The New Blackmore Vale Magazine by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Starts 8am Tuesday 29 th December

Edition 7

w e n he

Friday, December 18, 2020

Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

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Rumours over potential buyer for school By Steve Keenan sport@blackmorevale.net

An £8m deal is close to being signed for the sale of St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury. The school went bust this summer and a deadline of October 22 was set for offers

on the freehold buildings and 55 acres. Around dozen parties showed an interest. But it is believed there is now only one party in detailed talks – and one of the names in the frame is David Beckham. The suggestion is that he

wants to open a sports college, a former school employee told The New Blackmore Vale. He said the star is attracted by the school’s 25m pool, 18 tennis courts, sports hall and pitches. The footballer is no stranger to the area. One of his great pals

is filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who lives at Ashcombe House near Tollard Royal, a 10-minute drive away. Beckham was a guest at his wedding there, and has visited on game shoots. The pair also co-own two pubs in London. n Turn to page 76

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

82 32-35 62-65 46-47 51-53 74 82 84-89 83 36-40 48-50 28-31 20 66-67 41-44 70-73 60-61 68-69 45

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n Sylvia’s 100th birthday: Page 4... n Majestic creatures of the Vale of the White Hart: Pages 6-7... n Christmas memories from the great freeze of 1963

Property Puzzles

90-95 58-59, 68-69

Recruitment Sport

54-57 75-80

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

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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

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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 We’ve seen a massive increase in both ads and news,and we love to receive these early... All ads and copy to reach us by close of play on the Friday before publication, please!

Steve Keenan

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

Commercial manager newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Building to be demolished despite backlash By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A controversial redevelopment scheme in Blandford has finally been given detailed planning permission by Dorset Council. The authority’s predecessor North Dorset District Council gave outline permission in February 2019 to demolish the Edwardian villa Nordon and redevelop the site in the town's conservation area with 40 affordable homes. The historic property had been the district council’s headquarters for over 50 years. The outline permission was given to Aster Housing and the proposal attracted more than 2,000 signatures against it. There have also been failed bids to overturn the decision and have the property listed. On Tuesday, Dorset Council’s Northern Planning committee considered the detailed plans. which had been revised only slightly after being submitted in June last year and attracting

objections from Blandford Town Council and Civic Society, amongst others, including the council’s own conservation officer. Committee chairman Sherry Jespersen stressed that they could not revisit that outline approval, despite concerns that only 12 of the units were legally required to be affordable, saying the council was as confident as it could be that Aster would stick to their agreement to provide 40. Mr Lennis said the redesign had adequately addressed concerns, and there would be no harm to the conservation area in addition

to that which would result from the already approved demolition of Nordon. The application was approved by five votes to three. Ward member Councillor Byron Quayle, speaking also for his fellow ward councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, said he would not dwell on Blandford & District Civic Society’s petition or the ‘shameful’ way North Dorset District Council had made their decision, but urged councillors to reject what was overdevelopment with adverse impact on the townscape. “We are not Nimbies, but this is the wrong development here,” he said. Retired architect John Turnbull feared the 40 affordable homes promised were unlikely to materialise, saying: “Within a very short space of time Aster will be submitting an application on the basis that the scheme is uneconomically viable, and these 28 units will become open market houses.” The town council reaffirmed its

earlier objection to the detailed application, saying the reduction in the enforceable affordable housing from 100 to 40 per cent significantly reduced the reason and justification for damaging the Conservation Area, and the design should better reflect the character of other buildings nearby within the conservation area. They also called for the highest modern and energy efficient specifications. After much discussion, the application was approved, proposed by Councillor Belinda Ridout and seconded by Council Brian Heatley. Councillor Val Pothecary said: “This was always going to be a difficult one given the background. I have heard ‘acceptable’ a number of times during this debate – it’s not wonderful, it’s not great, it’s acceptable. I am disappointed that there are not more elements of significance and character, but you have good design with an affordable legacy.”

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It’s no secret: Sylvia marks her 100th By Karen Bate

chats during her special day. Born in Streatham, London in 1920, Sylvia, maiden name A Blandford woman who Blest, was in her late teens played her part in Second World when she had a chilling War military intelligence as an foretaste of the looming trouble MI5 secretary has celebrated her in store for the world. 100th birthday. Staying with an English lady Sylvia Spooner was the focus of and her husband, a German international attention as family general, on an arranged stay in members and friends in the UK, Bavaria, she found herself Canada, Australia, The Gambia attending a Hitler rally in and the US joined a Zoom call Munich and was later taken to or sent greetings. visit Austria after its Staff at Whitecliffe House annexation by Nazi Germany. helped Sylvia hold 26 Zoom Back in London and training as a secretary with German language skills, Family Law Advice Sylvia was We realise talking about divorce or separation taken on by is very personal and so we are offering virtual the MI5 appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we section offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for responsible initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm for To book an appointment please call us on handling 01747 852377 intelligence newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

BIRTHDAY GIRL: Sylvia Spooner with her birthday card from the Queen and, inset, aged nine, on the left, on a farm in Kent in 1929

on threats to railways. Her first posting was at Wormwood Scrubs prison. Her son Edward said: “She always used to say how she and the other secretaries had to be very careful not to let the doors of their offices close, because they were cells and couldn’t be opened from the inside.” Near the start of the London Blitz, which began on September 7, 1940, and went on for 57 days and nights, Sylvia and her colleagues were moved to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. In their spare time they received art history lectures by Anthony Blunt, an MI5 employee later exposed as a Soviet spy, and skated on Capability Brown’s lake. Her office was in one of the cold wooden huts built in the Great Court. So she was one of the original Blenheim Girls who lived in Keble College, Oxford. Sylvia transferred to Ghana, where she met and married a colonial officer from Dorset, Arthur Spooner, who was born in Coupar House, Blandford, and was one of the sixth generation of the family connected with the town. They had two sons, Charles and

Edward, who was born in Blandford Hospital. Arthur continued working in Ghana, with further assignments in The Gambia and Nigeria, before the family stayed in Tarrant Gunville, near Blandford, from the early 1960s. Edward said: “She has always been connected with people, helping everyone and anyone. “Aside from that, she has plenty of exercise, including going up and down the village on her old bike, and keeps her mind active by reading.” Colten Care staff helped Sylvia open her cards and presented her with a homemade cake. “It worked really well even though people were in different time zones around the world,” said Debbie Easter, the home’s companionship team leader. “In Vancouver and Seattle it was 3am, for example. Sylvia acknowledged all the greetings and the cards people sent, including her one from the Queen. “Sylvia is a very bright lady and we were delighted to help her celebrate her 100th birthday with a party that involved her whole family and many friends.”

A Nativity with a new twist

North Cadbury Primary School’s younger pupils delighted their audience with a filmed version of The Angel Who Nearly Missed It, their Nativity play this year. Bernie Green, CEO of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, said she was ‘very proud’ of the superb production.

Roofers spread joy A lovely goodwill offer of 100 Christmas dinners for local families from Blandford contractors Dean Teversham Roofing Services on Clump Farm Industrial Estate had an immediate response from people nominating friends, neighbours, and people who had helped them during lockdown to receive the boned and rolled turkey, pigs in blankets and seasonal veg to feed four to six people. They said: “We know this year has been exceptionally hard for everyone so we’d like to spread a little extra festive cheer this Christmas. “The turkeys are being purchased from local butcher J Mato & Son and the veg is being purchased from Stuart Pearce in the Market Place, both at full retail prices, as we believe in supporting our local

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

family shops and businesses.” Within four hours of their post going out on social media they had already reached their 100th nominee and within 24 hours they had a waiting list of another 50, who may get lucky if anyone turns down their offer. They said: “It was an amazing response. What a wonderful community we live in. Many deserving congratulations to each and every one, and also to the many who didn’t make the first 100.” The lucky winners will each receive a voucher inviting them to collect their bagged Christmas hamper on the morning of Christmas Eve in Blandford Market Place between 7.30am and 11.30am.

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Dedicated to the majestic creatures The Vale of the White Hart is an ancient legend given to us by a reader who wishes to dedicate it to the two white stags she found beheaded at Black Ford and Marston Magna earlier this month. Blackmore Vale was once known as The Vale of the White Hart, and here, our

Many years ago in the Ancient Forests of Britannia, when a squirrel could travel from Penselwood to London without touching the ground, it is written that a great King lived in the forest of the Vale of the White Hart, an area known today as the Blackmore Vale. A white hart roamed free and was occasionally seen between Buckshaw and Melbury Bub. To catch a glimpse of the white hart was said to bring blessings upon the land and to those who saw him. One day, the King, who is believed to be King Richard II, was hunting near Holwell when his dogs picked up a scent. The huntsmen followed and found a net which was cast across the forest. The King dismounted and found the white hart trapped in the net. The King looked deep into the eyes of this majestic creature and a hush fell upon the forest. The King stood transfixed, unable to move or fire his bow. Time stood still as his

anonymous writer reveals its mystery. She tells New Blackmore Vale news editor Karen Bate: “I was encouraged a few years ago that this beautiful and true ancient legend would survive and people would respect the wild creatures after this story was told to the many school children

epiphany was witnessed by all those present. From that moment, the white hart was decreed the Royal Favourite, never to be killed, a sign of God’s grace. And as long as this creature roamed free, everything would be good upon the land and for its people.

in the area. Perhaps we should now re-introduce the name ‘The Vale of the White Hart’ to bring back the goodness upon the land and honour our stories. “We all need to remember we are all the custodians of this land, to honour and respect everything and everyone in it.”

As it is with stories, there came along a rich man who loved hunting and did not believe how the King saved the life of the white hart. This hunter was said to be Sir John de la Lynde, who adorned his walls with animal trophies. He wanted the white stag

and had tried many times to catch the creature, but to no avail – that is, until one day he rode to Holwell. His huntsmen caught sight of the white stag and a great chase ensued across the open land to Pulham, high to Anstey Cross and across a path, now known as Hare

Police appeal for vigilance in crackdown on coursing Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team is asking the public for increased vigilance as criminal gangs have been deer and hare coursing. Hotspots for coursing include Cranborne Chase, either side of the A354 from Blandford, past Sixpenny Handley along with the various back roads off the A354. Offenders will also target the local fields and roads for 6

gamebirds, especially before dusk or dawn, using catapults fired from their cars to make a quick getaway. Two headless white stags were found on December 3 at Blackford and the second on December 6 near Marston Magna on the road to Sherborne. Criminals will often go deer coursing at night to stun the deer with lamps or

headlights, then chase the deer, before ramming them with their vehicles. Dogs can be released on exhausted deer. The type of dogs used means that the deer’s death is not usually instantaneous. The deer are often left in situ, or some heads are taken as trophies. PC Claire Dinsdale, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Anyone suffering from

these crimes must report it to us and can do so in absolute confidence. “Local residents, cyclists, horse riders and motorists are asked to call 999 for any suspected hare or deer coursing in progress.” Report signs of poaching or coursing after the offenders have gone at: 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by visiting dorset.police.uk /do-it-online.

living in the Vale of the White Hart Foot Lane, where Lynde found fresh tracks heading north. The white hart had doubled back and was heading to the forest. The hunters made chase towards the forest to cut him off. Now John de la Lynde knew the white hart would try and trick them by heading to the Lydden River, so as dusk fell, they made for the river. And there on the riverbank stood the white hart. In a gruesome attack, Lynde struck the white hart around its neck with his hunting knife and, as he raised his arm, he found a golden ring about his knife. The white hart disappeared but this golden ring bearing an ancient inscription remained. A sense of dread and foreboding washed over

outside the Green Man pub in King Stag... When Julius Caesar Landed Here’ I was then a little deer When Julius Caesar Reigned King Round my neck he placed this ring Whosoe’er shall Me O’ ertake, Spare my life For Caesar’s Sake.’

Lynde. News reached the King who summoned Lynde to London, ordering him to bring the golden ring. ‘What is this I hear?’ said the King. ‘My royal favourite the white hart has

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been killed for your pleasure? Off to the tower of London with you, until my wise men can decipher what is written.’ The inscription is the same as the words on a sign

From that day forth, the white hart was deemed even more magical. Eventually the King released Lynde from the Tower, but not before charging him a substantial fine, and stating from that day forth Lynde and his family would pay this same amount to the Crown forever.

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By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

The Nativity scene which has stood in the heart of Sherborne every Christmas for 70 years has been replaced, thanks to the generosity and kindness of Kathryn Ballisat in memory of her brother. A captivating new collection of 11 figures depicting the Holy family, Angel Gabriel, the three Wise Men, lambs and cattle have been beautifully crafted from moulded plaster of Paris to create the lovely Nativity scene, which stands in the Conduit. Kathryn so appreciated the interest and pleasure derived from the stable scene, which has been organised by the Sherborne Castles Rotary Club every Christmas, she resolved to upgrade it, inspired after seeing a new collection at Castle Gardens. Kathryn said: “It has been a great comfort to me to donate this new Nativity scene in memory of my dear brother. “Since he and I came to live in Sherborne, each year we had admired the hard work and dedication of the Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles in putting up the Nativity scene, the very heart of Christmas, in the heart of the town.” Joint President of The Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles Mike Hatch said: “The club members are extremely grateful for her kind thought, as will be local people who come to visit. “Due to her generosity this year there will be a brand new collection of figures including all the Holy family and the animals from the stable – 11 in all. “Having lost her beloved brother earlier this year she would like the whole scene to be dedicated to his memory so that he will be remembered for many years to come.” Sherborne Castles Rotary Club organised the first crib 8

IN LOVING MEMORY: Kathryn Ballisat’s gift of a new Nativity scene in memory of her brother

Generous new Nativity gift goes on display in Conduit

ON SHOW: The new Nativity is on show at the Conduit

scene to stand on the Parade in the town in 1952. On Christmas Eve, several choirs accompanied by Sherborne Boys Brigade Band gave a concert and sang carols around the crib and the Christmas tree, which was donated by Sherborne Castles Estates. The Rotary Club raised £44 from a collection to distribute coal and eggs to 50 people in need in Sherborne. In 1978, Dorset District Council granted the request from Rotarians for permission to use the Conduit to house and protect the crib and figures from the

Christmas story. Rotarian Sid Hamblin made the three wooden panels, which are fitted to the alcoves painted by art teacher Ian Stuart Robertson and updated three years ago by The Gryphon school’s head of art, Michael FentonWilkinson. The clothes and props for the figures were made and fitted by Rotarians and volunteers from the Sherborne community. After some unfortunate incidents of vandalism, the crib scene was protected by a steel mesh. Mike said: “After several

incidents of vandalism it was necessary to fit a steel mesh screen to prevent access, especially after the stuffed donkey, given by Castle Gardens, was found abandoned late one night in Hospital Lane. “Bill Butters generously offered to provide and fit a glass viewing window, which enabled everyone to view the crib scene more easily.” The Rotarians also built a manhole next to the Conduit, for the Christmas tree which takes pride of place next to the crib scene every year. Mike added: “Over the many years the generosity of the public, who have appreciated the opportunity to see the Holy family and hear carols, have given money which has been contributed to the Voluntary Ambulance, Friends of The Yeatman Hospital, Tinney’s Youth club and the local hospices.” This year, the money collected will go to the local foodbank.

Stolen car ablaze in village graveyard By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Hazelbury Bryan parish councillors are to decide how to repair damage to the village graveyard after a stolen car was driven through the wrought iron gates. The silver Mercedes C200 was taken from a car park in the village area on the evening of December 1. Shortly after, the car was driven at speed into the gates and stone wall but stopped short of any headstone. Police were called to the cemetery on Churchfoot Lane at 7.23pm with reports that the car was on fire. It is not known whether the car was deliberately torched or whether the blaze was as a result of the crash. A police spokesman said: “It

Picture: Lorraine Brown

was reported that the vehicle involved had collided with the wall of the cemetery and the driver had left the scene. Enquiries into the matter are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this stage.” The car came to rest short of any headstone or footstone,

although one was “slightly singed,” by the fire, said parish council vice chairman David Maughan. The council owns the site, and a meeting on December 9 heard a debate on how the damage will be repaired. “It is owned by the parish

council so we have to secure the site. We have resolved to clean it up and now we have to see what the insurance company says.” Mr Maughan said the council could possibly replace the stone wall and gates, or decide to install a five-bar gate and hedge. It would be down to the parish clerk to obtain quotes. He also paid tribute to the two fire crews from Sturminster Newton who attended the blaze, saying the firemen were acutely aware of the location in trying to keep any water damage to a minimum. The council website describes the cemetery as a “wonderful, tranquil spot,” sited on a bend in the road between the hamlets of Wonston and Droop. The car has now been removed.

Chef hangs up his saucepans

Europeans urged to apply for status

By Miranda Robertson

European citizens living in North Dorset are being urged to apply for settled status before June 30, 2021. Dorset Race Equality Council and Citizens Advice BCP have been allocated a new tranche of funding from the Home Office to offer residents needing help to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme enables European nationals to live and work in the UK post-Brexit. For people wanting to protect their current rights, they must be resident in the UK before December 31, 2020 and have until the end of June 2021 to finalise their application or they will lose access to current benefits, including the NHS and pensions. A local team from Citizens Advice and Dorset Race Equality Council has been set up to offer information and free support. Text only: 07761 092704 / Dorset Adviceline 03444 111 444. Or email: euss.advice@ citizensadvicebcp.org.uk

A chef who worked at the Ritz at the age of 19 is retiring as head chef and catering manager at Sandroyd School in Rushmore. Robert Doble, 56, of Stour Provost, has been at the school for 31 years, after coming back to Dorset following a stellar apprenticeship. Robert grew up on a farm near the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. He had always been keen to work in the kitchen – aged just 13, he was to be found washing up at the County Hotel, Taunton. At 15 he volunteered to work at the renowned Castle Hotel in Taunton, famous for Gary Rhodes and Phil Vickery. His daily duties mostly included preparing vegetables and making sauces for the meals. In May 1980 he was offered apprentice chef and he worked under Kit Chapman MBE, and went to Taunton College one day a week before landing himself a job as a commis chef at The Ritz. His daughter Charlotte said: “His family were so proud, at only 19 years old, he had really proved himself. He performed many duties whilst

KITCHEN GENIUS: Robert Doble then and now

working at The Ritz. “Presenting delicious tea cakes, pastries and breakfasts for the guests. Other duties included preparing seafood, vegetables, and working as a lone chef throughout the night to make sure the guests were catered for during their stay. It was not uncommon working at The Ritz to cater for celebrities and royalty, and TV crews were always known to be close by.” Robert was promoted to a first commis chef, but by 1984 he missed his family and found himself a job at Combe House Hotel in Devon. He was promoted to head chef aged 20. A guest, Brian PrideauxBrune, head chef at Plumber Manor in Sturminster Newton, poached him to

become his second in command and it was at Plumber Manor he fell in love with his future wife, part time waitress Dawn Kendall, who was also a head chef at Sandroyd. While she was pregnant with their first child, James, Robert took over as head chef. He is planning to spend quality time with his family in his retirement, and wants to explore his hobbies which include outdoor bowls in the summer and gardening. His wife, three children and three grandchildren are sure to keep him busy. A spokesman for the school said: “Robert will be well and truly missed. We all wish him the best for his well-deserved retirement.”

Group finish founder’s tapestry Last year retired GP Yvonne Varley died suddenly, and when her family were sorting out her house and belongings they found a tapestry of a Lowry painting which she had just started. Yvonne’s family asked her friends in the Marnhull Reading Group, one of the many groups that she set up in this area, if they would like to take the tapestry on. The group arranged for 10

a skilled needlewoman to complete the work and when it was complete decided to hold a silent auction to raise funds for the Riziki Kenya charity. The auction raised £80. Riziki is a charity that supports children in Kenya who have been abandoned by their families. It provides a safe home and education for these children. Go to rizikikenya.or.ke to find out more.

Lego challenge Children who love Lego are being urged to build a Christmas masterpiece to take centre stage in Shaftesbury Library. The Christmas Lego Challenge is inviting youngsters to take part between Saturday, December 19 and Christmas Eve. Email your images to shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcc. gov.uk

Tree chipping Get your Christmas trees chipped and help to raise money for great causes from 9am till 3pm on January 9. The trees will be chipped to raise money for Children With Cancer UK and the Round Table at Gillingham’s Town Meadow, access next to The Red Lion pub. If you need your tree collecting, call 07770 833734.

Plaque honour for railway pioneer By Steve Keenan newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

One of the main protagonists for bringing the railway to North Dorset is to be celebrated with a blue plaque in his home town of Shaftesbury. John Rutter was an activist who campaigned tirelessly for the line to extend from Salisbury. Being a hilltop town, Shaftesbury was never going to be directly on a railway line – but Rutter argued in 1845 that the population of the area had a population of 25,000 that were “entirely neglected” as far as rail was concerned. Rutter’s life was researched by Sir John Stuttard, honorary president of the Shaftesbury & District Historical Society, and published recently as The Turbulent Quaker of Shaftesbury. Says Sir John: “One of his many achievements was helping to persuade Parliament that the railway from Salisbury to Yeovil and the west should run through Tisbury, Gillingham and Sherborne. “The inhabitants of Gillingham were so grateful to Rutter for his efforts they presented him with a silver salver in 1848 – which is at Gold Hill Museum.” The plaque will be unveiled in Shaftesbury at the same time as a mural telling the story of the South Western Railway (SWR) is planned to be unveiled in Gillingham. Sir John’s book details the campaign by Rutter, the local agent for the then named L&SWR rail company, which competed with GWR to build the mainline to Exeter. GWR’s plan did not include a station (Semley) serving Shaftesbury and Rutter fought his case with an impressive array of statistics. In the House of Commons in 1847, he listed the amount of agricultural produce transported out of the district within five miles north and south of his proposed line between Salisbury and Yeovil that would

which he campaigned so vigorously and successfully,” said Sir John, a former Lord Mayor of London. The blue plaque, to be erected on HSBC in The Commons, Shaftesbury, will read: John Rutter, printer, publisher, author, political and social reformer, abolitionist, public servant, philanthropist and lawyer. Shaftesbury Town Council has agreed to pay half the costs up to £500, and the Historical Society will cover the rest. As reported in the last issue, a grant of £13,000 from SWR is also being sought to build the Gillingham mural as a 5m long interpretation board. n The Turbulent Quaker of Shaftesbury is published by Hobnob Press (£14.95). Sir John Stuttard at Gold Hill Museum and, inset, The Semley The book was co-researched by omnibus, which carried rail passengers from Semley to The Ray Simpson, former archivist Grosvenor Hotel Pictures: Hobnob Press and Barry Cuff, Gold Hill Museum at Shaftesbury Gold Hill Museum. Net sales proceeds go benefit from quicker access to completed a year later but to Shaftesbury Historical London. Rutter died in 1851, aged 55. Society, which owns and runs “He did not live to see the Namely: “14,084 tones of the museum. completion of the project for butter, cheese, veal and pork; 241,200 sheep; 9,300 cattle; 6,000 hogsheads of cider and Do you have a spare room in your home? 50,000 tons of produce, including the manufacturing Are you, caring, nurturing and supportive? tonnage in the vicinity of Gillingham.” In addition, said Rutter, there were 25 flour mills within 17 miles of the intended line from Salisbury to Yeovil with “ample water power to do twice or thrice their present amount of business, confined, as it is, for want of a railroad outlet”. Parliament confirmed in July 1847 that the L&SWR plan was the winner, with an extension from Yeovil to Exeter also approved “compared to that put forward by GWR who regarded a line between Salisbury and Yeovil as being unnecessary”, says the book. Contact Laura to find out more on The section of line from laura@pippasguardians.co.uk Salisbury and Semley and or call 01684 252757 onward to Gillingham was opened in May 1859. An omnibus carried passengers for Shaftesbury up the hill from Semley to The Grosvenor Hotel. The entire 171-mile line from London to Exeter was www.pippasguardians.co.uk

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Amazing story of a Polish war hero By Karen Bate With heads bowed over the graveside of decorated war hero Captain Stefan Nelken (1897-1945), Polish families paid tribute in a moving ceremony for their brave war hero in Mampitts Cemetery, Shaftesbury. Little did prison officer Jon Simpson know that his simple request on social media for information about Captain Nelken would make such a big impact with the Polish community. His request in October prompted a massive research project by Shaftesbury friends Joanna Tucholska-Lasota and Karolina Sulecka, which has unearthed a wealth of material, cemented relationships and brought Polish families together. Joanna said: “I was surprised that although I’ve been living in a town for ten years, I had never heard about a Polish soldier’s grave. Without hesitation, we decided to organise a short service to commemorate our soldier on Remembrance Day and invite other local Polish friends to join. “As Polish immigrants in England, we were curious and wanted to learn more about this Polish war hero who helped the British Army win the war against the Nazis.” In a bid to start a research project for Captain Nelken and organise a Remembrance Service for him, Joanna set up the group, Polish Shaftesbury Centre, which has since grown as scores of people became excited about the project. And over the months that followed, the group which has adopted this fallen soldier as their own, has unearthed a wealth of information. Captain Stefan Nelken was a liaison officer for the British Harbour Authorities in Southampton. During his service he was honoured four times with the Cross of Merit, the Cross of 12

RESEARCH PROJECT: Joanna TucholskaLasota and Karolina Sulecka of the Polish Shaftesbury Centre

PAYING RESPECTS: The grave of Captain Stefan Nelken at Mampitts Cemetery and, inset, his death notice in a Polish newspaper

Independence and the Silver Cross of Merit. Captain Nelken was born on August 14, 1897 in Petersburg, Russia as a Polish National and died after “short and hard sufferings” on July 12, 1945. The funeral service for Captain Nelken was held on July 16, 1947 at 2pm from Shaftesbury Military Hospital. One of the biggest successes was made by Karolina, who traced some of Captain Nelken’s family members in Warsaw. Joanna said: “Unfortunately, the family don’t know much about their great grand uncle who died unmarried with no children. Stefan’s father Aleksander, was a banker and the family came from Courland in Poland to live in Russia. “At the beginning of the 20th century, Stefan received a military education and was made a Second Lieutenant.” From research, it is clear Stefan served in the First and Second World Wars.

Joanna said: “We believe that Stefan was involved in two major conflicts on Polish territory. In 1919 Stefan was assigned as Lieutenant of the Polish Sapper Regiment in Lvov District. “At the age of 32, Stefan left the army in 1928 only to re-join in 1939, when Poland was attacked by Nazi Germany and the Soviets. Eventually, he landed in Southampton Harbour to help the British Army. “His last known English address was South Western Hotel in Southampton. “We also know Captain Stefan Nelken was awarded several army decorations.” Joanna organised a special ceremony in memory of Captain Stefan Nelken, which took place on Remembrance Day in Mampitts Cemetery. She said: “In Poland November 11 is National Independence Day when we hold celebrations across the country. It is a time for family reunions and visiting cemeteries to commemorate fallen Polish soldiers fought in various war conflicts. “At Mampitts Cemetery, we lit lanterns, put red and white flowers as the symbol of Polish flag on Captain Nelken’s grave and sang the Polish National Anthem. The service gave us the opportunity to talk with our children about the soldiers who fought for our freedom during all the wars. “We are pleased that the

younger generations are raised with the awareness that peace in not given to us and should never be taken for granted. We are very lucky that we live in a free country now.” Joanna added: “We would like to highlight that among British war heroes buried in Shaftesbury cemetery is a Polish hero’s grave who helped protect the country during the Second World War. “In our opinion, all local residents, regardless of their nationality and background, should be grateful to him and other fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us. Lest we forget.” In 2021, a Rededication Ceremony is planned at Her Majesty Prison Guys Marsh, a former military hospital. For the first time a Polish Embassy representative will be invited to join American, Russian and of course British military attachés. Joanna added: “As the Polish community group, we would like to invite family members of Captain Nelken to the ceremony, however, we would like to be able to put all his life’s story together before the event.” Military researcher and prison officer Jon Simpson said: “My request received lots of interest from the Polish people in Shaftesbury, who took the research to heart and now have adopted his grave. “The local Polish group are amazing. We held a moving memorial to him on Remembrance Day.”

Medicines dispenser to operate 24/7 By Miranda Robertson A GPs’ surgery in Dorset has installed a futuristic ATM-style machine to allow patients to collect their prescriptions 24 hours a day. The Sixpenny Handley & Chalke Valley Practice installed the Pharmaself24 medicine collection point last Friday. John White, 91, of Farnham, a patient of the practice for more than 60 years, cut the ribbon and was the first person to collect his medicine from the dispenser, remarking how easy it was to use. Dr Mark Morgan said: “It is one of the first, if not the first machine to be installed in Dorset and probably the South West. It offers hugely improved covid-19 safety when collecting medicine. It is fast, convenient and open 24/7, even over Christmas.” Patients with repeat prescriptions order their medicines on their personal account on SystmOnline. The medicines will usually be available from the hole-in-the-wall dispenser within 72 hours. Most

orders will soon be available for collection within 12 hours. This service is faster than online pharmacy services, does not require third-parties to hold patient information, plus patients don’t have to wait in. With prescribed repeat medicines now available for collection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including Christmas), patients can collect as usual during the day, and those working shifts or working further away from home can come in the early morning, at night, or over the weekend and bank holidays. Dr Mark added: “I am very excited as it offers a brilliant option in our remote communities, spreading over much of the Cranborne Chase. It will help to reduce the number of people having to call out of hours services at weekends when they forget to pick up their medicines within normal working hours.” The machines are widespread in Holland and are spreading across Wales, Scotland and northern areas.

From left, Dr Mark Morgan, John White and Dr Rachel Taubman. Inset, the dispensing team with Dr Rachel

Watch festive show at home Touring arts charity Artsreach is bringing a special performance of A Dorset Christmas with The Ridgeway Singers and Band to people in their own homes. Hear how our ancestors celebrated Christmas through a rich mixture of music, dance, song and story, led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, in an alternative festive offering truly inspired by Dorset. With songs from the Puddletown and Hinton St Mary manuscripts, new carols interspersed with readings and archive photographs from Dorset and a special performance of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, this performance is a heartwarming seasonal celebration of Dorset. This brand new film, captured and edited by

Pageant Productions, will be available to watch from Sunday, December 20 and Sunday, January 3. This year, Artsreach celebrates its 30th anniversary after the first Artsreach programme was launched in March 1990. Artsreach co-director Kerry Bartlett said: “Whilst 2020 might not have turned out to be the 30th anniversary year we had planned the support Artsreach has received from volunteers and audiences during these difficult months has been incredible. “Obviously we can’t wait to welcome communities back to live events in 2021 but we hope that in the meantime, we can spread some Christmas cheer to our audiences at home.” E-tickets are available from artsreach.co.uk. Donations to Artsreach are welcome. 13

All I want for Christmas is a hug!

If this is what your Christmas list looks like, you’re not alone. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but for those of us whose loved ones live in residential care homes, it has been particularly tough to bear. To protect their vulnerable residents during the Covid19 pandemic, care homes across the country had no choice but to introduce strict bans on face-to-face visits back in the Spring, and while some of the more innovative homes quickly adapted by building visiting pods in the gardens, with a pane of glass between you and your loved one, physical contact of any kind has been completely impossible for months. For those of us who haven’t been able to give our loved ones a hug since March, the waiting has been almost unbearable!

But the development of lateral flow tests has finally begun to give us hope in our darkest hour. At two local care homes, Bramley House in Mere and The Old Rectory in Stalbridge, managers have been beavering away, putting everything in place to allow

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE friends and family to visit inside the homes in time for Christmas. And yes, visitors really will be able to give their loved ones a hug, though PPE will be essential, to minimise the risk of infection. Not that it has been straightforward. Vicki Collins, Registered Manager at The Old Rectory, explained how making these visits possible in time for Christmas hasn’t been easy. “Our residents have missed their families and friends so much, so it was vital that we made this happen, but we still had to make safety our highest priority.” “These tests are a real lifeline for us,” Caroline Nicholson, Registered Manager at Bramley House, added. “But they aren’t foolproof, so we’re being really cautious about safety and insisting on PPE as well.” Bramley House and The Old Rectory are fortunate in that they both built Garden Visiting Rooms at the height

of the pandemic, which are now perfect spaces for administering the lateral flow tests. Visitors have to wait about 30 minutes for their results, and then, as long as they have tested negative, they can visit their loved ones inside the care homes, with plenty of privacy for that hug they have been looking forward to so much, though visitors must wear masks, gloves and aprons, for added peace of mind. “We really do feel as though we are turning a corner now,” Vicki told us. “Many of our care staff have already been offered the vaccine and we are hopeful that all our residents will be able to receive it soon as well.”

2020 has undoubtedly been a horribly tough year, but due to the amazing strides forward in testing, the near miraculous speed of the new vaccine developments, and the hard work of managers such as Caroline and Vicki, the future is certainly looking bright for residents at Bramley House and The Old Rectory, with indoor visits a real possibility again, hopefully just in time to make their Christmas wishes come true. For more information or a friendly chat, call Caroline at Bramley House (01747 860192) or Vicki at The Old Rectory (01963 362624), info@bramleycare.com, www.bramleycare.com.

Members capture a winter wonderland

A frosty morning by Meyrick Griffith-Jones

Bayford at Wincanton by Brian Stubbs

Drifts near Pen Selwood by Brian Stubbs

Cotoneaster by Jim Easthough and below, Snowscapes by Roger Lush

Martins at Castle Cary by Roger Lush

By Karen Bate Photographers in Wincanton have been showing their work and sharing their knowledge since the 1950s, when a small band of enthusiasts formed their very own camera club. After 70 years, Wincanton Camera Club is still going strong, with enthusiasm for the hobby the essential element in keeping the group together. Wincanton Camera Club enters regional competitions and recently clicked away to come a very close second in the Bradford Abbas Shield, an annual competition in South Somerset and North Dorset. The group also enter larger competitions, and are currently preparing for the 2021 Digitally

Projected Image Competition in Exeter. Members have a wide range of interests and skills and are of different standards, ranging from beginners to experienced competitors in international photographic salons and members of the Royal Photographic Society. The club meets alternate Wednesdays at King Arthur’s Community School but, under current restrictions, the group meet virtually. Member and website manager Brian Stubbs said: “Far from limiting our progress as a club we are now finding enhanced opportunities to get together, share our images and enjoy interactive meetings with

nationally renowned speakers.” The camera club usually holds four internal competitions each season, both for print and digital, with the winners chosen by an independent judge. For 2021, two digital competitions will be held, with Ruins and Tranquillity as the themes. Brian said: “Internal competitions are friendly and helpful and give us important feedback on the quality of our work. This is not always easy to get and certainly not from friends or family, who are usually too ready to praise. “We are not just about competitions. We have some interesting talks from external speakers, photographic excursions to local sites for

landscape, nature or macro photography and the like. n A host of interactive talks in the New Year include: Polina Plotnikova: Creative flower portraiture and still life Robert Harvey: Stumbling Around in the Dark – featuring astrophotography with a DSLR and travels to four continents Will Goodlett from South Africa: wildlife photography. Talks are available to anyone for £5 or free to members. For details contact the treasurer Meyrick Griffith-Jones at Treasurer@WincantonCamera Club.co.uk Find out more about Wincanton Camera Club at wincantoncameraclub.co.uk 15

Festive spirit inspires community By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Blandford Forum at Christmas is a magical place to be. With roaring log fires, stunning winter walks, holly wreaths adorning a host of historic homes and the town centre illuminated under thousands of twinkling lights, Blandford Forum during the festive season comes into its own. And while celebrations are of course a little different this year, the community rallies and the town shines as a beacon of hope and goodwill. Every year the community pull together to make this special season one to be remembered. St Peter and St Paul’s Church host the adored Christmas Tree Festival, which sees groups and organisations decorating their trees to be showcased in the church. This year, the trees are adorning shop windows, the Woodhouse Garden Pavilion and the Old Bath House, spilling the magic into the town. Shop windows come alive with magical Christmas creations as business owners take part in the delightful Christmas Window Competition. Members and staff of Blandford Forum Town Council have been busy dressing the town in its Christmas splendour. The lighting columns on its Church Lane building are shining brightly and scores of tiny Christmas trees have been hung along the shop fronts for an illuminated, firlined town. And while the popular treelighting event, with its grotto from the Blandford and District Lions and carols performed by the Stour Valley Band, may have been cancelled along with the 16

LET THERE BE LIGHTS: Blandford Forum comes into its own during the festive season

Yuletide Festival, the huge spruce still stands majestic, brightly-lit and shining in the Market Place. The Shambles and the Blandford Town Hall have been decorated beautifully and this year, and Woodhouse Gardens has

been transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the space, away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Christmas may be a little different year, with the usual

seasonal performances cancelled at the Corn Exchange along with the Rotary Club’s free Christmas Day lunch, but kindness and community spirit abound in this historic town, which remains splendid to behold this Christmas.

Friends’ plea to trace family of original trustees for anniversary The Friends of Yeatman Hospital are issuing a plea to readers to help trace family members of the original Friends Trustees to take part in next year’s 70th anniversary. The hospital was run by a committee of unpaid local people until 1948, when the first formal committee was formed, known as the Sherborne Area House Committee. Members of this committee

included: Chairman of West Dorset Group Hospital Management Committee, who just happened to be Captain LL Yeatman of Stock Gaylard, the Greatgreat grandson of Rev Harry Farr Yeatman, Chairman Mr Douglas Stewart, Mrs T Bartlett, C.B. Brett, W.J. Cordy, H.R. Dyke, W.J. Gillard, H. Golding, manager of the National Provincial Bank and Treasurer, W.A.T. Jarrett, R McIntosh, Sir

By Karen Bate

NHS and society in general. “As we approach 2021, the Friends have agreed a sixpoint programme of evolution to meet the challenges and changes we anticipate we will need to face during the next decade.” The proposals: n To continue to support the hospital and community projects. n To conduct ongoing research of possible future health inspired projects in the Yeatman Hospital and across the community. n A new financial proposal identifying levels of funding available for projects. n All projects will be examined and agreed by the trustees in advance of commitment, and after due diligence.

Hospital charity in six-point plan to cope with the coming decade newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The charity arm of the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne is preparing for the next decade with a sixpoint plan and a flexible approach for the demands of the coming years. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital after it was founded in 1951, when Sherborne was recovering from the Second World War. Friends trustee Mike Sandy said: “The world was a very different place in 1951. Sherborne was recovering from the Second World War. The Yeatman Hospital was still adjusting to the changes and challenges of adopting Aneurin Bevan’s new National Health Service, which was launched three years earlier. “You needed ration cards for essentials, such as food and drink, not to mention clothes. Today we face a different challenge, the increased healthcare demands on the

Hubert Medlycott, Brig-Gen R.L. Walker, C.M.G and J Whittingdale. This committee did not last long. On February 12, 1949 Hugh Golding proposed to form a voluntary body, which became the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, of which the former members of the Sherborne Area House Committee joined along with Mrs Brendon, Miss Goodbody and Anthony

McCormick. Captain Yeatman was elected President and Mr D Stewart was chairman. The first meeting was held on July 26, 1951 and the first AGM on November 27, 1951. Minimum subscription was 5s (25p) and remained unaltered for 30 years until 1980 when it was raised to 50p. By 1958 there were 103 Friends.

CHALLENGING TIMES: The Yeatman Hospital

nAll projects supported by the Friends will be led by an executive member to monitor and report back to trustees. nPublic transparency will be through the Friends website and the chairman’s report.

Mr Sandy added: “We believe this simple approach will afford us the flexibility we need to adopt to an everchanging society. The programme will commence from March 2021.”

Christmas bin days Dorset Council’s waste and recycling days have been published for the Christmas period. Christmas Eve rubbish and recycling collections will take place as usual on that Thursday, however if your bin day is a Friday, the collection of the 25th will happen on Monday (28). If your collection day would be Monday, it will be on Tuesday, December 29, That day’s collections will be on Wednesday, December 30 and Wednesday’s collections will be on New Year’s Eve (Thursday). Thursday’s collections will roll over to the Saturday, (2nd), New Year’s Day’s collections (Friday) will be collected on Monday, January 4 and Monday’s collections will be held on the Tuesday, January 5. Lastly, Tuesday, January 5th’s collections will be held on Wednesday, January 6th before all go back to normal.

Yule Ride may be repeated Christmas shoppers in Blandford were entertained by a festive family fun Yule Ride, a first for the town, which was designed as a covid-secure event to plug the gaps left by the usual pre-Christmas festivities, but could become an annual event. Guides ‘disguised’ as reindeer led cyclists – many of them in their own fancy dress – through the town on a route which took them from the Milldown down the North Dorset Trailway to Station Court to Market Place. They rode smoothly alongside the nose-to-tail traffic and on to West Street, from where there they entered Morrisons car park and went over the Mortain Bridge to Stour Meadows. Wishing passers by a Merry Christmas, they travelled along Rotary Way beside the riverbank to the Preetz bridge and into Langton Road before returning. The reindeer guides ensured the

Organiser Dilys Gartside of the Dorset Cyclists Network leads the first group from the Milldown

participants, young and old, were aware of all potential hazards, particular when crossing roads, negotiating traffic lights, and riding along East Street and through the Market Place. Volunteers from the Dorset Cyclists Network and Blandford Town Team helped organiser Dilys Gartside

of the DCN stage the event with guidance from Cycling UK. Participants were limited to groups of five so their reindeer guide could be included in the permitted group of six and had to book their place in advance so that timed departures ensured no meeting of groups along the way.

Key transport scheme to take well-deserved break The dedicated managers of community transport scheme Shaftesbury Car Link will be taking a much needed break over Christmas. As one of the only transport schemes to operate in North Dorset, Martin and June Hull have taken the difficult decision to close, to give themselves and their volunteer drivers a wellearned short break. As such, Shaftesbury Car Link will be closed between midday on Thursday December 24 and 8am Monday January 4, 2021. The couple have been operating since March with just 50 per cent of their volunteer drivers and carried more than 150 journeys each month to help people get to and from their medical and other important 18

appointments. It’s been a challenging but eventful year for Shaftesbury Car Link, which has been operating for the last five years. During the pandemic Shaftesbury Car Link was just one of five organisations to be granted an audience with Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Dorset Ian Angus Campbell and HRH the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward. June said: “We were honoured. Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Ian Angus Campbell and HRH the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward who were very interested to learn of the support being provided by different organisations across the county during the pandemic.”

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A campaign for money to buy “significant” library items from Thomas Hardy’s home in Dorchester, has been achieved within just three days. Dorset Archives Trust made the urgent public appeal for £5,000 on December 4, the final chunk of £50,000 needed to buy 46 separate treasures from the library at Max Gate. They include schoolboy Hardy’s annotated copy of Horace, letters from Hardy expressing support for animal welfare and a poem written for soldiers bound for the Boer War. The fundraising page was closed within 72 hours, having hit £5,051. The total is enhanced by a further £1,000 of gift aid donations. Carola Campbell, Chairman of Dorset Archives Trust (DAT) said: “The trust is thrilled to have had the opportunity to acquire this collection on behalf of the Dorset History Centre. “Particularly exciting are the new insights this once hidden treasure of archival material reveals about the private thoughts and life of Thomas Hardy. “It will enhance our

COLLECTION: A Christmas card from Max Gate dated 1926. Top left: Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd and, below, Hardy aged 32

Hardy items are bought, thanks to some madding crowd funding knowledge and enduring fascination with this key British author and support learning and public engagement with Hardy and his world.” The archives were in private hands for decades and were offered for sale through a London dealer. It is “the most significant to have been offered for sale for many years,” said a DAT spokesman. The trust moved quickly to secure two separate grants –

one of £20,000 from Friends of the National Libraries, and another of £25,000 from The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. Other items in the collection are Hardy’s personal edition of John Pouncy’s Dorsetshire Photographically Illustrated and Hardy’s typescript of a speech he delivered at the opening of Hardye’s Grammar School in Dorchester in 1925. The collection will now sit alongside the principal

Hardy archive housed and made accessible in the Dorset History Centre. The majority of the collection is owned by Dorset County Museum and both parties work with other organisations to ensure the “internationally significant” archive receives the attention it merits, said the spokesman. In the future, the Dorset History Centre is planning a project to fully catalogue and conserve the Hardy archives.

Novelist still proving popular with library readers Thomas Hardy featured several times in a poll this month by Dorset Libraries to find readers’ favourite fiction. Of 349 books nominated, Hardy’s Far

From the Madding Crowd finished equal third, alongside Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The next most highly rated Hardy

books nominated were The Return of the Native and Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Top of the list was Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. 19

PROPERTY FOR SALE A modern purpose built ground floor shop / office premises with the added benefit of planning approval to convert to a two-bedroom flat in a village location close to Sturminster Newton. OIRO £60,000 For more details contact Keith Batchelor 01929481598 07831454805

Kids splice the mainbrace at party

Public Notices Goods Vehicle Operators Licence Autoworx Recovery Ltd of Valley Road, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8JN is applying for a license to use, Hammetts Farm, Pimperne, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8BU as an operating centre for 1x Goods vehicle and 1x Trailer. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the traffic commissioners office.

Stower Provost Primary School says ‘Ahoy!’ Stower Provost Primary School recently welcomed a horde of hungry pirates. On arrival in Hazel Class the pirates were captured and made to walk the plank. The survivors (100% of the invading marauders) were invited to a party with tasty food and games which seemed to satisfy everyone and they all parted, friends, at the end of the day. Christmas Trees, all The sizes, holly wreaths. purpose Next to Railway of the Bridge in Motcombe, party, SP7 9HU - 01747 other 850129 for details. than

keeping Stower Provost piratefree for the afternoon, was to provide a birthday celebration for those children who had missed out during the restrictions this term. Headteacher James Stanford said: “We have been so proud of how well the children have coped with the changes since coming back to school this term. As a team, the staff are very aware that life outside school is different for our children and we are working imaginatively to create positive memories in these strange times.” For more details about the school visit stowerprovost.dorset.sch.uk, follow Friends of Stower Provost School on Facebook or call the school on 01747 838370.

Items for sale Full size unused spare wheel with new Firestone 205/55R16 tyre for VW Golf £99. Steel rear dog guard for VW Golf £25. 07833 931596 Antique butter churn on stand, barrel approx 10 gallon capacity. £50. Dimensions for both and photos available. 07833 931596 Dog exercise (treadmill) machine, up to 176lbs or 79kgs - £99 - 01963 31165 Graco first stage car seat. only very occasional use in grandparent's car. excellent condition £9 01935 872217 Skateboard, wood, 27” x 7” £17, Wicker cat/dog basket, robust. £14, Honiton pottery table lamp. £12 01258 861032 2 sets Grohe taps, 3/4” 20

pillar, lever, £8 per set, 2 pick axe heads, 14” and 16”, £6 pair 01258 861032 Shovel, 7” x 14”, wooden handle, £5, 2 handed 4’ log saw, vintage. £8 - 01258 861032 Double mattress. Myers sprung mattress. Good condition, only used on a spare bed, £30. 01935 813097 Old pine box, nice condition, £20 Leather sofa, black, modern design, £10 07818 345464 Wolf Terrex auto digging fork. Needs tlc but complete and useable. £5 Tel 01747 853294 Pandora Bracelet, heart shaped clasp, retail £75, accept £30, 07966 053208 (Shaftesbury) 2 Large Framed Prints of Padstow, £10 each -

07966 053208 Air Compressor, (Shaftesbury) 150L, 2 stage pump, Large Fish Kettle £15 - all complete bar motor, 01935 83599 £125 ono. Convector Heater £18 01963 23229 01935 83599 WANTED FOR CASH Villager wood/coal OMEGA and ROLEX fire, double doors, top watches. Any condition or rear flue, tools etc, considered. 07941 £150 ono. 01963 23229 370807.

BOOK YOUR FREE AD! Freeads will be accepted for items for sale by private sellers on items up to the value of £100. For anything outside these terms please contact our booking line on 01963 400186 or email classified@blakmorevale.net

Please post your advertisements to The New Blackmore Vale, 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU. Ads will go in the next edition if received by the Friday before publication.

3 Seater Sofa Bed Settee, green patterned, Brand new, Still packaged, Easy Action Metal Double Bed £250 ono, 07714 289400 MOBILITY SCOOTER Heavy Duty, Excellent condition, £400 delivered. 07367 565050 Roger Black treadmill. Good working condition, Folds up, bought for £400. Will accept £200. 01935 816898 Versace VERE00718 Women’s Two Tone VMotif Wristwatch Brand new in box still under warranty (unwanted gift) retails at £700 Offers over £450 will be considered. 07476 010710

Sing along at virtual concert and help clean water project A Mere-based charity is inviting readers to join them in hosting a stunning international carol concert. Just a Drop installs sustainable wells to provide clean water to communities, and is currently working in Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. It has helped

1.7m people in 32 countries since 1998. During the pandemic, it launched a programme in Uganda to install handwashing stations in health centres and is ramping up soap making workshops. The charity is now organising a large dose of Christmas

cheer with a virtual concert hosted by patron Alastair Stewart and including choirs from Kenya, Uganda and Nicaragua. Tickets cost £10 and the concert can be watched any time between December 17 and 31. A link will be sent on purchase, and the charity will

even send you a song sheet, so you can sing along on your sofa. The proceeds will enable Just a Drop to reach more communities and ensure access to handwashing facilities and clean water. To book, go to: justadrop. org/Event/just-a-drop-virtualchristmas-concert.

Teens’ film on covid stresses praised By Steve Keenan A film of Gillingham teenagers talking about life in the time of covid has been widely praised. The video Covid and Me was filmed between lockdowns and presented by 18-year-old Alisha Hill, pictured, working with youth support charity The Rendezvous. Around 30 teens were approached, mainly in the town’s skatepark and asked how they were coping. Keeping up with schoolwork online was a problem said many, citing difficulty in concentrating. “You felt more isolated than you would going to school,” said one. “I’m missing out on a lot of education and can’t wait to get back in,” said another. “If I needed help I could normally ask a teacher – but I couldn’t.” Stress caused by some families not discussing covid-19 was one issue: family tensions rising in lockdown and friends losing jobs were others. “You realise you take a lot of things for granted,” said one boy, saying how much he enjoyed being able to see friends at the park. Others said how they appreciated

being in Gillingham. “I feel safe. “Living in a small town, I don’t see the effects you might see in a bigger town,” said one girl. “We’ve got more freedom.” The film ran to nearly eight minutes and has already been seen by 800 people on YouTube. The editing is excellent, as is the camerawork of Sam King and soundtrack by young Somerset singer Ciara Mill. The film was also posted on Facebook and has been warmly received. Said one poster: “Well done Alisha, for doing something to show how the young people of Gillingham have been affected. “Makes me feel proud to be part of our town.” Another, Sam Gamebird, posted: “So often the young get a bad

press but they are a tiny minority. “The majority are good, sensible folk as was shown. Well done Alisha and well done to all those seen and many others unseen... “You are a credit to your parents, the school and the town.” Alisha is studying health and social care in Salisbury, with ambitions to work in midwifery or paediatric nursing, while working part-time at The Udder farm shop in East Stour. She volunteers at The Rendezvous, a Sherborne-based youth resources services charity for 13-25-year-olds which recently began outreach work in Gillingham and is set to extend its work into Shaftesbury. Alisha said she was “shocked” at the amount of feedback the

Pre-Christmas Opening Times Saturday 19th 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 20th 10am - 2pm Monday 21st 10am - 8pm 22nd 23rd 9.30am - 6pm Christmas Eve 9am - 3pm

project has had. “Personally I would have liked it to have been longer,” she said. “We could have got so many more young people and views.” The Dorset Council-funded film was originally planned to be about promoting Gillingham through interviews. But lockdown shifted thinking towards how young people were coping, said Rendezvous chief executive Helen Da Silva Wood. She said: “The response to filming was really positive and actually ended up linking this vision to the original brief, where people appreciate the benefits of a small town.” The film’s success has encouraged the charity to consider more video, helping Gillingham Town Council to promote its new orienteering trail while also filming a ‘How to Orientate’ video. “It’s about young people doing something, giving something back to the community, asking what more can we do,” said Helen. “We also now want to pull in young parents. It’s great for Gillingham.” Watch the video here: tinyurl.com/y5uu6sot Lise Charmel Collection Soiree Libertine is available from Böschen Shaftesbury

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DEPTH OF FIELD: Mia’s photographs of her garden, cows in Wincanton and, right, the Market Place in Somerton

Mia focusing on photography skills By Miranda Robertson

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A special needs teaching assistant has got through a tough year by perfecting her photography skills. We were contacted by Mia Bailey’s mum Tracy Bailey, who told us the family had had a difficult year, with several bereavements and having to put off Mia’s wedding to Ash because of covid restrictions. Tracy said: “It’s been such a hard year, and I wanted to do something nice for Mia, as she is so talented with her photography.” Mia said: “Mum is very sneaky! But she is my Number 1 fan, bless her.” Mia is originally from Wincanton, lived for a while in Castle Cary, and is now living in Somerton. She said: “I have been taking photos with basic cameras and using my mobile phone since I can remember. I have no 22

DANCING QUEEN: Mia’s ballet shoes and, inset, Mia and Ashley

professional training or experience in photography, but I have spent time learning some tips and techniques along the way. “I mainly use my mobile phone for my photographs, and I spend a lot of time afterwards using different editing tools and applications on my images. “I enjoy finding modern ways to alter and change a simple image and create something completely

different. I am quite a crafty person, and I try to make things from my pictures such as handmade cards and calendars for family and friends.” Mia is a member of some social media photography groups, which has inspired her, and shares her images on the Facebook group Somerton Old and New. She is hoping to get herself a decent camera and print and sell her images.

She added: “If anyone is looking for a hobby to keep themselves busy, especially in difficult times such as these, I highly recommend taking photos. You don’t need an expensive camera, to capture a moment or a memory. There are no rules for taking photographs. Just get out there and have a go! “It can definitely help with mental health issues too, as it’s great to help occupy the mind with positive things to do. I have anxiety and it really relaxes me to switch off for a bit and focus on something creative.”

Meet axed for good There will be no Boxing Day Hunt Meet on the Crown Meadows in Blandford this year, or in the future. Following last year’s confrontation between hunt supporters and protesters which potentially put members of the public at risk, an indication was given to Blandford Town Council that there would be no gathering in town this year. Confirmation was sought by Dorset Police, who say due to covid the hunt decided not to hold the traditional meet this year, but also that the cancellation is permanent. Town clerk Linda Scott Giles said the police asked the hunt to apply for road closures, provide marshals and take greater responsibility at the event, but it appeared the hunt would likely meet elsewhere on private land. Police last month investigated an allegation a fox was chased by hounds across the B3092 road between Sturminster Newton and Hinton St Mary during an organised trail hunt on November 3.

Museum raffle raises spirits By Nicci Brown Despite the restrictions of Coronavirus the Blandford Fashion Museum’s annual Christmas raffle raised £700, a much needed addition to their depleted funds to help their 25th anniversary celebrations in May and facilitate the conservation of precious costumes. The top prize was £100 in M&S Vouchers, with a second prize case of 12 bottles of wine, and third, half a lamb, together with a Christmas hamper from Morrisons, a bottle of champagne and plenty of chocolates and other delights. Deputy Mayor Lee Hitchings drew the winning tickets in front of a much reduced, socially distanced and masked gathering of staff and supporters, and a number of prize winners were present. It was a boost, not just to the museum’s finances but to everyone’s morale to

see the support and loyalty still strong. Mr Hitchings was given a guided tour of the museum, and they hope to see more of him in the future after hearing him admit it was his first visit. It is currently hoping for success in a grant application to restore and display a very fragile silk chiffon 1920s wedding dress recently donated, and is also seeking volunteers to sew replica costumes of some of its originals for its 25th anniversary celebrations. For information see blandford fashionmuseum.co.uk. Top, Deputy Mayor Lee Hitchings with Jean Longley and right, Rebecca Pride with a magnificent hamper prize

STARTS 29 DECEMBER th

Looking back at the special time that Christmas is always a special time of the year, no matter where you happen to be. However, some towns do just happen to be a little more magical than others. We cast our eyes over Sturminster Newton both past and present thanks to Heritage Trust secretary Zilla Brown, who is sharing a little piece of history and a stunning collection of wintry scenes with us.

Friday 25th January, 1963 Sturminster Newton For the first time this century, a hindquarter of beef was roasted on a spit on the frozen River Stour at Sturminster Newton on Sunday afternoon. The roasting, which was watched by hundreds of people, including many passing motorists, took place at a spot near the town bridge, where the 10 foot deep river is covered by nine inches of ice. The last time an ox was roasted on the river was between Colber Bridge and the railway bridge in 1895. One of the organisers, Mr A C Meaker said: “A few of us were talking about it one evening last week. “We quickly formed a Sturminster Winter Carnival Committee and decided to make this year’s cold spell something that would be remembered for years to come.”

PLENTY FOR EVERYONE: Roasting a hindquarter of beef on the frozen River Stour in 1963

A charcoal burning double brazier was set up on baulks of timber standing on bricks over the ice, with a sheet of galvanized iron to catch the ashes. For three hours, watched by a large crowd, the honorary

chefs Dennis Barnett, Edwin Short and Reg Weeks, and their assistants slowly turned the 53lb of beef on its spit. At four o’clock ‘Chef’ Dennis Barnett pronounced the meat ‘done to a turn’ and

eager onlookers pressed forward as the beef was sliced and passed to other helpers, waiting with mounds of bread to make sandwiches. Television cameras joined the scores of amateur

Town continues to sparkle after most difficult of years This Christmas, Sturminster Newton is illuminated under thousands of glittering lights, due largely to Jacqui Wragg in her role of Economic Development Coordinator and her dedicated band of volunteers. ‘Make Stur Sparkle’ was the aim for the town this year, when things are a little different, and this follows 24

from the Scarecrow and Pumpkin Festival which was previously organised in the town. A magnificent tree sparkles in the town centre and approximately 45 mini trees have been placed around the town, including Streeters, The Exchange and the Mill. The cost of the lights and new fittings was funded by

donations of items which were sold by the Community Chest Boutique and the Emporium. The trees were purchased by businesses in the town. Many of the town windows, both retail and private have added to the atmosphere of the Winter Wonderland theme. Mr and Mrs Santa shelter by the museum with

an enormous pile of presents ready to deliver, while the famous Sturminster Red Lion gnaws giant be ribboned bone. Ethereal stars glow in cottage windows, a winter forest fills the window of the Community Chest and a snowy scene fills the window above the Root and Vine.

is Christmas in Sturminster Newton

THE WHITE STUFF: Snowy scenes in Sturminster Newton in the winter of 1978

PICTURE POSTCARD: Snow only adds the beauty of Sturminster Newton and the River Stour in 2010

photographers who were recording the scene for posterity. In the space of a couple of hours all the beef was sold and so great was the demand for sandwiches that more bread had to be fetched from a local bakery. While the roasting was proceeding, there was skating and ice hockey and later when darkness fell, there was dancing on the river under floodlights to amplified music. Derek Tite and members of his family entertained the onlookers with their antics on the ice on a five-wheeled bicycle. Others set off for a walk up and down the river – a truly

unique experience. Mr. E. B. Marsh provided the loudspeaker equipment and the lights. Julie Drew and members of the Sturminster Newton Young Wives’ Club prepared sandwiches from the beef and served cups of tea. All the profits after meeting

expenses, were given to the Sturminster Newton old folk’s fuel fund. The sale of beef sandwiches and collections realized £29 and it is expected there will be a profit of about £15. However, after the excitement of the roasting had died down, ‘Chef’

Barnett missed the bone, which he had earlier removed from the beef. In a plaintive footnote he said: “I would be grateful if whoever took it would return it to me, because we would like to mount it, with a suitable engraved plate, as a memento of the event.” 25

Our Loose Canon... with Canon Eric Woods DL

Look to the future, it’s only just begun We often forget how far we see Christmas through Victorian spectacles. The Victorians reinvented the whole thing. The Christmas tree was a German tradition brought to England by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. The first Christmas cards were printed in 1843. It was only in Victorian times that turkey replaced goose as the staple of Christmas dinner. And thanks to Charles Dickens we all live with the notion of Christmas as a jolly festival of family and home. This year will be different, of course, and many of us will miss our ‘traditional’ Christmas. But remember all those for whom Christmas has often been a bitter time: those recently bereaved, for example, or whose family life is going through conflict and turmoil. And it’s bitter too in lands which are torn apart by war or civil strife or natural disaster. Come to think of it, the Palestine into which Jesus was born was not a happy place either. It was under Roman occupation, and politically the atmosphere was often tense, not least because in Herod the Romans had a puppet king who was nevertheless allowed full scope for his natural brutality. Against that background, the Romans brought in a census to update their taxation records. So Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because that was where Joseph’s family came from. There they found the little community flooded with other reluctant travellers, and Mary subsequently went into labour, not in a room at the inn, but in a stable. The arrival of the Wise Men from Persia alerted Herod to the birth of a child whom he took to be a rival for his throne, and so soon Mary, Joseph and their son Jesus became asylum seekers in Egypt. It’s beginning to have a rather familiar and upto-date ring about it, isn’t it? Far from being a cosy, domestic affair, the first Christmas was a political event in a highly charged political world. Whatever else was going on, God chose to make his decisive intervention in the world’s affairs in a way designed to transform the existing order of life by turning things upside down. And that is still God’s way. Perhaps this year we might look back beyond the 19th century to the first Christmas of all. That can only make us a bit more open to the world, and the world’s needs – which would be a wonderful thing. Merry Christmas! 26

TICKETS PLEASE: Mrs Hale and Mrs Farrant get set to board The Polar Express with pupils at Chilmark

All aboard The Polar Express The Polar Express steamed into Chilmark, Fonthill Bishop C of E Primary School in Chilmark to celebrate the start of Advent. Wearing cosy pyjamas instead of school uniform children in Elm Class queued for their

tickets for the magical train ride before entering the classroom, which had been transformed much to their surprise. After a morning of maths and literacy, teacher of Elm Class Mrs Hale, the conductor, and Mrs Farrant the

engine driver, served the children with hot chocolate and a biscuit as they enjoyed watching The Polar Express in their classroom. Everyone agreed it was an amazing day and are looking forward to more fun before the end of term.

Town councillors face sanctions after clashes Two Shaftesbury town councillors face sanctions after a Dorset Council panel heard allegations of several breaches of behaviour. Councillors Karen Tippins and Peter Yeo clashed with other town councillors on several occasions, many of which were recorded when meetings were held over Zoom from March. The county’s Audit and Governance

Hearing subcommittee viewed the videos and held interviews before delivering their report last week. It said that Cllr Yeo was seen to make an offensive hand gesture in one meeting, while Cllr Tippins refused to face a speaker at another. She also insulted a councillor as ‘thick’ and was described by the panel as being “childish and wholly disrespectful” in the meeting.

Panel chairman Cllr Biggs said of Cllr Yeo’s language that he had never seen anything so disrespectful in 30 years on the council. The pair will now face a full hearing and could face suspension or other sanctions. As elected councillors, they cannot be removed from post. Both councillors told This is Alfred radio that the investigation is a waste of time and taxpayers’ money.

Tree of hope for garden volunteers The Christmas Tree stands majestic in the walled Victorian garden at the end of Bere’s Yard at Blandford Museum, a beacon of hope and comfort to the volunteers who have transformed this once overgrown derelict scrub into a thriving garden suffused in the Victorian spirit of adventure. With hard work and commitment over the last 12 years, scores of volunteer gardeners have toiled to create a safe and peaceful space both for gardening and for visitors to enjoy. A serene, green idyll away from the hustle and bustle of the town. These volunteers of different ages, different backgrounds and possessing wide-ranging talents have breathed life into a dismal and decaying space and constructed this Victorian garden. These creative volunteers have grown, collected and dried the decorations, which adorn the tree and stands as part of the Blandford Parish Church Christmas Tree Trail 2020. The tree can be seen through the railings when the garden is closed. SPECIAL BRANCH: This year’s Christmas tree, railings at the garden, collecting goat manure and building a bonfire in 2010 A decade ago, just two years after its conception, the “The Victorian Garden has a jar using our recipe won a nAn open day is being held garden was used as a safe not been abandoned during prize at the 2019 Shaftesbury in the walled Victorian place for small groups from the covid-19 controls, work Marmafest.” garden at Blandford Museum sheltered and vulnerable continued in the busy spring Two of the usual plant sale tomorrow (Saturday, communities to enjoy period as a safe outdoor fundraising events were December 19) between gardening. exercise space for the cancelled this year, the 10.30am and 3pm. Elaine Lofthouse Potted bulbs, jams, ‘Our tree celebrates the comfort we’ve gained from working together in this said: “Volunteers chutneys and dried are encouraged to difficult year, our joy in growing plants and sharing the beauty of their colours flowers for sale and a and forms – culminating in our bounteous display.’ follow their garden and cookery Blandford Museum Garden Group passions, so there is book stall. always something of interest gardeners.” Georgian Fayre in May and New members are welcome for everyone. The aim is to The Garden Group is now Blandford Hidden Gardens to join the group, which use the space in the spirit of working with the Blandford in June. currently works on Tuesdays the Victorians’ adventure and Group Practice Health Without these plant sales and Thursdays between experimentation. Each year Champions scheme for there was a huge surplus of 10.20am and 12.30pm when something new is tried gardening referrals. plants, so the Garden Club the garden will also be open alongside the usual soft fruit, Elaine said: “The group is sold the plants via an honesty for visitors. vegetables, herbs and cut self-funded through events, box arrangement and raised flowers. The benefits of n blandfordtownmuseum. donations and the sale of almost £300, which was contact with nature and sense plants which we have org.uk/clubs/garden-club donated to the Blandford of community to well-being Blandford Museum Victorian propagated to make jams and Food Bank to support the and mental health are now Garden, Bere’s Yard, Market chutneys. Traditional vital work they are doing in widely recognised. Place, Blandford DT11 7HQ marmalade is our best seller; our community. 27

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Gardening... The chances that potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and brussel sprouts will be on the menu this Christmas is high. So here are some interesting science-based facts about these festive vegetables to digest before your meal. You may unwittingly burn your parsnips, but did you know that parsnips can burn you? Seemingly innocuous, parsnip sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin (furo-cum-erin). If sap from broken leaves or stems becomes absorbed by the skin it becomes more sensitive to light, especially ultraviolet light. Within one or two days the affected area reddens, giving an impression of sunburn. In

severe exposure, the skin blisters and becomes painful, followed by a brownish pigmentation that can remain for several years. Every year a few parsnip-burn cases are reported but because symptoms take a while to show and looks like sunburn it is probably under reported. Globally, potatoes are the fourth most important food crop after corn, rice and wheat. Familiarity sometimes makes us relaxed about their use, but we should be aware that all parts of the plant are, or can be, poisonous. Despite coming from below ground, potatoes are not roots, but modified underground stems. When not exposed to light they are

edible and harmless, but light makes them turn green and toxic. There are many reports of green potato poisoning, with symptoms as varied as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of

consciousness, coma and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; very rarely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; death! Perhaps we should not be too surprised as potatoes are members of the deadly nightshade family and contain the same deadly

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Announcements Acknowledgements DELIA MAIDMENT Would like to thank the many people who sent cards, flowers and good wishes on the occasion of her 90th Birthday, which was on the 29th November. She is very grateful to all of you and would also like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Deaths

(formerly of Ilchester)

JOHN MILLER Passed away on 30th November 2020, aged 73. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, scouter & narrow boater who will be sadly missed. Donations if desired to Alzheimer's Research UK A memorial service will be held next year to celebrate Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life

THE HAPPY GATHERING CLUB The committee wish all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy 2021. We thank everyone for their support and hope we can meet again when it is safe for all of us.

In memoriam GOVERD JOHN (14.12.2014) In loving memory of an adored husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Missing you always, forever in our hearts and thoughts. Love from Chris, Marilyn, John, Julie, Dave, Sammy, Danny, Lola and Ellie xxxx

OATEN ERNEST GEORGE Thinking of you this Christmas All our love Your loving wife Gill & all the family

LANGDON VERONICA HELEN Passed away 23/12/14. Thinking of you Veronica, as always, on this the 6th anniversary of your passing. You are always in my thoughts. Until we meet again, your ever-loving husband, Richard xx

Announcements should reach us by 1pm on the Monday before publication. However every effort will be made to accommodate them until we go to press on Wednesday morning. 32

GILLINGHAM MARK

CRAIG BARBRA (nee Harris) Died peacefully on 30th November 2020 at home in Shaftesbury. Dearly loved mum of Kevyn, and Hazel, Jackalyn, Samantha and Doug and Beverley. Much loved gran and great gran, wife of the late Fred Craig. Funeral Service will take place at Salisbury Crematorium on 17th December (family only). Donations if desired for the British Heart Foundation to Grassby & Close, Funeral Directors, Sturminster Newton, 01258 471024 (also online)

ELLEN MAUVE KING On 1st December 2020 peacefully in Westminster Memorial Hospital with her family by her side, aged 74 years of Shaftesbury. Beloved wife to John, mum to Rachel, Wendy and Terry also a loving nan to Sam, Millie, Lucy and Sophie. "Forever in our hearts". Private family service but donations if desired to Parkinson's UK may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Passed away suddenly on 9th December 2020, aged 55 years. Much loved by mum Jean, and brothers, Steve and Jonathan, also Debbie, Marilyn, Theresa, Clarissa and many others. With grateful thanks to all the staff at Spring View Care Home, Yeovil. Private cremation will take place. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Mark invited for The Brain Tumour Charity (thebraintumourcharity.org) or may be sent c/o Clive Wakely A J Wakely & Sons 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil BA21 4BT

SANDRA BERNICE TRIM Passed away peacefully in Westminster Memorial Hospital on 8th December 2020 aged 65 years of Shaftesbury. Much loved daughter, sister, auntie and great auntie and friend to many. Private family service. Donations in memory of Sandra are for the Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital and may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Obituary RODGERS Margaret Joy (Mary) aged 83 years of Wincanton. On 11th December 2020, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved sister, aunt and friend. Private Cremation. Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, c/o Harold. F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367

WALKER Anne Moncrieff Moorse Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on Friday 4th December 2020, aged 90 years. Beloved wife of her late husband Hugh, and adored mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. A Thanksgiving service for Anne’s wonderful life will be held at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations, in memory of Anne for Friends of the Yeatman Hospital may be sent c/o Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3JQ

The ‘laureate of espionage’ By Karen Bate The Sherborne Schooleducated espionage author John le Carré has died of pneumonia aged 89. John le Carré was the pseudonym David Cornwell adopted for his exceptional writing career, which spanned almost six decades. His strong storytelling gift, profound craftsmanship and rich characterisation, evident in all his 25 novels including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and A Most Wanted Man, made David the laureate of espionage. David was born in Poole on October 19th, 1931 to parents Ronnie and Olive. His mother left the family home leaving David, who was just five years old, along with his older brother, Tony. At the age of 13, David became a boarder at Sherborne School, devouring novels by Somerset Maugham, Conrad, Dickens, Buchan and Conan Doyle. Dr Dominic Luckett, headmaster of Sherborne School, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of David Cornwell, who attended Sherborne School from 1945 to 1948. “A man of extraordinary talent, huge intellect and great humanity, we count him among our most distinguished alumni. A towering figure, his extraordinary contribution to

the literary world will continue to be felt for generations to come. We extend our condolences to his family.” David attended the University of Berne to study German literature, becoming a modern linguist. He married Ann Sharp in 1954, during which time he

served with the MI5, the counter-intelligence service in London, and later the MI6, frequently in Bonn. David and Ann divorced in 1971 and later, he would marry Jane Eustace, an editor with his publishers. Throughout his life David turned down numerous literary honours and a CBE.

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Announcements HARRY ROY NETHERWAY (ROY) passed away peacefully in Westminster Memorial Hospital on Friday 11th December 2020 aged 77 years. Much loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend to many. Private family service. Donations in Roy's memory are invited to The Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital and may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Deaths

MARGARET JOYCE STOKES On 29th November 2020 peacefully in Hays House Nursing Home aged 90 years of Margaret's Marsh. Wife of the late Jack, a much loved mother to Gary, Susan, Patrick and the late Stephen, a much loved mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother who will be sorely missed by all family and friends. Private family service but donations if desired to St Margaret's PCC may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

BARRETT RACHEL DIANA Passed away on Saturday 21st November at Yeovil District Hospital aged 85. Much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Will be sadly missed. Funeral service took place on the 9th December at Manston Church - for donations please contact Bracher Bros, Gillingham, (01747) 822494.

ROBERT HOARE ‘BOB’ Peacefully on 2nd December 2020 at home in Stalbridge aged 76 years. Dearly loved husband, dad, grandad & great grandad who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Due to COVID restrictions Bob’s funeral will be private. Donations if desired for Macmillan Cancer Support. c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

BOSS SUE of Blackford, previously of Zeals and London. Passed away peacefully at home on the 21st November 2020, after 82 wonderful years. Very much loved by many and an inspiration to all who knew her. A private service will take place. Donations in memory of Sue for St Michael’s Church Blackford or Spaniel Aid UK may be sent c/o Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to Parochial Church Council of Blackford or Spaniel Aid UK

WEEKES CHRISTINE Passed away peacefully on 30th November, aged 84. Christine will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends. Private funeral service has already taken place, however donations in Christine’s memory if desired for the RAF Benevolent Fund may be sent to Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/ christine-weekes.

Announcements SUSAN STEWART Sue passed away on 3rd December 2020 at home surrounded by family. Loving partner to Steve, loving mother to Kirsty, Jason and Chloe, loving Nanny to Poppy, Oscar, Abigail, Toby and Hattie. Private crematorium. Sue will be greatly missed by many

JEFFERIES JOYCE formerly of Brewham, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Carrington House Care Home, Wincanton, on 2nd December 2020 aged 105 years. Dearly beloved wife of the late Sam. Loving mum of Peggy (deceased) Michael (deceased), Dennis, Marion, Dorothy, Phillip and Gerald. A dear mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Private family funeral due to current Covid-19 restrictions. Donations, if desired, made payable to Carrington House Amenities Fund or Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, may be sent to Trotman Funeral Directors, Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet BA4 4QQ.

CHRISTOPHER Wilfred John (John) Passed away peacefully in Whitecliffe House Nursing Home on 17th November 2020. Aged 91 years. Dearly beloved husband of the late Flo, brother, brother in law, uncle and great uncle who will be sadly missed by all. The funeral has taken place Donations if desired in memory of John for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online by visiting close-funeral.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close Salisbury Road Blandford DT11 7JU Tel 01258 453133

JULIA GARLAND Passed away peacefully at home on 30th November, aged 91 years. A much-loved Mum of Abi McGeoch, Andy and Ben. Gran to Phoebe, Chris, Alex, Tom and Sam. The family would like to thank the Gillingham Community Nursing Team, and Carol Brand from Shaftesbury Hospital for their kindness and care of Julia at home. Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 17th December, at 14:40

KNOCK Stephanie Irene Aged 80 years of Castle Cary. On 8th December 2020, peacefully at La Fontana Care Home, Martock. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Private Cremation. Donations in memory of Stephanie are being invited for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, c/o Harold. F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES, Telephone: (01963) 440367.

UPSHALL, JOHN Of Gillingham, aged 73, passed away on the 29th November. Loving Husband of Gwen, father, grandfather and great grandfather and brother. Private Funeral only due to covid Restrictions. Donations to Star’s Appeal, Salisbury Hospital. Funeral Directors L C Hill & Son, Water Street, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DZ

Jacqueline Inez Rhodes Passed away peacefully on 4th December 2020 aged 81 years. A much loved and devoted Mum to Simon and mum in law to Tracy. Jackie will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A private service will be held on December 18th, 2020. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Jackie to Dementia UK and Cats as Therapy can be sent to Jackson Family Funeral Directors, Hanley Road, Upton Upon Severn, WR8 0PA.

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Food & Drink

Top tipples this Christmas! ENFORD FARM SHOP

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Most of us enjoy a little tipple whether you’re celebrating as a couple, part of your bubble or maybe just quietly on your own at home. We are lucky to have a wonderful array of alcoholic drinks made right here on your doorstep and in this article, I am mentioning a few that have caught my eye over the past few years. Catching my eye because they are unusual, award-winning and as it’s Christmas – wintery and festive. Let’s start with the festive ones. Black Cow, who make vodka from the whey of their cheese, has created a new member of the family with all the flavours of a

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By Katharine Wright Christmas pudding, aptly thehungrygiraffe2020@gmail.com named ‘Christmas Spirit’. Then you have Christmas delicious spirits. One I’ve Cheer – a damson and seen is a cobb nut brandy, hibiscus blend of gin by bringing the flavours of Fordington Gin, back by the woods to your glass. popular demand after last Finally, a few of Dorset’s season’s success. With award-winning tipples to many cider makers in tempt you starting with a Dorset, I was pleased to pack of beers. Not just any find this one – Dark Spice old beer but awardmade by Twisted, winning packs of beer by available as a Eight Arch Brewing still or a Company. sparking, is Square Logic was perfect for awarded small pack of festive beer 2020 by Society of evenings, Independent Brewers packed with Association (SIBA). It fruits and is a pale ale with a cinnamon. subtle blend of hops, We all love oats and your favourite something a fruits. little unusual and My next choice is not quite I think one of the a tipple but something most unusual drinks which will help us all made in Dorset is by when we have indulged the brewers at Cerne too much. Try a cup of Abbas Brewery. Clipper teas light, crisp They make a highly refreshing organic velvety smooth beer Peppermint Infusion, with rum and which won Taste of the coconuts. It’s West hot beverage rum, it is Champion 2020. coconutty and it I could not complete this is gurt and named Gurt list without some Coconuts Rum Stout! suggesting some fizz and Check for availability as it why not celebrate in style is made in small batches. with Langham Estates My next suggestion will Blanc to Blanc 2015 allow you to take the Sparking wine? It won plunge. Shanty Spirit is a gold at the International vodka made with five Wine & Spirits competition varieties of organic this year, but that is not it, seaweed, hand foraged all their wines won – from our coastline and making them the IWSC finished with some Dorset Sparkling Winemaker of sea salt, offering an the year 2020. experience like no other. My tipple list could go on, Perfect for bringing back but you can explore these those long summer days and more on websites such by the sea. as Dorsetfoodanddrink.org Back inland and more to see the wonderful foraging, we have James drinks available right here of Forager Spirit, in your county. exploring deepest Dorset Have a great Christmas collecting his wares for his and enjoy your tipples this unusual but wonderfully Christmas.

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Truffle Cake Balls You can make these at any time of year, but they are especially fun at Christmastime. Quick and easy to make, if a bit messy, deeply chocolate-y and a teeny bit alcoholic, they taste lovely and festive and look like little baby Christmas puddings. Of course, you can make them non-alcoholic too: just as well, as children love them. If no homemade leftover cake is available, shop-bought Madeira cake or similar works well. Makes 10 n 2 tablespoons dark rum (or 2 tablespoons apricot or raspberry seedless jam for the non-alcoholic version) n 250g sponge cake crumbs n 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped n 25g salted butter, finely diced n Chocolate strands for finishing (bronze or gold crunch sprinkles also work well)

You will need 10 x standard cake cases Combine the rum or jam with the cake crumbs. Melt the chocolate for up to 2 minutes, in 30-second bursts, in the microwave; add the butter towards the end of melting time. (Or melt in a bowl over a gently simmering pan of

Mum’s Kitchen... After all the indulgence of Christmas, why not try something a little lighter, with fresh blueberries and yoghurt making this less of a cake and more of a superfood? Blueberry Yoghurt Cake Ingredients n 150g butter, melted n 220g caster sugar n 2 eggs (yes, I remembered them this time!) n 140g Greek yoghurt

n Grated rind and juice of n 1 lemon n 1 teaspoon vanilla extract n 225g self-raising flour n 125g blueberries Method Preheat oven to 160 , 140 fan. Place butter, sugar, eggs, yoghurt, lemon zest and vanilla in a bowl and beat together. Grease and line with nonstick paper a 22cm x 8cm x 7cm loaf tin. Spoon roughly half the mixture into the tin

hot water if you prefer: make sure the bowl fits the pan without the bottom touching the water.) Stir the crumb mix into the melted chocolate. Add a drop more rum or jam if it’s too dry. Chill the mix for 20-30 minutes before moulding into 10 balls: larger than a ping pong ball but smaller

than a billiard ball, with wet hands Roll in the chocolate strands and sit in the paper cases. (A comedian could have a field day with that last sentence!) Store in an airtight container in the fridge. To Freeze Freeze the cake balls before adding the sprinkles: wrap snugly in greaseproof paper and freeze in a plastic lidded box. Defrost as needed and roll in sprinkles before serving. Tips After Christmas you can make fruity ones with leftover Christmas cake or pudding. These are handy for using up leftover sponge cake throughout the year: it’s worth keeping a box of sponge leftovers in the freezer dedicated to truffle balls. Try rolling them in pretty coloured sugar strands for birthdays and other celebrations too. Check out Mrs Simkins’ website for more Christmas recipes MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/mrssimkinscooks

with Diana Holman and sprinkle in around two thirds of the blueberries. Top with the remaining mixture and sprinkle the remaining blueberries on the top. Bake for 1 hour-1 hour 10 minutes until cooked when pierced with a skewer. Squeeze the juice from the

lemon and mix with 70g caster sugar and drizzle over the top of the warm cake. 37

Food & Drink

Mexican food really packs a poncho By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Ex Rick Stein chef Rupert Toms has taken over the kitchen at Shaftesbury club Angola ’76 for the winter and set up a Mexican soul food operation. Before covid-19, the vegan and vegetarian food cooked up by The Smoking Jalapeno became established on the festival circuit, including the Chalke Valley History festival and the Tropical Pressure festival in Cornwall. But with no festivals this year and many already cancelling for 2021, the idea to base operations at Angola ’76 took shape in “an effort to adjust and reposition due to circumstances,” said Rupert. He said that following talks with Sally and Andy, the “local legends” who manage Angola, he and his head chef Alex Myddleton have taken over the kitchen. He said: “The vibe in Angola is incredible, with live bands and DJs filling the venue with eclectic frequencies. “There is a fascinating ambiance and the drinks menu is professionally put together with endless fun.”

HOLY MOLY GUACAMOLE: Alex Myddleton and Rupert Toms

Shaftesbury-born Rupert has travelled the world, including a stint running a pizza shop in a Japanese ski resort. He also worked at Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow for two years before setting up The Smoking Jalapeno two years ago. The name comes from the fact that jalapeno peppers are a

staple of a Mexican diet. “We wanted to create a brand that showed the heart of the business,” said Rupert. “We are not scared of a bit of flavour and often used smoked chillies to develop deep flavours in many of our dishes.” As well as serving meals at Angola ’76, The Smoking Jalapeno has also begun a takeaway and delivery service in Shaftesbury. “We make everything in house from scratch,” said Rupert. “Our secret recipe beef brisket chilli is absolutely flying out of the door, available in a burrito, rice bowl, dirty fries or loaded nachos.

“Our Dirty Bird Burger is without a doubt our best seller, crispy deep-fried chicken on a bed of guacamole and lettuce topped with pink pickled onions, jalapenos and salsa, and the churros have been flying out the door as a dessert option.” Rupert’s mum Kate is also lending a hand, cooking the brownies, which are offered with homemade ice cream (the brownies are also on sale at Semley Village Shop, and her art is on show at the Cygnet Gallery in Shaftesbury). Looking forward to 2021 and beyond, Rupert said he would love to establish The Smoking Jalapeno as a ‘go to’ for food delivery in Shaftesbury. He and Alex are also looking to open a base in Frome and, in time, Bath. And he hopes you will find the Smoking Jalapeno crew in various fields across the country as festivals get up and running again this summer. n The Smoking Jalapeno is open from 5-10pm, Wednesday-Sunday. Call 07835 955820. Meals start at £7.50 with side dishes from £3. Vegetarian/vegan options available. More information: Facebook.com/ thesmokingjalapeno n A new café has opened on Shaftesbury High Street. Seasons is housed in the former High Street Bakery and is run by couple Emily and James Delport-King, who met while working in Jamie Oliver’s restaurants. The Monday-Saturday daytime café offers healthy breakfasts, gluten-free cakes and bread, home-cooked daily specials and plans possible pop-up nights.

Food & Drink

Amazing designs of cake creator By Karen Bate Stepping into Adorabella Cake Design in Wincanton is like walking through a creative portal of delicious fantasy spun in sugar. “It is my happy place,” says Xaviera Adorabella Maria

Boadella, who blossoms in her South Street shop, which is chock-full of sugar work, flowers and marvellous models. Xaviera has been baking professionally for the last four years, combining her love of food and creative spirit with being a full-time mum to her three children. She opened her shop three years ago, transforming it into an artistic hub for her imagination. She said: “I had always wanted my own business, which was always going to be within food, however through making the occasional cake for family I discovered a talent in sugar work, and cake making

allowed me to continue with my love for food, to be creative, and also to be a fulltime mum. “The shop is perfect for meeting clients and having wedding consultations. It is my happy place!” Coronavirus restrictions have meant Xaviera has been unable to be in the shop as often as she would like, however, she has registered her home kitchen to enable her to create birthday and celebration cakes. Xaviera thrives on making her clients’ dreams for the perfect cake a reality. “There are my lovely customers who firstly, trust me to create their cakes to celebrate huge parts of their lives, whether it is a wedding,

christening, first to 100th birthdays. It is an absolute privilege. With these orders come the interesting parts of

their lives that they want to be put into cake form. For instance, I have just made a

cake for a lady whose mother turned 100 and created a replica model of the pink moped on which she used to ride! Anything is possible!” Xaviera loves all the ingredients involved in constructing the perfect cake, from the baking to the design. But she also adores bringing new life to traditional recipes. Xaviera said: “I enjoy changing opinions, particularly about the unloved fruitcake, which is one of my favourites, and then getting the feedback that ‘it is the best

I’ve ever had’. I believe the inside of a cake has to be just as good, if not better, than the outside.” Xaviera has launched her very own treat boxes, which are bursting with baked and patisseries, and can be delivered. Special Christmas boxes will be delivered on Christmas Eve. “I have tried to adapt to the trials we have all faced this year and to offer something that can bring a little joy,” said Xaviera. n Adorabella Cake Design is at 4a South Street, Wincanton. Go to Adorabellacakedesign .co.uk or follow @adora bellacakedesign Email: info@adorabellac akedesign.co.uk or phone: 07542 969555 and 01963 202563.

Food & Drink

We need everyone to prop up the bar By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Pub landlords in north Dorset are issuing a plea for locals and visitors to support their pubs this winter. Steve Dunk from the Milton Arms in Winterborne Whitechurch, a well-run local pub serving delicious food, said: “We may not make it through the winter. “We need all the support we can get from both customers and the government to help us through this.” And Steve is not alone. Many landlords across the county say trade is dismal and the future of the traditional pub looks bleak. The pill is even more bitter as pub tills are usually ringing louder than ever over the Christmas season. As north Dorset wrestles with Tier 2 restrictions following the second lockdown, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is urging locals to “spare a thought for our pubs.” Chairman of the north Dorset group of the CPRE Rupert Hardy said both village shops and pubs are the “beating hearts of our

A CALL TO ARMS: Pub landlord Steve Dunk is urging people to return to the bar

community” and it was “blatantly unfair” that rural Dorset was in Tier 2 when it had one of the lowest infection rates in England. He said: “We have been actively supporting our local food and drink producers, as well as our village shops and pubs through these difficult times.

“Both village shops and pubs are the beating hearts of our rural communities. “Village shops may have benefited from increased trade during lockdown, but many pubs are haemorrhaging. Other pubs are threatened similarly, as is all the hospitality sector. “Please visit our pubs

allowing for Tier 2 restrictions, and also take advantage of their takeaway offerings.” Rupert added: “It is not too late but many pubs are on the brink of closure so please act now and support them. “Please support our Dorset communities. Please save our Dorset pubs.”

Yoghurts from Stalbridge dairy firm officially taste great! Dorset Strained Yoghurt from The Dorset Dairy Co in Stalbridge has won the highest accolade in the Great Taste 2020 – three stars. Judges described the whole milk yoghurt as: “Full, smooth, and creamy on the palate with tangy, lactic freshness bursting from every mouthful.” It all started 60 years ago, when Dan Miller’s grandad moved to Crib House Farm, North Dorset, with just 20 cows. Today the farm is home to 200 40

free range Holstein Friesian milking cows, or ‘the girls,’ as Dan, who now manages the farm, calls them. After meeting Alex Rawe, an unfulfilled London banker, and converting her to country life, Dan confided his dream of turning the farm’s milk into something special, and so, Dorset’s answer to Greek yoghurt was born. Dorset Strained Yoghurt is made on the farm using milk straight from its high-welfare,

free-range cows and nothing is added but live cultures. It takes three litres of milk to make one kilo of yoghurt as the straining method filters out the water and lactose. This technique results in a luxurious creamy texture – proper yoghurt, Dorset-style. Alex said: “By using traditional methods and hard work, we create a yoghurt that’s as unprocessed as can be with the added benefits of being low in sugar and packed with protein,

vitamins and minerals.” As sales have grown, so too has the amount of cream byproduct from the fat free yoghurt and semi-skimmed milk, which is fermented into Dorset Cultured Cream and churned into Dorset Cultured Butter. Alex said: “We feed the whey and buttermilk byproducts to the calves and pigs. We also run three milk vending machines and dozens of instore refill stations where you can fill up on farm fresh milk.”

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Sherborne homes plan deferred By Nicci Brown A decision on an application for an affordable housing scheme off Littlefields in Sherborne by Magna Housing has been deferred by Dorset Council’s Northern Planning committee so that officers and members can carry out a site visit to judge its effect on neighbouring amenity. The application for ten modular homes, which would be constructed off site using up to 67 per cent less energy and requiring 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements than traditional built homes, was in itself supported by members, but concerns were raised on the access down a narrow street which is often heavily congested with parked cars and vans. Ward member Matthew Hall, who withdrew from the meeting after making his comments saying he had ‘pre-determined’ 44

the application, said that living within a stone’s throw of the site, he was aware of its ‘pitfalls and promises’, and whilst he supported the house types and number, he could not support the application. He added: “Littlefields is an elongated S bend with no offstreet parking, and I can’t see how the access is safe. The prefabricated houses will need to come on large lorries – how will they access the site?” Asking for at least a traffic management plan, he said that access from Littlefields would make the ten homes ‘imprisoned’, and an alternative access from Noake Road would make the development more part of the community. Councillor David Taylor agreed, saying: “I don't think it’s good enough,” and after discussion amongst members seconded a

proposal for deferral from Councillor Les Fry, who said: “I don’t want to refuse because I absolutely support everything inside the site, but there will be a massive fallout from it. “The problem is the congestion, and we have a duty of care to residents in that area.” Neighbouring ward councillor Jon Andrews had asked at what time of day the highways officer visited the site, since in the evenings it was impossible to get a car round because of white vans and cars parked on verges. There had been an occasion when the fire engines could not get through to deal with a fire at the garages formerly on the site. “I’m really against this going ahead without a different access.” His proposal of refusal was not seconded, and highways officers said the access was acceptable,

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with sufficient parking for the new homes on site and low traffic speeds in the area, so there was no risk to highway safety. Chairman Sherry Jespersen said they had to consider the application before them, and could not redesign it. Councillor Heatley said he was pleased to see climate implications addressed, but he was conflicted by the problem of entrances blocked against the need for affordable homes. Councillor Carole Jones said they could not refuse the application on the grounds that people parked on roads approaching the site. Her proposal for approval was seconded by Councillor Mary Penfold, but defeated by five votes to three. The alternative proposal to defer was approved unanimously.

Planning applications in North Dorset Bruton Brue Cottage Quaperlake Street: Demolition of existing rear extension and the erection of a single and two storey rear extension to dwelling. 21A High Street: To replace two existing windows on the 1st floor to front of dwelling. Castle Cary Orchard View Yeabsleys Way Ansford: Notification of intent to fell to No.01 tree within a Conservation Area. Corton Denham Bauhinia, Middle Ridge Lane: Notification of intent to carry out tree surgery works to No.01 tree within a Conservation Area Martock 52 Lavers Oak: Erection of first floor extension above existing

single storey to create a bedroom & en-suite bathroom. Marston Magna Old Marston House Rimpton Road: Application to carry out tree surgery works to No.01 tree 1 within the South Somerset District Council (MAMA1) 2010 Tree Preservation Order. North Cadbury The Grange Cary Road: New swimming pool. Somerton The Well House Hurcot: Application for a Non-Material Amendment to planning permission 20/01192/HOU. To allow change of facing material on north elevation from concrete blockwork to dark stained timber boarding and omission of one rooflight to south elevation

Hey Cottage Mount: The erection of two storey front extension to dwelling. Stoke Sub Hamdon Hill Top Ham Hill: The erection of a carport. Wincanton 1 Ireson Villas Bayford Hill Wincanton: Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery works to No 1 Tree and Fell 2 Trees in a Conservation Area. Crofton, West Hill: Two storey side extension following demolition of existing garage. Replacement front porch and roof installation of air conditioning system. Yeovil Unit 4A Mead Avenue Brympton: Installation of 2 No. new display windows to the side

elevation of existing retail unit. 23 Wingate Avenue: To demolish existing and erection of a single storey extension to side & rear of dwelling. 47 Coronation Avenue: The erection of single storey side and rear extensions to dwelling. Wraxhill Farm House Lower Turners Barn Lane: Single storey side extension. 21 Sandlewood Close: Prior Approval - Conservatory extension (I) the projection of the proposed extension beyond the rear wall of the existing dwelling is 4 meters; (ii) the maximum height of the proposed extension is 3 metres; (iii) the height of the eaves of the proposed conservatory is 2.1 metres.

Planning applications in North Dorset Cann Southbank Farm Higher Blandford Road: Change of use and conversion of agricultural buildings into 5 No. dwellings (Class C3). Fontmell Magna Larkspur, West Street: T1 Silver Birch - Crown lift tree to rear by removing the four lowest branches. T2 - Silver Birch - Crown lift tree to front by removing one overhanging branch. Barn Cottage West Street: Internal alterations including removal of stud wall to reveal original wall & chimney breast, replace existing spot lighting, removal of existing wardrobe doors & frame & installation of free standing bath in its place on raised tiled flooring & application of lime render to lounge fireplace. Fairfield, West View: T1 Eucalyptus - Fell as unsuitable species for position close to property. Replant with more suitable species. Gillingham 23 Barnaby Mead: T1 - Oak Remove epicormic shoots from trunk to improve appearance of tree. Crown lift pendulous limb overhanging neighbouring property to 4.5m from ground

level. Crown lift limbs in garden by 0.5m to improve view of river. Remove major deadwood greater than one metre in length (for information only as dead wood removal does not require consent). Building 2, Annexe 1, Merck Science UK Ltd Brickfields Industrial Estate: Insertion of two new windows and mezzanine floor to create office space. Rollsmead, Wyke Road: T1 Conifer - Reduce by 1m to leave at a height of 3m to get more light. T2 - Conifer Reduce by 1m to leave at a height of 3m to get more light. T3 - Conifer - Reduce by 1m to leave at a height of 3m to get more light. T4 - Conifer Reduce by 1m to leave at a height of 3m to get more light. T5 - Apple - Reduce height and lateral branches by 0.5m to leave at a height of 4m and an overall canopy spread of 3m. The tree needs maintaining and is blocking out light. Margaret Marsh Marsh Farmhouse: Carry out Internal alterations including removal of modern ground floor partition between the existing kitchen and adjacent room; Install a cased beam in ceiling

where partition removed; level kitchen floor; alterations to modern partitions at first floor to reconfigure and create larger rooms: form fixed stairs to the attic room. Raise height of ceiling over first floor west wing. Carry out structural remedial works to the front and gable walls. Carry out all internal and external alterations in association with this. Marnhull Blakes Cottage Carraway Lane: Convert existing outbuilding to 1 No. unit of holiday accommodation and create 1 No. additional parking space (demolish existing conservatory). (Removal of condition No. 3 from Planning Permission 2/2014/0016 to remove restriction of holiday accommodation) Milton Abbas Milton Abbey School Catherines Well: Installation of water supply pipe to serve the Abbey Boiler and the burying of a new armoured electric cable to supply the Abbey boiler Shaftesbury Enmore Green, Church Hill: T1 - Sycamore - Crown lift over the footpath up to 3m from ground level by removing secondary branches below this point

entirely. T2 - Willow - Crown lift over the footpath up to 2.5m from ground level by removing secondary branches below this point entirely. White Gates, 9 Church Hill: T1 - Beech - Reduce lateral limbs over roof of property by up to 3m from tips. T2 - Sycamore Reduce limb over house by 4m. T3 - Ash - Remove main limb over garden. Silton Marina Gillingham Road: Erect extension to agricultural building. Stalbridge Bruf Contract Holdings Ltd Mill Hanger Gibbs Marsh Trading Estate: Erection of 2no. industrial units for E, B2 & B8 use (to replace fire damaged industrial building) Stour Provost Church House, The Street: T1 Lawsonia - Fell. Sturminster Newton Musketts Barn Lydlinch Common: Change of use and conversion of agricultural building into 1 No. dwelling (Class C3). The Coach House, Church Street: T1 - Beech - Reduce crown by 3m and reshape crown as per annotated photo. T2 - Chestnut - Fell. 45

Antiques & Collectibles Good Condition Vinyl Records wanted Larger collections preferred No classical please, cash paid 07831266478 OLD BOOKS BOUGHT also autographs, diaries, photographs & postcards. £10 per volume paid for decorative leather bindings. We call by appointment entirely without obligation. We have been buying in Dorset for over 50 years. Bristow & Garland 01747 855666 WE BUY RECORDS, collections large and small. Call BILL 01747 811000 or bill@rebornrecords.co.uk

Bumper sale after Christmas Clarke’s Auctions at Semley are getting ready for their two-day bumper Christmas sale being held on Wednesday and Thursday, December 30 and 31 with almost 1,650 lots to be sold. There is something for everyone ranging from jewellery, gold and silver to toys and dolls. The furniture section includes a fine pair of figured walnut open bookcases, each with three adjustable shelves, on plinth bases and these carry an estimate of £300 to £500, a pretty 19th century carved oak table cabinet with a pair of glazed doors with decorated prints of Adam and Eve in a carved foliate and snake border, enclosing a fitted interior with drawers,

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers NEXT SALE Wednesday 30 & Thursday 31 December

Viewing by appointment Sale starts 10am

We wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please contact Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk

pigeon holes and a secret compartment to the top. £500-£800. Also in this section is a very elegant 18th century walnut chest on stand with an estimate of £200-£300 and an early 20th century fivesection Globe Wernicke stacking bookcase with glazed doors offered for £100-£150. Due to their November sale being cancelled due to the latest lockdown their Chinese, Oriental and Islamic section has almost 400 lots including delicate Chinese vases and ceramics, beautifully painted Mughal miniature paintings, jade carvings, ivory carvings and works of art. One of the more unusual and bizarre items in this section is a mummified Egyptian head expected to fetch above £16,000. The Chinese ceramics and carvings they have for sale are already sparking the interest of many internet bidders who are requesting emailed condition reports on the items from as far away as China and America. The Guild of Handicrafts hammered silver cream jug with amethyst cabochon decoration has had the most enquiries and is expected to exceed its £700-£1,000 estimate with two telephone bidders already registered. Also expected to sell higher than its estimate is a delicately decorated ivory model of a mushroom decorated in the shibayama style and a 19th century IndoPersian Shamshir sword, estimate £300-£500.

A Great Britain definitive collection of stamps from 1840-1951. £500-£800

A Victorian oak & brass one peck grain measure, with VR cypher, estimate £70-£100

19th century mahogany wall An Art Nouveau silver and clock, signed Jas. Shoolbred enamel flower brooch. & Co of London. £100-£150 Estimate £20 - £30

A Mesopotamian Babylonian cuneiform carved script stone £150-£200

A terracotta garden urn in the classical form. Estimate £30-£50

A delicately decorated ivory model of a mushroom in the shibayama style

A 19th century cold painted bronze figure of an African grey parrot. £200-£300

A full colour catalogue can be found on thesaleroom.com and easyliveauction.com. Appointments are already being made for valuations and house clearances in the New Year, the diary is filling up for single value valuations all the way through to full house clearances so please phone them well in advance for

appointments. They offer free home to value items for consignment into any future sales and are open by appointment for free verbal valuations Monday to Friday at their salerooms behind the Kingsettle Antique Centre on Station Road, Semley. All enquiries to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109.

Antiques & Collectibles

North Dorset Railway apply to extend North Dorset Railway (NDR) based at Shillingstone near Blandford Forum has taken the next step in its development by submitting a planning application to double the length of its track. The plan is to extend a single line 380 metres from the current northern limit of the station, over Lamb House Bridge, towards Bere Marsh Farm. Lamb House Bridge was recently saved from demolition following a campaign fought by the local community and NDR to retain it as an important historic local asset. The latest plans include restoration of the bridge. The plans have been carefully prepared to enable the railway to run alongside the popular North Dorset Trailway. The objective is to enhance both the Trailway and biodiversity along the former railway embankment. Consultation with the Dorset Countryside Service and Trailway Network, together with advice from a professional ecology consultant, have been

incorporated into the proposals. A Biodiversity Plan has been prepared and submitted. The planning application will now be checked by the Council prior to all documents becoming publicly available on the Dorset Council Planning website. Recent public works at Shillingstone Station have included the diversion of the Trailway off the platform onto a much safer purpose-built embankment alongside and the provision of an accessible toilet which is available during

opening hours on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. David Caddy, Chairman of North Dorset Railway, said: “North Dorset Railway has consulted carefully, explained its proposals and listened to advice and recommendations from our neighbours, the parish council and those with an interest in the trailway. We take our environmental and management responsibilities Acreman Street Antiques seriously and AUCTION we shall WEDNESDAY, 30TH DECEMBER, continue to 10AM

Sales raise cash for breast cancer unit The Acreman Street Antique Auction sale was held in November during lockdown and proved to be very successful, with good prices realised and over 85 per cent of lots sold. While live bidding was not allowed in the room, there was a very strong online presence through easylive auction.com. Throughout this year the auction house has been sponsoring the

new breast cancer unit at Yeovil Hospital appeal in their monthly auctions and in the November sale a large quantity of jewellery, costume jewellery and watches collected on their behalf raised over £4,250. Further donations of furniture and effects realised over £1,600 and they have further entries in their 30th December auction.

communicate and consult as restoration work proceeds.” Project manager Nigel Eveleigh said: “The longerterm aim is to operate a heritage railway from Shillingstone to Sturminster Newton which would bring considerable benefits to the town. In fact, the town’s recently approved Neighbourhood Plan makes some encouraging references to the possibility.” For now, NDR have a dedicated band of volunteers working on all various aspects of the railway to restore a section of the much-loved former Somerset and Dorset Railway to how it was in bygone times. Why not go and visit or, better still, give them a hand? northdorsetrailway.co.uk

Acreman Street is now accepting entries for its January sale. They are happy to give advice and valuations and they take in from single items up to complete house clearances whilst conforming to the covid-19 Government health and safety guidelines. For any enquiries contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or auction@acremanstre etantiques.co.uk

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Mon 28th & Tues 29th 10am-4pm BIDDING THROUGH EASYLIVEAUCTION.COM COLLECTIONS BY APPOINTMENT

WE ARE NOW TAKING IN ITEMS FOR OUR JANUARY AUCTION BY APPOINTMENT. ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT GILL ON 07908 333577

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT GILL NORMAN ON 07908 333577 OR 01935 508764 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PH

A 9 carat multi-stone set ring, estimate £100-£120

Health & Wellbeing

Elixir will help calm the gut after Christmas Christmas is coming and despite all good intentions, over-indulgence is almost guaranteed. In the dark days of midwinter what else is there to do, especially this year? Sadly, with greed comes heartburn, indigestion, bloating, wind and hangovers and if you are like me, by the time January arrives you are longing to stop eating and drinking. Help is at hand to get you to January with a homemade oxymel, which helps to dispel some of the symptoms of overdoing it by calming digestion and helping to reduce inflammation of the gut. It is also good for coughs and colds. It is not however for the faint-hearted: I usually double this but the basic recipe is: 100 mls raw, organic apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon each of fennel seeds, caraway seeds and aniseeds (organic if possible).

10 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed. 1-2 tablespoons of honey (to taste). Simmer the seeds in the apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes – try not to boil the vinegar. Remove from the heat, add the garlic and honey. It is good to put the honey in whilst the vinegar is warm so that it melts into the mixture. Put it in a jar with a lid and leave it to steep for at least 3 days. The garlic almost dissolves into the mixture just leaving all its goodness behind. Strain and pour into a sterilised bottle or jar and label. Keep in the fridge.

A walk around... FARNHAM Park by the play area, then, having passed the old pump house, visit the nearby church. The War Memorial plaque reveals, sadly, that four families each lost two sons, forming the majority of the 15 names. By the church is the start of a footpath leading into a field where you turn right and head north along the hedge, entering another field, passing some back gardens and joining the road after about a quarter of a mile. Look at the houses: they’re nearly all thatched. A few yards up the road, join a path leading first east, then, 48

at the end of gardens, turning left and heading north for half a mile where, next to a wood, you join Oakley Lane which runs along the parish boundary then makes you trespass into Wiltshire briefly, passing Minchington Cross. Carry on north west for a mile passing some pleasant parkland then, as Tollard Royal comes into view, turn left and head SSE up a byway. At the brow of the hill you’ll see a strange folly, shown on the map as Park View Point, part of the Larmer Tree estate. Continue down the byway until you come to a road, where you turn right, SW, for a quarter of a mile, then, at a

relieving muscle spasms. They are also known for breaking up congestion in the lungs and so can help with bronchitis and coughs. The benefits of organic apple cider vinegar with its “mother” have been well documented. The probiotic mother is the cloudy bits at the bottom of the bottle. Despite being a vinegar, once it is ingested it can reduce heartburn and acid reflux and help to alkaline the system. Although the honey is for taste, if you use a local, raw honey, this is a prebiotic, an antioxidant, has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties and may help hay fever sufferers in the spring.

Take about 1 dessert spoon after meals. Raw garlic is a very potent food, containing up to 70 active ingredients that, amongst other things control cholesterol, help intestinal diseases and fight viruses. It is also a prebiotic, which feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fennel, caraway and aniseed have been used since ancient times for many ailments. Here they are particularly good for wind and gastric upsets Fiona Chapman is and help with studying naturopathy digestion by and herbal medicine at calming the the College of stomach and Naturopathic Medicine

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

The Folly known as Park View Point

junction, turn left, south, for a furlong to New Town (it must be a very new town as it has only a very few houses) where the road bends to the SE and, after 5 furlongs, takes you to Farnham Museum Cross.

Here you turn left and head NE, passing your car after a quarter of a mile or so. I suggest you continue down to the pub, the Museum Inn, and explore the village before going home (after a beer maybe).

Health & Wellbeing

Count your blessings A mental checklist of everything that’s going well could help, says Alice Johnsen

As we come out of lockdown it is clear there is light at the end of the tunnel but that tunnel is still long and pretty dark. I have noticed recently more and more people are struggling. If that is you right now, you are not alone. Such feelings are not helped by the continual drip feed of negative information from external sources so we must all help ourselves by focusing on the good things that are going on, largely unnoticed. I thought it would be helpful to shine a light on the habit of practising gratitude. What does this mean? It is simply taking time to reflect upon things in our lives and be grateful for them. It is something many readers will have heard of and some may already practise but if this is a new idea, read on as I think it will help us all during these dark days. The benefits include: experiencing more

positive emotions; improved sleep; a boost to our immune systems and feeling more alive and less sluggish. Practising gratitude can encourage us to express more compassion and kindness. “When you practise gratitude there is a sense of respect towards others.” The Dalai Lama It is not a complicated or time-consuming habit. Practising gratitude requires you to think of some things that have happened that day that you are grateful for. I would suggest starting with three a day, but aim to work that up to 10 (count them off on your fingers as you

go). It could be a walk over lunch, a phone call from a friend, a good development in your business, a funny book or film – it doesn’t matter what it is. You can keep your list to yourself or talk about it with your children, your friends or work colleagues if that is going to help. Some people find it beneficial to write down what they are grateful for in a journal because the very habit of doing that helps it become part of their daily routine. This is most effective when done in the evening as it helps to wind down your mind in a positive way. This may seem like a small addition but remember, small changes have big effects so don’t underestimate the difference this could make. Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne. 07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Low mood? Feeling Stuck? Angry? Dramatherapy could help. Rebecca Peacock HCPC registered 07388110895 peacocktherapy.co.uk

Natural Pain Relief therapist in Gillingham. Bio resonance scan and treatments.clinical reflexology & baby/ toddler reflexology. T: 01747 826931 yvonne@intelligenthealth clinic.co.uk Making Life More Comfortable!

The friendly team at Shaftesbury Chiropractic, led by Dr Vanessa Spencer, are committed to helping you get back to doing the things you love. Come and chat to one of our Chiropractors or try a taster massage!

Chiropractic treatments Pilates Sports massage To book an appointment call us today on 01747 851455 1 Brimport, Shaftesbury SP7 8AT

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FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE We have received funding from the National Community Fund to enable us to offer a telephone support line for anybody having trouble coping with these weird times that we are going through. What ever your problem, give us a call and our friendly counsellor will try to help.

The help line is available: Tuesdays Daytime 1 - 4 pm Wednesdays Evening 6 - 8 pm Thursday Daytime 12 - 3 pm

Telephone: 07714 550969 It’s good to share

When the home that you love has become too much for you to cope with, and you worry about the everyday things like cooking meals and caring for yourself, then it may be time to consider an easier way of life. St Denis Lodge is a beautifully appointed house with an attractive garden and conservatory. We would welcome an opportunity to show you why it is one of the most highly regarded homes in the area.

Contact Vicki Elesmore on 01747 854596 St Denis Lodge, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8BS

Health & Wellbeing

Colours and lights make winter magic The winter solstice is upon us and daylight hours are short and precious. Despite the cold and the dark outside, there is still much to enjoy about winter. I particularly love the skies this time of year, and the way the shy, winter sun spills between the dark clouds, stroking the landscape with playful, spritelike beams. The days often begin and end with dramatic winter sunrises and sunsets that outperform their summer counterparts, in both time and colour intensity, as the Earth leans away from its faithful star. Whilst sunbeams contain all the colours of the spectrum, not all of these colours reach our eyes in equal quantities. Nitrogen, oxygen and aerosol

molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere act as minute mirrors, making some of the blue and violet light waves bounce around the heavens rather than hit the ground. It is these tiny ‘mirrors’ that makes the sky seem blue. In winter, however, the low angle of the rising and setting sun means its light has to travel a greater distance through our atmosphere. More of the blue, green and violet wave is filtered, leaving us with the mesmerizing reds and oranges that set the skies alight. The cold, clean and dry air of winter also intensifies the colours. After morning rise, the sun climbs on its low trajectory, enhancing the greenness of our Dorset

countryside. Everything becomes awash and captivated by brightness. Shadows are long and intriguing and change the mood of familiar places. By now it is mid-afternoon, and I have just returned from an energising walk under an arctic sky. Home in the warm, the sun is already making way for the moon. Voluptuous apricot and blue-grey clouds bubble over a crystallized, turquoise blue to close the daylight with a dramatic finale. I’m sat by my patio doors, warm drink in hand, and eyes

fixed on my bird boxes as I watch the sparrows and the blue tits bed down for the night after their drawn-out feeding and preening rituals. All is still. I love this time of day. A quiet period of reflection as the last of the light flickers from the sky and Jupiter and Saturn rise for the nightshift. A distant cry of a tawny owl sets the mood as I leave to light my fire and switch on my Christmas lights; a symbol of all that light represents in these mid-winter festivities. Dr Susie Curtin

Set boundaries if working from home Is ‘Working From Home’ the new, permanent normal? Here’s how to get it right. While we are used to working from home now, it may still cause a few problems. Work can seep into every aspect of your life, merging everything into a slightly less efficient, unhappy homogenous lump – and it can be lonely. So you need to think ahead and stay proactive. Let’s run through some danger areas and look at possible solutions. Where will you set up office? If possible, find a room or area to set aside. Keep your work contained in that area so you can walk away from it – literally – when you are not ‘in the office’. Is your wifi good enough? If not, can your employer help? Home insurance – does it cover you to work at home? 50

Again, if not, speak to your employer. Storage – do you have somewhere secure? Planning your daily life. This is key, especially as we enter a winter of continued restrictions. If your personal and business life blur into one unsatisfactory lump it quickly becomes unsatisfactory and unproductive and in the long term, unhealthy. There is a difference between working hard and working smart. So, you need boundaries and routine. What are your working hours going to be

each day? Consider your availability to your business, your employers, employees and family. In other words, if an employee cannot knock on your office door out of hours, they shouldn’t be able to reach you at home out of hours. The same applies for your family during working hours. Managing your time effectively. Have a daily or weekly To Do list that you actually diarise. Establishing key priorities (not all tasks are equally important or

urgent and there is a difference between importance and urgency). Plan breaks throughout the day including some exercise – and set these in stone! You may not be expecting to see anyone else that day but I think sitting at your desk in your dressing gown doesn’t help you work in an efficient or effective way. It’s all part of those boundaries. If you want people to respect your business and your effort, it helps to look the part as well as play the part. Small tools can really make a difference so take from this what suits your situation and remember it’s ok to keep adapting. This is the year for adapting! Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne. 07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Business

How you can have a ‘good divorce’ A Dorset solicitor helping to spearhead the national Good Divorce Week campaign is urging separating couples to think constructively, avoid conflict and consider the needs of the whole family. Laura Martin, solicitor and head of family law at the Blandfordbased law firm Blanchards Bailey LLP, made the plea in her role as a prominent member of Resolution, the UK-wide organisation behind the annual initiative Good Divorce Week. Laura, who has 16 years’ experience in dealing with family matters, said that while it might seem a misnomer to have a ‘good divorce’, couples do have a choice as to how they approach it and they can choose to deal with matters amicably. She said: “When a couple

separate, the process of sorting out the finances and childcare should be done in a way that minimises conflict and keeps the best interests of any children at the heart of the discussions – that is a ‘good divorce’. “There is no easy answer but the more two people can discuss matters the less chance there will be for conflict and nasty surprises. It is important to seek specialist legal advice early on so that you can fully understand your legal rights, options and practical and constructive solutions. “We strive to achieve the best for our clients and their family and aim to minimise unnecessary conflict, but we will act robustly in dealing with difficult issues or opposing views or when emergency work

is needed to protect clients.” Resolution is a community of more than 6,500 family justice professionals who subscribe to a code of practice to support people going through separation and divorce. Julie Keogh is a vastly experienced family law executive and expert in matters concerning children and is also supporting the campaign. She said: “I am committed to helping clients through one of the most difficult times in their life.” Blanchards Bailey is one of a small number of firms which has subscribed to a new way of dealing with divorces online, which enables divorce to be dealt with smoothly and without delay. Laura said the online divorce is much quicker

Laura Martin, Head of family law at Blanchards Bailey

and works best where the couple are amicable and cooperating with each other. During Good Divorce Week, from 30 November to 4 December, Blanchards Bailey is offering 30-minute free initial advice or up to a one hour fixed fee consultation. Specialist advice is available for clients whose business interests may be affected.

We are sparkling! By Jacqui Wragg of Sturbiz With less than a week to Christmas Eve do consider venturing into Sturminster Newton with its array of family-run, independent retailers offering great service and a wide range of Christmas gift options. There’s FREE parking after 3pm in the Station Road car park, so there are no worries in extending your visit to take refreshment at one of our fabulous cafes and hostelries, and, if you stay until dusk, you’ll be rewarded by the sight of our historical market town aglow in festive illumination. This year we have a very twinkly Sturminster Newton following the call to all to ‘Light it up for Father

Christmas: Make Stur Sparkle.’ We have some terrific displays of light and colour throughout the town, so wrap up warm and take a stroll. To discover more, take a look at sturminsternewton.org.uk/event/make-st ur-sparkle/ and watch our festive video. ‘Make Stur Sparkle’ invites everyone to take a photo of their Christmas decorations, it could be the tree, house or garden or anything Christmas related and post it on The Sturminster Newton Rotary Facebook page (facebook.com/ SturminsterNewtonRotary) for everyone see and enjoy. For updates and information on Christmas activities visit the Stur website. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL FROM STURBIZ

Office/Storage Unit to let - £27p/w Caravans, Storage/Parking, from £30 p/m Work Unit, approx 1,250 sq ft, £62 p/w - 07811 837061

REMOVALS & STORAGE

ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES Its not the size that matters it’s the way you move it! Armishaws operate a 昀eet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company. With prices ranging from £300 for a local move our services are tailored to meet your needs. Blandford (01258) 453898

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Wincanton (01963) 34065

Business

Extra help is on offer for Dorset firms affected by Brexit With just two weeks left until the UK transitions out of the EU, Dorset LEP’s business growth hub Dorset Gateway is preparing businesses by offering a fully-funded export declarations service for up to 200 businesses in the region. The service is open to all types of exporting businesses with some funding set aside for up to 40 businesses entering new international markets. Dorset Gateway, delivered in partnership with Dorset Chamber, is also providing access to specialist one-toone advisor support to help businesses understand the changes and potential impact

on their operations. Finn Morgan, business engagement and Dorset Gateway manager, said: “It has been an extremely challenging 12 months for businesses with uncertainly around the EU negotiations and the impacts of covid-19. Our increased support, coupled with Dorset Chamber’s extensive experience of helping businesses with international trade enquiries, will provide some much-needed stimulus for ambitious, growth-minded businesses in Dorset.” In addition, an ‘exporting essentials’ checklist is available on their website,

taking new and experienced exporting businesses through the steps needed to ensure they can continue to trade from January. Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “Dorset Chamber has significant experience in export documentation, helping Dorset’s businesses export over £250 million in goods each year. We are qualified to deliver a documentation

service on behalf of HMRC. This enhanced support from Dorset Gateway will help new businesses begin exporting and provide new export opportunities for Dorset.” For advice and how to apply for support, go to dorsetlep. co.uk/transition-period

Why French trains run on the left A few years ago, we celebrated Christmas with a delightful family holiday in Nice. We walked everywhere, or took public transport. One highlight was lunch on Christmas Day in Monte Carlo. Afterwards at the railway station, we waited for the train to take us back to Nice. We stood on the platform waiting for the train, and then to my astonishment it approached us from the right. The trains were passing on the left hand side, just as they do in England! This got me thinking. Road traffic drives on the right in France; so why do French trains pass on the left? Back in the 19th century, Britain’s leading railway pioneer Thomas Brassey had tendered and won an export contract to build a railway in France, from Paris to Rouen, and on to Le Havre. For the largest viaduct on the line, Brassey was dissatisfied with poor quality of the local mortar, and tried in vain to have the specification changed. Using this mortar, Thomas Brassey 52

The Barentin Viaduct in times old and new

and his team of English navvies built the structure. Then disaster struck. A storm broke on 10th January 1846, and the entire Barentin Viaduct collapsed. “The first thing to do is build it up again,” he said. In less than six months, the viaduct was rebuilt. He could have gone to law, with a good case on his side, since it would have been hard to prove he had been at fault. Instead, he announced that he would bear the loss himself. “I have contracted to make and maintain the road, and nothing shall prevent Thomas Brassey from being as good as his

word,” he said. This proved a splendid advertisement and not quickly forgotten. When further railway contracts were awarded in France, the obvious contractor was Thomas Brassey, the man who kept his word. Due to his prompt action, Brassey completed the contract three months ahead of schedule, and gained a substantial bonus; the railway company was so grateful for being able to start operating early that they paid him for the rebuilding. By 1848, Brassey and his partners had built threequarters of all the mileage of

French railways yet constructed. These were built in accordance with best British practice, with the trains running on the left. And that is why French railways run on the left to this day. Happy Christmas! Adrian Fisher is an awardwinning maze designer in Durweston, who was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours, for services to International Trade and the Creative Industries.

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.

Recruitment SITUATIONS OFFERED Experienced Milker/Dairyperson required for 4 days a week on 200 cow family farm. Flexible days, relief team already in place. Competitive rate of pay. 07944392177

SOMERVILLE'S LTD REQUIRE A FULLY QUALIFIED LEVEL TWO OR ABOVE ENGINEER TO JOIN OUR WORKFORCE. PLEASE CALL 01935 812525 OR 07815749663

“Are you a good listener? Do you want to support families in your community? Home-Start North Dorset are offering free training in January for willing volunteers who would like to help families get back on their feet through weekly practical and emotional support. We also seek a volunteer with experience in the Early Years Foundation Stage to support our toddler group ‘Mess and More’ on a Tuesday morning in Sturminster Newton. For more information call 01258 473038 or email office@home-start-northdorset.co.uk”

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 PREP HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT Driver Required FULL TIME

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET

(January start PART TIME, TERM TIME ONLY

Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,760 on roll including 370 in Sixth Form

Initial 3-month contract) Leweston School is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced teaching assistant to join our thriving Prep. The successful candidate will join our existing team of teaching assistants and will be working to support a pupil with a variety of SEND needs. You will be working largely on a 1-1 basis, supporting a child who is currently in a Year 4 class. We have 47 acres of space and we use it often, so a passion for the outdoors is necessary. The hours of work will be 8am – 4.30pm daily, and the successful candidate will cover some lunch and break duties as part of our rota. Experience in working with children with SEND would be advantageous.

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: 15th January 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

STUDY SUPERVISOR 33 hours a week, term time only Required from January 2021, a study supervisor to join our school. Candidates must be enthusiastic, committed and enjoy working with young people. The work involves supervising classes which have work set for them by absent teachers. This is an opportunity to join a successful school with a good working environment. This is a particularly valuable opportunity for those considering teaching as a future career. Applications are welcomed from a variety of backgrounds providing you value education and can work as part of a team. Gillingham is an ambitious and happy school which offers excellent resources and outstanding facilities; we provide extensive support and training for all school staff. Please apply on line via the school web-site https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk Closing date: 4 January 2021. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions.

Recruitment ADMIN ASSISTANT I have a vacancy for a reliable, mature individual to help me keep on top of all aspects of my business. I buy and sell old tools on the internet and need someone to assist with general administration. The ideal person would have some interest in antique tools. Duties to include: Photographing and listing items on eBay, packaging and posting parcels, cleaning up tools, ready for sale, general housekeeping to help keep the workshop clean and tidy, Basic book keeping skills, Essential: Computer literate, organised and efficient, friendly and personable, common sense, Able to work independently, Own transport , Flexible hours – Part-time (initially) Email: danletts51@gmail.com EXPERIENCED CARER WANTED for man with advanced Parkinsons’ and dementia near Templecombe. Approx 30 hours per week, as part of team of 3. Good working conditions. 07973 346747

HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED. 1 full day a week, days to be agreed. Cleaning, Ironing and housekeeping chores. East Stour Area. 07879 347457

DIOCESE OF

SALISBURY

SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO THE BISHOP OF SHERBORNE (Based in Stourpaine) £25,200 plus non-contributory pension Are you an enthusiastic and efficient Facilitator • Organiser • Communicator? We are looking for effective senior secretarial and administrative support to: Manage personnel processes Handle people with tact and efficiency Organise events and meetings Prioritise workloads Oversee a busy schedule Based at offices in Stourpaine, this post will be supporting the Bishop of Sherborne and her team. This full-time post is an opportunity to engage in the appointments and administrative processes in support of the Bishop, assist in her wider responsibilities, and serve the local clergy and Christian communities of Dorset. For an information pack including the job description, please go to

https://www.salisbury.anglican.org/whos-who/job-vacancies/lay Closing date for applications: Monday 11th January 2021 Interviews will be held on: Friday 22nd January 2021

www.salisbury.anglican.org

Renewing HOPE Pray • Serve • Grow Skilled cabinet makers required To join our growing successful team, all applications will be treated with discretion. APT Interiors specialise in the manufacture of luxury bespoke 昀tted and freestanding furniture, our projects are wide ranging and interesting. Applicants must have: 5 years bench experience Ability to use modern wood working machines Ability to produce furniture from drawings Ability to work on sole projects or as part of a team 45 hours per week, overtime available

SITUATIONS WANTED Self Employed Professional Looking for part time work in sales and management / HR / office. Ex-Corporate Banker, with experience in manufacturing & production, construction. Flexible and very can do attitude. 07760995633 FRENCH/ITALIAN TUITION, Experienced GCSE/A'Level teacher, telephone 07895 720975

Excellent rates of pay depending on experience Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £35,000.00 - £50,000.00 per year Apply via email to: andy@aptinteriors.co.uk with details of your experience and enclosing a CV if possible

A Pristine clean. All your cleaning and gardening needs in North Dorset catered for. Call Tim on Tel 01747 835278 Mob 07825 006013

Live in Carer for the Elderly available, specialists in Dementia Care, DBS and references available, 15 years experience. Contact Evelyn 07809 204535 WORK WANTED - 3 1/2 ton counterbalance forklift licence holder, Gillingham area, radius 30 miles, own transport, call 07563 713219 Care worker available, experienced in dementia, parkinson's, palliative care. Good cook & housekeeper, DBS & references available, live in or out call 07775 211891

Recruitment

Internet company making the right Wessex Internet, an independent broadband provider based in Shroton, is bucking the trend of economic woes and surging ahead amid the pandemic. The company started 2020 with 44 employees, and now it employs 72 team members with another 15 new roles in the pipeline. All departments in the business have expanded including sales, marketing, customer service, civils and engineering. While this growth was anticipated as part of its business plan, the company says it has been “very lucky”. With the demands of working from home and homeschooling through lockdown, if anything, the company has seen an increase in demand for fast, reliable internet connections during the covid crisis. Wessex Internet recruits from the local area where possible, providing rewarding careers right here in north Dorset. And where the Wessex Internet team go off-road, using mole-ploughs and directional drills to cross farmland and fields to install fibre broadband, they are always looking to recruit machinery drivers and people from a farming background to join its growing installation team. Infrastructure Director Ludo Skinner said: “It’s really important that our civils and installs teams really understand the rural environment and the land we are crossing, so we can build trust with landowners and minimise damage. We’re always keen to hear from farmers local to the area that are interested in joining the crew.” Managing director Hector Gibson Fleming said: “We’re passionate about the importance of connectivity so 56

SURGING AHEAD: Co-founder and chairman James Gibson Fleming, managing director Hector Gibson Fleming and infrastructure director Ludo Skinner

MAKING IT WORK: Will Hudson from Wessex Internet installs a full fibre connection to a customer’s house and, right, an early wireless broadband installation in Shroton village

local businesses can grow, create jobs and support the local economy. “We’re excited that our own growth is creating new opportunities and are keen to recruit people from the local community.” Wessex Internet started in

2010 when co-founder James Gibson Fleming struggled to get a good internet connection his farm in Shroton. After being quoted £120k by BT to install a fibre connection to the farm’s offices, he found his own fixed-point wireless solution

instead. He was able to get a line-of-sight connection to a friend’s property in Shaftesbury. Neighbours were keen to get a connection too and he realised that there was a need for better connectivity throughout the local area. Since then, Wessex Internet

Recruitment

connections and bucking the trend

IN A FIELD OF THEIR OWN: Wessex Internet takes the installation of fibre ‘off road’ across fields and farmland

have been providing reliable superfast broadband to remote rural communities through wireless technology

and rolling out full-fibre networks. Working with local communities to identify areas with a poor connection,

Wessex Internet applied for government funding from the £200m Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC)

programme so that customers have no installation costs to pay. In the last three years the company, now led by managing director Hector Gibson Fleming and infrastructure director Ludo Skinner, has invested heavily, and serves some 4,000 customers. Mr Fleming said: “We believe that the countryside should be the first to benefit from new technologies, not the last. “Access to world-class broadband is essential to sustaining and growing our communities. “We want people to be able to live, work and build successful businesses and careers right here in the countryside, not have to move away to towns and cities.”

Puzzles (for you or I)

Arrow words

Crossword

Coiffure

Canvas embroidery

Australian state (inits)

Predatory freshwater fish

Button press

Bend in the wind

Nutty

Web address (inits)

Mass of padding

Actor Poitier, familiarly

Clarets, eg

1 Roam

Cartoon cry

Tube shape

16 Not new

Places to sleep

Noah’s ship

Web-server protocol (inits)

Federer’s name, for short?

‘Nope’

Scruff

Worked dough

Construction Machines

S E I R L C P B R B E K S R A

T L H E R R K E U E L S A L R

E R C D B T R H L T P N O E M

BACKHOE BULLDOZER COMPACTOR CRANE DRILLING MACHINE EXCAVATOR GRADER LOADER

A E A A V U Z O O A E E D Y K

M D M O R B L V T E Y D E C T

S A G L A K R L E A I E O W E

H R N N R K C S D K V M R P S

O G I T R E A U S O P A R R T

V L L E L U V K R A Z T C R I

Across 1 Yield (6) 5 Critique (6) 8 Mexican dish (4) 9 Note to self (8) 10 Traditional Mexican scarf (6) 11 Quantity (6) 12 Planetary satellite (4) 14 School computing subject (inits) (3) 15 Against (4) 16 Severe (6) 18 Cause extensive damage to (6) 20 Unusual (8) 22 Laugh loudly (4) 23 Jail (6) 24 Gives way (6)

Wordsearch R T N E A I T R O L L E R H C

Clothes fastener

Fuss

Pigs

A C E B P L E H K R L R E A P

Me, in French

Encounter

Slippery fish

E Y L R E A C A C T E E A X C

PAVER PIPELAYER ROLLER SCRAPER STEAM SHOVEL SWEEPER TRACK SKIDDER TRUCK

L E I A B A R T P A N T R E E

R O R P R G O T R E P A R C S

R A D T C R R S G K O L T E R

Down 2 Practice (5) 3 A word used to indicate someone (7) 4 Violent revolutionary (9) 5 Rotation speed (inits) (3) 6 Snake poison (5) 7 Primary constituent of matter (7) 11 Inherently (9) 13 Tenth calendar month (7) 15 Unfavourable (7) 17 Shackles (5) 19 Magnificent (5) 21 Adult males (3)

Sudoku 28

For the solutions turn to page 70-71

Brain chain RESULT

÷2

+39

×1/2

+22

-12

Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

2 9 5 9 8

4 7 7 8 3 4 2 9 9

6 8

3 4

5 2 7 9 7

2 3

8 7 9 5

6 5

8 1 9 6

4 7

9 1

5 2

3 8

7 2

Killer Sudoku Pro

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.

1 3

Jumbo 3D Sudoku instructions

6 8

Across 1 A priest enters good college of Irish sports? (6) 5 Transfer one’s loyalty showing flaw (6) 8 Powder found in ornamental casket (4) 9 Note ring that’s designed for gas (8) 10 Throw round edges of lake a little ball (6) 11 With day gone, taking care of underground work? (6) 12 Do as directed getting award close to ceremony (4) 14 Cretan mountain in arid area (3) 15 Note of a bird in musical instrument (4) 16 Stifling temperature in cupboard (6) 18 Victorious figure, woman by part of dartboard (6) 20 Manipulative figure to alter leaving after Sunday (8) 22 Twist in story showing trap (4) 23 Victor in a depression makes arrival (6) 24 Trainee first off in rewarding activity (6)

Down 2 Stop a phone supplier carrying a piece of equipment (5) 3 See clubs with friend within a neighbourhood? (7) 4 Limit severe prisoners swapping positions (9) 5 Tiny mark for note-lengthening symbol (3) 6 Fellow with argument over name showing stern look (5) 7 Tribal group infused with energy and raised free from vice (5,2) 11 Low trick, it’s said, in the interim (9) 13 Dear place for retirement with nothing inside? (7) 15 Wild cat beginning to paw part of flower (7) 17 Discrimination in sight, say (5) 19 Wear away some hero determinedly (5) 21 Agreement with pressure gone in section of drama (3)

Killer Sudoku Pro instructions 7

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.

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

×6/7

-50%

×2/3

×8

+13

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. 59

MPs’ round-up Policing private remarks would be worse than hate speech Amid the economic storms, uncertainties and social restrictions around the covid pandemic, you’d have been forgiven for failing to read the 544-page report from the Law Commission published a few weeks ago. Tasked with producing a consultation on how to make laws around hate crime more effective, there’s much in the report to welcome. But more than a few eyebrows, I suspect, would have arched skyward at the suggestion that people should now be prosecuted for offensive or prejudiced comments made in their own home. Free speech is an uncomfortable concept – but we were reminded of its critical importance a few

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton weeks ago by the tragic murder of Samuel Paty, a teacher in Paris who was decapitated by an Islamic terrorist for teaching his students about the importance of free

expression. Even leaving aside the terrifying and ethical implications of policing the thoughts and remarks of our friends and neighbours, the practicalities of enforcing such a rule make the mind boggle. As one barrister remarked, any attempt at large-scale enforcement would involve a daisy-chain of informers and whisperers reminiscent of the Stasi. Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve had to accept, reluctantly, greater state intrusion into parts of our lives that were previously private. From monitoring our movements via track and trace and the imposition of travel restrictions to limits on

social access to our family, friends and loved ones. But a permanent shift, allowing the state to sanction people for remarks made in the privacy of their own home, would represent a fundamental alteration in the balance between privacy and enforcement of the law. Hate speech is abhorrent – but such a fetter on freedom of expression would be even more so. It’s about balance – it’s not for nothing that the statue outside the Old Bailey is Justice holding a pair of scales. And if this proposal does come before Parliament, I’ll be doing all I can to ensure that the scales are as evenly weighted as possible and that our vital balance is maintained.

Do you agree with our local MPs? Write in to letters@blackmorevale.net

We don’t need more incinerators here This week, I chaired a roundtable discussion hosted by the UK Without Incinerators Network (UKWIN). UKWIN is a not-for-profit network of anti-incinerator campaigners. Headed by Shlomo Dowen, they have been helpful in providing data on waste-to-energy incineration which I have used in countering plans to build a 243,000-ton plant in South West Wiltshire. The event was apolitical in nature, attracting dozens of MPs, peers, councillors and researchers. In all, there were almost a hundred participants – including a solid contingent from my South West Wiltshire constituency. It was a great opportunity for anti-incineration campaigners to exchange ideas and tactics. UKWIN 60

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison posited several policy ideas, including a moratorium on new incinerators, which resonated with me. I have been opposing the proposal of an incinerator at Westbury as we did emissions from the old cement works near the town several years ago,

successfully. Northacre Renewable Energy (NRE) – the incinerator firm involved – have been moving the goalposts for years on this project, initially proposing a smaller, more high-tech industrial complex, to this present proposal which is both larger and more primitive. In my mind, although incinerators ostensibly provide renewable energy, this is in fact a red herring. The consequence of building an incinerator locally means less of an incentive to reduce, reuse, and recycle – these are the far preferable in the waste hierarchy sitting high above incineration and landfill. What’s more, we already have 350,000 tonnes of waste per annum (tpa) processed near Bristol,

100,000 tpa in Somerset, 190,000 tpa in Gloucester, and a new facility in Swindon. All of this despite south west councils stating that at least half of residual household waste – which currently goes to incineration or landfill – could be moved up the waste hierarchy. We still have a lot to do in terms of our emissions reductions in Wiltshire, the south west and nationally. Wiltshire Council declared a climate emergency in 2019; Westbury has an Air Quality Management Area; the UK is en route to a carbon neutral future and is hosting COP26 next year. More incinerators contradict these policies and ambitions.

MPs’ round-up

This tough year has shown us all at our best May I begin by wishing all my North Dorset constituents as happy, peaceful and safe a Christmas as possible and every good wish for a Happy New Year (2021 really cannot be as bad as 2020 surely?) As I write the covid vaccine has begun its roll-out across the country providing the first bright sparks of hope after the most depressing of years. It is very easy for us to be gloomy about life at the moment but the vaccine really is the start of humanity’s fight back against this killer of a virus. Let us not forget that here are families and friends around North Dorset this Christmas time who will be mourning the absence of loved ones snatched by covid and I remember them in my thoughts and prayers. Covid has presented an unprecedented challenge to our country and I believe that

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare we have seen some of the best of us as a result. The spirit of community and volunteering found new expression as distant neighbour became helping friend. Our schools demonstrated their commitment to equip our young with the best life skills possible and supported learners both virtually and,

post September, actually. Our magnificent NHS workers have shown the best of their vocation and professionalism. They are exhausted and we must not forget the strain they are under having to witness so many deaths this year. We should also note with relief how well the Department of Work & Pensions have performed. Universal Credit and other welfare supports have withstood a massive increase in demand. I was certainly worried that the system, which had never come under an actual stress test, might not have the resilience required. It did and, as a result families across the country have had a strong and reliable safety net. As a longstanding One Nation Conservative who uses the NHS, is the product of and uses state schools and who served in local government for a dozen

years, I have never needed to be instructed as to the value and purpose of our public services. If anyone was then 2020 has provided the Masterclass of all Masterclasses. In our personal lives travel and other necessary lifestyle restrictions have made us, I believe, value in a new and better way things which we had long taken for granted. We have also grown to appreciate what is around us and on our doorsteps: our communities, public servants, local businesses and the beauties of North Dorset. Businesses have been strongly supported by Government interventions and I am sure that will allow many, if not most, to survive. So, to those who have delivered services, supported people and kept us running THANK YOU. From my family to yours, may we wish all a Happy Christmas.

We’ll be in control of cash, borders and laws At the time of writing, the Prime Minister and the European Commission President have agreed to go ‘the extra mile’ in the UK’s negotiations with the EU. The ultimate deadline for agreement is December 31, although time also needs to be allowed for both UK and European Parliaments to vote on any deal in advance of that. Therefore, Brexit may well be the focus of MPs, including me, over this Christmas and New Year period. One thing we look forward to is the UK will start 2021 in full control of its money, borders and laws, with every opportunity ahead across the world. My championing of West Dorset in Westminster has again achieved investment to the constituency, with

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder £214,000 for Dorset Council through the Green Recovery Challenge; to kick-start environmental renewal as part of The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. The funding

will help to restore freshwater ponds, rivers, lowland meadows, traditional orchards and hedgerows; and will bring benefits to jobs in the nature sector as well as increasing opportunities to connect with our natural environment. I will see what we can do with this to reduce flooding, such as we have experienced at Holnest Church. My campaign on better connectivity for the Blackmore Vale and wider West Dorset is making more progress – in particular since many other Dorset MPs are working with me on this. I spoke in the House of Commons on December 3 during the debate on Digital Infrastructure, Connectivity and Accessibility; reminding the House that broadband speeds in rural Dorset need to be much, much better.

I have been leading the campaign in the Commons for a ban on live animal exports and I’m pleased that on December 3 the Government also started the process of ending this cruel practice; a victory for animal welfare and a direct benefit of Britain leaving the EU. I continue to work closely on this with the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and others, with the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation of which I’m a Patron. As this is my last column before Christmas, I would like to thank all those who will be supporting others this Christmastime, through the many volunteer activities taking place across the constituency; and also to wish you my warmest best wishes for a very merry Christmas and hope for a very happy New Year. 61

Arts & Entertainment

Stage is set for a bright future for When Julian Fellowes, the actor, director and Academy award-winning screenwriter, officially opened The Exchange in Sturminster Newton in 2007, he unlocked the door to a host of musical icons. The result of a remarkable community initiative to regenerate this historic town, The Exchange was built on the site of the former cattle market as a humble community centre with big aspirations to become a leading north Dorset venue. Stars including Ruby Turner, Robert Winston, TOP OF THE BILL: The Exchange in Sturminster Newton and, below, Paul Young and Jamie Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Moses with Los Pacaminos and, right, Toyah and Georgie Fame plus Marty Wilde, Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir Ian McKellen, Paul Young and Hazel O’Connor have all performed on the stage since it first opened its doors. A leading venue indeed. Renowned for looking after the many people who visit, The Exchange has secured a long and loyal following from the stars who return. Much to the delight of the volunteers, the staff and the trustees, Julian Fellowes returned to give a special performance in honour of the art venue’s tenth anniversary in September 2017. Sharon Clifton said: managers since Robin, all “Having started as a bringing their own talents volunteer in 2007, I became and vision for the benefit of a staff member in The Exchange. November of that year. There have been many “We literally hit the ground changes over the years, and running and it was quickly through it all, The Exchange acknowledged by the has gone from strength to trustees that we needed a strength and is renowned as manager. an arts venue for North “In 2008 Robin Savill was Dorset and beyond. appointed as our first “The success of The manager. Exchange is thanks to the “We have had three 62

Arts & Entertainment

remarkable communitiy initiative

VARIETY: Kate Humble with technicians Andrew Marsh, Tim Lacey and Tom Felton, Jason Donovan, Roy Wood, John Suchet with Sharon Clifton and Karen Rhys and Three Wise Men

small team of trustees and staff, the large team of volunteers and the continued support of many in our local community and beyond. “As a charity with no outside funding the support of our many volunteers is absolutely vital. “Such is the expertise of our theatre technicians, Andrew Marsh, Tim Lacey and Tom

Felton, that the many people who adorn our stage express surprise that they are volunteers. “All our volunteers are the backbone of The Exchange whether they help in the café, box office, at events or behind the scenes. We love them!” Sharon explained: “We are renowned for looking after the many people who visit

us, and who inevitably want to return to our stage. Famous names such as Georgie Fame, Marty Wilde, Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Toyah, The SAS Band, Los Pacaminos, Sir Ian McKellen, Pam Ayres and Des O’Connor have already appeared at The Exchange.” While the art venue plays host to these big box office names, this building on

Market Hill is a thriving community hub with a series of rooms for the many local groups who meet here to exercise, socialise and hold meetings. The Floral Group, Garden Club, U3A plus the Sturminster Dance Club, Stagecoach, Zumba, Pilates and Line Dancing meet here regularly. And of course The Bibbern Gallery, the café and exhibition space attract throngs of people meet, chat and put the world to rights. Sharon said “Although we have been closed since March we are reopening for events in January. “Following the second lockdown we held a successful Christmas Fair on December 5 and despite the terrible weather, people came out in support of us and the many traders who attended. “It was so exciting to be able to open up again. “It has been a ping-pong year, opening and closing as we had to, following government guidelines throughout the year.” Sharon added: “We are looking forward to reopening for events in January, albeit with reduced numbers due to social distancing. “This has been a challenging year for the Arts but we at The Exchange look forward with positivity and hope for a bright future.” What’s On n January 14 – Living Spit bring their new production of Beauty and the Beast. n January 29 & 30 – Taboo perform Flea the Pandemic Dorset 1348. n February 13 – Down for the Count Swing Orchestra.

Arts & Entertainment

The show must go on at the Octagon

GREAT GAGS: Jack Glanville and Gordon Cooper in action and inset left, Kathryn Nash, right, Thom Ford and below, Evelyn Hoskins

By Miranda Robertson Nurse Nellie Saves Panto Octagon, Yeovil Our fifth annual trip to the Octagon for their panto was a bit different this year. Hasn’t everything been a little different this year? But the pared down cast still managed to deliver on the laughs, with returning baddie Thom Ford vanquished by some stockpiled loo roll, a fabulous routine involving pharmacy items and the hilarious Gordon Cooper returning to spread some Christmas joy. The Octagon has had the toughest year of it – closed since March, and even now unable to make much in the way of funding given audiences have to be spaced out. 64

Even panto had to be slimmed down and changed, with no booing and shouting – instead we clapped and drummed our feet. The slimmed down cast of five, however, made it their earnest mission to entertain, with a quip-a-minute gagfest especially written for the Octagon, to replace what was meant to be Dick Whittington (now scheduled for 2021). Thom’s Texas-born wife Kathryn Nash returned as Fairy Moonshot, a rapping fairy determined to retrieve the Spirit of Panto and save the day. Evelyn Hoskins played Jill, returning to the Yeovil stage she last performed on in 2005. Best of all, the familiar Jack Glanville returned to provide regular panto-goers with a bit of slapstick silliness and

normality. I love the dynamic between him and gravellyvoiced Gordon, who, as always, licked through the gags with split-second timing. Yes, it’s not the same this year. It’s a good bit shorter than usual as they haven’t been able to draw on their usual cast of dancers and extras. But it’s still an

excellent show and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a bit of Christmas covid hasn’t managed to ruin. Make sure you wear your steel toe caps and make as much noise as you can – these actors truly deserve it. Nurse Nellie Saves Panto is on until January 3. Go to octagon-theatre.co.uk to book, or call 01935 422884.

Arts & Entertainment

I could not put this lovely sad story down Share your left me wanting to read memories BOOK REVIEW more. I loved this book and it is for anyone aged 9+. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys horse stories but doesn’t mind a touch of sadness.

Snow Foal By Susanna Bailey Eleven-year-old Foster Child Addie is sent away to live with her new foster parents in Exmoor. Alone, isolated and longing to be back with her mother, Addie runs away from the family who are trying to love her. However, the rescue of an Exmoor foal out of the snow (who like Addie has been separated from his mother) gives Addie a reason to stop running. A friendship of love and trust between the two lost souls is formed at first sight.

Throughout the story, Bailey holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. Her use of descriptive and exciting language makes the story seem so real. I could not put this book down because every chapter

Keziah lives in Blandford with her parents and siblings, attends Knighton House Prep School and loves books, tennis, netball and riding. She hopes that her monthly book reviews will inspire other children to pick up a book and read…

Artsreach, Dorset’s rural touring arts charity, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. While they haven’t been able to lay on the programme of celebratory performances, they have been sharing programme images, tour memories, exhibition info and generally seeing how the organisation grew each year. Each day, starting on November 23, they have been sharing photo montages at around 11am on all of their social media channels, and are inviting people to visit them at: facebook.com/Artsreachdorset twitter.com/Artsreach instagram.com/artsreachdorse They would love you to leave a comment, too!

Group offering free doorstep panto By Miranda Robertson A theatre company is offering to bring panto to your doorstep for free in Somerset. The Tale of the Charming Rat, co-produced by Wassail and Tall Tails Theatre, is being performed at homes in Wincanton on December 23 – exclusive performances for individual households and bubbles in gardens, driveways and courtyards. The production is written by Nick White & Richard Young and directed by Nick White, with design by Nancy Betton and music by Nick Brace. It is performed by Abby and Richard Young and tells the tale of Cooper the rat, who is having a very strange day… Asha has been invited to an important event and it’s up to Cooper to get her there on time and ready to party! Will

he pull it off without getting caught by Rats All Folks Exterminators? The Tale of the Charming Rat is an outdoor pantomime for audiences of all ages, featuring high levels of access provision. Wassail is touring it to driveways, gardens and courtyards across Somerset this festive season. Expect a Somersetinspired retelling of the classic Cinderella story, following the adventures of her beloved coachman rat when he is transformed into a human for just one night. The show involves song, dance and all the fun of panto in an exclusive performance just for you and your household or bubble that follows all Coronavirus safety guidelines – including for those shielding. The performance is free as Wassail Theatre and Tall Tails Theatre Company have

been given funding from the Arts Council and South Somerset District Council. However, donations of any amount will be gratefully received and used to provide more free shows to more Somerset households. From January they will be

taking the show to Wincanton, Kingsbury Episcopi, Langport, Burnham On Sea, Norton Sub Hamdon, Chard and Frome. To book, go to wassailtheatre.co.uk or contact wasson@wassail theatre.co.uk or 07745 653840. 65

Letters

Just get on with tunnel under Stonehenge Reading Jeremy Bloomfield’s letter of 4 December about the Stonehenge bypass, I was reminded of an exchange with an English Heritage archaeologist who asked: “Why can’t the local people accept some compromise?” I pointed out that they had made a huge compromise in accepting that a surface dual carriageway was not viable. In truth it has not been acceptable at least since Stonehenge became a World Heritage Site. Quite apart from the archaeological damage, the tyre noise from high speed traffic, even with electric vehicles would be a horrendous intrusion to a Neolithic site. That exchange was in the mid-1990s during an earlier attempt to resolve the problem. Since then the costs have continued to mount in delays and emissions from stagnant traffic. Surely it is time to stop arguing? Just get on and do it. Mike Keatinge Sherborne n In defence of Simon Hoare, at least he made a gesture over school meal cuts – albeit sitting on the fence – unlike Chris Loder, who voted not to extend assistance provision of free school meals for one million disadvantaged children during holidays until Easter 2021. I did look at his website as recommended and if he knew in advance of the vote that the magic money tree was being shaken for £180 million for a better solution then surely ministers would have said so rather than just claim that sufficient funds were already included in Universal Credit? No Tory MP would have voted against or abstained and the humiliating U-turn a week later would have been avoided had the revised package been signalled before the vote. 66

strings of pearls, which will all be sold at a special pearl auction arranged by Chapman Moore at a date to be announced in the spring. So if you have a special occasion to buy a very special pearl necklace or bracelet for next year, then the auction might be a place you need to go. You can still send your pearls to The Post Office, Gillingham SP8 4AA, or The Copy Shop, 12 High Street, Gillingham, SP8 4QT. If you have a question please phone me on 01747 837908. Anne Kings, Gillingham

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk Two forthcoming votes will provide a further insight into Chris Loder’s principles. Will he pummel the poor when the cut to overseas aid comes up or listen to the condemnation of the last five Prime Ministers and his colleague Andrew Mitchell, who believes 100,000 would die as a result? The Internal Markets Bill would legitimise the UK breaking international law, in this case a treaty that UK willingly entered into less than a year ago in full knowledge of its potential consequences. Former Conservative leaders such as John Major, William Hague, Michael Howard and Theresa May have all denounced the proposal and I hope Chris Loder will do likewise. As the selfappointed Cenotaph censor, he is proud of his law & order

stance and surely that must extend to the United Kingdom complying with the law? Mike Bignell Sherborne n I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has so far donated ‘Remembrance Pearls’ to help support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Even in these difficult times, it seems that very many people have taken time to sort out their very personal possessions, and lovingly shared some very special memories which they have attached to their packet of pearls. The closing date to keep sending your pearls is still December 20, when, with the help of Allum & Sidaway, we will then be able to continue making them into beautiful

n The fact that we emerged from lockdown to be placed in Tier 2 is nothing short of disgraceful. It is also illogical but I suspect issued, along with other totally unfairly classified regions, as a sop to less fortunate areas and with a view to opening up a short, disastrous period that will be Christmas. It was clear when the Chancellor extended the furlough arrangement until March that that would be the likely minimum period of our purgatory. Had that extension been necessary, it could have been implemented as and when; certainly no need for an announcement in November. Two weeks ago I was told at Salisbury Hospital that there were only 12 Covid patients which had reduced to three last week. Latest figures for Dorchester are apparently limited to three. I do not think they are at or approaching breaking point. The IOW had an infection rate of 45 when it was placed in T1. We were not far ahead of them. This week the Dorset rate is given as 43, including Bournemouth; another decline. How can the Government say limited area classifications cannot be applied when Slough has been separated

Letters from the rest of Berkshire? Our MP Simon Hoare supported the government motion in favour of the Tiers. Rather, he should be fighting for his constituency and expressing what I believe is the majority view of his voters, not his personal view. I have personally lobbied him but he is adamant in his support for the Government. After lockdown we enjoyed a restricted but regulated lifestyle, to which most local people adhered. Businesses and pubs especially benefited from the controlled regime, enforcing what restrictions were necessary. Pubs are not a major focus of infections, in this part of the country. Now we are faced with a totally unacceptable and unnecessary disciplinarian order that will benefit the very few. Hospitality will take a vast hit; in many cases terminal. It is totally beyond the pale for Mr Hoare to make the stand that he has taken. I know of no pubs that he has consulted (I doubt if he would show his face) and to support the Government that has not consulted local councils shows contempt. I invite him to publish the evidence on which he bases his support. Jeremy Bloomfield, Gillingham n For the benefit of those who would ideally like to turn the clock back to before the invention of the internal combustion engine, perhaps I might point out a few incontrovertible facts relating the the issue of the Stonehenge tunnel. First, like it or not, the A303 is the main traffic route between London and the West Country. This is not going to change, and traffic levels can only continue to increase. Second, Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site, and by far the most famous prehistoric site in this country, if not in Europe. This has been

the case since at least the 17th century, when of course the passing traffic was much more picturesque. Third, successive governments have wrestled with the challenge of how to come up with a solution that deals with the traffic problem while also respecting the setting. When a straightforward dualling was proposed many years there was a great furore from those who felt – correctly – that this would have affected the setting very adversely. The present government has bitten the bullet and agreed to find the money to put the dual carriageway in a tunnel, thereby taking traffic completely out of sight of the stones. It has already been affirmed that the depth of the tunnel will take it below any likely disturbance to other archaeological remains. The setting will thus be restored as nearly as it is ever likely to be to how it appeared before the modern era. This seems to me to be much the best solution that is ever likely to be found, and I think that those who are continuing to protest are not only being ungrateful but unrealistic as well, and they need to join the modern world. I agree with Jeremy Bloomfield that HS2 is an unjustifiable vanity project. The Stonehenge tunnel, however, does not fall into this category, for the practical reasons outlined above. Anyone who drives on the Continent will be well aware that a stop-start situation on a major artery like the A303 would never be allowed in any other European country. Roger White Sherborne n Last night (Friday 11) my wife and I attended a Christmas concert in St Peter’s church, Shaftesbury. The featured performers were classical guitarist Chris Newman and harpist Marie Ni Chathasaigh. They

Sweet gesture from church

To mark the magical month of December, every child at North Cadbury Primary School received an Advent calendar from the parish church, St Michael the Archangel. Revd Ron Wood organised the delivery of delicious treated us to an interesting evening of classical and folk music which we appreciated very much. However we were particularly impressed with the supporting artist, Shaftesbury’s own AnnLouise Richards. Much of what she sang she created herself. The words, the music and the depth of feeling with which she sang we found quite moving and uplifting. We find it reassuring and life affirming to witness such talent in the community. We look forward to seeing more of her... Steve Jackson n I am replying to Gordon Morris’ letter in the last issue criticising me for removing the Extinction Rebellion protest ‘wreath’ from the Cenotaph on Armistice Day. Donald Bell, the man who put that protest on the Cenotaph, is a convicted

Fairtrade chocolate calendars to the school. The calendars not only contained chocolate but also a Christmas activity book about the Real Story of Christmas, with all the sales supporting charitable causes. heroin dealer. He trod on wreaths that were solemnly laid on Remembrance Sunday to put up that disgusting gesture as part of a pre-planned PR stunt with photographers and TV cameras. Unlike Mr Morris, I believe there is a time and a place for protests; but on our national war memorial, on Armistice Day, is not one of them – especially when so many people who wanted to attend could not. This is about as low as it gets from Extinction Rebellion - an organisation that has no respect for the law and whose co-founder suggests that MPs should have a ‘bullet through their head’. That’s why I won’t have anything to do with them. And for avoidance of any doubt, if they did deface the Cenotaph again I would, with pride, repeat my actions. West Dorset MP Chris Loder 67

Pets

Ask the vet... My dog has recently started to bark at nothing. What could be the matter? Dogs bark for many reasons. Ones that have always barked a lot have generally learnt the behaviour and retraining is required to try to break the habit. Puppies learn to bark generally due to fear or aggression. This behaviour then becomes a habit and is often inadvertently reinforced by their owners. Dogs can be retrained to not bark in certain situations by reward based training – they are rewarded for not barking. This is time consuming and requires commitment but is generally achievable. Dogs which have started barking as adults can do so for a variety of reasons. Physical causes can be a change in their sight or hearing. This may make them perceive things differently which can make them react with aggression or fear.

with Lynn Broom

Altered sight such as due to development of cataracts or genetic eye abnormalities can make the dog misidentify objects or people and cause

hear normally – both of these can Vet trigger Lynn barking. Dogs Broom may also bark louder due to hearing loss simply because they can no longer hear their ‘voice’ like they used to. Anxiety can cause dogs to

them to bark – this is often more noticeable at dusk or in poor light. Reduced hearing such as that caused by ear infections or age related hearing loss can make them imagine certain noises or be startled by something they can no longer

bark inappropriately. This can follow a specific episode when they were scared such as an aggressive interaction with another dog which then makes them bark at other similar dogs. Older dogs which are in pain due to arthritis for example, may

start to bark at other dogs to prevent them coming close to play because they have associated play with pain. It can also be due to age related anxiety associated with dementia or other brain disturbance. This can be helped by regular exercise and some supplements and medications. Other brain disturbances can cause changes in behaviour and an increase in barking at unusual times may be one of these. Dogs which have seizures usually have a postseizure period where they do not behave normally and continuous barking can occur then. If your dog’s barking behaviour changes then it is a good idea to get them checked out by your vet to identify any physical causes. They can then give you advice on changes you can make to help alter the behaviour depending on the cause.

Puzzle solutions (From pages 60-61) Crossword

Sudoku

5 8 3 4 2 1 6 9 7

9 7 1 6 3 8 2 4 5

2 4 6 5 7 9 8 3 1

1 5 7 8 9 4 3 6 2

6 2 4 3 1 5 9 7 8

8 3 9 2 6 7 1 5 4

4 1 5 9 8 3 7 2 6

7 9 2 1 5 6 4 8 3

3 6 8 7 4 2 5 1 9

Brain chain 46

O U T P U S R T A C O G N R E B O Z U M O O N C S T R I C O R A B N O R E N P R I S O

T R E E P R E M I R O N U R A I C T S U T R A A M A L E L N Y I

V I E W E L N D E R O M M B E R N A N T I D V A G E E R R O A R S N E L D S

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Arrow words H A P I R C U H T

K E Y S T R M O K M E E

N E E D L E P O I N T

N M S W A W A D S N I N D E D E E A R K G N A P E A D E H O G

Y U R L B E D S

Pets

Four felines looking for new homes Blandford Cats Protection is looking for homes for this adorable quartet. Minka is three years old. She is a sweet brindle tortie who needs a country home. Lily, a gorgeous white girl is also three and Eddie, who is four, is an affectionate fluffy tabby & white boy. Four-year-old Donald is a shy black and white boy who needs an indoor home with a bit of space (homes need to be within 20 miles of Blandford Forum at the moment). Lost & found cats These are the most recent cats that have been lost or found. Please check out the charity’s Facebook page or give them a call if you have lost or found a cat: Lost Cats: Gillingham – b/w boy missing since January: Sturminster Marshall – longhaired blue grey and peach calico tortie 19/10: Overton Way, Blandford year old brindle tortie 11/11: Found Cats: Spetisbury – grey and white cat been visiting a property near South

Farm – is it new to the area or Cats needing new homes, from left, Lily, Minka and Eddie a lost cat? Sturminster Newton – brindle tortie; Winterborne Stickland – black cat appears to be elderly. The charity is still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7 and BH21 call 01258 268695. Kate from Cats Protection said: “Thank you to all our supporters this year we want to wish you all a lovely Christmas and a happy New Year.” Tel 01258 858644 blandford.cats.org.uk

Puzzle solutions Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Killer Sudoku Pro 28

8 22

6 17

6 21

8 18

Brain chain (Hard) 91

208

8 7 2 9 6 5 6 15 4 1 9 4 6 8 4 3 5 9 2 7 2 2 9 4 2 1 4 6 8 8 5 7 7 7 3 8 5 3 8 3 5 9 7 9 2 1 1 8 2 1 8 3 6 5 1 7 1 9 6 1 3 5 4 4 3 7 2 3 4 7 2 6 9 6 36 5 9 4 6 98 9 6 8 4 1 4 1 5 3 8 3 9 4 7 2 6 7 1 5 2 9 3 5 7 5 8 6 2 2 1 3 7 1 4 2 3 5 6 2 8 5 4 6 7 7 4 8 5 7 8 9 1 5 3 8 1 5 1 4 9 2 9 6 2 9 8 7 9 3 4 1 3 4 5 8 7 6 4 6 5 8 6 2 7 6 1 8 9 7 2 9 4 3 4 2 1 6 3 9 1 2 3 2 5 4 1 8 6 1 6 7 3 7 9 2 9 5 8 6 7 8 2 7 3 5 4 3 4 5 4 7 4 9 8 8 2 1 3 9 8 2 1 3 7 6 5 7 9 6 1 9 6 5 3 1 8 5 4 2

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

221

Cryptic Crossword G A E L I B O T A L C T A P E L L E L O B E Y E C L O S E O E S V E N G E S A D V E N

C D E O O N I T R S T M I R E I D A C N T W I H A L I C L T E A

F E C T R L O G E N W A N I N G U P I P E A N N E R T R H O O K E D R N E R

Motoring

Marking 35 years of upward mobility By Miranda Robertson A former aircraft engineer and draughtsman who designed a ‘one-off’ adapted car for a disabled neighbour has seen his business take flight. Rod Brotherwood, who turns 75 on Tuesday, has had an incredible journey since taking on a project in 1984 for his paraplegic neighbour John Lambert. He has since overseen the adaption of hundreds of vehicles, which have been host to such people as Princess Margaret, who rode in one for Prince Edward’s wedding, and the Queen Mother. In 2005 he was awarded the OBE for his services to people with disabilities. Now semi-retired, Rod can’t quite leave the business, now nestled in a rural hamlet between Thornford and Yetminster, where he watches the pheasants from a window in the Lambert Building. “I’m trying not to interfere, but it’s difficult!” he said. Rod’s mission to help people in wheelchairs has even extended to him travelling all the way home from Germany in a wheelchair. “I think people don’t appreciate how uncomfortable it is in a wheelchair,” he says. “Even with all the seat pads and other equipment to make it more comfortable it’s very uncomfortable indeed.” In 1984, Rod was having a beer with neighbour John and chatting about his work when John asked if he could convert a vehicle to take his wheelchair – one that was easy to use and not a ‘Pope-mobile’ type commonly used back then. He had been using a Bedford van with a tail-lift, which was horribly difficult and dangerous to use and which made life hard when going to hospitals and shops, with their 70

YOU CAN WITH A NISSAN: John Lambert gets his new car from Rod Brotherwood in 1984

low barriers. Rod got out his Yellow Pages – for the internet was still years away – and set about researching, eventually hitting on a Nissan Prairie. These days Brotherwoods adapt Mercedes, Fords, VW, and Peugeots as well as Nissans. It took him several weeks, but he managed to lower the floor and adapt the chassis and make the many other changes needed so that John could travel in comfort and dignity – the two watchwords Rod has lived by ever since. “He really liked his new car,” says Rod. “That’s one of the things we do – we give people in wheelchairs their dignity and their comfort. Rather than being pushed into the back of a vehicle like luggage or the family dog, they ride in the second row.” After that first vehicle, Rod saw a chance to improve life for hundreds more people. Armed once again with his trusty Yellow Pages, he phoned

around scores of places, eventually coming up with a plan he couldn’t really afford, and a brochure, which he posted out. Thankfully his gamble paid off, and he had two orders within ten days. That first year he adapted 23 cars, the next year 54. They delivered the vehicles all over the UK from Land’s End to Scotland. He later merged operations from four different sites onto one site, which had been the Thornford and Yetminster buffer depot. Rod has spent years campaigning for safety standards and disability rights and meeting people from all over the world, who come to rural Dorset to see his operation, which now employs scores of people, in action. He has taken his business to exhibitions all over the world and held an annual show with Haynes. He was instrumental in getting London cabs adapted to carry wheelchairs and he has

worked with the Department for Transport and with the EU to improve life for people in wheelchairs. Even after all this he says there is still a long way to go in the way people with disabilities are treated. “Even the Disability Discrimination Act didn’t make it right,” he says. Today Rod has that first car he adapted in pride of place – he bought it back from John a few years ago, before John died in 2015 at the age of 67, having spent 35 years in a wheelchair. It’s a bright red, shiny testament to how far he’s come in his fight to improve life for disabled people since he first took on that project for his neighbour. “I am proud to have established a rural business which is keeping people in employment,” he says. “And I am very proud to have been able to give disabled people dignity and comfort when there is still not enough out there for them.”

Motoring

John Lambert and Rod with the Prairie

Rod with MD John Daniel

01747 854789 / crewscars.co.uk Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

A celebration to mark the 100th car conversion at Brotherwood’s

CAR SALES

2013 (63) BMW 1 Series 1.6 116i M Sport Automatic 5dr. 136bhp, 8 speed automatic, lovely M Sport model, parking sensors, bluetooth, climate control, auto lights & wipers, 67,500 miles £10450 2015 (64) BMW 3 Series 330D M Sport 3.0TD Automatic 4dr. 258bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic, sat nav, leather, park sensors, adaptive suspension, Harman Kardon audio, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, 48,800 miles. £15750

2017 (67) Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi Automatic 5dr. 102bhp, petrol, automatic, sat nav, parking sensors, touch screen, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, cruise control, sign recognition, bluetooth, 13,500 miles £11350 2016 (65) Peugeot 208 1.2 Active 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, touch screen, bluetooth, cruise control, hill start assist, low running costs, only £20 a year road tax & upto 62mpg economy, 58,900 miles. £6250

2018 (68) Ford Fiesta1.0 EcoBoost Active X 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, 1/2 leather, heated seats, touch screen, sat nav, park sensors, camera, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, sign recognition, upto 55mpg, 6,900 miles. £14500

2018 (68) Renault Clio 0.9TCe GT-Line 5dr. 89bhp, petrol, sat nav, touch screen, 1/2 leather seats, cruise control & speed limiter, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, parking sensors, hill start assist, keyless entry system, 14,400 miles £9975

2017 (67) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, reverse camera, touch screen, auto lights, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, bluetooth, multi award winning engine, upto 65mpg economy, 22,800 miles £9950

2012 (12) Skoda Octavia 1.6TDi Elegance Estate. 105bhp, diesel, spacious estate with a great specification & low running costs, £30 a year road tax, upto 62mpg economy, only 49,500 miles £6250

2017 (17) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, automatic, parking sensors, multi award winning engine, auto lights & wipers, climate, cruise control, bluetooth, upto 65mpg, 33,700 miles £9500 2016 (16) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, parking sensors & reverse camera, partial leather, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, Free road tax, upto 65mpg, 19,800 miles £9950 2016 (65) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium X 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, partial leather, heated seats, parking sensors, reverse camera, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Free road tax, upto 65mpg, 49,900 miles £8250

2017 (67) Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRi 5dr. Petrol, air con, alloys, cruise control, touch screen, automatic lights & wipers, hill start assist, 29,500 miles £7950 2017 (67) Vauxhall Astra 1.6CDTi Elite Nav 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, sat nav, touch screen, heated front & rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather seats, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, 58mpg economy, 82,500 miles £8250 2017 (17) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4T Active SUV 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, high seating position, large boot, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic lights, touch screen, bluetooth, hill start assist, 42,800 miles £9500 2005 (05) Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9TDi S MPV 5dr. 105bhp, diesel, spares or repairs, MOT expired, bargain clearance vehicle £350

2019 (19) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost ST Line X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, ST styling pack, 1/2 leather, heated seats, touch screen, sat nav, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, cruise control & speed limter, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, bluetooth,12,800 miles. £16500 2017 (67) Ford C-Max 1.5TDCi Titanium X MPV 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, high seating, large boot, 1/2 leather, heated seats, touch screen, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, sunroof, parking sensors, upto 68mpg, 22,800 miles £12450 2017 (17) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 180bhp, diesel, all wheel drive, sat nav, touch screen, heated leather, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, park sensors, camera, sunroof, electric tailgate, 32,100 miles £15950

MANY OTHER VEHICLE’S S ARRIVING SOON!

2004 (04) Ford Mondeo 2.0 Zetec S 5dr. Rare Zetec S, petrol, MOT - Aug 21, well cared for car, bargain clearance vehicle, 121,500 miles £1000

Motoring John’s Caravans Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs

01747 853114

E-scooter trial goes with a real By Miranda Robertson

An E-Scooter trial in Yeovil has been hailed the top performing in the UK after users travelled further than the distance from the UK to Australia in the first seven weeks. The e-scooter trial, awarded to South WANTED Somerset District Council, saw 878 people signing up in the first ten days, CAR and making 925 journeys. By TRAILERS November 30 records were set with a total of Chevrolet ALL TYPES Matiz 05, 3,791 rides totalling CONSIDERED 84k, MOT an amazing 10,035 29/10/21, miles. During the 07736 £495 – 07940 November lockdown, 871092 199932. the e-scooters were offered free Over 30 years experience to NHS and emergency workers and usage grew Best prices paid please call: steadily. The council says www.kpcleisure.co.uk the average

07546 548017

ride time is 28.58 minutes and the average journey distance is 2.65 miles, more than 30 per cent higher than the industry average in other counties. The scooters are managed and maintained by their makers Zwings using an electric van. Both the van and the e-scooters’ batteries are charged with a 100% renewable energy supply. The e-scooters are fitted with state of the art GPS, ensuring they are only used in the trial areas, are left in the right parking bays, and enable the speed to be regulated in slow zones. A spokesman said: “There are always challenges, and as this is a trial it will continue to be a learning process. “From day one the uptake was very encouraging, though understandably when introducing something new, there were concerns from some

residents around safety, misuse and the suitability of e-scooter bay locations and e-scoot zones. “These were quickly rectified with a couple of bays relocated to more usable locations and new ones added.” The e-scooters are being used for commuting as well as for recreation. There are new scooter bays in residential areas, to connect to commuter corridors to the Lufton and Lynx Trading Estates. SSDC portfolio holder for environment councillor Sarah Dyke said: “The latest data from

Honest pricing Quality work Exceptional customer service

Motoring & Mobility

Zwing Zwings is really encouraging. We’re delighted residents and visitors are championing this new initiative.” There are 20 parking bays across the trial zone, with six restricted zones and slow-speed zones where e-scooters either lose all acceleration or their speed is capped. For example, pedestrian areas in the town centre are nogo zones around which there are slow-speed zones, covering parts of Middle Street and the High Street. Other restricted zones are at the cemetery, the hospital, Tesco and Yeovil Leisure Park. There will soon be two more at Pen Mill Trading Estate and Wyndham Park. You can enter code Switchtoscoot to get 20 minutes free (offer ends January 10). To get Zwinging, download the Zwings app. You need to be 16 plus and have at least a provisional licence.

Toyota Rav4 Reebok, 2000, 4x4, 135k miles, MOT October 2021, FSH, Silver, Yokahamas, tow bar, excellent condition mark 1 classic, very reliable well maintained £1200 ono. 07747014102 New Skoda citygo, black alloy, sports wheel with bridgestone,185.55.15, £70. Kia Nero, new spare wheel kit, 205.16 with wheel jack etc, £75 - 01747 870765 Independent land rover specialists, parts, repairs, servicing, mot preparation, 42 years experience, 01749 880817, www.nicholaspaxton.co.uk Motorbikes Wanted Non runners and unwanted, Phone Keith on 07966 213344 WANTED - Car Trailers, Horse Trailers and Cattle Trailers, all types - Call 07736 871092

Church

Be thankful for having choices We are in the season of adverts. The time when we are inundated with suggestions telling us that we are unable to be happy and celebrate Christmas without whatever the advertiser is trying to sell us. It may be the latest mobile phone, the smelliest perfume for him and her, the over large turkey with the finest skin and perfect meat, a new computer, washing machine or anything else we do not really need. WE HAVE A CHOICE, but according to the advert we must have their product, for without it life will be pointless. However there is one advert (others are available) telling us what life is like in Africa. A six-year-old child is seen

walking miles with a bucket on their back to get water. They do this every day of the week because THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. Having reached the water source they find that the well is polluted. The water is rancid with fallen leaves, bacteria and animal faeces and to drink from it is to open themselves up to illness and possible death. They drink because THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. When the water is returned to their family even the youngest is forced to drink this foul liquid. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE because there is no alternative. Many will die directly because of the diseases they will bring into their frail bodies. We can drink water from a tap; have

bottled water from springs across the country, decide if we want fizzy or plain, flavoured or not, hot or cold. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE and because of this many thousands will die each year before they reach five. For only a few hundred pounds Water Aid UK can put in a well for a village that will provide clean water for a lifetime. So far they have provided clean water for over 25 million people and intend to eradicate all such problems within a lifetime. WE HAVE A CHOICE, we can believe the adverts and indulge ourselves with far too much food and drink. We can spend over £300 on presents for our children (the annual average spent across the UK) or we

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

Vicar in the Vale can think of our neighbours. WE HAVE A CHOICE and it is so easy to ignore the plight of others while we sit glued to the adverts telling us what we need when in fact we need none of their products. When you next drink a glass of water think of those in Africa and other parts of the world who will never even see a TV advert but will also never see clear water. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE but we can give them one. What greater present can we give this Christmas? May God bless you all this Christmas.

Church services Sunday 20th December – 4th Sunday of Advent 11.15am: Hazelbury Bryan, carol service 3pm: Belchalwell, carol service 6.30pm: Fifehead Neville, carol service 6.30pm: Woolland, carol service 9.30am: St Peter’s, Parish Communion 9.30am: St James’, Parish Communion 11.15am: Compton Abbas, Parish Communion 11.15am: Enmore Green, Parish Communion 6pm: Motcombe evening worship 6.30pm: Melbury Abbas, Carol Service with recorded carols 8.30am: Holy communion at St Mary’s Church, Templecombe eventbrite.co.uk or Tel: Gemma on 01963 371555 Christmas Eve 6.30pm: Mappowder, Christmas Praise 10pm: Hazelbury Bryan, Celebration of Holy Communion 10pm: Woolland Church, 74

Celebration of Holy Communion 11.15pm: St Peter’s Shaftesbury, Midnight Mass 11.30pm: Motcombe 11.30pm: St James’ Shaftesbury 11.15 pm: Holy Communion at St Nicholas Church, Henstridge. 4pm: Henstridge carol service via Zoom: Meeting ID:829 5010 7897 and Password:817432. People are encouraged to dress up and come with their drinks and snacks to their screens. eventbrite.co.uk or Jane on 01963 370769. Christmas Day 10am: Holy Communion at St John’s Church, Horsington eventbrite.co.uk or Steve on 07825 751636. 9am: Ibberton Church, All Age Holy Communion 10am: Hazelbury Bryan, Christmas Praise 10.30am: Fifehead Neville, Celebration of Holy Communion 9.30am: St Peter’s Shaftesbury, Christmas Communion

9.30am: St James’ Shaftesbury, Christmas Communion 9.30am: Motcombe, Christmas Communion 11.15am: Compton Abbas, Christmas Communion 11.15am: Melbury Abbas, Morning Worship 11.15am: Enmore Green, Morning Worship 11.15am: West Orchard, Christmas Communion December 27 10am: Holy communion at St Mary’s Church Templecombe eventbrite.co.uk or Gemma on 01963 371555. January 3 8.30am: Holy communion at St Nicholas, Henstridge. Booking not required. 10am: St Peter’s, Shaftesbury, Team Service of Communion shaftesburycofe.org.uk or 01747 853060. n Blandford Methodist Church warmly invite you to: Sunday, December 20 10.45am: Carol Service with Holy Communion

7pm: Christmas Eve Service 9.45am: Christmas Day service. For Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, request a seat by leaving a message on 01258 577 030 between noon Monday (21), and noon Tuesday, (22). They will call you back to confirm. To attend a Sunday Service at 10.45am leave a message noon Friday to noon Saturday. Prayer requests or to chat, leave a message. Prayer requests should be posted in our letterbox in the wall next to the entrance door. n Churches Together in Shaftesbury are presenting ‘Carols on your doorstep,’ a short live online carol service at 6pm this Sunday (20). Access on YouTube ‘Churches Together in Shaftesbury’. Join in with neighbours on your doorsteps to sing some well known carols.

Sport Second local Superbike rider steps up a level

DREAM TEAM: from left, team principal John Jameson; Brad; development director Julian Mosquera; team mate Joe Francis; team manager Joe Jameson Picture: Kerry Rawson

Brad gears up to Superbikes Stalbridge racer Brad Jones, 22, has secured a new deal with PR Racing BMW to race in the British Superbike Championship for 2021. After competing in British Supersport onboard a 600cc machine for four years, Brad has been given the opportunity he has been working towards for many seasons and made the step up to the premier class. PR Racing BMW based in Liverpool has 26 years of racing experience. “The ethos of the team is to go racing for the passion, showcase the experience and develop young talent,” said Brad. “Having the team

around me for a debut season in Superbike will be great. i look forward to working with them to develop into an competitive Superbike rider. “For years I have been working hard to make my way up to the Superbike class. Now I have I got here I want to make the most of it.” There is a steep learning curve ahead for the young superbike rider, as he now has to tame 225bhp compared to the 140bhp he has been used too. The 2021 British Superbike calendar consists of 11 rounds across the country, with each round made up of

three races per weekend, totaling 33 races. “For the first season I have don’t have any expectations,” said Brad. “I am well aware and understand there is a lot of learning and adapting to do the style of riding is different and that’s something that will take time to get the hang of. “Fortunately, I’m working with a crew I’ve worked with before and we benefit from the team’s wealth of experience. “It wouldn’t be possible without sponsors so I thank them and look forward to sharing the experience with them”.

Learn to play golf for free at Yeovil GC Yeovil Golf Club has won funding under a Get Into Golf initiative from Golf England. The funding will allow the Yeovil’s team of professional coaching staff to run a series of introductory coaching sessions free of charge to anyone interested in trying their hand. Each of the three-week courses will be limited to six people to

ensure that social distance is maintained within covid-19 regulations. There will be separate courses for potential ladies, men, and junior golfers. Club manager Chris Huggins said: “We are delighted to be re-opening our courses for both nembers and green fee players following the second covid lockdown but even

more so to be able to offer this free coaching to people who are interested in seeing whether golf is a sport for them.” Golf clubs and all equipment necessary will be provided for use during the coaching sessions. Register your interest with the club’s pro shop by calling 01935 422965 and selecting option 2.

Wincanton rider Simon Bastable will be competing in the national Ducati TriOptions Cup at British Superbike in 2021. Simon has been racing in the Street Stock 700 class, winning the championship in 2017, 2019 and a shortened 2020 season. He missed the 2018 season after breaking an ankle in a crash. Next year he steps up to a Ducati 959 and will join the official British Superbike support class. The championship takes place over eight rounds alongside the premier national Superbike Championship with two races per round including Thruxton. Wincanton Motorsport and WSC Performance continue to be sponsors and support his move to the Ducati Cup. “It’s a big boost to know that people believe in you and are willing to invest their own time and money,” said Simon. “I’m really excited to make the step up to a national level series, a prospect I would never have imagined five years ago when I lined up for my first race at Brands Hatch. National level motorsport is a big commitment both in time and money and we are still looking for any local business keen to get involved with motorcycle sport as sponsors.”

ACE: Simon Bastable

Sport

Imminent sale of the school n From front page Another early contender for St Mary’s is said to have been another school that has outgrown its premises and wanted to expand. Such a buyer would not need planning permissions. St Mary’s was put on the market in September with a guide price of £7.5-£9m. The estate agent handling the sale, Savills, has consistently refused to comment, citing a strict confidentiality clause in ongoing negotiations. Beckham’s commercial director Ross Connolly also claimed not to have any knowledge of the deal. But it is believed that a deal could possibly be signed before Christmas, or early in the new year, with only one party still involved in talks. There is a closed Facebook group of former St Mary’s teachers and staff, and one member said this week: “We think there will be news in the next week or two but everyone is keeping their cards very close to their chest.”

NET GAIN: The school has 18 tennis courts and a 25m swimming pool

St Mary’s would make a perfect sporting academy St Mary’s is perfectly positioned to become a sporting academy, with a range of high-class facilities already in place. A 25m, six lane indoor swimming pool was built in 2006 with viewing space for spectators, changing rooms and a hoist for disabled access. Tennis is a major feature of the complex with six hard courts and a dozen floodlit Astroturf courts. The artificial courts double up as hockey pitches in winter: swimming, hockey, tennis, netball and athletics were the major sports at St Mary’s, for which the school offered scholarships. There is also a sports field including a 400m track, a large sports hall and gym. Other sports played at the school were archery, basketball, cricket and rounders. The school even had its own elite athlete programme, which offered specialised coaching in all fields. Tennis coach Ian Griffin spent 13 hours a week teaching the girls and described the school’s

closure as a “complete shock.” In advertising the school for sale, Savills made a point of highlighting the sporting potential, describing it as “an exceptional freehold property including… playing fields, sports pitches (and) a swimming pool.” Savills offered the site as a freehold development opportunity for residential or mixed uses, including retirement housing, care or hospitality.

The school has its own private water supply from a bore hole and is heated by biomass and solar panels. Around half the 200 pupils were boarders. As well as the pupil and staff accommodation in five halls, there are four cottages and houses on site with a further 11 bedrooms. An application to establish a sporting college with accommodation on site would require planning permission.

Sport

Has Guy Ritchie sold the idea to Becks? If David Beckham does turn out to be the buyer, he probably heard about the sale of St Mary’s through his good friend, the film director Guy Ritchie. Ritchie owns Ashcombe House on the Wiltshire/ Dorset border near Tollard Royal, a 10-minute drive from the school. He bought Ashcombe in 2001 with then wife Madonna: on splitting, Ritchie kept the house. Now he lives there with his second wife Jacqui and their three children. Beckham is no stranger to the Shaftesbury area. He attended Guy and Jacqui’s wedding at Ashcombe in 2015 and has visited for game shoots on the estate. In a prescient wedding message to his pal, Beckham said: “I want to wish my mate and his beautiful bride an amazing day where friends and family come

BUDDIES: Guy Ritchie and David Beckham on a fishing trip to Iceland

together to celebrate what they have – and are going to create together over the years to come.” Guy and Becks are already business partners as well as friends. The pair co-own two pubs in London: the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill and The Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia, which re-opened

after a refurbishment last year. The Lore stocks venison from Ashcombe, as well as Gritchie ales, the name of the brewery Ritchie built on his estate. The pair are also best pals. They went fishing together in Iceland in 2018 and Beckham had a cameo role in Guy Ritchie’s 2017 film Legend of the

Sword. In an appearance on The Graham Norton Show to promote the fim, Ritche said of Becks:. “We are sort of mates – our children go to the same school, we drink in the same pub and we go to the same gymr. I love him, he’s on the same frequency as me and it made sense for him to be in the film.”

The former country home and hotel with an £8m tag St Mary’s, an independent Catholic girls school in Shaftesbury, went into administration in July. The school had been running at a loss for six years: in 2018, it had income of £4.7 million but the annual costs were £5.55 million. A buyer had been lined up, the Shanghai-based Achieve Education Group, and a £6m price agreed but the deal collapsed the night before it was set to go through. It was said that fractious Anglo-Chinese relationships politically played a part. But the failure of the buyout, on top of covid-19 and growing losses forced the decision to close permanently. A ‘Save St Mary’s’ steering

committee sprang up and raised £370k but its efforts were in vain. The school needed 130 girls for the autumn term simply to be viable and most parents had withdrawn support. The administrators, BDO, put the school buildings and 55 acres put up for sale in September, with a price guide of £7.5-£9 million. The oldest parts of the school are 135 years old: the main building was completed in 1886 as a luxurious country home for Liberal MP Mark Hanbury Beaufoy. It became a hotel in 1931 and a rest home for US Air Force personnel in 1943 before its foundation in 1945 as a day and boarding school for girls aged 9-18, run by

EXIT: St Mary’s School had been running for 75 years

the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Sisters of Loreto. The chapel was added in the 1960s and in 1985, the school became a registered charity and non-profit trust.

The fees ranged from £18,000 to £33,000 a year and the school employed 120 staff. The sale of the school is being handled by Stuart Jones in Savills’ Wimborne office. 77

Sport

Blandford FC giving youth a chance Club chairman Stephen Powell says the future of the club looks “very bright” with a record number of young players looking to play for the club. “I’ve been with the youth section for 20 years now and this year we now have more players turning up to training within the youth section than ever before,” he says. “We actually have two teams in every age group right up to under-13 which is fantastic. “In our under-14 and under15 age groups we have very high numbers, with more players always expressing an interest to join. “Our reputation as a growing club at youth and adult level is starting to filter through the local comunities. “Blandford United have in the last three years worked really hard in promoting youth through the teams so they go on to play football for the first team. When the children start playing

BOYS IN BLUE: One of Blandford United’s youth teams in action

football, they can see there is a pathway for them to progress and carry on playing football as they get older. “With the first team, reserve team and third team all having a successful season, the future looks very bright. The infrastructure of the club is developing really well, we

have recently had our new club house opened at the first team ground (Park Road) and we have also recently had our new covered stand for spectators among many other improvements, including a fantastic pitch which is ideal for playing good football on.” The club caters for players as young as four years old, and its youth teams all play in the Dorset Youth Leagues. Added Powell: “Blandford United are a community

club: it’s like having another family, everyone so friendly and welcoming. “We hope to see that feel good factor extend even further and hope to see more people coming to watch our matches and be part of something moving in the right direction. “We feel this could be green shoots of a really special era for the club at all levels.” For more information, email Simon at scpowell68 @gmail.com

Turbos splash out on new swim kit to get competitive Competition hardware in the form of six starting blocks at the deep end was this week installed at RiversMeet pool, Gillingham. New anti-wave lane ropes have also arrived. The equipment was bought by North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club and will enable the first time-trials and eventually, it’s hoped, licensed competition under Swim England rules to be held in RiversMeet’s 25m pool. “This represents a substantial investment by the Turbos and we will be more than happy to look at further improvements to the offering 78

at RiversMeet,” said general manager Alan Waistell. “I’m looking forward to helping the club achieve great things, seeing the Turbos go from strength to strength and being part of it as their facilitator.” All three of the Turbo squads, including its elite county-level swimmers, are now back in the water after the second lockdown. The club hopes to take part in ‘Level X’ events – singleclub time trials – established by Swim England in response to covid-19 restrictions that currently prevent inter-club meets.

CHOCKS AWAY: New blocks and lane ropes

Turbo chair Alex Wynter said: “What we have to hope is that Swim England allows any new personal bests our swimmers achieve in trials to qualify for county and regional competition. “Almost all of our young swimmers came back to training after the lockdowns but notching up PBs that will take them to

full-scale competition helps keep them motivated. “It is also a good moment to pay tribute to my predecessor as chair, Anne Mowlem. Under her tenure over several years the bulk of the money was raised that has enabled us to buy the equipment which, in effect, saves us as a competitive club.”

Sport

Town take a point off Cowes Shaftesbury Town 1 Cowes Sports 1 Wessex League Premier, December 12 Honours were eventually shared in a clash that saw 18th at home to 17th in a vital basement battle. It was a tight game, as would be expected, with neither keeper having to make a save in the first 15 minutes. But in one moment of brilliance, Cowes keeper Joe Winchcombe made a onehanded save to keep the scores level. It was 0-0 at the break but with 20 minutes left, Cowes Sports took the lead through John McKie, only for Shaftesbury to equalise six minutes later. The result was a fair one, with Cowes delighted to take a point on the journey home to the Isle of Wight. Just one point now separates the six teams above bottomplaced Amesbury Town, with Shaftesbury facing a tough away game to Christchurch this weekend. Tadley Cavella 2 Shaftesbury Town 1 Wessex League Premier, December 8 An own goal gave Town the lead after 15 minutes, an

Stalbridge hit for six by Blandford Stalbridge 0 Blandford 6 Dorset CFA Senior Trophy, December 12

advantage that lasted just four minutes. Shaftesbury hung on until the 80th minute when Tom Walsh scored a disputed winner for Tadley. The match was played in appalling conditions and manager Tom Clark paid tribute to the fans who turned out. “I was delighted to get the win in what was a scrappy game. It was always going to be tough against a resolute Shaftesbury side. We were not at our best, so take the three points is a credit to the players.”

n Shaftesbury FC’s plan for a 3G all-weather pitch moved along a pace last week with Shaftesbury Town Council agreeing to approach the government for a 30-year, low-cost £350k loan. The money would be paid back by creating new forecourt parking permits on land outside the clubhouse. A business plan is being put together by the club and council to accompany the bid. The council is also taking a straw poll to gauge public opinion on its website.

Blandford United will now host Sturminter Marshall in the quarter-final of the Dorset County Football Association Senior Trophy after trouncing Stalbridge 6-0 at The Park on Saturday. Bradley Pike scored four, including two penalties, with Ben Norman and Tay Pike the other names on the scoresheet. Two of Bradley’s goals came before half-time: he then completed his hattrick on the hour and added a fourth on full-time. Stalbridge had started brightly as they looked to take another Dorset Premier League scalp in the competition, having beaten Westland Sports in the last round. But Blandford grew into the game, with goalie Mark Ward also alert to stop a breakaway on half-time. The pick of the goals was from Tay Pike with a sharp turn and shot into the corner. The quarter finals will be on Jan 9, when Gillingham will also be in action at home to Hamworthy Recreation. Kick offs are at 1.30pm.

Tennis is back at Donhead Coaching and matches are resuming at Donhead Community Tennis Club. Coach Ian Griffin said: “All my adults and juniors are back and want to play.” Ian was previously based at St Mary’s School, teaching a mix of pupils and private clients. When the school closed in summer, he lost 13 hours of coaching and folded his business, teaming up with fellow coach Chris Biddle at Live4Tennis and merging with Donhead Community

Tennis Club, which also used St Mary’s 18 courts. There are two courts at Donhead and 50 members, who play in several leagues. The match schedule will resume after Christmas and talk is now of improving the floodlights. North Dorset is “not particularly great” for facilities, said Ian. There are two courts at Shillingstone and Marnhull; Sherborne has eight floodlit and Gillingham four courts of which two are floodlit.

Touch rugby resumes under lights Regular midweek and Sunday training sessions have resumed at North Dorset RFC. A touch rugby competition has also restarted on Friday evenings, and a Touch Rugby Special will be on Dec 28. With a view to returning to contact rugby in the new year, the Mens First XV has been placed in a ‘cluster’ with Bridport, Puddletown, Weymouth and Portland and Swanage and Wareham II. 79

Sport

Sherborne share the spoils with Balti Balti Sports 2 Sherborne Reserves 2 Dorset Prem League, Dec 12

Millbrook FC 3 Sherborne Town 1 FA Vase, Dec 5

With no Sherborne Town first team game on Saturday, attention switched to the Reserves who travelled to Weymouth to take on highflying Balti Sports, laying equal third with Gillingham in the Dorset Premier League. In a chaotic season, it was Balti’s first home game for three months and the teams were level at 1-1 at half-time. Balti came on strongly and went ahead, only for Sherborne to reply with the second of two goals from Marc Caines.

The Zebras took the lead after 12 mins through Sam Farthing but the Cornish side hit back to lead 2-1 at the break and added a third early in the second half. It was a good game, played in the right spirit. Journalist Kevin Marriott tweeted: “My it was cold at Jenkins Park but what a privilege to be watching local football again. Two teams giving their all. And half-time Bovril. Well done.” Millbrook posted: Safe journey back to Sherborne Town FC - great bunch of lads and great fans.”

GO GIRLS: Sherborne under-12s played Gillingham in their first ever County Cup game last Saturday

Toolstation Western League games resume on Saturday Wincanton and Sherborne will resume their seasons in the TWL Division One this weekend after an enforced break as the league paused during the latest lockdown. Clubs are able to open tea huts and serve hot food although club houses serving alcohol would remain closed under Tier 2 rules. The categories may well have changed this week. Wincanton

travel to Bristol while Sherborne host Bishops Lydeard at 3pm on Saturday. Sherborne then travel the 10 miles up the A303 for a Boxing Day clash at Wincanton. n Gillingham’s match against Sturminster Newton in the Dorset Premier League was called off last Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.

FOOTBALL FIXTURES DECEMBER 19 Southern League Premier South 3pm Salisbury v Tiverton Town Walton v Wimborne Town Toolstation Western League Div One 3pm Bristol Telephones v Wincanton Town Sherborne Town v Bishops Lydeard Dorset Premier League (All games 2pm) Dorchester Sports v Gillingham Town

Merley Cobham Sports v Sturminster Newton Utd Portland United Reserves v Sherborne Reserves Westland Sports v Blandford United Wessex League Premier Christchurch v Shaftesbury Town, 3pm Dorset Senior Trophy Shaftesbury Reserves v Tisbury United, 1.30pm DECEMBER 26 Southern League Premier South 3pm

Dorset Premier League to December 12 Wimborne v Salisbury Toolstation Western League Div One Noon Wincanton v Sherborne Dorset Premier League Shaftesbury Reserves v Blandford United, Noon DECEMBER 28 Dorset Premier League (All games, Noon) Gillingham Town v Portand United Reserves Sherborne Reserves v Dorchester Sports Sturminster Newton Utd v Westland Sports

Equestrian

The Vale RDA helps so many people By Jade Leahy The Riding for the Disabled Association is a National Charity – there are about 500 groups in the UK. The RDA’s vision is ‘To enrich the lives of all disabled people through horses’. They are all individual charities and no two groups are the same. Some are large set-ups with their own facilities, some much smaller. The Henstridge RDA was small until it moved to North Cheriton in 2015 and became Blackmore Vale RDA. The group decided on a more inclusive name as they have riders and helpers from as far afield as Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Poole and Glastonbury. Their youngest rider is four and the oldest is 94, and they have an eclectic group of volunteers of all ages. The group set up with their own ponies, most of which were gifted to them for the sole use of RDA. The group owns one pony, Pod, who has earned his keep by writing a book, featured in

the old BVM, called A Pod’s Eye View: the observations of an RDA pony. He launched his book in February, an unfortunate time as within a month we went into lockdown. In normal times they have around 100 riders registered and about 50 helpers. They ride on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings. RDA trustee Tessa Woodhouse said: “Riding a horse, even a mechanical one, is a wonderful therapy for all people with all kinds of different abilities, Good for the core and a lot of other muscle groups. “It’s great for confidence, if you spend your life in a wheelchair looking up at everyone else, it’s wonderful to be on a level or, dare I say, looking down? “Horses seem to understand that we humans need a bit of help, some of us more than others, and the relationships formed between rider and horse never cease to astonish me.” Sadly, they have been closed since the middle of March,

One of the Blackmore Vale RDA’s Christmas cards

except for three weeks when they were allowed to use the mechanical horse, Bob, with a remote control and with a family member helping the rider mount and dismount and staying beside them throughout the session. Fundraising has been almost impossible, with no sales, stalls at the racecourse, or their biggest fundraiser, an annual golf day. 4A couple of volunteers did a sponsored bicycle ride from Sturminster Newton to Blandford and back on the Trailway, which raised £250, with money still coming in. The group has produced a Christmas card, designed and very generously donated by Martin Alford, the well-

known horse artist, who also illustrated Pod’s book. They are £5 for a pack of 10. Tessa added: “We all have our fingers; toes and hooves crossed and are touching wood that we shall be able to return to some kind of normality next year and we will be ready to go when that time comes. “Please may I take this opportunity to thank all our amazing supporters and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!” Anyone who wants to know more about the group or if you would like to purchase some Christmas cards or a copy of Pod’s book, also £5 can contact Tessa at blackmorevale.rda@gmail.com

Innovative therapy equipment aids horses’ rehabilitation Distributor of equine training and rehabilitation equipment, Equine Health Centre (EHC) near Langport, Somerset, has partnered with international Three Day Eventer Chris Burton and is developing a new facility at Chedington Equestrian in Beaminster, to help horses reach their full potential. Australian-born Chris was an Olympic eventing team bronze medallist at Rio in 2016. In the same year, he won the prestigious Burghley 5* horse trials. Managing director of EHC Justin Chittenden said: “With

Chedington Equestrian being so close to our base, we look forward to working with Chris whilst following the progress and careers of his horses and those of their clients.” Since 2004, EHC has offered innovative products for equines, including their flagship device the Seawalker®, a horse walker with the added resistance of variable depth salted water. The first was installed at Horses First Racing in Wiltshire. Their portfolio includes the Aquatrainer, Vitafloor, the

Equine Health Centre’s Aquatrainer in action

only whole body vibration therapy in the world that is designed exclusively for horses and the Horse Gym 2000 dry treadmill system. Chris added: “I’m quite

excited to see how we can use the Aquatrainer, Horse Gym 2000 dry treadmill and the Vitafloor as a way of both preventing injury and improving performance.” 81

Equestrian

How did I cope without a dryer? Equestrian columnist Charlotte Williams banishes the winter blues with three top tips Summer seems like a distant memory – those warm evenings, delicious, shiny summer coats and no wallowing up to our fetlocks in cold mud. In the blink of an eye, winter is here once again and I am up to my neck in an endless round of heavy and wet rugs and clipper oil. How did that happen? However, this winter I feel just a little bit smug as I think I am slightly prepared! For one thing I have had my clippers serviced and blades sharpened thanks to Sean Barrington Clipper Services based in Gillingham. Sean has been sharpening clipping blades for horses, sheep, cattle and dogs since 1994 and has been an amazing find. It is so much easier to clip the horse when you have everything in good working order before you get started, instead of being halfway

through a full clip only to find yourself with that sinking feeling of a hair disaster ready to happen as your clippers grind to a halt. I am probably not alone when I say I really do not enjoy clipping! Hair gets into places I never knew possible. So, clipping is The rug dryer and left, Flek cosy in his stable underway but the service – they really deserve as best part for me is getting all much support as possible. their winter clothes out – My final secret weapon this clean and ready to go with winter is the purchase of a minimal effort on my part. rug dryer. I really have no This year, along with my idea how have I managed clippers, I have had all my rugs without one for so long. It is serviced! Not only do I have such a useful piece of kit clean, waterproof and rip-free with no downside. rugs but I also save money. Trying to get rugs, saddlecloths, I use The Paddock Pantry in my towels and coats dried off Sturminster Newton, which continual rain and cold has provide a really good rug always been a constant struggle, cleaning service, a simple wash, but not any more – it dries wet reproof and patch repairs and I and damp rugs in your stable or have my rugs back as good as tack room in just a few hours new and at a fraction of the using a similar method to a price of buying new ones – heated towel rail. A final bonus good for everyone. There are so is that a rug dryer is super many good equine businesses economical to run and it takes in the area which offer a great the damp, cold feeling off my

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tack room. I fear I sound like The Grinch about winter, but in truth all these dark mornings, freezing feet and military planning are worth it when I see the horses tucked up in big straw beds with a big pile of hay and wearing their newly washed rugs. It’s a lovely and cosy sight. Of course, it is not the same picture as I am greeted with in the morning, but at least I tried!

Field & Stream ANGLING Gillingham AA 1st Winter Championship. (River Stour Deepwater to Highbridge) (16 pegs) The first winter championship took place six weeks late and on a river carrying extra water. Winner on the day was James Kiernan, who drew peg 17 at Highbridge and caught 3 Bream and some bits on the pole and worm and caster for 11-06. Runner up was Phil Banfield, 82

from peg 2 at Deepwater, who caught 6-12 of roach and perch on the stick and feeder with maggots. 3rd: Pete Leach- 6-10 4th: Jack Stamp- 5-10 5th: Kev Harvey- 5-05 6th: Neil Kerley- 5-04 The next match is this Sunday (20th). Book in with Dave on 01747 823159. n Sturminster & Hinton AA had their Christmas Hamper match at Revels on Sunday. 15 anglers braved the strong wind and non-stop horizontal rain

and, in spite of the conditions, enjoyed the occasion and the bacon butties and mince pies provided by Jason. It took over 20lbs of carp to win the match. Paul Wyatt, pegged on the Main Lake, used a method feeder with double maggot on the hook to catch 27lbs 12ozs of carp to win a nice hamper and a useful 'gift token' to spend in the tackle shop. The top weight of silvers came from Andrew Chatterley, who had 4lbs 11ozs of small roach and perch from the Main Lake

to take home a similar prize to Paul. Jamie Bumby had a nice bag of small carp from Main Lake weighing in at 14lbs 1ozs for overall second in the match and Dennis Corry had 13lbs 8ozs, again from Main Lake, to finish in third place. Many thanks go to Jason for use of the lakes and for his Xmas hospitality. Here's wishing a Merry Christmas to all S&HAA members (and to BVM workers!) and good fishing in 2021.

Field & Stream

A bumper year for wildlife at least! By wildlife photographer David Bailey On wishing the readers of this marvellous magazine a very Happy Christmas it is time to reflect on the past year. Although there have been dark times, to any negative there is always a positive. When Boris announced the dreaded lockdown in March, who gained most from it but the UK’s wildlife? It was the start of the breeding season for most animals and birds, immediately all the pressure that is normally placed on our countryside by people was lifted. With the exception of locals out walking there were no visitors, hardly

any vehicles or aircraft, resulting in peace and quiet that had not been experienced for over 50 years. I do admit some wildlife projects came to a grinding halt and may well suffer from a lack of funding in the future but the months of man’s imprisonment must have resulted in one of the best seasons of reproduction for decades. Question I ask myself is did our wild friends notice? Another spin off must have been a drop in road kills. A vision that haunts my mind, 20 years after the incident, was driving round a corner late at night near Hazelbury Bryan to find a beautiful barn owl on a

kill in the middle of the road, helpless in my car’s headlights. The badger, fox and deer families must also have escaped lightly this spring rather than being imprinted with tyre tracks! Since the key was turned in that invisible lock releasing us from captivity my walks in the Vale have resulted in a multitude of wildlife sightings including barn owls, hares, deer, otters, to name but a few. Thank goodness the hordes of cars containing thousands of people heading for the coast mainly bypassed or simply drove through the Blackmore Vale leaving this green and pleasant patch on the

whole, unmolested. We must not become complacent about our natural world, recent massive housing developments in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Sturminster and Blandford proves we are gradually losing our natural surroundings. Those who care about this beautiful area perhaps could make it their New Year resolution to promote and attempt to maintain to the best of their abilities. Whatever the future holds please stay safe and well for 2021. David Bailey’s latest book, Wildlife Wanderings

We’re learning every day at The Field THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing Tis the season to be jolly or, in the smallholder’s world, tis the season to check feet. At the time of writing we are enjoying a spell of crisp cold weather and the sheep are still out in the field, grazing. It is a good time to spend checking the feet and spotting any obvious lameness. A sheep with lameness is less able to graze which can quickly lead to a decline in body condition. We are hoping ours are pregnant, and lameness at this stage of early pregnancy could result in low birthweight lambs as well as reduced lamb viability. Footrot is common in sheep, highly contagious and picked up from the bacteria widely found in the environment, as is scald. Long, wet grass and mud can cause the infection to enter the foot between the claws, making it inflamed, moist and swollen. The sheep have their feet trimmed

periodically. It is another emotive subject – some agreeing with foot trimming, some preferring to leave well alone. Our flock, because of the grazing conditions, need a bit of a trim around the heel where the horn will grow and form flaps of horn that can easily trap the mud, eventually causing inflammation. The girls are surprisingly good at letting us check their feet, usually just removing impacted mud, a quick trim and a spray with purple antibacterial spray will

be all that is needed. For a large flock this is impractical, and a farmer would use a foot dip of zinc sulphate to cover his flock. It goes without saying that if we had any concerns, we would of course ring the vet. We farm on small scale and are not experts. Obviously what we do works for us – we do not claim to be expert sheep owners and learn something new ourselves every day. We are also supplementing grazing with a mineral lick, just as a nutritional back-up to

ensure that early growth of a healthy placenta will give us strong lambs next March. So, after Christmas we need to arrange for the vet to come out and scan the ewes. If the ram was successful, the flock could be a lot bigger in the spring. We will also move the flock away from the current grazing back to their home and the luxury of field shelter and barn – after all a pampered ewe is a happy ewe. Christmas and the New Year bring a time of reflection on what has been a truly challenging year. My overriding memory will be watching the twins Hope and Hallaballoo being born to the sound of clapping for the NHS. It was a surreal moment standing in a field watching new life arriving into a broken world, Hope and Hallaballoo certainly providing a reason to keep going. Happy Christmas and Good Tidings from the Field. We will be celebrating quietly with the animals, giving them a few treats and being thankful for another successful breeding year. 83

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Farming

Chance to offload pesticides for free By Miranda Robertson A Pesticide Amnesty has been launched in Dorset, to help farmers confidentially dispose of expired and banned chemicals. Farmers can say goodbye to their unwanted pesticides for free this winter, thanks to an initiative between Wessex Water, Natural England and Bournemouth Water. Between December 3 and January 16 farmers can sign up to a Catchment Sensitive Farming scheme – a partnership project between Defra, the Environment Agency and Natural England which works with farmers in priority river catchments to improve water quality through on the ground catchment officers. Water quality data of Dorset’s main rivers have occasionally shown traces of pesticides. Tom Hicks, the Catchment Sensitive Farming officer for the Dorset Stour, says the scheme will help farmers remove chemicals that are generally difficult or costly to dispose of, while reducing the risk they pose to water quality and the environment. He said: “Each farm can confidentially dispose for free of up to 75 litres or kilograms of pesticides or herbicides that have been banned or are passed their expiry date, through our expert disposal partner, Peake (GB) Ltd.” The scheme will be run on a first come, first served basis. Any extra pesticides can be removed, but at cost. The scheme is a reminder for farmers to review their pesticide stores, helping to ensure Red Tractor guidelines are met, while minimising the chance of environmental contamination. To be eligible you must farm inside a high priority area – see the map. Most of north Dorset lies in the high

priority area of the Dorset Stour catchment. Contact the Dorset Catchment Sensitive Farming team by January 16. Collections will be organised in January and February. You will need to complete an enquiry form supplying your name, collection address, mobile number and the following details: n Product name (along with active ingredient and concentration if known, is it liquid or powder) n Quantity (weight and volume of the product in containers kg/litres) n Number of containers and their size (e.g. Roundup 2L container, with 1L of liquid or half full) n Condition of the containers (ie leaks) n Photos of the containers All information exchanged between farmers, CSF and Peake (GB) Ltd will remain confidential. If you have any questions or would like to participate please contact Tom Hicks on Thomas.hicks@naturalengla nd.org.uk or 07920 708280.

IN THE RED: Farmers in large parts of north Dorset, marked in red on this map. can get rid of their pesticides for free

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Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T Forthcoming Fodder Sale Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Saturday 19th December at 1.00pm Collective Fodder auction Entries to include: Hay..........................20 Round & 20 Square Axbridge; 130 Round at Brean; 100 Round at Highbridge; 100 Quad at Norton Fitzwarren; 100 Round at Wedmore Silage......................200 Quad at Bristol; 40 Quad at Norton Fitzwarren; 25 Round at Over Stowey; 50 Round at Taunton; 25 Round at Williton Straw...................... 400 Conv at Burrowbridge; 20 Round at Wedmore

Plus trailer/lorry loads of Straw and Hay to be delivered ** Further entries invited **

Forthcoming Dairy Sale

JANUARY Sat 14th..................SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Dispersal Sale of 230 ORGANIC Holstein friesians and Crossbred Dairy Cows and Followers for S Durston (Removed from East Lydeard Farm, Taunton for convenience of Sale).

Forthcoming Suckler Sale

JANUARY Sat 16th..................SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Dispersal Sale of 200 Spring Calving Suckler Cows, Calves & 3 Stock Bulls for Mr B Jeffery (Removed from Western Farm, Oakford, Tiverton).

Sedgemoor Auction Centre North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24). Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 6632 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 12th December 2020

DAIRY CATTLE (64) Heifers to £2350. Others £2120. Cows to £1780. Others £1620. (1235) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (670) Steers to £1340 (AA). Others £1330 (LIMX) £1300 (LIMX) & £1275 (SIMX). Heifers to £1185 (BRBX). Others £1170 (SIMX) £1150 (BRBX) £1135 (AA) & £1115 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (15) to £755 (SIMX). Others £725 (DEV). SUCKLERS (96) Bulls to £2500 (LIM). Cows & Calves to £1480. The Simmental breed was rewarded with a top call of 5000gns for the much admired calved heifer ‘Heywood Empress 10th. STIRKS (469) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £825 (CHX) £815 (LIMX) & £810 (LIMX). Heifers to £775 (BRBX). Others £750 (BRBX) & £745 (BRBX). CALVES (354) - Beef Bulls to £400 (HEX). Others £365 (BRBX) £355 (BRBX) & £345 (BRBX). Heifers to £350 (BRBX). Others £305 (BRBX) £290 (3x CHx, BRBx & AA). Black & Whites to £160. Others £135. (3498) SHEEP Store Lambs – Friday (2555) to £100. Others £98, £93 & £91.50. Overall Ave £76.39. Cull Ewes & Rams (929) Ewes to £139. Others £128 & £120. Rams to £118. Others £116 & £110. Overall Ave £77.99. GOATS (14) to £130. Others £95. Overall ave £119.46. PIGS (52) – CULL SOWS (2) to £32. FORWARD STORES (50) to £114. Others £102.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 14th December 2020

PRIME CATTLE (80) Steers UTM av 189.3ppk to 211.5ppk & £1,411.61. Others 210.0ppk, 200.0ppk, 192.0ppk & 191.0ppk. Others £1,400.00, £1,294.08, £1,293.90, £1,269.00, £1,228.01. Heifers UTM av 189.0ppk to 208.5ppk and £1,204.28. Others 198.0ppk (3x) 196.0ppk (2x) 195.5ppk & 194.0ppk (2x). Others £1,203.75, £1,182.41, £1,170.18, £1,164.24 & £1,154.44. BARREN COWS (75) Continental av 124.1ppk to 127.5ppk and £817.28. Others 102.5ppk. Others £620.13. Native Beef av 106.4ppk to 129.5ppk and £1,052.84. Others 126.5ppk & 112.5ppk. Others £996.75 & £923.45. Dairy av 96.9ppk to 127.5ppk and £1,218.88. Others 126.5ppk & 122.5ppk (3x). Others £1,147.08 & £1,076.70. FINISHED SHEEP (1274) Lamb ave 209.59ppk to 224.0ppk and £115.00. Others 219.0ppk & 217.0ppk. Others £108 (2x) £107.50 & £107.

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL SALES For full 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. DECEMBER Sat 19th..................... Special entry in the Dairy Section. 20 Heifer Calves. 20x 3-5m heifer calves from Suffolk (Herd Av. 9,786 kgs; 3.66%BF; 3.24%P. Johnes monitored with no reds in the herd; BVD tag & tested negative). Sat 19th..................... Special Catalogued Sale of Clean Plucked Christmas Poultry 12pm Sat 19th..................... Fodder Sale 1pm Thurs 24th..................Of昀ce Closed Fri 25th.......................Christmas Day – Of昀ce Closed Sat 26th..................... Boxing Day – No Market – Of昀ce Closed Mon 28th.................... Christmas Bank Holiday – No Market – Of昀ce Closed Tues 29th................... Prime Cattle, Barren Cows, Prime Lambs & Killing Ewes JANUARY 2021 Fri 1st......................... New Year’s Day – No Market – Of昀ce Closed Sat 2nd.......................Normal Weekly Store Market Sat 2nd.......................Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am

Farming

A memorable Christmas for farmers Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary Firstly, may I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas. It will be one to remember! The Kitchen at Kimbers is offering a free Christmas dinner for anyone who is alone this Christmas, either as a single person or a couple. Single parents with children unable to be with family, a carer working with client on Christmas Day, or are you alone near us and would like a lunch delivered? Call my son-in-law Danj on 07866 466867 to book a place. We have dispatched the turkeys and geese, and with the help of friends and family, the job was completed in record time. They had a good life and a respectful end, all within a few yards of where they lived. No stress. Animal welfare at its best. As we leave the European Union, I hope our government will look after the small abattoirs which serve the independent farmers and butchers, delivering excellent welfare and traceability. European regulations some 30 years ago destroyed many of the small abattoirs, expecting small businesses to fall under the same regs as big slaughterhouses serving the supermarkets. Let’s hope now we can ‘take back control’ with common sense and fair play will once again emerge.

For those whose TV volume is now at 50!

Day to day farm work proceeds as usual, with unforeseen occurrences; a water main ruptured in the lane between the main farm and our farm buildings where we house young stock, fortunately we have a track that can bypass the lane. It was closed for five days. It happened on a Friday, the waterboard workers were still fixing it at 11pm, we took them a tray of coffee and were amazed at the depth the water pipe was. We could see how the road had been made over many years. This lane is one of the oldest roads in the area, linking Stavordale Priory to Bruton Priory and Witham Friary. We had another set of twins born, that makes it 3 this season. Alan tucked them up in calf jackets, which certainly gives them a good start. Covid-19 has produced many challenges and changes, in our world of the farm and farm shop, trying to match customers’ orders to the available turkeys is one, naturally Christmas celebration’s this year will be a smaller gathering, therefore, it follows a smaller turkey will be sought, however the Christmas turkey started life back in early spring when the turkey hens were grown to meet their maturity to lay eggs for hatching. We have to order in February and confirm in March to secure our day-olds in June. It is known that not as many traditional turkeys were

grown this year and with demand outstripping supply, many customers will be disappointed. Thankfully our customers are understanding if they don’t receive an exact size as ordered, but we do our best to fill our orders as close as we can. Fortunately, we grew more this year and still have turkeys!

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This year at Christmas order collection days 22nd & 23rd we will be running a one-way system, to help people social distance. It’s a far cry from when Paul and I started selling our turkeys from the farm house kitchen some 40+ years ago! For opening times go to kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

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We will welcome you all with open ears! 87

Farming

Caring for Santa’s magical reindeer By Alice Moor Friars Moor Livestock Health

We are already looking forward to Christmas Eve, and a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer, but these animals, like all the others we see, require yearround veterinary care. So, you may be interested to hear what Father Christmas must consider, to ensure these fascinating animals remain in good health. Like many mammals, reindeer are extremely susceptible to soil borne clostridial bacteria, they can cause fatal diseases if exposed to them. Thankfully, there are excellent vaccinations available to protect them, which need to be given every 6 months. Reindeer require a wellbalanced diet, and are fed a mixture of reindeer nuts, wheat straw and sugar beet pulp. They are herbivores and love foraging in hedgerows and grazing, however, their absolute favourite is a high

carbohydrate lichen called “Reindeer Moss”. Reindeer in the wild use their antlers and long curved toes to dig through the snow to find it. As with many grazing animals we must routinely test their dung to check for internal parasite eggs, including gut worms and liver fluke. Other regular treatments include multivitamin and mineral drenches to boost their immunity at times of metabolic stress, for example during antler growth. They

are the only species of deer where both the males and females have antlers. The antlers follow an annual growth cycle that is controlled by seasonal fluctuations in hormone concentrations. Every spring the reindeer grow a new set of antlers that are then shed over winter. Males would usually shed their antlers after the rut, however the castrated males do not produce testosterone to trigger this cycle naturally, so we remove the antlers, in

January. If left the regeneration would still occur which would lead to painful antler deformities. Reindeer survive in cold conditions due to their survival adaptations. Their toenails are long and flat, like snowshoes to stop them sinking. The tendons in their feet click, so they can still locate each other in whiteout conditions, by listening for this sound. Their dense coat is made up of hollow guard hairs with excellent insulating properties. Reindeer even have an extensive and intricate network of blood vessels inside their nose. This clever heat exchange system ensures cold air is warmed before it is breathed in, explaining the theory of Rudolph’s red nose! n The team would like to wish all our clients, friends, and family a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year ahead! @AliceMillerVet friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Poultry keepers must house birds All poultry keepers are being urged to implement new measures to house their birds as new rules came into place on Monday. The government's has announced new mandatory housing rules for poultry, with legal requirement for all farmers and poultry keepers to keep their birds indoors. They will need to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of avian influenza and eradicate the disease. The disease does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs. 88

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

Farming

ON FARM FODDER SALE TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2020 9.30 am

Grenville Farm, Corscombe, Dorchester, DT2 0NP 200 x Quadrant Bales 2020 Certificated Organic Hay– Barn Stored Viewing by Appointment – contact Ian Andrews 07970 347426 Also to be sold by sample at Grenville Farm: Woodlands View, Corscombe, Dorchester, DT2 0PD 118 x 80 x 70 x 5’ Bales Meadow Grass Haylage – No fertiliser, Not Spiked, Stacked on Hard, Viewing by Appointment – contact Mrs Ellis 07500 919698

1.45 pm

The Silage Barns, Charlton Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 0EW 200 x 80 x 70 Bales Spring Barley Straw – Barn Stored

2.30 pm

Field Barn Farm, Winterborne Whitechurch,DT11 0HT 100 x 120 x 90 Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored 100 x 120 x 90 Bales Winter Oat Straw – Barn Stored 100 x 120 x 90 Bales Silage – Not Spiked 100 x Round Bales Haylage – Not Spiked Also to be sold by sample at Field Barn Farm: Manor Farm, Birch Close, Blandford, DT11 9AJ 100 x Quadrant Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored

10.15 am Cowpool Farm, Stoford, Yeovil, BA22 9UY 100 x 80 x 70 x 7’ Bales 2020 Hay – Barn Stored Also to be sold by sample at Cowpool Farm: Lower Carents Farm, Yeovil Marsh, Yeovil, BA21 3QX 100 x 80 x 70 Bales 2020 Hay – Barn Stored, Stacked on pallets Viewing by Appointment – contact Rupert Loder 07801 529859

Peatons Farm, Lytchett Matravers, Poole. BH16 6HP 100 x wrapped Round Bales Wheat Straw – Not Spiked Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Blandford, DT11 9DE 100 x 80 x 70 x 4’6” Bales Rye Grass Haylage - Not Spiked

Bridge Farm, Drayton, TA13 5LR 87 x Round Bales Clover/Rye Grass Silage – Not Spiked, Stacked on Hard Upton Farm, Payhembury, Honiton, EX14 3JF 200 x Krone 80 x 80 x 4’ Bales 1st cut 2019 Haylage – Not Spiked 200 x Krone 80 x 80 x 4’ Bales 2nd cut 2019 Haylage – Not Spiked 11.00 am Down Farm, Down Lane, Trent, Sherborne 145 x 120 x 90 Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored 135 x 120 x 90 Bales Spring Barley Straw – Barn Stored 110 x 4’ Round Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored 11.45 am Church View Farm, Holwell, Sherborne, DT9 5LB 50 x Quadrant Bales 2020 Hay – made end of May, Barn Stored 100 x Conventional Bales 2020 Hay – made end of May, Barn Stored Also to be sold by sample at Church Farm: Manor Farm, Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2JW 50 x 80 x 70 Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored Beaulieu Wood Farm, Buckland Newton, DT2 7DG 100 x Round Bales 2nd cut Ley Grass Silage – Not Spiked, Stacked on Hard 1.00 pm

Lower Zeals Farm, Mere, BA12 6LG 75 x Quadrant Bales Winter Wheat Straw – Barn Stored 75 x Quadrant Bales Meadow Grass Hay – Barn Stored 75 x Quadrant Bales 1st cut Rye Grass Haylage – Not Spiked 75 x Quadrant Bales 2nd cut Rye Grass Haylage – Not Spiked Also to be sold by sample at Lower Zeals Farm: Bainley Hill Farm, Gillingham, SP8 5PD 100 x Case Quadrant (5 string) Bales Winter Wheat Straw Barn Stored

Moor Court Farm, Sturminster Marshall, BH21 4AH 40 x 80 x 70 Bales May 2020 Hay – Stacked on trailer for local delivery up to 10 miles, chargeable thereafter ALL LOTS TO BE PAID FOR IN FULL ON THE DAY NEXT SALE – TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2021

Please note the current Covid Rules: • Maximum of 2 people per household/business • All persons present MUST wear face masks unless exempt • Preferably all bids to be left with Auctioneers prior to sale

DISPERSAL SALES SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2021 – EAST DEVON Sale of Renault 95X Ceres with Loader, Honda Foreman ATV, Farm Machinery, Sheep Equipment & Good Selection of Tools

THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2021 – SOUTH DORSET Sale of John Deere 6430 Premium with Loader, McCormick CX90 and International 784 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment, Dairy Sundries & Workshop Items Full Catalogues available online or contact 01935 382909 Mark Northcott 07798 645274, Greg Ridout 07817 517467 Charlie Coleman 07494 588013 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

VALUATIONS | AMC AGENTS | PLANNING | RURAL GRANTS

Property

DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET WILTSHIRE LONDON

Sydling St Nicholas Guide £485,000 A remodelled and extended 4 bedroom village house, beau fully presented in a contemporary style, with biomass boiler, home oﬃce/gym and a rac ve garden. EPC=E.

Holwell Guide £699,950 A beau fully renovated 4 bedroom house set in 1.10 acres with workshop, garaging and a 2 bedroom mobile home, located in a truly splendid tranquil loca on. EPC=E.

Dorchester 01305 261008

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sherborne

Guide £535,000 A stunning 3 bedroom house with private courtyard and carport, situated in an a rac ve gated development for over 55’s in a popular and central residen al road. EPC=C.

Child Okeford

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

Milton Abbas

Guide £475,000 A Grade II Listed picturepostcard co age which has been tastefully extended to provide versa le 4 bedroom living, beyond which lies a cleverly designed garden. EPC Exempt.

Sherborne

Blandford 01258 452670

Sherborne 01935 814488

Guide £575,000 The former Post Master’s house in the heart of the village, which has been tastefully modernised and extended to provide a substan al 3 bedroom home, with garden and parking. EPC=D.

Guide £425,000 A deligh ul modern 2 bedroom detached bungalow with open plan living, garage and pre y courtyard tucked away in a quiet yet central posi on within the town. EPC=C.

PLANNING

VALUATIONS

BUILDING SURVEY

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

South Cheriton

Guide £735,000 A spacious 4 bedroom detached co age with grounds of approximately 4.60 acres including a paddock, lovely walled garden, woodland and a workshop/former stables. EPC=E.

Blandford St Mary

Sherborne 01935 814488

Blandford 01258 452670

Charlton Marshall

Guide £315,000 A modern renovated light and bright 3 bedroom co age with gardens, garage with wonderful countryside views situated on the outskirts of this popular village. EPC=E.

Broadoak

Blandford 01258 452670

Sturminster 01258 473766

Stoke Wake

Guide £650,000 An extended 4 bedroom house in lovely rural loca on with south and west facing gardens, private woodland and ﬁeld. In all about 7.58 acres. EPC=D.

Tarrant Hinton

Sturminster 01258 473766

Blandford 01258 452670

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

OIE £300,000 An a rac ve 2 bedroom house within walking distance of the town’s ameni es, with an enclosed, low maintenance garden, conservatory and garage. EPC=D.

Guide £699,950 A substan al 3/4 bedroom detached house oﬀering versa le living, set in 0.75 acre grounds and with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. EPC=C.

Guide £310,000 A detached 3 bedroom house with oﬀroad parking, garage and gardens backing onto open farmland. EPC=F.

Property

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Property

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oore

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Viewing Recommended

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More Properties Required Contact Andrew Bonnet or Sue Moore

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Sold

View

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Viewing Recommended

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Price £125,000

To Be Let

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our of昀ce will close on the 24th December and re-open on the 28th December 2020, maintaining Covid guidelines.

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A HUGE thank you to readers & advertisers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Ruth and Lloyd Armishaw, left, and right, David Armishaw with his partner Victoria and their children

By Miranda Robertson Editor newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

I thought I would take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to the New Blackmore Vale in our first seven editions, as we approach Christmas and look ahead to 2021. It has at times felt like a juggernaut of a project – little did we know when we launched the magazine in late September how much support we’d get, how many of you would write in with your stories, the sheer appetite to advertise. The response has been phenomenal since a local family, the Armishaws, who have lived in the Vale for 38 years and brought up their two children here, decided to launch a new printed magazine for the Vale. They hoped to give people something similar to what they fondly remembered as the BVM, or the BMV, or even ‘The Bible’. The NBV was born and we’ve been astonished at its rapid growth. It was never intended to be a money-

spinner – Lloyd told me he hoped the mag would ‘wash its face’ at some point and thankfully, it has. I did wonder whether, in launching a project which relies solely on advertising during a pandemic we were all a bit bananas. But people welcomed the new magazine with open arms. All 35,000 copies have flown off the shelves each fortnight. Thanks to our advertisers, who repeat their ads time after time due to the super response they get, we are now confident we can keep going. Thanks too, to our dedicated team of writers, ad sales and design staff – without them this simply would not have been possible. We hope you have enjoyed reading all the features and columns over the last 14 weeks – there’s plenty more where that came from! Who knew there were so many fascinating people in this lovely segment of Britain? It’s been such a difficult year for everyone, so as we wave a relieved goodbye to 2020 it’s nice to know a

few good things have come out of it – a new magazine, many new businesses across the area, who have stepped up with fresh ideas sparked by the pandemic, people across the Vale going above and beyond to help others. I wonder whether we’ll look back at this year with fondness one day, remembering empty roads, quiet streets and clapping for carers, the intense heatwave and painting rainbows everywhere. Video calling everyone. Queues forcing us all to talk to one another, asking neighbours each time you went for your weekly shop: ‘Do you want me to get you anything?’ I started out with grand plans and ended up missing the mark. My home schooling would have received a new Ofsted grade of ‘dismal’ and baking projects ended up in the bin. But we are healthy. And that is about as good as it gets at the moment. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. Our next edition will be on January 8.