Items For Sale

Notice is hereby given that the 46th Annual General Meeting of the Ramblers Association, Dorset Area will be held by Zoom on January 16th 2021, at 2pm. Details can be found on the Members Information page of http://www.dorset-ramblers.org.uk/ (Registered Charity no. 1093577

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Wessex Internet Ltd of The Old Laundry, Ranston, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8PU is applying for a licence to use Ranston Farm, Ranston, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8PU as an operating centre for 3 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. 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, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS0 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representators 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.

Various vintage wooden step ladders. Ideal for displaying plants either inside or out. From £12. Photos 01460 55105. Vintage steamer trunks which are ideal for storing logs, blankets or toys. Can also be used as garden planters. From £45. Photos 01460 55105 Skyliner 300P Flextube Dobsonian Telescope 07580 510021. Unused Kia Sport Ace Spare Wheel, Continental 136/90/R17 £75 - 07711 256313. Bricks, stone, tiles, slabs, staple stones and much more for sale 01747 840835. Two wood fire surrounds £5 each, small table with shelf £8, corner unit £8 20 01935 813967. 2 bed never used, still in cover, cost £138 Selling £65 - 01963 364361. Pink Mothercare high chair, good condition £10 - 01935 812982 Lakeland electric clothes drier airer, stores flat, hardly used, was £145 now £45 01300 34339. LG monitor 22" flat screen £15, Logitech remote keyboard and remote mouse £5 01963 33160. Double mattress. Myers sprung mattress. Good condition, only used on a spare bed. £30. 01935 813097. 900W generator, as new, £50 - 01258 880404. Rempho Foot Massager RFA hotel in Sherborne has scooped best in show in PetsPyjamas’ 2020 Dog-Friendly Travel Awards. The Eastbury Hotel and Spa won the award due to walks straight from the doorstep, a walled garden for dogs, a dine AM1059R cost £124.99, unsuitable for diabetics (reason for sale) accept £60 - 01258 880972. Jet bench top mortiser, good working order 01963 220464 £50 10" Mitre Saw, good working order 01963 220464 £25 with your dog option in a special part of the hotel’s 2AA Rosette Seasons Restaurant and doggie meals expertly prepared and delivered to the room. Peter and Lana de Savary, Owners of The Eastbury Hotel and Spa told Dorset Biz News: “We would not dream of staying in a hotel that would not welcome us with Monty; our

Lockdown activities?

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

FRENCH & GERMAN ONLINE CONVERSATION GROUPS Improve your language skills from home. Contact Marilyn Morris MBS Language Training 01747 228416

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE FIRST WORLD WAR! eventbrite.co.uk/e/iknow-nothing-aboutthe-first-world-war-ti ckets-32103853181

chihuahua.”

Static caravan, 2 bedrooms, recently refurbished shower room. Lounge with gas fire. Kitchen and dining area. 30’ x 10’. near Shaftesbury. £2,950. 07798 644773.

BOOK YOUR FREE AD!

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

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

VW Polo 1.9 sdi 2004. Full service history. Well maintained. It was a driving school car for about 10 years but it is an excellent car. 65 mpg diesel. £850 ono. Tel: 01963 362216

Kindling Wood £30 for 25 nets free local delivery.Phone 07971298562

Nattuzzi red leather sofa £595, chair £295. EXCELLENT CONDITION 07588 053555

ROGER BLACK TREADMILL Good working condition, folds up, bought for £400. Will accept £200. 01935 816898

Children at Sherborne Primary School who may be affected by bereavement, trauma and emotional challenges will have the support from a counsellor thanks to the Friends of Yeatman Hospital. Sherborne Primary School headteacher Ian Bartle wrote to thank the Friends of Yeatman Hospital for their support in helping the most vulnerable children at the 320-strong school, during this most challenging time. He said: “As part of the Rendezvous Emotionally Committed Sherborne (ECS) project, which is supported by the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, we were able to engage a counsellor last year to work closely with children dealing with bereavement, trauma and other emotional challenges. “This is not a quick fix and not an easy role. We are

FRIENDS SUPPORT: Children at Sherborne Primary School

tackling high level triggers, negative experiences for the children over a long period of time, which are embedded in their minds, behaviour and presentation. The beneficial results can be identified by key factors such as improved attendance, minimising exclusions/serious incidents and most importantly for the children to talk about their issues; which will help them now and in their future. “Now, during this national and global covid-19 pandemic, many studies show children becoming vulnerable and in need, and for those most vulnerable, this is even more true. It is vital that we support our youngest members of society to ensure their positive futures. Within the ECS project we also able to support those children in transition from primary to secondary school.” David Hayes, chairman of the Friends group, said: “FOYH committed to this project earlier this year, and I am pleased to confirm we shall continue to support Emotionally Connected Sherborne (ECS) in 2021. “This is another example of our commitment to support suitable health initiatives to benefit the wider Sherborne Community.”

St Johns’ House

Half Moon Street, Sherborne

St Johns’ House stands at the entrance to Sherborne Abbey Close, set within the courtyard and gardens of the original Almshouse. St. Johns’ offers one of the most historically interesting and comfortable independent living homes in the area, with a chance to live close to shops, facilities and places of interest. We offer an opportunity to enjoy new friendships in a safe, warm and manageable home. All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished for residents to make them their own home. Within the Monthly Maintenance Contribution are all meals, housekeeping, laundry and other essentials. With some current room availability, we are able to invite prospective residents to view the facilities and chat to a member of our management team. There may also be the potential for short term respite stays as well. Just give us a call or email for more information. Tel: 01935 813245 Email: info@stjohnshouse.org

By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net The phantom badger dresser who clothes the three stunning badger sculptures on the Tesco roundabout in Blandford struck again before Christmas. Early morning passers-by noticed the badgers were dressed as an elf, a reindeer and Santa – spreading a sleigh-full of Christmas cheer to residents and visitors. However the identity of this elusive seamstress remains a mystery, despite striking with peculiar regularity, dressing the badgers in clothes to mirror current affairs or community events. And despite Badger Banksy having his or her own Facebook page with more than 1,327 followers, the phantom badger dresser remains anonymous. In March as the nation went into lockdown, one of the badgers was stolen. The Badger Banksy said: “The Badger Banksy is heartbroken that one of the badgers has been stolen. “They are bolted down to prevent them going walkabout (the Badger Banksy knows they’re very adventurous!). They hope this was a silly practical joke that won’t happen

STYLISH: The decorated badgers on the Tesco roundabout in Blandford again, because they love “They’re all wearing people saying they’ve really those badgers, and put days rainbow face coverings been cheered up by the of work into creating new specially made in badger badgers, let’s not ruin it themes and designs for size.” now.” people to enjoy. But in another blow for the The three badgers, created “A rescue mission has been badgers and the community, from galvanised chicken launched and the badger the Christmas tree and wire, were created by local will be home soon.” lights on the roundabout artist Helen Godfrey in And in September the were stolen, as well as an 2013 to mark the missing badger returned to attempted badger-napping. anniversary of the founding his rightful place on the The Badger Banksy of of Hall and Woodhouse in roundabout. course was very upset and 1977. The sculpture Badger Banksy said: “Our said: “They work captures the essence of Hall missing badger has finally exceptionally hard year and Woodhouse Badger returned! He’s had to self- round to make this town beers brand, which has been isolate during lockdown, feature a success, and hope used as a logo for more than but he assured us he was whoever took the tree will 100 years. ready to go back onto the do the right thing and return The roundabout was sown roundabout, providing his it. with native chalkland wild fellow badgers remain two “We’ve had so much flowers and grass seeds to metres away of course. positive feedback from complement the badgers.

Last chance for farmers to sign up for pesticide amnesty Farmers in North Dorset can still sign Peake (GB) Ltd for free on a first come, To be eligible you must farm inside a up to participate in a Dorset Pesticide first served basis,. high priority area of a Dorset river Amnesty, which is being held by the Tom Hicks from Dorset’s Catchment catchment. Most of North Dorset lies in Catchment Sensitive Farming team in Sensitive Farming team, says out-of- the high priority area of the Dorset Natural England, Wessex Water and date or banned pesticides and other Stour catchment. Bournemouth Water. chemicals can pose a significant risk to To participate you must contact the Farmers have until January 16 to the environment and to water resources Dorset Catchment Sensitive Farming register their interest to take part. if they are stored or disposed of team by January 16. Collections will be Each farm can confidentially dispose of incorrectly. organised throughout January and up to 75 litres or kilograms of He added: “That’s why through this February. pesticides or herbicides that have been pesticide amnesty scheme they aim to Contact Tom Hicks at Thomas.hicks@ banned or are passed their expiry date, facilitate the safe disposal of pesticides naturalengland.org.uk or phone 07920 through our waste disposal partner, from farmers and land managers.” 708280. 22

Toby the donkey led Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus through the twisting lanes of

Mere in the Walking Crib Service on

Christmas Eve. Families with children dressed as characters from the Nativity, stood on their doorsteps to watch the procession.

On the same night, the winners of the

Christmas lights competition were announced, with a collection for the

Footpath Group.

Brian and Deborah Cammack of Halfway,

North Road came first, winning the Shield and two bottles of wine. Town’s pavements

Geoff and Pat Sams were awarded second place, winning a bottle of wine for their lights at 38 Lynch Close. Richard and Rose

Adams at 8 Denes Avenue came third, also winning a bottle of wine.

Mr and Mrs Overton of Oaktree House,

Limpers Hill came fourth and Dick and

Brenda Morris, who have raised £120 for the Link Scheme, came fifth for their lights at 47 Downside Close. George Jeans said: “Social spacing helped by masking enabled Mere Parish Council chairman Clive Hazzard present the annual Christmas Lights Shield and a prize to Brian and Deborah Cammack on behalf of Mere Town Council, thanking them for helping to cheer up this Christmas period with a great display. “The young and the old enjoyed the occasion.” The Filling Station in Mere will be offering takeaways from Friday January 8. Alongside the original takeaway menu a host of tasty lunches and dinners will be available, including gourmet steak burgers, lasagne, jacket potatoes and freshly-baked pasties and turnovers all served with fries or salad. For further information or to order, ring 01747 826289.

First vaccinations at medical practice

Gillingham Medical Practice has announced that its first vaccination clinics are set to take place on Saturday, January 9 at Sturminster Newton Medical Centre. Vaccinations against covid-

19 are by appointment only. & roads improved

By Nicci Brown

Funding secured by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Local Growth Fund is being invested in Gillingham town centre to support economic growth by enhancing the town centre environment. Dorset Council’s successful bid for money from the LEP will improve pavements and resurface the road between South Street and Newbury Roundabout. Uneven block-paving in the ‘raised table’ areas and the pavement between Lloyds Bank and Newbury will be replaced with an imprinting technique recently used in Station Road. This modern technique –where hot asphalt material is laid and imprinted with a paving effect, reduces trip hazards and is easier to maintain compared to traditional paving. Some heritage features in the historic part of the town will also be enhanced. Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Renewing this street scene with improved, modern materials will complement the new and ongoing sustainable transport improvements in the town.” And together, these enhancements will make walking and cycling a safer and more attractive option for many people.” Dorset LEP Director Lorna Carver said: “Gillingham is a busy and growing market town. This urban realm enhancement will help revitalise the High Street.” Work will start in February 2021 and take around eight weeks to complete.

Group raise £1,000 in hours

Volunteers from Riding for the Disabled, Hanford Group and local supporters raised £1,000 in December from the sales of Christmas wreaths and decorations. This year’s Christmas fair, normally run by volunteers from the Shroton-based group, had to be abandoned due to covid restrictions. Undeterred, chairman Stella Hayward set up a workshop in her carport to make Christmas wreaths and decorations. Having collected foliage and berries from friends’ gardens, she spent a few hours every morning in November and created 36 wreaths. RDA volunteer Helen Coleman also joined Stella in her carport and made some lovely Christmas decorations as well as wreaths. The challenge of selling the decorations was resolved when Sue Adam, another volunteer from RDA Hanford, offered her garage in Shroton as an outdoor shop. Word spread around Shroton and on December 5 all the wreaths and decoration were sold in just two hours and £480 was raised. A further £120 was raised by supporter Crissie Jones in Fiddleford from her homemade Christmas decorations which she sold to friends locally, and Stella raised a further impressive £400 from selling wreaths to her neighbours in Fiddleford. All monies raised will go towards new tack for the RDA ponies kept at Hanford School and for ensuring their wellbeing during the course of the year. In normal times RDA Hanford welcome up to 10 children from Yewstock school once a week for a couple of hours providing therapy, lots of fun and a wonderful riding experience. Hopefully RDA Hanford will be able to resume normal practice and welcome the children back in the spring. 23

A ‘hugely important addition’ has been made to Blandford Fashion Museum. When Miss Violet Blewden married Walter Sadler on July 2, 1928, she wore a ‘coffee-blush coloured, silk chiffon wedding costume’. The stunning knee length dress boasted long sleeves and two layers, an integral plain weave sewn in silk foundation or ‘underdress’, with a shaped camisole strapped top, and a silk chiffon outer dress trimmed with looped ribbon at the collar, cuffs and hem. The outer dress has a dropped waistline, covered DEARLY BELOVED: Violet Blewden and Walter Sadler on their wedding day in 1927 with the by a band and metal and bridal dress and accessories and bridesmaid’s headdress diamante trimmed bow, below which are six rows of gathering stitches. This beautiful dress was donated to Blandford Fashion Museum by one of Violet’s friends. Blandford Fashion Museum prides itself on ‘telling the story’, as Stella Walker, the museum’s curator explained in a letter to the textile conservator in support of a grant application after the dress, which was in need of some repair, was generously donated. Along with the dress, the donor added a photograph of the bride on her wedding day The donor wishes the costume to be ‘made safe’ for temporary display on a suitably sized mannequin with careful handling remaining vital to preserve the ‘extremely fragile’ fabric.

Millbrook House together with a picture of a cake decoration, card and box and a blue ribbon bow Blandford Fashion Museum has no other surviving example of this type of

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME and colourful feathers, which 1920s costume.

CHILD OKEFORD, BLANDFORD FORUM, NORTH DORSET, DT11 8EY were believed to have been Once a grant has been worn by a bridesmaid. obtained and the dress has At present the museum is been returned to the unable to display this museum, there will be a brief costume, due to its delicate window of opportunity for nature. the public to come and view So, conservation is essential another fascinating piece of to allow it to be briefly on social history complete with show and for its its social context. preservation. Carole Fornachon

In the heart of North Dorset this elegant home for the elderly is set in two acres of beautiful gardens. Established as a care home for over 30 years. Like you we value care, respect and dignity. If you are seeking care for youself or a relative a warm welcome awaits you here at Millbrook House. A place you can really call ‘home’.

We care, allow us to care for you.

24-our care by dedicated Family and friends welcome and experienced staff to visit at anytime

Twenty-nine beautifully Convalescent and holiday appointed en-suite rooms breaks

Freshly prepared home In-house activity programme cooked cuisine Please visit us at anytime

For further information and a brochure contact us on 01258 860330 enquiries@millbrookhousecarehome.co.uk | www.millbrookhousecarehome.co.uk Now available, ground floor ensuite room

Cash boost for local causes

Law firm Porter Dodson would normally host Christmas drinks for all their offices in December. Like many others they have been unable to celebrate Christmas in their usual way and instead have donated £6,000 to local charities. They have chosen charities who have been hard hit this year, with their fundraising events being cancelled and for many, their services being needed more than ever. Among beneficiaries are Julia’s House, Sherborne Primary School food drive and The Yeovil Community Meals Service. Ian Sankey, head of the Sherborne office, was happy to support Sherborne Primary School’s Christmas food drive. He says as a father, he believes no child should go hungry any day, let alone at Christmas.

Here at Red Panda Trading we are very excited about the year to come as we look to expand our ranges of ecofriendly products. For the garden, our awardwinning Seedballs are full of UK native wildflower seeds cleverly mixed with a hint of chilli to stop the birds snacking on them after spreading. We have ready made mixes such as bee, hedgehog or bird mix to help attract pollinators, or poppies, cornflowers or oxeye daisies for individual flowers. Why not get your wildflowers started in some of our vibrant bamboo pots from Green Tones? While you’re creating your meadow, do it in a pair of our Evercreatures wellies or Backdoorshoes garden clogs. Our wellies come in many funky designs and are handmade entirely from natural rubber and are fully sustainable. Our boots come in ankle, short or tall lengths

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Shop sustainably in 2021 with Red Panda

in an array of gorgeous styles that will give a pop of colour to your day. Their unique moulded design and beautifully padded inner make them ultra-comfy too. Not forgetting our organic bamboo welly socks from Bonsai to wear in them. Our clogs are lightweight, machine-washable and with designs such as Chillies, Daisy, Meadow, Sunflowers, Dogs and Grass, there are plenty to choose from. For the kitchen we have the full range of organic beeswax and plant-based vegan food wraps from BeeBee & LEAF. Made in Cambridge, the packs include different sizes from keeping your loaf fresh to capping off the end of a cucumber to keep it crunchy for longer. Say goodbye to clingfilm, sweaty cheese and food waste. We are especially proud of our range of organic bamboo plates, bowls, cups, spoons and straws for little ones (and some bigger ones too!) These make every snack or mealtime an adventure and allow adults to present food in an exciting and appetising way, effortlessly. Choose from Elephant, Duck, Car or Owl plates and beautiful bowl and spoon sets all with a removable colourful suction base to keep them secure. We also have sipper cups, or larger ones with straws for older children. Start your 2021 sustainably and plastic-free with beautiful products that are built to last. Happy New Year from all at Red Panda! www.redpandatrading.com

Comfort in faith as we face challenges

I am writing this on Christmas Eve, well aware that it will not be published until January 8. Such is the discipline of deadlines! As I write, my iPhone tells me that a Brexit deal has at last been reached and that the Prime Minister will soon be holding a press conference. But I am listening on the radio to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, and that is far more important. Boris’s pronouncements can wait. We have waited for them long enough. Of course I understand that upon this ‘deal’ the futures of so many people and families, companies and industries, will depend. The devil, as always, will be in the detail. But I still want to insist that the baby in the manger, who has been the source of hope for the whole human King Georgerace for two VI thousand years, is infinitely more important. In Christ Jesus, the ‘hopes and fears of all the years’ are met – not least at this time of deep uncertainty and pandemic. Someone who understood these things better than most was the deeply Christian King George VI. In his Christmas broadcast in 1939, as the Second World War threatened to engulf his realm, he said: “A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle, we shall remain undaunted.” Toward the end of his broadcast, he said: “I feel that we may all find a message of encouragement in the lines which, in my closing words, I would like to say to you.” He then read from a passage by M. L. Haskins given to him by his 13-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth: “I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied,‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.’ So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.” The King finished by saying: “May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all.” That is my New Year’s prayer for you all.

ON THE RUN: Child Okeford Primary School youngsters in their virtual race

Children run a Lap of honour

Children at Child Okeford

Primary School ran from the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi to

Santa’s home in Korvatunturi in the Lakeland Lapland Virtual

Ultra Run Schools Challenge.

All 131 school children helped each other to cover 145 miles over two days in the event, which was based on the story The Fox and the Reindeer who made the journey across Lapland, overcoming adversity to save

Christmas.

The children and staff dressed as reindeer for the virtual run, in which at various times over the two days ran as far as they could, Reorganisation is in the pipeline for the churches in the Milton and Blandford Deanery following the retirement of the Rev Dr Michael Foster in the Chase Benefice in May and the appointment of the Rector of Blandford and Langton Long, the Rev Canon Jonathan Triffitt, to a new role within the Salisbury Diocese. An advertisement in the Church Times offers a three-year appointment to a minister for the Chase Benefice who can help reshape how the church works in the benefice and wider Deanery and develop lay ministry as it evolves. Chase Benefice Administrator Gill Baverstock in the Tarrant Times magazine says that in common with a number of dioceses, the Diocese of Salisbury needs to cut down on its spending, and the vacancies in the Chase and Blandford Forum Benefices should help the process. The Benefice currently consists of the helping to reach the total of 145 miles Deputy headteacher Belinda Bolar said: “After two days of very enthusiastic reindeer running, the school reached the collective distance of 145 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some children and staff wanted to keep on running and our final running total was 200 miles.” All children and staff wore their own race bib and were given a certificate after the event. Coronavirus restrictions this year meant The Montane Lakeland Lapland Festive Ultra Run was

Churches face shake-up

held virtually. 12 churches in the nine parishes of Chettle, Farnham, Tollard Royal, Gussage All Saints, Gussage St Michael, Tarrant Gunville, Tarrant Hinton, Tarrant Keynston, and Tarrant Monkton with Launceston and Rushton. Parochial church councils are being consulted on a Deanery Pastoral Plan which could result in the Gussages becoming part of the Cranborne Benefice and the remainder of the benefice being split up. The Tarrant Valley parishes would become part of a team ministry of 13 parishes served by three priests including the benefices of Blandford and Langton Long, Lower Stour (Blandford St Mary, Charlton Marshall and Spetisbury) and Pimperne (Stourpaine, Durweston, Bryanston and Pimperne). Tollard Royal, Chettle and Farnham will join the Sixpenny Handley Benefice.

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Blandford festival Teddy Rocks, which raises funds for children’s cancer charity Teddy 20 and was forced to cancel its 2020 event, has secured a new sponsorship deal which will hopefully ensure that it can go ahead from Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2 2021 at Charisworth Farm, Thornicombe. Dorset-based online marketplace OnBuy has sponsored the festival since 2018, and the new deal offering further sponsorship will mean that it will in total have donated £120,000. Cas Paton, founder and CEO of OnBuy, said: “Knowing the impact cancer has on a family, I feel a strong affinity

READY TO ROCK: Teddy Rocks Festival is lined up for 2021

with the incredible work of the Teddy20 charity. “The pandemic has had an immense impact on not-forprofit organisations and charities, meaning many are unable to continue providing the services and care they have done for so many years. “I wanted to ensure that Teddy Rocks Festival had the funds to operate for the next couple of years to continue the great work it does for many years to come.” The annual festival was launched by Tom Newton in 2012 as a way of raising money for the charity set up and run by his parents, Owen and Kim Newton, after their younger son Ted was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and died at the age of ten. Tom said: “2020 has been incredibly hard for us. “Having to postpone the festival this year was devastating, but we are buoyed up and raring to go Business already struggling in the wake of covid-19 face another invisible threat in the form of under-insurance. The latest data reveals a massive shortfall in cover among UK commercial properties. The insurance valuation providers estimate that buildings occupied by businesses in Britain are under-insured by a massive £325 billion.* What this means is that hotels, shops, factories, warehouses, and many other types of commercial buildings across the country may be woefully underprotected in the event of damage. With businesses already struggling financially, many would not currently survive the consequences of under-insurance, which unfortunately many property owners and small firms in particular are unaware of. Subject to average… When insuring a property, it is most important to understand the insurers’ subject to average clause included in most policies. If the sums insured declared on for 2021 and OnBuy’s donation has set us in good stead for it to be an epic weekend. “Cas and the OnBuy team always go above and beyond to help the festival in any way they can. “So far, that help has ranged from helping with design and sourcing event supplies, to standing in the crowd and singing along to the bands. “Without the support of sponsors, financial or otherwise, we simply couldn’t put the festival on. The money that OnBuy has donated has helped us get to where we are now and helped us raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Teddy20.” To find out more about the event or book tickets, see

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To find out more contact our office on: 01305 268883 or David Upshall on: 07818 035450 email: david@davidupshall.co.uk

DAVID UPSHALL

Insurance Services 44 South Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1DQ E: info@davidupshall.co.uk W: www.davidupshall.co.uk

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Under-insurance could spell disaster

teddyrocks.co.uk. an insurance schedule is subject to average, and the insured value is less than this at the time of a loss, the claim will be subject to average. Example of average applying to a claim… In this example we have a scenario where a building is insured for a declared value of £1,000,000. At the time a major fire caused £250,000 of damage to the property, the insurers surveyor calculated that the rebuild value of the building was £1,100,000. The result was an amount of under-insurance at the time of the loss, in this case 10%. The average condition would therefore apply, so the amount of the settlement would be reduced by the same percentage – again 10%, making the payment £225,000 less any policy excess. To ensure our clients are correctly insured we work closely with rebuildcostassess ment.com, who prepare professional rebuild valuations. *Source: rebuildcostassess ment.com November 2020 27