what is happening in the food and farming community. What’s available and growing, alongside the many challenges

they are facing. So much to learn and experience about our local food and farming – please join us!

We are very proud that Love Local Trust Local is a Dorset label. We hope we will continue to grow with other counties and their flags join our Dorset campaign. Do you know what your county flag looks like? Learn which is your county flag so you can see what is grown and produced in your own county and elsewhere in England. It’s amazing. Keep eating local everyone.

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

PHOTO: Wolfgang Ehrecke/ Pixabay

My visit to a herbalist’s paradise

by Fiona Chapman

I AM lucky to have just come back from St Lucia, a beautiful volcanic and tropical island with the Atlantic on the east and the Caribbean sea on the west. There is a rain forest in the middle of the island. Around the edges on the cliffs there are wonderful indigenous trees with peeling bark, which the locals call the ‘tourist trees’, which highly amused me. Between the cliffs on the flatter bits there used to be sugar plantations.

Where we were, the sugar plantation had been changed into fruit, and although 50 years ago it was left to go wild, there were still mango, banana, guava, coffee, chocolate and coconut palms, lemon, orange and lime, as well as a host of trees and shrubs with medicinal properties. A herbalist and naturopathic paradise.

I asked the local islanders about their medical system. As in most of the world, the doctors are there IF you can

afford them. Most people have to rely on herbal medicine and, from all accounts, it is extremely powerful and effective. Many grow the herbs in their gardens or go out into the forest and harvest them. They use everything fresh –they can as the growing season doesn’t change that much.

There are lots of oils in the leaves and they boil them up – with a lid on – and drink the resulting liquid. Over here, we tend to use dried herbs and

tinctures mainly because it is easier and we don’t have the amazingly tropical flora, the growing season or space to make sure that our herbs are organic and uncontaminated.

One of the ‘herbs’ used was Soursop or Graviola from the Annona muricata tree.

The fruit and leaves are sedative, which I was recommended for the flight home and jet lag. They are also used for digestive issues and parasitic infections. The fruit is

Empty Nest Syndrome: A journey of

by Alice Johnsen

IT’S funny isn’t it, the time when we raise our families, those of us who are lucky enough to do so. Those years are all consuming and pass by at a pace that is both snail like and so fast we don’t realise what’s happening. Then – the doors stop slamming, the fridge is

noticeably fuller and we actually get to the bottom of the laundry pile. The Empty Nest years have arrived.

For some this is a small change that goes almost unnoticed but for many it is a time of huge challenge. Of the many people I spoke to about this over the last few weeks, all

told me the early evenings are the worst. Your mind drifts back to when the house was filled with the noise of returning children, tea and homework. You think of friends still enjoying that routine. Your evening feels like a ghost town. Coping mechanisms shared with me included phoning a

friend in the same position to chat while you cook supper, walking – the dog or with a friend – making that 5-6pm hour a time for something specific – painting, freezer filling, setting up a tea-time book club to meet once a month, a swimming class. Everyone advised getting

SELF-SUFFICIENT

Islanders in St Lucia grow herbs in their gardens or go out into the forest and harvest them

full of vitamin C, which is obviously good for the immune system. Interestingly, it is used for high blood pressure and inflammation of the joints and muscles. There are also claims that it helps with cancer.

Sadly, I did not manage to get hold of any fruit or leaves

from the tree, not that I could have brought them back, but what made me really notice it was that it was made into a delicious-looking ice cream, extremely popular locally.

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

grief, relief and joy

busy. Volunteer for a local charity if you have the time or contact Citizens Advice to see where they need help. Sign up for a course with a friend. Clearly, if your nest is emptying, you need to be proactive in filling the gap.

Empty Nest Syndrome has phases. How you move through those phases and to what level you experience each one is an individual thing. Grief followed by Relief and lastly Joy. Sometimes phases two and three can bring with them feelings of guilt. Should we feel guilty when we feel a little spring in our step in this new

Reiki Wellness

phase? Is it okay to feel okay about our nests emptying? I think it is.

Let’s not forget, we were whole and complete people before we were lucky enough to be parents and we are all so much more than a mum or dad. So, when the time comes, take a big breath and aim for being a ‘me’ not just a ‘me plus my children’.

n A longer version of this article will be available soon on my website.

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

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Meditations in nature: Ferns of the rainforest

by Dr Susie Curtin

ALTHOUGH I am quite content to lounge on my sofa, watching my cheeky wrens forage in among the pots of winter pansies outside my patio door, I know I will feel disappointed if I don’t get out in the fresh air. But low drab clouds are drifting overhead without even a glimpse of the blue sky beyond, and there is a biting, cruel wind as March strides in. It is a wonder that my crocuses can bear to open their petals on such a cold day.

Nevertheless, I wrap up warm with a hot drink in my rucksack and make way for my favourite woodlands on the Cranborne Chase.

Up here, the view is wide, stretching north to Salisbury Plain and south over the rolling Dorset countryside. From the edge of the woods, three March hares gamble awkwardly across the grassy field, their blacktipped ears protruding like big feathers, and in the far distance, huddled against the hedgerow, I can just make out the distinct form of a graceful herd of fallow deer.

The growing intensity of

light tells me that winter is receding, and Brig, the Irish Goddess of spring and fertility, is slowly unfurling from her winter slumber to proclaim a new cycle of life.

Inside the woodland, my feet kick up the fallen leaves of last autumn, now laying crisp and dry on the forest floor – remnants of one of the driest winters I can remember. A thin beam of sunlight streaks through the twiggy canopy illuminating the stark columns of beech trees. Lime-coloured catkins hang from the hazel coppice and bluebells, herb Robert and wood anemones have begun to push their vibrant green stems through the iron-hard earth.

We are all impatient for the warmth to come.

My footsteps lead me beyond the beech trees into a mossy thicket. As I enter this scruffy woodland, I am greeted by lichens, mossy tree trunks and the epiphytic, polypody ferns that decorate the upper branches of mature trees. I am

momentarily transported back to the Atlantic rainforests of South Devon where my children and I whiled away many an adventure. Rainforests in the UK are part of the Coastal Temperate Rainforest biome and can be found in pockets on our Atlantic coasts. They occur where there is a wet and humid climate, clean air, and coastal and/or upland ancient woodland. It does not matter how often I visit them, it always takes my breath away that we have rainforests right here on our magnificent Isles. These drippy, green woodlands are mystical, magical places where moss, ferns and lichens ramble over crags, boulders and cover entire trees and river gorges.

Dorset is too far east for a rainforest, yet our woodlands still harbour the evergreen flat fronds of the little polypody ferns that cling to the crevices of moss-covered branches. Ferns are ancient plants that first appeared about 400 million years ago. Rather than flowers with seeds, they reproduce by spores carried by the wind and can survive for decades in the soil.

Leaving the thicket behind, I follow the path out of the woodlands and across the fields completing my circuit of these diverse woodlands. All the clouds have dissipated by now, and the wind has dropped as the daylight draws to an end. I linger just long enough to watch the sun dip beyond the horizon, and for the sky to change colour. The icy cold has wrapped itself around me, a sign it is time to head back to the comfort of my warm sofa. n Dr Susie Curtin is a nature writer and qualitative researcher; wildlife travel blog at rewildingjourneys.com/; email curtin.susanna@gmail. com

FOOT CARE AT HOME

Professional, friendly service since 2005. All common problems treated. Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Shaftesbury areas. Ring 01258 820203

Dorset’s woodlands harbour the evergreen flat fronds of the little polypody ferns that cling to the crevices of moss-covered branches

Established 1978 Parts repairs, servicing www.nicholaspaxton.co.uk 01749 880817

2015 (65) MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS

SALON C200 BLUE TEC AMG LINE, 1.6 automatic diesel, 41,000 miles, silver blue metallic,black leather,all usual refinements sat nav etc, fantastic performance and economy, a real eyeful, only £30 road tax......................£16,495

2015 (65) MERCEDES BENZ E350 AMG LINE BLUE TEC DIESEL AUTO CONVERTIBLE, black with black hood, black leather, only 59,000 miles with service history, every conceivable extra, what an eyeful.........£15,995

2013 (62) BMW 118D, convertible Exclusive

Edition Finished in White, with Black fully electric soft top 6 speed manual (Euro 5) 1 former owner, service history 103,000 miles great performance and economy. Excellent value at ...................................................£5,995

2012 (12) BMV 320D Sport 4 Door 6 speed manual Finished in Black with Full Black Sport Design Interior, all usual refinements. Only £30 road tax, Full documented history up to and including 120,000 miles. Comprehensive service record, 155,000 miles ....£4,995

PX to clear: 2004 (04) HYUNDAI SANTA FE 100,000 miles with service history, Diesel automatic. Useful vehicle .........................£995

RARE OPPORTUNITY 2002 MGTF (SPORT) Registration M3GTF only 70,000 miles, drives lovely, MOT 10/08/23 (no advisories) will be sold as spares or repairs only ..................POA

1997 BMW

4-door 2.5 petrol automatic, black with black leather, massive service record, 140,000 miles, MOT 03/07/23, will be sold as spares or repairs only ....£1,595

2015

MERCEDES BENZ E350 AMG LINE BLUE TEC DIESEL AUTO CONVERTIBLE, black with black hood, black leather, only 59,000 miles with service history, every conceivable extra, what an eyeful.......................................................£15,995

RARE OPPORTUNITY 2002 MGTF (SPORT) Registration M3GTF only 70,000 miles,drives lovely, MOT 10/08/23 (no advisories)........................£1,650

1997 BMW 520iSE 4-door 2.5 petrol automatic, black with black leather, massive service record, 140,000 miles, MOT 03/07/23........................£1,595

6 Month warranty (extension available)

Full workshop inspection

Full service to manufacturer recommendations

Salisbury Road, Pimperne,

Forum Dorset DT11 8UN 50 Years Experience

For further pictures please visit the website. maclarkcarsales.co.uk

Pimperne Garage,

Blandford

(65)

520iSE

MOT CENTRE

Motoring

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Diagnostics

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

Air conditioning Valets

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Diagnostics

Courtesy Cars

Air conditioning Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Air conditioning Valets

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Blandford DT11 8ST

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Tel: 01258 459798

Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

Tel: 01258 459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Peacemarsh Garage

est. 1997

Peacemarsh, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HB www.peacemarshgarage.co.uk

2020 (69) MG ZS EXCLUSIVE EV 12,000 MILES

2018 RANGE ROVER SPORT Autobiography

2015 (64) PEUGEOT 108 ACTIVE 5DR

2015 (15) FORD FIESTA 1.0 ECO BOOST 5 DOOR 62,000

2014 PORSCHE MACAN S/D-S-A

2013 (63) FORD C-MAX ZTEC TURBO PETROL 88,000

2012 (62) FORD FOCUS ZTEC TDCI

2011 (61) FORD FIESTA 1242CC ZTEC 3DR

2006 (06) FIAT PANDA DYNAMIC

Servicing, Valets, MOTs, Bodywork

Hankook & Laufenn Tyre Dealership

Competitive Rates

We don’t buy any car… but we might buy yours 01747 822307

Drivers and cyclists: Aggression on the roads

AGGRESSION from both motorists and cyclists is potentially putting lives on Britain’s roads at risk, according to research conducted by UK’s road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

The charity’s annual Driving Safety Culture Report, which surveyed 2,010 UK motorists on driving safety attitudes and behaviour, discovered that almost twothirds (65%) of respondents believe that aggressive cyclists are a threat to their personal safety, while 78% considered

people driving a motor vehicle aggressively as a threat to personal safety.

The survey also revealed that the problem is seen to be worsening on both sides of the rivalry, with six-in-ten (60%) of those surveyed believing that aggressive cyclists are a bigger problem compared to three years ago, and 63% believing that aggressive motorists have become more of an issue over the same time.

The issue of aggressive driving is also reflected in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest road collision statistics, which revealed that, of the 1,339 people killed on Britain’s roads in 2021, 108 involved aggressive driving as a contributory factor – equating to one in 12 of all deaths on the road.

Demonstrating the conflict between motorists and cyclists, IAM RoadSmart’s Driving Safety Culture Report found limited support for a new law that would assume the driver is always responsible for any collision with a cyclist or pedestrian in

an urban area, with 61% against, and only 39% in favour.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The government has introduced a range of laws in recent years in an effort to fix the daily conflicts we see between motorists and cyclists.

“However, if our research is anything to go by, this has largely been to no avail –with the majority of respondents still reporting aggression and conflict among road users.

“There is no quick-fix to this issue, but our research sheds light on the urgent need for the government to maintain its education campaigns on the new Highway Code, and continue to invest in safe road markings for more vulnerable road users to minimise the chance of conflict wherever possible.

“In the meantime, all road users, whether on two or four wheels, should exercise calmness and restraint to help us all use Britain’s roads safely.”

Commuters quids in booking a driveway

SMART-THINKING commuters who regularly use Britain’s most popular routes could save as much as £1,200 a year by pre-booking unused driveways, according to the online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk

Indeed, those who travel from Liverpool Lime Street, could save £1,200 a year if they were to pre-book a monthly spot on the site, rather than using the train station’s own parking provisions. Meanwhile, commuters travelling to

London from popular commuter towns such as Royston, Brighton, Milton Keynes and Banbury could save an average of £948.

The research comes amid the latest announcement made by Transport Secretary Mark Harper that LNER, which operates trains along the East Coast mainline, will extend its trial of selling single tickets only on its routes with the aim of simplifying the ticket purchasing process.

However, the news has caused confusion around the impact this could have on train fares, and with a proposed 5.9% price hike set to come in at the start of March, savvy travellers could offset any potential price hikes by shunning often expensive train station car parks in favour of cheaper pre-booked options. For more about booking a driveway, garage or secure parking space, or listing a spare spot, visit www.yourparkingspace. co.uk

Motoring

Supplying quality used vehicles in Dorset since 1946

Crews Car Sales in Shaftesbury have been supplying quality used vehicles across Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire for over 70 years.

Passing through three generations, Crews now operate as a vehicle sales outlet from the forecourt of Five Square Motors on the A30 Salisbury Road in Shaftesbury.

Crews offer a quality selection of preowned vehicles at highly competitive prices whilst the preparation and aftercare of vehicles for MOT testing, servicing & repairs are carried out on site by the team at Five Square Motors. Crews keep things personal with just Jason & his wife Brenda organising all aspects of the business for the best possible customer experience, this sees many customers return time and again to complete their next purchase as they know they will get quality, assurance and a caring personal touch.

Crews are constantly looking for

vehicles to purchase to top up stock levels & can often offer good prices that can be far better than main dealer part exchange prices or a far easier process than trying to sell your vehicle privately. Crews will do all the paperwork for you, including notifying DVLA of vehicle transfers and re-claiming tax or taxing vehicles for you during the buying or selling process.

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

Nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start & descent control, electric tailgate, parking sensors, head up display, high seating position, decent boot, upto 54mpg, 63,700 miles ............................£17650

2018 (18) Dacia Sandero 1.0SCe Ambiance 5dr. 75bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, exceptional value budget car with air con, USB, Bluetooth, DAB audio, upto 53mpg economy, 26,900 miles .............................................................................£7350

2020 (69) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost ST Line 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, Sat Nav, park sensors, ST body styling, sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, Bluetooth, auto lights, heated front screen, outstanding performance & upto 50mpg economy, only 16,500 miles ...................................................................£13650

2016 (16) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec S 3dr. 125bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, factory dress up kit & wheel upgrade, Bluetooth, hill start assist, city pack, parking sensors, heated front screen, multi award winning engine, outstanding performance & economy, upto 65mpg, Free road tax, 57,500 miles ......................£8250

2015 (15) Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, decent boot, parking sensors, Bluetooth, hill start assist, multi award winning engine with great performance & economy, only 28,800 miles .....................................................................................................................£8950

2017 (17) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium SUV 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, large boot, sat nav, sign recognition, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, partial leather trim, hill start assist, heated front screen, Bluetooth, great performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 58,700 miles ................£13650

2017 (66) Peugeot 2008 1.2 GT-Line SUV 5dr. 110bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £20 a year road tax & upto 64mpg, partial leather, sat nav, Bluetooth, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, sunroof, decent boot, flat folding rear seats, 61,500 miles ...................................Available soon

2015 (65) Smart ForFour 1.0 Passion 5dr. 70bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, Free road tax & upto 67mpg, only 18,500 miles, cruise control, hill start assist, air conditioning, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, low cost motoring & great city car, only 18,500 miles .....................................................................................................................£7450

2017 (66) Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 Tech Line 5 Seat MPV 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, large boot, parking sensors, cruise control, hill start assist, Bluetooth, heated seats & heated steering wheel, air con, alloys, only 28,500 miles .....................................................................................................................£8450

COMMERCIALS

2016 (16) Ford Transit Custom 2.2TDCi 290 L1 H1 Sport Van 5dr. 155bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Sport body styling, partial leather, heated seats, parking sensors & reverse camera, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, lane keeping aid, hill start assist, heated front screen, big alloys, air con, Bluetooth, 3 seats, bulkhead, integrated fold down roof rack, 52,900 miles, NO VAT to pay ..............................£18950

2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect 1.5TDCi 200 L1 H1 Limited Van 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 3 seats, side door, bulkhead, lined, sat nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated seat, heated front screen, Bluetooth, hill start assist, 119,600 miles, NO VAT to pay ........................£11850

2017 (17) Ford Transit Connect 1.5TDCi Trend 200 L1 H1 Van 5dr. 100bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 3 seats, side door, bulkhead, lined, Bluetooth, hill start assist, 120,500 miles, NO VAT to pay.......................................................Available soon

2016 (16) Ford Transit Connect 1.6TDCi Trend 210 L2 H1 Van 5dr. 95bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, long wheel base, 3 seats, side door, bulkhead, lined, BT, hill start assist, 95,800 miles, NO VAT to pay ................................................Available soon

CLEARANCE VEHICLES

1996 (N) Ford Probe 2.0 16V Coupe 3dr. 113bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, leather, Spares or Repairs, NO MOT, needs some minor work & a bit of welding, starts & drives, 148,500 miles, Spares or Repairs ..............................................................£1250

£6450

2014 (14) Renault Scenic 1.5DCi Dynamique Tom Tom 5 Seat MPV 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, tip & tumble rear seats, big boot with a low loading edge, part leather, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, cambelt kit replaced, only £20 road tax, 68mpg, 58,900 miles .............................

PUBLIC NOTICES DEATHS

THE STURMINSTER NEWTON COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY

Limited Registered Office, The John Romans Building, The Market Place, Sturminster Newton,DT10 1AS HMRC Charity no ZD18126

The Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Limited hereby gives notice that the Society, through its Chairman

Jeremy Nicholas Dobson, has applied for a variation of the Premises Licence it currently holds, to allow both on and off alcohol sales between the hours of 0900 to 2300. On sales will be mostly alongside occasional late evening shopping to 2000 hours and the occasional small event (poetry reading, acoustic music, community organisation meetings, etc) in The Garden Room, 1855. Most of these events will be ticketed or by invitation only. This application has been made to the Dorset Councilwho are the licensing authority, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ, htps.www dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations to the Dorset Council Licensing Authority within 28 days of this notice which is by 7th April, 2023, in writing or by e.mail Licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence

Pauline Batstone

Secretary – Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Ltd 10th March 2023

THANK YOU

VALERIE NANKERVIS

Bobbie and family wish to thank all those who attended mum’s service on Friday 14th October 2022 and to also thank those who sent cards, messages and donations of which a total of £304.00 was donated to mum’s favourite charity

The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance - please accept this as our personal message of thanks.

Remembered today 17th March 23 on which would have been your 83rd birthday x

MEETING PLACE

MARTIN 65, Meet lady 55-70. Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn or Aquarius.

01258 472910

DAVID WALTERS (Murphy)

Suddenly but peacefully at home on the 28th February 2023 surrounded by his loving family. David John aged 77 years of Sturminster Newton. Adored Husband, Dad, Grandad & Great Grandad. Private cremation. A service of Thanksgiving to be held at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Friday, 24th March at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the British Heart Foundation or MIND. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

MYRA ANN BURROWS

Myra passed away on 19th February at Dorchester Hospital after a period of illness at 89 years old. Myra was born in Shaftesbury, moving to Iwerne Minster after her marriage to Reginald Burrows. Myra is survived by her sister Janet, her three children, Gillian, Roger and Deborah, and four grandchildren, Ian, Jamie, Anna and Sophia.

ELSIE MAY MUMFORD

Passed away peacefully at home on 27th February aged 88 years. Beloved wife of late David, much loved mum, nan and great nan. Service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 29th March at 2.00pm. Family flowers only but donations for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or Cancer Research UK c/o Bracher Brothers, Newell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

CATHERINE MARY FOSTER ROSE

On 28th February 2023 peacefully passed away aged 89 years of Sturminster Newton. Wife of the late Douglas. A much loved mother to Catherine, Andrea, Mary and Kevin, who will be sadly missed. Funeral service takes place at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Tuesday 21st March at 10.45 am followed by a private cremation. No flowers please but donations if desired to The Cats Protection may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

BRIAN JOHN SHORROCKS

On 27th February 2023 peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 81 years of Shaftesbury. A much loved Husband to Dilys, Dad to Ralph, Brendan and Rachel, also a loving Grandad, Great Grandad and Brother, who will be sadly missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Thursday 23rd March at 2pm. No flowers please but donations if desired to Action for Children, The RNLI or The Salvation Army 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

DEATHS

MARJORIE ROBERTS of Gillingham

Died peacefully on 20/2/23 aged 97. A dearly loved Mum and Sister to Linda and Phyllis. Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 21/3/23 at 4pm.

OLIVE ALLARD

On 25th February 2023 passed away peacefully in her sleep, a loving Mother and Grandmother. Funeral service takes place at St James Church, Shaftesbury on Friday 17th March at 11am. Donations if desired to The Stroke Association 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

RUSHMERE

David Michael Herbert

Aged 86 years of Charlton Musgrove. On 28th February 2023, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved husband, padre, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 20th March at 10am. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of David are being invited for Dementia UK. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

PARKER Rosemary Elizabeth

Aged 84 years of Adber. On 22nd February 2023, peacefully at The Hayes Nursing Home, Sherborne. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Private Funeral Service. Donations in memory of Rosemary are being invited for The Brooke Hospital for Animals.

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

MICHAEL PLAXTON

Sadly passed away peacefully on 11th February 2023 aged 93.

Dearly loved husband of Jill and much loved father of John and Victoria and adored Papa to Emily, Rosie, Harry, Nick, Chloe and Ruby. Michael will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. The funeral celebrating his life will take place on Wednesday 22nd March at 3pm at St Nicholas’ Church, Silton

FOLLOWS

Bridget Kay

Stour View Farm, East Stour

Passed away on 19th February 2023 aged 71

A much loved Wife, Mother, Grandma, Sister & Aunty Funeral at Salisbury Crematorium on 27th March at 10am Family Flowers only. Online donations to Marie Curie

Jeanette Barbara Lilly Brockway née Meadows “Jette”

On 12th March 2023 passed away peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 82 years of Shaftesbury. Will be deeply missed by her daughter Karen and son-in-law Bernard. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 28th April at 11 am. Family flowers only please but donations if desired to The British Heart Foundation 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

CURTIS BASIL (Basil Brush)

Passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on 7th March 2023 aged 77 years. Much loved Husband of Rita, loving Dad to Jeanette, Neil and Sharon, adored Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 1:20pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Basil for St Margaret’s Hospice may be sent c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil, BA21 4BT. Please make cheques payable to the charity.

MARGARET KATHLEEN BROWNING

On 24th February 2023 peacefully at Talbot View Care Home, Bournemouth aged 79 years, (formerly of East Knoyle). A much loved Mum, Grandma and friend. Funeral service takes place at St Mary’s Church, East Knoyle on Monday 27th March at 10.30 am. Flowers or donations to Parkinson’s UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

RANDOLPH JAMES JOHN HISCOCK

On 24th February 2023 suddenly on the farm aged 64 years of Middle Coombe. A much loved Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle and good friend to many. Funeral Service takes place at St John’s Church, Charlton on Friday 31st March at 12 noon. Due to the church capacity the service will be relayed in The New Remembrance Hall, Charlton, SP7 0PL. In lieu of flowers, spring bulbs and plants would be most welcome. Donations if desired to the British Heart Foundation 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

ELIZABETH COLLS

Died on 3 March aged 66. Funeral service at the Blandford Suite, Lesley Shand Funeral Directors, East Street, Blandford, 11am

Tuesday 28 March and Committal afterwards at the Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground, Shiillingstone.

No black clothing please. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Weldmar Hospice, Inpatient Unit, Dorchester c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Directors, East Street, Blandford, 01258 453425 or via www.funeraldirector.co.uk/elizabeth-colls.

DEATHS

ELIZABETH ANNE ROBERTS

Passed away peacefully on 4th March 2023 at St Margaret’s Hospice

Taunton aged 81 years. Much loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. Funeral Service at Poole and Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, Colehill, on Friday 24th March at 11am. Family Flowers only please, but donations if desired for Brain Tumour Research and St. Margaret’s Hospice may be sent to Grassby and Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, Telephone 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

Gillian (Gill) Constance Kathleen Deverell (nee Horder)

Passed away peacefully on Thursday 9 March. Dearly loved Mum, Nanny and Friend. A service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Gill’s life will be held on Tuesday 28 March at The United Reformed Church, Blandford @ 1.30 pm. Please wear something purple. Family flowers only, but donations in memory of Gill in aid of the British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK can be sent to Nicholas O’Hara, 38 Rowlands Hill, Wimborne BH21 1AW

GALLOP Raymond Garnet Cecil (Ray)

Passed away in Salisbury District Hospital on 27th February 2023 aged 94 Now reunited with his wife Elizabeth. Much loved and missed by daughters Jenny and Nicky, grandchildren Daniel, Ruth, David and Ellie, great-grand daughter Aoife. Private cremation, thanksgiving service to be held in May. Donations to Salisbury Hospital District Stars appeal and Salisbury Scouts

c/o Chris White Funeral Directors, 12 South Street, Wilton, SP2 0JS

ANTHONY JOHN SELWOOD “TONY”

On 7th March 2023 after a long struggle in Salisbury District Hospital aged 89 years of Shaftesbury. Beloved Husband to Elizabeth, a much loved Dad and Grandpa, who will be sorely missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Tuesday 28th March at 11am followed by a service at Salisbury Crematorium at 3pm. Please wear something colourful. No flowers please but donations if desired to The British Heart Foundation or The Friends of St Peters 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

DOWNER Fred Of Fred’s Motorcycles

Died peacefully Sunday 12th March aged 77 years. Much loved husband, father and grandfather. Funeral Service will be held at Long Barrow, Harbour View, BH16 6AN on Tuesday 28th March at 10:30am. Family flowers only. Donations for RNLI may be made to Tapper Funeral Services, 173 The Broadway, Broadstone, BH18 8DH.

ROSEMARY KINGMAN (née Kimber)

Peacefully on the 25th February 2023 at Poole Hospital. Rosemary aged 85 years of Stalbridge. Loved and missed by all her family. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Stalbridge on Tuesday, 21st March at 11am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Julia’s House. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family Run Caring & Efficient • Private Chapels of Rest Personal Day & Night Service

“Golden Charter” Pre-paid Funeral Plans available Memorials in Stone Marble & Granite, etc.

Shaftesbury (01747) 853532 imerefield@aol.com

Gillingham (01747) 835335 www.mhfd.co.uk

“Ridgemount”, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

Sunbeams Shillingstone are looking for a variety of childcare roles within their small but beautiful setting.

Pre-school room Supervisor 32-38 hrs per wk. £12.00 per hour. Baby room assistant 20-25 hours per wk. £10.50 to £11.00 per hour. Additional support worker (SEND) 15 hours per week. £10.50 - £11.00 per hour.

To find out more information or apply contact Shill@sunbeamsdaycare.co.uk or call 01258 863523. Augustan Avenue, Shillingstone, DT11 0TX

SKILLED GROUNDWORKER/PLANT OPERATOR

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team.

Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail.

We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

Sandroyd

Co-ed Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Cleaner/Domestic Assistant Required Now

We seek a cheerful, energetic and hardworking individual to be part of the School’s cleaning team Term time only.

Meals provided during working hours.

For further details, please contact:

Rupert Burnell-Nugent , Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD Tel: 01725 516329

bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org

Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children This post involves contact with children and is classed as “regulated activity” by the UK government. As such, a number of mandated pre-employment checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken to ensure that the successful candidate is suita ble for work with children Additionally, suitability for work with children will be assessed by taking up appropriate references and at interview Finally, candidates should be aware that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

St John’s Hospital, Heytesbury Live-in Site Supervisor

www.st-johns-hospital.org

The Hospital of St John, Heytesbury is an ancient Almshouse founded in 1472, providing supported living to around 43 residents. The Site Supervisor’s role is ‘hands-on’ and involves maintaining the grounds, carrying out routine building maintenance that doesn’t require a contractor, and overseeing work when it does. Working closely with residents, other staff and contractors the successful applicant will be an enthusiastic multi-skilled allrounder with excellent interpersonal skills and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Previous experience in building and grounds maintenance is highly desirable as is having a friendly disposition.

This is a 40-hour weekday role, living on-site in a fully refurbished 3-bedroom house but accepting that occasional out-of-hour paid work may be required if there is a urgent requirement.

St John’s is a registered charity (No 200669) with a small supportive and friendly staff and it offers an attractive salary package. The position becomes available in August 2023.

Applicants should write or emailed highlighting their interest, ability and relevant experience. Letters should be sent to The Administrator, 33, Hospital of St John, Heytesbury, Warminster BA12 0HW or by email to stjohnshospital2018@outlook.com

The closing date for application is 31st March 2023

Don’t

Turn

Port Regis is a delightful preparatory school, for day and boarding children aged 2 -13, in Shaftesbury, Dorset

We are seeking to appoint an

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS) GOVERNOR

For full details of the role 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.

Part-time Nights Warehouse Operative

Required in Wincanton. We are looking for a keen, hard-working person to prepare orders for loading onto vans and assist in the warehouse. The position involves some work in fridges/freezer, as well as an ambient warehouse.

Sunday - Friday 9.30pm-12.30am.

Email: careers@finefoodco.co.uk

place

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

Complete care solutions

We are recruiting

Maintenance Technician

£24,960 per annum

We are looking for an experienced person to join our maintenance team to oversee the general upkeep of our three beautiful care homes. You must be self motivated, be able to work on initiative and as part of a team. Duties would include internal and external painting and decorating, grounds and facilities maintenance and on call duties.

Health Care/Senior Assistants

up to £14 per hour

We currently have several exciting opportunities within our teams in each of our residential care homes, including both day, evening and night care assistant roles. The roles offer varied and flexible shift patterns and excellent rates of pay.

Care Home Cooks

up to £14 per hour

Both Millbrook House and Bramley House are currently seeking part time cooks. You will have the pleasure of getting to know our residents and providing them with wholesome meals and delicious home-made cakes and bakes.

Housekeeping roles

up to £11.50 per hour

Bramley House are currently looking for a Housekeeper and Millbrook House a Laundry Assistant. Helping to maintain our lovely homes.

Home Care Assistants

up to £12 per hour

Bramley Home Care are seeking carers to join our dedicated team. Company vehicle provided. Full training given. Excellent rates of pay.

Agricultural Engineers

Bagber, Sturminster Newton

Have a vacancy for a Stores Person/Trainee Stores Person

Knowledge of the Agricultural industry and Machinery is desirable but not essential. If you are interested, please call us on 01258 473176 or send your C.V and a covering letter to vjcox@cjcox.co.uk

SITUATIONS WANTED

Are you a Fully or Part qualified caravan e ngineer, mechanic or trades person who can turn their hand? Are you a caravan enthusiast who would enjoy working on some of the amazing brands we retail?

Our fully approved workshop team are looking for a new colleague. Award winning, friendly and well established. Blackmore Vale Leisure, touring caravan and motorhome dealership based in Shaftesbury. We will provide training to National Caravan Council Approved Workshop Scheme standards. Driving licence is essential. This is a full time role. If you are interested please call Catherine on 01747 851497 or send your C.V to catherine.andrews@bmvcaravans.co.uk

Front of House Staff needed for a country food pub in Hinton St Mary

Various shifts available but will include weekends. Good rates of pay and great tips. We need people with “can do” attitude, team players and a passion for good food and even better service! Plus over 18. A great work environment, and friendly team. Immediate start available, and encouraged. Call Sarah at the pub to arrange a chat/interview. Or email info@thewhitehorsehinton.co.uk

We are also looking for part time Kitchen Porters and Chefs, please get in touch.

HOME CARER NEEDED weekends, Sturminster Newton, 01258 472047

HEATING AND PLUMBING ENGINEER REQUIRED: Inafix LTD, Shaftsbury. Call 01747 865705

BUILDERS LABOURER

required on large refurbishment project. Start immediately. Contact TA Green Builders 01963 34221

EXPERIENCED TRACTOR

DRIVER / GFW required on busy dairy farm near Shaftesbury. Range of modern equipment. Farm and machinery maintenance skills an advantage. Regular time off. Accommodation available. Also relief milker required. 07970 925507

CRACKMORE GARAGE

Small friendly company looking for full time NVQ Level 3 Vehicle Technician / MOT Tester to join our friendly team.

£24,000 - £40,000, please send CV to crackmoregarage@gmail. com or contact 01963 251221

FULLTIME POSITION

ON FARM LAMBING and game-farm work. Interesting, varied work from egg to day-old to Poult rearing Telephone 01747 830088 Evenings

OAKWOOD TAXIS require part-time drivers to cover various school runs in and around Dorset. Drivers can keep the vehicle at home enabling them to work more efficiently in their area. Must be over 25. Could suit semiretired person. No area knowledge test required. All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only. To arrange an interview please ring Andy on 01258 455555 or email oakwoodtaxis@aol.com.

FARM WORKER WANTED on dairy farm in Sturminster Newton. Telephone 01258 472162/472050

CLEANER / HOUSEKEEPER WANTED 8 hours per week. Days flexible. Tollard Royal 07771 677678

GARDENER

Strong person to help maintain a 1-acre pretty cottage and vegetable garden. Contact 01747 828449 if interested.

CLEANER/ HOUSEKEEPER. 5/4 hours per week to help look after a lovely house in Donhead St Mary. Flexible hours and competitive salary. If interested please email rabyshopping@gmail.com or call 07792 000448

PART-TIME HELP

REQUIRED for busy mixed farm. Sheep experience essential. Based near Shaftesbury 07879 452949

CARER PART-TIME REQUIRED IN YEOVIL. hours by arrangement. £12.50 per hour call 07340 182269

EXPERIENCED BENCH JOINER required for a small, modern workshop. Varied and interesting work. Top rates paid for the right candidate. Contact 01935 872806 or joinery@jbennettjoinery. com for further details

CARER REQUIRED near Sherborne for occasional full day respite cover. Non-smoker References required £15p/h 01935 873988

KNOWLEDGEABLE, DILIGENT, FRIENDLY GARDENER needed. Four hours a week, or as agreed.

HOME HELP/P.A. required near Sturminster Newton. Tuesdays 10am-12pm Thursdays 10am-2pm £15 per hour. NS, clear Driving Licence, Refs. Phone 07990 759 838 10-12am only.

Acre garden near Zeals Small orchard (apple, cherry, plum), pond, paths, shrubs, beds, kitchen garden, greenhouse, pear espalier, compost heaps, hedges. Contact Philip Schofield 07788 173522

Telesales – Wincanton

We have vacancies for full time telesales to join our team. This job would suit someone who loves talking to customers about their marketing and offering a high level of customer service. You will be joining a friendly team selling advertising into our very popular and successful local magazines to local customers. You will be someone who likes success and can work to deadlines.

A varied role working with our team of friendly sales reps and getting involved with design of ads, talking to existing and new clients for all sections of the magazines, no two days are the same. A great bunch in the office and working with a team of highly successful people.

You will need to be:

Target Driven

Great on the phone

Work well under pressure

Passionate about your local area

Sales experience preferred.

Your perfect job? Please get in touch and send your CV to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 31st March 2023.

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

Love Plants? Join our team! OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

A highly organised and enthusiastic individual required to join our friendly, busy o ce team based near Wincanton. 37.5 hrs per week, Mon-Fri.

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PLANT TECHNICIAN / EVENT PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER

Varied and interesting physical role, installing both live and artificial plants into workplaces and also for events across the South. Near Sherborne. DL essential.

For more information please call 01963 348420 or email info@superplants.co.uk

www.superplants.co.uk

The Blackmore Vale Ltd are looking for a Part Time Telesales – Wincanton

We have vacancies for part time telesales to join our team. An ideal part-time role to fit around a busy life. This job would suit someone who loves talking to customers about their marketing and offering a high level of customer service. You will be joining a friendly team selling advertising into our very popular and successful local magazines to local customers. You will be someone who likes success and can work to deadlines.

You will need to be:

Target Driven

Great on the phone

Work well under pressure

Passionate about your local area

Sales experience preferred.

Your perfect job? Please get in touch and send your CV to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 31st March 2023.

Trading as John Cooper Livestock Services

DUE TO RETIREMENT

Applications are invited for a

FALLEN STOCK COLLECTOR DRIVER

The job involves the dispatching and collection of farm animals; completing collection paperwork and driver records.

Candidates should hold a full driving licence – HGV 7.5 tonne or above, have completed Driver CPC and either hold a Firearm Certificate or be able to apply for one.

Previous experience of working in an agricultural or fallen stock background would be advantageous. Full training will be given.

For further details or to apply please contact Steve on 07831 383 392.

Steve and Anna Chubb

Number of job vacancies falls again

THE number of vacancies in the UK has fallen, new figures reveal.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed jobs on offer between December and February fell by 51,000 compared to the previous three months.

It is the eighth time in a row the number of vacancies has fallen, with situations vacant standing at 1.1 million, according to the latest data.

Meanwhile, the rate of economic inactivity - people aged from 16 to 64 not in work and not seeking a job - dropped to 21.3% between November and January, with around nine million people not part of the workforce.

Speaking before Wednesday’s Budget, Tania Bowers, global public policy director at the Association of Professional Staffing companies (APSCo), said: “The decline noted in vacancy numbers isn’t a surprise given the current economic climate.

“However, the fact that the final dataset to be unveiled before tomorrow’s Budget shows that unfilled vacancies remain over one million shows the critical state of the labour market across the UK.

“When we also consider the changes in payrolled employment, we can see that the

shortage of workers is only growing.

“While the number of vacancies are continuing to fall, estimates for payrolled employees are on an upward trajectory that started in February 2021 and aren’t showing signs of slowing.

“With widespread reports of difficulties recruiting the highly skilled professionals needed to support the economy over the course of the last two years, this uptick in the number of people on payrolls while vacancies remain significantly high is a concern.”

She said the industry hoped for solutions to develop skills in the longer term.

Cefetra Ltd is a major trader of grains and animal feed raw materials in the UK and Ireland, handling 5 million tonnes annually with a turnover of £1.5 billion. Cefetra Grain has a sizeable presence in sourcing and marketing domestic grains with an infrastructure of regional offices, grain buying teams and storage facilities across the UK.

Farm Grain Buyer - Somerset Laboratory Technician – Somerset

We are looking to recruit someone with experience of working with farmers (buying or selling) to take on the role of a Farm Grain Buyer.

Working for a well-respected and successful agricultural business, you will be managing existing farmer accounts as well as developing new contacts to move the business forward.

Working closely with the office-based team, you will be providing a professional service, including up to date technical and market information for farmers.

Requirements:

Ability to build and develop business relationships with farmers and external clients.

Ideally experience of working in an arable farm sales environment and a good understanding of the arable sector. Good levels of literacy and numeracy. Commercial focus.

Flexible approach to work and managing changing priorities. Well organised and determined.

Able to work alone and as part of a team. Clean driving licence. IT literate.

Salary: A competitive remuneration package will be offered depending upon experience.

Office based: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm, Henstridge

We are looking to recruit a quality laboratory technician to run the grains testing facility and to maintain our assurance schemes to ensure compliance with all food and feed legislation. In additional some H&S and sustainability work.

Requirements:

Ideally experience of working in an quality driven environment where attention to detail is key. Ability to work under pressure.

Flexible approach to work and managing changing priorities. Well organised.

Able to work alone and as part of a team. IT literate.

Salary: A competitive remuneration package will be offered depending upon experience.

Lab/Office based: Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm, Henstridge Trading Estate, Templecombe BA8 0TN

When is a lump on my dog a worry?

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

IT can be difficult to know when to get a lump checked out. A general guideline can be helpful to know when to seek help. Dogs can get many types of lumps. Broadly speaking, small, slow-growing lumps are less likely to be a problem whereas ones that grow rapidly should be checked out.

Benign tumours are those that stay in their primary location without invading other sites of the body. They are less likely to cause a problem unless they affect another structure such as a joint or an eye, or grow so large that they ulcerate. Malignant tumours have cells that grow uncontrollably and spread locally and/or to distant sites.

Common benign lumps are wart-like structures, cysts and lipomas – fatty lumps – and these rarely cause problems unless they get knocked and bleed, interfere with mobility or grow so large that they affect quality of life.

Warts are slow-growing discoloured scaley or ‘frilly’ structures often just visible within the hair. Skin cysts often appear as a lump within the skin which is smooth and often still hairy. These may be present all the dog’s life without causing a problem but some will get traumatised and

burst, often with secondary infection. Once burst they may not settle and may then need removing.

Lipomas are common and occur in increasing numbers with age. They are soft mobile lumps under – but not attached to – the skin. Some breeds such as Labradors are prone to developing multiple ones. Being overweight generally increases the size but not the number. They tend to grow slowly and rarely cause problems.

Tumours are more common in older animals. There are a few, however, which are more likely to develop in younger dogs, particularly in certain breeds. Histiocytomas are a

tumour-like growth that commonly develop on young dogs. They typically appear as a raised red ‘plaque’ which is often itchy and the dog may self-traumatise the lesion. These will commonly regress after three or so months but they are often removed because of their location –often occurring on feet or ears – ongoing irritation and because of their resemblance to mast cell tumours.

Mast cell tumours can vary in appearance and can occur in young dogs, particularly in certain breeds such as Boxers. These often resemble histiocytomas but can be highly malignant. A fine needle aspirate (FNA)

collection of cells with a needle, often done conscious, is frequently non-diagnostic in this type of mass and surgical removal with lab assessment of microscopic appearance is always recommended.

FNAs of many other masses can be very helpful for diagnosis. Lipomas particularly are easily diagnosed with an FNA. Some masses such as sarcomas cannot be diagnosed with FNA because they do not ‘shed’ cells readily and samples are non-diagnostic.

Firm lumps that can be felt under the angle of the jaw on one or both sides should be checked out. These may be a sign of infection within the mouth or skull or could be an indication of lymphoma.

Lumps under the tail should also be checked out. These can include anal gland abscesses, anal adenomas – common in older entire male dogs – and anal adenocarcinomas which can be malignant.

Any sore under the tail or around the anus needs investigation in order to provide appropriate treatment because pain or obstruction here can lead to defaecation problems.

Any new, rapidly growing lump or an existing but recently changed lump should be assessed. If in any doubt contact your vet for assessment.

Slow-growing lumps are less likely to be a problem whereas ones that grow rapidly should be checked out PHOTO: Lenka Novotná/ Pixabay

RSPCA’s call to Crufts over breeds

‘CELEBRITY culture’ has driven demand for dog breeds who suffer for their looks, according to The Kennel Club.

As Crufts 2023 comes to an end, the RSPCA has called on dog-lovers to sign an open letter to the organisers in a bid to end flat-faced dogs who are bred for a certain look - which could be harmful to their health.

The charity has urged organisers to ensure 2023 was the last time dogs who can suffer - French bulldogs, pugs and British bulldogs among them - are paraded in front of judges.

Concerns this year included the British bulldog Best of Breed winner failing a vet check, while the French bulldog Best of Breed winner who went through to the Utility Group final had pinched nostrils, the charity said.

The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, says it works to educate dog breeders and owners about the issue and a ban on the breeds at shows would be counterproductive, leading to ‘underground’ dealing.

The RSPCA launched its Save Our Breath campaign this month to highlight

concerns flat-faced brachycephalic breeds can suffer from breathing issues, with many not able to live normal lives due to the way they’ve been selectively bred.

The animal charity’s dog welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: “This year, the RSPCA closely watched the world’s biggest dog show, and just like in previous years, we were left feeling hugely frustrated again.

“Year after year, judges choose breed and group winners based on how closely they match the ‘breed standard’ - even dogs who have visibly exaggerated features that are associated with serious health issues.”

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts and The Kennel Club, said: “Far from creating demand for a ‘must have’ pet, Crufts actually educates people about important issues around dog ownership and health, which is why a ban from this important education platform would be completely counterproductive.

“The reality is that media and celebrity culture sadly drives demand for a particularly exaggerated look, which can lead to health issues – by contrast less than one per cent of all dogs take part in dog shows, which assess dogs against moderate

guidelines that, alongside show vet checks, explicitly call for the avoidance of unhealthy extremes.

“To try and improve the health of future generations, The Kennel Club has been the only organisation to harness the power of health testing and to develop with Cambridge University, the Respiratory Function Grading scheme – something we offer for free to those at Crufts, and which assesses the future likelihood of a dog developing the respiratory disease known as BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), which affects some of these dogs.”

“A ban from Crufts, which is a forum for promoting improved health and moderation, could very well be a precursor to calls to ban them in the UK – a move that we think will do nothing to dent their popularity and lead to a surge of brachycephalic breeds, pure or crossbreed, being bred underground, away from any influence,” he added.

The public can sign an open letter to Crufts organisers The Kennel Club on the RSPCA website. For more on the Save Our Breath campaign, visit www.rspca.org.uk/ getinvolved/campaign/saveourbreath.

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

Kevin, one. Ginger/white. A very confident happy boy with lots of energy. Needs experienced cat person.

Trigger, two. Black. Very timid chunky chap. Needs quiet, patient home to build his confidence.

Sammy, 15, black and white and Maddy, 15, tortie. Looking for an indoor only home. A little shy but will soon come round.

Pixie, two. Black and white. Very sweet girl with bundles of energy but does need to learn some manners.

Daisy, six. Black. Very loving affectionate girl would suit most homes.

Tip #35: Playing safely with ball

by Helen Taylor

CHASING a ball – especially one that has been thrown a long way – is now widely believed to be linked to the development of arthritis and injuries – due mainly to the rapid turns and twisting deceleration involved. Fortunately, there is a way for your dog to play with a ball that both benefits him psychologically and reduces these risks.

Gypsy (five months). Black female kitten looking for quiet home with no small children or other animals

Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc

For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/blandford

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed. n Black and white missing since February 13 from Diamond Way, Blandford.

FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

n Tabby – Alfred Street, Blandford –reported February 22.

n Black – Oborne near Sherborne –reported March 3.

We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11, SP7 and SP8, and BH21. Phone: 01258 268695.

Instead of throwing or launching a ball a long way for your dog to chase, teach your dog to wait while you throw the ball, then release him to search for it using his nose. This normally greatly reduces the use of tight turns, and the speed and deceleration of his approach – thereby reducing risk of injury.

However, it has other benefits, too. Learning to wait while his ball is thrown is a very good exercise in self-control. Good self-control is associated with fewer behavioural problems, especially aggression – in any context.

Secondly, it provides an excellent nose-work exercise, as your dog then needs to use his nose – rather than his eyes – to locate his ball.

Thirdly, this game does not tend to cause the over-arousal that some dogs experience from chasing a ball repetitively. In the next article, we discuss how to teach this.

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

MUCKY PUPS DOG GROOMER Friars Moor

Sturminster Newton Contact Gloria 07784 332682 muckypupsfrance@yahoo.com

15 years experience in dog grooming

C.B. Brett & Son

Pet & Wildlife

Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food

Cat - Wet & Dry Food

Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories

BEAUTIFUL JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES for sale. Smoothhaired short-legged. 1 boy 2 girls available. Ready 23rd March. Wormed vaccinated and microchipped. £700. 07771 566039

MINI SMOOTH DACHSHUND Boy 8 months old. £600 07707 646359

3 YEAR OLD POOCHON RED GIRL. Personal reasons for sale. Can explain. £1,000 07522 463444

GORGEOUS YELLOW LABRADOR PUPPIES available - Boys and Girls. KC registered. Ready for their new homes mid April. Working stock. Black father, yellow mother. Please ring 07850 246188

CLASSIFIED ADS

CHROME WEIGHTS

1-10kg plus rack and Bench flat/incline/decline. £250 ono. 01747 840473

TWO SINGLE FOLDING

BEDS with mattresses.£30 each. Phone 01935 850227

ALUMINIUM FOLDING

WHEELCHAIR vgc £75

Rechargeable Coopers

lawnmower vgc £75 01258 861063

4 FOOT X 3 FOOT WOODEN CAMPING TRAILER

Needs tyres £25 ono 01747 830343

ASSORTED BITS FOR HORSES

£20 01747 840289 after 4pm

DOLU EDUCATIONAL POTTY.

Boxed. £8. 01258 472826

TRONIXPRO. 13ft 6. Banzai BZ4 Beach rod. £50. 01258 452791 Call after 5pm.

SANDTEX MASONRY PAINT

£50 Colour sand dune x 20 litres

total. 1 tin fine textured 3 tin ultra smooth Cash on collection please

T:01258 881011 mikecashmore1957@aol.com

TP-Link AC1750 Universal Dual Band Range Extender, Broadband/Wi-Fi Extender/ Booster/Hotspot; £20, 3 available, £50 all 3 Mob 07717 777511

RING GROWING KIT for protected tomatoes, 9 x Rings, 8 x supports, 2 x trays approx 100x40cm £10, 07774-628-641

TWO FISH KETTLES 18” & 24” to poach whole fish and asparagus poacher. Any offers considered. 01935 872269

WHITE HANDBASIN with Gold taps used £15. Coal effect electric fire £10 ,,Compost Bin £5 Tel 01935 813967

GALVANISED 3 FOOT CATTLE TROUGHS, old fountains, bird baths, terracotta items and ‘stone’ planters etc+ interesting house items. Tel eves 01747 820541.

ALKO GARDEN

ROTIVATOR Brigg’s & Straton Engine, as new. £220. Ferguson Earth

Scoop £120. 01963 210773

LARGE SILVER FRIDGE Free 01747 852069

ROGER BLACK SILVER

Medal Two in one Cross Trainer/ cycle. £40.00. Tel. 07733 489267

SAXOPHONE STANDS x 2. for Tenor or Alto Sax, condition as new. £15.00 each collect from Kington Magna. 01747 838882

SHIMANO CYCLING SHOES size 9. Black and yellow. Worn twice. £40 Tel: Marie 07814 026585

BABY MOSES BASKET & stand £10. 01935 421313

AIR RIFLE, HIGH POWERED 22 VGC. £49.99 Tel 07970 742471

GUN SAFE BRATTENSOUND. Police Approved

H 1310 W220 D200

2 Sets of keys £45 01935 815446

COMPUTER DESK IKEA GOLIAT, Maple wood veneer. VGC. Slide-out shelf, drawer.

H 78 W 77 D 50cm £ 40.

Tel 01935 814039

RALEIGH BICYCLE FOR SALE classic ladies £50 TEMPLECOMBE 01963 370068

PARKSIDE ELECTRIC MOWER, 10 m.cable, 1800w turbo powered motor,used 3 times. £20. Tel.01747-228845

BLACK GLASS TV CORNER UNIT 2 shelves

Height 51’ Width 71’ Depth 42’ £15 - 01980 862832

MIGHTY MAC

Leaf-vacuum/Mulcher/ Chipper 8hp

Barely used £750 01747 828036

MISTRAL Ntrance

beginners windsurfing board + complete rig

New condition, many extras Sensible offers 07970 922624

FOR SALE

RECLAIMED MIXTURE

Redland/Sandtoft Concrete Plain Roof Tiles Dark Brown. Grit Finish. Size: 165 mm x 266 mm.

Quantity/Coverage: 1650/27 m² approx

Buyer collects–Wincanton area. £400 ono. 01963 441115

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

INTERNAL 6 PANEL WHITE PAINTED DOORS. 5x30inch 3x27inch wide. Very good condition. Buyer collects £40. 07713 541856

CROCKPOT SLOW COOKER with recipe book. Little used. £15. 01935 812456

ESCALADO RACING BOARD

GAME complete, horses very good condition Board some marks £40 ono - 01985 844606

ONE HILLMOR 28mm copper bender and guide on stand £50 - 01963 363674

BLUETOOTH CD HOME AUDIO £50 ono 01747 853913

LARGE “SOFA WORKSHOP” ARMCHAIR FOR SALE. Pale green. Excellent condition. Gillingham. £50 - 07873 424530

SOFA BED (small double) Mustard coloured material fabric. Good clean condition - hardly used in spare room. £30. 01258 820864

SINGER SEWING MACHINE. 1970 era. Non-electric. Superb condition. £ 40. 01258 860113

50 DVD’S AVAILABLE, open to offers. Please call: 01747 853913

ADULT WALKER, 4 wheels, brakes, seat, used for 2 weeks, like new.red metal frame. £50 07751 049234

JESSICA ENNIS FITNESS BIKE

£50 - 01747 838214

PAIR OF SOLID PINE BAR STOOLS, 75cms high. Immaculate condition. £20 ovno 07874 266213

4ft x 3ft WOODEN CAMPING TRAILER. Need tyres, £25 ono 01747 830343

WANTED. Subbuteo, especially football teams from 1970s. mrchrisallen@ aol.com. 07774 788791. 01344 453370

STAMPS & COINS wanted by collector/ investor. I am very keen to purchase large or small collections at this time.Tel Rod 01308 863790 or 07802 261339

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

Fun and games moving pregnant ewes

by Tria Stebbing

IT is very popular now to use animals as therapy, and as we come, it is hoped, to the end of another winter, I can certainly say they help me through.

We all have those dark days, days that are gloomy, grey and cold, and the animals still need seeing to. There is no option, they need hay or feed, or their feet seen to, and they rely on their humans to come and do those things for them.

Our sheep appear to have the ability to hear the truck pull up outside the gate, and all come running to greet us, making a lot of noise and all falling over each other. It then becomes a race to see if I can get to the feeder before them. If I am lucky, I can offload the sheep mix in relative calm – if they have all come running, it is each to his own, and they have been known to knock me off of my feet.

At the weekend, we took the pregnant ewes away from the rest of the flock so that we can

feed them a bit more than the others and monitor use of the lick bucket etc. We took the sheep trailer into the paddock, with a view to building a race – an enclosed runway – for them to get into before loading.

It is always a difficult job –as you get them all where you want them to be, one will break away, taking a few with it. Having parked the truck, we turned around to see three of the most difficult to catch calmly walking up the ramp into the truck, without a care in the world. They were not the ones that needed catching, but it was pretty impressive.

It did not take too long to load the pregnant ewes – we realised how fat they had got when they all squeezed in – so it was off up the road to the new paddock.

What we were not ready for was for the ewe lambs to become very hyperactive and to start to circle the truck, running very fast, round and round.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

Having not been that close to the older ladies, we were very surprised.

We then had to open the paddock gate, drive the truck and trailer through, and shut the gate before the lambs got out.

By this time, they had whipped themselves into a frenzy, and I was faced with the truck being driven at the gap, while I held onto the gate, and the lambs frantically running towards me calling the adults.

The truck won – just. The resident runty lamb managed to squeeze through at the last moment, although luckily gave

up when she realised her friends were on the other side.

Spring is definitely trying to make an appearance at the field. Previously laid hedges are shooting and the daffodils have put on a very early show of yellow. We are now deciding whether to graze off the longer grass here and cut it for bales, or bring the rams back to graze and not cut.

The resident deer are still enjoying the sun under the hedge and we have everything crossed they will raise their young again in the safety of the long grass.

The pregnant ewes were taken away from the rest of the flock so they could be fed a bit more than the others and monitored

NFU’s 10-point plan for horticulture

AGAINST the backdrop of empty supermarket shelves, the NFU has launched a strategy to boost UK horticulture. If backed by government it says it could be the solution to minimising future supply chain disruption.

The strategy sets out the top ten policies which underpin the success of the sector, would enable long term growth and ensure the fresh supply of produce on supermarket shelves. These building blocks include sustainable energy supplies, access to skilled labour, productivity investment, supply chain fairness and a range of other critical support necessary to create growth in the sector.

NFU president Minette

Batters said: “We have an ambitious horticulture sector that wants to produce more of the fresh food the nation loves

EMPTY SHELVES

Tomatoes and other items have been out of stock in supermarkets

but this ambition needs the full support of government. That’s why today we are setting out the key priorities needed to stabilise the challenges facing the sector in the short term and help to deliver long term growth and a thriving, world-class horticulture sector in the future.

“The consequences of undervaluing growers can be seen on supermarket shelves right now. Shelves are empty.

This is a reality we’ve been warning government about for many months. Without urgent action there are real risks that empty shelves may become more commonplace as British horticulture businesses struggle with unprecedented inflationary pressures, most notably on energy and labour costs.

“As outlined in our strategy, the horticulture sector can deliver more than nutritious

food – growers are well placed to contribute to energy security for the nation and help to reach the industry’s net zero by 2040 target. To meet this ambition, government must deliver on the levers for growth in the sector it highlighted in its Food Strategy last summer.”

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “For too long, we’ve only had warm words from government about how important the horticulture sector is but no detail on how it wants to achieve growth. Our strategy sets out the key cornerstones and actions government could take to enable growth for the sector, including incentives to promote investment in water infrastructure, long-term certainty on accessing seasonal labour, greater investment, and supportive national and local planning policy.

blackmorevale.net

GRASS KEEP FOR SALE 07811 837061

HEDGE LAYING

HAULAGE, and all types of fencing - please call Andrew 01747 855198

HEDGE LAYING AND PLANTING, tree planting, fencing, work sought by experienced crew, 20 years Contact 07929 995747

DAVIS FENCING LTD

Agricultural/Equestrian fencing Countryside management 07707 069096

davisfencingltd@gmail.com

Contact

DAVIS FENCING 07707 069096

Agriculture Fencing Land clearance

OFFICE TO LET £37pw Also work unit 2,500 sq ft £55pw 07811 837061

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935 873169 or 07368 380477

GRAZING WANTED

Wilts Dorset Border Please call 0778 626 1967

QUALITY HAYLAGE FOR SALE

Well packed Square 80x90cm,6ft Bales

4 strings with 8 wraps, June made. Mix of Meadow & Ryegrass Call Mark Needham 01300 345293/ 07860 759996

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

07590 116 017

Crushed Stone Collection Yeovil Depot BA21 5HA, Delivery Available Limestone Dust Purbeck Chippings 10/20mm Walling and Building Stone

Brian@lewisquarries.co.uk

07848452033

Preliminary Notice On the instructions of Michael Denning

Preliminary Notice on the instructions of Michael Denning

GRASS KEEP AUCTION

GRASS KEEP AUCTION

172 ACRES At Fifehead Magdalen And Gillingham

Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings

Air brake fittings

Wednesday 12th April 2023

172 ACRES AT Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen And Gillingham on

Quick release couplings

Pressure wash hoses + lances

6.30 pm On the Premises At Manor Farm SP8 5RR iainsoutar@scauctioneers.com

Hose clamps

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked

Wednesday 12th April 2023

6.30 pm On the Premises SP8 5RR

Hydraulic Hoses

Variation of oils

Mobile service available

WESSEX MACHINERY SALE SHAFTESBURY, DORSET Collective Auction Sale of 150 AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS & VEHICLES 450 LOTS FARM IMPLEMENTS & MACHINERY 500 LOTS ASSOCIATED SPARES ETC

Details from Iain Soutar 07971 571608 iainsoutar@scauctioneers.com www.scauctioneers.com 01722 321215

ON FRIDAY 28th APRIL

Entries close

Thursday 13th April

simonwhaley@scauctioneers.com Office 01722 321215

More milk cuts mean more pain for dairy farmers

by Ruth Kimber

AND another cut. In April the milk to the processor will be cut by a further 3.8 pence a litre, just like that! Again, no discussion, no chance to negotiate, just take it or leave it. The cost of some inputs has eased a little but not by the equivalent of over 7 pence a litre. And when you ask, most people have no idea what they pay for milk in the shops, they want it and pop it into their trolly!

We went and fetched our repaired zero grazer mower from Harbrook Engineering, near Nantwich – they had to rebuild it after a stone was picked up and trashed the internal workings. It was quite a load – we borrowed a trailer from a friend and when loaded it was a bit daunting as it overhung by a few inches either side. However, we arrived home without incident. Paul did most of the driving, but I took over the last couple of hours –

it really helps you understand the skill and concentration needed by our lorry and freight drivers.

The next day Tom was out cutting grass to feed to the dairy cows. The following day we had a farm discussion group by invitation of the Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board, Wessex Water and Catchment Sensitive farming. To have a discussion/ demonstration of preventative measures to elevate topsoil and nutrient loss after maize crops.

The demonisation was of our grass, that had been either under sown or direct drilled into the stubble last autumn. A trailer load of local farmers was taken to the fields to see for themselves our system and then back in the barn Richard Lane, our dairy consultant, ran through the benefits and costings of zero grassed grass.

One thing for sure, the cows are very happy munching fresh grass in their dry winter

IN ACTION

quarters, and to prove the point they are producing two litres of milk extra per cow. With our clay land surrounding the farmstead, it isn’t possible to graze this early, but some off-lying dry brashy fields provide the opportunity to grow maize and subsequently the cover crops of early grass.

More than 30 people attended and we finished with a buffet lunch prepared by Kitchen at Kimbers, using some of our home produce from the farm shop.

The sharing of knowledge is common in the farming community – helping each other out has always been expected and delivered.

We have put on the first dressing of FYM – farm yard manure – onto the fields and hope to make a saving on

fertiliser costs, making use of the muck and adding not only potash and nitrogen but also the all-important organic matter.

The farm shop business has remained busy and with good, reliable and helpful staff, we are always preparing for the next season. Easter will see additional sales of our home and locally sourced lamb, home produced turkeys and a boost in all other meats.

I’m writing this diary while snow is lying on the fields just outside my window – oh lovely British weather!

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn. Linley Farm, Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD Phone: 01963 33177. www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk.

Opening times Tuesday–Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am4pm.

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock

medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Please call the office on 01258 472314

Please call the office on 01258 472314

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Please call the office on 01258 472314 www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

The zero grazer mower at work on the farm

Organic beef farmer benefits from virtual fencing

Technology can play an important role in helping farming businesses improve productivity and reduce their environmental impact. Organic beef farmer Lisa Guy explains to the Cornish Mutual Future Farming Programme how a virtual fencing system is helping her do just that.

Lisa farms in a marginal area of Cornwall which includes a large area of moorland. “We wanted to reintroduce cows as part of a conservation grazing plan,” explains Lisa. “However, we didn’t want to limit public access with permanent or electric fencing.”

Over two years ago she began trialling a virtual fence system consisting of GPS collars and an app to create virtual boundaries. As cows approach the virtual fence they receive an audio warning, followed by an electric pulse if they attempt to move past the boundary.

“It took me a few weeks to trust the technology, and while there are occasional small glitches, it is improving all the time and we are confident it will keep getting better,” explains Lisa. “Virtual fencing has given us the ability to farm our moorland effectively and the chance to restore this valuable habitat.”

The Cornish Mutual Future Farming Programme also looked at

How to set up successfully

some of the latest technological innovations which could bring benefits to the region’s farming businesses. The articles can be read in full at:

https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/cmfuturefarming/Establishing multiple income streams is becoming more common on British farms and with a rise in dog ownership across the UK, this now includes providing safe spaces to exercise pets, known as dog fields. But it is not as simple as putting up a fence and leaving customers to it, said Hannah James of British Dog Fields when speaking to the Cornish Mutual Future Farming Programme.

It is not unrealistic to earn £35,000 per year on a 2-acre plot, but there are plenty of factors which influence the success of a dog field venture, explained Hannah. Secure fencing everywhere, as well as a fenced area for parking and other security, is a must. “You will also need planning permission and it may be worthwhile to involve a specialist planning consultant.”

Other considerations include disposal for dog mess, an maintenance plan and an

Hannah James

Auction

20 April 2023

The Digby Hall, Sherborne and via Livestream

Catsgore, Somerton Guide £1,125,000 (whole) An excellent combination of arable land and woodland in an accessible location, divided into four lots.

Lot 1 - 68.53 ac arable land guide £600,000

Lot 2 - 83.76 ac mixed woodland guide £65,000

Lot 3 - 44.17 ac arable land and woodland £385,000

Castle Cary Guide £395,000

A derelict house set in about 0.60 acres with lapsed planning permission for three additional dwellings. Freehold. EPC TBC. CTB E Sturminster 01258 473766

Wareham Guide £375,000

A 2 bedroom chalet bungalow and 2.14 acres of land with a number of basic storage buildings. Freehold. EPC G. CTB E Dorchester 01305 261008

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

Lot 4 - 13.86 ac Cricket Bat Willows £175,000

Sturminster 01258 472244

Piddletrenthide Guide £325,000

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

A detached 4 bedroom house and former village shop situated towards the centre of this popular village. Freehold. EPC D. CTB D Dorchester 01305 261008

Shillingstone Guide £295,000

We’re inviting Wimborne. Entries

A delightful Grade II Listed 3 bedroom cottage in need of modernisation with large gardens of about 0.32 acres. Freehold. EPC Exempt. CTB F Sturminster 01258 473766

find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you,

To find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact:

Mark Lewis | 01258 473766

Mark Lewis | 01258 473766

Sandford Orcas Guide £295,000

100%

A semi-detached 4 bedroom character property situated in a small peaceful village close to Sherborne. Freehold. EPC F. CTB E Sherborne 01935 814488

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190

Graham Barton | 01297 33122

Zeals Guide £250,000-£275,000

Piddletrenthide Guide £250,000

To find out how

success rate at our December

Symonds &Sampson SOLD SOLD SOLD

Winkton Guide £235,000

A substantial Woolaway bungalow in about 0.21 acres with potential for replacement (STPP/consents).

Freehold. EPC C. CTB C Sturminster 01258 473766

SOLD SOLD

Stalbridge £175,000-£195,000

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190 Graham Barton | 01297 33122 Affpuddle 21% above guide

A former office premises with permitted development rights for two residential dwellings. Freehold. EPC E. RV £15,000

Affpuddle Sold 21% above guide

Bournemouth Guide £175,000

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

Dorchester Cml. 01305 261008

A vacant 2 bedroom GF flat for refurbishment with private access and garden. FF flat sold off on a long lease. Freehold. EPC C. CTB B

Wimborne 01202 843190

Auction

100% success rate at our December Auction

A charming Grade ll Listed 2 bedroom cottage in need of modernisation, located centrally in the village. Freehold. EPC Exempt. CTB F Dorchester 01305 261008

Westhay, Glastonbury

Guide £55,000

A parcel of level pasture land with timber field shelters and an area of mixed woodland. About 4.58 acres (1.81 ha)

Yeovil 01935 423526

North Cheriton Guide £180,000

About 20.22 acres (8.18 ha) of pasture land with a traditional farm building

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

Sherborne Office 01935 814488

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

&Sampson SOLD

A large 2 bedroom FF flat over 2 floors. Communal grounds with river frontage. Share of Freehold; service charge £650 p/quarter. EPC E. CTB D Wimborne 01202 843190

100%

Lyme Regis Guide £175,000

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

A rare opportunity to acquire a seafront kiosk primarily trading a range of ice creams. Freehold Axminster 01297 33122

Sold 21% above

SHERBORNE,

DORSET

£1,600,000

BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET

EPC: TBC blackmorevale.net

EPC: Band D

An immaculate detached bungalow within walking distance of the town centre.

Blandford 01258 423002

Guide Price £523,500

BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET

Blandford 01258 423002

SHERBORNE 01935 810141

BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET

A fabulous high spec family home of 2,800 sq/ft beautifully presented with entertaining space and annexe on the edge of town.

Blandford 01258 423002

Guide Price £995,000

TARRANT RUSHTON, DORSET

EPC: Band E

EPC: Band D SOLD SOLD

A superb site of about 0.75 acres with consent for a new bungalow and an existing 3 bed bungalow for refurbishment.

NORTH BREWHAM, SOMERSET GUIDE PRICE (TENDER) £350,000

Blandford 01258 423002

Guide Price £560,000

jackson-stops.co.uk

PIMPERNE, DORSET

GUIDE PRICE £560,000

Symonds & Sampson’s Landlords Seminars

Are you worried about the abolishment of Section 21? Do you have questions about the change to EPC regulations? If the answer is yes, please join Head of Lettings, Rachael James at our forthcoming Landlords Seminars to discuss these, and other hot topics impacting the private rental sector.

Symonds & Sampson’s forthcoming Landlords seminars could provide the answers. Following the success of our Landlords’ Forum in Blandford and Bridport, our Head of Lettings Rachael James will be hosting two further unmissable seminars in the coming weeks, drawing on her 30

years of experience as a letting agent to discuss the hot topics impacting the private rental sector. Whether you are an existing Landlord or considering buying to let, our seminars are a great opportunity to get an update on the property letting sector, meet our agents, and ask any questions.

The seminars are taking place on 23 March in Yeovil and 27 April in Dorchester, find all the details at www.symondsandsampson.co.uk/events

welcome, but booking

More Protection, Less Hassle for Landlords & Tenants

Symonds & Sampson is the first letting agent in the region to offer ‘Reposit’, the UK’s leading deposit replacement product offering more protection and less hassle to both Landlords and Tenants. Lucy Nolan, Lettings Partner explains the benefits.

“In a time where the cost of living is high, Reposit offers a viable alternative to a conventional deposit, with benefits

for both Landlords and Tenants”, explains Letting Partner Lucy Nolan, going on to add that “the inbuilt dispute resolution will significantly speed up the end of tenancy process”.

Symonds & Sampson will offer Reposit as an alternative to landlords letting their properties, those enrolling in the scheme would enjoy 60% more protection than with a conventional deposit, as they

have effectively had the equivalent of 8 weeks’ worth of cover against loss of rent, damages, cleaning and all valid charges under a tenancy agreement. The benefits to tenants are also significant. Paying a deposit equal to 5 weeks’ rent can be challenging for a tenant, particularly if they are moving from another rented property where they already have another deposit tied up. The upfront outlay can be significantly reduced as tenants pay a fee equal to just one week’s rent (split between all tenants) rather than a full deposit. The tenant is still responsible for paying any valid charges at the end of the tenancy but pays those charges at the time without having locked the deposit away for the duration.

Rachael James, Head of Lettings at Symonds & Sampson concurs “In Reposit, we have found a product that delivers more protection and less hassle, and another step towards our commitment to offering the best possible service to Landlords and Tenants”.

If you are considering letting your property or looking for a new home, please contact Lucy Nolan on 01305 251154 or our dedicated letting agents in your nearest office

. Admission is free and all are

is essential to secure your place by telephoning Emma Newman on 01258 474265

£625,000

£600,000 Wincanton

An attractive detached barn conversion tucked away in a semi rural location yet close to the town centre amenities. Four bedrooms, two reception rooms, large conservatory, fitted kitchen, double garage, delightful garden, en-suite bathroom and no forward chain. EPC Rating: E. Freehold.

Thinking of moving in 2023?

£269,500

An exceptionally well presented 3 bedroom house with spacious living accommodation arranged over three floors. Living room, stylish kitchen, stunning master bedroom with ensuite, garage & attractive garden. EPC Rating C. Freehold.

An

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in the local towns and villages.

NEW INSTRUCTION

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation.

BRUTON £225,000

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

NEW INSTRUCTION

£325,000

WINCANTON £145,000

An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on a mature development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first time buy. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON 01963 34000

WINCANTON £226,500

An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond. Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

£230,000

WINCANTON £179,950

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular residential development. The property is presented in excellent order and enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting room, fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D.

An attractive Victorian terrace house situated in a popular residential road. Although the property would benefit from some updating there is much to admire including a huge living/dining room with period marble fireplace, breakfast room, kitchen, utility/boot room, 2 bedrooms, bath/ shower room and long rear garden. EPC Rating E. Freehold

Shaftesbury 01747 851151

HAMLET LETTINGS 01963 34006

attractive 3 bedroom detached house situated on a small development within easy reach of the local village store and mainline train station. Sitting room with large bay window, spacious kitchen/diner, master bedroom with en-suite, garage, central heating, and good size rear garden. EPC Rating B. Freehold.

Templecombe

Templecombe

A 2 bedroom semi-detached bungalow situated within easy reach of local amenities. The property enjoys a spacious light and airy lounge/diner, fitted kitchen with integrated eye level double oven, garage and easy to maintain garden. No forward chain EPC Rating D. Freehold.

Wincanton

Wincanton

UK Removals

Blandford 01258 447005

Sherborne 01935 316221

Dorchester 01305 231267

Warminster 01925 984459

PROPERTY

Lettings & Property Management.

Shaftesbury 01747 440426

Wincanton 01963 34065

SOUTH CHERITON

Asking Price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Moton New on 01747 824547 for more information.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER SELLING your Georgian/Victorian Rectory or Farm House? We’re a local family looking to buy near Blandford. Please call 07789051027 for a friendly no-obligation conversation

PROPERTY TO LET

KING’S STAG LARGE ROOM en-suite shower comfortable, quiet bungalow garden, parking £500 pcm including bills 07760 584389

Book online: blackmorevale.net Book Online

FOR RENT: STORAGE/ WORKSHOP in North Dorset. Please call 07973 142254

WORKSHOP/LARGE GARAGE/STORAGE

ZEALS/WARMINSTER 07798 657 077

BARN TO RENT, High ceilings, Approx 3600 Sq Ft, Could be split up to suit, Melcombe Bingham, 07725 910364

classified@ blackmorevale.net

THE COVENT GARDEN DANCE COMPANY returns to Hatch House this July for

ÉTOILES of PARIS OPERA BALLET & Friends

We invite you to come and join us in the beautiful 17th century walled garden (covered for the event) at Hatch House to enjoy spectacular performances by ‘Les Étoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & Friends’. The company of internationally acclaimed dancers will perform three 35 minute sections of dance, each section between a dining interval. The walled garden theatre seats 430 guests at tables of ten (up to 12). Smaller parties, as well as single ticket holders, are also catered for.

Stroll, pre-show, through the enchanted gardens with the illuminated ‘twilight trees’ with Parisian Cocktails in hand from the 1920’s themed ‘Café Folle’. Then, surrounded by the scents of the summer flora, take your place at your table within the ancient walled garden for the evening’s performances.

Post-show ‘Café Folle’ will transform into a 1920’s Parisian Speakeasy with live performance from the singer Faiith Lynch and dancing until 1am.

This year let yourself be transported into another world, a world of performance, light and art. Indulge in the lavishness of the roaring 20’s. Dress to impress (with an eye on the weather) and immerse yourself in a time where anything and everything goes and freedom of expression was not only encouraged but insisted upon.

TICKETS START at £185 and include the FOUR COURSE GOURMET HAMPER SUPPER with WINES and all performances.

Gardens open at 5.30pm, performance finishes at 11:30pm. Gardens close at 1am.

LIGHT ART INSTALLATIONS

By Special Guest Artist Hugo Dalton

Performance Partner