The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Edition 19

Friday, June 11, 2021

The New Blackmore Vale “I’ve missed my community during lockdown... Now with the New Blackmore Vale I have my community on my coffee table.”

FREE Fortnightly

Trouble at mill?

Not any more: It’s back to the grindstone at much loved attraction n FULL STORY: SEE PAGES 6-7

heating and plumbing services

01258 472132

01747 250010

What’s inside this week Announcements 32-35 Arts & Entertainments 64-67 Antiques & Collectibles 39-42 Business 72-74 Church 62 Education 63 Farming 85-92 Field And Stream 84 Food & Drink 38-39 Health & Wellbeing 55-57 Home & Gardens 43-48 Items For Sale 30-31 Letters 36-37 Local Services 48-54 Motoring 68-71 MPs’ Round-Up 60-61 Pets 80 Property 98-103 Puzzles 58-59, 86-87 Recruitment 75-79 Sport 81-83

n Sporting scarecrows are an amazing sight: P4 n Sociable seat unveiled in village: P24 n Runners unviting you to join them: P57

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

Ad sales manager debi.thorne@ icloud.com Tel: 07714 289409

Contact Us Advertising: adverts@blackmorevale.net Editorial: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net,

Karen Bate

Ellie Rose

News editor

Classified adverts

karen.bate@ blackmorevale.net

classified@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

01963 400186 or online at blackmorevale.net Sport stories: sport@blackmorevale.net

DEADLINES The deadlines for advertising and editorial is the Friday before publication.However every effort will be made to include death announcements until the Tuesday.

Steve Keenan

Reporter sport@blackmorevale.net Tel: 07940 143223 Sue Kennington

Account manager sue.kennington@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289403

Ruth Armishaw

Commercial manager newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Change of note at listed bank buildings

By Nicci Brown

These plans for a bistro in the former HSBC building were approved in 2019

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The closure of two banks within only around a hundred yards of each other in Cheap Street, Sherborne, has resulted in inevitable plans for their change of use.

Approval was granted by Dorset Council last month (21 May) for the decommissioning of Barclays Bank at 61 Cheap Street at the junction with Hound Street.

The proposal, to return the building to pre-Barclays occupation as much as it is possible preserving the listed building status, includes removal of existing external signage, ATM, nightsafe and CCTV camera and infilling of apertures and removal of internalt counters, furniture and some partitions.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of

Cheap Street an application to change the use of the ground floor of the former Midland/HSBC Bank to a restaurant, takeaway and single flat has attracted a number of objections.

Consultation closed last month on a parallel application for listed building consent, and closed on June 7 on revised plans for the alterations.

Sherborne and District Society/CPRE say it is a significant change from an

original scheme approved in 2019 for a restaurant and two flats since it involves the demolition of a heritage asset – a fragment of medieval timber wall which is to be adapted for the passage of refuse containers.

“The surviving ground floor of a 16th century house which has been preserved and listed as part of the heritage asset of Long Street is dismissed by the applicant as seeming “unnecessary and unfitting with the flow of the

existing 87-89 Cheap Street building,” says Sir Christopher Colville, acting chairman of the district society, asking that Historic England, which had no objection to the 2019 proposal, should be re-consulted.

The society has also supported the objections of a number of residents responding that the introduction of a takeaway which will generate an increase in traffic and impact negatively on the cultural character of the town’s setting.

Sir Christopher says: “The cumulative impact of the proposed takeaway, when considered alongside other recent developments (Pizza Pasta Mondo at 91 Cheap Street, will have an adverse impact on the historic setting.”

Come and see our Chapel Showroom, great deals every day, 100s of products in stock, for immediate delivery to your home!*

Jeans Electrical Chapel Showroom, Boar Street, Mere BA12 6DD and Salisbury Street, Mere BA12 6HB

01747 860215 www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

LG TV

OLED55CX5LB43” 55” 4K Ultra HD OLED Self-lit Pixel Tech

£399.99

£329

£1,198 Sports Alert

BOSCH

SMS24AW01G Full Size Dishwasher 12 Place Settings

£849 5 Year

Guarantee

BEKO

EDC633W Double Oven Electric Cooker, Ceramic Hob

HISENSE

RQ560N4WC1 American Style Fridge Freezer

£299 GREAT DEAL

HOOVER

H3W4105TE Washing Machine 10kg 1400 spin

* Same day delivery available within 20 miles of BA12 6HB when ordered by 2pm, while stocks last. Sold as agent for Euronics Ltd. Prices correct at time of going to print.

3

Scarecrows are going for gold!

By Karen Bate The Spirit of Milborne Port paid tribute to sport through the medium of straw.

Some 35 scarecrows peeked from hedgerows or were showcased in gardens in the village, in an event which has brought the whole community together to raise money for good causes.

Steffi Giraffe is just one of the sensational installations on show but there are many others, including swimmers and divers, golfers and footballers all bringing good cheer and many smiles to Milborne Port.

PARFITT’S SHOES 6 Salisbury St, Sha昀esbury, Dorset (near Post O ce) Tel: 01747 852559

SUMMER SALE NOW ON We have a marvellous stock of shoes and sandals – with fantas琀c reduc琀ons – many now half price Taken from our extensive range of branded footwear Current opening 琀mes due to the virus Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am – 1pm Extra Friday 1.30pm – 3.30pm

ES ULA DDERS IEKER R LOAK MOSH PA

4

A IPER ECHERS DAL ROHD SANDP SK VAN-

MEN OF STRAW: The scarecrows were synchronised swimming, horse riding, fishing, footballing, cycling and golfing. Steffi Giraffe was, of course, playing tennis...

EVENTS MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CHARITY NIGHT in aid of Marie Curie presents 2 FOOT MOOSE on Saturday, June 26th at 20:00 £5 entry plus raffle.

PORTMAN PONY CLUB ANNUAL OPEN SHOW Sunday, June 27th from 9am. Chisel Farm Child Okeford DT11 8HH. Showjumping, showing, working hunter, fun classes inc. fancy dress & clear round. Details on Portman PC website. all entries via equoevents.co.uk GARAGE SALE. Plants, cakes, bric-a-brac, books, oak corner cupboard, 6 rope back chairs, mahog sideboard, Edwardian desk etc. Saturday, 12 June – 9am till noon in Todber churchyard – weather permitting. All proceeds in aid of Todber Church CAR BOOT SALE Saturday 19th. June at TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND, Motcombe SP7 9PN. Sellers from 9am - £6, vehicle. Booking not necessary Buyers from 10am £1 parking Details 07453 975266

Concern over lack of jabs for under 50s

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Concerns have been expressed that the withdrawal of covid-19 vaccinations to under 50s in the Blandford area might deter people from having the jab.

Barry Oxtoby, aged 52, of Blandford said that nowhere in the town was offering the injection to the under 50s and he had friends that have been offered the injection but needed to go to Salisbury, Yeovil, Bournemouth and Poole.

“Some can’t get to these locations and others can’t get time off work,” he said. “With a population of over 23,000 people I find it ludicrous that vaccines are not being offered to the under 50s within the town.”

Barry says he has asked North Dorset MP Simon Hoare about the issue, but that his reply had only stressed the importance of people taking up the invitation when it was offered.

The MP said: “The rollout is going exceptionally well and huge efforts have been made by local Primary Care Networks to ensure that anyone who wants it, is able to accept the invitation. If you know anyone who is unable to attend an appointment outside of the town, please do urge them to contact their GP as soon as possible as other arrangements can be made to ensure they are able to get vaccinated.”

The Blandford Group Practice, which has given 22,000 first and second dose vaccinations so far, announced three weeks ago that it had ceased offering first doses to those aged 49 and under, although it would continue to offer second doses to those who had had their first.

Some congratulated them on making the right decision and on their vaccine delivery, including Blandford Town Council’s Mayor Lynn Lindsay who awarded the team a Mayor’s commendation for their work.

But a number of people said it was difficult for them since they did not drive or would need to make a 40-mile round trip after working full time, one commenting: “It’s a pity the under 50s have been left in the lurch. It would have been best if something had been set up locally before taking a service from people who need it.”

Several commented that people would not bother getting the vaccine if they had to travel to Salisbury, Bournemouth, or even the Isle of Wight, one of the venues offered, and there would be a rise in the number of cases.

Dr Maddie Ford, clinical director at TBGP, said the small team delivering the vaccines over the last five months had given up weekends and days off to do so, which had inevitably taken its toll on everyday work.

Practice manager Carol Tilley said: “The Blandford Group Practice is an independent provider of medical services and

has been one of the highest performing practices in the country for the over 50s and clinically vulnerable.

“We have taken the difficult decision to not take up the contract to vaccinate patients under 50, as we felt this was not the best decision for the health and wellbeing of the community.

“If we had proceeded to vaccinate under 50s... this would have doubled the demands on the team, who in addition to the vaccine programme have also provided 115,000 clinical appointments in the last year (an average of five appointments per patient). The time is right for the practice to re-focus our resources back to delivering our core GP work, demand on which continues to increase.”

The Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, which is leading the vaccination programme locally, was unable to respond to the concerns in time for publication.

UPGRADE YOUR COMFORT FOR FREE D U R I N G O U R S P R I N G SAL E Enjoy a free upgrade from your Stressless® classic base recliner to a Stressless® signature base recliner.

Enjoy striking looks and the addi琀on of the unbeatable comfort of BalanceAdapt™

SAVE

£694 ON STRESSLESS® M AY FA I R *

Stressless® Mayfair Signature recliner and footstool shown in Paloma Almond / Oak

www.davidphipp.co.uk • Tel: 01202 897474 / 893377 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm • Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AL Social distancing rules apply & face masks must be worn at all times

5

01258 450019 14 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR

Quality Care Guaranteed Now Accepting New Patients Google

Reviews

0% 昀nance & monthly payment options available

www.national.dental

Flour power! Mill reopens

By Steve Keenan

supervisor Peter Loosmore. “We got through five years’ worth of stock in just It will be all hands to the grindstone this four weeks. It went absolutely crazy.” weekend when Sturminster Newton Mill Dikes in Stalbridge and Oxford’s Bakery stages its first public milling in Sturminster were among the grateful demonstration of the season. customers, although they have now The Mill made national headlines last reverted to their normal suppliers. year when shortages of flour in the early But the flour produced this weekend will stages of the pandemic still benefit the mill’s coffers as it goes on saw commercial sale to visitors – and demand is expected operations resume for to surge following the publicity, which the first time since saw the Mill feature on the BBC, in 1970. newspapers and even an Australian radio “None of the local station. shops had any flour but “We certainly expect to sell more this we had supplies of year,” said Peter. “We only re-opened on grain which we could May 29 so have lost part of our season to put to use,” says lockdown. It depends largely on how the easing of restrictions goes.”

In a normal six-month Family Law Advice summer We realise talking about divorce or separation season, a ton is very personal and so we are offering virtual of wheat is appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we used in offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for milling. initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm About 90% To book an appointment please call us on of the flour 01747 852377 produced is

SALE Sofas...Beds...Dining...Bedroom...

Garden Furniture - IN STOCK NOW!

NOW ON SAVE £££’s

on selected items

Massive Stock of Mattresses, Sofas, and Furniture

27 S Y 9E9 4A- 2R 021 1

Blandford’s largest independent furniture retailer BLANDFORD - Holland Way, near Lidl store Also in POOLE • SALISBURY • CHANDLERS FORD Freephone:

6

0800 122 3334 www.aworldoffurniture.co.uk

OPEN Monday Saturday 9am - 5pm

after a difficult year sold through the shop, Supervisor with 500gm bags of flour Peter Loosmore for £1, or 1.5kg for £3.

“It’s quite a fine flour, good for bread making, scones, pastries and crumble,” says Peter.

“During the pandemic, we experimented and made a slightly coarser flour, with more air in it to make it rise.”

How do you make the flour coarser? By adjusting the two mill stones so they are not quite as close, explains Peter, the headmaster of Sturminster Mill knowledge.

He was a teacher and took early retirement in 1991, just as the town’s Museum Society got permission from the Pitt His style is relaxed and Rivers estate to take over the entertaining but informative: I derelict mill and restore it to a didn’t know that while most working mill. flour is sold on site, one “In 1994, there was an advert for customer is a firm in Swanage a supervisor to open the mill and that makes gourmet dog biscuits. show people around. I thought Peter explains that the mill that sounds interesting,” recalls regularly floods in winter, when Peter. furniture and stock is all moved “My grandfather had worked at upstairs. He points to a highthe mill all his life, and I used to water mark carved in the stone at play here as a child. In my eye level, dated 1756. interview with the society, I Not that long ago, Peter and his mentioned him but I didn’t say I team also re-wrote the history of knew anything about milling. the existing building. They were “They assumed I did because I rubbing down a large stone in a got the job.” wall and found an inscribed date It’s fair to say that he has since of 1566: the mill was thought to learned a great deal – and he is have dated to c:1650, although happy to share. there a mill on the site back in The Skyfall wheat “comes 1016. straight from the combine harvester” at Luccombe Farm in There are no set times for tours of the building, more a constant Milton Abbas, he explains, and rotation of the mill so visitors is first tipped into a winnower “to take the rubbish out – stones, can join and leave at any stage.

Just don’t forget to buy the flour feathers, straw and undersized on the way out. grains.”

Slice of covid funding helped Last year, the sale of flour earned the mill £2,758, up from £1,058 the previous year and partially helped offset the complete loss of entrance fees as the mill closed to visitors.

Richard Brown, treasurer of the Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, wrote in his annual report for 2020: “My reports every year can be a bit boring as each year they are similar apart from the figures.

This year, however, things have changed with vast reductions in income but with similar outgoings.

“We received a £10,000 coronavirus grant from Dorset Council which, had we not received this, we would be in a sorry state. It kept the mill and

museum viable and ready to face another year.

“Flour sales more than doubled due to the extra demand and the hard work of our millers.

The remainder of receipts were much lower than previous years as the mill was closed and other activities were cancelled.

“At the end of a very unstable year we actually made a net profit of £606, but this was due to the government grant paid through Dorset Council. Next year (2021) hopefully we will get back to normal but if we cannot open the mill or museum we will be applying for grants and donations from members to help pay for the mortgage.”

n The Mill is now run by the Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, a registered charity which also operates the town’s museum. The Mill is open on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 11am-5pm, until the end of September. Milling weekends are on the second weekend of each month, although the machinery runs every day the Mill is open. Admission: £4. More info: sturminsternewton-museum.co.uk/mill.

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am -12pm

Tel: 01747 826888 www.valecraft.co.uk 7

Hospital staff and Friends mark 150 years Staff at Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury were joined by members of its League of Friends to mark 150 years since the building’s foundation stone was laid.

Gathering in the hospital garden, off Abbey Walk, the flag was raised as refreshments were enjoyed and the guests reflected on the history of healthcare on the site.

The hospital – now run by Dorset HealthCare – was built on land donated by Lady Elizabeth LevesonGower, the wife of Richard Grosvenor, second Marquis of Westminster, who owned large parts of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area.

Lady Theodora Grosvenor, the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth, laid the first stone in 1871 in memory of her father. An article about the

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Westminster Hospital’s League of Friends and staff mark the occasion.

Below: Matron Ali Low with the cake

hospital plans appeared in The Times and a copy of the newspaper was placed in a bottle under the stone.

The hospital was opened in 1874 by the Lord Bishop of Salisbury, and was initially paid for through patient subscriptions (a guinea a year or a lifetime payment of £20). In 1928 the League of Friends got on board, helping to raise vital funds for equipment and improvements.

While the NHS took over the hospital in 1948, the Friends have continued to support the facility through fundraising events and public donations.

And one thing remains unchanged through the years – the spectacular views from the hospital across the Blackmore Vale, which are medicine in themselves.

Staff and guests at the commemoration event enjoyed soft drinks and two specially-made cakes supplied by hospital cook Mary Pocock and Healthcare Assistant and Friends member Denise Potter.

Matron Ali Low said: “Although we could only hold a small celebration, due to covid restrictions, it was important to commemorate the 150-year milestone and remember the fascinating history of the hospital.

“We would have liked to have arranged a fete for all local people to say thankyou, as the community was instrumental in the

development of the hospital and continues to be today.

It’s something we will look to do in the future. I am also especially grateful to the League of Friends and our staff for their support during the challenging events of the past year.”

The flag outside the hospital will continue to fly high for the rest of the year to commemorate the anniversary. n For more information about the Westminster Memorial Hospital visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ patients-and-visitors

Bowls club hosts open day Mere Bowls Club can trace its beginnings back to the 1930s, when the players used a single rink in the garden of keen local bowler, Mr Burden. The present club was formed in 1964 and members play at the Andy Young Pavilion on the Duchy Grounds, which they share with the cricket club.

Over the glorious Bank Holiday weekend, Mere Bowls Club held an open day where new members joined and old faces were welcomed.

8

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Interest in classic shepherd’s huts has been piqued after one century-old decrepit model sold at auction for more than £16,000.

The hut came from a small country house on the outskirts of Shaftesbury.

It had not moved for decades and was explicitly described by auctioneers in advance of the sale as having “some rot, worm, damp and general decay.”

The auction house, Charterhouse in Sherborne, added: “The roof is in poor condition, you can see daylight through this, so strapping down on a trailer could be difficult. It will need total HOME,SWEET HOME: The shepherd’s hut which sold for £16,000. Below: The interior and, restoration, rebuild or repair – right, ‘a lovely set of wheels’ but there is a lovely set of wheels.”

But despite its condition, bidding went way beyond the £800-£1,200 estimate.

Two rival bidders, one who had just bought a flock of sheep and the other a Londoner, bid fiercely and the hut achieved a hammer price of £13,000, with extra fees taking the final figure paid to £16,250.

“It is a proper shepherd’s hut and has a real charm in spades,” said Charterhouse director Richard Bromell.

“These things are original, not like the ones these days that come with a nice shower, kitchen and stove.”

“The price it attracted was due to its authenticity: very few late Victorian huts survive. It’s only relatively recently that the huts have become fashionable.

“And now we’re coming out of a pandemic and a lot of people are working from home.”

The hut is just 235cm high, family to help clear the Victorian pottery nursery Mr Bromell said it was the 257cm wide and 180cm deep. property after their father died plates. first shepherd’s hut he had It is thought to be late there. The contents had not The winning bidder for the hut sold in 36 years – but he Victorian or early Edwardian been touched for 60 years. lives in a London flat, so it is added: “I have had quite a few and was the first of 300 lots, Every room was filled with assumed he wants it for a calls since the auction from which represented the portraits and other paintings, second home. The hut has people saying they have complete contents of the house miniatures, naïve art and already been winched by shepherd’s huts we might be and gardens. ceramics including an crane from its grounds and interested in. We will have a Charterhouse were asked by a extensive collection of taken away. chat…”

Going... going... GONE!

Derelict shepherd’s hut sells at auction for an amazing £16,000, £15k above estimate

9

That’s town entertainment Artists of all disciplines will play, display and demonstrate their talents at the Wincanton Town Festival Market on June 26.

This one-off event is set in and around the grounds of a truly captivating 17th century manor house, Greening The Earth Gallery in the centre of Wincanton.

This historic venue will play host to a wide variety of ‘experiences’ that are sure to stimulate all the senses.

Artists will captivate visitors and locals alike in this unique and picturesque setting.

In the walled garden and lower orchard, families will be invited to take part in woodland crafts, forager walks, learn about no dig gardening, or simply to pet the goats.

The Bear Cat Collective will be hosting a wide variety of

Work on bridge Single lane traffic with portable signals returned to the Blandford Bridge on May 24 for a highways construction team to complete the work carried out in 2017 and 2019 to strengthen the bridge and make masonry and concrete repairs.

The remaining work involves stonework repairs to the upstream cutwaters. The signals are in operation Monday to Friday between 9.30 and 3.30pm, outside peak hours, and are due to be completed by June 18.

Car boot booted musical performances by talented local musicians while stone baked pizza, crepes, candy floss and delicious cream teas and cakes will be on hand from a myriad of food and drinks stalls.

People are welcome to bring their own picnic to eat on the

beautiful walled garden lawns. This innovative event will be held between noon and 9pm.

For more information email wincantontownfestival@ gmail.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @wincantontown festival.

The car boot sale planned by The Friends of Yeatman Hospital on July 4 at The Terrace in Sherborne has been cancelled.

Trustee Liz Turnbull said: “As a responsible hospital charity we cannot ignore Public Health England guidelines. We shall continue to review the situation.”

SPECIAL OFFER FOR BLACKMORE VALE READERS

20%

OFF YOUR

EXTERIOR WALL COATING QUOTE CODE: 2021

Call for an estimate today:

 0800 2465145

Thinking of painting your property?

German engineered Highly breathable 10-15 year guarantee COUNTRY

WIDE WALL LOFT SURVEYS

10

Follow us: countrywide-surveys.co.uk

County’s chief constable set to retire Dorset’s most senior police officer has announced he will retire after three-and-a-half years leading the force.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, who began his career in Wiltshire Police in 1992, joined Dorset Police as Assistant Chief Constable in May 2012 and was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable a year later. Mr Vaughan was appointed Chief Constable for Dorset on a temporary basis in April 2018 ahead of the proposed merger with Devon and Cornwall Police, but when this move collapsed he got the job permanently in February 2019.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours in 2018.

Mr Vaughan said: “I began to seriously consider retirement this time last year but delayed my decision due to the covid-19 pandemic, during which I chaired the Local Resilience Forum to coordinate the joint response to the emergency. I will

RETIRING: James Vaughan

take retirement in the autumn at the end of what is predicted to be a very busy summer. This will allow me to help our new Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick to develop a new Police and Crime Plan to take the force through to 2024/25, set a new budget for next year and select a new Chief Constable.

“I cannot emphasise enough how very proud I am of the officers, staff and volunteers who give so much every day to serve and

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2020 We have recently been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

protect the public. I would like to thank them for the dedication, commitment and professionalism they have shown, especially in the last 14 months. It has not been an easy time for anyone, but they have continued to do all they can to keep people safe.

“Dorset Police is an exceptional organisation providing exceptional services. In recent years Dorset Police has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in all 10 areas inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and this is something I am immensely proud of. It has been an extraordinary honour and a privilege to lead Dorset Police in a variety of chief officer roles over the last nine years.

“This is a period in my professional life that I will cherish. Without doubt, the last year has proved to me that this county is made up of strong and caring communities and I am proud to call it my home.”

n A church and a mobility shop in Gillingham have been targeted by burglars in recent weeks.

St Benedict’s Church in Cemetery Road was broken into between 11am on Wednesday, June 2 and 9am the next day.

A search was being conducted to establish what had been stolen.

In a separate incident, a thief climbed through a small rear window of the North Dorset Disability Information Service in Newbury, opposite Lidl.

A laptop was taken after the thief failed to access a safe. The break-in happened between 4.30pm on Tuesday, May 18 and 9.30am Thursday, May 20.

The shop has provided information and supplies for people with disabilities for 27 years. It also provides a hire service for wheelchairs and other items. It has re-opened after lockdown but the shop is short of volunteers. If able to help, call 01747 821010 or go to: norddisdorset.org.uk

“The staff here are quite simply wonderful, they can’t do enough for you. The food is excellent with plenty of variety and my quality of life has improved since moving here.

I only wish I made the decision sooner.” Current resident

Exceptional Care in Stunning Surroundings Live life better... every day at SPETISBURY MANOR Why not arrange a visit to see for yourself

01258 857378 | www.spetisburymanor.co.uk | info@spetisburymanor.co.uk 11

Charities and voluntary groups invited to apply for grants Charitable and voluntary organisations that benefit the Gillingham community but who may be struggling financially are being invited to apply for a grant from Gillingham Town Council.

“We welcome applications for grants that will improve the quality of life for Gillingham residents and support the viability of small local organisations and groups that clearly

demonstrate financial need,” said a spokesperson from the council.

Download an application form at gillinghamdorsettc.gov.uk/policy-admin/ grants/ and send it, along

with a set of accounts and project details, to Gillingham Town Council, The Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QR or email GTC@ gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Gordon Atwell receives a bouquet during the birthday celebrations at North Cadbury Primary School

Gordon joins the party to celebrate his 90th birthday Pupils from North Cadbury Primary School who had birthdays during lockdown did not miss out as head teacher Lisa Thompson organised a huge celebration with a bouncy castle, balloons and birthday cake for the whole school and a special guest.

Gordon Atwell celebrated his birthday with all the children as he turned 90 during lockdown and he

shared some special memories of his school days with pupils.

One eight-year-old pupil said: “In the old days, all three classrooms in the school were in the School Hall, the children used chalk boards, there were separate playgrounds for boys and girls and the children had to wee in a bucket!”

Oh, how times have changed...

Club hands out £7,500 despite lockdown The Blandford Stour Rotary Club has not let lockdown cut down on their continued efforts to help locally, nationally and internationally throughout these difficult times.

Members have been helping at the Blandford Medical Practice during the busy vaccination periods.

Despite travel restrictions they again managed to deliver 520 shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts to deserving children around the world, as part of the 12

Rotary national Shoebox Appeal.

They have supported the Blandford Foodbank, The Panda Preschool and Weldmar Hospicecare. Other local beneficiaries include Durweston School, The Blandford Trailway, The Blandford School and Longmead Farm Project.

Much of this support has been done in liaison with other local service clubs, namely Blandford Rotary Club and Blandford Lions Club.

Nationally they were able to support Rotary’s Kids Out, providing a day out for local children with disabilities and other problems and The Rotary Young Leaders Awards Scheme where they sponsor several students from Blandford School.

Internationally, they have continued their 15-year support for their project outside Nairobi in Kenya called Kibera Mpira Mtaani (Kimmta) with the help of a local school whilst also continuing to support major

Rotary Worldwide actions such as The Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus.

Even in this very challenging year they have still managed to donate over £7,500 to many deserving causes.

President Graham Colls said: “Covid has shown the importance of communities pulling together and looking after each other.

“That’s what Rotary does all the time.”

To find out more about the club, contact the secretary at bsrotarysec@gmail.com.

Charities’ plant sale raises a blooming load Seven charities grew their funds at a special plant sale in Gillingham.

They promoted their charity work, sold plants found new volunteers and ‘had a great day’.

Read Easy joined Dementia Friendly Gillingham at the Town Meadow along with St Mary’s Church, HippBones

Youth Club, Gillingham Community Kindness, Gillingham Scouts and Gillingham Action For Nature Group (GANG) in raising hundreds of pounds each.

A GANG member said: “We had a very successful day, raising twice as much as expected.”

Lydia Everitt of Read Easy said: “Certainly there was a lovely feeling on the Meadow that day because there were seven local charities working together to make a Grand Day Out. “Add the weather, all the stall supporters and the visitors it was overall a super day. Thank you to everyone.”

n NHS Digital are launching a new way of collecting data from GPs for planning NHS services and for research purposes.

Practices are legally required to participate in the sharing of this data and must be clear with patients about how their data is handled and shared.

Everything you need to know, including how to opt out, is at digital.nhs.uk

School to unveil its Turing tribute

By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A bronze bust of Alan Turing, sculpted by David Williams-Ellis will be unveiled at Sherborne School in an intimate event on Saturday, June 26.

The face of the new £50 note and one of the nation’s greatest icons of the 20th century, Alan Turing is an inspiration not only to Sherborne School but to the Sherborne community, and the unveiling is a celebration of his pioneering work and his impact on both science and society today.

Alan Turing is one of the school’s most famous former pupils, attending the school between 1926 and 1931.

Sherborne resident Kathryn Ballisat, inspired by Turing’s story and his connection to the town, commissioned David Williams-Ellis to create the bust of Turing. Williams-

HONOUR: David WilliamsEllis’ bust of Alan Turing will be unveiled at Sherborne School later this month

Ellis is an internationally acclaimed sculptor, most recently known for his piece commemorating the D Day Landings at Ver-sur-Mer. The bust will be unveiled by Turing’s nephew and former Sherborne pupil Sir John Dermot Turing (Sherborne School 1974-78), and will

stand on a plinth in the School grounds.

In 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War Alan Turing joined the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, where he was part of the team deciphering the Enigma machine. In 1942 he travelled to the USA to liaise with US codebreakers and in 1943 commenced work on speech encipherment at Hanslope Park. In 1945 Turing joined the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington where he designed the ACE computer. Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his war service, Turing gave the earliest known lecture to mention computer intelligence, so founding the field now known as Artificial Intelligence.

Sherborne School takes its role in preserving and promoting Turing’s legacy very seriously.

Nominate group to scoop £500 from Asda Asda Gillingham is inviting customers to vote for local community groups to receive £500 from its green token scheme.

Three community groups are in the running to receive the cash – The Friends Of Westminster Memorial Hospital, Gillingham Primary School PTFA and Gillingham

Carnival. Both runners up will receive £200.

Customers now can vote online for their favourite good cause at asda.com/green-tokens.

The voting in-store with the green tokens was paused during the pandemic but the Asda Foundation has launched a digital version, meaning customers can

In November 2020 the school was extremely pleased to hear that a settlement had been reached in the USA confirming that items belonging to Turing and stolen from the school in 1985, would be returned to their rightful place at Sherborne School.

Pupils at Sherborne have embarked on a project to produce an app giving a virtual reality experience of Alan Turing’s life, his possessions and his time at Sherborne School.

When the project is complete the boys plan to donate money generated through sales of the app to one of the Turing family’s charities. The 12-strong project team aged 13-18 will be at the unveiling.

And prior to the unveiling, Sherborne School is set to receive a limited-edition print of the Turing £50 banknote artwork from Sarah John, Chief Cashier, Director of Notes, Bank of England.

n Do you love flowers, gardening, art and design? Would you like to now vote online. spend an afternoon watching beautiful The customer vote will be flower arrangements created by an live until July 31. expert demonstrator?

Bere Regis Floral Group is back, Gillingham Asda holding its first meeting since last Community Champion Emma Sleeth said: “We are September. Area demonstrator Lucy Ellis has called her demo Opera Goes so excited Green Token to the Movies. Meet on Tuesday. July Giving is back online and 13 at 2pm at Winterbourne really proud to be able to Whitechurch village hall, DT11 0AW. continually support the local charity groups in our Call chairman Bob Holman on 01305 848262 or just turn up.First visit free. area.”

13

Why caring for others is a pet subject Porter Dodson and Symonds & Sampson formed the purrfect partnership after funding robotic canine companions Sampson and Porter for residents at Newstone House and Nazareth Lodge in Stuminster Newton.

The benefits of canine and feline companions are welldocumented, and as both homes had regular visits from pets – including a couple of donkeys – before the coronavirus restrictions were put in place, both homes were the perfect match for a robotic cat and dog.

Mark Lewis of Symonds & Sampson said: “We are delighted to be involved in this initiative with regional law firm Porter Dodson.

Their pet is called Porter and ours, of course, is Sampson!”

Chloe Hooper, who works as

FUR ENOUGH: Robotic pets Porter and Sampson at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton

a residential negotiator at Symonds & Sampson, said: “The robotic companion pets are hugely beneficial for people living with dementia.

“Patients in NHS dementia wards who had previously been anxious, frightened, and who tended to wander, have

suddenly calmed down, and started to interact with their new companion.”

Richard Baker, head of the Family Team and CSR Partner at Porter Dodson, said: “Being able to reach out into the community at these challenging times

means a lot to the firm. It is important to us that we respond to calls for support from those who need our help. Putting others first is at the heart of what we do, and small gestures such as this can make a huge difference in the lives of others.”

NATURAL STONE & TIMBER FLOORING PORCELAIN & DECORATIVE TILES EVERHOT RANGE COOKERS

WWW.BONITI.COM 14

SHAFTESBURY@BONITI.COM

01747 811141

Mandarins full of zest

THAT’S FRESH: The official opening of Blandford’s Community Fridge

It’s open! Community fridge is ready for you

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Blandford’s ‘Community Fridge’ opened on Wednesday, May 19, with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

The fridge is at Blandford Youth & Community Centre (next to the leisure centre), and will be open in the first instance on Wednesday mornings between 9am and 11am, for anyone to help themselves to quality food from Tesco that would otherwise be wasted.

Everyone is welcome.

The aim is to empower communities to reduce food waste – a big issue in the UK where the average household throws away £700-worth of food a year at a time when four million people are living in food poverty.

Most food waste in the UK is avoidable, since the food could have been eaten had it been better managed.

The fridge, for which funding has come from Dorset Council and Blandford Forum Town Council, with commitments from the Georgian Fayre, the Carnival

Sherborne photographer Paul Dibben has done it again and been in the right place at the right time, this time at Ninesprings in Yeovil where he has captured these very cute Mandarin Ducklings.

We think these shots are exceptional.

Committee and Sandisons Ltd (accountancy firm), is one of a We can also help with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. growing number operating across Fixed Fees and Free in nitial enquiry, the UK where there are now more so you don’t have to worry. than 50 projects running.

Get in touch on 0130 08 424 808 Email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk Work on the Blandford project www.winterbornelegal.com started in September 2020 and online meetings have been held since then with volunteers and representatives from Blandford Forum Town Council, the Blandford Group Practice, Blandford Youth & Learn about diff ffe erent cultures and make friends Community Centre across the globe as you share your home and and Public Health Dorset. family liffe e with a young person studying abroad.

To find out more Contact us to find out more on 01684 25 27 57 about Blandford h hostfamilies@pippasgu f l uard dians.co.uk k Community Fridge, donate or volunteer, see the www.pipp pasguardians.co.uk Facebook page or email blandford communityfridge@ outlook.com.

Hubbub set up the world’s community Friday Network in 2017 and provides free advice and support to community fridge organisers, enabling communities to share their experiences and learn from each other.

Host families needed ffo or international studentss

n See hubbub.org. uk/communityfridgenet work.

15

Abbey choir in full voice Choristers at Sherborne Abbey will be raising the rafters as they perform the Abbey Choir Concert on Saturday, July 10 as part of celebrations of the return of the full Abbey Choir to Sunday Services and the return of Choral Evensong at 6pm on Sunday evenings from June 20 to the end of July.

Director of Music James Henderson said: “Please put the Evensongs and concert date into your diaries. It would be wonderful to have a large congregation (hopefully singing the hymns once again) at Evensong each week, and a good audience at the concert would provide a grand welcome back.”

EXHILARATING: The runners in 2019

Communifit 5k is back after year of virtually-run events

After well over a year of lockdown, Sherborne’s Communifit 5K runs are back, a welcome highlight to many of us who’d like to lose that unwanted lockdown stone and raise money for the Friends of Yeatman Hospital.

The run will start at 8.30am from The Terrace Playing Fields on Sunday, June 27. Registration starts from 7.45am.

Communifit director Craig Hardaker said: “Following a year of virtual runs it is great to know we can get our runners out in the fresh air. Believe me, there is nothing like a real run, no matter the weather. Our aim is to help everyone in Sherborne, irrespective of age, to brush off the covid blues and get fit by running for fun and for a good local cause – the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital. Thanks to Greenslade Taylor Hunt all participants will receive a medal.

“Our first 5k run, and very first 10k Contemporary or traditional option, will follow the classic kitchens manufactured to order Sherborne route around the town, starting and finishing at the Terrace Playing Fields. The undulating route 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 16

PIC: David Bendall

will take in sights of Sherborne Castle, Sherborne Abbey and surrounding countryside. Runners, or walkers will leave at 8.30am finishing by 10am. The route will be marshalled by volunteers.

Once completed you will be greeted with a cheer and a well-deserved medal. Oliver’s Coffee House will provide the much-needed refreshments.”

Chairman of the Friends David Hayes will be taking part in the run. He said: “Craig and everyone at Communifit have been great supporters of the Friends over a number of years. I and my colleagues salute him and his team for their hard work and commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of all of us in Sherborne. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t run for a year, when you get through the first 10 minutes the next hour or so will be exhilarating and good for your health. Come and join us.”

People can register to run online at communifit.co.uk

MP pushing for food miles Bill Farmer’s son Chris Loder MP has tabled an amendment (New Clause 28) to the Environment Bill which would require food miles be listed on products to make environmentally conscious decisions about food purchases.

The amendment would ensure food packaging states the food miles travelled, defined as the distance

travelled from the country or, in the case of domestically produced food, the region of origin. The amendment also allows provision for a similar type of colour coding to that we see on the nutritional information on food – green would mean low food miles, amber would be medium, and red would indicate a long distance travelled.

Regiments pledge commitment to town

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The commanders of the two military regiments with strong connections to Blandford have confirmed that the recent Defence Integrated Review looks great for their future.

The new Garrison Commander at Blandford Camp, Col Jon Davies, said: “I am delighted that it is Defence’s plan to have a significant presence in Blandford Garrison for at least the next 10 years and this includes 11 (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment and the home of the Royal Corps of Signals.

“The Government’s Integrated Review emphasises the importance of innovation, technology and digital communications in a modern, exciting and relevant Army and I foresee Blandford Garrison absolutely helping to deliver this vision. This means that we are very much looking forward to

rekindling our long standing relationship with the town folk of Blandford Forum after this long period of isolation imposed by the covid-19 pandemic. I for one am looking forward to seeing the Garrison and the town helping each other to grow over the coming years.”

Col Davies was commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals in December 2001, and has served in a wide range of roles including most recently as Chief of Staff (Rear) for HQ 7 Armoured Brigade, Chief of Staff 1 (UK) Signal Brigade, and Commandant of 1 Signal Regiment. He and his wife Julia have two sons, William and Benjamin, and he enjoys distance running, off-road cycling, and both uphill and downhill skiing.

Colonel Commandant General Sir Patrick Sanders of The Rifles, who like the Royal Signals enjoy the Freedom of the Town, has written to the Town Council saying the review will affect all

regiments, but the success of the large regiment model, such as The Rifles, has been recognised.

He said the Infantry’s structure would be adjusted to create four administrative divisions similar to that which The Rifles has in place today and the Regiment will not be losing any battalions. The 4th Battalion The Rifles will be one of four infantry battalions to form the new Ranger Regiment operating in high threat environments to train, advise and accompany partner nations.

DELIGHTED: Colonel Jon Davies of Blandford Camp

For your less formal occasions we are featuring lovely print summer dresses with our famous silk jackets

DESIGNER

Booking appointments now on (01935) 812927 or perriashby@aol.com Half Moon Street, Sherborne

l

www.perriashby.co.uk

l

01935 812927

l

perriashby@aol.com 17

Dorset Police has launched a new campaign to reduce demand on the 101 nonemergency telephone service.

The #ItsPersonal initiative aims to reassure anyone who wants to make contact with the police, be that online or over the phone, that their query will be dealt with by a real person.

The police hope more people will choose to contact them thus reducing nonemergency call waiting times and leave phone lines free for those who might not have access to the internet.

Superintendent Jared Parkin from Dorset Police, Head of the Force Command Centre, said: “Over the last few years we have been encouraging people to go online and this has been very successful with many people contacting us through our online reporting options.

“However, for many people they think going online to

HELP US HELP YOU: Call handlers at Dorset Police and, right, Supt Jared Parkin

Police in online campaign to ease pressure on 101

report a crime or incident will just be an automated process, but it is actually the same contact centre staff who manage and respond to our online contact options as

answer our non-emergency telephone number. So, the service they receive is just as personal whether it be through our online contact option or by phone.”

Anyone wishing to contact the force with nonemergency queries or reports can report crimes, make enquiries, report anti-social behaviour and request a call back by visiting dorset.police.uk.do-it-online.

They can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

In an emergency, when life is threatened, people are injured, offenders are nearby or immediate action is required, always dial 999.

G����n�h�� &

Sh��e�����’�

6 8 6 9 : ; < 5

55 2 7 5 5

5 5

%=#!/) >)!%& ?,% +!)@6 £3 per Car rking Car Paarges %=#!/) >+!( &. % .+(@ 6 £5 per Car Ch

C

FEATURING...

GAS100

GILLINGHAM AND SHAFTESBURY 100

18

3

2 3 4 5 6 ! "#$#!%&"#'()&*+,-&". /. +01$#,0)(& ;A; 7 ?<BB

CLASSIC CAR GATHERING

WISH TO EXHIBT IN GAS100? ADVANCE BOOKING ONLY VIA INFO@GILLINGHAMANDSHAFTESBURYSHOW.CO.UK

Oh boy! Beauden makes an early arrival as mum visits restaurant An unexpectedly early May Day delivery almost brought this little chap into the world in the restaurant of the Crown Hotel in Blandford, after Kelly Tilsed met up with her sister there for lunch.

They had booked the meal so they could catch up before the baby’s expected arrival on May 6, and Kelly said: “During lunch I had some very mild cramps but no different from what I’d been having over the previous couple of days, but then halfway through eating I felt a pop in my tummy and my waters went!

“The staff were so lovely, they brought my sister through and followed with a towel in case I needed it and then offered drinks and kept coming to

check on us until my partner Kevin arrived to pick me up.

“He came in with our little girl Emerson and the staff gave her an activity pack to keep her entertained.

“As we left, all the staff wished us luck and asked us to let them know how it all went, which I did. They couldn’t have been kinder or more accommodating.”

After leaving The Crown, they went straight to the Poole Maternity Unit where less than half an hour later Beauden James Potts popped out.

“He arrived safely and naturally, and it was a very rapid labour. Had we not left when we did, he could have been born at the Crown!” said Kelly.

THAT’S MY BOY: Beauden James Potts

TO

Time for a new barbecue?

And a brand-new home with inviting outside spaces?

We know how much you’re looking forward to getting together with family and friends outside. Well, you could enjoy that amazing feeling, but in one of our brand new, perfectly considered homes.

Look forward to a new Bovis home at Blackmore Meadows, Stalbridge.

BLACKMORE MEADOWS Stalbridge DT10 2PZ

3&4

bedroom homes

For more information contact:

01963 836000

SHOWING OFF THE GARDEN

For a limited time only, you could enjoy an impressive rotating garden pod for your new garden when you reserve your new home!*

or visit:

bovishomes.co.uk

*Offer available on selected plots and at selected developments. Must not exceed 5% of the property value. Incentive ordered upon completion and lead times may vary. Items are subject to availability and provided by an external company. Valid on reservations before 30th June 2021. Offer may not be used with any other incentive or purchase assistance scheme. For full details speak to a sales consultant. 59462

19

A recent feature in the New Blackmore Vale about the North Dorset Railway at Shillingstone and the Somerset and Dorset railway line running from Bath to Bournemouth stirs up memories of the station at Stalbridge, two stops further on, writes Hilary Townsend from Stalbridge.

The line was indeed revered and cherished and many Stalbridge memories of kindness survive. If the train was going to Bath and someone just missed it, it was signalled back into the station so that they could catch it. Children going to school at Gillingham on a bitterly cold morning were welcomed into the station staff’s room and the bright fire to wait until the train arrived.

The variety of goods carried by train on the line was astonishing. Goods trains brought coal from Radstock, cattle were sent to the local markets with their drovers becoming well-known personalities on the passenger trains and crates of day-old chicks and carrier pigeons were assembled at Stalbridge station to start their journeys.

The outbreak of war in 1939 meant greatly reduced lights on the trains, strips of antishatter tape on all the windows and of course a greatly expanded travelling public. Military and evacuated personnel thronged the line from the start and later American

SO CHUFFED: Steam trains on the Somerset and Dorset railway line

When even a bomb did not stop the trains from running IT’S END OF THE LINE: Dismantling Stalbridge station

soldiers came, sometimes keenly questioning the schoolchildren about what education was like in this country.

In 1940 the evacuation of Dunkirk caused serious delays on the S&D. Train loads of exhausted soldiers rescued from the beaches were brought into Templecombe station in locked trains, then quickly sent off again to transit camps. Speed was

important here because the soldiers had escaped from Dunkirk then risked being bombed if a troop train was spotted from the air.

Sometimes no passenger train came to take the schoolchildren home from Gillingham to Stalbridge until 7pm.

When it did, a marvellous guard named Walter Prior invited the schoolchildren into his guard’s van and encouraged them to cope

with their hunger by singing songs.

Templecombe station was bombed ruthlessly one weekend and many of the staff were killed. If the Stalbridge schoolchildren wondered if they could not get to school on Monday because of the damage, they were wrong.

The trains were running from Stalbridge to Gillingham as usual and the damage caused at Templecombe station had been cleared up as much as possible.

The old Somerset and Dorset Railway line was memorable and remarkable in so many ways.

Its memory lives on and it is not surprising that it is greatly revered still.

Get your picnic hampers ready to mark lifting of lockdown In celebration of the planned lifting of lockdown restrictions, The Great Get Together Picnic will be held in Gillingham on Sunday, June 27 on the Town Meadow between noon and 4pm.

Everyone is being invited to bring their own picnic or buy lunch from Hidden Pizza and 20

Dan’s Ice Creams and soak up music from buskers, theatre from Bluebird Theatre Company and a host of family activities together with a skittle alley.

It is very much hoped that the sun will be shining, but this is England, where our weather is unpredictable, so a marquee and gazebos will

provide sheltered tables and seating as an alternative to sitting or lying on the grass.

The event is for everyone of all ages and will provide the perfect setting to relax with a neighbour or a friend, make new acquaintances or just read the newspaper, but it will give everyone the chance to simply enjoy being

together on the Town Meadow.

The Town Meadow Group has conducted a full risk assessment which has been forwarded to the Dorset Safety Advisory Group for their approval.

There will be a first aid centre and marshals in attendance.

The cup that cheers... as seen on TV A tiny china cup found by the grandfather of a Blandford man in the rubble of Dresden in February 1945 was featured in a special Antiques Roadshow ‘World War II – The Aftermath’ broadcast by the BBC on May 2.

Ernest Houlton from Poole was serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment when he discovered the cup which looked like something from a child’s doll set, and carried it around with him for the rest of the war. He afterwards gave it to his daughter, Maggie Pitcher, who still lives in Blandford after marrying a Winterborne Whitechurch man, and who said: “Dad was always keeneyed.” In turn she passed it onto her son James Pitcher, who told the programme: “It’s quite amazing really, and symbolises how fragile things can survive.”

CUP WINNER: Ernest Houlton, left, who found the tiny cup in the rubble of the bombed Dresden. The cup, pictured alongside a pen to demonstrate its size

Antiques Roadshow expert Will Farmer shed more light on the redware cup, which bore a mark on the base saying Wedgewood, and said that 80 per cent of the

pottery made by Wedgewood in the late 1800s was exported to Europe.

He said: “It was extraordinary to find it so perfect in amongst the

rubble. A little survivor, so small, so beautiful, which shows how much we had in common, at the same time as people were trying to kill each other.”

LONDON SPECIALIST AUCTIONEERS

JEWELLERY & COINS VALUATION DAY at SHAFTESBURY ARTS CENTRE 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR

Roman Imperial Coinage, Nero and Agrippina II, Aureus Sold in June 2021 for £12,400

Thursday 17th June at 10am-2pm Our experienced specialists, Rachel Bailey and Tim Wilkes will be available to offer confidential valuations, free of charge and without obligation, with a view to possible sale in our Mayfair auction rooms Please ring for an appointment or email jewellery@dnw.co.uk

Dix Noonan Webb 16 Bolton Street Mayfair London W1J 8BQ 020 7016 1700 | www.dnw.co.uk | jewellery@dnw.co.uk

A late Victorian diamond necklace, circa 1890 Sold in March 2021 for £23,560

21

Blandford Cares, established to support refugees in Calais and elsewhere overseas, has tried to remain open during the lockdown for selected donation deliveries as the only active collection point within about 30 miles of North Dorset.

But like most charities their activities continued to be severely curtailed.

Project leader Mike Hearn has reported that avenues for transport have closed and Brexit customs arrangements take no account of humanitarian aid consignments. Covid precautions have also meant a contact free ‘delivery by appointment’ system and isolation of bags before

Aid group keeps on caring in lockdown transfer to the United Reformed Church for sorting.

But around 100 bags of donations allowed the selection of high quality items, books and DVDs for sale on the internet, resulting in first quarter income of just over £1,700, almost all of which was donated directly to NGOs in Northern France and the Sudan.

The total exceeded the amount given in the same period last year, and the group was also able to work with the Blandford Food Bank and

Community Kitchen, identifying opportunities to support local homeless, rough sleepers and individuals or families needing help, including meeting requests for school uniform and warm coats from schools in the Blandford area. Signs that avenues for aid distribution to overseas refugees would begin to open in May meant that over 60 boxes could be delivered as soon as they could be accepted.

The sorting room reopened for normal activity after May 17.

Civic Society’s guided walks Two more guided walks have been added to the series offered by Blandford & District Civic Society over the summer which rather than examining the heritage of the town will be studying the geology of its architecture, whose stones in some cases date back millions of years.

They will be led by John Scott on Sundays July 4 and August 15, both starting 11am from outside Scrivens (Durdens Corner) in the Market Place.

The cost, as for the other heritage walks, is £5 per head.

For details of all the walks see the society’s Facebook page.

Shirley Allum is one of the largest stockists of lingerie in the south-west. Sizes AA – K. They offer a free fitting services by trained lingerie fitters. Their range is massive – Triumph, Sloggi, Fantasie, Wacoal and Charnos to name a few. Also, online at shirleyallumlingerie.co.uk. With lots of exciting new lines for summer, we look forward to helping you top up those missing pieces for your wardrobe. Our trouser department is massive, where you are sure to find the perfect fit and for that special occasion our wedding hats and fascinators are stunning. Our ladies’ fashions are now online at shirleyallum.co.uk where you can see a selection of labels, we keep instore. Sizes 8 -28. We look forward to seeing you instore and the team is always ready to help.

22

Long covid couple’s hope for research

By Miranda Robertson

n Jane is part of a group of Bowen therapists across the UK examining whether the Bowen Technique can be beneficial in the recovery of people suffering with long covid. Sufferers of long covid report overall exhaustion, brain fog, difficulties with cognitive processes, breathlessness and chest pain or tightness.

Anyone who believes they might have long covid is being invited to join the study. Participating therapists are offering long covid clients their Bowen sessions for a nominal fee.

All information is gathered and processed in the strictest confidence.

Email jane@janegrimes. co.uk to find out more, or find Long Covid Bowen Study UK on Facebook.

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A couple whose lives have been turned upside down by long covid are hoping research into the condition will help identify methods to improve sufferers’ experience.

Mark and Carolyn Brettell, from the tiny hamlet of Clifton Maybank, visited Italy in February last year, when the country was being ravaged by covid.

But the pair self-isolated for two weeks upon returning home, so they felt confident to leave the house. They then went to visit their daughter in London, which is where they believe they may have contracted covid.

Normally fit and well – Carolyn, 57, is a yoga and pilates teacher and Mark, 55, is a keen cyclist – the pair became very unwell.

However unlike many people who have had covid the illness and fatigue never went away or even diminished.

To make matters even worse, Mark’s father, who was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions, contracted covid in the April and died within two days.

The couple have had to call ambulances several times over the last 14 months after collapsing – though they never ended up in hospital.

And neither have been able to return to full-time work.

Now a Milborne Port-based Bowen Technique therapist, Jane Grimes of Fusion Massage, has joined a national scheme to see if the technique can help sufferers of long covid, and is working with Mark.

Mark said: “I’ve been ill for over 14 months now and think I’ve made the best progress during my time with Jane.

“Bowens seems a very gentle alignment of muscles and tissues. It does tire me but it

OUR ANGUISH: Carolyn and Mark Brettell have been suffering for 14 months

does make me better.”

Mark is a director of a firm manufacturing wood burning stoves from steel.

He now works mainly from home, but he still cannot do the 9-5 as he is so fatigued.

Carolyn is unable to do more than two Zoom classes a week.

Neither feel they will be able to return fully to work any time soon.

Mark said: “In the early days neighbours brought us food, as did our children.

“Whoever felt the fittest that day would get food for the other.

“My biggest problem has been violent shakes at night.

However since the Bowens sessions they are more of a twitch.

“We just don’t have the energy to do a lot – the post viral fatigue hits you. I used to easily walk ten miles, but now we have to pace ourselves and do a lot less.”

Will Writing & Legacy Planning Protect Your Assets from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax

Will writing Lasting Power of Attorneys Asset Protection Trusts Property Protection Trusts Pre-paid funeral plans Inheritance Tax solutions & probate FREE home visits/Zoom meetings Protect your family & your assets FREE Consultations Fixed Prices on ALL products.

No hidden extras or expensive hourly billing

Save on the expensive cost of High Street Solicitors

Call us today on 07832 331594 23

Replacing and repairing skate park equipment to cost £30k Equipment on the Blandford’s popular skate park on the Stour Meadows is to be repaired and replaced at a cost of £30,370.75 after the ageing ramp surfaces were found to have deteriorated to the point at which they would be declared dangerous and one item needed significant work.

Blandford Town Council, when the skate park was first built, agreed to contribute

annually to a fund for its replacement which has a balance of over £158,000, and the idea was to replace all the old equipment with new and invite interested contractors to put forward designs for consultation with users.

But the users said the general set-up was popular and wellused by those travelling significant distances, and an inspection in March highlighting the continuing

deterioration also revealed that the jump box would either need significant work or replacement as it is becoming high risk.

Councillors were told the ramp surfaces requiring replacement could be used in any future changes to the equipment, and the replacement jump box could also be used within any future design.

In view of the urgency of getting the work done to

avoid having to close any sections of the park, they agreed to accept the quotation from the specialist contractor with whom the council has a maintenance contract. They noted that whilst ideally further quotes might be sought, there were no companies locally working with the materials used at Blandford, and those contacted in the past had declined to quote due to the distance involved.

You’re welcome to take a seat here Benches are having a moment. After months of being taped up and taken away, they are back, arms wide, inviting us to sit and chat and watch as the world begins to go by again.

Perfect timing then, for Hindon village to unveil its new ‘sociable seat’ outside the community shop.

Funded by the village and created by furniture designer Matthew Burt, the bench circles one of Hindon’s historic lime trees, planted to mark the wedding of the future Edward V11.

Matthew Burt has a workshop and showroom in Hindon and over the years has secured many an impressive commission so great is his craftsmanship and architectural talent. He has pieces at the Ashmolean Museum, the Courtauld Gallery and a number of churches in the Southwest.

His Finback Chair is featured in the Goodison

SIT DOWN: Matthew Burt’s social seat in the middle of Hindon

Collection of Contemporary British crafts at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. But this commission was particularly close to his heart.

Matthew said: “What a lovely request. And what a site, slap bang outside the throbbing hub of village

exchange and information swapping, although temporarily masked and fettered, still a place of serious consequence in the village. All in the shade of one of the village’s hallmarks, a pollarded lime tree. I look forward to the good people of the village and beyond taking glorious

possession of it.”

The result is much more than a bench. It’s piece of art for all to enjoy. A sinuous sweep of sweet chestnut that wraps the tree in a great big, post lockdown hug.

The wood comes from Alconbury Wood, part of a Duchy of Cornwall estate in Herefordshire. Chosen because it’s rich in tannin, a natural preservative, it will weather to a soft silver colour. The fixings are all stainless steel and incorporate an ingenious bit of design to enable access to the tree shoots for annual pollarding.

Hindon Community Shop has been open seven days a week since 2009, staffed by volunteers from the village and surrounding areas.

Funding for the bench was raised from a collection in the shop and a lockdown raffle.

Hindon’s sociable seat was installed on May 27.

Town’s RBL marks its 100th anniversary with wreath ceremony Blandford Royal British Legion Branch held a small wreath laying ceremony on the morning of May 15 at the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery to mark the day that the Legion was first founded 100 years ago.

24

And on Sunday, June 6, postponed from May 23 due to poor weather, members were due to take part in the Dorset RBL 100 challenge by walking 100 laps of the Milldown Nature Reserve to celebrate Legion 100 and

raising funds for the Poppy Appeal. They hope also to hold a small memorial service for the late HRH Prince Philip at the Cross of Sacrifice at 10.30am on Sunday, June 13, the date being as close to what would

have been his 100th birthday.

And there will be a free to enter Armed Forces Day event at Legion House, Church Lane, from 11am on Saturday June 26, when all veterans and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Young people anxious after lockdowns

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Young people in the Vale are feeling anxious about returning to ‘normal life’, according to a survey by The Rendezvous, a charity supporting under 25s in Sherborne, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Yeovil.

The survey found while many young people were excited to get out and meet friends, a quarter of them expressed great anxiety about things changing.

“The impact of the last year won’t be fully seen for some time,” warned The Rendezvous CEO Helen Da Silva Wood.

“But we are already seeing an increase in demand for mental health and wellbeing support.

“As always we are doing our best to provide the best support we can in the way that best suits each young person.”

The Rendezvous cares for young people in many different ways, from advice, information and targeted support for mental wellbeing to 1:1 tuition and

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: Jemma Turner at The Rendezvous

young parents’ groups.

Since March 2020, The Rendezvous delivered almost 1,000 hours of support to young people struggling with mental health issues and kept in contact with another 60 people, to provide support that fell outside that of school or other agencies.

Amy said: “I was so anxious. I was scared of everything and I couldn’t go out of my house. I couldn’t go to school and I lost touch with all my friends. My mum made me go and see Jemma at the Rendezvous. I didn’t want to at first but she was great. She taught me some coping strategies and they’ve helped me a lot so going out is

not so scary. Jemma also got me to start doing my English and maths too. My tutor is really patient and I don’t feel anxious getting things wrong like I did in school.

“Things are much better for me now and that has made my mum happier too.”

Joshua was struggling in his first year at university to the point he almost dropped out, however he got in touch with his former case worker from The Rendezvous and after several phone sessions, he is much brighter and has almost completed his first year.

Mental health and wellbeing lead Jemma Turner said: “I work with lots of young people aged

13 to 25 and their anxiety is really high – not so much about covid but just life. Many were anxious before covid but not all and being so house-bound for so long has made them fearful of the world outside. And we see the same in some of our young mums. They’ve had a really tough time, being a new parent, being young, often not living in ideal circumstances.

“It’s great that we’ve got our weekly young parents support groups back up and running.”

The free service relies on grants and donors. Donate at rendezvous.org.uk/donate n Young people can get in touch with the service at advice@therendezvous.org.uk Parents and professionals can contact The Rendezvous at therendezvous.org.uk/ parents-and-professionals/ Young parents wanting to join the support groups can find out more at therendezvous.org.uk. young-parents/ or contact Sarah Childs at youngparents@ therendezvous.org.uk.

Keeping active in a care home There’s little doubt that keeping active is good for us; it helps us feel more energetic and stimulated and helps avoid loneliness and isolation. That’s why a rich and varied activities programme is an important part of care home life.

Care South is a leading provider of quality nursing, residential and Care at Home and has a beautiful care home in Gillingham, Fern Brook Lodge.

A not-for-pro昀t charity, Care South knows that residents have led rich and ful昀lling lives and want to keep it that way and ensure there is plenty of food, fun and friendship along the way.

Each of Care South’s homes employ dedicated Activities Coordinators who organise a schedule of group and one-toone activities. Care South’s teams recognise the need to create meaningful activities and keep everyone active.

Food, fun and friendship at Fern Brook Lodge

In the heart of the Gillingham community

A leading provider of residential, dementia and nursing care homes across the south of England and a not-for-profit charity.

Safely welcoming new residents with our welcome promise, providing comfort, reassurance and a safe place to enjoy life.

NATIONAL INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL GUIDELINES

Contact us today to see how we can help create a new home for you or a loved one 4 March 2020

01747 834020 | care-south.co.uk

To find out more, call Fern Brook Lodge on 01747 834020 www.care-south.co.uk

Fern Brook Lodge, Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QD Registered Charity No. 1014697

25

Former hospital is set to be a dispensary

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The Blandford Group Practice has applied to NHS Services to dispense prescriptions from Shottsford House in Heddington Drive, and a consultation is underway with interested parties and the general public giving them until June 19 to respond.

Those consulted, in addition to Blandford Town Council which was due to consider the application at its planning meeting on May 24, include the two remaining Boots pharmacies and the Blandford Group Practice Patient Participation Group.

A doctors’ surgery needs the permission of NHS England to give patients medicines prescribed by doctors and/or nurses at the practice which can be given as long as their

DISPENSARY PLAN: Shottsford House in Blandford and, inset, the Priory sign

patients live in an area considered ‘rural in character’ and more than 1.6km (measured in a straight line) from a pharmacy.

The Group Practice, operating out of Eagle House Surgery and Whitecliff Surgery in Whitecliff Mill Street with a branch site in

Child Okeford, currently dispenses from its pharmacy at the Whitecliff Surgery.

Shottsford House was built as Phoenix House to replace the Beeches care home by Dorset Council at a cost of £3 million but closed in 2014, less than two years after its opening, and was then disposed of when its

services were found to be no longer needed.

It was sold to Partnerships in Care and run as a nursing home, and in 2018 became home to the Priory Hospital which, after operating for only just over a year as a service registered to provide personal care with accommodation for up to 10 adults managed by Partnerships in Care, closed in 2019 after concerns were raised by neighbours into how it was being managed. A CQC inspection in May of that year found it required improvement and a period in special measures failed to overcome the difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified staff for patients requiring high levels of round-theclock care.

A formal submission of the plans for the premises is expected in the near future.

FITTED

OF WESSEX

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS CALL

01258 480621 FOR A FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION

KITCHEN & BATHROOM INSTALLERS WANTED CALL US 26

DESIGN SUPPLY INSTALLATION Visit our showroom at 10 Glenmore Business Park, Blandford DT11 7FP

www.kingshotts.net

New mainline station hopes are on track

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Plans for a new mainline station in the Langport and Somerton area are steaming forward after campaigners joined MP David Warburton to secure £50,000 towards a feasibility study from Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

After many years of campaigning for a station on the Somerset Levels, local action groups, residents, stakeholders and Mr Warburton – MP for Somerton and Frome – have made important strides for a new station connecting Taunton, Castle Cary, Bristol, Exeter, Bath and London.

And South Somerset District Council has pledged a further £6,000 for the study.

Somerton and Langport were both served by trains on the line between Taunton and Castle Cary before their

STUDY FUNDING: MP David Warburton and, right, chancellor Rishi Sunak

stations were closed during the Beeching cuts in the mid 1960s.

Now, to strengthen the business case for a new station, Mr Warburton and the Langport Transport Group are asking residents to complete a short online survey.

He said: “After many years of determined campaigning to open a new station in the Somerton and Langport area, at last we’re seeing real progress being made.

“I must pay tribute to Phil Edge, Martin Read and

Simon Taylor of the Langport Transport Group for their resolute commitment and huge efforts in getting us to this stage.

“And thanks to the local parish and town councils, along with South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council, for the financial support they’ve committed to driving the campaign forward.”

He added: “It has always been clear that there’s massive local support for a new station in this area and we now need to develop as

strong a business case as possible.

“Key to building that case is data that demonstrates the strength of local support, so I appeal to as many of you as possible to spare a few minutes to complete the online survey and help get the Somerton and Langport area – literally – on track.”

The study will be carried out by the Langport Transport Group (LTG) in June to identify possible sites, which may include a parkway-style station between the towns, possibly on the site of the former Long Sutton and Pitney station.

Once the study has been completed, a strategic outline business case for the chosen site will be put together and submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) for approval.

To complete the short online survey go to davidwarburton.org.uk.

27

Food market brings in the crowds Organisers of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show reopened the gates to Turnpike Showground following months of lockdown with their first Food & Crafts Market on May 22. The socially distanced day out in the countryside offered visitors a safe slice of normality.

Market trader Emma from All About The Glaze said: “It was a totally awesome day.

Having sold out by lunchtime, I promise to bring more doughnuts next time!”

Some 553 car-loads of visitors explored the 75 local traders with their regionally sourced goods. The market offered everything from goat’s milk soap and home furnishings to meat and vegetables for the Sunday roast.

Organiser James Cox said: “The aim is to offer local food, drink and craft producers along with local

SOCIALLY DISTANCED: Visitors queue up for the Food & Crafts Market

businesses, a place to meet customers old and new after a difficult trading year whilst also providing the local community a safe outside space to shop local.”

The showground has already scheduled a second edition of the market for Saturday, June 26 from 10am-4pm, with not only more traders

already booked but the launch of a classic car gathering, called the Gillingham And Shaftesbury 100 or GAS100 for short.

About 100 classic cars will gather alongside the tantalising smells of the nearby food and drink offerings.

Organisers are also after

We are back

buskers and musicians from the area to help add to the atmosphere.

The only cost is to park your car – £3 if booked before midnight on June 23 or £5 after that – per car. Parking must be booked online or over the phone at gillinghamandshaftesburysh ow.co.uk or 01747 823955.

Just Like the Old Days

PASTIMES of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and collectible toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Air昀x kits etc. Those magical names; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus Telephone; 01935 816072 Mobile; 07527 074343 Covid safe for house visits, please call to arrange an appointment

28

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A renewed bid to secure a future for one of Sherborne’s premier historic buildings, which has lain vacant for nearly 30 years, came closer to fruition last Tuesday, with Dorset Council’s approval of planning permission and listed building consent for proposals to transform the Grade I listed Sherborne House and its grounds into an events and art exhibition venue.

Dorset Council’s Northern Planning Committee was told that discussions over the past two years between the applicants, the Sherborne House Trust, with Historic England and the council’s planning and conservation officers has resulted in the scheme evolving considerably since the original preapplication stage.

The proposal was supported by a detailed business plan and the agreement by the funders to underwrite the first three years of trading, ensuring a secure financial foundation for the beginnings of the project.

Committee members sought and were given assurances about various aspects of the proposal, including the landscaping, parking provision, construction traffic management, environmental sustainability and control of noise, but unanimously supported the application which was described by Councillor Brian Heatley as “exciting, imaginative and very

DRAWING BOARD: Plans for the north elevation at the historic Sherborne House, inset below

Green light for events and exhibition venue at house

modern”.

Councillor Val Pothecary said: “It is a wonderful and exciting proposal for the reuse of an exceptional building”, and Councillor Jon Andrews thanked the Cannon Foundation, the trust and everyone involved in bringing forward an application which would be “brilliant for the town”.

The application was recommended for approval by officers because of what was described as

“significant public benefit” though the regeneration of an underused site, securing a viable and ongoing use for a heritage asset at risk to result in the creation of a community asset for the town and district.

A relatively large footprint but low height ‘statement’ pavilion-style copper-roofed structure to the north of the main building will cater for large-scale exhibitions and events, and there will be a new range of single-storey service buildings to the west and new entrance canopy linking the main house with the Tudor and Digby wings which will become a bistro, cafe and home to Dorset Visual Arts.

Whilst the proposed modern extensions were admitted to cause some harm to the heritage asset, they were considered appropriate,

essential to the proposed function and uses, and of public benefit which far outweighed the harm which was “less than substantial”.

Room by room drawings have been provided to outline the repairs, renovations and finishes proposed for the Georgian House, and the 15th century Tudor and Digby Wings to restore the heritage asset back to its former status.

A report to committee stated that the principle of use for office and arts had been established in a previous consent which was never implemented.

“The building as-is clearly cannot support itself financially; there being 20 years of unsuccessful attempts to secure funding for renovation, including attempts by Dorset councils.”

Girls’ school, arts centre bid and housing: A chequered history The main house, built in the 18th century for Sir Henry Seymour Portman, with surviving features including a stairhall with an ornate staircase and classically painted walls and ceiling attributed to the eminent court artist Sir James Thornhill, has

had a chequered history in recent years.

For much of the 20th century it was a girl’s school, purchased by Dorset Council in the 1930s and sold in the 1990s, when an initial bid to convert it into an arts centre failed. Housing

development by Redcliffe Homes to the north helped finance restoration of the Thornhill mural and roof repairs, but the building subsequently remained empty and unused, until its purchase by the current owners, the Sherborne House Trust, in 2018.

29

Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

Forget and we’re condemned to repeat Never, in a million years, would I have imagined agreeing about any contentious issue with that doughty old Marxist, the actress Vanessa Redgrave. The former parliamentary candidate for the Workers’ Revolutionary Party holds – with passion and sincerity – so many views, values and opinions different from mine that it has come as a surprise to me to find myself agreeing with her latest comments – that statues put up to honour those who, despite their virtues, were participants in the slave trade, should not be pulled down. On the contrary, they must be retained.

Redgrave’s view, which I share, is that if all the statues of those who had some connection, however tenuous, with slavery were to be pulled down, that

would erase the story of Britain’s part in the slave trade. Remove all visual reminders of that trade and participants in it, and the tragic story of our nation’s role in slavery will quickly be forgotten.

Ironically, those who toppled the statue of Edward Colston (16361721) in Bristol last year were probably totally unaware that they were simply copying the reaction of tyrants and terrorists down the ages to images of those whose views and actions were unpalatable to them. I need to back that up with a few examples, don’t I? Well, how about the way that successive governments in Turkey have tried to erase all traces of Armenian history and culture ever since the ‘Armenian Genocide’ of 1915, when around one million ethnic Armenians

living in the east of Turkey were the victims of systematic mass murder and ethnic cleansing?

Many of them were Christians.

Many of their churches and other historic monuments have been bulldozed, and today there are fewer than 70,000 Armenians in Turkey, compared with the best part of two million prior to the genocide.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, even Genghis Khan (c.1158 – 1227) spared the giant statues of the Buddha in the Bamyan province, which were built around 570 to 620 AD. His successors sometimes took pot shots at them, but it was the Taliban in 2001 who did the job properly.

And if you think I am excusing Christians from this sorry story of destruction, what about the iconoclasts of the eighth century,

who smashed and destroyed Orthodox icons, or their Protestant successors in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who tried to suppress the outward and visible signs of Catholic faith and belief?

The simple truth is that any attempt to erase evidence of the past – and anyone or anything belonging to the past – can destroy our awareness both of what was evil and what was good. It can rob us of our ability to be alert to dangers which could easily return to haunt us, and to be inspired by great achievements which can encourage us into the future. The British Empire” was neither all bad nor all good. We need to be honest about the good and the bad alike – for the sake of future generations as well as our own.

376524.

Atco cable electric rotary mower, model - Envoy 36, in good condition. Price £20 07523 515825.

Stihl cable electric heavy duty strimmer, model FSE-60 £20.

07523 515825.

Fitbike exercise bike, in good condition. £20 Fitbike exercise bike, in good condition £20.

07523 515825.

Box trailer, 5ftx3ft fully enclosed. Lighting set and spare wheel, good condition £99.

07974 082293 / 01258 808313.

Wardrobe, pine, good condition £35. 01258 808313.

Exercise machine. Reebok GX50. Cross-trainer. Console gives heart rate and target rate.

Very good condition £99.

01258 808313.

Over the mantel gold mirror, Laura Ashley, £50. 01963 440146.

Conservatory furniture. One chair, two-seater sofa and two tables, beige cushions, all excellent condition. £100.

01963 440146.

Ladies 17" Universal Mermaid leisure bicycle. pink & silver, wicker basket and Shimano gears. Lovely condition, £55 - Tel 07774 373007.

Gentleman’s 21" Dawes Mojave leisure / touring bicycle. Green with Shimano gears and rear carrier. Lovely condition, £65 07774 373007.

Heavy oak dining table, 4 matching chairs. Extends to 84 ins. Width 42". VGC £100 Buyer collects. 07747 784783.

Portable therapist bed in carry case, rarely used £25 07749 536729.

Tropical aquarium 135litres, 80cm wide, height 48cm, depth 40cm. £95ono. Moving house.

01963 210437.

Small white chest of drawers 20” wide by 30” high. Free.

07858 232967.

3ft divan bed with mattress, excellent condition, £40. 07858 232967.

Ladies’ Raleigh Chiltern Cycle with stand. In good condition £50. 07817 853224.

RFT TracTech motorbike allin-one leather race suit. Blue, white and black. UK size 44.

Little used, £100. 01963 362561.

Mig welder migatronic 140 mono, complete with gas cylinder. £80. 01935 435220.

Adult mountain bike, Reebok aluminium frame, front suspension 21 gears Ex condition £80 07969 049654.

Dresses long and short, skirts, tops, cardigans, shoes and boots size 6, some never worn size 12-ish. 07826 446485.

Petrol hedge trimmer, Titan easy start, 24inch cutter bar, good condition £40 07969 049654.

Brand new Esprit exercise bike, £50. 07826 446485.

Telescopic ladder. T.B.Davies 3.8 metres proseries 2 xtend + climb. New unused. £100.

01747 840026.

Vintage step ladders various sizes from £25 photos 01460 55105.

NRS 3 wheeled Rollator walking aid with basket and

Items for Sale Segra Abu Garcia fishing rod. 7ft 9" 12lb £25 01258 840824.

Large stainless steel push top bin. 80cm high 38cm diameter. £25 01258 840824.

Red Giant Rock Bike shimano 21 gears. £40 01258 840824.

Black Giant 6000 ALUXX bike shimano 16 gears rock shox front suspension. £40 01258 840824.

5ft headboard in Colefax & Fowler dark pink with contrasting C&F Hydrangea quilted bedspread. £45 for pair.

Collect only 07831 376524.

Bloom large silk flower display 50cmx50cm. Yellow tones £20. Collect only 07831 376524.

Bush Record Player. VGC. £15. Collect only 07831 376524 Denon x 3 Component Unit: Audio Stereo Tuner, Amplifier & Tape Deck. £40. VCG. Collect only 07831 376524.

Large F&M wicker hamper (67cm x 50cm x 45 cm). VCG. £15. Collect Only. 07831 30

Enjoy a drink in the clink

By Karen Bate If you take a look at Jailhouse Café on Tripadvisor you will see an abundance of five-star ratings for the café at HMP Guys Marsh.

This café is warm, friendly, clean and most importantly it serves delicious, fresh food and second chances.

Charity Expia, which is dedicated to reduce reoffending, runs the café, which is staffed by riskassessed prisoners on day release and since it opened in 2013, hundreds of prisoners have been given work placements and training to prepare them for life on the outside.

A spokesman said: “We want prisoners to not offend again when they leave prison, and we are committed to help those leaving prisons to lead useful and law-abiding lives

JUST DESSERTS: A prisoner serves the coffee

in the future.”

Chef manager Georgina Waldron has taken the reins of the Jailhouse Café, which is once again fully open to eat inside – and it offers takeaways, too.

Here are just three of the scores of positive comments for this café: “Food, service in fact everything was amazing.”

“The Jailhouse cafe rocked!

A great idea, A great cup of rosie and a great bacon baguette. What more could you want in the morning?”

“The staff and inmates are all very friendly – a great place!”

And if you think the Jailhouse Café is worth a visit, it will be little surprise that their new venture – The Farm Shop – will be a winner when it opens on June 16.

Georgina said: “The Farm Shop is our new venture and will also be run by prisoners.

“It will be selling fresh fruit and veg, flowers, fresh eggs and products made by prisoners.”

The Farm Shop will be officially opened on Wednesday, June 16 at 10am by the prison governor Ian Walters, who will be cutting the ribbon.

n Outline plans to build up to 65 homes on land east of Gold Hill Business Park in Lower Common Road, Child Okeford, have been refused by Dorset Council.

The outline application by Leaper Land Promotion for the 2.9 hectare agricultural field, opposite a site where plans for 68 homes were refused on appeal last August, where a new application for 28 homes is now being considered, was turned down on June 3.

Grounds for refusal included the site’s lack of sustainability, being some distance from the village centre, and the development’s unacceptable impact on the character of the village and Hambledon Hill.

In addition to objections from some statutory consultees, there had been over 200 neighbour objections, together with those of the parish council and CPRE, and only four representations in favour highlighting the economic benefits of the proposal.

Items for Sale tray. Brand new unopened box £40. 01935 812545.

Home office 2 drawer filing cabinet £25. Metal file box foolscap size £10. 01935 812545.

Folding treatment table.

Height adjustable, face hole, carry bag. £30. 07876 215667.

Garden groom £35. Bosch electric strimmer £25.

Fridge/freezer 1500mm high £40. 01747 824240.

Jam jars £6 per 10. Pickling jars £8 per 10. Whip/crop 650mm £3. 01747 824240.

Vintage 1980 ladies Raleigh Cameo bike serviced new tyres brake blocks & cable £100 tel.

01935 812462.

Double garden swing seat, 2 cushions in need of slight TLC. Buyer collects, £50. 01747 821875.

Walking Sid almost new with shopping bag £35 ono 01935 412892.

Flymo Vision Compact Mower 330 £35 New in box manual lawnmower £30 01935 509198.

Nearly new curved Acorn Stairlift for sale in Child Okeford – one year old.

Excellent condition. Acorn will survey your stairs and install for you. 3 month warranty included. £2,500 Quote ref.324370 Tel Acorn 0800 0739793Mobility scooter in excellent condition. Had little use. Heavy duty battery.

Dismantles easily to fit in car boot. £300. 07751 838704.

Full size snooker table with all accessories. Any offer considered. Buyer collects.

Contact W, Hughes 01747 839991 or email hughesw42@yahoo.com.

AEG Induction Hob, very good condition £100. 01963 204318 Vintage two handed 4ft log saw. £8. 01258 861032.

Hofner Harmonica No 270 Little used, boxed. £24. 01258 861032.

Echo petrol hedge trimmer £60 Phone 01747 824448.

Large wooden box £30 Phone 01747 824488.

Mitox 267L strimmer, full service, new head excellent condition £75 01963 210773.AB Wiever wooden high chair, Excellent condition, hardly used £50 01747 854983.

Mothercare car seat (suitable for 1-4 year olds) with ISO fittings. Used only in gran’s car.

As new £40 Tel. 07973 505542.

IKEA Wooden Toy Kitchen – Hob will require batteries to light up. Sink with tap & bowl.

Excellent condition. £30 Tel. 07973 505542.

2 nearly new calo-gas heater with one full bottle each, £60 each. 07817 664015.

2 full gas bottles, £30 each. 1 part full, £15. 07817 664015.

Yamaha Portatone electronic keyboard with stand. Full working condition. £60. 01747 823168.

Hayter Envoy 36 rotary corded electric mower with rear roller with operating brochure. In good condition. £30. 01747 873103 or 07523 515825.

Superfluous MIELE chest

freezer (70 x 70 x 55 cms.) hardly used £100 01258 817306.

Various small bedside tables and bedroom chairs, offers 01258 817306.

Comfortable dark red Dralon armchair with buttoned back. £24. 01963 23412.

Brand new jigsaw roll, still in box, £8. Numerous attractive jigsaws all bought during covid; bargain price. 01963 23412.

Four 670 x 16 Firestone De Luxe Champion road tyres 7mm average tread, all sound casings. Collection only from Tarrant Hinton. 01258 830498 LANEY35C ACOUSTIC AMP £125 VGC 01747 850 726 DRESSES long and short, skirts, tops, cardigans, shoes and boots size 6, some never worn size 12-ish. 07826 446485

31

Announcements PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is given that Nathan Kurton has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence in respect of Well Cottage, Bedchester, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0JW for the provision of alcohol (On sales) generally between the hours of 12:00 – 23:00 Monday to Sunday. Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by emailing: licensingteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ within 28 days from the date of this notice. The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours via email or phone on 01305 838028. It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.

DATE: 20/05/21

Licensing Act 2003 Tollard Royal Enterprises Ltd is applying to vary the Premises Licence for Rushmore Golf Club, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5QB The variation if granted, is to include the Pro Shop and Halfway Hut along with the addition of the following activities: Supply of Alcohol ON and OFF Sales Indoor Sporting Events Any person wishing to make representations in relation to this application may do so by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or writing to Wiltshire Council, Licensing Section, Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER. Representations may be made until 28th June 2021. A Copy of the application for the grant of the above licence is kept by Wiltshire Council, Licensing Section, Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER. The application can be viewed by prior appointment. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for making a false statement is a Level 5 fine on the standard scale.

32

Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 Closed Church of Stour Row All Saints (Diocese of Salisbury) A Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme dated the 29th day of January 2020 authorised the Church Commissioners to sell the closed church building of Stour Row All Saints and part of the churchyard for residential use. There are burials in the churchyard. The Secretary of State has made an Order lifting the requirement to remove human remains buried in the churchyard. All human remains will remain undisturbed. The Bishop has directed that certain of the tombstones, monuments and memorials within the property shall be relocated against the east and south boundaries of the churchyard. You can obtain details of these arrangements and the rights of personal representatives or relatives of deceased persons commemorated by the tombstones, monuments or memorials from the Commissioners (contact details below) or inspect them on the churchyard noticeboard, Green Lane, Stour Row until Friday 9 July 2021. If you wish to exercise such rights you must give notice to the Commissioners at the address below by Friday 9 July 2021. (Signed) Adrian Browning on behalf of the Church Commissioners for England adrian.browning@churchofengland.org 01722 438664. 11 June 2021

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE CONNOR PAUL LYSONS & STUART JOHN MOGRIDGE trading as MOGSONS WASTE LTD of Montana House, Weston Lane, West Winterslow, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 1RQ is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To keep an extra 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at Unit 1 Clump Farm Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7TD 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.

Announcements ANNIVERSARIES ARNOLD JOHN & JASMINE 19/06/2021 Congratulations on your golden wedding anniversary! Lots of love, Shane, Karen, Donna, Paul and all the grandchildren xxxx

BIRTHDAYS

JAN AND DAVE SNEADE Golden Wedding Anniversary 12th June

THANK YOU DAVID WALWIN Eileen and family would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers and letters of condolence. Also, for the generous donations received for Dementia UK. Please accept this as our personal acknowledgement.

ELLEN THORNE A happy birthday to my beautiful daughter Ellie who is 25 YEARS OLD on Thursday, 10th A beautiful INJune.

MEMORIAM young lady inside and out and I am so very very proud of you.

All my love mum xxxxxx

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY, NICKY FEAR. 11th June. Love from Martin, Kerri and Richard

MATT HASKETT 22nd June Happy 30th birthday!

Lots of love, mum, dad, Dean, Caroline, Donna, Gary, Scarlett, Clayton, Edward, Thomas and all the family

IN MEMORIAM MARY WAREHAM Everyone who called you Mary, Mum or Granny misses you every day. Love you always and with everything we have.

DEATHS ALLEN JANEY On 23rd May 2021 after a brave fight against cancer. Beloved wife of David and muchloved and devoted sister of Molly. Private cremation for family and friends. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Janey to Macmillan.org.uk or sent c/o Clive Wakely, A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to the charity.

DENNIS RONALD GRANGE On 29th May 2021 peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital aged 87 years of Gillingham. “In my heart always, Bridget”.

Private family service. Enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

DEATHS YVONNE BLAZE Passed away at home on 29th May aged 91 years. Wife of the late Alan Blaze, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She will be very sadly missed by family and friends. Due to restrictions, a private funeral is taking place with an online alternative. Family flowers only. If desired, please make donations to Marie Curie on Yvonne’s Just Giving page, justgiving.com/fundraising/yvonneblaze

BARRIE JOHN MARSH On 20th May 2021 peacefully in John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford aged 87 years of Abingdon (formerly of Shaftesbury) A much loved dad and grandpa, also a former steward of Bell Street United Church and teacher of King Alfred’s Middle School.

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

RAYMONT BRIAN GEORGE Peacefully on 27th May 2021 in the Westminster Memorial Hospital Shaftesbury, aged 89 years, of Gillingham.

Dearly loved husband of Angela. Much loved dad, grandad and father in-law. He will be sadly missed but forever remembered. Private cremation due to restrictions. Donations in memory of Brian, may be sent directly to: Parkinson's UK 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ

JOHN ‘EION’ CRIGHTON ‘Eion’ aged 88 from Marnhull, passed away peacefully on the 22nd May 2021 at The Old Rectory, Stalbridge. Greatly missed by all his family. Private funeral service. Donations are invited for Dementia UK. C/O Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

33

Announcements DEATHS FREDRICK JOHN HALL SANFORD Passed away suddenly on 2nd June 2021 aged 85. Dearly loved husband to Ruth and father to Emma, Duncan and Henry.

He will be sorely missed by all the family and those that relied on his special help in and around Chetnole. His funeral will be in late June. If desired, donations in memory of John, for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and St Peter's Church Chetnole may be sent c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ or online at ajwakely.com

LAWES ALBERT (HARRY) Peacefully on 25th May 2021 in the Joseph Weld Hospice, with his daughter Jo at his side, aged 74 years, of Bourton.

Reunited with his beloved wife Pat. A loving dad, grandad, brother, uncle and friend to many. Funeral service at St. George’s Church, Bourton on Monday 28th June at 12.30pm followed by private cremation (covid-19 restrictions will apply).

Donations for either Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or Weldmar Hospicecare may be sent to Bracher Brothers, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel. 01747 822494

MARY ALICE ‘MONICA’ GOODE Passed away peacefully 20th April 2021, aged 101 years. Funeral service has taken place. A memorial gathering will be arranged later on this year, details will be sent out in due course. May she rest in peace.

BISHOP PETER JAMES (PETE) Passed away peacefully at home on 28th May 2021 aged 78 years. Beloved husband, dad, pop and great-pop. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Donations, if desired, in memory of Pete for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust or Cancer Research UK c/o Bracher Brothers, Newell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

STICKLAND CAMILLA (BUBSIE) Passed away on the 25th May aged 45 years, of Shaftesbury. Dearly loved daughter of the late Ruth and George.

Much loved by her sister Claire, niece Em, nephews George and Henry, cousins Catra and Elspeth. She was the absolute world to her sister Connie and they shared a very special bond. Her many friends will miss her greatly. Family flowers only but donations if desired may be sent directly to: Leukemia UK, 52 Portland Place, London W1B 1NH. All enquiries to Bracher Brothers Tel. 01747 822494

PAUL LAMBERT from Sturminster Newton, passed away in Yeovil Hospital after a long illness.

Cremation will take place at Yeovil Crematatorium on Wednesday, June 23 at 1.20pm. Family and invited friends only, due to covid restrictions. If you are a friend of Paul phone 01425 274622 for details

Death announcements are accepted until lunchtime on Tuesdays before publication.

However any notices submitted after Monday may be subject to size and shape changes, depending on notices already placed.

Family Run Caring & E cient • Private Chapels of Rest Personal Day & Night Service “Golden Charter” Pre-paid Funeral Plans available Memorials in Stone Marble & Granite, etc.

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

34

Announcements PETER JACKSON FUNERAL SERVICES Independent Family Owned and Run Funeral Directors Private Chapels of Rest • 24 Hour Service • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans

Henstridge (01963) 362570

Mons, High Street, Henstridge, Somerset BA8 0RB

Gillingham (01747) 833757 Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ

office@peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk www.peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

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

– 24 Hour Service –

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.

HELPING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Your Local Funeral Professionals

Fully guaranteed, inflation-proof, pre-paid funeral plans Free bereavement care Available 24 hours a day/ 7 days week

• Unique and personal funerals starting from £1,995 and prepaid funeral plans • Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none • Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism

GILLINGHAM

2 High Street, SP8 4QT 01747 824738

SHAFTESBURY BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Available 24 hours a day.

Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, SP7 8BS 01747 858968

STURMINSTER NEWTON

4 Market House, Station Road, DT10 1FG 01258 472073

funeralcare.co.uk

Part of Dignity plc. A British company

35

Letters

Traditional hives are failing our bees I was pleased to see the article on bee hive design by Karen Bate on Page 90 (May 28). It suggests that the top bar hive is a better design for the bees. Elaine Spencer White of The BeeWayzz project postulates that traditional bee hive design is the problem for bees and I agree.

What is natural for honey bees is not as important as what is the best habitation for honey bees.

As designers of habitations for biological systems we can do much better than what is ‘natural’.

The traditional thin walled, wood, vertical stacked hives have been in use for about 160 years unchanged, having all the environmental integrity of a cardboard box. 30% of bees die in them every winter. Even feral colonies do better so Elaine must be onto something. Traditional vertical stacked hives are the direct cause of the diseases of honey bees such as Nosema, Acarine and Varroa, because they give a cold, damp environment for the bee brood to live in and for Varroa to thrive in. Such a hive environment extends the bee pupation period, which increases the maturation period available for varroa to mature in those pupating cells.

The Varroa mites exceed their replacement numbers exponentially. Winter is Varroa breeding heaven.

The traditional wood hive was modelled on the champagne crates that the Reverend Langstroth just happened to have in his basement at the time and into which he fitted his patented movable frames, within which the bees made their colonies.

Not a considered choice, but they did allow the bees to be managed for the first time and was a step forward in the development of a truly mutual symbiotic relationship between us and bees. Any relationship that is not to our mutual advantage may be virtuous, but it is charity and will not survive 36

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

long term. If “natural” bee keeping involves bees taking up residence in natural cavities I suspect that we can do better for them and they for us. That is symbiosis.

The bees in a ‘mutual’ symbiotic relationship supply us with honey and pollination services in exchange for us looking after them. We can give them a warm dry insulated home that can be expanded and contracted to the bees needs over the year. We treat diseases as we find them and feed them when they need it. Much of that has gone on in this cold spring.

Elaine’s thesis is that we are not supplying a suitable habitation environment for the bees is correct, but the top bar hive is better, not the best for them. It forms a long slim shape that is not easy for the bees to keep warm since it has a large surface area to volume ratio. It is not insulated against heat loss and with bee entry at the bottom and ventilation at the top it creates a cooling ‘stack’ effect. It also has no thermal ‘weight’ to moderate the temperature over the day and night.

Lesley Gasson’s comments in the top bar hive are inappropriate. They are easier

to inspect, not harder and they carry no more disease than traditional vertical hives. They do not have to be dismantled as the traditional ones must be which and are not cheap either.

So less stress on the bees, bee keepers back and wallet.

Enrolling on a bee keeping course recommended by the British Bee Keeping Association as Master (surely Mistress) Beekeeper Lesley Gasson and being taught how to keep bees in traditional vertical hives is to see bad practise continued. A better prospect is to find a friendly local bee keeper to get experience with rather than a paper qualification obtained at great expense for a qualification from the BBKA, which endorsed systemic neonicotinoids insecticides for money before it was banned.

Bill Summers Inventor of the ZEST hive Retired architect n In the May 14th edition of the BVM, Sarah Potts complains about her rental increase of 2.5% compared with her NHS pay rise of 1%.

There has been a lot said about the strain and stress experienced

by NHS workers during the pandemic. I sympathise with them in that it is stressful to work excessive hours and to nurse dying patients. However the fact is that sick people, especially old sick people are likely to die in these circumstances and that nursing them really is in the job description.

I would, however, point out that NHS workers, along with all those in the public sector, have remained in secure jobs, on full salaries with holiday and pension rights safeguarded throughout this period. This is very different from those outside the public sector, particularly the self-employed, who have been furloughed, made redundant or whose businesses have failed.

No pay rises for them.

Roger Grix Fifehead Magdalen n As I live near Gillingham, I pop in and out all the time. To date I have yet to see a bicyclist using the new bicycles lanes that have been built on the bypass. The lanes are not continuous, which is a bit odd. I wonder how much it cost us taxpayers?

Mrs Rosemary Corbin Zeals n In his article (BVM, 28th May) Simon Hoare says that his response to the issue of a freetrade agreement with Australia and New Zealand is to ask, “Is it good for North Dorset?” Surely the most important question is, “Is it good for the planet?” I appreciate that Mr Hoare’s first responsibility is to his constituency of North Dorset, but we cannot afford to look at issues in such a parochial way: if the deal is bad for the planet think of the carbon footprint compared with more regional and local trade – then it will be bad for North Dorset. We are part of the wider world and will not be insulated from global

Letters warming. The same argument applies to the government’s evident intention to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Much of this proposed trade is in agricultural products. At the same time, an advertisement has been broadcast recently on commercial radio inviting UK farmers to seek government advice and support in exporting their produce to distant parts of the world. It might make narrow economic sense to farmers or others to deal with world-wide markets, but the overall picture of food being shipped thousands of miles in opposite directions is a nonsense. How many more HGVs will be trundling thousands more miles at 9 miles per gallon of diesel? How much more fuel will be burned in shipping? How can all this be reconciled with the government’s declared aim of making the UK carbon-neutral?

Mr Hoare says “I am not a laissez faire free trader nor a protectionist. I believe in responsible trade where checks, balances and review mechanisms are carved into agreements”. With the world warming at an unprecedented rate, we need to get this right first time – any “review” a few years hence will not be able to undo the damage.

Colin Marsh Gillingham Adrian Fisher’s article in the Business section on “Spending Priorities” was, quite frankly, risible. I was absolutely astounded to hear that HS2 wasn’t going to benefit Dorset (if you have a more blinkered view than that you are almost certainly a racehorse). I was also interested to hear that HS2 is seven times less valuable than FTTP (and the evidence for that being...?). More of this, factbased, detailed analysis from maze designers and other macro-economic experts in the New BV in the future, I hope.

Name and address supplied

What a lovely receptacle!

Our printers’ chief found himself mightily impressed at this VERY posh vessel for our magazine in Ibberton.

Simon West from Blackmore press saw the intricate wooden box during a walk at the weekend. He said: “It’s a bit more upmarket than the one in my village which is just a plastic storage container!”

The distribution of the New Blackmore Vale has followed in the footsteps of the old magazine, with copies in telephone boxes, bus stops, some being picked up by people to distribute around their neighbourhood…

Have you got a lovely distribution point for our magazines? Send us a picture! n Having read your article (Fears over electricity supply, NBV, May 28) we have written to Cllr Carole Jones, Hilary Jordan and Jon Sellgren. Surely the answer does indeed lie to some extent with Dorset Council? After all they gave planning permission for these industrial estates as per the local plans that were in place at the time and had DC been ‘on the ball’ at the time they would have made it a condition that all new buildings had more than the set minimum of standards for sustainability including grey water usage and solar panels of one type or another. Sustainable development would of course include the ability of any site to be supplied well into the future with all the water and electricity it required.

Solar panels on industrial buildings would reduce the need for the National Grid to move electricity around (thus wasting yet more electricity) as the power would be supplied where it was needed and any excess could be sold to the Grid. Solar panels for heating water are completely stand-alone units and only require a tiny amount of power to run the censors and pump so put negligible pressure

on electricity supply.

DC must now do more than provide staff with electric vehicles and change a few light bulbs. Having declared a Climate Emergency, they must lead the way not only in promoting innovative ways of generating electricity but also reducing the amount used altogether – quite a challenge when they have repeatedly reduced the rural bus grants and are encouraging more electric vehicles. This is not impossible but does require the political will that we are not seeing from Central Government. From this day forward there is absolutely no excuse for allowing development without solar panels as a minimum.

Covering our good quality agricultural land may help farmers in the short term (40 years is now called temporary planning permission for solar arrays it seems) but will see us rely more and more on imported food which may or may not be produced to the high standards we are proud of in Dorset.

Why, oh why are people still buying new houses with such poor standards of sustainability?

Lynne Fish

n RE: Bird feeding Having just read your story I feel that I must write to you and inform you that we feed ‘our’ wild birds from a four arm feeder in the centre of the lawn.

We have attracted many species of birds, from rooks, jackdaws, pigeons, starlings, blackbirds, chaffinches, sparrows, several species of tits, right down to wrens We have also attracted two hedgehogs and up to five badgers, discovered one night as we were disturbed by a rattle from the feeders. The badger was standing on tiptoe to reach up and hang on to the feeder trays, an interesting sight. We now feed the badgers and hedgehogs from trays on the ground.

Do you, the council or your readers want us to stop feeding the birds? This would mean less wildlife and result in a less interesting garden.

Name and address supplied n Oh dear. New Blackmore Vale (May 28) contains that very “Now” image of folks holding placards. It seems a poll is being promoted to give people a say on choice between two local government reorganisation proposals.

Have these pictured Leaders ever been acquainted with the legendary relationship between the horse and stable door?

The UK Government offered full consultation opportunities to everyone between 22nd February and 19th April 2021, now closed awaiting the evaluation phase.

Quite how the Secretary of State will react to being advised by them of their attempt at duplication can only be imagined. I do hope that council funds are not being depleted in order to pay for the whole extensive exercise.

The UK Government Consultation details can be found by web searching “Somerset Unitarisation Ministry of Housing” Alan Webber 37

Food & Drink

Cooking...

Does anyone remember Majorca slice?

This is going back donkey’s years: it came in a box and consisted of a pastry base topped with a light almond-y sponge with sultanas and raisins and glace cherries.

The Majorca connection might have been because Majorca, or Mallorca, to spell it the Spanish way, is famous for its almond trees: almond cakes are a local speciality.

Some of us may not be travelling to Majorca any time soon, but we can sit in the garden with a cup of tea and a piece of Majorca slice.

Here’s the replicated recipe I came up with: it tastes very much as I remember it: and all the better for being homemade.

Makes eight pieces Pastry 120g (4oz) plain flour 60g (2oz) cold salted butter, diced ½ tablespoon golden caster sugar 2 tablespoons cold water

Topping 50g (2oz) salted butter, softened 50g (2oz) golden caster sugar, plus extra for finishing 90g (3¼oz) plain flour ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 level teaspoon cream of tartar 1 medium egg, beaten ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ tablespoon milk 25g (1oz) ground almonds 75g (3oz) sultanas and raisins combined 25g (1oz) glace cherries, quartered, plus extra for finishing

Mum’s Kitchen...

Raspberry Citrus tart Ingredients Purchased 215g (7 1/2 oz ) sweet pastry case, or make your own and bake blind 225g (8oz) raspberries – these could be frozen if fresh are not available 125g (4 ½ oz) mascarpone 125g (4 ½ oz) Greek yoghurt ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Zest and juice of 1 medium orange 3 tablespoons orange or lemon curd Method Heat 125g raspberries with 3 tablespoons squeezed orange juice in a small pan 38

over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes until they have softened to become a compote. Leave to cool.

Beat together the mascarpone and Greek yoghurt. Beat in the vanillaessence and orange zest. Pile into pastry case, then drizzle over the orange or lemon curd and use a knife to ripple it through the mascarpone mixture.

Top the mixture with the cooled raspberry compote, and scatter the remaining raspberries on the top.I made this recipe for the first time this week for 12-yearold grandson, Robert’s visit.

He declared it to be “amazing”!

with Mrs Simkins

Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan oven) gas mark 6 or equivalent You will need a lightly buttered rectangular tin or baking dish, around 20cm x 14cm (7in x5in) Whiz the flour and butter into fine crumbs in a food processor. Add water and whiz until large clumps form.

Remove and knead gently together by hand (or make entirely by hand if you prefer).

Cover and chill for 20 minutes. Roll out to a depth of a fraction less than a pound coin.

Put your tin on the pastry and cut round so you have a piece to fit the bottom of the tin: there’s no need to take the pastry up the sides. Prick all over with a fork.

Whiz butter and sugar together in a food processor until creamed and fluffy; or cream by hand.

Sieve in half flour, add the eggs and vanilla and sieve over the remaining flour.

Whiz or beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and glossy. Whiz or beat in ground almonds, milk, dried fruit and cherries.

Spread the mix over the pastry and finish with a few more cherry pieces and a sprinkling of sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the sponge comes out clean. Cut into eight when cold. n MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/ MrsSimkinsCooks email: info@ MrsSimkins.co.uk

with Diana Holman

Food & Drink

It’s time to join the courgette set for a healthier lifestyle

ENFORD FARM SHOP

Home reared Lamb along with locally produced meat, veg, fruit, deli and game.

Follow us on Facebook for all of our latest deals and offers including weekly meat pack deals

HALF PIG APPROXIMATELY £100

(depending on weight) Open all day, everyday outside shop Fri, Sat Farm shop open 8.30am-5pm Also Arts display Durweston, near Blandford

01258 450050

June brings us a glut of new season produce. As we have been experiencing some beautiful weather recently, I thought I’d share a versatile, light and fresh salad recipe with you, making the most of the season’s courgettes and broad beans.

Courgettes have a high water content aiding hydration, and good levels of vitamins A and C, manganese, and potassium. They also contain a mix of insoluble and soluble fibre, not only helping to improve the consistency of bowel movements, but also feeding our beneficial gut bacteria.

Broad beans are a rich source of plantbased protein (13g of protein per cup) and fibre (9g per cup), and provide good levels of folate, manganese, copper, potassium, iron and vitamins A and C. This salad brings them together but works equally well with peas (fresh or frozen) if you prefer.

Broad pea and courgette salad (serves 2-4) 2 courgettes (green or yellow, or one of each) 1 cup broad beans couple of sprigs of mint juice ½ a lemon 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil pinch of salt and pepper

Optional extras: avocado, feta, or bulk the dish out with more salad leaves like rocket or gem lettuce Finely slice the mint leaves and mix with the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and set aside while you Rebecca Vincent prepare the rest of is a Wincanton the salad, so the mint nutritionist flavour really comes out. Pod the broad beans, bring a pan of water to the boil, then simmer the beans for 2-3 minutes.

Slice the courgette into fine ribbons with a peeler or mandolin and mix in with the dressing to soften.

Drain the broad beans and plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process. Some people prefer to peel the skins off the beans at this stage and just consume the bright green centre, and with older beans this can be prudent as the skins can get tough, but if they are fresh this shouldn’t be necessary.

Add the beans to the courgette and dressing mix and enjoy as a lovely addition to any barbeque! n Rebecca Vincent BSc BANT registered nutritionist rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

Antiques & Collectibles

An extraordinary collection of things Dore & Rees are delighted to offer the personal collection of Ronald Hazell on 24 June at their Frome saleroom. The collection of this much loved passionate connoisseur includes taxidermy, collectables, rocking horses, ceramics, sculpture, Lalique glass, maritime models, paintings, sporting guns and gentlemen’s accessories.

Ronald Hazell was a generous and loyal man who lived life to the full, always with a twinkle in his eye. He moved to Somerset from Sussex in the late 1980s with his wife and young family, buying a garage in South Petherton. Business grew, and he took the opportunity to become a partner in a Renault dealership before moving on to own Ash Honda Yeovil and Ash of Dorchester.

Led by his curious mind, Ronald sought out and collected the best that he could

The Ronald Hazell Collection Auction: Thursday 24 June at 10:30am Viewing: Sunday 20 June to Wednesday 23 June, 10am to 4pm

Rachel Talbot,

THE FABULOUS MR TOAD a limited edition Wind in the Willows bronze sculpture, signed and numbered 5/12, 23 cm high Estimate: £400-600

buy, enjoying the research and investigation as much as the hunt. collectors.

The auction will be on view from Sunday, June 20 to Wednesday, June 23, with the auction taking place on the 24th at 10:30am. Further auctions of The Ronald Hazell Collection will be held in the coming months.

The collection of a much loved passionate connoisseur includes taxidermy, collectables, ceramics, sculpture, Lalique glass, maritime models, paintings, sporting guns & gentlemen’s accessories.

Heywood Hardy leads the paintings section with ‘Arrival of the Coach’ offered at £5000 – £8000.

Makers Le Page, Jukes Coulson and Smith of London are represented within the sporting guns section.

And something for the young at heart, rocking horses by Stevenson Brothers, including a Golden Jubilee limited edition at £1500-2500.

Dore & Rees, Auction Salerooms, Vicarage Street, Frome BA11 1PU

01373 462 257 doreandrees.com

39

Antiques & Collectibles

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques & Collectibles

Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12: 10am start

Classic Vehicles & Automobilia Sale

Sunday, June 13 at 10am Viewing Thursday 9am - 4.30pm and Sunday 9am - 1pm.

An Art Nouveau Arts && Crafts View lots at the.saleroom.com enamel plaque depicting a lady. Sold for £1,350 easyliveauction.com

Packed sales this weekend Clarke’s Auctions at Semley are holding their three-day sales this weekend with the Antiques & Collectables auction starting at 10am on Friday 11th and resuming at 10am on Saturday 12th with over 1,000 lots of antique and modern furniture, silver & jewellery, Oriental art, rugs, militaria, paintings and more. A collection of paintings and prints by Francis (Frank) Owen Salisbury (18741962), an English artist specialising in portraits, historical and ceremonial events affectionately known as ‘Britain’s Painter Laureate’. Two of his palettes used in his paintings of President Hoover, King George V, The Coronation, Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother were

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

given as presents to his two daughters and both palettes carry an estimate of £50 - £100. From the same consignment is a delightful folio of sketches and designs detailing frescoes in the Queen Victoria Memorial in Calcutta, est £100-£200.

Their Sunday auction of Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia has something for every Antique & Classic Clock Repairs motoring enthusiast, with over 300 lots from a few pounds to & Restoration many thousands. With over 300 Longcase Clocks a speciality lots of automobilia and spares, Antique Clock sales from mascots, club badges, books, signs, oil cans, posters, Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 workshop tools and numerous bclocksunlimited@aol.com other collectibles, there will be www.clocksunlimited.co.uk something for everyone.

Free Valuations, Shaftesbury Office

A large diamond brooch, approximately 14.5 carats.

SOLD for £13,500

A fine Art Deco aquamarine bracelet.

SOLD for £22,000 A rare early 18th Century Chinese reverse decorated bowl, 17cms in diameter.

SOLD for £84,000 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9AN 01747 855 122 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Dorset, Wiltshire and London

40

A 1962 BSA A65. Estimate £4-£5,000

Clocks Unlimited

New emporium in Blandford The Old Grainstore Emporium is on the newly developed Grainstore site behind Mark Robbins Carpets off Shaftesbury Lane in Blandford.

It has been open for over a year but has been closed more than it has been open. Now it’s bigger and better! There’s a wide range of antique, retro, vintage and mid-century collectibles along with locally produced artisan items, eco products and cards from local artists – a great place for unique and locally produced gifts. There’s also a quirky

tearoom serving delicious homemade cakes. This summer a furniture emporium will also be opening so please follow on Facebook & Instagram @ The Old Grainstore Emporium for the latest updates & if you’re interested in renting space to trade please contact by email at theoldgrainstoreemporium@out look.com or phone Sarah on 07745 477795.

Vintage, antique, retro, upcycled, artisan & tearoom OPEN Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm & 1st Sunday of month 10am to 4pm

Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford DT11 7EG Tel: 07745 477 795 theoldgrainstoreemporium@outlook.com

Antiques & Collectibles

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION

Of old masters and modern art In the Charterhouse auction on July 8-9 are pictures covering centuries of art.

“Having been married for just shy of 30 years, paintings and art are one of the points Mrs B and I do not always agree on.” said Richard Bromell. “She has generally been tolerant of me buying art but every so often I have to re-offer the picture in the salerooms as no means no!”

Two very different pictures from different times will appeal to different buyers. An Italian Old Master drawing attributed to Jacopo Chimenti, known as Jacopo da Empoli. Born in Florence 1554 he had a long life and died in 1640. The brown ink, pen and wash drawing depicts the Madonna and Child appearing to Saints. Estimated at GOOD CONDITION VINYL RECORDS WANTED Larger collections preferred. No classical please, cash paid 07831266478

SHERBORNE TEXTILES, FASHION & APPAREL Friday 18th June GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Friday 25th June VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT Thurs 17th June & Thurs 24th June

£1,000-2,000.

Moving to the late 20th century, estimated to sell for twice as much, is an oil by Cecil Kennedy.

Like Jacopo, Cecil lived a long live from 1905 to 1997. He is Cecil Kennedy known for his highly (1905-1997) Still detailed paintings of life £2,000-4,000 flowers and the picture does not disappoint. Specialist auctions: Pictures & books July 8, midcentury modern & decorative arts July 9, classic motorcycles June 30, and classic & vintage cars on July 15.

online through easyliveauction.com

VALE OF OAK AUCTION Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall, Sunday 11th July.

1pm viewing,3pm start. 07971 298562 WANTED deactivated or obsolete calibre military weapons also unusual medals ect Crimea war to 1945. Private collectors cash paid. Tel 01305 751618

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

Kitchenalia goes like hot cakes At Acreman St. Antiques Auction in Sherborne, the fine weather over the bank holiday weekend didn’t put a stop to the fierce bidding for the large collection of TG Green Cornishware that made over £1,000 hammer along with the rest of the kitchenalia that was heavily fought over. Other stand out items were the fantastic quality 19thC paper mache table cabinet, £700 hammer and an unusual silver jewelled snuff box in the form of a gun, £1,000.

As part of the large clearance we are undertaking we are holding an extra auction this month on Friday 18th June of Textiles, Fashion & Apparel, to include 60s & 70s clothing, designer & antique clothing, linen & lace, handbags, fabrics, embroideries, a large collection of antique lace bobbins and a very early set of 3 wax dolls of Loius 14th and family in original silk clothing.

We are still accepting items for our 25th June General Antiques & Collectables Auction. On offer will be a magnificent carved ivory lion’s head-handled

30th June

walking cane, thought to have belonged to King Alfonso of Spain. A collection of Cranberry glass, jewellery being sold on behalf of the Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal, as well as many more items from our ongoing clearance of items from a large country house belonging to an avid collector of anything and everything. The house is crammed to the gunnels with beautiful items.

We are always happy to give free valuations and appraisals and home visits can be arranged.

For any enquiries, please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935508764 or by email auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

8th July

15th July

Specialist Free June Valuation Days Doulton, Beswick & other Ceramics 14th Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 15th Silver, Jewellery & Watches 16th Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 17th Chinese & Japanese Ceramics 18th June 30th Classic & Vintage Motorcycles July 15th Classic & Vintage Cars Further entries now being accepted The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com 41

Antiques & Collectibles

Going once! Duke’s celebrate Dorset The Dorset Auction, 22nd July 2021 Duke’s are delighted to be holding its inaugural ‘Dorset Auction’, on 22nd July, a sale to celebrate the history, literature, arts and crafts of the county.

Dorset’s natural history and stunning landscape has long been a source of artistic inspiration and attracted visiting artists such as John Constable, Joseph Turner, Paul Nash and Stanley Spencer, as well as those who fell in love with the county and settled here, such as Frederick Whitehead and Dame Elisabeth Frink.

Similarly, Dorset was and remains a creative source for authors and poets, from Jane Austen and John Fowles drawing inspiration

from Lyme Regis and Enid Blyton’s reimaginations of the Isle of Purbeck in her ‘Famous Five’ series, to names synonymous with the county, such as T.E. Lawrence and William Barnes.

Dorset’s most famous literary 昀gure, is of course, Thomas Hardy, the man responsible for some of the greatest works of English Literature - including Jude the Obscure, Far From the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

It is due to this rich history that Duke’s are proud to add The Dorset Auction to our annual calendar of sales.

We are delighted to be accepting entries until Friday 25th June.

For more information or should you wish to consign, please contact John Holmes on 01305 265080 or email john.holmes@dukes-auctions.com Duke’s, Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1GA www.dukes-auctions.com

A VICTORIAN DIAMOND STARBURST BROOCH / PENDANT Estimate: £3,000 - £4,000 DAME ELISABETH FRINK “Small Male Figure, 1986” Sold for £19,600

The Summer Auction

The Dorset Auction

1st July - Jewellery & Watches 2nd July - Fine Art & Antiques

22nd July 2021 Dorset Auction consignment closing date: 25th June 01305 265080 enquiries@dukes-auctions.com

42

Home & Garden GARDEN SERVICES

(see also Local Services) MALCOLM KELLY. Grass cutting and hedge cutting. All garden maintenance. 01258 817541/07717 368134

GRASS & BRUSH CUTTING Orchards, paddocks, plantations etc.

ROTAVATING

Rough ground to seed bed

MINI DIGGER/SLEW and high lift DUMPER MOSS PROBLEM

GARDEN RESCUE TEL 01747 821 726

Scarifying, spiking & coring

PATIO & PATH CLEANING etc.

Call 01963 237890 24/7

Lawnflite,Countax & Honda ride on USED LAWN MOWERS from £300 to £800. c/w collectors 01747 838433

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

LAWN SCARIFYING Moss and thatch removal.

01747 821 726

Gardens open to public Littlebrook Farmhouse in Belchalwell (DT11 0EG) will open its garden on Sunday, June 13 for Julia’s House.

Jackie Abbott’s charming garden

features a large pond area as well as fruit trees, formal terracing and vegetables - all with spectacular views of the Blackmore Vale.

For details call Jackie on 01258 863683.

GC GARDEN CARE: Tree-work, pruning, hedge shaping, pollarding stump grinding, hedge trimming rubbish clearances. gravelling, shingling, turfing, fencing, power washing, rotating, landscape gardening, Lawn cutting. 01747 850643 / 07852 457230

TREE SERVICES

Treecare Co. Tree Specialists

TREE STUMP REMOVAL Pruning, bracing, shaping.

Preservation of mature trees.

Hedge cutting. Trees supplied & planted.

Landscaping & maintenance.

Heavy duty winch hire available.

Tree Surgery BS.3998 Contractors to local authorities.

WOOD CHIPPINGS FOR SALE Free Quotes & Advice Tel/Fax: Shafts 853512 Mobile: 07831 262083 Established in 1976

At TreeCare we care...

WELL ROTTED MANURE: £50 per transit load. Phone Roger on 01202 826502 or 07885 826396

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER: Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways. 30+ years’ experience. Ken: 07882 441873/01963 32034 TOPSOIL always available. Barn stored, screened or as-dug. Small or large amounts. Tel: 01963 363208/07836 747895 OLD BYGONES & COLLECTABLES. Rural, garden & agricultural itmes bought & sold. Tim 01725 517268 / 07311 478301

GARDENING MAINTENANCE, References gladly provided. 07731 646505 WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

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

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

DANNY'S GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. All trees, hedges, fencing, gravel paths/driveways, pressure cleaning, concrete bases, free quotations, fully insured, 07545 619735-01258 721376

Tree Tree Surgery.

Surgery. Reductions.

Reductions. Felling.

Felling.

Hedge Trimming.

Stump Grinding.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding.

Woodchip Woodchip supplies. supplies.

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

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

Reliable

(Established 1997)

Tree Surgeons

Professional and experienced tree surgery and landscaping services to residential and commercial customers. We also offer a range of equipment for hire.

Available 24/7 Free quotations Fully qualified team Full public liability insurance Safe Contractor Approved

Tel: 01747 228484 Mob: 07770 833734 www.valetreesurgeons.com Vale Tree Surgeons Limited, Gillingham SP8 4LX

43

Home & Garden

Frank and Sam shape a growing family business

A large range of items from bird baths, statues, dog, cats, badgers, character mushrooms, water features, buddhas, mythical, the list goes on, some are hand painted and our mould and paint Kid Kits are big sellers for parties and presents!

With great affordable prices on offer, come and have a browse, or see us on Facebook, Instagram or our website.

07535 790983 Open Monday/Tuesday/ Friday/Saturday & Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm Henstridge Airfield, Somerset BA8 0TN Br wh ing t en his – o you adv ne sp ert pe end an rh £ dg ou 50 et se or £5 ho m o ld ore ff

What started as a hobby for Frank and Sam has taken off quickly to be a thriving family business today, based at Henstridge Air昀eld in Somerset.

Dairy Stone Ornaments now make and stock a large range of garden ornaments from bird baths, statues of dogs, cats and badgers, to water features, Buddhas, mythical 昀gures and more.

Items can be plain or hand painted, and special pieces can be commissioned – to recreate an item as a garden ornament made out of stone.

An unusual order was recently taken from a customer with a broken 昀gure at home, and Dairy Stone Garden Ornaments created and supplied two brand new gargoyles!

Children can also get involved too, with Kid Kits of plaster moulds, with paints and a brush – big sellers for parties and presents.

We welcome visitors to come and have a browse, and you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram or browse our website.

We would love to see you at Henstridge Air昀eld, Somerset, BA8 0TN.

Dairy Stone Garden Features

Create your perfect kitchen with our designers in store Personal service – we know not everybody wants the same, we’re here to help you choose.

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476 Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL

Specialists who will work with you to design a kitchen that covers practicality, functionality and more.

Warminster: 01985 219 200 5-6 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

A kitchen that is beautiful not just to look at, but to be in.

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

Your local kitchen and appliance specialists...

44

Home & Garden LOGS 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

Season Barn Dry Logs 20 miles radius of Sherborne

Tel: 01935 815534

FREE DESIGN SERVICE FOR DISPLAY ADS: CALL 07714 289409

LOGS R US: 1 ton pickup load of logs £90.

Double load £150, dumpy bag £60. All hardwood. 07790 404593/01258 818081 SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS: £145 double load, £85 half load. 01258 880892 07980 036250

We have a huge range of gorgeous pots and masses of colourful plants to brighten your garden!

Come and visit us, Monday – Saturday 9am – 5.30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm Milton on Stour, Gillingham SP8 5QA 01747 824015

45

Home & Garden

Gardening...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

Aphids – the Russian dolls of reproduction I purchased a pepper plant the other day. On getting it home I inspected it closely and noticed greenfly on its growing tip. Also known as aphids, they are annoying garden pests

capable of halting plant growth, distorting foliage and spreading viruses.

Although tiny, they could quickly become a major sap-sucking problem, quickly colonising other plants. As prevention is

INTERIORS EMAIL: JAK.KIFF@HOTMAIL.COM

THE WHITE HOUSE STATION ROAD, SEMLEY, SHAFTESBURY, DORSET, SP7 9AH

TRADITIONAL & MODERN

UPHOLSTERY TEL: 07968 983176

Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

46

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

LTD

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP

•Alterations •Renovations •Carpentry •Kitchen Fitting •Bathroom Fitting •Wall/Floor Tiling •Plastering •Hard Landscaping •Painting & Decorating •Plumbing •Electrical

always better than cure, the plant remained in isolation for a couple of days, as I inspected them and removed more unwanted guests.

At university, I was taught an appreciation for the private life of insects.

While we studied many exotic plant insect associations, the most memorable were the aphids. There are over 500 types in Britain, most go unnoticed, many confined to just a few host plant species while others demonstrate less loyalty and can be pests. They have interesting lifecycles. In favourable conditions, when food is plentiful, aphids undergo asexual reproduction. Not requiring ‘two to tango’, means a solitary aphid can produce a large, sap-sucking colony within days. At university we investigated aphids under binocular microscopes, told to squeeze them and observe as many as a dozen unborn aphids shoot out from a single specimen.

Then, with the magnification

ramped up, asked to do the same to the unborn aphids. Incredibly the same thing occurs, unborn aphids that are themselves pregnant! It was like opening a Russian doll. Undertaking this squeamish act allowed me to appreciate how they can multiply.

Aphids feed by inserting their mouth parts through the surface of the leaf or stem, tapping into the sap. which then flows freely like putting a hosepipe onto a tap and turning it on. Sap flows in one end of the aphid and out the other, with it extracting what it needs. The unwanted sap drips from the aphid’s bottom as honey dew, a sticky substance, normally falling onto lower leaves.

Ants can often be seen ‘milking’ the aphids for this sugary substance and protect aphids from their predators. The clear honey dew is often colonised by a black fungus called sooty mould. Sooty mould is unsightly and often the first people notice that aphids have arrived.

Incidentally, sycamore trees host large colonies of aphids, so if you are unfortunate to park under one then you are likely to have it covered with sticky aphid ‘poo’ before it gradually turns black as sooty mould arrives.

Inevitably, the aphid’s food supply diminishes, heralding their departure to pastures new.

However, with no wings finding new pastures could be a real challenge.

Ingeniously, however, low food quality initiates aphids to produce winged babies that allow them to disperse and make colonies elsewhere. In autumn eggs are laid, overwintering until the first flush of spring.

Vigilance is certainly key to prevention, but we are also fortunate to have natural garden allies.

Perhaps the most interesting are minute parasitic wasps that lay their eggs directly into the aphids. This makes the aphid grow abnormally into a ball-like structure where the eggs hatch and larvae devour the aphid from the inside out.

Ladybird larvae are also ferocious predators as are hoverflies, lacewings, earwigs, beetles and birds. Predatory insects can be purchased by mail order to boost natural populations. Spraying diluted washing-up liquid can be effective as it suffocates the aphids, while in my opinion, chemicals should only be considered as a last resort because they often kill the beneficial insects that work on your behalf. soilvalues.com

Home & Garden

FR

When placEinE GIFT gy mention ‘1o9ur order for your fre 64’ e gift!

YOUR PROJECT, LARGE OR SMALL, NEEDS THE BEST MATERIALS We offer a huge range of fantastic building supplies at competitive prices to Trade and Public:

SMALL LOADS AND BULK BAG DELIVERIES Building Materials Driveway Gravel Landscape Supplies Drainage Supplies Affordable Grab Away & Muck Away Services Silica Arena Sand Decorative Stones Paving Slabs Soils and Topsoils Indian Sandstone Sports Sand Sleepers Paving Recycled Products Grabs Loads - 4, 6 & 8 Wheeler Loads Available

Open for Trade and Public: Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 4.30pm Saturday 7.00am - 11.45am

01258 857465 info@mbwilkes.com www.mbwilkes.com Old Market Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3QZ

47

Home & Garden TRADES LES BENHAM: Garden property maintenance. All hedge/tree work/ rubbish clearance, gravel driveways/ pressure washing, patio and fencing work. Fully insuranced/free quotes.

01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

GUTTERS CLEARED: Windows, fascias, soffits, gutters cleaned, repairs, Free estimates 07788 376752 ASBESTOS REMOVAL: Garages, sheds, lean tos,roofing and cladding.

Collection and dismantling by registered hazardous waste carrier. Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

Period and listed Property Specialists See our main advertisement in the Property section

Local Services DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY PAINTER & DECORATOR All internal and external work undertaken. For a local, friendly and reliable service call Adam Ditch: Mobile: 07941 642208/ Home: 01935 872894. adamditch@btinternet.com

LES BENHAM Painting services, property maintenance, domestic/ commercial. Inside or out Fully Insured/free quotes.

01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk /check a trade COLIN LEA CARPENTER from floor to roof. No VAT. 01747 590117 / 07708 467601 PHILIP STIRK PAINTING, DECORATING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: carpentry, wall tiling, guttering, general repairs.

Free quotations / No VAT. Tel: 01747 825725 mobile: 07984524446. Email: philipstirk@btinternet.com

DORSET LIME www.stswithun.com enquiry@stswithun.com

Tel: 01747 832386

WE OFFER A FREE BESPOKE DESIGN SERVICE FOR DISPLAY ADS CALL DEBI THORNE ON 07714 289409

Specialists in all external and internal lime work.

Lime crete flooring.

All aspects of traditional building.

Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

PAINTING & DECORATING Local, Quality Painter & Decorator 35 Years Experience Free Quotes • No VAT Call Richard on

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

48

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

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

Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

B.LUCAS

Architectural Services 01747 822162

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

Quantity Surveying Estimating Surveying Building Dispute Resolution

01749 813625

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

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 REPOINTING HOUSES, garden walls, rebuilding stonework, natural stone, brickwork, lime mortar Simon 01747 835138 0r 07745 625617

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

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

ELECTRICIAN: Small jobs to full rewires. Fusebox Upgrades. Testing & Certification.

Prompt, quality service at reasonable rates (no VAT). Call Alan 8am-8pm 07388696147. Email alanaac@me.com

Building trust with quality workmanship We provide end-to-end communication, budgeting, staffing, organisation and project management to produce a solid, high quality building, every time.

Our commercial projects include new construction and repairs or restorations.

Maple Building & Developments We’ll get the job done

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

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513 ADS: 01963 400186

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

DEMOLITION ANDDISPOSAL OFANYTHING All enquiries welcome large or small

KING

DEMOLITION & SALVAGE Please ring 01202 287635 or 07850 684282 ANYTIME for more information and a free no-obligation quotation

Photo by Jason Jarrach on Unsplash

Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

49

Local Services GARDENING & LANDSCAPING (see also Home & Garden)

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

All Garden Maintenance Services Domestic & Commercial.

Fully Insured & Reliable.

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered

ESTABLISHED 1988

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

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

Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

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

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

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

The Depot, Longcross, Warminster BA12 6LJ

www.cgtarmac.co.uk

GARDENING SERVICES: Regular maintenance, pruning, herbaceous borders, wildlife gardens, RHS quals, insured, ref. available. Tel. 07877 413676

LAWN MOWING SERVICE Tel 01747 821726 R&W FENCING SERVICES All types of fencing, agriculture and domestic 01258 880892 07980 036250 DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 HARGRAVES LANDSCAPE AND DEMOLITION. Call us now for a free quotation on 07871 327962.

Soil Testing Service Professional laboratory soil tests

• gardeners • landscapers • small holders

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

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

www.soilvalues.com 07598 714 082

50

For all your fencing and decking needs

Mullins Garden Services

Call for a free quote 01747 820234 info@cgtarmac.co.uk

Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921

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

01258 880301 FENCING GATES DECKING PERGOLAS LANDWORX 01747 822655 SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE, 01258 861647 FOREVER GREEN LANDSCAPES For all your landscaping/ fencing requirements call Matt 01747 825134/ 07885 586716. Transforming gardens since 1994 L.DAVIS AND SONS: Garden clearance and garden design, Concrete bases, patios, gravel, fencing and much more.

We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products.

01458 241230

Local Services PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

FREE DESIGN SERVICE FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 07714 289409

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS 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

CLEANING

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

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

solidfuel3@aol.com solidfuelinstallations ltd.co.uk

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

Rodents, insects and all other pests humanely dealt with.

Bees re-homed if possible.

Quali昀ed and Experienced Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association

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

T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

enquiries@spectrumpestcontrol.co.uk

01258 446186 07973 183658

Call Jim 07854 395112 01963 362292

www.quinnsheating.com

MUSIC PIANO TUNING, Repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos Julian Phillips BA CGLI 01258 471194

Ex-Professional plays as Soloist and Busker for Weddings and Special Events

01749 813625 Robert Chalke www.robertchalke.co.uk

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

Flushing • Condensing and Combination Boilers • Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling • All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

Chimneys and Flues professionally swept. Extremely clean service. Keeping Dorset’s chimneys smokin’ nicely.

Tel: 01258 455251 Email: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

LOCAL SERVICES CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

Newhouse Farm Partnership, Colestreet Lane, Gillingham, Dorset

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors General Plumbing 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

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

Call 01258 455947

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

Why not call us on 01747 823731 / 07970 484890

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

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

Wasps, moles, rats, mice, squirrels etc.

BPCA qualified Insured

Clarinet & Saxophone

Phoenix Chimneys

Perhaps we can help...

Established over 30 years we have the skill and know-how to cope with any job large or small, from repairs to full installation.

HEATING AND PLUMBING

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

COLIN THE CHIMNEY SWEEP: Call anytime for a quote. Certificates available upon request. Fully insured. 01963 458199/07889 597741.

Problems with your septic tank, soakaway or sewage system?

Worried about the new domestic sewage legislation issued Jan 2020?

LTD

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum.

APICS registered 01963 370038

PEST CONTROL

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

Septic Tank, Treatment Plant, Soakaways

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL

New bunded tank installed for between £1300 and £1900 +VAT depending on size of tank.

All areas. OFTEC Registered

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

E: office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

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

51

Local Services WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE

Clive Smith Ltd.

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

SKIP HIRE

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

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

CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME

20FT SELF STORE CONTAINERS AVAILABLE. £100 per month, minimum 3 months. Situated 11/2 miles from Podimore, off A303. Andrew 07932 657140

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Rob’s Clearance

DY EE

TI

LL

01747 839751 07956 414896

or

STI

House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed Recycling carried out Good/interesting items bought for cash Friendly and reliable

All Size Skips Available K

PIN

AI G BRIT

N

HOUSE CLEARANCE PROFESSIONALS Including sheds, Lofts and Garages.

01202 855 349 - Discounts for saleable items -

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

www.allcleanwaste.co.uk Registered with Dorset County Councils Trading Standards, licences with The Environment Agency.

Trusted family run business

REMOV ALS & STORAGE

Serving the West Country for 40 years SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE The same team are still providing Pete White’s friendly service

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

52

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Wincanton (01963) 34065

01963 370924 email: orders@wessexwaste.co.uk

Local Services

WINDOWS & DOORS

ROOFING

EPDM RUBBER ROOFING, The clean and easy way to renew or construct a 昀at roof. Available from stock at our depots in Yeovil and Dorchester.

YEOVIL DEPOT 01935 700425

DORCHESTER DEPOT 01305 257828

sales@roo昀nggear.co.uk

dorchester@roo昀nggear.co.uk

www.roo昀nggear.co.uk

• 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

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

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 07714 289409

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.

Based in Wincanton

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

QUALITY ROOFING STRIP AND RETILE, leadwork, repairs Simon 01747 835138 07745 625617

FREE DESIGN SERVICE FOR DISPLAY ADVERTS: 07714 289409

FREE D AN O QU TESATES IM EST

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

Quantum Locksmiths •24 Hour Call Out •UPVC Repairs •Key Cutting •Lock Changes •DBS Checked •No VAT Call: 07900-196427 01258 721236 Email: info@quantumlocksmiths.co.uk Follow us on

Follow us on

APPLIANCES

PROPER DOMESTICS • APPLIANCE REPAIRS

& INSTALLATION

01747 416059 www.properdomestics.com DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens etc, Call Darren or Jason 07979 976514

Jeans Electrical

www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

Jeans of Mere, offer appliance repairs on most brands with fixed labour repair charges (parts on top)

Call 01747 860215

If Carlsberg did adverts... they’d do New Blackmore Vale adverts.

Book yours on 07714 289409 (display) or 01963 400186 (classifieds) 53

Local Services HANDYMAN & GENERAL SERVICES

TAXIS

J & C Handyman Services Plumbing Painting & decorating Shed erecting & repairs Flat pack furniture Shelves & curtain rails

Door hanging & skirting boards Guttering and facia clearing and replacement Fencing Pointing etc...

No job too small Please call with your requirements 01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com AN EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE HANDYMAN call Chris 01258 860826 / 07413 678076

Gillingham | Mere | Shaftesbury

AOT... Always On Time

COMPUTERS AND TECH

Your local taxi service for Gillingham, Mere, Shaftesbury, Marnhull, Motcombe and surrounding areas.

Short or long distance, airport transfers, school runs and more.

Get connected. Stay connected.

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

Friendly, Punctual & Professional.

Our taxi will be on time at the requested pickup point!

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

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.

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

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

DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 07714 289409

Call me now on 07805 783147 MAINTENANCE &

Call us on 07882 712431 www.aotaxi.com JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE 07495 922821

• Buying advice, setup and installation

COMPUTER

A & O Taxi

Joseph Crocker Computers 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

CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTERREPAIRMobile-Service SturComputers 01258-817-537 sturcom@mail.com

AERIALS & Satellite Direct Repairs & Installations - 7 days per week No VAT - Prompt & Friendly Service TOM MOSS Mob: 07931 727 961 Email: tommoss50@aol.com

DEADLINES: Advertisements must be booked before 5pm on the Friday before publication. Ads booked later may be moved into an alternative section of the paper and/or resized to fit.

54

WOULD LIKE TO MEET Would the LADY, IN RED, I met on the 7:50pm train from Salisbury to Sherborne on Tuesday 25th May care to phone Mike on 01458 224501 WIDOW WOULD LIKE TO MEET GENT, 75+ (N.S.) for companionship.

Interests gardening, outings, BT9 area.

07486540139

Health & Wellbeing

Small steps key to opening back up

ZEN HOUSE Life Coaching Do you feel stuck and unable to achieve your potential?

Are you dreaming of a more fulfilling future?

I can help to support you to achieve your best life on your own terms.

Contact Sarah Eustance on 01258 458340 or 07743 418233, or email sarah@sarahjeustance.plus.com Visit www.lifecoachingsolutionsdorset.co.uk

FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE We have received funding from the National Community Fund to enable us to offer a telephone support line for anybody having trouble coping with these weird times that we are going through.

What ever your problem, give us a call and our friendly counsellor will try to help.

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

Telephone: 07714 550969 It’s good to share

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP

Psychotherapist and counsellor l Individual and group sessions l ANY issue sensitively and thoughtfully covered by consultant and trainer with more than 40 years’ experience l Confidentiality assured Go to edas-addictionservices.com or tatvacenter.com or call me on 07584 711488

PODIATRY CLINIC ST EDMUNDS Burton Street, Marnhull DT10 1PS NEW CLINIC

Julie Anne Smith DPodM MCPod hcpc registered Podiatrist T. 01258 821297 E. stedmundspodiatry@gmail.com

A thread has been appearing in conversations I have had with clients and friends recently. It’s a feeling of change in people’s lives that has occurred over the last year or so for obvious reasons but has only now come to the surface to be acknowledged. For many people, the last year has given cause to shy away from decisions that need to be made because the world had to grind to a halt. But now… as we come out of our hideaways, reality must be faced.

For many, that is a truly daunting prospect. It signifies now is the time to decide and to take steps to move on in a new direction. It could be the end of a relationship or the start of a life without a loved one. Or moving on from a collapsed business. Whatever your situation, here are some thoughts on how to look after yourself and make moving forward a bit more accessible.

Small steps. I know – I always say that. Because they are always the best

option. Small steps rather than giant leaps are more sustainable and more absorbable into your current life. So make small changes and get used to them before making the next small change. Nothing too dramatic that will send waves crashing through the whole show.

Talk. If something is on your mind and niggling you, talk to someone. It may be the first step is to talk to someone not directly involved, in other words not your partner, not your employer.

Just by putting your concerns into words and saying them out loud you have taken a significant step. Talking is powerful.

Don’t rush. Unless your situation is time-sensitive, don’t rush into decisions based on an emotional reaction. Take it steady and consider every step in the cold light of day. Our brains have an emotional side and a logical side (and knowing that is a key part of my stress management work) so make sure you are basing decisions on OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC IN logic, not emotion.

WINCANTON HIGH STREET Don’t be afraid to say no. This summer is going Offering specialist osteopathic treatment for to be filled with So Much Headaches Back Pain Reunion. If that’s not Arthritic Pain Muscular Spasm your thing, all the time, Sports Injuries Neck pain Sciatica don’t be afraid to say no.

Have a stock answer Call now for professional advice and to arrange an appointment or visit our ready for when friends or website family spring a plan on brueosteopathy.co.uk you that makes you go info@brueosteopathy.co.uk 07421 100144 cold. Everyone has to return at their own pace.

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF n Alice Johnsen is a ADELE CLINCH, BSC, HCPC, therapist in Gillingham life coach based near registered Bio resonance scan & treatments, Sherborne. chiropodist/ 07961 080513 Clinical reflexology podiatrist. 01935 alicejohnsen.co.uk & baby/toddler reflexology

812231 Home visits in NW Dorset Sherborne sherbornepodiatry.com

T: 01747 826931

yvonne@intelligenthealthclinic.co.uk Making Life More Comfortable!

Age Concern North Dorset (Sturminster Newton)

Your local charity for all age-related information and advice

01258 475582

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

| www.acnorthdorset.org.uk 55

Health & Wellbeing

The marvels of mugwort can help with so many ailments Mugwort or Artemesia vulgaris is a herb that I am beginning to really love.

For anyone who has had acupuncture and has had moxa burnt above the needles to induce heat, it is from this herb. It is also known as white sage and more often than not, is used for smudging to remove negative energies. Mugwort grows all over the world and the beliefs about the herb’s power is similar in all regions which suggest that is one of the oldest herbs known to man.

It grows in waste places and on roadside verges. I often come across it and will pick a bit to bring home as, when it is young and fresh, it is quite delicious and can be cooked in a soup or stew or the young leaves can be put into salads. The dried leaves have been known to be used as a tobacco, but I think it is pretty revolting to smoke. In the middle ages it was

believed that if you carried a sprig of mugwort in your girdle, you would be free from fatigue, sun stroke, wild beasts and evil spirits.

Mugwort has been used for thousands of years for digestive complaints and you can use both the flowers and the roots for this. The roots are bitter so will stimulate the liver to produce bile which is vital for digestion and elimination. It is also supposed to improve appetite and absorption of nutrients, help with anaemia and relieve flatulence.

Mugwort is however really a

is also said to help with mental exhaustion, depression and insomnia, some of which can be related to hormone imbalances.

Topically Mugwort is reportedly good for fungal infections and can be used as a douche for thrush or put into a lotion where it also helps relieve itchy skin.

Traditionally it is harvested in August when it flowers and roots dug in the autumn but it is quite woody by then, so if you want a little salad addition or to make a fresh tea, pick a few leaves now. n If interested in herbal medicine, I am taking consultations via Zoom through my college. Please contact me on 07742 453285 or pellyfiona@gmail.com.

woman’s herb. It regulates menstruation and will help with painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, endometriosis and can be used very carefully for threatened miscarriage.

It should really be avoided in pregnancy but can be used for childbirth. It helps to purify the blood which is why it is so good for the reproductive system, allowing hormones to move around the Fiona Chapman is body easily studying naturopathy and to be and herbal medicine at recycled or the College of eliminated. It Naturopathic Medicine

Go gently into that good night, delight at hooting tawnies We are just moments in time, sharing the stillness as the last of the light in the forest fades. The dusky, crepuscular gloom is rapidly turning evening into night.

Sat on a log sipping black tea and eating chocolate with my son, we listen to the steadily diminishing repertoire of the songbirds and the rising chorus of tawny owls.

We have set out for a night walk to wash away the tensions of the day. The thing I love the most about being in nature is its insistence that I live in the present. Unhelpful deliberations are overcome by the difference and diversity around me and the sounds, smells, and sheer beauty of the countryside revive my senses.

Now accustomed to the 56

darkness, we began to pick out small sounds and movements: a bat leaving its roost, a tawny owl gliding silently through the trees and the haunting call of a barking deer.

Leaving the forest behind, we follow the track. Parting clouds reveal a rising gibbous moon, its silvery intensity cloaking the landscape with a vivid platinum glow. Water droplets hang off the

vegetation like fireflies and a rising gossamer mist hugs the ground; both signs of the wet day that had gone before. We stop to breathe it all in, astounded by how busy the nightshift is.

Hares shoot in front of us and herds of fallow and sika deer huddle in groups in the moonlight; their large ears listening intently to our footsteps, always alert and ready to bolt. We sense animal eyes everywhere watching our passage through their homelands.

But it is the tawny owls tonight that bring us the most delight. We have never counted so many. At this time of year gawky young tawnies leave their nests to begin their branching phase.

This is when they sit together

in a tree begging for food from their parents.

Tawnies are our most common but sedentary owls, preferring to sit silently on a perch and listen for the prey upon which they pounce.

The familiar ‘twit-twoo’ calls that provide the woodland with its nightly soundtrack are actually not one owl but a combination of the female’s “ti-wit/kewick” call followed by the male’s haunting “whooo”. Sounds that delineate their territories.

Making our way for home, we are sad to be leaving the night behind. It is a whole realm of nature that we rarely get to experience unless we step outside into the darkness.

Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@gmail.com

Health & Wellbeing

A walk around...

LYDLINCH Much of the parish is rather flat and low lying so I suggest (unless you’re a mud lover) that you do this walk after a week without rain.

Park near the church, whose bells are good for sound and liked by all the neighbours round. The path goes through the churchyard and continues in a straight line west-southwest across a couple of fields then curves to the right to enter Lydlinch Common.

You can either weave your way through the Common or

join the road through it, heading north-east to join the A357 where you turn left and, being careful of traffic as it’s busy with no pavement, continue until you reach Warr Bridge on the parish boundary. After checking for minnows, turn back and join the adjacent footpath that takes you southwest for a mile, crossing fields and following a farm track through Stroud Farm.

You then meet another footpath that takes you south past Stock Gaylard House.

The path then curves left and

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

you can use a bridge over the haha to enter the churchyard.

The church has some ancient plaques and monuments.

When you leave the Church, head south across the deer park, looking out for the herd

of fallows. When you meet the road, turn right, then left to join the B3143, Blackrow Lane, which takes you south.

After about half a mile take a smooth (not rough) road to your left which, after about 100 yards, is crossed by a footpath. Take the path leftwards, north, which, after crossing a stream, veers right, north-west and continues for a mile or so across fields and skirting woods and withy beds. Some of the gates are difficult to open. You are then back at the village street, a furlong south of your car.

We’re on the run, so come and join us!

Laura Langley launched Shaftesbury and Surrounding Areas Running (SaSAR) in February 2019 for lone runners to share routes to give others ideas for new routes to try.

Much to Laura’s surprise, she began receiving requests for a group run, so eventually Laura organised an evening run on a Friday.

“It turned out to be fantastic,” said Laura.

“We run in all weathers, the hard core group were even all running in the sleet last year! It’s a great social run and the group always run to the slowest runner.

“There are a few different runs, shorter 1-2k, longer 5k runs and a long 10k run, so there is something for everyone.”

And from the initial 23 members, the group has grown to having almost 500 members of SaSAR. Laura helps members keep confident and motivated.

She said: “Remember, it doesn’t matter whether you’re at the front or the back, the fact that you showed up shows

determination and you’ve run laps around anyone who has stayed at home on the sofa!”

SaSAR attracts many new members who join as novices and in a short period of time, start taking on half marathons!

Laura said: “Some of the

members that joined in 2019 and who couldn’t run 5k are now running half marathon races and even ultras, which are 30 miles plus.”

The group has grown exponentially and now they even have their own running tops ‘It’s only a hill’.

Laura added: “I just wanted

to say a gigantic thank you to all of the SaSAR members for making this group what it is. Together we have created a fantastic running community in Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas.

“I am still so humbled by how it has evolved from the 23 people that initially joined to almost 500!

“Crazily amazing! Thank you all...keep running!” n To join the group go to facebook.com/groups/shaftes buryandsurroundingareasru nning 57

Puzzles Arrow words

Crossword 2

1

Mirror

Fill with enthusiasm (4,2)

Excavate

Way off

Goal

Toyota car

Methodical

5

Former Pink Floyd member, Barrett

11

10

13

15

14

Remain

Overtly excessive (inits)

Floral chain

17

16

Unwanted personal details (inits)

Dull work

Fasten tightly together

Espies

21

20

22

Workout muscles

Born

23 Hitch

Ate

Optical discs (abbr) (1,2)

Wordsearch Shakespearean Tragedy Characters

M S U S S O E E D M P O E M G

ANTONY CASSIO CICERO CLAUDIUS CLEOPATRA CORIOLANUS DESDEMONA GERTRUDE

58

F L D D M I R L R A E A K G L

O H I A C S O E I T R D P O E

A I M L A A O H C A R M S L A

R E I R L P M O S I H U H E R

T M A R O M E O A H C L D R D

A S P O L O G I U I A G O E C

P C O R I O L A N U S M G G R

HAMLET IAGO KING LEAR MACDUFF OPHELIA OTHELLO PORTIA ROMEO

O I R R O L L E H T O N L E I

E T T C T O E G O M N P I E L

24

Across 1 Social environment (6) 5 Remember (6) 8 Where roof and wall meet (4) 9 Shrill (8) 10 In a state of disrepair (4-2) 11 Kind of (2,1,3) 12 British actress, Thompson (4) 14 Permit (3) 15 Simmer (4) 16 Christian festival (6) 18 Ceremony (6) 20 Astonishment (8) 22 Country bumpkin (4) 23 Food grain (6) 24 Cream-filled cake (6)

Motor

T F T S L H G R O I L R M A N

19

18

Stop

Resin

F C A A P M Y N O T N A L C I

7

9

12

U C G O T A A R A E F M E I K

6

MI6 (inits)

Flightless bird

Russian pancakes

4

8

Fitness club

Collateral property

3

Monkey

L D I R E G G N A I E A S C T

C I A O N R A S U I D U A L C

Down 2 Angry (5) 3 Sluggishness (7) 4 Not liked (9) 5 Novel, ‘The Catcher in the ___’ (3) 6 Chocolate powder (5) 7 Series of joins (7) 11 Mediate (9) 13 A bar of music (7) 15 Type of school bag (7) 17 Conical tent (5) 19 Computer character set (inits) (5) 21 Ailing (3)

Sudoku

7 8 1 2 6

2 2 9 7

6 1

4

9 4

7 6

5 9 1 7

6 3

8

2 4 8 2

For the solutions turn to page 90

7

Brain chain RESULT

14

+50%

×1/3

×5

-31

Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

9 7 4 3

3 1

5

8 5 7 3 2

5

9

2

8

4

5

3

9

5 2 7 4 3 6

2

3

7 1

5 7

1

6

4 9 6

8

9

8

4

6

7

1 10

4 5

11

8 4

12

8

4

5

4

9

8

5

6

3

5 1 2 6

7

2 7

6

5 9

3

8

2 4 8

7

2

14

2

3

13 15

16

2 4

7 9

7

19

17

18

20

21

22

1 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.

3+

432×

18+

1

Killer Sudoku Pro: 11+

5

315×

12×

120×

5+

2

4÷

2

16+

8

1

21+

8+

13+

48×

10×

1

28+

1

13+

19+

27×

7×

28×

13+

8+

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

72

×3/4

+50%

+152

-83

÷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 1 Small chicken left say with hard outgrowth (7) 5 Hoisting mechanism beginning to work with small measure (5) 9 Authoritative teacher finished with despicable types completely (4,4,5) 10 Puts in position a person in field amid soft sun (8) 11 Company? Alabama provides fuel (4) 12 Analysis of moon, star and galaxy finally in this? (9) 16 Reject study on right-winger in party (4) 17 Rogue deeds and one’s made gloomy (8) 19 Exchanges scores in rugby having kept a tally without friend (13) 21 Semiprecious stone and silver Greek character retracted (5) 22 Important set of rowers in Wyoming (7)

Down 2 Former English politician close to bankrupt is immune (6) 3 House idly arranged in a dire way (9) 4 Bird is yellow with head obscured (5) 6 Old President some disliked (3) 7 Seize top part of coat (6) 8 Criminal is near and come into view (6) 11 In a race, arriving blocked by dog maybe (9) 13 Roster changed in holiday destination (6) 14 Take an inordinate time to feel at home (6) 15 Exercise with a fanatic getting source of protein? (6) 18 English explorer, initially daring and very thin sort (5) 20 Examine thoroughly old soldier (3)

59

MPs’ round-up

We mustn’t allow defence to slip under radar You don’t need me to remind you that the pandemic has inflicted the greatest economic contraction on the UK in three centuries and the most severe curtailment of liberties in our history. It has eclipsed all else.

And before the pandemic, protests and direct action against the spectre of ecological oblivion through climate change was leading headlines around the world.

With these two threats to our way of life uppermost in the thinking of governments and policy makers, there’s a deepening risk that the worsening global security situation is crouching below our collective radar. More than at any time since the end of the Cold War, our armed forces, along with our worldleading defence industry supporting them, need to be strengthened and placed at the nucleus of Government planning.

On April 12 China launched its largest recorded incursion

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton into Taiwan’s airspace, penetrating the perimeter of the island nation’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) with 25 military aircraft. There is increasing fear in Taiwan, viewed by China as a renegade province, that China is preparing to invade the island nation.

Recognising the military threat posed by China, Australia is spending $580 million on upgrading its northern military bases. There would be a moral duty for democracies around

the world, and particularly on the United States, to come to Taiwan’s aid if an invasion is launched.

Between late March and early April, Russia amassed over 100,000 troops with convoys of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles on the border with Ukraine. Putin has form when it comes to igniting external conflicts to distract from domestic failures, and the pandemic’s damage to the Russian economy may precipitate a conflict with Ukraine or, perhaps of greater geopolitical concern, the Baltic States. Having ascended to NATO in 2004, an attack on the Baltic States would result in the invocation of NATO’s article 5 and conflict between Russia and the West, including the UK. These two situations alone show not only that we must be prepared but recognise the importance of our defence sector and the role it plays in training engineers and

scientists whose skills are harnessed elsewhere in the economy. Here in Somerset, Thales sits, nestled in Templecombe, and now home to a vast Maritime and Air Operations business. The site houses over 750 highly skilled employees, inventing, developing and delivering technology to customers around the world. With 24 engineering and manufacturing apprentices, the site adds £210 million to our local GDP, supporting 3,600 jobs directly, indirectly and through the supply chain.

Our defence sector, and companies such as Thales, are a shot in the arm for our local economy. And, politically, the defence sector can play a central role in the Government’s levelling up agenda. While our attention is diverted elsewhere, it’s rather important to know that many have their sights on a wider, and equally critical perspective.

particularly in under-vaccinated communities. Fortunately, ours is not one of those – our jab rates are high. The answer to the experts’ concerns is to jab more rather than lock down.

Countries have reacted similarly to the crisis and will be watching each other for how to respond.

Given the desperate unintended consequences we’re only now fully appreciating, I hope we don’t accept lockdowns as the automatic go-to intervention at the first sniff of a virus. The historian Niall Ferguson has recently published Doom, which takes a historical approach to modern catastrophes. He notes the death toll of spring 2020, which, while awful, was lower than the winters of 1969-70, 1975-76 and 1989-90. During those we had no quarantines and lockdowns, or even hands, face,

space messaging.

Like England’s Chief Medical Officer, I have been comparing deaths from smoking and covid.

90,000 die each year from tobacco – a huge burden on the NHS, but we tolerate these awful, wholly avoidable, deaths or there would surely have been a ban in the 1950s when the dire consequences of smoking became apparent. Variants are a feature of viruses. Always have been. But our remarkably successful vaccination programme,– the fact the NHS plainly won’t be overwhelmed and the penalty of pandemic restrictions, including the impact on mental health, mean I will need a shedload of evidence before supporting divergence from the government’s timetable for the easing of lockdown.

In my view, 21 June must stand.

We have to stick to June 21 freedom date

The G7 summit in Cornwall this weekend will be an opportunity for President Biden to explain his welcome assertion ‘America is back.’ I hope it means a clear break with his predecessor’s ‘America First’ isolationism. I’m looking for leadership on green issues, getting people vaccinated and progress on fairly taxing big corporations and digital services providers. Here’s hoping. n On June 14 ministers will make a final decision on their planned lifting of remaining covid restrictions a week later.

Various experts have been urging caution. No surprise there. But away from their data and dashboards, in real life we have had days recently in which more people will have lost their lives in road traffic accidents than from or with covid.

Nevertheless, countries such as 60

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison Portugal with similarly low death rates have been put on the amber list and we are told June 21 ‘hangs in the balance’.

Experts’ main concern is the Indian or Delta variant and its effects as a consequence of becoming the dominant variant,

MPs’ round-up

The UK needs to reassert its marriage vows May I begin this edition’s ‘offering’ with two requests?

First, as 21st June looms ever closer a key piece of the covid jigsaw is within grasp. Please continue to be vigilant and continue to follow the rules – they really are important.

Secondly, we are in the season of ticks and many of us who walk dogs or recreationally will more than likely pick up a few in the long grass. Please be mindful of Lyme’s Disease – there are plenty of good online reference sources. It’s a nasty condition and can be fatal.

Wearing boots and long trousers does help. n I think we are lucky to live as part of the United Kingdom.

We are a quartet of nations sharing so many things – language, culture and values to name but a few. Our collective belief in the Rule of Law, a rules-based international order, a free press, freedom of speech and thought, independence of judiciary and press, equality under the law and a long-lived

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare democratic tradition are all things that unite us and bind us together. That shared world view and common approach to ‘what’s important’ allows us to punch above our weight on the international stage. It cements our role in NATO. It secures our permanent seat at the Security Council of the UN. It is what has made the Commonwealth such an attractive body to be a member of. It is why ‘what does the UK think?’ continues as a pertinent question.

And, because we have evolved

together, rubbed along together and have done so through peaceful and democratic means, we have not had to trouble ourselves with written constitutions or complicated modus operandi. The UK has just worked, and we have never had to really trouble ourselves to ask why or how? Devolution to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland has been delivered. English Votes for English Laws introduced to provide some sort of English counterbalance. Many thought that was it; job done. But devolution has commenced a process which for many leads ultimately to the break of the UK. A rampant SNP, divided quarrelsome Unionists in NI coupled to the UK-binding nature of the Brexit referendum which neither Scotland or NI voted for is putting the historic fabric of our Union under huge pressure. I know many in England want to give the Celtic fringe a short back and sides.

‘Let them go it alone and see

how well they do; think of the £ we’d save’. That will never be the solution for me because it is not the right solution for us as a UK. The Cabinet Office and No10 daily wrestle with the task of holding the Union together and crafting a narrative that sustain and advances our Union. The Internal Market Act allows direct top-up spending by Westminster in areas of devolved competence and this will allow the opportunity for ‘delivered by the UK for the UK’ branding. But, we will need more than that. We need to reassert with clarity and passion our marriage vows. We need to trumpet not just our shared values but their importance and relevance to today rather than just an historical review. We need to herald the differences too and the contribution they make politically and culturally to us all. We need to amplify that we don’t have to be uniform to be united.

Lack of Dorset TV news coverage is serious concern Dorset’s level of radio and television coverage over the last few years has been a serious concern for many. Dorset has a population of over 770,000 people and yet has no dedicated radio station.

Rarely do I see West Dorset on Spotlight, which seems to have a heavy Devon/Cornwall focus, nor Points West. When Dorset contributes around £45 million per year to the BBC through the licence fee, this lack of attention to Dorset is not acceptable and it’s time to challenge it. I met with the Chairman of the BBC a few weeks ago and I hope that common sense will prevail. n It was a pleasure to help with deliveries at the Sherborne Community Kitchen

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder at the start of the month. I last visited at the end of March to mark their first year of helping local people around Sherborne and the surrounding villages and this week participated in a delivery run taking healthy, nutritious meals to those who

need it the most. The work they do is incredible and I pay tribute especially to Jill Warburton.

Following this, I was delighted to open a new cheese room at Hollis Mead Organic Dairy in Hooke. Their milk is delicious and gives a real insight into how local farming is done very well and a great example of how sustainable farm businesses can thrive, cut out the supermarkets and remove the plastic use that comes with supermarket provision. n It has been a pleasure to hear the church bells ring out both near my Westminster office and here in West Dorset.

It is imperative we can get our churches back up and running to provide the spiritual support that is needed so badly. To do

my bit to help, I was elected churchwarden at Bishop’s Caundle Church in late May and look forward to helping both there and across West Dorset in getting our churches open and welcoming again. n My belief we should place stricter controls on dogs in the countryside was underscored tragically two weeks ago, with the sad death of Gladis the pregnant cow on Eggardon Hill – the other side of Beaminster – because of a dog chasing. Grazing of chalk downlands like Eggardon is vital to preserve such unique ecosystems and farmers should not have to face the tragedy of losing much loved animals because of negligent and careless members of the public who don’t control their dogs.

61

Church Church services Sunday, June 13: 2nd Sunday after Trinity 10.30am: Mappowder, Morning Prayer 10.30am: Fifehead Neville, Holy Communion 6.30pm: Hazelbury Bryan, Evening Prayer Sunday, June 20: 3rd Sunday after Trinity 10.30am: Hazelbury Bryan, Family Worship 10.30am: Belchalwell, Holy Communion 6.30pm: Ibberton, Evening Prayer St Andrew’s Todber Compline on Sunday, June 20 at 7pm. Please wear a mask and socially-distance.

Church of England services in Gillingham & Milton on Stour Sunday 13 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham 10.30am Holy Communion at St Simon & St Jude, Sunday 20 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham Blandford Methodist Church You are warmly invited to our Sunday services that start at 10.45am with Covid-19 restrictions of mask wearing, no singing and sitting two metres apart, in place.

Please pre-book your seat by phoning 01258 577 030 and ring the same number if you need our help.

n Mass times for Catholic churches in Marnhull on Sundays and Thursdays, 9.30am; in Gillingham on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am St Mary’s, Stalbridge Regular services are as follows: 1st Sunday - Holy Communion at 10am, 2nd Sunday - Evensong at 4pm, 3rd Sunday - Morning Worship at 10 am.

Everyone is most welcome to attend any service in the church. facebook.com/StalbridgeChurch Shaftesbury Team Ministry Sunday, June 13 9.30am: St Peter’s, Parish Communion 9.30am: Motcombe, Parish Communion 11.15am: West Orchard,

Morning Worship 11.15am: Melbury Abbas, Pet Service 6pm: St James’, Pilgrim Service Sunday, June 20 9.30am: St Peter’s, Parish Communion 9.30am: St James’, Parish Communion 11.15am: Compton Abbas, Parish Communion 11.15am: Enmore Green, Parish Communion 6pm: Motcombe, Evening Worship Team Office: 01747 853060 facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE

To love is to risk... unless it is to love Jesus Christ Vicar in the Vale with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

A priest friend of mine, when giving talks to engaged couples, used to say ‘that to love was to risk’. Whenever we love someone we risk being loved in return, being happy and elated but we also risk being hurt and rejected.

This is exactly the situation in which Joseph found himself with Mary. The love of his life, to whom he was betrothed, suddenly announces that she is expecting a child and as they both know it is not his! This would be catastrophic today

For those whose TV volume is now at 50!

but imagine how devastated Joseph must have been.

Women caught in adultery could be stoned to death and he also would be the laughing stock of the town.

Yet after a visit from an angel he decides to marry his love, he decides to risk. To risk everything that is precious to him. He will marry Mary and bring up the child as his own.

When we form friendships, and particularly when we fall in love we are looking for stability, to have someone who will share the ups and downs, someone we can confide in, with whom we can laugh and cry. Yet we are putting ourselves at risk, of

being hurt, rejected, scorned and betrayed. Those of us, who have come through a broken relationship know exactly how Joseph felt.

But there is one relationship that is without risk – a relationship with Christ. He will never let us down. He is the one person with whom we can be completely honest.

We can abuse him, shout at him, betray our trust in him and he will still completely love us. As humans we are incapable of complete trust, and yet that is what we ought to show to our Saviour – that is what he deserves. We can truly be at ease.

However. In loving Christ with total dedication we

38 The High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HT Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST!

must be prepared to risk him asking more of us than we are expecting to give. We must never hold back and say that we are frightened of doing what he asks of us. It can be devastating to take that risk and yet we must.

Try it and you will not be alone, Christ will be walking that extra step with you.

Think of Mary and Joseph, look at the risk they took.

They took that step and two thousand years later we celebrate it. Let us place our lives in his hand, secure in the knowledge that we will be safe and loved.

In human terms to love is to risk, in Christ we risk if we do not love.

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!

62

Education

Career opportunities are virtually yours Masterclasses, taster sessions and careers talks are just some of the experiences to be gleaned at a virtual event staged by Yeovil College to showcase post-16 and 18 options to people in South Somerset and North Dorset.

The event, which will finish on June 17, has been designed to enable students who have not been able to access college, attend traditional information events, try a study programme qualification, nor join a campus tour due to the pandemic and its resulting restrictions.

The event, which is ideally focused towards year 10s and 11s, contains hundreds of taster sessions, masterclasses, lessons, takeaway tasks, careers talks and career exploration videos and documents.

It will enable students to understand what their next steps could look like, whilst giving them the time, space, flexibility and accessibility to do so.

The event is designed to support students to think about their entire career journey, looking beyond both school and college.

Amy Wilshaw, Yeovil

ONLINE OPPORTUNITES: The virtual meeting at Yeovil College

College School Liaison Officer, said: “Due to its digital nature, we have been able to build and create an event that this bigger and better than any former experience month. It is aimed at our future students and their parents or guardians to give them an insight into their post-16 options, with Yeovil College being an unrivalled option in terms of its first-class and state-of-the-art facilities, achievement rates, relentless ambition and progression opportunities.

“This event has been designed to introduce post-

16 transition, whilst sharing the multitude of options available beyond school, the strengths and benefits of such choices, career possibilities and how to secure the best routes. We introduce all aspects of life at college including study routes, Yeovil Edge and enrichment, academic success, resources and the high expectations created at Yeovil College.”

Jackie Surrey, 14-19 Partnership Director of Careers and Enterprise, said: “At the 14-19 Partnership, it is critical for us to raise the aspirations of young people

within our local area, and it is important for young people to think about what they want to achieve beyond 18, as early as possible.

“By allowing them to do their own research, find out first-hand about their options and do their own exploration, they can work backwards from there, and then plan their own career pathway.

There are many fantastic opportunities available to a young person here in Somerset.” n For more details on the Yeovil College Experience Month go to ycexperience month.vfairs.com.

U3A ready and raring to learn face-to-face For many of its members Blandford & District U3A was a valuable lifeline during the lockdowns of the last year with members keeping in touch mainly by Zoom and email. But with the latest lifting of restrictions, members are now gearing up to return to face-to-face group meetings.

Secretary Lynne Rogers believes it won’t be long before members are back enjoying the full range of activities available.

She said: “The U3A has a

great motto – learn, laugh and live – and we are all more than ready for a spot of informal learning, be it French, history or brushing up on table tennis skills with some laughter thrown in for good measure. It will be great to be with friends we may not have seen in person for over a year. We are ready and raring to get going!”

First on the social agenda is the Summer Open Meeting at Durweston Village Hall on Friday, July 2 at 2pm.

Bridget Spiers, speaker co-

ordinator, reports: “We have had some brilliant Zoom talks by a variety of speakers in recent months but this time we have Adrian Green from Salisbury Museum talking to us in person about Heywood Sumner, painter, illustrator, designer, archaeologist and folklorist.

“Sumner designed his home, Cuckoo Hill in Hampshire, in 1902 along Arts & Crafts lines and took to his bike around Dorset illustrating its ancient monuments.”

See blandfordu3a.co.uk

Italian Courses Classes and private tuition

throughout the year CONTACT CHRISTINE JEWELS

01935 425958 www.italianlanguageservices.co.uk

63

Arts & Entertainment

INSPIRED: Former RAF jet pilot Ian Reilly will be auctioning some of his paintings to raise money for the NHS

Ex-jet pilot’s portraits of Wessex go on show at gallery A former RAF jet pilot and ocean yachtsman from Motcombe is showcasing his stunning oil paintings in an exhibition at The Gallery, Shaftesbury Art Centre between June 16 and 29.

Ian Reilly was inspired by walking, camping and sketching the landscapes of Wessex and the exhibition will include a selection of his atmospheric oil paintings with all the proceeds donated to an NHS hospital.

Art lovers will have free admission to see the aptly named Wessex Wanders exhibition, which is open every day between 10am and 4pm.

He said: “The exhibition is a

selection of oil landscapes of Wessex and its coastline. The Motcombe-based artist takes inspiration in walking, camping and sketching its many beauties rolling hills, ancient hill forts and stunning Jurassic coast.

“As an ex-RAF fast jet pilot and ocean yachtsman – skies and weather feature prominently. But there is an additional work this year – a tribute to the NHS staff, which will be auctioned and the proceeds donated to an NHS Hospital.” n The Gallery, Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 11-13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury

Festival celebrates literary connections Sturminster Newton Literary Festival is next week!

This year the festival will be celebrating the three writers associated with Stur (Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, and Robert Young), writers with a Dorset connection, and aspiring Dorset writers.

This year its programme is online and outdoors. All bookings are via Eventbrite and free.

On Monday, June 14 at 7pm Lucy Clarke will be ‘in Conversation with Dorset Libraries’.

Lucy writes psychological thrillers and will be talking about her writing and new book The Castaways.

On Tuesday at 2.30pm there ‘Never a Word’ with Andy Christopher Miller. Andy 64

AUTHORS: Lucy Clarke, Rosanna Ley and Libby Page

will talk about how he has fused real events, psychological insights and a poetic style into a work of fiction set in Dorset.

Also on Tuesday at 7pm, Rosanna Ley will be in conversation with Laura E James. Dorset author Rosanna Ley discusses her new book The Orange Grove set in Seville.

On Wednesday at 1.30pm is Tess’s Marlott – a literary walk around Marnhull taking

in the places associated with Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

At 2.30pm that day there’s a talk on Thomas Hardy’s Women.

Writer Peter Tait talks about his new book on the women in Hardy’s life and the heroines in his novels.

Then at 7pm you can hear Andy Charman talk about his book Crow Court, which is set in Wimborne and uses Dorset dialect.

On Thursday, June 17 at 7pm

Libby Page will be in conversation with Dorset Libraries. Libby will be talking about her writing and new book The Island Home.

And on Saturday at 10.30am there will be a literary walk around Sturminster Newton.

Blue badge guide Val Atkinson will conduct a walk around the literary places in the town (1.5 hrs).

During festival week a video of the area around Sturminster Newton celebrating its literary heritage created by local film maker Niko Forster and narrated by Roger Guttridge will be available, called Literary Sturminster Newton.

All events can be booked at Eventbrite.co.uk – search for Sturminster Newton Literary Festival.

Arts & Entertainment

Illyria’s one, two, three at Gardens Seafaring adventures, talking animals and Shakespearean comedy are all on their way to Sherborne this summer, as award-winning theatre company Illyria brings three new productions to Castle Gardens.

Beginning with The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting on Friday, July 9, William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing will then be staged on Friday, July 30 before the cast and crew return once more on Wednesday, August 25 with Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore.

As the outdoor theatre company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, all three shows will benefit from the full Illyria treatment,

TRIPLE WHAMMY: Illyria stage three productions in Sherborne

with fantastical sets, memorable performances and plenty of laughs along the way.

Breathing new life into the Bard’s tale of love and

deception, Gilbert & Sullivan’s cheerful mocking of British institutions and the Doctor’s adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, Gub Gub the Pig and

Polynesia the Parrot, these shows will have something for everyone as children and grown-ups gather for some much-missed theatrical fun.

All three of these reimagined classics will be staged beneath the summer sky, so audience members are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, seating and warm clothes for an evening of fast and furious madcap comedy in the walled garden.

Doors will open at 6.30pm each night, with performances starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from Castle Gardens, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR or illyria.co.uk priced at £15 per adult, £12.50 for concessions and £5 per child (0-16).

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

TE SE NO PLEA

S MASTK BE MUS RN WO

NOMADLAND (12a)

Wed 9th & Fri 11th June, 7.30pm Matinee Thur 10th June 2pm Tickets £8.00 Adult £7 Matinee £6 U16s

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

DAD’S ARMY Thur 5th to Sat 7th August 7.30pm Tickets £16.00 Matinees Fri 6th & Sat 7th August, 2.30pm Tickets £16.00 1 in 10 tickets FREE! Via Box Office only (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

OVER 16’S ONLY! Sat 21st August, 7.30pm Tickets £26 & £22

Concs (Students over 16 & Over 60s) £23 & £19 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

THE BOHEMIANS

Fri 13th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PETER PAN

Wed 25th to Sat 28th August, 2pm.

Fri 27th & Sat 28th August, 6pm Tickets £17.50 adults £14 under 16s 1 in 10 tickets FREE!

Via Box Office only (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS

MONEY FOR NOTHING

Sat 14th August, 7.30pm Tickets £24.50

Thur 19th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20

The Roy Orbison Story

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PURPLE ZEPPELIN Saturday 4th September, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

20th Anniversary tour

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

ALBERT LEE

The Tivoli favourite and double Grammy Award Winner returns!

Wednesday 15th September, 7.30pm.

Tickets £26.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

65

Arts & Entertainment

Former army officer’s tales of the desert from the 1960s Sherborne resident Shaun Leavey has penned the novel The Camel Killer which draws on his own experiences as a young officer in Aden and South Arabia.

In his book, the central character is a young Arab officer serving alongside British troops in the 1960s.

It draws on Shaun’s own time as a young officer and his subsequent visits back to the Yemen, and to Eritrea, as well as family connections in Northern Ireland.

Shaun said: “The novel seeks to tell the troubled story of

SANDS OF TIME: Shaun Leavey during his time in the army and, right, his novel The Camel Killer

the British army’s latter years in Aden and South Arabia through the eyes of an Arab officer.

It will come as little surprise to anyone who was a serviceman that the book

includes some language that may make it unsuitable for say – anyone of less than teenage years.

The novel has been privately printed. For every copy sold Shaun will be donating £5 to

the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and UNICEF, relieving famine in the Yemen.

The book is available at £12 including postage.

Anyone wishing to order the book should email Shaun Leavey at s.leavey@ btinternet.com with their name and full address. Shaun will email BACS details to potential purchasers. For those wishing to pay by cheque he will send his postal address.

Copies will be posted very promptly on receipt of payment.

Reading the postcards from yesterday

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The stories behind the people who penned postcards in the early 20th century have been brought to life by Sturminster Newton author Helen Baggott in her second book, Posted in the Past Second Delivery.

Using genealogy, Helen has researched the postcards and in this captivating window on our social history, reveals the stories behind the people who sent and received them.

Helen said: “I first began researching postcards 20 years ago, starting with a card sent to a soldier who was killed in the First World War. Gilbert Freeman was a young man who lived near Bath and then in Cornwall. I created his family tree and visited where he lived.

Eventually that research led

WISH YOU WERE HERE: Helen Baggot and her book Posted in the Past Second Delivery

me to America when a brother’s granddaughter found an online article I’d written. Since then I’ve researched hundreds more cards and even discovered the Freeman family have links to Sherborne.”

Helen has featured almost 100 cards, including the stories of the man who built

the coffin for the Unknown Warrior, and Samuel Whitford who was the first secretary of Great Ormond Street Hospital and remained there for more than 30 years whilst continuing his work as a leading silversmith.

But it’s not just about the famous names. Helen feels it is important to remember the

children who, during the Victorian era, provided cheap labour, the families who tried to escape the polluted legacy of the Industrial Revolution by emigrating to Canada and America and the workers who could be our own ancestors.

Helen added: “We know from watching Who Do You Think You Are? and A House Through Time how fascinating family trees can be. Even the ordinary folk have a story to share, although I’m also excited when I spot a famous name.

In fact, one family lived in Guinea Street, Bristol where the most recent series of A House Through Time was based.” n Posted in the Past Second Delivery is available from bookshops and online.

Here’s how to book online for Blake in The Deer Park To book for the Blake concert at The Deer Park, Stock Gaylard, Kings Stag on July 24, go to blakeinthepark.co.uk.

The web address was somehow cut off the original 66

article last edition and we didn’t want to leave you guessing!

Award-winning soprano Camilla Foster Mitchell, born and bred just outside Cheselbourne, and daughter

of farmer Giles Foster Mitchell, will feature alongside lead singer of Blake Ollie Baines, whose godfather John Sunnucks lives in Child Okeford.

The open air picnic concert

will also feature the Piccadilly Strings – Dorset musicians who have played with many of the UK’s top orchestras and recording sessions – and the hugely popular Blackmore Vale Brass quintet.

Arts & Entertainment

We’ve got those boogie woogie blues

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The Boogie Woogie Festival in Sturminster Newton has become the latest Blackmore Vale bigtime event to fall approaching the final hurdle.

Organisers had been hoping for months that they might be able to stage the annual shindig over the weekend of July 3-5.

A new website was planned but with the days passing, the plug had to be pulled when fears of the new covid variant began to spread.

In common with many events, it is the second year the festival has had to be scrapped.

“To be honest, we knew in April 2020 that we wouldn’t get international musicians because of Brexit and the problems of licences, paying people abroad and so on,” said Jo O’Connell, a festival committee member.

“This year we had hoped we could get the UK guys to play. It is a very narrow genre but when you have 15 pianos scattered across a

PLUG PULLED: Covid has stopped this year’s Boogie Woogie festival in Sturminster Newton

small town, you can go and watch each other and interact and it’s fantastic.

“Having only a few people in a venue means it is so much work for a low-key event but with the latest news, the difficulties and measure of doubt with a third wave meant we couldn’t even consider staging just a smallscale event with UK musicians.”

It is heartbreaking for organisers and fans of the event, as the 2019 programme had been the biggest to date, with

international players crossing continents to play, sing, dance, teach and entertain.

It’s not just live music but a boogie woogie love-in, with dance workshops, ad hoc sessions and masterclasses as well as a separate Swing Dance event and tuition. In 2019, events were staged at venues across town, from The Exchange and Stour View Centre to the magnificent setting of Sturminster Mill. Taverns and teahouse too, as well as church and café.

Thousands of fans attended,

many of whom had been coming since the first festival in 2005.

In a statement, the committee added: “Be assured there is planning and many ideas in the making of how the festival can bring Boogie Woogie music to our countryside town of Sturminster Newton in new and diverse ways.”

The first step is to reintroduce monthly club nights, which stopped in April 2020. The first is likely to on Monday September 6, then on the first Monday of each month. A different artist will join around 100 regulars at the Stour Connect Day Centre.

“When we’re confident the club is going well, then this will undoubtedly inform how we move forward with festival plans for 2022. In the meantime we send great thanks to all for the continued support for The UK Boogie Woogie Festival and we look forward to bringing you news of upcoming events soon.

It’s going to be quite a thrill as Union Jill are top of the bill St Peter’s Church in Shaftesbury will resound with music tonight, Friday, June 11, as folk duo Union Jill and supporting act, Blandford’s King of Americana, Rod Jenkins, take the stage at 8pm.

Following the sell-out concert with Jez Lowe and Antoine and Owena, Wessex Acoustic are thrilled to be bringing more top notch folk music to Shaftesbury.

Union Jill is the combined force of Helen Turner and Sharon Winfield.

Both singer-songwriters bring together their distinct styles and voices to produce a rich and diverse sound – stunning harmonies,

SOFA SO GOOD: Helen Turner and Sharon Winfield are Union Jill who are playing St Peter’s Church in Shaftesbury tonight

intelligent songs and banter you only get with two women sharing a stage!

This is a return visit for Helen and Sharon to the

club, although it has been a while.

Doors open 7.30pm, Concert 8pm – 10.15pm.

There is no interval. BYO

refreshments please.

Please Note: There is only one toilet at the church accessible down a staircase that may cause difficulties for anyone with mobility problems.

Face coverings must be worn during the concert.

To ensure adequate socially distanced seating, tickets must be booked or purchased prior to the event available at £15 from Kathy on 01202 732239 or at wessexacoustic.co.uk.

67

Motoring

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

MP takes tour of production line at vehicle experts

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

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

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7 Diagnostics Air conditioning Valets Courtesy Cars Collections within a 5 mile radius Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

The directors of the UK’s wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) specialists Brotherwood, based in Beer Hackett near Sherborne, gave West Dorset MP Chris Loder a tour of their production line and discussed the needs of disabled drivers.

A full tour of the Brotherwood production line was in store for Mr Loder, who saw where the new vehicles are re-engineered using specialist techniques refined over more than 36 years to provide safe, comfortable travel for

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

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

wheelchair users.

Mr Loder was keen to learn more about the precision engineering processes required to produce wheelchair accessible vehicles, understand more about the specific transport needs of the disabled community and how those needs are satisfied by the WAV industry – one of the most advanced of its kind across the world.

The visit was also an opportunity for the Brotherwood team to discuss several issues affecting British manufacturers –

CAR SALES

CAR OF THE WEEK

2014 (14) Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDi 140 Executive Automatic Estate.

140bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, leather seats, heated seats, F&R parking sensors, reverse camera, auto parking system, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth & much more, full service history, just had cambelt replaced, only 49,100 £9350

2019 (19) Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium Automatic 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, automatic, only 3,900 miles from new, warranty until June 2024, great specification small automatic, front & rear parking sensors, only 3,900 miles £9950 2010 (60) Hyundai iX20 1.6 Style Automatic 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, automatic, high seating position, large boot, flat folding rear seats, electric sunroof, parking sensors, bluetooth, only 49,100 miles £4950

2013 (63) BMW 1 Series 1.6 116i M Sport Automatic 5dr. 136bhp, petrol, 8 speed automatic, great performance, M Sport body styling wheels & seats, parking sensors, bluetooth, climate control, auto lights & wipers, 67,500 miles £9850

2009 (59) Kia Rio 1.5CRDi Strike 5dr. 108bhp, diesel, £30 a year road tax, upto 62mpg economy, MOT - Jan 2021, clearance car as has a few minor marks around the body, 106,800 miles £850

2012 (61) Citroen DS3 1.6 D-Style Plus 3dr. 90bhp, diesel, Free yearly road tax & upto 76mpg economy, stunning car finished in bright Yellow with Black roof mirrors & wheels, alloys, air con, cruise control, 88,700 miles £3950

2014 (64) Mini Hatch 1.5TD Cooper D 3dr. 114bhp, diesel, pepper pack, climate control, bluetooth, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, Free road tax, upto 74mpg, 57,700 miles £6950

2015 (15) Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6HDi VTR+ Automatic MPV 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic, high seats, large boot with a low loading edge, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, Free road tax, upto 74mpg, 31,300 miles £7650

2015 (65) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Dynamique S Nav Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, automatic, Free road tax & upto 72mpg economy, sat nav, touch screen, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, 35,500 miles £8750

2019 (19) Dacia Sandero Stepway 0.9TCe Essential 5dr. 90bhp, petrol, bluetooth, hill start assist, outstanding value car with warranty until July 2022, only 8,500 miles £8350

2017 (67) Vauxhall Astra 1.6CDTi Elite Nav 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, sat nav, heated leather front & rear, heated steering wheel, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, upto 58mpg, 82,500 miles £7650

2012 (61) DS Automobiles DS3 1.6 D-Style Plus 3dr. 90bhp, diesel, stunning car finished in bright Yellow with Black roof mirrors & wheels, alloys, air con, cruise control, Free yearly road tax & upto 76mpg economy, 88,700 miles £3950

2015 (15) Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSi Match 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, F&R parking sensors, hill start assist, bluetooth, touch screen, 54,100 miles £9450

2017 (17) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, automatic, parking sensors, heated front screen, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, upto 65mpg, 33,700 miles £9500

2014 (14) Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDi Executive Automatic Estate 5dr. 140bhp, diesel, automatic, heated leather seats, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, cruise, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, 49,100 miles £9350

2017 (67) Ford C-Max 1.5TDCi Titanium X MPV 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, partial leather, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, xenon lights, cruise control, sunroof, parking sensors, upto 68mpg, 22,800 miles £12000

2003 (53) Volkswagen Lupo 1.0 E 3dr. Ideal 1st car, MOT - Feb 22, cheap to run clearance car, 71,500 miles £850

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X Sport AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 160bhp, diesel, all wheel drive, sat nav, parking sensors & auto park, reverse camera, heated leather seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, electric sunroof, electric tailgate, factory body styling kit & 19 inch wheels, hill start assist, xenons, 92,500 miles £10650

68

WANTED We are looking for 1970's, 80's & 90's Ford's that we can bring back to life, please call with any information.

Motoring

WHEELS IN MOTION: Chris Loder, right, visits Brotherwood

including changes to the new vehicle type approval requirements post-Brexit, which are impacting not only the manufacture of new adapted vehicles within the UK but also the export of bespoke vehicles to the European marketplace.

Brotherwood Managing Director John Daniel thanked Mr Loder for his visit, and said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Loder to Brotherwood. As a rural business the visit was a great

opportunity for us to discuss ways in which the Government can help employers to find and develop skilled staff in our local area.

“As a niche industry the needs of the disabled motorist are often overlooked so we also welcomed Mr Loder’s interest in our marketplace and how the disabled community must be considered in future transport legislation.”

DORSET’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICE

Full dealer service for all makes of commercial vehicle Brake testing Tachograph service MOT preparation etc.

ETS TRUCK&VAN Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, Dorset DT11 7FB Tel: 01258 480404 Email: blandford@etstrucks.co.uk 6 Witney Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0GH Tel: 01202 669339 Email: service@etstrucks.co.uk

69

Motoring WANTED: Car trailers, all types bought and sold.

TRAILER HIRE: works Dorset area.

Call 07736 871092

INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS Parts, repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, 42 years’ experience, 01749 880817 nicholaspaxton.co.uk MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and unwanted.

Call Keith on 07966 213344

John’s Caravans Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs Please call

01747 853114 or 07546 548017 Keeping you on the move...

LAND ROVER FREELANDER 1 es 2002 mot December 2021.

Good runner. £650. 07713 765346 STORAGE for caravans, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford.

01258 450050 / 07704 813025

FORD KA 2005, 1 previous owner, 27,000 miles from new, MOT until April 2022. Service history available. £1,175.

07555 694246

CAR SERVICE COMING UP? All Makes Servicing Free vehicle health checks MOT Tests £39 Air-Con Servicing Tyres and Exhausts Brakes and Clutches Batteries Suspension Cambelts and Water Pumps ODIS VW Audi Diagnostics Generic Diagnostics (most makes)

Over 30 years experience Cann Common, Shaftesbury SP7 0EB

To book your service please call Best prices paid please call:

01747 855247

or email sales@melburymotorcompany.co.uk

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

Car & Motorcycle MOT Testing Centre

BROADPEAK Car Storage South-West England

Passionate Meticulous Straightforward

MOTs for Classes 1, 2 & 4 All Makes Servicing 4 Wheel Laser Alignment Tyres Air condtioning Hybrid & EV Servicing

01963 32999

john@wmstuning.com www.wincantonmotorsport.com

Secure, dehumidi昀ed and dust controlled 25 minutes west of stonehenge along the A303

Broadpeak.co.uk

01747 840 666 70

Motoring

Nothing small about this Mini’s price!

Despite strong winds and incessant rain, DVCA held another successful online auction, as some 65 per cent of the vehicles on offer found new homes as the final hammer fell.

Doubtless more will follow as buyers swoop on those that were missed.

A lovely collection of pre and post-war motorcycles started the day off well with all selling.

They included a 1936 Sunbeam Model 14 250cc Semi-Sports and a 1929 Levis A2 350cc, both of which sold for £5,600 each, and a 1938 Levis A2 350cc which made £5,400.

A clutch of commercial vehicles followed, again with none unsold and strong prices achieved: a 1977 Series 3 SWB Land Rover, estimated at £4,000-6,000, achieved a well fought £8,400, and a 1930 Morris Minor 5cwt van, estimated at £7,500-£8,500,

MINI STAR: A 1980 Mini 95 pickup estimated at £12,000-£14,000 reached a dizzying £19,500

blew away at £11,000. But all were wowed when a 1980 Mini 95 pickup estimated at £12,000£14,000 reached a dizzy £19,500, surely a record even if it was the best one seen.

As the interesting variety of cars came through. a worthy £36,000 was paid for the lovely Bristol 411 Mk IV, and from the same home a 1959 Jensen 541R with BMW 520 power and 5-speed

gearbox, cleared £28,000. It was good to see that pre-war cars were still popular as a 1935 Austin Ascot Light 12/4 Saloon made £8,100 , the equivalent 1933 Morris 10/4 Saloon followed at £7,400 and a very pretty little 1931 Morris Minor two-seat tourer closed at £8,500.

On the sporting side a handsome, uprated MGB Roadster made £10,600 and a

1978 Dax Tojeiro Cobra with Jaguar V12 engine went for £19,000. All in all, the auction sale was very successful, attracting bids from Australia, Denver, France and the Seychelles!

Prices quoted are the hammer price to which must be added 10% buyer’s premium and VAT. DVCA are now accepting entries for their autumn auction sale on Thursday, September 9.

Contact Brian Chant if you are thinking of selling your historic vehicle or quality items of automobilia, either on 01963 363353, or email brc@dvca.co.uk

Next Auction: 9 September 2021 2021 Please contact Brian Chant T: 01963 363353 E: info@dvca.co.uk W: www.dvca.co.uk Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RH

1973 Bristol 411 MkIV SOLD: £39,600 71

Business Advertising Feature

DO YOU HAVE A RETIREMENT PLAN? Photo by Marc Najera on Unsplash

Just because saving for retirement is dif昀cult, it doesn’t mean you should give up; and the current reliefs and allowances on pension contributions should give cause for optimism.

If you expect to retire on a 昀nal-salary pension and with no mortgage, your perspective on retirement may well be rosy; if you are grappling with debt and worried about having insuf昀cient pension savings, it may be a different picture.

For some, the question is not how to retire successfully, but how to retire at all, given that there may be precious little in the way of a state safety net to fall back on.

Of particular concern is the group of pre-retirees aged 55–64, only half of whom have given thought to how they will manage in retirement; and only a quarter know how much they have in their pension pot.1 These people may only have a few working years left to build their nest egg.

Those able to put some aside really should: people massively underestimate the amount of money they need to save. People also underestimate longevity and therefore how long retirement could last.

Many experts are warning that the end of 昀nal-salary pension schemes, chronic underfunding of de昀ned contribution pensions, and increasing life expectancy are creating a perfect storm that threatens to destabilise the 昀nancial wellbeing of the coming generation of retirees.

The solution is to plan You have to ask yourself: how much will I need, and how much can I afford to put away? Then you need to factor in any other sources of retirement income and you can see the size of the gap you are trying to 昀ll.

It’s vital savers know and understand all their options for using their pension; but also that they make the most of the current tax breaks while building one.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or inheritance tax planning, contact Peter Harding Wealth Management on 01202 830730 or email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd. 72

Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Lives Survey 2017

1

Business

Are your retirement plans on course?

Contact us for a pension review today.

Whatever’s on your mind, just ask.

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 titles ‘Partner’ and ‘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

73

Business

Council scoops nearly £10m for town

By Karen Bate Yeovil has secured a £9.75m Future High Street grant to regenerate parts of the town.

The grant will give the Yeovil Refresh programme a major boost that will see improvements made to the town’s public spaces and development sites.

Changes will be made to Westminster Street, The Borough, upper Middle Street, including Wine Stree), Middle Street (East), Middle Street (West) and The Triangle.

Work will see a new square at the Triangle for events and activities will create a new focal point for that part of town. The Borough and High Street will become a shared space and will reduce the dominance of traffic passing through the area.

Work to Middle Street will aim to make it easier for

pedestrians to navigate by creating connecting spaces.

The FHSF grant will also provide funding to attract future developments at the Old Cattle Market and Glovers Walk.

Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, said: “When we embarked on this ambitious programme of change for Yeovil, as a council we said that we would deliver

exciting projects that will bring positive and lasting change, guided by what local people want to see. I’m really excited to be the leader of a local council that will be delivering local projects for local people through funding of our own and also the Future High Street Fund.”

Jan Gamon, director for place and recovery at South Somerset District Council, said: “Yeovil needs to adapt to the changing needs of town centres where more people want to leisure than shop because they can easily do that online. The Future High Street Fund enables the District Council to really deliver on its promises to transform Yeovil and enable it to be a place to live, work, shop, learn and visit.”

For more information go to yeovilrefresh.co.uk.

It’s time to concentrate on the world trade outside the EU One swallow does not a summer make. This maxim alludes to the return of migrating swallows in early summer. It owes its origins to Aesop’s fable The Young Man and the Swallow. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle was first to coin the precise words: “One swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy”, The unusual English word order when translated from the Greek may have been influenced by “Stone walls do not a prison make,” written by Richard Lovelace in 1642 when a prisoner during the English Civil War. Turning seamlessly (as one does) to exporting from the Blackmore Vale, the national economic recovery is reflected in our own business with several swallows already.

74

In the international locationbased entertainment industry, 2020 was a market wipeout never seen before – across the world – in living memory. But 90 per cent of the British economy carried on during 2020 much the same. Britain is predominately a service economy.

Our first new maze commission of 2021 came from an English couple whose international business was untouched by the pandemic. Private commissions are typically less affected by economic downturns, since accumulated private wealth can ride them out. Marketing and

sales efforts should definitely include private clients.

Two past clients in France and the Low Countries now want to enhance their mazes; repeat business is often the best, so another message is to maintain contact with past customers, and keep your website enticing for new enquiries.

In the United States, a longstanding client is now ready to get underway with a series of themed destinations, to open in spring 2022. Another company is preparing to launch a series of leisure locations, initially in South East Asia. Since we are a service company, there has

never been import duty on our fees under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, whether selling into countries like the USA, India or Singapore, or now the EU. One new project is actually being generated by the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, but that is for another time.

There is always a lot of work involved rebuilding sales from a total or partial standing start.

Now is an excellent time to increase the emphasis towards the 85 per cent of world trade beyond the EU, where the greatest prospects for economic growth can be found. This is not to neglect the EU, whose economy is unlikely to grow so much in the short term. Let our swallows fly and multiply! n Adrian Fisher OBE is an award-winning maze designer from Durweston

Recruitment

Peer network to offer bosses support An acclaimed business support scheme delivered by Dorset Chamber has opened for ambitious bosses countywide.

The Chamber has 100 places in its Peer Networks Programme for owners, directors and senior managers – with the scheme free of charge to all businesses with staffing levels of between five and 250 and a minimum turnover of £100,000.

Participants will meet in nine small groups for sessions over the next six months to build longlasting bonds and find ways to boost business performance.

Dorset Chamber won a competitive tender to deliver the initiative for the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Its first Peer Networks Programme, which ended earlier this year, received ratings showing that 91 per cent of participants were ‘very satisfied’ and eight per cent were ‘satisfied’ with the course.

LIFT OFF: From left, Liz Willingham, Ian Girling, Caron Khan, Matthew Barrow and Tony Brown

The programme will be delivered via Zoom and sessions will be for three hours, once a month, covering growth, leadership, happy and health staff and engagement, human resources, marketing and new technology.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “The Peer Networks Programme has been transformational for some business leaders.

“These types of programmes build incredibly strong bonds, friendships and trusted support networks which last long after the course has officially finished.

“The groups are confidential and there are no sales pitches.

“Facilitators run each group and expert speakers from the Chamber network give highquality presentations on a range of subjects vital for businesses.”

Complete care solutions

We are recruiting We currently have several exciting vacancies with rates of pay up to £12.45 per hour

For more details and to sign up call Dorset Chamber on 01202 714800, email peernetworks@dcci.co.uk or visit dorsetchamber.co.uk/ businesssupport/peer-network-programme n Dorset Chamber has also launched a new support initiative for business leaders.

‘Got Your 6’ (GU6 for short) has been developed to plug the gaps where the wellbeing of our bosses is often ignored or taken for granted.

The initiative has been named after a term used by WW2 fighter pilots where they protected the ‘backs’ of fellow pilots in formation at the vulnerable rear ‘six o’clock’ position.

Chamber board directors, ambassadors and members, as well as chief executive Ian Girling, have qualified as Mental Health First Aiders (donated by Ouch Training) They are available for a relaxed peer to peer chat or for signposting to further help.

£ 3 welcom 00 eb

*

onus

Specialists in providing bespoke, professional care for older people.

Whether in the comfort of their own home through Bramley Home Care or in one of our specialist residential care homes at The Old Rectory in Dorset or Bramley House in Wiltshire.

Join our team and, as a thank you for joining us, you will receive a £300 welcome bonus*

We want to provide the very highest standard of care to all our clients, and to do that, we want to recruit and retain the very best. We believe that our employees are our heroes.

We would love to hear from you *Terms and conditions apply

bramleycare.co.uk 01747 855844 75

Recruitment JOUBERE LTD - GILLINGHAM DORSET A number of exciting opportunities have arisen within Joubere Ltd, a manufacturer and seller of chilled and ambient food for the retail and food service sectors.

We are looking for a number of enthusiastic and selfmotivated production operators, Positions currently available are packing, roasting, preparation, cooking, high risk and technical.

Operation of plant and equipment with various levels of complexity in order to prepare, cook, transfer and pack products.

Picking, weighing and cooking ingredients as per recipe sheets. Labelling, note taking, record keeping.

With the above positions comes a pay scale of between £8.95 & £10ph depending on experience.

These positions require motivated, committed candidates who have the ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team. A high attention to health & safety is a must.

Food manufacturing experience is an advantage but full training in all positions will be provided.

The roles cover Monday to Friday on mornings and afternoon shifts. 40 hours per week with some weekend working, and flexibility required.

If you think you have the skills and drive that we are looking for, please send CV to Mark Heatley at Joubere Ltd, Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QA or email Mark.heatley@joubere.com

VIRGINIA HAYWARD LTD. are looking for permanent, full time warehouse operatives to join their busy teams at both the Stour Row (Grand Illusions) site and the Little Down site in Shaftesbury. Both roles require good attention to detail and an excellent work ethic. Full training will be given. Please send your CV via email to rachel.cox@virginiahaywa rd.com PART TIME RESIN CASTING TECHNICIAN Required. Training provided. Flexible hours.

Manufacturing resin miniatures as part of small friendly team. Would suit as a summer job.

Blandford Forum. Contact eddie@zealotminiatures.com

PART TIME - ASSISTANT MILKER We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our milking team.

Experience not necessary as full training will be given. Based at our family farm in Wardour.

For further details please call 01747 870456 or email wtdbridzor@outlook.com STOCK PERSON TMR feeding, tractor driving and stock work.

Based at our family farm in Wardour. For further details please call 01747 870456 or email wtdbridzor@outlook.com WANTED GARDENER & CLEANER for 2 hours, twice a week each.

Blandford St Mary area.

01258 453702

Two vacancies available for Of昀ce Administrators.

One full time and one part time.

D J Fox & Associates is an Employment Expert Witness Company based in Somerset and we work in the legal sector. We are looking for two experienced of昀ce assistants, one to work full time as an Of昀ce Administrator, the other to work part time as a PA and Of昀ce Administrator. They will join our team of 3 full time staff in Wincanton in Somerset, BA9 8BP. Skills required: Of昀ce based IT skills, Word, Microsoft, Excel. Organisational ability.

Con昀dent. Understanding of numeracy for invoicing work.

Brief Description of Roles: Both roles involve working in a small team, involved in the admin process of producing written expert witness reports. The full time OA will be dedicated to this role.

The main role of the part time PA is to support the Director/Owner as a PA but the secondary duties will be supporting the of昀ce staff.

Competitive and pro rata salary offered. Hours of work: Full time 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday.

Part time can be school hours but may include some school holiday time work.

The DJ Fox & Associates website is at www.djfoxassociates.co.uk Please send a CV and a short covering letter to Malcom Fox, email malcolm@djfoxassociates.co.uk Closing date for application is 17 June, 2021.

76

Recruitment

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School

Full/part time Administrator

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL Driver Required COUNSELLOR

to join a busy team within Future Wealth Management in Gillingham, Dorset, providing efficient administrative support to the Managing Partner/Advisers within the practice in respect of the business generated and the servicing of existing clients.

Independent andForm Day School NurseryBoarding Prep Senior Sixth IAPS/GSA/CISC for Pupils aged 4 -18 GSA/CISC

LewestonPART School isTIME, seeking toTERM engage theTIME services of an Independent ONLY School Counsellor.

The Counsellor will work closely with the Assistant Head (pastoral) to support the promotion of emotional resilience and wellbeing at the School and will provide support, guidance and advice to parents, carers and the school.

The Counsellor will be qualified with a relevant qualification and have experience of working with children. Experience in an educational environment is an advantage but not essential.

All appointments at the School are subject to satisfactory references and criminal record checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Letters of application should state what particular skills and attributes you can bring to Leweston School, and why you believe you are suited to the position.

The remuneration for this position will be £40 per hour.

For further information and to download an application pack, please visit our website https://www.leweston.co.uk/information/work-with-us

Closing date for Applications: Midday on 24th June 2021 Interviews: week commencing 28th June 2021 Leweston is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all Denominations Leweston School Trust is a registered charity number 295175

Please contact Caroline Haskett on 01747 831074 or orch@f-w-m.co.uk for a job description and details of how to apply.

Closing date: 20th June

Fleet Manager (PT) Reliable and thorough individual to check vans every Friday at our nursery near Sherborne.

Responsibilities include carrying out vehicle checks and booking MOTs, services, and repairs.

Approx. 4 hours each week. Fri/Sat mornings.

01963 348420 or christina@superplants.co.uk

Plant Care Technician Covering interior plant maintenance at client sites around the South West.

Based from our nursery near Sherborne.

Full D/L required. Approx. 24-30 hrs per wk.

01963 348420 or christina@superplants.co.uk

GILLINGHAM SOCIAL CLUB LTD SITE CARPENTRY APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY We are looking for a keen, motivated, punctual individual, who enjoys working as a team & takes pride in their work.

Subject to a successful trial period, to be enrolled September 2022.

Please e-mail your details & CV to info@hhpltd.co.uk

Bar manager required to join our friendly team.

Experience preferred but full training can be given.

Closing date for applications Friday 25th June 2021

builders-south-west.co.uk

Call: 07506 661075 77

Recruitment

Aftersales Manager With a proven track record in a similar position, to manage post-sale technical enquiries, planning and monitoring of mobile service and support visits nationwide. Managing a dedicated aftersales support team, you will be responsible for the growth of the aftersales department and organisation of our modern workshop and MOT facilities, bringing forward strategies to increase service customer acquisition and satisfaction.

Strong organisation skills are a must as you manage and develop our brand-new MOT testing station and vehicle servicing facilities.

The Aftersales manager would be responsible for: • Receiving, directing and resolving post-sale technical enquiries • Scheduling and monitoring a team of mobile service engineers • Growing and developing our in-house service and brand-new MOT facilities • Leading and developing the Aftersales team • Contributing to marketing campaigns to increase customer acquisition for the Aftersales Department

Key skills: • The ability and experience to organise and prioritise work effectively • The ability to lead a team and delegate work where necessary • Meticulous attention to detail and customer satisfaction • Good communication skills • Experience in vehicle aftersales / MOT testing at a dealership level preferred but not mandatory

Fabricator Welder & Conversion Engineer We currently have an opportunity for a skilled engineer to manufacture components and assemblies to engineering drawings and very tight tolerances. The position will also involve the extensive conversion of brand new base vehicles in order for them to safely carry a wheelchair. A weld test will be required.

The Engineer would be responsible for:

• Completing assigned work to company standards • Welding components and assemblies such as fuel tanks, 昀oor pans, seat frames etc.

• Testing of certain assemblies e.g. fuel tanks • Manufacture of assembly jigs and 昀ttings • Extensive modi昀cation of a variety of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicles • Completing relevant documentation – Job cards, test and service reports

The Fabrication and Conversion Engineer would be a quali昀ed City and Guilds, or equivalent, Apprentice looking to further their career in a modi昀cation and vehicle conversion role, or an experienced Vehicle Conversion Engineer looking for a new challenge.

Key skills: • Produce welds to BS 4872 and pass a coded test once employed • The ability and experience to organise and prioritise work effectively • A Team Player, but with the con昀dence to work successfully on their own • Meticulous attention to detail • Good communication skills • Valid, clean driving licence Very clean working environment demands extremely high quality of workmanship, in keeping with the Brotherwood standard.

A competitive, 昀xed salary and company pension scheme is offered along with a pleasant, spacious working environment.

Development and Design Engineer We are seeking an adept and motivated engineer with a hands on approach to developing solutions, excellent communication skills and the expertise to realise designs for production using the latest 3D CAD.

The Engineer would be responsible for: • Supporting the development team activities on multiple projects.

• Developing own design ideas, 3D CAD modelling • Produce drawings for production • Work with internal fabricators and designers to manage production, assembly and test of prototype solutions.

• Up issue existing drawings and translation of concepts to 3D CAD models.

• Compile and maintain Bill of Materials.

• Action Design Change Requests

The Development and Design Engineer would be educated to Degree, HNC/HND (or equivalent) or have evidence of carrying out similar roles, looking to further their design career and looking for a new challenge.

As a member of the R&D team you will assist in the development of new products from design and testing through to production. During this process you will take concept ideas and generate 3D CAD models and drawings to enable prototypes to be built. You will assist the design of昀ce in producing and amending drawings as well as compiling and maintaining the Bill of Materials of all assemblies.

We require a forward thinking individual, able to explore and re昀ne ideas within a given time constraint and present them to management in a clear and concise manner. You will report directly to the Head of Development and must be able to work as part of a team or individually, as work dictates.

Key skills: • Comprehensive 3D and 2D CAD experience. Use of Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD and Vault are an advantage however competent use of other platforms and PDM software are suitable.

• Good mechanical aptitude with appreciation of multiple manufacturing processes.

• Design for manufacture and design for assembly techniques.

• Experience in design of bespoke machined parts/assemblies and sheet metal fabrications.

• Ability to produce manufacturing and assembly drawings.

• Problem solving and the ability to generate concepts from scratch or modify existing products.

• Pride in producing high quality work with excellent attention to detail.

• Prototype part production, assembly and test.

• Basic workshop skills using hand and power tools. More advanced fabrication skills are welcome but not essential.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES

If you can ful昀l the required standard please send applications in writing to: Mr J Daniel, Managing Director, Brotherwood Automobility Ltd, Lambert House, Pillar Box Lane, Beer Hackett, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6QP

78

Recruitment OAKWOOD TAXIS require part time drivers Friday nights and Saturday nights.

Flexible start 6pm or 7pm.

No more than 3 points.

Current badge holder accepted. Confident to drive a larger sized vehicle. Please ring Andy on 01258 455555 EGG PACKERS Required to work as part of a team. Manual work so must be physically fit Contact Paul – 07967 388895 RAYFORD LTD OF DORCHESTER have vacancies for: SCHOOLS TERM TIME TAXI DRIVERS EMPOLYED 20 hours a week. Full time & part time taxi drivers to include evenings and weekends (self employed). Contact 01305 269500 or email: andrew.rayfordgroup@yahoo .com

FULL TIME RESIDENTIAL SALES NEGOTIATOR required for busy estate agency.

Please apply with CV to chapmanmoore@ btconnect.com Or in writing to Sue Moore, Chapman Moore, High Street, Gillingham SP8 4AA

HARVEST TRACTOR DRIVER required on arable farm near Mere, Wiltshire for approximately three weeks in August. Experience and clean driving licence essential. No accommodation. Contact 07966 195204

CLEANER WANTED. 6 hours per week, must like dogs. Castle Cary area.

07525 751168

We're looking for a WASHER-UP to join our small team at Lavender Blue. Duties to include washing-up kitchen equipment, cleaning floors & maintaining cleanliness throughout. MondayFriday 3pm-7.30pm. Tea & cake always available.

Please call Sam on 01747 821333 or email lavenderbluecakes@ gmail.com

CAR & SMALL VAN OWNER DRIVERS NEEDED. Local or Nationwide Deliveries. Part time or full time. Email: enquiries@sprintercouriers.co.uk or call: 01747 850276

Looking for a PT SELF-EMPLOYED CLEANER to join a growing cleaning company in DT9 area. Contact vickynewton29@icloud.com

EXPERIENCED CLEANER wanted for lovely ecoconscious home near Templecombe 3 hours weekly. Please text brief details 07973 346747.

DORSET RURAL MUSIC SCHOOL is seeking a part-time office administrator to start work in September 2021. Duties to include accounting, tax matters, payroll, occasional minute taking and general office administration. A high standard of computer skill is required and a knowledge of Quickbooks would be an advantage.

The post offers fifteen hours per week in term time only; flexibility is possible as is some working from home.

To register interest and for further details apply by 30th June in writing to DRMS, The Close, Blandford Forum DT11 7HA or by email at drmsblandford@gmail.com

Help on offer for school leavers to get on good career path It has never been more important to help young people to set their sights on good careers and feel motivated about their future, says Dorset LEP’s Career Hub. The hub is calling for employers, large and small to offer virtual work experience in June.

The deadline to get involved in Dorset LEP’s Dorset Careers Hub Virtual Work Experience initiative is fast approaching.

A spokesman said: “Work experience gives young people a chance to develop skills and confidence, learn how organisations work, and find out which local industries and career paths they want to pursue. It allows them to think about their futures and make good decisions about employment and further study.”

In a normal year 7,500 school

students across Dorset would take part in up to one week of work experience, a key activity in their journey to adulthood. But this has not been a normal 12 months, and nearly all face-toface programmes have been cancelled.

It has never been more important to help young people in Dorset to set their sights on good careers and feel motivated about their

future, and to promote our most promising companies and industries.

Businesses who are keen to help make a difference for young people in Dorset who and can volunteer between one and three days in June to get in touch with Dorset LEP at rphillips1@bournemouth.ac.uk and find out more at dorsetlep.co.uk

SITUATIONS WANTED LIVE IN / OUT CARER Experienced in all aspects of caring, etc. DBS, insured, excellent references contact Lesley 07884 058248 or Steph 07723 999043.

ADVERTISE A JOB: 01963 400186 79

Pets

Ask the vet...

Travelling abroad with my pet It is likely that we will be travelling abroad again when covid restrictions are relaxed.

Some people may want to take their pets with them on holiday.

Since Brexit this has become less straightforward and, as the rules keep changing, the best way to keep up to date is to check the Gov.uk website.

The Pet Travel Scheme was set up to allow movement of pet animals within the EU whilst controlling the rabies-free status of certain countries including the UK. As we are no longer members of the EU this agreement no longer exists.

Pet passports issued in the UK are no longer valid for travelling pets from the UK to Europe. An EU-issued passport with an upto-date rabies vaccine does allow

LOST AND FOUND AND REHOMING

with Lynn Broom

movement in to the UK and back to the EU but not if it needs to be updated in the UK first.

A pet without a European passport now requires an Animal Health Certificate, if travelling with their owner, or an Export Health Certificate in certain other situations. This must be completed by an official veterinarian within a set time of travelling and a new certificate is required for each journey. Other requirements such as wormers may also be required, especially if returning to the UK, and there are set time frames during which these must be administered.

Regardless of the certification required all pets must have had a microchip and a rabies vaccine at least three weeks before travelling. Sometimes a blood test confirming rabies antibodies is also required (particularly if you are travelling to non-EU countries) and the timescale involved with this is much longer so ensure you plan well in advance.

The UK has a lower number of infectious

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation

Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

diseases than many countries on the European mainland, partly because of the different climate and partly because it is an island.

Whilst this is great because our pets are at less risk of certain diseases, it means they have no immunity to new diseases they may meet in Europe and are, therefore, at much higher risk than local animals in those areas.

It is important to protect your pet as much as you can from these diseases by using treatments such as tick and sandfly collars and tapeworm tablets to minimise the risk of catching them. Other diseases are caught directly from local animals so avoid contact if possible.

If your pet becomes unwell after travelling abroad ensure you tell your vet you have been abroad with them recently so that they can consider these less common diseases as a possible cause.

Preplanning and keeping up with current guidelines is essential before arranging a foreign holiday with your pet to minimise the risk of problems so that you can have a well deserved relaxing holiday !

COCKER SPANIEL PUPPIES, 4 boys available. Very well bred, father is FTCH, available from 28th May 21. Call for more information 07503 905659

PATTERDALE PUPPIES legally docked & dew claws done. Ready in 4 weeks, view with mother, POA, deposits to hold, 07975 796 795

KC Registered MINIATURE DACHSHUNDS Pra Cord 1 clear.

07496 764226

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES for sale. 4 dogs remaining. Puppies will be wormed, microchipped and KC registered. POA 07476 342367.

HIGHGRADE ENGLISH KOI CARP: 8”- 10” £25 each 07745 898265

80

SPRINGER SPANIEL X MINI POODLE PUPS. DNA clear & KC reg parents. Microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked.

READY NOW. 07707 646359

Lenny (2) b/w, fluffy looking for an outside home.

Lost Cats: Cloverfield area Gillingham – fluffy b/w boy white tip to tail missing since 20/5. Highfields, Blandford – Burmese boy missing since 20/5. Shaftesbury – black boy with a blue collar missing since 6/5. Old Farm Garden Blandford – brindle tortie girl missing since 2/5.

Blandford St Mary – recently shaved fluffy tabby may still have a bandage on leg missing since 29/4. Found cat: Station Road Gillingham – calico tortie about since around 7/5.

If you are regularly seeing a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner please give us a call it might be a lost cat. We are still offering neutering and microchipping for £5 in postcodes DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7, BH21 and SP8 call 01258 268695 01258 858644 blandford.cats.org.uk AMERICAN BULLY X CANE CORSO. All blue.

2 dogs, £500 each. 2 bitches left. 07568 680724 PETS ONLY. 3 male Burman kittens ready now. Mum and dad can be seen. Enquiries 01722 714552 A LOVELY LITTER OF PEDIGREE KC REGISTERED LABRADOR PUPPIES. Mum is yellow & dad is fox red. Ready to go to their new homes end of June.

01985 844894 WHIPPET PUPPIES beautiful home bred. Blue and white and brindle and white. Strong healthy puppies. Four dogs.

Wonderful temperrments with children. We have had the line from great gteat great grandmother. Championship bloodlines. Ready 3rd July.

To vetted homes only. tel 07980 744551

Sport

Sherborne just lose out in thriller to Dorchester Dorset Premier League June 5 Dorchester 236-8 Sherborne 225-9 Dorchester (19pts) beat Sherborne (12) by 11 runs A thrilling run chase by Sherborne against the league leaders fell just short despite another century by skipper Josh Lawrence.

He was stumped for 100 with the score at 162-3 and Sherborne set fair.

But despite a thrash of 38 by Shane Pulling, wickets tumbled and runs became scarce at the death.

Earlier, a 101 middle order stand gave Dorchester a decent score off 45 overs, with Lawrence also the pick of the bowlers with 2-18.

The Dorchester scoring rate was over 100 for the entire middle order.

But Lawrence went out to bat with purpose.

When fellow opener Emlyn Kuhn was out for 2, the skipper was already on 42.

In the previous weekend, Sherborne comfortably beat Cattistock.

Shane Pulling, coming in at No8, top-scored with 41 as Sherborne were restricted to 202 off 45 overs. But Cattistock were quickly trouble at 84-5, with Kuhn taking both openers and ending with 3-27.

Lawrence took 3-15 and Pulling 3-26.

The results leave Sherborne third behind Dorchester and Martinstown with a game in hand.

They next play a home game against Christchurch tomorrow (Saturday).

VILLAGE PEOPLE: KSCC Cavaliers (Back row, L TO R): Toby Gillam, Jim Mann, Nick Ward, Mac McCormack (capt), Rik Elvidge, Jason Lapham, Sam Hickson: Front row: Will Hawkins, Alex Mann, Kai Marks, Paul Woods

Village side revived at last The Kilmington and Stourton CC Cavaliers have finally played their first match after a long wait beating Axbridge CC at home on the pitch in front of Stourhead House.

The new Sunday team was conceived in autumn of 2019 but had been unable to play

due to covid.

The Cavaliers were set up to attract new more mature players to the club, said organiser Jim Mann.

“KSCC has competitive first, second and third teams but has lacked a ‘Village’ team for many years to play friendly Sunday matches.

“Our aim is to attract both lapsed as well as new players of all abilities and ages – the only criteria is that you love cricket,” Jim added.

If you would like to play or find out more email jim@jamesmann.com or go to facebook.com/ kilmingtonandstourton.

Blandford beat nearest rivals to stay top Division One June 5 Compton House 112 all out Witchampton 113-6 Witchampton (19pts) beat Compton House (5) by four wickets.

Compton House won the toss and the top order batsmen showed positive intent, making 50-1 from the first 10 overs.

With the field spread and some tight bowling wickets began to fall – Compton House went from 99-5 to 112 all out in the 29th over. The Witchampton reply started well with an opening

partnership of 41.

A couple more wickets fell but a 37-run partnership between Harrison Bowles (24) and Gavin Wayman (14) brought the total in sight.

Division Two Blandford 182-9 Dorchester 2nds 130 Blandford (20pts) beat Dorchester (7) by 52 runs Unbeaten Blandford stayed top of the league with a comfortable win over their nearest rivals.

Mike Shepherd (42) and Sandesh Lama (29) top scored for Blandford in a

reasonable total off 40 overs.

But inspired bowling by Ryan White decimated the Dorchester top order, which fell to 16-5.

White took 3-8 off seven overs and was backed by Robert Harding, 2-6 off six.

Still, Dorchester rallied with a 94-run partnership before another collapse saw the last five wickets fall for just 20 runs. Jamie Mitchell also took 3-39.

June 5 Shillingstone 187-8 Parley Seconds 132 all out Shillingstone (20pts) beat Parley (7) by 55 runs.

81

Sport n Clubhouses and leisure centres are watching to see if lockdown measures are fully relaxed on June 21.

The government is due to announce on Monday whether all limits on social contact are to be removed, with no restrictions on how many people can meet.

Riversmeet leisure centre in Gillingham is ready to increase exercise class capacity and café indoor seating from June 21, as well as allowing soft play at weekends and kids’ parties.

The clubhouse at Sherborne FC is also due to re-open on June 26 with a barbecue from 1-3pm.

Some social distancing rules may remain in restaurants and bars, and masks may still be mandatory in some places.

Lucy leads way with Doddlers in 32-mile fundraising effort

CHARITY CLAY PIGEON SHOOT In aid of Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust

Sunday 4th July at 10am - last start 2pm

Plush Cricket Ground, DT2 7RQ LAST START 1pm FIBRE WADS ONLY PLEASE Individual Guns Individual Traps & Team Flush Teams of 4 or U16’s BBQ & Refreshments ENQUIRIES: 01258 472501 www.ducksdrakescancertrust.org.uk

FRE GOL E F! SATURDAY 26th JUNE 2021 9.30am-3.30pm Thinking of taking up a new hobby, why not give golf a try?

Come and visit us at Henstridge Golf and Leisure Resort, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Have a complimentary round of 9 holes, chat with other members and meet the Club Captain.

Complimentary teas, coffees and selected soft drinks.

Book a Tee time to avoid disappointment Phone: 01963 362789 Email: admin@henstridgegolfandleisure.co.uk Henstridge Golf and Leisure Resort Marsh Lane, Henstridge, Somerset BA8 0TG 82

MADE IT: The Doddlers celebrate with Lucy at Wareham Abbey

As Director of Clinical Services at the BMI Harbour Hospital in Poole, Lucy Brown has seen how staff members have been affected.

She wanted to do something to help – and her challenge was to run the St Edwards Way. It’s a 32-mile route from Shaftesbury Abbey to Wareham Abbey, named after St Edward, the 10th century boy king murdered at Corfe Castle and buried at Wareham.

In 979, for political reasons, his body was moved to Shaftesbury Abbey where it became an object of pilgrimage – and wealth for the Abbey.

The 1,000-year anniversary was celebrated in 1979 with a walk devised for that occasion, led by the then Bishop of Sherborne Rt Rev John Kirkham and Dr Geoffrey Tapper.

Lucy’s maiden name is also Edwards and part of the reason she chose the route.

And when it was mentioned to friends, fellow members of the Dorset Doddlers running group jumped at the chance to accompany her.

To date, Lucy has raised more than £1,500 for the

Florence Nightingale Foundation, which provides development, training, and educational support to nurses and midwives across the globe.

Professor Greta Westwood CBE, chief executive of the charity, said: “A massive thank you to FNF Scholar Lucy Brown, and the Dorset Doddlers for running through wind and rain for 32 miles.”

Lucy would like to say thank you to everyone who support her challenge, especially those who supported he on the day. A special thanks to Duncan and friends for keeping runners fuelled with food and hot drinks.

Sport

Gillingham’s fightback is all in vain in semi final setback Dorset Premier Supplementary Cup Semi-final May 29 Hamworthy Recreation Gillingham Town

3 2

Hamworthy couldn't have wished for a better start as they were 1- 0 up on eight minutes, when sloppy Town play in midfield let

Hamworthy to counter and score from a breakaway.

And it happened again shortly after, when the Gills midfield again gave the ball away and Hamworthy took advantage to double their lead.

The Gills pulled one back on the half hour when a great kick from stand-in keeper Nick Thompson found Elliott

Bevis, who coolly lobbed the keeper – only for Hamworthy to restore a two goal lead just before halftime.

Gillingham continued to press and almost scored on 55 minutes with Aaron Rodriguez missing a glorious chance from close range.

And on the hour a low cross into the Hamworthy box saw

a defender’s attempted clearance cannon back off the underside of the bar.

In the 90th minute Gill were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Joe Paterson stepped up and fired the ball into the corner but it was too little too late for the Gills.

Hamworthy progressed to play Merley Cobham Sports in the final.

Brad gearing up for Superbike debut Stalbridge biker Brad Jones is gearing up for his first season in the British Superbike Championship by getting practice laps under his belt.

Stepping up from a 600cc machine to a 1000cc BMW for 2021, he realises that he has a lot to learn but recently began the testing program, where he will get many laps under his belt in getting a feel for the 220bhp bike.

After the first three test days he said: ‘’The first two weren’t overly productive due to bad weather and difficult conditions, but we completed a day at Oulton Park in which we had great weather.

“We got plenty of good dry laps and I began to get a feel

PRACTICE LAPS: Brad Jones on his 1000cc BMW

for the new bike and really get to work with my new team. The initial feeling is positive, but I need many more laps to make good progress and feel at one with the bike’’.

Brad, 23, is joining the iForce Lloyd & Jones PR Racing squad based in Liverpool. The team has 20 years’ experience in the British Superbike class – which is why you will see

Yeovil Ladies in search of winning spoons In 1966 the Australian Ladies’ Golf Union presented each of the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales Ladies’ Golf Unions with a pair of spoons.

The England Golf Union decided to use their spoons as a national competition for ladies with a handicap of 15+. Qualifying competitions are held at club then regional level with the final at The National Golf Centre, the HQ of England Golf at Woodhall Spa, Lincs.

Yeovil GC members Janie

SPOONS TARGET: Janie Minougue and Ann Evans

Minougue and Ann Evans cleared the first hurdle on what they hope will be inning ‘The Spoons’ by a journey to winning the Club’s qualifying foursomes

competition.

They now hope to make full use of local knowledge on Yeovil Old Course, chosen to host this year’s Southwest Regional Final on July 1.

Brad racing with number 20 this season.

Before Round 1 on June 2527 at Oulton Park, Brad still has three more days of testing planned to get to grips and further understand the new bike and class.

The Championship consists of 11 rounds on top circuits around the UK: one diary date for local supporters is Thruxton on July 30-Aug 1.

“I would love to see as much home support as possible,” said Brad.

Before the season kicks off, Brad would like to give a special mention to the sponsors which support his campaign, and he is looking forward to sharing this next chapter of his career with them.

WINCANTON GOLF CLUB MAY RESULTS MONTHLY STABLEFORD 1 Steve Owens 39. 2 Chris Chapman 37. 3 Pete Anyan 33.

SENIORS MONTHLY MEDAL 1 Trevor Mills nett 68. 2 Chris Dibben 70. 3 Steve Owens 71 FOURSOMES 1 Phil Francis and Jon Reed 34.

2 John and Joe Atkins 34. 3 Rab Clyde and Peter Williams 33.

SENIORS MONTHLY STABLEFORD 1 Brian White 37. 2 Chris Mielville 33. 3 Phil Francis 31.

SENIORS 9 HOLE STABLEFORD 1 John Wolstenholme 17. 2 Ian Trulock 14. 3 EG Applegath 13

83

Field & Stream

Spaniels & retrievers working class heroes Spaniels and retrievers were in their element when they took part in the new Working Test Challenge to widen participation to amateur enthusiasts ahead of the Game Fair at Sherborne Castle.

Andrew Webb and his dogs TOP DOGS: Dogs and owners at the Game Fair Picture: Nick Ridley Photography Ace and Ted came first and second in the retrievers million for children’s volunteers who organised the section while Ty owned by event, providing charities.

Margaret Cox took first place The South West Regional refreshments, judges, in the spaniels section, stewards and covid-19 Qualifier for the Game Fair, followed by Percy owned by forms part of brand new compliant security photographer Nick Ridley. measures.” competition for working Andrew, Margaret and Nick The finals of this national dogs and their amateur will now be paired up to competition, split into owners which has been compete at the national finals designed to open the sport up spaniels and retrievers, takes place on Friday, July 23 in to be held at the Game Fair. to more people. the International Gundog Supporters of the Sherborne Christopher Le Hardy said: Arena at the 2021 Game Fair Castle Country Fair will “We were delighted to see at Ragley Hall Warwickshire. remember the Game Fair some younger dog owners originated with a Retriever take part, gaining confidence Dogs do not need to be Team Challenge and later The South West qualifier was Kennel Club registered and their owners should be International Retriever strongly supported by the amateurs. competitions. The fair itself Sherborne Castle Estate, Two spaniels and two was started by a small group Jurassic Coast Meat, retrievers from each of volunteers in 1996 which providing bacon for the qualifying round will has grown exponentially over refreshments and a willing be invited to compete for the two decades, raising £1.3 and hard-working team of

grand title at the Game Fair.

Both the champion spaniel and the champion retriever will be awarded £2,000.

Steve Smith will be leading the gundog activity at The Game Fair in 2021 and he said: “We have never seen prize money like this. We have consistently attracted the top dogs and handlers to the Game Fair with world class competition. The new Working Test Challenge is aimed at amateurs – it will be very exciting to see who comes out on top.”

Some of the industry’s bestloved brands have got behind this year’s Gundog Area at The Game Fair as it continues to grow.

With a range of experts on hand to offer all manner of advice, a long list of breeds on show in the Sporting Dog Pavilion plus competitions and demonstrations in the Working Dog Ring, it is always an exciting place to be.

overzealous with the head scratching and had done a good job of ripping the ear tag half out, leaving her ear in a bit of a mess.

Affectionately known as 63, she is the friendliest of the flock, no ginger biscuits were required to catch her and sort out the wound.

Her ear looks a mess, but it was swiftly seen to, such is the luxury of having a small flock.

We are eagerly now watching the grass grow to see which paddock to cut for our small bale hay.

Once the sheep are shorn, June is a quiet time at the field in which we can finally sit down and enjoy our surroundings. My harvest of sloes last year led to some lovely sloe gin so I have been collecting suitable jars

and bottles to go into greater production this year, I am hoping that nature supplies the same abundance (if not the neighbours will be seriously disappointed).

With the anticipated lifting of lockdown later this month it will be good to once again be able to use the field for family to get together and those precious moments with grandchildren where memories are made.

I am sure when him-outdoors bought the field, his nearest and dearest thought he was mad wanting a place to conserve nature, to unwind and to find tranquillity, I can’t help but think he had amazing foresight for what lay ahead for us all, and we just appreciate it a bit more with every sweet bale that it provides.

Warm weather has brought out the ticks THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing Be careful what you wish for! So, the warmth and sun arrived in time for the Bank Holiday, and so did the ticks.

Despite treating the flock, we have seen an increase in ticks this year already, which is a miracle given the rubbish start to the growing season that we have had.

The castor bean tick is a European species of hardbodied tick and can live for three years or longer. In lambs they can cause anaemia and, in some sheep, louping ill, a nasty viral infection of the central nervous system. The irony is that we were so busy looking 84

out for and spraying against flystrike that I came home with ticks on my legs-even though covered they had got into my clothes.

This week’s drama was one of the ewes catching her ear tags on some fencing. She was probably a bit

Farming

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

Air Ri昀es & Air Pistols wanted SATURDAY 12TH JUNE Graded Show & Sale of 1300 Traditional and Rare Breeds of Poultry

Any make or model Any condition

FARMING CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

Call 07970 742471

TYRES AROUND LTD

SALE STARTS AT 9.00AM Contact Nick Hill 07741 591 575 or 01373 830033 WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE Next Sale of Pigs FRIDAY 18 JUNE Sale of Store Cattle to Include Organic MONDAY 21ST JUNE Sale of TB Restricted Cattle WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE Next Sale of Reared Calves FRIDAY 25TH JUNE Sale of Breeding Sheep MONDAY 12TH JULY Genuine Dairy Organic Herd Dispersal To Include: 120 Holstein Friesian Heifers & Cows Plus 130 Dairy Youngstock Herd Average 7600 ltrs Sale through Frome Livestock and Marteye Please Contact: Greg Ridout 07818 517 467 Or Charlie Coleman 07494 588 013 Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com

Mobile Service Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service.

We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on

01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwestyreservices.co.uk

Conyers

Urgently wanted

COWS COWS COWS To receive top price for all barren cows.

Brookfield Livestock Marketing Limited.

Payment on the day of purchase.

Haulage arranged

07811 381 159

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 3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

85

Farming

Retail therapy as county farming couple

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The tenants of a Marnhull farm are opening a shop to boost income and help increase awareness of their Dorset Council-owned property.

Andy and Maria Robinson run Shepherds Close Farm, one of 45 county farms still owned by Dorset Council.

The farms are set up to either provide a first step on the farming ladder (a starter farm) or second-tier promotion farm.

The couple are now six years into a 20-year tenancy at Shepherds Close, a promotion farm, having cut their teeth on a starter farm near Dorchester.

“The council is fully on board with our plan to open a farm shop,” said Maria.

“It’s keen to show people what a county farm can do.”

Fitting out work on the farm shop, in the old milking parlour, is well under way with plans for an opening date in mid-June. Maria intends to serve bacon rolls and hot drinks, and there are

INCOME BOOSTER: Andy and Maria Robinson at Shepherds Close Farm

also plans for a pop-up campsite this summer.

“The council is also happy for us to promote tourism, let people know what else a county farm can do and what job opportunities there are,” added Maria.

She gave up a career as a nurse a month ago to set up the shop, which will stock meat from the farm’s beef, sheep and goat herds and

products via The Blackmore Vale butchery at Henstridge.

Local cheese, cakes, preserves, fruit juice, butter, honey, game and ice-cream are on the menu, milk and yoghurt too from near neighbours The Dorset Dairy Company.

She says: “If the shop takes off and is successful, there is no reason why we can’t expand from there.”

It took the couple eight years to get their starter farm in Twyford, Dorchester and, while learning the ropes, Maria maintained her nursing and Andy his welding career.

“We have both always worked on the farm as well as off,” she says.

“A starter farm has smaller acreage so you have to have another form of income.”

Puzzle solutions (from pages 64-65) Sudoku

9 7 3 6 1 4 8 5 2

6 8 2 5 7 3 9 1 4

Crossword

4 1 5 2 9 8 6 7 3

7 4 9 1 3 5 2 6 8

8 5 6 9 2 7 3 4 1

2 3 1 4 8 6 5 9 7

1 2 4 3 6 9 7 8 5

3 9 7 8 5 1 4 2 6

5 6 8 7 4 2 1 3 9

Brain chain 14

86

21

7

35

4

2

M I L I E R N E A V E T R B E A T U I E M M A E E A S T E S E S U R P R R E C E R E A

U N P I O P U L E A R

R E C A Y O E R C I O I N A W N T S T E A R I T U V C I S E H I L N E L E C L A

L I N K A G E

L G Y W

A L S C K I I R

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Arrow words R E A F L E C O T

F D I I S A R G Y I E N S M U S T P E T G U M M R A B L I N I T E E N G I D I N E D C

S I M I A N

S Y D

B I N D

S E E S

S

Farming

open up own shop Now they have 165 acres at Marnhull, which also includes arable, and a further 35 acres leased near Shaftesbury.

The decision to open a farm shop came about last year, when the couple and two teenage children all caught coronavirus.

“I was poorly and made us think about what we’d be doing for the next five or six years,” said Maria.

The enthusiasm for locally sourced food in lockdown fuelled her ambitions for the shop.

“I tried opening a shop while keeping the nursing going and doing the farming stuff – but it was impossible. No way could I do it, so it’s now or never!”

The fridges and freezer are in place, a premises licence obtained, signage has arrived, a website built, social media accounts launched and T-shirts made.

It won’t be plain sailing as there is competition in the area – Shepherds will be the 11th farm shop to have opened in The Blackmore Vale since The Udder Farm

Shop at East Stour (2005) and Kimber’s Farm Shop, Charlton Musgrove (2006) began the trend.

Both are now huge farm shop, retail and restaurant businesses while others have remained more mainstream: Trading Post Farm Shop (South Petherton); Stourhead Farm Shop (Kilmington); Enford Farm, Durweston (Blandford) and Home Farm Shop (Tarrant Gunville).

There is a specialist, Gold Hill Organics in Child Okeford, and more recently, three ‘showcase’ farm shops: Durslade at Hauser & Wirth (Bruton); The Newt in Somerset and Teals Farm Shop emporium on the A303 at South Cadbury. But, says Maria: “I don’t think the competition worries me too much. I’m not aiming to be one of the bigger ones: it’s more about the ethos of the place, keeping products as local as we can.” n Info: shepherdsfarmshop .com or search Facebook and Instagram for the name.

Postcode: DT10 1QG.

432×

1 11+

2 5

7

3

6

9

315×

4

5

3

12×

9

8

7

2

6

1

4

4

8

5

2

2

5

7

16+

21+

6

4

9

1

8

7

8+

1 3 6

1

9

4

5

2

2

4

4

6 7

7

8

2

7

8 1 5 27×

6

9

8

2

3

7

5

13+

9

2 3 9 4 7×

3

7

9

1

28×

8

19+

6

10×

1

13+

6

9 1

28+

1

5

3

13+

48×

3

1

8

5 5+

2

4÷

8

120×

3

5

8+

8

1

4

2

6

Brain chain (Hard) 72

54

81

233

150

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls. Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited 01258 830324 www.liquiline.co.uk TWIN AXLE PLANT TRAILER, with headboard and ramp, £750ono. 4ft topper, hydraulic mounted, PTO driven, VGC, £450.

01963 441538

PIT.T TRAILER, Tipper, Hydraulic brake, full lighting, good tyres, high sides excellent condition, 4 ton £1,300 01963 210773

2 STABLES PLUS 2 ACRE FIELD FOR RENT. (2 further stables and acreage maybe available) Hazelbury Bryan On secure farm Cottage and workshop available by separate negotiation £200pcm 07734 059190

ATV SPRAYING, AGRICULTURAL & PADDOCK SERVICES. CALL 07711 980871

FARMING CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

18+

1

HAYMAKING SERVICE, small and large bails. Also haylage. Clean grass wanted for hay. 01258 880892 / 07980 036250

PEARCE CONTRACTING Tractor and driver. 2000g high spec slurry tanker, 18tonne silage trailer, muck spreader, all for hire.

Hourly rate. 07854 117590. maxbpearce@hotmail.co.uk

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Killer Sudoku Pro 3+

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935 873169 or 07368 380477

6 8 7 1 9 7 4 25 4 3 2 6 5 4 5 3 8 4 9 7 8 9 3 8 6 3 7 6 1 7 1 1 1 9 5 8 1 2 6 9 1 4 9 8 6 2 5 8 7 5 6 5 9 5 1 3 3 7 5 3 4 2 6 9 3 1 7 2 4 4 3 7 2 8 44 2 8 3 9 48 6 9 1 2 8 2 5 9 3 1 9 3 5 6 7 2 2 6 5 7 4 3 7 6 8 1 5 7 1 9 1 3 4 6 8 7 8 2 4 6 4 2 9 4 2 7 8 6 9 1 5 3 2 5 4 9 1 8 6 6 6 7 3 8 9 5 5 2 7 9 9 5 1 8 1 3 7 1 1 7 3 4 8 5 3 7 8 4 2 5 1 3 6 9 6 3 9 3 2 4 8 5 6 2 5 8 9 7 4 5 4 4 2 7 1 6 1 7 3 7 1 8 2 2 6 36 9 5 9 5 83 8 4 4 6 9 7 1 3 6 7 9 4 2 2 1 5 8 4 6 2 5 9 7 3 8 1

EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS

PADDOCKS For all your paddock & field maintenance, call Mark 01747 821271 or 07810 540725

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

2

50

Cryptic Crossword L E G H O R N X I A A H E A D O V E R M E E I A P P O I N T S T U E A S T R O N B L E D E N Y S A D L O R C O N V E R S A N E T K A G A T E W E

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

87

Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T

Forthcoming Dairy Sales Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Thursday 17th June at 10.45am with the Parlour The Mid-Summer Dairy Sale of

310 DAIRY CATTLE

* 33 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers from Clenchers, Hinton (x19), Moorshard, Peacehay & Swallowdale * 85 Incalf Heifers from Coombe Farming (Organic), Dayhouse, Lilylane, FR Madge & Son (Organic Crossbreds), & Steventon & Vanswood * 70 Bulling Heifers from Combwich, Greathill, Lilylane, FR Madge & Son (Organic Crossbreds), Monckhaven &amp; Swallowdale * 7 Heifer Calves from GJ Dalton Westfalia 14:28 Swingover Parlour (To be sold at 11.00am from * the Rostrum)

To include The Dispersal Sale of

115 HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS & HEIFERS Comp: 93 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf & 22 Incalf Heifers * QMMS HERD AV: 9,370 kgs, 4.13%BF, 3.23%P, SCC=198 * HERRINGBONE Parlour * CALVING: Apr-Jul (14); Aug-Oct (58); Dec-Mar (37) * SERVICES TO: AA, Ardor, BB, Hereford, Lancaster, Mission, etc.

For GM & AM Habershon (Removed from Moorhouse Farm, Chippenham, Wiltshire) ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Thursday 24th June at 10.00am The Dispersal Sale of the “Peevee” Herd being

400 PEDIGREE HOLSTEINS

Comp: 263 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 17 Incalf Heifers; 80 Maiden Heifers; 38 A Lot Heifers Calves & Pedigree Aberdeen Angus Bull * CIS HERD AV: 10,104KGS. 4.44%BF; 3.23%P; SCC=199 * HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed * CALVING: ALL Year Round * SERVICES TO: British Blue, Camilo, Flinch, Kingpin, Phantom, Razzy, Santos, Whirl Wind, etc.

For GA & H Vicary & Son (Removed from Hilders Farm, Edenbridge, Kent) JULY Thurs 8th

SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The GoldenOpportunity Collective Dairy Sale of Freshly Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Bulls. ** Further Entries Invited **

Standing Straw Auctions JUNE Mon 28th Tues 29th

SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The West of Taunton Area Straw Auction. ** Further Entries Invited ** SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The East of Taunton Area Straw Auction. ** Further Entries Invited **

For further details please contact Tom Mellor on 01278 410250

Sedgemoor Auction Centre North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 4975 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 5th June 2021 DAIRY CATTLE (56) Heifers to £2000. Others £1800. Cows to £1820. Others £1520. (839) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (571) Steers to £1550 (LIMX). Others £1515 (CHX) £1510 (LIMX) & £1420 (LIMX).

Heifers to £1315 (LIMX). Others £1265 (LIMX) £1245 (CHX) & £1200 (LIMX).

GRAZING COWS (9) to £1210 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (7) to £1420. STIRKS (268) Steers to £1000 (BRBX). Others £920 (BRBX) £880 (AA) & £860 (CHX).

Heifers to £1005 (LIMX). Others £980 (BRBX) £935 (LIMX) & £915 (LIMX).

88

CALVES (192) - Beef Bulls to £470 (3x HEX & BRBX). Others £432 (3x BRBX & CHX) £378 (BRBX) & £375 (2x SIMX & BRBX). Heifers to £495 (CHX).

Others £475 (BRBX) £360 (CHX) & £320 (3x BRBX). Black & Whites to £195 (4x). (1844) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (469) to £171. Others £138 & £125.

Overall Ave £105.49. CULL EWES & RAMS (943) Ewes to £191. Others £183 &amp; £171. Rams to £162. Others £158.50 & £157. Overall Ave £106.71.

GOATS (30) to £150. Overall Ave £108.63. COUPLES (75E & 95L) Doubles to £300 (£100/life). Singles to £245 (£122.50/life). Overall Ave £78.76/life.

BREEDING EWES (180) FRIDAY CATALOGUED SALE to £175 (2x). Overall Ave £160.03. BREEDING EWES SATURDAY (41) to £136. Overall average £121.96. ORPHAN LAMBS (11) to £66. Overall Ave £51.27. (202) PIGS – WEANERS (37) to £34. CULL SOWS & BOARS (31) to £158. Overall Ave £76. FORWARD STORES & STORES (128) to £158.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs

Returns for Monday 7th June 2021

PRIME CATTLE (76) Steers UTM av 194.2ppk to 227.0ppk & £1,540.11.

Others 218.5ppk, 214.5ppk (3x) & 209.5ppk. Others £1,538.15, £1,514.10 & £1,501.50. Heifers UTM av 197.5ppk to 229.5ppk and £1,481.92. Others 213.5ppk, 210.5ppk & 207.0ppk. Others £1,410.40, £1,393.80 & £1,355.31.

BARREN COWS (46) Continental av 167.5ppk to 193.5ppk and £1,460.93.

Others 185.5ppk. Others £1,298.50. Native Beef av 142.5ppk to 167.5ppk and £1,227.78. Others 163.5ppk. Others £1,181.93. Dairy av 120.5ppk to 147.5ppk and £1,084.13. Others 130.5ppk. Others £991.80. FINISHED SHEEP (1710) Hogg ave 226.56ppk to 235.0ppk and £122.00. Others 227.0ppk, 225.0ppk & 222.0ppk. Others £120.00, £117.00 & £115.00. Lamb ave 313.72ppk to 333.0ppk (2x) and £158.00 (3x). Others 331.0ppk, 329.0ppk & 328.0ppk.

Others £155.50, £155.00 & £153.50.

Forthcoming Special Sales For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre

Saturday 12th June

Monthly Catalogued Sale of

323

Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Sale commences at approx. 12.30pm in Ring 1 ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie ** Entries to date include: * 33 Bulls – 4 Aberdeen Angus, 2 British Blue, 6 Charolais, 9 Hereford, 1 Highland & 11 Limousin * 98 Continental Cows & Calves – 3 Pedigree Limousin & 1 Pedigree Charolais * 164 Native Cows & Calves – 6 Pedigree Angus Cows & Calves, 6 Pedigree Hereford Cows & 3 Pedigree Galloways * 27 Incalf Cows & Heifers – 1 Pedigree Charolais & 2 Pedigree Limousin * 1 Bulling Heifer – 1 Pedigree Angus JUNE Sat 12th........

Sat 19th........

Sat 26th........

Sat 26th........

Collective Catalogued Sale of 469 Purebred Poultry 12 Noon Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2 Dorset Down Sheep Breeders’ Association Annual Breed Sale of Registered Dorset Down Sheep (Breeding Females & Rams) from Registered Flocks within the Flock Book at 12.30pm Sat 26th........ Special Catalogued Sale of Haltered & Unhaltered Show Potential Cattle 11am Ring 3 Wed 30th...... Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle.

Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market of昀ce by 23rd June.

Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale commences 4.30pm JULY Sat 3rd.......... Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Thurs 8th...... Golden Opportunity Collective Dairy Sale of Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Dairy Bulls 11am Ring 1 Thurs 8th...... Annual Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Rams Ewes 10.30am/Rams 1pm

Farming

A time of opportunity for Dorset farmers Consumers are thinking differently about their food and government support for British food producers is being overhauled to focus on the environment. As a result, farmers are facing substantial change.

Speaking at the inaugural Cornish Mutual Next Generation group meeting, Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries Sourcing for M&S Food, gave insight into these changes and what the future may look like.

“Despite substantial change, the opportunity for British farmers has never been greater,” Steve explains.

“But to make the most of it, be prepared to do things differently, focusing on both the market and producing food ef昀ciently.

“Retailers are increasingly looking for points of difference to create consumer interest, so farmers who can tailor their farming practices to consumer demand are most likely to succeed.

Customer choice will be increasingly driven by transparency, with customers making informed choices based on

We’re in it together

the product’s sustainability in terms of animal welfare, packaging and the environment.

“Try not to be daunted by the growing interest in environmental issues. Instead remind consumers of the work you do already and actively seek further opportunities to make you stand out.”

The Next Generation group is open to Cornish Mutual Members, their families and farm workers aged 25-45

years old. It aims to develop industry skills and knowledge, as well as hone business skills, broaden minds, expand knowledge and build connections.

The group holds an exclusive programme of events hosted by Cornish Mutual alongside industry experts, such as Steve McLean. To 昀nd out more or to join the group email futurefarming@ cornishmutual.co.uk or visit http://bit. ly/CMNextGeneration.

Through our insurance products and services, we are here to protect you and your farming business against a range of risks.

For generations we’ve been putting farmers across the South West at the heart of what we do. To our Members, we’re the local specialists that understand the challenges you face and are here to help.

From your very first conversation with us, to the moment a claim is paid out, We’ll always do the right thing by you. But don’t just take our word for it – ask your neighbours about us.

Want to speak to us direct?

Call us on 01872 277151 or visit cornishmutual.co.uk

Farming Insurance Experts

89

Farming

Heat stress in cattle – and how to avoid it

By Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health Temperatures have been rising this week and on farm we are mindful of the negative impact this could have on cattle during the summer months. Heat stress can be life threatening in extreme circumstances but more commonly, it will have detrimental effects on productivity and performance in a herd.

An affected animal will be slow, depressed and stand with her head down. The cow’s respiratory rate will increase and rather counterproductively you tend to see cattle bunch together, over-crowding reduces cooling air flow and makes it worse.

When we analyse production

data, we see that feed intakes drop, and milk yields can reduce by as much as 20%. Heat stress will also have a detrimental impact on fertility and health, we see changes in cyclicity, increased embryonic loss and a rise in clinical mastitis.

Adult cows have a thermoneutral zone which varies from between -15-25⁰C,

and cows tend to maintain their body temperature without expending too much energy.

Heat stress occurs when an animal exceeds its temperature “comfort zone” and the temperature load is greater than the ability of the animal to lose heat. Environmental conditions may also have a detrimental effect on the cow by contributing to the reduction in heat exchange, particularly when air temperatures are high, air movements are Independent veterinary slow, and services for livestock in humidity is high.

Dorset, Somerset and In housed systems heat stress can be Wiltshire avoided by Collection points for livestock ensuring medicines and supplies at Sherborne, buildings are well Sturminster Newton, Blandford and ventilated Shaftesbury naturally, with Please call the office unrestricted air on 01258 472314 inlets and outlets.

Where this is not www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk enough,

mechanical ventilation systems should be considered. Buildings that work best can control ventilation to suit daily changes so cows can always avoid thermal extremes. Placing fans in areas where cattle are grouped and natural ventilation maybe restricted, such as, the collecting yard and parlour should be considered.

Where sky lights are used to increase day light levels, ambient temperature can also rise, so there should be fewer on south facing elevations to avoid this “greenhouse” effect.

During temperature rises a cow’s water intake requirement may increase by up to 20%, with lactating cows requiring more than 100 litres per day, it is therefore important that trough space and water flow rates allow for this increased demand. Feed should be available at night when it is cooler and diets with too high a fibre content and lower digestibility avoided since rumen fermentation heat will rise.

Ideally shade should be provided when grazing outside, with 5m² required per cow and time spend in unshaded yards should be reduced. Reducing walking distances can help.

Sprinkler systems, work well to cool cows, when used in well ventilated areas to reduce humidity build up.

WESSEX METALS STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING 90

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

Farming

MACHINERY AUCTIONS ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTIONS: Friday 11th June at 5.30pm

Hook Valley Farm, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8BQ

JDG Structural Steel Ltd Steel frame buildings for agricultural, industrial and equestrian enterprises Pre-cast concrete wallings panels supplied and erected Roller shutter doors supplied and fitted All steel frames are designed, fabricated & erected to conform to current CE markings

Tel: 01747 811711 Mob: 07860 570258 Email: johnguttridge@aol.com Email: Info@jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk. www.jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk

Y E IR N A IE D YG H Teat Dips and Sprays

Genuine Dispersal of Tractor, Grassland & Livestock Equipment, Miscellaneous & Bygones

Machinery including: Massey Ferguson 135 with Loader, Vintage Seed Drill, Vintage McConnel Hedgetrimmer, 16’ Parmiter Chain Harrows, Twose 8’ Ballast Roller, ETC Mil 8t Tipping Trailer, Albu琀 Dung Grab, 6’6 Loader Bucket, Alo 150 Shear Grab, Lagoon S琀rrer, Ca琀le Crush, Logs, Household Bygones, Garden Machinery, Workshop Power Tools and Various Hand Tools, etc.

On behalf of Hook Valley Partners (change in farming policy)

Saturday 19th June 2021 at 10.30am

Green Farm, Margaret Marsh, Sha昀esbury, Dorset SP7 0AZ

Machinery including: Claas Scorpion 7030 Varipower (10), Merlo 28.6 Turbo Farmer (98), Ford 7610 II 4wd (87), Deutz Fahr 4.50 4wd (87), Conor 900 Rotor Spreader, Storth Lagoon S琀rrer, Protech P180 Post Driver, 4t Tipping Trailer, 20’ Bale Trailer, Teagle Tomohawk 4000 Round Bale Chopper, Vicon 1153 Wagtail Fer琀liser Spreader, John Shepherd 18’ Feed Trailer, John Shepherd 15’ 2 in 1 Feeder, Alo Q175 Shear Grab, Albu琀 B190 Dung Grab, 7’ Telehandler Bucket, Doughty 7’ Telehandler Bucket, 2 x Home Made Adaptor Plates, (all Pin & Cone Brackets), 8’ Ballast Roller, IAE Saracen Yoke, Bull Head Yoke, Various Gates, IBC’s, Round Feeders, IAE Yearling Crush, IAE Calf Dehorning Crate, Wydale Creep Feeder, Hay Racks with Troughs, Feed Troughs, 3t Simms Bulk Bin, Meccalte PTO Generator (only 3 recorded hours), Electric Fencing Wire, Stakes, etc.

On behalf of Messrs D Kendall (ceasing farming) & Messrs P Stokes (change in farming policy)

Tuesday 29th June South Dorset

Merlo 32.6 Plus Telehandler (66), 2 x Fendt 313 with loaders (16 & 13), John Deere 6130M with loader (16), 6220 SE (04), Massey Ferguson 250, 230 & 135 Tractors, JPM 14t Dump Trailer (16), John Deere 1365 Mower Condi琀oner (10), McConnel 3m Shakerator (15), 2 x AS Marston 10t Silage Trailers, Marston 15’6” Bale Trailer, Kuhn HR3002 Power Harrow, Vicon CM2400 Disc Mower, Storth SM200 Lagoon S琀rrer (13), Enduramaxx 26 Teat Milk Feeder, etc.

ONLINE MACHINERY AUCTIONS: Ground dry sanitising powder Circulation Cleaning Powder Caustic-based detergents

Ear

tags

We're based in Pulham, Dorset

Everything your herd needs

01258 818239 www.quillproductions.co.uk

Online Timed Genuine Dispersal of the En琀re Collec琀on of Modern, Classic & Vintage Cars, Motorcycles, Land Rovers, Tractors and Lorries including a large quan琀ty of Spares, Parts, Tools and Miscellanea

Viewing Days: Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 11.00am – 3.00pm.

Highlights: 38 Cars (Land Rovers, Jaguars, Fords, VW, Lexus, Mercedes, Toyota, Mitsubishi, etc.), 7 Motorcycles (Yamaha and Honda), 3 Tractors (inc. Case Maxxum 140 with Loader), 2 Lorries (Bedford 3ton 4wd and GMC 6wd), Kawasaki ATV, etc.

Bidding closes Tuesday 15th June from 7.00pm. On behalf of the Late Kelvin Pike.

2021 STANDING STRAW AUCTIONS

Annual sale of 1,500ac. at Rousdon, Lyme Regis - Wednesday 30th June Annual sale of 7,000ac. at Durweston, Blandford - Friday 2nd July Annual sale of 1,500ac. at Wynford Eagle, Dorchester - Friday 9th July

Contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

symondsandsampson.co.uk 91

Property National Country & Equestrian Property Specialists S

ld So TC

Great Shoddesden, Wiltshire A superb, generously proportioned contemporary oak framed country home set amongst 昀ower meadows and woodland.

2.9 Acres

£1,350,000

Woolland, Dorset An equestrian smallholding with four bedroom home in Peaceful Rural Location with Far Reaching Views £825,000

3.5 Acres

£890,000

Dinton, Wiltshire Delightful detached four bedroom characterful home situated in a large plot in a highly desired Nadder Valley location.

Garden

£750,000

S

ST old C

3.75 Acres

Buckhorn Weston, Dorset A delightful character four bedroom house set in a peaceful location with superb equestrian facilities.

Wyke, Dorset Rarely available opportunity to acquire two stone barn holiday cottage conversions situated on the fringes of Gillingham.

Garden

£400,000

Farley, Wiltshire Stunning block of pasture and woodland with delightful stream and a barn For sale by Informal Tender 12noon on 16th June 8.68 Acres

£150,000+

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

92

FARMS, LAND & SMALLHOLDINGS

EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS

TOURISM & LEISURE

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

Okeford Fitzpaine

Guide £1,200,000 A highly desirable country house standing within its own beau fully landscaped gardens and grounds of approximately 2.02 acres. EPC=D.

Sparkford

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sherborne

Guide £550,000 A beau ful Grade II Listed 3 bedroom house situated within easy walking distance of the town with a fabulous south facing garden.

EPC=Exempt.

Henstridge

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

Hazelbury Bryan

Guide £675,000 A substan al and impressive 4 bedroom detached house on a no through lane in a deligh ully peaceful loca on with west facing garden. EPC=C.

Spe sbury

Sturminster 01258 473766

Blandford 01258 452670

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

Guide £720,000 A characterful Grade II Listed 5 bedroom farmhouse with lovely gardens and a paddock extending to 0.78 acres, situated down a no through lane. EPC=Exempt.

Guide £375,000 A detached 4 bedroom stone house with well laid out accommoda on, enclosed rear garden, garage and parking close to the middle of the village. EPC=E.

Guide £335,000 A charming detached bungalow with 2 double bedrooms, lo room, garage and parking, abu ng farmland located in a popular village. EPC=B.

93

Property lodestoneproperty.co.uk lodestoneproperty.co.uk

Making H es Ha en in Dorset We may stay true to traditional values when it comes to high quality personal service, but our unique modern sales and marketing methods put us on the map with buyers looking to purchase in the area.

With a dedicated sales progressor, local specialist viewing team and an online global reach of over 100,000 a month, our team is well-placed to help make your next home happen.

Call Simon or Ali in our Dorset Office for a free market appraisal.

FOR SALE

Fillybrook

Flintstones

The Old Rectory

Detached period house in the sought-after village of Quarr

Contemporary house with rural views located in Winterborne Whitechurch

Spacious period property located in Glanvilles Wootton

FOR SALE

SOLD STC

FOR SALE

Newleaze Lodge

6 Lyons Walk

Pound Cottage

Quintessential cottage in the rural village of Mappowder

Grade II listed townhouse in the centre of Shaftesbury

Tastefully finished country cottage near Sherborne

bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01749 605099

94

FOR SALE

SOLD STC

shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01747 442577

wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01749 605088

Property NICE TENANTS READ THE NBV!

Memb No: A101 REMOV ALS & STORAGE

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a European service for full and part loads.

ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY: CALL 01963 400186

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

European Removal

Standard House Moves

Country House Moves

WORKSHOP TO LET, mid Dorset. 07973142254 SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm, near Yeovil.

01935 891817

Containerised Storage

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 www.armishaws.com

RENTAL PROPERTY WANTED. Mature professional lady (with elderly dog) London own property sold requires cottage/house for up to a year while looking to buy in the south west.

Older character property with garden preferred Excellent references 07592 882680

YARD PLUS BUILDING TO RENT 5 miles radius Shaftesbury suitable for stone processing. Up to £20k. Please call 07879 690722 I'm LOOKING FOR A ROOM IN GILLINGHAM DORSET. I'm a single professional mature lady who lives quietly and am respectful of others. I've had both jabs for covid. Please call me on 07563 893570 GROUND FLOOR TWO BED HOLIDAY FLAT. WEST BAY, telephone 01963 23456

TRADITIONAL BUILDING SPECIALISING IN STRUCTURAL WORKS AND FINE FINISHING

• Lime Works • Masonry and Cob

CONSERVATION AND REPAIR OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

• Plastering and Brickworks • Façade Cleaning and Paint Removal - Thermatech • Oak Framing • Roo昀ng including Thatching and Stone Roof Tiling • Sash Refurbishment and Joinery Workshop • Stone and Wood Flooring • Decorating and Interior Finishing • Kitchen, Bathroom and Bespoke Fittings

Tel: 01747 832386 enquiry@stswithun.com www.stswithun.com