The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Edition 11

w e n he

T

Friday, February 19, 2021

Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

FREE

OVERWHELMED: Rupert and Tiffany Ransome and their children, Ralphie, 18 months, Marley, seven and Harmony, 11

I’m so scared: Please help us find a home

By Karen Bate A desperate working family in East Stour say they face homelessness in three weeks despite searching day and night for accommodation.

Rupert and Tiffany Ransome and their children, Ralphie,

18 months, Marley, seven and Harmony, 11 moved into their East Stour home just before the first lockdown.

The house is now being sold and Tiffany and Rupert were given six months to move.

But despite frantically searching for a privately

rented house almost all day, every day, Tiffany says they are continually rejected.

Although the couple are on the Dorset Council housing list, they say they are not being treated as a priority.

With time running out Tiffany is in despair and has

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“I am overwhelmed with anxiety now,” said Tiffany who grew up in Henstridge.

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

28-33 51-55 34-35 66-71 76 29 80-81 83-90 82 26-27 46-50 36-40 28 74-75 41-45 62-65 58-59 83 60-61

n Decaying glory of historic Zeals House: P16-19 n WI group celebrates one hundred years of jam and Jerusalem: P23 n Sailing duo’s round the world achievement: P78-79

Property Puzzles

91-96 56-57, 60-61

Recruitment Sport

71-73 77-79

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

Ad sales manager adverts@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07876 563683

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

2

Karen Bate

Sharon Evans

News editor

Classified adverts

karen.bate@ blackmorevale.net

classified@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

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

DEADLINES 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

Have your say on plans for St Mary’s

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The £10m purchase of St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury by Dorset Council is planned to be a major step towards accommodating the growing number of children with special educational needs and disability.

There are 3,000 SEND children in Dorset, double the number of six years ago.

Existing school places are so rare that 250 children are now sent to schools out of the county. In 2015, the number was just 100.

Dorset Council laid out the statistics in launching a public consultation on their plans for St Mary’s. While being welcome to all suggestions, it is clear the council sees the provision of SEND places as its priority.

Project director Vik Verna

said that each child sent out of county is a £60,000 annual cost to the council, a total of £14m a year, compared with £22,000 for a child educated in Dorset.

On top of that is the personal cost to families, separated by distance from their children, who have to spend more time and money to visit.

Dorset Council chief executive Matt Prosser said the decision to buy St Mary’s was to make provision for SEND pupils and reduce revenue costs.

“Building a new school would be five or six times the cost of buying St Mary’s,” he said, “but even St Mary’s wouldn’t cover all our requirements now. It won’t create 280 spaces straight away but it could reduce pressures on existing schools.”

On paper, the money saved by not having to send children elsewhere in the country could cover the cost of buying St Mary’s within 18 months.

But it will take some time to properly evaluate how best to

utilise the buildings and 54 acres of St Mary’s, and how the site could also be used for other purposes, such as for respite care or start-up businesses.

“There would be other options and they will become more obvious to us with time,” said Theresa Levy, executive director for children.

She pointed out that some boarding houses and teaching blocks are separate from other buildings. Allowing community use of the pool and tennis courts could also be re-instated but she added: “We don’t to have a situation where the children are excluded. We are making sure everything we do is best value for Dorset residents.”

Have your say: Dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/stmarys-survey The consultation lasts until March 18.

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The farm that heals: “Coming here has r

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Longmead Community Farm in Milborne St Andrew is providing a lifeline for families, allowing them to rebuild fragile relationships by simply ‘doing’ on the farm.

From cuddling goats to mucking out and from baking to playing games, the healing balm of Longmead is poured upon children, young people and their families by Roz Macrow-Wood and her team of staff and volunteers.

This six-acre smallholding is deep in the beautiful Blandford countryside and offers family respite therapy to children and parents who have been referred by social services, schools and from a small number of people who refer themselves.

Increasingly, community farms like Longmead are being prescribed for people who might be struggling for a variety of reasons. Animalassisted therapy in the great outdoors, building agriculture experience and learning basic cookery skills in a nurturing and supportive environment

works. Upstairs there are bedrooms to sleep families, allowing up to 16 guests to stay at any time.

And Longmead, which has been functioning as a care farm for almost 12 years, has a string of successes.

General manager Sarah Cooper said: “If families can take away just one thing, then that can be life-changing.

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to tend, board games aplenty and a large, warm kitchen along with space for art and craft, it is little surprise those who visit never want to leave.

With vital public services for vulnerable people shut down or reduced to video calls because of social distancing measures Longmead, like so many community and care farms, has been able to stay open as activities take place in wide open spaces.

And there are a myriad of doorways and entrances so people do not need to cross paths.

One mother said: “I’ve never seen my child be so focused and calm before. He loves the chickens, but loves how he is treated here.”

Her son said: “Coming here has really helped us, we

don’t argue here.”

Another mum and daughter said: “We feel safe here, the staff listen to us and accept us as we are.”

Sarah said: “We are convinced that by providing families with an opportunity to work together in a structured agricultural environment they will discover new interests and values together with a selfconfidence and fellowship that has perhaps been missing in their lives.

“Our work with families is unique in that we don’t ‘intervene’, we work alongside; befriending, helping and supporting families who visit for a day, weekend or several weekends. Working and laughing together all the jobs get completed in time for a drink and play in the garden.

Just for now they are enjoying the open space and fresh air without mobile phones beeping and video games machines firing.”

Visitors help as a community, working in the kitchen garden, planting vegetables, helping to prepare meals and looking after the house and farm and

really helped us... we don’t argue here.”

helping to care for the animals.

Sarah added: “We offer a peaceful, safe space where people are able to tell their stories and feel valued and accepted as they are. At Longmead, being engaged in

activities helps people forget their difficulties and enable them to work together. It adds another dimension and promotes communication, trust and respect.

“Caring for the animals helps process emotions and this

filters through to the individual and in turn, to others. People find it much easier to tell a goat their troubles as they groom, than sitting in a room to talk!”

One father said: “We love the farm, we just love being outside and it gives us a chance to spend time together.”

Therapy at Longmead is based upon Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of well-being and happiness, which develops five core elements, positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement.

And this community farm provides a safe haven away from struggles in society, at home or in school in order to boost self-esteem and build confidence.

Goats are walked, spring lambs are bottle fed and the summer months see the return of the much-loved

donkeys who arrive.

The farm has many volunteers who work alongside visitors and help work on the farm.

Sarah said: “Our volunteers work alongside our visitors, who themselves help us. We want the people we work with to be respected, to be listened to and to feel valued as they help to take care of Longmead with us.”

She added: “Longmead would not exist without the kind donations and volunteers who support us.

“If you are interested in helping LCF through volunteering on the farm, with the family work, fundraising, office help, or donating to us we would love to hear from you.” n Email sarah.cooper @longmead.org or ring 01258 837960 or visit longmead.org

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Working family desperate for home n From page 1 “Because we can’t find a home I have been unable to name a school for Harmony as I really don’t know where we will be living. I am so worried for her because she has fallen behind academically because of the pandemic. She is currently in Year 6 at Stour Provost, which has supported her brilliantly and been simply wonderful, but I am at my wits’ end.

“We have put offers in for scores of houses but we keep being rejected and we have been told by letting agents that Rupert doesn’t earn enough money, or they won’t take children, or if they do they won’t accept our pet rabbit. I am living a waking nightmare.

“If I can’t find a private rented house, then I have been advised to remain in

Ralphie, Marley and Harmony at Christmas

our current home. This is not only terribly unfair to our landlady, who has done nothing wrong, but it would cost us money in court fees. I have the stress and panic of our landlady wanting us out and the council telling us to stay put. This system is so terribly wrong.

“We are a working family and have never asked for help from the council until now and I feel we are being

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treated without compassion.

It’s a scary process and one I have never had to fear until now.

“My partner has been in the same full-time job in Stalbridge for 15 years. We have been renting a house for all that time and never missed a single rental payment.”

There are currently 6,426 people on the Dorset Council’s Homechoice Register and of these, 1,167 of them are currently eligible for the North Dorset area.

The households are placed into bands according to need ranging from Emergency, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

In North Dorset, 29 households are in the Emergency band, 156 in Gold, 393 in Silver and 589 in Bronze.

Of these 74 households who would like to live in Stalbridge, two households are in the Emergency band, nine in Gold, 18 in Silver and 45 in Bronze.

In the last 12 months Dorset Council has let 163 properties in the North Dorset area.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council said: “Any household contacting us due to the end of their tenancy will be assessed to ensure

that their notice to vacate the property is valid and that the landlord is adhering to the correct procedures to gain back occupation of their property. We will advise both tenants and landlords on the correct procedures that need to be followed legally.

“Households will then be given thorough advice and assistance on their legal rights as a tenant and the procedure the landlord has to go through in order to remove them from the property. We will offer to work with landlords to try and facilitate planned moves for their tenants, rather than progress through the legal eviction route. We will advise the tenant on all their options for securing further settled accommodation, including our assistance with Rent in Advance and Deposit Loans for alternative private rented properties and advise on the realistic chances of being offered social housing through the housing register.

We will also advise on our duties to provide any

temporary accommodation should a household become homeless.”

Dorset Council is advising any households at risk of becoming homeless to contact them through their portal at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ housing/homelessness/atrisk-of-becoming-homeless.a spx#Contact The family are seeking a three-bed house, ideally close to Stalbridge. If you can help contact karen.bate@blackmorevale.net

Birthday cards flood in for Marjorie, 100 More than 300 goodwill messages poured in for a Sherborne woman on her 100th birthday.

Staff at Colten Care’s Abbey View knew Marjorie Potter had only a few family members to help mark her big day, so they invited community contacts to send in cards too.

The well-wishers included school and nursery representatives, and members of the Postcards of Kindness social media initiative.

A remarkable 337 cards ended up being delivered to a very surprised Marjorie.

“I was thrilled,” said the former post office worker and boys’ school secretary. “It was all so unexpected. I couldn’t believe so many people wanted to wish me a happy birthday. I was presented with this huge pile of cards and I opened and read every one of them.”

As well as the postal delivery, Marjorie had a surprise covid-safe visit from children at Sherborne’s Forget Me Not day nursery.

They brought along a card of their own and sang Happy Birthday outside her window.

There were also Skype calls with relatives and friends, and a birthday cake specially baked by chefs at the home.

BIRTHDAY GIRL: Marjorie Potter with some of the 337 cards she received on her 100th birthday at Colten Care’s Abbey View care home in Sherborne

Hooray! Work starts on new facilities Yeovil Recreation Centre is set to welcome new facilities this summer when a community studio space and café will open within the existing pavilion building.

Despite lockdown, internal work to the pavilion building which is located next to the main entrance and car park has started.

Thanks to a range of support from funders locally and nationally, work has been progressing behind the scenes to ensure that the facility will be ready to open this coming summer.

Back at the beginning of 2020, the public were asked what they would like to see at the pavilion and how they would like to see it operated.

As a result of that feedback, an accessible indoor space will be created which can also support clubs,

individuals and families that want to use and enjoy the superb outdoor facilities at the site. By making internal modifications to the existing large pavilion building the community will have a new high quality café and outside seating space, plus a multifunctional studio space that can host anything from meetings to yoga, pre-school children’s activities to a young person’s club.

Councillor Mike Best, South Somerset District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We progressed this project knowing what a difference these extra facilities will make to our communities, what we never envisaged was bringing them online as part of our covid recovery work. They will be even more important than

originally anticipated and we hope enable people to return to sport or engage with activity for the first time, in a safe and supported way. Our thanks to all our funders who have enabled this to happen.”

This project has been able to get to the build stage thanks to funding support granted from Sport England, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Yeovil Town Council, Brympton Parish Council, Yeovil Without Parish Council, West Coker Parish Council and Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club.

Yeovil Recreation Centre offers a wide range of outdoor facilities on site, including an eight lane athletics arena, Artificial Grass Pitch for hockey and football, acres of green space for play including football, a newly refurbished play area

for children, a multi-use games area, pitch and putt golf course, crazy golf course, table tennis and tennis courts. The new community facility will help to bring people together and be an area for everyone to enjoy.

Ashley Smalley, Activities Officer at Yeovil Recreation Centre, said: “I am really looking forward to arranging public events and classes in the new space. I enjoyed hearing from residents and site users about what type of activities they would like to see available in the survey we conducted last year.”

Over the coming months, developments and opening plans of the new community facility will be posted through the Yeovil Recreation Centre Facebook page and website.

7

By Miranda Robertson Funding from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage has helped South Somerset District Council appoint three new rangers who will help keep Ham Hill Country Park and its heritage protected and in tip-top shape for wildlife to thrive and visitors to enjoy.

The funding is a rescue package to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across England from the economic impact of covid.

Work at the park was greatly reduced during the pandemic, with two rangers having to be redeployed to covid-related work to support vulnerable residents for a long period of time.

Volunteers have also been restricted, leaving the park with no volunteers on site for about five months. This, says the council, “coupled with the last 12 months seeing the highest visitor numbers ever recorded at Ham Hill, has left the small ranger team

TALK TO RANGERS: Ben, Edd and Izzy are new Ham Hill Rangers

New rangers all ready to go to help country park thrive depleted, with important work still needing to be done”.

Now extra cash has been secured SSDC has welcomed Ben, Edd and Izzy to the team at Ham Hill.

They are already making a huge difference on site,

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Blackmore Vale 1/4 p ad.indd 1

Picture: Paul McNeill

01/12/2020 13:06

working alongside the longHill in 2022. standing head ranger Paul Izzy brings a wealth of McNeill. Over the next few experience from working as months, they will help make a warden in the East Devon sure that the most vulnerable and Dorset countryside. She habitats, wildlife, and the said “I’m really looking Iron Age hillfort itself are forward to working at this protected, and will also be great site and learning all working to repair damage to about the fantastic wildlife our path network so that that calls Ham Hill home.” visitors can safely access the Ben has great knowledge of country park. managing country parks Councillor Sarah Dyke, from his previous role with portfolio holder for the National Trust. Ben said: environment, said: “Having “I’m grateful for the chance Ben, Izzy, and Edd on board to work for SSDC at Ham will mean we can continue to Hill. I grew up in Wiltshire nurture and preserve the surrounded by chalk future of this much loved grassland and iron age hill award-winning natural forts, and they are both very heritage site for both nature special to me.” and people.”

Head ranger Paul McNeil Edd is engagement ranger said: “We’re looking forward and he will be developing to working with three ways to increase engagement passionate conservationists, with communities, and excited about what we stakeholders, and visitors. He can achieve here at the will also assist with country park over the coming managing the site day to day months.” and will work We can save you time and money if you need Probate and help you avoid the stress and liability alongside of administering an estate. the Probate is not always needed, so if you’re not sure, please ask us. countryside We can also help with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. team to Fixed Fees and Free initial enquiry, help secure so you don’t have to worry. a National Get in touch on 01308 424 808 Lottery Email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk www.winterbornelegal.com Heritage Fund grant for Ham

Stepping out together to end water poverty The shocking statistic that one in three people across the globe have no access to safe drinking water has prompted the Catholic Development Charity (CAFOD) to raise money to beat water poverty.

Residents and villagers in Blandford, Gillingham, Marnhull, Shaftesbury and Sherborne are being urged to

unite tomorrow (Saturday, February 20) and take part in the Big Walk for Water Challenge.

Charity member Steve Carrivick from Shaftesbury said: “Many people are taking a walk every day and this challenge allows us to adhere to restrictions while uniting as a community to raise money to beat water

poverty. Through our challenge we will be raising money for people like Abdella, who is 23 and lives in Ethiopia, one of the hottest places on earth.

Abdella dreams of starting a small business, starting a family and having his own home. He dreams of the day he won’t have to walk ten hours to get water and knows

that if there was water near his home, his family would have enough water to stay alive.

“Help us raise between £750 and £1500 which could provide access to water for one or two remote village communities.”

To raise money, or find out more go to cafod.org.uk/ Fundraise/Walk-for-Water

Friends on the march for Alzheimer’s funds Two friends from Sturminster Newton who fostered a love of walking after taking up exercise during lockdown in a bid to lose weight are turning their new-found passion into raising money for a charity close to their hearts.

Jo Waite, a carer, and Robyn Strange, who works at Sturminster Newton High School, are appealing to readers to sponsor them on a Memory Walk on March 20 in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Jo said: “I’m doing this in memory of a very special lady who had dementia. I loved every second I spent with her. She was full of wit, humour and fun. I care for clients with this awful disease. I see the happy days and the sad days and sadly, the way this disease can cause such rapid declines in the ones we love.”

THUMBS UP: Jo Waite and Robyn Strange

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Loud and proud

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Come rain, shine or the bitter cold, Jo and Robyn walk together every day, clocking up some 70 miles each week.

Jo said: “Although we are both very busy with our work and families, this is the first time we have taken aerobic exercise before. We are walking every single day and love it, we take our little ones on a three or four mile walk a few times a week.”

And the pair have lost a stone in weight each in the five weeks they have been walking daily in training for the challenge.

Jo added: “Please help me raise some money for this wonderful charity. Let’s take on dementia together. Just Giving will send your money directly to the charity.”

If you would like to sponsor Jo and Robyn on their Memory Walk on March 20, please go to justgiving.com/ campaign/memorywalk2021

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9

Heavens above: All Saints repairs complete

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A major landmark has been passed after extensive work to repair the roof of the medieval All Saints’ Church in Castle Cary was completed.

An architect’s inspection in 2016 revealed the church building would need major repair work to stay open.

Following a packed public meeting, the church council agreed to the repairs and to develop the building as a multi-purpose community space.

Chaired by the Reverend David Osborne, The All Saints’ Development Group was born.

Since 2016, fundraising started apace, with the development group hosting exhibitions and concerts,

including 2019 Festival of Stars, which attracted contributions from hundreds of people to help towards the cost of the £160,000 roof repairs.

Grants also flooded in from Viridor Credits, Allchurches Trust, Somerset Churches Trust, the Congregational and General Charitable Trust, and the National Churches Trust.

The first phase of the project, which included replacing the nave roof, adding new slates and gutters along with high level stone repairs and repainting the drainpipes, has been completed during the pandemic.

However, water damage has been discovered in the vestry roof and the ornate pinnacles on the tower need to be secured.

Church grants will cover much of the cost, but a

further £10,000 needs to be raised.

But in the meantime, the scaffolding is coming down and the group is turning its attention to improving the access and heating and to making the interior more flexible.

The Revd Osborne said: “It’s a great feeling seeing the scaffolding come down and knowing the roof will now be good for years to come.

“We’re already sketching out ideas for improving access to the building and making it more comfortable and flexible, and those will be much more exciting jobs.

“Now the fun starts!” n Anyone who would like to help or find more out about the project can go to castlecaryallsaints/supportus.

EXTENSIVE WORK: All Saints at Castle Cary

Donate your old laptop and help online learners A campaign has been launched to help schoolchildren and vulnerable people access home education and online support in Somerset.

Laptops4learners is appealing for people to donate their old laptops, computers and other electronic items to help others.

Councillor Sarah Dyke said: “For children in families that have no computer or just share a single laptop, or that have poor internet access, keeping up with schoolwork from home can be difficult or impossible. Some of our elders also need assistance to get online enabling them to socialise again especially as many have not been outside of their homes since March last year.

“We know there are still many learners and elderly 10

across the area without access to the IT devices they need to study or connect with others, so we are asking people to donate, which can then be renovated or broken down to be reinvested into the scheme and appropriate IT equipment donated back into the community where it’s needed.”

Blackmore IT’s Simon Barfoot is helping with the campaign. He has been a specialist in IT recycling since 1995, will collect your donated IT, wipe all data before upcycling and renovating the equipment ready to donate it back to the community group to make sure it gets to where it’s needed most. You too can have a say on who gets help, if you know someone in need where you live.

Email Simon at donateIT@r3cycle.co.uk

Transport group seeks judicial review on Stonehenge road plan Lawyers for the campaign group Transport Action Network (TAN) have sought a judicial review of the £27bn Government roads plan.

Documents revealed that transport minister Grant Shapps dismissed guidance from civil servants in his own

department to review the roads plan policy on environmental grounds.

The news comes after Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site (SSWHS) issued a legal claim to apply for a judicial review of the government’s decision to grant permission.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps approved the scheme in November despite planning officials’ recommendations to refuse the scheme, claiming the project would permanently harm the integrity of the World Heritage Site.

Lorraine’s epic trek in Bert’s memory

By Karen Bate Lorraine Williams from Stalbridge is halfway through her epic walking adventure covering a virtual distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of her late husband and Lorraine has already raised £1,200 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Lorraine lost her beloved husband Bertram to Alzheimer’s almost three years ago, and, spurred on by lockdown last year, decided to walk the 875 miles to raise

vital funds for the charity.

Already Lorraine has walked 440 miles and says she is relishing every step.

“I live alone as my children live in Bournemouth, New Zealand and Ilfracombe, and during the pandemic my life was becoming so dull. I decided to take up the challenge and it has done me the world of good,” said Lorraine.

When restrictions eased last year, Lorraine ventured out to the Quantock Hills and Hengistbury Head, but Lorraine primarily walks in

Stalbridge and the surrounding villages.

“I have discovered so many hidden places in Stalbridg,” she said. “Every day I find a new field or a stretch of wood I have never stumbled on before. I meet flocks of sheep and come face to face with deer and it is lovely.”

Lorraine started the challenge on October 26 and has one year to complete 875 miles.

If you would like to sponsor Lorrainego to justgiving.com/fundraising/ lorraine-mary-williams.

WALKING ADVENTURE: Lorraine Williams

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Leisure centre deal awarded to not-for-profit company After a lengthy tendering process, leisure centres in Yeovil, Wincanton and Chard will be managed and operated by not-for-profit Freedom Leisure for the next 15 years.

Freedom Leisure will be managing Goldenstones and Westlands Sports and Fitness Centre in Yeovil plus Wincanton Community Sports Centre and at the Boden Mill site in Chard.

Councillor Mike Best, South Somerset District Council’s portfolio for health and wellbeing, said: “Like the previous operator, Freedom

NEW OPERATORS: Goldenstones in Yeovil

Leisure are a not-for-profit leisure trust whereby all surplus income is reinvested in its facilities to ensure it stays in tip-top shape and ahead of the game in terms of the equipment and

provisions it provides.

“Their proposed community delivery programme is impressive and in close alignment to the council’s own corporate objectives.

“South Somerset District

Council would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank LED Community Leisure for their continued support and delivery of leisure provisions in South Somerset during the successful partnership over the last 10 years.”

Freedom Leisure’s managing director Ivan Horsfall Turner said: “We look forward to working closely with the council and the existing leisure centre teams to improve and enhance the leisure service and facilities already being delivered in South Somerset.”

Empty retail site makes £656k at auction

By Steve Keenan The value of commercial property may be falling but it was not evident last week, when a vital shopping retail site in Shaftesbury sold after a spirited online auction.

The empty Budgens supermarket on Bell Street, which has stood empty for four years, sold at auction for £656,500. The guide price was £580-£620k.

There was a three-way battle for the site lasting nearly two hours, in which 117 bids were made. Most pushed the price up by £500 increments but at one stage the bids were rising at £5,000 a time.

The eventual buyer was Sussex-based businessman Richard Whittemore, whose family business Elite Garages owns a number of petrol stations, workshops and a wholesale tyre

NEW OWNER: Richard Whittemore

operation in 18 locations in the south, including Salisbury.

Some of his service stations have post offices and car washes, while a station in Cornwall even has a drivethrough pasty service.

He intends to open a large Spar-type convenience store in the old supermarket, with a car workshop and servicing operation. Other outlets may

be added but there will be no petrol pumps on site. “It will be a small village concept,” he told This is Alfred radio in Shaftesbury.

The check-out aisles and tills are still in place on the ground floor, with offices and staff facilities upstairs.

There is also a stock warehouse.

The conversion work will take six months to a year, said Mr Whittemore, but is unlikely to face serious planning issues as there is no change of use – North Dorset District Council advised administrators BDO in November 2018 that the ground floor frontage on Bell Street and car park must remain as commercial.

Residents in West Shaftesbury will also welcome a food retailer closer to home.

The sellers were Danish

property investment company K/S Focus, which had been trying to offload the site since Budgens went bust. But while the price achieved was better than expected, K/S still suffered a thumping 84% capital loss on the property, having bought the site for £4.1m in 2006.

The fall in value confirms what experts have been predicting since the pandemic kept people at home and accelerated the trend to online shopping.

The Shaftesbury supermarket was built in 1988 and was occupied by Gateway/ Somerfield for two decades.

The store then changed its name three times in eight years, becoming a Co-op and finally Budgens before the latter went into administration in March, 2017.

Library bringing war memories of conscripts to life in exhibition Shaftesbury Library is bringing the stories of those who were conscripted in the Second World War to life in a special exhibition entitled National Service Remembered.

Through interviews and photography, the exhibition hopes to capture and illuminate the experience of the men who served our country.

12

A spokesperson said: “The youngest to be conscripted is now aged 77 and, in years to come, their wealth of knowledge and recollections are in danger of being lost forever. Please help us by sharing your story to create a memorable exhibition.”

The exhibition, compiled of photographs, written narratives and

video interviews, will be shown in various locations throughout Dorset as well as nationally and online.

If you know someone who would like to share their story or you would like to share your own, get in touch on 07971 983028, email: enquiries@ samebutdifferent.co.uk and find out more at samebutdifferent.co.uk

Civic society moving into new format

By Steve Keenan Shaftesbury Civic Society is to shut down next month in the hope that its historic passion for planning excellence can be reborn in a different format.

The society was formed in 1964 to challenge plans to demolish shops on the south side of Shaftesbury High Street – it succeeded.

Over the years, it has pored over planning applications, protested at hundreds of meetings and generally sought to keep the town attractive, enjoyable and distinctive, all the while demanding better standards in new builds.

And such a body is now needed more than ever, says outgoing chairman Jackie Upton King, but with new skills to tackle new problems.

“The planning system is going further and further

NEW ERA: Jackie Upton King MBE with MP Andrew Murrison and former SCS chair Mike Madgwick

away from the community, is less and less democratic and driven at any cost to meet national housing targets,” she said. “There are poor quality developments: it’s all down to numbers.”

An ageing board and onerous red tape due to the society’s charitable status and need for trustees is not a great incentive for people to get involved, she says.

“The board of trustees carries with it legal responsibilities and we have found that people don’t want to have that responsibility.”

Secondly, new IT and planning architecture skills “with youth and vigour are needed to take on this badly needed role,” she added.

Being unable to meet during covid-19 has not helped.

During that time, members were asked to volunteer for committee, trustee or office roles but the appeal was unsuccessful, adding to the decision to fold.

Jackie also worries that the cohort of people able to volunteer is getting smaller and smaller, with people working longer so not being

free to contribute.

She said: “The trustees have spent quite a lot of time going through options and came to the conclusion that this is the only successful way forward at this time.”

The hope is that a new organisation, a sort of town forum, will emerge to examine planning applications and represent residents.

“Because the planning system is now so rigid and centrally controlled, it needs somebody to work through the legal paragraphs and to go through Dorset Council’s new Local Plan point by point,” says Jackie.

The trustees are expected to hold their final meeting in March and are still working on two outstanding applications, that of the plan to build at Enmore Court and on the land south of the A30 designated for business.

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Situated in the Blackmore Vale, Stalbridge enjoys the best of the Dorset countryside with an abundance of walks, far reaching views and charming country pubs just a stone’s throw away. Its thriving community makes Stalbridge the perfect place for all types

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£100k donated to aid NHS staff at hospital

By Miranda Robertson More than £100,000 has been raised to support NHS staff at Yeovil Hospital cope during the pandemic.

Little treats, counselling and extra equipment are all planned after the huge and heartwarming response to a justgiving campaign.

The donations are pouring in with messages of support at justgiving.com/campaign/ helpyeovilhospital.

James Kirton, head of fundraising at Yeovil Hospital Charity, said: “We feel there is a lot of goodwill out there and we are just trying to channel it so that people donate and we get lots of support for the hard working staff.”

As the NBV went to press, £99,740 had been raised by 1,278 supporters in ten months. Gift Aid will swell

those donations by a further £3,587.62.

A message on the page says: “In these unprecedented times, our staff are working incredibly hard to take care of you and your loved ones.

“Many of our staff are facing brand new challenges and working under extreme pressure day after day. The covid-19 pandemic means that the day-to-day life of our clinical staff has changed dramatically.

“They are working long shifts in stressful conditions and just like the rest of us, they are not able see the friends and family they rely on the most during difficult times.”

To donate, visit the link above, or send cheques payable to ‘Yeovil Hospital Charity’ to: Yeovil Hospital Charity, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, BA21 4AT.

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Vale rail card could boost network

By Steve Keenan A new rail card for travel between Salisbury and Exeter is being proposed as one idea to help South Western Railway get back on track.

Passenger numbers have collapsed due to travel restrictions: at the height of lockdown just 5,000 travelled to Waterloo compared with 125,000 on an average morning.

But a “positive” meeting last week between SWR and the Blackmore Vale Rail

Partnership (BVRP) discussed various incentives to restore confidence.

The new card, provisionally named The Cities and Vale railcard (Salisbury, Exeter, The Blackmore Vale), would be based on a similar product available in Devon and Cornwall. It costs £12 and gives off-peak discount travel for two adults, not necessarily from the same family, and four children at £1 each.

“It is really popular in the west, with ridership up on some lines by 100% in recent

years before the pandemic hit,” said Dorset councillor and BVRP member Derek Beer.

If approved, the card would cover journeys from all stations between Salisbury and Exeter. Another plan being examined is a Rover ticket for the region, which would benefit tourists and locals as well.

“Hopefully it would include onward, or connecting bus travel, really important in making the ticket attractive, and also environmentally sound,” said Cllr Beer, who

represents Shaftesbury.

“It was quite a good and productive meeting. Both parties saw the need to restore confidence in rail, and indeed bus travel when restrictions on getting about are lifted.

“This is a positive step forward in the plan to get things back to normal. There are obviously lots of approvals and such like to make them happen, but there is positivity all round, and building the confidence of the travelling public is top of the agenda.”

Time to shout out if you still want to be a member of the Swans Trust!

The Swans Trust is renewing its membership list and the present list will cancelled from March 31 due to data protection.

All previous members who wish to retain their membership are invited to do so by completing the online application form that is

available on the Swans Trust web site at swanstrust.org.uk Any member who does not have Internet access can obtain a paper application

form by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: The Swans Trust, Swans Yard, High Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8JQ. 15

Prestigious past and desperate decay

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A mansion on the Dorset/Wiltshire border with 700 years of history and seven listed buildings is in danger of falling apart.

Zeals House is a Grade I listed building set in 58 sprawling acres of a walled park which has played host to a king on the run, an RAF squadron and a lovelorn ghost.

But the house, which is medieval in parts, is in poor condition and deteriorating, say both Historic England and heritage conservation group SAVE. Villagers are also concerned about its future.

Architectural designer Alex Brydon, who lives next door in Manor Farm House, says: “There are broken windows, bats flying around, water coming in and dry rot.

“It is mainly damp doing the damage. Some work has been done, some painting – but it is decorative. The house is dilapidating.”

As well as the Grade I listed main house, six estate buildings are Grade II listed:

GLORIOUS: Zeals House pictured in 1909

The orangery, granary, dovecote, icehouse, gate piers and stable blocks. But these are also in decline.

Neighbours say a fallen oak has damaged the orangery, while the stable block has been used as a tip and is partly filled with rubble.

According to the Land Registry, the house is owned

by SKE Holdings, based in

the British Virgin Islands, which bought it for £2,921,825 in February 2010.

The package included 58 acres of parkland, a cottage and two lodges as well as the big house and outbuildings. Neighbours believe a Turkish-Cypriot family is behind SKE, members of which lived in

Zeals until about four years ago.

Since then, a series of different Polish labourers have been in residence on and off – but neighbours say attempts to alert the absentee owners to the building’s decline have failed to get a response.

Historic England has now added Zeals House to its At

Vaulted ceiling and fire surround removed, piece by piece Alex Brydon, a neighbour and architectural designer, visited Zeals House last month.

He says: “The chapel/priest hole is in the roof of the oldest standing part of the house.

“It had a vaulted ceiling, which has collapsed and been removed.

“Some of the arched ceiling joists are stacked in the roof, the remainder are still in place.

“The laths and plaster have been removed altogether.

The fire surround has been removed, the fire hearth has been removed and I suspect 16

ROTTING: The remains of a vaulted ceiling with bare joists

it is leaning against a wall near the tower room. The floor has been removed and bare joists remain that support the ceiling to the

bedroom/room below.

“I cannot say when these elements were removed.

Below this room is an early room with a later fireplace.

“On my first visit to the house, when I accompanied a police officer, I visited this room and there was a large piece of the plaster ceiling on the floor.

“By my next visit, half of the ceiling had been removed and replaced with plaster board and skimmed.

The wooden cornice was lying on the floor, the joists above this ceiling in the area of the fireplace had presumably rotted from an historic leak in the roof and had been replaced with some haphazard pieces of pine, which now support that area of plasterboard.”

of 700-year-old mansion Zeals House

Risk Register. It says that the house is unused, its condition is poor and that the property is in a state of slow decay, with no solution agreed.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re working closely with the local authority to fully understand the issues the building faces, and the plans of the current owners, so we can work together to find a long-term solution for the site and ultimately ensure its preservation.”

The local authority is Wiltshire Council. It is thought that Jocelyn Sage, the council’s senior conservation officer, is leading attempts to liaise with the owners.

But with limited council resources, and no pot of money to purchase, it is effectively a race against time to try and prevent permanent damage to the house and estate, or even its demolition.

The heritage conservation group, SAVE, has also expressed grave concern. It has added the granary, lodges, and stables to its

SAD DECLINE: Zeals House today and, below, the main hall

Buildings at Risk register, describing them as “standing neglected and decaying”.

Its website states: “Despite the efforts of the local authority, the new owners have so far not been

contactable and appear oblivious to the need to preserve these buildings as part of the estate.

“This would greatly enhance the Grade I listed house and preserve important historic

assets in themselves.

“Perhaps a determined prospective purchaser is what is needed to track down the current owners and prevent further deterioration.”

Any work on listed properties always needs planning permission. But Charles Spencer, chair of Zeals Parish Council, says the council has had no contact from Zeals House for years.

Indeed, a check of Wiltshire Council’s planning archive shows that the last application for any work on Zeals House was simply to replace two glazed doors with solid panelled doors in 2007.

The owner then was Wendy Edgar, who had bought Zeals House for £2.4m in 2001. She told the New Blackmore Vale: “My children were teens and loved it there. We spent a lot of time on the lake and boat house. We were very happy.”

She continued the work started by Alex Garnet Phippen, who bought and completely renovated the house from 1968. Among the features restored were the 17th century orangery and 16th century dovecote, originally built to house 400 doves and provide the house with food.

Towards the millennium, Zeals House included 12 bedrooms, six bathrooms and five reception rooms.

Wooden panelling, a marble fireplace and billiard room were also in use.

Mrs Edgar carried on the restoration, re-leading the roof and added new windows and a roof for the orangery. She would have stayed but she said: “I kept horses and we ran out of space. The parkland needed to be kept as it was and I CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

17

FROM PAGE 17

didn’t want to cut it up into fields. So we moved on to somewhere that gave us the room.”

The wood panelling is still extant in the house but with the damp and dry rot, cannot be expected to last indefinitely. A vaulted ceiling in the chapel also collapsed last year.

Meanwhile, work had started on the damaged roof of the orangery, but was abandoned amid a RACK AND RUIN: The master bedroom, the stables and the missing window disagreement over bills.

Some scaffolding is still in place.

So far, neighbours in Zeals have acted individually in trying to get action. But the impetus for a cohesive recounting that Charles II She is reputed to be the which St Matthew’s Church forum of residents is now was given refuge at Zeals daughter of the house who was built. beginning to be discussed.

House on his flight to the eloped with a servant and She also gave her name to One neighbour, Rosemary coast, and the bed in which was never heard of again. the Chafyn Grove School in Corbin, said the house may he is said to have slept is However, a stone set in the Salisbury. She died in 1891 have to be demolished due still preserved with its woods above the lake and was the last occupier to to serious dilapidation. original drapes intact. suggests the ‘elopement’ bear the family name.

“What a tragedy this would ended in tragedy, for it During the Second World be. We are finding it all very William Chafyn was Sherriff of Wiltshire in records: “A human skeleton War the house was upsetting.”

1685, and his daughter was found buried here two requisitioned by the Army The recent developments married John, son of Hugh feet deep on 22nd February as a billet and later the have overshadowed the 1876 and was re-interred in Officer’s Mess for the RAF magnificent history of Zeals Grove, their descendants Zeals Churchyard.” based at the emergency House, which became home continuing in unbroken possession until 1968.

The last Chafyn-Grove was airfield on St. Martin’s to the Chafyn family in the According to the Wiltshire Miss Julia, who died in Farm which, at that time, early 15th century. The OPC website, the story of 1891, leaving the estate to formed part of the estate of original Great Hall and the house ghost at Zeals is a her cousin Mr. G. TroyteZeals House. Later it North Wing of the present Bullock. became home to a school house date from this period. local legend. A young woman dressed in grey is Miss Julia was a great before the Troyte-ChafynThe house was a centre of Grove family took Royalist support in the civil said to come down the front benefactor, donating not only the Grove Building in repossession of the building war, the book Highways and stairs and walk to the woods.

Mere but also the land upon in 1956.

Byways in Wiltshire

Historic house’s story may end with tragic demolition

First laptops donated, and now more are wanted Two families with multiple children accessing lessons on a single smartphone are set to be the first recipients of two Chromebooks after an appeal in our last edition.

Reader Greer Tilbrook appealed for help updating laptops donated by villagers in Milton on Stour to help kids get online for school.

Retired Lib Dem councillor Ian Stewart spotted it and put Greer in touch with Simon Barfoot of Blackmore IT, 18

who runs the Donate IT programme to get laptops to learners.

Simon collected the equipment from Greer on Friday and got to work updating it.

DonateIT (donateit@ r3cycle.co.uk) is a new initiative launched by Blackmore Ricotech to help raise awareness of the importance of recycling IT technology properly, whilst turning tech to cash to help

benefit the south west (mainly in Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire) community.

Donate IT is a new project to encourage both businesses and individuals to recycle a much wider range of their IT tech from laptops, PC’s, routers, smartphones, tablets, games and more. If you have unused IT tech lying around that has potential value, donate it. Steve Edmunds, chairman of Blackmore Ricotech, said, “There are

many great schemes popping up to help schools and community groups gain access to laptops.”

Businesses and organisations with redundant IT equipment can simply email DonateIT@r3cycle.co.uk and they will contact you to arrange a pickup or advise of a secure local drop off location. They currently have secure drop off locations in Warminster, Wincanton and Bruton.

Smallholders told to stop selling eggs from stall after complaint A smallholding couple have been told to stop selling eggs and kindling from an honesty stall after a neighbour complained.

Dan and Bethan Bolton are tenants and run their Happy Meat Company on land at Holyrood Farm, half a mile from Shaftesbury.

They have Dexter cattle, pigs

and sheep and would like to open a small farm shop at the farm, which also operates a camping site.

The honesty stall was a first foray into selling from the farm. But within a week, the farmer had received a call from the council saying there had been a complaint.

Dan posted on Facebook:

“We are just a family with young children trying to provide for our community and would have hoped that people would be more supportive.”

He later told the NBV: “We rent the land and farm buildings. Someone had called the council but I’m not even sure what they said.”

His post did elicit plenty of support, however. “What?!

Madness! I was bloody pleased to see local eggs and kids were looking forward to many trips round to fetch them,” said Shaftesbury resident Zoe Dunne.

The firm does deliver in Shaftesbury and surrounding area. Call 07891 322482.

Dog groomer Kelly closer to glory

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Wincanton’s winning dog groomer Kelly Davis has taken another step towards being recognised as the best clipper in the country.

Kelly won through to the last four of the BBC1 challenge Pooch Perfect, a show which pits groomers against each other in a battle of canine beauty therapists.

And, as in her first outing, she was named Best in Show ahead of her fellow contestants, the judges praising her versatility.

An emotional Kelly said through the tears: “I was just so shocked. But so happy. To win Best in Show feels amazing.”

She told the NBV: “This round was tough as Asian Freestyle is something that I have never done before but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge on little Pixie the Maltese to showcase my skill set. The Welsh terrier Ferry had a hard coat to strip but equally I enjoyed the pressure of getting it all done within the time. I feel thrilled to get Best In Show again and be put through to the semi-finals.”

Kelly, who lives in Bruton, has been a groomer for 18 years, the last eight of which has been running her studio and training centre in Wincanton, KD Grooming.

In the quarter final, Kelly was given more than three hours to wash and clip a Welsh terrier called Ferry.

Judge Verity Hardcastle said: “Beautiful head shape, lovely triangular eyebrows… There isn’t one stray hair.” Kelly won the first round. “You gave Ferry that beautiful Welsh Terrier expression,” said cojudge Colin Taylor.

Her second dog to be groomed was a Maltese called Pixie – which she gave plaits. “It was totally not my thing - but I tried my hardest,” she said.

And it worked. Said Verity: “We really liked her design on this little Maltese. She really gave that dog a little smile.”

Kelly was also the only one of the four to correctly name the breeds in a cross.

Her win took Kelly into the semi-final, which was shown on BBC1 last night (Thursday). The top two from the show go forward to a head-to-head battle in the final next Thursday.

LEADING ROLE: Dog groomer Kelly Davies, pictured with Welsh terrier Ferry, is into the semi-final of the TV game show Pooch Perfect

19

Plans for 114 homes and retail area in Stalbridge rejected

By Nicci Brown Dorset Council’s Northern Planning committee on Tuesday rejected an application for housing development in Stalbridge which has already gone to appeal because the council had made no decision.

The Planning Inspectorate has agreed to consider it through a public inquiry later in the year.

Outline planning permission is being sought for up to 114 homes and 200 sqm of retail

development on the 5.67-hectare site south of Lower Road.

More than a dozen objectors and people expressing concern include Stalbridge Town Council, ward member Councillor Graham Carr-Jones (the council’s housing portfolio holder) and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

Councillors were asked to give an ‘in principle’ decision on the proposal to convey to the applicant and Planning Inspectorate, and were told by

officers that for the purposes of the appeal, the Council would, subject to the receipt of a satisfactory section 106 Agreement and suggested conditions, have granted the application. .

They were told that Stalbridge has recently taken on a housing growth in excess of the current adopted Development Plan policies. But the council was unable to demonstrate a five year housing land supply (HLS), and the location, adjacent to the

settlement boundary of Stalbridge, was considered to be sustainable. There was not considered to be any significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity, and the impact on landscape due to loss of countryside was not considered sufficient to warrant refusal.

But after a two hour meeting, councillors disagreed, and voted unanimously to reject the plan due to overdevelopment, unsustainability and environmental harm.

Councils harnessing power of sunshine

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Bruton and Castle Cary town councils are harnessing the power of the sun and leading the way in cutting carbon in their communities.

With a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, the town councils have partnered with West Country solar installer IDDEA and The Green Group to offer residents heavily discounted solar PV panels.

Under the Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus scheme, residents and businesses from Bruton, Castle Cary and up to five miles away in the surrounding area can buy the panels and generate clean electricity, cut carbon emissions and lower energy bills. For each installation, a donation is made towards local environmental projects.

Now, the first solar PV panels

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have been installed which included a battery to enable residents to use a greater proportion of the electricity generated by the panels.

Mayor of Bruton Ewan Jones said: “I am delighted that Bruton and Castle Cary Solar Streets can celebrate our first installation right at the start of 2021.

“Harnessing the power of the sun demonstrates how Somerset towns and parishes are providing the 21st century energy and initiative to address the climate and ecological emergency that

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Judi Morison, chairman of Castle Cary Town Council, said: “The council is pleased to support this partnership working initiative Solar Streets.

“Its aims fully fit with our environmental action plan for Castle Cary to be carbon neutral by 2030. We enthusiastically endorse this scheme and are glad that our community has started to engage with and benefit from it.”

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cost of installation would be too great.

Now, a 12 panel 4kWp system costs from £4,000. Smaller and larger systems are available with add-ons such as batteries for storage of electricity and iBoost to heat water.

Bruton and Castle Cary town councils are following in the footsteps of Frome, which launched the scheme in the town in 2019, with more than 100 systems installed to date.

The discounted scheme is possible because IDDEA can install solar PV in bulk, saving time, transport and associated emissions. Households benefit from reduced energy bills and if electricity prices increase, the savings will increase over time and each installation will save about 1.5 tonnes of carbon every year.

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By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

West Dorset MP Chris Loder is calling for custodial sentences for animal cruelty to be increased ten-fold, from six months to up to five years.

Mr Loder spoke during the House of Commons Committee debate on February 3, in which his Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was scrutinised in detail.

The MP brought the Bill to Parliament as a Private Members’ Bill in 2020.

In 2019 the RSPCA received 1,218,364 phone calls for help, investigated more than 93,362 complaints of alleged cruelty and secured 1,425 convictions by private prosecution to protect animals against those who break the laws.

Mr Loder said: “Today we are one step closer to increasing the maximum custodial penalty for those who abuse animals.

“The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but in terms of penalties we are currently amongst the lowest.

“I am so pleased that this Bill is making progress today, sending a clear signal to potential offenders that there is no place for animal cruelty in this country.”

The MP says that, whilst

ANIMAL CHAMPION: MP Chris Loder with his springer spaniel Poppy

MP urges tougher sentences for animal cruelty offences this Bill is about animals, it is worth noting the strong link between acts of violence against animals and acts of violence against people; and that tackling animal abuse is an important factor in tackling domestic abuse as well.

Mr Loder was inspired to bring forward the Bill by

his own dog Poppy, a springer spaniel who he rescued after she had been abandoned at the roadside on a stormy night several years ago, having very clearly been mistreated.

Now Poppy is a treasured family pet and her story has prompted him to call for the maximum sentence for

animal cruelty offences to be increased.

The MP will continue to press for this important Bill to become law; and it now moves forward to the penultimate stage in the House of Commons.

For further information visit chrisloder.co.uk/ animalwelfare

Delight as Gryphon students receive university offers Students at The Gryphon School in Sherborne are celebrating after receiving numerous university offers including five to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Despite a challenging year, the hard work and dedication from the Year 13 students has paid off.

Head of Sixth Form Paul O’Donnell said: “From universities in Aberystwyth to York, in courses varying from acting to zoology, our students have done exceptionally well to receive prestigious

offers. it is testament to their hard work, determination and focus in really trying circumstances.”

Cameron Moore will go on to study natural sciences at Cambridge, Harry Yeatman to study land economy at Cambridge, Josh Shortman to study history and politics at Cambridge, Bronwen Price to study law at Oxford and Katy Holland to study biomedicine at Oxford.

Competition for these places was even

tougher than usual due to last year’s decision to revert to CAG grades, which meant that many universities had to require some students to defer their places.

Mr O’Donnell added: “As such, these outcomes are all the more impressive for our students.”

Headteacher Nicki Edwards said: “Our students should be extremely proud of themselves – we are certainly very proud of them!”

21

How you can Zoom in for series of free lectures for u3a Blandford and District u3a are hosting a series of free lectures to anyone who wishes to hear them.

Current restrictions mean the afternoon lectures are being held on Zoom.

The programme for the rest of this year is: n March 19 – Julian Black on the Bankes family of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy n July 2 – Adrian Green

on Heywood Sumner n September 24 – Francis Burroughs on the history of glass If you would like to see these, please telephone 01258 455081 and you will

be sent a Zoom link.

The u3a is open to anyone not in full-time employment and offers a wide range of activities. Find more details about u3a at blandfordu3a.co.uk

IT ALL ADDS UP: Yeovil College students Sam Grimster, Harry Morris, Jasmine Read, lecturer Michael Wragg, Niamh Campbell, Tom Smith, Elijah Wood and Stacey Gavin.

Students’ maths contest excellence is sum achievement Nine young mathematicians at Yeovil College have been recognised at the annual UKMT Senior Maths Challenge.

The first year A-level maths students excelled in the national competition which is organised by the UK Mathematics Trust for sixth-form

students. Jasmine Read answered the 25 challenging questions, which are not related to A-level maths and are intended to stretch students to think logically and laterally.

Using her skill, insight and problemsolving ability, she secured a silver medal.

High-performing students receive medals and each year the top few maths students in the country are eligible to go onto the national and international Olympiads.

Coronavirus restrictions meant the students entered online and all adapted well to the change in format.

Your part to play in town development

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Sherborne Town Council is urging townsfolk to have their say in shaping the future of the town by taking part in two key events next month.

Residents have until March 15 to submit their views on the Dorset Council Local Plan, which contains proposals for future development in villages and towns across the county until 2038.

And people living in Sherborne are being urged to take part in Census Day on March 21.

Spokesperson Sarah Rudd 22

said: “There are two important and future improving events taking place across Dorset in March, where input from the residents of Sherborne is crucial.”

Dorset Council Local Plan outlines the strategy for meeting the needs of the area such as housing, employment, and community provision and directs development to suitable locations near existing facilities, and detailed policies promote high quality development that respects and enhances the character of each area.

The plan also aims to protect Dorset’s natural environment

and contribute towards the mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

The census is the 10-yearly survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.

It has been carried out every decade since 1801, except for 1941. For the first time the census will be run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter including a unique access code, to complete the questionnaire on a computer, phone, or tablet. Residents who are unable to complete the census digitally will be supported by a phone helpline, a network of census

support centres or by ordering a paper copy.

Sarah added: “Census day is March 21, 2021 and by taking part you help to make sure your community gets what it needs.”

For more details about the Census, visit the Sherborne Town Council website sherborne-tc-gov-uk .

For information about the draft plan and to have your say visit sherborne-tc.gov.uk, where there are various links to information from Dorset Council.

You can contact the Planning Policy team on 01305 251010 or email planningpolicy @dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

WI’s century of jam and Jerusalem

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Milton on Stour Women’s Institute is 100 years old this month – but the party will have to be put on hold.

An elaborate tea party and tree planting ceremony are planned for when the group can meet again: only one meeting has taken place since March 2020.

But for Milton’s members, the lull is a chance to reflect on what the group has achieved since its inaugural meeting in February 1921 – just six years after the first WI group was formed in the UK. Milton WI secretary Sue Hatch says: “In 1921 life was hard to say the least, especially for the women living in rural areas. The opportunities to meet others and exchange ideas and gossip, including dressing in your best bib and tucker were few and far between.

“Something was needed to fill this gap and with this in mind, several ladies got together and thought a WI would fit the bill, giving ladies a chance to meet and greet, exchange gossip and at the same time learn new skills.”

The WI had been brought to life in the UK in 1915, with an aim to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. It passed its first resolution in 1918, urging local authorities to take advantage of the government scheme for state-aided housing. In 1924, WI members sang Jerusalem for the first time.

It was adopted because of its links with the suffrage movement.

At the 1921 first general meeting of the Milton WI, held in the The Men’s Club in the village (now gone) 23

Victoria sponge cooked to a specific recipe.”

In 1925, it was decided that Milton members would like their own meeting place, so fundraising began in earnest and two years later, the WI bought a disused army hut which was housed in Kendall Lane.

It became the WI’s home for 50 years, except during World War Two when the hut was commandeered by the army and meetings were GLORY DAYS: Two group shots from 1929/30 and the 1940s held in members’ homes.

For its Golden Jubilee in 1971, Milton WI held a party in the hut to include former members.

The group was entertained

by The Jubilee Belles, a group of nine WI members.

“Who could forget Mrs Steele, the local postmistress, dressed in a tutu singing Nobody Loves a Fairy When They’re 40,” laughs Sue. Besides the Jam and Jerusalem members, many have taken part in various activities including quizzes, skittles, tennis and the latest indoor kurling. Two tennisplaying members, Mary Williams and Sheila Fricker, represented Dorset at Queen’s Club in London, and the skittles team twice won the county trophy.

“We still encourage ladies of all ages and creeds to join us, indeed our oldest member to date is (the tennis playing) Mary Williams, who has just ON STAGE: The Jubilee Belles from 1971, from left to right: Joyce Hatcher, Mary Williams, Jean Marsh, Anne Lush, Phyllis turned 95,” said Sue. Woodcock, Mary Steele “Our venue has changed once again and we now members attended – the speaker and finally tea and meet in the newly built same number as are biscuits.

Scout Community Hut, members today.

Speakers have ranged from where, as soon as we can we The first president was Mrs basket making, beekeeping mean to plant a tree to Thompson, wife of – even how to wear your commemorate our Brigadier General gas mask.

Thompson, a couple who Sue says: “In the early years centenary.

“Despite the pandemic, lived in Milton Lodge. there was also an in-house Membership doubled in the competition where members there is still a common bond - and I’m certain the ladies first year, to 46. brought something of their from 1921 would heartily Each meeting then, as today, own making, for example a consisted of WI business, a funny photo of your pet or a approve of us.”

23

Artist Lorraine banishes the blues with a splash of colour Wincanton resident Lorraine Moore has found a clever and creative way to keep herself occupied during lockdown – Paint by Numbers.

After spending months cooped up on furlough, Lorraine researched ways to relieve the boredom and stumbled on Paint by Numbers and these are just

some of the stunning paintings Lorraine has completed.

She said: “I have spent more time on furlough than I have actually worked over the past year. I needed help to kick boredom, reduce anxiety and stress, improve my self-confidence and feel calmer and more positive. I found research has proven that completing a Paint by Numbers helps reduce these negative feelings.”

Lorraine sent away for a kit and once it arrived, she was hooked. “It’s so addictive and fun,” she said.

“It made me think that if I had problems getting the kits or had to wait ages for them to arrive then there must be others in the same boat as me.

So I decided to purchase 80 sets and sell them to UK customers.”

If anyone would like to buy a Paint by Numbers kit, go to facebook.com/ lilyscraftsandmoore.

£1.7m to boost staffing in county’s social care sector

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order Gillingham Showroom

01747 833 789 Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG Opening Hours Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: Appointment only www.solsticekitchens.co.uk 24

By Karen Bate The government has awarded Dorset Council £1,728,324 to boost staffing levels in the social care sector in the wake of coronavirus.

Staff absence rates in care homes and the home care sector have increased significantly across the country as many workers are testing positive or having to self-isolate.

The funding can provide additional care staff where shortages arise, support administrative tasks so experienced and skilled staff can focus on providing care and help existing staff to take on additional hours if they wish with

overtime payments or by covering childcare costs.

Care Minister Helen Whately said: “This additional funding gives a boost to the social care workforce during some of the most difficult days of this pandemic so far.

Care workers have been doing the most amazing job throughout the pandemic.

“In challenging circumstances, they have been caring for some of the people most at risk from this virus with compassion and skill.”

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “It’s great news that we have been awarded

additional funding to help boost staffing levels across the care sector.

“All care settings are facing increased pressure due to covid19 and we’re working with care providers to make sure they continue to receive the high level of support they need and deserve at this time help them manage infection control and staffing.

“Dorset Council has been running a recruitment campaign on behalf of the sector since before Christmas. Anyone interested in a career in social care can apply through our website dorsetsocial care.co.uk.”

Double win for glamping site

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Showing resilience and innovation during covid-19 has won two Sherborne hospitality businesses gold in the 2020 Dorset Tourism Awards.

The New Tourism Business award went to The Cross Keys in Cheap Street, a pub/eaterie that new owner Mo Gherras opened in June 2019 – and promptly had to shut down nine months later.

Meanwhile, just down the road, Jenny and Jon Fletcher at The Grange at Osborne took the Tourism Innovation award for turning their country house hotel into an overflow hospital. The Grange was also runners-up in the Hotel of the Year category.

There were 60 finalists in 21 categories, with the awards a glitzy affair on Zoom.

Jenny said on Facebook: “We got dressed up, opened a bottle of bubbly and celebrated with all the winners. After a truly tough year in hospitality, we are overwhelmed to have received two awards.”

The hotel became a convalescent home to help ease the burden on Dorset hospitals, while the award was also for “bringing music back” with outdoor concerts on re-opening, said Jenny.

The Cross Keys had been a pub on Cheap Street since 1862 before closing in 2016.

It languished empty and unloved for two years until Mo and partner Hannah came in search of a project in Sherborne.

With young children, they were relocating to be nearer Hannah’s family. Mo was then a chef, working as restaurant manager at the Michelin-starred Royal Oak at Paley Street, Berkshire.

“It was an empty shell – they had got rid of everything,” said Mo. “We

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: Mo Gherras at The Cross Keys in Sherborne

Sturminster Newton’s Farmstead Glamping picked up two accolades at the Dorset Tourism Awards, winning gold for a second year in the Glamping Business of the Year category and silver in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category.

Manager Hannah Hannam said: “It’s been a wonderful morale boost for the team to be recognised, especially after such a challenging year. We were especially pleased with our success in the sustainability category as it is something that is hugely important to us.”

The results were announced during an online event. “It was great fun to be able to get all dressed up for the awards day and even our young children had a break from homeschooling to join in,”

said Hannah.

Awards organiser Robin Barker said: “It would have been very easy to cancel the awards this year – we did think long and hard about it, but the level of early entries we received in spite of everything, and the creativity and determination shown by entrants inspired us to find a way to make this happen – and your responses and feedback ever since have completely blown us away.”

Farmstead Glamping is currently closed due to covid restrictions.

Hannah said: “We know people are desperate to be able to get back out in the countryside and are looking forward to welcoming guests back to our beautiful corner of Dorset as soon as we are able. We have missed having them here very much.”

Innovation the key to success for county’s tourism awards The complete list of Blackmore Vale winners NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD Gold: The Cross Keys, Sherborne TOURISM INNOVATION AWARD Gold: The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne GLAMPING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Gold: Farmstead Glamping, Sturminster Newton ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD Silver: Farmstead Glamping, Sturminster Newton HOTEL OF THE YEAR Silver: The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne. Bronze: Hammoon Manor – Luxury Retreat ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’, Sturminster Newton PUB OF THE YEAR Silver: The Cross Keys, Sherborne. Bronze: The Milton Arms, Blandford VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR Silver: Shaftesbury Tourist Information Centre, Shaftesbury ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD Bronze: Ellwood Cottages, Blandford Forum SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR Bronze: Hammoon Manor – Luxury Retreat ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’, Sturminster Newton

had to do it all again – put in a kitchen, floors, four new bedrooms, a courtyard and space for 100 diners.”

They made their own bread, scotch eggs and bought meat from the Cheap Street butcher, eggs from a nearby farm.

It became an all-day eaterie, from breakfast through lunch meals to afternoon

tea, drinks and dinner.

It’s gone down well in Sherborne – and Sherborne has gone down well with Mo. “To be honest, I’d never heard of the place until three years ago but it’s a very close community, very supportive. It’s different.”

The couple first looked at opening in Poundbury but

Mo believes there is not the demand in the town yet for more restaurants.

They were advised by a friend to try Sherborne and found The Cross Keys, previously a Marstonsowned pub.

A Sherborne couple had bought the pub as an investment and gave Mo a 20-year leasehold.

25

Food & Drink

Foodbank feeding nearly 2,000 people

By Karen Bate A hunger-free future is the ambition of the Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food and dignified support from its 1,200 food bank centres to people locked in food poverty.

Gillingham Foodbank supports people from Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Stalbridge, Wincanton, Mere and the surrounding villages.

Already this year the foodbank has seen almost a 100 per cent increase in people needing food parcels compared to the same time in 2020.

In 2019, 1,038 adults and 603 children were fed with help from Gillingham Foodbank.

Last year the charity distributed 31,565kg of food to 779 emergency referrals, helping feed 1,182 adults and 790 children for three days –

an increase of 331 people and 6.4 tonnes of food.

One couple were forced to turn to Gillingham Foodbank after their work in the hospitality sector dried up with following the first lockdown.

“Our first step was to reassure them that they had come to the right place and that it was a privilege to help them,” said a Gillingham Foodbank spokesman. “Not only were we were able to give them a generous amount of nonperishable food to feed their family for the next few days, but recent funding enabled us to provide a voucher for them to spend at the local butcher.

After further chatting they revealed that they had been unable to heat their home for the last week. This funding enabled us to put money on their meter. We gave them assurance that they could return for more help if they

from the communities, volunteers and generous donations.

The spokesman said: “So please do remember the foodbank as you do your weekly shop. Most of our supermarkets in the Blackmore Vale and surrounding areas have food donation points near to the checkouts.”

If you would like to find out more about the work of Gillingham Food Bank go to gillingham.foodbank.org.uk/lo cations or email info@ gillingham.foodbank.org.uk

needed it and they felt could face the future. Armed also with a ‘bonus extra’ hamper of Christmas goodies, they left us with ENFORD FARM SHOP smiles on their faces.”

Home reared Lamb, along with locally produced meat, veg, fruit, deli & game Feeding Follow us on Facebook for all of our latest deals people in & offers including weekly meat pack deals crisis would Half lamb £65 be Open All day, everyday outside shop impossible Fri, Sat Farm Shop Open 8.30am-5pm also Arts & display without the Durweston, near Blandford support

01258 450050

The surprising benefts of parsnips and celeriac Rebecca Vincent is a Wincanton nutritionist

In February we are lucky to have a bounty of produce available to us, and today we are going to celebrate celeriac and parsnips! This recipe makes a lovely brunch or side for a main meal.

Parsnips are a firm winter favourite and boast high levels of vitamin C, many minerals as well as good levels of many B vitamins. Just one cup of cooked parsnips has 23% of the recommended daily intake of folic acid. Celeriac is a very underrated, slightly oddlooking vegetable with great levels of vitamins B6, C and K, potassium, and manganese.

It is a great low carb potato alternative for those watching their carbohydrate intake and makes lovely mash, chips and 26

rosti!

Celeriac and parsnips are both good sources of fibre, the government recommends we each consume 30g of fibre per day and yet the average daily intake in the UK is just 18g.

This recipe will provide you with nearly 8g per portion helping to bolster your intake.

Celeriac and Parsnip Rosti (serves 2) 1/2 medium celeriac (peeled

and grated) 1 medium parsnip (grated) 1 heaped tbsp flour (white, wholemeal or gf) 2 large eggs ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil to fry To serve: poached/boiled egg and fresh chives N.B. These rosti are lovely plain but very versatile so can be seasoned or spiced however you like, smoked paprika and

oregano, chilli and coriander or fennel seed and rosemary are all lovely additions.

Mix together all the ingredients except the oil, ensuring the flour and egg coat the grated vegetables evenly.

Heat a large frying pan on a medium high heat and add the oil. When up to temperature divide the celeriac and parsnip mixture into 4 piles in the pan, flatten with a spatula or fish slice into rounds. Fry for a couple of minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip.

Fry for another couple of minutes until the second side is golden. Serve 2 per person with an egg and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives. n Rebecca Vincent BSc BANT registered nutritionist rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Thyme and Honey Infusion Although usually thought of as a culinary herb, thyme has another important role to play: as a medicinal herb, it’s a wonderful healer – excellent for easing coughs (especially those annoyingly dry tickly ones) and soothing sore throats. It helps to relax the throat and has decongestant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Common thyme and lemon thyme are the best varieties for soothing drinks.

First of all, make yourself a jar of thyme infused honey: see below – unless of course you have a jar of actual thyme honey from a gorgeous Greek island which would obviously be even better!

The honey itself is fabulous on hot buttered toast or muffins and is well-worth making just for this alone.

Pour into a sterilised jar together with the boiled sprig of thyme.

Cover with the lid.

It’s ready to use immediately but the flavour develops in intensity after a few days.

Store, as with any honey, at room temperature.

Thyme honey, from bees working mainly on thyme flowers, is fantastic stuff and very good for you. A close second in the health and taste stakes is standard flower honey infused with thyme.

The Thyme Honey Ingredients 1x jar of clear honey (sizes vary) 1 x bushy sprig of thyme,

Mum’s Kitchen...

Sticky Orange Cake This lovely moist cake makes an ideal dessert after a meal. It is easily rendered gluten free by using a gluten free flour, and is delicious served with crème fraiche.

Ingredients 2 tablespoons golden syrup 3 large oranges 225g (8oz) butter, softened 225g (8oz) caster sugar 3 medium eggs, lightly beaten 100g (3.5oz) plain flour or gluten-free flour, sifted 75g (3oz) polenta 1.5 tsp baking powder Icing sugar, optional, to dust Method Preheat oven to 170 C (150

C Fan). Line a 20.5 cm (8in) tin with non-stick baking paper (a purchased cake tin liner is ideal) and measure golden syrup into the base of the lined tin.

With a small serrated knife, cut peel and pith off two oranges.

Cut peeled oranges into 5mm (quarter inch) thick slices, cutting across the segments.

Discard any seeds. Arrange slices in base of tin over syrup. Zest and juice remaining orange and set aside.

Put butter and caster sugar into a large bowl. Beat together until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs. Fold in flour, polenta,

taken from the tips of the branches, cut to fit inside the jar, washed and dried Method Pour the honey into a small heavy-bottomed pan: a milk pan or similar, and add the thyme.

Bring to a gentle boil – it shouldn’t be furiously heaving.

Remove from the heat.

Thyme and Honey Infusion Per cup 1 rounded spoonful of Greek thyme honey/homemade thyme infused honey Good squeeze of lemon juice Hot water Stir the honey into a cup of hot water with lemon juice to taste and drink warm. You might want a hot water bottle and a snuggly blanket as well if you are feeling really poorly!

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

with Diana Holman

baking powder, reserved orange zest and juice.

Spoon the mixture into the tin and gently level surface.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Leave the cake to cool in

the tin 10 minutes, then put a large serving plate on top of the tin and invert. Lift off tin and peel off paper.

If you like, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar and caramelise with a blow torch.

27

Public Notices Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Knighton Countryside Management Ltd trading as Knighton Countryside Management Ltd of Unit 37 Enterprise Business Park, Piddlehinton, DT2 7UA is applying to change an existing licence as follows. To keep an extra 2 goods vehicles and 3 trailers at the operating centre at Unit 37 Enterprise Business Park, Piddlehinton, DT2 7UA. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 368 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 Commissioner’s office.

Notice of membership renewal for Swans Trust In order to comply with the Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) under the Data Protection Act 2018, the trustees of Swans Trust are renewing the membership list of the Trust and the present list will cancelled from the 31st March 2021.

All previous members who wish to retain their membership are invited to do so by completing the online application form that is available on the Swans Trust web site at swanstrust.org.uk This form will require the member to give their name, residential and email addresses and agree to their details being held by the Trust for the purposes of Trust administration and communication. Any member who does not have Internet access can obtain a paper application form by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: - The Swans Trust, Swans Yard, High Street Shaftesbury SP7 8JQ. Notice on behalf of the board of trustees Feb 2021

Supermarkets don’t feed the spirit When the history of the covid-19 pandemic is written, I don’t think the world’s religious institutions and their leaders will emerge covered in glory. I can only reflect on my own Church of England, of course – where the story is dismal.

It began with the Archbishops putting parish churches into the tightest possible lockdown, with not even their incumbents being allowed to enter church buildings to pray. While supermarkets stayed open, with their heroic staff ensuring that people could still be fed physically, the Church seemed little interested in people’s spiritual hunger.

Admittedly, we all tried to do our best with streamed, recorded, and zoomed services. My dining room at Sherborne Vicarage replaced the Abbey for many weeks. But it wasn’t the same. When I retired at the end of June, I hoped beyond hope that we wouldn’t have to do that again.

Come the latest lockdown, and the powers-that-be have learned their lesson. They probably didn’t have the legal right to close churches in the first place. Now they have left it to individual parishes and their clergy.

So each individual benefice and its constituent parishes are responding to lockdown in their own way, given the configuration of their buildings and the availability of human resources. I am just grateful that I am still able to preside at a real and actual Eucharist in various churches each month – with all the necessary precautions

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE EVENTS CREW LTD of Unit 2 Days Yard, Bow Bridge, Henstridge, Somerset BA8 0TF is applying to change an existing licence as follows. To keep an extra 7 goods vehicles and 10 trailers at the operating centre at Unit B Barracuda West Industrial Park, Bow Bridge, The Marsh, Henstridge, Somerset BA8 0TF. 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 Hill Crest 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 Commissioner’s Office.

28

Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

being taken.

Meanwhile, nationally, some of the clergy are hailing the new ‘digital’ approach as the future for the Church. I don’t believe it. Heard the one about the Vicar with foot & mouth disease? Wouldn’t visit.

Couldn’t preach. Children who are struggling to cope with digital learning are proof that nothing can replace flesh and blood human communication, however socially distanced.

And now the CofE is awash with rumours that the hierarchy are going to use the present pandemic to close churches, make parish priests redundant and dismantle the parochial system. I don’t know how much of that is ‘fake news’ – I’m out of the loop now. But it wouldn’t surprise me. Management-speak rules.

Some years ago I was invited by a diocesan bishop to apply to be his archdeacon. When the paperwork arrived, the first sentence said that my role would be to assist the bishop in ‘managing the decline’ of the Church in the diocese. It all went into the recycling bin. And so will the Church of England if it doesn’t come to its senses.

Birthdays

ELIZABETH HARRISON 90th birthday 26th February 2021 Happy 90th birthday Mum. All my love, David

LILIA PALMER To our lovely granddaughter, wishing you a happy 18th Birthday.

Love from Nanny Di and Grandad Colin.

XXX

Education

We can’t wait for kids to come back

HOME AND AWAY: Children at All Saints participate in lessons online and in the classroom

By Nigel Roberts Headteacher All Saints Primary School, Bishops Caundle As in many professions, the past 10 months or so have delivered a number of challenges for primary school staff. Primary schools have had to make many changes to their ways of delivering the curriculum and, more importantly, supporting the mental health of their pupils.

In the current lockdown, the Department for Education (DfE) expects that when schools are working remotely they should ‘set meaningful and ambitious work each day in an appropriate range of subjects’. For KS1 children (5-7 years old) this work should be three hours a day on average and four hours a day for KS2 pupils (7-11 years old). Schools have used recorded lessons (either by their own staff or more generic lessons available from a number of providers), worksheets,

assignments and some live lessons to provide the required quantity of work.

At All Saints, we have been lucky. The governors have invested heavily in Chromebooks for all KS2 pupils over the past few years, which has meant that parents were able to collect these for their children to use.

This, coupled by generous donations by some of our local community along with the government scheme of providing laptops for vulnerable pupils, have meant that all our pupils have the capability of accessing lessons.

This lockdown has seen many more critical workers’ children coming into school. With the vulnerable pupils added to these, primary schools are averaging about 30% of their pupils still attending. This has meant that teaching staff have to cater equally for those in and out of school.

There are positives for all the methods that schools have used

for remote work. At All Saints, we are proud at how we have risen to the challenges of remote learning by offering live lessons, all morning every morning (for all KS1 and KS2 pupils). We then set additional unsupported work in the afternoons. We have found that live lessons have provided pupils with immediate support when they are struggling, which means that parents are now having to offer much less – if any – support for their children. Live lessons also

give children some social contact with their peers in a safe and supervised environment.

Any new means of practice brings with it additional workload. Whatever the means of delivery of remote learning, teaching staff have been faced with increased pressures, having to learn new skills and overcome technical restrictions and difficulties. Whilst teaching is my second career and I do not subscribe to the ‘teachers have it hard’ camp, I really do take my hat off to the adaptability, resourcefulness and professionalism of our teachers in these testing times.

When all pupils eventually return (and trust me, we can’t wait), the focus will then no longer be on the delivery of lessons but more so on covering the gaps left by live learning and, above all else, ensuring the emotional needs of our children – caused by long periods of isolation – are being met.

Branching Out Branching Out guides and supports young people through their interviews, equipping them with the tools to engage meaningfully and with genuine self assurance.

If your child is unsure or apprehensive about the approaching interviews for Senior School and Scholarships, I would love to help.

The 1 hour Zoom session costs £45 and includes follow up notes.

www.branchingoutmentor.com caroline@branchingoutmentor.com

Mobile 07983 786650

Announcements Anniversary

In Memoriam

SARAH & DAVID PAYNE

15-02-2015 MALC WALLIS (WALLY)

Congratulations on your Ruby Anniversary.

21st February.

Love from all the family.

Sadly missed and always in our thoughts, Love Pam, Lee, Luke and James.xxxx

DAVID JOHN WATHEN “UNC” Passed away on the 23rd February 2018.

It’s been three years now since you left us. You will never be forgotten, many happy memories.

Binsley and all of the rest of your real family xxx

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Announcements HAWKSLEY STEPHEN DOUGLAS Much loved brother of Geoffrey, father of Chris, Michael and Wendy, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home on 12th February 2021, aged 87.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be a small private family funeral due to the current covid restrictions.

A memorial service to celebrate Stephen’s life to which all family and friends will be very welcome will be held at a future date.

BULLOCK KATE ELIZABETH ANN (BETTY)

COXHEAD BRENDA

Aged 86 years of Yeovil. On 4th February 2021, peacefully at her home.

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

Private funeral. Donations in memory of Betty are being invited for Butterfields Care, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

Passed away peacefully at home on 29th January 2021, aged 72 years.

Much loved wife to Derek and mum to Katy and Alison.

Donations in memory of Brenda to St Margaret’s Hospice may be sent c/o Clive Wakely, AJ Wakely & Sons The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310

DITCHER (CHRIS PHILLIPS) Sadly passed away on the 5th February 2021, peacefully in his sleep with his loving family by his side. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. A true legend, taken too soon.

Donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare or Macmillan Cancer Support.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

THORN KATHLYN MARY Aged 91 years of Chaffeymoor, formerly of Blunsdon and Highworth. On 4th February 2021, peacefully at Torrwood Care Home, Wells. A much loved wife of Brian and friend. Private funeral. Donations in memory of Kathlyn are being invited for The Dogs Trust, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

Linda Eileen Mary Cook Died peacefully in Dorset County Hospital on 12th January 2021, aged 72 years of Marnhull, Dorset.

Linda was born on the 11th April 1948 in Draycourt Place, London to Helen and Harry McCartney. Linda had 昀ve siblings, Harry, Patricia, Ronald, Stephen and Carol. She also had a foster sister Violet, Linda was the baby of the family.

She was married to Thomas Cook, until his death in August 2007, Linda was heartbroken as she was his carer due to Tom’s ill health, they were together 24/7. Linda met Tom in his electrical shop that he owned with his brother in Camberwell, they lived above the shop for a few years. The Shop was next to a Newsagents run by Ann and Frank Thorley, Linda and Ann became friends and remained so to this day. Frank and Ann moved to Broadstairs around 45 years ago to run a Public House, Linda and Tom joined them there 42 years ago.

Tom worked for Thorley Taverns as a Carpenter/Joiner and Linda as a Cook/ Chef in many of the Public Houses they owned. Her brother Steve moved in with

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Linda and Tom around 30 years ago and remained with her to date. After Tom’s death, Linda moved to Marnhull to be near her sister Carol, whom she spoke to most days on the phone. Steve moved down with her.

Until her mobility got really bad, she enjoyed going to the lunch club, 昀ower arranging, the craft club and the local art class which she really enjoyed and got quite good at. Linda also enjoyed going to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Gillingham. Linda had a great love for her nieces and nephews and of course she loved her cat, Figaro.

Linda and Carol went shopping to Yeovil most weeks, where Linda could hire a mobility scooter, to enable her to get around. The last two years Linda was virtually housebound and did not leave the house, except for hospital appointments, she had carers go in daily for the past year. Her carers, gardeners and delivery people etc, said she was a lovely smiling lady, who was never miserable. Linda was very much loved

by her family and friends, and she’s left a hole in our hearts that will be impossible to 昀ll. Sleep well our baby sister.

Announcements PRICE ROSEMARY ANN (NEE ELLIOTT) died peacefully at home on 2nd February after a short illness, aged 97. Beloved wife of the late John, much loved and loving mother of Charles, Bill and Diana, adored grandmother of Alex, Sarah, Francesca and Tom and great-grandmother of six.

Private family funeral. Summer thanksgiving service (covid permitting).

SMART PHYLLIS Formerly of The Yews, Mere, passed peacefully away on the 26th January 2021 aged 96 years at Watersmead Care Home, Westbury. Much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Private cremation due to current covid restrictions. Donations for The British Heart Foundation may be made if desired to L C Hill, Water Street, Mere (01747 860361)

HUNT GERALD RAYMOND (GERRY) of Gillingham, peacefully on 5th February 2021 in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 92.

Beloved husband of Joan, loving dad to Nicola and a much loved grandad to Natalie and Matthew.

He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Private cremation due to restrictions.

Donations if desired, in memory of Gerald, may be sent directly to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or National Autistic Society.

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Announcements DENNIS PRATT

KINGSBURY RHONA

Aged 77 years of Sturminster Newton.

Passed away peacefully at home on 31st January 2021 after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Patsy, much loved dad of Nicholas, Deborah and Andrew.

Loving grandad to Ella, Eva, Josh and Sam. Father in law to Rose and Rachel.

He will be sadly missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Private Family Cremation due to Covid.

Donations in memory of Dennis to Cancer Research c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Henstridge, BA8 0RB (01963) 362570.

Rhona Kingsbury of Henstridge sadly passed away on 10th February 2021 aged 75 years.

Rhona will be missed by so many.

Private funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium. No flowers please but donations if desired for the Dorset Deaf Children’s Society, c/o Grassby and Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BB, Telephone 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

NEWMAN BARRY (JOE) Sadly passed away on January 31st 2021 at Riverside Nursing Home, Sherborne.

Private Funeral Service due to covid restrictions. Donations if desired to Lewy Body Dementia c/o Grassby & Close, Sturminster Newton, (01258) 471024.

BRINE DAVID Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on 17th January aged 81 years. David will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

Private funeral service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium, donations if desired to ‘Marie Curie’ who cared so well for David, c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel:01258 453425 or online www.funeraldirector.co.uk/david-brine

WESTERN, THOMAS (TONY) of Wincanton Passed away peacefully at home on 4th February 2021, aged 95 years. Husband to the late Gwenda Western, dear brother to Joyce, father to Moira and Barbara, grandad to Debbie, Christine and Sarah, and great-grandad to their six children. Much loved and sadly missed by all. Private family funeral service.

Donations in Tony’s memory to Tools With A Mission c/o A J Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310

EDWARD ANTHONY IRELAND Passed away peacefully on 24th January 2021 at The Malthouse Residential Home in Gillingham. A funeral service to be held on Friday 26th February 20th at 12:15pm at The West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington.

Rector The Rev Peter Colebrook died in March 2020. His family say there has not been a chance for them to pay public tribute.

His widow Elspeth has written: “We hoped to have a thanksgiving service but lockdowns have meant continual postponements.

Meantime we thought there should be a written account of his life and contribution.

Peter was educated at Wellington College and Durham University and ordained into the Anglican Ministry at Coates Hall in Edinburgh serving in Scotland, Birmingham and Devon.

When middle schools were instituted in 1972 he trained as a mature teacher and joined a loyal team at Duchy Manor School in Mere. When he retired in 1989 he offered himself as Deacon at St Gregory’s in Marnhull where he served for many years.

Peter had many interests. He was a knowledgeable gardener and was active with the International Tree Foundation planting events in Dorset.

He had a fine bass voice and sang regularly in choral societies at Bryanston, where our daughter Sarah sang with her school and our son Will was a pupil.

NICOLAS DIXON On 9th February 2021 peacefully in Salisbury Hospice after a short battle with cancer aged 57 years of Gillingham.

A loving husband to Becky, beloved father to Leila, Cara and Kit and a much loved son to Jenny and the late Colin and a much loved brother to Ariane.

Private family service but donations if desired to Salisbury Hospice Charity may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

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Announcements

first to welcome people COOPER (nee HORLOCK) PATRICIA

He was active in Christian Aid, organising collections, joining marches in London and talking with MPs at Westminster.

He cycled daily to church at 8am to say the Morning Office, keeping this going when there was no Rector at Marnhull.

Fellow clergy referred to his spiritual insight, combined with an incorrigible sense of fun.

Many newcomers to the village said Peter was the first to visit and make them feel welcome.

Members of the PCC felt he was always at hand and he gave of himself with instant unselfish understanding and kindness. As one wrote ‘Marnhull has lost one of its great characters and he will be missed by us all for his personality his faith and his kind-hearted community spirit.

HODDINOTT Edith Mary (Mary) Aged 88 years of Sparkford. On 11th February 2021, peacefully at her home.

A much loved mother, nanny, sister, aunt and friend.

Private Cremation.

Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for Queen Camel Medical Centre Equipment Fund, c/o Harold F. Miles, funeral director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES (01963) 440367

Passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on 5th February, aged 75 years of Winterborne Whitechurch, previously of East Devon and Caernarfon.

Loving wife of Ronald, adored Mum to Ashley and wife Sam, dear sister to Heather and treasured Nain to Evie and William. She will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends.

Private funeral service to be held at Poole Crematorium, family flowers welcome or donations if desired to MDS Foundation c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/patricia-cooper

SYLVIA MARGARET DUDMAN NÉE BUTLER On 29th January 2021 peacefully in Poole Hospital of covid aged 84 years of East Melbury.

Wife of the late Tony, mother to Julie, Nikki and Ali, mother-in-law to Kev, Rich and Malc. Granny to Ben, Anya, Matt, Willy and Charlie and great granny to Evelynn, Murielle, Demelza, Matilda and James.

Funeral service has taken place but donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

PETER JACKSON FUNERAL SERVICES Independent Family Owned and Run Funeral Directors

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Henstridge (01963) 362570

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Nee Taylor, of Yeovil, formerly of Milborne Port. Peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on 1st February 2021 aged 87 years.

Loved and missed by her family and friends. Private funeral. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Irene for Goathill PCC may be sent c/o, Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil, BA21 4BT, Tel: 01935 479913. Please make cheques payable to the PCC of Goathill. Grateful thanks are extended to the nursing staff at EAU at Yeovil District Hospital and the staff of Preston Grove Surgery.

WINTERBOTTOM JOHN SAMUEL Aged 73 years of Wincanton.

On 28th January 2021, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital.

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

Private cremation. Donations in memory of John are being invited for The Salvation Army, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

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

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

33

Antiques & Collectibles

Charles I stumpwork picture and furniture up for auction

By Acreman Street Antiques Our first auction of the year was better than ever, with fierce competition for many of the lots on offer, this despite being online only, and good prices were achieved.

Our 26th February Fine Art & General Antiques Auction which is live online only, the catalogue is available to view through Easyliveauction.com, with over 750 lots.

On offer is a fine selection of early oak country furniture including a Charles I oak

A Charles I oak joint stool

joint stool. From the same estate on offer are two stumpwork pictures.

The earliest is a very fine stumpwork and silk picture depicting Charles I in his campaign tent surrounded by his wife Henrietta Maria and figures from the bible including Jael holding the head of Sisera.

Toys, Collectables and General Sale Thursday 4th March 10am Accepting entries now

Est. £1,000-£2,000.

We also have a wonderful collection of studio pottery to include a pale blue winged vase by Colin Pearson (the only other is in the V&A museum) Est. £1,000-1,500 and a stoneware vase by Robert Fournier Est. £300400 and 2 porcelain bowls by his wife Sheila Fournier both £100-200.

From Dewlish in Dorset we have an annotated collection of historical interest, put together during the Second World War to include shrapnel, American GI ephemera, helmets, bayonets also a WWII Swastika car pennant and a WWII Mercedes car pennant.

Your generous donations keep coming in for the Breast Cancer Unit Appeal at Yeovil Hospital.

Some 40 lots of jewellery and watches are entered on

Acreman Street Antiques

FINE ART & GENERAL ANTIQUES AUCTION WEDNESDAY, 26th FEBRUARY10AM VIEWING AND BIDDING THROUGH EASYLIVEAUCTION.COM COLLECTIONS BY APPOINTMENT

WE ARE NOW TAKING IN ITEMS FOR OUR MARCH 26TH AUCTION

BY APPOINTMENT. ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT GILL ON 07908 333577

Free valuations & home visits House clearances arranged Probate & Insurance valuations www.busby.co.uk Contact info@busby.co.uk 01308 420 100 The Old Hemp Store North Mills, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3BE

34

their behalf along with many other jewellery and silver lots.

If you wish to bid and would like to collect your items we are using Click & Collect by appointment and we are also offering a low-cost delivery service within a 30-mile radius.

We are now accepting entries for our 26th March auction, by appointment only.

For any enquiries or valuations please call Gill Norman on 07908333577 or 01935 508764 or by email auction@acremanstreetantiq ues.co.uk

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

A very fine stumpwork and silk picture depicting Charles I in his campaign tent surrounded by his wife Henrietta Maria and bible figures, est £1,000-£2,000

A pale blue winged vase by Colin Pearson (the only other is in the V&A museum) Est. £1,000-1,500

WE BUY RECORDS COLLECTIONS LARGE and SMALL. Call BILL on 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email bill@reborn records.co.uk 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

Antiques & Collectibles

We’re sure you have vroom for this!

March sees the first of three classic car, motorcycle and automobilia auctions of the year with Clarke’s first sale being held on 1970 Triumph Daytona.

Sunday, 14th March.

Estimate £5,000 - £5,500 Motorcycles remain very have all the marques one sought after in the current would expect from the market, with enthusiasts rock’n’roll era including adding to their a Triumph Daytona from collections and new a Somerset collector, connoisseurs starting BSA A7 Golden Flash their adventures. In the which needs light recommissioning after a motorcycle section we

short spell in storage and Velocette Mac from a client in Dorset.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to a new classic for the garage you can still come out to play and join the online auction as there will be automobilia for the office, home or man-cave. Automobilia covers a wide area with enamel signs, mascots, books, sales brochures, luggage, spares and models of various scales

and materials.

One such model is a large scratch-built tinplate example made just after the Second World War, inspired by the style of a 1930s Rolls Royce open tourer.

Measuring an impressive 14 inches in length it would certainly make a bold statement piece in any interior setting. Clarke’s are still accepting entries into this sale – contact Matt

Whitney at the main office.

Appointments are still being made to appraise items suitable for entry into any of their future sales so please call the office to make arrangements for a home visit following Government guidelines.

Enquiries to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the salerooms in Semley,

Wonderful collection of silver toys on offer in Duke’s sale Duke’s Auctioneers of Dorchester are delighted to be able to offer a staggering collection of Dutch silver toys. This collection was initially formed by Edgar

Frederick Marie Yustin, Baron Michiels Van Verduynen, a wealthy businessman and distinguished diplomat, shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War.

The Winter Auction 25th & 26th February 10:30am Bid online, by telephone, by commission bid www.dukes-auctions.com 01305 265 080 enquiries@dukes-auctions.com

Verduynen became the Dutch Ambassador to the Court of St James’s.

The toys, kept in the Dutch embassy in London, made their way home after the war, when Verduynen moved his family to Clingendael, a 17th century manor house on the edge of The Hague which had been occupied by the Nazis during the war.

The toys include some exceptionally rare and wellpreserved examples from some of the leading silver toy makers of the 17th and 18th centuries. A rare baby stroller by Arnoldus Van Geffen (fl. 1728 – 1769) with an estimate of £200-£400 and a Samovar bearing the mark of Johannes van Somerwil, est £300-£600.

Baron Michiels Van Verduynen died without an heir and the collection passed down through the family to the closest relatives, the family of the Barons Van Tuyll van Serooskerken.

Antiques, furnishings, design, art, travel, collectables, sporting and more. Based in Sherborne.

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Provenance: Collection of The Late Wilfrid Weld Estimate: £8,000-15,000

holtbyandco.uk @holtbyandco george.holtby@gmail.com 07877 240 015

Senan MacDonagh from Duke’s said: “These little treasures have bought joy for centuries and not only is it a chance to acquire a piece of history but a toy to bring joy for generations to come.”

The collection will be

offered in The Winter Auction on Thursday 25th February. Bidding by telephone, by commission bid and online via and Contact Duke’s Auctioneers for more information 01305 265 080

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers NEXT SALES Antiques & Collectables Saturday 13th March Automobilia Sale Sunday 14th March 10am start Colour catalogue available the week before at An Art Nouveau The.saleroom.com & Arts & Crafts enamel plaque depicting a lady. Sold for £1,350 easyliveauction.com Please contact Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk 35

Home & Garden HEDGING PLANTS

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

01963 362355 williams-florist.co.uk

BARE ROOT HEDGING now available, 01258 452513 Langton Nurseries, Blandford PATIO & PATH CLEANING etc Call 01963 237890 24/7

Station Rd, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ

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Seed potatoes and onion sets now in Time to plan the veg sowing!

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Snowdrops in the green Bare root and rootballed hedging Soft fruits and fruit trees

Home & Garden

Service is king for newly-launched firm

By Miranda Robertson A pair of pals who started lockdown without a job are now flying round the Blackmore Vale rescuing domestic appliances after getting their heads together to launch a business.

Darren Blake, 53, had been made redundant twice in three years through no fault of his own and Jason Bryan, 51, had lost his job due to covid when they came up with the idea of a mobile repairs service which also offers replacements if the appliance has had its chips.

The pair hail from Salisbury, but say most of their work so far has been in the Vale – and they love the area so much they look forward to jobs here more than most.

Darren Blake and Jason Bryan in Shaftesbury

Jason said: “Every time we get a job in the Blackmore Vale we have a smile on our faces. It’s so beautiful that we usually post a landscape picture on our Facebook page. And everyone is so friendly in this area. We always get a cup of tea.

Sometimes we even get cake!”

Darren has been fixing

appliances 20 years, which is what made them think up the idea of Double King last year. It took them a while to organise all the things they needed, but they got started in November, with the USP that while around 80 per cent of their work is repairs they always carry new appliances in their large van, so that if an appliance is beyond repair

they can offer the customer a new one (the callout fee is then taken off the price).

Jason said: “Because we are mobile we are usually much quicker than other services and our overheads are low, so we can pass on those savings. We take calls on the go and can be there quickly.”

07979 976514 doubleking.co.uk

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Your local kitchen and appliance specialists...

37

Home & Garden

Soil Testing Service Professional laboratory soil tests

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Curtain Circuit We turn your unwanted top quality Curtains, Rugs, Small Chairs into CASH. Our stock changes daily so come to see us soon.

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BUILDING MAINTENANCE

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A few decades ago, pristine lawns devoid of weeds was the fashionable garden baize to show off manicured beds and borders. Nowadays, thankfully, most people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental costs of these neatly trimmed lawns and are happy to welcome garden visitors to more diverse turf. Even the smallest garden can have a wildflower patch, and it is amazing how animals (and plants) will travel to reach this haven.

My front garden is a case in point. It is starting to become much more diverse with wildflowers and their associated animal species increasing in number.

It did not start that way, however. On moving to our house over a decade ago I hastily dug and manured the 100m plot thinking it would become a productive patch. Then had a change of heart and decided a wildflower garden was what we wanted most.

Wildflowers thrive on nutrient-poor soils, so I was off to a terrible start! It has taken a decade of mowing and removing the clippings to gradually reduce the nutrients I rashly applied.

The primary factor of establishing a meadow is to know your soil type.

Wildflowers differ across the country and this often relates to the soil where they grow. Selecting wildflower seeds that would not naturally grow on your soil type provides an uphill struggle you are unlikely to win.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to sow areas with wildflower seed, so you still have time to check out your soil type (using soilvalues.com of course) and order seeds. Habitat Aid (habitataid.co.uk), is a Somerset based company promoting and selling British native wildflower seeds from a range of small specialist British suppliers and conservation charities. Their website is packed full of great advice.

Importantly, their seed have local provenance (sourced from the wild).

This means they are adapted to local conditions giving them a greater chance of becoming established.

Once you know your soil type and select the corresponding seed mix you

will need to prepare the ground, although this can be done months in advance. The targeted new wildflower area should be free from weeds, so that emerging seedings do not need to compete with established plants to survive. Native seeds are often small, orchid seeds are literally dust-sized, so it is a good idea to thoroughly mix your seed mix in a quantity of sand or stone-free soil. The seed mix should come with a sowing rate, so simply measure out a designated known area, weigh the seeds for that space, mix them with sand or soil, and sow.

Lightly roll or tread the area and await germination. Depending on plant type, and the weather conditions, the first seedlings should appear in a few weeks. But be patient, unlike commercially bred cultivars wild plants are not selected to germinate all at once. During the first year give your meadow a light mow to around 10cm and remove all clippings. This reduces the fertility of the soil, which in turn increases the diversity of the sward.

My own plot is cut once a year with all clippings composted. In return there is a noticeable increase in flower diversity. Waxcap fungi have started to colonised and weirdly amazing black earthtongue fungi poke out in autumn, while insects numbers have increased and call my garden home.

Next week we will delve into taking softwood cuttings. soilvalues.com FOREVER GREEN LANDSCAPES for all your landscaping, garden maintenance and fencing please contact Matt 01747 825134/ 07885 586716

Home & Garden 2 bedside cupboards with drawer, 53cm high x 39 wide, 42 depth £50 1 pine coffee table 110cm x 60 cm x 41 cm high £50 07894 572484 GRASS & BRUSH Out of Doors rubbish CUTTING and Hedge Trimmings orchards, paddocks, cleared, also hedge plantations, etc, Call trimming, free esti01963 237890 24/7 mate, 07864 960768 WANTED - green 3x Red 47kg full stone for building propane gas bottles, project - 07779 623859 £250 - 07894 572484 GREENHOUSES supplied/erected alloy/ten colours spares-repairsglass. Chris Abrams 01258 452632

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

amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: 01747 850544 www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: 07921 637227

North Dorset Tree Surgeons We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Fully insured and NPTC quali昀ed.

Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872 970741 Professional

Experienced

SEED POTATOES, SHALLOTS AND ONION SETS now available. Also stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds. 01258 452513 - Langton Nurseries Blandford.

Reliable

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

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS Barn stored, delivery up to 20 mile radius, Sherborne. Call 01935 815534

WONDERWOOD LOGS All Seasoned Hard Woods, Oak, Ash, Beech, £75 for 1 cubic sq metre or £140 for 2 cubic sq metres, 07990 511340 or 07847 659881 LES BENHAM GARDEN PROPERTY MAINTENANCE All hedge/tree work, rubbish clearance, gravel driveways, pressure washing, patio and fencing work. Fully insured.

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

/ checkatrade

DANNY'S GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE All trees, hedges, fencing, gravel paths/ driveways, pressure cleaning, concrete bases, free quotations, fully insured, 07545 619735 / 01258721376 VAX hard floor steam mop £25.

VAX carpet washer, scarcely used, £50 ono 01747 852832

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £145 double load £85 half load 01258 880892 07980 036250

WELL ROTTED MANURE £50 per transit load, phone Roger on 01202 826502 or 07885 826396

Nattuzzi red leather sofa £595, chair £295.

Excellent condition 07588 053555

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

Call David 07786 658708 KEVIN MITCHELL PROPERTY SERVICES Property maintenance, refurbishments, brickwork, stonework,carpentry, ceramic tiling, painting, decorating, bathrooms, kitchens, City & Guilds qualified. Free estimates, no VAT, Gillingham 01747 824664 or 07957882003 kevin.mitchell63@yahoo.co.uk ADVICE SOUGHT FOR RECONDITIONING AGA OVEN. Happy to pay consultancy fee.

Please call 07979 958162.

UNWANTED PALLETS REQUIRED Any condition.

Free collection.

07971 298562

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

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

REACH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF READERS WITH AN AD IN THE NBV! CALL 01963 400186

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways. 30+ years’ experience. Contact Ken - 07882 441873 01963 32034 GARDEN RESCUE 01747 821 726

39

Home & Garden

Ace response to garden plea An appeal for volunteers to turn the garden behind the surgery in Fontmell Magna into a flower garden as a green prescription for the community has received an overwhelming response.

Some 110 villagers of all ages are growing seeds, digging beds, sewing bunting and planting wild areas in the garden which has aptly been named the Fontmell Magna Friendship Garden and will boast six large raised beds full of flowers for cutting for the community.

Many people are offering talks and flower demonstrations to bring the community together when restrictions are eased and the garden can bloom.

Village hall trustee Sian Highnam said: “We had the green light to go at the end of

SEASONED LOGS FOR SALE: Barn stored ash, beech and oak, dumpy bags delivered £70. 01963 23733 07967 929055 07903 535745 LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £90, double load £150, dumpy bag £60. All hardwood.

07790 404593 or 01258 818081 1 Pine Glass top table 110 x 60 x 41 high, set of 6 solid pine chairs £900 the lot 07894 572484

BED TIME: Volunteers get to work in Fontmell Magna

November 2020, and in less than three months our small community has joined together in such a positive way. The cut flower garden offers a place for the community to gather and collect flowers, a place for us

to make posies to deliver to vulnerable villagers and a space for people to gather and enjoy nature.

“I am so very, very proud of our very small village and what all the stakeholders are doing.”

Frozen in time: Crocuses form sculpture

LAWN MOWING SERVICE, Tel 01747 821 726 MOSS PROBLEM, Scarifying, spiking & coring.

Call 01963 237890 24/7

KINDLING WOOD, £30 for 25 nets free local delivery.

Phone 07971298562 MINI DIGGER/SLEW AND HIGH LIFT DUMPER Call 01963 237890 24/7 GARDENING maintenance, references gladly provided. 07731 646505

40

How did they do that?!

The Coppleridge Inn in Motcombe astounded followers when it posted this photo on its Instagram page in last week’s cold snap.

“Amazing ice sculpture here @TheCoppleridge. We can’t feed or water you but you’re welcome to come and see our frozen fountain and flowers.”

Such was the interest that when the image was reposted it became the most liked image on the @VisitShaftesbury page since 2019.

They later explained that the sculpture was formed naturally, as the wind blew water from a fountain.

Local Services COMPUTER REPAIR SERVICE SturComputers 01258 817537/ sturcom@mail.com

Window & Gutter Cleaning Local, Affordable & Professional

Domestic & Commercial Specialists Book online or call us 0800 689 0186 Email: info@northdorsetpropertycare.com www.northdorsetpropertycare.com

North Dorset & Somerset Property Care

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED OAK & ASH LOGS Barn stored, £160 for 8ft by 6ft trailer load, Delivery free within 10 mile radius of Templecombe.

07773 254174, ANDY

ECR Services All types of building and electrical work undertaken Fully qualified New builds Extensions Maintenance Attic conversions including rendering, plastering, paving and tiling Free on site estimates No VAT No job too big or too small

01963 364553 07966 496299 www.ecrservices.co.uk

CHILLOUT SOMERSET REFRIGERATED TRAILER HIRE, all outside catering, events, emergency break down coverage, covered. Call Martyn on 07973433586 or email chilloutsomerset @yahoo.com GARDENING maintenance, references gladly provided. 07731 646505

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS Sinks

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

01747 640188 07587 238563

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved ESTABLISHED 1988

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

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

info@cgtarmac.co.uk

www.cgtarmac.co.uk

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE old unwanted caravans, cars, vans etc. Metal, yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken. Please call 01935 873169

ALL IRONWORK Handrails, gates, railings, repairs., restoration.

01258 880301 WANTED – Garden Ornaments, Garage Clearance and also old tools wanted, Good prices paid, Mere 01747 860637

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

LAWN SCARIFYING Moss and thatch removal. 01747 821726 Sherborne Guitar Tuition 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com ROTAVATING Rough ground to see the bed, Call 01963 237890 24/7.

WANTED to Purchase within 15 miles Dorchester: Approx. an acre of land as an allotment and safe area for grandson with cerebral palsy and bolthole. 01305 264285 GUTTERS CLEARED Windows, fascias, soffits, gutters cleaned, repairs, free estimates 07788 376752

JACK’S HOUSE CLEARANCE, Often without charge. Books also wanted for cash.

07542 389447 And website jackshouseclearance. co.uk COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/ Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713 HEDGE LAYING AND PLANTING, Experienced team available, 07929 995747 ARCHWAY PLASTERING: Traditional/modern rendering. Finishplastering/dry-lining 07500 280483

Quantity Surveying Estimating Surveying Dispute Resolution

01749 813625

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com

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

SK I

PH

IR E

T F PLANT

Trade and DIY welcome Ring for enquiries

Gillingham 01747 826107 Trusted family run business

Our advertisers tell us they gain customers with every ad in Local Services. Book for six months or more for a discounted rate. Call 01963 400186 or email classified@blackmorevale.net 41

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

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

grahamswindowsanddoors.co.uk

( 07530 693187

SMALL FENCING JOBS, new or old including repairs, no VAT, low rates for February, phone Alex on 07388 038650 for a quote.

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLANNING CONSULTANT

Local, Quality Painter & Decorator

Site appraisals Planning applications Appeals Planning drawings Advice

Phoenix Chimneys

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

Call 01258 455947

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

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

Based in Wincanton

Tel: 07931 583614 valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

R&W FENCING SERVICES All types of fencing, agriculture and domestic 01258 880892 07980 036250 HAND PICKED FIELD FLINT. Available in 1 ton bags. Various sizes, unknapped, Call Tim on 07543 666197

Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

Competitive Rates 01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk 42

‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

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

For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work.

Distance no object, day trips and special occasions.

Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

5 star Google rating. JUST ASK!

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

www.jasminecarsdorset.co.uk jasmine.cars@btinternet.com

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

LOCAL LOCKSMITH 2 Counties Locksmith Covering Shaftesbury & Gillingham Tel 07747 488587 Member of the master Locksmith’s Association

D&T Plumbing and Heating Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP Installations, servicing and maintenance

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

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

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

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

HEATING AND PLUMBING

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

Home: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825 512 627

www.whiteacreplanning.com

LTD

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered

35 Years Experience Free Quotes • No VAT Call Richard on

01963 371180 0789 4020 735

FREE D AN QUOTESATES IM T S E

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

Local services

ADVERTISE HERE: CALL 01963 400186

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

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

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

Flushing

• Condensing and

Combination Boilers

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

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

Follow us on

01258 446186 07973 183658

www.quinnsheating.com

• Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling

• All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

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

Over 30 years experience

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

CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME

Best prices paid please call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 43

Local Services Architectural Services

DORSET LIME Specialists in all external & internal lime work.

Lime crete flooring. All aspects of traditional building Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free www.bell-associates.co.uk

DORSET RURAL GARDENING MAINTENANCE Hedge trimming, strimming, lawn work etc. Spring tidy ups.

Please contact 07787544626

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

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647 SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 swbuildandrenovation @gmail.com

FOOTINGS, driveways, drains, bulk excavation and farm tracks. Call 07955 808983

Joseph Crocker Computers

FENCING AND REPAIRS, No VAT, Call Dave Whitehand on 07549 151799

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 01963 23669 or 07484 690824

D KING & SON Tree and Garden Services 25 years’ experience, registered waste carrier, free estimates, all areas covered, no job too small, 07831 091239 david.king63@ aol.co.uk

B T RENDELL 3 ton Excavator with operative many attachments for forestry & ground work. Welding repairs 07818 866214 bryanrendell2112@g mail.com

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

SECURE UNITS TO LET Varying sizes on A354 at Sixpenny Handley 07971 869372 07748 925810

COMPUTER MOBILE REPAIR: Windows Mac etc.

SturComputers 01258 817537 sturcom@mail.com

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

Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

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

All Garden Maintenance Services Domestic & Commercial.

Fully Insured & Reliable.

Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

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

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

djwelsh@btinternet.com

Get connected. Stay connected.

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Your heating and plumbing specialists

Laptop Tablet Smartphone desktop PC

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

FREE

no obligation quotes

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

44

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

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

Local Services Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

PICTURE FRAMING

at reasonable cost.

Contact Malcolm on 01963 363380 or 07775 805859 for quotes

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

PIANO TUNING, REPAIRS sales of reconditioned pianos.

Julian Phillips BA CGLI 01258 471194

TREE & GARDEN SERVICES All aspects of garden work covered. Hedges and shrubs, trimmed, shaped, lowered or removed and more.... Fully Insured, Quality Service. For free quotes and advice call 07435 220238 - 01258 858888

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS

VALE COMPUTERS Repairs, Servicing, Upgrades If we can't fix it, we don't charge. New & used computers for sale. Broadband installations, Microsoft Qualified Staff, Call 01258 880442 or alecomputers.2006@btinternet.com

enquiries@back2market.com Tel: 01258 440838 Freephone: 0800 2425012

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding.

Woodchip supplies.

Family run business since 1946

Tel: 01963 250005 Mobile: 07976934252

PROPER DOMESTICS • APPLIANCE REPAIRS

& INSTALLATION

01747 416059 www.properdomestics.com John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

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

Of昀ce: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Good/interesting items purchased for cash. Friendly and reliable. 01747 839751/ 07956 414896 SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing. 01749 677440 - 07921 074602 -

solidfuel3@aol.com solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk WANTED VINTAGE BICYCLES Pre 1980s Racing bicycles, Shoppers & Choppers & old parts any condition considered, Good Prices paid Tel - 07739 808013

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

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

B.LUCAS General builder

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

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

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

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696 K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & Vacuum A.P.I.C.S Registered 01963 370038

House and Rubbish Clearance Houses, lofts, gardens, garages & sheds all cleared.

Registered waste carrier working with the Environment Agency.

W.A.M.I.T.AB qualified Cash paid for some items Some items collected for free More than reasonable charges

Call Steve on 07749 208 451 or leave a message on 01202 855349

Domestic and commercial Shops, Restaurants, Outdoor Venues quoted for.

Always a quote, never an estimate given All of Dorset and parts of Hampshire covered.

Dorset Trading Standards Buy with Confidence Scheme

www.allcleanwaste.co.uk

Paul’s Oil and Gas Services

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

Very competitive rates 40 years experience 01747 850395 or 07502 044896 email: stuartchardstuartchard@live.co.uk 45

Health & Wellbeing

All the healing effects of water Wallace Nichols, the author of Blue Mind, asks us to consider what is our ‘go to’ water?

Surprisingly, everyone can answer this. It might be the pond in your garden, the seaside, the open ocean, a favourite waterfall or a walk beside your local river. Wherever it is, we have a deep-rooted psychological connection with water. It is the single biggest feature of our planet, and our bodies, and is the essence of life itself. Being beside it has profound effects on our mood and sense of well-being. Water fires our imagination with its changeability, the mystery of what lies beneath and its colours and motion; all of which calm or excite us.

When I first moved to Dorset, I missed the wide-open spaces and granite peaks of Dartmoor that had been my home for so long.

Most of all, I missed the rivers that would race and tumble amid the boulders, sometimes with just a gentle murmur and at other times, in crashing, dramatic torrents of noise. I loved the different melodies that would accompany me along the many mossy watercourses.

These were the soundscapes that denoted the place and its ambience.

But over the years in the Vale, I have also come to love the River Stour. At first I found her deep, meandering silence disconcerting as she soundlessly wandered through the Dorset countryside. But now, I have come to know her moods, and in winter I watch in awe as her floodwaters creep up and over her banks until they make vast lakes that reflect the light and change the landscape in a matter of hours.

On this watery day, however, I have veered away from her side to follow one of her many tributaries. Through a narrow, deep wooded, hidden valley, the Darknoll Brook twists and turns. It is a quaint and secretive burbling watercourse, sunken and dark in today’s stormy weather. Pleased with my discovery, I look for a place to sit for a while and find the perfect spot beside a cloud of gleaming snowdrops, newly opened and pristine. From here, I watch the steady raindrops create hypnotic, concentric circles on the surface of the stream as I listen to the approaching singular song of a kingfisher downstream.

Despite these difficult days, a moment of calm and peace washes over me like the babbling water music over the sandstone. All is well.

Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@gmail.com Nature writer and qualitative researcher rewildingjourneys.com 46

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor.

Trainer and Mental Health Consultant.

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

Clinical Supervisor to other Health Care workers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED.

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

Health & Wellbeing

Pep up your brain cells with cayenne We are now in the middle of our detox regime with three of us doing it seriously – me, my husband and a friend of my husband who is living with us. My husband and friend spend a lot of time telling me what date it is and how many days they have been ‘dry’ for. I suspect that there has been the odd bacon butty and cup of coffee that has sneaked in on the way to work, but they have both been good – on the whole. As a result, they are sleeping better, look about 10 years younger, have lost weight and are feeling perky; my husband leaping out of bed in the morning making a great amount of noise, much to the annoyance of the rest of the household.

There have been many concoctions that we have had to take and much to their surprise, some have been delicious. Making all these concoctions, particularly a

liver detox for three, takes a lot of time and is a very messy business and makes me very bad tempered. So our friend said he would make the next batch. He was intrigued that I use cayenne pepper tincture and was about to pour a liberal amount into the mix when luckily I stopped him. There can definitely be too much of a good thing and too much cayenne will see explosions from both ends.

Cayenne, however, remains one of my lecturer’s favourite herbs. Energetically it is very warming, (wonderful in winter) and promotes sweating. It gets the system moving by stimulating the heart, dilating blood vessels and pushing heat out to the peripheral body. This action is good for the brain which can help with concentration and memory and its antioxidant and rejuvenating properties could help ward

A walk around...

FIFEHEAD MAGDALEN Park near the church, which is at the upper, eastern, end of the village near the manor.

Visit the church if it’s open, then walk south down the road for a quarter of a mile as far as a left hand bend.

You carry on south along a footpath across meadows until you meet the parish boundary, the bendy river Stour. Here you join another footpath that takes you back up to the road about a furlong west of your car.

That path can get a bit muddy at times so it might be wise to wear wellies if

there’s been rain recently.

Turn left and head west along the road through the village down Fifehead Hill until the road turns left. Join a footpath that takes you west across a couple of fields then join a path that takes you south to re-join the road near Factory Farm. Turn left and head north east along the road for a mile or so until you’re back at the car. You’ll have walked about four miles. If you have time, you might like to walk a furlong north up the road past the village hall and, on your left, enter and explore the 50 acre wood owned by the Woodland Trust. It is an important site for nature conservation and has bats,

off senile dementia. It clears It is also supposed to prevent toxins from the gut and cellular damage in the lungs. removes stagnant food waste It has antibacterial properties which helps to relieve wind so is good to take at the onset and indigestion. For us with of a cold. You can also use it our liver detox, it reduces the topically in ‘trauma oil’ as it liver’s production of will bring blood to the cholesterol whilst promoting surface of the skin, which the production of digestive promotes healing. fluids that help protect the gut. It is reputedly, a wonderful decongestant as it thins and Fiona Chapman is clears catarrh studying naturopathy and has been and herbal medicine at used for the College of emphysema.

Naturopathic Medicine

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

birds and butterflies as well as broadleaved trees and flowers. It’s a very popular walking spot for the local villagers. Halfway through the wood, you could join a footpath that takes you south to join the road near Manor

Farm which will take you up Fifehead Hill and back to your car.

If you’re into geocaching, a popular pastime, you’ll find an easy one, a ‘Church Micro’ not far from the church.

47

Health & Wellbeing

Always space for coffee with a friend Whilst I cannot claim to have written this story and you may well have read it before, I hope you’ll agree it is always worth re-visiting.

The immediate and the urgent are not necessarily the most important. What may seem life changing today could well be forgotten tomorrow. We all need to check in with our priorities now and then. I hope you enjoy this story.

Wisdom from a Mayonnaise Jar A philosophy professor stood before his class, picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks. He asked the students if the jar was full and they agreed it was.

The professor then poured a box of pebbles into the jar and shook it lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He asked the students again if

the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor poured a box of sand into the jar, which filled up the gaps between the pebbles. He again asked the students if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes’.

The professor then poured two cups of coffee into the jar which were soaked up by the sand. The students laughed.

‘Now’, said the professor, “I want you to recognise that this is your life. The rocks are the important things your partner, your children, your family, your health, food and water. The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your education, job, house and your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff like television, toys, sports, hobbies.

If you put the sand into the

jar first, there’s no room for the pebbles or the rocks.

The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff, you’ll never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter.

Set your priorities The rest is just sand.’

One student raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. ‘I’m glad you asked.

“It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for coffee with a friend.’

Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne.

07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Six things you can do daily to help cope with wobbliness Our newest columnist is psychotherapist David Stanton, who lives near Sherborne.

A reader wrote in with this question, as they, like many others, were feeling ‘wobbly’.

They wrote: ‘What three daily exercises would David Stanton recommend for keeping our minds clear, calm and in good working order?’

Never ones to short-change our readers, here are David’s six top tips: 1. A daily walk; in whatever the weather! On the walk be observant and especially mindful of nature - birds, animals, trees, flowers, plants; also people, places and things.

Achieving a daily walk will boost your self esteem and confidence; plus it will ground you.

48

2. Talk to a friend you trust and who is sensitive and compassionate. Tell them gently you don’t necessarily need advice; you just need them to listen to how you’re feeling. You’ll off-load your anxiety; they’ll feel good for helping you. It’s a win-win situation!

3. Observe HALT! Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. If you’re feeling ‘wobbly’ think whether you’re feeling one or more of the above? If so, take action to remedy it. Don’t dwell in self pity; be pro-active in self care.

4. Do a gentle work out; then do a guided meditation (found on the internet) or do your own version if already a practitioner. Stretch your limbs and be mindful of controlling your breathing - maintain deep regular breaths, in through the

nose; out through the mouth then sit or lie quietly and still, relax your body and meditate.

This will calm you down and reduce the fear/anxiety/wobbliness!

5. Get creative! If you’re feeling ‘wobbly’ process what about - then express it in fun/interesting ways! Paint, draw, cook, sculpt, build, sing, dance, etc. Use any or all of these. Music is a wonderful distraction. Choose something that gives you nice memories, or that’s up-beat! Use your sense of humour creatively - I had a client who made a lifesize replica of her husband out of pots, pans and kitchen utensils! The photo still makes her chuckle!

6. Practice gratitude and acceptance. Give yourself a big pat on the back for surviving

these weird times so far. Write down every good character/personality trait you have. Make yourself look attractive and desirable. Spoil yourself. Give to others – a phone call, kind word, compliment or small (maybe homemade) gift. This will take your mind off your worries and lift your mood – it’ll also help others. Remember, we’re all in this together.

If you have a question on mental health you’d like David to address, email newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net or contact him direct: David Stanton IAC ICPT BACP FDAP ISOCCS ISSUP. Senior psychotherapist, mental health supervisor, trainer and consultant. tatvacenter.com edas-addictionservices.com 07584 711488

Health & Wellbeing

Jazz hands at the ready for a fun way to slim!

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“This morning I stood on the scales and I have just passed the goal I set myself some five years ago to lose 150 lbs (10 stone)!

“So, a big thank you to the JDW instructors, to all of you fellow Jazzers for keeping me motivated and to Tracey and Jenny for introducing me to Jazzercise.”

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| www.acnorthdorset.org.uk 49

Health & Wellbeing

Treat your brain to some vitamin N

By Rachel Woods MSc Rachel is a coach, speaker and researcher of modern humans in nature.

.

I know, it’s winter. Spending time outside might be the last thing on your mind. It can be wet, windy and yep, downright cold.

But do you know what your brain is missing when you choose to stay indoors all day?

Apart from an excuse to get yourself some new wellies, spending just a few minutes a day in a natural environment is great for your health. It can lower your blood pressure. Among other things.

You can find colour and texture when you look for it.

Focusing on the plants and trees in your environment helps your brain and lifts the spirits.

All sounds a bit woo?

Here’s a snippet of the science.

In 2016 a group of Japanese scientists took 732 people into a woodland area for a 20 minute ‘nature immersion’.

In short, wandering about in the woods. They discovered a significant reduction in blood pressure across the group, compared to a group in an urban setting.

They also found an increase in the brainwaves associated with creative thinking and a reported sense of improved wellbeing and energy levels without exception.

There are more studies around the world confirming these findings. Improved outcomes for surgical recovery, shorter stays in hospitals and better exam results for students studying in rooms with plants.

Another demonstrates an increase in the ability to focus, even in children with

ADHD. Not so woo.

There are studies into something called ‘phytoncides’. Substances released by trees that appear to have a positive effect on our immune system and have the power to reduce oxidative stress. I’m told this is a very good thing.

Here in the South-West, we’re lucky. Many of us have easy access to green spaces. If you struggle to get out, spending a few minutes looking through an open window to breathe fresh air and watch the clouds or notice pigeons going about their business, can help a little.

In our history, 1% of our time as homo sapiens has been spent ‘urban living’.

That’s 3,000 years out of around 300,000. The rest, we spent foraging and hunting.

We function now in a digital, urbanised world with a brain (our operating system), that was designed to seek food, water and shelter and to keep us safe from sabre-tooth

Make your own...

By Victoria Brunton of Naturally Kunewyk This week I’m making a move away from natural cosmetics to a sustainable living tip.

Beeswax wraps are the most fabulous alternative to cling film. A whopping 745,000 miles of cling film is used in Britain – a year! Enough to go around the earth 30 times. I don’t even want to Google how much the whole planet uses. So why beeswax wraps?

They are re-usable and cut plastic pollution.

Personally, I baulked at the cost of them a couple of years 50

Beeswax wraps 1 tbsp jojoba oil Cotton fabric (washed) Paintbrush

ago so I decided to make my own. Sticky to make, so you need a little bit of patience and best to keep children away while making these as the wax and resin are very hot.

You will need: 2½ tbsp beeswax pellets Heaped tbsp pine resin

tigers. For 297,000 years, our base needs were met through natural resources. No wonder our brains respond positively to nature.

We are made from the same stuff, whatever you believe about creation, we are of this world. It helps to understand this and find the things that satisfy our wiring.

The nature around us is connected in ways we are only just beginning to understand. Our connection to it, is just as enigmatic.

There are oodles of discoveries for science to make still.

For now and for us…

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein To begin with, we can all do more to appreciate and notice what’s there. See it, feel it.

Get outside. If you can, get muddy, get wet, get cold for a bit. Be safe of course, but don’t shy away from temporary cold, damp discomfort. Your brain will thank you for it.

Melt the beeswax, pine resin and jojoba in a glass bowl over a double boiler or microwave until fully melted.

Lay out your fabric onto parchment paper, on a baking tray. Brush the liquid wax onto the fabric. Not too thick as it will clump. Once the fabric is covered, place the tray with the fabric in the oven for several minutes at 100C. Keep watching it until the wax is fully soaked through into the reverse.

Remove from the oven, brush out any excess wax and then using a washing line, hang the fabric with pegs to dry. It only takes a couple of minutes to dry and there you have your finished beeswax wraps.

This recipe gave me enough to cover a 26x10 inch piece of fabric. You can cut your fabric to your required sizes beforehand or after (For an added touch, use the zig zag finish from pinking shears).

After each use, the wrap can be washed, dried and re-used.

They can last up to a year each and then pop it in the composter!

Arts & Entertainment

Council agrees £120k Artsreach funding over three years Dorset Council is to pay more than £120,000 towards keeping touring arts alive in rural communities.

The council has committed the money to Artsreach, which tours a variety of performances around rural areas.

The cash has been awarded from the Organisational Revenue Support Fund, and amounts to £41,947 for each

of the next three years.

Artsreach co-director Yvonne Gallimore said: “The continued support of Dorset Council is invaluable in enabling us continue to programme our much-loved variety of quality live performances, reaching out to the heart of rural communities across the county. Our volunteer promoters work tirelessly to

make these events happen all year round, and this funding recognises both the work they do, and the quality of the work Artsreach tours, and has toured over the last 30 years.”

Since 1990 Artsreach has been dedicated to providing people living in rural Dorset with access to professional live performances and creative arts projects in rural

venues and communities, at affordable and accessible prices. Its performance programme runs through a network of roughly 50 volunteer promoting groups and together the scheme coordinates around 150 high quality professional events every year, usually in village halls and often in rurally isolated communities right across rural Dorset.

Prizes up to £1,000 in county comp Artists of all ages could win prizes of up to £1,000 in a county-wide competition.

The Dorset Art Prize, sponsored by Dorset Community Foundation and Poole Museum, is run by the art and design department of Bournemouth and Poole College. Its aim is to encourage artists across the community.

This year’s theme in the free to enter competition is narrative.

Entries, which are open to any Dorset resident, can be in any medium including paintings, sculpture, film, animation or textiles.

The competition is divided into age categories, with top prizes of £750 for primary school Years 3 to 6 and secondary school Years 7 to 9, Years 10 and 11 and Years 12 and 13.

There is a £1,000 prize for over 19s. There are also £500 and £250 runner-up prizes.

College principal Diane Grannell said: “We received lots of feedback from last year’s entrants explaining that the art prize gave them something positive to focus on at such a difficult time.

“We are proud to be bringing the awards back this year as we

continue to champion the wealth of Dorset’s talent.”

Dorset Community Foundation Director Grant Robson said he was proud the foundation has been involved with the event since its launch in 2014: “This is a fantastic platform for artists to express some of the amazing talent we have here in Dorset and I am sure this is a year that will have provided no end of inspiration.

“It has been very hard for all kinds of reasons but the incredible efforts we have witnessed while awarding £1.2 million of grants to help grass

roots groups tackle hunger, anxiety, loneliness and isolation has shown us that there is amazing community spirit here.

I am looking forward to seeing what is produced and good luck to everyone entering.”

Shortlisted entries will be displayed at Poole Museum in November and winners will be notified by September 28.

Entry details can be found at thecollege.co.uk/dorset-artprize. For details of how to donate to the Dorset Community Coronavirus Fund, go to dorsetcommunity foundation.org.

Innovative telephone play pays tribute to care home staff Dorset’s rural touring arts charity, Artsreach, is pleased to present Stute Theatre’s You Don’t Know Me But…, a new show written and performed by winning theatre maker Sophia Hatfield and directed by Olivier Award Winning Theatre and BBC Radio Director Gwenda Hughes.

Performed live over the telephone, this innovative piece allows audience members the opportunity to experience a real live theatre performance from the comfort of their own home, at a time when live face-toface theatre is not possible.

Meet Vick. Care giver,

mother, partner and daughter.

You’ve almost certainly walked past her in the street, stood behind her in a queue or driven past her in your car.

Now take the time to delve a little deeper and experience a day in her life. Vick is a care worker in a residential home.

As her working day progresses, hear her running from place to place, helping residents to dress, keeping them calm and offering a friendly ear to talk to. But today, something is different.

The day’s encounters gradually uncover a deeply

hidden memory and Vick finds herself transported back to her childhood, where a traumatic incident changes her outlook forever...

Inspired by real memories and interviews from a care home, this innovative 20minute audio play highlights unsung stories of everyday care across generations and celebrates the dedication of workers and residents in care homes across the UK. Expect live music and beautiful writing. There are just 30 slots available between 3pm and 7pm on the 15, 16, 27, 27 and 28 March. artsreach.co.uk.

51

Arts & Entertainment

Tales of horror and heroism during

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

With riveting analysis and storytelling prowess, Dorset author and military researcher Christopher Jary has penned the final book to complete The Malta Brigade Trilogy to be released on March 1.

Roy’s Boys is the story of three battalions, the Devons, the Hampshires and the Dorsets and their invasion of Sicily in 1943.

Drawing on testimonies of scores of veterans, Roy’s Boys portrays the brigade’s training in Egypt, their successful landing on the south-eastern tip of Sicily and their rapid advance inland to encounter fierce opposition from the German defenders.

Roy’s Boys, named after Roy Urquhart who commanded the brigade and later won fame at Arnhem, describes the bloody battles at Agira and Regalbuto before landing on the toe of Italy.

Christopher said: “Unlike the invasion of Sicily, which had been planned with great care and thoroughness, the landing in Italy was planned at the last moment and went very wrong.

“It was to the great credit of the brigade that, once ashore, they rose to the challenge, imposed order on chaos and won through.”

Roy’s Boys follows Yells, Bells & Smells, the story of the three battalions in the Siege of Malta 1940-43 and D-Day Spearhead Brigade of the Normandy landings in 1944.

Christopher said: “We needed to tell the story of the Brigade’s landings in Sicily and Italy in the summer of 1943.

“So we spent 2020 52

TRUE STORY: Christopher Jary’s Roy’s Boys is the story of three battalions and their part in the invasion of Sicily

researching and writing Roy’s Boys, which does just that. It’s a campaign that’s been overlooked and underestimated. Casualties were high because the Germans fought very fiercely and the country – rocky and very hilly – favoured the defenders. The Dorsets, for example, suffered higher casualties in Sicily than at Kohima. Their story needed telling. We learned a lot researching it and we’re very pleased to have done it.

Our books are not about guns, tanks or tactics – they’re about people and their response to war. They should therefore be of interest to everyone – not just military history buffs

like us. Finally, these books are team efforts produced by a group of friends, each with a personal connection to our regiments. I write them, but we share the research and, together, we’ve got a colossal kick from completing a five-year project that began as a single book and turned into a trilogy.”

Roy’s Boys contains vivid accounts told in true story telling style and boasts many previously unpublished photographs and maps. All three books in the trilogy were researched by a team of friends and historians, including retired Lieutenant Colonel James Porter from Blandford.

Lt Col Porter, who is a volunteer researcher at The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester and whose father took part in the invasion of Sicily, said: “The book is a very human story, drawing on the personal stories of the men involved.

“When the Second World War broke out, my father was two years into a three year teacher training course at Goldsmiths College, London. He dropped the course straightaway and joined up. He was commissioned into the Devonshire Regiment and sent to the Channel Island of Alderney to train soldiers in the art of firing machine guns.

Arts & Entertainment

invasion of Sicily

COME AND JOIN US: Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Arts centre in the hunt for volunteers

“It had been considered that the Channel Islands were a safe place to train, but, of course, in the 1940 German Blitzkrieg, France collapsed unexpectedly, and the troops had to be withdrawn to the UK mainland together with those Islanders who wished to be evacuated before the arrival of the Germans.

“In March 1945 with the war clearly in its final stage, my father got leave to return to UK to be married. After his Channel Island trip in 1940, my father was sent by sea to Malta to join the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and took part in the Invasion of Sicily.

“He was wounded there, evacuated to Egypt, and after

recovery was transferred to The Royal Fusiliers at Anzio in Italy. He spent the remainder of the war in Italy, was wounded twice more and won the Military Cross, ending up as major.

“I followed my father’s footsteps into the Army into his former Regiment - The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers - and retired after 41 years’ service as a Lieutenant Colonel.” nThe books are available at £15 each from the Keep Military Museum bookshop at Keepmilitary museum.org/shop. The trilogy costs £36 including postage. The proceeds will go to The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester.

By Karen Bate The search is on for art loving folk who would like to volunteer at the thriving Shaftesbury Art Centre.

The arts centre is a hub of activity, with music and drama groups, poetry, art classes, a burgeoning film society, a host of workshops and a plethora of health and beauty offerings and houses events such as the phenomenally successful Shaftesbury Fringe Festival.

The art gallery showcases the talents of many artists, drawing inspiration from an area that has always held a fascinating allure and in brighter climes, the auditorium is a wonderful showcase for entertainment and the foyer is the perfect venue to meet with friends or make new ones.

Since 1967 more than 50 Christmas shows and pantomimes have been staged at the centre, with major improvements taking place over the ensuing years including a new art gallery and dance studio.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre has grown exponentially and now the trustees are looking for ‘fresh blood’ to work alongside the dedicated band of volunteers to drive the centre forward over the coming years.

Chairperson Jenny Parker said: “What you may not know is that behind the scenes, the arts centre is a very large, self-supporting business, being run for the community by a band of loyal volunteers. Over recent years, this business has grown out of all proportion and we’re now looking for some fresh blood to widen our pool of expertise, maintain the health of the Centre and drive things forward in the years to come.”

Jenny added: “At the moment, covid-19 has put a stop to all our activities, but as soon as it’s safe to do so, we will open our doors again with renewed vigour so, if you think you will have some time on your hands, please consider what you may have to offer this vital mainstay of Shaftesbury life.”

The art centre is looking for new trustees, membership secretary, building’s manager and theatre hire managers.

Volunteers are also needed with IT skills, social media, building maintenance, DIY, capital fundraising and administration. n For more information contact Jenny Parker at chairman@ shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk 53

Arts & Entertainment

n Archway by Tony Cole

nGrey Hare Blasting Past in the Golden Sun by Paul Dyer

nBeating the Boys by Brian Stubbs

nWith the Wind in her Hair by Kit Williams

Camera club very image conscious These are some of the stunning photographs members of Wincanton Camera Club entered the virtual Western Counties Photographic Federation (WCPF) Digital Projected Image Competition (DPIC) this month.

From 58 camera clubs from the West of England, three national photographic experts awarded Wincanton a commendable 29th place, which was the highest placing of any club in the Blackmore Vale region.

Along with this regional competition, Wincanton Camera Club held their own 54

competition on the theme of ruins held an annual online quiz evening.

Mike Barnard from Yorkshire has given an illustrated Zoom talk about his varied images on the themes of flowers, macro images, creative still life, portraiture and images with different shutter speeds.

And earlier this month, botanical photographer Polina Plotnikova also hosted a Zoom talk on flowers and still life.

Brian Stubbs of Wincanton Camera Club said: “Polina has had her work recognised by awards from the Royal

Horticultural Society for botanical art. It is a privilege, and a bonus of the lockdown move to Zoom meetings to be able to secure photography speakers of such quality.

“Our next meeting will be the third of our internal competitions where each member can submit up to three digital images for an external judge to appraise and score. These meetings are always supportive and helpful in gaining genuine critique so that we can improve our photography.”

Over the next few months, the camera club has secured

a number of highlyacclaimed speakers, including Robert Harvey, Elke Vogelsang, Will Goodlett and Paul Mitchell FRPS. n If you would like more information about the club, please visit wincantoncameraclub.co.uk The talks can be booked by contacting Treasurer, Meyrick Griffith-Jones at Treasurer@Wincanton CameraClub.co.uk For information about the club email secretary@ wincantoncameraclub. co.uk or telephone 01747 840018

Arts & Entertainment

nFather by Brian Stubbs

nStorm Alex by Meyrick Griffith-Jones

nLulworth Sunset by Meyrick Griffith-Jones

nWardour Castle by Jim Eastaugh

nGrey Heron by Paul Dyer

nThe November Beach by Kit Williams

55

Puzzles Arrow words The United States

Crossword

Poor excuse (3-3)

Psychic powers

1

Eager interest

2

3

4

8 Transitory employee

5

9

10 Twelfths of a foot (abbr)

Space

Masticate

Beverley, to her friends

Digital letter code (inits)

11

Sheep

Not just any

Credit note (inits)

12

13

15

16

14

17

18

Purpose

20

19 Some email symbols

Tiny circus performer?

22

21

Team

23 Mayhem

Blind __ _ bat (2,1)

Approves (abbr)

24

Maybes

Boxer, Muhammad

Iranian language

Across 8 Makes vocal music (5) 9 Took on (7) 10 Aerial (7) 11 Dodge (5) 12 Found (9) 14 ‘Evita’ narrator (3) 15 Gave food to (3) 16 Noticing (9) 19 Opposite of white (5) 21 Accommodation (7) 23 Word formed from initial letters (7) 24 Little (5)

Touched with the lips

Former US actress, West

Wordsearch Prehistoric Animals

N C T L S X O Y O S I L S L A

I N A N I M O T O S A I J M M

H O C O N O U E R R V A A H E

N D D Y R U P N N A E U A L R

Y O E C O I Y L T K Q L A M I

ADOCUS AMERICAN LION AMPHICYON ARGENTAVIS AURORNIS DIMORPHODON ELASMOSAUR HALLUCIGENIA

56

C H H I R R M N E S L S I K C

7

Actor, Connery

Cow’s low

Bag

6

Whacks

T P T H U T E L I U M C Y A A

O R O P A G O G C O R H D E N

S O O M R P N I S O A O C N L

A M T A T O G A R O C T D R I

U I E E L E U A C U C A E O O

R D R A N R P I S L V S E A N

U U B I U T R I J L A N N N S

S H A R O V I P T E R Y X E E

HELICOPRION JAEKELOPTERUS LIOPLEURODON LONGISQUAMA MICRORAPTOR NYCTOSAURUS SABRE-TOOTHED CAT SHAROVIPTERYXE

D L S R N O I R P O C I L E H

Down 1 Get free (6) 2 Unsaid (8) 3 International book identifier (inits) (4) 4 Animal-viewing expedition (6) 5 Simultaneously (8) 6 Sicilian volcano (4) 7 Stay attached (6) 13 Preventing access (8) 14 Extremely important (8) 15 Member of a particular socialist society (6) 17 Plot (6) 18 Funny laugh (6) 20 Thick and bushy hairstyle (4) 22 Former Communist federation (inits) (4)

Sudoku

7 4

5 9 5

1

6

4 7 3

3 8 6 4 9

5

4 8 7

7

For the solutions turn to page 56-57

3

2

8

Brain chain RESULT

47

-31

×1/2

÷4

+16

-50%

Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

6 1 5 4

8 7

2 3

3

9

2

9

5

6 3 6

8

2 8

2

7

4

4

5

8 4 3

7

9

9 1

3

9

8 1

5

3

5

45×

4

10

7

12

13

15

16

6÷

0

48×

6

19

3

27+

20

23

17+

3×

15+

4÷

120×

16+

23+

3

7÷

0

126×

1

10+

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

39

×2/3

×2

17

18

21

22

2

14×

1

24+

14

3

1

288×

15+

7

24

8

45×

12×

6

11

Killer Sudoku Pro:

540×

5

9

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.

42×

4

6

4 8

9

1

5

6

4

9

8 1 3

5

8 6 8 2 5 4 7 3 5

8

3

8

2 1 6 3 7

5 3

4

2

2

+29

-10

×3

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

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

No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

Across 8 Approve a quiet island for African animal (5) 9 Stripes replaced for officials in church? (7) 10 Run is arranged in Home Counties for dawn (7) 11 Snake more angry with male gone (5) 12 Poor trip scrapped around Uruguay – it’s a hotchpotch! (9) 14 Pull from East presumably? (3) 15 Reportedly, stun legendary bird (3) 16 Right-wing fellow given to exploitation? That’s bewildering (9) 19 In announcement, gloss over corporation (5) 21 Rust in stick in centre (7) 23 Purifies religious education followed by

Down 1 Cook hastily? There’s an even chance (4-2) 2 Attractive publication etc in ground (8) 3 Some charm in incredibly small car (4) 4 By the sound of it, a titled figure is to turn up (6) 5 Dessert? It is a rum hybrid (8) 6 American edition that’s second-hand? (4) 7 Key line in legal deed (6) 13 Misfortune with nothing for area in the s West (8) 14 Train old radical to get suited (8) 15 Consider observation (6) 17 Most pleasant refreshments in summer kept

by National Trust (6) 18 A son wearing sombre colour is unctuous (6) 20 Dubious moment first off (4) 22 Republican getting award in ceremonial gown (4)

57

MPs’ round-up

Trust us to lead the way in vaccination programme As Britain streaks ahead of its neighbours in rolling out its vaccine programme (with Somerset top of the vaccination leaderboard of every health authority in the entire country), the challenge here is turning to logistics rather than politics. But elsewhere, things are still at a rather earlier stage, with high incidences of vaccine scepticism.

In France, for instance, we’ve seen, as of December last year, only 40% of the population expressing a willingness to take a covid19 vaccine.

And even here in Britain (which, together with Denmark and Thailand has the highest rate of willingness in the world), there remains around 20% of

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton the population who still view the prospect of receiving a vaccine with misgivings.

And given that the vaccine offers the only route out of the social restrictions under which we’re currently chafing, it’s worth asking

why that is.

Some of that is down to an instinctive caution about the speed with which the vaccine has been developed.

And those qualms are the most easily calmed by the success we’re seeing unfold every day – with 14 million now having had at least one jab and the R-rate halving every two weeks or so.

But there is another type of mistrust which is more stubborn – an entrenched scepticism about the state and its motivations.

And for me, that’s a consequence of the increasing conflation of differing political viewpoints and individual, personal morality. When we have a political discourse that consists (often) of each side

questioning not merely the other side’s competence but often impugning their motives, this will obviously have a corrosive effect on public trust – an acid rain that effaces the distinctive characteristics of our democratic institutions.

And not only does this corrode trust in the institutions upon which we’re now depending to save lives and hasten our return to the freedoms we take for granted, but threatens to compromise our resilience in the face of future crises.

The price of freedom is (as Jefferson apparently said) constant vigilance.

But it’s worth ensuring that cynicism isn’t mistaken for scrutiny and scepticism for intellectual sophistication.

Armed Forces Bill should address issues The ship of state collects idiosyncrasies like a sailing ship collects barnacles.

This week we dealt with one such, a bill with its origins in the 1688 Bill of Rights. The Armed Forces Bill gives the legal basis for a standing army in peacetime. Very important.

But the Bill has become more than a basis for keeping a military over the years. Since 2006, we have debated and legislated on military matters within the scope of the Bill on a five-yearly basis. And, unlike most bills, this one receives scrutiny from an ad hoc select committee, rather than the normal public bill committee.

I focused my contribution in the second reading debate on Monday on the military covenant (on which I wrote a book) and the Service Justice System (SJS).

The military covenant is a 58

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison ‘pledge to ensure the UK Armed Forces community is treated fairly’. My book about it called Tommy This an’ Tommy That was available at all good bookstores but sadly is now out of print a bit like Fly Fishing by JR Hartley.

The 2011 bill introduced the principle of the covenant into law, and this one continues in that vein, placing duties on

public services to ensure there is ‘no disadvantage’ accorded to service personnel and veterans. It does not aim to create rights, but instead reaffirms society’s responsibilities.

The second main area covers SJS – military justice. As I said in my contribution, service people should not be dealt with any more or less harshly than civilians in relation to the criminal law, either as victims or perpetrators; otherwise the central ‘no disadvantage’ plank of the covenant is merely rhetorical.

However, it is worrying that a rape victim’s assailant tried at court martial is significantly less likely to be convicted than if the case had been heard in a civilian court. This is at odds with ‘no disadvantage’.

The committee overseeing the bill will doubtless discuss the

best way forward on such matters – Judge Lyons’ SJS review recommended that serious criminal cases go to the civilian courts, but the MOD has pushed back.

Lyons also recommended a Service Police Complaints Commissioner, which is in the Bill. This is aimed at creating an independent line of redress if a service person is dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint. However, I wonder why we’re creating separate bodies when we already have one in the form of the Independent Office for Police Conduct that deals with county forces.

It’s a good bill but it’ll be interesting to see what the scrutineers of the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee makes of it. We already know that the Opposition wants it to go further – but then Oppositions always have to find an angle.

MPs’ round-up

Farmers are crucial – especially now As the days start to lengthen our farmers have turned, or are just about to turn, their energies to lambing and the cycle of growth and birth. We begin a new season with hope as the vaccine continues its impressive roll out and the data starts to move in the right direction. Roy Castle told us we needed dedication. Now I think we all need buckets of hope. Crops springing up, woodland flowers emerging and new life in our fields.

I have a very clear memory of the General Election campaign of 2015. I was in my office in Blandford. A lady called and said she had received four leaflets from me all mentioning farming – ‘why?’ I suddenly had a fear that a rogue deliverer had inadvertently delivered in Bournemouth or Poole. I asked her where she lived and her reply was ‘Sturminster Newton’.

She said: ‘We’re not a farming area around here’. We had an amicable conversation and whether she voted for me or not

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare I have no way of telling. I have thousands of conversations and interactions with constituents so why should that one stick in my mind? We of course live in an agricultural area but her not thinking we did shocked me. I know, as your MP, the huge role our farmers play. We live in an area where the long-term future of farming is vital.

Much of our landscape and views have been shaped and formed by man’s intervention on the land to produce our food and meld our environment. Much of today’s North Dorset could still

be recognisable to Thomas Hardy’s characters solely because of farming. Talk to any farmer and they will describe themselves as custodians or guardians. ‘The land’ is in their DNA. Perhaps it is because it is all around us that we do not see it, just as my caller didn’t. But we must. Agriculture contributes more to the UK economy than the automotive sector. It is a significant employer and exporter. Our farming and food production standards are high and will continue to be so. I have championed them in the Commons, occasioning my first rebellion against a Three Line Whip. It is our standards and qualitythat make UK produce strongly performing exports.

The recently enacted Agriculture Act (the first since 1947) has much to recommend it. Food production continues to be important and we have replaced the rather dead calculation of x acres = y subsidy to what you do with your x acres = y subsidy.

The environmental contribution that farming makes can be substantial but it is true that it is a carbon generator. The NFU and many other lobby/pressure groups are making real strides in reducing carbon output. The deployment of AgriTech (using technology across all aspects of farming) is playing its part in a farmer’s life.

Covid demonstrated fragility in some supply chains. It also demonstrated that while we could survive without a gym visit (not me obvs), a round of golf or a nail bar session (I plead the 5th) we cannot survive without food. Farmers and food producers rose to the occasion magnificently as they do day in an day out to keep quality food on our shelves. So, as we start to glimpse spring let us thank and salute farmers: food producers, environmental custodians, reformers, innovators but perhaps more importantly a key, respected and cherished element of our life here in North Dorset.

Pushing the right buttons for faster internet My campaign on faster broadband for Dorset is of even greater importance at this time when so many of us are reliant on digital technology to work and learn from home. I’ve pushed digital minister Matt Warman on this in the House of Commons and had a number of meetings with him. I’m also working with Openreach to encourage Community Fibre Partnerships, where residents and local businesses combine forces in their area, with the help of Government voucher schemes, grants and local authority support. This has worked well in several areas so far and a new scheme opens in April. If you have poor internet connectivity in the Blackmore Vale area, as I know many of you do, you can use the Openreach Community Fibre

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder checker to identify whether you might benefit from this. For more details visit my website at www.chrisloder.co.uk/broadband The budget for social care for adults and children in the Dorset Council area was £172m in the last financial year – equivalent to nearly 70 percent of the revenue

generated through the Council Tax we pay; and yet there is still a need for further provision in certain areas. The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) families I’ve met with tell me they experience a lack of specialist support and education close to home. Travelling outside Dorset to access this support not only makes their daily lives more challenging but considerably adds to the cost to taxpayers.

I have raised this issue with Dorset Council and with Ministers and that’s why the purchase of the St Mary’s School site near Shaftesbury, set in 55 acres and with outstanding facilities, is such welcome news.

Dorset Council has now opened a public consultation on its preferred option to transform this building for the benefit of SEND

education across Dorset and we are all invited to complete a short survey on this; you will find more details on my website at www.chrisloder.co.uk/SEND Also on education, I took the opportunity last week, during my speech in the House of Commons on the Armed Forces Bill, to highlight the work of Kingston Maurward College; whose Military Preparation courses offer students confidence and competence as they set out on their military careers.

I also paid tribute to our own Armed Forces here in Dorset, including The Rifles, and thanked the Royal Marines currently supporting the coronavirus effort at Dorset County Hospital. To hear my speech in full visit www. chrisloder.co.uk/armedforces 59

Pets

Ask the vet...

Can I Feed My Dog or Cat a Vegetarian Diet?

As reducing meat intake becomes increasingly popular in our society more people are considering feeding their dog or cat on a vegetarian diet. It is important that this is considered carefully to avoid compromising the welfare of your pet.

Certain dietary components essential to the diets of dogs, and especially cats, are only available from meat sources.

This includes vitamin D3, the amino acid taurine, the fatty acid arachidonic acid and sufficient levels of overall protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Diets lacking these elements can lead to heart disease, eye abnormalities and reduced fertility.

Whilst dogs are able to eat a varied diet like humans they have certain requirements which must be included in their food. For instance dogs are unable to synthesise

with Lynn Broom

vitamin D (we produce it in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight). They can use D2 to some extent, which is available from plant sources, but D3 is a preferable form which is only available naturally from animal sources. Cats require vitamin D3 in their diet – they cannot remain healthy without a source of vitamin D3 which must be provided from meat or from a synthesised source.

Dogs and cats require taurine, which is a form of protein, for health, particularly heart health.

Given the right sources, dogs can create their own. Cats, however are classed as obligate carnivores and must have taurine in their diet for good health. Cats lacking taurine are very likely to develop heart disease which,

left uncorrected, is likely to be fatal. Cats which can go outside will often supplement their diet by hunting and this can provide enough taurine to avoid deficiencies from a vegetarian diet. Cats also require a fatty acid called arachidonic acid and lacking this causes platelet abnormalities which can lead to clotting problems.

A well designed nutritionally complete vegetarian diet which contains appropriate levels of protein, including synthesised vitamin D3 and taurine for cats, can provide the nutritional requirements needed. But equally a homemade unbalanced or nutritionally incomplete diet can cause health problems.

To summarise, you can feed your dog or cat on a vegetarian diet but you must ensure that it is supplemented with

synthesised elements and is nutritionally complete, particularly for indoor cats who are unable to supplement their own diet, to keep your pet healthy.

Alternatively, if you want a naturally vegetarian pet get a rabbit or a guinea pig!

Puzzle solutions (From pages 60-61) Crossword

Sudoku

7 4 9 8 2 3 1 5 6

8 3 5 9 6 1 7 4 2

6 1 2 4 7 5 3 8 9

2 8 7 1 3 6 4 9 5

4 5 1 7 9 8 6 2 3

9 6 3 2 5 4 8 7 1

1 2 4 3 8 9 5 6 7

3 7 6 5 4 2 9 1 8

5 9 8 6 1 7 2 3 4

Brain chain 47

60

16

8

2

18

9

E U S I N G C S A N T E P A E S T A E F E D A B L A C I F A C R O N O

I S B N N B L O C K I N G

S T E A D O P T F G N A E V A R T L I S H C E R B S E R V I C T H O U S I E S C Y M S M A E R L

A E D H D E R H E N G I N G G L L E

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Arrow words A M T E R I C N A

C P O S E M P I N O O M T O U C H T U B A T S E S I H A V O C A S K I S S F A R S I M

B A S H E S

E W E

F L E A

S I D E

N

Julian scoops livestock award

Pets LOST AND FOUND Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection These are the most recent cats that have been lost or found.

Please check out our Facebook page or give us a call if you have lost or found a cat so we can reunite cats with their owners: Lost Cats: Catherine Wells Milton Abbas – dark grey & white boy 8/2. Elizabeth Rd, Blandford - b/w boy Stourcastle, Sturminster Newton - tabby white boy since mid-Dec Downside Close, Blandford – calico tortie since 5/1 Found Cats: Heddington Drive, Blandford – b/w unneutered tom Ludwell – fluffy tabby & white timid. Cann – fluffy tabby & white very wary n We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7 and BH21 call 01258 268695 Tel 01258 858644 blandford.cats.org.uk JACK RUSSELL PUPS, bred from show winning stock, 15 weeks old, long legged, call 01985 850950

Vet Julian Allen has been awarded the Farmer’s Weekly Livestock Adviser of the Year 2020 after impressing judges with the work he carries out at Friars Moor livestock Health, including helping one large Dorset dairy farm cut its antibiotic use by two-thirds over eight years.

Julian is at the forefront of dairy cow veterinary medicine, cutting antibiotic use and improving the overall health of the herds under his care.

He is dedicated and enthusiastic in all his work, with the attitude that nothing is too much to improve the health of the cattle under his supervision.

Julian has worked at Friars Moor for 26 years as senior veterinarian and director and has worked tirelessly to develop the “Livestock Health” side of the practice, which is now a distinguished standalone business employing 15 farm veterinarians, a team of five vet technicians, as well as a strong management and administration team.

A spokesman for the practice

Julian Allen at Mansfield Farm in Shaftesbury Dorset Picture: Tom Askew-Miller

said one of Julian’s best qualities is his “ability to listen to the needs and concerns of clients”.

They added: “He has the ability and skills to advise change to the highest standard, mindful that implementation of gold standard, state of the art facilities may not be what the client requires or can afford; so, he is careful to appreciate what is important to the client and their business before implementing his

advice plans.”

English farmer, author and television presenter, Adam Henson hosted the awards online. The five episodes are still available to watch on YouTube or fwi.co.uk/show.

To find out more about the work Julian and his team do for farm clients across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire please visit friarsmoorvets.co.uk or call the farm office on 01258 472314.

Puzzle solutions Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Killer Sudoku Pro 42×

45×

4

2

4

8

9

6÷

0

7

1

17+

3

6

5

45×

7

3

5

4

48×

6

5

9

8

2

3

2

9

8

4

6

7

3

4

9

6

1

8

6

5

7

3

2

9

23+

7 3

3

8

7

4

3×

7

3

9 120×

2

1

6

8

4

5

8

1

16+

24+

4

2

4÷

15+

1

1

27+

15+

12×

9

14×

1

5

6

2

0

6

7÷

2

1

5

3

126×

1

8

4

5

9

7

6

2

10+

8

1

5

7

9

3

4

Brain chain (Hard) 39

26

52

81

71

1 9 8 5 4 2 3 4 6 9 3 7 1 2 7 1 6 2 3 8 6 3 2 4 8 5 9 8 4 5 7 7 5 9 8 5 1 5 9 2 7 1 8 9 2 7 3 1 6 5 8 6 5 4 2 7 3 1 3 4 7 6 3 9 3 7 1 1 4 9 6 4 8 2 1 94 9 2 4 8 65 8 6 1 5 9 2 3 8 3 7 8 2 5 6 5 3 5 1 2 7 9 2 3 4 9 6 6 4 6 3 4 7 1 7 4 9 7 4 2 6 7 8 1 9 8 5 8 7 3 8 2 1 4 3 3 5 4 7 8 1 6 2 4 9 6 8 9 1 6 5 1 9 5 2 3 5 7 2 9 8 2 3 5 3 8 9 5 7 4 7 1 6 9 3 7 8 4 6 1 7 6 2 1 5 6 2 4 1 5 6 5 2 3 5 1 4 8 9 4 4 7 2 9 3 8 95 8 1 1 8 79 6 2 3 6 2 2 4 9 3 8 7 7 6 4 4 5 3 2 7 1 5 3 6 1 8 9 6

288×

1

540×

3

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

213

Cryptic Crossword T M M O K A P I S G N S U N R I U E P O T P O I C R O C C E I G U I L D A F E R E F I N D Y T

A T U P R I E S P R E S E A D D A M U R R I T S A O N F U S I I L C O R R O E O R E S B L E T E D

E T S C E R O O W N G R D E A S S Y

61

Motoring

She’s electric: Editor turning over new Leaf

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

If you’ve ever discounted the idea of owning an all-electric car, you may like to think again.

I’ve owned several electric vehicles. The first was a Jeep from Freecycle, which I rewired to get it to work.

Several quads followed…

OK, these were my son’s vehicles when he was a tot.

I’ve had far more to do with combustion vehicles in the 30 years I’ve had my licence.

So the thought of pulling into a garage and only having to pay for my Ginsters is VERY exciting indeed, now I am the proud new driver of a Nissan Leaf from Wincanton’s FJ Chalke.

There’s no denying it’s a

Miranda with Dan Cook from FJ Chalke

very different car to drive.

It’s a lot more powerful than I was expecting – though you do have to keep an eye on how sticking the boot down affects how many miles you can do on a charge.

Being rather pernickety about energy consumption

BROADPEAK Car Storage South-West England

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and living in a village with no mains gas, I think I might just have this licked, however. I calculate that at my Economy 7 night rate of 8p per kwh I’m paying less than tuppence a mile.

Tuppence! In the summer I intend to charge it when the sun shines, when it will be mostly free (I’ll be paying for whatever my solar panels don’t provide).

Add in the zero road tax and zero benefit in kind on the income tax and bingo – it’s the cheapest thing to run apart from a bicycle – and a lot warmer.

At a full charge the literature says it can do up to 168 miles, but I reckon I get about 130 as I don’t hang about (it’s just too fun to drive to crawl along).

This week I have mainly been enjoying being able to defrost it via the app, while still in my jim jams in my toasty home. The app also

Secure, dehumidi昀ed and dust controlled 25 minutes west of Stonehenge along the A303

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The spacious boot takes an awful lot of NBVs!

tells me whether it’s charging, if I’ve locked it, how many miles I’ve got left in the battery and whether it has any issues.

It’s blinking genius.

Driving the Leaf is a joy. It feels very much like one of those car ads where they sweep through swirly mountain roads. It’s silent, powerful and easy to handle.

Inside, it’s spacious, comfortable and boasts the sort of infotainment system I have always aspired to, with DAB radio, Bluetooth and an absolute mountain of information about how your car is feeling. If I want it to (I don’t), it even reads my texts out loud!

You have to get used to a few new things (it’s taken me a few weeks to stop reaching for the keys in the ignition), but I think everyone can easily get used to not spending several organs on fuel every week. I’d spend that cash on takeaways if Nissan had remembered to include their much-loved curry hook...

Prices OTR range from £29,845 for the 40kwh model (up to 168-mile range), up to £37,710 for the 62kw (up to 239-mile range).

Plus you get the plug-in car grant of £3,000.

Contact FJ Chalke on 01963 34335 or email dan.cook@fjchalke.co.uk Find out more at fjchalke.co.uk

Motoring

DISCOVER MORE SAVINGS THE AWARD WINNING 100% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF SPEND LESS, GAIN MORE

It’s easy to see why more and more people are making the switch to the 100% Electric Nissan LEAF. Why not pick up the phone and talk to Dan & Johnathan, our Nissan Electric Specialists.

Directors in front of the 1899 brewery

See how affordable it is to go electric:

Nissan LEAF Acenta 40kWh Finance Example: 47 Monthly Payments

£289

Customer Deposit or Part Ex Value

£289

Dealer Deposit Allowance

£1,000

Total Deposit

£1,289

1 Monthly Payment

Dan Cook

Johnathan Hardie

PLUG IN & MAKE THE SWITCH

£288.61

Cash Price

£24,469.52

Amount of Credit

£23,180.52

Interest Charges

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GMFV (Optional Final Payment)

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Total Amount Payable

£26,564.15

Let them explain how switching to electric works in your favour

Borrowing Rate

1.53%

Representative

2.99% APR

REMOVE THE CONFUSION

Duration

49 months

Excess mileage, based on 10,000 miles per annum.

Excess mileage charged at 8 pence per mile.

0% BIK FOR COMPANY CAR DRIVERS ‘GIVE YOURSELF A PAY RISE!’ TALK TO DAN & JOHNATHAN, THE NISSAN ELECTRIC SPECIALISTS AND REMOVE THE CONFUSION, VISIT:

NISSANLEAF.CO.UK OR CALL THE ONLINE FJ CHALKE NISSAN TEAM ON 01963 34335 FJ Chalke Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Available to 18s and over. Guarantee / indemnity may be required. Finance provided by Kia Finance, RH1 1SR and Nissan Finance, Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, WD3 9YS. You will not own the vehicle until all repayments are made. Nissan LEAF £289 per month, £289 initial payment 49 month PCP offer available until 31/03/21. One offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offers subject to certain model types and availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

63

Motoring WANTED -

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64

RANGE ROVER SPORT TDV 6 HSE 2006. Excellent condition Mileage 140000. New MOT with purchase. £5,500 Reluctant sale 01258 473727 MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344 INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS Parts, repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, 42 years’ experience, 01749 880817 nicholaspaxton.co.uk 4xBMW X5 Sport 20" alloy wheels, clean condition £1,000 07894 572484 NISSAN QASHQAI acenta premium. 2014, 1.5 dCi, diesel, metallic beige, 55k miles, new MOT, very well maintained. £9,500 ono 07835163738 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA, 2.0 Petrol, FSH, New MOT, In lovely condition throughout, £2,250, 07814 824302

Motoring

We’re the friendly face of car repairs ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Visiting a garage can be a little daunting at times.

Fears over how much repairs could cost, whether your car will pass its MoT… all these things make going to a garage one of life’s stressors.

Women will tell you it’s also important we don’t feel patronised or ripped off.

So when David and Traci Handford started their garage business, Sunrise Service & MOT Centre in Blandford over 20 years ago, Traci set about making it a ‘friendly’ business – one where people could take their cars safe in the knowledge they would be treated fairly and considerately.

Our advertising manager Debi Thorne has nothing but praise for them: “When I visit Sunrise Service & Mot centre, I am always made to feel welcome by the team and know that my car is in good hands and that the service they offer me is of the highest standard.

“My experience with other garages in the past have left me feeling slightly intimidated and I am only offered the basic level of service.

My experience with Sunrise is completely different, they organised a car to pick me up from my home to collect my car, they even offered to drive me home whilst the MoT was being done. The driver who collected me was friendly and polite and Traci was very reassuring. This was a

unique and refreshing experience from a great team of friendly and approachable people.”

Traci said: “We are here to serve the public as best we can, especially in these trying times.

Customer service is key for us, our service manager Joe is a very approachable and has a wealth of knowledge as he is an ex technician himself.

“I decided when we moved to these premises many years ago to make it as friendly as possible.

Garages can be daunting to many, and we are here to hold people’s hands through every process.

“We explain each process so the customer knows exactly what is happening to their vehicle, we have posters in the reception area to help visualise the parts that are required.”

The pandemic has led to several new procedures, says Traci: “We are very conscious of keeping everyone safe as well during this lockdown period,” she said. “We spray the key/fob when the vehicle arrives, the technician wears clean gloves and a mask for each vehicle, they spray the inside of the vehicle and they use a protective car seat cover, a gear knob cover, a handbrake cover and a steering wheel cover before getting in any vehicle.

We also spray the key when returning to the customer and spray the card machine every time it is used. We are trying our utmost to keep customers happy and as

relaxed as possible.”

The garage has two large workshops, offering MoTs, servicing and repairs for cars, vans up to 3,500kg and motor homes. There’s a body shop there, too.

Traci added: “We look after a lot of corporate customers as well. We realise transport is key to most small businesses and we try our very best to get the vehicle back to the customer the same day.

“We were recognised recently for all our hard work by the

RAC, they asked us to be their local approved garage, this is a great achievement for us.”

Sunrise Service & MoT Centre is on Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford 01258 459 798

DAIHATSU TERIOS, SE 1.5, 4x4, Petrol, Auto, 102,000, FSH, New MOT, 2 owners, Lovely Condition, Any inspection welcome £2,650, 07814 824302

Sunrise Service & MOT Centre

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FOR SALE: GARAGE & BODYSHOP EQUIPMENT BURNTWOOD LOW BAKE OVEN

in good working order, buyer to remove.

Length: 23’; Access (doors): 9’2” high, 8’10” wide

AUTOMOTIVE ROTISSERIE / ROTATING ROLLOVER JIG - Ford Escort Mk I, Mk II Mexico and others

BENDPAK TWO-POST VEHICLE LIFT, model XPR 9F,

manufactured 2008, Single Phase, Lifting Capacity 4.5 tons, in good working order, safety certificates included in sale, buyer to remove

DUNLOP TRACKING GAUGES SHEET METAL FOLDER, 1 metre wide SEALEY ENGINE CRANE, model PH10, 1 ton capacity SEALEY SPRAY GUN CLEANING MACHINE, model SM24/1.2V MUREX TRADESMIG 165 MIG-WELDER with torch and gauge OXY-ACETYLENE GAS WELDING TROLLEY / PLANT with BOC Sapphire welding torch, gauges, pipes and a selection of nozzles AXLE STANDS, several

PAIR OF DRIVE ON RAMPS LESONAL PAINT MIXING SCHEME: BASECOAT, ‘SB’ and

‘2K’ TOPCOAT, includes mixing machine (requires overhauling), electronic scales and colour charts etc, buyer to remove MASKING PAPER AND POLYMASKING DISPENSERS, ADJUSTABLE PANEL STAND for Spray Booth,

DRAPER METAL KICKSTOOL

Please contact Brian Chant on 01963 363353 65

Business

The Withdrawal Agreement needs to

By Adrian Fisher MBE When something is utterly, absolutely wrong, how much time should a government let pass before taking action? The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with its customs border down the Irish Sea is proving to be a brutal, vindictive and terrible mistake. DFDS traffic into Northern Ireland is down 70% and imports to Northern Ireland are down 33% since the beginning of January 2021. This is not a covid-like crisis that will be overcome within a couple of years, and then something we can learn to live with, as we do with flu, AIDS, MERS and SARS. There is nothing that can “bed down” and go away. It is fundamentally flawed. It is an urgent crisis. It is tinder-dry lethal.

Within weeks of January 1, the Northern Ireland economy has gone into systemic shock. A business I know paid out £240,000 by credit card for 20 construction deliveries all essential to a project, but only 17 arrived. The outstanding three items were credited, and the fresh orders placed. Except that now no hauliers will transport anything. The company has thus £200,000 tied up in stock, but cannot start work, nor pay its staff. The company may be able to hold out for perhaps 180 days.

The staff are only two pay cheques away from ruin, just 60 days. These are our fellow UK citizens. No one can hang out for six months, let alone four years when there will be a vote.

In the absence of registered hauliers, a black market is already springing up at swingeing prices yet failing to collect taxes, prompting unattractive comparisons with non-tax collecting parts of southern Europe.

A business colleague based in Scotland wrote: “We have a lot of NI customers and to a man they are pissed off big time and say the atmosphere is very bad.

66

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

“A border has been created in the Irish sea without the consent of those living in Northern Ireland completely against the letter and the spirit of the Good Friday agreement. Adrian, you and others warned against it when it was first proposed and you were 100% right. What is so ridiculous is that all the inspections are being done for inspection’s sake. In reality, virtually nothing is going to leak into the EU single market via Ireland, since the cost of reexporting from Ireland to the Continent will preclude it. There is going to be a serious bust-up over it and it is better it is between the Government and the EU rather than between Unionists who feel abandoned and Nationalists. UK ministers need to stop weaseling and start facing reality.”

What’s this got to do with the rural economy of the Blackmore Vale of Dorset and Somerset? In our own business, we have a prospect for a hedge maze in Northern Ireland. We intended to use a Hampshire-based grower, as we did for the hedge maze at Leeds Castle. But since January 2021, we cannot use them unless we wash the soil off all the roots before we send them, which is

totally impractical, costly and will kill the bushes. This is like the Merchant of Venice, where the merchant could “have his pound of flesh” provided no human blood was spilt. So we will be forced to import bushes from the Netherlands, which must pass through England as a sealed consignment, because from the new year English soil is now ‘potentially contaminated’.

The bushes may not be such great quality, will cost more, and we are forced to import when we would prefer to buy British.

This is all to move things within our own country, from one part of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland to another.

In our own business, mirror mazes have a steel structure.

Despite “free access to a single market” there are steel quotas in place. Any steel that crosses the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland, where they make railway carriages and ships, is considered part of the UK’s steel export quota into the EU. So we face a steel import duty of 25% to export a mirror maze to the EU, through lack of remaining UK steel quota. And therefore potentially lose the sale to a EU competitor on price.

A relative of mine has a business

in southern England making chutneys. If he wishes to export to Northern Ireland, he must label every jar with the name and address of the intended retailer, or else the goods will be refused entry. In England, I don’t see every jar in our local Tesco inflexibly labelled with their Blandford address, to be sold there and no other Tesco branch.

Another colleague wrote: “The EU’s behaviour over the vaccines was an immense slipping of the veil. Behind that veil we saw, for a while, with perfect clarity, what a totally savage set-up the EU really is. If we hadn’t twigged before, when Greece and Italy were being mauled, this was unmissable.

We always vaguely knew that the NI border was being ‘weaponised’ for the purposes of bringing the UK as a whole to heel during the Brexit negotiations, now we could see it in High Definition. I am sure I am not alone in feeling a burning outrage that seed potatoes cannot go from GB to NI if there is soil on them.”

This is the amputation of a sovereign nation, and completely unacceptable. It was driven by vindictiveness and punishment. On Sky News, 9 December 2018, former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said: “You would hear swirling around in Brussels, particularly around the European Commission’s SecretaryGeneral Martin Selmayr …. that losing Northern Ireland would be the price the UK would pay for Brexit. This was reported to me through the diplomatic FINDING INVESTMENTS Are you used to trying to find stuff on the internet?

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Business

be scrapped – immediately: Opinion channels.” This is as malicious and destabilising of Europewide peace and prosperity as the Treaty of Versailles was towards the defeated nation of Germany.

I can imagine such provocative behaviour across the Taiwan Straits, but that is where hostile tensions are running high. But Britain has not lost a war. We simply chose to leave the EU. These actions by the EU are not in the name of any European

friends and business counterparts that I know.

Anything vindictive like this in the context of Ireland is recklessly throwing fuel onto glowing embers. If the EU understood this, it should never have insisted. If it was unaware of such sensitivities, it should have been.

It never needed to be this way.

Before the Withdrawal Agreement was finalised,

preparations had reached an advanced stage for a frictionless arrangement across the Republic / NI border. It was workable.

Referring to the Good Friday Agreement, it was a ‘GFAcompliant peace option’. Yet this was withdrawn by the EU, as part of its “punishment” strategy.

I understand that the mood at cabinet level is described as incandescent with the EU for triggering article 16, which is

said to be driving a coach and horses through the agreement. It is clear that the EU does not care a jot about Ireland. We would not allow such ruin to be brought upon the businesses and families in the Blackmore Vale for 10 days, let alone 10 weeks.

It must stop for our fellow UK citizens in Northern Ireland right now!

Adrian Fisher is an award-winning maze designer in Durweston.

Pulling out all the stops for MoD deal

By Miranda Robertson A Stalbridge company took a major role in an international support mission after Royal Navy equipment was held up by covid and Brexit.

The equipment – two helicopter underwater escape training systems – had been held up by diverted ships and in ports and customs on their way to RNAS Yeovilton.

The systems are vital for anyone who has to fly over water in a helicopter and the Navy constantly trains its personnel in how to escape should their aircraft come down into water, using the systems in a ‘dunker’ to simulate a real-life emergency.

Tim Otter is chief executive of Stalbridge-based Lutra, which has been helping a Canadian company, SSL, sell the systems for seven years.

The training can see people lowered in a helicopter simulator by a crane, turned upside down into the water in the darkness and try to escape.

Former Army Major Tim said: “It’s frightening for some and unpleasant for everyone.”

The order of two systems from Canada was always going to be complicated, as the Canadians had leased two systems to the Navy while the new ones were ordered and built. So Tim had to

Lutra chief executive Tim Otter and left, a helicopter underwater escape training system in action

organise shipping the lease systems back to Canada and the shipping of the new ones to the UK simultaneously.

But when covid and Brexit reared their heads things got an awful lot more complicated.

The new systems got stuck in customs.

It took some heavy negotiations to get them on their way. Tim said: “I explained to HMRC these personnel were helping ensure the success of the vaccine rollout across the UK and we didn’t want them being held up by endless paperwork, did we?”

The return journey for the leased equipment was as frustrating – the night before the changeover the shipping agent phoned to say the return

shipments had been ‘bumped’ off the ship upsetting the coordinated swapping of the units at Yeovilton. Again, Tim phoned and negotiated and had them put back on the ship.

Just as Tim managed to uncork the genie on those two shipments, a courier managed to lose a further two shipments containing extra equipment for use with the systems. “The company customer care system was useless, absolutely hopeless,” said Tim. “So I tracked down the senior management of the courier company at home on a Sunday evening,” “One thing the Army teaches you is that no defence is impregnable. I found a way in and left him in no doubt what

could happen if he didn’t sort this out straight away.”

He added: “You fight the corner for your company.”

Tim also had to find a marine surveyor because the one booked had been cancelled, and covid testing facilities for foreigners so his Canadian colleagues could get on a plane to go home. “You try finding those on the Dorset Somerset border at short notice,” said Tim. Paul Douglas, president and CEO of SSL, thanked Lutra, adding: “For all of us, working under different covid regimes, time zones, often from unfamiliar locations, and with different working patterns, has been a challenge. Everyone has risen to it with understanding and flexibility.”

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Business

Law firm gives £3,000 to local causes after fundraisers A community farm, men’s health and young people in the arts have benefited from a share of donations totalling £3,000 thanks to the efforts of Blandford-based law firm Blanchards Bailey LLP. Longmead Community Farm, Dorchester Youth Theatre and Movember, which champions men’s health, each received £1,000.

Blanchards Bailey finance partner Alan Horne said: “Faced with the impossible decision of choosing to support just one ‘charity of the year’ we decided to break with tradition and raise funds for several. Longmead Community Farm is central to the idea of the integrity of the family and how being close to nature can be a great positive. Equally, Dorchester Youth Theatre is a champion

Legal Assistant Leah-May Mansfield presents £1,000 to Sarah Cooper of Longmead Community Farm

of the performing arts in the younger generation and Blanchards Bailey is a keen supporter of the arts through initiatives like Artsreach.

“Both charities are local to our offices so it made perfect sense to help two causes with very different but equally noble goals.”

Sarah Cooper, general manager at Longmead Community Farm, said: “Everyone involved in Longmead feels so touched

by the support they have received from Blanchards Bailey.

“This donation will allow us to continue to fund our work providing support to families and young people at the farm. More and more people are seeking our assistance and it is really only with the help of such generous donations that we can carry on our work.”

Jo Simons, artistic director of Dorchester Youth Theatre, said: “We are so, so grateful for Blanchards Bailey’s donation. It’s a phenomenal boost in what has been a very tricky year for us.

“But we’re surviving and thriving with Zoom sessions for our amazing, resilient young people.

“Our hope is to put on a summer production this year

– our Summer MT, a musical Play in a Week – and some of the money could be used for venue hire. We’d also love to offer free workshops after this difficult year and the funding would help pay for those.”

Staff also continued their annual fundraising drive in aid of prostate cancer awareness, in memory of friend and colleague Mark Bellman, a former partner of the firm who had been one of the founders of Blanchards Bailey who died after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Through a combination of the annual Movember moustache-growing drive and pledging to walk or run 60km in a month, the team raised £2,330 which the firm raised to £3,000 for the charity.

Appy days! Towns join online scheme

By Miranda Robertson Shops and businesses in Gillingham and Sherborne can now access an award-winning online trading tool, thanks to Dorset LEP. Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is committing £30,000 to allow local businesses free access to popular ecommerce platform ShopAppy.com.

Gillingham Chamber of Commerce and Sherborne Town Council are among five town organisations to take part – and independent businesses in those areas are being urged to sign up.

The scheme offers a free opportunity to secure more local trade, as shoppers using the app are encouraged to use the platform to shop local.

ShopAppy.com is a multiaward-winning digital platform founded in 2016 (long before the pandemic) to revive British High Streets by providing a local, 68

APPY AND YOU KNOW IT: Shoppers on market day in Gillingham

town-based online platform where small businesses can create their own online shops and compete with the online retail giants. Wimborne is also taking part in the scheme.

Charley Smith is one of the directors of Fair Ground, a fairtrade shop in Wimborne selling clothing, home accessories, gifts and food from around the world. Fair Ground

has been trading for over 25 years, more recently selling through ShopAppy.com during the pandemic. Charley said: “We’re finding that ShopAppy is really enhancing our local trade.

It’s the best of both worlds really as it gives local people a simple way to support their local shops without leaving their homes. As a business we have found it very easy to use – in displaying our

products, communicating with customers and payment. It’s an excellent idea.”

Shops and businesses are given their own online shop within their location. It is simple to use for both businesses and shoppers. No membership is required, you just need to be trading in the areas covered.

Lorna Carver, director of Dorset LEP, said: “This is another important step for the region’s recovery, especially as it will benefit small businesses in some of the most rural areas of our county. There is no doubt that many small businesses have been severely impacted by the pandemic, and we hope this will help businesses to keep trading during the ongoing restrictions.”

Find out more at dorsetlep.co.uk/help-to-tradeonline and register interest at shopappy.com/vendor, selecting ‘Register New account’ and ‘Covid19 Free’.

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.

69

Business

Top green award for Harts of Stur Harts of Stur has won a Good Retail Award for the second year in a row.

The retailer was given the Sustainability Initiative Award at a virtual awards ceremony, held in partnership with Springfair@ Home.

The Good Retail Awards shine a light on those in the retail industry who have succeeded in spite of all the challenges faced over the last year. Judges were looking for positive innovations that benefit both retailers and their customers.

The sustainability award recognises retailers that have successfully implemented sustainability initiatives over the last year. The judges were impressed with the overall commitment shown

by Harts, especially the

Although the main store is currently closed, both the DIY & trade and garden departments remain open and their website hartsofstur.com operates as normal.

SUN TRAP: The solar panels on Harts of Stur’s roof

implementation of replacement LED lighting, air source heat pump and solar panelling on their new store extension which will save over 46.2 tonnes of CO2 per year. They were also praised for substituting non-recyclable packaging to a biodegradable alternative.

Managing director Graham Hart said: “Winning this award recognises all the hard work we have done to reduce

the impact our business has on our surroundings and shows that lots of little changes can make a big difference, both for the environment and the success of our company. I would also like to thank Low Carbon Dorset, Dorset Energy Solutions and Green Light Packaging, suppliers of our biodegradable loose fill, who have helped us so much along the way.”

PET MICROCHIPPING services breeders & rescue centres other pet service & sales enquires@busypetz.co.uk 07731712060 busypetz.co.uk LOCKUP/ GARAGE for bike storage, buy or rent, Shaftesbury centre.

Tel. 07771 887352 COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP TO LET, Mid Dorset, 1800 sq ft with HGV inspection pit, office and toilet, Good access, 07973 142254

Great news for Stur firms

By Jacqui Wragg of Sturbiz There’s been great positive activity in Sturminster Newton recently, providing a needed boost to local traders during this uncertain time.

Congratulations to two of our SturBiz members – Farmstead Glamping, who has been recognised twice at the 2020 Dorset Tourism Awards. The coveted Gold for Glamping Business of the Year and a Silver Award in the category for Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award.

Harts of Stur were recognised for their environmental saving implementations receiving the Sustainability Initiative Award at the Good Retail Awards 2021 and nearby Hammoon Manor deserves mention too for receiving a Bronze award for New Tourism Business at the 2020 Dorset Tourism Awards.

The positive news continues.

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The restrictions placed on nonessential retailers has not stopped one of our popular Market Place businesses from launching a new website. After lots of hard work, Agnes & Vera is now offering online shopping and providing click and collect or postal delivery.

Additionally, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is committing £30,000 in a new initiative to allow local businesses free access to popular ecommerce platform ShopAppy.com to start trading online and we’re delighted to announce that SturBiz has secured access for businesses trading in the DT10 area. With Mother’s Day only weeks away, this is a new opportunity for local producers to reach new customers who wish to support businesses closer to home. Do take a look and thank you for your continued support in shopping local.

REMOV ALS & 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

Recruitment GARDENER: wanted for private rural garden near Wimborne. Must have excellent experience and horticultural knowledge for maintaining 3 acres of formal garden including topiary, orchard, lawns, and kitchen garden.

Good physical fitness and full driving licence required and the ability to operate a full range of garden machinery and equipment. Good salary and cottage available. Please call 07887 645730 or email: dwhitmore@wplgroup.com

JB GARDEN SERVICES. We are looking to fill two full time positions, landscaper and a gardener. Holwell, Dorset, Telephone 07929 094811, email: jbgardenservices@live.co.uk

STONEMASON Albion Stonemasons Ltd require a driver / store person operating from Chilmark to deliver materials, issue plant and equipment, control stock, carry out PAT testing (though training will be given) and general yard duties and maintenance. Must have full clean driving license, be reasonably fit, have own transport to get to work & be over 25 for insurance compliance.

Full time PAYE position with 20 days paid holiday + Bank Holidays. Forklift licence a distinct advantage.

Please call 01722 716765 or email: admin@albionstone masons.co.uk

LOOKING TO HIRE? Advertise here: Call 01963 400186

TF PLANT Skips of Gillingham Dorset:We are currently seeking a hard working waste yard operative to join our company. Duties will include the sorting of waste into segregated waste streams for recycling and general yard duties.

The applicant must be friendly, physically fit and able to work on their own initiative.

Please forward CV to tfplant@tfplant.plus.com or Telephone 01747 826107 ARMISHAWS REMOVALS Ltd - Driver Wanted, 3.5ton, 7.5ton, & class 2 drivers. Competitive rates of pay, removal experience preferred. Full time / part time positions. Weekday working, weekly pay Opportunities for overtime.

Based in Wincanton Contact Steve on 01963 34065 transport@armishaws.com

COUPLE REQUIRED to manage beautiful Dorset free house country pub – live-in.

Experienced couple sought to manage beautiful Dorset country pub.

Enthusiastic, energetic couple – one cook/chef and one front of house – with excellent communication skills, required to run a fantastic pub with superb atmosphere, excellent cask ales and great food.

Three years’ pub management experience, with two years in a general manager’s position required. You must hold a personal licence.

Full-time permanent position, requiring you to live on-site.

Base salary plus bonus incentive.

Please provide detailed CV and covering letter to info@mpirecruitment.com

Send in your CV and letter to win a light aircraft pilot’s licence An incredible prize is up for grabs from Compton Abbas Airfield – a free pilot’s licence!

The airfield is running a unique competition to find one lucky winner who will complete their Light Aircraft Pilot’s licence absolutely free.

The lucky winner will complete the training at the airfield’s prestigious training facility, which has been schooling pilots for the last 30 years – many of whom have gone on to commercial or military operations.

The winning entrant would be gifted all 30 hours of their licence, pilot kit, exams and their final general skills test to become a fully-fledged pilot.

Airfield director Laura Hughes said: “We really wanted to give the local community something to get excited about. As everyone knows, the last 12 months have been really hard on

us all – and we thought giving the opportunity to someone who can potentially use this to change their whole career would be a bit a positivity we all need at the moment!’

Entrants can apply for this special opportunity by emailing their CV and a cover letter to laura@abbasair.com.

The cover letter should include their favourite aviation story.

Entrants will then receive a response with further steps. Contestants must be physically fit and healthy enough to gain a flying medical – please read the terms and conditions located on the news section of the website comptonabbas airfield.co.uk/news.

Millbrook House R E S I D E N T I A L CAR E H O M E

in Child Okeford is recruiting for a

NIGHT CARE ASSISTANT & BANK DAY CARE ASSISTANT The night shift runs from 8pm to 8am, 12 hours week one, 24 hours week two plus option to cover holidays/sickness, rate of pay is £10 per hour.

We also have a Bank care assistant position on the day shift available to cover sickness and holidays.

The bank position does not have guaranteed hours.

Please call us on 01258-860330 or email gini@millbrookhouse.co.uk to request an application form.

71

Recruitment

Happy and meticulous staff wanted

By Karen Bate With millions of Brits champing at the bit for a much-needed holiday and many opting for self-catering staycations, the holiday letting market this summer is expected to become an increasingly lucrative one.

Marnhull mum and cleaner Kayley Raymond has used lockdown to launch her brand new business North Dorset Changeovers, to keep holiday properties in North Dorset running seamlessly throughout the season.

And with the property

Kayley Raymond

market expected to boom, Kayley is hoping to attract

PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED in Wincanton.

Role involves bank reconciliations, preparing monthly management accounts, HMRC and VAT submissions, various Account Department duties. Call 01963 828304 for further information.

DIOCESE OF

hard-working, conscientious, happy people in exchange for good rates of pay and the excitement of working for a fledgling company.

Kayley said: “I like a clean home and I have acute attention to detail. When I clean my customers say ‘It’s not just clean, it’s ‘Kayley clean’. I leave no speck untouched! I am looking for people like myself, hardworking, conscientious with good attention to detail and who would like to earn more than the minimum wage.

“Here at North Dorset Changeovers we offer

GREAT STAFF READ THE NBV Advertise here: Call 01963 400186

excellent rates of pay in exchange for flexible and reliable, happy people.”

North Dorset Changeovers is based in Sturminster Newton and currently covers a 30 mile radius – which will grow as her business grows.

“My hopes are to build a substantial business that provides that personal and bespoke touch. We provide a complete bespoke changeover service as well as full property management to those clients that live far from the property.”

For more details go to northdorsetchangeovers.co.uk EGG PACKERS Required to work as part of a team. Manual work so must be physically fit.

Contact Paul – 07967 388895

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: noon on Friday 26th February Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th March www.salisbury.anglican.org

Renewing HOPE 72

Pray

Serve

Grow

Recruitment SITUATIONS WANTED EXPERIENCED, SELF EMPLOYED CARER available for days/ nights. Level 3 qualified, insured, dbs, references. Contact 07898609405

EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER has availability for days/nights. Insured, DBS and References, please contact 07578 891657

CARE WORKER AVAILABLE, experienced in dementia, Parkinson's, palliative care. Good cook & housekeeper, DBS & references available, live in or out call 07775 211891 FREELANCE EXEC ASST. Background in Antiques, Arts & Music Industries.

Extremely adaptable across diverse disciplines. event planning, research, manuscripts, documentation. Blandford-based but happy to travel 07976 743 081 CLEANING SERVICES OFFERED Please call 01258 860136

R E M O VA L S

SELF EMPLOYED CLEANER has availability in the Donhead/Shaftesbury area, £14 per hour, Joanne, 07720846591

&

URGENTLY NEEDED TUTOR for two grandchildren 6 and 7 years old. Remote location thus covid risk slight. 2/3 periods per week of 3 hours. Terms and pay to be discussed and agreed. Location Wincanton area. 01963/33580 or 07974743512 EXPERIENCED STOCKPERSON REQUIRED on the Wilts/Dorset border to work with closed pedigree beef herd, low input low output housed in winter. This position will suit a candidate who enjoys working with stock. The farm is permanent pasture, including some HLS and other environmental schemes.

Call 07540 633125 or email: info@mereparkfarm.co.uk

LOOKING TO HIRE? Advertise here: Call 01963 400186

CABINET MAKER REQUIRED Experienced for immediate start.

Wincanton workshop. dan@morriscabinetmak ers.co.uk LIVE IN DOMESTIC COUPLE sought in the Blackmore Vale.

Groundskeeper/Housek eeper. Separate converted barn accommodation provided, utilities included. Car & Driving licenses essential.

07511664490

Disabled Veteran requires CARER/CLEANER to help in my home. Please call 07542 103471 for an Interview.

S T O R A G E

Armishaws Removals is looking for a candidate to join our busy Wincanton office in support of the transport and operations managers.

Some knowledge of the transport industry would be an advantage.

The role will include assisting with organising relevant paperwork and documentation for all the moves we undertake in the UK and Europe.

You must be able to work as part of a team, have a good phone manner and attention to detail when dealing with customers.

Apply to transport@armishaws.com 73

Letters

Do what I do with rubbish – deliver it back

Your readers might like to see how Wincanton’s KFC is contributing to the despoliation of our countryside. Photo taken on 1 February in an otherwise genteel seating area just off Shaftesbury Lane. There were also bottles and large amounts of paper. The crassly thoughtless consumers of the KFC products in this packaging must have discarded all the cardboard, plus bottles and some half-consumed contents, late at night on Sunday 31 January. When I stopped to clear up the mess on seeing it the next morning, my faith in human nature was restored by another passing motorist, a young employee of Morrisons who immediately offered to help in the clear up, and produced a Morrisons bag from his boot, into which – both wearing gloves – we stuffed the detritus.

Well done indeed to him!

Thinking of the no doubt griefstricken employees of Wincanton KFC, who were presumably wondering what might have happened to their valued branded packaging, I hastened to put them out of their misery on 2 February. I drove to their outlet and, having first shown the photo of the KFCdecorated roadside site to the employee behind the till, I left him the bulging plastic bag, halfspilling it onto his counter, while expressing the hope that he should “enjoy” it, in the accepted modern parlance.

These fast food outlets (McDonald’s is about to open on the same site as KFC) should charge deposits on their food containers to encourage their 74

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

return. And I encourage others to follow my example and take all identifiable litter back to the originators. Perhaps eventually, this might get through to the unthinking people who simply throw away litter all over our roadsides.

Hugh Davies Cucklington n I was really pleased to read your article in the BVM on the garages along the A30.

Recently whilst reminiscing I counted that there used to be eight filling stations in Sherborne and now only one, Young’s, which is slightly puzzling as there must be far more cars on the road today compared with the 1950s.

To this day we still say let’s go and fill up at Jack Young’s. I remember my father calling at Deweys in Newland and Bill Dewey coming out to serve us and nearly always wearing his taxi ‘uniform’ including peaked cap. They also ran big black

taxis and a black Mariah as it was called.

I’ve now started on pubs, not visiting, counting how many have gone.

Many thanks again.

Margaret Read Can anyone help Margaret identify pubs of Sherborne’s past? Email newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net n Dear BVM, congratulations on the launch of the e-edition of your magazine. For those of us who grew up in North Dorset, but now live in exile, it is an ideal way to keep in touch with local comings and goings (although of course nothing will ever compare to the experience of picking up a paper copy from your Stalbridge office on a Friday lunchtime and poring over the small ads in the Bird in Hand with a pint or two of guest ale).

I am intrigued to know where all the dogs have gone. When I was a lad, growing up just outside

Stalbridge, the magazine was full of farm dogs for sale (a large proportion of which had been sired by the neighbouring sheep farmer’s collies). I remember that when my parents had dogs to dispose of (inevitably following a visit from the sheep farmer’s itinerant collies) they would always charge a fee – ten or twenty pounds – partly to recoup the expenses of providing the puppies with food and board, but mainly to try to ensure that buyers would take their responsibilities as dog owners seriously.

Where are the ads for farm bred puppies and kittens? Have the rules and regulations changed?

A lot has been written about the demand for pets during lockdown, but this trend predates the pandemic. You can spend silly money on a pure bred animal, or a trendy new hybrid (a labrapoo, say, or a cockerdor), but what has happened to all the humble, farm-bred mongrels and kittens?

Keep up the good work!

Best wishes, Ben Rew, Faversham, Kent NB: If you too are ‘in exile’ you can sign up to be posted a real live mag! Go to Blackmorevale.net/subscribe n Staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice Dorset hear stories every day of families whose lives have been turned upside down by this pandemic.

Some had never needed support from the benefits system before, while others were already struggling to get by before covid struck. In total we’ve given over 2,500 people one-to-one advice on Universal Credit since the first lockdown in March. 64% people seeking our support on benefits used our services for the very first time.

We know that the government’s £20-a-week boost to the Universal Credit at the start of the pandemic often made the

Letters difference between empty cupboards and food on the table.

But that lifeline is currently set to end in just a few short months. It’s a cut that’s likely to push people into missed bills, mounting debts and a daily struggle to make ends meet. It’s a cut that will also drain spending power from our fragile economy.

With an ongoing pandemic and a bleak outlook in the jobs market, we’re urging the government to keep that lifeline.

It’s the right thing to do to support people who’ve lost livelihoods through no fault of their own.

Rovarn Wickremasinghe Chief Officer, Citizens Advice Bridport n We have a housing problem building up in Somerset, due to the high levels of phosphate pollution in the water courses of the special protected areas of the Somerset Levels, and the effect on the natural habitat. The letter from Natural England to the district councils stated that the phosphate pollution levels were two to three times the acceptable limit. Many of us have known for years of the pollution problem in our rivers, and voluntary organisations such as CATCH in Wincanton have worked to rectify the pollution and bring back life to the rivers.

So why have Natural England suddenly discovered this high level of pollution? To my knowledge there has been no natural or industrial catastrophe to cause this rise in pollution so we are left with a gradual erosion of quality of water ignored by those responsible.

The district is the planning authority, and in making decisions consults not only the general public, but certain statutory bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency (responsible for the rivers and quality of water), and the Water Board (responsible for effluent treatment before

NBV is the cat’s Whiskas

Our cat, Corbin, from Shaftesbury loves your magazine!!

Nicci Judd returning to the rivers) and the final approval of an application is dependant on the information supplied by these experts. So why was the letter sent to the district councils and not to these experts on water quality, with the records to pinpoint pollution problems?

The letter has resulted in all planning applications being put on hold for further consultations and additional technical information. We are now facing a possible housing desert, with no new developments coming forward, and prices out of reach of the average local purchaser.

There is also the suggested solution, or ‘mitigation’ policy, which appears to be based on the problem being groundwater based. Groundwater, like rivers, flows down hill, so why plant trees to absorb the phosphate in the water anywhere but between the development and the river?

The calculations on the level of pollution have a basic fault; the technical information on the existing problem is missing, and

the ‘phosphate load calculator’ to determine pollution levels was proposed and then withdrawn, as it was found to be unworkable.

We are left with a proposal to remove land from agricultural production, when we have a world climate problem, and an essential requirement to produce food in this country.

Because we in this area of East Somerset come under a different set of pollution conditions, the effect will be considerable in planning terms. Major developers will move their proposals to where approvals are possible, and sit out the West Somerset fiasco. The real problem is the effect on the economy of Somerset as a whole and the resulting demise of construction work, on top of the covid problems. This will be particularly felt by our small building firms, and the self employed.

Colin Winder Wincanton n Regarding your piece on

rapid lateral flow testing for covid-19 at Yeovil College (Edition 10, Feb 5), I hope that those testing negative will be told that this does not necessarily mean that they are free of infection. Lateral flow testing can be a good way of identifying infected individuals who might otherwise have gone undetected, but studies reported in the British Medical Journal have shown that this test can give a high rate of false negatives (up to 50-60%) when compared with the gold standard laboratory based PCR test.

Consequently, those who test negative in a lateral flow test could still be harbouring the virus and they should continue wearing face masks, social distancing and only leaving home for essential activities.

Dr Gordon Lethbridge, Sherborne n As a dog lover myself, I have become increasingly aware of the recent pollution of our streets with dog faeces. I cannot believe that this is entirely due to the covid-19 pandemic, so please do not use this as an excuse.

This is something that I find quite intolerable, and feel it must really affect the sense of wellbeing of the whole community in our beautiful market town.To inadvertently walk into it myself is disgusting, and how mothers of young children are expected to avoid it, having to clean it off the wheels of their prams etc.

Dog faeces quite apart from my above comments is a real health hazard and especially to young children. It is a complete idleness on the part of those who do not clean up their dog’s mess with bags and then take them home. I believe in some countries these are supplied to dog owners. We all pay our council tax for standards to be maintained. What does the council plan to do about this?

Frances Heppell Castle Cary 75

Church

Why not join our celebration?

Lent is already here, having started with Ash Wednesday on February 17th, and we are preparing to celebrate, what is to Christians, the greatest event ever to happen on earth, the resurrection of Jesus. During Lent we offer aid to those who have so little compared with the many of us who have so much. We learn something more about our faith, which in normal times is Bible study or maybe talks. However in lockdown this will need to be done via the internet. Then in Holy Week we encounter some of the most moving services of the Christian year if we are allowed under covid-19.

Many of us are used to going to church at Christmas. For

some this is the only time in the year we go to church. But have you ever thought about going at Easter?

For Christians we are remembering someone we love – Jesus Christ. During the week leading up to Easter, Holy Week, there will be plenty of opportunities to take part in those services that mark the start of the Christian Church, albeit on Zoom or Facebook. Maundy Thursday is a time to remember the last supper, when Jesus ate a final meal with his disciples. This we remember each Sunday with Holy Communion but on Maundy Thursday we also remember his humility when he washed the feet of his

friends.

On Good Friday we remember the trial, conviction and death of Christ. We will think about those not as fortunate as ourselves. It will be a time of reflection and a time to ask for God’s help in this troubled world. Holy Saturday will end with readings remembering the creation of our world and will also involve bringing a new light into the church. This light symbolises the light that we believe is brought into our lives by being followers of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday is our opportunity to celebrate the resurrection. This is the culmination of our

CHURCH SERVICES

please leave your message on our answerphone 01258 577 030: we will keep your information confidential and observe data protection regulations. We aim to return calls within 24 hours.

at 10am – do join us: facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE

Blandford Methodist Church With the rising number of people testing positive for covid-19, coupled with advice from the Methodist Church, we are unable to hold Sunday services until further notice.

We will keep you updated when we are able to safely re-open. If you have a prayer request, are feeling lonely and need to chat, then

Shaftesbury Team Ministry There are no public services in the Shaftesbury Team Ministry during the lockdown but we will be broadcasting a service on our Facebook page each Sunday

n Mass times for Catholic churches in Marnhull on Sundays and Thursdays, 9.30am; in Gillingham on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am. n St Simon and St Jude’s Church of Milton on Stour are collecting used ink cartridges for recycling.

This is raising much needed

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

Vicar in the Vale celebrations. This is our chance to remember, with thanks, the sacrifice given for us. If you are one of the many who love to go to church at Christmas but seldom, or never, go during the rest of the year then here is an invitation to join one of the services, on-line or maybe back in our church buildings during Holy Week and Easter. Why not come and see – you will be most welcome.

funds for the church.

All donations are gratefully received and can either be left in the collection box in the porch of Milton church or contact Karen and we will arrange covidfriendly collection – 01747 822263.

WHERE AND WHEN YOU CAN WORSHIP Here is the latest information on worship in the Blackmore Vale nSt John’s Church, Yeovil Church Services on Sunday and Tuesday will be going ahead, but only attend if you feel it is safe to do so.

Sunday 10:30am – booking is required to attend or watch on the live stream.

Book at sjyeovil.org.uk. Tuesday, Communion – You are able to attend in person, there is no need to book nSt Mary’s the Virgin, Gillingham Sunday at 10am – Sunday Service For more details go online at achurchnearyou.com or ring Carole Blackmore on 01747 821598

76

nSt John’s Church, Shaftesbury Church Services are returning online.

More details at facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE nBlandford Parish Church Services have been suspended at both churches during January 2021.

There is an online service each Sunday at 10am on the Blandford Parish Church Facebook Page followed by Zoom Coffee from 11am.

View our Thought for The Day here on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays on our Facebook Page led by members of our congregation. If you require any assistance during this new period of

lockdown or would like someone to pray with you, please contact us or email pastoral care@bfpc.org.uk or prayer@bfpc.org.uk nSt Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton The church remains open for individual prayer from 2pm until 4pm on Wednesdays. We are also open for Sunday services. Some services may vary from our usual, so please check our latest information online at stmaryssturminsternewton.org.uk nWincanton Parish Church Sunday Communal worship has been suspended during lockdown. The

church is open for private prayer on Sundays between 9am and 11am and on Wednesdays between 12noon and 2pm. You are very welcome to come inside the church for private prayer and contemplation, distancing and wearing face coverings.

Rev Alison Way can be contacted on 01963 33151 or 07515 958988 or rector@wincantonparishchurch.co.uk nSherborne Abbey Worship in the five churches of the Sherborne Benefice has been suspended. The Parish Office is closed but the parish secretary can be contacted on 01935 812452 between Monday and Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.

Sport

Blackmore Vale teams gear up for league cricket season The Dorset Cricket Board has published its list of 2021 fixtures in the hope that it can complete this season in full.

The lockdowns of last summer meant that teams only managed half a season, playing a ‘friendly league’ with no promotion or relegation across seven divisions. In the rejigged league, Dorchester ended up champions, thanks to a twowicket win over Poole in September.

Two Blackmore Vale sides are due to compete against Dorchester in the 10-team Dorset Premier League this year: Sherborne and Shroton.

Village side Shroton has held its own in the top-flight for four seasons but the club pulled out of last year’s competition, citing only a small squad and a number of older players. The team has also yet to fully commit to 2021.

“We usually only have 11 players available,” explained batsman and former captain Marc Doble. “To pull out is not a decision we would take lightly as the cricket club is the heartbeat of the village.

“Hopefully we can play, especially as we didn’t have any cricket last year.”

Shroton is due to open its fixtures on May 1 at home to Christchurch – and finish with another home game against the champions, Dorchester, on August 28.

It would be a much-anticipated game at a venue much loved by opposing teams.

Sherborne starts its campaign away to Broadstone and also ends away, to Wimborne – should all go ahead as planned this summer.Dorset Cricket Board development manager Keith Brewer told the NBV:

Dorset non-league football season set to be cancelled

Dorset non-league teams across several divisions are anticipating the football season will be abandoned next week.

With the number of games having already been postponed due to lockdown or the weather, Shaftesbury FC secretary Lewis Disson said clubs are facing up to reality.

“We want to carry on but I don’t think it is feasible. If we start the next season in August or September, there just won’t be the time to finish this season.”

The Football Association says that any decisions are on hold until after the government reveals its ‘roadmap’ out of the current lockdown on Monday. The crucial step is GREEN DAY: Preparing the cricket square and strips is already whether games are permitted under way at Wincanton CC again, with or without spectators. The committees governing non-league football will convene after Monday but Wincanton Cricket Club is and stuff like this will also take into account a closing in on a £3,000 happening is survey of clubs’ wishes taken fundraising effort for heartbreaking.” last month. emergency work on its The appeal sparked an “It will go to a club vote but pavilion. outpouring of generosity, the league will say what they “Unfortunately, we had a with more than £2,600 water leak which led to the being donated within eight think is the best option,” said Disson. whole ceiling having to be days of an appeal page Shaftesbury is in the Wessex ripped out,” said club being published.

League Premier Division, Step chairman Matt Howell.

The season begins in May 5 of the FA non-league “Everything that was in and and it is hoped to have the structure. Sherborne and around the kitchen area has pavilion interior repaired Wincanton are in the Western had to be binned. Vital and replaced by then.

League Division One, a rung n If you would like to materials will need to be bought to fund this project. donate, go to gofundme.com lower in the structure, at Step 6. Both steps are governed by We are a town club and rely and search for Wincanton the leagues committee, which on volunteers working hard Cricket Club. will inform the clubs of their recommendation. If the higher “The governing cricket bodies yet confirmed for this season. leagues stop, it will almost are talking to the government One step down from the inevitably mean ithe Dorset and the feedback is that there Premier League, Stalbridge, Premier League is abandoned, is no reason why a no-contact Shillingstone, Marnhull and affecting Blandford, sport played outdoors Compton House (Sherborne) Gillingham and Sturminster shouldn’t be possible.” are among 10 teams competing Newton. A silver lining for Last season, the DCB reduced in Division One. Shaftesbury would be it ability the number of overs to 45 in Shillingstone hosts Compton in to focus on plans to install an the top divisions to allow its first game. In Division Two, artificial 3G pitch this more time to clean the ball Shaftesbury and summer. “If football comes to and introduce other sanitation Blandford compete – and play a halt, it might be a blessing in measures. Final details are not each other in the opening game. disguise,” said Disson.

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Donations flood in for repairs

Sport

Three years sailing round the world:

By Steve Keenan sport@blackmorevale.net

It was 2016 and Tom Dymond and James Haggett, his best friend from Bruton, left Portland Harbour to sail around the world. Tom was 24 and the journey took three years. He’s now written a book about their adventure.

“Looking back, I’m not sure if we really thought we would make it all the way around,” says Tom. “Surely a disaster of some sort would occur, be it meteorological or mechanical – or we would simply become fed up spending so much time with one another in a space so small.”

In 2015, Tom was crewing aboard a yacht when he had a call from James, his best pal since they’d begun boarding at Sexey’s school in Bruton, aged 11. James had a suggestion to make…

“The trip was James’s idea,” says Tom. “His family have always been sailing enthusiasts and he had bought a 32-foot sailboat, Blue Eye. James thought sailing around the world would be a great alternative to a gap year.

“It was appealing because it was different, it was a challenge. I was working on a superyacht at the time he bought Blue Eye. When he told me about his plans I handed in my resignation and flew back to the UK to help him get the boat ready for the journey.”

Tom wasn’t entirely unprepared for the adventure.

On leaving Exeter University, he returned home to Gillingham to work at Virginia Hayward and Neal’s Yard to earn money to do the courses required to get a job as a deckhand. He also found time to be first choice scrum78

OFF WE GO: Tom and James leave Portland Harbour in 2016 and, inset, arrive back at the same jetty three years later

half for North Dorset RFC. On landing a crewing job in Palma, he worked the Mediterranean and Caribbean aboard a superyacht, started dinghy sailing and did his RYA day skipper’s course. On responding to James’ call, Tom helped him prepare Blue Eye – but also volunteered to crew a transatlantic yacht “to get more sea miles under my belt”.

He had put in the miles – but the real challenge was to come, spending three years together on “a very small boat,” cooking, cleaning, sleeping, drinking, toileting, washing and sailing together.

He says: “The time when it was most downright awful was on our first ocean crossing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. On the way, a nasty and unexpected storm

engulfed us one afternoon.

The waves became enormous and the ocean a seething, frothing mess, just like in the movies.

“By this point James and I had sailed Blue Eye some 3,000 miles and were sort of getting the hang of things. That is to say, nothing had gone too disastrously wrong up to that point, other than the odd near miss with fishing boats off the foggy coast of Portugal, and the occasional engine malfunction in the middle of some dark and sleepless nights.

“We were adapting. But my poor stepfather, Pat Andrews, had left Gillingham to join us for that first ocean crossing with promises of a nice tan as the trade winds eased us across the Atlantic…”

In reality he was thrust into a

storm with winds that reached 45 knots and seas that towered over the mast. But Blue Eye is a sturdy Nicholson-32, built in the 1970s when boat builders were first coming to terms with fibreglass. Their approach was to make the hull and keel from one mould, inches thick. In short, she was solid as a tank.

Tom said: “This might have made for a very slow vessel, but it was also precisely the vessel you would want to be in situations like that.”

The trio reached the Caribbean in one piece, albeit a little scarred. Pat fled back to the comfort of Dorset, and other friends arrived to fill his bunk on various stages of the journey.

Sport

Tom and James’s excellent adventure

SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RAINBOW: Blue Eye moored up off shore and, inset, Tom working on a superyacht

They sailed south from Antigua towards Grenada, west to the Panama Canal and beyond. But these hazy, lazy days were not entirely without danger…

“We were anchored one night in St Lucia, in a bay on our own.,” said Tom. “At nightfall we heard the engines of three speedboats. There were 15 men onboard who demanded money for the mooring buoy.

“We found it pretty terrifying but paid and they left. We then moved to another anchorage where other boats were anchored. Men will come to a sailboat to check things out, and then return later in the night to steal from you.”

The pair also had a hairy moment in the Panama Canal of a different type. “We were rafted to a large sailboat as we went through the locks. It’s

normal practice but when the locks fill, eddies are created and Blue Eye was rocked around. A rope came under so much tension it wrenched the fairlead out of the rail, pinged it through the air past the head of one crew – it could have been the end of him. The rope then tore the pulpit (a steel structure on the front of a boat) out of the deck and cause an awful lot of damage.

“Overcoming these dangers was more than worth it to travel down through the South Pacific islands.

“Without doubt it was my favourite part of our trip.

“The sailing was generally simple and pleasant, the people the friendliest in the world, and the little bits of land that they inhabit out in that enormous ocean are ineffably beautiful.”

Tom and James spent six months sheltering from the cyclone season in New Zealand. Tom had saved enough money on the superyacht to fund himself around the world, and James had also saved up enough too.

The pair also picked up the odd bit of work on boats as they travelled, with Tom earning extra cash money writing articles for magazines.

After NZ, it was on to south east Asia, weaving through Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand before heading west to Sri Lanka. From there, the duo took on the most dangerous part of the journey,

through the Red Sea. Tom said: “Infamous for its pirates, many cruisers scoff at the notion of sailing through those ostensibly dangerous waters.

“But the data was showing that the presence of international navies had been extremely effective in reducing attacks in that area, and so we decided it was worth the risk. Whilst I confess there were some sphincter-relaxing moments when boats approached us, we reached eastern Africa just fine.”

The remaining months of the journey saw Blue Eye pass through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean.

Although it was spring, the mountaintops of Crete were still cloaked in snow. In the south of France, the mast was taken down so the couple could complete their journey via the French waterways.

“Some three years after we had left Portland Harbour, having crossed three oceans and visited more than 30 countries, James and I returned to the same dock from which friends and family had waved us off.

It was a wonderful feeling,” said Tom, who is now a postman in Bristol.

“I definitely want to travel extensively again, though perhaps with a different mode of transport. I think James has dreams of circumnavigating again one day, but perhaps in a little more comfort than little Blue Eye could offer us…” n Tom has written a book about the circumnavigation, Hooked On The Horizon: Sailing Blue Eye Around The World. Visit tsdymond.com to read a draft chapter and sign up for his newsletter – be in the know for when it is published later this year.

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Equestrian Great news for competitors as Bath & West announce show A new Equine Showing Show is being held at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Somerset on May 21 and 22.

The inaugural event will include a full complement of in hand and ridden classes, together with qualifiers for the RIHS & HOYS along with the Cuddy Supreme In Hand Qualifier.

Head of shows Alan Lyons said: “The society are really excited to be hosting the Bath & West Equine Showing Show this summer.

With the vast amount of space available on the Showground and the permanent facilities on site, we are confident that everyone will be able to enjoy two days of competing

THAT’S CHAMPION: A winner with their rosettes

in a covid-secure environment.”

To ensure the safety of competitors, the event will take place behind closed doors under the guidelines of The Showing Council blueprint for hosting covid19 compliant equine events.

Chair of the Royal Bath & West Society Horse Committee Jane Cooper said:

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to run a two-day show for exhibitors to get out and enjoy themselves. We are moving back to the old horse area layout and will be using the Main Ring, Ring 2 and a new Ring 3.”

The Bath & West of England Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack to encourage agriculture, arts, manufacture, and commerce.

The society continues to deliver a rich mix of established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary entertainment.

The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for

every member of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational, “hands on” or just plain fun.

Exhibitors will be able to enter online from March 15 and an online schedule will be available soon. If you are a previous exhibitor at the Bath & West, please note you will not automatically receive a printed copy of the schedule in the normal way.

Closing date for entries will be May 3. No entries will be taken after this date and no entries will be taken on the day.

For information about the Bath & West Equine Showing Show, visit bathandwest.com/equineshowing-show-2021

Important to check safety of our lorries As the evenings are getting lighter it gives me a little hope that maybe, in the not too distant Equestrian future, I will columnist once again Charlotte be able to Williams partake in that recently rare pastime of a horseshow!

So, with hope in my heart, I thought it was high time Ivy my reliable Iveco had a thorough check-up before I can eventually hit the road (I can dream)! When you think that our equine friends are wholly dependent on us for their wellbeing in transit, our lorries’ safety should be high on our priority list.

With this in mind, I rang my trusty mechanic Graham, who gave me the low-down on horsebox maintenance, 80

which made me realise how little I know about the basics of running a lorry coupled with the latest vehicle legislation.

I had no idea that as of this month, lorries with front tyres that are older than ten years will be required to have new ones fitted. Graham enquired as to how frequently I checked the tyres for the correct pressure, depth of tread, exposed wires and bulges, and stressed these checks, coupled with having a roadworthy spare

tyre on board, were vital to avoid blow-outs and other nasty incidents.

The one thing I am careful about is checking the floors of my lorry. Horse wee is a huge culprit in causing rotting wood and aluminium corrosion.

And this is something that you can check yourself by just getting under the lorry and having a good look. If you are in any doubt, just ask your mechanic. A close friend of mine trains fire crews in livestock rescue.

She reliably told me that being called out to a horse who has fallen through the floor of a moving vehicle is one of the worst scenes to ever deal with and said this scenario is easily avoided.

Similar checks should be carried out on ramps as they take a lot of strain. When you think of how much time, love and money we pour into our horses, it makes sense to spend a little time running through a few basic checks before we set off. As Graham reminded me, just because your lorry has a plating certificate and is roadworthy, is it horseworthy?

As an aside, breakdown cover is money very well spent. I know from experience that sitting on the side of the motorway waiting for recovery is no fun at all, but I cannot imagine how awful it would be to break down with horses on board without it.

Equestrian

ON TRACK: Wincanton Racecourse is holding meets behind closed doors, but hopes to open soon

We’re closed, but not furlong

By Jade Leahy Wincanton Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse and is part of The Jockey Club portfolio, home to the Kingwell Hurdle, The Badger Chase and The Boxing Day Raceday.

In normal times Wincanton could expect upwards of 14,000 racegoers but is once again racing behind closed doors for now.

Wincanton’s track differs from most English racetracks as they race right-handed.

The track is one of the oldest in the industry dating from the 1700s and has a circumference of just under

two miles long with a short run in of about 200 yards.

It’s galloping track with tight bends requiring some agility and often favours front runners. Horses must jump well to enter the winner’s enclosure at Wincanton as some of the fences are challenging -9 fences with two open ditches per circuit.

A new stayer’s hurdle is also planned this year.

On 20th February, all eyes will be on the Betway Kingwell Hurdle. The 1m3f hurdle race is open to horses aged four and older and is a key stage on the road to Cheltenham. Wincanton is part of the South West

Syndicate, offering Jump racing fans who share the dream of a festival winner, the chance to experience racehorse ownership for a one-off fee and become part owners of three fantastic Jump racehorses through its horseracing syndicate.

When restrictions aren’t in place Wincanton offers full range of hospitality packages with private boxes for special occasions or corporate entertaining.

The team also plans to offer a host of entertainment and events, including family fun days ensuring it’s more than a racetrack and more part of the local community.

EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS WANTED: grazing or grass/DIY livery for 2 ponies near to Gillingham. Immediate. Anything Considered.

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Field & Stream

We’re making sure ewes have fresh grass THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing Freezing February has well and truly arrived at the field. On the plus side the mud that was relentless has frozen solid, making it slightly better to walk on.

The ewes are in their last four weeks of pregnancy and ensuring a good mix of food has become paramount. The unborn lambs during this time have their biggest growing spurt, which can if you are not careful cause loss of condition in the ewes and lack of good quality colostrum. Having preserved the field for as long as possible by grazing elsewhere we are now releasing the grass for the girls to enjoy, bit by bit. We are using a system called strip grazing.

Rather than let the ewes have the whole field we started them off with a strip at the far end, fenced off with an electric fence. We control the amount of grass grazed by slowly moving the fence up the field every few days and are holding a good percentage back for when the lambs are born.

Grazing is often the most effective and natural way to maintain the quality of the

pasture on the field, we use no pesticides, so rely on the sheep to graze both the good stuff and the rough. There are different methods of grazing: With continuous grazing, a fixed area of land is normally grazed non-stop for a specific period. This can vary from just a few weeks to the entire growing season. Continuous grazing can lower grass production and in our case the field would quickly lose condition and quality.

Rotational grazing is where fields are grazed and rested alternately. Once one field has been grazed, livestock are moved to a new patch of grass.

As we have one big field this is not an option for us. We do rotate our grazing but achieve this by removing the sheep completely from our field for six months at a time. By holding a large strip of good grass back we can offer the

feeding ewes and lambs quality grazing, clean unsoiled grass with no risk of worms in droppings, and more importantly the villagers enjoy the sheep being up the road end of the field.

All of which is great if the grass is not frozen solid! We have been supplementing this week with the beautiful hay that we baled back in July, and they love it. All systems are go now to prepare for the arrival of the lambs, for those of you that know your lambing, I am pleased to report that the first few are “bagging up*” I certainly hope that it warms up a bit before they make their entrance in this crazy world. *Bagging up – Udders and teats start to grow in preparation for birth.

WANTED – Person with working ferrets to help out, 07853 001994

Join us to count species at Bere Marsh

By Andy Fale, Dorset Conservation Manager, Countryside Restoration Trust There is a wonderful opportunity for everyone who relishes a walk in the sun to get personally involved in the breathtaking transformation starting to take place at the Countryside Restoration Trust’s UK showcase farm at Shillingstone, near Blandford.

I am about to launch a recruitment drive to find a small army of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to help me discover just what the iconic Bere Marsh Farm holds within its 95 idyllic acres on the banks of the winding River Stour.

I need volunteers who can set aside a few hours a week throughout the summer carrying out vital audits and species 82

Bere Marsh Farm ByAlan Wicks (Permission granted)

counts of birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles, wild flowers and mammals which abound in its fields and hedgerows.

We are starting from scratch with what is, effectively, a blank canvas so its vital for our conservation programme at Bere Marsh that we build up a sound picture of what we are dealing with.

Until we have that picture then we cannot tailor our farming practices accordingly or work

accurately on creating the right sort of habitats to encourage biodiversity and species harmony and development. We need this help from volunteers to get us to first base in our long term plans for the farm.

Bere Marsh is the landmark pinnacle of the CRT’s portfolio of 16 farms throughout the UK which have been taken over to save their precious ecosystems and habitats from damaging intensive farming. The trust,

which believes in taking a holistic view towards agriculture, uses both traditional and innovative methods of farming to achieve sustainable, economic food production whilst encouraging and providing safe homes for wildlife.

I will provide full training – amidst covid-secure conditions – for volunteers in how to conduct butterfly and bird transect walks, moth trapping and mammal and insect counts. I hope to start the training programme at Bere Marsh by the beginning of April.

There is nothing complicated or difficult to it and it will give those who volunteer a fantastic insight and focus to what is a spectacular farm and landscape.

Who could ask for a better way to enjoy a weekly walk in the summer sunshine?’

Farming

Project aims to stem decline in tree sparrows

By Karen Bate

The tree sparrow is one of the farmland bird species which has showed the most severe declines. According to data from the common birds census collected by the British Trust for Ornithology, this species saw a 90 per cent decline in the UK since 1970.

However, thanks to the dedication of ornithologist Kevin Sayer who runs the Wessex Tree Sparrow Recovery Project, numbers are starting to rise parts of South West Wiltshire and he hopes encourage the farmland bird back to Gillingham in Dorset.

Kevin started the project six years ago and works primarily with farmers to provide more food and nesting habitats naturally on farms and

WELCOME BACK: The tree sparrow is being encouraged

habitats between Maiden Bradley and Mere.

Kevin said: “There is evidence to suggest that feeding with supplementary feeding stations and providing nest boxes can help to sustain tree sparrow populations. The nest boxes are bringing in more birds.”

However, coronavirus

restrictions have left Kevin, who lives in East Dorset, unable to put up supplementary feeding stations on the tree sparrow farms in North Dorset and South West Wiltshire nor has he been able to maintain the nest boxes already in place.

Kevin said: “As a result of the pandemic restrictions, adding

feeding stations, which we would normally do at this time of year and continuing with winter maintenance have not been possible.

“As soon as restrictions are lifted we plan to visit all our sites and check the state of play as regards nest-box maintenance and feeding stations. This will all depend on when restrictions are eased.

“Normally, we would be taking down feeding stations around early April as birds pair-up and start making nests. I can just hope we have some easing of restrictions.”

Kevin sends his data to the British Trust of Ornithology If you would like any information about the Wessex Tree Sparrow Recovery Project please email Kevin at kev866@gmail.com

Trust beavering away on special project

By Karen Bate Beavers are back in Dorset for the first time in 400 years.

In a landmark project carried out by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the pair of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), an adult male and female, were relocated from Scotland under licence and are now settling in to their new enclosure.

While there is no access to the public, monitoring of the enclosure will provide rare, close-up video and photo footage of the charismatic creatures as they explore, make themselves at home and start to influence the landscape.

Dorset Wildlife Trust rivers conservation officer Steve Oliver said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming beavers back to Dorset. Beavers are magnificent creatures in their own right, but they are extra

special because their engineering activities have the potential to bring even more life to a landscape and enable other species to flourish.

“We are extremely excited to host this project, working alongside our lead partners University of Exeter and Wessex Water to study all the impacts beavers bring to a local Dorset site, adding to the growing scientific evidence gathered from other

reintroduction projects around the country.”

The beavers have been introduced as part of a scientific study on the impact the beavers have on water quality, flooding and other wildlife. Beavers are known as ‘nature’s engineers’ and their activities, including wetland creation through the building of dams, have the potential to increase biodiversity, filter and clean water, and even reduce

flooding by slowing the rate of water passing through rivers and streams during storm events.

The project has been developed in partnership with University of Exeter and Wessex Water.

University of Exeter’s Professor Richard Brazier said: “This will contribute to a growing body of knowledge and understanding across Great Britain of the impact beavers have on landscapes.

“It’s a really unique study for us, to do this in the headwaters of a chalk stream.

“Beavers have been present on the planet for 40 million years or so, so they’re a highly adapted species and know how to manage water resources.

“We could really learn a lot from them.”

83

Farming

Are you interested in a veterinary career?

By Alice Miller, of Friars Moor Livestock Health One of the things we all really

miss, whilst working within the current restrictions, is that we are sadly not able to have

students with us. As farm vets we spend a lot of the time on the road traveling between visits, and in pre-covid times, when we had work experience or university veterinary students with us, the time in the car was always well spent, with the valuable opportunity to discuss cases and teach about the practical and realistic side of the job.

I miss having the opportunity to encourage the next generation of potential vets. One of the most common myths about getting into vet school is that it is too difficult to get in and sadly many pupils who would make amazing vets are discouraged before they have even tried. I found that once I knew what the universities required this was enough motivation to work hard towards my application, I think it would have been difficult to maintain all those hours of study without knowing what I needed to do to achieve my dream.

There are eight UK universities that offer the veterinary degree, it is a five-year course, and you will usually need five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in subjects including English, maths and science and three A levels (with most asking for AAA, although

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 84

requirements can range from BBC to AAA) and they normally require chemistry and biology.

For those who have not considered a veterinary degree as an option then it is worth thinking about. Veterinary is essentially a vocational course, with 93% of graduates going directly into employment. The degree can open many doors to different career paths, including in first opinion small animal, farm animal, exotic or equine practice.

As well as jobs in research, industry, teaching, specialisation, and the army. With further opportunities to go into HR, management, and business ownership too.

I would like to continue to offer advice to school pupils who may be thinking about applying to vet school, so, on 4th March 2-4pm, I plan to host a talk over Zoom, on careers in farm animal veterinary.

Alongside colleagues, we will share our stories on how we got to where we are today, with an opportunity for a Q&A session. If you would like to join the event then please register your interest by emailing: careerdevelopment @friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk for my attention and please include any questions you may like to pose to the vets, vet techs and foot trimmers at our practice.

ROOFING SHEETS, New boxed profile, galvanised steel, heavy duty, extra wide cover, most sizes available also clear GRP roof lights, ridging, fixing screws, delivery possible.

Please contact 01823 674414 or 07766 898886

Farming

We’re running round with hairdryers!

Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary The cold snap as yet hasn’t hampered the farm’s daily routine, though the biting winds that lick into water fittings can cause problems.

Generally, the action of the cattle drinking system which activates the automatic refilling of water troughs is enough to keep it running, but as the temperature drops this may not be enough.

Years ago, water fittings were made of metal, so a quick blast with a blow torch did the trick! Nowadays water fittings are generally made from plastic, so this method is out of the question. Kettles of boiling water are often used to free pipes, and if electric is close at hand, hair dryers are lifted from the farmhouse, especially if frost has visited the milking parlour! In my experience the hair dryer rarely returns clean and often not working at all, that’s if you ever see it again!

The farm is gearing up for the spring season, fencing posts have arrived, fertiliser waiting in the barn and the contractors at the ready to empty the winter manure on to the maize fields. Machines

will soon get their pre-spring service and made ready for the off. Time for these chores is short within the daily winter routine and often the usual hiccups occur, punctures, a tractor not wanting to start, a member of staff away and so on, any of these is enough to thwart the best laid plans. This week Terry is away, but as Danj our son-in-law is not running Kimbers’ Kitchen Café at the moment due to covid regulations, he has filled in.

He is a very versatile guy, and stepped back into the role he had for many years at the farm.

Our garden and farmland birds are numerous and happy to share the bounty the farm affords. Along the side of our drive we planted a wild flower mix, it included teasles which have supplied food all winter long. Flocks of goldfinches among others feed on these daily. We shall plant up some more odd corners around the farm this year.

I planted some conkers with some of the grandchildren this autumn, but had a fight on with mice, who as soon as we planted them, came into the greenhouse and dug them out, eating or stealing them.

Three years ago, Edgar, our

eldest grandson and I planted some with more success, we now have some fine samples of horse chestnut trees ready to plant on the farm, as soon as the frost is out of the ground, we will have a little tree planting session.

WANTED Shepherds Hut or similar for young enthusiast. Can repair if necessary, 01963 371459 Ducklings, muscovy’s – 07968 121857

Mob: 07966 244536 Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge

TOP PRICES PAID Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 85

Farming

FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY SALE OF STORE CATTLE INCLUDING ORGANIC WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY SUCKLER CATTLE SALE STARTING AT 2PM TO INCLUDE: A Quality selection of Cows & Calves & In calf heifers & Cows Large numbers expected Entries now being taken FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY BREEDING SHEEP SALE Entries Invited SATURDAY 10TH APRIL POULTRY SALE WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL PEDIGREE BREEDING BULL SALE STARTING AT 2PM Entries Invited FROME MARKETS 1ST INAUGRAL SPRING STIRK FAIR WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 SHOW & SALE KINDLY SPONSORED BY BARBERS 1833 TO BE JUDGED IN THE PENS PRIOR TO SALE BEST PEN OF 2 OR MORE NATIVE BRED DAIRY CROSS STEERS UPTO 7 MONTHS OLD BEST PEN OF 2 OR MORE NATIVE BRED DAIRY CROSS HEIFERS UPTO 7 MONTHS OLD BEST PEN OF 2 OR MORE CONTINENTAL BRED DAIRY CROSS STEERS UPTO 7MONTHS OLD BEST PEN OF 2 OR MORE CONTINENTAL BRED DAIRY CROSS HEIFERS UPTO 7 MONTHS OLD BEST PEN OF 2 OR MORE DAIRY BRED STEERS OR HEIFERS UPTO 7 MONTHS OLD OVERALL CHAMPION £30 PRIZE MONEY AND ROSETTES FOR THE WINNER OF EACH CLASS WITH THE OVERALL CHAMPION RECEIVING A £70 PRIZE AND THE “SPRING STIRK FAIR CUP” FOR ALL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT AUCTIONEER- CHARLIE COLEMAN 07494 588013 FIELDSMEN- TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 MARK FERRETT 077022 64502 OFFICE- 01373 830033

Strict Social Distancing rules apply. Everyone to provide their own face masks and gloves. Face masks to be worn at all times Website: www.fromelivestock.com Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com

For those whose TV volume is now at 50!

SMALL BALE good quality hay 2019, £2.25 per bale, Shaftesbury 01747 852825

FREELANCE SHEPHERDESS with working dogs looking for part-time work. Call/ message Lucie 07949 273364

QUALITY HAYLAGE D1010 Bales, 6ft, 4 strings with 8 wraps, a large quantity, Mark 07860 759996

Conyers

Country Outfitters

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D

New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs.

Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est

1886

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service.

We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on 3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwestyreservices.co.uk

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

WANTED!

Quads, ATVs, farm & plant machinery, compact tractors, mini diggers, dumpers, trailers, commercial mowers, Landcruiser 80s,fishingboats, caravans, forklifts, workshop clearances and more...

www.allterraintrader.co.uk

07912 346037 01963 363512

AIR RIFLES FOR SALE From £50

Webley Mk3 x 3 BSA Air Sporter Mk2 x 3 BSA Buccaneer x 1 Air Ri昀e Full Power £80 26 Antique BSA under leavers

FARMING CLASSIFIEDS FLAIL HEDGING, HEDGE LAYING, HAULAGE. Please phone Andrew 01747 855198 REARING CONTRACT for approx 60 head needed, headage payment, good references, 07800 648161 CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls.

Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited. 01258 830324 / liquiline.co.uk

Call 07970 742471

38 The High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HT Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST!

For those farmers who drove tractors in the 70s!

0% interest payment plans available for hearing aids

We will welcome you all with open ears!

86

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 20th February at 1.00pm Collective Fodder Sale

Entries to include: Hay................................. 152 Quad at Axbridge; 50 Round at Bridgwater; 100 Round at Highbridge; 40 Quad & 75 Round at Langport; 300 Conv at Taunton; 70 Square at Wellington.

Silage............................. 20 Round at Axbridge; 90 Round Bridgwater; 50 Round at Lympsham; 215 Round & 100 Square at Taunton; 400 Tonnes at Yarcombe.

Straw............................. 40 Quad & 120 Round at Dulverton; 30 Round at Langport.

Plus trailer/lorry loads of Straw and Hay to be delivered ** Further entries invited ** For a catalogue please contact the Sedgemoor Of昀ce - 01278 410250

Forthcoming Deadstock Sale

** ONLINE TIMED MACHINERY AUCTION ** at https://gth.auctionmarts.com. Wednesday 24th Feb 昀nishing from 6.30pm onwards The Dispersal Sale of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, ATV, Forklift, Farm Machinery, Cultivation, Livestock & Dairy Equipment & Effects

(03) JCB TM300.52 Pivot Steer Telescopic HANDLER; (04) Deutz Fahr Agrotron 165 TRACTOR; (06) MF 6490 TRACTOR c/w Front Linkage; (06) Honda 250 ATV; Manitou FORKLIFT; (10) Ritchie BALE HANDLER; Cherry 4’ BUCKET; Browns Flat 8 GRAB; Triple B Cow CATCHER; Dowdeswell Dung SPREADER; SKH Dung SPREADER; (15) Stewart Trailers Grain TRAILER c/w Silage Sides; Norton 10T Grain TRAILER; Richard Western Feeder WAGON; Asa-Lift Re昀ex Carrot HARVESTER; NH 841 Round BALER; Spearhead 460 Batwing TOPPER; (18) Combcut 6m Brush WEEDER; 2 x Twose 8’ Ballast ROLLERS; Browns Panbuster CULTIVATOR; CTM Weed Beet SURFER; Suton Road BRUSH; Pico Bush Hog 4’ TOPPER; Lemken Smarag 9 3m CULTIVATOR; Vicon Fertiliser SPREADER; Lemken 6F Conv PLOUGH; Qty of Row Crop WHEELS; Qty of Tractor WHEELS & TYRES; KTWO 8’ AEROVATOR; Cattle Weigh CRUSH; 3 x Pig ARKS; 9 x Cattle Ring FEEDERS; 4 x Sheep Ring FEEDERS; Milk PASTEURISER; Shopper VENDING MACHINE; etc.

For Duchy Home Farm (Tetbury, Gloucestershire).

Viewing available by appointment on Friday 19th & Tuesday 23rd February in allocated timeslots.

Everyone to strictly adhere to social distancing regulations. Please contact 01278 410250 to register your interest and book a time slot. **ALL BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED ONCE THE BIDDING SITE HAS OPENED. NEW BIDDERS ARE REGISTERED WITH A STANDARD BIDDING LIMIT OF £500.

PLEASE CONTACT US TO INCREASE IT. A BUYERS PREMIUM OF 5% + VAT WILL BE PAYABLE ON ALL LOTS**

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Tuesday 2nd March at 11.00am The Dispersal Sale of the Milking portion of the NMR Herd being

255 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

Comp: 255 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk and/or Incalf

NMR HERD AV: 8,895KGS. 4.01%BF 3.32%P; SCC=164 HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed ALL YEAR ROUND CALVING SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus, British Blue, Norton, R2 D2, Santos, Yager, etc.

For J & J Waldron (Removed from Court Farm, Barnstaple, North Devon)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

MARCH Thurs 11th...................... SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Dispersal Sale of the Milking & Incalf Heifer Portion (350 Head) of Organic Holsteins and Crossbreds. For GNB Briggs (removed from Great Stone Farm, South Molton, Devon for convenience of sale).

Thurs 18th...................... SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The Lady Day Collective Dairy Sale of Freshly Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Bulls. ** Further Entries Invited ** To Include The Dispersal Sale of 80 NMR Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows & Heifers for Mr LS Davies (Removed from Glastonbury, Somerset). ** Subject to a successful TB test **

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24). Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5490

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 13th February 2021

DAIRY CATTLE (75) Heifers to £2050. Others £2000. Cows to £1500 (2x). Others £1400 (3x). (1005) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (503) Steers to £1445 (LIMX). Others £1355 (2 x CHX & BA) £1350 (CHX) & £1335 (BAX). Heifers to £1280 (BRBX). Others £1200 (SIMX) £1195 (AA) £1155 (BRBX) £1150 (5x SIMX, AA, CHX & BRBX). GRAZING COWS (10) to £1030 (BRBX). SUCKLERS (123) to £2100 for a ped Lim bull. Cows & calves to £1580 for a BBx cow & Blonde hfr calf. STIRKS (378) Steers to £1155 (CHX). Others £1085 (CHX) £1070 (2x CHX) & £1065 (CHX). Heifers to £1045 (CHX). Others £990 (BAZ) & £840 (LIMX). CALVES (253) - Beef Bulls to £470 (2x BRBX). Others £465 (BRBX) £455 (BRBX) & £425 (CHX). Heifers to £392 (BRBX). Others £380 (BRBX) & £362 (CHX). Black & Whites to £175. Others £160. (3232) SHEEP STORE LAMBS – Friday (1840) to £136. Others £133.50, £133.00 & £132.00. Overall Ave £100.38.

CULL EWES & RAMS (1197) Ewes to £182. Others £172 & £150. Rams to £135. Others £129 & £119. Overall Ave £82.23. COUPLES (68E & 99L) Doubles to £295 (£98.33/life). Singles to £168 (£84/life). Overall Ave £65.32/life. GOATS (7) to £125. Overall Ave £110. ORPHAN LAMBS (21) to £47. Overall Ave £37.24. (131) PIGS – WEANERS (9) to £40. CULL SOWS & BOARS (8) to £36. FORWARD STORES (113) to £120.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 15th February 2021

PRIME CATTLE (60) Steers UTM av 204.1ppk to 235.5ppk & £1,496.50. Others 219.5ppk, 216.5ppk (2x) & 212.5ppk. Others £1,495.13, £1,480.29, £1,428.00, £1,424.57 & £1,421.55. Heifers UTM av 193.8ppk to 224.5ppk and £1,323.79. Others 221.0ppk, 220.5ppk & 216.0ppk. Others £1,265.67, £1,258.79, £1,214.55, £1,182.20 & £1,170.45. BARREN COWS (50) Continental av 130.5ppk to 130.5ppk and £1,040.09. Native Beef av 120.0ppk to 135.5ppk and £1,082.65. Others 133.5ppk. Others £897.45. Dairy av 116.5ppk to 131.5ppk (2x) and £1,115.12. Others 130.5ppk. Others £1,106.91. FINISHED SHEEP (683) Hogg ave 287.64ppk to 306.0ppk and £154.00. Others 301.0ppk (2x) 300.0ppk & 295.0ppk. Others £142, £141.50 & £140.00 (2x). Lamb ave 300.0ppk to 304.0ppk and £130.50. Others 297.0ppk & 272.0ppk. Others £125.00 & £118.50.

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. Please note with immediate effect and until further notice we are having to reintroduce a Drop & Go system.

FEBRUARY Fri 19th......................... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Sat 20th......................... Collective Fodder Auction 1pm Sat 20th......................... **Please note change of date** Monthly Seasonal Sale of 475 In Lamb Ewes. Sale to commence 10am Wed 24th....................... Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.

Sale commences 4.30pm Fri 26th.......................... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Sat 27th......................... Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2 Sat 27th......................... Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am MARCH Fri 5th ........................... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Fri 5th ........................... Starlight Show & Sale of Potential Show Cattle Judging 1pm/Sale 3.30pm ***To Be Con昀rmed*** & Subject to COVID Arrangements Sat 6th .......................... Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Fri 12th ......................... Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Sat 13th ........................ Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 Sat 13th ........................ Special Sale of Busk Calves 11am Ring 3

87

Farming

LIVE ONLINE SALE OF FODDER TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2021 IMPORTANT: • Viewing strictly by prior arrangement with vendors - no exceptions • We are happy to assist any prospective purchasers with commission bids these must be received no later than 5.00pm Monday 22nd February • Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your web browser when viewing or to bid • Bale highlighted yellow are Certificated Organic.

• Bale sizes given are for guidance only PLEASE VISIT symondsandsampson.auctionmarts.com TO VIEW THE ONLINE CATALOGUE AND REGISTER PRIOR TO THE AUCTION Straw Parsonage Farm, Pendomer, Yeovil, BA22 9PH 116 x 5’ Round Bales winter Wheat Straw - 2 Lots Pendomer Farm, Pendomer, Yeovil, BA22 9PH 42 x 5’ Round Bales winter Wheat Straw - 2 Lots Peatons Farm, Lytchett Matravers, BH16 6HP 100 x wrapped Round Bales winter Wheat Straw - 4 Lots East Farm, Winterborne Whitechurch, DT11 9AW 50 x 4’6” Round Bales spring Barley Straw - 2 Lots North Farm, Spetisbury, DT11 9DH 100 x 5’ Round Bales spring Barley Straw - 2 Lots Chilbridge Farm, Chilbridge, Wimborne, BH21 4DY 78 x 80 x 70 Bales Krone HD Bales 2019 winter Wheat Straw - 1 Lot Melcombe Park Farm, Cothayes Drove, Ansty, DT2 7PJ 130 x Quadrant Bales winter Wheat Straw - 2 Lots 130 x Quadrant Bales spring Barley Straw - 2 Lots Gorecombe Farm, Thornicombe, Blandford, DT11 9AG 150 x Quadrant Bales winter Barley Straw - 2 Lots Wilkins Farm, Cann, Shaftesbury, SP7 0BH 15 x 120 x 90 Bales Barley Straw - 1 Lot Kingsdown Farm, Longbridge Devereill, BA12 7DY 156 x 120 x 70 Bales winter Barley Straw - 3 Lots 156 x 120 x 70 Bales winter Wheat Straw - 3 Lots Hay Lower Bushy Farm, Meadus Lane, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JP 60 x Round Bales 2020 Hay - 1 Lot Vale View Farm, West Stour, Gillingham, SP8 5SF 30 x D4000 Bales 2019 Organic Hay Court Farm, Buckhorn Weston, Gillingham, SP8 5HS 200 x 80 x 70 Bales 2020 Hay - 4 Lots The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, BA12 6AB 150 x 80 x 70 HD Bales Hay - 3 Lots Holt Farm, Witham Friary, Frome, BA11 5HL 80 x 80 x 70 Bales 2020 Hay - 2 Lots Clapcotts Farm, Spetisbury, Blandford, DT11 9DF 10 x D1010 Bales 2019 Hay - 1 Lot 18 x Quadrant Bales 2020 Hay - 1 Lot Hatts Barn Farm, Ashmore, Salisbury, SP5 5AR 21 x Quadrant Bales 2020 Hay - 1 Lot Kingsdown Farm, Longbridge Devereill, BA12 7DY 156 x 120 x 90 Bales 2020 Hay - 3 Lots Clamp Silage New House Farm, Seaton Road, Musbury, EX13 8AJ 100 Tons Clamp 1st cut grass Silage, opened clamp Analysis: DM: 42% D Val: 71.2% ME: 11.4mj CP: 17.1% LOT 52: 100 Tons Clamp Maize Silage Millers Farm, Upton Noble, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6AX 375 Tons clamp 1st cut ley grass 2019 Silage, unopened clamp Analysis: DM: 33.3% D Val: 68.3% ME: 10.9mj CP: 12.9%

Melcombe Park Farm, Cothayes Drove, Ansty, Dorchester, DT2 7PJ 250 Tons clamp maize Silage, opened clamp - 3 Lots Analysis: DM: 32.9% D Val: 71.7% ME: 11.3mj CP: 8.1% Starch: 28.9% Beaulieu Wood Farm, Buckland Newton, DT2 7DG 275 Tons clamp 2020 maize Silage, opened clamp Analysis: DM: 36.4% D Val: 74.5% ME: 11.7mj CP: 8.8% Starch: 34.7% Crockers Farm, Stoke Wake, Blandford, DT11 0HF 185 Tons clamp 1st cut grass Silage, unopened clamp Analysis: DM: 37.4% D Val: 72.6% ME: 11.6mj CP: 12% Marvell Farm, Closworth Road, Halstock, BA22 9SZ 139 Tons clamp Organic grass Silage, unopened clamp Analysis: DM: 31.6% D Val: 65.4% ME: 10.5mj CP: 12.5% Cricket Malherbie, Ilminster, TA19 0PW 400 Tons clamp 1st cut grass Silage, unopened clamp Analysis: DM: 33% D Val: 71% ME: 11.4mj CP: 13.8% Silage/Haylage New House Farm, Seaton Road, Musbury, Axminster, EX13 8AJ 200 x Round Bales 2nd cut Silage/Haylage - 4 Lots 100 x Claas Quadrant Bales 2nd cut Silage/Haylage - 2 Lots Woolfields Farm, Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8 5PX LOT 67: 200 x Round Bales 1st & 2nd cut Silage - 4 Lots Field adjacent to new Urgashay Farm Buildings, Urgashay, Yeovilton 40 x Round Bales Silage - 1 Lot 14 conventional Bales Haylage - 1 Lot Castle Farm, Oborne Road, Sherborne, DT9 3RY 114 x Round Bales 1st & 2nd cut new ley Silage - 3 Lots Next to Building off Hull Lane, Charlton Horethorne, Sherborne, BA8 0BT 50 x Round Bales 2nd cut Silage - 1 Lot North Farm, Spetisbury, Blandford, DT11 9DH 120 x Round Bales 1st cut rye grass 1st year ley Silage - 3 Lots Newton Peveril Farm, Newton Peveril, BH21 4AN 95 x Round Bales Haylage/Hay - 1 Lot Duntish Farm, Duntish, Buckland Newton, DT2 7DS 50 x Round Bales 2nd & 3rd cut Silage - 1 Lot Field Barn Farm, Winterborne Whitechurch, DT11 0HT 70 x Round Bales 3rd cut Silage - 3 Lots Court Dairy Farm, Clapton, Crewkerne, TA18 8PU 88 x Round Bales 1st cut rye grass Haylage - 2 Lots 38 x 120 x 90 x 6’ Bales 2nd cut rye grass Haylage - 1 Lot Vale View Farm, West Stour, Gillingham, SP8 5SF 80 x 80 x 70 Bales Organic Silage - 2 Lots Ridgeway Farm, Common Lane, Child Okeford, DT11 8RG 40 x 80 x 70 Bales 2nd cut chopped Silage - 1 Lot Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Blandford, DT11 9JL 150 x 80 x 70 x 4’6” Bales rye grass Haylage - 3 Lots Marvell Farm, Closworth Road, Halstock, BA22 9SZ 435 x 80 x 70 x 6’ Bales Organic Silage - 5 Lots Gutchpool Farm, Gillingham, SP8 5QP 65 x 80 x 70 x 5’ Bales Haylage - 2 Lots Manor Farm, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HR 100 x 80 x 70 Bales Haylage - 2 Lots Laurel Farm, Nether Compton, Sherborne, DT9 4QA 240 x 80 x 70/D1010 Bales 2nd cut Silage/haylage - 4 Lots Upton Farm, Payhembury, Honiton, EX14 3JF 100 x 80 x 70 x 130 Bales 1st cut Haylage - 2 Lots Oak Farm, Woolland, Blandford, DT11 0EY 532 x 80 x 90 x 6’ Bales 1st cut Haylage - 7 Lots Melcombe Park Farm, Cothayes Drove, Ansty, Dorchester, DT2 7PJ 290 x Quadrant Bales 1st & 2nd cut permanent pasture Haylage - 5 Lots East Farm, Hammoon, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2DB 195 x Quadrant Bales Red Clover mix Certificated Organic Haylage - 3 Lots Oxbridge Farm, Camesworth Lane, Oxbridge, DT6 3UA 85 x Quadrant/Round Bales Haylage & Silage - 3 Lots An Online buyer’s surcharge of 1.5% of the total lot value is applicable All Lots to be paid for immediately on receipt of invoice Contact: Mark Northcott 07798 645274, Greg Ridout 07817 517467, Charlie Coleman 07494 588013 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

VALUATIONS | AMC AGENTS | PLANNING | RURAL GRANTS

Farming

ONLINE TIMED COLLECTIVE AUCTION CLOSING THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2021 All Lots are Direct Off-Farm Entries Close 12 noon Wednesday 10th February PLEASE VISIT symondsandsampson.auctionmarts.com TO VIEW THE ONLINE CATALOGUES AND REGISTER PRIOR TO THE AUCTION Telehandler, Tractors & Vehicles 2015 JCB 531-70 Agri-Super Telehandler (6,850hrs), 2013 New Holland T7.270 Blue Power (7,500hrs), 2009 Massey Ferguson 6480 Dyna 6 (10,050hrs), 2002 John Deere 6210SE with loader (8,630hrs), Massey Ferguson 135, Land Rover defener 90 TDi Pick-Up (122,000miles) 1961 Thames Trader Lorry, EZGO Electric Buggy (732hrs)

Farm Machinery Bailey TB14 Silage Trailer (2014), Bailey TB15 Silage Trailer (2011), 2015 Kuhn HR304 Power Harrow, Sumo GLS Grassland Subsoiler (5 leg), 2017 Amazon ZA-V 2600 Profis Control Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel 2.8m Flail Topper, 2007 Krone 6.72/6 6 Rotor Tedder, Farm Force 3m Front Press, Ifor Williams TA510G-12’ Livestock Box, Ifor Williams 14’ Beaver Tail Trailer, Ifor Williams LM85G Trailer, Ifor Williams 6’ Ramps, Vicon Haybob 300, Claas Corto 185N Drum Mower, Parmiter Rear Digging Arm with 2 Buckets, Ransomes TS73A 4f Conv Plough, Working Platform (Merlo Brackets), McConnel Hy-Reach Hedgetrimmer, Pallet Forks, Flat 8 Bale Grab, Harlequin 2500ltrs Fuel Station, Kverneland Press Arm, Ransomes Single Leg Mole Plough, David Brown Potato Spinner General Equipment Protech P6000S 6kva Generator (3,691hrs), TowerLight 10kva 9m Lift Lighting Tower, Various Digger Buckets, Axminster Power Hacksaw, Axminster Pillar Drill, Axminster Table Saw, Axminster Thickness Planer, Lifting Jacks, Halogen Lights, Gasoline 3000 Generator, Howard GEM Garden Rotavator, Cast Iron Corner Trough, Shelving Unit, Various Wooden and Metal Gates, Tureen 3 Cast Iron Rollers, Hay Rack with Trough, Horse Drawn Cultivator, 3’ Drag Harrow Beds, Galvanised Tank, Milk Churn, 10’ x 4’ Water Trough, Nicholsons Root Pulper, Penny Hydraulics Swing Lift Mini Hiab, Priva DA13 Gas Heater, Landmaster Mk1 Rotavator, Maxilog Plastic Storage Crate, 57 x Concrete Railway Sleepers, 110 x Wooden Railway Sleepers, Extending Ladder, Log Burner, Tow Chains, Space Heater, Heras Fencing Sections, Riveted Trough, Rolatruc Pallet Trucks, Perkins 4cyl Engine, Cast Iron Bath, Thames Trader Lorry Spares including Engine, Steering Rack and Axles, Laycock Oil Drainer, Chain Harrows 4’, Sheep Creep Hurdle, Root Chopper, Lodden Stables, Large quantity various RSJ’s, 9 x Heras Fencing Panels ONLINE TIMED COLLECTIVE SALE – THURSDAY 25TH MARCH Entries invited

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Contact Mark Northcott 07798 645274, Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

Land at Marsh Court, Wincanton

Land at Binghams Marsh, Henstridge

90.24 acres available on a 5 year Farm Business Tenancy.

Tenders closing 12 noon Monday 1 March.

46.21 acres available on a 2 year Farm Business Tenancy.

Tenders closing 12 noon Monday 1 March.

For further information please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Lucy Carnell 07940 256550

VALUATIONS | AMC AGENTS | PLANNING | RURAL GRANTS

Property LIVESTREAM AUCTION 19 March 2021 DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET WILTSHIRE LONDON

Fifehead Magdalen Guide £250,000 A handsome 2 bedroom village house in 0.2 acre garden, with tremendous scope to extend and reconfigure (STPP). EPC=G.

Kings Stag

Guide £250,000 A decep vely spacious 3 bedroom co age in need of complete modernisa on, with large garden and garage. EPC=G.

Sherborne

Guide £190,000 3 shops with a 3 bedroom apartment above, together with a garden with development poten al STPP. EPC’s E,C,B,C.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sturminster 01258 473766

Dorchester 01305 261008

Entries Invited for our monthly Collec ve Property Auc on

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Dorchester 01305 261008

Iwerne Minster

Guide £170,000 A charming 3 bedroom co age with pre y garden, situated on the outskirts of this popular village. EPC=F.

Blandford 01258 452670 ab SOL ov D e g 35 ui % de

Guide £75,000 A versa le lock up business unit comprising 1160sq of office and showroom with parking. EPC=D.

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Blandford

Contact: Mark Lewis 01258 474266 or Meredith Holmes 01202 843190 to discuss this effec ve method of sale for your property

Wimborne

Sold £434,000 A detached 3 bedroom co age in 0.36 of an acre, in an secluded posi on on the edge of the town.

Nr Stalbridge

Sold £280,000 A 3 bedroom former school house for modernisa on, set in 0.35 acre, surrounded by open countryside. EPC=G.

Silton

Wimborne 01202 843190

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sturminster 01258 472244

PLANNING

Sold £636,000 (whole) A detached 3 bedroom woolaway bungalow with poten al, with 23.50 acres.

Available in 4 lots.

VALUATIONS

BUILDING SURVEY

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QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

A stunning 3 bedroom apartment of the highest quality, located on the ground floor of this iconic building, with terrace and secure parking. EPC=B.

Poundbury

Guide £450,000 4 A charming 4­5 bedroom detached house with PP to extend, within a large garden with ample parking, garage and lovely country views. EPC=F.

Dorchester 01305 571277

Blandford 01258 452670

Thornford

Guide £285,000 A well presented 3 bedroom modern house backing onto open countryside, situated in this popular village just a short distance from Sherborne. EPC=D.

Marnhull

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

East Stour

Guide £750,000 A substan al detached farmhouse with versa le accommoda on, standing in 0.57 acres of pre y grounds with useful outbuildings.

EPC=F.

Sherborne

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sherborne 01935 814488

SALES

LETTINGS

£2,200pcm

AUCTIONS

Winterborne Houghton

Guide £510,000 A totally renovated, remodelled and extended 4 bedroom house in an excellent central village loca on with a rac ve gardens and parking. EPC=D.

Guide £650,000 An immaculately presented 3 bedroom home with double garage and gardens, situated within walking distance of the town’s ameni es. EPC=D.

Property

R E M O VA L S

Memb No: A101

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S T O R A G E

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a Eurpean service for full and part loads

Local and National Removals Container Storage Packing Service All Full Time Operatives Personal Service Covid advance planning for your removal to keep you secure plus remote survey option

Country House Moves

European Removal

Containerised Storage

Standard House Moves

Small Moves

” “Moving at the highest standard no job too big or too small Branches throughout the UK Blandford (01258) 453898

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Gillingham (01747) 828680

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Sherborne (01935) 433341

Warminster (01985) 215991

Wincanton (01963) 34065

Yeovil (01935) 433341

Head Office: 01963 34065

email: enquiries@armishaws.com

PROPERTY CLASSIFIEDS

TO RENT - Templecombe - 3 bed semi, £950pcm.

Contact 07786 399625

WANTED 3 bed village/ rural rental property in W Dorset.

Pet friendly, 07460 205033

1 bedroom private house to rent in Gillingham. Lounge diner, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garden, parking. goldhillkid@gmail.com 07731712060

ELDERLY COUPLE WISH TO RENT HOUSE OR BUNGALOW, radius of 10 miles of Castle Cary (country), 01373 813091

WANTED 1-2 bed rural property. Pet friendly, Shaftesbury/ Wincanton area. Cathy Gallagher, 07468 621665.

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www.armishaws.com

PRETTY STONE COTTAGE in Child Okeford, Dorset, offered for short let, 2-3 months from April.

One double bedroom, 1 single. For details call 01258 808313

Property National Country & Equestrian Property Specialists

Mere, Wiltshire An immaculately presented and thoughtfully upgraded four bedroom character home with beautiful country views Garden £675,000

Chilmark, Wiltshire Unique four bedroom character home with paddocks, stables, detached annexe and swimming pool situated in the highly desired Nadder Valley 5 Acres £1,000,000

Wylye, Wiltshire An utterly charming Grade II listed country home which has been greatly enhanced, situated in the highly desired village of Wylye Garden £750,000

Penselwood, Somerset A beautifully presented residential equestrian property with detached stone holiday cottage, barn and stable yard 6.6 Acres £1,300,000

Tourism & Leisure Property Specialists Fox Grant has a well earnt reputation and considerable expertise in the marketing and sale of rural property with tourism and leisure facilities. We are considered one of the leading specialists in the sector in the UK.

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We have numerous buyers on our data base looking for lifestyle changes into this rural market.

If you are thinking of selling please contact us for an initial discussion on 01722 782727 or email admin@foxgrant.com

foxgrant.com COUNTRY & VILLAGE

FARMS, LAND & SMALLHOLDINGS

EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS

TOURISM & LEISURE

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Property ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Exceeding expectations brings its own awards for Morton New Local estate agent Morton New has achieved national recognition for its business success during the past years and is now celebrating ten years since the company was launched.

Bryony Sandison, the founder and company director, told the New Blackmore Vale magazine that Morton New is now ranked in the top 5% of estate agents in the country for its marketing, customer service and results, as presented by Rightmove and the Property Academy.

Morton New has two branches, one in Sturminster Newton and one in Gillingham.

The Sturminster Newton of昀ce, which opened on February 21st, 2011, continues to break records with both sales and lettings. The Gillingham branch, which was opened in 2015, won the Gold award from the British Property Awards for customer service in 2019.

Bryony told us that she puts the company success down to having a driven team who are committed to achieving the very best results for all their customers and to exceed customer expectations. They see Morton New as a family with each member striving for success.

The company name is based on Bryony’s family with Morton being her Mother’s Maiden name and New being her Maiden name.

The company logo was chosen to be simple

with no frills, as the company itself. The orange dot was added for a bit of fun!

In the early days Bryony learned the ropes of the estate agent business in both Horsham and Crawley, West Sussex before moving to Dorset and working at a Shaftesbury agent where she met Caroline Donnelly. Together they masterminded Morton New and when the opportunity came up to take on premises in Sturminster Newton Bryony took the decision to set up business there to provide an up-todate, dedicated estate agent driven to buy, sell and let properties to the highest standard possible.

Lorraine Truswell has been running the lettings department from Sturminster Newton since 2015 and is extremely thorough always ensuring that the tenants are the best for the property and that the properties are always well maintained and looked after.

Subsequently achieving the best possible

rental 昀gures for her Landlords/ladies.

That Sturminster Newton of昀ce is now headed by branch manager Charlie Bradley-Hole, who moved out of Knightsbridge, London where he worked in sales with Chesterton.

His righthand lady is Jasmine Martin and two further negotiators Mark Wilson and Kitty Geach.

The Gillingham of昀ce is headed by Bryony with Assistant Manager Olivia Osborne and Georgia McCrae. Caroline works out of Gillingham as the Marketing Manager producing the property particulars. Julie Cleverly who is the company’s sales progressor is also based in Gillingham.

Tracey Hughes and Gabrielle Larcombe work part time for Morton New, providing invaluable help with accompanying viewings.

Morton New is dedicated to delivering everything one should expect from an experienced estate agent providing 昀rst class service for anyone wanting to move house either buying, selling, or renting.

For further information phone either the Sturminster Newton of昀ce on 01258 473 030 or the Gillingham of昀ce on 01747 824 547.

Or visit the website www.mortonnew.co.uk

Sturminster Newton - Guide Price £85,000

Mere - Guide Price £340,000

Sturminster Newton - Guide Price £750,000

A bright and roomy one double bedroom top floor retirement apartment, offered for sale with no onward chain and enjoying views over roof tops to the hills and countryside EPC tba

A handsome double fronted Georgian style home with three double bedrooms, enjoying a quiet location with some partial rural views and within easy reach of this sought after town's amenities EPC C

An impressive detached grade II listed farmhouse that offers extensive space both inside and outside. Six bedrooms, two en-suites and five reception rooms.

Around 2.6 acres EPC Exempt

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Free Farm Valua琀on Week

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Somerset

43 acres

66 acres

121 acres

East Devon

51 acres

East Devon

65 acres

South Dorset

483 acres

Isle of Wight

100 acres

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North Dorset

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87 acres

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Mid Dorset

Mid Devon

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209 acres

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North Dorset

197

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Somerset

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8th - 12th March 2021

Wiltshire

35 acres

Hampshire

84 acres

In 2020 we SOLD over 3,700 acres across 5 coun琀es.

We currently have 494 Farm Buyers and 951 Land Buyers registered.

Our team are the best in their 昀eld at selling: Farms

Estates

Land

Rural Property

To discuss your property, the market and what we can o昀er, including a business appointment following Coronavirus guidelines, contact one of the team.

Andrew Tu n

Ross Willmington

01258 472244 Dorset & Wiltshire

01297 33122 Devon & Somerset

Jack Edwards

01722 334323 Hampshire & Wiltshire

Will Wallis

01305 236572 Dorset

Lucy Carnell

01935 423526 Somerset

symondsandsampson.co.uk SOMERSET

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