The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Edition 17

Friday, May 14, 2021

w e n he

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Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

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MAKING A STAND Opposition grows to giant solar power farm set to be built in Hardy’s Vale n FULL STORY: SEE PAGES 20-21

SOLAR SCHEME: Terence Scott of Boywood Farm at the site of the planned solar power farm

Picture: LEN COPLAND

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

35-38 62-68 44-45 80-85 74-75 42-43 96 97-103 95-96 31-33 58-61 44-50 30 39-41 51-57 n Museums ready to re-open after 14 months of closure: P6-8 n Poet Luke Wright touring pubs with murderous ballads: P62-68 n Beetlemania making a comeback: P95 75-79 72-73 Property 104-111 Recruitment 86-89 70-71, 96 Sport 90-94 69 Puzzles

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

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

Ex-mayor faces up to online criticism

By Steve keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A former Shaftesbury Mayor has been criticised for refusing to show his face at online meetings of the Town Council.

Piers Brown, 26, has declined requests from fellow councillors Jeanne Loader and Karen Tippins, saying that he was within rights not to do so.

In one recent meeting, he was also challenged by former councillor Richard Thomas asking why he could be heard but not seen. “Is it not courteous to onlookers to do that (show face)?” he asked.

When Cllr Brown demurred, Mr Thomas described his actions as “poor and immature”.

Cllr Brown was the youngest Mayor of Shaftesbury in his 2018-19 term of office. He is on three council committees,

HEARD BUT NOT SEEN: Former Shaftesbury mayor Piers Brown

including being chair of the General Management Committee.

He is also a member of Dorset Council for Cranborne Chase.

In committees and full town council meetings, Cllr Brown deflects criticism of his stance, saying that he is within the letter and spirit of the law.

The law he refers to is a government regulation introduced in March 2020 which allowed local

authorities to hold meetings online.

The relevant sections say that councillors should be heard “and where practicable, be seen by (other councillors) and any other members of the public during the meeting”.

Despite requests for a comment, Cllr Brown has declined to explain whether he has issues with broadband or supply any other explanation as to why it is not practicable for him to be seen.

Shaftesbury Town Council is continuing to hold meetings online until June 21, when all restrictions of meetings are scheduled to be lifted. n The chair of Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Edwyn-Jones, has been elected as a town councillor. An independent, she fills a vacant seat in the town’s West Ward.

Repair café opens The Marnhull Hub, Repair & Recycle Café is reopening on Saturday, May 22 from 10am-12pm at the village hall in Burton Street.

Go along for coffee, tea and cakes and bring clocks or wooden items for repair.

They will also soon be repairing bikes and PCs. Organiser Sioban Boyce said: “We already have volunteers who can repair furniture, upholstery, clocks, bicycles, miscellaneous mechanical items and soft or wooden toys but unfortunately not mainspowered electrical items. If anyone would like to volunteer their services to help out in that respect, we’d be delighted to hear from them!”

Search for Marnhull Hub and Repair Café on Facebook or go to marnhullhub.org.uk.

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Gillingham Car Link restarts Gillingham Car Link will resume in June. Initially, volunteers will only be able to take clients to medical, dental or optical appointments. Drivers have had both jabs and there will be full PPE protection. To book a journey call 07599 311443. Volunteers are needed to offer journeys to hairdressers, shops and social events.

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Family Law Advice

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very personal and so we are offering virtual appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

School welcomes laptop donation Asda Gillingham Community Champion Emma Sleeth arranged a surprise delivery of ten laptops to Gillingham Primary School as part of the supermarket’s initiative to provide over 7,000 laptops to schools to help tackle digital exclusion.

The Asda Store on Station Road welcomed the laptops, each of which comes with a tech bundle to support ongoing home learning activities.

Asda launched this initiative to support schools struggling with

digital exclusion. According to Ofcom, around 9% of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home.

Each laptop comes with a headset and a mobile internet dongle with a data allowance of 20gb from Asda’s network partner Vodafone.

Emma said: “I’ve a really close relationship with Gillingham Primary School and I know what a massive difference this is going to make.”

Home managers’ safety fears for site

By Nicci Brown The inability of Dorset planners to refuse an application for redevelopment of the Euromaster site in Shaftesbury on access grounds has distressed managers of its near neighbour, the Abbeyfield Home.

The highway authority’s insistence that the proposal was compliant with policy requirements and would not result in severe highway aspects meant that the Northern Planning Committee could not offer inadequacy of the access as a reason for refusal.

Officers had recommended approval, subject to a legal agreement requiring a total of £125,206.70 towards the provision of offsite play facilities, outdoor space and education, saying that safe access would be made to serve the development in a sustainable location, and that it would 4

enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would not cause significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity.

The committee disagreed on the impact on the conservation area, but despite a high number of objections citing the inadequacy of the proposed vehicular access onto the privately owned Kings Hill opposite the care home was unable to contradict highway planner Steve Savage who said that development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds if impacts were severe.

They were warned that they needed to make decisions that were defendable at appeal.

Barbara Yoxall, chairwoman of Abbeyfield Blackmore Vale Society, the charity managing the Abbeyfield home, said: “We were, of course, very relieved to hear of Dorset Council Northern Planning Committee’s decision

to reject the revised planning application for 18 family homes on the site directly opposite our Abbeyfield House.

“However, the reason given – because of the look of the development, rather than the safety and welfare of our elderly and vulnerable residents – is very disappointing for us and leaves us still with an uncertain future regarding what will eventually be built a few feet opposite our building.

“Our biggest concern has always been the proposed access for the site. Anyone who knows Kings Hill knows that it is an extremely narrow and short access leading to a cul-de-sac. It is the only vehicular access to our building and car park and where emergency and delivery vehicles need to stop.”

She said a report suggesting that the proposal could generate nine to ten vehicle movements during peak hour period seemed a gross

under-estimate of the traffic to and from 18 dwellings.

“It also ignores those who will be walking, some of whom could be disabled. Crossing Bleke Street is an undertaking even those of us with good ears, eyesight and mobility find daunting.

“We have been living opposite a overgrown wasteland (currently being used as a parking lot and dumping ground) for several years now.

“We can only hope that the developer and the council will take our concerns seriously when looking at any future development.

“How refreshing it would be if those who make these plans and decisions would come and talk to us, who are the most affected and who have provided a service, run by volunteers, to Shaftesbury and its surrounding community for the past 45 years.”

Joan and Jackie’s new store ‘fills void’

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The closure in December of the much-loved charity shop Brainwave in Stalbridge left such ‘a void’ in the town for so many people that two former volunteers have put their heart and souls into opening a community shop in its place.

Joan Theodore was inspired to open the Stalbridge Community Shop not only to give the town an outlet to recycle household goods and clothes to raise money for super-local good causes, but to give the town a focal spot and meeting place.

Joined by Jackie Pitman, the pair have been working so hard over the last few months to secure the shop and ready it in time for their planned opening on Saturday, June 26.

Jackie said: “After

people and put the world to rights. It was a friendly community.

“The aim is not only to support an outlet for goods to be recycled, but a focal spot in the town in which the community will feel comfortable to visit, browse and meet with others. A place where those, especially ones who cannot drive, WORKING HARD: Joan and Jackie at their could volunteer Stalbridge Community Shop their time for the benefit of the Brainwave closed, there was community and to meet likea void left in the town, not minded people, at the same only for all the people who used to come into Brainwave time generating funds for various organisations in regularly for new stock, but Stalbridge. also for the volunteers. The “The shop will keep waste shop was a place where out of landfills and at the people would bump into old same time put profits back friends and like-minded

into the community.”

Brainwave formed part of the fabric of Stalbridge for almost 20 years and Joan and Jackie are hoping to emulate its popularity. However, there is still much work to do before the shop can be opened and Jackie is appealing for volunteers to lend a hand, particularly with shelving.

She said: “The planned opening is Saturday, June 26 and there is still quite a bit of work needed to be done to be able to get the shop ready for the date. We would be so delighted if anyone who may be able to help, to come forward and lend a hand, particularly DIYers and volunteers to help in the shop.” n If anyone is able to help Stalbridge Community Shop open in time for June 26, please ring Jackie on 01963 364068

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It’s been a long 14 months, but here’s Christmas Raffle online which provided much needed funds.

Lime Tree House is owned by the Museum so there are no other overheads to pay. It has been nail-biting but ultimately not disastrous! nOPENS MAY 17: The museum and tea rooms are open on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am4pm.

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Museums across the Blackmore Vale are getting ready to re-open doors from Monday for the first time since coronavirus effectively shut them down 14 months ago.

It’s been a testing time for museums which primarily depend on visitors for income – but it’s also been a period to reflect, evaluate and plan for the future.

Gillingham and Sherborne museums have both worked on new websites and created town trails available to download, while several museums have worked hard to make archives more accessible for public use.

Necessity has also encouraged invention.

Shaftesbury Abbey has completely redeveloped its museum look and layout, while the return in lockdown to regular milling at Sturminster Newton Mill has encouraged plans to sell flour to visitors on milling weekends.

Meanwhile, new projects are underway at Blandford Town Museum and fresh exhibitions opening at the town’s Fashion Museum and at Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury.

Not all will re-open on May 17, for differing reasons.

Ian Kellett, Honorary Secretary of The Shaftesbury and District Historical Society at Gold Hill Museum, says new video screens and a touchscreen till will require training.

“We are an all-volunteer organisation and rely on so many willing parts contributing to the whole that we are not rushing to reopen,” he said.

And Zilla Brown, secretary of Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, gave another 6

Gillingham Museum

SENSE OF HISTORY: Shaftesbury Abbey and Museum and, above, Blandford Fashion Museum’s Betty dress

practical reason for delaying until May 29.

“The vast majority of our volunteers will have had their second jab and will be safer.”

But all being well, all will be open over the summer and will welcome your support – a good time to rediscover your local heritage and get involved with projects and volunteering!

Blandford Fashion Museum

It is the museum’s 25th anniversary this month and is celebrating the founder of the current collection, Betty Penny MBE, with a special display prepared and mounted by our curator and

her costume team, writes Carole Fornachon.

The dress worn by Betty at all of her “Cavalcade of Costumes” catwalk performances will be on show together with a reproduction of the 1996 Tea Room!

We have been fortunate in receiving grants from the Government and managed to cope with the loss of revenue and footfall. So far our volunteers are all keen to return and we have gathered even more in the interim.

Essential renovation work has been carried out which has been beneficial and other grant applications made in the quiet of closure.

We were able to hold our

The museum has used its time in lockdown to redesign and relaunch the website writes David Lloyd, chairman of Gillingham Local History Society.

A history of Gillingham soldiers in the First World War has been added to the site (any extra information or photos of the soldiers is welcome), while you can obtain walking guides to the Museum and a Town Trail, together with information packs on buildings around the town – all downloadable as PDFs. Sign up for news and events at gillingham museum.co.uk. n OPENS MAY 17: Hours of opening are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10am to 12.30pm.

Shaftesbury Abbey

The Abbey welcomes back visitors to its completely redeveloped museum and gardens with free entry for everyone this summer, writes chairman Pete Ryley.

The museum takes you on a journey through time, with spectacular evidence found during 2019’s archaeological excavations bringing to life the people of the Abbey – from powerful abbesses to the gentlest of nuns, in new displays and information panels describing: n The Abbey’s founding by Alfred the Great in AD888;

when your museums are reopening n Its national importance as a site of pilgrimage and royal visits for prayer at the tomb of (Saxon) St. Edward, King and Martyr, n Its destruction in a few years after Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.

The gardens retain their air of peace and calm; a place to breathe and revive the spirit while investigating new displays of medieval herbs and plants … and Dorset ice-cream! nOPENS MAY 17: The Abbey grounds and Museum are open daily, from 10am – 4pm. More info: shaftesburyabbey.org.uk.

Blandford Town Museum

Two exciting new projects are underway at the museum. A Young Archaeologist Club has been launched with the help of Darcy Bragg, a

eum.org.uk or go to blandfordtown museum.org.uk. nOPENS MAY 18: Open daily 10am – 4pm (Sunday: 11am-3pm). Closed Wednesdays.

Sturminster Newton Museum IN THE PIPELINE: This seven-bowl pipe is at Sherborne Museum and, right, Mr Toad’s abandoned caravan at Gold Hill Museum at Shaftesbury

student at The Blandford School who has become a Museum Youth advisor.

Want to be involved?

Look for more information on the website.

Memories Captured is one of 20 projects in the Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme.

This one records individual stories of how the land was managed, how wildlife patterns have changed and the craftsmanship and skills used such as charcoal

making, coppicing and hurdle making.

Museum director Sylvia Hixson-Andrews, who is overseeing the project, said: “So much of our past is contained in the memories of the people who lived it, and we have the technology to capture those memories and make the past real for future generations.”

To take part in these projects or volunteer, call 01258 450388, email contact@blandfordtownmus

The lockdown gave us an opportunity to reassess what the museum offers. The hours have been extended and a new research facility is being established.

An extensive photographic archive, census records and other local records will be available for research.

Current exhibitions celebrate the Town’s literary heritage.

Thomas Hardy, Robert Young and William Barnes are all featured along with some relevant artefacts on loan from Dorchester Museum.

There is a tribute exhibition for Sturminster’s renowned n CONT ON PAGE 8

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Town Crier, it explores the history of the role and features explanation of his hand made costume.

Stur is famous for the Hinton St Mary mosaic, The British Museum hopes to do a thorough excavation of the site this year. A museum exhibition relates to the Romano British villa sites in the area and will potentially be an active link with the dig. nOPENS May 29: Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10.12.30.

More info: sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk or call 01258 473178 Sturminster Newton Mill and Museum

The lockdown was a period of intense activity at the Mill.

Behind closed doors, millers were producing flour for local business and dealing with visits from national and international media.

The Mill opens again with all the traditional machinery working. Regular milling weekends will produce flour but this time for visitors to buy.

Visitors can follow a covid-19 safe route and see the centuries old, unchanged process of flour production as well as learn about the other mill!

The building once included a Fulling Mill which produced ‘swanskin fabric’ and was part of the historic Newfoundland/ Dorset link, intriguing!

The Mill is situated in a unique, tranquil environment offering local history, beautiful scenery and nature all at its best. The location is the ideal location to just relax with a tea, coffee or ice cream all available at the Mill. n OPENS MAY 29: Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday from 11am-5pm.

More info at: sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk/mill/or call 01258 473178 8

NO TROUBLE AT MILL: Sturminster Newton Mill and Museum is set to open on May 29 Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury

Mr Toad’s Abandoned Caravan, one of the entries for the Lockdown on-line Amazing Spaces Challenge, will be on show on re-opening, courtesy of creator Elizabeth Hazelwood, together with magnificent Doll’s Houses built by the late Tryphena Orchard.

They form part of a new temporary exhibition on the theme of Childhood.

Held over from last year is a display of memorabilia from the advertising agency responsible for the classic Hovis ad, which will be running on one of several brand-new digital screens acquired with the assistance of a Dorset Museums Association small grant.

The DMA has also helped to fund improved storage and conservation of our archives which will be made more accessible to the community as a result of months of cataloguing by an expanded team of volunteers.

And do take a look at our new promotional video which we had filmed professionally in February – it’s on the home page of our website: goldhillmuseum.org.uk n OPENS MAY 31: Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm until October 31.

Sherborne Museum

The museum is a vibrant community hub, run entirely by volunteers, writes curator Elisabeth Bletsoe. Since its opening in 1968, its mission has been to tell the history of the town and its surrounding villages in a variety of

inspirational ways. While we have been closed, we have taken the opportunity to really focus on our wonderful collections in terms of their care, and also researching the incredible stories that can be drawn out of them.

We’ve been working on a new website and Flickr platform so that these stories can be more accessible to the wider public.

Our Duke of Edinburgh Award student is busy preparing a downloadable town trail for varying levels of ability.

During this time, new volunteers have been coming forward, keen to find something different to do when lockdown is lifted. Due to the quirky nature of our building, we are delaying opening – but we think we’re worth waiting for and admission will still be free! nOPENS JULY/AUGUST: More details at sherbornemuseum.co.uk

Blandford Fashion Museum

Are pleased to announce our Re-Opening on Monday 17th May at 10am, and from then on we will open our doors every Monday, Thursday and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

As before, we will be complying with COVID secure measures and hope to see you there.

The Costume Museum, Tea Shop and Shop will all be open.

If there are any Government announcements which might alter this intention beyond our control please check on our website or Facebook page.

Find us at: Lime Tree House, The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7AA

01258453006

Charity Number (Cavalcade of Costume Ltd): 1052471 Entry Charges: Adults – £5.50, Seniors (60+) – £4.50, Students (16+) – £3, Children under 16 – Free, Friends of the Museum – Free Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by a fee paying adult.

If there are any of you out there who would like to join us volunteers, especially in the Tea Room, please get in touch as above or ring

07752 145812

Remembrance garden being restored

By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Sarah Goodman from Templecombe has been ‘rallying the troops’ to bring a Remembrance Garden at Elroi Manor in Wincanton, neglected during the pandemic, back to a blaze of glory.

Sarah and her former landscape gardener business partner, the late John Redward, built the Remembrance Garden in 2016 as a ‘thank you’ for the exceptional care Sarah’s father Robin Goodman was receiving RALLYING THE TROOPS: The team at Elroi Manor Gardens and, below, how the gardens at the dementia care home. looked before Sarah and her team started work Sarah also wanted to give the Focus Roofing & Property Ltd, gesture of kindness. important things going on in families of loved ones at Elroi Wincanton and many other “The garden will once again the world.

Manor the opportunity to plant “One of the things that upset people have made ‘promises’ to become somewhere beautiful a rosebush in the tranquil support the vision. and peaceful for the residents me the most was the two surroundings of the West Hill and families or, just as wooden benches and planters I Sarah added: “The Explorers garden, to give loved ones the have very kindly offered to reimportant, families of past had donated, had been stolen. perfect place to spend time visit once a month just to check residents to come, sit, reflect “I was absolutely heartbroken alone with their thoughts. on progress and ‘do a spot of and enjoy the beauty and scent by the look of the garden so, Sarah said: “Elroi Manor is in a decided to ‘rally the troops’ in weeding’ which is an amazing of the roses.” beautiful setting of fields and the shape of Templecombe’s very little else apart from Explorers, the oldest section of birdsong and the odd sheep or the Cubs and Scouts, where pig!” both of my sons had been both The Remembrance Garden Cubs and Scouts.” became a labour of love for In a wonderful act of kindness, Sarah and after much hard the Explorers, the stalwart of work from a merry band of Templecombe Scouts Geoff volunteers and a flurry of Crab and the owner of Elroi donations from companies Manor Bis Oozageer are now including Bradfords, CRS, putting in place a plan to bring Stalbridge Building Supplies, the Remembrance Garden David Austen Roses and back to its former beauty.

Andrew Hopkin amounting to Sarah said: “With much effort some £15,000, the stunning and sterling work along with tranquil space was officially their leaders Geoff Crabb and opened on December 12, 2016. Jason Coles, the Explorers will Sadly John died in November revitalise the garden by some 2018 and Sarah ceased their ‘heavy duty’ weeding, putting gardening business. down permeable membrane, Sarah visited Elroi Manor a covering with chipping, refew weeks ago and said: “Due pointing the paving and to covid, the garden has painting the surrounding fence remained sadly neglected and what is left of the garden because, there were far more furniture – two chairs! Plus, they will install a new gate and plant some new rosebushes. This should bring it back to its former glory.”

The chipping for the garden is being very kindly donated by Alan Carey of 9

Weekly allotment group praised for boosting mental health

By Miranda Robertson A pensioner has praised a Blandford allotment scheme which boosts her wellbeing.

Margaret Fowler, 82, has been part of the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)’s allotment group for older people for nearly four years.

The group supports those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and dementia.

Supported by volunteers, the team runs a weekly allotment group to boost motivation, confidence and self-esteem.

Margaret said: “I suffer with high anxiety and the allotment sessions make me feel relaxed and able to focus while socialising in a peaceful setting.

“Every time I visit the allotment I learn something new and get a sense of achievement from planting seeds, seeing them grow and knowing the produce will benefit someone else.”

Occupational therapists Rachel

Skeats and Rachel Webster organise the group. Rachel Skeats said: “The allotment not only allows patients to get out in the fresh air and connect with nature but it gives them an opportunity of learning new skills and a sense of purpose. It also gives a feeling of achievement, as the produce grown is sold to Blandford Hospital staff and visitors.”

Rachel Webster said: “The allotment tasks meet individual needs to ensure every patient can get involved and have that full sensory experience. It also gives people a sense of belonging, a way to connect with others and feel part of the community.”

Dorset HealthCare is encouraging people to embrace nature during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10-16) to benefit their wellbeing.

During the week Dorset HealthCare will be sharing top tips, places to visit and suggestions of things to do.

Another initiative run by the

Patient Margaret with OT Rachel Webster

trust is the ‘Trust in Trees’ project. Last year cherry, apple, pear and plum trees were delivered to the Dorset HealthCare-run community hospitals including Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

Ali Lowe, matron at Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, said: “The value of a garden and being surrounded by nature is very

much underrated. For me, it gives you time to immerse yourself in your surroundings and forget about your worries.”

For more information on the mental health services and support provided by Dorset HealthCare, as well as ideas on how to embrace nature during Mental Health Awareness Week, visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ MHAW21

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Brothers’ £20k for MNDA A pair of brothers have raised nearly £20,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after their mum was struck by the disease.

Kit Swann, 25, and brother Archie, 23, were shaken when mum Charlotte, now 57, from Charminster, was diagnosed last summer.

She has since lost her speech.

Kit said: “Along with the emotional and physical toll that comes with MND, there are financial burdens involved. The equipment essential for supporting sufferers – including chair lifts, breathing apparatus, and wheelchairs — are extremely costly.

“This month, my family are raising money for MND to ensure that other families (many of whom will be less financially stable than ours) can receive the economic support they need and deserve.

AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT: Kit and Archie Swann with mum Charlotte

“On May 22, my younger brother and I will complete the Jurassic Coast Challenge — walking 100km from Purbeck to Bridport in 24 hours. So far we have raised £19,242 for Motor Neurones Disease Association, and we

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

are extremely close to our target of £20k!

“We would love your support. If you feel moved donate and help our cause, please go to justgiving.com/fundraising/a rchie-and-kit.”

A close shave At the start of the first lockdown in March last year, Karen Pollard from Buckhorn Weston decided to grow her thick, blonde hair in order to shave it off a year later to raise money for the cancer care unit in Poole Hospital.

True to her word, Karen’s husband Ivor took the clippers and a BIC razor to her locks – leaving Karen completely bald.

And while she has been a little bit chilly in what was one of the coldest Aprils on record, Karen Braved the Shave and raised £1,013 for cancer, in memory of her beloved eldest brother Tony and younger brother Kevin, who both died of brain tumours. She is also donating her thick, blonde hair to The Princess Trust.

Karen said: “I wanted to do something in memory of my brothers. It has been hard but especially for my mum Margaret, who is a brave lady.

She has lost three sons, two from brain tumours and I wanted to do something to raise money for the cancer unit in Dorset.”

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Piddle Path gets backing from Sheriff The High Sheriff of Dorset Michael Dooley visited Piddle Valley First School last week during a Bikeability event to show his support for The Piddle Path Improvement Plan – which aims to create a safe route to school.

Most Piddle Valley pupils come to school by car. The road is dangerously busy and most parents don’t feel it is safe for their children to cycle or walk to school.

Piddle Valley residents have come together to try and create a safe route to school along a muddy bridleway, dubbed The Piddle Path, that runs the length of the valley.

The aim is to make the bridleway passable throughout the year for all users.

Mr Dooley said: “The proposed Piddle Path would not only allow children to safely walk or cycle to

ON YOUR BIKES: Children at Piddle Valley First School and, right, High Sheriff Michael Dooley

school, it will also encourage them to connect with nature.

This is a wonderful example of creating harmony in the community and what we can do together.”

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Sheriff, dressed in the traditional 500-year-old costume complete with sword, caused great excitement among the school’s pupils. In an interactive session, Michael

challenged the children to spend time on the Piddle Path recording birdsong and photographing different birds – and promised to return in the summer with a prize for the best entry.

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Orchard chairman’s gratitude for support The chairman of a community orchard has thanked supporters who helped the project weather the covid crisis.

Jenny Whitelock steers Burton’s community orchard committee in Shillingstone.

She said: “I would like to thank the parish council for their donation and all the village residents who have become friends of the orchard and made it possible for it to remain open through these trying times. As it has not been possible for us to do any fundraising for the last 18 months and we were down to our last few pounds and we needed to pay the insurance to keep it open. Thank you for coming to our aid in a time of crisis and helping to make sure the orchard will be around for many years to come.”

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Community to benefit as new shop is opened As the sun shone on Sherborne, a little shop on Cheap Street was officially opened as The Pod by mayor Jon Andrews, to offer the church community and townsfolk some spiritual satisfaction.

The shop at 54 Cheap Street is owned by Cheap Street Church and has been lying empty as the coronavirus restrictions have been taking their toll. However, this moment of pause gave church members the chance to reflect on a long-term ambition – to put the premises to good use for the community.

A proposal was put forward by Lynn Heaton and the Pod project was born.

She said: “Our ambition is to work together with other churches and community members, creating more awareness of community support groups and linking people together, as well as giving people

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more access to the message of the Christian faith through displays, leaflets, books to borrow and free sticky church craft bags for children.”

Already the Pod project is doing good deeds in Sherborne and beyond. It is encouraging people to drop off unwanted and broken jewellery to be sold to raise funds for a new breast cancer care unit.

And their Knitting Appeal has meant many items have been given to The Women’s Refuge, the Special Care Baby Unit and the Dementia Ward at Dorchester Hospital.

And the Cheap Street Church is working with ACTS 435 to help people with financial needs.

At the official opening ceremony, mayor Jon Andrews cut the ribbon and gave his support to the project.

Methodist Circuit Superintendent, the Rev Paul Arnold, spoke to the

Campaign on disposable barbecues Litter Free Dorset has launched a new campaign asking shops to stop selling disposable barbecues in the wake of a huge forest fire in Wareham in May last year, which razed an area of more than 200 football pitches caused by two disposable barbecues.

In Dorset, there are some 400 outdoor grass related

fires on heathlands and forests every year. Fires on heathland destroy wildlife, are a risk to the surrounding community and contribute to climate change.

Conversations have been held with local shops and supermarket chains. Some have already taken it upon themselves to stop selling disposable barbecues.

Art competition for young people A competition and exhibition has been launched for young people in the Blackmore Vale to compete and freely publicly exhibit their works of art. It is open to all 11 to 18year-olds.

The Swans Yard Trust in Shaftesbury has joined forces with Cygnet Art Gallery to offer prizes and awards for 11-14-year-olds and 15-18year-olds.

The Cygnet Gallery is home to a complete range of work

including painting, glasswork, woodwork, calligraphy, pottery, photography, fabric design and sculpture and an experienced range of local artists will judge all entries.

Entrants can bring their material to the Cygnet Gallery between 10am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday by the end of June.

Winners will be announced at the Swans Yard at the re-open day celebrations on Saturday, July 10.

Practice ruling on jabs The Blandford Group Practice will not be undertaking any further first dose Covid vaccinations to patients aged 49 and under.

A notice on the surgery doors states: “If you have not yet had your first dose vaccine please do not contact the surgery. Providing vaccinations impacts on the practice’s capacity to do ‘the day job’. We have decided that now the time is right to re-focus on our core services.”

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HERE WE GO: The Pod is officially opened in Cheap Street, Sherborne

gathering crowd about the Pod project and its ambitions to reach out and help the community. Rev Arnold closed with a prayer, blessing the town, the project, the volunteers, and all who may benefit from it.

The Pod shop will be staffed by volunteers and open Tuesday – Saturday between 10am and noon and 1pm and 3pm.

For information on The Pod contact Penny Gardner or Cath Adam on 07496 755 549 or email shares@thepodsherborne.co.uk. nThe first window display at the Pod has been given to the Royal Voluntary Service Sherborne.

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Knitted critters brighten box

A special display has been installed in the phone box in Marnhull after the parish council bought the box from BT for the community.

Village volunteers are displaying knitted animals to promote the RVS Home Library Service’s ZOO Challenge 2021.

Maria Jacobson from the RVS said: “Our sincere thanks to everybody involved in knitting, decorating and organising this display, you are all incredible people! If you wish to help our Zoo

grow or would like to own one of our animals just get in touch.

“All our activities are linked with our much-loved Home Library Service, which is delivered by a special team of volunteers from Sturminster Newton Library – if you love to read but find yourself unable to get to the library we can organise a free, regular delivery of books or talking books to your home.”

Call 01305 236666, email maria.jacobson@royalvolunta ryservice.org.uk.

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By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The first pupils to return to St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury are planned to arrive next January.

Dorset Council has confirmed that, following public consultation, the school it bought for £10m will be used for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

A separate company will be created to run St Mary’s, and teaching recruitment will take place over the summer with the school opening in September.

There will be room for 280 pupils, the first 60 of which will attend as day pupils in January. Boarding pupils are planned to be welcomed in September 2022.

“We will start with a cohort of about 60 pupils and in the

FIRST PUPILS: St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury

Opening plans revealed at county £10m SEND school rolling academic years, we will increase those numbers,” said Cllr Andrew Parry, council cabinet member responsible for children and education.

A thumping 92% of respondents to a council survey supported the principle of a SEND school that can keep eligible children closer to their family

homes in Dorset. There are 3,000 SEND children in the county but school places are so rare that 250 are sent to schools outside Dorset.

While emotionally affecting the family, there is also a financial consideration: each child sent out of county costs the council £60,000 to support, compared with £22,000 for a child educated in Dorset.

The costings form part of a wider-ranging, £37m council plan for SEND children in Dorset, which includes wider provision in existing special schools and new hubs in mainstream schools.

The council is also pursuing the concept of a centre of

excellence, whereby education professionals share and learn best experience and practises at St Mary’s.

The next few months will be spent evaluating how best to adapt and utilise the buildings and 54 acres, with some thought for the school also being given over to camping and woodland wellbeing activities in future summer holidays.

It is unlikely, however, that the school’s swimming pool, tennis and all-weather courts will be available to the public in the first school year – although the principle is very much in consideration for the future.

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A community interest company supporting older people in meaningful, creative and fun, nature-based activities with other people is looking forward to hosting their outdoor Jolly Days and Step Outside groups again in Shaftesbury.

In Jolly Good Company has been providing home based activities from knitting and seed growing to letter-writing and

delivering jolly good dinners from The Friendly Food Club during the coronavirus restrictions.

But now the Jolly Crew are excited to host its outdoor group meetings again and will be starting a new gardening group in Blandford in June.

Director and founder Sarah Rampton said: “We started the Jolly Postal Service in March 2020 to reach out to very isolated

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MP’s animal cruelty Bill is made law

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder has changed the law to increase the maximum penalty for certain animal offences with his Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.

Mr Loder’s Bill was signed into law by Her Majesty The Queen and increases the maximum penalty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, from six months up to five years and will come into force in June.

Mr Loder said: “Those who are cruel to animals can now be sent to prison for five years. It has taken months, if not years, of hard work to realise this and I’m delighted that Her Majesty the Queen has signed my Bill into law.

We are renowned as a nation of animal lovers and I believe that Britain can now take the lead on global standards for animal welfare.”

The MP has steered the Bill, which he introduced to Parliament in February 2020 through the disruption to Parliamentary business caused

by Coronavirus. The Bill has been signed into law merely hours before the end of the Parliamentary Session when, if not having achieved Royal Assent, the Bill would have fallen.

The MP, who is a fourthgeneration farmer’s son and an advocate of high animal welfare, says his own dog, Poppy, a Springer Spaniel, is his inspiration for the Bill.

She was cruelly abandoned at the roadside in West Dorset in January 2019 but is now the Loder family’s much-loved farm dog. Poppy was in a very poorly condition when the MP found her on a stormy night and needed emergency veterinary care for long-term issues that the previous owner should have addressed.

n Voters in Wiltshire will have to go to the polls again to select a Police Crime & Commissioner after Tory winner Jonathan Seed was disbarred because of a drink driving conviction in 1993.

The former hunt master won the election by 41,929 votes. Other PCC candidates are calling for Wiltshire Police to mount an investigation into Mr Seed’s nomination and decision to stand.

Tax payers could have to pay up to £1.4 million for an election.

PROUD MOMENT: MP Chris Loder with his springer spaniel Poppy

n A specialist plant fair will be held at Yarlington House BA9 8DY, by kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis on Saturday, May 22 10am-4pm.

The 19th fair will benefit St Mary’s Church, Yarlington and Yarlington Village Hall.

Measures will be in place to keep people safe. The beautiful Italiante flower garden and walled kitchen garden are not normally open to the public.

Tea, coffee and cake will be served all day.

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By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A black plastic square tube hanging in a wood near Sherborne sent shivers down the spines of some viewers of the post on Facebook.

The tube was spotted by Graeme Ford in Holway Woods, on the road from Sherborne to Charlton Hawthorne.

He posted this photo on a Sherborne FB group saying: “I saw a few of these fixed to trees. I thought they were ‘boxes’ but they’re completely open at both ends. Does anyone know what or who they’re for?”

Alarm bells rang when one respondent replied: “They’re to monitor dormouse populations.

“We’ve seen them near us too – the worry is that they’re often used as the first part of the planning process to identify any protected species on site.”

There were some other wobbly responses to the idea

INTO THE WOODS: One of the DWT’s dormouse boxes in Holway Woods

If you go down to the woods today... you might see this that the Dorset Wildlife Trust may be in some way threatened with development.

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Alex Hennessy put minds at rest. “This is a dormouse box. They usually contain an insert which closes up one end and allows for nesting,

but this has been removed as we aren’t currently actively surveying this reserve’s dormouse population.”

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Nest box donation to help hedgehogs Hedgehog nest boxes have been donated to Angus Wood in St Leonard’s Avenue by the Blandford Hedgehog Group as part of the Dorset Mammal Group’s Hedgehog Friendly Town initiative, raising the plight of the creatures which are now listed as vulnerable to extinction.

The houses have been kindly made and donated by Julian Rideout, brother-in-law of joint Hedgehog Group co-ordinator Mary Barrett, and it is hoped that female hedgehogs will occupy them to raise a family.

Joint group co-ordinator Denise Montague said: “Angus Wood, run by the team of volunteers from the Blandford Environmental Trust, is a fantastic setting for much wildlife with trees, shrubs, piles of logs and organic matter which will

LIFESAVERS: Mary Barrett and Denise Montague of the Blandford Hedgehog Group present a hedgehog nest box to Blandford Environmental Trust chairman Jenny Thompson in Angus Wood

attract birds, insects and hedgehogs.

“We hope the presence of hedgehog nest boxes will help to enhance the environment.”

Hedgehogs have been found in recent years wandering during the daytime in St Leonard’s Avenue, and other parts of Blandford, and people finding them can

contact the Blandford Group (via their Facebook page), our local vets or one of the DMG Hedgehog Rescue Centres for help and advice.

The biggest problem seems to be dehydration and people are asked to provide one or two shallow sources of fresh water and holes under gates, fences, walls and any other boundaries so that hogs can

wander without having to cross many of our busy roads risking injury and death.

DMG are holding a Hedgehog Conference on Saturday, September 18 in the Dorford Centre, Dorchester.

Details can be found on the DMG website or by emailing hedgehogs@ dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk.

This month sees the launch of The Litter Free Dorset Challenge – a chance to get fit and clear the county of rubbish. Litter Free Dorset are asking people across Dorset to take part in a challenge to clean up the county. Residents have until Monday, May 17 to sign up to the challenge at dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/the-litter-free-dorset-challenge. Participants will be given a litter picker, Tshirt and weighing scales and will be expected to contribute litter data to Prevent Plastic Pollution’s citizen science project.

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Opposition grows to scheme for giant

By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A bid to build one of Britain’s biggest solar power stations on 190 acres, the size of more than 17 Wembley Stadiums, on productive farmland in the heart of the Blackmore Vale has sparked a massive campaign opposing the ‘destruction and visual blight’ of Hardy’s Vale.

North Dairy Farm Solar Limited (c/o British Solar Renewables) has applied to Dorset Council for planning permission to install groundmounted solar panels, a substation, inverter and transformer stations, security fencing, gates and CCTV along with vehicular access, internal access track, landscaping and ancillary infrastructure on 190 acres at North Dairy Farm in Pulham.

Swathes of cherished countryside, which the famed Victorian author Thomas Hardy referred to as the ‘Vale of the Little Dairies’, would be buried under thousands of solar panels – covering one mile long and almost a mile wide.

More than 80 per cent of the solar farm would fall in Mappowder parish.

Picture: LEN COPLAND

SOLAR STORM: The planned solar power station will occupy a site of 190 acres in the heart of the Blackmore Vale

The proposal for North Dairy Farm, which lies between the protected Conservation Areas of Mappowder, Hazelbury Bryan, and the village of Pulham, has been met with widespread opposition and

ignited a community response, co-ordinated by Mappowder Parish Council chairman David Horrell, who formed the campaign group ‘Save Hardy’s Vale’ complete with website savehardysvale.com and

Facebook page facebook. com/savehardysvale.

Already thousands of people in the Vale have joined the campaign to try to stop the scheme, which David says would ‘destroy parts of this famed and delicate

CPRE chief expresses concerns over development’s size Chairman of North Dorset CPRE Rupert Hardy told the New Blackmore Vale they accepted the need for solar energy, but the ‘industrial development of this size, which is over a mile long, is totally inappropriate’.

He said: “We favour small community-led solar farms that can be well-screened from surrounding viewpoints. This is neither.

“Our key concerns are first that the site is within the setting of the beautiful 20

FEARS: Rupert Hardy

northerly part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and will be visible

from several cherished viewpoints and much of the Wessex Ridgeway path.

“Secondly there are many footpaths and bridleways close to or within the site.

“This will impact on the amenity of the hundreds of local residents who live nearby, and visitors.

“Adverse impact on heritage assets is likely with the Hazelbury Bryan Conservation Area nearby, while the damage to cultural heritage is incalculable

given the significance of this part of the Blackmore Vale to Thomas Hardy’s writing.

“Other concerns include flooding, as the river Lydden flows close by, and access.

“There will be more than 22 HGV lorry movements per day for many months on a narrow track bordered by protected oak trees, and it is inevitable that damage will occur.

“There are ecological concerns too, with numerous protected species on site.”

solar farm to be built on Hardy’s Vale

MAKING A STAND: Terence Scott of Boywood Farm, North Dorset CPRE chairman Rupert Hardy and Mappowder Parish Council chairman David Horrell Picture: LEN COPLAND

landscape forever’.

With the public consultation period set to close on May 31, David is urging readers to write or email planning case officer Simon McFarlane at Dorset Council.

David said: “The application is to install ground-mounted solar panels, 9.5 kilometres of perimeter internal security fence and about 120, sixmetre-high camera posts, 33 inverter containers and an electricity substation.

“If approved, the solar farm would cause visual harm to the surrounding highly valued local landscape and to the setting of the nationally protected Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural 20 Beauty (AONB) and two Conservation Areas peppered with significant heritage

ENERGY FROM THE SUN: More than 80 per cent of the site would be in the parish of Mappowder

assets. The numerous uninterrupted panoramic views from public roads, footpaths and bridleways

which run through the site and along the escarpments above the vale would suffer significant visual harm.

The industrial-sized electricity generation plant would cause visual harm to the setting of the nationally protected AONB, the Conservation Areas of Mappowder and Hazelbury Bryan and many listed buildings.

“We should not be covering productive farmland or harming highly valued conservation areas and protected landscapes, especially in the astonishingly beautiful countryside of North Dorset, which a report commissioned by Dorset Council called ‘Dorset’s greatest economic asset’.

“A highly valued rural scene would be replaced by an incongruous industrial one. “While many objectors recognise the need for renewable energy, it should not come at the cost of desecrating Hardy’s Vale.”

David added: “We are very pleased that the Prime Minister announced on October 6, 2020 that offshore wind turbines will provide for the green energy needs of all homes in the country by 2030.

“Thankfully, we do not need to desecrate Hardy’s Vale to combat climate change when we will get all the green wind energy we need – and at much lower carbon cost than solar, which is vital if climate change is to be reversed. And of course, solar is only available during daylight.” n See the plans at dorset foryou.com, number P/FUL/2021/01018.

Email Simon McFarlane at planningteamd@dorsetcou ncil.gov.uk or write to him: Planning Team D, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ. 21

Art celebrates RBL centenary The vice chairman of the Sherborne & District Branch of the Royal British Legion has celebrated the organisation’s centenary (May 15) with a stunning piece of art.

Gail Felgate created the piece with more than 3,000 plastic bottle tops and displayed it on her garage in Oborne Road.

It incorporates the new logo and a giant poppy.

Gail had previously made a spring picture during lockdown to make people smile and ran a competition for locals to guess how many tops were used.

Many people now leave bottle tops on the gate, porch and path for her.

Sherborne RBL was started in June 1921 and was one of the first branches to be formed.

22

Litterpick scheme Two new litterpick stations have been installed, equipped with litterpickers and reusable bags for anyone to borrow and do their own #2minute clean up at countryside sites across South Somerset.

Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir have both recently had the litterpick stations installed, provided by CPRE Somerset.

The stations aim to encourage people to pick up a litterpicker and take care of the sites they visit.

Once you have completed your litter pick, you can return the equipment to the station and put the litter in a nearby bin and if you can, recycle any items.

Chris Lewis, chairman of CPRE Somerset, said: “We have all come to cherish our local countryside more than ever during the last year and it is upsetting to see litter polluting our favourite places. By providing these litterpick stations with kit for people to borrow, we hope to empower people so that anyone can do their own #2minute litterpick.”

Eateries unveil post-lockdown menus

Eateries around the Vale are gearing up to reopen on Monday for dining in, including a new offering – the Gamespod, a board game cafe in the Old Yarn Mills in Sherborne. Fantastic coffee and tasty snacks are on offer along with a huge selection of board games and play activities.

Other venues are looking forward to welcoming us all back.

Margot Dimmer from Thyme After Time in Thornhill Rd, Stalbridge, said: “We have waded through the covid glue of the last year, kept working with the most incredible support from our loyal customers who just wanted us to be there at the other end. We’ve survived and now we are biting back and raring to go, with a whole host of new ideas to drive us into the future! There is no stopping us now!”

Hayley Warren, manger of the restaurant at Orchard Park Garden Centre in Gillingham,

From left, afternoon tea at Thyme After Time, a superb looking dessert from Clubhouse 1896 and al fresco dining at Keynston Mill

said: “As you can imagine it has been an awfully difficult year, but we are so looking forward to getting back to it and welcoming back our loyal customers and new customers alike.

“We made the decision not to open for outdoor dining due to lack of space, but the business has spent the time wisely and there’s been lots going on behind the scenes. Our chefs have been busy and we have a fresh new menu ready to launch.”

Lee Bardsley runs Clubhouse WITCH REPORT: Residents Coralie Jackson and Shirley Thomson and companionship team member Debbie Easter re-enact Macbeth at Whitecliffe House

Much ado at care home for Bard’s birthday celebration Drama-loving care home residents held celebrations fit for a bard as they marked Shakespeare’s birthday with performances of plays, sonnets and poems.

At Whitecliffe House in Blandford, residents and staff acted out scenes from Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Resident Sybil Fish, who played

Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, said: “Doing these performances has been most enjoyable and made us use our grey matter to remember lines.

When I was in school plays I always had to play the man.”

Ruth Horrocks made her ‘stage debut’ at the age of 88. After playing the part of Juliet, she said: “I feel quite proud of myself.”

1896 at The Ashley Wood Golf Club’s Clubhouse1896.

He said: “We are going down a different route when we reopen – a British / American theme of breakfasts and low and slow smoked meats, barbecue, burgers and desserts.”

Victoria Lombard of Keynston Mill said: “We have struggled through covid. However we have invested in a fantastic new awning and have made our bistro garden into a lovely place to enjoy al fresco dining. Chef Gary

has put together some tasty seasonal recipes and we will be offering lunch inside from May 17, along with workshops, outdoor cinema, private BBQs and cocktail evenings.

Gemma & Monty from the Crown Inn at Marnhull are reopening with an all-new summer menus and a range of specials. During lockdown they’ve fully redecorated the pub, as well as much of their guest accommodation. They’ve also upgraded the outside areas.

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Improvement works are welcomed Ongoing works at the Nationwide Building Society at 5 Market Place, Blandford, have been welcomed by town councillors who at their April planning meeting unanimously supported a planning application for extensive repairs to the roof, masonry, window frames and sills and the fascia and timber boards, saying it would result in enormous improvement to the listed town centre building.

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Call us today on 07832 331594 23

Academy students are made up with lessons in make-up Local children learned specialist make-up skills at Blandford’s Artori Academy.

West End performer and drag artist Alex Anstey visited Artori to teach the students how to transform themselves into elderly people using only the power of make-up.

The students had a fantastic time, and finished off the lesson learning how to act, move and speak as though they had suddenly aged overnight.

Visit theartoriacademy.com to find out more.

32,000 comment on Local Plan proposals

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset Council has received 32,140 comments on its proposals for a Local Plan which will dominate planning decisions for 15 years.

The bulging postbag is testament to the anger many communities felt about where the council suggests 39,000 homes can be located by 2038.

That includes 12,000 homes in north and east Dorset, with the door opened by the council to building on green belt land.

The plan also includes proposals for roads, job 24

creation and public services.

A public consultation ended in mid-March, with the comments coming from 6,676 organisations or individuals.

Now council officers and an Executive Advisory Panel are working their way through the feedback.

The 12 members of the powerful EAP are not listed on the Dorset Council website. But a Freedom of Information request from The New Blackmore Vale has revealed their identities.

They are councillors David Walsh, Ray Bryan, Spencer Flower, Peter Wharf, Carole Jones, Kelvin Clayton, Les Fry, Matt Hall, Kate Wheller,

Shane Bartlett and Belinda Ridout.

The council response to the request said: “It is an informal group, the meetings are private and are not minuted. The group does not make decisions – decisions on the local plan come through Cabinet, and at the more formal stages, full council.”

It may be advisory but a council positioning statement – published after the consultation ended – reveals that the EAP has already supported further work being done to investigate building new settlements or major development areas.

The statement adds: “We will

be commissioning further work to invite landowners to propose potential new settlement/major development sites, and to assess their relative merits and requirements, alongside work on this plan.”

All councillors are due to be briefed later this month, with a second version of the plan published for a further six weeks of public consultation in the summer.

A ministerial statement has been sent to all local planning authorities stressing the need for all to have up to date local plans by the end of 2023, which will be the basis for planning decisions until 2038.

Major support for 20mph on minor roads

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The chairman of Tarrant Hinton Parish Council is backing a campaign announced last month for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on all Dorset’s minor roads.

Mike Nathan says his parish council and that of Tarrant Gunville have spent thousands of pounds installing a SID (speed indicator unit) and PV Solar unit in Valley Road, in the hope of reducing speeds down the narrow valley lane, where there is currently a 30mph limit.

“The unit is used for six weeks at a time, shared

between our villages, but only in one direction at present – we would like to be able to deploy the unit in another site nearer the entrance to our village, and in time hope to purchase another unit to function in the opposite direction.

“But Highways, who allowed us to install the first unit without a survey as our villages had them installed temporarily, funded by the Great Dorset Steam Fair, in 2019 for the duration of the fair.

“Now they insist we have a survey at further cost to our parish councils, as the proposed site (recommended by them) is in a different

location. If we fail to qualify, we expect another survey will be needed in a different location, presumably at further cost.

“They will only allow these devices to be used where ‘they will make a difference’, and consider that perception of speed can be very different from the reality.”

“We live in a very rural area with narrow roads, often with passing places and with no pedestrian pavements, and many used as rat runs.

What we are attempting to do, and there is no ability with these devices to catch anyone, is to remind drivers to slow down.

Why make it so difficult for us to do this? We are funding it ourselves from a precept which is kept as low as possible, and for specific projects such as these we ask for donations. We are representing our parishes and they support it.”

He said in rural France these SID devices are standard at the entrance of most villages, reminding drivers in both directions to slow down.

“I am certain that most villages in North Dorset would welcome such a scheme and even be willing to raise the necessary funds, as we have. I fully support the objectives of the 20’s Plenty for Dorset.”

Love Your Street and get involved with litter campiagn A Blandford Love Your Street Campaign has been launched by the combined War on Waste/Cleanup Blandford group in collaboration with Litter Free Dorset. Posters and flyers giving information have been going up around the town, and were handed out to people during a litter pick on Saturday, April 17.

All are welcome to join the group when it meets again at 10am on Saturday May 15 by the blue bridge next to the Marsh and Ham car park for another two-hour litter pick, and has planned a schedule of activity for the coming year, including a midsummer litter pick in June and a weekly litter pick in August.

Full details are being posted on social media and town websites, and further information is available by emailing blandfordwaronwaste IT’S IN THE BAG: You can help keep Blandford tidy by taking part in the next litter pick @gmail.com.

Anyone for croquet? Play resumes as lockdown is eased Play has resumed on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club.

From April 8 club members were able to enjoy their favourite sport as the

lockdown eased and spring weather came upon them.

Membership is open and potential members may apply through the club website (wvcroquet.co.uk), or by emailing the club. Both the young and less young are invited to go along for a free

taster session (contact membership.wvcroquet@ gmail.com).

Chair Tim Dennis said: “We encourage young players and comply with the safeguarding rules.

“And we are delighted that play has now started for the

summer season. Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available. We look forward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating, and social sport.”

25

Our Eric honoured by developers

One of the New Blackmore Vale magazine’s columnists has been honoured at a new development in Sherborne.

Canon Woods Close has been unveiled in tribute to Canon Eric Woods (Our Loose Canon) in Sherborne.

The road is part of developer Platinum Skies’ new over 55s independent-living village – a range of sharedownership townhouses, semi-detached and detached two-bedroom and threebedroom properties at the top of Horsecastles Road and the A30.

NFU’s donations

NFU Mutual Wessex has chosen two local charities – Salisbury Foodbank and Julia’s House Children’s Hospice – to each receive a donation of more than £6,400 from a national £2 million Agency Giving Fund.

Steven Bartlett, Senior Partner at NFU Mutual Wessex, said “Salisbury Foodbank and Julia’s House have been making a wonderful difference to our community during these challenging times.”

Charity plant sale

WHERE THE STREET HAS MY NAME: Canon Woods Close in Sherborne and, inset, the man himself

The first 15 houses of 37 are now finished.

A hotel and 83 luxury flats are also currently being built on the site.

Canon Woods said: “Not long before I retired, the Town Clerk at Sherborne telephoned to ask if I would be happy to have a street

A grand charity plant sale is being held in Gillingham Town Meadow on Saturday, May 29.

Stalls open from 10am-2pm, and there will be seven charities offering beautiful plants brought on by local gardeners. Charities include Read Easy, GANG, Dementia Care, Hipp!!Bones and St Mary’s Church.

named after me in the new development. Somewhat gobsmacked, I simply said “yes”. I will make a point of seeking out Canon Woods Close in due course. It might be rather fun to move there one day!” n Our Loose Canon: Page 28

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Debbie on the run in memory of Jackie

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A close friend of the late Jackie Laws, who died in February after contracting cancer, is in training for a full 26.2-mile marathon raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Debbie Stafford intends to make the run on May 29 on a borrowed treadmill, on which she is currently training in the barn of another friend of the Laws family out in the country.

She said: “It is for Jackie, and all the other friends we have lost to cancer. I will be on my own with my radio, looking out over the fields and thinking of Jackie and many others. How long it will take I don’t know, but I will get it done in one day!”

Jackie’s husband Stuart Laws, proprietor of the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street, Blandford, and, with his late wife, the owner of the Milldown Stud in Tin Pot Lane, said his wife’s death had followed only five

KEEP ON RUNNING: Debbie Stafford on the treadmill and, inset, Jackie Laws

weeks after the death of her brother.

“It was her wish to raise money for cancer research.

“Her closest friend has committed to do this thing and is determined to raise as much as possible. Once the bars are allowed to open I

will be organising a night with all takings going to the charity.

“This is the first time I have ever asked anyone for help to raise money, but there again I have never lost the most important person in my life before.”

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Within days of launching the appeal, over £2,500, including Gift Aid, had been raised online and offline on Debbie’s JustGiving page, Debbie Stafford 1, where she is giving a regular progress report on her training runs.

By May 1, donations had exceeded £3,000 – three times her original target. Mr Laws said he hoped the final total would reach £10,000 takings on the opening date of the Paddocks Bar later this month will be donated to the cause.

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27

Pub granted licence after compromise

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Sales of alcohol from a facility in the garden of the Dolphin pub in Peacemarsh, Gillingham, have been allowed by Dorset Council’s licensing sub-committee after licensee Andy Dean accepted a compromise in the hours sought and no smoking condition to limit the amount of nuisance to his neighbours.

He applied to vary the area that is currently licensed to include the car park, allowing an outside catering unit in a converted horsebox from which alcohol could be served and staff could more easily monitor

activities in the garden.

He said he tried to control noise and behaviour outside because, like his neighbours who had a young daughter, he and his wife had a young child.

But neighbours objected to what they feared would mean an increase in the number of customers in the garden after experiencing problems last year with noise, conversation and language from customers, and cigarette smoke entering their garden.

One of the neighbours said that the issues were not during the daytime, when he and his wife were both now working from home, but in the evening, when they were

unable to open their windows at night.

They wrote: “The garden was underused before Mr Dean took over, and it’s going to make it a real challenge for us.

“We cut them some slack last year because we knew they were suffering. The problems aren’t so much now, but in June/July?”

The existing licence allowed sale of alcohol on the premises to 1.30am on Monday to Sunday and indoor late-night refreshment and entertainment until 2am, and use of the outside area until 11pm.

Mr Dean pointed out that there was evidence of the garden being much busier 15

postcards with inspirational messages, others explored maths challenges using the number 100 and some

exercised very hard to do 100 star jumps, skips, ball passes,100m races and the hardest challenge, a 100

years ago, and that the pub had been next door to the house since 1830.

But he said he would be happy to compromise on an outdoor closing time of 10pm, closing the bar half an hour earlier.

Licensing officer Aileen Powell said a no smoking area had to be provided with the new pavement licences now being issued, and the sub-committee, chaired by councillor Emma Parker, agreed to grant the variation with the condition that the use of the outside area for all activities should cease at 10pm, and that smoking would not be allowed at the tables indicated on the application plan.

Children are up to the Tom 100 challenge Children at St Nicholas Primary School in Child Okeford took part in Captain Tom 100 – a series of challenges to mark the late Captain Tom’s 101st birthday.

In school each class took part in a variety of activities all involving the number 100. Some children constructed models using 100 pieces of Lego, some wrote messages of hope and made a 100cm chains of hope or designed 100

second silence. Each child was also given a packet of Seeds of Hope, kindly donated by Morrisons.

Time running out for assistance with EU Resettlement Scheme Only a handful of people from North Dorset have asked for help from Dorset Race Equality Council and Citizens Advice on the EU Resettlement Scheme. People have until June 30 to apply for permanent residency in the UK after Brexit, which would allow them to live and work here.

Christine Brienne, EUSS & Community Development Officer at Dorset Race 28

Equality Council, said: “We currently have quite a number of EU nationals calling us for help with their last minute application, many from Weymouth and BCP, but only a few from the north of the county. We are concerned that some people may fall through the net, particularly those who think they do not need to apply because they have been living in the UK for a long time or they

already have a resident’s card (they still need to apply), or their passport is out of date and it is difficult to renew it at their embassy because of covid restrictions. This also applies to their non-British family members and children even if they are born in the UK.” For further details contact 07743 370459 or dorsetrec.org.uk.

Young farmers make up for lost time with busy programme Young farmers in Dorset are eagerly anticipating the return of outdoor group meetings and have a packed programme of planned events.

A Pallet Competition at Deverel Farm in Milborne St Andrew, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Martin, will start at 10am on Saturday, May 15 and on Sunday May 23, a handicraft and cookery competition is

being held at Salway Ash Village Hall.

Sherborne YFC has organised an online stock judging competition on Saturday, May 29.

Despite coronavirus restrictions, young farmers from across the county have been keeping busy.

Sherborne’s young farmers did particularly well in the South West

Area rounds for Debating and Public Speaking organised by Brainstrust, the brain tumour charity, on Zoom.

In the Junior Reading category Henrietta Love, Abbey Robinson and Annie Sprake came second and fourth in the Public Speaking category.

Trophies and certificates will be awarded at the DYC presentation celebration afternoon on August 1.

MAY QUEEN; Alice Morgan is crowned by MC Mark Lloyd, being held aloft by her parents, and, right, with Mark Lloyd

Alice in wonderland after being crowned village’s May Queen Ten-year-old Alice Morgan has been crowned Ansty’s May Queen.

The village’s normal May Day celebrations had to be altered due to covid, however the ceremony went

ahead with some changes.

Mark Lloyd acted at Master of Ceremonies and crowned Alice, who has been dancing the maypole since she was four.

Alice’s family did their best

to keep traditions alive, lifting her in the air, as the Morris Men would usually do after the crowning.

Her brother George, a former May King himself, also joined her in a dance

around the pole. Villagers made their own pilgrimage to the May Pole throughout the day. Ansty hopes that next year its celebrations will once again be open to all.

Society offers a walk through history

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Starting this month is the series of guided heritage walks organised by Blandford & District Civic Society, which regardless of covid restrictions, can safely go ahead in the open air with social distancing.

Town Guide Clare Lowes said: “It’s lovely to show visitors round our town, but even more rewarding when local residents join our walks to learn things they never knew about the town’s history.”

The first was on Sunday, May 9. It focused on the town centre and history up to the Great Fire of 1731 and the town’s rebuilding as what

has been described as the ‘best Georgian ensemble outside London’. The second, on Sunday, May 23, features more recent development in Victorian and Edwardian times on the perimeter.

All walks start at 11am, the town centre walk from the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park, and the perimeter walk from outside Scrivens (Durdens Corner) in the Market Place.

In most years, the society offers guided walks free of charge as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week in September, but sadly this event has again been cancelled this year due to anticipated covid difficulties.

The society held its AGM by Zoom on March 25, when many of the committee members and trustees were re-elected, but some have stood down, including the chairman for the last five years, Terence Dear, who remains committed to work on projects underway and who said: “At this time of renewal and opportunity as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic, the civic society movement as a whole and ‘civic involvement’ is as important as ever, and it is sad to see some societies fold due to apparent lack of interest from members of the community.

“Here in Blandford we were

unable to celebrate our 50th anniversary last April due to the pandemic, and we would hate to see the society, in its 51st year, follow in their footsteps. People are quick to comment on social media when they see something impacting negatively on their neighbourhood and are fascinated by the history they see around them. It is a great shame that they do not engage with and join us to take up the challenge to defend and celebrate our environment and heritage.”

For information on the walks and the society see their Facebook page – The Blandford & District Civic Society – or call 01258 459346.

29

Great expectations of a better world Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

So begins A Tale of Two Cities

by Charles Dickens, first published in 1859. The comparison of the best of times and the worst of times is between the city of London and the city of Paris, when the latter passing through the horrors of the French Revolution seventy

years earlier. I suspect the lines I have quoted will come to be an epitaph for the coronavirus pandemic when at last it is conquered – which we hope will be soon, as “unlocking” continues on Monday. The best of times? Yes, when the heroic service of so many is evaluated: NHS staff, of course, but also those working in countless other areas, from care homes to supermarkets, who look after our basic needs and those of family and friends. Then there’s the greeting in the streets between complete strangers – how un-English! – which has come to mean so much to so many. The worst of times? I’m afraid so, for those who have lost those they love, those suffering from long-covid, and children and young people robbed of what should be their carefree years and their years of

learning how to socially-relate – and simply how to learn.

The age of wisdom? Yes, with scientists going into overdrive to give us vaccines, and others working out the logistics of delivering them. Teachers having to work on two fronts: teaching those in school and providing on-line learning for those at home. Ordinary people like me working out (it’s not rocket science) that the wise thing is always to err on the side of caution: social distancing, obeying the rules, staying safe.

And the age of foolishness?

Sadly, yes: people flouting the rules, crowding into protests and parks or onto beaches in a kind of defiant death wish: “I’m young. I’m fit. It won’t touch me” – and then taking the virus back to parents and grandparents, whilst leaving vast mountains of litter behind them.

I could carry on exploring the relevance today of Dickens’s contrasts from that opening sentence. Instead I invite you to do it for yourself.

Personally, I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives.

But then, as a Christian, I am bound to look at things from the right side of Easter.

Resurrection, new life, fresh hope – these are my stock-intrade. More than that – they are the graces which make me confident that the forces of foolishness, incredulity, darkness and despair will never have the last laugh. Wisdom, belief, light and hope will triumph. Dickens went on to say, “we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”. How vital it is that we believe that we have everything before us – and work together to achieve it.

coffee table 2ftx2ft vgc £15 01258 818078.

Modern fictional paperback tray of 30. James Patterson Lee Childs etc £8 01258818075 Garage/yard Sale, Factory Hill, Bourton SP8 5AY, May 1, 2 and 3, Please follow signs in village Terracotta pots, plants, vintage galvanised. From £5 01460 55105.

2 folding bikes with shimano gears, rear rack, ideal for camping, excellent condition £100 the pair 01747 824455.

Double bed frame and headboard, black vinyl, used only in guest room. £45. 01935 814856.

Large gilt framed bevelled mirror 74 x 104cm new condition £20 Tel 01935 872217..

4ft Roll heavy guage aviary wire £25 01258 268810.

Rabbit & guinea pig hutch on legs as new £25. Duck house suit 4-5 ducks, new £35 01258268810.

Double sofa bed modern, good quality, comfortable, clean, hardly used. £100ono. 01963 220538.

Wine making kit, bottles and equipment 01747 228845 £10 Kampa XL travel Pod with all fittings suitable caravan, motorhome in excellent condition £75. Caravan accessories 40ft Aqua roll with pump, carpets, breathable 10' x 10' 25m extension lead £50 01747 861941.

Two filing cabinets, metal, four door, VGC, £30 each, collection only. 01258 459179,

Recliner armchair, electric.

Chestnut brown, lovely condition, unmarked. H99cm, D97cm, W91cm. Collection only Sherborne. £80. 07767 863177.

Ladies’ bike, brand new, never used, excellent condition, £100 07717 758854.

Fridge freezer 1500mm high £45. upright Hoover extra lightweight 1800w vacuum cleaner £35 Bosh electric strimmer £25 01747 824240.

Hitachi 24" TV £70, JVC digital radio/CD player £40. Bosch 2in1 rechargeable vacuum cleaner £70, all used very little. 2 x prints of Padstow 26" x 16" modern light colour frames £10 each. 07966 053208 Outdoor goldfish free to good homes. Must be kept in an outdoor pond, not a tank. 07942 133269.

Double Beech Framed Bed with Mattress, as new, hardly used. £155 Tel 07894 988388 Wooden 4 door (2 with mirrors) wardrobe with 2 drawers underneath. £125. 07894 988388.

Nathan Teak circular pedestal dining table. Seats 6 when extended. 4 matching teak dining chairs. Stone coloured fabric seats.

V.G.C. £120. Ono. Buyer collects.

01747 812262.

Westinghouse 44" Halley Hugger ceiling fan integral light, suitable workshop or office. Original price £143 asking £55. 01963 364597.

Touring caravan for sale. Bailey

Senator 5000. 5 berth 1996 model.

Nice condition. £2,250. 01935 850631.

Flymo XL500, petrol hover mower, as new only 4 hours work, 50cm cut width. £200 ono 01929 471783.

Kitchen furniture - including integrated fridge/freezer, worktop, sink & 19 floor/wall units. VGC £350 ono. 01747 835846 Mobility scooter unused.Cost £1,550 Will accept £1200 ONO. Tel 01747 824974/07850 687287.

Fischer bathroom heater as new 1 year old £200. 07858 232967.

Lightweight folding wheelchair with cushion £65. 07960 374366.

Giant ladies 24spd mountain bike.

VGC, £250. 01963 202931.

Double Zanussi oven, black. £150 as new 01747 830852.

Items for Sale Weaners. Large white cross.

Ready now in Baltonsborough. £45.

07740 029993.

Fender Champion guitar amp 40 Watt used but excellent condition £95 01747 825501 Panasonic plasma 42"TV TH42PX60B NEW £2,399, good condition collect Mudford £100 01935 851076.

Wooden doll’s house (1960-70) with furniture & dolls. 28"L X 17"H x13"W £35 01935 851076.

Trailer 8ft x 4ft, with light board and brake, made from caravan chassis, needs tidying £55 ONO 01935 425220.

Cast iron parasol base £20 01258 451507.

Old hand seed drill on two c/steel wheels £45 Collection of small pocket knives, also collection of beer mats (350) offers. Walking sticks 5 very nice silver top in good condition £75. Sheepskin coats, ladies and gents good condition £50 the pair. Wahl electric hair clippers two in case, new £25. Book "the bounding spring" history of Teffont £10.

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Records, 25 assorted in carry case £15, TV stand, black/chrome.

24"x17", shelf under. Perfect £15.

Decorator’s folding table £5, Porter style workman trolley, excellent 01935 812328.

Aluminium 10 rung extending/folding ladder £25,

30

APPLE IMAC RETINA 4K 21.5inch 2017 3.4 GHz 8Gb Very good condition OS Big Sur £495 01258 830618 STERLING MOBILITY SCOOTER heavy duty three wheeled,range up to 25 miles. VGC. £375.tel 07901 063859 LANBER 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN, O/U, G/C, £180. 01258 456228

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Cheese and Ale Here’s another toasty cheesy snack for you to try: as I mentioned a few weeks ago, comforting cheesy morsels on toast have enjoyed a bit of a revival in recent times although for some of us, they never went out of style!

First recorded in medieval times, early toasted cheese was simply toast soaked in wine (known as sops, bread soaked in any kind of liquid was big in the Middle Ages) with melted cheese poured on top.

Later, ale was also used, adding a welcome bitterness to the rich cheese. This delicious version, further enhanced by fiery mustard, has been made in Gloucestershire for centuries and was often served at posting inns to revive weary travellers as a savoury between courses.

Tips For best results, use a white two or three-day-old farmhouse-style loaf, cut

fairly thinly: thinner, crisper toast complements the cheesy topping perfectly.

Fabulous served with a fresh green salad and tomatoes – and the rest of the ale.

Per person Thin slices of Double Gloucester cheese, enough to cover the toast Made English mustard for spreading on the cheese

2-3 tablespoons strong ale 2 slices of bread Butter for spreading on the toast Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan oven) gas mark 6 or equivalent.

You will need a lightly buttered shallow oven proof dish.

Spread the cheese with the mustard sparingly and evenly. Lay the slices,

Mum’s Kitchen...

Ultimate Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients: 225g (8oz) pitted dates 75g (3oz) softened butter 200g (7oz) demerara sugar 225g (8oz) self raising flour 2 medium eggs 2 tablespoons golden syrup 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda For the toffee sauce: 75g (3oz) butter 75g (3oz) dark brown muscovado sugar 250ml (9 fl oz) double cream 2 tablespoon golden syrup Method Preheat oven to 180C (160C) fan.

Grease and line the base and sides of an 18 x25.5cm (7in x 10in) roasting tin with baking parchment. Put the dates

mustard side up, in the dish and cover with the ale: you may not need all the suggested amount, depending on the width of your dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until melted, golden and bubbling.

Meanwhile, toast the bread, cool slightly and let the steam escape before buttering thinly, taking the butter right to the edges.

Scoop the melted cheese out of the ale still remaining in the dish and spread immediately over the toast.

You can eat it straightaway but for best results pop it under the grill for the toast to become hot again and the cheese to bronze further.

Double Gloucester Double Gloucester cheese was traditionally made from the full cream milk of Old Gloucester cattle, from both morning and evening milkings.

MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/MrsSimkinsCooks info@MrsSimkins.co.uk

with Diana Holman

into a food processor and pour in 300ml (1/2 pint) just-boiled water. Leave to soak for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat together butter, demerara sugar, flour, eggs and golden syrup until smooth.

Whiz the date mixture to a puree, then pulse in bicarbonate of soda. Fold date puree into batter until well combined.

Transfer to the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce: melt the butter in a medium sized pan. Add sugar, double cream and golden syrup.

Bring to the boil, stirring often, and simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Serve pudding warm, drizzled generously with sauce, and serve with cream or ice-cream.

31

Something Stirs in Kings Stag!

In the quiet village of Kings Stag, just near the deer park between Sturminster Newton and Sherborne, you will 昀nd the brand new Kings Stag Coffee House. This has been developed during the most recent lockdown using some redundant parts of the Green Man pub.

The Coffee House design gives a light and airy feel making the room feel far more spacious that was thought possible. Added to the large patio and garden out front, the Coffee House boasts a surprising amount of space, however this is also a result of it being a diversi昀cation project of the Green Man Pub meaning the two share the outdoor area.

‘When you have a space but no clear use for it, its time to think outside of the box’, said owner Jack Langmead.

‘We bought the (Green Man) pub a couple of years ago as part of our farm diversi昀cation and there had always been a plan to use this part of the pub for something, Lockdown 3.0 gave me the motivation to just get the job done and so here we are! The idea for a Coffee house was really my father’s brain child and when we looked into

32

it we saw an opportunity that we had to take. It now means that between the new Coffee House and the Pub we can be serving customers from 7.30am to 11.00pm at night!’.

It is obvious that they are using local supplies where possible with Reads Coffee of Sherborne suppling the coffee beans and Dorset Tea being the choice for the non-coffee drinkers. Even the pub itself is suppling the cakes and treats that are on display.

The addition of the Coffee shop adds another feather to the Kings Stag cap

and helps put the village back on the map (that reference will make much more sense when you visit!). With the new bicycle stands installed outside and puncture repairs kits on sale inside, this new Coffee House could be music to the ears of cyclists in our area. The Coffee house is open from 7:30am Monday to Saturday and from 8:30 on a Sunday.

For more information visit www.greenmankingsstag.co.uk /coffee-shop

Mm, mm, mmmm!

Coffee and cake at The Kings Stag Coffee House

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

If you’ve never cooked lettuce before, let me convert you!

Rebecca Vincent is a Wincanton nutritionist

As the weather has taken a chill turn but salad season is just getting started, I thought a warm salad would be just right for this fortnight’s column. I have to admit before looking into this recipe I had never considered cooking lettuce, but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the results and I think you will be too.

Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, B1 and B2, folic acid, manganese, chromium, and chlorophyll, and the darker the leaves the

higher the nutrient level. Lettuces have a high water content so can aid hydration on top of our fluid intake, but where they are mostly water they offer little in the way of macronutrients.

Spring onions, members of the allium family alongside leeks, chives, and garlic, are great sources of vitamins A, C, B2, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, as well as antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols. Spring onions also have a high water content, but unlike lettuces they also contain good levels of prebiotic fibres, a boon for our gut microbes!

Braised spring onions and lettuce (serves 2-4) 2 gem or romaine lettuces 1 pack of spring

onions (approx. 8 spring onions) ¼ of a stock cube 1 garlic clove (finely grated) juice ¼ of lemon drizzle of olive oil pinch of black pepper Cut the lettuces in quarters lengthways and trim the tops and tails from the spring onions. In a large frying pan (big enough to fit everything in a single layer) gently heat the olive oil and garlic on a medium heat for 1-2 minutes without colouring.

Dissolve the stock cube in approximately 50ml of boiling water.

Add the spring onions to the pan and cook for about two minutes, until starting to soften but not colour.

Add the stock and lettuce cooking for about 1 minute

before turning the lettuce over, and cooking for a further minute. Lastly drizzle over the lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper.

Lovely served with roast chicken or fish and new potatoes, or as part of a bigger salad.

Rebecca Vincent BSc BANT registered nutritionist rebeccavincent nutrition.co.uk

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 disiplay Durweston, near Blandford.

01258 450050

Delicious way to spend day David Warburton MP enjoyed a fantastic day at Eat Festival in Castle Cary.

He is pictured with festival oganisers Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds.

He said: “Given the past year we’ve all had, the Eat Festival wasn’t just a celebration of Somerset’s fabulous food and drink.

There was also a real buzz in the air as people came together as a community to enjoy the company of others.

Thanks to the efforts of Beverly and Sarah, Castle Cary heaved not only with the best of local West Country produce, but with people enjoying every minute and every mouthful.”

PIZZA NIGHTS ARE BACK FOR SUMMER 2021 Starting Friday 21st May and every Friday from 6.30pm (Booking essential) Authentic wood fired pizzas using homemade dough for a little taste of Italy.

It’s the perfect way to wind down the week and kickstart the weekend.

The Farm Shop is open daily from Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm serving Breakfast / Light Lunches / Cakes Afternoon Teas / Takeaways Large outdoor seating area and marquee Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, DT11 8JW TEL: 01258 830 083 for bookings and reservations Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for all the latest news & updates.

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Public Notices & Announcements Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence STALBRIDGE HTQ Limited trading as "Exclusive" of Unit9a, ROYAL BRITISH Butts Pond Ind Est, Sturminster Newton, DT10 LEGION CLUB 1AZ is applying for a licence to use Unit9a, LTD Butts Pond Ind Est, Sturminster Newton, DT10 AGM and SGM (to 1AZ and Unit9b, Butts Pond Ind Est, adopt New Club Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AZ as an operating Rules 2019) centre for 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers Monday 24th Owners or occupiers of land (including March, 2021 buildings) near the operating centre(s) who 7.30pm for an 8pm believe that their use or enjoyment of that land Start. would be affected, should make written For the Members representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner's office.

Notice is hereby given that Jayanath Poominathan has applied in respect of NEW LITTLE BUDDHA FOOD & NEWS LTD of Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4PY for a New Premises Licence under the Licencing Act 2003 to allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday - Sunday between 5.30am and 11pm.

Representations to this application must be made in writing by 4 June 2021 to the Licensing Authority, Po Box 9148, Christchurch BH23 9JQ email: licensingteam@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk, Tel: 01202 228989 where applications can be inspected during office hours. It is an offence liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5000 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.

THE FRIENDS OF BLANDFORD COMMUNITY HOSPITAL will be holding their 64th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At 6.30pm on Wednesday 7th July 2021 at Blandford Community Hospital, Milldown Road, Blandford Forum ALL ARE WELCOME Elections 2021 Nominations for elections to the Council must be received by the Hon. Secretary at the Friends’ office by Friday 21st May 2021. All nominees shall have agreed to stand for election and shall have been duly proposed and seconded by members. Rule 9b states ‘no person shall be appointed to the Council who is not an individual subscribing member of The Friends’. Nomination forms are available on our website riendsofblandford.org.uk

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SHILLINGSTONE GARDEN CLUB open air plant sale.

At Shillingstone Church Centre on Sunday 23rd May from 2pm - 4:30pm

STALBRIDGE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB LTD AGM and SGM (to adopt New Club Rules 2019) Monday 24th March, 2021 7.30pm for an 8pm Start.

For the Members

BIRTHDAYS CELIA MUNDAY Congratulations Celia Munday on your belated 40th birthday. Love from mum, dad, Sharon and Elodie.

IN MEMORIAM WILSON HILDA EMMA 19/05/94 Wife, mum, nan and great nan.

27 years ago you fell asleep, The love for you we will always keep.

Such a sweet lady, there could only be one.

I will always be proud to call her my mum.

From your ever loving daughter, Sandra, Rob and family xx

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Jonathan Aldridge Evelegh trading as Orator Sound Systems of Unit 9 Luccombe Business Centre, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BD is applying to change an existing licence as follows: to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at Unit 25F Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8ST. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

DEATHS JACK HAYWARD On 30th April 2021 died peacefully at the Cedars Nursing Home, Shaftesbury aged 92 years (formerly of Cherry Orchard). Will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

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

ROSE MARGARET GEAL (BETTY / SHEP) On 26th April 2021 peacefully at home aged 87 years of Manston (formerly of The Red Rose Restaurant, and the heart and soul of Sturminster Newton Market).

Loving wife to Gordon, mum to Paul, grandma to Adam and Kathryn and great grandma to Henry. Greatly missed and always remembered by all family and friends.

Private family service. Donations if desired to St Nicholas Church, Manston (please make cheques payable to Child Okeford with Manston PCC) may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Announcements GLADYS DOROTHY JOAN WELLEN It is with deep sadness, that the family of Joan must announce that she passed away peacefully at Dorchester Hospital on 26 April.

She is now with her beloved Sid, who passed away last July. They spent 74 years of loving marriage together and after this short period apart are now reunited. She was much loved and is sorely missed by her daughters, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Donations if desired in memory of Joan are being invited for Royal National Institute of Blind People, c/o Colin Close Funeral Directors.

HANDLEY TREVOR GORDON (TREV) Aged 69 years of Wincanton. On 26th April 2021, peacefully at his home. A much loved husband, dad, step dad, grandad, brother, uncle and friend. Private cremation. Donations in memory of Trevor are being invited for St Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367.

RON COOPER ANN DICK Passed away on 26th March, after a short illness, aged 85 years. Wife of the late Eric Dick, beloved mother, grandma and greatgrandma. She was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. A private funeral has taken place, due to the covid-19 restrictions.

Donations, if desired, cheques made payable to The Royal Air Forces Association Sturminster Newton Branch, and sent to RAF Association Headquarters, Atlas House, 41 Wembley Road, Leicester LE13 1UT or online at rafa.co.uk

JEANIE MOULD (NEE BURT] Sadly passed away at home on April 22nd.

She will be sadly missed by all family and friends and everyone who knew her.

Funeral to take place at St John’s, Tisbury on Monday, May 17 at 2.30pm. Due to covid restrictions family flowers only please.

Jeans Funeral will pass down Tisbury High Street on route to the church if anybody wishes to pay their respects, any donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care via Chris White Funerals 12 South St. Wilton, SP2.

GILLIAN MARY PEARCE Formerly of Trent - Passed away peacefully on April 28th aged 89 after a short illness.

Loving wife to the late Michael Pearce, mother to Sally and John and grandmother to Hannah – loved by many friends and will be missed by all.

Passed away peacefully at home on 24th April, aged 97 years of Winterborne Whitechurch, previously of East Devon, Caernarfon and Shooters Hill, London.

Loving husband and father, dear brother and a treasured grandad and great grandad. He will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends. A private funeral service will be held at Poole Crematorium on the 20th May. Family flowers welcome or donations if desired to Macular Society c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/ronald-cooper

BRIDGET JUPP On 8th February 2021 peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 74 years of Tisbury. A thanksgiving service takes place at St John's Church, Tisbury on Wednesday, May 19 at 11.30am, adhering to social distance regulations. All enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

PETER JACKSON FUNERAL SERVICES Independent Family Owned and Run Funeral Directors 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

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

MARGUERITE BREMNER/ HALL Passed away peacefully on 4th May 2021 aged 99 years old. Much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She will be very sadly missed by all of her family and friends. The funeral service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on 2nd June 2021.

Please note, attendance of funeral services has been restricted, if you wish to attend, please confirm with the family before attending. Please do not send flowers.

If desired, donations can be made at Greyhound Trust and Royal British Legion. All enquiries to Co-operative Funeralcare, 2 High Stress, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QT. Telephone 01747 824738.

ANTHONY MERVYN PHILLIPS (TONY) Passed away peacefully in Blandford Community Hospital on 23rd April 2021, aged 83. Donations to chosen charities and tributes can be left via Colin J Close Funeral Service at closefuneral.co.uk

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Announcements DEATHS

COOPER MARY VIOLET

Q&A

VERA TAYLOR On the 7th May 2021, peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital. Vera aged 94 years of Marnhull. Much loved and missed by all her family. Funeral service at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Wednesday, 26th May at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, Donations if desired for Dementia UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

PARFITT MICHAEL WILLIAM Aged 78 years of Wincanton. On 5th May 2021, peacefully at Wincanton Community Hospital. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Private funeral. Donations in memory of Michael are being invited for St Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

WILLIAM GEORGE MARKLEW On the 6th May 2021, peacefully at home.

Bill aged 82 years of Gillingham. A dearly loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather & brother who will be sadly missed.

Private funeral service. Donations if desired for Diabetes UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757.

Peacefully on 26th April 2021 at The Old Vicarage Care Home in Leigh, Sherborne, aged 88 years of Marnhull. Beloved wife of the late Roy. Much loved sister, auntie and friend. Private interment due to restrictions.

All enquiries to Bracher Brothers, Gillingham. Tel. 01747 822494

BELGIN PHYLLIS CAROL ANN (FORMERLY MILLIGAN) Peacefully at home on 29th April 2021, with family by her side, aged 80 years, of Gillingham. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Private cremation due to restrictions. Donations, if desired in memory of Phyllis, may be sent directly to: Parkinson's UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 1EJ

ELIZABETH TIMMS Passed away on 29th April 2021 in Riverside Nursing Home, Sherborne aged 79 years of Melbury Abbas. Mum to Karen and Kev and Nan to Dan, J and Em. Much loved and sadly missed.

Private funeral service but donations if desired to The Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Funeral celebrant Juli Moran of Soulshine Ceremonies Why did you become a funeral celebrant?

It was a friend’s idea. She encouraged me and I’m glad I listened to her.

How long have you been a celebrant? 9 years What is the best part of your job?

ELIZABETH HUDSON Passed peacefully away on the 3rd May 2021, with her son Nicholas at her side.

Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Templecombe on Monday, 17th May at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for PCC Templecombe. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services.

Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

WALKER ERNEST JAMES (JOHN) aged 104 years, died 30th April peacefully at Hill House Care Home. Beloved husband of the late Stella, father of Tony, Roger and Richard & Lynne, Dearly loved grandpa of Katherine, Christopher, Patrick, Antonia, & Daniel Walker; Stephen Walker, Lindsay Poole; Charlotte Coleman, Brenna & Alika Price-Walker; Funeral enquiries to Matthews Independent Funeral Directors, 01666822216, Enquiries@matthewsofmalmesbury.com

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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

Announcements Funeral services Meeting people from all walks of life What’s the hardest part of your job?

When I take a service for someone I know. I took my Dad’s funeral. I did it, but ‘Ouch’.

What is the most unusual request you have had?

To sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ at the funeral of a baby.

Everyone joined in. It was very moving…

How are funerals changing?

They are more about a celebration of a life and focusing on how they lived, not how they died.

If you were not a celebrant, what would you be? A nurse How has the pandemic affected funerals?

Everyone in the funeral profession has had to adapt and learn new ways to cope. I am proud to be part of this front line service.

What is your favourite reading or music?

‘What a wonderful world’ sung

by Eva Cassidy What would your epitaph be?

Thank You enquiries@soulshineceremonies.c o.uk/ 07902 008055

FUNERAL CELEBRANT Juli Moran

I write and conduct a service that reflects the life of your loved one with respect, honour and integrity.

A funeral can reflect the life and character of the person who has died.

A celebration of their life as well as mourning the loss.

Warmth, empathy and experience you can rely on soulshineceremonies.co.uk

0790 200 8055

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

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Announcements DEATHS MILEHAM SYLVIA HEATHER Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on the 17th April, aged 80 years. Much loved wife of the late Charles Mileham, mother to David and Dianne, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Donations in memory of Sylvia for Yeovil Hospital Charity, may be sent c/o Clive Wakely A.J. Wakely & Sons 16 Newland Sherborne DT9 3JQ.

HEALEY CYNTHIA DOROTHY Passed away peacefully at home on 2nd May 2021, aged 98 years. Much loved Mum of Mark and Jane and Mother in Law of Denise and Tony. Loving Nanny of Maggi, Jo, Claire, Adam, Sophie and Ellie. Loving Great Nanny of Beth, Abbie, Megan, Jessica, Evie, Lottie and Poppy. She will be very sadly missed by all of her family and many friends. The private funeral service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium. Mark, Denise and family would like to thank the doctors and district nurses at The Blackmore Vale Partnership and the emergency ambulance crews who all helped take care of Mum. Please do not send flowers. If desired, donations in memory of Cynthia can be made at funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations or by cheque made payable to: Alzheimer’s Society c/o The Co-operative Funeralcare, Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8BS

MUGGLETON MARJORY ALICE Beloved wife of late Peter who sadly passed away on 26th April aged 98 years. Donations, if desired, in Marjory's memory via mariecurie.org.uk All enquiries c/o Bracher Brothers Tel: 01935 813479

DREWETT JOHN Aged 92 years of Castle Cary. On 30th April 2021, peacefully at his home. A much loved father and grandfather. Private funeral.

Donations in memory of John are being invited for Children’s Society. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Directors, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367.

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Bob lived life to the full OBITUARY A Marnhull optometrist who represented Britain at the Commonwealth Games has died aged 76. Robert Frith’s family has paid tribute to ‘A wonderful family man and successful businessman, a man of great humour, integrity and loyalty’, after ‘his sudden and untimely death’.

They added: “Robert had an enormous passion for life and lived life to the full until his last breath.”

Robert was born in Whitton, Middlesex when the first doodlebugs fell in June 1944. With his parents George and Doris and older brothers, Brian and Michael, he grew up in Twickenham, attending Chiswick Grammar School and studying Optometry at City University, London.

At an early age, Robert (or Bob as he was known), demonstrated a prowess on the athletics track. He became an active member of Kingston ‘Poly’ Harriers and went on to represent his country in the 100-metre sprint and relay at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. His many accolades included a 60m silver medal at the 1968 European Games in Madrid and the Bronze in 1969 in Belgrade. He held the world record for 50m and was four times National AAA champion over 60m.

While at university he met Christine, a nurse. They lived in Twickenham, where he opened his first independent optical practice with mum Doris as receptionist.

While in Twickenham Robert and Christine’s three children were born, Adam, Zara and Abigail.

In 1977 the family relocated to Marnhull, and in 1981 Robert opened his practice at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury.

There are now 12 Frith Opticians.

Robert was a man of many talents and interests. When visiting his daughter Abbi in South Africa, he started a hobby creating homemade wine then developed a guava orchard into a vineyard. He produced award-winning wine, with gold at The London International Wine

Fair and 5 stars in Platter’s South African Wine Guide. He spent much of his spare time in his garden, growing beautiful roses and plentiful fruit and veg. He was a renowned exhibitor at both the Marnhull and Shaftesbury and Gillingham Shows, with many cups and awards. Latterly he proudly supported the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Show as a wine judge.

After his successful athletics career Robert dusted down his running shoes and from 2003 – 2005 he completed three marathons, two in London and New York, achieving a personal best in 4h 41 at the 2005 London marathon. His brilliant effort raised an incredible £20,000 for sight related charities.

Robert lost Christine to cancer in 2009 after 40 years of happy marriage. He later found happiness again with his partner Sue. Robert is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren Sue and her daughter Sophia.

His family said: “Robert will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, professionally and personally. He was a force of life that will never be recovered.

“Following his sudden death Robert’s wish to donate organs has been respected and, as was fitting for someone whose professional life was all about improving and aiding eyesight, his corneas have been donated so that someone else can see. A fitting tribute to a man who always did whatever he could to help and support others.”

Robert’s funeral will be held at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Friday 21st May at midday. Anyone wishing to remember Robert is welcome to be present outside in the church grounds and locality. Family flowers only, donations to bit.ly/robertbench.

Letters

Never blindly trust computer data The tragic case shown in last week’s BMV of faulty software the results from which were misinterpreted by Post Office Ltd must rank amongst other misuses of computers which have taken place over a long time. About 50 years ago computers came into widespread use at university level when data quality, correct parameterisation, and the tedious process of working through the program by hand, in order to remove any bugs.

When a computer program, especially a model, is used for prediction, rigorous testing must take place or else the risk of big errors cannot be ruled out. If a program produces a significant correlation coefficient careful experiments are needed to justify a cause effect relationship. However careful the worker may be misinterpretation of results is a common mistake.

Having carried out nearly 50 years’ scientific research, and been a reviewer for nine scientific journals I now present a short list of scientific failures which have had serious consequences. First, in October 1987 a forecaster dismissed the question a viewer raised regarding an impending ‘hurricane’, only to find a few hours later, wholesale damage in much of southern England.

Apparently, as an economy measure, a weather ship had been closed down and if operational would have greatly improved the forecast. Second, in 1990 it was predicted that the burning of oil wells in Kuwait would cause the Indian Monsoon to fail with disastrous results: in reality nothing happened. Third, in 1999 research at Imperial College London predicted that there would be about half a million deaths caused by BSE. In fact the value was fewer than 200, but the effect on the beef industry was catastrophic.

Fourth, two years later work by the same people produced computer-based predictions of

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

how foot and mouth disease would spread across Britain: this resulted in the slaughter of about 8 million head of mainly healthy cattle. At least one farmer took DEFRA (then MAFF) to court in the hope of saving his herd: he won his case. Fifth, the tragic case of a family whose mother was sent to jail following two cot deaths was based on the joint probability theory being misapplied as prima facie evidence for a verdict of guilty.

Such an approach assumes that there was no other possible cause, yet it is known that several other fatal genetic defects can occur in the same family. I could give other examples.

Scientific research is difficult to do well, needing patience, determination, total objectivity, intuition, and a lot of hard work. Even that may not be enough because the resulting report must pass the peer review process, which can be far from objective. When a new result is produced and is at odds with an established one there can be both opposition and fear all at once. Computers have made possible difficult

and tedious calculations in a split second. Displayed on a screen the effect can be spellbinding. But how do we know what is being shown is right? The public understanding of science needs vast improvement. Practical studies in most subjects would be a good start, which would bring back the real meaning of design, measurement, size, shape, and application. This is a far cry from the fantasy world of the computer and television screen and might just avoid another computer-based tragedy in the future.

Dr Colin Clark n It amazes me that otherwise intelligent people, such as those who run Post Office Ltd, should put such blind faith in computers. The Yetminster postmistress has had her life ruined by this, (NBV, April 30). She was innocent of the charges against her yet Post Office Ltd continued for years to defend its defective computer software. If this is the future it frightens me.

Hilary Townsend Stalbridge

n On Apr 20 South Somerset district council approved a major development in Wincanton for housing and employment. Nothing strange in that. What was strange was the officer’s report, which stated that Wincanton was one of the few areas in the district that does not fall within the catchment area of the Somerset Levels. That was a pointless remark, as the sewage and drainage would have to flow uphill to join the levels catchments area. Rainwater, and the sewage works outfall go in to the River Cale, which flows down the Blackmore Vale and joins the River Stour catchments, or so I thought.

Clearly we have Central Government control with outreach offices in Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, each with their area of control defined. This has all the appearance of a 1930s totalitarian government and the inevitable disastrous results.

Nature is simple but all powerful and its reactions are brutal. We will only succeed if we work with nature, not against nature, and at a realistic level. International conferences do not solve environmental problems; they are solved by truthful work at street level, not box ticking at government level. We are at the tipping point in environment protection, and pointless comments and failure to face the actual pollution problem will not solve anything.

Pollution of our rivers is real, and there for all to see, what is required is the commitment to solve the problem by all levels of government.

The survival of future generations depends on how we react now, and how we solve a huge economic problem. It will only work with local knowledge, not the usual Westminster computer programme.

Colin Winder, Wincanton Ward Member South Somerset District Council 39

Letters

So short-sighted to close Sherborne TIC Many of our town centres are unfortunately suffering the results of the pandemic and online shopping, Sherborne being one of them. We obviously need to be as creative as possible to keep the town centre as attractive as possible, even though there are empty shops. Why, then, has the Edinburgh Woollen Mill been boarded up? It’s a total eyesore!

I have just witnessed another nail in the coffin for Sherborne: the closure of the Tourist Information Office. This facility was extremely well run and an asset to the town, now we all have to look on a website. I am sure I am not alone in saying that when purchasing tickets, asking about local events, etc, I prefer to talk to a person rather than negotiate my way around a website.

Sherborne is a tourist town and with lots of holidaymakers taking a staycation this year, I would think Sherborne will be a place to visit. To me it seems extremely short sighted to close the TIC, I wonder what others might think?

A bit of creativity, such as the shop window where the Teddy Bear shop was, would not go amiss. And, whilst writing, has anyone noticed the neglected, overgrown, weed-ridden, broken and rotting wooden tubs outside the police station? In fact, is anyone there these days? Perhaps our new PCC, whoever they are, might start their new role with a little gardening!

M Buckingham Sherborne n I was surprised by the figures quoted by Councillor Jones on the costs to support children with special needs.

I realise that this requires intensive inputs but the cost per individual equates to leading public school education.

Indeed, the fees quoted for out of county care exceed these 40

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

levels. I should like to see a breakdown of the figure of £22,000 arrived at, which no doubt includes a portion of allocated budgeted cost of council executive pay and conditions. The eye-watering out-of-county cost of an additional £38,000 seems to be beyond belief. How can that be accounted for?

Other than transport, I find it difficult to compute. Surely it cannot be an arbitrary amount of profit affixed by another authority.

The question has still not been answered as to the decision to purchase St Mary’s, when apparently no decision had been, or still not made, as to the exact use to which the school would be put. Also, why councillors were not given a vote on a financial decision of this magnitude.

Jeremy Bloomfield, Gillingham n We wonder if others are as dismayed as we are about public spending priorities? For example, over the next 4 years, the UK will spend 8 times more on the military than it will on tackling the climate crisis.

And globally, just 7 per cent of military spending could have vaccinated everyone on earth against covid-19.

While the covid pandemic caused the global economy to shrink by 4.4 percent in 2020, world military spending increased by 2.6 per cent – the biggest margin since the economic crisis of 2009 - and now stands at almost $2 trillion. The UK is the world’s fifth highest military spender.

At a time when thousands of UK citizens have lost their homes, jobs and businesses, the government has been spending billions to increase our nuclear warheads – in breach of international treaties – and expand our automated warfare capability.

Such spending makes us ultimately less safe, and wastes vital resources in the name of Boris Johnson’s frankly embarrassing colonial nostalgia of ‘global Britain’.

Mark Pennell Sherborne n I just wanted to say how pleased I was to see The New Blackmore Vale back on the shelf.

My husband and I have never been great ones for magazines, and then we moved from London to Somerset and it all changed. I was working in Dorset, Shaftesbury and every week members of my team would fight to get the last of the Blackmore Vale magazines and I could never understand why, until I started to look through it myself.

I then became as bad as the rest of the team, trying to get my BV before anyone else.

I got my husband into it as well – so often I would pick one up at work and he would pick one up when out and about. We were both really sorry when we heard that it was being stopped.

From a couple who never read magazines, we both really enjoyed the BV. And today, you made us both very happy. Doing our shopping and ‘lo and behold’ there you were, like an old friend. I don’t know how long you have been back in circulation, but it was the first time we had seen you. So just wanted to say Welcome Back.

We missed you.

Carmel & Dean Burr n I wish to bring it to your attention, even though we are not out of lockdown, our letting agent has requested a 2.5% increase in our rent. I am a community nurse and as you know NHS staff received just 1%. The gap continues to widen.

My family and I would like to be able to buy a home, however, with rent prices increasing and no help for renters, this is very unlikely.

It is hard to know how to sustain being a nurse in Dorset, let alone attract extra staff.

Sarah Potts BSc RGN Community Nurse Shaftesbury n Anne Booth has got her wires crossed when writing about a planning application and roadside rubbish. On the

Letters matter of rubbish many of us don a high vis jacket and go out with a litter picker.

We are making a difference and I advise people to adopt a stretch of road and clean it up as required.

Planning for housing in the countryside is becoming very lax today. The sweep of land to which “dog walker” refers should remain just that.

It used to be the need for persons to be on site for the welfare of the stock.

This meant a house near the existing farm buildings.

Another reason was that a conversion of an old farm building to housing would ensure its restoration.

I note in North Dorset, in particular, that large Dutch barns of no architectural value are now being converted.

It strikes me that the planning departments have lost their bearings.

John Longley Tisbury n Further to your article about Benjamin Jesty, Blackmore Vale readers may be interested to know that just as we link diseases such as beriberi and scurvy to nutritional deficiency, and malaria to mosquitoes, smallpox is linked to bedbugs combined with vitamin C deficiency.

In 1925, Dr Charles Campbell, a Scottish born physician of San Antonio, Texas, disagreed with the thinking that smallpox was “so easy catching, so infectious and so contagious that even touching the clothing or breathing the air in a room occupied by a person afflicted with the disease was equivalent to acquiring it” and “that the panic a case of smallpox occasions and the resultant quarantine are entirely unnecessary and uncalled for, as the disease, like malaria, is insect-borne and carried only by bedbugs.”

Dr Campbell ran a ‘pest house’ for smallpox patients in San Antonio, where he tried hard to infect himself and others by ‘fomites’, (objects or materials

A huge well done to Patrick!

An eight-year-old boy has raised £345 for his school after walking a mile a day for five days.

Patrick Doyle, a pupil in year 3 at Archbishop Wake Primary School, decided to help raise money towards a multi-use games area (MUGA).

The school has a huge playing field, however this is mostly unusable during autumn/winter months as the ground is too wet. A SO PROUD: Year 3 pupil MUGA would enable the Patrick Doyle children to use the space “We are all so proud of all year round. him. Such kindness at this A spokesman for the school, Anna Butler said: time touches us all!” deemed to carry infection such as clothes, utensils and furniture), and direct contact with infected people. He said that: “After numerous exposures, made in the ordinary manner, by going from house to house where the disease was...I have never conveyed this disease to my family, or to any patients or friends, although I did not disinfect myself or my clothes, not take any precautions whatever, except to be sure that no bedbugs got about my clothing.”

Campbell treated smallpox by administering vitamin C: “Among the lower classes of people this particular acquitted perversion of nutrition is most prevalent, primarily on account of their poverty.... that is more prevalent in winter when the anti-scorbutics” (anti-scurvy) “are scarce and highly priced”.

“A failure of the fruit crop in any particular large area is always followed the succeeding winter by the presence of smallpox.”

His administration of vitamin C so mitigated “the virulence of this malady as positively to prevent the pitting or pocking of smallpox.”

The British and American colonists used smallpox as a

weapon against the Native Americans by giving them blankets, thus spreading the bedbug to the New World.

Jesty and Jenner showed

merely that cowpox is not contagious.

However, the ‘arm to arm’ method of vaccination and accompanying ignorance of asepsis, led to serious aftereffects and injury to health.

We have our knowledge of nutrition, clean water, sanitation, the vacuum cleaner and the washing machine with hot water to thank for the decline of smallpox.

Alison Watson, Wincanton n What a wonderful article you published by John Humphrey’s regarding brother Graham. I moved here in 1983 when Graham was a weekly feature at Sherborne Market and often wondered what happened to Graham, who was so helpful, as is his successor.

The new BV magazine certainly features some fascinating articles, thank you so much.

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41

Education

Girls find recipe for success with Leiths commendation The girls in the Upper Sixth at Bruton School have been cooking up a storm, having achieved the highest number of distinctions in the prestigious Professional Certificate in Food and Wine course awarded in the past 11 years.

The girls’ outstanding results also included the highest number of merit grades and a commendation certificate from the Leiths School of Food and Wine for their professionalism in delivering canapés for a sixth form wine tasting event, and all within the guidelines of covid-19 restrictions.

Individual boxes were served, with 12 different canapés, showing a wide range of skills.

They also achieved Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety

SOMETHING’S COOKING: Pupils show off their Leiths certificates

certification, and they await the Level 2 catering qualification results which they completed concurrently with the Leiths Certificate, to be published in the summer along with

A-level results.

Headmistress Jane Evans said: “I am immensely proud of the girls for achieving such incredible results, let alone during the year we all faced a

pandemic! I know that the skills they have all learnt throughout the course will stand them in good stead for life after they leave BSG. “Well done, girls.”

Tree-mendous effort at village school Children at Stower Provost Primary School in Gillingham have dug in and planted their very own tree in one more step towards their mission to become carbon neutral.

According to scientists, planting billions of trees is one of the biggest and cheapest ways of taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

And following a successful bid by the Parent Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) to the Woodland Trust, some 345 mixed trees and hedgerow plants were donated to every pupil in the school.

Weekend working parties and planting during school lunchtimes were organised so every child could take part in Stower Provost’s latest eco42

THE FORK THAT COUNTS: Children at Stower Provost Primary School plant their tree

project. With almost all of the school’s energy coming from renewable sources, including heating the swimming pool, this is another step in the

school’s goal to become carbon neutral.

Headteacher James Stanford said: “The children are thrilled to have the

responsibility of ensuring their trees thrive and the school’s motto, ‘Together We Grow’ has never been more accurate!”

Education

School keeps pupils’ well-being in mind

By Richard Hull deputy head at William Barnes School in Sturminster Newton

As the children have returned to school, the children’s wellbeing has been a renewed focus for all schools and at William Barnes Primary School in Sturminster Newton in particular. Following the period of partial school closure in January and February and as the country moved into another period of national lockdown, concerns about the mental health of all citizens, but children in particular have come to the fore.

Separated from their friends, unable to mix and play with other children and dealing with the social pressure caused by home learning and home working in families with limited devices, it has been no wonder that all children have needed extra support and care on their return to school.

At William Barnes, head teacher Karen Wrixon has recognised the need to increase the focus on the well-being of her staff and students and, accordingly the school has introduced a number of new initiatives.

To help children understand and regulate their emotions and their behaviour, the teaching staff have been exploring a tried and tested approach to improve mental health and well-being called ‘emotion coaching’.

Originally developed in the USA by psychologist Daniel Gottman, the approach is backed by decades of positive research studies, and has recently become regarded as best practice across the UK. At the heart of ‘emotion coaching’ is the attitude that an outburst of strong emotions is the ideal opportunity for a child to learn about their feelings.

When difficult emotions are experienced, children are

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: William Barnes School pupils adopt their ‘calm me’ posture

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encouraged to explore them with an adult, before establishing clear boundaries.

As soon as the child has calmed down, they are encouraged to seek solutions to any problems that the child might have created during the time when they were overwhelmed by the strong emotion. Finally, any consequences for their actions are agreed and put into place to complete the process.

‘Emotion coaching’ is being backed up across the school by a second tried and tested method known as ‘I Can Problem Solve’.

Children to learn to find their own solutions to issues that naturally occur as they play, interact and learn within a school setting. It is designed to systematically develop children’s sensitivity and awareness of other children’s feelings before utilising their creativity to think of a variety of possible solutions to problems before then choosing their preferred solution.

At first the program considers hypothetical scenarios which the children then naturally begin to apply to their day to day experience. To begin with, small groups of children

throughout the school are being given the opportunity to take part in ‘I Can Problem Solve’ using three, 15 to 20 minute sessions weekly. Each year group has a scheme of work designed to match the needs of the children as they progress through the school.

Both these new developments integrate perfectly with the school’s long term advocacy for Mindfulness as a tool to improve well-being and selfawareness. Using a whole school approach called ‘Jigsaw’, the children from year R to year 6 have a weekly ‘calm me’ session and this enables them to develop an understanding of the importance of periods of quiet reflection during their busy lives.

In year 5 in particular, Mr Hull, who has been practising mindfulness for over 25 years, has been starting every day straight after registration with a minute session that involves the children sitting in their chairs in a special super alert posture called their ‘calm me’ position.

The children then complete a body scan moving from their toes to the crown of their head, before Mr Hull guides them

through the day’s practice. The children often enjoy guided visualisations where they embark on imaginary journeys including climbing rainbows, scaling magic mountains and visiting peaceful caves. On other days, the children learn breathing techniques that help them feel relaxed and peaceful.

The children also use positive affirmations and thoughts to help them appreciate and enjoy each day. Mr Hull has been amazed by the imagination of the children during the visualisations and how they are now using the various Mindfulness tools they have tried to help them in their daily lives. He has also seen substantial improvements in their focus and concentration during lesson, and the quality of their relationships at play times.

Head teacher Karen Wrixon expects that this three pronged approach of ‘Emotion Coaching, ‘I can problem solve’, and Mindfulness will continue to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the staff and children at the school for years to come, helping them to develop resilience in the face of the challenges of modern life.

43

Antiques & Collectible

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

Strong results in paintings for Clarke’s Clarke’s Auctions at Semley saw their May sale of antiques and collectables held over two days with the first part of the sale held on the Friday and the remainder selling on the Saturday. They have found that with all the restrictions of the last year they are averaging an extra 200 plus lots per sale so will be WANTED, PARACHUTE REGIMENT DENISON SMOCK. Contact 07990 832472

An Art glass vase.

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holding their Antiques & Collectible sales over two days each month in future.

There were strong results in the paintings section with two Lionel Edwards watercolour paintings selling well at £2,400 and £1,200. Edwards was a British artist specialising in

Showrooms open again in Mere Walton House Antiques in Mere are delighted to be throwing their doors open once again, and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into their extensive showrooms. Once inside, one will find a huge amount of fresh items in stock, as the team at Walton House Antiques have been extremely busy during lockdown sourcing and restoring many unusual and exciting pieces.

These include fine Georgian, Regency and country furniture, at least 30 recently arrived Victorian oil paintings, along with additions to the large selection of French clocks displayed by Richard Price of Antiques Roadshow.

Paul Gafney, one of the partners, feels that although the antiques business has changed in recent years, particularly during lockdown, forcing customers to make their purchases online, there is no substituting the experience of visiting beautifully laid out showrooms, engaging with knowledgeable staff, and seeing

and touching pieces first hand.

Although all of their stock is able to be viewed on their website – waltonhouseantiques.co.uk – Paul and his business partner Nicholas Arkell, with nearly 80 years in the trade combined, encourage customers to come to shop, examine and talk about pieces of interest. They can also be contacted on 01747 860050 to discuss anything.

Antiques & Collectibles sporting and hunting scenes and lived locally until his death in 1966. A charming oil painting attributed to Joseph Herbert Bentley RBA (18661934) ‘Portrait of Mrs Willis-Hudson’ also sold well at £1,100.

They will be holding their next Antiques & Collectibles sale on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th and the salerooms are already filling up with period furniture to include a linen press, a two-door wardrobe, chest of drawers, dining tables & chairs and other furniture and in the collectables section a large private collection of Mauchline ware has also been entered. Mauchline ware is the name given to small wooden items, produced in the town of Mauchline near Kilmarnock in Scotland from about the 1820s by the firm of W & A Smith and were originally decorated with hand painted and hand drawn designs such as tartan, landscape and Scottish scenes

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION

and ferns and then after about 1850 with transfer prints, which were coated with clear varnish.

Their next Classic Vehicle & Automobilia auction is to be held on Sunday 13th of June and already consigned is a private collection of car mascots, badges, spanners, workshop tools, forecourt oil dispensers, oil cabinets and general automobilia spares and for any information regarding consigning items into this sale please contact Matt Whitney on the main office number.

To arrange any home visits or to arrange valuations to value items for consignment into any of their future sales, or for any other valuation queries, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU.

SHERBORNE

General Antiques & Collectables Auction FRIDAY 28th MAY Viewing Thursday 27th May 9am–5pm online through easyliveauction.com

We are now taking in for our 25th June Auction For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Two fast Fords on offer Two rare fast Fords are due to be sold by Charterhouse in their classic car auction on Wednesday, July 14 at the Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford.

“The market for classic cars remains buoyant with strong bidding now we are out of lockdown,” said Richard Bromell. “A strong market combined with popular classic marques always ends up with great results and we have already had plenty of interest.”

A 1992 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth has come from a serial car collector in Devon. It is not only fitted with 4WD but also a 2.0l engine with a Garret turbo.

This understated looking 1990s saloon in non-Cosworth form was a favourite of sales reps.

In Cosworth form it was capable of 150mph, making it one of the fastest production Fords. Today, many Cosworths have been through numerous owners and travelled intergalactic miles, but not the Charterhouse car. This has been treasured and cosseted and has covered sub-49,000 miles. Whilst this fast Ford is mint, the other fast Ford is a restoration project. The rare 1975 Ford Escort RS2000 was

one of the last Mark Is to roll off the production line. When the first RS2000 was produced it was capable of 108mph when most cars had a top speed of 80.

The Ford Escort RS2000 Mark I is, like the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth a highly sought after car with both motors being estimated by Charterhouse at £20,000 each when they go under the Charterhouse hammer.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of classic and vintage cars and for their auction of classic & vintage motorcycles, also at Haynes, on June 30.

Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 cars@charterhouseauction.com.

30th June

10th June

14th July

Specialist Free May Valuation Days Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys 17th Coins, Medals & Stamps 18th Silver, Jewellery & Watches 19th Chinese & Japanese Ceramics & Works 20th Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 21st

June 30th Classic & Vintage Motorcycles July 14th Classic & Vintage Cars Further entries now being accepted The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com 45

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47

Home & Garden

Gardening...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

Of silybums and sticky willies Plants can have some pretty strange and sometimes downright funny names capable of tying your tongue in knots. I’m referring to their scientific names often, but not always, derived from Latin.

Scientific names are popular for those who take their plants seriously, they are also extremely useful for anybody wishing to purchase or find information about a specific plant.

Scientific names are universally accepted. Therefore, using galium aparine instead of its vernacular name, sticky Willy, will enable you to locate that exact plant, whether you are in Dorset, Denmark, or China.

Seeking sticky Willy on the other hand may not lead you to where you intended. Common names vary from place to place and can be confusing. The plant known as the bluebell in Scotland, for example, is what the English know as harebell.

Some local names are restricted to very specific localities that reflect the rich and varied relationship generations have had with these plants. Bobby buttons, gollenweed, claggy meggies, cleavers, Robin-runthe-hedge, sticky Willy, stickleback, goosegrass, lau’r Offeiriad in Welsh, all refer to

48

the same plant mentioned above, Galium aparine.

Scientific names have two main parts. The first is termed the genus, the second, the species. The genus is a bit like the equivalent to a make of car, for example Rosa (rose), is comparable to Ford. There are many species of Rosa that are closely related such as R. canina (dog rose), R. rubiginosa (sweet-briar, and R. rugosa (Japanese rose), these would be analogous to different types of Ford, such as Escort, Capri and Focus.

Realising the importance of scientific names, how do you get to grips with pronouncing them and deciphering their meaning?

Fortunately, there is a great little black book that solves this dilemma called ‘Plant Names Simplified, their pronunciation, derivation and meaning’. It’s worth its weight in gold. It covers most plants likely to be encountered in the garden and breaks their names down into easily digestible syllables to aid pronunciation. One of the commonest mispronounced plant names is cotoneaster, some pronounce it coton-easter with others saying (correctly) ko-toene-aster.

Some plants have scientific names that make you wonder whether their author is having a laugh on us, one delightful heather from South Africa is Erica canaliculata, the whitestemmed bramble from China is Rubus cockburnianus, which never fails to cause great amusement to students. Urtica dioica is easily remembered because it is the stinging nettle and touching it ‘urts you.

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Home & Garden

The devastating facts of ash dieback

By Simon Stranger of Vale Tree Surgeons Ltd Ash dieback will kill around 80 per cent of ash trees across the country, changing the landscape forever and threatening many species which rely on ash.

Here are a few facts: Common names: ash dieback, chalara. Scientific name: Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Origin: originally from Asia, it arrived in the UK via Europe What does it look like?: Younger trees succumb to the disease quicker but in general, all will have these symptoms: Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early. Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk.

These are often diamondshaped and dark brown. Inner bark looks brownish-grey

under the lesions. New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress.

What is it? Ash dieback is a fungus which originated in Asia. It doesn’t cause much damage on its native hosts of the Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and the Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis).

However, its introduction to Europe about 30 years ago has devastated the European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) because our native ash did not evolve

with the fungus and has no defence.

What happens to the tree?

The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the atmosphere ,which can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, blocking water systems, causing it to die. The tree can fight back, but repeated infections will eventually kill it.

The fungus wasn’t formally described until 2006, but it has been known of in Europe for about 30 years. It has had the most impact in the south-east, where it was first recorded in the UK in 2012. It is unknown how long the fungus was there before the symptoms showed, perhaps years. We are still at

the start of the epidemic, so we won’t know the full impact for a while. The slow progress of the disease exacerbates this, so we need to track sometimes subtle changes.

How did ash dieback get here? Losing 80% of our ash trees is going to have a devastating impact on the landscape and the biodiversity of our woodlands, as well as a major loss in connections between habitats as we lose hedges and individual trees outside of woods. The predicted cost is high – clearing up dead and dying trees, the loss of its environmental services such as air purification.

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56

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Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Into a sea of blue in search of adoxa I have yet to meet anyone who has not felt the healing effect of a walk in a bluebell wood.

It is now mid-morning and I am standing in an ocean of dancing bells swaying amid the transient sunbeams that light the woodland floor.

The last of the wind flowers, celandine, and primroses cling to tiny patches of ground, steadfastly competing with the abundance of blue, whilst small clumps of budding woodruff and stitchwort are waiting silently to add to the performance when their time is right.

A blustery wind shudders through the trees stealing, not only the sweet scent of bells, but also the melodious tune of the territorial blackcaps. Shivering, I pull my coat closer and stop to admire a singular white bell; apparently an outcome of only

one in ten-thousand genetic chances.

Bluebells belong to the hyacinth family and need undisturbed soils to grow. That is why they are most often associated with ancient woodlands. Their bulbs

start growing in autumn so that they are ready for the first warmth of spring, when their carpet of cobalt, sapphire and violet-blue bells can preside over the woodland floor before the canopy obscures the sun.

Although they are a native species to northern Europe, Britain is home to over half of the world’s population, making them an iconic symbol of the British countryside.

As a child, I recall gathering armfuls of bells for my grandmother, but now they are legally protected and so cannot be picked or uprooted.

According to old English folklore, I was quite lucky to survive this theft as children who picked bluebells would be captured by the fairies and never seen again.

On a wild day like today, I could believe that mischievous fairies

do indeed lie in wait, but probably the gloomy warning was because all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Apart from the joy of seeing bluebells, there is another woodland friend I want to meet.

That is the tiny, secretive, cuboid moschatel, adoxa moschatellina.

She has four flowers at right angles and one on top, making her look just like a town hall clock.

At the point of almost giving up, I eventually find a small patch of flowers that are not at all ‘without glory’ as the Greek etymology for Adoxa suggests.

Feeling calmed and blessed by this beautiful woodland, I follow the path for home.

Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@gmail.com rewildingjourneys.com

Apprehension is natural as we move out of the lockdown As we emerge from the lockdowns, many are understandably feeling apprehension and trepidation.

The last year has been very difficult for many and we’ve all been traumatised to some degree or other by the pandemic. Whether you’ve not been able to see loved ones, or go to work, got financial worries, cooped up with people for weeks and months, in constant fear of getting sick, putting yourself at risk just to survive or actually losing people near and dear to you – it’s all had an effect on our health. There’s been a underlying dread and we’ve all had to dig deep to maintain our sanity. It’s been incredible how just wearing masks has made us feel so isolated; let alone the absence of 58

touch and hugs. We’ve all been on ‘high alert’ and it’s really made us appreciate just how much a ‘hello,’ kind word or smile makes. We all need that feeling of belonging and connectedness; even if it’s only from a stranger sometimes.

Human beings are social creatures and we don’t tend to do so well on our own or locked down – but we’re generally also incredibly resilient and even stubborn in a good way! We don’t like to be beaten and our ‘bounce back ability’ is impressive. After all, life goes on for most; so we have to be adaptable. I’ve been very impressed with how tolerant people have been; plus how there’s been a feeling of camaraderie and pulling together. However, many of my clients tell me they feel exhausted; mentally

and physically. Being almost continually on one’s guard and having high levels of anxiety is extremely tiring. For many, our levels of stress are still very high, and that coupled with the uncertainty of the future, doesn’t help – so the next few weeks and months needs to be a time we’re all mindful of our selfcare. Yes, we need to be careful as the virus is still around; but it also needs to be a time of healing and convalescence. We need to find things that sooth and pamper us, so that we can relax from the tension. It can be something small or large; but it needs to be enjoyable and pleasurable. Many just need to share their experiences of the past year; so we must make an effort to properly listen. We need to

unburden ourselves. I also believe it’s a time for trying new things.

Interestingly, my case load of clients is predominantly filled with people who want to change themselves and their lives for the better.

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that many have realised how precious life is and they want to be happier than

they were before the virus struck. I think we’ve all realised that life should be meaningful, interesting and rewarding – so maintaining good mental and physical health needs to be paramount. You really can’t have one without the other. n Psychotherapist David Stanton lives near Sherborne.

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP

Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor.

Trainer and Mental Health Consultant.

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

Clinical Supervisor to other Health Care workers.

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

Health & Wellbeing

Stroke journey heartbreaking and hilarious May is Stroke Awareness Month and Gill Oliver from Sparkford has first-hand knowledge of the effects of this condition after her husband Terry suffered this life changing condition in 2013. Gill shares her story: When my husband Terry had a brain haemorrhage eight years ago, it came completely out of the blue. He counts his blessings that the business meeting that day had been postponed. How much worse would it have been if he’d been far from home, or actually on the road? There was another respect in which we were lucky, too. Unlike families in the covid crisis, I was able to visit him in hospital. Day by day, I grew accustomed to the changes in him, learnt a little of what was happening in his brain and his body; and from day one the brilliant staff trained me to notice the tiny improvements he was making. So by the time he was discharged, I knew he was on an upwards path. And how I could help.

It’s often said that every stroke is different; the effects are many and various. But there is a wealth of information and support out there, and that’s why Stroke Awareness Month, championed

details of the support that the Stroke Association can offer, visit stroke.org.uk

WOULD LIKE TO MEET Tall guy, late 50s trim and solvent, G.S.O.H, seeks lady friend, maybe more.

New to Blandford area, discretion assured, txt 07592 562602

by the Stroke Association, is so important. Whether through the internet or on the ground, the charities have never been more needed. Alongside practical help, MARTIN 63 meet lady 45-70 facts and figures, there are many at Swan, Sturminster Newton personal stories. You can read every Saturday in May ours too, on the website of Headway, the brain injury charity Hi I’m RICHARD, late 70s – with a cheery photo taken seeking ladies for outside Winstone’s Bookshop in relationships.

Sherborne!

07811 589712 The professionals say you need two things to make a recovery from stroke: grit, and a sense of HEALTH & WELLBEING humour. Terry had these in spades. We clung to every positive and ADELE CLINCH, ZEN HOUSE grabbed any excuse BSC, HCPC, Life Coaching for a laugh. And registered Do you feel stuck and unable to achieve your potential? some daft things chiropodist/ Are you dreaming of a more fulfilling future? happened. Those podiatrist. 01935 I can help to support you to achieve three steps from sofa your best life on your own terms.

812231 to mantlepiece, the Contact Sarah Eustance on 01258 458340 visits in NW Home or 07743 418233, triumphal realisation Dorset Sherborne or email sarah@sarahjeustance.plus.com he did it Visit www.lifecoachingsolutionsdorset.co.uk

PODIATRY CLINIC ST EDMUNDS Burton Street, Marnhull DT10 1PS NEW CLINIC

automatically it without the Zimmer, the horrible realisation he had no means of getting back…

That’s one exploit that did work its way into my second novel, Joe Faber and the Optimists. It was fuelled by the desire to reach out to others in our situation that I set out to write a book about stroke that would be both honest and funny. And while it features some completely made-up characters and situations – a fiddle-playing daughter with a wedding to plan – the stroke, and the ups and downs of those first months of recovery, is faithfully drawn from our own experience, which was heartbreaking and hilarious by turns.

Joe Faber and the Optimists is available from independent bookshops, Bookshop.org and Amazon. More details about Gill at gilloliverauthor.com. For

Julie Anne Smith DPodM MCPod hcpc registered Podiatrist T. 01258 821297 E. stedmundspodiatry@gmail.com

sherbornepodiatry.com

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

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF therapist in Gillingham

Bio resonance scan & treatments, Clinical reflexology & baby/toddler reflexology

T: 01747 826931

yvonne@intelligenthealthclinic.co.uk Making Life More Comfortable!

Telephone: 07714 550969 It’s good to share

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 59

Health & Wellbeing

Hop to it and enjoy digestive, antiseptic and soothing plant For one of our assignments, we need to identify ten herbs that are growing wild. I have had great fun going round the garden and have found many more than ten. One of the herbs I have chosen is some wonderful hops growing in the hedge row.

Most people think of hops and beer and that is what they are grown for commercially. As a result of this, hops have been studied comprehensively and they contain a huge amount of chemicals that are very beneficial to us including, vitamins, acids, phytooestrogens, volatile oils and bitters known as lupulin.

In the herbal world, hops or Humulus lupulus are associated with promoting sleep. Being relaxing and antispasmodic, they ease tension, anxiety and irritability and help with insomnia. Their multi-action properties make them a very powerful herb to use as they have pain-relieving properties and are antimicrobial and antiseptic. Their bitter qualities

promote digestion (something that will often keep you awake if your gut is unhappy) and secretion of bile which protects the gall bladder. The phytooestrogens are chemicals in plants that mimic oestrogen in our bodies and can help regulate it. This makes hops an extremely good herb for women. They will help with period problems, pre-menstrual syndrome, the menopause and night sweats (another thing that keeps women awake) and can act as an aphrodisiac. This is NOT however the case for men – they may depress the male libido! They are also diuretic,

these problems are due to digestive issues, pain, an overactive thyroid, an unhappy liver, congestion in the lungs or nose or are neurological.

Herbal medicine gets to the bottom of why people have the symptoms that they have and by addressing the root cause, seek to help the body to readjust and balance itself. The body and brain want to be healthy and if we give it the right tools, it is remarkable how it will respond.

If you are interested in herbal medicine, please do get in touch.

I am doing consultations through my college so you can see me, monitored by a fully qualified herbal practitioner, either in person in London or via Zoom for only £25.

07742 453285 pellyfiona@gmail.com

which beer drinkers will already know. They are however generally good for the respiratory system and can help with asthma, hayfever, coughs and chest infections – all of which can keep you awake.

They can be put into creams to delay wrinkles and keep the skin soft and supple. Hops should, however, be avoided in cases of depression as they can exacerbate it.

The herbal world has many plants that can Fiona Chapman is be used for studying naturopathy sedatives and and herbal medicine at to promote sleep but often the College of Naturopathic Medicine

Life coaching facts – true or false?

“You can’t coach me, I’m a friend.”

False. Many clients are friends before they are clients. It’s a different relationship when we meet for coaching and that can be an advantage because the essential rapport is there already. Every coaching conversation is totally confidential, regardless of who it’s with.

“You only coach women.”

False. Most of my clients are 60

women but not all. I also work with teenagers, men and couples.

“We’ll have to analyse my childhood.”

False. Coaching is very much about looking forward.

It’s not about analysing the past. In our initial session I need to build an overall picture of your story so far but your past won’t be the focus of our conversation.

Clients come to me with a specific issue but we also talk about other issues.

True. People come for coaching about a specific issue in their life but it is never an isolated thing. Our lives are not clean cut so our coaching conversations lead on naturally to other parts of your life that you want to discuss.

“You’ll think I’m silly but...”

False. I will never, ever judge you and no subject is off limits. Coaching sessions will always be safe, confidential places where you can speak without judgement.

“You will tell me exactly what to do.”

False. I’m not going to give you the answers. But through my questions, you will be able to work out your own answers, with my support.

“The issues I have are are topic specific so a life coach cannot help me.”

False. Whatever the issues, we are still dealing with the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities that face every one of us. The way through the fog has

many common threads. If a client does need support from another source, I will help find that additional help.

Coaching has to be goalorientated.

True. And False. Some coaches focus specifically on moving towards a goal. I use goals when appropriate.

They are often incredibly helpful but every client is different so there are no fixed rules.

“I will need to book lots of sessions.”

False. Some clients need just one session, many three or four. Some clients then come back periodically over the years. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne.

07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

A walk around...

LEWESTON Leweston is a strange parish to explore as it has no public roads that link to a right of way. It’s about a mile and a half N-S and less than half a mile E-W. The voting population is 15, whereas the population of non-voters is several hundred, due to the pupils of Leweston School which has about 500 pupils, both boys and girls, including boarders.

Park near the church of the adjacent parish, Lillington, beyond which is a bridleway leading eastwards across a field. At the top of the slope

the path leads you past a noisy rookery in a wood on your right. At the end of the wood you step over the boundary into Leweston parish.

Carry on easterly across a field. You can see the school on your right. A Leweston School minibus parks opposite my house daily at 7am to pick up pupils. I wonder whether they eat their breakfast at home or in the school?

At the far side of the field you’ll join the school drive, which is also a public footpath. Turn left, NE, for a short distance then, at the parish boundary, veer right

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

and walk through an orchard until you reach a road. Turn right and follow the road south for about a mile.

Although you’re now in Longburton parish, you’ll soon be skirting the boundary with Leweston, an ancient ivy covered bank and ditch.

At a junction of four parishes and three footpaths turn right

and retrace your route, heading north on the Leweston side of the border.

After a couple of fields turn left, skirting a hedge, then right following the school boundary through another orchard. You’ll soon be back at the school drive and can retrace your footsteps back to the car.

Celebrated artists donate works for spinal injury gardens

By Karen Bate Leading artists across the globe have donated works to be auctioned online in the inaugural Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction to raise funds to support people with spinal injury through therapeutic, beautiful, accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres, including the original garden at Salisbury District Hospital. The first garden was named after schoolboy Horatio Chapple, son of Salisbury spinal surgeon David. Horatio had carried out research into what patients wanted from a garden while volunteering at the spinal unit.

Sadly he was killed by a polar bear while on an expedition.

There are now five gardens and the charity wants to bring a stunning sanctuary to each of the 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK. Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Action will feature works by renowned British and international artists including Maggi Hambling, Tim Burton, Sean Henry, Vanessa Jackson and Rob and Nick Carter,

Mouth painting artist Keith Jansz

alongside some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, including Christabel Blackburn, Patrick Morales-Lee, Dawn Beckles and Hitomi Hosono.

Between May 15 and May 30 the Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction will include paintings, sculpture, ceramics and photography, ranging in price from £300 - £30,000.

The Royal Patron of Horatio’s Garden, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie said: “I’m so grateful to all the artists donating works to the Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction. With their and the buyers’ support, the auction will help ensure the future of the charity’s stunning

gardens across the country and will enable work to continue to improve the lives of everyone affected by spinal injury.”

Artist Maggi Hambling said: “Beautiful gardens, art and music are a heady combination.

I trust the auction will help to make this feast for the spirit continue and thrive.”

Mouth painting artist Keith Jansz, who was paralysed from his shoulders down following a car accident in 1995, has donated a painting that aptly depicts a summer garden scene, with the mass of gorgeous blooms reflecting his signature impressionist style.

He said: “The last year has made

society acutely aware of the value of such simple pleasures as fresh air and nature. In the past, long term residents of spinal units have been denied this enjoyment and diversion. I clearly remember my first experience of being wheeled out into the sunshine, to hear the birds singing and to smell flowers – after months of confinement on the ward it was transformative. But that was before Horatio’s Garden took such experiences to another level. Providing privacy and distraction from the overwhelming reality of the ‘new normal’ following a spinal injury, the gardens are lifesaving. Following my spinal injury, I learnt to paint by holding a brush in my mouth.

“The beauty of nature is a constant inspiration for my work. I’m delighted to be supporting Horatio’s Garden by donating this oil painting of sunflowers and delphiniums in my own garden in Oxfordshire to the Summer Art Auction”.

Online bidding opens at 9am on Saturday, May 15. Go to: thesaleroom.com.

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Arts & Entertainment

WELCOME RETURNS: Works by such artists as Sue Fawthrop, left ,and, Robert Woolner, right, are on display for Dorset Art Weeks

Studios open for Dorset Art Weeks The highly anticipated Open Studios event that sees hundreds of artists and makers welcome visits across the glorious county of Dorset will be taking place this month, albeit in a slightly altered format.

Its return in a time of such uncertainty is surely good news to Dorset Art Weeks’ loyal followers. Dorset Art Weeks is working in partnership with Evolver, the popular Wessex Arts & Culture guide, who are producing a beautiful magazine featuring all venues taking part – in whatever form. Some online, others by appointment visits only and many open as instagram.com/dorsetartweeks normal with covid-safe facebook.com/DorsetArtWeeks measures in place. twitter.com/dorsetartweeks A new Dorset Art Weeks App has been launched featuring all #dorsetartweeks the artists and makers taking part. As well as this you can DORSET VISUAL ARTS browse through special online and covid-safe in person events via dorsetartweeks .co.uk To allow for a greater flexibility for all Where established and involved the opening new artists exhibit their work times and status of all venues is only

22 MAY – 6 JUNE 2021 dorsetartweeks.co.uk

CYGNET GALLERY

available on the website and App - make sure you check the day of your visit. However you choose to enjoy Dorset Art Weeks this year, there will be something for all tastes and price ranges.

We can’t wait to bring all this fantastic work to visitors across the county, discover something wonderful on your doorstep!

Please make sure all visits are conducted respectfully and you follow all covid guidelines in place, to keep both yourself and the artists and makers safe.

Masks will have to be worn to visit venues inside.

Follow us and stay up to date, via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @dorsetartweeks TREASURE HUNT Join us on 23rd May for an afternoon of family fun meandering through some Dorset’s little gems to find the treasure. Start from 2pm-5.30PM AFTERNOON TEA & CAKES TO FOLLOW 01258 830474

Open: 10.00am – 4.30pm

Cygnet Gallery Swans Yard, Shaftesbury SP7 8JQ www.thecygnet.org.uk VENUE 9 The Cygnet Gallery is a Swans Trust Project. Charity no. 1063757

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DORSET RURAL MUSIC SCHOOL Lessons in all areas of music from from friendly professional teachers.

All ages,all stages welcome. Covid guidelines observed; Skype/Zoom also available.

01258 452511

Arts & Entertainment

Sculptor makes a large point Sculptor Giles Penny WAY OUT: from Bruton was Giles inspired to create his Penny’s bronze Man Who Knows the Way bronze by the current situation.

The man, who stands 60cm high, ‘is one of those people who assumes authority, is somewhat aloof but is well meaning’, says Giles.

He added: “Some time ago I made the large Man on Bench sculpture which sits by the river in Bruton, and have had many public sculpture commissions including two at Canary Wharf, London – Two Men on a Bench and and printmaking, “started Man with Arms Open. making art at a young age Giles, who divides his time and have never stopped”. between sculpture, painting He went to The Heatherly

School of Fine Art, Chelsea, Bournemouth & Poole College of Art and Newport College of Art. He has been in Bruton for many years and has spent most of his life in the Blackmore Vale area.

His large scale pieces can be seen in many public spaces including: Golden Square, London; Canary Wharf, London; Body Shop International; Fulham Reach, London; Liminster Church, Sussex; Wolverhampton city centre; Bruton, Somerset.

This month he has a oneman show at the Jerram Gallery, Sherborne. n gilespenny.co.uk 01749 838808

County diversity for photo contest CPRE Somerset is looking for photos highlighting the range and diversity of people, places, events and activities that make our Somerset countryside so special.

This year there are two prizes of £100 each – one for adults and one for under 18s. The judges are ideally looking for photos that include people working in the countryside, people enjoying the outdoors or close up details showing the intimate experience of being outside in nature. The theme is ‘My Somerset – at work, rest & play’.

Entries should be emailed as an attachment to admin@cpresomerset.org.uk by midnight on August 31. Full terms can be found at cpresomerset.org.uk

CAROLYNE MORAN PAINTINGS DORSET ART WEEKS VENUE 35 Look for signage

22 MAY-6 JUNE OPEN 11AM TO 5PM Late opening until 8pm on 28 May SUBJECTS INCLUDE...

Interiors, Garden Scenes, See Views and More...

The Farmhouse, 12 Well Lane, Shaftesbury SP7 8LP Telephone 01747 631052 Mobile 07958 393152 Email carolyne@carolynemoran.com www.carolynemoran.com

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Arts & Entertainment

Folk duo’s second book of county walks Hotfoot from appearances on BBC-TV’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row BBC award nominees Ninebarrow, widely recognised as one of the finest harmony duos in UK folk music, will follow up the release of their acclaimed fourth album A Pocket Full of Acorns, with another new creation – their second book.

Dorset pair Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, walking enthusiasts when not pursuing their burgeoning musical career, published their first book in spring 2019.

Ninebarrow’s Dorset, a book of ten diverse ‘musical walks’ in their home county took readers on a magical journey through the landscape that has inspired their songs and played such a

BRANCHING OUT: Ninebarrow

huge part in the success of their music.

On May 31 they will follow this up with the release of Ninebarrow’s Dorset – Volume Two – a beautifully designed book of another 10

graded walks on Dorset’s rolling hills and Jurassic coast (nine circular and one linear), featuring detailed instructions, hand-drawn maps and Jay’s own fine photographs.

Jon said: “Two years after we published our first book it is now on its third print run and we’ve been overwhelmed by people’s reactions to it.

So we got to thinking about all the other Dorset-inspired songs we’ve written and thought we’d turn things on their head. Where the first book had contained walks that had inspired songs, this second volume is a collection of walks created specifically for the songs, crafted with the song’s story

in mind.”

In 2017 they were nominated in the coveted ‘Horizon’ category for ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards– only a few months after Jon gave up his job as a teacher and Jay as a GP in favour of a full-time music career - a leap of faith that has clearly paid dividends.

Ninebarrow are also hosting a series of musical walking holidays – three days of walking, fine food and evening concerts. n For more info: ninebarrowwalking.co. uk/walk n Jon and Jay will be performing a live streamed gig on Saturday, May 29 at 7pm Tickets via ninebarrow.co. uk/live

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

TE SE NO PL E A

S MASTK BE MUS RN WO

SIMON EVANS:

The Work of the Devil

Wed 19th May, 8pm Tickets £16.00 (over 16s only)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

From The Blues Band

PAUL JONES & DAVE KELLY

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS The Roy Orbison Story

Sat 14th August, 7.30pm Tickets £24.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

64

Fri 28th May, 7.30pm Tickets £23.00

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

DAD’S ARMY

Wed 2nd June to Sun 6th June, 2pm Tickets £17.50 under 16s £14 Adult version (over 16s only ) Fri 4th & Sat 5th June, 7pm Ticket £17.50 1 in 10 tickets FREE! Via Box Office only

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)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

MONEY FOR NOTHING 20th Anniversary tour

Thur 19th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20

(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)

Arts & Entertainment Two bestselling authors with Dorset connections will be giving online talks about their latest books at the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival in June.

Libby Page and Lucy Clarke will be heading up the programme featuring online talks, literary walks and a video celebrating local literature connections between Monday, June 14 and Sunday, June 20.

Libby was Head Girl at Gillingham School and is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lido, The 24Hour Café and The Island, which is out in June.

She went on to graduate from The London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Journalism before working at The Guardian and in marketing.

Now a full-time writer and

ALL WRITE: Libby Page and Lucy Clarke, right, and, inset below, Libby’s latest work The Island

Brace of bestselling authors booked for literary festival passionate outdoor swimmer, Libby will be in conversation with Dorset Libraries about her writing, reading habits and her latest book, with occasional forays into wild swimming on 17 at 7pm.

Lucy is the bestselling author of six psychological thrillers.

Her debut novel was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, and her books have been sold in over 20

Storywriter winner revealed The Blandford Literary Festival, currently operating online through its Facebook page and sharing story readings, and other online literary events as well as hosting competitions, at the beginning of March announced a competition for authors to submit a war time themed story.

The winner was A Greater Sacrifice by Marianne Ashurst, whose prize was a copy of ‘Blandford in the

Great War’, a compilation with contemporary newspaper reports of how the town coped during World War I. A BLF spokesman said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions to make, thank you so much to all those who have entered. We’ve had an assortment of stories, most based on true events and the lives of loved ones. By far the most touching competition we’ve had.”

territories.

A passionate traveller, beach hut dweller, and fresh air enthusiast, Lucy will be talking about her writing and reading from her latest novel The Castaways on 14 at 7pm.

Festival organiser Michaela Knowles said: “We are delighted Libby and Lucy will be taking part in the 2021 festival programme and thank our partners, Dorset

Libraries and the Friends of Sturminster Newton Library, for their support. Both these authors have many loyal fans – Libby for her uplifting, feel-good stories and Lucy for her engrossing psychological thrillers - and we are looking forward to hear more about their new books.”

For more details go to sturlitfest.com

CAR BOOT SALE

WINCANTON RACECOURSE BA9 8BJ Sunday 30th May and Monday 31st May 1pm – 4pm Sellers (Cars Trailers Vans etc) £6 For as much room as you require Buyers £1 per vehicle Gates open to sellers 11am 07979 345914 or 07479 476809 STRICTLY NO DOGS ALLOWED 65

Arts & Entertainment

St Peter’s to host sessions as live music makes return Live music is returning to Shaftesbury at last!

Wessex Acoustic has triple checked all the rules and regulations and can now present a concert in the wonderful setting of St Peter’s Church, at the top of the famous Gold Hill, Shaftesbury on Friday, May 21.

The star for the night is Jez Lowe, one of the finest singer-songwriters to emerge from the years of industrial hardships in the North East of England. His songs tell of everyday life and regional traditions, fairs, festivals and celebrations. Many songs give glimpses into the lives of miners and factory workers with their traditions and folk legends.

Jez’s songwriting and story telling skills have been much

in demand, with him being invited to be part of the BBC Radio Ballads series several times. Jez has travelled the world with his music, and is welcomed and enjoyed everywhere he goes.

Providing a break for Jez between two 45-minute sets will be a shorter set from an award winning duo from Salisbury, Antoine and Owena.

Seats will be strictly limited and socially distanced.

Tickets are £12.50, an introductory special price, from wessex-acoustic.co.uk, or phone Kathy on 01202 732239 for information.

There will be no refreshments provided, but you are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks. Face coverings MUST be worn.

Gillingham Art Trail Showcasing diverse and creative local independent artists Presented by One of the Gillingham Stags,

by Pauline Dawkins

Wednesday 12 May to Sunday 6 June 2021 Scan the QR code or use the following link to access full details of our artists and their town centre venues

www.gillingham-art-trail.org 66

Sarah Jack

Artists open doors to viewers Studios will open in Child Okeford as part of Dorset Art Weeks.

Six artists will be opening their studios, offering a variety of artwork and glassware, all of which can be found along the main road running through Child Okeford. n Sarah Jack, Rob Adams, Diane Ablitt, Open for Half Term from May 29-June 6, 2021 12-4pm sarahjack.co and treeshark.com or by appointment contact 01258 860959 Sarah Jack is a professional artist and has developed her own ways of creating intriguing artwork, layering tissue paper, scrim, corrugated card, wire and cotton to create interesting textures which become landscapes or harbours often with run down cottages.

Rob Adams was a designer and illustrator for film TV and for many of the world’s theme parks before escaping to Dorset. Now he is a plein air landscape painter in oils and watercolours. He was a member of the prestigious Wapping group before moving to Dorset.

Diane Ablitt trained as a graphic designer and now enjoys using creamy gouache to produce pared down, poster like artwork. She creates contemporary,

inventive and imaginative pieces, capturing a variety of images including Harbour scenes. n Rachel Sargent, Emsie Sharp, Kelly Ross Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May 22June 5, 2021 12-4pm or by appointment contact 07957452853 rachelsargent.co.uk and sharpglass.co.uk theartstable.co.uk (10-3pm) Rachel Sargent is a landscape painter whose work is full of light and shade. Her love of nature is reflected in her work as she remembers her walks along dappled lanes, woodland streams and coast paths. She often uses a combination of painting and printmaking in her work and loves experimenting with different techniques and mediums.

Emsie Sharp produces beautiful glassware. Having worked in the famous Murano glass studios in Venice for several years, she has gone on to develop her own distinctive style which includes traditional and modern wine glasses, colour tableware, lighting and sculpture.

Kelly Ross will be open at The Art Stable which specialises in Contemporary and 20th Century British paintings, prints and ceramics.

Arts & Entertainment This June, The David Hall in South Petherton will be opening its doors to welcome three quite different events – and on each occasion there will be two performances, with time in between for the venue to be cleaned if required by government regulations.

Emma Westerman, the hall’s administrator said: “We are doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of our patrons and will implement whatever measures are needed so that audience members feel totally secure.”

Details of covid safety measures at The David Hall can be found at thedavidhall.org.uk Each of the following events will have two performances, with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start and doors opening at 8.30pm for a 9pm start.

VARIETY SHOWS: Belshazzaer’s Feast, Florence and Kitty Macfarlane are three of the highlights of a packed programme at David Hall in South Petherton

Thursday, June 3 Belshazzar’s Feast One of the best-loved duos in folk music, previous BBC Folk Awards Best Duo nominees Belshazzar’s Feast start with traditional folk, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off with a wry humour that has won them fans across the world.

Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Pagoda Project) have together wowed audiences with their eclectic and eccentric mix of songs and tunes and their between-songs chat that is guaranteed to send audiences home with smiles on their faces.

‘Their music is breathtaking and wickedly inventive and the between-tunes interchange as intelligent and hilarious as the music.’ Mike Harding Tickets: £17 /£16 concessions

June is bustin’ out all over with wide range of events Saturday, June 12 Florence: the lesser-known life and legacy of Florence Nightingale Written and performed by Louise Jordan This one-womanperformance of original song and storytelling shines a light on the lesser-known aspects of Florence Nightingale’s life and work, to question why her extraordinary and wideranging achievements are so often overlooked.

Florence Nightingale spent less than two years as a nurse in the Crimea but devoted decades to campaigning for social reform worldwide, advocating equal access to

healthcare for all, and became an expert in areas such as land irrigation, hospital design and postal services for soldiers, in order to advance her causes. She lived to the age of 90.

Tickets: £16 / £15 concessions Saturday, June 19 Kitty Macfarlane Kitty Macfarlane is a songwriter and guitarist from Somerset whose music is rich with visual imagery and written with an eco-eye. Her trademark lies in remarkably mature songwriting, a marked empathy with the environment and a strong

sense of place. Carried by a clear voice that is ‘controlled yet wild’ (Folk Radio), her lyrics touch on intervention and rewilding, climate change and migration, woman’s age-old relationship with textiles and the land, and the changing face of the natural world.

Cerebral and topical, honest and immediate, these are not throwaway lyrics or everyday melodies but thought-provoking and evocative compositions with wonderfully crafted soundscapes.

Tickets: £16. No concessions Tickets can be booked at thedavidhall.org.uk or by phone on 01460 240 340.

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Arts & Entertainment

Sir Sebastian looking forward to doing an ACE job

NEW CHAIRMAN: Sir Sebastian Chance with Alyson Martin

Somerton-based Art Care Education (ACE) has appointed a new trustees’ chairman.

Sir Sebastian Chance began the role this month, having been a trustee since March 2018. A former art teacher, sculptor and artist, he replaces Alyson Martin MBE, who had been chairman since October 2016. Alyson will continue as a trustee.

Sir Sebastian’s tenure begins as its gallery, ACEArts, reopens. The gallery will hold its first exhibition since 2020, Leonard Green’s In

Search of Northern Soul, a series of paintings with the energetic movement of the dances related to Northern Soul music. The second exhibition space showcases a series of works by Emma Housley entitled Constellations. These vivid abstract works are layered with colour and drama, and describe how we experience powerful memories and sensations. Both exhibitions run from May 18 until June 19.

Sir Sebastian said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed chairman of ACE.

Poet Luke is touring the pubs armed with a fistful of ballads Back in Georgian times we got our news from poetry.

Before paper, broadcasts or the internet, ballad sellers would hawk their doggerel on street corners for a penny.

Scandalous affairs, grisly crimes, and colourful characters were brought to life in rhyming verse long before the first tabloid was printed...

Award-winning poet Luke Wright has rewritten the very best of these stories for the modern ear in a brand new show, The Ballad Seller, which tours to Dorset this month through Artsreach, as part of The Inn Crowd. This national project commissions some of the UK’s top performing poets to craft new shows especially for rural pubs which, in turn, have helped landlords attract new customers, widened the experience for their regular punters, and helped to 68

WORDSMITH: Luke Wright

reinforce the pub as a central, vibrant part of community life.

Luke Wright is a spit and sawdust wordsmith. His poems are inventive and engaging, documenting 21st century British life with wit, humanity, and panache and performing his work with snarl and spit. Join Luke at The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton on

Sunday, May 30 from 6.30pm, and take a trip through the Drury Lane gin shops with the Boxing Baroness; filch oysters by the dozen with Dando, the celebrated gormandiser; and escape the Bull Ring with Jemmy the Rockman. Expect scandal, excess, and beautiful flawed humanity from The Ballad Seller.

This show takes place outdoors, with a reduced and socially distanced audience.

Tickets are £5 and must be booked in advance please only book tickets for your household / support bubble (maximum 6).

Further information and tickets can be purchased by visiting www.artsreach.co.uk Contact The Gaggle of Geese on 01300 345249 to book a table for a pre-show roast. n“One of the funniest and most brilliant poets of his generation” The Independent

I look forward to leading ACE into the future.”

ACE (Art Care Education) moved into the Old Town Hall permanently in September 2016, and it is being used as a gallery and workshop venue with exhibitions sponsored by The Stepping Stone Group. It was a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2017 and again this year, and was also a finalist in the Somerset Business Awards 2017. For more information telephone ACE on 01458 273008, email hello@acearts.co.uk or visit their Facebook page.

Timely debut novel from retired nurse

A retired nurse from Sherborne, who worked at Yeovil District Hospital nursing special care babies, has published her first novel.

Sheila Helson, whose pen name is Anne Keens, released her first novel When Time Sleeps on April 30.

The book took about 18 months to write and while it is fiction, the plot is inspired by Sheila’s life and work experiences.

Now in her late forties, Ann has everything to live for.

Her children are independent and both she and her husband are at the peak of their professions. Ann tells her story of the emotional journey, at a period in her life when circumstances begin to change and become out of her control.

This novel was written as pure fiction; however, since its completion, some aspects have sadly come true. nWhen Time Sleeps is £9.99 from publishers Austin Macauley or book shops.

Pets

Ask the vet...

Spring brings flowers and babies. Most of our native and non-native wild species produce their young in the spring and early summer. The best way for a wild animal to be raised is by its parents in its normal environment.

The RSPB states that removal of a fledgling from the wild reduces its chances of longterm survival to a small fraction, and is normally the worst thing that could be done.

Fledglings should be left where they are, in the care of their parents. If the bird is on a busy path or road, or other potentially dangerous, exposed location, it makes sense to pick it up and move it a short distance to a safer place. Make AMERICAN BULLY X CANE CORSO. All blue.

2 dogs, £1500 each. 2 bitches left. 07568 680724 FOX RED LABRADOR PUPPIES FOR SALE. Both parents are KC registered and working. Puppies will be wormed, microchipped, and KC registered. £2,500.

07773 254174 3 PURE COCKER SPANIELS - golden girls.

Can be seen with mum, who has a lovely temperament. Ready to leave mid June. Ring for more details 07966 587138 MALE GUINEA PIGS, all colours, rough and smooth coated, 12 weeks to 1 year old. £10 each. 01963 458199 KC REG YELLOW LABRADOR PUPS. Vaccinated, chipped & wormed. Ready at the end of May. £1,500. 07479 199994

with Lynn Broom

sure you leave it within hearing distance of where it was found.

Birds have a poor sense of smell so handling a young bird does not cause its parents to abandon it.

If you have cats, make sure they are kept indoors until the fledglings are airborne. In any conflict of interest between wild animals and domestic pets, it is always the domestic pet that must give way. Sadly many wild animal injuries and deaths are caused by our pets and keeping dogs under close control and providing cats with bells or similar can help reduce these losses.

The RSPCA recommends that, if you find an injured wild animal, watch it first to see how badly hurt it is. Then, if possible, take it to a nearby vet or wildlife rehabilitator (call first to make sure they can take and treat the animal). If you take the animal to a vet they will assess if for injuries and arrange to treat it as appropriate and arrange for it to go to a rescue centre if necessary.

Wildlife rehabilitation is very tricky and best left to experts so that the animals have the best chance of survival back in the wild. We would always recommend that if you find a wild animal that you think is

injured, you give it to an experienced rehabilitator, or call us (the RSPCA) on 0300 1234 999. Whilst we may like the idea of saving a wild animal, getting it well and then keeping it as a pet it is important to remember that wild animals are inherently fearful of humans and keeping them in captivity is stressful for them and prevents them displaying their normal behaviour. Most wildlife rescue centres agree that injured wild animals should only be treated if they can make a full recovery allowing them to be released once well again. Many injuries, particularly those caused by bites, and contaminated open fractures cannot be successfully treated and euthanasia should be considered.

Certain species which are not native to the UK cannot be released back in to the wild once they have been taken in to captivity (except under licence) and these include the grey squirrel and barn owl.

The best way we can help wildlife is to protect wild animals from our pets and to leave them alone, particularly young birds and animals, unless they are injured and require treatment or euthanasia to prevent further suffering.

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

LOST AND FOUND AND REHOMING Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection: 01258 858644 Cats looking for new homes:

Morris (7) b/w boy desperate for love but needs boundaries. No young children, dogs or cats

Miracle (1) blue grey & white fluffy boy needs help with his grooming. No young children, dogs or cats

Monty (14) blue grey boy looking for a home in the country. No cats or dogs.

Lost Cats: Old Farm Garden Blandford – brindle tortie girl missing since 2/5. . Blandford St Mary – recently shaved fluffy tabby cat may still have a bandage on his front leg missing since 29/4 .

Shaftesbury – dark grey & white boy missing since 14/4 . Stourcastle Sturminster Newton – tabby white boy missing 5 months Milton Abbas – black slightly fluffy girl missing since 1st March.

Shaftesbury - black boy with blue collar missing since around the 6th May. 69

Puzzles Arrow words Plans

Crossword French ‘Luke’

Shrinkage

Not us

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Home decorating (inits)

Sickness

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Sand bank

‘In truth’, online (inits)

Trade show

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Recalls

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Head covering

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PC exit key

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Booker Prize Winners

W N O S B O C A J D R A W O H

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A S BYATT ARAVIND ADIGA BARRY UNSWORTH BEN OKRI DAVID STOREY GRAHAM SWIFT HOWARD JACOBSON IRIS MURDOCH

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P M A R G A R E T A T W O O D

H C O D R U M S I R I T L O H

N O W O E A R G N Y A R A A H

E D A V I D S T O R E Y L N I

W I R K O N E B I L G D O A H

B E A E L Y O D Y D D O R O L

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Across 1 Famous Russian cosmonaut (7) 5 Upper body limbs (4) 8 Height of water (5) 9 With movement, musically (3,4) 11 Operatic solo (4) 12 Confine (8) 15 Awesome (5) 16 Woodwind instrument (5) 19 Biggest (8) 21 Garment worn by Indian women (4) 23 Stupid (7) 25 In a horizontal position (5) 26 Gap (4) 27 Ostensible (7)

Wordsearch D L A A I A S E D N A R I K A

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Y D A R A V I N D A D I G A M

M I N G I J R T Y R T I N E W

JOHN BANVILLE KIRAN DESAI MARGARET ATWOOD MICHAEL ONDAATJE P H NEWBY PENELOPE LIVELY RODDY DOYLE WILLIAM GOLDING

B A R R Y U N S W O R T H G O

Down 2 Largeness (9) 3 Pain (4) 4 Receipts (6) 5 Bank amenity (inits) (3) 6 The Paris underground (5) 7 Perfect (5) 10 Type of essential oil (6) 13 Position (9) 14 Group of six (6) 17 The human mind (6) 18 Crest (5) 20 Audio receiver (5) 22 Dejected (4) 24 Metal-bearing mineral (3)

Sudoku

9 7

8 3 1 3 2

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For the solutions turn to page 97

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Brain chain RESULT

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Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword

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Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.

No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

Across 8 Reduce to nothing reference work with no end of trivia (5) 9 Extremely cold US city agents among outsiders in general (7) 10 Amount of money secured in audience for important figure (7) 11 Tree in a lake with reflected colour (5) 12 Team’s info misrepresented in aims of party? (9) 14 Reserved and quiet unknown character (3) 15 Luminous discharge in amusement area (not half) (3) 16 Get rid of backward work underground and testing (9) 19 Scholar or institute for ancient language (5) 21 Setback about poet’s output? (7) 23 Condescends to include second plans (7) 24 Religious assembly say without a sign of approval (5)

Down 1 Male with a thick cut turns up for ointment (6) 2 Aid for remembering varied income after man gets disheartened (8) 3 Miscellany in school I overlooked (4) 4 Go back first off to gain exit (6) 5 Something fancifully extravagant on a car possibly entering major road (8) 6 Look after minister with daughter (4) 7 Cloth workers? (6) 13 Sentiments from fellow, slippery type, having drunk gins (8) 14 Emotionally charged prison with criminal gang (8) 15 A marine with a degree on a set of ships (6) 17 A break, we’re told, for stop (6) 18 Covetous journalist wearing sombre colour (6) 20 Get rid of old American close to bankrupt (4) 22 Enormous tank carrying leader of soldiers (4)

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MPs’ round-up

Farmers need clarity with new era of global trade We are fortunate to be surrounded by sumptuous nature. Each market town with its myriad charms, its unique character and sense of permanence is – to paraphrase Shakespeare – a little world. A precious stone set in the green sea.

And as I’m sure you’ll have spotted, we’ve just enjoyed Great British Beef Week. Though perhaps I should clarify. Not beef as in grievance (which certainly wouldn’t be a great week), but beef as in what comes from the farms encircling us.

So in Parliament we debated the successes and challenges ahead for farming. As for us all, the past year has meant unprecedented times for farmers, so I grabbed the opportunity to pay tribute to Somerset’s farming community in rising to these challenges. When we feared

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton shops would run dry of produce early in the pandemic, our food producers ensured that fears were assuaged and demand was met. But it’s not just food production.

Travelling through the glorious Somerset countryside, it’s impossible not to marvel at the contribution that farmers make to managing our landscape.

It’s interesting to highlight just some of the ways our farming is among the most sustainable in the world. To scatter examples into the wind, the greenhouse gas footprint of UK milk production is just 40% of the global average and British dairy and beef aims to be, and is fully on track to be, carbon neutral by 2040.

Staggeringly, over the last 40 years, farmers across the country have increased woodland areas equivalent to four times the size of Greater London.

I could go in, but I’ll spare you for now. Because, in addition, farming burns a fierce flame under our rural economy. The new and snappily titled Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership offers a wealth of opportunity across the Asian, American and Australasian continents,

with lucrative markets for our produce.

While we want trade partnerships though, they must not be at the expense of food standards for our own imports.

I’ve voted consistently to enshrine the Government’s guarantee of no decline in standards into law and I’ll continue to do so, while appreciating government concerns around the wording of the legislation. But we need certainly and clarity.

Given the political seismic shifts over the past few years, it’s been harder than ever for Somerset’s farmers – and, indeed, for most of us – to see with clarity. I hope the Government hears us and smooths the path to give our farmers clear sight of the future. The future is bright, but these have been dark times, and we have to light the way carefully and clearly.

Golden opportunity to rebuild food chain Global logistics and ‘just in time’ procurement is all very well but an early lesson from the covid crisis has been the importance of solid supply chains. In the case of food, this means having greater selfsufficiency so that Britain is resilient in the face of events. Panic buying triggered by the pandemic saw shelves depleted, notably of staples like fruit and veg. Unhelpfully, the UK only produces 18% of its fruit needs and 55 per cent of its vegetables.

Overall, our food selfsufficiency sits at 64 per cent.

Interestingly, despite the rising population but with a nod to increased agricultural efficiency, that’s a rise against pre-war levels of 40 er cent.

Strict rationing was required for many years, reflecting an over reliance on imports. But it is also a drop since 1984, 72

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison when our levels sat at 78 per cent.

Brexit and covid are not the only incentives to improve our domestic agricultural yield.

The UK’s hosting of COP26 presents opportunities for the Government to integrate its green agenda with food security.

Last week I met virtually with members of the local NFU. Minette Batters, the NFU President, has said: “The entire economy is now aiming to build back better, to build back greener. British farming can be central to that green recovery. We have a golden opportunity to place food security at the centre of our food system and become a global leader in sustainable food production.” I agree and, observing that farming must remain principally about food production, not park keeping, believe that farmer businesses are central to a net zero carbon, greener future.

The Environmental Land Management scheme is the cornerstone of the UK’s new agricultural policy. It is intended as a vehicle for achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan and a

commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, while supporting the rural economy.

Under the scheme, farmers and land managers will be paid to improve the environment, promote animal health and welfare, and cut carbon. All of this, I very much hope, without undermining the competitive positive of the UK agri-food sector in selling domestically and exporting produce.

On food security, the Government has commissioned a two-part independent review, entitled the National Food Strategy.

This will feed into a policy White Paper outlining what action ministers propose taking. I will be watching for this closely since the primary purpose of farming must remain food, and at a price my constituents can afford.

MPs’ round-up

There’s never been more fluidity among voters As I type the results of so-called Super Thursday are pouring in when the largest set of elections have taken place since the General Election of 2019. As someone who knocked on his first door to canvass a voter in 1985 I think I can say that no one could have predicted the results we are seeing and the change in outlook from the electorate towards politics and the political parties. There will be volumes written about it I am sure but one thing I know is this: that the times change and if politicians, parties and policies don’t they are doomed.

I have never known greater fluidity in the mood and mind of the voters. Ancient electoral allegiances are under challenge as never before and, as a result, new ones are being forged.

Having grown up in South Wales I remember hearing time after time: ‘my grandfather/ father/grandmother/mother would turn in their graves if I didn’t vote Labour’. That was replicated in spades in the North East dominated as it was

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare by heavy, unionised industry.

When a party in Government takes a seat from the Official Opposition in a Parliamentary byelection 11 years into a Tory MP carrying the keys of Downing Street in their back pocket, you know there’s a political earthquake underway.

I remember Newbury, Christchurch, Mid Staffs, Eastbourne. Strong Tory seats which fell to opposition parties.

Governments lose by-elections.

Governments lose councils and councillors (I all too well remember when Buckinghamshire was the only Tory controlled county

council). So, all I can safely say is that we are in a state of flux. What many people saw as a flash in the pan in December 2019 now seems to be a trend which is becoming entrenched. n One of the key political issues for me as a Conservative & Unionist is the integrity and maintenance of the unity of our United Kingdom. As I write we await the results of the Scottish and Welsh elections and the respective fate of the Unionists and the Separatists. While those are unknown what I do know is that the tapestry threads of the Union have never been under greater strain. The maintenance of the Union is as important to us here in Dorset as anywhere else in the country. Our strength, influence, our power to do things, to turn the dial on issues, to lead changes on the international stage come about by the differences of the UK united as a compelling geopolitical entity and acting under the motivations of our shared vision and values. I chair the Northern Ireland Affairs

Select Committee in the Commons and there are changes happening to the outlook and demographics of NI. But while change per se is inevitable, what the changes are can be sculpted and directed.

Politicians and the politics of politics must grasp the opportunity to make the case to the younger and next generation of the vital importance and benefits of all that the UK represents. That job needs doing not just in NI, Wales and Scotland but in England too.

We must steer clear from a sliding into English nationalism – the ‘if you think you can thrive without us, go! Have a try!’ school of thought.

That, in my considered judgement, is not in the interests of any of us. The problems we wrestle with both here at home and internationally are best faced into as an United Kingdom.

The positive case – economic, cultural, values, diplomatic are attractive ones.

Let’s make them with energy.

of closure due to the pandemic. Having grown up in the rural fringes of Sherborne, I know the importance of maintaining services like this to so many people. n I met residents living near some of West Dorset’s busiest roads to discuss the impact of speeding, and measures that could be taken to mitigate it.

This issue is particularly serious along the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil. As summer approaches, we need to do all we can to ensure our streets and roads are safe for everyone. n Several recruiters from West Dorset have contacted me with concerns over the lack of applications to jobs that are vacant. I would encourage anyone job searching to

consider the opportunities in our food production and hospitality sectors, with roles to suit different skillsets and many progression opportunities to climb the career ladder. Contact details for recruitment agencies such as Frontline Recruitment are easily accessible online, with staff able to match you up to the most suitable work opportunity for you. n And finally, I challenged the BBC last week over saying to children that they can only get a Blue Peter green badge if they stopped eating meat.

Stopping plastic use, walking rather than driving, reducing power use would be great options, but I do not support the BBC’s approach and so have written to them about it.

73

My next step will be to end non-stun slaughter

The new law I introduced to Parliament – the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act – has been given Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen. Those who abuse animals will now face proportionate justice for their crimes. As a nation of animal lovers, I know there will be millions across the United Kingdom as proud as I am that this is now law.

My greater mission to improve the welfare of animals in this country will now focus on ending live animal exports. I do not believe farmers have any wish to see their animals crammed on to ships for unnecessary long-distance transportation. The third step will be to end the brutal act of non-stun slaughter, which is an inhumane practice totally out

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder of place in the 21st century. n After a year of campaigning, the minor injuries unit at Sherborne’s Yeatman Hospital will be reopening on June 21. Patients will now be able to access this vital service after over a year

Church Church services Shaftesbury Team Ministry Sunday 16th May 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 Sunday 923rd May 9.30am: St Peter’s - Parish Communion 9.30am: Motcombe - Parish Communion 11.15am: Melbury Abbas – Parish Communion 11.15am: St James’ – Reflective evening communion 6pm St James’ – Pilgrim service Team Office: 01747 853060 facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE Church of England services

in Gillingham & Milton on Stour Sunday 16 May 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham Sunday 23 May 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham 10.30am Holy Communion at St Simon & St Jude, Milton on Stour Sunday 30 May 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham Sunday 6 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham Sunday 13 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham 10.30am Holy Communion at St Simon & St Jude, Milton on Stour Sunday 20 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham

Sunday 27 June 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham 10.30am Holy Communion at St Simon & St Jude, Milton on Stour St Mary's Church remains open for private prayer every day of the week 10am – 4pm.

Blandford Methodist Church You are warmly invited to our Sunday services that start at 10.45am Please pre-book your seat(s) by phoning 01258 577 030., we will confirm whether your seat(s) have been reserved.

Please wear a face-mask and stay two metres apart from those not in your bubble and at the moment no singing.

We are anxious to offer you help. Please leave your message on our answer phone 01258 577 030 and we will

return your call within 24 hours. 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 There will be a service of Morning Worship on 16th May starting at 10am and a Benefice service will be held on 30th May at 10am. Our regular services are as follows: 1st Sunday - Holy Communion at 10am, 2nd Sunday Evensong at 4pm, 3rd Sunday - Morning Worship at 10am.

Everyone is most welcome to attend any service in the church. facebook.com/StalbridgeChurch

Do you know a child who loves to sing?

They could be a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral and become part of a 900-year-old tradition, receiving expert musical tuition and an outstanding education. Auditions for children in years 3 and 4 on Saturday 3 July 2021. chorister.recruitment@salcath.co.uk 07979378926

www.salisburycathedral.org.uk 74Blackmore Vale May 2021.indd

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29/04/2021 15:56:03

Church

Landmark church scoops funding A much-loved church is to share in a £611,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £20,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund urgent repairs at St Peter and St Paul in the centre of Blandford Forum.

The church also receives a £7,500 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust.

St Peter and St Paul’s is on the Historic England ‘At Risk’ Register.

A church has been present on the site since the early 12th century.

Following a major fire in June 1731, which destroyed the entire town including the medieval church, the church was rebuilt to a design by John and William Bastard, noted local architects

and builders, and re-opened in 1739.

The original plans included a spire, but due to lack of funds a ‘temporary’ cupola was erected instead. Between 1884 and 1895 the apse was moved eastward to form a chancel.

Over time the interior has been adapted.

Simon Jenkins includes the church in his ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’ as did

Motoring

Gleaming Bristol in auction This historic Bristol was, we understand, the very first 411 Series IV produced, and was the actual motor car used for the Avon Tyres Safety Wheel blowout test, driven by none other than Tony Crook himself. It was the prototype for the by auction on Thursday, May 603 when it was 20. subsequently fitted with the Full details at dvca.co.uk later 5.9 litre V8 engine, Telephone 01963 363 353 to which is still retained today. register, book a viewing or Joining this fabulous Bristol for assistance. are around 50 vehicles including exotics, preNext Auction: war, sports 20 May 2021 cars, Please contact commercial Brian Chant and T: 01963 363353 motorcycles.

E: info@dvca.co.uk The vehicles W: www.dvca.co.uk 1978 Dax Tojeiro are to be sold Jaguar V12 Cobra Replica Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RH £15000 – 18000

Pevsner in the ‘Buildings of England’.

The grant will support repairs to the roofs, high level masonry and internal plasterwork. The roof of the church has reached a stage where patch repair is no longer a viable option and significant water ingress will occur in the very near future unless the roof is re-laid. The plain tiled nave and transept roofs will be lifted and re-laid retaining as many of the original handmade clay tiles as possible.

All four sections of parapet gutters will be lifted and remodelled. New timberwork will be introduced and the plasterwork re-secured.

Anne Shire and Sara Loch, who are overseeing the restoration project on behalf of the PCC, said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of both the National Churches Trust and the

Wolfson Foundation in providing a grant towards the latest phase of our church restoration. Even if we are successful in acquiring a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in June, we still need additional funds and these grants are a great contribution towards our goal.”

A total of 67 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from the latest grants from the National Churches Trust, the charity supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK. £133,300 of the grants come from the Wolfson Foundation.

This is the first round of grants made by the National Churches Trust in 2021. Last year the trust awarded, or recommended on behalf of other funders, 260 grants amounting to £1.7 m.

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE 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

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

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Motoring

Dorset Council responds to reader’s

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset Council has responded to a reader’s letter complaining about the lack of rapid charging points for electric vehicles in Shaftesbury.

Transport projects officer Christopher Whitehouse said moves were underway to replace ‘outdated’ charge points in the county.

However he said the rapid chargers often cost a great deal more money, and rely on private companies installing them and making a return on their investment.

He was responding to a letter from NBV reader David Kolb, who asked what Dorset Council were doing to increase the number of rapid charging points in

GOOD POINT: A new electric vehicle charging point at the Bell Street car park Picture: NBV reader Jeff Thomas

Dorset, adding: “The charging points recently installed in Bell Street car park and those at Tesco are good for residents and people who work in Shaftesbury but are no good for those travelling on longer journeys who need to charge

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quickly.”

He told the council: “The nearest rapid chargers to Shaftesbury are at Longbridge Deverill, Wincanton and Blandford Forum, all too far if you are running low on charge. If there was a rapid charger in

Shaftesbury it would draw drivers of electric vehicles into the town and they would invariably spend money on food and drink while they wait for their cars to charge.”

He added: “The existing rapid chargers installed in council car parks… seem to be really old and a quick check on Zap Map shows that many of them are broken down and not working. This is not acceptable, especially now that the government are encouraging drivers to make the change from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric.”

Mr Whitehouse responded: “You are correct in pointing out that there are not enough electric vehicle rapid chargers in Dorset. This is something Dorset Council is trying to remedy.

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Motoring

query on chargers “We expect to replace all five of Dorset Council’s rapid chargers in the coming weeks as they have become outdated and unreliable. We are also undertaking a programme of work with Joju and their partners Mer to install up to 70 charge points in our public car parks around the county between now and the end of the year subject to funding.

Around 30 of these have already been installed. The charge points will be a mix of rapid and fast chargers.”

He added: “There are no statutory obligations for councils to install charge points. The Government

offer grants to local authorities to install residential charge points but are largely dependent on the private sector to provide rapid chargers of the type you describe.

“Rapid chargers are considerably more expensive to install than fast chargers and also require a greater electricity supply.

Costs can increase many fold if the connection to the distribution network needs reinforcing or needs a long cable run. Rapid chargers need a lot of electricity and the local network in the place where they can be located is not always up to it. This, I am afraid is not a problem unique to Shaftesbury.”

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77

Motoring

Race to see new exhibitions at Haynes The multi award-winning Haynes International Motor Museum is finally able to welcome you back from Monday, May 17.

Those who are already planning their visit will be among the first to see brand new exhibitions, such as the exclusive new ‘Williams F1: The Drivers and The Driven’ which has been carefully curated over the last year.

The new Williams display is a welcome addition and will be a real nostalgia kick for some as you can get close to iconic Formula 1 cars, such as Nigel Mansell’s FW14 or ‘Red 5’. The incredible history and excitement of the sport is told in a way that, no matter what your knowledge of F1 may be, there is something to learn and enjoy.

A large cinema space invites you to discover the origins of

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Williams Racing and experience the track from the driver’s point of view, hands-free interactives delve into the lifestyle, glamour and social history of the sport, and if you ever wondered what it takes for the drivers to survive a crash, the remains of Pastor Maldonado’s FW35 F1 car (which dramatically crashed during the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix) illustrates how and why car

1

design is centred on safety.

The museum immerses visitors in stories, sights and sounds from throughout motoring history. The new Formula 1 exhibition is one of 17 large areas to explore and one of four new exhibitions including: the story behind the creator of Haynes Manuals, John Haynes OBE in ‘The Man, The Manuals and The Museum’, a fresh interpretation of the

Museum’s Ferrari collection with ‘Ferrari: The Man and The Machine’ plus the popular ‘Red Room’ and ‘Dawn of Motoring’ exhibitions now have new stories, facts and interactives.

A spokesman for the museum said: “We are really looking forward to visitors enjoying days out here again and exploring the new exhibition spaces together.

“As one of the largest museums in Somerset, we have been able to fully adapt to all covid safety measures without compromising on our visitors’ experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back.”

The Haynes International Motor Museum is open every day from Monday, May 17 onwards and is located just off the A303 in Sparkford, Somerset. Booking in advance is recommended. Visit himm.co.uk or call 01963 440804.

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Business Advertising feature

Getting life back on track UK adults are taking life milestones more seriously than ever following 12 months of restrictions.

It’s now just over a year since Boris put the UK in full national lockdown (23rd March 2020). Although it might feel like the world has been put on pause over the last 12 months, new data shows that only one in 昀ve UK adults had to put their personal goals or ambitions on hold as a result.

Instead, most Brits have reassessed and changed their goals with the world around them (40%) or indeed have remained determined to follow their career, family or property dreams (31%).

The research from St. James’s Place indicates that COVID-19 has meant Brits are taking their goals more seriously than before, with a quarter (25%) feeling anxious or worried, having lost a year of time working towards their long-term goals. However, a similar number (22%) also feel more focused, having used the last 12 months to reassess what’s important to them, and now know what they want – whether that be a new car, house, job, or even a baby.

It comes as no surprise that the majority of adults valued family and relationships as the most important life focus pre-pandemic (74%), and this remains the same now (78%). However, 59% of Brits now hold personal health as ‘very important’, an increase of 13% from before the pandemic.

Research reveals that people are focused on the positives that have come out of the last 12 months, such as being able to cook more (31%) and having more free time to exercise (25%).

Increased savings are a silver lining.

With hospitality venues, beauty and retail closed and travel abroad restricted over the last year, one in three adults (37%) have also been able to save more money, on average pocketing £1,660, although there is a big gap between men and women at £2,040 to £1,300. The biggest savers by age are 25-34 at £2,330, with the worst 45-54 at £840. A quarter of Brits now claim that having a 昀nancial goal is important to them, as a result of the pandemic.

However, despite the in昀ux of cash, most Brits turn to family or friends for 昀nancial advice, particularly adults aged 18-24 (family: 61%, friends: 48%), as opposed to a 昀nancial adviser (22%).

Seize the opportunity.

If you’re a member of that fortunate group who saved more during the pandemic, now’s the time to take action.

With potential tax hikes on the horizon it’s worth making effective use of the shelters that are available for your money, and checking you won’t pay unnecessary tax on any future pro昀ts. If you’ve already got an ISA, consider whether it’s still aligned to your long-term goals.

It’s more important than ever that you’ve got a retirement savings plan in place, your pension is working hard for you and that you know how much a comfortable retirement is going to cost.

Wherever you are on your 昀nancial journey, contact Peter Harding Wealth Management today for a no obligation meeting on 01747 855554 or email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk. We are here to help.

Just ask.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief generally depends on individual circumstances.

All statistics taken from research carried out by Research Without Barriers on behalf of St. James’s Place, sample size 1,026 UK adults, March 2021.

Peter Harding Wealth Management 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.

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Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

Business

Looking to successfully secure and enhance a healthy financial future?

For a no obligation personal financial health check, 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 the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

81

Business

Hot foot it to a feast of fab footwear

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

After the passing of two very dear friends, Gillingham girl Sharon Chambers decided life was too short not to follow your dreams.

So, with a love of shoes and all things retro, Sharon decided it was time to follow her own dream of owning a business.

Born from a love of footwear and retro clothing, Sharon opened her own vibrant boutique Solesistas five years ago in Lincolnshire.

A Gillingham girl at heart, Sharon decided to move back to her beloved Dorset and spotted the perfect property tucked away in Coachmans Corner at the end of 2019. Sharon moved back to Gillingham in February last year, and opened Solesistas for shoppers, shoe lovers and fashionistas everywhere.

Sharon said: “After the passing of two very dear friends within days of one another, I decided life was too short not to follow my dream of owning my own little business. At the end of 2019, I returned to my home town of Gillingham and found an awesome little property tucked away in the Square Gillingham, which has many independent businesses.

“I am a Gillingham girl who moved away, only to return with my boutique last February. I would love to let people know about this

HIDDEN GEM: Sharon Chambers at her Solesistas shop in Gillingham

hidden gem in Gillingham.”

Solesistas offers a personal shopping evening event, by appointment only, for small groups of friends and Sharon offers a payment plan service for people who have fallen in love with Sharon’s colourful and quirky brands but want to spread the cost of a

purchase or two.

Sharon stocks a host of big brands including Irregular Choice, Ruby Shoo, Fly London, TUK and Hey Dude. And men and children are not left out as Sharon can order certain brands for them too.

Solesistas is open Thursday,

Friday and Saturday and once a month on Sunday.

Sharon added: “If you want to buy footwear that makes a statement, come and see us at Solesistas.” nSolesistas: 1, Coachmans Corner, Gillingham SP8 4AY facebook.com/solesistas10/

Engineering partnership is food and drink for thought Somerset-based Sycamore Process Engineering has partnered with Alfa Laval to help reduce the carbon footprint of dairy, food and beverage process equipment across the UK and Ireland.

The partnership aims to 82

support process solutions that are more cost effective and greener, helping customers to achieve their sustainability goals It is the latest development in a series of collaborations between Sycamore and Alfa

Laval, with the integration of a Clean-in-Place system at one of the largest dairies in the UK amongst the most recent projects.

The system resulted in significant reductions in cleaning time and increased

overall productivity on site.

Using tools such as efficiency calculators and other innovative technologies, the partnership aims to deliver increased efficiency and designs across the UK and Ireland.

Business

Community buildings getting connected

By Karen Bate Some 60 community buildings across rural north Dorset will be connected to next generation, gigabitcapable broadband thanks to a Getting Building Fund allocation from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Wessex Internet.

Schools, community centres, a health centre, council depots, farms and adult social care residential homes from Blandford to Sherborne will be connected to world-class gigabit broadband by March 2022.

Following a competitive tender process, Blandfordbased Wessex Internet has been awarded the contract to deliver full-fibre to these community buildings.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director, said: “Digital connectivity has been instrumental in helping our communities during the covid-19 pandemic and will be vital in our recovery.

“Our local industrial strategy for Dorset states that by 2030 we will lead a digital and cultural transformation across all communities and projects such as this will help fulfil that ambition.

“This investment will bring much-needed improvement to broadband speeds in some of Dorset’s most rural areas, greatly benefitting the local economy.”

Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said: “This will mean some of our most rural areas, that would never be covered

commercially, will be able to access the next generation of gigabit capable broadband.

“This is not only good news for the community organisations, all of which provide vital services, but also to the surrounding residents and business who will now have greater access to full-fibre infrastructure.”

Building the network to these sites will bring many thousands of homes and businesses within reach of the new Wessex Internet network. Residents and businesses in these areas will be eligible for further subsidy through gigabit vouchers funded by Government, Dorset Council and the Dorset LEP to offset the costs of installing full-fibre.

Hector Gibson Fleming,

managing director of Wessex Internet, added: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract from Dorset Council and Dorset LEP, not only to connect these important community sites, but to enable us to rapidly expand our network to the rural communities between Blandford and Sherborne, and connect more homes and businesses.

“We’re passionate about upgrading connectivity in the countryside and have already connected dozens of Dorset villages and hamlets to full fibre broadband.

“This will accelerate our work in this area and continue to expand our rapidly growing workforce in north Dorset.”

Furniture firm helping low income households initiative

Mere-based Furniturebox UK is partnering with Wiltshire charity KFR to help the community – donating furniture for resale to lowincome families.

The firm says they are ‘beyond excited’ about the initiative: “because no one should be without a bed to sleep on, a cooker or a sofa to sit on.”

MD Monty George said: “Family and home are at the heart of Furniturebox UK. “It’s not just about ‘things’, it’s about having a place to feel comfortable, safe, and loved.

That’s something we know is incredibly important to everyone, especially after the last year we’ve all had! “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to our community

since every family deserves to create a real home. By working with KFR we get to be part of something amazing and reduce our waste and carbon footprints in the process.”

Kennet Furniture Project and Refurbiz merged to form KFR The Kennet Furniture Project in 1995, collecting unwanted furniture and selling it low cost. They also trained volunteers and worked to improve the environment.

They help thousands of people a year rehome furniture and white goods. Those on a means-tested benefit qualify for KFR’s discounted green price.

For those that just love to upcycle and reuse, there is the blue price, which is slightly higher.

Launceston Farm, Tarrant Launceston, DT11 8BY 01258 830528 Launcestonfarm.co.uk farm@launcestonfarm.co.uk

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Business

Battens Solicitors

Claiming against an uninsured or untraced Driver

Other driver uninsured or driven off but left you injured? You may still have a claim.

It’s the road user’s worst nightmare – you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, only to find that the other driver isn’t insured or, worse, has driven off without providing their details.

This doesn’t however need to be the problem it may initially appear to be as it is in these circumstances that the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (‘MIB’) may step in.

The MIB is a non-profit-making company set up by motor insurers. It enters into agreements with the UK Government in order to compensate victims of motor accidents in such circumstances. It is funded by contributions from every insurer that underwrites compulsory motor insurance; with The Road Traffic Act 1988 requiring these insurers be a member of the MIB and contribute to the funding.

The MIB also works with the police to identify uninsured drivers for prosecution, thereby working towards all our safety on the road, that being all victims of road traffic accidents who are not at fault, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Eligibility - If your claim is eligible and you follow the correct process (outlined below), compensation can be available for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by injuries sustained, financial losses suffered (for example a loss of earnings) and for the loss of or damage to any property involved in the accident, including a vehicle.

One of the most important things to remember in relation to eligibility is that a claim must be brought for personal injury, assuming that in most cases like this some sort of injury will have been caused, within 3 years of the date of accident. After this time it becomes “statute barred” and you will not be able to bring the claim.

enquiries@battens.co.uk www.battens.co.uk Offices in: Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

Process - In order to make a claim to the MIB, important steps need to be taken early on and without delay.

Firstly, if you are driving, always report the accident to the police. If another vehicle is involved and they do not provide their insurance details, this must be reported to the police within 24 hours. It is advisable to report the matter to the police within 24 hours in any event. You should also inform your own insurance company.

If you were not driving a vehicle, but were a pedestrian or cyclist, you should report the accident to the police immediately; any delay in these respects could affect your eligibility to make a claim.

Once eligibility has been established, a Claim Form can then be submitted to the MIB, setting out full details of the damage and injury suffered. It is important that this document is complete and accurate in order to ensure that the MIB gives your claim the careful consideration it deserves. Again, there are deadlines so it is important to act quickly.

The process will be different depending on whether the claim is against an uninsured driver or an untraced driver (i.e. a driver who has “hit and run”)- it is important that you follow the right process and understand how it all works so as to give yourself the best possible chance of having your claim accepted, accessing appropriate treatment or rehabilitation that might assist in your recovery and, ultimately, ending up with a fair sum of compensation for the experience that you have had to go through.

Battens personal injury team are able to assist you with the process, leaving you to just concentrate on getting better. For more information contact kate Golding on 01935 846072 or email kate.golding@battens.co.uk

0800 652 8373

Solicitors

Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work

Agricultural Matters t Business Services t Commercial Property Construction t Debt Recovery t Dispute Resolution Employment t Family Matters t Immigration t Landlord & Tenant Lasting Powers of Attorney t Matrimonial t Moving Home Medical Negligence t Personal Injury t Planning t Probate t Tax Planning Wills, Trusts, Estates

Contact us today to speak to our expert team enquiries@battens.co.uk 0800 652 8373 84

www.battens.co.uk Offices in Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

Business

Lack of transparency gives me the pip When I was a boy, I had a tape recorder with five buttons: play, stop, fast forward, fast backwards and record. We had a telephone; when calling long distance, pips sounded every three minutes. These devices were simple and provided price feedback. My 1958 Morris Minor had a speedometer and a fuel gauge, both of which provided feedback.

Imagine trying to use a car without a speedometer; you would have no way of knowing if you were driving safely for the conditions, let alone observing the speed limit. Imagine using a car without a fuel gauge; you would have no idea how much fuel was left, or how much the journey was

costing you based on fuel consumption.

Now imagine a global industry where all leading manufacturers successfully lobbied the regulating authorities, so that they were not required to provide such feedback information to customers. Perhaps it beggars belief. No – that’s the present situation with the eight billion mobile phones in use across the world, because it’s vastly profitable for mobile companies to let customers run up charges, with no idea of what each call is costing.

I propose that the UK should require all mobile phones to display three pieces of information on the screen throughout every call: price

per minute, time so far, and cost so far. There should be appropriate sound signals at intervals. It should also continuously display any other charges such as roaming fees.

During the covid lockdown, I have been working increasingly by Zoom, Teams, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime and various other methods. A contact in Romania can get FaceTime but has never heard of WhatsApp. Someone in Pennsylvania has the situation in reverse. Every system has its own separate displays, terminology, procedures, assumptions, rules and charge rates. It only takes one inadvertent misunderstanding on one of

these new systems to get bitten with a big charge.

There is no feedback to warn you.

I suggest any budding entrepreneur in Dorset or Somerset who wants to become a multi-millionaire should write an app to display such information, lobby the UK government, and sell it to a target market of eight billion users around the world. OK, we might have to use our phones on speaker, so that we can look at the screen the whole time.

But we would be saving ourselves a small fortune. n Adrian Fisher MBE is an award winning maze designer in Durweston

Recruitment

Water, Waste Water & Civil Engineering Specialists require a

Contracts Coordinator/Estimator

You will be based at the Company premises in Dinton, but must be prepared to travel for occasional national contracts if required.

Your primary role will involve dealing with the day-to-day reactive aspect of our Water & Waste Water Division, dealing directly with our customers and organising our reactive teams on repair projects.

You will be customer facing, have an excellent telephone manner and be able to thrive in a fast paced and constantly changing environment.

Ideally you will have experience in estimating and managing water and pump projects as the role will involve visiting our customers, understand their systems and being able to design and estimate to their requirements.

We are looking for a driven individual who works well under pressure, and is happy to work as part of a team as well as managing your own projects.

You will have experience in the construction industry and understand current health & safety regulations (training leading to a formal SMSTS qualification will be provided if required).

Applicants must hold a full driving licence.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking for a rewarding career with a well-established yet dynamic company.

Completed application forms must be returned by Friday 28th May 2021

Please contact us for an application pack:

Jules Simmons M J ABBOTT LTD, Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5EB Email: jules.simmons@mjabbott.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk M J Abbott Ltd is an Equal Opportunities employer

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Recruitment

General Manager Semley, Wiltshire

A fantastic full time position has become available to join our busy team.

For more details on the job role please visit our website www.comptonmcrae.com & apply by sending your CV to holly@comptonmcrae.com or call for a chat on 01747 448750 We’d love to hear from you

Wheathill Golf Club

Come join our team!

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Chef/Cook full time/part time Front of house/barista (ideally trained but not essential) full/part time Kitchen assistant (kitchen porter/cleaner full/part time) For more information please visit our website www.comptonmcrae.com & email your CV to holly@comptonmcrae.com or call for a chat on 01747 448750

Near Castle Cary are looking for part time staff for the busy Clubhouse, to include weekend shifts. Experience preferred but not essential.

Greens Staff are also required to work alongside the Head Green Keeper. Green keeping qualification not required but some experience and enthusiasm for work on the land appreciated. A great summer job outdoors!

Applicants for both vacancies must be 18+ Tel: 01963 240667 and ask for Andrew England or send CV to wheathillgc@btconnect.com

CLEANER WANTED for Wincanton house, 1 hour per week. 01963 34459

Be prepared for a successful interview

Our advertiser Branching Out has some excellent advice for preparing for interviews.

Interviews, approached with an excitement of possibilities, have the potential to be an enriching process. They offer you the opportunity to think clearly about what your particular gifts are, prompting you to recognise the real value that you have to offer. In essence, your interview is just a conversation. The focus of this conversation is on you, determining as to whether you are a good fit for the interviewing organisation. Their ‘problem’ is that they have a position that needs to be filled 86

and they want to find out if you are that right person. It is through YOUR thorough and insightful preparation that will enable you tell them that you are – and do so in a way that is absolutely genuine.

As your prepare for each interview, set your intention to be excited and very curious.

Even if you have already had many interviews without being offered a position, focus in on this next one with fresh optimism. Learn too as much as you can beyond the actual position you are being interviewed for and also see what the competition is about.

Below is a list of some guiding questions for you to think about: n What do you already know about the interviewing organisation? n What is their ‘tag line’ about? n What do they say about themselves? n Why do you think that you would be a good fit for this position? n Why would you like the opportunity to work for them? n What would you bring to the role? What makes you an excellent fit? n What relevant work or life experience have you had thus far that is great for the role?

n In what ways would you be a real asset to this company? n What five words would you use to describe yourself? n What stories do you have from your past experiences that demonstrate that you are committed to being diligent in your work; can work effectively within a team; are able to follow through on projects; and, willing to keep learning. n Where would you like to be three years from now?

Should you wish for further guidance and encouragement contact Caroline at caroline@ branchingoutmentor.com or 07983 786650

Recruitment EXPERIENCED MECHANIC wanted for busy workshop in Gillingham. Duties include servicing and repairs of cars and light commercial vehicles. Mot tester preferable but not essential. Please contact Colin Heckford 01747 825800 (week days only).

F CUFF & SONS LTD Experienced/qualified Bench Joiner required for our high quality bespoke joinery workshop.

Interesting & varied work.

Must be able to work on own initiative.

Immediate start. Competitive salary.

For further details and an application form please contact: 01963 23219 or info@fcuffandsons.co.uk

We have vacancies for:

Experienced GRP Fiberglass Laminators/Finishers and

Trainee Laminators/Finishers

Sandroyd

Co-ed Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Old Sandroydian Secretary and School Development Of昀cer

Full on site training will be given.

For further information apply in writing or phone 01747 871232 Wessex Building Products Station Works Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6JT Manufacturers of GRP Building Products

Required September A good communicator with excellent organisational skills is required to organise events and manage communications with our past pupils.

For further details, please contact: Chris Stewart, The Bursar, Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD Tel: 01725 516329 bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org Closing date Midday Friday 4 June Interviews Wednesday 16 June Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children.

Applicants must be willing to undergo the appropriate child protection screening before appointment.

GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award-winning friendly team

HORTICULTURAL GROUNDS PERSON We are looking for a highly motivated full-time Horticultural Grounds Person to work on a variety of sites throughout the town.

Experience of working in a similar environment is essential.

A full UK driving licence is required.

Further information and application details can be found on our website: www.gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk/recruitment Telephone: 01747 823588 Email: gtc@gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk Closing date for applications: Friday 21st May 2021

DAIRY FARM near Sherborne needs part-time help.

General farm work and basic tractor driving. No milking.

Tel: 01935 812170 CLEANER REQUIRED on a Friday morning at Buckland Newton, Telephone 07900 966748 **STOCK PERSON ** Required for busy dairy farm. 240 cows and followers, TMR feeding, tractor driving, relief milking and calf feeding. sally.dewey@btintern et.com 01935 850200 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, email: andrew.rayfordgroup @yahoo.com PART-TIME GARDENING ASSISTANT WANTED 07923 579 101 hambledongardening @gmail.com HELPING HANDS WANTED for cleaning farm holiday cottages. Near Milton Abbas. Call 01258 880558 or 07789 376588

LOOKING TO HIRE? 01963 400186 87

Recruitment CONSTRUCTION - ground worker/improver/all-rounder/carpenter vacancy. Blandford based, high standard building company requires a team member to join and work within our organised, skilled and professional team – punctuality, communication, pride, top effort and high morals are key attributes needed. Please send an email with your details to admin@domonicteversham.com

PASTRY CHEF – GREEN MAN KINGS STAG Creating cakes/light bites to go into the pub & adjoining coffee house and some busy lunch shifts. Excellent shifts, mostly between 9-4pm Monday to Friday. Salary/hourly rate dependent on experience. Apply with CV & covering letter to office @stockgaylard.com Ads: 01963 400186

Sherborne Castle Estates Home Farm require a

HARVEST HELP / TRACTOR DRIVER Working on a large arable farm operating large modern equipment, to assist with harvest and cultivations, from early July until September/October.

Some knowledge of agricultural machinery is required as is a full and clean driving licence.

Accommodation is available if required.

To apply please send CV and covering letter to Paul Carter, Farm Manager paulc@sherbornecastle.com Deadline to apply 21st May 2021

RELIEF MILKER WANTED near Sturminster Newton, 2.5-3 days a week, 300 split block calving cows, 24:24 must be conscientious, and able to milk alone. Good rates of pay for the right person. Contact 07860 939901 BRICKLAYER & LABOURER required to start immediately.

Ring 07971946537

TRACTOR DRIVER/ AGRICULTURAL LABOUR required for North Dorset based contracting business.

Monthly pay, please send CV to trfoote87@hotmail.co.uk or call 07891927207 Chapman Moore require a full/part time experienced BOOKKEEPER/WAGES CLERK to be office based.

Please apply with full CV to chapmanmoore@btconnect.co m or in writing to Sue Moore, Townbridge House, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4AA

CONSTRUCTION labourer vacancy.

Blandford based, high standard building company requires a team member to join and work within our organised, skilled and professional team punctuality, communication, pride, top effort and high morals are key attributes needed. Please send an email with your details to admin@domonicteversh am.com

Would you like to use your skills to improve education for children across North Dorset and South Somerset?

SAST TRUSTEE VACANCY x 2 (FOUNDATION AND NON-FOUNDATION) Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust have two vacancies for non-executive directors (Trustees) and we would love to hear from you. This is a chance to be part of a diverse, dedicated and exciting team of Trustees where vigorous discussion is encouraged and everyone is heard.

Our Trust, which was created in June 2017, consists of 17 schools who have come together, based on a shared vision which encompasses the values of partnership and collaboration, equality and distinctiveness, holistic, life-long learning and excellence. We are a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust which upholds the Christian distinctiveness of our Church schools and those of our nonfoundation schools.

SAST is committed to create an ambitious, forward-thinking learning environment

88

for all our pupils, students and staff. There are opportunities for everyone connected to the Trust to grow and develop to fulfil their ambitions. Our Trustee Board is an enthusiastic, committed and friendly team who welcome a wide range of different skills and experiences to ensure that our continued development is as productive and creative as possible. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity and we welcome applications from people from every age, gender, background and walk of life. We believe that education embraces our entire community, and we are eager that community voices be heard and be part of the debate and discussion at our board.

SAST has appointed a new CEO to join the Trust as of 1st September 2021 who will bring a wealth of experience and

passion for schools. This is an exciting time in our journey and one that you could be a part of!

Please contact Nigel Rees, Chair of the Trust Board via Nigel.Rees@sast.org. uk for an informal chat and to find out more information. We would especially welcome applications from individuals with the following: t " QBTTJPO GPS FEVDBUJPO BOE JUT QPXFS UP transform young lives. t " CBDLHSPVOE JO )VNBO 3FTPVSDFT Estates or Finance. t &YQFSJFODF PG TUBUF TDIPPM FEVDBUJPO especially the primary school phase.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bella Byrne, Governance Manager & Clerk to the SAST Trust Board bella.byrne@sast.org.uk 01935 811091

Recruitment Vacancies: GARDENERS, ROUTINE GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND PROJECT WORK. Both FT and PT positions available. Wage dependent on experience/ training. All applications welcome. Contact countylawnsandtrees @gmail.com

P/T GARDENER required for small organic business near Sherborne. Environmental interest more important than experience. For further details: rowan@btf-organic.co.uk BRICKLAYERS & CARPENTERS WANTED! Call 01747 838 591 or Email: kmconstruction dorset@gmail.com

WANTED VAN DRIVERS, REMOVALS PORTERS & 7.5 TON DRIVER To join our Wincanton team.

Competitive rates of pay.

Weekday working Tel Steve on 01963 34065 Armishaws Removals Ltd

TWO TIRED GRANDPARENTS with too many children and now grandchildren need support to help with the little darlings! Mainly weekends and some afternoons. Will pay good hourly rate for the right person with a can-do attitude, is good with children, dogs and grumpy old man!

Please contact Alice on pa@animos.co.uk

HGV CLASS 1 DRIVER, based at Yeovil. Brick and block haulage and bulk work. 07967 747450 or 07540 305075

Floramour Gardeners seeking EXPERIENCED GARDENERS to join team. Driving licence essential (vehicle provided) Plant knowledge desirable. Based in/around Gillingham.

Send CV to jameslye.va@ hotmail.com.

HOUSEKEEPER/ CLEANER wanted for home in Donhead St Mary.

Must be reliable and mature. 07770 444411

*LITTER PICKER / GENERAL YARD TIDYING DUTIES*

Sherborne Castle Estates Estate Office require a Part/Time Self Employed Book-keeper Excellent experience with Excel and computerised accounts.

To apply please email CV and covering letter to Heli Gregory – Accounting & IT Manager heli@sherbornecastle.com Deadline 21st May 2021

SITUATIONS WANTED CLEANER: Efficient and highly organised.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Refs available.

Andrew 07838 377788 LOCAL CARER, fully qualified, 15 years’ experience. Call if you need any kind of care.

Shaftesbury area. 07809 206782 LIVE IN / OUT CARER Experienced in all aspects of caring, housekeeping, etc. DBS, insured, excellent references contact Steph 07723 999043. or Lesley 07884 058248

SELF-EMPLOYED CARER 28 years’ experience available for nights for reassurance and companionship Dbs insured and excellent references FULL TIME MOTHER'S HELP/NANNY. Live in or out, driving license, cooking and previous childcare experience needed. Call Annie on 07791786138 SELF EMPLOYED MAN seeking casual or flexible part time work.

Adaptable and experienced in varied roles. Clean licence. 07917062811 Blandford PRIVATE CARER available, NVQ3 friend, Sherborne & surrounding areas.

Excellent references call Debra on 07753 301530 CARING LADY can help in any way.

Blandford Town only. 07948084442 SELF EMPLOYED CARER available for night care. References, insurance and Dbs. Please contact 07737 283568

Litter picker & general yard cleaner required for Down End Composting & Recycling.

Successful individual must be hardworking, fit, energetic and happy to work outside in all weather conditions. Based in Stourpaine we offer flexible hours to suit and good rate of pay.

Please call 01258 455219 to apply.

STURMINSTER NEWTON TOWN COUNCIL Finance/Admin Assistant Vacancy Sturminster Newton Town Council is seeking to recruit a Finance/Admin Assistant.

The post is 25 hours per week, the core hours are 09.00 to 13.00 Monday to Friday and the remaining hours may be worked flexibly as agreed with the Town Clerk. The salary is NJC scale point 7 to 12 (£20,092 to £22,183) on a pro-rata salary of £13,575 to £14,989 depending on qualifications and experience.

The package includes the equivalent of 24 days paid leave plus public holidays and a contributory pension scheme.

You will be required to work evenings regularly and occasionally at weekends.

For more information and to download an application form please see the Town Council website www.sturminsternewton-tc.gov.uk or contact the Town Clerk at townclerk@sturminsternewton-tc.gov.uk Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 24th May 2021 89

Sport

Cheriton Comets shot down by AFC Blackmore Vale Football League May 9 AFC Blandford South Cheriton Comets

2 1

On a distinctly unspring-like morning,this match turned on a decisive period shortly before the break.

Looking likely to fall behind to a penalty, following a reckless mistimed challenge on the edge of the area, Blandford were given a reprieve when the spot kick was comfortably saved by the keeper.

To compound their good fortune, immediately from the re-start Archie McCarthy found himself in on goal and fired high in the top corner at the near post to put them ahead.

Although Comets started to enjoy greater control and possession in the second half, Laws raided the centre back, calmly slotting past the keeper to double the advantage.

A header against the Comets’ bar fell into the arms of the keper but pressure on Blandford began to tell.

The lead was halved 15 minutes from time when a shot was partially stopped by Pike but still made its way into the net.

In a desperate search for an equaliser in the last ten minutes, Comets hit the outside of both posts with well struck drives and even sent their keeper forward for an injury time corner.

The second half also saw a nasty clash (albeit accidental in a 50/50 challenge) with both players carried off.

Iain Fullerton n AFC Blandford are poised to become runners-up to runaway champions Wincanton United when the league finishes on June 12.

We will publish an interview with the League’s marketing and media officer Jamie Denne in the next issue of the NBV.

SHOULDER CHARGE: Midfield tussle as South Cheriton Comets in blue beat Donhead 4-1 Pic: Connor Standfield

Other results May 9: Bruton United Colts 1 Donhead Barbarians 9; Team Gryphon 8 Bradford Abbas 0; Wincanton Utd 9 Stur Rovers 0.

May 2: Bradford Abbas 7 Bruton United 2; Donhead Barbarians 1 South Cheriton Comets 4; TGR 1 Blandford 2; Wincanton 3 Gryphon 2.

To May 8

P W D L

Wincanton United Team Gryphon South Cheriton Comets AFC Blandford Donhead Barbarians Bradford Abbas TGR Sturminster Rovers * Hazelbury Hornets Bruton United Colts

16 16 0 0 15 7 3 5 15 7 3 5 11 7 1 3 15 6 3 6 15 6 2 7 15 5 2 8 15 5 2 8 8 1 0 7 13 0 2 11

GD 68 9 2 26 27 -4 -10 -17 -38 -63

Pts 48 24 24 22 21 20 17 17 3 2

* Hazelbury withdrew from the league in March

Tisbury bounce back to beat group leaders Chickerell Dorset Senior League Cup May 8 Sturminster Marshall Stalbridge

1 1

Tisbury United Chickerell

4 2

Tisbury were looking to bounce back from their 4-0 pasting on Monday knowing only a win would keep semifinal hopes alive.

Leaders Chickerell dominated early exchanges and would have been ahead but for some outstanding saves by Sharks’ goalie 90

Cameron Miller. Lee Gale gave Tisbury the lead then added a second from a free kick 25 yards out.

Mike Budd smashed in a third, Chickerell found a way back with a deflected strike but the outstanding Gale completed a hat-trick on the hour.

The visitors scored a late consolation but Tisbury deserved victory with a spirited performance.

The team were due to play Westland Sports Reserves on Wednesday with victory assuring a semi-final slot

with Merley Cobham Reserves or Chickerell.

Failing that Tisbury has a chance to win a semi place in their last game against Beaminster tomorrow. In the other group, Stalbridge gained a creditable draw against Sturminster Marshall in their penultimate game.

The two semi-finalists in the group will be between Sturminster, Hamworthy or Broadstone.

May 3 Beaminster Tisbury United

4 0

Tisbury were looking for a sixth victory on the spin but Beaminster, without a win in the competition, played with a hunger and physicality that unsettled The Sharks.

The home side took the lead on 30 mins with a headed goal from a free kick and after the break, Tisbury pressed for an equaliser. A goal was ruled out for offside, then Beaminster went 2-0 up. Heads dropped and the home side added two in the last minutes to complete a flattering scoreline.

Dan Carter

Sport

Gills on course to make the semi final Dorset Premier Supplementary Cup May 8 Gillingham Town Bournemouth Sports

2 0

Merley Cobham Sport Shaftesbury Town Res

5 1

Gillingham moved closer to a semi-final slot after a comfortable 2-0 win with goals from Rhys Mendham and Iwan Walters.With the top two from each group going through, Town need two points from their last two games, against leaders Merley Cobham and Holt.

The 2-0 win was a relief to The Gills, who had lost their last two league games having led Group A into May. In the other weekend match, Shaftesbury Town Reserves threatened an upset when they led Cobham1-0.

But the home side took over in the second half, with Asa Phillips and Nathan Saxby scoring twice in a 5-1 win.

Shaftesbury play Sturminster tomorrow and round off their fixtures against Cobham.

In Group B, Hamworthy Rec have qualified for the semis.

The other semi-final slot is between Westland Sports and Balti Sports – who play each other tomorrow.

If Balti lose, they must win their game in hand against Hamworthy to stand a

GOLDEN TOUCH: A rainbow appears for Shaftesbury v Gills

chance of going through.

May 4 Shaftesbury Town Res 2 Gillingham Town 1 The match couldn't have started any better for the Gills as from their first attack, great footwork from Harry Browne and a fine finish into the corner put them ahead after two minutes. With the wind playing a massive factor in the game, Shaftesbury struggled to get a foothold but in their first real attack Town were level with a cooly taken goal.The second half was an even contest and with the wind dropping both teams were able to start playing some decent football.

The Gills had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 65th minute as Buddy

Pic: Amy Crawford

O’Shea went one on one with the keeper only to put his effort wide of the far post.

But on the stroke of 70 minutes Shaftesbury scored the winner with a fine low shot into the bottom corner.

Liam Searle

May 1 Merley Cobham Sports 2 Gillingham Town 0 The Gills missed a penalty and couldn’t crack a solid Cobham defence, despite the home side being down to nine men at one point.

Sturminster Newton Utd 2 Bournemouth Sports 0 United continued their mini run of form with a solid victory thanks to two goals from William Guppy.

Shaftesbury Town Res 1 Sturminster Newton Utd 1 George Coleman scored the goal for Stur that gave the visitors a well-deserved result in a difficult campaign.

GROUP A

P W D L GD

Merley Cobham Sports Gillingham Town Shaftesbury Town Res Bournemouth Sports Sturminster Newton Utd Holt United

7 8 8 10 9 8

7 6 4 3 2 1

0 0 1 1 1 1

0 2 3 6 6 6

24 7 1 -10 -11 -11

Pts 21 18 13 10 7 4

Up to May 8. Top two in each group go to semi-finals

Wincanton FC suffer another vandal attack Wincanton FC has again been the target of a vandalism attack at its ground.

A small fire was set in a dugout and bottles smashed nearby and on the pitch.

It follows a more destructive incident last September when paint was poured over seats and into the generator,

fencing pulled down and fuel and electrical wires cut.

The club is based at Wincanton Sports Ground on Moor Lane, which has itself recently installed barriers to keep cars out when the grounds are not in use due to vandalism.

Wincanton FC spokesman Steve d’Arcy said: “This keeps

happening at our ground and it is putting a financial strain on our club. Somehow we are going to have to find funds to make sure the site is secure from vandals.” He has posted a short video of the latest damage at wincantontownfc.net.

Police are aware of the incident.

91

Sport Record number of children sign up for cricket coaching classes Hundreds of children have signed up for England Cricket’s children coaching programmes across the Blackmore Vale.

The All Stars programme is for children aged 5-8, and the Dynamos Cricket programme for 8-11s.

Dorset Cricket Board says that, as of April 29, some 749 children had signed up across the county, compared with 717 last year.

There are several cricket clubs hosting the one-hour programmes for eight weeks, with differing start dates.

Some have already begun and Shaftesbury’s All Star programme is booked out, with more than 40 children.

But others are still available.

Puddletown CC begins this evening, Mere CC runs All Stars on Saturday mornings from tomorrow and Blandford on Sunday mornings, starting this weekend.

Other cricket clubs running one or both programmes include Buckhorn Weston (from Jun 4) and Stour Provost (Jun 6).

The eight-week courses cost £40.

More info and sign up: ecb.clubspark.uk/junior

SHILLINGSTONE LADIES: In a T20 cup match on May 3, Shillingstone beat South Wilts CC by 35 runs. Put into bat, Lucie Spooner top scored for Shillingstone with 83 from a total of 154/2. In reply, South Wilts were bowled out for 119. Holly Morgan took 3-26.

Dorset women play hardball Women’s cricket is growing fast across Dorset with both softball and hardball leagues starting from this weekend.

On Sunday, 17 softball teams will play in two leagues: NW Dorset consists of Buckhorn Weston, Puddletown (both two teams), Kilmington and Stourton, Marnhull, Sherborne and Stalbridge.

Meanwhile, six teams will make up the Super 8 Hardball League which starts in June: Parley, Poole and Winton, Broadstone, Shillingstone, Puddletown, The surge of interest is testament to the

hard work put by Katrina Cole, Women and Girls Cricket Development Officer at the Dorset Cricket Board.

She joined in 2019 and organised softball cricket festivals to attract new women to the game: more than 400 took part.

“In 2019, a lot of the players were new to cricket,” said Katrina.

She believes the festivals were a catalyst for the creation of the leagues.

“We were set up to go in 2020 but it didn’t happen.

The leagues have developed

because people want to be more competitive.”

The fact that schools now choose cricket as a girls summer sport, rather than rounders, has furthered interest along with increased ECB funding of the women’s game. Katrina is encouraging women and girls (12+) to take an interest. “There are about 25 clubs that play Women's Softball Cricket friendly games which would welcome new members.”.

For more info, visit: dorsetcricketboard. co.uk/news

CRICKET FIXTURES MAY 15

Division Two Blandford v Shillingstone Corfe Mullen v Shaftesbury

FOOTBALL FIXTURES MAY 15

Dorset Cricket Board Premier League Martinstown v Sherborne

MAY 22 Division One Swanage v Marnhull Compton H v Hamworthy Puddletown v Stalbridge

Dorset Premier Supplementary Cup 3pm Gillingham Town v Merley Cobham Sports Sturminster Newton United v Shaftesbury Town Reserves

MAY 16 Blackmore Vale Football League AFC Blandford v TGR Bruton United Colts v Sturminster Rovers Donhead v Bradford Abbas

Division Two Cerne Valley v Blandford Shaftesbury v Dorchester Corfe Mullen v Shillingstone

Dorset Senior League Cup Stalbridge v Broadstone FC Seniors Tisbury United v Beaminster

Division One Marnhull v Witchampton Portland v Puddletown Beaminster v Compton House Stalbridge v Weymouth

92

MAY 22 Dorset Premier Supplementary Cup 3pm Holt United v Gillingham Shaftesbury Town Reserves v Merley Cobham Sports

Sport

Lawrence of Sherborne leads a rout Dorset Premier League May 1 Sherborne CC 271/9 Broadstone 226/8 (Target 248 off 36 overs) Sherborne (19pts) beat Broadstone (12) by 21 runs Skipper and opening batsman Josh Lawrence led the way, scoring 131 as Sherborne got their season off to a flyer. His score came off just 104 balls with 26 boundaries, including five sixes, as Lawrence accounted for almost half the imposing Sherborne total. It was also his fifth-highest score for Sherborne, having played on and off for the club since 2010. Shane Pulling also contributed a quickfire 43 which included two sixes as Sherborne piled on the runs.

Rain delays reduced Broadstone’s target to 248 off 36 overs and the home team were on course at 138-3 with Daniel Cook on 53. But he fell to Emlyn Kuhn whose four wickets for 41 proved decisive. Ed Jack finished on 69no but the spirited Broadstone response fell short.

Division 1 Stalbridge 221/5 Swanage 185-7 (Target 211 off 35 overs) Stalbridge (18pts) beat Swanage (7) by 36 runs Half centuries from Stuart Sweatman (75) and James Lewis (89no) saw Stalbridge post a decent total off 40 overs. Sweatman (3-21) and Steve Forshaw (2-26) then savaged Swanage’s top order but a battling 103no from Craig Wells kept the game alive.

Mr Extras was second highest scorer for Swanage (36) in a rain affected match.

THE CAP FITS: Johnsons Stalbridge is sponsoring caps for Shaftesbury Cricket Club kids.

Managing director Don Smith said: “My son plays: it’s a great place with a strong family and community focus.”The Under 9s, seen here with coaches Tim Bradford and Graham Hipworth, won their first match of the season v Marnhull by nine runs.

Hamworthy 68/4 Marnhull 0/0 Match abandoned: Hamworthy (5pts), Marnhull (7pts)

Division 2 Blandford 109-3 Shaftesbury 108 all out Blandford (20pts) beat Shaftesbury (3) by 7 wickets

Puddletown 146/6 Compton House 144/8 Puddletown (19pts) beat Compton (6) by two runs

Robert Harding took five wickets for just 12 runs to help bowl out Shaftesbury for 108 in 28.1 overs. At one stage the visitors were 42-6 but late hitting by Peiter Becker and Sam Harris, who both scored 26, saw Shaftesbury squeeze past the 100 mark. James Woodruff (42) and Jamie Mitchell (35) steered Blandford to victory.

Compton House made slow progress, held back by tight bowling, with only Michael Harper keeping the scorer busy with 57.

The Compton House total of 144 off 38 overs was never likely to trouble Puddletown, although it remained a contest with no batsman able to reach 30.

Compton used seven bowlers, the pick of which was Chris Haynes with 3-27.

Shillingstone 153 all out Broadstone 2nds 154/5 Broadstone (20pts) beat Shillingstone (6) by 5 wickets May 8 All seven games involving

North Dorset sides in the top three divisions were rained off. Each receive five points.

Premier League Sherborne v Bere Regis In the two games played, Martinstown and Dorchester beat Broadstone and Poole respectively.

Division One Marnhull v Beaminster Compton House v Stalbridge Only Swanage v Portland escaped the weather, Swanage winning by 15 runs.

Division Two Poole 2nds v Blandford Shaftesbury v Shillingstone Broadstone 2nds beat Corfe Mullen in the only game to go ahead.

93

Sport

Newton golf course suits Malcolm to a tee

Gillingham pick up sticks After England Hockey declared leagues null and void in March, Gillingham Hockey Club held three interclub games in April when play was allowed to resume.

The games at King’s School, Bruton were well attended, with 48 keen players who took part in three 50-minute games. Two mixed sides will take place in a summer league at Salisbury, and a

Ladies and Mens sides will take part in a seven-a-side tourno in Yeovil. Full training is planned ahead of the 2021-22 season but it is unlikely to be at St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury as hoped. Dorset Council says community use of the sports facilities including tennis, swimming and sub-aqua groups will only be permitted from September, 2022.

Stride out with the Doddlers...

The Dorset Doddlers running club begins its weekly summer runs on May 18, starting at 7pm from The Cricketers pub in Shroton.

Internal club races begin on May 20 with the Broad Oak Hilly. Sunday Club runs are also planned. Meanwhile, training sessions continue on Tuesday evenings in Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton on Thursdays. For beginners, a Couch to 5k course will start on May 31

and run for ten weeks, with the intention that the participants graduate by running the 5K race held in conjunction with the Stur Half on August 8. The Doddlers welcome partners, relatives, friends who want to get into running so please encourage them to join the team.

Details will be posted on dorsetdoddlers.co.uk soon and a dedicated Facebook page is planned.

... or ride out with the Wheelers Ever wanted to ride in a group or with a club but unsure about where to start?

Try the Gillingham Wheelers’ non-members’ introductory rides where you will be taken on a no-drop on road ride of about 15 miles on quiet roads at a pace appropriate to the group, with a cafe stop, and under 94

the guidance of British Cycling Level 1 Qualified Ride Leaders.

All you will need is a road worthy bike, helmet and appropriate clothing, and of course enthusiasm to ride.

The rides are on May 22 and June 5.

Go to gdw.org.uk to obtain an entry form.

Stalbridge golfer Malcolm Slarke became a golf club member for the first time last May, at the end of the first lockdown.

His membership of Yeovil Golf Club allowed play on the nine-hole Newton Course.

But in November, golf courses were shut again for a month, re-opened then closed for a third time in January.

The interruptions didn’t put Malcolm off his stroke.

With golf resuming in FIRST TROPHY: Malcolm Slarke April, he promptly won the best score of the day as his first ever club she topped Division One. competition.

Carole Ollington won Div He scored 39 points in a Two. Stableford format, playing n Sherborne Golf Club has twice around the Newton become the second in the course. area to be awarded SafeGolf He scored a storming 24 accreditation. points on the back nine, The scheme encourages putting his success down to anyone with a concern about navigating the tricky dog-leg the welfare of a player, or 7th and 8th holes. the behaviour of coach, The next day, sprightly 77volunteer, organiser, parent – year-old Dave Lonsdale or player – can contact the posted the best overall score lead safeguarding officer at of the day among 88 players England Golf. in the optional Senior Yeovil Golf Club was Stableford competition on awarded the accreditation in the Old Course.

March.

Dave scored 40 points to Sherborne general manager also take first prize in Alasdair Danson-Webster Division Three. Jim Paterson said: “These standards will (38pts) won Division One enable us to continue to and Michael Bennett took work towards safeguarding Division Two. the welfare of children and In the Ladies Stableford, young people, as well as Janie Minogue (37pts) was adults at risk.”

WINCANTON GOLF CLUB RESULTS Seniors Monthly Stableford Apr 13: 1 John Morgan (41); 2 Trevor Mills (39); 3 Kevin Dineen (38 ocb); 4 Derek Street (38); 5 John Westaway (38).

Monthly medal, Apr 17: 1 Jim Stephen (69 ocb); 2 Richard Czemerda (69); 3 Mike Doddington (70).

Seniors Monthly Medal, Apr 20: 1 Pete Anyan (62); Trevor Mills (65); 3 Harry Eden (67).

Pairs Shield, Apr 25: Winners: Richard Ward/Pete Anyan (75).

Best individual score: Bert Hicks (40).

Field & Stream

Look out for UK’s 4,000 beetle species Beetles are fascinating insects and a surprising variety of over 4,000 species present in the UK means you can look out for them wherever you are.

You might spot them scurrying across log piles in woodlands, scrambling over plants in the garden or foraging in the countryside. How many species will you spot this summer?

Woodland beetles North Dorset woodlands, such as Girdlers Coppice nature reserve, are a thriving habitat for several beetle species.

A Sexton beetle – Picture: Richard Burkmar Lesser stag and longhorn beetles live, breed and feed in for its larvae. but in fact there are 60 species decaying wood. Woodlands Dung beetles in the UK and many hundreds also provide plenty of different When walking on farmland more across the world that food sources for beetle you will almost certainly come make up this group. The species. The common sexton across a dungheap.

While we minotaur beetle is one UK beetle is an ‘undertaker’ of the might do all we can to avoid species, which feeds on rabbit natural world, burying these, dung beetles thrive on droppings and other dung, carcasses of deceased mice the waste of farm animals and mostly at night. Its three horns and small birds. A male and wildlife. and glossy black, ridged wing female sexton beetle will breed You might think of dung cases make it a striking and and stay close to the carcass beetles as a singular species, recognisable sight. which provides a food source

Garden beetles Ladybirds are some of the most well-known and loved garden beetles, but there are many more to spot. Gardeners might be familiar with cockchafers (also known as maybugs) and rose chafers.

Rose chafer adults, with their iridescent coppery-green wing casings, can be seen between May and October. They feed on flowers, with a particular preference for dog roses.

Chafers, like most beetles, play an important part in recycling nutrients back into the soil, as they and their larvae digest decaying matter.

Chafer grubs might be found while digging in the garden and are best left undisturbed to build up reserves to reach maturity, when they emerge from the ground as adults.

To find information on nature reserves and tips on attracting insects to your garden, visit the Dorset Wildlife Trust website at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Flock enjoying some super seasonal scran THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing The bluebells and wild garlic are magnificent now. The flock have discovered the joy of munching wild garlic and are now giving off a very pungent smell. I had to switch them onto a new patch of grass yesterday and the rush to get at the wild garlic was amazing. I wondered if they are really clever sheep. The weather is warming up a bit and the recent rain has brought out the flies. Garlic is known for its many benefits to horses, it is anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and is rich in selenium and sulphur and is used as a natural fly repellent. Sheep have a reputation for being stupid, if they see a hole in a fence, they

are almost guaranteed to try and get their head stuck in it, if they see an opportunity to escape from a lush green pasture, they probably will. The jury is out: we will still treat them for the seasonal fly strike, but it will be interesting to see if we keep the flies away.

I need to book Joe. Joe is the shearer that comes out to defleece the flock once a year.

Sheep grow their wool continuously, without shearing it would become matted with dirt, parasites, urine, etc it makes their coat very heavy and uncomfortable.

If the sheep are left unshorn, they would overheat in the summer leading to heat stress and ultimately death. The shearer is worth every penny of the modest fee that we pay, he

makes it look so easy. Any of the slightly mis-marked sheep suddenly take on a whole new look as you can see right down to their skin, my lovely Disney princess mis marked ewe manages to pass herself off as a Dutch Spotted for a few months with no trouble.

The rain has kick started the grass to grow, it will not without a doubt be ready to cut by June, already we are looking at it being much later, at least the delay gives us the chance to keep on top of the thistle and dock management that we started last season.

Water levels in the pond continue to fluctuate, already it is much lower than usual, exposing some parts of the surface rarely seen. Nature, not Boris, seems to be well in control of how things move out of lockdown for some of us.

95

Field & Stream

Why tortoiseshells fly straight – but an orange tip doesn’t Butterflies sum up summer.

Whether flitting from flower to flower, fluttering across a meadow or dancing along hedgerows and field margins they evoke all that is uplifting and joyous about sun filled days between spring and autumn.

But do you know your Speckled Wood from your Meadow Brown and can you tell the difference at a glance between a butterfly and a moth?

The answers to these and many more questions about the species group collectively known as Lepidoptra can be found on a visit to the Countryside Restoration Trust’at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone.

The CRT’s Dorset wildlife monitoring officer Andy Fale is keen that everyone better understands the joys of these fragile, multi-coloured jewels of the sky and has set up a series of wildlife walks on the farm to pass on his skills in tracking and

identifying them. “They are utterly magical creatures but so few people really know much about them,” he said. “They seem bewildered in trying to tell them apart yet the more you learn about butterflies the more fascinating they become.”

Butterfly tracking and identification needs close focus binoculars and a lightweight laminated field guide.

A common misunderstanding is that butterflies prefer only lush meadows and leafy woodland but it can be just as rewarding to search disused quarries and stony gravel workings as they like to bask on the bare stones in warm, sunny weather.

Talking of sun, it is easier to keep it behind you when trying to move in close on a basking target. Another important factor to bear in mind is flight behaviour – erratic fluttering and flitting about is a defence mechanism used by many

butterflies to make it hard for predators to predict their position. Others which are either less palatable, such as the small tortoiseshell, or brightly coloured like the peacock, don’t have to employ this erratic flight tactic as a deterrent and so have a much straighter and more predictable flight path.

Early in the year the most likely ones you could spot at Bere Marsh would be Orange Tips (fluttering flight, white with tipped wings), Speckled Woods (dark brown with yellow rings on their wings) and the more common Peacocks (giant ‘eyes’ on their dark wings) or Small Tortoiseshells (multi coloured, predominantly orange/red).

There is also the possibility of Brimstones (soft yellow with a dancing flight) and Red Admirals (dramatic, dark coloured flyers touched with vivid red and white).

Later in the year there is the

added lure of such exotic flyers as Small Skippers, Green Veined Whites, Marbled Whites (stunning black and white numbers), Small Coppers (vivid little orange charmers) and Gatekeepers and perhaps the elusive Clouded Yellow.

All are pure magic and worth every minute of your time spent in their tracking down.

So how do you tell them from the much more numerous and often exotically coloured moths?

Simple – butterfly antenna are clubbed or hooked at their ends whereas moths are thin and straight or slightly feathered.

Happy hunting…

Wildlife walks at Bere Marsh Dawn Chorus – May 29 & May 31. 4.45am start. 10 people per walk £12 per person Butterfly Walks – July 9 (1pm) & July 10 (10.30am). Donations to Butterfly Conservation Contact: afale@countryside restorationtrust.com

Equestrian

Stay vigilant for early signs of sweet itch

By Karen Bate Many of us tend to think sweet itch, an allergic reaction caused by biting insects and affecting up to five per cent of horses and ponies in the country, as a summer condition.

However, sweet itch can be caused much earlier in the season and indeed, much later as the mosquitos and midges which cause the condition are active between March and November.

The condition varies in severity from the horse occasionally scratching his tail on a tree to the very worst cases with horses causing self-trauma through scratching who will scratch and scratch, causing selftrauma with many cases 96

causing secondary infections.

Early diagnosis is important to get on top of the condition so it is good to keep vigilant for those tell-tale signs including rubbing, scratching and biting their skin, lumpy or scaly areas which may be inflamed, skin loss may occur and sometimes the skin will look dull and patchy. Some horses can become restless and in the very worst cases may even start to lose weight.

Grooming regularly is a good way to keep a close eye on his skin and when it comes to sweet itch, prevention is better than cure.

A fly rug is a must, some horses affected badly will need to wear one 24/7 so it is well worth investing in a

good one.

Fly repellents - there are a huge number of different types, brands and applications available. DEET is effective along with Avon Skin-so-Soft but this should not be used on hot, sunny days as it can cause sunburn.

Biting insects tend to be at their most prevalent at dawn and early evening or dusk so if possible, try to keep your horse stabled during these times. Female midges lay their eggs in the soft mud after feeding so areas with standing water should be avoided.

A combination of preventative measures and taking appropriate action/treatment as soon as any signs develop will help to manage the problem and

make life as comfortable for the affected horse as possible.

World Horse Welfare charity has its own advice line on 01953 497238.

EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS 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 PADDOCKS For all your paddock & field maintenance, call Mark 01747 821271 or 07810 540725

Puzzle solutions (from pages 70-71) Sudoku

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Crossword

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

91

83

Cryptic Crossword B M O A N N U L L E I S O M E O A O M A N I F I E A R C E R L M A O R I A U N D E S I G A T S

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C A L E E R G H Y N G R S E E O D Y

Farming

Cow share scheme boosts foodbanks A farm near Blandford is offering a ‘cow share’ scheme for beef lovers who want to benefit others.

Launceston Farm in Tarrant Launceston say they have noticed a huge shift in the way people buy food since the pandemic. So they have been coming up with ways to fulfil customers’ new requirements in innovative ways.

Cath from the farm said: “In the past year, more and more of us are trying to source food as locally as we can whilst demand for organic food has soared as interest in health and provenance

has grown. In response to this growing demand, and to help support local food banks, we initiated a Cow Share scheme which now runs every month, for local people who want to buy a share of our organic beef. A portion of the proceeds is then

donated to nearby foodbanks in Blandford and Wimborne as well as other local charities and projects that improve access to good, healthy food.”

Anyone who has taken part in Cow Share is now being invited to the farm to join a cow safari with Jimi, pictured.

The safari is a chance for an upclose and personal introduction to the farm’s organic stabiliser herd and the regenerative farming practices that make Launceston Farm a haven for biodiversity whilst producing some of the highest quality food in the UK. Guests will enjoy

seasonal produce from the farm and a hedgerow tipple from the Shepherd’s Hut Gin Bar. Cath said: “As well as our Cow Sharers, we would love to hear from schools and community groups interested in seeing organic farming methods in practice. We have converted the old farm workshop into a stunning new facility, with a kitchen and education space, complete with integrated audiovisual system. We already have schools and interest groups booked in for summer 2021.”

Email farm@launcestonfarm .co.uk. for details.

97

Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

WANTED

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Tuesday 25th May at 10.30am with the Deadstock

TRACTORS, MACHINERY, HORTICULTURAL EQUIPMENT ETC ** To be sold from the rostrum in the hall to adhere to social distancing ** Live bidding on Marteye, please register in advance.

The Dispersal Sale of the Milking & Incalf Heifer Portion being

233 ORGANIC PWAB CROSSBRED DAIRY CATTLE

Comp: 201 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf & 32 Incalf & Served Heifers * HERD AV: 7,500KGS. * HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed * BREEDS INC: Holstein, Fleckvieh and Swedish Red * YOUNG COWS: 123 1st – 3rd Lactation * CALVING: All Year Round * SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus & British Blue Together with Herringbone Parlour, Bulk Tank, Cubicles & Associated Equipment & Machinery

(13) Shelbourne POWERMIX PRO 13; (18) Storth Doda SLURRY PUMP; Woodchuck BEDDING SPREADER; 20:20 Delaval Auto ID HERRINGBONE PARLOUR; (04) 15,000litres Fullwood BULK TANK; 2x Loheat Water HEATERS; 10.5t ND JEANS BIN; (04) 9.5t EB FIBREGLASS BIN; 4x Large Agriplastics CALF HUTCHES; 22 x IAE Super Cow COMFORT CUBICLES; 44x IAE YOUNGSTOCK CUBICLES; 129x 20x IAE Cow COMFORT CUBICLES; etc.

For RV Edmunds & Son Ltd (Removed from Redlands Farm, Pedwell, Bridgwater) ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie ** JUNE Thurs 3rd SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The Dispersal Sale of 400 Pedigree Holsteins being the Herd for DC Dennis & Son Ltd (Removed from Fardel Manor Farm, Ivybridge, Devon).

Online Timed Auction

ONLINE TIMED MACHINERY AUCTION (https://gth.auctionmarts.com) Tuesday 18th May 昀nishing from 6.30pm onwards The Dispersal Sale of Parlour, Feeder Wagon, Livestock & Dairy Equipment & Machinery (18) RS Agrimix 16 FEEDER WAGON; Honda 350 QUAD BIKE; Warwick Bale TRAILER; AG 175 Sand DISPENSER; 2x 8T Marshall Grain TRAILERS; (07) Major Road BRUSH; Watson ROLLER; PTO Driven GENERATOR & ATTACHMENTS. 18/18 Surge Direct to Line HERRINGBONE PARLOUR; 8500 Litre Surge DX Bulk TANK; Twin Gea Variable Speed Vacuum PUMPS; Gea Plate COOLER; Mueller Heat EXCHANGER; 2x Cotswold Water HEATER. 13T ND Jeans Cake BIN; 30T Symms Blend BIN; 200 Wilson Agriculture CUBICLE DIVISIONS; Bateman Foot Trimming CRUSH; 9’ IAE Cattle HURDLES; Bateman Calf PENS; etc. full listing at www.gth.net

For MJ Lock & Partners (Bury Hill Farm, Pulborough, West Sussex).

Viewing available by appointment on Friday 14th May & Tuesday 18th May in allocated timeslots. Everyone to strictly adhere to social distancing regulations. Please contact 01278 410250 to register your interest and book a time slot. **ALL BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED ONCE THE BIDDING SITE HAS OPENED. NEW BIDDERS ARE REGISTERED WITH A STANDARD BIDDING LIMIT OF £500. PLEASE CONTACT US TO INCREASE IT. A BUYERS PREMIUM OF 5% + VAT WILL BE PAYABLE ON ALL LOTS**

Forthcoming Deadstock Sale North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

WEDNESDAY 2nd JUNE at 10.30am

(Items to be delivered Tuesday 1st June between 9.30am-4.30pm)

Sedgemoor Auction Centre North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 6209 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 8th May 2021 DAIRY CATTLE (74) Heifers to £2260. Others £2200. Cows to £1720.

Others £1600. (1361) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (778) Steers to £1450 (LIMX). Others £1390 (SIMX) £1385 (BRBX) & £1380 (BRBX). Heifers to £1405 (CHX). Others £1355 (LIMX) £1330 (LIMX) & £1325 (AA). GRAZING COWS (14) to £1240 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (147) to £3400 for a 3 year old AA bull. Cows & calves to £2880 for a ped Lim cow & her 09.20 born bull calf. STIRKS (436) Steers to £1065 (LIMX). Others £1050 (LIMX) £970 (LIMX) & £895 (HEX). Heifers to £950 (BRBX). Others £915 (LIMX) £910 (LIMX) & £890 (LIMX). CALVES (269) - Beef Bulls to £515 (LIMX).

Others £460 (CHX) £445 (CHX) & £410 (CHX). Heifers to £370 (1x BRBX & 1x CHX). Others £355 (CHX) £350 (CHX) & £340 (1X CHX & 1x BRBX).

Black & Whites to £160 (2x). Others £150. (2158) SHEEP STORE LAMBS – Friday (276) to £150 (3x). Others £147 & £146. Overall Ave £112.24. CULL EWES & RAMS (1200) Ewes to £147. Others £144 & £142. Rams to £159.

Others £148 & £145. Overall Ave £105.77. GOATS (21) to £166. COUPLES (255E & 376L) Doubles to £298 (£99.33/life). Singles to £245 (£122.50/life).

Overall Ave £73.79/life. BREEDING EWES (20) to £139. Overall average £127.50. ORPHAN LAMBS (10) to £60. Overall Ave £30.90. (107) PIGS – WEANERS (37) to £58. CULL SOWS & BOARS (5) to £134. BREEDERS to £150. FORWARD STORES (53) to £182. Overall Ave £97.21.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs

Returns for Monday 10th May 2021 PRIME CATTLE (97) Steers UTM av 210.7ppk to 232.5ppk & £1,707.43.

Others 231.5ppk, 228.5ppk & 227.5ppk. Others £1,662.08, £1,617.98 & £1,579.08. Heifers UTM av 212.8ppk to 236.5ppk and £1,566.47. Others 234.5ppk, 232.5ppk & 231.5ppk. Others £1,444.20, £1,386.00 & £1,371.60.

BARREN COWS (51) Continental av 151.4ppk to 179.5ppk (2x) and £1,552.50. Others 176.5ppk. Others £1,465.95. Native Beef av 141.6ppk to 169.5ppk and £1,312.43. Others 167.5ppk. Others £1,302.23. Dairy av 119.5ppk to 147.5ppk and £1,222.02. Others 146.5ppk. Others £1,164.68.

FINISHED SHEEP (2089) Hogg ave 300.0ppk to 300.0ppk and £162.00.

Others 299.0ppk, 298.0ppk (2x) & 295.0ppk. Others £160, £159.50 & £157.50.

Lamb ave 349.32ppk to 380.0ppk and £155.00 (2x). Others 378.0ppk & 375.0ppk. Others £154 & £152 (2x).

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL SALES For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre and/or Saturday market report https://www.gth.net/market-reports.

MAY Fri 14th.......

Sat 22nd.....

Wed 26th....

Sat 29th......

Sat 29th......

Mon 31st....

JUNE Fri 4th.........

Sat 5th........

Sat 12th......

Sat 26th......

Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pm Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am 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 19th May. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale commences 4.30pm Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2 We anticipate the store lambs and cull ewes will return to Saturdays on Saturday 29 th May. Please follow our website for con昀rmation.

Normal Monday Market Prime Cattle, Barren Cows, Prime Lambs & Killing Ewes Special Early Season Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes 3pm Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 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

Farming

1p rise is welcome Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary Very pleased to report more swallows have arrived and taken up residence in the garage, at least three nests and a wagtail!

One of our granddaughters has started halter training a calf, in readiness for the local church pet service. She’s doing very well, she’s kind and the calf seems to enjoy his trips around the farm.

We have managed to get out more FYM, (farmyard manure) onto the maize fields and prepare the land and plant the seed. We had a pipe break on one of the tractors, and were fearful of finding the replacement, however one was tracked down in Dorchester. We were lucky, there is a general shortage of spare parts across all industries. Contractors are now to be seen going from farm to farm to get work done in the weather window given. Please be patient and careful on the roads as large agricultural machines go about their work.

We ask our tractor drivers to pull over to allow traffic to pass if they can, I hope our colleagues remember to do the same.

Milk price of 1p per litre increase is very welcome from Barbers, who buy most of our milk. With increases on the many elements to run a farm, this will help a little, shame we have to wait till September to see it in our banks!

At our parish council meeting recently, dogs in the countryside came up again. The respect for all who live, work and enjoy the countryside is dependant on everyone taking responsibility for themselves and more importantly their dogs. ALL dogs are capable of worrying, their natural instincts take over.

It’s up to the owners to control their dogs. Dog poo is another major problem, not only is it unsightly, but can leave disease for farm and wild animals to pick up, Neospora being one, this can affect fertility and cause abortion. The filthy habit of bagging poo and then leaving it behind, how can that be right?

Please try and educate anyone you know with dogs of their responsibilities. This time of year, there are many nesting birds on the ground and low down in hedges and scrub, dogs should be kept on leads to prevent disturbance.

GILLIES AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING. 07903 972905. Tractor & 14 ton dump trailer. Tractor & sf12 silage trailer available for immediate hire EXPERIENCED FREELANCE SHEPHERDESS looking for part-time work. Calf rearing also considered. Call 07949 273364 Variety of POL HYBRID PULLETS now available. 07545 468700 DEXTER CATTLE x 4, yearlings. 01258 861647 CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls. Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited. 01258 830324 / liquiline.co.uk FENCING, TOPPING, HAYMAKING AND HAULAGE. Please phone Andrew 01747 855198

Opportunity for RELIEF MILKER – North Dorset 2 WEEKENDS PER MONTH block spring calving - ONCE A DAY MILKING 270 cows new Waikato 24/48 parlour good remuneration for reliable candidate with experience.

Overnight accommodation if required. Contact: s.hemsworthfarm@gmail.com or Sophie on 07866 915305

WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge

TOP PRICES PAID Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 99

Farming ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

WEDNESDAY MAY 5TH GENUINE HERD DISPERSAL Ceasing Milk Production 50 Friesian Holstein Dairy Cattle Predominatly HB Cubicle Trained Milked by Lely MK 4 Robots Herd Ave 7,500 Ltrs CC200 All year Calving to sexed Semen & Pedigree Hereford Sweeper Stock Bull Potkiln 1 Jumbo Held in Ring 2 after the Weekly Sale of commercial Dairy Cattle TB Tested 05.04.21 Plus 20 HB In-Calf Friesian Holstein Heifers Calving at 2 Years of age Due July/Aug to Hereford Potkiln 1 Jumbo WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY Sale of Pigs WEDNESDAY 12TH MAY Sale of Reared Calves MONDAY 17TH MAY Sale of TB Restricted Cattle SATURDAY 22ND MAY Sale of Poultry FRIDAY 28TH MAY Sale of Store Cattle to include Organic

Strict Social Distancing rules apply. Everyone to provide their own face masks. Face masks to be worn at all times Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com

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Vineyard offering a taste of brilliance Overlooking Melbury Beacon and the Blackmore Vale, Breezy Ridge is a stunning family run vineyard producing a great selection of English Sparkling wines. Joe & Becky Fear were thrilled to finally open their doors to their brand new venture.

Upon arriving at the vineyard, you’ll find a beautifully clad greenstone barn style venue with a modern and industrial vibe, offering inside and outside space.

The team at Breezy Ridge have created a warm, fun atmosphere where guests have a great time.

DEXTER COWS ,yearling heifers and steers. Black non short.

Cows have been running with bull.

01747 830088

Conyers

Country Outfitters

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D

New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs.

Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est

1886 3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

Co-founder Joe Fear said: “We aim to differentiate ourselves from other English vineyards partly due to our grape varieties, but not only that we strive to be accessible, inclusive and just a fun place to visit.”

The venue is currently open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5pm. It’s a great place to meet friends for delicious coffee, pastries and treats. Cheese & charcuterie grazing boards and light bites are served from 12pm throughout the afternoon. Just pop in for a glass of wine where you’ll find both Breezy Ridge wines and a selection of handpicked Air Ri昀es continental wines and & Air Pistols local gins. The cellar door wanted and deli is open all day Any make or model and is stashed with artisan produce and homemade Any condition treats. The team have Call 07970 742471 made a special effort to work with local producers, as well as being able to give a continental vibe.

Launching from Monday, bespoke tours, tastings, We provide a friendly, local service collaborations, corporate at competitive prices. Based at events, as well as Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 delivering to your door or tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. catering for a private We won’t be beaten on price. event.

Call us on

01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwestyreservices.co.uk

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12FT CHAIN HARROW, fully mounted. Good condition. 07956 000580 ATV SPRAYING, AGRICULTURAL & PADDOCK SERVICES. CALL 07711 980871

Farming

Failing to future-plan can be a farm risk Failing to plan for the future is one of the biggest risks you can take in your business.

As part of Cornish Mutual’s Future Farming programme, we spoke to Farm Succession Facilitator, Heather Wildman from Saviour Associates and Associate Director, Catherine Vickery at Old Mill to 昀nd out their tips for succession planning.

“Start early,” advises Heather. “Leaving it too late has 昀nancial implications and can cause family fallouts. Talking about the future early gives you the chance to put longer-term plans in place and keep the family together.”

Succession planning isn’t just about who receives what when someone dies, it also includes thinking about things such as knowing how the farm water supply works or who can write a cheque for the business bank account, in the event that someone who usually does these things is taken ill.

Talking about these kind of practical things can be a great way to start the conversation.

“You need to have an open, frank conversation with everyone who has an interest in the business,” Catherine adds.

“Inviting an independent third party to oversee meetings and put the plan on paper

can make the process easier. It’s important future generations are involved and everyone is clear about their personal and business objectives. Some of the 昀nancial points to consider include the distribution of assets, tax planning, business structure, diversi昀cation, inheritance tax and pension planning.”

“Every farming business will 昀nd a different way to manage succession planning and secure the future viability of the farm.

Just by having the conversation, you and your family will feel more in control and con昀dent about the future.” says Catherine.

Explore more succession planning advice on the Cornish Mutual Future Farming page: www.cornishmutual.co.uk/future-farming-programme

“I simply love my job – both creating the products in my own home and building rapport with customers” Tasmin Floyd, Wild Pesto, third generation Cornish Mutual Member

Supporting Our Real Food Heroes Read their stories #RealFoodHeroes www.cornishmutual.co.uk

Farming Insurance Experts

101

Farming

Post lambing, it’s ewe health checks

By Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS, of Friars Moor Livestock Health Lambing and calving season is coming to an end and we have had a busy spring. It is a really rewarding time of year to be working as a farm vet, helping to ensure that new life is delivered safely. But it can be a worrying and stressful time for our clients when things do not go to plan, and now is the time to look at improvements we can make.

Part of our role as health advisers, is to analyse the performance of our flocks and herds. This is done by reviewing data records and identifying any areas that do not achieve the desired targets. It is useful to set

these targets, since problem areas can then be investigated, and a prevention plan can be implemented before the issues escalate further.

Currently we are working with our sheep farmers who may have experienced high numbers of barren ewes, had ewes who aborted, delivered stillborn

lambs, or had several weak and non-viable lambs.

If farmers recorded >2% barren rate, noticed an increased number of irregular returns to the rams during breeding, had >2% abort, had weak lambs or mismatched sizes of twins and triplets born we are urging them to get in touch to see if we can help identify a reason for these unfortunate losses.

These symptoms can be an Independent veterinary indication of services for livestock in two common Dorset, Somerset and infectious diseases in Wiltshire sheep;

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

For those whose TV volume is now at 50!

38 The High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HT Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST!

enzootic abortion (chlamydia) and toxoplasmosis. Both result in a lambing percentage that is significantly lower than the flock’s potential. Enzootic abortion is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from sheep to sheep. Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal parasite, spread by cats who have ingested tissue infected by toxoplasmosis. Cats shed the infectious eggs in their faeces, and when these end up contaminating feed and bedding sheep ingest them and become infected. Thankfully, there are effective vaccines to protect ewes against both infections, which means their pregnancies will then be protected.

We are offering our clients the opportunity to test their ewes for exposure to enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis. Our vet tech team are running a blood sampling round on Thursday, 13th and Friday 21st May. James Hall or Stephen Place will come out and blood sample up to 8 ewes for only £20 (incl. VAT).

This health check covers the visit fee, the time to sample the sheep and the laboratory test fees. Call our farm office on 01258 472314 to book.

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

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!

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Farming

Scheme’s the bee’s knees Dorset’s heritage Bere Marsh Farm is set to become the centrepiece of a groundbreaking new project to make the Vale a hive of activity for bees.

People will be invited to help create a flower shaped network of bee friendly corridors — known as ‘BeeWayzz.’

The corridors, roughly in the shape of flower petals, will radiate from the Bere Marsh central hub at Shillingstone to follow little used country lanes, bridleways, public footpaths and ancient droves so bees are given a better chance to expand and repopulate parts of the countryside from which they have been driven out in recent years whilst growing healthier and stronger in the process.

Elaine Spencer White, secretary to the BeeWayzz Hub, said: “It is such an original and appealing idea we feel sure it will capture the imagination of everyone. “Bees are loved by us all and are fundamental to the future of mankind. Without them we would not get the food we eat.”

The plan — to be unveiled on May 20, World Bee Day – will start with a corridor from Shillingstone to Durweston and Hanford to Turnworth. This will then be the blueprint to replicate

four more corridors over four years. Key to its success is the extensive planting along the corridors of annual and perennial plants and flowers which will deliver substantial and consistent supplies of pollen and nectar for the roaming bees all summer long.

Elaine said: “We hope everyone will want to play their part – people’s gardens and village allotments are every bit as important as field margins and roadside verges for the bees to adopt as foraging corridors.”

Volunteers will host a roadshow of presentations throughout the Vale this autumn. The Hub is also promoting greater interest in the little known art of natural beekeeping – maintaining hives but leaving the honey for the bees so they grow healthier and stronger.

Elaine added: “We want to encourage greater interest in nurturing bees rather than taking their honey. To do this we have a five-year plan to train people in the skills of building the right kind of hives, known as top-bar hives, and then passing on these skills to others. Natural beekeeping is an ancient craft which has almost died out and we are intent on reviving it.”

In time, it is hoped the pollen rich corridors will spread to the rest of the county and even beyond that. To get involved, call Elaine Spencer White on 07748 630524

ON-FARM AUCTIONS THURSDAY 3rd JUNE – EAST DEVON

Dispersal Sale of 5 Tractors, Grassland & Livestock Equipment

FRIDAY 4th JUNE – MID DEVON

Dispersal Sale of Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment & General E昀ects

FRIDAY 11th JUNE – SOUTH SOMERSET

Dispersal Sale of Massey Ferguson 135, Grassland Machinery, Livestock Equipment & Bygones

SATURDAY 19th JUNE – NORTH DORSET

Dispersal Sale of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, Grassland Machinery & Livestock Equipment

TIMED ONLINE AUCTIONS

Don’t miss our Online Auc琀on open now and closing from 7pm on Monday 17th May Monday 24th May – Tuesday 1 st June Genuine Dispersal Sale of Massey Ferguson 4wd Tractor with Loader, Digger, Dumper, Farm Machinery & Livestock Equipment. Other items include: New Holland Tractor, JCB 8085ZTS 8t Digger (11), Hughes heavy duty 32’ Bale Trailer, Rollers, Power Harrow, Livestock Equipment, Collectables etc.

Monday 7th – Tuesday 15th June Genuine Dispersal Sale of Mr Kelvin Pike’s Collec琀on of over 50 Modern Classic & Vintage Vehicles including 2 World War II Lorries, Tractors, Land Rovers, Motorcycles & Cars Monday 21st June – Tuesday 29th June Entries now being taken – closing date Wednesday 9th June For further informa琀on contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

LAND FOR SALE

Horsington Guide £485,000, Tower Hill Barn

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

A stunning loca琀on in which to build a stylish detached house with over 7300sq 昀 of accommoda琀on, approached via a private drive and standing in grounds of 1.68 acres with far reaching views.

Andrew Tu n 01258 472244

FARMS & LAND AGENCY

Our dedicated agents are on hand to o昀er con昀den琀al advice for selling, buying or le ng of farms and land Please contact Andrew Tu n 01258 472244

symondsandsampson.co.uk 103

Property

LIVESTREAM AUCTION 21 May 2021 DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET Osmington Guide £120,000

Cucklington 9.17 acres of pastureland with good access and mains water

6.93 acres of gently sloping pasture land with stunning sea views

Fiddleford 11.61 acres of pasture land with a 2­bay barn.

Sturminster 01258 472244

Dorchester 01305 236572

Horton Guide £95,000 Approx 4.68 acres of grassland and mixed woodland in a secluded loca on

Wimborne 01202 843190

WILTSHIRE LONDON

Maiden Newton 30.41 acres of pasture land available as 2 lots Melplash 12.97 acres of level to sloping land with far reaching views Askerswell 60.09 acres of pasture land with conserva on appeal Dorchester 01305 236237

Dartmoor

Guide £145,000 The unique opportunity to own the iconic Sheeps Tor and 127.35 acres of freehold moorland including Yellowmead stone circle.

Axminster 01297 33122

Sturminster Newton Guide £100,000 A 2/3 bedroom co age for renova on with yard and outbuildings.

EPC=G.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Woolland Guide £195,000 A spacious 3 bedroom house in need of modernisa on with wonderful views EPC=E.

Bra on Seymour Guide £950,000 A unique chance to complete the build of a large country house with co age in a rural se ng. In all 1.25 acres and views.

Fontmell Magna

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sturminster 01258 473766

Durweston

Guide £250,000 A charming 2­3 bedroom village co age requiring upda ng, with large gardens and parking. EPC=G.

Yeovil

Blandford 01258 452670

Yeovil 01935 423526

Guide £325,000 A pre y Grade II listed 3 bedroom co age for upda ng and improvement, standing in good sized grounds. EPC exempt.

Stoborough Guide £225,000 Single development plot with full PP for a detached dwelling poten al (STPP)

Wimborne 01202 843190

Crossways Guide £65,000 Approx 0.17 acres with possible development poten al (STPP)

Wimborne 01202 843190

PLANNING

Guide £200,000 A detached former church/nursery with garden and parking, offering development possibili es (STPP). EPC=B.

VALUATIONS

BUILDING SURVEY

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

Guide £475,000 An a rac ve house built in 1984 with 3 ensuite bedrooms, garage and parking situated on a sought posi on close to the town centre. EPC=D.

Child Okeford

Guide £800,000 An extremely well presented 4 bedroom house with excellent home office and spacious family accommoda on close to the middle of this popular village. EPC=C.

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

TO

LE

T

Sherborne

Kington Magna

Guide £575,000 A detached 3 bedroom co age with garden and paddock of 0.66 acres, situated in a lovely Blackmore Vale rural loca on adjoining farmland. EPC=E.

Blandford

Sturminster 01258 473766

Blandford 01258 458473

Blandford St Mary

Guide £385,000 A Grade II Listed 4 bedroom house with 3 recep on rooms and a low maintenance garden, situated within walking distance of the town and river. EPC Exempt.

Dewlish

Blandford 01258 452670

Dorchester 01305 261008

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

£3,500pcm

A beau fully restored and tastefully furnished Grade II Listed 7 bedroom Georgian detached town house, with private garden in the heart of the town. EPC=D.

Guide £1,000,000 An a rac ve south facing former farmhouse in 0.8 acre with an annexe. Further land and former stable yard of about 4.9 acres (leasehold) available by separate nego a on. EPC Exempt.

Property The Loft Tisbury 01747 442500 www.ruralview.co.uk

Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire Guide Price £925,000 A most attractive period home, refurbished and extended to a high standard with versatile accommodation and a delightful streamside garden.

EPC 54

LD SO

LD SO

Ansty, Wiltshire A quintessential Georgian village house with elegant accommodation and a superb outlook.

EPC Exempt

Templecombe, Somerset An attached Georgian farmhouse with a south facing garden and converted barn.

www.ruralview.co.uk

EPC Exempt

Property The Loft Tisbury 01747 442500 www.ruralview.co.uk

Our register of buyers is bursting at the seams

If you wish to take advantage of this extraordinary market, please call us in con昀dence.

www.ruralview.co.uk

Property

W E S T K N O Y L E , W I LT S H I R E

EPC Band – Exempt

A handsome Grade II listed stone farmhouse with a cottage, extensive outbuildings, gardens and grounds extending in all to about 41 acres Shaftesbury 01747 850858 Guide price £2,750,000

SHERBORNE 01935 810141

SHAFTESBURY 01747 850858

jackson-stops.co.uk

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional of昀ces PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

Property

STOWELL, SHERBORNE

A simply beautiful design led contemporary house, surrounded by landscaped gardens and with a versatile annex Sherborne 01935 810141

EPC Band B

Guide price £1,750,000

SHERBORNE 01935 810141

SHAFTESBURY 01747 850858

jackson-stops.co.uk

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional of昀ces PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

Property

R E M O VA L S

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&

S T O R A G E

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a Eurpean service for full and part loads

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” “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

PROPERTY WANTED TO BUY, dis-used farm buildings, animal sheds, anything considered to store my classic Land Rovers – 07740 378644 ELDERLY COUPLE wish to rent 2 bedroom House or bungalow, radius of 15 miles of Castle Cary (country), Excellent refrences – 01373 813091

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TRADITIONAL FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGE. Sleeps 4, near Bude, Cornwall. 01288361292 or nicola.m.j.62@hotmail.com

GROUND FLOOR TWO BED HOLIDAY FLAT. West Bay, telephone 01963 23456

PROFESSIONAL MALE seeks 1 bed flat to rent in Wincanton excellent reference 07763 143355

Property

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