The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Edition 13

w e n he

T

Friday, March 19, 2021

Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

FREE

Motcombe’s legendary explorer Colonel John BlashfordSnell CBE is searching for a thrill seeking, horse-riding medic to join him on his next mission into the wilds of Mongolia in August.

The world-famous trailblazer, 84, will lead the Mongolian Khan Khentil Expedition in the Hentii mountain range for community aid and archaeological, biological and zoological tasks with Mongolian scientists.

Col Blashford-Snell said: “When this ‘plague’ has gone, many people in developing counties will require community aid, which we and the Scientific Exploration Society can help with on a voluntary basis.”

Much of this remote wilderness is uninhabited, accessible only on foot, horse and 4WD vehicles and the team will sleep in tents. The final two days will be spent studying the Przewalski horses, the world’s last wild equines.

To apply email jbs@ses-explore.org

WINGMAN WANTED

What’s inside this week Announcements Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectibles Business Church Education Equestrian Farming Field And Stream Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Gardens Items For Sale Letters Local Services Motoring MPs’ Round-Up Pets

28-31 56-59 40 69-71 66 79 80 84-91 81 34-39 52-55 42-46 26 32-33 47-51 n Karen is TV’s grooming champion: P7 nLet’s hear a really big cheer for the folks from Mere: P10 nSeaman’s mission to meet every harbourmaster: P76-77 67-68 62-63 Property 92-95 Recruitment 72-75 60-61, 82-83 Sport 76-78 64-65 Puzzles

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

Ad sales manager debi.thorne@ icloud.com Tel: 07876 563683

Contact Us Advertising: adverts@blackmorevale.net Editorial: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Postal enquiries to: The New Blackmore Vale, 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU

Karen Bate

Sharon Evans

News editor

Classified adverts

karen.bate@ blackmorevale.net

classified@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

Classified and private ads: classified@blackmorevale.net, 01963 400186 or online at blackmorevale.net Letters: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net News stories: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Sport stories: sport@blackmorevale.net

DEADLINES The deadline for the next edition will be will be Thursday, March 25 to accommodate the bank holiday. Our offices will be shut on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Steve Keenan

Reporter sport@blackmorevale.net Tel: 07940 143223 Ruth Armishaw

Commercial manager newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

All hail Dan, the lockdown kart wizard

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

When Dan Baxter spotted a broken go-kart in a wheelie bin , it ignited a passion for engineering and a desire to get children outside, having fun in the fresh air.

Dan, from Pimperne, has been spending lockdown turning broken go-karts into bespoke super karts for children to get outside and have a blast He spotted parts of a broken kart in a bin and asked the householder if he could take it.

He then rebuilt, refurbished and resprayed the kart before giving it to a group of children from the village, who had such fun, Dan decided to overhaul another.

Now 23 karts on, Dan is bringing joy into the locked up lives of so many children, including youngsters at Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton, Archway Pre School in

and toppling over.

“The karts are a hobby for me,” said Dan, who is exceptionally modest.

“My limited skills come from messing about with cars and motorcycles from a young age. Some months ago I saw a broken go-kart frame and other bits next to someone’s wheelie bin. I asked the householder if I KART LEGEND: Dan Baxter with one of the could take them, karts then welded up the frame and sourced Pimperne, Beaucroft School in some other parts to complete the Wimborne and Winchelsea build.

After a respray I gave it to School in Poole. some kids in the village who And Dan is adapting a tricycle had such good fun, I decided to belonging to a tot with Down do another.

Syndrome, changing the saddle to a seat and adding seat belts as “I have previously suffered some mental illness problems she became nervous of leaning

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I can’t imagine why any kid would not want to have a bomb around on a go-kart!”

Dan has secured a large following on his Nextdoor and Facebook page, where he posts his stories and the completed pictures of karts.

The community have been thrilled with his efforts and have been donating old, broken and unloved karts for Dan to turn into something special for children who would appreciate a dose of good old fashioned fun.

Dan added: “I now have some great contacts with people who help kids in need, so they can always find the right recipients for them.” n People can contact Dan at danbaxter@tiscali.co.uk or facebook.com/dan.baxter.963

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By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The pub where the idea for the Great Dorset Steam Fair was conceived in 1967 is to receive a blue plaque to mark the occasion.

A group of steam enthusiasts gathered one night in The Royal Oak in Okeford Fitzpaine to watch cine films of the last days of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

“From that meeting the notion of a gathering of steam engines and fairground equipment was conceived,” said Andrew Vickers, chairman of the village’s Local History Group.

The enthusiasts founded the Dorset Steam and Historical Vehicle Club, from which the annual GDSF emerged, the first show being held in 1969.

It is now the largest steam gathering in the world, attracting 200,000 people for the five-day festival – although this year and 2020 was lost to covid-19.

The blue plaque is one of four to be displayed in Okeford Fitzpaine, proposed by the history group and approved by the council as all are on listed buildings.

STORY OF THE BLUES: The Royal Oak, where the Great Dorset Steam Fair was conceived, plaques marking the site of the village gaol and the birthplace of Sir Ernest Lemon, right

The writing’s on the wall for historic sites around village

n The Old Rectory, Greenhayes, was the birthplace of John Freke (1688-1756) who became the country’s first ophthalmic surgeon, at St Bart’s in London.

He also 01258 450019 established 14 East Street, the Blandford Forum Company DT11 7DR of Surgeons, Quality Care Guaranteed and Now Accepting New Patients designed Google Reviews several 0% 昀nance & monthly payment options available medical instruments www.national.dental including the obstetric forceps. n Rectory Cottage on Family Law Advice Higher We realise talking about divorce or separation Street is the is very personal and so we are offering virtual appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we birthplace offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for of Sir initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm Ernest To book an appointment please call us on Lemon 01747 852377 OBE (1884

4

– 1954), an engineer who rose to become DirectorGeneral of aircraft production in the Second World War. His career has been in railways, becoming Chief Mechanical Engineer and Vice-President of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). n The fourth plaque will be on the village gaol at The Cross, which dates from the late 1700s. Village lock-ups were common for holding offenders before going before a JP. The gaol door is all that remains of the small cell.

The Blue Plaque scheme was started by the Society of Arts in London, and its first recipient was the birthplace of poet Lord Byron.

There are now 900 plaques in London.

The scheme has been replicated across the country but as there is no national governing body, the criteria used to determine where a

plaque is installed varies widely.

The installation of the plaques in Okeford Fitzpaine has been delayed by covid19 but the plan is to have an unveiling day party later in the year.

Descendants of Lemon and Freke are being invited to attend, along with Martin Oliver, chief executive of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and son of Michael, who is recognised as the founder of the show.

Mr Vickers said: “Anthea Calcott, the owner of 75 The Cross, will also be there and Mickey Morgan, landlady of The Royal Oak is happy to hold a ‘Steam Up’, a collection of traction engines at a reception afterwards.

“Needless to say, this is all on hold until we can resume normal gatherings and opening of the pub at a date to be fixed, hopefully at the end of the year.”

Homes plan refused on appeal

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Plans for up to 90 homes on land west of Waterlake and Grosvenor Road, Stalbridge, have been refused following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by Lightwood Strategic Ltd against the local authority’s failure to decide their application – which was submitted in March 2020.

Inspector Benjamin Webb dismissed the appeal, saying the proposal would be unsuitable because of its effect on the character and appearance of the area, including the landscape and Stalbridge Conservation Area.

He acknowledged that the application followed dismissal of an earlier appeal relating to an outline scheme for 98 homes on much the same site, and that aside

from a reduction in the number of homes there were important differences between the schemes, including a smaller site, single point of access and development focused on the southern part of the site.

He said: “The inspector in the previous appeal expressed particular concern in relation to the exposure of development in the two northernmost fields of the site as then defined.

“It remains the case however that the Inspector did not assess the impact of development clustered in the southern section of the site, given that this was not proposed, and nor did he find that development within the central section of the site would have been visually acceptable.”

He said the loss of historically open agricultural land within the setting of the

historic town would result in the erosion and loss of rural character, diminishing the historic identity of the settlement and harm the significance of the Conservation Area as a whole.

He said the provision of up to 90 dwellings, 36 affordable would in general terms make a sizeable contribution towards addressing the shortfall in the council’s five-year supply and help to address the need for affordable housing. But the outstanding permissions for 227 dwellings in Stalbridge would more than satisfy the need in the housing register.

He added: “Whilst the 825 dwellings proposed for Stalbridge and the 18 larger villages in the Local Plan is neither a target nor minimum figures, it has been both met and substantially exceeded.”

Cancer fundraiser nears £2m target As fundraising for the new Breast Cancer Unit at Yeovil Hospital has reached £1.7m, the committee is asking people to dig deep to reach its £2m target.

With many usual fundraising activities cancelled, the committee is urging people to donate unwanted or broken jewellery and watches, which can be sold for vital funds for the muchneeded breast cancer unit.

The committee are raising money for a dedicated Breast Cancer Unit. Breast care services at Yeovil Hospital are currently spread around the hospital, which means that patients need to move around and undress in multiple locations.

For more details contact Maggie on 01963 250108.

There is also a JustGiving page at justgiving.com/ campaign/breastcancerappeal

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5

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

An appeal has been lodged by Persimmon Homes (South Coast) against Dorset Council’s failure to determine its proposals of land south of the A30 in Shaftesbury.

In the statement of case submitted on behalf of the developers, Brett Spiller of Chapman Lily Planning Ltd calls for a public inquiry into the application seeking permission to erect up to 135 homes, industrial starter units, primary school, flexible commercial uses including a combination of a hotel and non-food retail or residential care home on the site which is allocated only for employment in the North Dorset Local Plan.

He says the main issues relate to the principle of some of the component land uses within the overall mix, including the introduction of a residential component on allocated employment land.

Developer launches appeal in plan for 135 homes & school He further states that the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, adopted in 2016, was rolled over into the replacement Local Plan “with little assessment or scrutiny”, but highlights the need to deliver 1,140 dwellings over the plan period and the need for additional primary school capacity which would be undertaken as part of the Local Plan Part 2.

“Contrary to the Inspector’s advice the LPA has not prepared a new plan in quick succession, with the transition to Dorset Council serving to reset the Local Development Scheme, and at the time of writing a new Dorset Plan is at an embryonic stage.

“Whilst the current employment allocation has been mirrored in the emerging

Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan, which is at an advanced stage, it similarly has not underpinned any thorough review of land allocation in development plans, and/or land availability.

“The LPA have to date failed to take account of changes in the demand for land despite being provided with robust evidence demonstrating that there is no tangible market interest for the allocated employment use.”

He says the proposed development will make efficient and sustainable use of the site in delivering an array of employment opportunities and bolstering local services within the town.

From an economic perspective, the proposals provide both residential and commercial

accommodation in an accessible location, the occupants of which will contribute towards local shops and businesses.

“From a social perspective, the proposals would help increase the supply of much needed market and affordable homes and provide accommodation for occupants who will contribute to the social cohesion of the area.

“And from an environmental perspective, it has clearly been shown that the proposals preserve the character and appearance of the area, cause no harm to the local historic asset, would result in no harm to biodiversity or drainage, and afford access to sustainable means of travel to the wider conurbation.”

Your chance to play a part in tale of dastardly villainy

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The community of Kilmington is planning to stage a new play about dastardly events of over 450 years ago.

The community play, due to be performed in the churchyard on September 18 and 19, will raise money for the village church.

Volunteer actors and stagehands are being sought, plus a digital media manager, a PR manager, a sign maker and people to provide Tudor music, food and drink stalls, horses and riders and accommodation.

In 1557, towards the end of Mary’s reign, Charles, Lord Stourton was hanged with four followers for the cold-blooded murders of 65-year-old William Hartgill and his son John.

Charles was a violent and troubled man. He rustled cattle, killed livestock, stole crops and mistreated local men and women. His thuggery had its roots in the belief he had been unjustly deprived of his inheritance. Claiming she was the main beneficiary of the will, his dead father’s mistress lived in Stourton Castle (which

predated Stourhead House) whilst his widowed mother lived with the Hartgills in The Manor in Kilmington. The Hartgills were no saints but William was at one time an MP and held local high office.

For his many acts against the Hartgills, Charles was fined, imprisoned in London but then released. He returned to meet the Hartgills, supposedly to settle his debts. Instead, he seized them outside Kilmington Church, had them beaten to death and then buried under Stourton Castle.

For these crimes Charles was arrested, tried and sentenced to death.

David Shirreff, a London-based playwright has written the play.

There is a part for everyone in this compelling drama, much fun to be had and much to be done.

Electronic casting is about to start so that by June live rehearsals can begin. The play will be staged in late September.

Contact Peter Booth at info@murdermostfoul.co or go to murdermostfoul.co

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Champion dog groomer Kelly Davis hopes her triumph in BBC’s Pooch Perfect show will inspire youngsters to succeed.

Kelly left school with no qualifications but now owns KD Grooming in Wincanton, which runs training courses as well as dog and cat grooming. The courses deliver City & Guilds accreditation and covers a range of grooming and animal welfare skills. And Kelly says encouraging kids is one of her main motivations.

“My main aim in going onto the show was to inspire youngsters who haven’t had much of an education or life.

I have worked very hard and had some tough times. My main message was not just to prove something to myself but to youngsters who are struggling that it is all right.”

Kelly won three rounds as ‘Best in Show’ to reach the final of the show, which required contestants to demonstrate grooming and creative skills as well as knowledge of breeds.

The filming of the show near Manchester was spread throughout last August, with 13-hour days on set.

“It was a very hard journey, such an immensely hard journey to go through,” she said.

Back home in Bruton, she said the judges’ praise after each round was especially rewarding and described her fellow finalists as “lovely” – she already knew both from the grooming circuit. “It’s a small world.”

GROOM AT THE TOP: Kelly Davis celebrates winning the BBC’s Pooch Perfect prize

TV grooming champ Kelly’s message to inspire youngsters Unsurprisingly, she has had many calls from viewers willing to drive hours to have their dogs cleaned, clipped and trimmed. But Kelly insists her regular customers will always come first.

She said: “Prices will go up in April as they do every year but they are not going to

double or treble. I am staying very humble to my regulars.”

But Kelly, whose TV appearance included inclusion on Gogglebox, admits she is toying with the idea of appointing an agent.

“I don’t know whether to pursue that world or not.”

The more pressing need is to

get her studio ready for reopening on April 12.

Throughout lockdown, she and her staff have only been handling welfare cases.

Asked how she was coping with her brush with TV fame, she added: “It feels surreal. I’m very humbled. It doesn’t feel real.”

Crime Commissioner candidate’s plea for more women Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Liz Webster has written to the Chief Constable urging that more women are recruited into the force and current female police officers and staff are retained, supported and promoted.

In her open letter Ms Webster said: “I know efforts are being made by

Wiltshire Police to increase female numbers. But far more needs to be done to create a force that reflects our society. Barely 40 per cent of police officers are female.

“The gender balance is worse the higher up the ranks of officers and management you go. This has to change and change fast.”

She concluded: “If elected as our next Police and Crime Commissioner I will want dealing with attacks on women, children and other vulnerable groups made key priorities and will also act as a very visible champion to encourage women and member of currently other under-represented groups to join, stay and move forward in our police force.”

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GREAT STUFF: The This is Alfred Radio team.

From left, Kevin Harrison, Amber Harrison, Keri Jones, Karen Brazier and Andy Hargreaves.

Sadly we are unable to get a photo of all the volunteers due to restrictions on gatherings

Civic society’s honours for This is Alfred’s team effort Shaftesbury Civic Society members have awarded Keri Jones and the This is Alfred team the 2020 Rachel Caldwell Award.

The society says the team’s ‘untiring efforts throughout this pandemic year have made a major contribution to keeping our community

together and strong, and our spirits positive’.

They say access to local news is ‘vital if people are to remain engaged even whilst locked down in their homes’.

They praised This is Alfred’s recordings of the natural world and stories

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and poems and add: “A massive thank you to all the Alfred team.”

Rachel Caldwell started the civic society in 1964.

Sadly, the society is set to be wound up soon – however not before members tackle the appeal lodged by Persimmon to the

Fifty more officers join county’s force

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset Police have recruited 50 more police officers in the county after a government drive to swell the national ranks by 20,000 by 2023 – with 6,000 in place this month.

In Dorset’s first phase of Operation Uplift, 50 new officers have have been recruited, with these additional bobbies bringing the overall number of police officers across the county to 1,306.

In Dorset many recruits are already on the frontline and brought in via the national campaign. The force said the officers take up roles at the forefront of the policing operation after they have their initial training.

8

Blackmore Vale 1/4 p Landlords ad.indd 1

Planning Inspectorate in relation to building an estate of at least 130 houses on land south of the A30, long designated for employment uses.

They will also be ‘carefully responding to the draft Dorset Council Local Plan’ before shelving the society.

29/01/2021 13:12

Dorset Police cover some 1,024 square miles of land and a similar body of water off the coastline. While the area does not include a motorway, there are three very busy main roads and more than 3,332 miles of roads to police. Annually, Dorset Police provide a policing coverage for around 800,000 residents, which increases during term time.

Dorset Police force is currently the 15th smallest of 48 UK police forces in terms of officer numbers, and the 24th smallest territorial police force in terms of geographic area.

And despite being classed as 93.7 per cent rural, includes an airport, and sea ports serving internal and international freight, and passenger travel.

Mum’s funding fight for cancer care bus n A Hope for Tomorrow spokesperson said: “One in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. We have made it our mission to make a difference to the way that their treatment is delivered; giving the gift of time to patients so they can spend it wisely, with those that they love. Our Mobile Cancer Care Units help patients to fit their treatment in to their lives, not the other way round.

“Once on board on one of our Mobile Cancer Units, people receive the same exceptional care, just as they would in hospital. The big difference that our patients comment on is that there are a lot more smiles and it’s a more relaxing, homely environment.”

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A Gillingham mum has spearheaded a campaign to raise money for Hope for Tomorrow, which brings cancer care to communities.

Alison Day receives chemotherapy for breast cancer and monthly immunoglobulin therapy for Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia from the Mobile Cancer Care Unit, which treats patients in the car park at Peacemarsh Surgery twice a week.

So thankful was Alison to be treated in Gillingham without the need to travel to Salisbury, she decided to raise much-needed funds for the service, which runs ten buses across the country, and has so far reached £2,655.

Alison said: “For me, the bus has meant that I don’t have to go to Salisbury for chemotherapy, blood tests and covid-19 swabs at the riskiest time in the pandemic.

“It means that my husband and children can stay at home, getting on with their day, while I am having treatment a few minutes away. It has meant that I have routine and structure and see the same lovely faces each week. It has also meant I have a safe, quick way of receiving chemotherapy, and for that I am very grateful.”

Hope for Tomorrow pays for the bus, the maintenance and the running costs of the unit while the NHS pays for the staff and the treatment.

“We are so lucky in Gillingham that the bus comes twice a week,” said Alison. “I was able to have blood tests and covid tests on the Wednesday and then my treatment on the Friday, avoiding going to the hospital during the most dangerous time of the pandemic. And the staff on the bus are amazing. Joe who runs the MCCU is fantastic

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and is helped each week by brilliant nurses and nurse practitioners from the Pembroke Suite in Salisbury. They are kind and friendly and treatment becomes a calm and safe routine.

“I want to give a big thank you to all the people who have donated.

“I wouldn’t want this story to be about me as there are so many people in our town fighting cancer at the moment, most notably two young people, one boy from Gillingham School and a young boy from one of the primary schools. They are far braver and are fighting far harder than anything that I am doing at the moment.”

Alison added: “Hope for Tomorrow has seen its funding stream cut by 85 per cent due to the pandemic as they normally host large public charity events.” n If you would like to donate for Hope for Tomorrow, please visit Alison’s Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/ alison-day27

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Let’s hear a really big cheer for Mere

By Karen Bate

nLOUISE BENNETT

Dubbed a Super Mum by all who know her for her endless bounds of energy, Louise Bennett is nominated for the Local Mere may be a small town but it Hero of the Year award for her extensive charity fundraising, but she is also a bit of a local celebrity. has a big heart and is being Entertainment seems to be in her blood, with her celebrated with four of its contagious humour regularly providing light relief for the inhabitants shortlisted in whole town. categories for a prestigious Even visitors have stopped to photograph the hilarious Wiltshire Life Award with the displays regularly updated on her high street house. winners announced tonight.

A string of underwear accompanied by a sign saying, ‘In a Sarah Collins, of florist and crisis, get naked!’ popped up at the start of the first lockdown greengrocers Sprout and be one Flower,, has been shortlisted in for example. She’s also known to the Independent Retailer of the of the kindest, most generous people you can ever meet, Year category. having raised £32,000 to The local charity youth group date for Seeds4Success has been the Salisbury Stars shortlisted in the Community Appeal.

Group of the Year category.

She said, “I do feel Charity fundraiser Louise Bennett has been shortlisted for very honoured that I’ve the Local Hero of the Year and been shortlisted. Over the years my fundraising Mere-based business cohas turned into a hobby founder Dan Beckles, who co-owns furniturebox.co.uk, is up which I absolutely love! It’s for the Young Entrepreneur of great seeing people enjoy themselves at my events.” the Year award. newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

nSPROUT AND FLOWER

nDAN BECKLES

furniturebox.co.uk It takes courage to start a business at any age, so to build one up from scratch at the age of 17 is something worth celebrating. Dan Beckles co-founded the online furniture shop Furniturebox with school friend Monty George in 2015. Handling everything from customer service to dispatch, the pair have developed the company to now employ a team of 30.

Dan, 23, is shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2021. Monty received the same award in 2017.

sproutandflower.co.uk Sarah Collins first opened the doors to Sprout and Flower in 2011.

Last year Sarah and her small team delivered grocery boxes to vulnerable and shielding members of the community and has remained open throughout the pandemic. nSEEDS 4 SUCCESS

seeds4success.org.uk Seeds4Success is a youth work charity which provides opportunities for personal and social development for young people living in South West Wiltshire.

No young person is excluded as the charity provides transport from surrounding villages to attend the Mere-based building. Leisure Credits can be earned by taking part in community projects such as clearing foot paths and lending a hand at local events. The charity provides a holistic support system for those struggling with everything from education to mental health issues, plus much more.

It’s also a good old-fashioned ‘hang out’ for local children, with regular opportunities for children to socialise outside of school hours.

10

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A transport company is applying to set up a base for 15 container lorries next to a children’s nursery on the outskirts of a village in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Boyes Transport bought a site in Zeals six years ago, which has largely remained empty.

But the company says a site it rents in Sparkford is being redeveloped and it can no longer park lorries there at weekends.

The firm also has a workshop at its base in Stoke Trister. Its application to Wiltshire Council suggests there is a “strong economic need” for the firm to centralise all operations at Zeals.

It wants a change of use to allow 15 lorries to be parked there overnight, and to be allowed to stay coupled to trailers. It also wants to install a metal container security office, workshop and bunded

Container lorry parking site plan for land next to nursery diesel store and have parking for 20 cars.

The application has met with a largely negative reaction from residents, the parish council and the Cranborne Chase AoNB. Richard Burden, principal landscape and planning officer for the AoNB, said the application overlooks the “fundamental issue” that if development of the nature proposed is inappropriate for undesignated countryside, then “it certainly is not appropriate for being within an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

He added that a landscaping scheme stipulated in 2016, when the site was allowed to store trailers, has not been completed and that a revised scheme has not been

submitted by a qualified landscape professional.

Zeals Parish Council is also trenchant in its opposition. In a statement, it says that since 2016, there have been people living there in a broken-down coach, hardcore has been laid and materials dumped. “The site has only been ‘cleaned up’ from a dreadful mess to make way for planners to inspect.”

The site is adjacent to Leaping Frogs Nursery, which opened there in 2012 and caters for children from three months to five years. The council says there is “enormous concern” from parents for the safety of the children, as well as the noise and fumes of diesel engines. Of 30 representations made to Wiltshire Council, 24 oppose the application and six

support it, mainly because of the potential for jobs and additional spend in the area.

Some also point out that the site is within 100 metres of the slip road to the A303 and there would be no need for the lorries to drive through Zeals.

The protests centre on the failure to landscape the site, the potential noise, proximity to the nursery, light pollution and increased car traffic in the village.

The application is now closed to comments and will be considered by Wiltshire Council. George Jeans, the local councillor, says that if the recommendation is to approve, then he would ‘call in’ the application, meaning it would be considered by committee rather than an individual planning officer.

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Persuasive schoolchildren put pen to paper

By Karen Bate

CLASS ACT: Teacher Julie Scammell with etter writers at Gillingham Primary School

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Song of the Dolphin Boy by Elizabeth Laird was the inspiration behind a twoweek English unit on persuasive letter writing after Gillingham Primary School children were left dismayed at the impact balloons are having on dolphins.

Class 4 pupils in Julie Scammell’s class have been reading Laird’s book about a boy called Finn, who discovers that dolphins are eating the balloons and becoming entangled in their strings.

This tragic tale has engaged the children who want to prevent this from happening, so Julie taught the children the art of persuasive letter writing to tackle the problem.

Ms Scammell said: “In response to their enthusiasm I planned and taught a two week English unit on writing persuasive letters and the

I’m writing this letter because our sea is becoming polluted with brightly coloured birthday and celebration balloons.

Don’t release your wonderful balloon because your balloons are killing the amazing sea creatures like dolphins, turtles and fish. Do you really want our poor sea creatures to suffer?

The dolphins eat the colourful shiny balloons thinking they are jellyfish this then blocks their digestive system. Then they starve and die.

The string also gets tangled in their flippers and fins. Making it so they only have a restricted amount of time for them to move. So how would you feel if your digestive system was blocked?

You might be thinking well the sea is 40 minutes away so it doesn’t matter, but it still does. Your balloons end up in the river stour and the river goes directly to the sea. By releasing balloons we’re polluting our water ways.

By not releasing balloons you can make a big difference to the animals that live in our seas and rivers.

You don’t have to do a balloon release to celebrate or mark an event or occasion.

Instead, you could blow bubbles and watch them float away or light candles, pop the balloons or even plant a tree.

Yours Sincerely, Mitch G

12

children researched information about the dangers of releasing balloons.

“As teachers, we feel it is

guys I would like to gently persuade you . ons to stop releasing ballo y, but You may think the sea is too far awa ons ballo the that is what you don’t realise n The r.

Stou r Rive find their way into the onto te was tic the river empties the plas sea the shore, and harms our beautiful creatures. a Did you know, when a dolphin sees me beco tely balloon, they immedia vibrant attracted to it? It’s because of its hin dolp colours and strings, the It eats it immediately thinks it’s a jellyfish. can’t hin dolp the but since it’s a balloon, stive dige its in k ingest it, so it gets stuc causes a system. When this happens this die of will they r afte blockage, and shortly starvation. e of a Would you really want to be the caus one just was it if n dolphin’s death? Eve e to balloon it still makes a big differenc on ballo one that if t the environment. Wha and n ctio extin r thei you released caused you stop we had no more dolphins, would ? releasing balloons then ves to There are plenty of other alternati ble bub a balloons. You could use ’t use machine, or smash a pinata, but don the ruin lly ntia anything that could pote lives of innocent animals.

Jessie F

important for children to have a real and genuine purpose for writing tasks so when I suggested that we write to people in our community via The New Blackmore Vale, they were hooked!

“The children are ever hopeful that even if only one person makes a positive choice after reading their letters, then they will have a made a difference.

“I would also say, that if any readers of the children’s letters wish to reply, then these would be gratefully received.”

Here are some examples of the brilliant letters by the pupils...

I’m writing this letter to the people of Gillingham and surrounding areas to try and persuade people to cease releasing foil and latex balloons into the air for celebrations such as birthdays and events. When releasing them, people see them and feel joy and delight but soon they fade from all thought. You might not know this but animals die because of you just by releasing rubber party balloons. Surely you don’t want that weight on your shoulders?

This is a deathly problem and all of this must come to a stop. Surely you don’t want that weight on your shoulders? They float into the sea and eventually kill sea life. Do you not realise what you are doing? Why do it if you only get a small amount of joy from it? By releasing balloons at special events or celebrations you kill wildlife?

We should put a stop to this because the animals can’t help themselves so why don’t we do it. What is happening is bad for the environment and therefore bad for us.

In argument, many people are guilty of releasing balloons into in the past. They don’t just evaporate into nothingness you know. They float into our environment which is part of the reason of climate change.7983225 kg of waste or on the beaches or the equivalent of nearly 57000 blue whales every single year. In the past 10 years waste on beaches has tripled. Dolphins are attracted to the colour of the balloons and then they swallow the waste, mistaking it for jellyfish. Consequently, the animal’s digestive system is blocked and they can therefore not eat. Just because of you releasing balloons into the air, dolphins, and many other sea creatures, die daily.

Chloe R

to highlight impact of balloons on dolphins I am writing to persuade the people of Gillingham to stop releasing balloons at birthdays and events as it is harming our sea life especially dolphins. There are many reasons why we shouldn’t be releasing balloons to help protect the wonderful animals on our beaches.

Sadly, sea animals see balloons and think it’s a jellyfish, due to their bright colours. However, they swim over to eat it not realising it’s a balloon. After that, their digestive system stops working and they slowly and painfully die.

Scientists have found that over 100,000 sea animals die each year from eating balloons. Do you really want to be the cause of a poor, helpless animal dying?

When people release balloons with strings, they tend to wrap around the sea I am writing to you today to persuade you to stop releasing celebration and remembrance balloons into our atmosphere. I agree that it is beautiful to watch a floating balloon flying away but the devastation that is caused by it is of upmost importance. Have you ever considered where your balloons go next?

Did you know that over the past 10 years balloon debris has tripled on our beaches? The balloons that you have released often find their way to the ocean and because they are made of latex and foil they stay in our amazing oceans. In fact latex and foil take up to 4 years to disintegrate! The bobbing balloons that end up in our oceans actually look like jellyfish to many sea creatures, including dolphins. These animals then try to eat the delicious looking balloons and then the balloons block the digestive system so they cannot eat, then they starve and eventually die.

It is to my understanding, that balloons are reaching our sea and hurting dolphins and sea life. Stop releasing balloons into the environment. For this reason, that is why I am writing this letter.

Firstly, Dolphins are attracted to the shiny balloons, thinking they are food.

They then get stuck in their digestive system. They are then unable to eat their food because they can’t swallow it because of the plastic balloons and string blocking up their system. They Will eventually die of starvation. How

animals’ fins and flippers which tends to make them stuck. This makes it so they can’t go looking or hunting for food because the animals can’t move their fins. This results in most of them starving to death. This is another reason why we shouldn’t be releasing balloons because the animals are suffering for our mistakes.

You may also be thinking, “What does this have to do with me? We live in Gillingham, 40 minutes away from the beach.” people may not know this but there is a river in Gillingham that leads into the

Do you really want to kill off sea creatures?

This has a knock on effect to the food-chain because the dolphins will die out then the dolphins are missing from the foodchain so lots of creatures are then impacted.

In the same way, releasing balloons also endangers our sea life because the creatures can get tangled in the balloons strings. Sometimes the strings get caught around the animals fins or mouths which means they are restricted for certain movements so they can’t dive and swim as they usually would to catch fish to eat. Without a doubt this is a tragedy that you could help eliminate.

Some people believe that we live so far away from the sea that releasing balloons here in Gillingham

can we continue to let this happen?

Secondly, they also get trapped and wrapped up by the strings of balloons and get them twisted around their fins, stopping them from swimming. We need to stop releasing balloons, now.

As you may know, we have the River Stour, running through Gillingham, which actually goes all the way to Christchurch and connects to the sea, so if we released lots of balloons in Gillingham and they fell into it, it would be carried by the flow of the water and end up in the sea. so what

sea. A balloon would find its way naturally into the river where it would eventually be taken into the ocean which would result in killing our wildlife. 10% of balloons, no matter where they are from, don’t burst so can end up being the death of a precious sea animal. We need to stop releasing balloons, have you ever thought about the damage you could be causing to these animals?

In conclusion, we need to stop using balloons at birthdays and events and releasing them, then our oceans would be safe. Instead, we could blow bubbles or give flowers or even something simple like taking the balloons home with us and popping them to put in the bin. We must do all we can to protect our wildlife because they struggle to protect themselves.

Yours faithfully, Jack W. doesn’t even matter but it does because we have the river Stour running through Gillingham which ends up at the sea. This means that the balloons end up travelling all the way from Gillingham to the ocean.

Have you realised that releasing balloons in Gillingham does matter?

In conclusion, I am sure now that you have seen the many arguments why releasing balloons is so damaging to our environment that you will stop and think twice. Instead of releasing balloons you could blow bubbles, plant a flower, light candles, pop the balloons or have a little prize in the balloons then you could pop them, keep the prize and safely put the balloon IN THE BIN. Yours faithfully, Lily S

we all do in Gillingham, is very important to the sea life.

Ultimately, if we work together, Dolphins could live happily without the danger of balloons and strings.

Without a doubt, We need to stop releasing balloons, Now. Do you think blowing bubbles or flower petals or planting a tree maybe, a much kinder and safer way to celebrate or commiserate. We need to think about the animals: Today.

Your sincerely Mikey H

13

n Broad bean pod

Seeing the world through the lens Why Photography?

By Madeleine Cardozo My hobby at school was photography on a Friday evening, all the girls chose this as the teacher was tall, dark and handsome. A great start to my photographic career...

As my interest grew my father bought me my first 35mm film Yashica camera.

My mother had always been a Canon girl so I chose this a few years later as my first digital camera.

Photographers usually go for one brand of camera, Nikon, Canon, Fuji and Sony being the favourites.

My camera goes pretty much everywhere I go, you

never know what you might see.

As a photographer I have met meet all sorts of people, I have taken pictures of the poorest people in Africa, orphans, tree surgeons, gardeners, actors, bankers, soldiers, pop stars, families and royalty.

Not only that, I get to travel to amazing places, last year I was in Kenya, an old client of mine heard this and said would like to drop by at the Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy to take pictures of the last two northern white rhino in existence. It was a wonderful opportunity and I took it.

Photography for me is a passion, I am lucky to have

found it. I can do it under my own terms in the hours that I choose (there are never enough hours in the day). Family and friends are always asking me to take photos whether it is for business or pleasure. It is something that I can give.

People say it isn’t the camera that makes a good picture its the photographer, I actually think it is both, sometimes you need a particular lens or tripod.

Photography is addictive, so is the equipment.

It is extremely hard to make a living from photography, there are a lot of people selling their pictures online. Newspapers are now employing more freelance

photojournalists. Everyone has an i-phone to take pictures of their children, but if your images are interesting, you are able to market them well and you love it, then photography is for you.

I started professionally as a child photographer, I feel that this is my actual speciality, but if you need my photographic services for family shoots, product shots or if you need anything else photographed, just email me. I am always open to ideas. n Madeleine is based in Mere and offers photographic and large format print services. info@madeleinecardozo.co.uk

n Hanging out to dry and, right, Madeleine with the last Northern White Rhino

Consultation period on Local Plan draft has come to an end Public consultation on the draft Dorset Council Local Plan has come to an end.

Thousands of locals, organisation and parish councils have submitted their views on the draft planning blueprint which could change the shape of towns, villages and the Dorset countryside over the next 15 years.

14

The 2,000-page document included areas for preferred housing development and infrastructure, including retail, leisure, schools, employment and community facilities in Blandford, Dorchester, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton and Stalbridge.

The Government has said 30,481 new homes must be built in Dorset by 2038 – around 1,793 each year.

In North Dorset, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and surrounding areas, 4,389 new homes are proposed – including a 1,800 home expansion of Gillingham.

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Funeral firm’s £2k boost for charity

By Karen Bate

CHARITY SUPPORT: Managing director Nick Douch with a cheque for £2,030 for Tyler’s Friends

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Despite being unable to carry out its planned fundraising activities because of the lockdowns, Douch Family Funeral Directors raised some £2,000 for charity for bereaved parents, Tyler’s Friends.

The Dorset-based charity helps bereaved parents have the funeral of their wishes for their baby or child and provides memorial headstones for babies and works to improve relationships between medical and funeral professionals.

Staff at Douch Funeral Directors held online raffles and travelled the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats as part of their daily exercise - completed by walking, running or cycling.

And one member of staff clocked some time on their

paddle board.

Staff also took part in Tyler’s Friend’s Eleven4Eleven campaign – paying £11 to

‘do 11 things’.

Nick Douch, managing director of the group, which has seven branches including

one in Blandford, said: “We had many fundraisers planned for 2020, but they all went out of the window when covid hit. Staff however managed to raise money by being creative.

Tyler’s Friends is named after a child who would have been 11 last year, hence their Eleven4Eleven campaign which we took part in.

“We found other ways of raising money and every penny will be well spent by the charity which we have worked closely with.

Members of our knit and natter groups made teddies which were donated to Tyler’s Friends who sold them. We are now planning events to raise money for our new charity of the year; the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.”

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“We started hosting for Pippa’s in 2017, after a friend suggested that we might enjoy the experience and utilise our spare bedrooms.

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“We have always provided a welcoming, stable environment for our overseas students – listening and

trying to resolve anxieties, home sickness and exam worries. Many concerns have been dispelled through baking, dog walks and playing games.

“Birthdays, cultural and religious dates are made memorable, by a special outing, a favourite meal or cake. Hosting has given our daughter the opportunity to gain an insight of studying and living overseas, she has also embraced different cultural celebrations and made friends.”

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Pupils turn up for the books

North Cadbury Primary School pupils have been absolutely delighted to be back in school and returning to as much normality as they can, say staff. They found on their return a completely revamped library with masses of new books of every variety and for every age and ability.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, more than £1,500 was donated to upgrade the selection of books available for the children, as well as providing every child in school with high quality reading material during lockdown.

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Health service fears as 1,200 houses planned

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The Sherborne Patient Participation Group (PPG) has raised concerns over a lack of increased medical facilities to meet the needs of people living in 1,200 new homes proposed in the Dorset Council Local Plan.

The plan outlines development in existing allocated sites at Barton Farm, Sherborne Hotel and Gas House Hill and further growth delivered near Barton Farm, and land north and south of Bradford Road.

Chair of the PPG at The Grove Medical Centre in Sherborne, Roger Marsh said the group is ‘very concerned’ about the lack of increased medical facilities in the Local Plan for Sherborne.

And he says more development without health infrastructure will leave existing medical facilities ‘unable to cope’.

Mr Marsh said: “The plan makes no mention of increased medical facilities as part of its infrastructure and it appears to just concentrate on an increase in housing without taking into consideration the needs of those who will occupy those dwellings.

“More forward thinking is required before it becomes an insoluble problem.”

Mr Marsh addressed the extraordinary meeting of Sherborne Town Council on March 8, urging Dorset Council to include vital health-related infrastructure in its

Local Plan, and Mr Marsh submitted the views of members of The Grove PPG to Dorset Council before the end of the public consultation on March 15.

In the statement to Dorset Council, Mr Marsh said: “We have also seen a growth in the number of patients registered with both existing medical practices. In April 2013 there were 16,895 patients registered with the Sherborne Practices and today this figure has grown to 18,346, an increase of 1,450 patients over an eight-year period.

“The most noticeable increase has been from April 2018 to date, with over 900 more patients registering with the practices, mainly due to the more recent housing development in the Barton Farm estate.

“With the increase in housing development proposed by the plan of over 1,400 new dwellings, the strain on our medical services will obviously increase.

“Unfortunately this can be viewed as a long term problem that does not require immediate attention, but it becomes a problem by its very nature of gradual population increase that finally results in the total inability of the existing service to cope.”

The Government has said 30,481 new homes must be built in Dorset by 2038 – around 1,793 each year.

In North Dorset 4,389 new homes are proposed, including a 1,800 home expansion of Gillingham.

Dorset Council was approached for comment.

Call to create National Park in county

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A case to create Dorset National Park is gathering pace.

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to create new National Parks and to start the designation process this year.

As everyone who lives, works or visits Dorset knows, the county is indeed a very special place, and this, in part, is why Dorset CPRE – The Countryside Charity, is calling for Dorset to be designated a National Park.

However west Dorset MP Chris Loder says it is a terrible idea.

During the last year of lockdowns, there has been a surge in appreciation for green spaces and the CPRE claims the environment is Dorset’s ‘greatest economic asset’ yet faces ‘enormous challenges’, most notably from development.

In a statement the CPRE said: “Many communities feel threatened by what they see as inappropriate development.

Dorset’s relevant comparator is the South Downs National Park (SDNP) which is also a working, farmed landscape with many town and village communities.

In the process of preparing its Local Plan, the SDNP worked in partnership with local communities to identify their needs for housing, economic development and local infrastructure. So, a National Park would help achieve the right development in the right places, where it is needed.”

If Dorset was designated as a National Park, the current Area

PARK LIFE: The CPRE is calling for Dorset to be designated a National Park

of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status would be replaced and Dorset Council would remain the lead local authority. Some 75 per cent of the members who would form a National Park Authority would be elected councillors from Dorset Council, the remaining third from parish and town councils.

A CPRE spokesperson said: “A National Park would bring additional resources and enable Dorset Council funds to be released to spend on other county-wide priorities. A Dorset National Park, with its duties and funding to care for our unique environment and

heritage, promote health and wellbeing, and foster the economic and social wellbeing of communities, would partner with Dorset Council.

“It would bring additional resources and expertise, helping to secure a thriving, sustainable future for Dorset’s communities and economy; caring for Dorset’s environment and heritage; improving health and wellbeing; and helping us all to address the climate and

ecological emergencies.”

However Chris Loder MP said: “A National Park would be awful for us here in Dorset. It will turn half of Dorset into a museum whilst imposing mass development the rest. National Park areas have considerably less employment than nonnational park areas. Dorset is not the stockbroker belt of the South Downs and should not be used as a comparison.

“It is our home, one for decent, hard-working local people and we should not be making their lives harder, especially after covid. Increasing taxes to fund a whole new tier of government bureaucracy, when we only got rid of it in 2019, is just madness and so, as a local farmers’ son, I do not support it – at all.”

The calls from CPRE follow a leading review in 2019 by Glover Landscapes Review, an independent review launched by the Government, of areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The report recommended further assessment for Dorset to be given National Park status, which were welcomed by the Dorset & East Devon National Park Team (DEDNPT). n For further information go to: dorsetnationalpark.com

Tell us about your minor injuries The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne remains closed.

Dorset Health Care Trust closed the unit in the early weeks of lockdown on April 6, 2020, to manage the impact of Covid-19.

Residents in Sherborne and the surrounding villages, a catchment area with a population of as many as 22,500, who need medical treatment for minor injuries are being advised to ring Weymouth Urgent Treatment Centre on 01305 762541 for assessment.

The New Blackmore Vale is appealing for anyone who has had a minor injury since the MIU closed, to email karen.bate@blackmorevale.net 19

Starring role for abbey as online film is premiered History buffs and Shaftesbury lovers are being invited to watch Shaftesbury Abbey – The Movie online on Saturday, March 27.

In 2019 excavations were carried out in the abbey as part of the SAVED project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The dig explored parts of the great Abbey church and revealed some amazing finds.

The dig was filmed and Shaftesbury Abbey – The Movie was created, with plans for it to be shown at the Arts Centre in last year, but the pandemic meant these were cancelled.

The decision has now been made to showcase the film online, with the proceeds helping to fund ongoing work to the abbey.

These works include some unexpected repair work to the crypt. Last summer the east wall of this belowground structure bulged and then collapsed – fortunately while the gardens were closed. After some propping up of the remaining walls, archaeologist Julian Richards, who led the earlier excavations, has been investigating the collapse.

As with other parts of the abbey where restoration has already been carried out,

DIG IT: Archaeologist Julian Richards back in the crypt at Shaftesbury Abbey with a trowel in his hand for the first time in nearly a year Picture: Steve Shearn

investigations to distinguish original medieval stonework from 20th century rebuilds have been taking place and has found the crypt was originally built by medieval masons, but perhaps not as sturdily as the team might have expected.

To watch this fascinating film on Saturday, March 27, go to: shaftesburyabbey. org.uk.

The abbey gardens will be open free to the public from the April 12 and it is hoped the museum will open on May 17.

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Staying safe while having the best life ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE More than ever, it is important that people in their later years of life can enjoy good food, fun and friendship while having peace of mind that every step is being taken stop covid-19.

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n Sunrise from the footbridge over a branch of the River Stour at Sturminster Mill, Sturminster Newton, taken July 17 2017 at 0545

n The moon over an oak tree on a frosty winter’s morning, Haydon, taken at 6.38am on December 31, 2020

n A beech tree in Everlanes Woods at dawn, Milborne Port, Somerset, taken on August 17 at 06.51

David focusing on the Vale’s beauty

By Miranda Robertson Many of you have probably admired the New Blackmore Vale’s masthead image – a gorgeous photograph of animals grazing on a mist-wreathed Blackmore Vale at sunrise.

Now we can introduce you to the man behind the image – David Noton.

David lives in Milborne Port with his wife Wendy and caught the photography bug after buying a camera to chronicle his travels with the Merchant Navy 40 years ago.

He quickly realised photography was his calling, and on leaving the Navy he attended college in Gloucestershire to 22

learn how to use a camera properly. He went on to do commercial work for a firm in Bristol. In the 90s he and Wendy settled in Milborne Port after Wendy got a job there as a health visitor – and they haven’t looked back.

He has travelled the world, taking thousands of gorgeous pictures of landscapes, published books and given many talks. Given the world, he is still glad he lives in the Blackmore Vale (although he wouldn’t mind being able to visit Vietnam right now).

He said: “The pandemic has been difficult and constricting, but I’ve been discovering more places closer to home and I’m so glad to live here.

“I plan shots in advance and get up early to catch the right light. It’s hard getting out of bed, but worth it once you’re up!”

David’s pictures are untouched – he only adjusts the brightness and contrast, preferring to rise early to get the perfect light for his shots.

You can order his books or prints of any of his images at davidnoton.com or call 07968 850960.

His books are also available on Amazon or through bookshops.

He is currently doing talks via Zoom at least twice a month, mostly focusing on his travels. Call the number above to book a talk.

n A frosty autumn morning at Oborne, using multiple images overlapping to create a panorama, taken at 8am on November 4

n Milborne Port, Somerset, in the snow and the mist, taken at 8am on January 24

n A frosty misty morning at Haydon, taken on December 31, 2020

n The River Stour at Cutt Mill, Sturminster Newton shot on a camera which is only receptive to infrared – that’s why vegetation looks white and the blue sky almost black. Taken at midday on June 28 last year

23

Verve Wellness Festival

Stur Cheese Festival

Shaftesbury Fringe

Gold Hill Fair

A summer of fun as events go ahead

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Shaftesbury is to host two summer events after the government laid out a roadmap back to allowing festivals and events.

The town’s Fringe Festival will go ahead, as will the Gold Hill Fair but both will be drastically reduced in scale and ambition.

Other events are adapting and taking place, including music and literary events in Sherborne and Shaftesbury.

The Verve Wellness Festival on Cranborne Chase and Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival are also going ahead.

But the organisers of the Great Dorset Steam Fair have called it a day.

Managing director Martin Oliver said pre-planning was at a critical stage. “With the roadmap timelime not guaranteed, there is still too 24

much uncertainty,” he said.

“We offer our sincere apologies to all involved: we are equally as disappointed that for a second consecutive year there will be no show.

“However, not running the show again this year is the right and responsible thing to do on all counts.”

The roadmap says that outdoor performances with up to 4,000 people will be allowed from May 17.

Bigger festivals are looking to Step Four, starting on June 21 at the earliest, which would remove restriction on numbers and social distancing.

But with no insurance available or government backing, many events such as the Steam Fair are not taking the risk of the roadmap changing.

The Larmer Tree Festival and Sherborne Supercar events in July had already been cancelled.

The Fringe Festival in Shaftesbury, normally in July, has been shifted to the August Bank Holiday weekend of August 27-30, the weekend the Steam Fair would have taken place.

Few Fringe details have emerged but it is expected that most events will take place outside, with fewer indoor venues and more of a local focus.

The Gold Hill Fair will take place in Shaftesbury on July 4, but the venue has been shifted from Park Walk to the field at Barton Hill. The annual Rotary event will be a music and community event, with a stage and 40 craft and food stalls.

Meanwhile, the Verve Wellness event will this year be a one-day event, held at Pythouse Kitchen Garden on September 25 with a limit of 250 tickets at £59 each.

Organisers Anna and Charlotte said the event will

feature fitness, yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound bathing in the walled gardens. There will also be music, workshops and nature walks and talks.

“Rest assured, we will be working closely with health and safety experts to ensure the festival is safe and compliant with all covid-19 regulations.”

It’s a similar story for the Cheese Festival in Stur. “We may need to adapt slightly but as long as the government roadmap goes to plan we look forward to welcoming traders & visitors on September 11-12,” says the website.

Other events are adapting.

The Sherborne Abbey Music Festival in May is off but is looking to stage open-air concerts later in the summer.

The inaugural Shaftesbury Book Festival has also been moved to March 20-21, 2022.

Country fair off, but back next year The volunteer organising committee of the Sherborne Castle Country Fair have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.

The fair was due to be held on Bank Holiday Monday May 31 but the Government’s intended timetable for lifting covid-19 restrictions, coupled with financial risks, meant the committee has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Fair.

Committee chairman Nick Robinson explained, “We have tried over the past few months to devise a form of the fair that would have been financially viable but unfortunately it will not be possible to operate it with a restriction of 4,000 people on site. Also, given the inherent planning uncertainties and additional infrastructure likely to be needed to meet the hygiene requirements

NOT THIS YEAR: Sherborne Country Fair will return in 2022 after organisers decided to cancel this year’s event

during this continuing epidemic, we cannot accept the evident financial risks and the consequent potential for the fair to become insolvent.

“Naturally we are very disappointed not to be able to stage what we hoped would be one of the first events on the path to returning to

normalcy. We would have liked to have brought both trading activity and fun to the community, as well as raising funds for local charities.

“However, we hope that our supporters will appreciate the importance of preserving the fair in a heathy financial condition so that it can thrive

in future years.”

The fair will return in 2022 at the end of May. Nick added: “We will be back at our usual time of year, but in the meantime we thank you for your understanding and anticipated continuing support which we very much appreciate.”

ARE YOU HOLDING AN EVENT THIS YEAR? CALL DEBI TO ADVERTISE ON 07876 563683 – AND LET THE NEWSDESK KNOW: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

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25

Finding thin places in extraordinary times A phrase which I have encountered frequently recently is ‘thin places’. Have you come across it? Because the world has been much quieter, and many people have had more leisure, they have become more attuned to new dimensions of life and meaning.

This isn’t easy to put into words, but a ‘thin place’ – a term of Celtic origin – has been defined as somewhere where the distance between heaven and earth dissolves, where connection to another sphere becomes profoundly close. It is the place, or the moment, when somehow the ordinary routine of life is pierced by an awareness of another world, as though the thin veil which separates us from this ‘otherness’ is for a moment torn apart, and through the rent in the fabric we sense a whole new world.

For many in the last year this has happened on a quiet walk, perhaps in the countryside or by the sea. It is as though a long-forgotten affinity with the natural world is suddenly rediscovered, and

Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

people reconnect afresh to the universe.

Some say the otherworldly feeling experienced has to do with ley-lines or electromagnetic fields. I prefer to see it as our rediscovering an ability to connect to realities beyond our everyday experience and the usual busy-ness of life.

Thin places are not confined to a reconnection with the natural world though, wonderfully, that world is accessible to those of all faiths and none. Sometimes we encounter a thin place in the most unlikely of settings.

A famous Anglican theologian of the mid-20th century described returning to his college and seeing a long queue outside a fish and chip shop, full of excited football supporters whose team had just won an epic victory.

Suddenly, for a moment, he

saw them suffused with glory, as though bathed in golden light, and knew every one of them was made and loved by God. Other people find their thin places in music, or art – even in mathematics! That doughty old atheist, Bertrand Russell, showed a deep affinity with the mystical when he wrote: “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty – a beauty cold and austere, like that of sculpture…. The delight, the exaltation, the sense of being more than man, which is the touchstone of the highest excellence, is to be found in mathematics as surely as in poetry.”

I must confess maths never quite did that for me! I am more likely to encounter “the intersection of the timeless with time” in a church “where prayer has been valid” [T. S. Eliot]. If you understand what I have tried to describe, always be prepared to meet your thin place, and be transfixed by it.

ITEMS FOR SALE Patio circular table 36 inch diameter heavy black glass top, centre hole for parasol, black foldaway legs vgc £20 01747 835680 Tracx turbo trainer. Little used friction type adjustable to wheel size £25. 07855 557585 Shaftesbury Projector stand and Jessop tripod screen 125 x 125cm. £25. Tel: 01935 872269 Two metal-framed folding single beds with mattresses.

Free if you collect. Tel: 01935 872269.

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Full 13kg propane patio heater gas £40 Shaftesbury 01747 853599.

26

Bosch under counter white dishwasher £60. Under counter white freezer £50 Bosch under counter white fridge £40 All in good working order 07724 152187.

Kakariki cockbirds choice of two £40 01258 268810 Small wooden indoor aviary with choice of Zebra Firge £25 01258 268810.

Lervia Laminator used once. Cookshop turbowave 360 slow cooker £5 each to clear 01963 23551 Garden table, round, teak, diameter 120 cms + 5 high back chairs. All folds down for storage. £50. 01258 818219 Power washer Sealey Industrial, 140 bar/ 2000 psi. £50 . 01258 818219

Posies make mothers’ celebration so special

Mothering Sunday was a village affair this year, when the community joined forces to make 350 posies for all the mums in Marnhull.

Reverend Gaenor Hockey of St Gregory’s Church, together with Ros Eveleigh, Viv Bruce, Rosie Gall and some 30 villagers, created posies for every mum with a child at St Gregory’s and St Mary’s Primary schools.

Ros said: “Enough posies were made for every child and plenty to be distributed to the four collection points around the village, for people to pick up as they walked around – a little something to brighten their day.

“This was a brilliant example of a random act of kindness, which was appreciated by so many in the village.”

Several mums posted thanks on the Marnhull Facebook page.

One said: “My children were very proud to present me with these at school pick-up today. A really lovely gesture.”

BEAUTIFUL MAHOGANY REGENCY REPRODUCTION DINING SUITE. Extendable table, six chairs & sideboard, Excellent condition. Open to offers – call 01258 860370 HONDA, UMK435E, Good condition, 4/easy start. Full harness + handbook £80 ono 01747 840301 2 Z BEDS FOR SALE. £20 each 01935 872663 or 07711 213181 AIR AWNING complete with carpet, water and waste containers, hitch lock, hookup lead, 2 propane bottles,mirror extensions, numerous other items, £350 Ono. 01258 880048 DOREMA CARAVAN AWNING for sale 873cm good condition £175 - 07546 172 838

CARECO EASI GO POWERED CHAIR. Nearly new, cost £700.

Bargin £450 ONO. 01747 871428 CLASSIC TRACTOR. MASSEY FERGUSON T20.

1952. Restored condition. £2,500. Tel 01258 808313 or 07974 082293

8FT X 12FT POLY TUNNEL FRAME, buyer dismantles, presently used for lambing. 01258 830474

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27

Announcements MOTHER’S DAY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

JANET PISTASZCZUK Have a lovely day Love you Lots Sharon, Graeme, Mark, Lorraine and the girls x x x

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VERA HARRINGTON and family would like to thank everyone for all the kind words, love and support during this sad time after the loss of Philip. Thank you also to Merefield and Henstridge and Reverend Graham Southgate for the funeral at a difficult time with the current restrictions.

Lastly, thank you for the kind donations collected for Weldmar Hospicecare

IN MEMORIAM

ROY PIKE OF TODBER, would like to thank the paramedics from Dorchester and all the doctors nurses and surgeons at both Dorchester and Southampton hospitals for all their care during his recent stay

EVELEIGH, HELEN MARGARET

GERALD HUNT 1929 – 2021

Treasured memories of the dearest wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, daughter in law, and a special friend to many, who sadly passed away 21st March 2020. For ever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

DEATHS SIMON JAMES TAYLOR Aged 58 years of Castle Cary, previously from Mappowder.

Passed away unexpectedly on the 1st March 2021.

Due to current restrictions a private funeral will take place.

28

The family of the late Gerald Hunt would like to thank relatives and friends for the many cards, flowers and condolences received on the recent passing of Gerald.

Grateful thanks to Bracher Bros and Rev Tim Heaton for their professional service.

Please accept this as our personal message of thanks.

DEATHS MABEL JEAN SWANTON (JEAN) On 7th March 2021, suddenly but peacefully at home aged 96 years of Guys Marsh.

A much loved wife to the late Jack, a loving mother to Bob, a totally amazing and adored nan and great nan and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Private family service – due to covid restrictions only limited mourners are able to attend. For those who wish to watch the service on Friday 26th March at 12 noon via zoom the link is as follows: https://view.wessexlive.tv/ jean-swanton-26-03-2021.

Donations, if desired, to The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset.

SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

MARJORIE PATRICIA WATTRIDGE known as 'Pat' Passed away peacefully on March 1st 2021 at The Hayes, Sherborne aged 95yrs.

Previously of Stour Provost and Stalbridge.

A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Family funeral service to be held at Stour Provost church.

To make an online donation in memory of Pat please visit her Tribute site at: funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations or send a cheque made payable to: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance c/o Co-operative Funeralcare, Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BS, Tel: 01747 858968.

STOPFORD WINIFRED MARY (Mary) Peacefully at home in Sedgehill on 26th February 2021, just two days before her 100th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frank.

Much loved mother of Shirley and Dave, loving grandmother to Darren, Lucinda and Georgie. Also loved dearly by her five wonderful great grandchildren.

Private interment due to restrictions.

Donations if desired in memory of Mary, may be sent directly to STARS APPEAL, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road SP2 8BJ.

PETER WILLIAM EVANS Passed away peacefully on 22nd February 2021 aged 88 years.

Reunited with his wife Audrey.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, 23rd March at Yeovil Crematorium. Please note, attendance of funeral services has been restricted.

If you wish to attend, please contact the Co-operative Funeralcare, Shaftesbury before attending on: 01747 858968. Please do not send flowers.

If desired, donations in memory of Peter can be made for The National Trust at funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations

Announcements REMEMBERING DENIS WAREHAM Dennis died peacefully on 21st March 2020. Covid meant we could only have a very private funeral and like many, were unable to share a thanksgiving for his life with friends.

Denis loved all aspects of country life – farming was in his blood. His many customers became his friends and to them he was always kind and helpful. Great times were had with Blandford NFU and he was a very proud president of Blandford YFC for many years. He loved racing, tug of war, was a hunt supporter and played in their skittles league until age overcame his team!

He enjoyed beating and supporting the Steam Fair for over 50 years – half of them with his beloved shepherd’s hut. A lifelong Saints supporter, his flag still flying in our garden.

Denis touched many lives with kindness and love and will be missed by many. Deeply missed by his ever-loving family – never to be forgotten. A life well lived. Sleep well, my darling Denis.

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29

Announcements LEHMAN KENNETH CHARLES Died peacefully at home on Saturday 27th February 2021, aged 97.

Much loved husband of the late Brenda, loving father of Jan, Richard, Claire and Emma, grandfather of seven and great grandfather of ten.

Private funeral due to covid restrictions.

Donations in memory of Ken are being invited for The Friends of St Michael the Archangel Church, North Cadbury. c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury BA22 7ES, Telephone 01963 440367.

SYLVIA DOREEN CURBISHLEY Formerly of Motcombe, passed away peacefully on 4th March at Rotherbank Care Home aged 93. Dearly loved wife of the late Norman, much loved mother to Sue and Di, grandmother to Chloe and Robin, and great-grandmother to baby Elliot. She will be greatly missed and remembered with love by us all.

Private cremation. Donations in her memory, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Research UK via memorygiving.com

NORTHOVER KEITH Aged 86 years of Galhampton.

On 6th March 2021, peacefully.

A dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Private funeral by invitation only. Donations in memory of Keith are being invited for Cancer Research UK or St Michael’s Church P.C.C, North Cadbury, C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367.

PHILLIPS, SARAH Formerly of Fontmell Magna, passed away peacefully at Brownscombe Nursing Home, Haselmere. Beloved mother of Emma and friend to many.

Donations in Sarah's memory in aid of Cancer Research or British Heart Foundation may be sent c/o 9A Chalet Hill, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0TQ

30

ALASTAIR BURT Suddenly at home in Marnhull on 15th February 2021, aged 57 years. Beloved son of Helen and the late Douglas. Dearly loved brother to Duncan and Malcolm and much loved uncle to Shannan and Elliott.

He will be sadly missed by all.

Private cremation due to restrictions.

Donations if desired, in memory of Alastair, may be sent directly to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Castle Road, Wellington TA21 9JQ

ROWLAND, PAULINE ANN Passed away after a short illness, bravely fought on the 11th March 2021 aged 67 at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved wife of Peter and loving mother, nan and sister.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Due to restrictions a private funeral will be held. Donations if desired to Cancer research may be sent to C/O Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Henstridge, BA8 0RB (01963) 362570

MILNE PAUL GEDDES Suddenly at home in Gillingham on 8th February 2021, aged 71 years.

Cremation on 25th March 2021.

To attend, please call in advance to Bracher Brothers, Gillingham Tel. 01747 822494

JULIETTE CORAL ANN RIDEOUT On 7th March 2021 peacefully at home with her family by her side, aged 74 years of Donhead St Mary.

A much-loved wife to Geoff, mum to Shelly and Sandra. A loving nan to Kyle, Emily, Georgie and Ella who will be sorely missed by all family and friends, but never forgotten. Private family service but donations if desired to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust or Dorset Health Care Charitable Fund (District Nurses) may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

WAKE PHILIP MILES (Yorkie) Aged 84 years of Castle Cary.

On 23rd February 2021, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital.

A much loved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Private cremation.

Donations in memory of Philip are being invited for Queen Camel Medical Centre Equipment Fund.

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

COOMBE RICHARD JOHN (John) Aged 75 years of Wincanton. On 7th March 2021, peacefully at West Abbey Nursing Home, Yeovil.

A much loved father, grampy, partner, brother, uncle and friend.

Private cremation.

Donations in memory of John are being invited for Bowel Cancer UK or Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park.

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

(01963) 440367.

Announcements

A J Wakely& Sons SANSOM DOROTHY Passed away peacefully at Whitecliffe Care Home, Blandford on 3rd March, aged 93 years. Loving wife of the late Ken, she will be sadly missed by her son Colin, daughter-in-law Beverley, her daughter Anne, son-in-law Mike, her grandchildren Christopher, Emma, Stuart, and all her family and friends. Private funeral service has been held, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR, Tel: 01258 453425 or at funeraldirector.co.uk/dorothy-sansom

Independent Family Funeral Directors Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available

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PETER JOHN RIGGS Peter passed away peacefully at home in Fonthill Bishop, on 4th March 2021 aged 89 years.

Much loved brother, brother in law, uncle and friend.

Peter will be greatly missed by us all.

Due to present covid restrictions there will be a private family cremation at Salisbury Crematorium on the 6th April at 11am, with a live video stream of the service.

Donations for Cancer Research in Peter's memory can be sent to Chris White Funeral Directors, South Street, Wilton SP2 0JS Tel 01722 567861.

Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ

pjfs@btinternet.com www.peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

Funeral directors’ Q&A Caroline Joyce Funeral Arranger/ Administrator for L C Hill & Son I became a funeral director as LC Hill & Son is a family run business, I followed in my father’s footsteps.

The best thing is making a very difficult and sad time more bearable for our families. The worst thing is not being able to give the families what they would like in a pandemic. We did offer webcasts so family and friends can pay their respects on the day.

L C Hill and Son was established in 1952 by Leonard Charles Hill in Mere. The team provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one. We also offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance. This will protect your family from rising costs and remove uncertainty about your wishes.

Philip George Wiseman Sadly passed away on 2nd February, aged 88, peacefully with his loving son by his side.

He will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A true Legend, founding member of Phil Wiseman and the Travellers, a local skiffle band, in the 1950s.

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Shaftesbury (01747) 853532 imere昀eld@aol.com Gillingham (01747) 835335 www.mhfd.co.uk “Ridgemount”, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

Rock on Dad, and take Peggy for a dance...

31

Letters

St Mary’s purchase is an excellent decision Your correspondent Mr Jeremy Bloomfield (Letters, March 5) is very damning of Dorset Council’s rationale in acquiring St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury.

I would urge Mr Bloomfield and others who harbour similar doubts about the council’s investment to think about their key aim of improving the provision of education within the county for young people with special educational needs.

There is a fast growing number of children who for diverse reasons cannot cope in mainstream education. This is a major social challenge across the whole country. Our own council has acted very progressively in acquiring this superb school to offer a chance for young people with special needs to get as good a start in life as the privileged pupils who enjoyed St Mary’s in previous years. Why shouldn’t disadvantaged young people have the best? I think this is a terrific move by the council, and St Mary’s is a school of which all Dorset rate payers can be very proud.

Stuart Jones Iwerne Minster n We are grateful to Simon Hoare MP for support after the very distressing experience of having found ourselves erroneously thinking we had sold our property, and therefore committing ourselves to an offer elsewhere, with our buyers then ‘pulling out’. This has left us with not only a tremendous amount of heartache and anxiety but also with the fact that we have let others down through no fault of our own.

The buying and selling of houses here in England is fraught with peril – with which Simon Hoare agreed, stating “the system is not fit for purpose” where seemingly would-be buyers (and perhaps vendors too} can and often do 32

be English now...”

John Longley Tisbury

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

pull out on the flimsiest of pretexts without any thought to the expense or any compensation already paid out to solicitors etc.

The estate agents are equally frustrated and upset on our behalf – they are doing their best under very difficult circumstances. We have lived all over the world and in other countries, an offer is legally binding and a deposit paid, whereafter if either party defaults, quite rightly the deposit is forfeited. We have been told everyone complains about the system, but nobody does anything about it. Well people, it is time to change this nefarious practice and have the law changed, which would benefit everyone concerned.

Distressed of Shaftesbury. n I am afraid that I cannot help Dora in her search for information (NBV, March 5) but those of us who grew up in the area after the last war remember

the camp well. Our farmhouse in West Knoyle had a downstairs room known as the ‘prisoners’ room’ as two Germans were billeted there to work on the farm. Escape was the last thing on their minds.

Gangs of prisoners were also taken to specific tasks in the neighbourhood They were content just to have a chance to leave the confines of the camp.

There were also Poles and Lithuanians at the camp after the war. They were known as DPs, Displaced Persons unable to return home as the Iron Curtain had overrun their countries. These men worked mainly in the building trade and on the farms. Their contribution to the workforce was huge.

On our farm we were fortunate to employ one. He remained with us until near retirement.

My father offered for him to visit Lithuania when the country eventually opened up and I remember his reply to this day.

“Thank your father, John, but I

n Andrew Murrison (March 5) clearly does not like energyfrom-waste – at least not on his patch. But he offers no alternative for disposing of nonrecyclable plastics. The options appear to be landfill or export to third-world countries, neither of which we would wish to encourage.

The environment debate is bedevilled by those who engage in tunnel vision about one aspect while ignoring the potential conflict with other aspects. Of course, we should be concerned about CO2 emissions, but waste plastic is also one of the worst problems.

Indeed we want incinerators to be run to high standards, but surely it is better to generate some return from disposing of waste rather than just burying it.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne n Before anyone imposes more 20mph limits in Dorset, would someone please ensure the existing limits are enforced.

Bath Road in Sturminster Newton has nine intersections, and there is no continuous stretch of pavement either side of the road between the High School and the town, so pedestrians have to cross the road at some point before they reach the traffic lights and pedestrian crossing. Numerous cars are parked in the road often obstructing the view of oncoming traffic from drivers coming out of any of the side roads or their own driveways.I would guess at least half the vehicles exceed the speed limit, some by quite a margin. Would whoever is responsible please either install a camera or arrange occasional police checks.

Pip Taylor

Letters n Undoubtedly the NHS and health workers are worthy of our admiration and thanks for their efforts during this terrible pandemic.

Other sections of the public have also been constant and reliable. I refer to the good folk who work in the supermarkets.

They have remained cheerful and helpful in spite of being in danger of contacting covid-19 on a daily basis.

Our grandson works in ASDA in Gillingham and he, together with all the other members of the staff have earned our thanks for keeping us watered (with red wine.) All the other supermarkets have also served the public well so thanks to them as well.

Well done and many thanks, Ron Lambert Gillingham n The draft Dorset Local Plan is very long and complex.

This is often a sign of undue haste. Well-intentioned efforts have been made to consult the public in these difficult times but they have not amounted to a thorough-going consultation.

This is the first plan of a new authority and initial consultations were also limited.

We have the second highest ccouncil tax rate in the country.

It is less than acceptable to then have second rate outputs.

The plan has weak foundations. It is based on 2011 census data, on 2019 economic data and takes no account of the effects of covid, Brexit nor any quantified response to the declared climate emergency. During this year it is also likely there will be new planning system legislation including changes to affordable housing and there will be new environmental actions from COP26.

We are told we need the plan quickly to protect us from unwarranted developments.

This suggests that having any plan is more important than the right plan. This explains why

Harriet’s a super snapper!

Our daughter Harriet Atkins, who is 10 years old, managed to take these perfectly timed and amazing pictures of her pet baby lambs Poppy & Rambo.

We thought they were such fantastic photographs.

It is Harriet’s 11th birthday on Thursday, March 11 and it would make her day to see her photographs make the local paper as she is a very keen photographer.

Shaun & Lisa Atkins we mainly see the plans of the former districts rather than fresh input, extensive and intensive local consultation and the development of an integrated approach for the whole county.

The targets in the draft plan amount to an annual build of 1,793 houses and an additional almost 30% contingency against failure by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and/or New Forest authorities to meet their targets. Even the lower figure of 30,481 houses over the 17 years of the Plan is considerably above anything achieved in the recent past, is above any clear demographic requirement and is matched by a similarly unsubstantiated target of 21,000 new jobs.

There is no rationale for the targets other than being the result of central government formulae. There is little in the draft plan about how we will meet the stretch these targets represent. The worst kind of plan is one that knows it is likely to fail.

To enjoy the confidence of all our communities, the Local Plan should comprise those critical few, big ticket strategies to meet a common vision and the core requirements of sustainable growth and a secure land supply. The balance of the plan should then be community-led, in line with current best practice across the nation.

Communities across the county have embraced the Neighbourhood Plan process and deserve to be heard.

On the jobs front, yes, growth has arisen in financial services and in associated digital systems and services. The focus for both has been predominantly, although not exclusively, in BCP. There is a major national concern about future employment and revenues as a result of Brexit and there is bound to be a hiatus in the sector.

The county’s agricultural economy will undergo change as the UK moves to a new regime under environmental land management, coupled

with changes resulting from Brexit affecting key sectors.

There needs to be a deep dialogue with the sector and the development of strategies that address food production, climate change, tourism and rural employment on an integrated basis. Failure in this sector could be catastrophic for the character of the county.

The combined effect of Brexit and covid may result in a greater demand for tourism and tourist accommodation and activity in Dorset; there may also be even greater demand for retirement and/or second homes in the county. The draft plan is silent on such effects and the required transport and services.

The pace of this draft plan process, its uncertain foundations and the minimal time for consultation all undermine its strength and, more importantly, undermine democracy and democratic accountability.

Mike Chapman Deputy Chair, North Dorset Liberal Democrats 33

Food & Drink

Modern dairy farm in same family for 90 years

By Karen Bate Sitting on the edge of Sherborne, Castle Farm has been home to the Dimond family for almost 90 years.

On this farmland, which stretches through the valley in front of Sherborne Old Castle towards Crackmore Woods, Ian, his wife Dawn and daughter Georgie farm a herd of 140 pedigree Holstein cows in this idyllic setting.

In 2011 Ian and Dawn were given the prestigious award of Master Breeder Herd, a rare accolade for high level stockmanship resulting in top quality pedigree cows.

Dawn said: “We have recently installed 2 Lely A5 Astronaut ‘robots’ to automatically milk the cows. This amazing technology allows the cows to choose when and how often they want to be milked, thereby giving the cows much

more freedom of choice and a relaxed lifestyle.

“During the spring and summer months the cows graze the fields around our farm as long as the weather is good! In the winter when it is too wet and cold to be out, they are housed in a large spacious building with comfy cubicle beds and an all-day breakfast buffet!”

Dawn added: “All of the cows are cared for on an individual basis. We truly do know our cows, many have their own unique characteristics and personalities. The Health and Welfare of our cows comes before anything else.”

The milk is pasteurised on the farm, in the new purpose built pasteurising room through a flow pasteuriser.

Although the milk is pasteurised it has not been through the industrial

processes of homogenisation and standardisation, meaning it retains all of its wholesome natural flavour and quality and once it has settled, cream will rise to the top.

Dawn said: “If you are not keen on this, just give the bottle a shake to mix it back in. We then place it into our

milk vending machine ready to sell directly to you. The milk can be in your fridge within 24 hours of the cows being milked.”

The milk vending machine is open Wednesday to Sunday, 8am-6pm. castlefarmdairy@hotmail.com facebook@castlefarmdairy

Popeye’s right – there’s so much good in spinach As the weather has not decided if we are truly entering spring just yet and the evenings still have a chill about them, I have opted for another comforting dish.

This time showcasing swede and spinach. Perhaps an unlikely pairing, but one worth trying, I assure you.

Spinach has long been renowned as a nutritional powerhouse, historically believed to increase energy and vitality, and improve the quality of the blood. It is well known as a great source of iron, and while plant sources of iron are less efficiently absorbed than meat sources, its absorption is boosted by vitamin C, of which spinach is also a great source. A great example of nature solving a problem, as it so frequently does. Spinach is also a good source of vitamin K, B2, B6, B1, E, carotenes, manganese, and magnesium. Swede is a 34

Rebecca Vincent is a Wincanton nutritionist

good source of vitamins E and C as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium and of course fibre. Swede makes a great mash and is frequently added to stews, but this recipe uses it a little differently.

Swede and spinach gratin (serves 4-6) 1 medium swede 100g fresh spinach 300ml pot crème fraiche 60g grated cheese 2 garlic cloves (grated) Few sprigs fresh thyme

Pinch of black pepper Heat the oven to 180 and set a small pan on the hob on a medium-low heat.

Mix the crème fraiche, cheese, garlic, thyme, and black pepper in the pan and let it gently warm through.

Meanwhile peel the swede, cut in half and slice into approximately 1/2 cm thick half circles (easiest on a thick mandolin setting).

Wash and dry the spinach.

In an oven proof dish, layer the spinach and swede, adding a little of the crème fraiche mix between each.

Grate a little cheese over the top and pop in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the swede is soft when tested with a knife or skewer and the top is golden. This is lovely as a side to your Sunday roast or a delicate fish dish.

Rebecca Vincent BSc BANT registered nutritionist rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Old Fashioned Tea Bread

Soak the dried fruit in the tea overnight: keep it covered.

Combine the flour and raising agents and sieve half over the mixture. Stir thoroughly into the mix.

Add the egg and incorporate it gradually followed by the remaining flour. Stir in the sugar.

Ease the mixture into the prepared tin. Smooth the top with the back of a tablespoon dipped in water.

Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean: don’t over-bake or it will be too dry. Brush the top with melted butter whilst still warm.

And if the sun’s out, you can always take your tea bread into the garden.

Sometimes you just want to tuck up inside with a hot cup of tea and a nice slice of old fashioned tea bread. Here’s a lovely simple one: there’s no fat in the mix for those wishing to be abstemious, or you can butter it generously in the traditional manner.

It’s also good with thin slices of cheese: or it eat on its own as a moist fruit cake.

Usually made in a loaf tin, you can also use a round cake tin: cut slices across the cake for buttering or wedges if you are eating as a fruit cake.

Ingredients 400g mixed dried fruit and peel 200ml hot tea (Earl Grey or good old builders’ brew work equally well) 75g soft dark brown sugar 225g plain flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1 large egg, beaten Plus Melted butter for finishing, optional Method Preheat oven to 180C (160C

Tip When using silicone moulds always cool completely before turning out.

fan oven) gas mark 4 or equivalent.

You will need a ½kg (1lb)

Mum’s Kitchen...

Lemon Drizzle Cake Ingredients 225g butter, softened 225g caster sugar 4 eggs Finely grated zest of one lemon 225g self-raising flour Drizzle topping: Juice 1 ½ lemon 85g caster sugar Preheat oven to 180 or 160 fan oven.

Beat butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Beat in eggs a little at a time. Sift in flour, then add zest. Mix until well combined. Spoon into a loaf tin (8x 21cm) lined with non-stick paper and level top o mixture.

Bake 45-50 minutes.

While cake is cooking, mix lemon juice with sugar to make drizzle. Remove cooked cake, prick all over with a fork and spoon drizzle over cake whilst still hot.

buttered loaf tin or 20cm (8 inch) round deep cake tin or silicone mould

Check out Mrs Simkins’ website for more recipes: MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/MrsSimkinsCooks email: info@MrsSimkins.co.uk

with Diana Holman ENFORD FARM SHOP Home reared Lamb along with locally produced meat, veg, fruit, deli and game.

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HALF PIG APPROXIMATELY £100 (depending on weight) Open all day, everyday outside shop Fri, Sat Farm shop open 8.30am-5pm Also Arts disiplay Durweston, near Blandford.

01258 450050

35

Food & Drink

Remember pubs? Well, there are BARRY BROCK takes us on a tour of Sherborne’s old pubs, something we’ve missed doing for some time now...

Margaret Read wrote to The New Blackmore Vale recently to say she was going to search out Sherborne’s old pubs – what a great idea!

Pubs have been part of the English way of life for so long and Sherborne used to have so many more pubs – most of them now gone.

It is not hard to work out why, as our lives are so different now in these changing times. In the past, men and women would come in from the surrounding villages for the markets and fairs, and coaches bound for Exeter and London would stop off at the inns on the A30, that great western highway.

Not much of this happens any more, and travellers and marketgoers seldom have time to stop for a refreshing drink.

This is why so many inns and pubs have closed since the Second World War: I can think of the Antelope, Black Horse, Castle, Crown, Digby, Greyhound, Queen’s Head, Swan, New Inn and Woolmington.

And the records tell us that there were many more pubs in Sherborne before that – I have found 90 pub names used in the town at one time or another, although that includes name changes, two of them fairly recent.

Now all we’re left with is just 10 pubs and hotels, starting in the north of the town: n The Carpenters Arms was until recently the 36

HERE FOR THE BEER: The Antelope and, below, The George

Pictures: BARRY BROCK

If you want to learn more, Sherborne Museum publishes a range of local history booklets, including one of mine entitled Sherborne Pub Walks, south of the museum. (Booklets describing walks to the north and east are to follow).

Due to be published shortly and not to be missed is Treasures of Sherborne Museum, by Curator Elisabeth Bletsoe. Details of all Sherborne Museum’s publications may be found on sherbornemuseum.co.uk and purchased via Biblio Books, biblio.co.uk.

Mermaid and moved up from South Street in 1929 to take advantage of the new houses being built in the Bristol Road area. n The George, oldest of them all, old even when Sir Walter Raleigh might have called in for a drink – dating from the 13th century or

earlier, although the present building dates from the 16th century.

n The Cross Keys, with its spectacular inn sign and striking brick façade, was already in existence in 1756.

n The White Hart, which has a name that was moved from a predecessor inn in Castleton in the 18th century but was probably an inn before that.

n The Eastbury Hotel, the youngest of them and not really a pub, but with a cosy bar, was originally a private house and converted to a hotel in the 1930s.

Food & Drink

still ten of them around Sherborne a stone terrace of houses built for silk workers, thankfully reverted to an earlier name, after being misspelled briefly as the Teddy Rowe; this pub was originally the Traveller’s Rest.

CHEERS ALL ROUND: The Plume of Feathers and, below, The Cross Keys and The Digby Tap

n The Half Moon, substantially rebuilt in the 1930s, and another inn first mentioned in 1756, but older than that – the road outside was named after the inn.

but could be older (the Plume is named after Henry, Prince of Wales and his badge of ostrich feathers – Henry was Lord of the Manor of Sherborne until his death in 1612).

n The Plume of Feathers occupies a building constructed in the late 1600s

n The Britannia is a 19th century inn, although the building is older – the

southern part was originally a school. n The Digby Tap, at one time the parish workhouse, was opened in 1870 as an adjunct of the Digby Hotel – still as popular as ever with locals and visitors alike. n Skippers, at the end of

My father was a Sherborne innkeeper and I’ve been collecting information about Sherborne’s pubs and breweries for several years, hopefully for publication in a book I’m provisionally calling Better than Church.

The title comes from a quotation by visionary poet and painter, William Blake, who said: “A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there’s more conversation.”

This was true in Blake’s time, and in my own youth, and it is still true now. We can still find the conversation and the warmth, and more than likely the opportunity for a good meal too.

But can our pubs survive these present circumstances?

Will they still be there when we need them?

The covid-19 epidemic with its lockdowns has already closed many pubs and those that are left need our support when restrictions are lifted.

Visit any of Sherborne’s pubs and hotels and find yourself immersed in a part of the town’s history. Enjoy a glass of beer and a plate of good food and remember – pubs matter! n If you have personal knowledge of any of Sherborne’s old pubs, whether now closed or still open, and would like to share this with me, then do get in touch with reporter Steve Keenan at sport@ blackmorevale.net who has my contact details.

37

Food & Drink

Roger’s pleased to meet you with

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Butcher Roger Else is still cutting it as he celebrates 60 years in the business, surrounded by friends, family and very loyal customers.

The award-winning Else Family Butchers have been firmly embedded in the Stalbridge community since Roger bought the butcher shop when his former boss Michael Cameron retired in 1994. However, Roger’s smiling face has been a familiar sight in the town after he began working for Michael in the butcher shop next door to the Post Office in 1972. With a strong dislike of school, Roger left Sturminster Newton High School at the tender age of 14, when he was told by headmaster Mr Dawes, he could only leave if he had a job to go to. His Uncle Tom told him

MEAT THE TEAM: Roger with his sons and, below, hard at work and, inset, with Brenda

about a butcher’s job available with Harold Carter in Sturminster in the premises, which is

38

now the fish and chip shop.

No interview was needed and Roger started work a week before Easter 1961.

Roger of course was delighted and didn’t bat an eyelid at his 6am starts, riding his bicycle from his Stourton Caundle home and once at work, pedalled the trade bike to the slaughter house at Manston several times a day earning just

£2/15 shillings, of which he would give his mum £1, leaving him just £1/15 shillings to save.

Eventually Roger was taught how to use a knife and would spend months skinning lambs and deboning pigs’ heads. After 18 months, when he was refused a pay rise of just five shillings a week, he left and joined Mr Jackson at Milborne Port.

Food & Drink

meat to please you, for sixty years

COUNTER ON US: Julian, Brenda and Roger, and, below, a young Roger and, right, the family shop

Roger said: “I was able to do more butchery and given the opportunity to learn to drive the delivery van. I remember passing the test without a proper driving lesson.

“You could in those days.”

After another pay rise refusal, Roger joined Albert Gray in Stalbridge.

He was given a new van and delivered meat to all the villages in the area.

Romance blossomed on his

rounds when Roger met Brenda.

The pair fell in love and married in 1968. Julian was born in 1971, followed by Martyn and Nicholas.

Roger said: “After two years I joined Michael Cameron, who had just taken ownership of the butcher shop opposite the chemist.

“In 1972 Michael bought the house next door to the Post office and opened a

butcher’s shop and I continued to work with Michael for 25 years, until he retired.”

Julian learned the ropes of butchery at Cameron’s Butchers, where he worked alongside Roger for two years.

Julian said: “I would like to thank my dad for all the great years working together, the laughs along the way and the great

memories and stories we have made. I very much am looking forward to the years ahead.”

After Roger took over the shop, Brenda joined along with Julian and Else Family Butcher’s was born.

Roger said: “As a team of eight, we achieved some incredible things.

“People would start queuing up on a Thursday and the trade would be remain strong until Saturday lunchtime.

“Our displays and personal detail to everything we sold gave us the creditability which is still strong today.

“We won an award for being Best Butchers in Dorset three times, and were one of the first to be awarded the Q award for quality.

“We received an invitation to HRH The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for service to the public and we were asked to judge the Christmas Fatstock Market in Scotland.”

Roger and his wife Heidi took over the shop in 2012 when Roger semi-retired, although he still works two mornings a week and covers holidays.

He said: “I’ve been so lucky going to work every single day doing the job I’ve loved.

“Over the years I’ve met and made many friends and customers who have all made many memories, the good, the bad and funny, but most of all the shop is my happy place, standing behind the counter selling, chatting and butchering.”

Else Family Butchers prides themselves on supplying locally sourced, ethically farmed meat with quality producers and say they ‘wholeheartedly support our local farmers’.

39

Antiques & Collectibles

Great prices achieved Acreman St Antiques’ February auction saw strong bidding and some very good prices – the star item being the Charles I stumpwork picture that sold for £4,200. A C1674 small book on The Art Of Metals sold for £1,200 and other rare books sold well. There was fierce competition for all 235 lots of jewellery, which included 45 lots being sold on behalf of the Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal.

Items have been coming in thick and fast for their 26th March auction. The catalogue at easyliveauction.com, where live bidding will be held on the day. Commission bids can be taken by phone or email before 6pm on Thursday, 25th March.

A wonderful collection of Asian art & antiquities are on offer, to include Japanese woodblock prints, the earliest being a 1790s Okiyo-e-bijin woodblock of a woman holding a Kiseru tobacco pipe Est. £2,000-3,000, silk hand painted scrolls and screens, Bhutanese Thankas, Indian watercolours & Middle Eastern and Persian rugs & carpets to include a large (14’ x 8’8”) Persian Kerman

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers

Art & Design post 1880 25th March 10:30am Bidd online, by telephone, by commission bid Bi www.dukes-auctions.com 01305 265 080 enquiries@dukes-auctions.com

carpet with a floral border and Indigo tree decoration on a pale blue, pink and beige ground, Est. £500-1,000. From the same vendor is a collection of Jean Muir dresses and suits from the 1970s1990s, est £80-100.

In furniture they have three 1930s chairs from The Amsterdam School to include a pair of stylised hardwood framed chairs with original rattan seats, Est. £1,000-1,500. In jewellery thanks ‘Newlyn’ to generous donations there are 50 lots Alan Furneaux for the hospital’s appeal and in silver Estimate: £500 - £1,000 there’s an Elizabeth I silver seal top spoon Est. £100-200 & a later cased set of early matched silver gilt apostle ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES spoons Est. £300-400.

Auction Also on offer are many SHERBORNE lots of general antiques and collector’s items.

FINE ART, They are now taking in COLLECTABLES & for their April 30th GENERAL AUCTION auction by appointment.

Call Gill Norman on Friday 26th March 07908 333577 or 01935 ONLINE ONLY 508764 or email auction@acremanstreet through easyliveauction.com antiques.co.uk.

NEXT SALE Antiques & Collectables Saturday 10th April 10am start Colour catalogue available the week before at The.saleroom.com A late 18th early 19th & easylive An Art Nouveau & Crafts century Dutch Arts Louis XV enamel plaqueand depicting a style walnut marquetry auction.com lady. Sold for £1,350 inlaid cylinder bombe commode. Sold for £1,450

Please contact Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk

40

GOOD CONDITION VINYL RECORDS WANTED Larger collections preferred. No classical please, cash paid 07831266478

We are now taking in for our 30th April Auction For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

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01202 579571 enquiries@canfordmagna.com | canfordmagna.com | Follow us on Facebook 41

Home & Garden

Group’s hard work starting to pay off

By Karen Bate Much work has been taking place in the Fontmell Garden over lockdown.

Volunteers have been working hard, turning the garden behind the surgery in Fontmell Magna into a flower garden as a green prescription for the community.

The garden signs have been completed, and a collection of beautiful, painted plant signs have been created and members of the craft club have been busy sewing and crocheting bunting.

And while the seeds and seedlings are growing, so too are funds as the project received £567 from the Tesco Groundworks Programme for raised

Volunteers at the gardens and, inset, some of the seedlings being raised

troughs, compost and two Captain Tom roses.

Resident Joy Murphy is sponsoring a tree for the garden in memory of her late

husband Patrick. Volunteers are needed for Saturday, April 24 between 10am and 1pm to plant buddleia donated by Judy Westgate,

assemble and fill three troughs under the trees for the under-fives to plant out and fill troughs outside the village hall with compost.

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Home & Garden

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Tomatoes are the most cultivated greenhouse vegetable (fruit) in Britain, and rightly so because nothing beats the flavour of your own fruits.

They are easy to cultivate but can quickly get out of hand. During summer they grow rapidly when temperatures rise above 15 ˚C. If they experience cold then, like us, they turn a bluish hue but quickly recover. This is not surprising as they originate from the warmer climes of Central and South America. They grow naturally as vines supported by other vegetation and scrambling along the ground rooting as they travel. This ungainly habit can be tricky and often needs taming.

Success is found by avoiding a ‘thicket’ of stems, which seldom produce large numbers of quality fruit and provides perfect conditions for mildew to develop as soon as the weather cools in autumn.

Unless you grow the dwarf types, the usual scenario is that plants grow fast as the weather warms, then within a short period they reach the eaves of the greenhouse. Then faced with a dilemma: do you train them up the greenhouse roof; keep removing the tops to prevent them getting any bigger; or let them flop around and do their own thing?

Last year, I decided to adopt a different approach, termed a double cordon, borrowed from training apple trees. A double cordon allows two trucks to an apple tree, normally trained against a wall. Back to tomatoes, when plants reach 20cm in height remove the growing tip (this is easily rooted if more plants are needed). Removal of the tip encourages side shoots. Select two of the strongest, removing the remainder. Transfer your plant to its final location and treat each of the plant’s two stems as if they were two separate plants. Tie each to its own cane or string separated by around 20cm. Remove all side shoots that develop, allowing just the two stems to grow. This produces a double stemmed on one root system.

Dividing the plant’s resources in this

way produces a shorter, much more manageable and productive specimen.

Cherry tomatoes can be even more vigorous than the larger fruited types.

We are encouraged to leave the side shoots to create a ‘bush’. With this method I personally find them to be productive early in the season but as their growth rate increases flowers are lost in foliage and they set fruit poorly. The best crop I have seen was by selecting several stems and removing side shoots along their length. This allows a more manageable plant, provides air circulation around the flowers increasing pollination and subsequent crop.

Tomatoes are certainly worth a try if you have not grown them previously.

If you don’t have a greenhouse there many cultivars suitable for outdoor cultivation and if blessed with a warm summer your crops could be bumper. Next time we will explore hardy cacti. soilvalues.com

Soil Testing Service Professional laboratory soil tests

• gardeners • landscapers • small holders

Wild昀ower meadows, veg, fruit, 昀ower, new & established gardens.

Fast, accurate & easy to interpret soil report within 7 days

www.soilvalues.com 07598 714 082

Home & Garden

Season Barn Dry Logs 20 miles radius of Sherborne

Tel: 01935 815534

WELL ROTTED HORSE MANURE Delivery available, 01258 472893

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HEDGE CUTTING, pruning, coppicing and land clearance using Stihls electric equipment causing less noise and pollution.

Call David 07786 658708

LOGS LOGS WELL SEASONED HARDWOOD WELL SEASOND HARDWOOD

LES BENHAM GARDEN PROPERTY MAINTENANCE All hedge/tree work, rubbish clearance, gravel driveways, pressure washing, patio and fencing work. Fully insured.

Free quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / checkatrade

A A FRAMPTON, seasoned hardwood logs, full load, 2.2 cu metres, £135, half load, £80. Dumpy Bags £55,Call 07860 242485, 01747 826408

SEASONED LOGS FOR SALE: Barn stored ash, beech and oak, dumpy bags delivered £70.

01963 23733 07967 929055 07903 535745

LAWN SCARIFYING, Moss and thatch removal Tel 01747 821 726

GARDENING MAINTENANCE, over 8 years’ experience.

Can do painting & some handyman jobs.

07526 529234

Cut & split to your requirement Various size loads delivered from £140.00 1.6m³ Tel: 01258 857 824 | 07741 463 605 Card payment accepted

GREENHOUSES WANTED, Any size, buyer will dismantle.

01747 860637

CONSERVATORY OWNERS: IS YOUR CONSERVATORY TOO COLD IN WINTER & TOO HOT IN SUMMER? We turn conservatories into really comfortable rooms you can use every day of the year, whatever the weather, guaranteed For a free quote call 0333 242 3870 conservatoryinsulationspecialists.co.uk

GUTTERS CLEARED Windows, fascias, soffits, gutters cleaned, repairs, free estimates 07788 376752

DORSET RURAL GARDENING Regular maintenance or one off tidy ups available. Please call or text 07787 544626

VEG PLOT TO LET Rural location near Shaftesbury. 30x15m. £100 pa or in produce 07940 805747 GREENHOUSES supplied/erected alloy/ten colours spares-repairsglass. Chris Abrams 01258 452632

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, sheds, lean tos, roofing & cladding, collection and dismantling by registered hazardous waste carrier. Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

North Dorset Tree Surgeons Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872 970741 Professional

Experienced

Reliable

J & J SMALL FENCING JOBS New or repair no VAT 07388 038650

ROB’S CLEARANCE: House, shed and site clearance. Rubbish removed. Recycling carried out.

Good/interesting items purchased for cash.

Friendly and reliable.

01747 839751/ 07956 414896

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £145 double load £85 half load 01258 880892 07980 036250 GARDENING maintenance, references gladly provided. 07731 646505

HEDGING PLANTS

40-60cm Green Beech £128/100 Hornbeam £134/100 Quickthorn £126/100 & Blackthorn £143/100 For list and availability Call WILLIAMS GARDEN CENTRE

01963 362355 williams-florist.co.uk Station Rd, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ

TREEWISE GARDEN SUPPLIES AT

We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Fully insured and NPTC quali昀ed.

WANTED - garden ornaments, garage clearance and also old tools wanted. good prices paid, Mere 01747 860637

Seed Potatoes Now In Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets & Shallots Summer Flowering Bulbs, Seeds, Compost, and Garden Sundries Williams Florist, Station Rd, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ

Tel: 01963 362355

williams-florist.co.uk

Normal Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

Experts in all aspects of TREE SURGERY, HEDGECUTTING & STUMP REMOVAL NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations.

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

45

Home & Garden GRASS & BRUSH CUTTING Orchards, paddocks, plantations etc.

Sweet smell of freedom

ROTAVATING

Rough ground to seed bed

MINI DIGGER/SLEW and high lift DUMPER MOSS PROBLEM

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Scarifying, spiking & coring

PATIO & PATH CLEANING etc.

Call 01963 237890 24/7 D KING & SON TREE & GARDEN SERVICES 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Treework, hedge cutting, fencing, gravelling, paths & patios laid Pressure washing, all waste taken to a licensed tip.

Fully quali昀ed & insured.

ALL AREAS COVERED 07831 091239 E: david.king63@aol.co.uk

TJ Allard Tree Surgery

Professional tree care, 15 years experience NPTC qualified & Fully insured

t Felling and removal t Crown reductions & thinning t Specialists in large trees t Tree dismantling & pollarding t Site clearance & mulching t Stump grinding t Fencing t Ground work Tel: 01747 838342 Mob: 07825786449

Tree Tree Surgery.

Surgery. Reductions.

Reductions. Felling.

Felling.

Hedge Trimming.

Stump Grinding.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding.

Woodchip Woodchip supplies. supplies.

Family run business Family run business since since 1946 1946 Tel: 01963 250005 Tel: 01963 250005 Mobile: Mobile: 07976 07976 934 934 252 252 www.bandgdown.co.uk 46

Get boilers on finance

Keyneston Mill, the creative and experimental home of Parterre Fragrances, where they grow the key ingredients for their own luxury, niche perfumes, has opened its doors to visitors. You can wander the 50-acre estate near Blandford and enjoy a takeaway coffee or picnic.

Soon, their programme of creative spring activities will be underway. The focus will be on the outdoors, making full use of the beautiful estate and riverside location. From April 12 scented garden tours

and landscape painting, garden photography and floristry sessions will be running (plus posy-making for children). A delicious lunch menu will be available in their attractive café garden, in addition to the picnics.

Then from mid-May their very popular outdoor cinema evenings will be back, plus perfume blending, jewellery-making, silkdyeing and embroidery.

Something for everyone! For information and booking go to keynestonmill.com

HAYTER HARRIER 56 22inch serviced and repainted in hammerite green £250 ono. Telephone 01747 822411.

TOPSOIL ALWAYS AVAILABLE Barn stored, screened or as-dug. Small or large amounts. Tel: 01963 363208 07836 747895

If you find yourself needing a new boiler but would like to stick within a budget Total Energy Services offer a range of flexible payment methods.

Our family run business has provided homes and businesses with heating and plumbing services for over 25 years. We are proud to offer boiler finance across our Worcester Bosch gas and oil-fired boilers.

So, if your new boiler has come as a surprise or at a bad time, why not enquire about our flexible payment options?

What are my finance options?

It is remarkably simple; we have different options depending on what would suit you. You could spread the cost over 2, 5 or 10 years. This gives you the flexibility to buy a new boiler without paying all in one go.

Free, no obligation surveys for all jobs We offer free, no obligation surveys on all works carried out and our quotations are fixed with no hidden extras.

If you are looking for an honest and reliable heating and plumbing provider then why not get in touch with our friendly office on 01258 472132?

Reliable and professional family run business If you need a trustworthy company to help with your boiler, you can depend on Total Energy Services to be there for you, no matter the issue.

If you are looking for a new boiler or any heating or plumbing job no matter how small call Total Energy Services on 01258 472132.

Local Services REFURBISH YOUR STAIRS AND JOINERY

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

NO OBLIGATIOND SURVEY AN PRICING

INSTALLATION

BY OUR OWN TEAM

www.bell-associates.co.uk

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE Let us design it for you as part of our great value advertising package.

Call Debi Thorne on 07876 563683 or email debi.thorne@icloud.com

New of refurbished stairs using our contemporary glass or quality stop chamfered/ traditional turned newels, spindles, handrails and mouldings.

WE ALSO MANUFACTURE BESPOKE DOORS AND WINDOWS

01202 825 555 21 Black Moor Rd, Ebblake Ind Est, Verwood, BH31 6AX

www.briggs-products.co.uk

JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE 07495 922821 Comfortable, spacious and clean estate cars.

For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work.

Distance no object, day trips and special occasions.

Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

ELECTRICIAN Small jobs to full rewires. Testing and certification. Fusebox upgrades. Prompt, quality service at reasonable rates (no VAT). Call Alan 8am8pm 07388 696147.

Email alanaac@me.com FOOTINGS, driveways, drains, bulk excavation and farm tracks. Call 07955 808983

5 star Google rating. JUST ASK!

WELL ROTTED HORSE MANURE Delivery available, 01258 472893

Seedling

Painting & Renovation A local company specialising in painting and renovating properties from Grade II Listed to new builds, including properties prior to sale or being re-let.

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

30 years of experience.

A very high standard, as standard.

I am adhering to all Covid-19 guidelines, working within vacant properties if possible.

Fully insured, no VAT. Free no obligation quote.

Simon Jackson: 07492 906 959 seedlingpainting@hotmail.com

solidfuel3@aol.com solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

Your heating and plumbing specialists

Damp Control Timber Treatments Dry Rot Condensation Control 30-Year Bonded Guarantee

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382 Mobile: 07881 504426 Email: maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk

Serving the West Country for 40 years SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE

• New boilers; Gas, LPG & Oil Boilers • Worcester Bosch & Grant Gold Installer • Bathrooms • Plumbing • Renewables

The same team are still providing Pete White’s friendly service

FREE

no obligation quotes

• Domestic & commercial 01258 472132 • 01747 250010 • 01963 580010 INFO@TOTALENERGY.CO.UK TOTALENERGY.CO.UK

01963 370924 email: orders@wessexwaste.co.uk 47

Local Services GRAHAM'S WINDOWS & DOORS More than 15 years’ experience installing high quality UPVC windows and doors, conservatories, warm roofs & aluminium. We provide the very best products with a wide range of colours and designs.

See our reviews on Facebook: facebook.com/GrahamsWindows We are a Yeovil-based, family-run business, covering Dorset, Somerset and the South West. Reasonable prices and friendly service!

grahamswindowsanddoors.co.uk

Phoenix Chimneys

& Property Maintenance Clive Young carries out Chimney Sweeping Solid Fuel Stove Servicing & Repairs All Chimney Work Birdguards & Cowls Repointing & Leadwork

Call 01258 455947

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS, Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens etc, Call Darren or Jason 07979 976514

Based in Wincanton

Tel: 07931 583614

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

Sherborne Guitar Tuition 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com LOCAL LOCKSMITH 2 Counties Locksmith Covering Shaftesbury & Gillingham Tel 07747 488587 Member of the master Locksmith’s Association HARGRAVES LANDSCAPE AND DEMOLITION. Call us now for a free quotation on 07871 327962.

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

PLANNING CONSULTANT

Local, Quality Painter & Decorator

Site appraisals Planning applications Appeals Planning drawings Advice

35 Years Experience Free Quotes • No VAT Call Richard on

Home: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825 512 627 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

LES BENHAM Painting Services Property maintenance domestic/ commercial Inside or Out. Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk

/ checkatrade ALL IRONWORK Handrails, gates, railings, repairs., restoration. 01258 880301 K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & Vacuum A.P.I.C.S Registered 01963 370038

Now available... Rockery Stone

D&T Plumbing and Heating

Competitive Rates

Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk 48

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

01963 371180 0789 4020 735

www.whiteacreplanning.com

Mullins Garden Services

Lawn Mowing Hedge Cutting Strimming Clearances Please enquire on (M) 07585334780 or (H) 01258473502 for a free quote Covering Sturminster Newton and surrounding areas.

Tom the Roofer I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

Davies & Sons – Builders All aspects of building works undertaken Over 20 years of experience FMB Registered since 2002 For a free no obligation quote Call Mark on 07525834551 or Email: davies.mark66@yahoo.com Find us at fmb.org.uk Search for Davies and Sons or our postcode BA10 0DZ

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP Installations, servicing and maintenance

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG •General Plumbing •Bathrooms •Landlord Certification •Solid Fuel Stove Installation and Servicing

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

HEATING AND PLUMBING

Sand Gravel Stone Cement Blocks etc Supplied Loose or in Big Bags

PAINTING & DECORATING

LTD

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered

( 07530 693187

FREE D AN QUOTESATES IM T S E

01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com

Local services

ADVERTISE HERE: CALL 01963 400186

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

Quantum Locksmiths •24 Hour Call Out •UPVC Repairs •Key Cutting •Lock Changes •DBS Checked •No VAT

Flushing

• Condensing and

Combination Boilers

Call: 07900-196427 01258 721236 Email: info@quantumlocksmiths.co.uk Follow us on

• Natural Gas, LPG and Oil • Central Heating and Power

01258 446186 07973 183658

Follow us on

www.quinnsheating.com

• Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling

• All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

General building Extensions/Renovations Loft conversions Oak frame buildings Groundwork/Landscaping All your property needs Tel: 01747 851149 Mobile: 07979 527379 email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

Over 30 years experience

SKIP HIRE ALL AREAS COVERED ALL SIZE OF SKIP AVAILABLE PLEASE RING

CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME

Best prices paid please call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 49

Local Services For all your fencing and decking needs Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

SHINY STOVES WOOD OVEN CLEANING DORSET TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building Traditional Building Specialist inc All Building WorkGAll aspects of Lime External and Internal Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

www.dorsetwood.co.uk Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

djwelsh@btinternet.com

Get connected. Stay connected.

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram Laptop Tablet Smartphone desktop PC

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE: 01258 861647

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

Crown Garden Care Lawn Service, Fencing, Hedges, Tree Work etc.

All Garden Maintenance Services Domestic & Commercial.

Fully Insured & Reliable.

Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921

A LEVEL & GCSE BIOLOGY TUTORING: Online or in person. Highly experienced teacher available for summer term 2021. Expert knowledge and understanding of examinations. For rates and availability call 07786 998144 HOME CLEANING AND HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE. Reliable, honest, experienced, meticulous standards.

Including all materials and equipment, DBS checked and fully insured.10 mile radius of Bere Regis. 07432 828381 JACK’S HOUSE CLEARANCE, Often without charge. Books also wanted for cash. 07542 389447. And website jackshouseclearance.co.uk VALE COMPUTERS : Repairs, servicing, upgrades If we can't fix it, we don't charge. New & used computers for sale. Broadband installations, Microsoft qualified staff, Call 01258 880442 or valecomputers.2006@btinternet.com DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk, 01963 371123 PIANO TUNING, REPAIRS, sales of reconditioned pianos. Julian Phillips BA CGLI 01258 471194

Paul’s Oil and Gas Services

AN EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE HANDYMAN, call Chris 01258 860826 or 07413 678076 FENCING AND REPAIRS, No VAT, Call Dave Whitehand on 07549 151799

Servicing, maintenance and call outs for domestic, commercial & catering natural gas, LPG and oil appliances.

Very competitive rates 40 years experience 01747 850395 or 07502 044896 email: stuartchardstuartchard@live.co.uk 50

SMALL CLEANING JOBS: OAPS welcome Hazel 07388 038650 SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE and Gutter Cleaning, fully insured. Call Harvey Gee on 07815 307497 01963 548226

Local Services PROPER DOMESTICS • APPLIANCE REPAIRS

& INSTALLATION

01747 416059

Need help with your holiday home?

www.properdomestics.com

J & C Handyman Services Plumbing Painting & decorating Basic electrical work Shed erecting & repairs Flat pack furniture

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, virus removal, new PC setup/installation,internet connection, upgrades, computer/ software tuition. Call Gregg on 01963 370713

Shelves & curtain rails Door hanging & skirting boards Fencing Guttering & facia’s Pointing etc...

No job to small Please call with your requirements 01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com

Quantity Surveying Estimating Surveying Dispute Resolution

A bespoke and unique changeover property management experience for those wanting to take the ‘hassle’ out of letting their holiday homes

WASHING MACHINES

DEAD OR ALIVE

07761 578482

HOUSE CLEAR CL ARAN ANCE CE HOU Plus; Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Joseph Crocker Computers

All Size Skips Available IR E

T F PLANT

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Trade and DIY welcome Ring for enquiries

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Gillingham 01747 826107 Trusted family run business

ESTABLISHED 1988

All aspects of Surfacing Roads Drives Footpaths Drop Kerbs Resin Bond Drives

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 01963 23669 or 07484 690824 josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

R&W FENCING SERVICES All types of fencing, agriculture and domestic. 01258 880892/ 07980 036250

B.LUCAS General builder

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

J & C Handyman Services Plumbing Painting & decorating Basic electrical work Shed erecting & repairs Flat pack furniture

Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop, laptop and mobile device diagnosis and repair General computer and IT advice

25 Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

Of昀ce: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved

01963 364553 07966 496299 www.ecrservices.co.uk

CASH PAID FOR

Tel: 01258 440838 Or: 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com

PH

Free on site estimates No VAT No job too big or too small

££££££

www.northdorsetchangeovers.co.uk

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com

SK I

All types of building and electrical work undertaken Fully qualified New builds Extensions Maintenance Attic conversions including rendering, plastering, paving and tiling

Tel 07960 102 721

01749 813625

Full muckaway service available, small or large loads inc grab lorries Tipping facilities at our premises Sand, gravel & top soil supplied Loose or in Bulk Bags

ECR Services

Tom the Roofer

Shelves & curtain rails Door hanging & skirting boards Fencing Guttering & facia’s Pointing etc...

No job to small Please call with your requirements 01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com

I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS Sinks

Call for a free quote 01747 820234 The Depot, Longcross, Warminster BA12 6LJ

info@cgtarmac.co.uk

www.cgtarmac.co.uk

Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge

01747 640188 07587 238563

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

51

Health & Wellbeing

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Almost 51 per cent of all adults across the globe struggle to get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, but a young man from Sturminster Newton has found the secret to a good night’s sleep and is helping hundreds of people get one too.

James, 20, launched Aurora Comfort, a fledgling business selling luxurious, high-end weighted blankets, in lockdown last year, after battling insomnia since he was a child.

“It’s like having a hug,” said James. “Research has found a weighted blanket mimics the effects a deep therapy massage has on the body and have a calming effect, which can help anyone sleep better.

“My Aurora weighted blanket helps people with physical ailments, like arthritis or fibromyalgia as they dull the pain, people whose brains are active at night despite being exhausted, people on the autistic spectrum, those that struggle with disrupted sleep or have sensory issues and anyone who wants to feel a sense of calm after a long day.

“The blanket applies even pressure over your body, which gives the feeling that you are being gently hugged. The sensation you receive is an instant feeling of calm which reduces anxiety. You will then feel more relaxed and able to have a better quality sleep.”

Scientific research has found the technology of a weighted blankets lowers cortisol levels, making it easy to relax and reducing tossing and turning throughout the night.

52

COMFORT ZONE: Aurora Blankets mimic the effect of a deep therapy massage, says James Pictures: Mollie Grace Photography

Secrets of a good night’s sleep is all wrapped up...

James, who has high-functioning autism and was prescribed liquid melatonin to help him sleep until he became immune, has spent months developing his website and researching the best blankets on the global market to sell at affordable prices.

Given his own experience of poor sleep, James is

passionate about sharing this simple solution to quality sleep. James sells the highest quality, longest lasting blankets, which have flown off his virtual shelves since launching Aurora Comfort in October 2020.

His mum Leah said: “I am so proud of James. He has created a wonderful business selling something he feels passionate about. The weighted blanket he first had worked for him so he wanted to help others, and what is wonderful is that he is able to price his top-end stock at affordable process, because

he isn’t looking to make vast profits, just enough to be independent.

“The blankets suit most people, even those without sensory issues. I have had superb feedback from people with anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, fibromyalgia and restless legs that it really helps to ‘calm’ the body.”

James stocks a number of size blankets in different weights to find the perfect match for you.

To find out more go to: auroracomfort.co.uk or email support@ auroracomfort.co.uk.

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: springtime symphonies As winter withdraws and spring rapidly approaches, I am reminded of how much I love nature’s new beginnings. Already I have seen my first adder of the year, along with a common lizard, and brimstone butterflies. It is like seeing old friends again and is comforting to know that the seasonal song is still beating to the same familiar rhythm despite the environmental damage we are causing.

An anonymous poet once claimed “the Earth has music for those who listen”. When we put away our mobiles, take off our headphones, open our ears and switch off our modern world of noise, we can hear our beautiful planet breathe. Hearing the sound of the rain on the ground, the wind in the trees, the waves on the shore and the singing and buzzing of the life around us, makes us feel connected to the nature on which we are all so dependent. For this is the soundtrack of our lives; the music of the Earth that, like an owl in the darkness, sings on the edge of our consciousness. Being a birdwatcher since childhood, it is birdsong that constantly cuts through my thoughts and warms my heart the most. A week or so ago, in

Would like to meet Martin, 63, looking to meet lady 40 to 70. 5ft 2in tall to 5ft 6in tall, 01258 472910

Health & Wellbeing

the late February sunshine, I heard my first skylarks of the year, and since then my ears have been finely tuned to the unfolding Spring symphony and the imminent arrival of our migrant warblers; the Chiffchaff often being the first and most dominant with its “chiff chaff, chiff chaff, chiff-chiff-chiff”.

Environmental psychologists have shown that listening to bird song that is quiet, has a high frequency or is complex and melodic, is both soothing and mentally restorative. For example, the descending whistle of a willow warbler or the varied, sweet repetitive trills of a nightingale. Although

pigeons or starlings wouldn’t score highly on the ‘soothing scale’, they still have their place in nature’s repertoire.

For me, I love the soft, tuneful, territorial song of a blackbird in the middle of the night or the loud, powerful jingle of our common wrens.

But perhaps my favourite is the yellowhammer’s song “a little bit of bread and no cheese” as this was the first call I learned as a child.

Since then, it has felt truly delightful to gradually recognise the music of our common birds and who it is that is singing to me. n Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@gmail.com

RELAXING CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATHS on zoom. 01935 389655, ahiahel@live.com, centreforpuresound.org NATURAL PAIN RELIEF therapist in Gillingham.

Bio resonance scan and atments.clinical reflexology & baby/ toddler reflexology.

T: 01747 826931 yvonne@intelligenthealthclini c.co.uk Making Life More Comfortable!

ADELE CLINCH, BSC HCPC Registered chiropodist/podiatrist 01935 812231 Home visits in NW Dorset sherbornepodiatry.com

Our health has never been so much at the forefront of our minds.

Advertise your health and wellbeing business here: 07876 563683

Age Concern North Dorset (Sturminster Newton) Your local charity for all age-related information and advice

01258 475582

Office open 10am - 2pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday info@acnorthdorset.org.uk

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Health & Wellbeing

Sage advice for menopausal and foggy-headed symptoms I have just read that if you put six leaves of sage into the juice of a lemon, soak it overnight and first thing the next morning drink it, diluted in a mug of warm water, it will help with menopausal hot flushes.

This got me thinking about sage and what a wonderful herb it is. Now it is mainly used for culinary purposes but that is sad as it is so much more than that. The ancient Greeks revered sage as the “immortality herb” and the Romans, who were very influential in bringing us many herbs from the Mediterranean, used it as a digestive for helping to break down fatty meats – translated into modern terms, the bitters in the sage will promote digestive bile which helps the liver to process the fats. (Hence sage and onion stuffing). They also used it as poultices over wounds as it has the most wonderful anti microbial and astringent elements.

Sage was known as the ‘salvation plant’ and gets its name from salverum, which means cure or save.

Throughout the world and history, it has been one of the most versatile and useful herbs.

The indigenous people in America used sage for smudging (this is a practice of burning the stalks and letting the smoke penetrate the room and your aura and it clears away negative energy as well as being anti-viral.)

For me, as I am doing exams at the moment, sage acts as a

for controlling some of the rather nastier symptoms us women have to put up with including night sweats and insomnia as well as a foggy brain. Traditionally it was used to enhance fertility.

Infuse the leaves for 10 minutes in boiling water and drink as a tea (with some lovely local honey), or gargle as the antiseptic properties are excellent for sore throats and mouth ulcers and if you rub the leaves and put them on your gums, it is said to help with toothache.

The wonderful essential oils have antimicrobial and calming properties which can help gut infections by getting rid of unfriendly bacteria.

brain tonic (along with rosemary). It protects the nervous system from damaging free radicals and is reported to help memory and cognitive function as well as slow down ageing of the brain, so it could be extremely good for Alzheimer’s.

It has phytoestrogens which are plant hormones that mimic our own oestrogen. These can help balance our Fiona Chapman is system and it studying naturopathy is helpful in and herbal medicine at the the College of menopause Naturopathic Medicine

Declutter your house and your habits Clutter creeps into our lives. We have piles of ‘stuff-to-sort-out’, piles of outgrown children’s clothes, undone tasks popping into our minds repeatedly. We have ‘clutter’ in our financial life, in the technology we use and even in our own wellbeing.

In this time-poor, informationrich lifestyle, we easily commit to taking on too many things.

As we move throughout the day, our minds jump from task to task but also deal with a steady stream of interruptions partly because of this clutter – or drainers – popping out of our subconscious.

Taking proactive steps to declutter our lives of these drainers will have a positive impact on our energy, focus and even our confidence, with immediate effect. By being proactive and taking steps to 54

remove drainers and clutter, we will feel calmer, more in control and more ready to focus. How do we do this?

If you follow my Instagram (@alicejohnsenlifecoach) or are a past or current client, you will know what I am going to say next. Break it down! If the thought of clearing your whole house seems enough to send you back to bed, take it one area at a time. Allocate the time you can afford to spare per week. So, in

the first week you might crack that personal filing. Next week could be about throwing out, recycling or passing on piles of old magazines and books. Then your clothes, and so on.

(Warning: whilst we’ve all been wearing the same three sets of clothes for approximately 51 weeks now, don’t assume you might not want to break that pattern in the nearish future…)

Can you declutter your routine?

Are you aware of any routines

you have in your life that are no longer applicable? We go through the day subconsciously working through routines because that is what they are and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But occasionally questioning this is a good idea.

Finances – address unpaid bills and fixing a workable budget that you can stick to will help you declutter this bit of your life.

It’s about allocating time to address the messy bits we stick with but don’t really need in our lives, out of habit. So here’s a challenge. Why not identify four drainers in your life, work out how you can clear them and then really notice how different life feels afterwards? n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne.

07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

A walk around...

HERMITAGE WARNING: If you intend to do this walk when it’s been raining, wear wellies or well dubbinned boots and carry a stick as the Blackmore Vale clay soil is deep, squidgy and slippery!

Head for the church, where there are a few parking places close by. Visit the historic church first, while your footwear is still clean, then go back and join the bridleway opposite where

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

you parked. It heads SSE, passing a couple of ponds and goes uphill, crossing a field and entering a wood, turning right, S, for a short distance then entering another field where you turn left, SSE, skirting Prince’s Wood downhill, crossing a stream, then up again where the hill is dotted with lots of anthills. There are some good views to be had as well as enjoying a very natural environment.

Return to the churchyard and go through the gate on the

north side to use the footpath crossing a small field to join a road where you turn right, NE, for ¼ of a mile, turning right, ESE when the Tarmac runs out. Continue for ½ a mile to a junction of several ways. Turn left, N, skirting a copse on your right, crossing a meadow and continuing for a mile through the edge of a wood and crossing a couple of fields until you reach a road at Rhymehorn.

Turn left and follow the road W, curving SW for half a mile then, where the road

turns sharply SE, you carry on SSW along a bridleway, Stonerush Drove, for a mile, skirting Admiral Digby’s Plantation, until you reach the road where you turn left, E, passing the village hall and phone box library and continuing down the hill to a junction where you veer right to your car.

Strained relationships in pandemic: Now it’s time to heal We are all in relationships – spouse, children, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbours, community and all who cross our paths. We’re also in relation to everything around us – animate and imamate things and objects; including our planet and the Universe.

However, the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. As we keep fingers crossed for a return to normality after a year’s upheaval now is a time for reflection, reassessment, spring cleaning, new goals and resolve. We need to come together. The last time we were in a similar situation was after the war. We are all suffering from trauma. Being locked down has been extremely challenging.

It’s not all been doom and gloom. For some it’s been make or break, and in my work as a counsellor/ psychotherapist I’ve witnessed some incredible resilience, determination, courage, strength, risk taking,

honesty and fortitude in the face of adversity.

Many have sought solutions; to what sometimes seems insurmountable issues.

Relationships have been high on my case load.

Being confined has made many of us face things we struggle with.

Fear, anxiety, uncertainty, lack of meaning and/or purpose, powerlessness, unmanageability, isolation, loneliness, irritability, frustration, anger, sadness, loss, grief, hurt, desperation, suicide ideation, exhaustion, depression.

Self-destructive ways have soared; many don’t know what best to do.

Confusion and exasperation has been huge. Romantic relationships have broken down, friendships finished, families have been dysfunctional, acquaintances lost – for some it’s been horrendous with domestic violence, arguments, resentments, envy, criticism, jealousy, rejection and despair.

We’ve found it hard to keep our character defects and shortcomings in check.

Many feel they’re like a pressure cooker about to blow its lid. However, maybe we can try and find a mental health ‘silver lining’ to this pandemic? Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise in some way? Maybe it’s been like looking in a ‘mirror’ that we have avoided; which has reflected back to us the not so pleasant sides of our characters and personalities? Maybe it’s time we faced our fears and did a little work on ourselves and our relationships? I sincerely believe we all want to love and be loved. We all want to feel worthwhile and to have meaning and purpose in our lives. I believe we’re all born good – a clean slate! It’s only our life experiences that mould us. The mixed messages that shape us. What we see, hear and do becomes our perception. We need a paradigm shift. A reality check. Healing. For our own peace of mind we

probably need to change a few things about ourselves. Before we can help others we need to help ourselves. We need to be gentle with ourselves and others. We need compassion, empathy and understanding. We need forgiveness, acceptance

and tolerance. Maybe we need to make big changes in our lives and this pandemic has flagged them up? Most of all, maybe we just need to be very grateful that we’ve survived – because many haven’t! n Psychotherapist David Stanton lives near Sherborne.

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor.

Trainer and Mental Health Consultant.

Individual and Group face to face sessions; also via video on WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger and Zoom.

Clinical Supervisor to other Health Care workers.

Counselling for Individuals, Groups, Couples, Children, Adolescents and Families.

40+ years experience; including working with Relate, the Samaritans, MIND, Turning Point, Action on Addiction, Emmaus, CAMHS. GP Surgeries. Schools, Universities, Youth Service, Prisons, Courts. HR Depts, Corporates.

Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship problems, Family Dynamics, Bereavement, Eating Disorders, Substance/Alcohol Abuse, Addictions.

Isolation, Loneliness, PTSD, Bi-Polar, OCD, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Self Harming, Death Anxiety, Sex Issues. Lack of Meaning & Purpose, Anger, Phobias, Gender, Sexuality, Social Justice. Conflict Resolution. Crisis Management.

Available for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Workshops, Retreats, Seminars, Training and Talks.

Emotional Intelligence and Awareness Educator to all Education Establishments and Businesses.

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED.

Please contact through the websites www.tatvacenter.com www.edas-addictionservices.com Or telephone - David 07 584 711 488.

55

Arts & Entertainment

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A project to turn the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil into a popular cultural polestar is £10million closer to reaching the £23.1million needed for its redevelopment after the Government announced the funds in its recent Budget.

The scheme to expand and develop The Octagon Theatre includes a fly tower, new circle to increase seating capacity from 622 to 900, building two cinemas, studios and a community Café Hub and separate restaurant areas to underwrite the total costs of the theatre build.

Fundraising and grant applications made by The Octagon will continue apace.

South Somerset District Council’s Arts and Entertainment manager Adam Burgan said: “We were absolutely thrilled to see the £10 million funding confirmed in the Chancellor’s budget. With this money, plus the recommendation from District Executive to move the decision to Full Council, we are hopeful that will we get over the final hurdle and start to make our final plans that we can share with the public for their views on the redevelopment of The Octagon Theatre.”

The Octagon Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1974, attracting thousands of visitors with a diverse range of artists from

GOVERNEMENT FUNDING: Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre

£10m funding boost in bid to expand Octagon Theatre big name comedians, classical music and opera to rock and folk music to the very best in variety, plays, ballet and the annual blockbuster pantomime.

And local talent is celebrated as the theatre plays host to the many local community groups.

South Somerset District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Mike Best, said: “This project adds a lot of value to South Somerset and will be a major boost to the local economy as we attract

more visitors. The funding announcement came as a surprise but it is very welcome because it’s a very large chunk of the funding that will be required for the work.

“The redevelopment would see major investment into our local economy and huge benefits to the health and well-being of our residents.”

Arts Council England South West Director Phil Gibby said: “We look forward to working more closely with The Octagon and South Somerset Council on this

major capital development that will transform this regional theatre’s space, meaning more people in Somerset will have the opportunity to experience the life enriching benefits that culture brings to individuals and communities.“ In January the district council’s executive committee voted unanimously in favour to agree in principle to proceed with the project and potential funding applications were made.

The Gallery to reopen on April 12 with a special exhibition The Gallery at Shaftesbury Arts Centre reopens on Monday, April 12 with a solo exhibition by popular local artist Andrea Jenkins.

Andrea draws on a lifetime of engagement with art to express ideas in a variety of styles and 2D mediums.

Andrea said: “I am very excited to be able to show 56

my recent work at The Gallery as it reopens. The main focus of the exhibition will be strongly coloured abstract paintings and mixed media pieces. Working with bright colour has kept me cheerful over the past months, especially during the dark grey days of winter and lockdown. There will also be

some closely observed representational work that expresses my concern for the local natural environment.”

The Gallery has a full calendar of exciting exhibitions coming up in the future, including Sandy Roberts and her group for Dorset Art Weeks. In the meantime, until the doors

officially open, pieces from the cancelled exhibitions will be displayed in their windows.

Once open, The Gallery will be following Government guidelines regarding covid compliance, so it will be safe to visit.

Further details at shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk

Arts & Entertainment

2020: Rainbows supporting NHS staff and key workers everywhere and, right, empty town and city centres as we all stay home

Cool to be kind in a remarkable year

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘and so shines a good deed in a weary world’, Somerset author Anna James has produced a commemorative book celebrating the hard work and kindness seen across the country during the covid pandemic.

Anna spent six months interviewing key workers, everyday heroes and familiar faces along with charities and organisations, collating stories and photographs of their ‘good deeds’ and published the 350-page coffee table style book to celebrate their efforts and raise money for the NHS and other good causes.

The book features The Udder Farm Shop, along with contributions from NHS workers, dustbin men, cleaners and farmers along with home-schooling families, isolating couples and covid survivors and The Queen, Captain Tom, Ian Broudie, Banksy and Charlie Mackesy.

The book also features hundreds of photos of some of the things we’ve all been seeing and experiencing over the past 12 months.

Anna said: “I desperately wanted to do something to help but didn’t know how to be useful – I’m a bit squeamish with anything medical and always get lost,

even with satnav, so I’d have been no good at volunteering to help people or deliver things. After a few sleepless nights, I decided to stick with what I’m good at and to create a special compilation of this most unusual moment in our history. I would make one of my commemorative books as my small gift to the national effort.

“2020 was an unprecedented year with monumental challenges and heartbreaking sadness but amongst that, there was also exceptional hard work, adaptability and kindness.

“Our humanity and community spirit shone in the darkness and I thought it

was important to celebrate that, so we’ve got something to look back on and be proud of.”

Anna added: “I also thought it was important to record some of the things we were all seeing and experiencing – in years to come, when this is hopefully far behind us, will we remember the rainbows? That people joined forces in their thousands to make masks and scrubs for the NHS? Will we remember that we clapped outside, every Thursday night? That whole towns and cities were deserted and that shops ran out of toilet roll? I wanted to document some of that to

help us remember; as a social history record for us to show our grandchildren, and for them to show theirs.

“I am humbled to have become the caretaker of this most amazing collection of stories from all these everyday heroes who share what they did to help the country and each other, which are heart-warming and heart-wrenching in equal measures.

“There isn’t a book big enough to include all the people who deserve to be mentioned, so this celebrates the stories of a few on behalf of the many – I just wish there were enough pages in the world to have included so many, many more.

“I loved doing it – I’ve never felt so absolutely certain about anything, except for the many many wobbles when I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do all these wonderful people justice but it’s turned out every bit as magical as I knew it could be.

“It’s probably the book none of us would ever have wanted but perhaps the one we all need, to remind ourselves what a kind and generous bunch we can be.” nCovid Kindness: UK 2020 is available to order at amazon.co.uk/CovidKindness-UK/dp/ 1527275825 57

Arts & Entertainment

Following in the tracks of author’s bicycle ride to Somerset Somerset Art Works has joined forces with Black Swan Arts in Frome, Somerset for a unique SAW members’ exhibition and the first at Black Swan Arts since last year’s coronavirus lockdown. In Pursuit of

Spring has been inspired by poet Edward Thomas’ account of his journey by bicycle between London and Somerset to meet the arrival of spring in 1913.

Responding to various themes in Thomas’ book,

around 50 SAW members have created artwork to illustrate the Somerset leg of his journey. He enters the county near Farleigh Hungerford, eventually arriving on Cothelstone Hill in the Quantocks on March

28, as the storm clouds of the Great War gathered. Thomas was killed four years later at the Battle of Arras.

Black Swan Arts shop will reopen on April 12 and the full exhibition will open on May 17.

Writer’s fifth novel completes literary circle

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset author Brent Shore has published his fifth novel, Inappropriate Behaviour.

The part psychological drama, part ghost story, is set largely in rural France but the story’s climax takes place on the dramatic Dorset coast.

In many ways the tale has come full circle since the Tolpuddle novelist began writing fiction. His first book, Shillingstone Station, was set in both North and West Dorset and still sells well locally. Brent spoke at the Blandford Literary Festival and given talks in several libraries and groups.

The retired teacher, who has spent plenty of time writing fiction since leaving the classroom, said: “As long as I keep getting ideas for characters, situations and plotlines, I love putting them altogether and creating imaginary scenarios.

“Of course, as a starting point, I write about what I know and where I know. On top of that the research element is also really enjoyable and I have learned so much. Looking back at what I have written I see that the three areas I am confident about are Dorset, France and the north-west of England, where I am originally from. Within this framework all my stories are quite different as I like to try new genres and stretch myself with characterisation.

“Shillingstone Station can be 58

FIFTH NOVEL: Brent Shore with his latest book Inappropriate behaviour, with his other offerings An English Impressionist, Bailing Out, Blessed are the Meek and Shillingstone Station

described as a spy story but really that is only its starting point. Bailing Out is a mystery, looking at both the prosperous and the ‘just about managing’ set in contemporary Wessex. An English Impressionist, my third novel, is set in the Dordogne and I invented a less sympathetic main character whose vanity is central to the story. It revolves around art, literature and family secrets and just below the surface bubble deception and revenge. Blessèd are the

Meek followed and was quite a departure, being a tale of a mill worker’s life at the time of the Chartist Plug Riots in Hyde, near Manchester, in the middle of the 19th century. I am currently revisiting the period for my next venture.

“What I hope is common to all my books is a dramatic drive which keeps the reader turning the pages, a strong sense of place and a set of characters that engage.

Generally I aim for suspense, threat and often a moral dilemma, along with warmth

and humour.”

Inappropriate Behaviour introduces a first female protagonist, the English owner of a holiday home in the Sologne region of central France who recognises a schoolteacher on the run from England with a teenage pupil. She has a decision to make: whether to cheer them on or give them up. n These books are available at the Dorset Bookshop in Blandford, Shillingstone Station and the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, and at brentshore.co.uk

Arts & Entertainment

When laughter is contagious in pandemic

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset lovers and locals may be able to spot familiar places in a new comedy novel by Sturminster Newton author Paul Cosway. Set in an imaginary and isolated village in Dorset, Bishop Farthing is a laugh-out-loud love story and tale of triumph and disaster.

Inspired by the pandemic and our ability to find humour in times of adversity, Paul penned his third novel to bring some much-needed comic relief. With humour and passion, Paul brings to life the characters who live in this isolated community and how they survived the virus.

Amid domestic discord, bungled DIY projects, increased alcohol consumption and nightmarish home-schooling debacles there is a touching love story of two people in their 50s, who find romance despite their journey full of pitfalls.

Paul, who was an English specialist and education consultant, was a prize winning playwright at university and moved close to Sturminster Newton 12 years ago.

Paul said: “I was Senior County Inspector for English for Essex before I retired and moved to Dorset, where I

PANDEMIC TALES: Author Paul Cosway and, inset, his latest novel Bishop Farthing

live now with my wife, Maureen, and our dog Toby.

“We had two holidays on Brownsea Island in a National Trust cottage and fell in love with the area.

“The village of Bishop Farthing is imaginary but based on many of the small villages where I live, near to Sturminster Newton. As people read the book, they may be able to spot places they recognise!

“The lockdown has affected people in many different ways. For some, home schooling has been a nightmare. Some have drunk a little more alcohol than before; churches have been closed; local societies have been unable to meet. We have had to queue outside shops and wear masks.

Lockdown has meant that those living on their own could become very lonely.

“This is a unique time in our history and I wanted to preserve some of it in print so that when it is all over, we can look back on it and remember.

“One feature of the UK that we can be proud of is our ability to find humour in times of adversity. The pandemic has brought great sadness to many, but I am hoping to counter this by bringing some comic relief.

During the war years, people remained cheerful by singing irreverent songs about Hitler and enjoying singsongs in the shelters. I have tried to bring cheer by finding humour in the lockdowns we have gone through. A

teenage girl forced to help her mother send an order to the local supermarket is in too much of a hurry to check the spelling and so leaves the predictive text facility to complete the order, with disastrous results! A vicar – his church closed – broadcasts his service on the internet. He forgets to turn the equipment off at the end and the outcome is very embarrassing indeed.

“The book also reminds us of the beauty of the Dorset countryside and the charms of its pretty, scattered villages. Readers from outside our county will be full of envy, wishing that they could live in a village like Bishop Farthing and number the characters in this story amongst their friends!

I sincerely hope that it will bring cheer to many readers.”

This is Paul’s first comic novel and he is already working on a sequel. Paul has previously written two thrillers about the battle against terrorism. n Bishop Farthing is available in paperback at £6.99, postage free, from Amazon and as an eBook.

Want to watch Sherlock in your own Homes? It’s elementary Don your Deerhunter, grab your notepad and boil your kettle – it’s time to Zoom in to another murder mystery from your own home as Artsreach is back with Sherlock in Homes: Murder at the Circus.

Expect high wires and even higher stakes as you play detective and attempt to unmask a murderer with

your fellow audience members, in this Victorian case of dastardly behaviour and deadly death at The Bearded Lady’s Circus of Wonders Artsreach has teamed up once more with Bristol-based Sharp Teeth Theatre to bring their unique show to audiences in Dorset on March 25 following the sell-

out success of Murder on Ice last month.

Packed with dramatic twists and turns that unfold online, this interactive theatrical experience plays out on Zoom, and invites the audience to help solve the case by turning detective, whilst pitting their wits against some of the UK’s most talented improvisers.

Sharp Teeth Theatre’s Stephanie Kempson said: “We never expected this to take off the way it has! I’m so pleased that we can provide some theatrical fun in such difficult times.” n Sherlock in Homes: Murder at the Circus takes place on Thursday March 25 at 8pm. Booking is essential at artsreach.co.uk 59

Puzzles Arrow words Long, stringy pasta

Nasty person

Side by side

Bewail

Crossword Type of whisky

The top of a page

2

1

Church ringer

10

11

12

13 Second Greek letter

15

14

Mails

Seventeenth Greek letter

21

US weapons Transgress lobby (inits)

Rip

Wordsearch Vampires

BAT BLACK BLOOD CAPE COFFIN CROSS FANTASY GARLIC

O A K L G S B A O R B L Y Y A

G F R M A E M L O R I R H D T

N G W T D I N R A S T C R L H

24

Across 1 Position (5) 4 Distinguished (7) 9 Ensuing (8) 10 Prohibit (4) 11 Sheep’s coat (6) 12 House made of ice (5) 13 Piece of information (abbr) (4) 15 Type ‘A’ ultraviolet radiation (inits) (3) 16 Purpose (4) 17 Complete (5) 19 Alien (6) 21 Public disturbance (4) 22 Small spoon (8) 23 Tummy (7) 24 Grilled bread (5)

Again

C D L E M Y Y M A C N L V S V

22

23

Divest

I S L K K H M T O C D N O E N

20

Hem

Perfumed smokes

B A C O M I R O B A T H D O R

19

18

Make ready

Beats on a serve

L E O I A C O F F I N R Y D D

16

Steal

17

Canonized people (abbr)

60

7

Baby powder

Legatee

N P R E T A W Y L O H R I E G

6

9

‘Excuse me’

Pistol

S P Y M S O K E H L I A C I S

5

4 8

Hello; goodbye

Boo

3

H D N H A E R D C C A A R K G

H A L T R I L C N A K O L E I

F R L S M N A V H C R O S S N

HOLY WATER IMMORTAL LEGEND MIDNIGHT MIRROR NECK SILVER SPOOKY

K I S F E P I C I L R A G F D

A Y I H E R I K A D B A H R I

M A O S O O I G L F O L L S M

Down 2 Even (5) 3 Link (7) 5 With several parties (12) 6 Storybook (5) 7 Mesh (7) 8 Administrative (12) 14 Traveller (7) 16 Eighth sign of the zodiac (7) 18 Spiritual emblem (5) 20 Idols (5)

Sudoku

7 5

3 8

8 6

1

2

6 1

4

9

6 4

2 3

For the solutions turn to page 82-83

4

2

6

1

3 3

2 2

7 1

4 5

Brain chain RESULT

38

-50%

+50

÷3

×2

+31

Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

2 2 4

5

3

7 2

5

9 5 7 4 9

2

6

9

8

5

12

11

14

8 7

4

15

16

17

19

9+

14+

21 22

3 8 5 9 4

23

24

20+

0

Killer Sudoku Pro: 23+

3

10+

20×

6

7+

15×

1÷

26+

4+

9+

1

10+

1

9+

3÷

10+

630×

11+

10+

162×

11+

10+

8

15+

72×

15+

1

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

108

÷2

-3

+33

18

20

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines.

Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

5×

6

13

6 2 8

5

8

10

3

6

4

6

4

9

2 3 4

3 9 2 4 1 5 3 7

2 5

7

1 6

2

4

4

7 1 6 3

1 7

8

4

6

8

9 4 8 1 7 4

7

3

7

5 8

7

6

2

÷4

+20

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

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

No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

Across 1 Met more cost after breakdown to reach an agreement (4,2,5) 9 Newspaper employee starts to sound totally against colleague to a large extent (13) 10 Deign maybe to include striker in discussion (8) 12 Revered figure hid old walls (4) 14 Contemptuous expression close to disdain in prophetic type (5) 15 Artist in Hebridean island left out creative work in street? (5) 19 Century in which to place Western community (4) 20 Jazz fan and companion with a pair of lines of a comprehensive sort? (5-3) 22 Student in the care of Greek with a scheduled time to tour university (13) 24 Oaf the media represented earlier than planned (5,2,4)

Down 2 Gold bullion principally in circle (3) 3 With style like a peer? (8) 4 Having admission (6) 5 Partly reviled base (4) 6 Sensational matter sadly alarmed some at heart (9) 7 Secret comment in a group of players (5) 8 Use independent transport for a recurrent period (5) 11 Musical group with a broad quality? It’s feature on a radio (9) 13 Wine in total upset young soldier (8) 16 Walk with vanity as prop (5) f 17 Husband gets publicity over party perm? (6) 18 Insect hesitation for pilot (5) d 21 West Side story character first off in song (4) 23 Give weapon to a marine (3)

61

MPs’ round-up

Defence spending is paramount during these times As the vaccine rollout in our area continues apace – with over half of adults in Somerset having now received a vaccine – the tragedies attendant on covid are now slowing. But as we emerge, blinking, into a post-covid world, it’s important we don’t lose sight of the very real external threats our country continues to face.

Much of our focus over the last year has been on those NHS and care staff who’ve kept us safe amidst unprecedented pressure – no one will ever forget the heroic role they’ve played in first mitigating, and then pushing back the ravages of covid-19.

But alongside that domestic resilience, it’s important to remember the vital role our military play in keeping us safe.

And I’ve been delighted by the

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton Government’s determination to meet our NATO obligation – hitting not merely the 2% of GDP spending level, but increasing the defence budget by at least 0.5% above inflation for every year of this Parliament (representing an

extra £24.1 billion over the next four years).

And as the Government embarks on a new Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), we’re going to see the need for our defences to keep pace with the changing threats posed by our adversaries. And that may lead to the necessity for discomforting decisions to be made – ensuring our spending on each branch of the services is proportionate to their utility in keeping the country, its citizens and its values safe.

In 1926, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig scoffed at the mushrooming use of mechanisation in warfare, prophesying that “as time goes on, [we] will find as much use for the…well-bred horse” as in the past.

And since the last review in 2015, we’ve seen drone technologies advance at a frightening rate, cyber-warfare normalised as a means of applying pressure on a state-tostate level and proxy wars continue to rage.

This global pandemic has not acted as the proverbial common enemy, pulling humanity together and smoothing out differences. Instead, it has, in many areas, deepened divisions, entrenched suspicions and provided a rationale for oppression of a type that would usually be unthinkable. We owe our troops an enormous debt of gratitude for continuing to keep us safe. And there’s no better requital for their sacrifice than to ensure they’re given the appropriate tools to do exactly that.

Extraordinary rollout is seeing results It’s a privilege to lead a small team helping to vaccinate people in some of the most disadvantaged postcodes in the country. This week we are told there will be a dramatic increase in vaccine supply, which is important to keep up momentum as people come forward for their second jabs.

The national rollout has been extraordinary and we are now beginning to see the results in case rates, hospitalisations and deaths. However, covid is with us for the long term. The burden on healthcare will continue to be substantial. We must look for easier ways of protecting people such as through single jabs or even nasal sprays, perhaps delivered annually in the post.

Parliament’s rustication and partial abeyance means I can spend time helping in the vaccination effort. But we do need to get the place fully up and running again. There can 62

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison be few institutions that have not been touched by the current crisis. It will be interesting to see which changes endure. There are plenty of arcane ways of working in Parliament that I will be very happy to see the back of permanently but, equally, we can’t spend all our time on Zoom calls and proxy voting.

n We all contribute to traffic one way or the other and we all suffer from its consequences. In particular it’s a major contributor to poor air quality that blights even our pleasant, predominantly rural, neighbourhood.

But apparently easy solutions that involve banning traffic from one area inevitably end up landing the problem on someone else’s doorstep.

I recently wrote to Defra and the Department for Transport (DfT) ministers concerning Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council’s plan to implement a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) that would dump traffic from the A36 and A4 onto the A350 which runs straight up my south west Wiltshire constituency.

BANES seeks to cut the emissions that offend the residents of Bath’s elegant terraces by introducing levies

to most road users. Trouble is, Bath’s through traffic transiting north-south will then rumble through Westbury, which is already an Air Quality Management Area.

This despite DEFRA/DfT’s joint ‘minimum requirement’ for CAZs stating unequivocally that ‘Clean Air Zone proposals will not result in the displacement of the most polluting vehicles away from town centres to surrounding areas.’

There is a solution which is to take traffic out of the centre of Westbury by building a bypass. Happily DfT is now looking at this as part of the M4-Dorset scheme which I highlighted in the BVM a couple of months ago. The Bath CAZ and its consequences has given renewed urgency to what has been an issue lodged firmly in the all-too-difficult box.

MPs’ round-up

Much to be said for spirit of compromise Nobody in my experience (and that’s as a parish councillor, district councillor, county councillor and your MP) ever seeks elected office to make things worse for their area or community.

While we all wear different coloured rosettes at election time the broad theme that unites us is to do our level best for the people we represent. I stand as a Conservative and have been elected in 2015, 2017 and 2019 to speak up for the people of North Dorset. I represent, without fear or favour, all residents of North Dorset whether they are eligible to vote, voted for me, voted for someone else or did not vote at all. It is why I am opposed to any change in our electoral system, not because it favours one party or another, but it means the one elected member has to listen to and represent all shades of opinion not just those with

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare whom they agree or vice versa. There is a very special bond, an umbilical cord if you will, that joins the electorate to the elected.

I’m not saying it’s a perfect system but, in broad terms, it works. It also means it’s a system where, having heard all views, you quickly arrive at the position that no one voice/party/group etc is the keeper of the eternal truth. Is always right while the ‘other side’ is always wrong.

I don’t know whether it’s a by product of the echo chambers of social media,

populism or what but too much of politics is painted as good v bad, right v wrong, black v white. MPs inboxes are full of people telling them to do one thing or another.

People advocating diametrically opposing points of view on the same subject with the only shared denominator being that the author believes themselves to be right with no room for doubt or the possibility that another correspondent may have equally strongly held views that take them to an entirely different.

In my experience most political issues are complex.

They are resolved by compromise, concession and accommodation. Every Bill I have ever been involved with or followed has its concession strategy. The minister starts from position Ultimate but realises ground needs to be given to get buyin and ultimate success.

Unbending didactic approaches usually end up on the rocks. It is not a sign of weakness or lack of principle to seek to accommodate or build the biggest tent of agreement. It is, rather a sign of maturity and respect for the other point of view. However, to have that respect one needs to appreciate that there is another point of view and that one’s own, no matter how sincerely held, might not be right. There is a comfort, I appreciate, in the intellectual comfort blanket of black and white. My viewpoint, for what it’s worth, is that most political solutions are a shade of grey (whether there are fifty such shades I hesitate to comment upon). So, as we rebuild and regenerate as a society let us embrace the respectful and accommodating and put aside the absolutism of populism. We will be a better country if we do.

I’m pushing to get animal welfare bill over line My family have been tenant farmers in West Dorset for almost 100 years – I grew up on the family farm and care deeply for animals. Relentless in the pursuit of animal rights, I’ve been lobbying for my Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill. I’m delighted that my Bill completed its passage through the House of Commons last Friday, March 12.

The Bill now goes to the House of Lords and it’s a race against time to ensure it becomes law before the summer recess. nAt the time of writing, more than 23 million people across the UK have received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine. As of March 7, 48 per cent of West Dorset constituents had received their first dose – that’s the sixth highest proportion of any constituency in England! The

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder targeted approach means that 92% of over-60s in Dorset have received their first dose, paving Dorset’s route out of lockdown which began with the return to school last week. nA couple of weeks ago, Chancellor Rishi Sunak

announced a historic and creative Budget providing more than £407 billion of support for families, jobs and businesses across the country and here in West Dorset. Whilst I am nervous about such high levels of public borrowing, much of this support will be of great benefit to people in West Dorset.

The Government has extended furlough to the end of September, provided two further grants for the self-employed along with extended eligibility for these grants, a six-month extension to the Universal Credit uplift, and various new grants and loans for businesses.

Particularly important for West Dorset’s tourism sector – which accounts for more than 6,000 jobs – the Chancellor has frozen alcohol duties, extended of the

business rates holiday, and continued the reduced rate of VAT for hospitality. This will help get pubs, brewers and cafes back on their feet! nThe Dorset Local Plan will shape development in our county until 2038. Thank you to everyone who responded to the consultation which closed on Monday. I deeply hope that Dorset Council will take account of feedback from the public and amend the plan, prioritising modest and dispersed development to sustain our communities, rather than mass development on the outskirts of our towns. n To receive my latest updates from Westminster and West Dorset, please sign up to my newsletter at chrisloder.co.uk.

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Pets

Ask the vet...

How can I ensure my puppy is the right age and healthy before purchase ?

There are lots of decisions to make when deciding to buy a puppy. Essential questions include: Can I give him enough time? Which breed is suitable for me? and Can I afford all the costs involved for the rest of her life?

Once decided, the next most important question is: Who do I buy my puppy from?

Research has shown that puppies born and raised in a family are more confident than puppies raised in kennels.

Puppies are very responsive to new experiences from the age of three weeks up to about 12 weeks. Lots of positive new experiences during this time will set them up for a happy, confident life. Negative experiences during this time can also have lasting effects.

Ask the breeder for the date of birth of the puppies and calculate their age yourself.

Early weaning and separation from litter mates before 8 weeks of age have been shown

to have a negative effect on a puppy’s mental development.

Rehoming your puppy at eight weeks old is the ideal age – they are old enough to cope with separation from their litter mates but young enough to continue learning new experiences with their new owners.

It is really important to meet the mother of the puppies when you view your puppy. Ensure that she is friendly and interactive with you. A nervous or aggressive bitch is likely to pass on similar qualities to her puppies partly due to genetics and partly due to them learning behaviour from her reactions.

Do not buy a puppy from a breeder who cannot show you the mother for any reason – this is a common ploy of ‘puppy farms’.

Ideally do not choose the quiet puppy who hides away when approached or looks scared and

with Lynn Broom doesn’t want to interact with you. You may feel sorry for him or think that you can change his behaviour for the better but it is likely that this puppy will always have elements of anxiety or fear throughout his life.

Many breeders will have their puppies vet checked before they are sold. Don’t just take their word for this – ask for proof of examination or speak to the vets practice that saw them. If they have not been examined ensure that you can return the puppy with a full refund if your own vet examines them and finds a problem.

A confident puppy has a much better chance of growing in to a happy dog who copes well in new situations, interacts well with other dogs and is much less likely to suffer from fear related behaviours in the future.

A bit of research and asking the right questions will give you the best chance of achieving your perfect family pet.

LOST AND FOUND Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection These are the most recent cats that have been lost or found.

Please check out our Facebook page or give us a call if you have lost or found a cat so we can reunite cats with their owners: Lost Cats: Field Oak, Blandford – b/w boy.

Durweston -b/w boy Stour Road, Blandford: black boy. Milton Abbas grey & white boy with collar on.

Found Cats: Milborne Port: l/h tabby boy with chip (address details incorrect). Sturminster Marshall: young black female.

Blandford: b/w boy New Road, Gillingham: b/w cat n We still offer neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7, BH21 and now also in SP8 call 01258 268695 FREELANCE GROOMING AND DOG WALKING available contact 07532716070 MUSCOVY DUCKLINGS 01963 362936

A happy tail of two rescue animals

Margaret Green Animal Rescue finds forever homes for cats, dogs, farm and small animals.

Staff at the Dorset centre love to hear how they are getting on.

Ralphy the Pug x Griffon was living at the charity’s Lincoln Farm Centre near Bere Regis before he found his forever home with owner Debbie. She said: “Ralphy came to live with us and our two pugs Teddy and Dolly five years ago. At the time I was dropping Teddy and Dolly off for boarding whilst I was going off to Peru to walk the Inca Trail, when the staff told me that they were getting a Pug into rescue that afternoon. Ralphy was two years old, the same as my pugs. I was desperate to meet him but I would be away 64

for two weeks during which time he could be rehomed.

“Whilst in Peru, all I could think about was Ralphy! As soon as I had wifi I emailed MGAR to see if he was still with them. He was so I asked if I could meet him when I picked up Teddy and Dolly. The rest is history…

“Ralphy has so much character

and energy and such a long tongue. All three dogs are now 7 but charge around like pups. He is so loving, we are besotted. We have had to reinforce our fence a few times in our huge garden as he is an escape artist (the reason he was in rescue twice) but he has got to know the neighbours who have kindly brought him

home. Pugs are such gorgeous pets and I wouldn’t say no to another rescue pug!

“Ralphy continues to see the staff at MGAR when he holidays there with his brother and sister. They all love their stays there and are always pulling on the leads to go in.”

Milo the cat has made so much progress from the shy little thing he was. He is now a confident and cheeky cat that loves exploring inside and out.

Milo is a loving cat who likes to be close to you and ‘talk’.

To find out more about Margaret Green Animal Rescue go to margaretgreenanimalrescue.org. uk and if you have a rehoming story to share, email it to comms@mgar.org.uk

Pets

When the time comes to say goodbye…

Recently opened, Companions at Peace Pet Cremation is an independent family run business, located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border, providing a very personal and caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Both Mark and Debbie have had pets, of all shapes and sizes throughout their lives and when it comes to saying goodbye to them, they know only too well how sad that time is. Also, how important the lasting memories of their 昀nal journey are and peace of mind, to know that they have been looked after with dignity and respect.

It is an unfortunate fact that a lot of veterinary practices do not fully explain what will happen to your pet once they have passed, and that there is an alternative choice of pet crematorium other than the one offered by them.

As a pet owner, you do have a choice, so before leaving your pet with your

vet, ask a few questions: t When will my pet be collected and how will they be transported?

t Where will my pet be stored until they are collected? t When will I receive my pet’s ashes back? t How do I know they will be my pet’s ashes and only theirs?

At Companions at Peace, we only carry out genuine individual cremations, we do not take part in mass cremations or the incineration of veterinary clinical waste.

We offer an individual collection service from your home, vet practice, or we can arrange a time for you to bring your pet to us personally. We have a quiet and peaceful farewell room that offers bereaved owners a chance to say their 昀nal goodbyes to their beloved pet, where you will not be rushed and you can take as much time

as you need. We provide a choice of various caskets, urns and scatter tubes, and aim to return your pet’s ashes to you within 24/48 hours.

Whatever the circumstances, a phone call to us will be all that is needed.

Even if your pet is healthy and you simply want to 昀nd out a little more information for future reference and peace of mind, just give us a call.

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation

Companions at Peace is an independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners. We provide the very best in respect, care and dignity, giving you total peace of mind, knowing we will look after your companion from the moment you entrust them to us, through to the time they are returned to you.

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Church

Being a Christian is not just for Sundays A house where I used to live in Birmingham was built just after the Second World War. It replaced an earlier one that had been destroyed by a fire bomb in 1941.

In the ancient world fire was an ever present danger. It was of course necessary for many aspects of life, but without modern precautions and the firefighting equipment we now have it could easily get out of control, Roman writers of the New Testament period speak graphically about fires in Rome’s crowded streets and tenements; the summer of AD 64 saw a fire in Rome that lasted a week and destroyed half the city.

Fire is as terrifying to trapped animals as it is to people, if not more so. When a farmyard catches fire, the animals try to escape, but, if they cannot, some species have developed ways of protecting their young. Let us picture here a hen, gathering her chicks under her wing to protect them. There are stories of exactly this after a farm fire, those cleaning up have found a dead hen, scorched and blackened with her chicks alive sheltering under her wings. She has quite literally given her life to save them. It is a vivid and

violent image of what Jesus declared he longed to do for Jerusalem, and by implication what he would do for all of us.

The other great danger in those times, as it is today, was the predator, the fox, and that is the name that Jesus gives to Herod.

He treats him with disdain, partly because Herod was not of Royal blood and was treated with disdain by almost everyone around. His father was made a king by the Romans because he was the most ruthless thug in the area and they needed someone to keep control there, and partly because Jesus knew that he had a destiny to fulfil.

Jesus’ destiny then is to go to Jerusalem and die, risking the threats of the fox, and adopting the role of the hen with her chickens.

We of course are to be his chickens, but just like Jerusalem, we have to decide if we are going to rebel and suffer the

consequences or are we going to accept the peace envoy from God and accept the salvation that we are being offered by the sacrifice of his Son? We could of course say no, because, we as humans are given total freedom

by God, we could be tempted by the greed and capitalism that is the modern predator, our own fox, or we could accept, with equal freedom, the safety of the hen and be protected throughout our lives by the suffering, death, and resurrection of our

Blandford Methodist Church Regrettably, our church remains closed for Sunday services and for lettings, due to the current restrictions.

However, with the vaccine program being rolled out, and the Government's ‘road map out of lockdown’ published, we are considering very carefully when it will be safe to reopen. We will update you through this newspaper.

If you have a prayer request, are feeling lonely and need to chat, then leave your message on our answerphone

01258 577 030: We will keep your information confidential.

We aim to return calls within 24 hours.

Communion 11.15am: Melbury Abbas – Parish Communion 6pm on Zoom – Reflective Communion Service (contact the Team Office for details.

Team Office: 01747 853060 facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE n Mass times for Catholic churches in Marnhull on Sundays and Thursdays, 9.30am; in Gillingham on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am. n St Simon and St Jude’s Church of Milton on Stour are collecting used ink cartridges for recycling. All donations are gratefully

66

Shaftesbury Team Ministry Sunday 21st March: 9.30am: St James’ - Parish Communion 9.30am: St Peter’s - Parish Communion 11.15am: Enmore Green Family Service 11.15am: Compton Abbas – Parish Communion 6pm: Motcombe - Evening Worship Sunday 28th March: 9.30am: St Peters - Parish

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

Vicar in the Vale Saviour Jesus Christ. As we approach this Easter, as with every Easter the decision is ours and ours alone.

The difficulty we face is that as humans, with all our human failings, we can be easily tempted. There are so many opportunities for us to accept the easy option and succumb to the selfish attitude of the western world and to think only of ourselves. Yet as Christians we must follow the lead of Christ and put others first. To be a Christian may be the safer and secure option but it is not the easiest and we have to decide which path is for us. By being in church on Easter this morning I suspect that we have made that decision, but we must also be prepared to live that decision in our daily lives. Being a Christian is not just for Sundays but is for life. I pray that we will all have the courage to follow our destiny as did Christ in Jerusalem. received and can be left in the porch of Milton church or contact Karen on 01747 822263. n St Mary's, Stalbridge You are invited to a service of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday, led by Reverend Graham Hitchins.

The service will start at 10 am. Future services will take place on every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

Facebook.com/stalbridgechurch

Motoring

Eco car club planned for S Somerset

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A new initiative to enable people to use a pool of electric cars across south Somerset is being considered.

A survey has been launched to establish interest in a community led electric car club for the area.

The plan has been drawn up by the district council with Co Cars and follows a successful pilot scheme where people can hire electric scooters.

If successful, the new scheme would enable affordable access to electric cars, which would be parked across the district ready for people to use.

Residents, businesses and community organisations are being asked for their views on establishing a community-led electric car club for South Somerset via a short online

survey. Since the announcement of the Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, interest in electric cars has surged by 500%. However, they remain too expensive for many people.

In addition, one of the third of households cannot charge a car at home.

The council says an electric car club would address these challenges by locating cars across the district, bookable from as little as half an hour for one all-inclusive price. This would give members access to electric cars without having to own one.

Furthermore, by switching to using an electric car club and getting rid of an occasionally used personal vehicle, members could save money while also helping reduce the area’s congestion, parking and

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The survey also asks if respondents would be interested in an electric bike share scheme.

Because they are electrically assisted, the bikes are a great alternative to the car for many shorter trips including commuting, everyday errands and leisure trips.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, SSDC portfolio holder for

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“We are already successfully delivering an electric scooter hire trial scheme in Yeovil and will soon extend this to Crewkerne and Chard, so this is a natural next step to provide eco-friendly transport choices for our communities.”

The survey is available at bit.ly/SSomerset until April 30.

The results of the survey will not only help establish the viability of the project but will also be shared with SSDC to assist their planning.

The survey is being run in partnership with Co Cars car club, a social enterprise that has an established network of low and zero emission cars across the South West. Co-Cars company also runs the Co Bikes electric bike sharing scheme.

Mark Hodgson, MD of Co Cars, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have seen a huge surge of interest in our shared electric cars and bikes. We’re really excited to see if we can bring them to South Somerset.”

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Business

REMOV ALS & STORAGE

Women take over historic law firm

IN CHARGE: Clockwise from top left, Naomi Dyer, Katherine Gilmour, Lousie Gidley, Peter Livingstone and Ceri Stepehns

Four women have been announced as new owners at a historic law firm – with the announcement made on International Women’s Day. Naomi Dyer, Katherine Gilmour, Louise Gidley and Ceri Stephens now make up 80 per cent of the owners of Battens, with Peter Livingstone. Battens, a 300-

year-old law firm with 150 staff in Yeovil, Dorset, Bath & across to London, was purchased from the two existing owners, chairman David Stephens and commercial property director Ray Edwards.

New MD Ceri Stephens said: “We are all really excited to be at the helm.”

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Workaway scheme is so rewarding

By Adrian Fisher MBE, an award-winnng maze designer from Durweston The Workaway scheme, typically involving 15,000 people a year, is wonderful for developing international understanding.

Hosts and intending guests describe themselves and their situation, and if there is mutual interest, make direct contact.

Their stay is a few days or longer, sometimes part of a broader trip.

As hosts, we provide accommodation and meals, but most importantly we welcome them into our family. We’re keen to learn about them, their lives and their cultures. They join us to see motorbikes on Poole Quay and have fish and chips, or walk in the Dorset countryside. They share meals when we have

friends round, to help improve their English. Work such as gardening, paving, woodwork or painting is typically a few hours a day during the week, leaving them time to come and go, explore England, meet their friends, or do whatever interests them most.

As Workaways, they sometimes bring valuable skills. Michael from New England ‘the staircase maestro’ built a splendid oak staircase in our cottage, and has built various spiral staircases around the world; he is currently in Peru. New Zealanders Tracy and Andy were delightful guests with plastering skills on a twoyear world trip before returning to build their own home. Sara and Tracy brought excellent horticultural skills.

Thais and Rafael from Brazil were a lovely young couple, and

even invited us to their wedding; they now have two children. Gala and Roman from Moscow stayed whilst their daughter attended a English language summer school in Devon, and as keen fans went to a Beatles convention in Liverpool; it was their best family holiday ever. Gala has since gone freelance with her photography. Memet was a marine architect from Turkey.

Ashraf had excellent written English but needed to improve his spoken English, since he suffered from deafness; various friends helped him improve, not least Father Francis who gave him English lessons and organised a parish farewell party.

Ashraf gained his English proficiency certificate before returning to the Maldives. From Spain, Marcos (27) with two degrees in estate management

and forestry, earned real money for the first time in his life doing bits of gardening for our various friends; he was so thrilled.

He said: “Definitely this experience has been really enriching for me and I hope it will help me in my future career but mainly as a person, that is the most important for me.”

Another Spaniard (36) had a dozen friends, all unemployed, none of whom can afford to start a family. Across the Euro currency countries of southern Europe, long term youth unemployment is around 35%.

Workaway provides each one of them with broader horizons and memorable experiences.

Once this pandemic is over, get onto the website workaway.net and either get travelling, or start hosting. Either way, you’ll never regret it.

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Saving for retirement:

WHY EVERYONE NEEDS A PLAN With life expectancy continuing to rise, those working now will typically need their savings to last a long time. They will also need to take a more active role in building up those savings than previous generations had to.

That’s largely because the generous de昀ned bene昀t (or 昀nal salary) pensions that many of today’s retirees could rely on are a rarity for those working now. Instead, those in their 40s and 50s are likely to have a mix of de昀ned bene昀t and de昀ned contribution schemes, which will complicate planning for retirement. Those in their 20s and 30s are likely to only have de昀ned contribution schemes. This means that it’s their responsibility to save enough for retirement, but they also have more control over the investments they make.

Here’s a quick guide to making the most of your retirement savings:

1. Work out how much you need Previously, the way that pensions and retirement worked meant there wasn’t much planning to do. Now, however, it’s less about age and more about planning for objectives. It can be hard to know exactly how much you need to have saved by the time you decide to give up work, but a ‘ballpark’ 昀gure can help. One option is to think in terms of having saved multiples of your salary by certain ages, or a percentage of your earnings.

2. Take advantage of your workplace pension For many people, the pension journey starts with paying into a company scheme. These days, employees are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme, offering the perfect foundation to build on, but to really get the most from your workplace pension, it’s worth spending some time on it. Start by checking how much you’re putting in, whether you can afford to put in more and, crucially, how much more your employer would pay in if you increased your contributions.

3. Think about how your money is invested Your workplace pension may well be invested automatically into a ‘default’ fund unless you made an active choice otherwise. But while pensions are for the long-term and regular tinkering isn’t advisable, it’s still important that it’s invested in a way that’s right for you.

4. Give yourself more options Pensions are just one way of saving for retirement, but there’s nothing to stop you from also saving into a Stocks & Shares ISA. Using both a pension and an ISA is in many ways a better approach than saving into just one or the other, because it gives you instant diversi昀cation.

5. Keep track of your journey Our objectives, circumstances and our risk appetites change over time, so it’s worth reviewing, perhaps once a year, what you’re paying into your pension and where the money is going.

6. Get advice Retirement has changed, as has the journey we take to get there. The fundamental difference is that there is no onesize-昀ts all anymore – everyone’s retirement will be different, so everyone needs a plan.

As we all have different views and objectives, it can make a huge difference to work with an expert adviser who can map out a plan with you and help you keep it on track.

Contact Peter Harding Wealth Management today for a no obligation meeting on 01747 855554 or email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk. We are here to help. Just ask.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

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The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time.

The value of any tax relief generally depends on individual circumstances.

Business

ARE YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS ON COURSE? Contact us for a pension review.

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

30 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 830730 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

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Recruitment Base: North Dorset Post: Community Staff Nurse Salary: £24,907 to £30,615 p.a.

Are you a qualified or newly qualified Nurse looking to work in a District Nursing team? Look no further…….

Dorset HealthCare is all about progress and innovation and ensuring we achieve the best possible patient care and health and wellbeing outcomes for all our communities.

We are looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, who pride themselves in the quality of care they provide to patients to work within our District Nursing teams. Currently we have vacancies in • • • •

Sherborne Sturminster Newton Blandford Gillingham

Full or part time positions available depending on what you are looking for.

The successful applicants will participate in the delivery of skilled autonomous nursing care to patients within their own home, and will gain an understanding of primary care including the management of long term conditions. You will have an opportunity to broaden your range of skills and knowledge in managing the nursing care or people in their own home or within local clinics.

For further details and to apply, please visit NHS jobs and search under job reference 152-C315.20A

BNH have a new position available for a

Hire desk and Office Supervisor

BRAMALL GARDENS Requires a new team member to join landscaping business, this involves physically demanding work. Applicants must be hard working and reliable. Clean driving licence is essential. References required. Based in Marnhull.

APPLY 01258 820394 GARDENER/HANDYMAN: required for 1 day per week.

Must be reliable and hardworking Contact 01747 828105 RELIEF MILKER Required 2 milkings for each Sunday.

Charlton Musgrove. 07812 009364 HGV CLASS 2 DRIVER / RECYCLING OPERATIVE required for busy family run skip hire company.

Duties will involve driving skip lorries and yard duties.

Please email your CV and covering letter to: tfplant@tfplant.plus.com Tel: 01747 826107 TF Plant skips – Gillingham Dorset

72

The opportunity to join our busy and productive office will predominantly include taking calls for, and arranging general day to day hires of plant from our extensive CAT excavator, roller, telehandler and thwaites dumpers fleet and taking calls for and booking in the emptying of septic tanks and other waste disposal streams such as tipper lorries and hook loader lorries.

Along with many other administrative responsibilities.

This role would suit a motivated and organised individual with good telephone and communication skills that works well in a team.

We have a modern and very comfortable office and work station available.

Hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm and every other Saturday morning 8.00am - 12.00pm.

Great rate of pay for experienced candidate.

Minimum £28,000 per annum salary.

Previous hire desk experience and general plant/HGV knowledge extremely valuable.

A transport managers qualification would be extremely desirable but not essential.

Please contact Brad Perrett on 07855473641 / 01300345378 or email your CV to brad@bnh.co.uk

Recruitment

RUSHMORE GOLF CLUB

We are recruiting for Full time or Part time staff to join our team of Greenkeepers.

Do you enjoy being outdoors?

Do you have great attention to detail?

This could be the perfect job for you!

We will be happy to provide full training if you are not yet qualified.

Please email Jaime Acton on

greenkeeper@rushmoreuk.com

for more information on this exciting role.

HANFORD SCHOOL

HANFORD SCHOOL

CHILD OKEFORD, BLANDFORD DORSET DT11 8HN

CHILD OKEFORD, BLANDFORD DORSET DT11 8HN

MATERNITY COVER HEAD OF P.E. AND GAMES

Full-time, term time only.

Required from September 2021 for 2 terms An experienced, inspirational and dynamic Head of P.E and Games is required from September 2021 to cover maternity leave for two terms.

Hanford is a thriving girls’ prep school and the successful candidate will be a subject specialist who can demonstrate high standards, infectious enthusiasm with excellent interpersonal skills.

The ability to teach gymnastics, netball and hockey would be advantageous.

A willingness to take part in the exciting boarding life of our school is essential.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st March Interviews: W/C 19th April To apply or to 昀nd out more about the role, please email Laura Stout

stoutl@hanfordschool.co.uk www.hanfordschool.co.uk Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Registered charity number 01001751

HEAD CHEF

An experienced and 昀exible Head Chef is required to join our busy kitchen providing wholesome and interesting meals for our school community, using ingredients from our own kitchen gardens.

The role involves menu planning, cooking high quality meals, managing a small brigade, budgeting and developing and motivating others.

Hanford is a thriving prep school and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate high standards, excellent communication and organisational skills and have relevant quali昀cations.

A willingness to take part in the wider life of our school is desirable.

The appointment is subject to a DBS check.

Closing date for applications: Friday 2nd April 2021 To apply or to 昀nd out more about the role, please email Laura Stout

stoutl@hanfordschool.co.uk www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Registered charity number 01001751

Sturminster Newton - Town Clerk vacancy Sturminster Newton Town Council is seeking a Town Clerk.

This is a real opportunity for an experienced leader who is dynamic, innovative, and resilient and who will focus on pragmatic solutions to meet the aspirations of the councillors and the people of Sturminster Newton.

The Town Clerk is responsible for carrying out all the functions of the Proper Officer and also the Responsible Financial Officer, providing effective leadership and management of staff, services and facilities.

The role is challenging and you will be required to work evenings regularly and occasionally at weekends.

You will be supported by a strong and positive team of eight staff.

The post is 25 hours per week, the core hours are 09.00 to 13.00 Monday to Friday and the remaining hours may be worked flexibly.

The salary is NJC scale point 37 to 42 (£40,875 to £45,859) on a pro-rata salary of £27618.92 to £30985.81.

The package includes the equivalent of 24 days’ paid leave plus public holidays and a contributory pension scheme.

For more information see the Town Council website or contact Acting Town Clerk, Mal Derricott, at townclerk@sturminsternewton-tc.gov.uk A recruitment pack and application form (required for all applicants) can be downloaded via the link below.

Working for the Council - Sturminster Newton TC (sturminsternewton-tc.gov.uk) Closing date for applications: 12.00 noon on Friday 29th, March 2021 Interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday 6th, April 2021

GREAT STAFF READ THE NBV! CALL DEBI TO ADVERTISE A VACANCY: 07876 563683 73

Recruitment WANTED Horticultural trained General Gardener PT-FT position. We are looking for someone to join our growing business.

Working independently and in small teams. Tasks include garden maintenance, planting suggestions and schemes, soft landscaping and more. Please apply by email Countylawnsandtrees@gmail.com

Trainee Steel Erector (Full Time)

The UK’s leading trade distributor of Irrigation Products Requires a Full Time

Trainee Steel Erector required for Steel Erecting and Cladding Firm based in Marnhull, Sturminster Newton.

Tracey Structures Ltd build equestrian, agricultural and industrial buildings nationwide, so this role involves some working away.

No previous experience required, just willingness to work and eagerness to learn.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable with heavy-lifting and working outdoors.

They will be reliable and a team player.

Must be comfortable working at heights.

This role would be ideal for someone who has just left full-time education and wants a hands-on job with a chance to learn a trade.

WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE

Please send your CV to linda@traceystructures.co.uk or call Bill on 07710 531213

This position is based at our Head Office in Dinton (Part of the MJ Abbott Ltd Company) The role involves picking and packing orders, preparing dispatch paperwork, stock control, accepting deliveries and other general warehouse and yard duties.

The candidate will be:Conscientious with an attention to detail and be able to work well with others within our small hard working team.

Physically fit as working within the warehouse will involve heavy lifting and carrying on a daily basis.

Ideally able to operate a forklift and be computer literate, experience is desirable but not essential as training will be given.

Hold a full UK driving licence.

Excellent pay and conditions for this permanent role.

Closing Date: 9th April 2021 Please contact us for an application pack: Mrs Jules Simmons M J ABBOTT LTD & LWS LTD Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5EB Email: jules.simmons@mjabbott.co.uk MJ Abbott Limited are an equal opportunities employer 74

Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form IndependentIAPS/GSA/CISC Boarding and Day School

for Pupils aged 4 -18 GSA/CISC

ICT MANAGER Driver Required Salary c£40K PART TIME, TERM TIME ONLY We require an energetic and personable ICT Manager to manage a highly active IT office and develop the School’s systems and management of its resources.

We are seeking a confident, experienced person with excellent computer skills and a full understanding of servers and networking. Experience of School MIS would be advantage.

The role is based on a work pattern of 40 hours per week between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm, but some flexibility on hours is available to the right candidate.

For further information and to download an application pack, please visit our website https://www.leweston.co.uk/information/work-with-us

Closing date for Applications: 29th March 2021 Leweston is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all Denominations Leweston School Trust is a registered charity number 295175

Recruitment BRICKLAYER REQUIRED for well established local building company, Sturgess & Sturgess Ltd based in Shaftesbury area. We are looking for an experienced tradesperson who can work to high standards as part of a team. Rates of pay is negotiable and subject to experience and quality of work.

Contact Andy Sturgess 07979 210074 by phone or text, or email andy@sandsltd.biz. A good well paid position in the company is waiting for the right person.

GENERAL FARM WORKER required in Shaftesbury, tasks include TMR feeding on a relief basis every other weekend, GFW, lambing, lamb rearing, high welfare standards, mobile accommodation available, pay dependent on experience. Tel: 07551 123554

EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC CLEANER REQUIRED for large house near Hazelbury Bryan. 8 hours per week at good rates plus travel expenses. Please email enquiries@mcf.partners.

PLANT WORLD AT MILTON ON STOUR is looking for seasonal staff to work during the busy spring season for 3 months. Please send a CV to plantworld.accounts@btconnect.com.

SITUATIONS WANTED CLEANING SERVICES OFFERED Please call 01258 860136 CARE WORKER AVAILABLE, experienced in dementia, Parkinson's, palliative care. Good cook & housekeeper, DBS & references available, live in or out call 07775 211891 FEMALE CARER. CRB checked. Shaftesbury area with own transport.

07702 254779 EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER has availability for days/nights Insured, DBS and references, please contact 07578 891657

DO YOU NEED HELP & SUPPORT IN YOUR HOME? PERSONAL CARE, COOKING, SHOPPING, DOCTOR & HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS, OVERNIGHT STAY, COMPANIONSHIP PLEASE RING SANDRA 07752 308521 ENHANCED DBS SEARCH, FULLY INSURED FREELANCE EXEC ASST Background in antiques, arts & music Industries. Extremely adaptable across diverse disciplines. event planning, research, manuscripts, ocumentation. Blandford-based but happy to travel 07976 743 081

WANTED: EXPERIENCED LITERARY/THEATRICAL AGENT for many plays, novels & short stories Tel: 07966 435728 ADDITIONAL CARE NEEDED, Gillingham: 07876 623861 GENERAL FARM WORKER, full-time position at local dairy Farm. Milking experience not required as training will be given. Tractor work is required. Please contact 01963 34471 for more details ENTHUSIASTIC AND FLEXIBLE PERSON for electrical showroom for retail and administrative duties Thursday Friday, Saturday 8am-5.30pm Also, some hours may be required at Waltons of Mere. Rates of pay negotiable plus commission for suitable applicant. Essentials – numerate, computer skills and customer friendly. Apply only by letter or email sales@jeanselectrical.co.uk Jeans Electrical Salisbury Street, Mere, Wilts BA126HB SUNDAY VACANCY for Waltons Newsagent/Post Office duties from 7am-1pm. Opportunity of extra hours/holiday cover.

Essentials – numerate, computer skills and people skills. Apply only by letter or email sales@jeanselectrical.co.uk.Jeans Electrical Salisbury Street, Mere, Wilts BA126HB CLEANER REQUIRED: Join our glamping changeover team from April, Monday and Friday from around 9.30am-2pm. You’ll be able to work independently as well as part of a team with great attention to detail. A driving licence is essential. For more information please contact Josie Langmead at office@stockgaylard.com

Millbrook House RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

in Child Okeford is recruiting for staff in a variety of positions:

NIGHT CARE ASSISTANT PART TIME LAUNDRY ASSISTANT BANK KITCHEN ASSISTANT/COOK Excellent rates of pay and bene昀ts.

Please call us on 01258-860330 for further information or email gini@millbrookhouse.co.uk to request an application form.

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Sport

Seafarer Mark up to the challenge in bid

By Steve Keenan sport@blackmorevale.net

A Sherborne sailor is getting ready to tackle the third stage of a round Britain charitable challenge to meet every harbour master.

Mark Ashley Miller, 58, set himself the five-year challenge after selling his Sherborne gift shop and online store business The Present Finder in 2018.

The following spring he set sail from Dartmouth, Devon, to Ardfern on the west coast of Scotland, where he over wintered his boat. Then last summer, he sailed around the Scottish coast to Inverness.

Over the course of the two summers, he has sailed 4,000 nautical miles, meeting 110 harbour masters. Last summer, his progress was hampered by lockdown until July, then his first port of call was Oban.

The harbour had only a handful of yachts, said Mark.

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ISLAND FLING: At anchor off Handa Island, Sutherland, Scotland, and, inset, below, Mark Ashley Miller charting a course below decks on Good Dog

“Normally in July the population of the town swells from 8,000 to 30,000 people – hard to imagine.”

His 34’ mono-hull motor sailing ketch Good Dog sleeps four, has three sails and a tender for getting ashore.

Mark’s wife Fiona and son Willian have crewed parts of the journey, with friends also climbing aboard. Volunteer crews are welcome, he says.

It’s all in aid of Seafarers UK, a charity which supports seafarers and their families in need.

As Mark points out: “During covid-19, this work is even more significant with 300,000 seafarers trapped on their ships worldwide.”

Last summer, he was able to visit every single west coast harbour including the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Fair Isle and Shetland.

“In August the HMs of both Ullapool and Stornoway recommended I took Good Dog out to St Kilda, and we were rewarded with the most stunning destination so far.”

A former Army

Captain himself, Mark is supporting the charity in memory of his father Peter, who was in the Royal Navy.

“The charity also supports men’s mental health. Having suffered depression myself, I am keen to promote them.”

So far, he has raised £7,000, including Gift Aid, of his £10,000 target.

With the Seafarers’ permission, he is donating 10% to St Martin’s Church in Lillington, near Sherborne, where he is church warden.

“It’s in return for being released from my warden’s duties for my five-year odyssey,” he says.

Mark, who learned to sail growing up in the Norfolk Broads, contacts a harbour master a week in advance of

Sport

to meet every harbour master in Britain

ROUND THE ISLAND: Mark at the helm rounding Muckle Flugga in Shetland Isles and, inset, the Seafarers UK flag on the mast of Good Dog

arrival. He’ll interview them in the morning, often in an office with views out over the harbour, with a couple of questions: nWhat is the most unique fact or feature about your harbour? nWhat is the most unusual thing you have done or experienced as a harbour master?

He’ll then set sail, via a scenic anchorage for lunch. and write up his notes at the next harbour in the evening.

The results, together with photos and videos, are planned for a book and are also recorded on his Instagram page: @harbour mastersailingchallenge.

“Last September I met my 100th harbour master, Malcolm Bremner, at the

dynamic and attractive Wick harbour from where we set off south towards Inverness,” he said.

“North East Scotland is a delightful surprise, and a chance conversation led me to taking a whole set of fresh photos for a new North East Scotland pilot book.

“This added some smaller but very beautiful harbours to my itinerary.

“I had already planned to visit Helmsdale, Cromarty and Avoch but not many sailors visit Lybster, Littleferry or anchor amongst the sand spits of Dornoch Firth.”

By early October he had reached Lossiemouth, but rumours of a second lockdown sent Mark through the Caledonian Canal and

back to Ardfern, the marina where Good Dog had over wintered in 2019-20.

His boat is now being prepared to set sail again on May 1, down the east coast to St Katherine’s Dock in east London, interviewing another 75 harbour masters en route. Sailing the south coast is due to follow in 2012 and Ireland in 2013.

He estimates there are 300 harbour masters in total but admits: “It is a very approximate figure as some are self-appointed (in tiny harbours) and other huge ports like the Clyde, Gt Yarmouth, Medway officially are controlled from a single Super-HM in Liverpool.

“And, of course, there are people who do the job of

harbour master but who don’t have the title. By the end of the trip I hope to have a definitive list!”

Harbours already visited have included Cornish fishing villages, tidal ports up the Bristol Channel, harbours guarded by castles in Wales, urban container ports, Scottish submarine bases, tiny National Trust islands and remote Scottish ferry terminals.

“I’ve met harbour masters on fishing boats, in corporate city offices, at busy ferry terminals – and even one welcoming me with a bottle of malt whisky,” he said.

He has attracted a lot of media and told Country Life of other highlights on his trip so far: The harbour master at Newlyn, who sheltered Mark from a long storm, taking part in an at-sea rescue mission in Clovelly and sailing sideways at 13 knots up the Severn.

He told the magazine that he has learned an awful lot about British history and the fishing industry.

“Did you know that most fish landed in the UK gets immediately exported to Europe or China?’ I am very wary of fishermen,” he said.

“On entering Newlyn one shouted at me, ‘Where are you from?’ When I said Dorset, he replied, ‘we eat people from Dorset.’” n To donate, go to uk.virginmoneygiving. com/harbourmaster sailingchallenge. You can follow Mark’s progress using any Marine Traffic App: search for Good Dog and see his position live.

You can get in touch at: markashleymiller@ gmail.com.

77

Sport It’s safety first as golf club looks to resume tee times Tee off times resume at Yeovil Golf Club on March 29, with new rules allowing groups of four able to play in the same group.

But members and visiting golfers will discover the club has been busy applying another level of safety – it’s been awarded SafeGolf Club accreditation from England Golf.

SafeGolf is a website where

anyone with a concern about the welfare of a player, or the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent, or a player, can contact the lead safeguarding officer at England Golf.

Keith Funnell, the club’s captain, said: “Achieving SafeGolf accreditation provides additional assurance to parents that Yeovil Golf Club provides a

safe and positive experience to children and young people whilst playing golf.

“It is also a standard the PGA apply to our team of professional coaches.”

General manager Chris Huggins said the award demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding children and young people, as well as adults in risk in the sport of golf.”

It is hoped indoor catering facilities, which should include clubhouses, can open their doors from May 17, while committee meetings and AGMs will not be permitted in person before that date. n Wincanton Golf Club will re-open a day later than Yeovil and Sherborne as it has a closed race meeting on March 29.

Nick’s foodbank run is in the bag

By Steve Keenan

sport@blackmorevale.net

If you were walking along the trailway on Saturday February 20, you may have been passed by a man in a Dorset Doddlers T-shirt.

Nothing strange in that you may think, however you may have had a double take when you noticed the runner was wearing a tight pair of skimpy blue hot pants. You need not have worried; it was only Blandford runner Nick Summons out on his latest charity event.

This year Nick’s event was the Park Runathon and saw more than 60 runners take on the 5K route of the Blandford Parkrun. With the current government guidelines and England Athletics advice, Nick arranged for the runners to run in pairs or family bubbles. Over the course of

IN THE RUNNING: Nick Summons and Ian Sherwood in their funky running gear and, above, Lucy’s daughter Maggie Brown with some of the food donated

the day the runners clocked up over 500 kilometres. Nick ran the route five times.

Nick, with help from fellow Dorset Doddler Lucy Brown, organised the Park Runathon with the aim of raising money and food donations for Blandford Foodbank.

The event was a huge success and had many of the Dorset Doddlers signing up

to run on the day along with members of local club Run Blandford and friends and family all keen to support the event. Ten full bags of food were donated, along with over £750.

A member of the Dorset Doddlers committee said: “Nick is a popular member of our club, and this is yet another of his fantastic fund-

raising events. As a club, we are always looking to help local worthwhile causes, and in these difficult times the Blandford Park Runathon definitely fits the bill. We ourselves have donated £250 to take Nick’s total to more than £1,000 so far. The Doddlers would all like to congratulate Nick on his great achievement.”

Clubs pledge to complete season and play to end of June The Blackmore Vale Football League has decided to resume matches and aim to complete its schedule, even if it means extending the season until June 27.

A majority of the 10 teams agreed to complete the season. A spokesman for the grassroots community league said: “We are determined to complete the league schedule 78

and with everyone’s support we believe we can achieve this together.”

However, one of ten teams will not be taking part.

Hazelbury Hornets FC have said they cannot fulfil their schedule – a disappointment for the team, whose last game before lockdown was a 14-1 defeat to Wincanton United Wasps.

Wincanton are the runaway leaders having won all nine of their games played, narrowly edging Bradford Abbas 7-6 in the last round of fixtures played on December 20.

The league will resume on April 4, when Wincanton play South Cheriton Comets before meeting their closest challengers, Donhead

Barbarians, the following week. It will be the first game for Donhead since they managed a remarkable draw against Sturminster Rovers on December 13.

With 25 minutes to go, Sturminster were 8-1 up but Donhead fought back to draw, 8-8, with four goals from George Coleman in 10 minutes.

Education

GOOD TO BE BACK: Students return to Yeovil College

Students are welcomed back to college after testing times Yeovil College students and staff are back following a learning timetable on site and at home.

Principal and CEO Mark Bolton said: “It is uplifting to see students return to campus. There is a real buzz on campus, the sun is shining, and you can visibly see that people are happy to be back.”

Yeovil College was one of the first

colleges to introduce a ‘lateral flow’ test and trace testing centre to a college environment in Somerset, and this, along with many other safety measures, has played a key role in enabling students to return to site safely.

Mr Bolton added: “The safety of our students and staff continues to be our priority and our guiding principle

to reopening the college has been one of extreme caution. Our testing centre has been a real success and I would like to thank staff who have worked tirelessly. It is once again business as usual for our students and staff, who are now extremely familiar with our blended approach; the result being that not a single day of education has been missed at Yeovil College.”

Sofa so good for furniture designers in bid to fund charity’s SEN teacher A Mere company is funding the start-up costs for a new special educational needs teacher.

Furniturebox UK is helping national charity Field Lane employ its first SEN teacher after a tumultuous year for people in education.

The move is part of their ongoing commitment to give back to the community.

Field Lane offers a combination of care, accommodation, and support for adults with learning disabilities.

The incredible work they do is very close to Furniturebox UK’s hearts, says founder Dan Beckles.

He added: “The ongoing

HELPING HANDS: Montague George and Dan Beckles of Furniturebox

will let these educational services still reach those who really benefit from them.”

Montague George and Dan Beckles launched Furniturebox in 2015 at the age of 18, aiming to provide beautiful, quality furniture to homes across the UK for reasonable prices.

They’ve built a thriving and growing business up from the ground, going from doing it all themselves to now managing a team of 32.

coronavirus crisis has devastated all of us, especially our more vulnerable members of society.

Many of Field Lane’s clients have had their vital

n To see some of the other ways Furniturebox UK are giving back to the community, go to furniturebox.co.uk/blog/ doing-our-bit-to-help.

education and life-skills development interrupted by the lockdowns.

Those that usually attend colleges or day centres haven’t been able to.

Employing an SEN teacher

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Equestrian Lawyer warning of legal disputes rising during lockdown A Dorset-based equine lawyer who has been riding since the age of five has warned of a rising number of disputes as horse sales boom in lockdown.

Ellen Shipton is a solicitor in the dispute resolution and equine law teams at Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, and explained that mis-selling appears to be increasing whether through genuine misunderstandings or deliberate targeting of buyers. Now she has urged anyone buying, selling or involved in the loan of a horse to ensure agreements are in writing.

Ellen said: “Horse sales have been booming during lockdown with higher prices and a greater number of

Ellen Shipton

transactions. Sadly, it appears that the number of cases of horses being missold and people being deliberately targeted for misselling is increasing.

“Horses aren’t like toasters where you have a warranty and can take them back. I’ve heard of some horror stories where horses have been purchased but certain behavioural characteristics or

physical issues weren’t apparent or were covered up during the sale.

“There can also be issues when horses are on loan between two parties, whether that relates to length of agreements, costs and stabling or even actual ownership.

“The best advice in any transaction or agreement of these kinds is to get it in writing. Covering everything off in a legal document will help prevent issues further down the line and protect everyone involved.”

Ellen has a number of riding qualifications and has owned her own thoroughbred for 17 years.

Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Equine Law team specialises in a

range of matters, including buying and selling horses, loan, livery and grazing agreements, professional negligence and animal welfare.

According to latest figures, in the British Equestrian Trade Association’s National Equestrian Survey 2019, the equestrian sector is worth £4.7bn annually.

Some 27 million people in Great Britain have an interest in the equestrian industry, with the number of horse riders rising from 1.3m in 2015 to 1.8m in 2019.

An investigation by Horse and Hound magazine in December 2020 revealed a trend towards increased horse sales and prices during the year.

£10k lotto cash to help health workers A charity in Sturminster Marshall is celebrating after receiving £10,000 from the National Lottery to help frontline health workers to recover from the horrors of the pandemic.

Social enterprise Horserenity

EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS PADDOCKS For all your paddock & field maintenance, call Mark 01747 821271 or 07810 540725 HORSE PADDOCK SERVICES Chain harrowing, rolling, aerating, over seeding, spraying & topping with ATV Call Nick 07495 090101 Bedrap, Bedmax, white shavings, wood pellets, chopped wheat, hay and straw. Ring Val - 07889 064294

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CIC will use the cash to deliver a bespoke programme, ‘Healing with Horses’, that has been designed to help NHS key workers to recover from the horrors of the pandemic.

Horserenity was founded by Sarah Vivian after she realised how much mental wellbeing could be affected by allowing people to explore their thoughts and feelings, while partnering with the presence and soul of a horse.

Horserenity runs equine facilitated learning sessions, attended by local children, young people and adults where they work alongside

the horses in both a practical and therapeutic way. Sarah said: “Horses live in the moment, and will listen to a heartbeat from four feet away, they read from the inside out and work in a non-judgemental way to bring calm and understanding.”

Clients and learners might spend time grooming, joining with the herd at liberty, working with energy in the round pen, drawing, reflecting, leading a horse through life’s ‘obstacles’, or learning about the physiology of the horse.

The new funding from The

National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see a new programme launched to help health workers to recover from working on the frontline of covid-19.

Sarah added: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to reach out to the amazing NHS staff, who have worked so tirelessly through the pandemic and witnessed so much anxiety and sorrow. It’s so important that they are given the opportunity to breathe and recover from the stress and relentlessness of the pandemic, so that they can return to work feeling that they have had some time to let go and heal themselves. “

Field & Stream

Romeo ram has been

very busy boy

THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing If you cast your mind back to last autumn, you will remember that we fitted the ram with a raddle. This meant that he left a coloured paint mark on those ewes that he had served, and we could take the due date from then. So fast forward 145 days and there we were waiting for the first ewe to deliver. Right on cue the first of the ewes started to change shape at the business end and showed all the signs of an imminent birth. It was a cold and frosty field, minus 3.5 was forecast and we checked her every few hours, in fact we checked her for two days and two nights. She had the most frustrating labour ever, start, stop, groan then jump up and eat then repeat. When

the lambs did decide to show the first had its arm back behind its head and the second was born bottom first and still in its sac. As soon as the lambs were born the ewe started to lick and clean up the lambs, a bonding process which encourages the lamb to move about and forms the important relationship between Mum and lamb. The twins stood up after five minutes and instinctively looked for the engorged teats holding the valuable first

feed. The first feed is of colostrum and this provides valuable antibodies and protects the lambs from infection in their first few days. The twins are well marked and have good Zwartbles blazes. At the time of writing, I have just left the lambing shed again, this time the birth was in record time.

The ewe literally pushed a few times and out popped another ewe lamb, again right on the 145 days. We are already exhausted from the

increased workload, extra feeding regime, and nighttime visits but would not be without this special time at The Field. Those of you that remember Mr Benn, the children’s TV programme, will be able to relate to me changing from a school worker to shepherdess in the gateway to the field, before jumping over the gate in my waterproof over trousers and wellies, then changing again back to school worker.

Thanks must go to both of our employers for embracing lambing time and allowing us to work a little bit erratically for a few weeks.

We were overwhelmed with names for the lambs, thank you all so much and we will announce the final flock names when lambing has finished. I am off back to the lambing shed now as three are due in the next few days... what a busy ram he was!

Cautiously opening up Bere Marsh Farm’s wildlife jewel box The Countryside Restoration Trust is finalising plans for a summer-long programme of wildlife activities and special classes at Bere Marsh Farm.

Bat walks, moth trapping, farmland rambles, bird watching and open air art classes and rustic skills courses are all part of the exciting events which farm manager, Elaine Spencer White, and conservation manager, Andy Fale, are currently putting together for a launch in late spring.

“The farm is a wildlife jewel box thanks to the work done by the farm’s founder, Angela Hughes,” said Andy. “Pesticides have not been used for decades, areas of grass not cut for years and the hedgerows and trees are pristine. It is a treasure of nature just waiting to be explored.”

As well as common pipestrelles,

Picture by Alan Wicks

unusual brown long earred bats and maybe even daubentons are expected to be seen on the bat walks whilst the farmland rambles will almost certainly yield sightings of the two otters seen romping on the banks of the idyllic River Stour in recent months as well as the resident barn owls, sparrowhawks and a

feast of farm and woodland species such as redstarts, long tailed tits, skylarks and linnets and yellowhammers.

Angela planted poplars specially to attract the giant poplar hawk moth and there might even be hummingbird hawk moths as well as footmen and pugs.

Another treat that is glow worms thought to populate the wooded embankments of the old Shillingstone to Sturminster railway line through the farm.

Open air art classes in the fields and around the farmstead have been arranged for painters of all ages. Rustic crafts workshops run by tradesmen will take place at the farm throughout the summer. This will include rush and willow weaving classes – with everyone guaranteed to take something home they have made, whether bird feeders, rush

dragonflies or even baskets if they really work hard and fast!

There will also be courses in the ancient art of grass and hay scything as well as the even more complex skill of hedgelaying in the autumn.

Elaine said: “Whatever people’s interest we hope we will be able to lay something on for them.

We want everybody in the local community to feel Bere Marsh belongs to them and is a place where they can re-connect with our countryside.

“Participation in nature is vital for everyone’s wellbeing after the tribulations of the pandemic and Bere Marsh can give them the very best nature has to offer.”

For more information about the courses or to register interest in participating please contact afale@countrysiderestoration trust.com 81

Field & Stream

Be a sporty: help

Hope springs as March marches on

By David Bailey As a wildlife photographer March signals the start of springtime which always fills me with excitement as the natural world wakes from its deep winter sleep.

This year is different as like so many wildlife lovers, being deprived of being able to wander in the countryside for the best part of a year emotions are running high as we emerge slowly from lockdowns. The thought of lying in the grass and watching hares, running, boxing or just bumbling around fills me with joy.

With early morning starts I will once again see the white silhouettes of barn owls floating over the fields and meadows as they hunt. The crescendo of bird song is rising as spring flowers erupt into HEDGE LAYING, TOPPING & HAULAGE. Please Phone Andrew 01747 855198

flower, woods fill with the hue of bluebells. Closer to home for those of you with nest boxes in your garden, the birds will be showing interest in making it their maternal home for the season. The magnificent ospreys will be ending their long flight back from Africa often seen following waterways such as the Stour and hopefully to breed at nest sites around Poole Harbour. This year’s introduction of beavers to Dorset is a huge leap forward in returning natural species. What is there NOT to become excited about? If you want more involvement with nature rather than just walking and watching, the obvious organisation to join is the Dorset branch of the Wildlife Trust (01305 264620) with many projects ongoing and planned. If your interest is birds it’s the RSPB membership@rspb.org.uk.

Another organisation which promotes and helps wildlife is the National Trust. Owning vast tracts of land, the NT has many projects where volunteers are required. By joining any of these organisations and indeed others, not only will nature benefit, new friends will be waiting to be met with similar interests. By working alongside organisations who employ experts in their own particular fields I have learnt so much.

I’m like a sponge soaking up information and can’t get enough. education certainly don’t stop on leaving school. Even as a professional by chatting to other photographers I pick up tips and their own viewpoints on subjects, beside enjoying days out with good company.

For those old enough to remember the code for crossing the road, Stop, Look, Listen!

By Karen Bate A big-hearted farmer from Twyford is beefing up his charity efforts after sending his special Aberdeen Angus heifer to auction to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Tenant farmers Dave and Jacky Selby and their son Harry of Crocker’s Farm are selling Poshy, their friendly tenmonth-old heifer, at Southern Counties Auction in Salisbury on Thursday, April 15. Bids of around £700 were invited for friendly Poshy by auctioneer Ian Tanner commission-free to give the fund, which has already secured £2,010 from the farming community, an even bigger boost. When Dave’s friend in Puddletown was diagnosed with cancer, he wanted to help and decided raising money for research would be the best thing he could do.

And he is calling on the farming community to dig deep for his charity efforts on their special JustGiving page.

“Cancer is a horrible thing,” said Dave.

“It affects people of all ages. My son Harry and I really wanted to do something to help, but there isn’t much we can do, so I thought by selling Poshy, it will raise money for the people who can do something to help.”

He added: “Poshy was one of those animals who really caught my eye, she is easy and would come to you. I was

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Farming

baby Poshy ginger up fund to beat scary disease

able to give her a cuddle and a talk, which was why I named her Poshy. She might make a good suckler cow.”

Farmers and farming businesses, including vet Jo from Friars Moor Livestock Health, Trevor Birchall, Rob Mitchell livestock haulage, the Portman Hunt plus Andrew Mills, John Dunning, Richard Potter and Chris Cox agricultural engineers, have already donated money on Dave’s JustGiving page, but Dave hopes to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK. He said: “It would be great if

anyone else, especially those with farming links, can make a donation.

“So come on all your farmers, let us show what we’re made of and see how much we can raise together for a good cause.”

He added: “I really just wanted to do something to help my mate in Puddletown.”

The auction will also incorporate a special Aberdeen Angus show and sale on the same day.

If you would like to donate or find out more go to: justgiving.com/fundraising/ auction-Poshy

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83

Farming

Two new members for county’s show Two Blandford men have joined the board of Dorchester Agricultural Society as they begin a tricky year trying to organise Dorset County Show.

Paul Dunlop, managing partner at law firm Blanchards Bailey, and Ben Best, who covers south Dorset as area sales manager for Blandford-based C&O Tractors, have been appointed to the ninestrong board of trustees of the society.

The trustees, led by Dorset headteacher and farmer Nicola Ralph, guide and steer the society to promote excellence in agriculture.

Paul said: “I am delighted to have been voted on to the board.

I look forward to working with the show team and the other board members.

“At Blanchards Bailey we are passionate about providing legal advice to the agricultural sector, with many of our staff farming or being involved with farming.

“I hope my sector-specific skills and knowledge will enhance the management of the society.”

Paul Dunlop

Paul heads the Agriculture & Estates Sector at Blanchards Bailey’s head office in Blandford and advises farmers and landowners on all areas of the law.

The firm has supported the Dorset County Show for many years, sponsoring livestock classes and the stockman’s supper as well as having a stand alongside the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Paul added: “We are looking forward to having our own stand at the show when it next runs.

This iconic event will take place once more, once restrictions are

Bethany’s off to the finals A Young Farmers Club member from the Sherborne club will be competing in the national finals of a talent competition after winning the county contest.

Bethany Mitchell sang a Mumford & Sons cover while accompanying herself on acoustic guitar to win the day after a weekend of online entries from all over Dorset.

She will now appear at the national finals on Saturday, July 10 at Staffordshire Showground, if restrictions allow – if not the show will be held online.Second in the Dorset contest were Puddletown YFC with Courting for Men and third and fourth was Beaminster YFC with Saturday Night and Walk eased and it is safe to do so.”

Dorchester Agricultural Society (DAS) was established in 1840, and is Dorchester’s second oldest business.

Dorset County Show is one of

Bethany Mitchell

of Life.

Everyone who voted went into a raffle draw – winners included Charlotte Martin, Caroline House, Stuart Vickery, Beth Seare, Peter Riddle, Ann Rossiter, Sonia Raymond and Angela Frampton.

The clubs are now planning a year of events.

Go to dorsetyfc.org.uk to find out more.

Dorset’s largest outdoor events, attracting about 60,000 visitors annually.

If it is possible for the 2021 show to proceed, then it will take place on September 4 and 5.

Pesticide amnesty is hailed a success Some 3.5 tonnes of banned and outdated pesticides have been removed from farms across Dorset by the county’s Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) team.

The farm pesticide amnesty has been hailed a ‘great success’ after 93 farms took part in the scheme, which the safe disposal of chemicals safely.

The farm holdings took advantage of the amnesty, disposing up to 75 litres or kilograms free of charge and collected by Peake (GB) Ltd, a specialist agricultural waste 84

collection and disposal firm.

Many participating farm holdings disposed in excess of the scheme’s limit and covered the additional cost themselves, removing 3,100 litres and 300kg of pesticides and other chemicals, which could otherwise pose a significant risk to the environment and water resources, particularly if they had been stored incorrectly.

Richard Lambourne from Dorset’s Catchment Sensitive Farming team who lead the project, said: “The amnesty has been a great success,

helping farmers to correctly dispose of chemicals which can often be costly and difficult to get rid of.

“The amnesty has shown a great willingness by farmers to take advantage of schemes like this to reduce risks to the water environment.

“The scheme has also demonstrated a co-ordinated and joined-up approach with Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming team and Dorset’s water companies to help farmers deliver water quality improvements, with both Bournemouth Water and

Wessex Water sponsoring and contributing towards the delivery of the project.

“Although water companies remove chemicals from raw water before it’s put into supply, it’s much more sustainable and cost-effective to work with farmers to reduce the chances of pesticides entering our water resources in the first place. “Through this amnesty we have helped facilitate the safe disposal of chemicals ensuring they won’t ever find their way into watercourses which could affect drinking water quality and damage the environment.”

Farming

WEDNESDAY 24TH MARCH Sale of Suckler Cattle Entries Invited To Commence at 2pm WEDNESDAY 31ST MARCH Easter Show & Sale of Lambs Pen of 2 or More Continental Sired Pen of 2 or More Native Sired Cash Prizes Given on the Day WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL Pedigree Breeding Bull Sale Commencing 2pm Entries Invited WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL Frome Markets st 1 Inaugural Spring Stirk Fair Show & Sale Kindly Sponsored by Barbers 1833 NOTE CHANGE OF DATE !!!

SATURDAY 22ND MAY Poultry Sale (Entries Close 7th May) Subject to Covid & Avian Flu Restrictions Auctioneers Trevor Rowland: 07968 480 401 Lester Williams: 07778 646 031 Ross Whitcombe: 07815 985 737 Charlie Coleman: 07494 588 013 Fieldsmen Mark Ferrett: 07702 264 502 Tom Rogers: 07384 462 288 Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com

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85

Farming

Friars Moor farm careers event success

By Alice Miller of Friars Moor Livestock Health As previously advertised, we held our first online ‘Farm animal veterinary careers talk’ on Thursday, March 4 and we were overwhelmed by the positive response we received. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the pupils, schools and parents who supported the event. But, above all we were thrilled to be joined by so many enthusiastic and engaged young people.

We certainly hope the afternoon event inspired this next generation of budding vets and vet techs to pursue their dreams, whilst gaining a better understanding of the requirements that will help them to get there.

Vets Katie Harrower, Paul Doran, and I, alongside vet tech James Hall and foot trimmer and sheep scanner Alex Williams, all shared our experiences and career journeys.

We openly shared the things that we found challenging

along the way, as well as reflecting on why we feel very lucky to work in such a diverse industry, that offers many different career opportunities within it.

We all acknowledged the importance of working within a supportive team.

The work we do comes with responsibility and it can be highly stressful and emotionally draining at times, we all commented on how the family, caring ethos at Friars Moor often negates the enormity of these feelings and how important it is to have this work environment where you can reach out when needed.

We wanted to reiterate that it is never too early, or too late to consider a possible lifetime career. Paul left

school and became a professional chef in a highend London restaurant before rethinking his career path, and similarly Katie decided upon veterinary in her second year of A-levels, so she took time out after school to complete work experience and grade requirements to strengthen her application.

We would like to thank all of those who submitted questions for the Q&A part of our panel discussion.

These included everything from, tips for applying to universities, to the most challenging cases we have had to face within our careers, as well as advice on interview technique and expected salaries. We covered as many as we could

during the live event, and as promised answered all of them, these are now available on our website at friarsmoorvets.co.uk under the student section.

If you have any further questions with regards to career paths in veterinary please email: careerdevelopment@friarsm oorlivestockhealth.co.uk.

Fingers crossed for the same event face to face next year!

FARMING CLASSIFIEDS CHINESE GEESE for sale From £20 each 07854 322872 FARMERS. Free rabbit protection by experienced vermin controller. 07875 821628 PEKING BANTUMS At point of lay & sitting Eggs available from £15 07854 322872 WANTED Agricultural barn or cow shed to store mowers etc in. 01935 822032 or 07881 816867

Environment pilot opens for business Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk 86

A Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot scheme is set to launch in October – and Dorset farmers can now apply to take part.

The application process opened on Monday and will stay open until April 11.

Farmers and land managers are invited to fill out a to express their interest at gov.uk/government/publications/sustain able-farming-incentive-expression-ofinterest.

The pilot will reward initiatives in farming that help the environment.

Payments will be broadly in line with Countryside Stewardship funding.

Farming

Relief as inspection done for another year Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary Great news! We had a clear TB test... relief all round.

February field dyke, March winds and April showers bring forth spring flowers!

What a lovely time of the year, full of promise. The lambing on the farm is keeping Darren busy. He gets up most nights to check the flock and all is going well so far, nothing to match lambs gambolling in gangs in the spring sunshine.

Lamb for the Easter table is likely to be in short supply, as many sheep were exported before the end of the year, due to Brexit uncertainty. Get your orders in early.

Paul managed to do a bit of rolling after the cows had eaten their first field of grass this season. It’s a catchy job, to roll the land when its hard enough not to cause damage and soft enough for the rollers to do some good without bruising the growing grass.

I saw the first cowslips at the weekend, a plant that really likes poor soil and is making a come back as fertilisers are kept well away from the hedges and banks.

Tom and the team are still

busy with all the winter work, however a few youngstock have been let out and the dairy are spending a few hours every day at grass, so this helps a little. The barns still have enough food till winter is truly behind us, Tom takes regular note of what grass and maize silage, hay and straw is left. He uses a plate meter to measure the growing grass on a weekly basis and keeps an eye on the ‘T’ sums (temperature), all important tools to feed a herd of hungry cattle.

The farm shop continues to be busy; we had our environmental health officer come last week to do his inspection. He was very happy and gave us a 5 Star rating. They come unannounced, which keeps the standards up all the time.

However; as with all inspections, it is good to have it done till next time.

We have our Easter order form out and lots of tempting Easter eggs to choose from in the shop.

Mothering Sunday was celebrated in our village, with an online church service and posies for children to collect for their mums left in the churches.

So many aspects of country life, indeed life wherever you

live, has found other ways to continue, but wont it be good to get back to ‘normal’!

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Farming

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Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T Forthcoming Dairy Sales Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Tuesday 23 rd March at 10.00am ** Dispersal Sale of 1500 Holsteins for Denhay Farms Ltd ** The Milking & Heifer Calf Portion from Higher Denhay Farm being

515 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

Online Machinery Sale

WALFORD CROSS ONLINE MACHINERY SALE (Items will be located at the Walford Cross Sale 昀eld, just off the A38 between Taunton & Bridgwater)

Comp: 348 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 64 Calved Heifers & 103 A Lot Heifer Calves

THURSDAY 15TH APRIL from 3.00pm onwards

* NMR HERD AV: 10,146 KGS. 4.02%BF 3.39%P; SCC=117 * HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed * YOUNG COWS: 321 1st – 3rd Lactation * CALVING: Jan-Apr (172); May-Aug (86); Sep-Dec (135) * SIRES INC: Paramount; George; Bill; Cross昀re; Gras; Licorshot; Barbican; Montana; Samite; Altaarmani; Twist; Altabarney; Paradise; Plisko; District Red; Glenton; Brasileiro; etc. * SERVICES TO: British Blue, Coffee, Cursor, Dynamite, Evolve, Twitch, etc.

For Denhay Farms Ltd (ceasing dairy production) (Removed from Higher Denhay Farm, Bridport, Dorset) ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

TRACTORS, MACHINERY & AGRICULTURAL ITEMS ONLY

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Thursday 1st April at 10.00am The Milking & Heifer Calf Portion from Lower Beerlands & Meerhay Farm being

450 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS Comp: 380 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf and 70 A Lot Heifer Calves

* NMR HERD AV: Lower Beerlands Farm: 9,093 KGS. 4.03%BF 3.33%P; SCC=174 * NMR HERD AV: Meerhay Farm: 8,585 KGS. 3.68%BF 3.26%P; SCC=173 * HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed * ALL YEAR ROUND CALVING * SERVICES TO: British Blue For Denhay Farms Ltd (Removed from Lower Beerlands Farm & Meerhay Farm, Bridport, Dorset)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie ** APRIL Tues 6th.... SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The Youngstock Portion being 500 NMR Holstein Friesian Dairy Followers for Denhay Farms Ltd (Removed from Boars Barrow Farm, Loders, Bridport, Dorset).

Tues 20th.. ** PLEASE NOTE NEW SALE DATE ** SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The Spring Fever Collective Dairy Sale of Freshly Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Bulls. ** Further Entries Invited **

Forthcoming Fodder Sale Collective Fodder Sale

By INFORMAL TENDER

Tenders close Wednesday 24th March at 5.00pm Entries include: Hay.............150 Quad & 112 Round at Axbridge; 75 Round at Bridgwater; 70 Square at Highbridge; 250 Conv at Honiton; 70 Round at Ilminster; 40 Quad at South Petherton; 350 Conv at Taunton Silage.........65 Round, 25 Square & 200 Tonnes at Bridgwater; 20 Round at Hemyock; 100 Round at Highbridge; 50 Round at Lympsham; 128 Round & 50 Square at Taunton; 30 Round at Upottery; 150 Tonnes at Wellington Straw..........24 Square at Bridgwater; 100 Round at Dulverton For a Catalogue & Tender Form please contact the Sedgemoor Of昀ce on 01278 410250

Forthcoming Devon Cattle Sale SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Tuesday 30th March at 10.30am Judging/ 12noon Sale The Devon Cattle Breeders’ SocietySpring Show & Sale of

27 RUBY RED DEVONS

Comp: 9 Bulls; 9 Maiden Heifers and 9 Lots of Semen

WANTED

All items to be booked in on Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th (9.00am-5.00pm).

Handler unloading service available. Viewing Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th (9.00am – 5.00pm by appointment only).

Collection Friday 16th – Tuesday 20th (9.00am – 5.00pm – not inc. Sunday).

Payment is due on the day after the sale by debit card.

LIVE BIDDING on Marteye. All buyers are required to register with Marteye at gth.marteye.ie. To advertise items please call 01278 410250

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5984 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 13th March 2021

DAIRY CATTLE (77) Heifers to £2150. Others £1920. Cows to £1650. Others £1550. (1377) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (884) Steers to £1550 (CHX). Others £1490 (LIMX) £1455 (CHX) & £1395 (SIMX). Heifers to £1470 (LIMX). Others £1400 (2x LIMX & BAX) £1375 (SIMX) & £1350 (LIMX).

GRAZING COWS (17) to £990 (AA). SUCKLERS (65) to £2300 for March 2019 AA bull. Cows & Calves to £1730. STIRKS (428) Steers to £1110 (CHX). Others £1092 (CHX) £1040 (CHX) & £1015 (CHX). Heifers to £1010 (CHX). Others £925 (CHX) £920 (CHX) & £910 (HEX). CALVES (360) - Beef Bulls to £550 (LIMX). Others £510 (BRBX) £475 (BRBX) & £415 (BRBX). Heifers to £455 (BRBX). Others £420 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £335 (BRBX). Black &amp; Whites to £178. Others £170. (2746) SHEEP STORE LAMBS – Friday (1381) to £153.

Others £146 & £144.50. Overall Ave £112.49. CULL EWES & RAMS (826) Ewes to £185. Others £180 & £169. Rams to £169. Others £154 & £150. Overall Ave £101.73. BREEDING EWES (18) to £128. Others £90. Overall average £115.30. COUPLES (183E & 287L) Doubles to £240 (£80/life). Singles to £192 (£96/life). Overall Ave £66.99/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (51) to £39. Overall Ave £21.80. (185) PIGS – WEANERS (84) to £48. CULL SOWS & BOARS (11) to £148. FORWARD STORES (90) to £128 (2x).

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs

Returns for Monday 15th March 2021

PRIME CATTLE (105) Steers UTM av 206.6ppk to 227.0ppk & £1,565.62.

Others 223.5ppk, 223.0ppk & 222.5ppk. Others £1,542.45, £1,502.45 & £1,496.64. Heifers UTM av 200.4ppk to 224.5ppk and £1,422.44. Others 219.5ppk, 218.5ppk (2x) & 214.5ppk. Others £1,376.55, £1,359.13 & £1,338.78.

BARREN COWS (64) Continental av 146.1ppk to 161.5ppk and £1,277.38.

Others 160.5ppk. Others £1,198.94. Native Beef av 132.5ppk to 142.5ppk and £1,167.38. Others 141.5ppk. Others £1,064.39. Dairy av 133.5ppk to 149.5ppk and £1,328.42. Others 145.5ppk. Others £1,240.62. FINISHED SHEEP (1067) Hogg ave 295.89ppk to 310.0ppk and £178.00. Others 307.0ppk, 306.0ppk & 303.0ppk. Others £161.00, £160.00 & £159.00. Lamb ave 346.71ppk to 370.0ppk and £152.00. Others 367.0ppk. Others £148.00.

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL SALES For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre and/or Saturday market report https://www.gth.net/market-reports. Please note a Drop & Go home immediately system is in operation for Vendors.

MARCH Fri 19th......... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Sat 20th........ Special Entry in the Dairy Section –The Sale of 20 Yearling Heifers (12-13m) for E Hudson Baker Mon 22nd......Easter Show & Sale of Suck Lambs 9.30am Wed 24nd..... Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Sale commences 4.30pm Wed 24nd..... Collective Fodder Auction by Informal Tender. Tender Deadline 24th March at 5pm.

Fri 26th......... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Sat 27th........ Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2 Sat 27th........ Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am APRIL Fri 2nd.......... Good Friday – Of昀ce Closed – No Sheep Market Sat 3rd.......... Normal Saturday Store Market to include Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats & Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Mon 5th.........Easter Monday – Of昀ce Closed - No Market Tues 6th........ Prime Cattle, Barren Cows, Prime Lambs & Killing Ewes

89

Farming

Programme aims to support the next generation Cornish Mutual has launched ‘Future Farming’, a programme to support its members across the South West The industry-leading programme helps farmers identify and positively address the risks faced from the changes taking place in agriculture. It helps empower members to build a vibrant future for their businesses and includes specific initiatives to support younger farmers.

The Future Farming programme launched this week has six core themes reflecting the changes farmers are facing including the environment, adoption of technology and succession.

It will encourage farmers to explore commercial solutions, through a

An agricultural drone

programme featuring industry specialists, online guides and learning from the experiences of other South West farmers through virtual and, when allowed, face-toface farm visits. The Future Farming programme is set to equip Cornish Mutual members for the transformative time ahead.

The programme also includes the development of a next generation group and the launch of bursaries for young people starting out in the

Insurance with a difference

industry. The next generation group, aimed at 25 to 45year-olds, will provide an opportunity for participants to expand their knowledge and business skills through an exclusive programme of events hosted by Cornish Mutual. Bursaries are also being made available to support students from the South West embarking on Level 1, 2 or 3 agriculture courses to encourage and support them as they start their careers in the industry.

Cornish Mutual MD Peter Beaumont said: “Farmers are seeing the biggest changes in agriculture for more than 50 years and the industry is having to adapt to flourish.

“Business model risks including international trade arrangements, evolving consumer attitudes and government policy are all set to impact farmers.

“As part of our purpose to protect the farming community, Cornish Mutual is committed to increasing member resilience through insurance and now with our Future Farming programme.

“By raising awareness and sharing experiences among our community, the programme seeks to empower members with the knowledge and ideas to build a vibrant future for their business.”

When it comes to protecting what’s important, Cornish Mutual is different.

Different because our sole focus is on you, your farming business and your community.

Different in the fact that our local advisors don’t work on commission, and all of our teams are experts in the protection you need.

We’re the local specialists that understand the challenges you face and are here to help.

But don’t just take our word for it – ask your neighbours about us.

Want to speak to us direct?

Call us on 01872 277151 or visit cornishmutual.co.uk

Farming Insurance Experts

90

Farming

FODDER AND MACHINERY AUCTIONS ON FARM SALE OF FODDER, TUESDAY 23RD MARCH 2021

ON FARM SALE OF FODDER (con琀nued)

9.30am

Also to be sold by sample at Bainley Hill Farm: Home Cro昀, Higher Holton, Wincanton, BA9 8AP 240 x 80 x 70 x 4’6” Bales Lucerne Haylage, not spiked, 8 layers of wrap Also to be sold by sample at Bainley Hill Farm: Benja昀eld Farm, Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8 5QF 50 x 80 x 70 x 4’6” Bales 2nd cut rye grass Haylage, not spiked Forty Acres Farm, Babcary Road, South Barrow, Yeovil, BA22 7LE 150 x 4’ 6” Round Bales Wheat Straw, net wrapped, barn stored 5.00pm Cooks Farm, Thornhill, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 75 x 80 x 70 Bales 2018 Hay, barn stored Also to be sold by sample at Cooks Farm: Barn at Spire Hill, Stalbridge 40 x Quadrant Bales winter Barley Straw, barn stored 50 x 80 x 70 Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored ALL LOTS TO BE PAID FOR IN FULL ON THE DAY REMOVAL WITHIN 4 WEEKS UNLESS STATED DIFFERENTLY

Manor Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, DT9 6JX 50 x Round Bales 2 nd cut Haylage, not spiked Also to be sold by sample at Manor Farm: Lower Farm, Alweston, Sherborne, DT9 5HU 40 x 4’ Round Bales 3 rd cut ley grass Silage, not spiked Greenhill Farm, Pound Road, Thornford, DT9 6QD 10 x 120 x 70 6’ Bales Meadow Hay, barn stored 30 x 120 x 70 7’ Bales Meadow Hay, barn stored 10.15am Barn Acres, Corscombe, Dorchester,DT2 0PD 125 Tons Grass Silage, opened clamp Analysis: DM: 41.2% DVal: 71% ME: 11.4 mj/kg CP: 14.1% Viewing by Appointment – contact Jamie Holt 07984 073185 Also to be sold at Barn Acres – Viewing Advised: Yard at Broad昀eld, East Chelborourgh, Dorchester 420 Tons Grass/Maize Silage, approx. 50/50 split, unopened clamp Grass Analysis: DM: 34.3% DVal: 68% ME: 10.6mj/kg CP: 11.7% Maize Analysis: DM: 37.4% DVal: 69% ME: 10.9mj/kg Starch: 33% Viewing by Appointment – contact Jamie Holt 07984 073185 Chapel Marsh Farm, Beaminster Down, DT8 3SH 100 x Quadrant Bales Haylage, triple wrapped, not spiked Viewing by Appointment – contact James Vickery 07572 232676 Merrylands Farm, Corscombe, Dorchester, DT2 0PD 134 x 80 x 70 x Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Viewing by Appointment – contact Craig Frampton 07816 815062 11.30am Beech Grove Farm, Hawkchurch, EX13 5TX 50 x Quadrant Bales 2020 Hay, barn stored Also to be sold by sample at Beech Grove Farm: New House Farm, Seaton Road, Musbury, Axminster, EX13 8AJ 40 x D1010 Bales 2020 Hay, made May, barn stored 150 x D4000 Bales 2020 2nd cut Hay, barn stored New House Farm East, Musbury, Axminster 100 x Round Bales dry Haylage, not spiked 12.45pm Lower Burton Farm, Dorchester, DT2 7RZ To be sold by sample at Lower Burton Farm: Dew昀ock Farm, Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester, DT2 8NP 100 x Quadrant Bales Haylage, not spiked, being fed to sheep and ca琀le Removal by 29th March 2021 Also to be sold by sample at Lower Burton Farm: Pound Farm, Higher Dorchester Road, Cerne Abbas 52 x 120 x 90 Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Stored at White Lackington, will be brought to Pound Farm for ease of loading Beaulieu Wood Farm, Buckland Newton, DT2 7DG 50 x Round Bales Silage, not spiked 1.30pm Field Barn Farm, Winterborne Whitechurch, Blandford, DT11 0HT 400 Tons 2 nd cut Clamp grass Silage, unopened clamp Analysis: DM: 35.6% D Val: 63% ME: 10.1mj CP: 12.1% 2.15pm Manor France Farm, Durweston, Blandford, DT11 0QL 200 x Quadrant Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Also to be sold by sample at Manor France Farm: Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Blandford, DT11 9DE 25 x Round Bales 2 nd cut Silage, not spiked Li琀leton Farm, Blandford St Mary, DT11 9NB 20 x Quadrant Bales spring Barley Straw, barn stored 20 x 120 x 90 Bales 2019 winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Peggs Farm, Iwerne Minster, Blandford, DT11 8RA 270 x Conven琀onal Bales 2019 rye and meadow grass Hay, barn stored Eastbrook Farm, Shillingston, DT11 0SZ 130 x Round Bales 1 st cut Organic grass Silage, not spiked Manor Farm, Birch Close, Thornicombe, Blandford, DT11 9AJ 50 x 120 x 90 Bales 2019 winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Luccombe Farm, Milton Abbas, Blandford, DT11 0BD 250 x Conven琀onal Bales Wheat Straw, barn stored.

3.15pm The Silage Barns, Charlton Lane, Ludwell, Sha昀esbury, SP7 0EW 150 x 80 x 70 Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored Also to be sold by sample at The Silage Barns: Lower Liston Farm, Semley Hollow, Semley, Sha昀efsbury, SP7 9HG 125 x 80 x 70 Bales 2020 Hay, barn stored Kingdsown Farm, Longbridge Deverill, Warminster, BA12 7DY 150 x 120 x 90 Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored 50 x 120 x 90 Bales spring Barley Straw, barn stored 100 x 120 x 70 Bales 2020 Hay, barn stored Sutor Farm, Wincanton, BA9 9RA 125 x 80 x 70 Claas Bales winter Barley Straw, barn stored 4.00pm Bainley Hill Farm, Gillingham, SP8 5PD 17 x Quadrant Bales winter Barley Straw, barn stored 63 x Quadrant Bales winter Wheat Straw, barn stored

ONLINE TIMED COLLECTIVE AUCTION

Opening Thursday 18th March, Closing Thursday 25th March 2021 from 7pm

TELEHANDLER, TRACTORS & VEHICLES

Land Rover 90 County Pick Up (09), New Holland T7.210 (15), Interna琀onal 1056XL, Ford 4610 with Loader (83), Massey Ferguson 135, Ferguson TEF 20 Diesel (56), Renault Ares 610RZ (97), Thwaites 3t Dumper, Vintage Dumper, Iveco 7.5t Lorry (13), DAF Horse Box Lorry (92), Nissan Navara Tekna Pick-Up (17).

FARM MACHINERY

Horsch Sprinter CO6 (Duet Coulters), Kuhn HR3001 Power Harrow with Accord Pneuma琀c DA Drill, Horsch Terrano 4m (09), Kuhn 8f On Land/In Furrow Semi Mounted Reversible Plough (new metal), Bunning Rear Discharge Spreader, Joskin 12000ltr (2,500gln) Vacuum Tanker with 8” Loading Arm, Krone Easycut 320 CV-Q Mounted Mower Condi琀oner, John Deere 1365 Mower Condi琀oner, Richard Western 36’ Bale Trailer, Hebst 28’ Bale Trailer, 40’ Ar琀c Trailer with Dolly, West 16t Grain Trailer, Redrock 160-13.0 Silage Trailer, Various Bale Trailers, Montracon 45’ Step Frame Trailer, Norton 7t Tipping Trailer, 3t Tipping Trailer, Westmac EP2036 Mounted Straw Chopper, McHale 995LM Conven琀onal Bale Wrapper, Lagoon S琀rrer, Parmiter Shear Grab (Euro), Twyman Post Driver, Dowdeswell Potato Ridger, 2,100ltr Fuel Bowser, Vintage Hay Tedder, Howard 6’ Rotavator, Flat 8 Bale Grab, 5 x Mini Digger Buckets, Wessex SX120 Paddock Sweeper, Suire Road Brush, 3 x A Frames, Koronka 5000ltr Metal Bunded Fuel Tank, Ca琀le Crush, etc.

TRAILERS AND GARDEN MACHINERY

Lunar 4 Birth Caravan, Ifor Williams 14’ Flat Bed Trailer with mesh sides, Ifor Williams 12’ Livestock Box, Ifor Williams GD85G Trailer, Wessex Trailers 8’ x 5’ Electric Tipping Trailer, Bateson 6’ x 4’ Trailer, Bateson Horse Trailer, S琀hl MS181C and S琀hl MS390 Chainsaws, S琀hl FS130 Strimmer, S琀hl BR600 Back Pack Leaf Blower, S琀ga Ride On Lawn Mower, John Deere X350 Ride On Lawn Mower (as new), Mitox MTX M38-S Ride On lawn Mower, Viking MB650 Self Propelled Lawn Mower, 4 Wheel Trolley/Trailer, Draper Expert 5.5hp Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Moun琀ield SP185 Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Westwood T1300 Ride-On Lawn Mower with Brush and Collector Box, Bluebird Lawn Comber, Agria PB13 Self Propelled Yard Brush, etc.

WORKSHOP

Whacker Plate, Various Spanners, Toolchest, 2 x Galvanised Iron Sca昀old Towers, 12’ x 2’ Aluminium Workbench, Davla Saw Bench, Nicholsons Patent Hollow Disc, Various Pigeon Hole Cabinets, Kroll Para n Space Heaters, Engineering Lathe 240v, Surfer Pallet Trucks, Diesel Generator, Petrol Water Pump, Quan琀ty of Workshop Power Tools, Aluminium Extending Ladder, Clarke HDS Tool Chest, Gasoline 15hp Generator, Commercial Oil Heater, etc.

SUNDRIES AND MISCELLANEOUS

Large quan琀ty of Stock Fencing and Barbed Wire, Sheeted Gates, Various Water Troughs, Roo昀ng Sheets, 20 x 25kgs Bags of Caus琀c Soda, Dening of Chard Cha昀 Cu琀er, 2 x Calf Hutches, Quan琀ty of 360mm Bale Wrap, Titan 1000ltr Bunded Oil Tank, Ironclad Incubator, Miscellaneous Wheels & Tyres, 2 x Chicken Houses, Various Steel, ATV/Mule Rear Cage, 5 x Herras Fencing Sec琀ons, Shepherd Huts Wheels, Axle and Turntable (original), Wheeled Gantry, Various Timber, Large Quan琀ty of Yard & Field Gates, Vintage Fire A琀ender, 3 x Maxilog Plas琀c Containers, Various Galvanised Steel, Wooden Fencing Panels, Vintage Sack Trucks, Large quan琀ty of Railway Sleepers, Crossing Timbers, Jockey Wheels, Milking Spares, 16 x Waikato Mk5 Milk Meters, AI Flask and Cabinet, etc.

Please visit symondsandsampson.co.uk to register and view the online catalogue

Contact Mark Northco琀 07798 645274, Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

VALUATIONS | AMC AGENTS | PLANNING | RURAL AGENTS

Property

DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET WILTSHIRE LONDON

Sha esbury

Guide £325,000 A recently extended and renovated 4 bedroom semi detached house a convenient distance from the town centre and ameni es. EPC=C.

Winterborne S ckland

Guide £695,000 A tradi onally built yet contemporary 3 bedroom co age­style property, with a rac ve gardens and double garage, in a popular village. EPC=E.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Blandford 01258 452670

Spe sbury

Guide £335,000 A charming detached bungalow with 2 double bedrooms, lo room, garage and parking, abu ng farmland located in a popular village. EPC=B.

Cerne Abbas

Blandford 01258 452670

Dorchester 01305 261008

Blandford St Mary

Guide £315,000 A new modern 3 bedroom semi­detached house with garden and garage within a popular loca on and walking distance of the town. EPC=B.

Child Okeford

Blandford 01258 452670

Sturminster 01258 473766

Guide £195,000 A modern 2 bedroom terraced house with views across this sought a er village, for sale with no chain in this most popular village.

EPC=D.

Guide £470,000 An extended 4 bedroom family home with 100’ rear garden and ample parking, on a peaceful no­through lane yet close to the middle of the village. EPC=C.

PLANNING

VALUATIONS

BUILDING SURVEY

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

Milborne Port

Guide £550,000

Horsington

Guide £950,000

A charming, character 5 bedroom detached house set on a large corner plot, featuring a ered garden with countryside views, garage and ample parking. EPC=D.

A charming detached 3 bedroom house (EPC=F) with great views and 2 bedroom barn conversion. Excellent facili es including stable yard, barns, arena and pasture land, in total 12.88 acres

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 472244

Nr Sha esbury

Guide £798,000

Ryme Intrinseca

Guide £649,500

A charming former dairy with extremely spacious and flexible accommoda on with fine veiws, stables, outbuildings and paddock, in total approx. 2.6 acres. EPC=D.

A well­presented 5 bedroom detached family home with a beau ful 0.34 acre garden, situated in an idyllic village loca on with open country views. . EPC=D.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sherborne 01935 814488

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

Property

Spot the Difference The unique Country, Village & Equestrian Property Specialists

01722 782727

Call our South West experts for a free valuation foxgrant.com

Property

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Si m ila r

S

ST old C R

National Country & Equestrian Property Specialists

Mere, Wiltshire An immaculately presented and thoughtfully upgraded four bedroom character home with beautiful country views Garden

POA

Wylye, Wiltshire An utterly charming Grade II listed country home which has been greatly enhanced, situated in the highly desired village of Wylye Garden

£725,000

Blandford, Dorset Thriving and pro昀table holiday cottage business with residential property and potential for further growth in rural farmland setting Tourism

£925,000

Motcombe, Dorset Immaculately presented smallholding with four bedroom home, outbuildings and an amphitheatre situated in a village location 2.1Acres

£850,000

Penselwood, Somerset A beautifully presented residential equestrian property with detached stone holiday cottage, barn and stable yard 6.6 Acres

£1,300,000

West Knighton, Dorset Superb small 4 bedroom house plus further 2 bed bungalow, stables, paddock and outbuildings 1.9 Acres

£875,000

If you are thinking of selling please contact us for an initial discussion on 01722 782727 or email admin@foxgrant.com

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EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS

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