The New Blackmore Vale Magazine by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Edition 5

Friday, November 20 2020

w e n he

Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

FREE

Colonel’s final battle thwarted by jobsworths By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

An Army officer is fighting a double battle – against stage 4 cancer and council officers who stopped a raceagainst-time project to create a home for his family before he dies. Col Nick Carrell, 51, and wife Jilly bought a dilapidated house in Iwerne Minster with a view to restoring it for themselves and daughters Scarlett, 15, and Beatrice, 13. It would be their first non-Army home. The house had been lived in by the same person for 60 years before its owner died two years ago. It’s in desperate need of modernisation to make it habitable for the family, while space for palliative care was also factored in. When Nick’s condition worsened, Jilly appealed for help on the project and received a huge response, with more than 20 tradesmen and military friends volunteering to work for free. Yet after seven weeks of rapid progress – including opening up a Col Carrell with his daughters Scarlett and Beatrice in happier times

n Turn to page 3

What’s inside this week Angling Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectibles Beauty Business Church Education Equestrian Farming Field And Stream Food & Drink Funeral Services & Death Announcements Gardening Health & Wellbeing Home & Gardens Items For Sale Letters Local Services

80 64-67 48-49 XX 54-56 70 71 78-79 81-86 80 38-42 34-36 32 50-53 30-33 20 68-69 43-45

IN THE NEWS: Poppy Day commemorations: P25... Alan Turing archives: P6-7... A dress to impress: P29

Motoring MPs’ Round-Up Pets Planning Applications

72-73 62-63 37 46-47

Property Puzzles Recruitment Sport

87-94 60, 61, 70, 71 57-59 74-77

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

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

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

Ruth Armishaw

Sharon Evans

Commercial manager

Classified adverts

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

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

classified@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

DEADLINES We’ve seen a massive increase in both ads and news,and we love to receive these early... All ads and copy to reach us by the Monday lunchtime before publication, please!

Kate Smith

News editor newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Steve Keenan

Reporter sport@blackmorevale.net Tel: 07940 143223

I just want my daughters’ turmoil to stop n From front page fireplace, new RSJs and removal of interior walls – a villager complained to Dorset Council when scaffolding went up and planning enforcement officers called for work to stop. The family plan is to adapt the interior of the Grade II listed house, not the exterior. The couple employed architects and structural engineers: building control officers from Dorset Council called four times to check the plans and progress. But planners did not know of the project and, when alerted, demanded work stop. “I am not a planner,” said Col Carrell. “I have acted in good faith because building control officers told me planning permission was not needed.” Many volunteers who were working on the house now have other building commitments and Nick doesn’t have much time. Cancer has spread through his body. He may only have weeks or months left. “I understand rules but expect people to be a little humane,” said Jilly. “I just want to be

moving into our home. It is a dual role protecting the heritage of the building but protecting our family at a troubled time.” The couple have drawn strength from an enormous outpouring of support from villagers appalled at the family’s predicament. “I think everybody has been completely shocked,” said next door neighbour Emma Lewis. Another villager, Emily Delso, added: “It is a very friendly village. People need empathy these days and the amount of support from the village has been astounding.” Many rallied to support the family when Dorset Council officers called on Tuesday, a meeting expedited by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, who was there. The couple’s own architects also attended, as did Kennedy Gaffney, a builder from the village who is leading the project. A Dorset Council planning enforcement officer who halted the work, and a conservation and design officer spent more than 90 minutes inspecting the house. One officer said: “Everything

has got a bit out of hand. I see this time and again across the county. We hope to allow some work to start again before permissions are given.” The other officer said: “We will look to get back to the couple with details as soon as possible. The devil is in the detail and we need to be clear what we are allowing.” Ex-Marine Ian Rockett works at Clayesmore School in the village, which the daughters attend, and has helped coordinate the offers of work. Even this week, there were calls from Peterborough and London offering assistance. Mr Gaffney says eight days of work has been lost, putting the project beyond the hoped-for deadline of Christmas. “By now, we could have had the house re-wired and the walls plastered,” he said. The village parish council has also come in for criticism, with Jilly saying not one councillor had been in touch with the couple. Parish council chairman Paul le Provost said: “I feel a lot of sympathy but things were done the wrong way. We are a conservation

area, the house is listed and they proceeded without the right authorities.” Col Carrell is a staff officer currently involved in establishing The Army’s legacy position in relation to soldiering in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He served in all three, and previously had a spell with the SAS. He said: “All that I care about is my wife and daughters. For teens, it is an enormous amount of turmoil. I just want that turmoil to stop.”

Delivering quality for over 40 years We are open and trading as normal

Commercial | Industrial | Domestic | Testing & Inspections | Design & Consultation 01747 853861 Enquiries@ecelectrical.co.uk

www.ecelectrical.co.uk

Unit, 16c Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9QJ

House alive with the sound of music By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A letter addressed to ‘The Musical House’ in Gillingham provoked a huge emotional reaction. Julie Crockett Houghton posted the letter on Facebook after a mystery mum put it through her door in Peacemarsh. The author wrote that she and her one-year-old daughter were taking ‘a little walk’ when they were drawn to the house by the sound of music. “To you it may have been just another night of practice,” said the letter. “To us, it was a moment where time stopped – just me and my baby dancing under the stars. “So I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful music and creating not just a beautiful moment between me and my daughter but a special memory we will treasure forever.” Julie’s husband Dan said that when the letter came through the door he thought it was a complaint about the music. “We were pleasantly surprised to find it was fan mail. It’s been a bonus of lockdown to learn an instrument and spend quality time together as a family. It’s nice to know it made a magical moment for a mum and her daughter.” Julie was so moved she posted the letter on the

MUSICAL YOUTH: The Crockett Houghtons enjoy a jamming session at their Peacemarsh home

Gillingham Facebook group and added: “We would just like to say thank you.” Within two days, the post attracted nearly 1,000 likes and loves, 100 comments and 15 shares. “What a wonderful thing to do. Thank you for sharing,” wrote Nykki Beasley. “Just beautiful. Genuinely brought tears to my eyes,” said Jennifer Kent, while Clare Job added: “Beautiful and well done you guys for making someone’s night so special.” Julie said she had no idea who wrote the letter: “It would be quite nice to know – it’s such a lovely thing.”

The mother-of-three studied music and plays piano and the trumpet. Phoebe, 13, plays flute and Rachel, 11, the ukulele while four-year-old Max plays the drums. Dan also learned to play ukulele and bass guitar “because he felt left out,” laughs Julie. “We practise every day. It has been our relief this year.” There’s no problem with the neighbours – Denize Flynn wrote: “It’s the house behind me. It’s music practice, often at different times but amazing. “I love listening to it every day – gives me a reason to stop and

do nothing but just listen.” Happily, the quiet residential street in which the family live is also home to a number of other musicians, said Julie. “There’s someone who plays violin and his sister plays clarinet. At No 10 there is a bass guitarist and at the other end, drums! We are a very musical neighbourhood.” Sadly there are no plans for The Crockett Houghton 5 to go public. “Rachel plays flute for two hours a day and is very talented, about Grade 4 level,” said Julie. “But she is incredibly shy. She plays at school – but only in the music room when the door is shut.”

Wyatt Homes submit plans for 600 dwellings in Blandford By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Plans for a major 600 home development on the outskirts of Blandford have been submitted to Dorset Council by Wyatt Homes, who have for several years been promoting the scheme to the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan group. Development north and east of Blandford bypass is a key component of the 4

Neighbourhood Plan, which has yet to go out to public referendum but has had wide support in the community, containing the potential to provide a site for a new primary school. A pre-consultation carried out online during the summer attracted comment and criticism from around 140 people, and Wyatt said there had been a wide range of interesting and helpful comment.

It is summarised in the statement of community involvement which has now been submitted with the hybrid application P/OUT/2020/00026, seeking outline permission for 433 homes either side of the A354 Salisbury road, the school, a local centre and relocation of the Lamperds Field allotments, and detailed permission for the first 167 homes in phase one to the east of the bypass,

including a new roundabout off the bypass at the access point. Blandford Town Council’s planning committee considered the application only a few days after it was made public on the Dorset Council website with a consultation deadline of November 24, and has formed a working group to consider the proposals in detail at the full council meeting on November 23.

Care home residents in Sherborne and Blandford made beautiful displays for Remembrance Day. Residents of Colten Care homes Abbey View in Sherborne and Whitecliffe House in Blandford handcrafted hundreds of poppies to put on display. Relatives, care staff and community contacts also spent time fashioning the poignant tributes by knitting, crocheting and felting red fabric and sewing on black buttons. An appeal for friends and families to lend support resulted in more than 900 wool and felt poppies forming a prominent cascade outside Abbey View in Sherborne. Resident Captain Gerald Blackburn, 90, said: “I was particularly touched while watching the poppy display LEST WE FORGET: Colten Care resident Maureen Smith, who lives at Whitecliffe House in crocheting poppies for the home’s display and, right, Helen Lacey, Home Manager grow as we have worked on Blandford, at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford, with the home’s poppy display it over the last few weeks.” Gerald joined the Merchant Navy aged 16 in 1946 and quickly rose to gain a Masters Certificate. readings. He added: “It’s a very Diane Duffield, special thing we have done Companionship Team and deeply touching to Leader at Abbey View, know that even during covid said: “Remembrance is times we are able to always an important remember the lives of the occasion for us as so many fallen. I’m very proud of the of our residents have display.” childhood memories of the Among the contributions war and its aftermath. from the community were “Preparing our display was felt poppies made by a lovely project to be part Sherborne Beaver Scouts SEA OF of. Our residents really RED. The and nine poppies knitted by enjoy their arts and crafts poppy eight-year-old Grace Turner cascade at and the poppy making and her family. Colten activity certainly prompted In an accompanying letter, Care’s many conversations and Abbey Grace wrote: “Dear Abbey recollections.” View in View, here are some poppies Sherborne Complementing the for your Remembrance day displays of poppies, Colten All 21 Colten Care homes in poppy displays and display, knitted by myself, Care homes have also been Dorset, Hampshire, physically distanced my mummy and my fundraising for the RBL Wiltshire and Sussex gatherings including grandma. Best wishes to annual poppy appeal. marked Remembrance with services and wartime poetry you all.”

Care homes’ poppy tribute

Go-ahead to relocate hedge so cattle can continue to graze A replacement hedge proposed as part of the plan for the main spinal road serving the Gillingham southern extension has been relocated - so that

the landowner can continue to graze his cattle. Dorset Council’s Northern Planning Committee met online to consider the minor revision to plans

which they had approved in September, and agreed unanimously that the new hedge should be moved from the middle of the field to the boundary. 5

By Kate Smith newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Stolen memorabilia and accolades belonging to Second World War Bletchley Park code-breaker Alan Turing are to be returned to their rightful place at Sherborne School. The exceptional mathematician attended the independent boy’s boarding school between May 1926 to July 1931 and is one of Sherborne’s most distinguished alumni. But in 1984, Julie Turing, who is no relation to the Turing family having changed her name from Julie Schwinghamer, visited Sherborne School and took many of Alan’s belongings from the archives. These items had been given to the school in 1965 by the Turing family, in memory of the time Alan spent there as a pupil. Sherborne School Headmaster Dr Dominic Luckett said: “We continue to be very proud to count Alan Turing among our most distinguished alumni. His crucial work as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and his enormous contribution to the subsequent development of computing have become more widely recognised in recent years and we as a school are keen to do all we can to preserve and promote his legacy. “We take very seriously our responsibility to look after those items in our archives

BRILLIANT MIND: Alan Turing aged 18 and, top right, aged 16.

Pictures courtesy of Sherborne School

Stolen archives of Alan Turing returned to school which relate to his time at Sherborne School and his subsequent life and work. We are extremely pleased to hear that a settlement has been reached with Ms. Julia Turing (formerly known as Julia

Schwinghamer) concerning the return to Sherborne School of items she removed in 1984 without permission. “Amongst the items we are looking forward to being returned to the school are six

of Alan Turing’s school reports dating from 1924 to 1931 which chart his intellectual development between the ages of 12 and 18; the OBE he was awarded in 1946 for secret war service in the Foreign

Remarkable yet tragic life and death of computer pioneer Alan Mathison Turing OBE, PhD, FRS (1912-1954) was born in Maida Vale in London, and boarded at Westcott House at Sherborne School. Alan gained a mathematics degree at King’s College, Cambridge and a PhD at Princeton University in New Jersey. In 1936 he published a paper which today is recognised as the foundation of computer science. Alan began working at Bletchley Park, 6

Buckinghamshire in 1939, where he helped develop the Bombe machine. The machine is capable of breaking secret German military messages which were sent using the Enigma machine. In 1952 he was arrested because he was homosexual and in 1954, aged 41, Alan died from suicide by cyanide poisoning in Wilmslow, Cheshire. This was disputed by his mother, Sara who

argued he accidentally ingested cyanide during a chemistry experiment. Alan was posthumously pardoned in 2013 and four years later, in 2017, the government agreed to officially pardon all men who had criminal records for being homosexual. n The Alan Turing page can be found on Sherborne School website: oldshirburnian.org.uk/alan-turing/

Office, together with a letter from King George VI regretting that due to ill health he was unable to present the award in person; the Princeton University PhD certificate awarded to Alan Turing in 1938; and the portrait photographs taken of Alan Turing in 1951 when he was made a fellow of the Royal Society. “We are sorry that by removing the material from the school archives Ms. Turing has denied generations of pupils and researchers the opportunity to consult it. “However, once the material is returned to the school it will be available for consultation either in person or via the Alan Turing page on the school archives website.” The stolen letter from King George VI was written on Buckingham Place letterhead, and reads: “I greatly regret that I am unable to give you personally the award which you . “I now send it to you with

Council’s fund in bid to aid covid recovery my congratulations and my best wishes for your future happiness.” Other items taken were school reports from Hazelhurst Preparatory School and Sherborne School along with postcards and photographs, which were kept in a wooden box. An excerpt from Alan’s last school report reads: “A gifted and distinguished boy whose future we shall watch with much interest.” The stolen memorabilia were found at the home of Julie Turing in Conifer, Colorado in 2018. A US civil court case launched against her was settled out of court. Homeland Securities Investigations told the school the items would be returned.

Sherborne Town Council has launched a Community Pandemic Recovery Fund. As coronavirus restrictions begin to increase again, Sherborne Town Council is making funding available to support community organisations through the pandemic. This is to help enable them to deliver essential services to vulnerable people most impacted by covid-19, in keeping with government guidelines. Applications for the new fund opened on November 9, and grants of up to £1,000 will be available to organisations who have a role in supporting the local community. The new funding is specifically for not-for profit groups such as local registered charities, foodbanks and community groups who are experiencing

short-term financial hardship, have ceased operations or have had to adapt or increase their service due to the pandemic. Sherborne’s Mayor Jon Andrews said: “We are very aware that recovering from the impact of covid-19 will be particularly challenging for our local voluntary and community sector. “These grants will be allocated to allow these organisations to continue with their essential services by providing funding for immediate and practical support, for example; new equipment, adaptations for COVID-proof facilities, purchase or provision of PPE or enlisting specialist staff to help with training.” For details of how to apply for a grant through the Community Pandemic Recovery Fund visit sherborne-tc.gov.uk.

A Care South home for residential care in Gillingham • COVID-secure family visits and highly effective infection control measures

4 March 2020

• Residential & dementia care from a not-for-profit charity • Safely admitting new residents through our Assisi Admissions Plan, providing comfort, reassurance & a safe place to enjoy life

Mum feels very safe and the family have peace of mind knowing she is being well cared for. Highly recommended. Daughter of Fern Brook Lodge resident - July 2020

Fern Brook Lodge, Fern Brook Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QD 01747 834020 | info@care-south.co.uk | care-south.co.uk 7

Restaurant set to be funeral parlour By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A popular landmark Indian restaurant in Henstridge facing closure after 18 years is planned to become a funeral parlour. The impending change has created a swell of support for India Cottage from its customers. The restaurant is on the A30 crossroads with the A357 and opponents of the plan say corteges emerging onto the A30 could pose a traffic hazard. They also say the restaurant closure would be the loss of a valuable social asset. In comments to South Somerset District Council, others say a funeral parlour in such a prominent position would be ‘off putting’ to tourists and new residents. “Henstridge could become of the butt of unseemly jokes – One Way City,” said one. India Cottage has been run by business partners Nurul Ripon and Jayad Miah since 2002. A restaurant has been on site since 1993: before that it was Henstridge village hall, a Little Chef and library.

CHANGES: Nural Ripon and Jayad Miah at India Cottage

The pair had enjoyed a long lease from the site owner in Bristol. But ownership changed and the freehold was sold at auction for £214,000 to Peter Jackson Funeral Services, which has offices in Henstridge and Gillingham. The firm say its current office in Henstridge is too small, and it has applied to convert and extend the India Cottage premises. Henstridge parish council has not objected and the application has gone to South Somerset District Council for a decision.Of 12 comments on the application to date, 11 oppose the plan. One, Roger Phelps of

Yenston said: “It is a very important focus of village social life and attracts diners from a wide area as well as from the village itself. “If this development is allowed to go ahead it will be another cut in the slow death of the village. Of course, funeral parlours are needed, but not at the expense of closing such an important and popular village asset.” Another regular customer, heating engineer Bob Jones of Stalbridge, said: “We’ve been going there for 25 years, early on Sunday evenings. “We’ve tried everything on the menu but my wife likes things a lot hotter than me. The guys who

run it have been brilliant.” Since the sale of the freehold, Nurul and Jayad say they were given six months from March, with a further verbal agreement to stay until January 1. The claims are disputed by the owners. The restaurant is currently offering takeaways during lockdown. The covid-19 crisis has decimated income and the pair say they need time to work out whether it is even viable to re-open elsewhere. “We can’t do anything right now, and we have a lot of stock that hasn’t been used,” said Nurul. “It is very hard. It was my first business and we had built up a very good relationship with local people.” Customers have launched an online petition to save the cottage, which has 120 signatures. Nurul and Jayed hope to be given more time to work out their future but if planning permission for change of use is granted, it will be difficult for them to stay. The two sides are now talking through solicitors.

Family-run firm has ‘outgrown’ premises after 35 years The funeral company is run by sisters Lavinia White and Mandy Pike. In a statement they said: “Peter Jackson Funeral Services was established at its current site in Henstridge in 1985 and is a family owned and run independent. We have owned the business since 1996, working hard to grow whilst keeping our caring and

personal service for all our families. We have now reached the point where we have outgrown our current premises. Our current location is compromised both in size and accessibility. We would very much like to stay in Henstridge and this new location will enable us to provide better parking, facilities and disabled access. Having our own on-site

service chapel will give our families more choices. “Living in a multi faith/nonreligious society, we would be able to offer the use of our service chapel without the restrictions of travel, time and denomination. We wish to offer a comfortable and modern environment, accessible to all. “The property was made available for purchase at

auction, and ever since we obtained the property in March we have been open with the current tenant about our future development. We take pride in doing everything properly, therefore at every stage of the process from acquiring the site we have consulted with local reputable advisors, solicitors, surveyors and planning experts.”

Gillingham woman warning of phone scam 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

A Gillingham woman is warning people to be alert after scammers hacked into her telephone account. Joanne Rose said she was alarmed when her landline phone bill was £108 higher than usual. “I am on the ball with my banking so I could see there was a problem,” said Joanne.

“However older people or those with vulnerabilities may not check their accounts as frequently. “It is really important people check their accounts regularly and get in touch with the phone company if there are discrepancies.” Joanne contacted her phone company and received a refund.

Mere remembers much-loved crafts By Kate Smith

meadow, the water meadow and the little meadow by the lane.’ When Anne Lander passed Anne was born in 1934 and away in 2018, this kind, grew up in Lordsmead talented and extraordinary House in Mere with her lady left a hole in every life beloved parents Betty and she touched. father Cuthbert. Anne was a founding member Together the family ran a of The Wiltshire Guild of smallholding complete with Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. a herd of cows on the fields A natural, Anne’s talent grew which surrounded the house. and she became one of the The river which flowed at most skilled craftswoman in the bottom of the garden is the country, with her coveted of course Shreen Water. work showcased in museums The family fostered a love of and galleries nationally animals and a great respect This fascinating lady was the of the natural world. last member of the Lander Cuthbert, who was blind, family in Mere – a family was a highly regarded whose roots are traced back toymaker. in the parish records to 1585. Anne loved her animals and At that time it is recorded would give them all names. that ‘Peter Lander held 1 Her goat was called Jasmine, tenement which had in it her goose was Gussy, her flower meadows, the little swan George and she called her adored Airedale PUBLIC NOTICE terries Ponty. LICENSING ACT 2003 Anne kept Notice is given that JUSTINE GILL has applied to sheep in the Dorset Council for a new premises licence in reorchard at spect of 6, The Knapp, Shaftesbury, SP7 8LT for the front of the provision of alcohol (off sales) generally between the hours of 9:00 – 20:00 Monday to Satur- the house, including day. Any interested party or responsible authority two Suffolk may make representations by emailing Crosses, two licensingteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, South Walks House, Jacobs and South Walks Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ two Soay. within 28 days from the date of this notice. The liAnd Anne’s censing register and details of this application may sheep would be inspected by contacting the licensing section play a during normal office hours or on significant dorsetforyou.com/406629. It is an offence under part in Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowAnne’s ingly or recklessly make a false statement in conwonderful nection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited. life. DATE: 6th November 2020 Anne hand fed many of her lambs in the sitting room of Lordsmead, where Cuthbert built a pen so the sheep could be brought in from the fields to give newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

birth. Anne’s cousin said: “Love and care of animals at Lordsmead ran deep.” Three generations of the Lander family were in medicine, so it is little surprise this young woman, who nurtured great affection for wildlife, went on to train as a nurse at St Thomas in London. Anne became a qualified nurse in 1956. Some years later, Anne accepted a role at the Royal Albert Hospital in Plymouth. Nurse Lander worked on the Charles Lander Ward, which was named after her grandfather, who was a highly respected surgeon. It was while studying occupational therapy Anne discovered the art of weaving. Anne had been sent to visit two ladies who were spinning when Anne arrived at their home. Anne found this craft truly fascinating and this encounter marked a turning point in her life. Anne was

compelled to learn the art and indeed, her legendary career began in 1964. Having always been close to her family, when Cuthbert lost his sight Anne returned to the family fold to help. Although blind, her father created the most spectacular toys and it is clear, art and craft was indeed a Lander family flair. In 1964, Anne joined the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. A demonstration of flax spinning left her spellbound: “It was sensational to see such a beautiful spinning wheel.” One day when she was out shopping in Dorchester, Anne spotted a spinning wheel and she bought it for £14.10. Over the ensuing years, Anne became an accomplished spinner and weaver using natural fleece, cashmere and silk. She kept her own sheep and would harvest these

woman as development fears raised wonderful natural fibres for her creations. Anne reputedly reared her own silk worms, keeping them in the airing cupboard and feeding them on leaves from her 200-year-old mulberry bush in the garden. Anne’s skill was a direct link to the Arts and Crafts Movement and her work has been recognised nationally, showcased at The Victoria and Albert Museum, the Craft Study Centre at the University of Creative Art at Farnham and the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. In a letter to Anne from the senior curator at Whitworth Gallery, it said: “What delights me about your weaving is the relationship you have had with the fibre

from sheep to spindle to loom. “The time spent on each characterful individual item is awe inspiring. It is good for our souls to sit with your textiles and slow down for a moment. I think this is the experience our visitors will have with them for centuries to come.” Anne’s work is indeed awe inspiring and one of Anne’s greatest legacies is the vast number of people whom she taught. Anne delighted in passing on her knowledge and skill. She was passionate and instilled in her students a deep desire for spinning and weaving. Anne gave master classes at national festivals and workshops but also private lessons at her home in Mere, courses in Gillingham and demonstrations across the country. The Guild said: “She was unstinting in her mission to spread her knowledge and skills and her belief in the value of craft, natural fibres and simple design beautifully executed.”

When Cuthbert and Betty died, Anne moved to 2, Church Street along with the artefacts she had amassed over the years. Her home quite simply became a treasure trove of all things connected with weaving and spinning. A huge loom was surrounded by fleeces, dyed and undyed, spindles and bobbins, cashmere and flax. Anne would hold a Spinners Group at her home on Monday evenings, which also consisted of a little poetry reading and star gazing. Caroline Cook of the Mere History Society said: “I enjoy looking at textiles and was interested in Anne’s work. Anne joined MHS a few years before she died. “She was a very private woman so I was delighted when, after I had expressed an interest, she invited us into her house to look at some of her beautiful work.” Anne passed away at her home in Mere on December

Anne's father Cuthbert, the blind toymaker

18, 2018. The funeral was held at St Michael’s Church in Mere, where she had been baptised. Her love of her beloved sheep was a prominent feature in her life and Anne is buried in a white, woollen coffin made by a specialist Yorkshire firm using the fleece of three sheep. When Anne died, a piece of history died with her. Thanks to Jenny Wilding and Rose Heesom of Mere Museum, Mere Historical Society and The Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.

Concern over future of Miss Lander’s field A band of villagers in Mere are worried a much-loved riverside field will be lost under housing. The concerns were voiced over the future of the field off Lordsmead Road, which was once grazed by the sheep owned by renowned craftswoman, the late Anne Lander. Roxy Brown wrote on the Mere Mutters page: “It is just awful. Isn’t there enough new houses around that area now? Such a nice bit of land and loads of nature there too!”

Shane Gold said: “I can remember Miss Lander keeping her sheep there and making hay in the summer. What is happening to Mere?” However, Mere Town Council chairman Clive Hazzard said he had not been officially notified of any planning applications or proposed development for the site. He said: “The town council is unaware of any planning application for the field.” Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire County Council’s cabinet member for planning,

said: “The local plan review is still ongoing, and we’ll be holding a public consultation on the plan in the new year. “Therefore, it is too early to say whether this land at Lordsmead Road in Mere will be marked for development as part of the local plan, as the plan is yet to be confirmed. “We’ll have more information on the local plan review consultation, and how people can have their say, in the near future.” 11

Book your free book delivery with Dorset Home Library If you or somebody you know or care for, are unable to get to your local library, the Home Library Service (HLS) can provide a regular supply of books for you to continue to enjoy at home completely free of charge. The HLS in Dorset is a

countywide partnership between the Royal Voluntary Service and Dorset Council. New readers in Sturminster Newton, Stalbridge, Child Okeford, Okeford Fitzpaine, Hazelbury Bryan, Kings Stag, Lydlinch, Marnhull and Hinton St Mary and

Help offered to young people A charity in Blandford is urging young people to get in touch if they need support during lockdown. Susan Case works for Treads, which has been running for 23 years. Treads is offering virtual sessions and weekly check-ins. Susan said: “We offer support and advice for young people living in and around Blandford and across Dorset – if there’s a need, we’re happy to help any way we can. “There are a number of ways we are offering support in these ever changing times and

we are determined to continue to support young people.” Treads helps young people to discover and access help. Young people don’t need to be referred to them from outside agencies, they can simply request a chat with a youth worker. Support sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday 4pm to 4.45pm Sessions on self help, anti bullying and wellbeing are on Wednesdays 4pm-4.45pm Email Youthsupport@ treads.org.uk or call 07552 724840, or find Treads Blandford on FB/Instagram.

OPEN FROM 4 DECEMBER DESIGNED WITH YOUR SAFETY IN MIND The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail

CHRISTMAS AT

STOURHEAD A new trail ﬁlled with after-dark festive fun Giant Light Sculptures • Crocus Lawn • Heart Walk Tunnel of Light • Fire Garden • Father Christmas

UNTIL 3 JANUARY christmasatstourhead.co.uk Running selected evenings only

in partnership with

surrounding villages aare phoned to find out how many and what type of books they like, if large print or Talking Booksare needed. Every three weeks or so books are chosen according to your preferences and booked out in the normal way, having

undergone a quarantine period of 72 hours. No fines are levied, either. Contact Dorset HLS Service manager Maria Jacobson on 01305 236666 or maria.jacobson@royalvolunt aryservice.org.uk or Carey Pearce on 07423 471019.

Virtual Christmas fair Shaftesbury Primary School’s PTA is holding a ‘virtual’ Christmas fair until Christmas Eve. The fair, at facebook.com/ groups/406289160398689 is being held to raise funds after a tough year for the PTA. There are already lots of lovely items and edibles on there, with an invitation for other traders to join them. Member Jen Kent said: “This year, things will be a little different but we’re hoping to bring local businesses to you in the safety of your own homes.”

Anyone interested can email shaftesburyprimary pta@googlemail.com

Float still planned GMS Lions are hoping to tour their Father Christmas float on the following dates, subject to covid restrictions. Shaftesbury: December 4-8. Motcombe: December 9, Zeals/Bourton December 10, Mere December 11-12, and Gillinghamd December 1419. Further information to follow.

Age UK better connected to ease plight of loneliness With winter approaching and a second national lockdown in effect, loneliness is a growing problem for many older people. To keep people connected,

Age UK North, South & West Dorset (NSWD) has launched a new online café. The new virtual café will be held via Zoom twice a week, every Wednesday and Friday

at 11am, and will last approximately one hour. This innovative virtual coffee morning offers the opportunity for older people to connect with others to

chat, make friends and have some fun during these To join the coffee morning please call 01305 269444 or email wellbeingservice @ageuknswd.org.uk

School’s poppy day tribute to the fallen North Cadbury Primary School commemorated Remembrance Day 2020 with a Garden of Remembrance. The children placed the poppies in the front area of the school for all the community to share. Everyone in the school attended Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am and joined in the nation’s two-minute silence. In lessons they have been finding out about the sacrifice that has been made in the past and the importance of remembering and of valuing peace. 13

By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Blandford’s Remembrance Service was brought forward to November 4, the day before lockdown started, and held not in the Market Place but in the Woodhouse Gardens, where the Town Mayor Cllr Lynn Lindsay said they should remember not only those who had died, but also those who returned or on the home fronts whose lives were forever changed. “We owe a debt of gratitude that we can only repay by never forgetting and living to the ideals they fought for,” she said. Prayers were led by the Rev Karen Wilson, and The Exhortation was read by Gyan Tamang and Kohima Epitaph by Lt Col Richard Dyer, Commanding Officer, Blandford Garrison Support Unit. The two-minute silence between the Last Post and Reveille played by Geordie Thomson was punctuated by the birds singing and the drone of two planes flying overhead. Deputy Mayor Cllr Lee Hitchings gave the closing address saying: “Our lives seem challenging at present and those we remember today also lived through very challenging times of their own. Some left for war not to return for years, some not returning at all. Those we remember overcame the privations forced upon them in their time and we should, and will, overcome our challenges of today with the same spirit of determination and unity. We will meet again.” Piper Lyndon Wall played Flowers of the Forest, and following the service, led the participants down Sheep Market Hill and along East Street to the Market Place, where RBL branch chairman Terry Clarkson 14

RESPECTS: President of Blandford RBL branch Gyan Tamang places his wreath watched by trumpeter Geordie Thomson and, below, the Rev Karen Wilson leads the service in the Woodhouse Gardens

POIGNANT: The Lone Soldier stands over the Field of Remembrance in the Blandford churchyard and, right, piper Lyndon Wall leads the parade down Sheep Market Hill

Town pays its respects at service of Remembrance and Town Freeman Michael Le Bas laid wreaths at the memorial to Jack Counter VC, and the Mayor and Gyan Tamang, President of Blandford Royal British Legion branch, placed wreaths on the Town Hall war memorial. Wreaths were also laid by Lt Col Dyer on behalf of the Royal Corps of Signals (the Regiment has the Freedom of the Town) and by Garrison Sergeant Major, WO1 Reddy, on behalf of

the Officers, other ranks and families of Blandford Garrison. Other wreath layers were invited to lay throughout the week instead of during the outdoor service, and local schools laid crosses in the Field of Remembrance, watched over by a Lone Soldier, within the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul. Acts of Remembrance were held on Remembrance Sunday at various village

war memorial across the district, and in Shillingstone residents clubbed together to purchase a Lone Soldier to stand by the memorial in recognition of the village being declared the Bravest Village in World War One due to the high number of casualties. It was awarded by the War Office a commemorative German Field Gun and Carriage which was melted down when the metal was needed in World War Two.

Raising a glass to vineyard couple By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A vineyard set up near Shaftesbury six years ago is about to unveil its wines to customers for the first time. Breezy Ridge Vineyard has been growing and harvesting grapes since 2014 but only now have young couple Joe and Becky Fear stockpiled enough bottles to go public. They plan to launch online in early December after a nerve-jangling race to finish their website, agree a label design and print them. “I am really, really excited,” says Becky. “I have been so encouraged by the number of different people in the industry supporting us – now’s it’s time to let the wine do the talking.” The couple both have fulltime jobs, although Becky is on maternity leave having had her third child in four years in June. It’s been a rollercoaster year and Becky admits: “We’ve got shedloads to do.” The vines were actually planted by Joe’s farmer father on five acres of land at West Melbury Farm. Interestingly, he chose less familiar varieties of grape in solaris, cabernet and muscaris. But having planted the vines, he found out running a vineyard was a lot of hard work, laughs Becky, and offered the project to the couple. The first harvest, in 2016, produced 200 bottles. Not bad, and 650 bottles resulted the next year. Then the long, hot summer of 2018 came

CORKERS: Joe and Becky Fear with two of their three children at Breezy Ridge Vineyard

along and the juice filled a remarkable 7,000 bottles. By then, the couple had caught the attention of Daniel Ham, former winemaker at Langham Wine Estate near Dorchester, who left to set up a sustainable winery on a biodynamic farm near Salisbury. He now presses their grapes, makes the wine and is working with Breezy Ridge on organic principles. There are two English Classic Cuvee sparkling wines and two Petnat and Col Fondo natural wines with less fizz, the “fun wines,” says Becky. Prices will be in the £21-£27 range, and a sparkling rose wine will follow in 2021. Early wholesale customers have

included Guy Ritchie’s brewery in nearby Ashmore which bought 150 bottles to experiment with beer. Another private buyer has also bought 60 bottles of sparkling. But the couple expect direct sales to customers will form the majority of sales. Delivery and collection will be available. Next up will be a visitor centre, now built and being outfitted which will open in

early 2021, covid-19 permitting. The idea is to host events, open a coffee shop and deli and serve charcuterie and cheeseboard lunches with local produce. Said Becky: “We enjoy food and drink and want others to do so to, but we want to keep prices at an affordable level.” n Follow progress and updates at Facebook.com/ breezyridgevineyard

Cheers all round! Breezy Ridge is the second vineyard in the area, with Melbury Vale Vineyard under a mile away. Brother and sister Glynn and Clare bought the land in 2003, opened a winery a decade later and now also have a distillery and eco-pod glamping on site. Details: mvwinery.co.uk 15

Illuminated start to festive season By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Christmas is coming, and in Blandford it came early in the first week of November with the promised illumination of the Woodhouse Gardens which is now decorated throughout with fairy lights and feature spotlights on the trees and pergola. The Gardens, next to the Post Office in The Tabernacle, are popular with people who can stroll or sit to enjoy a peaceful environment in the centre of town, and many have been taking advantage of the early evening opportunity to visit, maintaining social distancing, and view the changing display. The decoration, provided by Blandford Town Council for the first time this year, came earlier than originally scheduled since it was installed by the company servicing the recording of the town’s Remembrance

LIGHT DUTIES: The illuminated Blandford Woodhouse Gardens

Service, which was brought forward because of the new lockdown to November 4, and it was on that evening that the lights were first turned on. Also arriving early were the small Christmas trees which every year decorate the main streets which, together with

street lighting columns are due to be illuminated with festive lights at the end of the month, when the larger tree will be installed in the Market Place. The town council is also running its Christmas shop window competition, with awards for the best festive

displays which every year add to the atmosphere in the town centre where, subject to time limits, there will be free parking every Saturday up to Christmas starting on November 28. Blandford Parish Church has had to abandon its annual Christmas Tree Festival in the church, but has instead invited schools and local organisations to once again decorate their trees for display in The Old Bath House on Church Walk, to the rear of the church, and in shop windows and other locations in a Christmas Tree Trail of decorated trees around the town. The Yuletide Festival volunteers have also had to abandon hopes of staging this year’s festival, originally scheduled for December 4, but are promoting local businesses and continuing to explore ways of hosting a virtual event of which details can be found at Blandfordyuletide-festival.org.uk or on their Blandford Yuletide Festival Facebook page.

MP removes ‘disrespectful’ wreath The MP for west Dorset has removed a wreath laid by a veteran at the Cenotaph in London – because he says its message on climate change was ‘disrespectful’. Chris Loder issued a press release on Remembrance Day after being infuriated by what he called a “stunt”. British army veteran Donald Bell, 64, who completed four tours in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, laid the wreath for Extinction Rebellion after a two-minute silence. It bore the words ‘Honour their sacrifice, climate change means war.’ He told the Independent: “I took action today knowing that I would be criticised. “I knew I would be accused of being disrespectful and 16

hated by many for speaking out in this way. Remembrance Day is never an easy time for veterans and this was not an easy decision for me to make. But I served this country, I served the people of this country and the action I took today is about just that. Unchecked climate change means a return to a world at war. I cannot stand by and let that happen. It is my duty to act.” Mr Bell says the government’s climate advisers have “a Dad’s Army approach to protecting British people from the impacts of climate change”, and that: “This government is criminally negligent and young people today will pay the price for their failure.”

Mr Loder laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of his constituents in the morning, then returned in the evening to remove Mr Bell’s wreath. He said: “There are many ways to protest and it is one of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. But Armistice Day, the anniversary of peace, when we remember those who died for our freedom, is not the day to do it. I could not stand by and watch our Remembrance Day for those who died in war, and to whom we owe so much, be hijacked for a political stunt by this far-left outfit. “This was totally wrong, and I believed the wreath should be removed.” Mr Loder added: “This year is the centenary of the

MP Chris Loder

Cenotaph, built from Dorset stone, which stands as the lasting memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in war... This week, thousands of veterans and members of the armed forces have stayed away from the Cenotaph in our national effort to control coronavirus. “For political protestors to take advantage of this situation is disrespectful to our servicemen and women, past and present. I want them to know that I am on their side and will support them all the way.”

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A public spat over siting a Tommy statue at Shillingstone war memorial has resurfaced a fascinating story of the village’s contribution in the First World War. The story goes that during the first six months of the war, there was a prize for the village that sent the highest proportion of its men to join the services. It was won by a village in Kent, with Shillingstone as runner-up. But the village vicar objected on the grounds that the winner had only six houses and was therefore a hamlet. After reconsideration, Shillingstone was awarded the title of ‘The Bravest Village in England’ and a letter of praise was sent by King George V. The story’s re-emergence came in a Facebook post over whether a Tommy – the silhouette of a silent solider now common in many villages – should be permanently sited at the memorial or just during the remembrance months of October and November. Parish councillor Ian Suter posted: “At the parish council meeting we had representation from each side of the argument, together with further suggestions on how Shillingstone could improve or maintain the memorial, how we remember our heroes and celebrate more our label of ‘Bravest Village in Britain’.” Pauline Batson, Dorset County councillor for the Blackmore Vale, responded to the debate and also asked how Shillingstone got the title: many contributors then chipped in. According to Paul Field, the village population in 1914 was 563, of which 90 enlisted in the first week.

HONOURED: The unveiling of the war memorial in Shillingstone and, below, erecting a Tommy memorial in Stalbridge

‘Bravest village’ crown rekindles war memories

(According to Historic England, the figures are that 99 men volunteered out of a total population of 565). It is believed that 25 didn’t return to Shillingstone, said Chris Hawkins. The village’s contribution was recognised after the war by the award of a German field gun and carriage, with the Ministry of Defence helping pay for its transport and installation. There is no record of what

happened to the King’s letter, but Andrew Vickers informed readers that there is a framed article about the episode inside the church. “The village was awarded a cash prize, a captured German field gun and a gold filigree processional cross,” he said. “The gun, which was a war memorial in its own right, was given up for scrap iron and the processional cross was broken when it was dropped. “The church wardens made enquiries with the goldsmiths who made it in London to see if it could be repaired. The answer was ‘yes, bring the pieces and we’ll fix it for free’. “A church warden set off with the cross in his briefcase (imagine a character as dozy as Pte Godfrey in Dad’s Army). He boarded a train, put the briefcase on the luggage rack, sat down and went to sleep. He awoke at

Waterloo and the case had been stolen. At no stage has any attempt been made to replace the cross.” The parish council is now seeking feedback from the village, both on the permanency of Tommy “as well as understanding the enthusiasm for further activities and/or monuments,” said Cllr Suter. “A community group has already been formed, which will include Councillor Kay Ridout and myself, to help formulate the ideas and liaise with villagers and the council.” The near life-size silhouettes of a ‘Tommy’ first emerged in the run-up to celebrations marking 100 years since the end of the First World War. Several villages in Dorset have left them standing as permanent memorials, including Okeford Fitzpaine, Durweston and Kington Magna. 17

SHIRLEY ALLUMFASHIONS & LINGERIE We may be in lockdown however you can contact us,

our website: shirleyallum.co.uk or email:shop@shirleyallumfashions.co.uk

Lingerie, Fashions, Christmas Gifts, Gift Vouchers. FREE Post.

Stocking fillers

30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG Tel:0 1 7 48 5 2 4

Walkers warned after car break-ins By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Police in North Dorset have again urged walkers to remove valuables from cars when parking at Duncliffe Wood. A patrol visited the Woodland Trust car park three days after the latest break-in, when a young mother with her children disturbed a thief. “To the little scumbag who smashed my car window, you are the lowest of the low,” posted Michaella Woodcock on Facebook. “Thank you for scaring my kids and leaving glass on their seats.” The thief ran off with her jacket and her post sparked a furious response from others who have also suffered car damage and theft. “Sorry to hear this. I had my car broken into there last summer. I never park there now,” said Lucy Barfoot. Another, Mike Russell, posted: “This has happened a few times in the last five years I have been living near (in East Stour). I love walking in Duncliffe but it has put me off.” Police told The New Blackmore Vale that eight break-ins have been reported at Duncliffe so far this year. There were also 10 crimes reported in the same period last year. But the true figure is likely to be higher

with many people not bothering to report damage and/or theft. A police statement said that following the latest theft, its patrol found numerous vehicles parked with obvious personal property or items of potential value inside. “This car park and other beauty spots are vulnerable to criminals: please do no risk being the next potential victim and remove your valuables and clear your cars before going walking.” Duncliffe is also very popular with dog walkers, and some on social media said that other favoured locations, including Win Green and Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead, have also been targeted by thieves. Sarah Stebbing, site manager at The Woodland Trust, told the BVM: “Although incidents like this at our woods are rare, we take reports of criminal activity at our sites very seriously and would encourage those affected to report these crimes to the local police force. “If a crime is in progress call 999. You can report nonemergencies online at www.dorset.police.uk/do-itonline, via email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.” The police spokesman confirmed that the force will continue to conduct patrols. It

would also look to increase signage in the car park “to ensure visitors are reminded not to leave valuable items on display in vehicles.” The Woodland Trusts declined to respond to a question as to whether CCTV cameras might be considered at Duncliffe.

Gillingham School Sixth Form “Where you study for your success”

Virtual Open Evening Thursday 26th November 2020

For further information, please see our website or contact Jo Stirk Email: jstirk@gillingham-dorset.co.uk Phone: 01747 822222

Items for sale 28 Ltr Mini Kitchen Oven with 2 Ring Hob - As new - Used once £40 - 07929 639 692 John Lewis Large single divan bed base, 2-drawer storage, excellent condition. £50. Buyer Collects - 01935 815931. Single good quality divan bed, 2drawer storage, excellent condition. £75. Buyer collects. 01935 815931 Simba memory foam mattress, as new, £100. Buyer collects. 01935 815931 Pine 2” 6” bed in top order £30. There is also a good clean mattress if wanted at no extra charge, can send photo - 07833 931596 Garage space wanted (or shed) close to Shaftesbury town centre to store my motorcycle. Dave 07799 745433 Botanic Garden two lidded tureens six cups saucers £50 01258 450233 Wicker Log Basket New £20, 2 x Wicker Dog Baskets As New Med Size £15 each. Tel: 07523564678 Garage space wanted (or shed) close to Shaftesbury town centre to store my motorcycle. Dave 07799 745433 Hauck travel cot with 2 mattresses, Disney mobile & carry bag £20 tel 01935 812462 Krinner xmas tree stand used once for real trees up to 8 feet £20 tel 01935 812462 Buffet 3 section electric food server £15 tel 01935 812462 Brand new in box Daewoo single electric blanket. 3 heat settings. Detachable controller. Cost £19.99 Bargain £10. Tel: 01935872217.

WANTED Jack’s House Clearance,

FACTORY GLOVE SALE NOW ON

Buckingham Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QE

Woodwork Lathe, mini-max T90, £50. Probably needs new motor, 01963 251747

Tel 01747 822629

Limited car parking available For bespoke orders and more of our range please visit our website

www.chesterjefferies.co.uk

Sofa bed, Black, metal action, used once, super condition, £250, 07975 526119

Spitfire Stairlift, left hand rise, serviced regularly, £350 all offers considered, 01258 860855

Good Condition Vinyl Records wanted Larger collections preferred No classical please, cash paid. 07831 266478

Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

Pre 1980's Racing bicycles, Shoppers & Choppers & old parts any condition considered, Good Prices paid Tel 07739 808013

houseclearance.co.uk/

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls. Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited 01258 830324 www.liquiline.co.uk

Rascal Mobility Scooter. Perfect condition 44 miles on clock max weight 32 stone. Max speed 12 MPH. Silver. Lockable back box. £3,500 ono. Contact 07971 716101.

Vintage Bicycles -

And website jacks

Rogers Upright Piano For Sale overstrung, underdampered £995ono good for Grade 5+ Sherborne area 01963 220855

Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm Open Fridays & Saturdays: 9am-1pm on November 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th and December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th Please ensure face coverings are worn inside the shop at all times Apologies we cannot take payment by card

Books also wanted for 07542 389447

Back to wall white toilet brand new in box no seat £25 tel 01935 812462 Lawn/Moss Scarifier, Mountfield, Good condition, £50 - 01747 854848 IKEA single Z bed. 2ft 6ins wide. Removable washable mattress cover. Hardly used. Exc Con. £12 Tel: 01935872217

7 Seater Hot tub, £3,250. Please call 01935 812725.

Often without charge. cash.

Singer Hand Sewing Machine, in case, complete with tools, £95 - 01258 857571 Ideal Standard contemporary pedestal basin, monobloc tap. pop-up waste. bottle trap & ss flex connectors. As new £20 Tel: 01935872217

Car Trailers, Anything considered: Call 07736 871092

Gold, Silver & Costume Jewellery. We want to buy any jewellery, excellent prices given. Call Heather 07866 753797 Somerset Based

Wooden Extending Dining Room Table & 6 Chairs with seat pads, hardly used, £225 ono. Buyer collects. 01963 23516 AEG Induction Hob Very good condition £150. 01963 204318 (Milborne Port) OLD BOOKS BOUGHT also autographs, diaries, photographs & postcards. £10 per volume paid for decorative leather bindings. We call by appointment entirely without obligation. We have been buying in Dorset for over 50 years. Bristow & Garland 01747 855666

Scout fundraiser axed due to costs By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A paper recycling scheme that raised money for St Mary Gillingham Scout Group has been scrapped after more than 40 years after new owners started charging the group for the skip. Thorngrove Garden Centre has hosted the Scout Paper Skip most recently, raising much needed funds for the scouts. However, after Viridor took over Martock Waste Paper the group received an unwelcome bill, as Viridor says not all the paper could be recycled and that resulted in landfill costs. Group scout leader Colin Westbrook said: “It is with regret that the collection of waste paper will finish on the

24th November due to it becoming uneconomical. “The group has been recycling paper for over 40 years, my first recollection was in the Red Lion car park since then we moved to various locations ending at Thorngrove. The group actually started collecting waste paper 40-plus years ago to raise funds towards the build of the Scout Hut in Hardings Land, which we have now handed over to Gillingham School as we have the new facility at Milton on Stour. “The group would like to thank all those that have supported them over the years.” He added: “For many years we have been with Martock Waste Paper, who did not charge any transportation costs giving us a rebate per

Discover something new at Blackmore Meadows, Stalbridge

tonne. They were taken over by Viridor who earlier this year closed the Martock site. “We were informed that they would not be able to operate on the same basis, this resulted in us owing them money after the skip was emptied in July. “Following further discussions they confirmed that they could not reduce the transport cost or increase the rebate per tonne. “In discussions it appears not all the paper is suitable for recycling with the balance going to landfill. As a charity we thus took the decision to stop collecting paper.” To support the group in other ways, go to stmarygillingham scoutgroup.co.uk or northdorsetscouts.org.uk

Group Scout leader Colin Westbrook

Discover our new range of spacious, light, contemporary homes in Stalbridge. Whether you are looking to take your first step on the ladder or are looking for somewhere new, our expert team can help you to discover a home to suit your every need. To make your dream move a reality, there are lots of great tools available to help make purchasing your next home at Blackmore Meadows, simple; from Home Exchange to Help to Buy, whatever your life situation, your first or next step on the ladder could be closer than you think. Plus, for a limited time, on selected new homes at Blackmore Meadows we could pay your mortgage for up to 12 months to the value of £10,000*. Book your appointment today to find out more.

Blackmore Meadows Stalbridge DT10 2PZ

01963 836000

bovishomes.co.uk

Elevation is for illustrative purposes only. Photographs depict typical Bovis Homes interiors. Availability correct at time of going to press. Maximum contribution £10,000 and must not exceed 5% of the property value. Deducted upon completion of purchase. Valid on reservations before 21.12.20. Offer subject to eligibility, availability and may be withdrawn at any time. GDD57220

Pebbles for Remembrance Buckland Newton Primary pupils created these beautiful pebbles for Remembrance. Every child in the school including the preschool painted one so there were over 100 pebbles. On Armistice Day, the whole school gathered for the first time since March, standing

outside in their bubbles to hear the Exhortation, then the Last Post, which was played so movingly by teacher Helen Taylor. Nicola Ralph said: “We were all so proud of the children, who were absolutely silent and stood proudly wearing the poppies or sharing the wreaths they had made.”

Today’s the day the teddy bears have their knits picked During lockdown when all home visiting services were suspended, the Home Library Service volunteers kept in touch with their clients over the phone. The calls were much appreciated – particularly by those who live alone and don’t have family and friends nearby. And to keep clients busy, BEARING UP: Some of the knitted teddies on display at the Royal Volunteer Shop volunteers organised a now some of these clever but volunteers are hoping kindly held on to them until Knitted Teddy Bears’ creations are on display at that many people will read now, can they please get in Picnic, calling crafters stuck the Royal Voluntary Shop in this, and come and see their touch and we can collect. at home to make bears, Antelope Walk, Dorchester. teddies when the shops Ring 01305 236666 or picnic food and blankets. Sadly due to the second reopen. If anybody in the email maria.jacobson A vast array of knitted lockdown the shop is now community has made bears @royalvoluntaryservice.org. wonders were made and closed until December 2, or other items for us and uk

Volunteers wanted for festive meals More volunteers are needed to help deliver Christmas dinners in Gillingham after the usual community meal was called off this year. Organisers have a chef cooking up lovely treats for people as usual, however this year the food will have to be driven to guests to enjoy in their own homes due to covid restrictions. Organisers Lynn Broom and Fran Hill write: “As we are all aware this year has been 22

very different to previous years. “This affects our ability to provide our usual Christmas dinner, yet a bit of Christmas cheer is even more needed. “So, we have decided to deliver a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings whilst complying with social distancing guidelines completely free of charge. “Our lovely chef Jonathon has volunteered his family bubble to prepare and cook

the food. We now need more volunteers to help coordinate this year’s event, prepare home delivery packages and deliver meals in the lead-up to Christmas or on Christmas Day itself.” The pair are also appealing for people to provide all the extras including cakes, biscuits and other cold but portable food.. Lynn said: “And we need pre wrapped presents - please spend no more than £7.50

and label if it’s for a man, a woman or either (please no alcohol). If you are able to provide a drop off point for gifts/food please get in contact.” The group will cover the areas surrounding Gillingham and Shaftesbury. Email gillingham christmasmeal@gmail.com or call 07990 972412, or go to Facebook and search for The Gillingham Community Christmas Meal.

Villagers urged to sparkle

Tree festival all set to branch out

Villagers in Enmore Green are being urged to band together to bring a sparkle to the village this Christmas. Jo Churchill from Friends of St John’s is organising The Enmore Green Outdoor Christmas Tree Trail to cast a ray of light in these dark days of the coronavirus pandemic. She said: “It’s been such a gloomy year. “Life may be restricted for some time yet and because of possible continued social distancing, it won’t be possible for St John’s to have its usual popular carol service. “So we thought lots of dazzling Christmas trees would bring a sparkle to our village.” Villagers are being asked to put a Christmas tree in the front of their garden, outside their front door or, if there is no front garden a handy bush

Blandford Tree Festival is having to move outside this year. In view of the current situation and social distancing, it has been decided that Blandford Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival cannot be held in the church building. However, they are organising the Blandford Parish Church Christmas Tree Trail of decorated trees around the town. Those decorated by local schools will be placed in The Old Bath House to the rear of the church, and those decorated by community groups will be in shop windows and similar locations. The trees will be displayed from December 4 until Christmas Eve. For more details please see Blandford Parish Church website and facebook.

BRING THE SPARKLE: Brighten up Enmore Green

or tree. The St John’s Christmas Tree will be in The Knapp. The aim is to have as many trees lit up as possible to between Thursday and Saturday, December 17 and

19, between 5pm and 8pm and on Sunday, December 20 at 4.30pm. Jo added: “Do join us if you can.” Please contact Jo Churchill on 01747 850432.

Growing Christmas Trees for you since 1982 fresh from our forest

BUTLEIGH OPEN FROM 30th NOVEMBER 9am until DARK Celebrating 50 years of growing for you

WICKHAMS CROSS, BUTLEIGH, Nr GLASTONBURY BA6 8TP Wide variety of sizes and varieties Traditional, Nordman Fir, Fraser Fir Mistletoe, Holly, Wreaths, Logs ‘FREE REINDEER DUST’

07870 466179

870 466179 o-christmas.co.uk ristmas co uk

Find us on

Find Facebook us on

Facebook

Above and top left, North Cadbury Primary

Horsington Primary kids enjoyed a day in their jim-jams

Chilmark Primary School cook Kylie Hook with Elm Class school council officers

Schools raise cash for Pudsey causes Pyjamas and onesies were the order of the day last Friday as children and staff from Horsington Church Primary School, near Wincanton, got into 'Pudsey' mood. The unusual dress code was a fun change from school uniform and everyone's efforts raised £201 for Children in Need. Headteacher Mrs Alexander said, “The children got into the spirit of the day and were very generous with their donations.” n Chilmark Primary supported Children in Need after rethinking its traditional tea & cake sale. School cook Kylie Hook baked Pudsey cookies which 24

could be pre-ordered through the school office. In addition there was a nonuniform day with pin badges and wristbands available to buy at lunchtime. n In North Cadbury, primary school children had a fabulous day Wearing Spots to Raise Lots for Children in Need. More than £130 was raised and the afternoon was spent engaging in fun-filled activities including a highly competitive sporting tournament using a Wii. Each of the classes kept to their bubbles, but this did not stop everyone enjoying themselves hugely whilst helping to raise cash for good causes.

Help on offer for adults in the Vale who struggle to read A group in the north of the Vale are offering to help adults who struggle with reading. Read Easy Blackmore Vale North offer every reader two 30-minute sessions a week with their own trained coach and in a confidential private venue so there are no interruptions. Jenny Pope from the group said: “A recent Channel 4 programme, The Write Offs, has prompted me to put pen to paper. It was a stunning programme about adults who have struggled to read all their lives. “Eight adults volunteered to take part in this reality TV programme, adults who themselves have struggled to

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

read, and their host was Sandi Toksvig. How brave they were. “They had not only some concentrated one-to-one reading coaching over four months, but they were also challenged four times to tackle some reading well outside their comfort zones. I had every ounce of admiration for them all. But this brings me to the point. Locally there is a group, Read Easy Blackmore Vale North, who can “Our coaching methods are very similar to those used in the programme; in fact, we use

the same book series, but the learning programme is not as concentrated. “One of our former learners, who has since written a book, texted to say that the television programme “reduced me to tears as it hit home how much I have gone through to get where I am now”. The group covers Shaftesbury to Sherborne, with Marnhull, Gillingham, Mere, Wincanton and the villages in between. If you know any friends or family members who would like to learn to read, they can call Jenny on 07748 977330 or email jenny@readeasy.org.uk.

Christmas help for village kids Okeford villagers have just a week to donate money towards hampers for local children this Christmas. The churches in the benefice are providing a little targeted help for young families in the community. Anne Powell said: “If you would like to donate some money towards hampers to ensure our local children have the Christmas they deserve, please contact me.” Donations in cash, BACS, cheque or the website to: Anne Powell, Shottsford Cottage, Oak Court Shillingstone, 01258 861397 or okefordbenefice.org. Label your gift Christmas Food Appeal and then gift aid can be claimed and the money spent on hampers increased. Please donate before November 27.

34 Market Place, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AR 59 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AX

Tel: 01258 472564

Tel: 01935 389665

www.EB Marsh.com

Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2020. E&OE November 2020.

BLACK FRIDAY-LOCAL PRESS ADVERT-LANDSCAPE-GENERIC.indd 1

26/08/2020 16:24

Musical therapy for people with dementia moves online A north Dorset charity has switched its music sessions for people with dementia online to try and help lift spirits during the pandemic. Mindful supports those living with dementia or memory loss in north Dorset. Until covid, they held group café meetings in Gillingham and Stalbridge, where volunteers would arrange a variety of entertainment, particularly music. Trustee Peter Fineman said: “Music is generally very popular with people who are

living with dementia, particularly in the early stages, when it can be very therapeutic. “However, in view of the lockdown, we have had to cancel these meetings. We still maintain contact by phone, via email and our online activity groups using Zoom. For example, we are currently running weekly online Mindful cafes and men’s activity groups. But music is more difficult: Covid prevents us having any communal singing.

“So instead, I have started to sing and also organise musical quizzes for those we support on Zoom. This has led to a further idea: creating private Mindful sing-songs for people in their own home. They choose their favourite songs; I then record them accompanied on piano; this is then emailed, with song sheets with the words.” For information call Barbara on 07910 663 392 or email enquiries.mindful@gmail.co m. Go to mindfulmemory MAKING MEMORIES: Peter cafes.com for more. Fineman at his piano

Owls’ home saved in £30k roof project By Mervyn Edgecombe Carpenters, tilers and scaffolders have swooped to the rescue of the beloved but endangered barn owls of Bere Marsh Farm and saved them from the threat of homelessness as winter approaches. Working swiftly, but with great sensitivity so as not to dislodge the iconic owls from the tumbledown barn they have occupied for almost 20 years, the team have put a new roof over their heads in a matter of weeks. It was a race against time by The Countryside Restoration Trust, only months after purchasing and moving into their new UK showcase farm at Shillingstone, near Blandford Forum. “We are both relieved and delighted that the owls are now safe for many years to come,” says manager Elaine Spencer White. “We could not have asked for a better repair team. Not only was their work superb but they had to do it within a very tight time frame and, most important of all, without upsetting or disturbing the resident male owl. “Just for good measure they’ve even patched up his nesting box inside the barn which had become a bit dilapidated over 26

the years. I think they developed quite a soft spot for him as he regularly flew around them whilst they were working.” As well as a desperate race against time, the barn restoration also presented a tough dilemma for the CRT which had to launch an appeal to raise £30,000 for the new roof – but found itself with only half the sum by the time the deadline arrived to start work if the owls’ home was to be saved. “We took a deep breath and went ahead in the hope and belief that the huge affection in which the local community holds the owls would take us a lot nearer to our target,” said Elaine. The conservation and farming charity was not disappointed. Led by Knighton House School and joined by Bryanston and schools in the Blandford Schools Network, a children’s poetry and performance competition, Icons in the Landscape, was launched in support of the owls whilst several wildlife and conservation bodies weighed in with sizeable donations, not

to mention scores of individual contributions from CRT supporters and the local community. CRT fundraising manager Hayley Neal said: “It was a tough call to proceed with the work when we did but we are glad we made it. The precious owls are now safe and we are

confident that in the coming weeks we’ll reach our target.” Sam Watts, one of the two carpenters from Saxon Roofing Services who helped replace the rotten roof timbers on the barn, did his utmost not to disturb the resident male owl. He said: “We had to be so careful. It was a bit nerve wracking at first but eventually he got to know us and was

curious about what we were doing. Without doubt this was the most exhilarating and challenging job I’ve worked on since becoming a carpenter. The male owl was just phenomenal to see flying so close to us whilst we were working. He’s got such a personality and it was a joy and privilege to work on such an important job.” The owls are an indicator of a healthy eco-environment, and are regularly spotted at Bere Marsh. Originally, they nested in the roofs of old barns and hollow trees but recent trends of modernising and converting barns into homes have severely reduced their natural habitats and now up to 85 per cent of today’s birds nest and raise young in nest boxes. The short period between the barn owls’ chick rearing in autumn and the start of a new breeding cycle in early December meant the CRT had the briefest window to make it happen. Luckily it was a race with a happy outcome.

Alternative tributes to fallen Samuel and George Frear of Sturminster Newton were disappointed that they would not be able to go to Remembrance Day Parade. So they decided to do The Poppy Appeal one-mile run. Between them they raised £271.

Jason Gray from Sturminster Newton built this bike in tribute to the fallen.

Pub’s shop is needed more than ever By Kate Smith newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Almost a decade ago, Stourpaine lost its village shop and post office. Its inhabitants were facing a journey to Blandford to post letters, pick up parcels or to buy the basics. That was until Chris and Ali Sargent, landlord of neighbouring pub The White Horse, opened a thriving village shop from the pub selling groceries, newspapers, meat and fresh, seasonal vegetables. Villagers breathed a sigh of relief and Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall gave this community lifeline the royal seal of approval when they called in soon after it opened in 2011. Chris said: “We felt that the shop was an essential need by the local community to be able to buy their convenience foods and daily necessities right on their doorstep without having to venture into town. “When we decided to transform part of the pub into a shop there were no local grants available in Dorset which meant we had to provide most of the development costs. We felt very honoured to be visited by HRH Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall in May 2011 to show their

appreciation for the support we had shown to the local community. “Speaking to them directly in a conversation since opening the shop, one of the causes close to their heart is that rural communities make the pub the hub of the community, we think that what we try to do here fits with their remit.” Chris and Ali support local business too, and their stock includes Shroton milk and cream, Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, East Orchard free range eggs, Stourpaine honey, soap and hand cream along with Cranborne Chase cider, beer by the Brewshack and Fordington Gin. An outreach post office service is provided on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. During lockdown the shop became more vital. “We made sure our shop was fully stocked,” said Chris. “We think we were the only shop that had a consistent supply of flour, yeast and toilet rolls! Instead of doing takeaways from the pub we sold ready meals from the shop and tried to keep the freezer stocked with lasagnes, cottage pies, fish pies and Thai curries. We made homemade bakes daily, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and cakes and delivered newspapers and groceries for people self-isolating.” And when the pub closed for

LIFELINE: Prince Charles and Camilla at the opening

lockdown two, Chris exchanged his beer for a donation to The Poppy Appeal. Ali said: “We love our little shop. It’s a fantastic community asset for local village residents and beyond and acts as a social hub, illustrating that the pub building can be one of the finest forms of convenience stores there is.” Durweston resident David Caddy said: “We were elated

when Chris and Ali opened the shop all those years ago. “During the pandemic, the stock has been enhanced and I commend Chris and Ali on their delivery service which has served as a lifeline for the elderly, the vulnerable and the lonely. “The atmosphere is very welcoming to everyone and I mean everyone. This shop is a community hub and provides an invaluable service.” 27

Heritage snowdrop collection on move The Shaftesbury heritage snowdrop collection has moved to Springhead. The trust is ‘delighted’ and aims to ‘carry on the valuable work of Pam Cruikshank and her colleagues in preserving and propagating rare varieties of this much-loved flower’. The garden at Springhead will be open to the public between 10am and 3pm

every weekday (free of charge) throughout February for visitors to enjoy the swathes of snowdrops. It will also be open on the weekend of the 13th and 14th to coincide with the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival. The trust welcomed just one school to visit this year, due to covid restrictions. Years 3 and 4 from St

Andrew’s Primary School in Fontmell visited the gardens before half term. A spokesman for the Trust said: “It was the only time that Springhead has experienced the sound of happy children this year. “In a normal year, around 800 children benefit from the space and beauty of Springhead. “In this instance the children

enjoyed drinking the water directly from the springs as well as practising their photographic skills on iPads, using pumpkins from Springhead’s kitchen gardens to demonstrate gravity and as props for their autumn and Halloween themed pictures.” The trust has survived this year thanks to grants and donations. Go to springheadtrust.org.uk

n A socially distanced Remembrance service was held in St Michael’s churchyard in Mere. The service was live streamed to the local Facebook group. It sadly was not a public service due to covid-19 restrictions. The wreaths were then taken to Mere War Memorial in the square. Picture: George Jeans

Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

No place for PC brigade in history Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day were radically different this year. No great parades to war memorials or packed services in our cathedrals and churches. All was on a much smaller and socially distanced scale. Yet remember we did: not just the fallen in World Wars, but those died down the decades in the cause of peace. Since 1945 there has been only one year – 1968 – in which British servicemen and women have not died in that cause. They, and the civilian dead too, must always be remembered. Remembering is important. When in 1933 Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, he immediately carried out a 28

purge of those teaching in Germany’s schools and universities. He began with their history departments. Hitler realised much more clearly than many people do today, that he who controls our understanding of the past will also control our perception of the present and our ambitions for the future. By asserting the ‘historic superiority’ of the Aryan people, Hitler was able to justify his hideous persecution of Jewish and minorities. We should not be surprised by that. The manipulation of history has been the technique of tyrants and dictators down the ages. It is so important to get history right: to know our

own place in our nation’s story, and of what to be proud, and of what to be ashamed. In the Old Testament, the story of Israel’s bondage in Egypt and subsequent journey to the Promised Land was so important that it was told from generation to generation. In the New Testament the liberating story of what Jesus achieved for us on the Cross was seen as so vital that that story – the greatest story ever told – was proclaimed time and again. That is why I tremble that so many schools today are not only failing to tell the stories anymore, but are even beginning to dismiss them as

irrelevant and somehow not ‘PC’. When the essential stories of our island race and – far more importantly – the essential stories of our salvation history, can no longer be told because a tiny minority have decreed them to be politically incorrect, then we have to be very much on our guard lest the tyranny against which this nation has so often fought is not creepingin by the back door. We must remember in order to be renewed and re-inspired by the stories which are our foundation history.

Dedicated to followers of fashion By Kate Smith newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

How did Lucy Locket lose her pocket? The answer may lie in the newly acquired early Georgian provincial lady’s gown that has come to rest in Blandford Fashion Museum. The gown, which became fashionable in 1790, was installed at Blandford Fashion Museum before the latest lockdown to an excited coronavirus-safe audience. The owner of the dress has changed its style in accordance with the fashion at the time. The front is from 1812 and incorporates designs from and earlier date including a train. There is an air of excitement at its acquisition, hence the departure from the usual practice of working behind the scenes. Important were the undergarments beginning with a chemise and followed by a petticoat. Washable fabrics were just becoming available just as the first sewing machines appeared, between 17901814. These durable and affordable fabrics became popular among the majority population, promoted in newspapers and magazines which conveyed new ideas as did dolls. Classical ideals were in vogue stressing the importance of ease, comfort and a ‘natural’ style. This stunning gown has sleeves to the elbow (apparently a German influence) which was acceptable particularly for the ‘dinner hour’ when arms were revealed to a ‘graceful height above the elbow’. Importantly for “Lucy” there are slits each side to allow the wearer access to her waist tied ‘pockets’, which

were small and often, embroidered with drawstring bags. These pockets were essential to young women particularly, many of which were making their way in the world and living in rented rooms. Keys, sewing materials, handkerchiefs and coins needed to be transported to keep them safe. The wearer of this dress was an ardent follower of fashion - despite living far from large centres of population.

The dress is made of brown cotton patterned with white and red stripes and blue flowers, utilising cream coloured Dorset buttons on the bodice and side openings. In its new setting, together with a companion wearing a sumptuous coat dress, the model is seen making a “pocket” This is obviously to replace the one Kitty Fisher ‘found’ but “Not a penny was there in it”. Carole Fornachon said: “I would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ for the two extremely interesting mornings I spent at Blandford Museum this month. And thank you for the coffee and cake too. “I have learned a lot from the visits on several different levels, from when dress lengths changed in the early 1800s to how to mark a box to ensure it is one of the first removed from the building in the

DRESS TO IMPRESS: The newly acquired early Georgian provincial lady’s gown at Blandford Fashion Museum

(horrendous) event of a fire. “Stella passes on so much of her knowledge, which is very generous of her, and I can begin to appreciate how much time, effort and love for the museum all of the volunteers give and have.”

Blandford Fashion Museum is taking a gamble And that’s not just The Raffle. Fingers crossed we are opening our doors to welcome you in after Lockdown daily from Saturday 5th December to Saturday 12th December except Sundays and Wednesday. Why not step into Christmas early and celebrate the spirit of giving and sharing with us? Keep an eye on our Fb page for any updates. 29

Home & Garden Dorset Lime

Specialists in all external & internal lime work. Lime crete flooring. All aspects of traditional building Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

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

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

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

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

djwelsh@btinternet.com

ADVERTISE HERE: 01963 400186

TREEWISE Experts in all aspects of TREE SURGERY, HEDGECUTTING & STUMP REMOVAL NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations. Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

GARDEN RESCUE TEL 01747 821 726 KITCHEN DRESSER: Waxed pine, shelved top, base with drawers/cupboards 200cm H x 137cm .V VGC Collection only £250.Tel:01747 861566 {Milton on Stour} SINGER hand sewing machine £80 BROTHER Word Processing Typewriter £80

Whirlpool 6th Sense 11 kilo Washing Machine For Sale. £440 ono Hardly used Call 0778 6681563

ADLER Portable Typewriter £40

Moss Problem Scarifying, spiking & coring Call 01963 237890 24/7

HOTPOINT Chest Freezer, 12 cu.ft £40

Patio & Path cleaning etc Call 01963 237890 24/7

Call 01258 860113 Forever_Green Landscapes. All aspects of garden maintenance, landscaping and fencing . Call matt 07885586716 or 01747 825134 30

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED OAK & ASH LOGS Barn stored, £150 for 8ft by 6ft trailer load, Delivery free within 10 mile radius of Templecombe, 07773 254174, ANDY

Very attractive - 2x wooden 65mm curtain poles

275cm (9ft)long. Complete with rings, corded and minaret finials with extended brass brackets. £350ono (new £1000+) 01747 839831

Home & Garden Aga, black with chrome lids, oil fired, dismantled and indoors, extensive flue £250. 01258837250 m. 07710249177, email markjcrussell@gmail.com Logs for Sale £145 double load £80 half load 20 mile radius of Blandford 01258 880892 07980 036250 Logs R Us 1 ton pickup load of logs £90 double load £150 dumpy bag £60 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081 Christmas Trees, all sizes, holly wreaths, will be sold from the 1st December. Next to Railway Bridge in Motcombe, SP7 9HU 01747 850129 for details.

R&W Fencing services All types of fencing, Agricultural and Domestic 01258 880892 07980 036250 TREE AND GARDEN SERVICES all aspects of garden work undertaken. AUTUMN TIDY UPS AVAILABLE. Fully insured. Quality service. Call for a free quote today 07435 220238/01258 858888 ROTAVATING Rough ground to seed bed Call 01963 237890 24/7 Danny's Garden & property maintenance All trees, hedges, fencing, gravel paths/driveways, pressure cleaning, concrete bases, free quotations, fully insured, 07545 61973501258721376

SEASONED OAK LOGS for delivery F.O.C. within 10 miles of Blandford. One Cu.M @ £60.00. Contact 07733067062 GRASS & BRUSH CUTTING Orchards, paddocks, plantations, etc Call 01963 237890 24/7 GUTTERS CLEARED WINDOWS, fascias, soffits, gutters cleaned, Repairs, Free Estimates 07788-376752

B.LUCAS General builder

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

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

Manure - Well rotted manure £50.00 per transit load, phone Roger on 01202 826502 or 07885826396

myhomemaker.co.uk Please ring for latest stock availability. Collection and delivery service is available, please call for further details. We are currently following government guidelines at this time - please stay safe.

All ironwork. Handrails. Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301. MINI DIGGER/SLEW and high lift DUMPER Call 01963 237890 24/7 Seasoned hard wood logs, Barn stored, delivery up to 20 mile radius, Sherborne, Call 01935 815534 Rangemaster Elan 110cm dual fuelled, cream, excellent condition, can email photos, £425 ono, call 01258 817101/07967 589543 Wonder Wood Logs, All Seasoned Hard Woods, Oak, Ash, Beech, £75 for 1 cubic sq metre or £140 for 2 cubic sq metres, 07990511340 or 07847659881

Shaftesbury Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL 01747 851476 Warminster 5-6 George Street Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA 01985 219200 31

Home & Garden

Gardening... A handful of garden soil looks lifeless apart from the occasional earthworm, woodlouse, or beetle. Yet, you could not be more mistaken. An incredible 15 tons of soil passes through the gut of an earthworm each year. At a microscopic level, soil is home to staggering populations of microscopic organisms. A tablespoon of garden earth, for example, contains more bacteria than there are people on Earth. These bacteria have important functions, breaking down dead plant and animal matter to release most of the 14 nutrients plants require from soil. My career in horticulture, soil science and botanic garden management has taught me first-hand the

importance of healthy ground. The characteristics of soil governs the health and vigour of plants, the productivity of flower and vegetable plots and the distribution of native plants. While so much depends upon the soil, it is interesting that we seldom pay it attention. To get the best from your garden it is important to determine what type of soil you have. In reality, few people investigate their soil’s many characteristics beyond assuming whether it is acidic or alkaline. Yet, doing so can help you decide what to grow, decide on the best type of fertilizers to use and save money on applying fertilizers with no knowledge of whether they are needed or not. Two specialist flower

with botanist Dr Dave Aplin exhibitors I know inadvertently made their soil toxic through annually overfeeding their plants. This resulted in them having to root out their precious plants and grow a lawn to help the soil recover. The desire to combine my experiences and provide a service for gardeners has led me to establish soilvalues.com, a bespoke soil testing service that delivers high-quality and reliable analysis for amateur and professional gardeners alike. Most soil testing companies target large commercial projects and contaminated land issues, leaving the rest of us less well-served. Our service looks at the concentrations of soil

nutrients, the degree of soil acidity, the retention of soil water and the proportion of sand, silt and clay in your soil. These all have an impact on plant nutrient availability. It can become complex, but crucially my other motivation to form this company is to give people easy to understand results, demystifying the complexity of the findings and providing practical advice rather than technical jargon. For more information, take a look at the website, soilvalues.com, and the three levels of soil testing offered. For BMV readers we are offering a 10% discount on all services until 31st December 2020. Just enter the promotion code: BMV at the online checkout.

Garden centres are exempt from the new restrictions therefore we will remain open as usual!

• Bare root and rootball hedging now in stock • New season's roses, trees and soft fruit coming soon • Home delivery service still available We ask that all our customers adhere to social distancing and face covering rules, and follow directions on site. Milton on Stour, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5QA 01747 824015 Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm Sunday 10am to 4pm 32

Home & Garden LOGS WELL SEASOND HARDWOOD Cut & split to your requirement Various size loads delivered from £140.00 1.6m³ Tel: 01258 857 824 | 07741 463 605 FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 20 MILE RADIUS Card payment accepted

Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

LTD

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP

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

Lockdown emporium is now open The Clayesmore Society has launched a ‘Lockdown Emporium’ to support traders hit by covid closures. A spokesman said: “The Lockdown Emporium brings together businesses that are all affiliated with Clayesmore; either through the

Clayesmore Society partnership scheme, those who are suppliers to the school or who are current or former Clayesmore families. The Clayesmore Society’s purpose is to draw together all those who have been, and who are, involved with the school and

• Custom built gaming & office

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

computers for all budgets • Desktop, laptop and mobile device diagnosis & repair • General computer and IT advice NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am to 1.00pm The Old Cycle Shop, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 815155 info@curtaincircuit.co.uk Instagram curtaincircuitsherborne

Tel: 01963 23669 or 07484 690824 josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

therefore this initiative feels like the perfect way to celebrate and support our friends and local enterprise through these turbulent times.” So, whether you are looking for food and wine to be homedelivered, flowers or fragrance to be sent to a loved one, or you are simply on the hunt for amazing Christmas gift ideas or experiences, then look no further, the Emporium has it all. If you’d like your business featured in the emporium, email marketing@clayes more.com.

CRANBORNE DORSET BH21 5PP

INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE

Set in the walled, former kitchen Garden of Cranborne Manor

CHRISTMAS EMPORIUM IN THE GIFT SHOP Beautiful decorations, unusual gifts and foodie treats. Locally grown Christmas trees on sale from 27th November

CAFÉ

Serves breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes and festive treats (booking recommended 01725 517248) Open every day 10am - 4pm except CLOSED ON TUESDAYS T: 01725 517248 E: info@cranbornegardencentre.co.uk W: www.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk 33

Funeral services Marion Agnes Ridgley On 2nd November 2020, peacefully in the Cedars Nursing Home, aged 85 years of Shaftesbury. A much loved wife and mother, who will be very much missed by all family and friends. Private family service. Donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

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.

Angela Brewer Ange’s family would like to thank everyone who sent cards & messages of sympathy & those who lined the road through Stalbridge to pay their respects. Thanks also to the staff of Macmillan and also the Weldmar Hospice. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks. Donations for Macmillan and Weldmar Hospicecare raised £635.

SUE PRICKETT Passed away peacefully at home on 24th October. A much loved character, she will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. Private cremation with Memorial planned for 2021.

BEES Patricia Mary, widow of John, aged 82 of Bratton Seymour, formerly of Bath and Bristol. On 7th November, 2020, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved mum, gran, great gran, aunt and friend, Funeral Service has taken place. Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for St Nicholas Church, Bratton Seymour, c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES, Telephone (01963) 440367.

FRAMPTON David George Of Melcombe Bingham, peacefully at Poole Hospital on November 2, 2020 aged 77 years. Beloved husband of Glenda, much loved father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. A private funeral has taken place. Donations if wished for Margaret Green Animal Rescue may be sent by visiting grassby-funeral.co.uk or c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW. Tel 01305 262338

Funeral services HUNT MARY FELTHAM Peacefully on the 8th November 2020. Mary aged 88 years of Buckhorn Weston. Dearly loved Mum of Paul, Janet, Robert and the late Andy. Much loved Nan to all her grandchildren and great children. Private funeral service. Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570

EDNA MOORE Passed away on 2nd November 2020 aged 97 at Casterbridge Manor Nursing Home. Wife of the late Doug Moore. Much loved Mum, Nan and Great Nan. Will be sadly missed by all the family and her many friends in Blandford. Funeral to be held 19th November Poole Crematorium Chapel. Donations for The Alzheimer’s Society to Colin J Close, Peel Close, Blandford, DT11 7JU

TERRY LANGDOWN Formerly of Mere, died in his home at Poole on 6th November, 2020, fought hard to live, he will be sadly missed by Denise, sister and husband Malcolm with all their family.

STAUNTON DAVID GORDON KEITH Peacefully on the 12th November at Carrington Way Nursing Home. Donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and St Margaret’s Hospice to Harold F Miles Funeral Services – 01963 440367

Roy Edward, aged 85 of Wincanton. On 5th November 2020, peacefully at Bath Royal United Hospital. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Private cremation. Donations in memory of Roy are being invited for Dementia UK, c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES, Telephone (01963) 440367

COLDMAN Trevor of Coldman’s Pharmacy, Bruton. Died peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on 8th November 2020. Much loved husband, father, and papa who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Due to the current restrictions a private family funeral will be held. Enquiries to Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS.

JOHN FOSTER-PEGG Passed away peacefully on the 4th November 2020 after a short illness. John aged 78 years, long standing solicitor in Stalbridge. Much loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and friend to many. Private funeral service. Donations if desired for the British Heart Foundation. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Tel: 01963 362570

SHORTO We are deeply saddened to announce that Stephen Charles Shorto of Blandford Forum, passed away suddenly on the 23rd October 2020, aged 66. Dearly loved son of Patricia and Charles Shorto. Private cremation, remembrance to follow. Kernan Kelleher Solicitors, Blandford.

Mary Ethel Puddy Passed away on 12th November 2020 aged 94 years at the Malthouse Care Home Gillingham. Much loved Aunt and Great Aunt to her family and friend to many in her long and fruitful life. She will be missed by the many her life touched and remembered for her loving caring nature and her deep Christian faith which she shared in such a kind and practical way to all she met. Under the current Covid-19 restrictions a small family funeral service will be held followed by internment at Bourton. Once restrictions are lifted we will hold a celebration of her life to honour her memory. The family would like to thank the staff of the Malthouse Care Home for their dedication and care for her during her stay at the home.

Funeral services MARGARET COX Much loved sister to John and Dawn, Auntie to Sharon and Claire and Great Aunt to their children.

DAVID POW Photos free of charge in family announcements

Died peacefully at his home after a short illness on 10th November aged 82. Much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all the family and his many friends. A private cremation and a service to celebrate his life will take place at a later date. If desired donations to Marie Curie.

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

Gilligham (01747) 833757

In memoriam

Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QJ

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

GEMMA PALMER Birthday wishes for the 30th November. Thinking of you on your birthday and always. With lots of love, Mum and Dad xx

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

GILLINGHAM

2 High Street, SP8 4QT 01747 824738

SHAFTESBURY

Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, SP7 8BS 01747 858968

funeralcare.co.uk

GEMMA PALMER Birthday wishes for 30th November. Thinking of you on your birthday mum, love and miss you lots. From Lilia, Macey and Evie xxx

GEMMA PALMER Thinking of you on your Birthday on the 30th November. Love always, Ian & Kim xx

WINTER – IVAN 18.11.2012 – treasured memories of a loving husband, dad and grandad. Deep in our hearts you will always stay. Loved and remembered every day. Love Irene, Mark, Tracy, Mandy, Ray and grandchildren.

Pets

Keep an eye out for these missing cats Lost & found cats These are the most recent cats that have been lost or found. Please check out our Facebook page or give us a call if you have lost or found a cat: Lost Cats: Sturminster Marshall – black with a little white on chest 6/10: Westbury Way, Blandford – fluffy blue grey boy 28/10: Reminder Wiltshire Close, Gillingham – b/w boy missing since January: Sturminster Marshall –

longhaired blue grey & Maple Close, Shaftesbury peach calico tortie 19/10: – tabby female not chipped: Overton Way, Blandford Downside Close, year old brindle tortie Blandford black cat with 11/11: Still not been found: Lost a little white on his chest: We are still offering from outside Friars neutering and Moors Vets Sturminster micro-chipping for £5 in Newton – black female postcode areas DT10, last seen between Rixon DT11, SP5, SP7 and Close and Green Close 12/10 Could have moved BH21. Call 01258 268695 to anywhere by now Found Cats: Penny St, Sturminster Beautiful young hens, all Newton – Brindle colours, shapes and sizes. tortie since April: Only £8 to good homes. Hazelbury Bryan – Contact Clare on 07769 tabby white cat for 553999 about a year:

This is the gorgeous Jinx. He is 11 years old and finds himself needing a new home. He’s a lovely tabby & white boy, looking for a home with a garden and in a safe location. He was very shy with us to begin with but having moved him to an indoor fosterer he has blossomed in just a few days. Call Cats Protection on 858644 or go to blandford.cats.org.uk

Ask the vet... Why has my pet suddenly started eliminating in the house ? House trained pets can start peeing and pooing in the house for various reasons. These reasons can vary between species. Dogs can start peeing in the house for various behavioural or health-related reasons. Dogs which dislike cold or wet weather may be reluctant to go outside in the winter and may intentionally (or accidentally due to having such a full bladder that they can’t hold on any longer) urinate indoors. Encouraging them to go out (maybe by putting a warm waterproof coat on them) and waiting until you have seen them urinate can resolve this. If they are scared of going outside, for instance due to fireworks or thunder, then they may start eliminating indoors. They can also urinate indoors if they are

producing a larger volume of urine than normal but are restricted from going out as frequently as needed. Reasons for this can be increased drinking due to kidney disease, diabetes and several other conditions. More frequent urination can also be due to the discomfort present with urine infections and bladder issues. An enlarged prostate gland in older entire male dogs can lead to urine leakage. Dogs which have developed urinary incontinence can also leak urine particularly on their bed when asleep.

with Lynn Broom Investigations are available to determine Vet the underlying Lynn cause. Broom Pooing in the house can be due to a dog developing diarrhoea, which increases the urgency to defaecate and they can’t hold on long enough to go outside. Once a dog has broken the ‘house training habit’ with diarrhoea this behaviour can continue after the diarrhoea has resolved so you may have to ‘re-house train’ them again. Older dogs with back or hip pain or reduced sensation due to nerve degeneration can start to pass faeces in the house partly due to the pain of not being able to ‘posture’ normally when outside and partly due to reduced

awareness that they need to go. This can often be improved with pain relief and you should discuss this with your vet. Cats can start eliminating indoors mainly for behavioural reasons although cystitis (which is often stress related and not due to an infection) and diarrhoea can increase urgency and overwhelm behavioural desires to go outside. Cats are prone to stress related behaviours which can include urinating and defaecating indoors in inappropriate places such as on their owner’s bed. Minimising stress behaviours in cats requires multiple changes to their management and your vet can advise you further on this. In summary many causes of inappropriate elimination indoors are resolvable but the underlying cause needs to be identified so appropriate action can be taken. 37

Food & Drink

By Katharine Wright thehungrygiraffe2020@gmail.com

Roll up your sleeves and put your apron on… This year we all have a little extra time on our hands, with the joy of meeting friends for coffee or going out for Sunday lunch with the family off the cards, us foodies need to keep ourselves busy. So why not this season we get creative in the kitchen and make tasty festive food? I have fantastic childhood memories helping mum prepare the Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pies, pickled onions and more. Consequently, our Christmas cake also doubled up as dad’s birthday cake and his sweet treat in his lunchbox for nearly the whole month of January! Let us start with the Christmas cake, as

ENFORD FARM SHOP

Open as usual Fri-Sat, and outside shop 24/7. Pre orders for any who don’t want to come in shop. Call the shop or email Christina. marks330@gmail.com or markscattle@yahoo.co.uk Pet foods of all variety’s can be sourced through us also by order. Christmas meat orders now being taken for all your needs from turkeys, game, meats and trees coming in soon. Durweston, near Blandford

01258 450050

@enford farm 38

Time to get cooking for Christmas traditionally the last Sunday before Advent is known as ‘Stir-up Sunday’ – which this year is this Sunday (22nd). The day to mix up and bake your cake, allowing the mixture time to soak up all the lovely alcohol and fruity flavours to enjoy in the weeks to come. So, with a good cup of tea look for a recipe from a book or the web or maybe you have your family recipe, either way, just enjoy the baking moment. Do not forget the marzipan and icing on the top a few days before the 25th. Of course, while making the cake you can make

the pudding too. Much like the cake, making in advance allows the ingredients to become deep and rich in flavour, perfect on Christmas Day. So, remember while looking up the cake recipe look for the pudding one too. While still on the dried fruit we must not forget the mince pies – Now my nan made the best mince pies ever, and the secret was in the pastry. The pastry complimented the mincemeat (which of course you can make too) perfectly. Her method was self-raising flour, crumbed with margarine, then sugar stirred in and bound together with a

beaten egg and water to bring it all together. My personal favourite at Christmas must be the homemade pickled onions. Prepare these now and they will be ready to eat over the Christmas period with lots of Dorset cheese. Many methods are available so take your pick and get pickling. They are simple to make and for me they are Christmas. There are many other elements you can prepare in advance like the cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing so go on, roll up your sleeves, get your pinny on and head straight to the kitchen.

Local gourmet winners in Dorset Magazine awards Dorset Magazine has announced its winners in The Dorset Food, Drink & Farming Awards – including several in our area. Alex & Emma Young of Ginger Viking in Blandford Forum won Entrepreneur of the Year. Food Producer of the Year winner was The Book & Bucket Cheese Company in Cranborne, while From Dorset with Love in

Blandford Forum scooped highly commended. Highly commended in the Best Farm Shop category was Steeptonbill in Milton Abbas, while Sherborne Viral Kindness was highly commended in the Community Food/Drink Initiative Award. The Dorset Food Co, Blandford Forum were highly commended in the Best Local Food/Drink Delivery Experience and

Carl Thompson and Victoria Cannings of the Dorset Food Co

Allen Valley Milk & Pamphill Dairy was highly commended in the Business Collaboration Award.

Food & Drink

Cooking... Mrs Simkins’ Plum Pudding It’s Stir-up Sunday this Sunday: the fifth Sunday before Christmas and the last before Advent. In the old Anglican Book of Common Prayer the Collect that day was ‘Stir up we beseech thee, O Lord, the will of thy faithful people …’ Continue the tradition by gathering family members to stir the pudding and make a wish. Stir east to west in memory of the three wise men travelling from the East. Centuries ago, the ‘plums’ in plum pudding meant any kind of dried fruit but a few actual dried plums make it extra luscious. Butter is used instead of the traditional suet and no breadcrumbs for extra lightness. Tip Zest the orange and grate the apple and carrot in short, sharp up and down movements to avoid long strands. Serves 6 300g mixed dried fruit and peel 100g soft-eating prunes, quartered 100ml sherry, rum or brandy 50g salted butter 2 rounded tablespoons black

treacle 2 teaspoons mixed spice Finely grated zest of 1 small orange Juice of same orange 1 small dessert apple, grated (peeled or unpeeled) 1 small carrot, peeled and grated 50g plain flour You will need a buttered 1 litre basin, greaseproof paper and string. Steep the dried fruit in the alcohol overnight. Next day, melt the butter and treacle and stir into the mixture. Stir in the spice, orange zest, apple, carrot, and orange juice. Fold in the flour gradually and

Mum’s Kitchen... Walnut, Whisky and Orange Mincemeat Perfect for Christmas, with plenty of spices and a generous slug of whisky.

7.5ml/half teaspoon ground cloves 7.5ml/half teaspoon grated nutmeg 175g/6oz melted butter 60ml/4 tablespoons whisky

Ingredients: 550g/20oz cooking apples 4 x 15ml/tablespoons water Walnut-sized knob of butter 225g/8oz sultanas 100g/4oz walnut pieces 100g/4oz candied peel, chopped 225g/8oz currants 225g/8oz muscovado sugar Grated rind and juice of 1 large orange 5ml/1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method: Peel and core apples and chop roughly. Cook gently over a medium heat with the water and knob of butter until mushy. Remove from heat and mash with a fork. Turn into a large wide bowl and leave to cool. Chop the walnuts and sultanas quite coarsely. Add to the apple with the candied peel, currants, sugar, orange juice and

with Mrs Simkins

pour the mixture into the basin to within a finger’s breadth of the rim. Steam in the usual way or cook as below. To microwave Cover the pudding with greaseproof paper, pleated to allow for expansion, tie securely with string. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes and rest for one minute. Repeat until the pudding has had 10 minutes cooking time in total. Stand for 10 minutes before turning out. Cool completely and wrap in greaseproof paper and foil. Store in a cool, dry place until Christmas. To reheat: unwrap and microwave in a

buttered basin, covered with clean greaseproof paper tied with string, on full power for 5 minutes. Rest halfway through for one minute. Stand for 2 minutes before turning out. In the Slow Cooker Cover the pudding with a disc of buttered greaseproof and then with a roomy hat of foil and fold and pinch it round the rim. Stand it in the slow cooker and pour just-boiled water halfway up the side of the basin. Cook on low for 8 hours. Cool, turn the pudding out, re-wrap and store as before. To reheat, in a buttered basin, cover the top with buttered greaseproof and foil as previously. Cook on low for 4 hours (it won’t mind cooking a bit longer if dinner is held up). PS It’s so lovely to be back in the Blackmore Vale! Funnily enough this recipe, in its original form, was the first ever Mrs Simkins recipe to appear in the BVM in November 2008. It’s had a few tweaks since but it’s still its old light and fruity self. MrsSimkins.co.uk witter.com/mrssimkinscooks

with Diana Holman

rind, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and mix well. Stir in melted butter and whisky. Cover and leave to stand overnight.

The following day, spoon the mincemeat into dry, warm jars. Press down well to exclude the air, seal tightly and label. 39

Food & Drink

Fascinating past & a great future as By Toby Hartwell newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Does your pub have a fascinating history? Email Toby at newsdesk@blackmorevale.net During these challenging times where getting out to do shopping or collecting a takeaway is difficult, we can help! Let Black Cat Catering remove the stress and look after the food for you. If you need a freshly prepared, delicious home-cooked meal, along with a tasty dessert then look no further. We will deliver to your home or you are welcome to collect from Sarah at 15 West Orchard. Your order will be ready for you to simply heat up and enjoy! Please visit our facebook page or our website to look at our menu of the week or just give us a call and place your order! Vegetarian and gluten free options are available by request. Saturday orders will be delivered on Friday.

07944790514 hello@blackcatcatering.co.uk blackcatcatering.co.uk 40

Stourton Caundle is a village of over 400 people located in the heart of Hardy country, midway between Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. Much has changed in the village over the years, but the Trooper Inn has been a consistent port of call for locals and an important part of the village life for well over 300 years. I recently had an entertaining chat with Debbie who runs the pub with her husband John and two sons Jamie and Joe, not forgetting their cockapoo puppy, appropriately named Trooper. The Pritchetts bought this freehold pub in November last year, making a move to the country from Poole. This is the first time they’ve run a pub but you wouldn’t know it. Their enthusiasm is infectious and it’s clear that this historic pub is in safe hands. Even though there were probably some local worries about the future of their village hostelry after it went up for sale, Debbie and John were a little taken aback when, on the night they moved in, locals were already knocking on the door to see it was open yet. It was an encouraging sign, but before opening a month later they made some significant improvements to the pub, gutting and refitting the cellar and replacing a lot of the equipment whilst also giving the bar a good makeover. John and Debbie had something of a baptism of fire when they did reopen the pub on the evening of December 19 last year. It happened to be the night of the Stourton Caundle annual carol service. As the new owners hesitantly opened the doors for the first time, the pub was immediately packed with hordes of thirsty carollers. It was a great, but exhausting, first night for all the Pritchett family and required all hands to the deck to dispense drinks and mince pies, but was deemed to be a great success all round and a very good

introduction to the village. Debbie is keen to learn more about the history of the pub and she’s been told that it was at some time in the past called The Catherine Wheel. What is known is that the current name, The Trooper Inn, is believed to derive from the time of the Napoleonic Wars at the beginning of the 19th century when a bench outside the pub was used as a local centre to recruit new soldiers for the war. Opposite the pub, Manor Farm was lived in by Enid Blyton until she sold it to the present owners in 1964. It was the inspiration for Five on Finiston Farm, which makes reference to the pub in the Five’s adventures. Debbie said what has struck them particularly is the friendliness and helpfulness of the villagers.

Food & Drink

historic super Trooper marches on

YOU’RE WELCOME: John and Debbie Pritchett at The Trooper in Stourton Caundle

Lockdown was a blow but they used the time to relandscape the outside area of the pub with 22 tons of Cotswold shingle to create lots of new seating and when they ran out of paint during a redecoration, helpful locals came to the rescue with some free pots. I do recommend a visit. After lockdown ends, Friday night fish & chip night is not to be missed with their delicious homemade beer-battered fish proving very popular. Debbie and John are looking forward to Sunday folk music night returning, events such the annual beer & gin festival along with the many new ideas that they have for the pub. It’s also clear they understand how much

The Trooper Inn is a valuable social asset to the local community. Dogs, walkers and horses are all welcome and they plan to reopen the campsite and skittle alley next year. For the beer lover there’s a good range of wellkept Exmoor, Otter and St Austell ales such as Trelawny and Tribute and they rotate guest beers on tap. There are also plenty of interesting gins to explore if that’s more your choice of tipple. During lockdown, they are offering takeaways as follows: Wednesday – Hot pots Friday – Fish & Chips Sunday – Roast lunches Call 01963 362405.

ORDER NOW FOR

CHRISTMAS! Local Farm Fresh Turkeys Free Range Bronze Turkey, Goose And Duck Boneless Turkey Crowns Local Dry Aged Beef Free Range Pork & Succulent Grass Fed Lamb Prime Gammon Joints & Cooked Hams ALL THE TRIMMINGS AVAILABLE INCLUDING: Sausage Meat, Sausages And Dry Cured Bacon

We have moved depots please see new address below

Come along and meet our freindly butchers Unit 1a Harding’s Business Centre, Bowbridge, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0TF 01747 838881 www.bmv-butchery.co.uk

Food & Drink

Events chef diversifies in lockdown By Kate Smith newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

From freshly baked bread to fish and flour, chef Nick Holt has diversified, bringing a long-held dream to open a high-end delicatessen from his Higher Horton catering studio, into fruition. Nick loves food. And cooking. As the owner of Dorset Fine Dining, he is the main caterer for wedding venue Lulworth Castle and, until coronavirus struck, his diary was a back-to-back events-fest, chockful with weddings, anniversaries and dinner parties. The virus changed everything. The events at which Nick would cook up a storm and for which he has become renowned, dwindled into nothing. So, he decided to turn his spacious office, a former factory shop once rented by

the Chocolate Society, into a contemporary delicatessen serving delicacies including salmon pastrami, pasta, olives, charcuterie plus freshly-baked bread and a gluten-free option along with your everyday staples and fresh fruit and vegetables. Nick sources his food locally, stocking Dorset apple cake and mince pies and supplying Tamworth pig sausages and bacon from Story Pig.

Nick is also selling homemade frozen meals. And if you are after something special or a dinner which isn’t in his freezer, just ask him and he will create something deliciously bespoke at a moment’s notice. “If you fancy a fish pie one evening for your family, but don’t have the time to make it, please just give me a ring and I will make one for you,” said Nick.

He is serving sensational takeaways, alternating the menu each week and he has just invested in a pizza oven. Nick said: “I have wanted to open a quality delicatessen for some time and the coronavirus meant I have brought this idea forward. We have opened a farm shop and deli at our commercial kitchen premises in Higher Holton. Please pop in to get your essentials or a special treat from the deli. “We have a selection of goodies to choose from, we have fresh meat and fish deliveries. There is a lot more on offer so please keep checking our Facebook page for updates. We look forward to seeing you in our shop!” Dorsetfinedining.co.uk 07525 667687

Syrian cuisine providing an alternative By Steve Keenan Takeaway meals during lockdown just became a lot more interesting in North Dorset with the launch this week of Syrian Cuisine. Friends Imad and Atef, who both live in Gillingham, began delivering meals on Wednesday, with free delivery in the town. From falafel and shawarma to full meals, the couple will also deliver (for a small charge) within seven miles, a radius which takes in Shaftesbury, Wincanton and Marnhull. They met through the Dorset-based charity Unity in Vision (UinV), which aims to help individuals 42

from migrant communities to work together and integrate successfully in their new neighbourhoods. The UinV has a dedicated support officer for resettled Syrian families: there are now 18 Syrian families living in Dorset. “We did not meet by chance: we as Syrians are interested in getting to know every new Syrian coming to Britain so that we can help, especially in the first days,” said Imad. He arrived in Britain from Damascus two years ago, Atef from near the Lebanese border in 2017. Both families have three children. They will be cooking with their wives and the service operates from Wednesday to

Saturday. Order between 11am and 2pm for delivery between 510pm. The menu includes six pieces of falafel for £5, which comes with humous, pickles and Syrian bread. Shawerma costs from £7-£7.50. Full meals of kabsa and maqlouba cost between £10£14 and must be ordered 24 hours in advance. They will also deliver ingredients to those who might try cooking their own Syrian meals.

“So lovely to have an alternative takeaway to the norm,” said Jo Russell, one of several to welcome the move on their Facebook page (search Gillingham Syrian Cuisine for a full menu). Cash only on delivery. Call: 07946 375660 or email syriancuisine20@gmail.com

Local services

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

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

Paul’s Oil and Gas Services JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE Servicing, maintenance and call outs for domestic, commercial & catering natural gas, LPG and oil appliances. Very competitive rates 40 years experience 01747 850395 or 07502 044896 email: stuartchardstuartchard@live.co.uk

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc. Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

074959 922821 Comfortable, spacious, clean, estate cars, for Hospitals, airports, seaports and local work. Distance no object, day trips and special occassions. Lady driver available. For safe Covid aware transport. 5 star Google rating. JUST ASK! www.jasminecarsdorset.co.uk jasmine.cars@btinternet.com

PLANNING CONSULTANT 01963 371180 0789 4020 735 Site appraisals Planning applications Appeals Planning drawings Advice www.whiteacreplanning.com

SKIP LETS

4LJQ )JSF t 4IFSCPSOF Competitive prices Phone 07916 154183

Rob’s Clearance House, shed and site clearance. Rubbish removed. Recycling carried out. Good/ interesting items purchased for cash. Friendly and reliable. 01747 839751/ 07956 414896

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING

Bathroom & Kitchen • Upgrades & Carpentry • Decorating Services • Refreshing sale and rental upgrades • Handyman projects • Plumbing repairs • Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Office: Mobile:

01747 838 087 07768 190 131

email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

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

CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 43

Local Services HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS enquiries@back2market.com Tel: 01258 440838 Freephone: 0800 2425012

Window & Gutter Cleaning

Computer Maintenance & Repairs Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/ installation, internet connection, upgrades, computer/ software tuition. Call Gregg on 01963 370713

Local, Affordable & Professional

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

North Dorset & Somerset Property Care

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Ovens etc, Tel 07979 976514

Archway plastering traditional or modern rendering/finishing/ plastering/dry-lining 07500-280483

LTD

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

FRANKS

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG MAINTENANCE GROUP •General Plumbing •Bathrooms Installations, •Landlord Certification servicing and •Solid Fuel Stove maintenance Installation and

MATHEMATICS TUITION Very experienced Mathematics teacher can help with Key Stages 2 and 3, GCSE and A Level. 01747 870361 robandjill1982@btint ernet.com

Piano Tuning, Repairs, Sales of reconditioned pianos Julian Phillips BA CGLI 01258 471194

THE HOUSE DOCTOR All aspects of repair & maintenance, house & garden, jobs large or small, we tackle them all. Call 07731843743

Available for all aspects of garden fencing, gateways, driveways, welding repairs also undertaken! Please call Jack Mustey on 07889952980

Property & garden maintenance & gutter cleaning Fully insured. Call Harvey Gee on 07815 307497 01963 548226

Based in Wincanton

Cleaner available for Gillingham area. Please contact Lin on 07563893570

Tel: 07931 583614

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

Get connected. Stay connected. WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram Laptop Tablet Smartphone desktop PC

PROPER DOMESTICS • APPLIANCE REPAIRS

& INSTALLATION

01747 416059 www.properdomestics.com

Wobbly broken chairs? Consult the Chair Doctor. Any period. Call Alan Baldwin 01747 870 118 Also caning, upholstery and antique restoration 44

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

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

Local services House and Rubbish Clearance Houses, lofts, gardens, garages & sheds all cleared. Registered waste carrier working with the Environment Agency. W.A.M.I.T.AB qualified Cash paid for some items Some items collected for free More than reasonable charges

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

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

01258-450879 | 07855-402799

Domestic and commercial Shops, Restaurants, Outdoor Venues quoted for. Always a quote, never an estimate given All of Dorset and parts of Hampshire covered. Dorset Trading Standards Buy with Confidence Scheme

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

Whistles Cleaning, home cleaning & home help in Sherborne & surrounding areas. Experienced, Reliable, DBS checked, References, Contact Jilly 07980 560199

HOUSE CLEARANCE, removals and all transportation considered, call us, "MOVING ON UP" on 07972 603681

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

Call 01258 455947

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

Flushing

Combination Boilers

D J B Plumbing All Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small 24-hour emergency service 36 Years’ experience no callout charge Call Dave On 07973121984

Phoenix Chimneys

• Condensing and

www.allcleanwaste.co.uk BARN STORED SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS, £65 a dumpy bag, free kindling with every load, Call Josh on 07733 414749

FREE D AN O QU TESATES ESTIM

01258 446186 07973 183658

www.quinnsheating.com SW Building & Renovations All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovat ion@gmail.com

• Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling

• All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

Colin the Chimney Sweep Evenings and weekend appointments available, certificates given and fully insured. 01963 458199/ 07889 597741.

IS YOUR LIMITED COMPANY DROWNING IN DEBT? AND YOU WOULD RATHER NOT GO BANKRUPT? THEN CALL MIKE ON 07929 711243

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

Masons Electrical Domestic, Commercial & Industrial work carried out With 30 years experience Elecsa & TrustMark registered Call Shaun on 07549654964 masonselectricaluk.com

Shop local for Christmas A FAMILY NAME IN PRINT Full history of family name Surname crest/coat of arms Printed history of name with crest Glassware engraved with crest Wooden shields and other products Free surname search 01747 823149 www.afamilynameinprint.co.uk sales@afamilynameinprint.co.uk

Savoury graze boxes and Christmas Hampers full of homemade treats, the perfect Christmas gift... with prices starting from £20! Please head to:

@the_passionatepear

THE

on facebook or PASSIONATE Instagram or email us: PEAR

thepassionatepear@gmail.com for more information

Best Wishes to Everyone! From

realtime... You can still contact us for Click and Collect or Home Delivery Phone: 01258 455008 daily 11am to 1pm Email: shopinrealtime@live.co.uk Website: www.shopinrealtime.co.uk 45

Rotary’s shoeboxes to bring Christmas joy Blandford Stour Rotary are sending 520 filled shoeboxes to children in extreme poverty in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania. Shoeboxes are wrapped with Christmas paper and filled with gifts such as flannels and toothbrushes, stationery items, toys, hats and scarves etc. They also try to put a cuddly toy in each box for the younger children. The group said: “We are extremely grateful to all who support this scheme, filling boxes, volunteering as collection points and

making items to go in the boxes. Without your support this scheme could not work and many children would go without.” The club has joined forces with Blandford Lions to support the provision of meat vouchers from Mato’s Butchers for families who use the Blandford Food Bank this Christmas. The two clubs have also arranged to share the cost of the entry fees for Blandford School’s representatives in the prestigious National Young SENDING LOVE: A trio of little Santas Enterprise Scheme. with some of the 520 filled boxes

Support increased Specialist support volunteers are stepping up their service, fearing the extra pressure of covid fears and restrictions could ratchet up worries for victims of crime – however long ago the crime happened. A spokesman for Victim Support Dorset said: “In these unprecedented times many people are feeling anxious and isolated and to become a victim of crime on top of this can be very difficult to cope with. We are offering free, confidential support to help all victims of crime – regardless if the crime was reported or how long ago it happened.” For one to one support with a trained caseworker ring 0300 3030 163. Lines are open Mon, Weds and Fri 9am-6pm, Tues and Thurs 9am-8pm.

Charity shop open during new lockdown Norddis (North Dorset Disability Information Service), a charity supporting the elderly, the disabled and their carers in Gillingham, is open during this second lockdown. The Norddis shop is situated opposite Lidl and, as an essential business, is open Tuesday 10am to 4pm, Thursday 10am to 1pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. Treasurer Peter Yeoman said: “We are a

charity which has been running for 25 years providing support to the elderly, the disabled and their carers in the north of Dorset. We have run a shop for many years selling new and used equipment to help those needing it to retain personal dignity and independent living as far as possible. “We are a not-for-profit charity so price goods merely to cover the costs of operating the shop and also run a hire

service for short term needs. “We are a purely volunteer staffed organisation and as many of our volunteers are themselves carers, disabled or of mature age it has been difficult to maintain the shop open during the ‘lockdown’ periods.” Peter added: “We are remaining open for part of the time during this second lockdown.” See norddisdorset.org.uk

Planning applications in South Somerset Bruton Land At Patwell Street: Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery Works to No 1 Tree within a Conservation Area 4 Coombe Brook Providence Place: Notification of intent to fell No 1 tree within a Conservation Area Henstridge Pond Farm Ash Walk: Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery works to various trees within a Conservation Area Martock 17 Ashfield Park: Notification of intent to carry out tree surgery works to No.03 trees within a Conservation Area 46

36 Church Close: Notification of intent to Fell No 1 Tree within a Conservation Area North Cadbury The Grange Cary Road: Internal alterations including replacement staircase, removal of 20th century partitions & new openings, construction of a single storey boot room to side of dwelling The Grange Cary Road: Internal alterations including replacement staircase, removal of 20th century partitions & new openings, construction of a single storey boot room to side of dwelling North Cheriton

Hardings Hardings Lane: Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery Works to No 1 Tree within a Conservation Area Wincanton The Firs Bayford Hill: Notification of intent to Fell No 3 Trees and carry out tree surgery works to No 2 Trees within a Conservation Area Yeovil 8 College Green: Application to carry out Tree Surgery works to No 2 trees as shown within South Somerset District Council (YEOV 1) 1993 Tree Preservation Order 21 West Park: Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery Works to No 1 Tree

within a Conservation Area Backline Logistics, City Plumbing Watercombe Lane Lynx West Trading Estate: Installation of new replacement roof (retrospective application). 4 Church Street: Non material amendment to approved application 19/02720/FUL to enable the floor plan to change, the insertion of double doors in living room and glass conservatory to be removed. 42 Trent Close: Application to carry out Tree surgery works to No 3 Trees as shown within the South Somerset District Council (YEWI 32) 1973 Tree Preservation order

Planning applications in North Dorset Blandford St Mary Homebase Ltd, Stour Park: G1 - Goat Willows x 3 Reduce small primary, secondary and tertiary branches back to source. Pruning wounds will not exceed 50-60mm in diameter and works are being undertaken as routine arboricultural management to allow safe flow of delivery vehicles. No objection. Farnham Goldfields Farm: Erection of agricultural building Gillingham Gillingham Service Station Kingsmead Business Park: Notificaion of a new premises licence application. 21, 31 and 6 Lockwood Terrace: Notification of installation of fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus. No Objection. 1 and 13 Rookery Close: Notification of installation of fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus (refWCHTH56J) Land at 12 Cypress Way: Notification of intention to install fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus. No objection. 27 Barnaby Mead: Tree B Poplar - Fell as it is leaning over neighbouring property and offers poor visual amenity due to previous pollarding. Iwerne Minster Rose House, Higher Street: T1, T2, and T3 - Lime x3 Remove the new growth by re-pollarding them to previous pollard points as the size of the trees cause excessive shading in the garden when in leaf. Apple Tree Cottage, Shute Lane: T1 - Cypress - Fell. Milton on Stour Milton Lodge Hotel, The Old Stables Mapperton Hill To Milton-On-Stour â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Road: Extend roof and form 2 No. dormers and install roof lights to provide additional room in roof space. Motcombe Old Brickyard Farm Shaftesbury Road: Change of use and conversion of agricultural building to form 4 No. dwellings (Class C3) Okeford Fitzpaine Pleydells Farm Higher Street: Non material amendment against planning application 2/2018/0125/out to allow amendments to approved plans to alter visibility splays. Pimperne The Farmhouse, Chestnut Farm, Church Road: T1 Fastigiate Cypress - Fell as non-native, removal is part of ongoing garden maintenance and only be seen from the property so very low amenity value. T1 - Ash - Reduce overhanging branches from neighbouring tree by 11.5m. Ivy covered with is out-competing most of crown in vigour. Sparse crown with sporadic leafless twigs showing typical early signs of ash dieback disease. T2 Sycamore - Reduce overhanging branches from neighbouring tree by 11.5m. T3 - Ash - Reduce overhanging branches from neighbouring tree by 1.52m. Sparse crown with sporadic leafless twigs showing typical early signs of ash dieback disease. Tree asymmetrical with crown more extended on north western side (over boundary). Reason: All trees are causing a nuisance with shading, leaf and seed drop and in recent years, branch drop. Bowmoor House, Anvil Road: T1 - Silver Birch Reduce height from 12m to

9m and lateral spread form 8m to 6m. T2 - Unknown species - Reduce height from 10m to 8m and lateral spread form 7.5m to 6m. Both trees are getting too large and are pressing on power cables. No objection. Shaftesbury 6 The Knapp: Notification of a new premises licence application Makuti Hair Design, 4-6 Angel Lane: T1 - Ash Reduce branches as per annotated photos. First Floor Office 1 Bell Street: Change of Use of First Floor from Office (Class B1(a)) into 1 No. flat (Class C3) 2 Ratcliffs Garden: B1 Beech - Lift crown to 4.5m and reduce lateral radial spread to 5m. A1 - Apple Fell because of excessive shading and to allow building works to retaining wall and patio (planning application submitted). Replant with one standard apple tree on completion of building works. A4 - Apple - Fell to allow construction of car port and garden store (planning application submitted). Replant with one standard apple tree on completion of building works. W1 - Willow - Repollard to 5m from ground level to reduce shading and maintain health. Shroton Shroton House, Telegraph Street: T1 - Horse Chestnut - Fell. Dangerous - Tree in severe decline with prolific spread of ganoderma brackets. Situated close to a GII listed wall adjacent to a public highway. Sutton Waldron 7 Church Lane: T1 - Cherry - Reduce back to previous points to a height of 3.6m, reduce laterals by 1m where required. Maintenance work to avoid BT cabling and power lines. West Stour

2 Church Street, Salvington: T1 - Sycamore - Pollard to 3m from ground level due to excessive shading, weak unions, crown spreading over neighbouring properties and girdled stem overhanging roof of property to rear. Winterborne Stickland Ash House, Dunbury Lane: T1 - Ash - Fell. T2 - Silver Birch - Fell. T3 - Maple Upper crown reduction of no more than 1.5m from the tips inwards. Ensuring that all cuts are brought back to viable growth points and that no pruning wounds exceed 40mm in diameter. T4 - Silver Birch - Upper crown reduction of no more than 2m from the tips inwards. Ensuring that all cuts are brought back to viable growth points and that no pruning wound exceeds 40mm in diameter. T5 - Damson - Fell. T6 Ash - Full crown reduction of no more than 2m from the tips inwards. Ensuring that all cuts are brought back to viable growth points and that no pruning wounds exceed 50mm in diameter. Frampton House, Dunbury Lane: T1 - Common Beech - Full crown reduction of no more than 1.5m from the tips inwards. Raise crown raise to a height of no more than 3m from ground level via the removal of tertiary and secondary branches only. T2 - Willow - Fell to ground level. Winterborne Zelston: Maine Martell, The Street: G1 - 1x early-mature Holly and 1x early-mature Beech - Trim by 10-20cm all over crown to reshape. T2 - 1x medium-mature Willow Crown reduce by up to 2.5m to previous pruning points and crown thin by 10%. 47

Antiques & Collectibles

Remains to be seen after village dig By Chris Tripp newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Elizabeth’s story of the unearthing of around 22,500 early fourth century Roman coins in a field next to

her house had me intrigued. Through a mutual friend I was introduced to

we are OPEN

the old

GRAIN STORE

empo�iu

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 1st Sunday of the month 10am - 4pm

A mini emporium of treasures with a quirky, tea room.

contact: 07745 477795 or theoldgrainstoreemporium@outlook.com

@TheOldGrainstoreEmporium

The Old Grainstore Emporium | Shaftesbury Lane | Blandford | DT11 7EG

Free valuations & home visits House clearances arranged Probate & Insurance valuations

A French Belle Epoque display table, of bombe form, sold for £4800 www.busby.co.uk Contact info@busby.co.uk 01308 420 100 The Old Hemp Store North Mills, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3BE

Elizabeth because she wanted to know more about the Roman activity in her village of Nether Compton and that is why I was now sitting in her 15th century cottage next to the site of the find. The coins were of Emperor Constantine of around AD 330340, of small denomination and in mint condition. Some years before she had arranged to have a geophysics survey undertaken on the field and the results showed not only regular medieval field systems but also the remains of a large ditched enclosure, one half of which had been unfortunately destroyed by a sunken lane. With the permission of the landowner Dorset Diggers Community Archaeology Group planned to excavate this ditch and hopefully find artefacts which would tell us the date of when it was first dug. Was it connected to the coin hoard? As we carefully cut a section through the width of the ditch and followed its V-shape into the earth we were pleased to find beautiful black, shiny, decorated pottery called Black Burnished Ware. This is a fairly common pottery found on Roman sites of higher status and made locally in what is now Poole and distributed to other parts of Britain and the Roman

ACE OF SPADES: Chris Tripp at the Nether Compton dig

Empire. We also found some very fragile plaster and other building materials in the fine, dark soil of the ditch. Two plaster pieces were particularly intriguing. They were very fine and in strange shapes, suggesting that they were probably created by people rendering their buildings to make them waterproof and able to take paint, which means that there were some well made dwellings in the immediate area of our site. The metal detecting club, who found the hoard of coins, have also found many pieces of tessera (small, square pieces of stone or clay) that would have been used in mosaics. What does this tell us? The pottery expert could only give us dates from the Late Iron Age to Early Roman, but with the building materials coming from the same context, even in the

same area of the ditch fill, it is highly probable that they have been deposited at the same time. Thus the pottery would be Early Roman of the first century. The shape of the ditch would also point to it being dug just after the invasion of Britain by the Romans in AD 43. If that is the case then this site is very important indeed. Not many Roman camps have been dug, although many have been identified. We now know that the hoard was deposited much later than the ditch. The pot is first century and the hoard early fourth century. It is likely that the ditches were still visible when the hoard was buried and it may be the case that a memory of the enclosure was one reason as to why the hoard was buried here, where Roman soldiers once slept in their tents.

Antiques & Collectibles

A 19th century Japanese carved ivory okimono in the form of a fisherman, a Chinese Republic millefiore pierced vase, A Howard style upholstered armchair and, right, a Guild of Handicraft Arts & Crafts silver cream jug designed by Charles Robert Ashbee

Due to the present Government guidelines stating that Auction Rooms are classed as non-essential retail outlets and would need to close, Clarke’s Auctions have sadly had to postpone their 1,000-lot November sale and will be amalgamating it with their bumper two-day sale to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, December 30 and 31. Alongside many other auction rooms in the UK they are allowed to offer ‘click & collect’ facilities and are following guidelines to ensure the safety of their customers. They have found that hosting their sales on the two major UK auction platforms, thesaleroom.com and easyliveauction.com, they know that their catalogue will be viewed by buyers from every corner of the world, ensuring that they achieve the best results they can for their vendors. Having to postpone their November 14 sale means that their two-day Antiques We Buy RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE and SMALL. Call BILL 01747 811000 Email bill@rebornreco rds.co.uk

Massive two-day sale to see out 2020 in style & Collectibles sale traditionally held between Christmas and New Year will also incorporate their Chinese and Asian Arts sale, of which there are over three hundred lots already entered. These include a collection of jades, Chinese and Japanese ceramics, bronze figures and censers etc and one of the more interesting lots is a Chinese white metal and kingfisher feather headdress, probably Qing dynasty (1851-1861). For over 2,000 years Royal and the wealthy Chinese have used kingfisher feathers as an inlay for decorating fine objects and adornment. The process is called tian-tsui and the feathers are cut and glued onto precious metals, papier-mache or wood mimicking a finish like cloisonne but with a more

A set of six 19th century engravings of Bristol by Nicholas Pocock

iridescent vivid colour. Other interesting items include a silver amethyst cabochon cream jug designed by Charles Robert Ashbee for the Guild of Handicrafts, estimated at £700 - £1,000. In the furniture section is an 18th century walnut chest-onstand. This classic antique piece of furniture would fit beautifully in a property of the same period and carries an estimate of £200-£400. Also consigned are a pair of late 19th / early 20th century figured walnut open bookcases, practical, functional and carrying an estimate of £300-£500, a Howard style armchair, upholstered in blue and gold silk material, estimated at £300-£400 and a George III Hepplewhite period upholstered armchair with an estimate of £100-£200. Their pictures and prints section of 150 plus lots include a set of six 19th century engravings depicting scenes of Bristol and Clifton by artist Nicholas Pocock (British 1740-1821). Born in Bristol, he is known for his detailed paintings of naval battles and coastal scenes and this set of six framed paintings

are being offered at £600£800. If you have any small and interesting things you think might be suitable for this sale please give them a call on 01747 855109 before December 4.

An 18th century walnut chest on stand

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques, Collectables & Asian Art

A Guild of Handicraft Arts & Crafts silver cream jug designed by Charles Robert Ashbee. Estimate £700 - £1,000

Next sale: Wednesday and Thursday, 30 and 31 December

Please contact Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk 49

Health & Wellbeing

Your toolkit to tackle daily anxiety As a life coach I work with people on many different issues and not all my work is associated with anxiety or stress management. However, these issues are affecting everyone at a greater level than normal right now. So I am continuing to focus on anxiety and stress management. I hope it’s helping. Here are some simple tools for you to ‘keep in your pocket’ to provide support when needed. 1. Test of Time – if something is causing you anxiety, ask yourself, how much will this matter tomorrow, next month, next year? By measuring an issue in this way it can help us keep things in perspective and not use up valuable energy and emotional

resilience on stuff that is distracting but not all that important. 2. FEAR – False Expectations Appearing Real. Or, putting it another way, anticipation being worse than the event. Very often, our anxiety about something in the immediate future is greater than the event itself. Once we start it, our focus shifts from worrying about the maybes

to thinking about the project or event itself. So… 3. Take those big, scary tasks, break them down into smaller, related tasks and Just Start. One step at a time and you will be surprised how your anxiety drops and you realise you can do it, whatever ‘it’ is. 4. Looking for the positives. Challenge yourself, your family, your team at work,

whoever, to find a few good things that have happened each day. It could be a big thing – such as an unexpected new contract at work – or a small thing, such as a phone call from a cousin overseas. Similarly, at the end of each day, try to think of a few things you are grateful for. By practising this as you go to sleep, you can help reduce your stress levels and calm your mind. They don’t have to be big or unusual things – a walk in the park on a frosty morning, enjoying a really good film or being made to laugh about something over supper with your family. Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne. 07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Meditations in Nature: Under the beech tree By Dr Susie Curtin Nature writer and qualitative researcher rewildingjourneys.com Now the autumn breeze is blowing the leaves like confetti and the Vale is airbrushed with amber and crimson hues, the trees take centre stage, and rightly so. I cannot decide which ones I love the most this time of year. Is it the wispy delicateness of the swaying birches or the bold carnelian canopies of the beeches? Or perhaps the quiet, neat field maples who slip my attention until their autumn leaves turn a bright gold yellow? It is impossible to choose; they all have a part in this seasonal show. I write this while perched on the protruding roots of a 50

beech tree that I hold very dear. Under the shadow of its strong boughs, I have spent many an hour in contemplation, picnicked with close friends and playfully swung on the rope swing that fellow tree-lovers have attached. It is ‘my’ tree, and it is so old that its long arms have bent almost low enough to caress the ground. Imagine the world events that this tree has played a silent witness to, perched high over the Blackmore Vale, and imagine all the people who have taken shelter in its lofty shade. Trees play a fundamental role in our well-being; from the architectural giant oaks and aspen to the smaller hedgerow favourites of hawthorn and elder; they are familiar friends in a changing world. Being in their presence makes me feel

good. They provide interest, shelter, fuel and habitats, and some are so grand that they, like this beech, are destinations in their own right. The real magic of this tree, however, is going on underground right beneath my feet. Trees are connected to each other through mycorrhizal

networks; fungi that grows at the tips of fine roots which connect the tree to other trees. It is through these intricate networks that nutrients are exchanged to support adjacent plants and the tree’s very own saplings. In this way, the trees and the soil fungi work together for the greater good of the woodland. The language of trees also exists in the air. Unbeknown to us, they ‘speak’ to each other using scent signals known as pheromones. These chemical releases relay threats or changes in the environment to neighbouring trees so that they can put up their defences. Trees are, therefore, not lone individuals but valued members of an intelligent community. What a wonderful thought that is.

Health & Wellbeing

Take control and feel stronger with yoga By Finola Brennan Yoga Instructor and Ayurvedic Therapist at The Cedar Tree the-cedar-tree.co.uk Yoga can help you navigate through these uncertain times. During the second lockdown many may be finding it difficult to stay positive and feel in control. Regular yoga has many benefits. Many of us are experiencing increased ‘fight or flight’ mode, feelings of stress and anxiety often presenting as impatience, anger or worry, all of which have adverse effects on our health. Yoga is great for relieving these symptoms. Most people find that even from day one of starting yoga, that busy overactive minds

become quite, so helping to gain perspective and improving mood and sleep. There are however many fallacies surrounding yoga! It Firstly, you don’t have to be flexible. Yoga helps create strength and flexibility. You don’t have to be a certain age – yoga is ageless and timeless,

there are so many different styles. Yoga is not ‘too tiring’ either! Increased circulation and improved posture help combat demands on our bodies. You also don’t need special clothing and equipment. All you need is loose, comfy clothing and a space to sit on a chair or stretch out.

Lockdown does not have to be a bar to you attending a yoga session, there are many classes and styles now available to practice in the comfort of your own home via Zoom. When you start yoga you begin to take back control. Here are some simple steps to start your yoga practice today! Take a seat or stand up, and take a moment to press your feet evenly on the floor. Sit or stand tall. Relax your shoulders and imagine a piece of string running along your centre pulling you up to the sky. Hold your palms open on your knees or by your thighs. Close your eyes and take three breaths. Well done on taking your first step into yoga!

all natural ingredients

eco-friendly product

KUNEWYK WOODS

paraben, sls & palm oil free

THE FEEL GOOD DO GOOD

MOISTURISING BAR

handmade in dorset

Feel the difference to your skin by using our handmade, all-natural ingredient moisturising bars. Rich in Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, these moisturisers will leave the roughest and driest skin feeling softer and nourished after one use.

soothes & softens skin

Handmade on the Dorset farm, each moisturiser comes in a handy aluminium tin so you can carry it anywhere you go.

nourishes skin after just one use

Not only will your skin feel good, you will do good as proceeds from each sale goes towards tree planting on the farm. With fully recyclable packaging, you will also help to save the planet by cutting back on climate changing plastic pollution.

fully recyclable packaging

suitable for use on children www.kunewykwoods.co.uk

Kunewyk Woods

naturally_kunewyk

Health & Wellbeing

Herbs as medicine... Why are there so many nettles? Answer: They are incredibly good for you. Nettles are one of the first plants to appear in spring. They are blood builders, full of iron and calcium, vitamins, amino acids, proteins and many other complex compounds as well as a host of minerals that our body needs. They are anti-microbial and anti-oxidant and, as in all green plants rich in chlorophyll, the molecule responsible for photosynthesis which closely resembles the red blood cells in our body. Our cells carry iron, in chlorophyl it is magnesium which is vital for us to stay healthy and strong. Eating nettles in the spring would have given our ancestors energy, strength and vitality after the ravages of winter. The old practice of beating yourself with a whole nettle as a remedy for arthritis has, understandably, rather died out! However the mildly

diuretic effect of the leaves and roots does encourages the elimination of uric acid that can build up in joints and cause pain or gout as well as being good for urinary tract infections and enlarged prostate. They also contain histamine which may help hay fever sufferers with local pollens and it is claimed that the seeds have kidney restorative properties. Treat nettles as food. Do NOT pick your nettles beside a busy road, a field that is sprayed with pesticides, or a path where there are a lot of dog walkers! Check that the plants are healthy looking and using

A walk around... BRYANSTON This is a longer walk than usual as much of it is along the parish boundary, approaching nine miles, so allow sufficient time. You can park in the housing estate, The Cliff, and then walk north along the road, continuing along the path when the road turns left. This takes you into woodland with paths. Swing right and right again, which takes you south for half a mile along a slope. When you see the Stour close by, below you, turn left down a slope, which takes you closer to it, then left again heading north through the wood also known as The 52

Cliff. On your right there are good views of the parkland adjacent the Stour. Soon you will come to the church, which was closed when I visited, next door to which is a chapel, which appears not to be in use. You are now on Tarmac again, which you can follow skirting the school grounds, then joining a woodland footpath that leads west, parallel with the Stour, the parish boundary. If you get lost and stray up though the school grounds you will be greeted by a friendly security guard, who will redirect you. When you have passed the old lodge, turn left and head WSW through a strip of

with Fiona Chapman washed nettles. Add whatever spices you like and a tin of coconut milk and blitz it all up in a food processor with some salt and pepper for a really good, hearty and healthy boost to your body. For a tea, wash a big handful, pop them in a warmed tea pot and cover with boiling water. Leave them to steep for at least 10 minutes to extract all the goodness. I leave mine for hours and the water turns an almost thick clear green and tastes delicious â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quite earthy but with a sweet aftertaste. Nettles are free, abundant, delicious and so good for you. I highly recommend settling down to a good brew.

thick gloves, cut the top leaves with stalk off. Cooking the nettle takes the sting away and you can use them like spinach, but it is a bit of an acquired, slightly furry taste, so the best thing is to have them in a soup, which is also warming and comforting, (very important in colder months), or a tea. To make a soup, cook an onion, some garlic, chilli and fresh, or dried turmeric with perhaps a potato or some celeriac Fiona Chapman is with a huge studying naturopathy bunch of and herbal medicine at freshly the College of picked and Naturopathic Medicine

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Bryanstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Lodge woodland known as The Hanging. Continue when the trees run out until you meet a road, turn left, SSE, for about three furlongs, then right for another three, skirting Broadley Wood, then left, SSE which takes you round a bend and a solar

farm then takes you east for a couple of miles gently downhill. When you reach the A354 at Blandford St Mary, turn left and follow the road you probably drove up back to The Cliff and your car.

Health & Wellbeing

Make: Moisturising deodorant bars By Vicky Brunton What to do now that we are back in lockdown? Let’s appreciate the time to look after ourselves, learn a new skill and perhaps try and make your own natural deodorant bars. I’ve tried making a few different variations and this recipe is by far the best. I’ve also used it whilst out with Motcombe Running Club and either it works or it makes everyone run that bit faster. BAR WORK: You can make your own deodorant It smells good, it’s ecofriendly, contains only most shop-bought coconut oil and natural ingredients and varieties. beeswax in a double it moisturises, unlike This is a quick and boiler or microwave. easy-to-make product Once melted, remove and depending on the from heat and stir in container you use, you the arrowroot powder Adele Clinch, BSc HCPC Registered can make enough for and baking soda using chiropodist/podiatrist yourself and others. a whisk. 01935 812231 I tend to make mine in Allow to cool for five Home visits in NW round silicone moulds minutes before adding Dorset Sherborne and store in a tin and the vitamin E oil and podiatry can get five out of a essential oils. batch. Pour into your Natural Pain Relief container of choice, therapist in Gillingham. You will need: allow to cool and in a Bio resonance scan and 2 Tbsp Shea Butter few hours’ time, this treatments.clinical 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil will be set and ready reflexology & baby/ toddler reflexology. 2 Heaped Tbsp to use. T: 01747 826931 Beeswax Pellets yvonne@intelligenthealth clinic.co.uk 2 Heaped Tbsp My most recent batch Making Life More Comfortable! Arrowroot Powder (or smells divine using Corn starch if you patchouli (six drops) prefer) and geranium rose (six ½ Teaspoon Vitamin E drops) essential oil. Oil Another lovely variant ½ Teaspoon Baking is lavender (seven Soda drops) and tea tree Essential Oil of your (five drops) essential choice oil. Cardboard deodorant For more DIY skin tubes or silicone care recipes, visit my moulds and storage blog at kunewykwoods. container co.uk or even share your recipes to social Directions: media tagging in Melt the shea butter, @Naturally Kunewyk.

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

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

www.shaftesburychiropractic.co.uk

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

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

Telephone: 07714 550969 It’s good to share

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

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

Business

Businesses forced to close in Dorset offered government help Businesses in the Dorset Council area ordered to close due to lockdown may be eligible for grants through the government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant. Dorset Council is administering the grant on behalf of the government. An online application form and further information is

November 5, it will receive a payment of £2,000 n exactly £51,000 or above on November 5, it will receive £3,000 To qualify, businesses must: n be in the Dorset Council area and must have been: n open as usual before the lockdown providing services in person to customers from

the premises, and n required to close due to restrictions imposed by government, and n paying business rates for the premises before restrictions started If a business premises has closed but is still operating a click and collect service, the business can still apply.

We need to talk about housing...

by Adrian Fisher

In the months since covid-19, the way we live and work has changed more than in the previous 25 years. What should we be doing differently about housing? Beside the Blandford bypass another 300 new houses are proposed, inviting immediate public comment.

available at dorsetcouncil.gov .uk/local-restrictionssupport-grant. Eligible businesses will be paid a single fixed amount to cover four weeks if it has a rateable value of: n exactly £15,000 or under on November 5, it will receive a payment of £1,334 n £15,000- £51,000 on

For housing developers and buyers alike, new housing should provide greatest Added Value to a good standard, fairly priced. Since covid-19, the way we live and work has changed more than in the previous 25 years, and much will remain so. What we build from now on should reflect this.

REMOV ALS & STORAGE

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

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Wincanton (01963) 34065

What do we need, especially from smaller homes? For first time buyers, a place to live, and start your career – perhaps working electronically, going into work only 2 or 3 days a week: a proper and suitable place to work, not just a bedroom (this month’s YouGov poll found only 7% of British workers want to return to the office full-time after restrictions are lifted). For young families, a place safe from traffic, where young children can meet and play, with shared green space visible from each house. For older people down-sizing, a smaller house is better in a lively community. These Blandford bypass proposals are highly vehiclecentric. Cars are very space-demanding. Each measures 5 x 15 feet, but require several times that to approach the parking space, park, and open car doors. There are typically two or more cars per household; maybe fewer in future with more home deliveries. Parking capacity on the estate should be maximised, including for deliveries, yet minimum area in percentage terms. These plans, like all too many, are dominated by streets and pavements. What loses out? Modern living needs space for fridge, cooker, dishwasher, freezer, washing machine and tumble drier. Yet new British homes

have much less floorspace compared with the EU, so less true ‘living’ space. Even worse, private gardens have dramatically shrunk. A garden is a valuable extension of living space for much of the year (especially with a covered pergola), and crucial for mental health. Covid-19 may come and go, but since 2000 there have been Ebola, MERS and SARS; there will be more lockdowns in future. The guiding principles for designing such estates need to be revisited. This is what effective planning should be about. For years I lived on the central green of the Whitecroft Estate in St Albans; it was a great place to bring up a young family. Check it out on Google Earth. Broadband with fibre to the Premises (FTTP) takes up no land, but should be made a condition for the developers, like water and electricity. That topic is for another time. Adrian Fisher is an awardwinning maze designer in Durweston, who was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours, for services to International Trade and the Creative Industries.

Recruitment

Can your firm offer youngsters virtual work experience? Dorset employers are being asked if they could provide virtual work experience for youngsters. Dorset Careers Hub, delivered by Dorset LEP in partnership with BCP Council and Dorset

Council, is asking local businesses to provide virtual work experiences for the region’s young people in a move to ensure future talent in Dorset’s key industries. As covid and technology change the way businesses

operate, and with many regional businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting local staff with the skills and qualifications they need, skills gaps at a county level are holding the local economy back.

Dorset Careers Hub is working towards a solution with SpeakersForSc hools to deliver the virtual work experience programme. But first, businesses need to volunteer. Email laura.bush@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Great time to shop locally By Jacqui Wragg of Sturbiz Unlike the lockdown earlier this year, almost all our local businesses are still able to trade and we have listed them at sturminsternewton.org.uk. Whatever you need you’re sure to find it here. The doors may be closed, but this long list shows how many still operate. Your custom is needed more than ever. Shop Local. Restrictions didn’t prevent the arrival of the troughs and baskets for the new town winter planting scheme and neither will it stop the festive decorating preparations. We are planning to have all the Christmas trees ready and lit by Wednesday, December 2 and we invite EVERYONE to join in and be a part of “Light Stur up for Father Christmas – make Stur sparkle….”. Community participation is key here, just as it was for the Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkin Festival earlier this year. Share your photos and videos on the Facebook site.

Water, Waste Water & Civil Engineers requires a

360° Excavator Operator You will be based at the Company premises in Dinton. We are looking for an experienced 360° (13 tonne and below) excavator operator to work on our local projects installing drainage and water systems. Your previous experience will have covered the use of temporary works equipment including trench boxes and hydraulic bracing equipment. Our portfolio extends to design and installation of waste water treatment and pumped systems from domestic to commercial level so being able to work with levels is an advantage. You will be health & safety conscious and will work to company standards at all times, maintaining our reputation for quality. 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. Application forms must be completed in full and returned with your CV by the 4th December 2020. 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 is an equal opportunities employer. 55

Business

ARE YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS ON COURSE? Contact us for a pension review.

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

30 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 830730 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

Recruitment Relief Milker required for 1 or 2 days per week near Buckland Newton. 150 pedigree Holsteins, 18:18 Herringbone, Good rate. Phone Nick 07980293417 CLEANING SERVICES OFFERED Please call 01258 860136 Half day a week general farm help: chainsaw work, fencing, spraying. Please ring - 01747 840 895 (Bourton area)

SITUATIONS WANTED

DTR Urgently Require Experienced Roof Tilers, Groundworkers, Multi-Trade & Labourers for immediate start. Guaranteed work x5 days a week. Weekly Pay, Transport provided during working day. Email/Call today if you'd like to join us! Email: office@deantevershamroofing.co.uk Tel: 01258 455428

Two self-employed professional lady carers with 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, available for all aspects of care from personal to more advanced. References, insurance & CRB checked. Call Sarah & Natasha on 01258 269654

Local Carer available. 15 miles radius of Shaftesbury. Fully qualified, Great References, Reliable and committed, Call 07809 206782

Agricultural Buildings and Groundworks

PROBATE SOLICITOR able to provide expert help remotely during lockdown. I can also help with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Fixed fees and free initial enquiry, so you don't have to worry. Call: 01308 424 808 or email: christine@ winterbornelegal.co.uk

Dorchester area, full/part time. Experience in steel fixing, roofing, groundworks and concrete laying preferred. Must be selfmotivated, reliable, willing to learn with full UK driving licence. Call Alex on 07814 509233 to discuss further.

An experienced tractor driver, rates of pay depend on experience, nr Todber, call 07860 236545.

PT 9hrs-15hr week. Diary/ email management, general admin Tel 07809129868 Email countylawnsandtrees@gmail.com

Admin Assistant

PART TIME ARCHIVIST REQUIRED Shaftesbury area, to sort and classify family archives, papers, photographs etc. Refs essential. Please email CV to gardener1948@yahoo.com General Plumber/Bathroom Fitter, Must be reliable, Good rates of pay, must have own transport and PL Insurance, immediate start - 07946 396912

N$O,*&$A4"/0$04#&$%4*$$ *&(1.&-/1,'$3,*&$1-$?1''1-70,# !" #$%&'()*+,-*"./0123" 41)15)"/67"819823"*..*+514*" 16.*+51:6"+:65-:2" 0*/),-*)

K"L/-+8"IJIJ

!" ;*)17*651/2"<"7*0*651/" +/-*".-:0"/"6:5(.:-(=-:.15" +8/-153 !" >/.*23"/70155169"6*?" -*)17*65)"58-:,98":,-" @))1)1"@701))1:6)"A2/6B" =-:417169"+:0.:-5B" -*/)),-/6+*"<"/")/.*" =2/+*"5:"*6C:3"21.*

!"#$%&&'($)&*+$(,%&$,-.$/0&$%,#1'+$0,)&$2&,3&$ 4%$#1-.$5-461-7$(0&$1($8&1-7$6&''$3,*&.$%4*9$ :170'+$*&34##&-.&.9 '/,985*-":."D*-6"E-::F"G:79*"-*)17*65"("H,23"IJIJ

#:65/+5",)"5:7/3"5:")**"8:?"?*"+/6"8*2="+-*/5*"/"6*?"8:0*".:-"3:,":-"/"2:4*7":6*

;&*-$<*445$=4.7&>$;&*-$<*445$=,-&>$?1''1-70,#>$@4*(&/$$ABC$DE@$ FGHDH$CIDFJF$$$K$$$1-%4L3,*&M(4"/09349"5$$$K$$$3,*&M(4"/09349"5$ 57

Recruitment

Expanding dairy factory seeking the By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A Shaftesbury factory has won a £750,000 grant to expand – nearly a century after the family started making clotted cream on a kitchen stove. In the 20s and 30s the Highnam family was in Somerset, with no electricity or running water, making clotted cream by scalding the milk on the farmhouse range and skimming the cream off. One of the Highnam brothers moved to Kington Magna in the 30s and the die was set for a business which has provided employment for a growing number of people in the Vale. The firm now employs 130 people and its annual turnover is in the tens of millions – a huge success story to be celebrated in these gloomy times. The firm is still family owned, and now they have plans for a £2m expansion, which will see them employ another 32 people. Engineers, technicians and apprentices will be sought from early next year – though finance and HR director Vaughan Heard says the door is always open to people keen to work there: “We’re always open to CVs,” he said. The plans include major advances in technology that will allow the firm to seek major contracts and expand on existing ones. Those plans can forge ahead from January thanks to £750,000 in funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) – one of the last chunks of EU funding to be awarded before we leave the bloc. Mr Heard said: “This is really hopeful and really 58

FAMILY AFFAIR: Jim Highnam, right, with his father Chris, left, and grandfather Jack, centre, and, below, the BV Dairy at Shaftesbury

positive, given the year we’ve had. We’re eternally grateful to the RDPE.” For BV, the move is incredibly exciting news – as it is for Shaftesbury itself. Mr Heard says he is particularly pleased talented youngsters who would once have had to move away for work can find opportunities in their home town. He’s keen to ‘upskill’ existing workers and seek new talent locally. All this is a far cry from when William ‘Jack’ Highnam bought Dairy House Farm on Church Hill in Kington Magna in the late 30s.

After the Second World War, Jack took advantage of the suspension in rationing and was one of the first people to get a licence to sell cream. He sold his creams at stores along the A303 and soon added hotels and restaurants to his clientele. Jack and wife Audrey soon took over the running of Lower Caggypole Farm in Buckhorn Weston and sold milk branded Highnam’s Dairy. They bought out Gillingham Dairies, then in 1948 they moved to Old Rectory Farm, still in Kington Magna. In 1958, having sold their dairy herd, Jack and one of

his sons, Christopher, formed Blackmore Vale Farm Cream Ltd, which went on to win first prize at the Royal London Dairy Show in 1965. By that time they employed 20 staff in production, packing and distribution and deliveries were made by unrefrigerated vehicles. Healthy living sparked a move in the mid-80s, with a clamour for low-fat dairy products and BV moved to its current site at Wincombe Lane in Shaftesbury. Jim Highnam, the current MD, is the third generation of Highnam at BV Dairy. He is overseeing the expansion.

Recruitment

cream of the crop after £750k grant DAIRY THROUGH THE YEARS: BV moved from Kington Magna

Farm Operations Manager required to cover maternity leave An exciting opportunity for an operations manager has arisen to cover a year’s maternity leave in our farm office! A farming background is essential as we provide veterinary services to dairy, beef, sheep, goat, alpaca, and pig farms in North Dorset, Somerset and Wilts. The successful candidate must have strong leadership qualities. They must know how to listen, respond, and problem-solve with solid solutions. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to chat in a friendly manner with everyone! The successful candidate will be required to work at least 4 days a week and 1 Saturday morning in 5 and will work alongside 5 other office staff,13 farm vets and 4 veterinary technicians. Applications should be made to the practice manager Justine Turnbull via email justine@friarsmoorvets.co.uk by Friday 4th December 2020

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

It’s clear BV intends to remain a close-knit family firm, despite huge advances in technology and staff numbers. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the rural community,” says Mr Heard. “We’ll be increasing training and upskilling our existing staff and looking for the best of the bunch to offer apprenticeships early next year.” The preparation of the site will start in January, with the building going up in June/July.

Recruitment will start around February. “We need to become more technologydriven,” says Mr Heard. The new gadgets and gizmos will be a million miles from the clotted cream production that was the Highnam family’s first steps on the ladder to their dairy dynasty. Mr Heard joked: “There’ll be lights flashing everywhere – hopefully in all the right places.” n For more details, see bvdairy.co.uk

General Plumber/ Bathroom Fitter, Must be reliable, Good rates of pay, must have own transport and PL Insurance, immediate start - 07946 396912

Finance and HR director Vaughan Heard and below, BV’s first prize at the Royal London Dairy Show in 1965

Urgent – Flexible Full/Part-time Quality & Office Administrator required for small, friendly business in Winterborne Stickland. You must be proactive, highly organised, have excellent communication skills and ideally have quality experience. Salary dependent on experience. To apply please email your CV to gregt@thaymed ical.com by 30th November.

Full time office person required to run busy office. Must be proficient in Sage accounts and Sage payroll packages. Able to do invoicing and VAT returns as well as general office duties. Minimum AAT level 3 qualified, 3 years’ experience in a similar role and 2 years minimum recent payroll experience. Hours 8am to 5pm Send your CV with notice period required to: office@valecoaches. com

MERE SCHOOL Year 2 Teaching Assistant An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified, experienced and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to work in our Year 2 class. You will be working as part of a happy, friendly and motivated team. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. Mere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please contact Mrs Hyde on 01747 860515 admin@mere.wilts.sch.uk for details. Closing date noon, 4th December’20

Puzzles Arrow words

Crossword 1

Move around freely (4,3,2)

Overseas

Developing

Ovum

Diva’s solo

Twelfth night visitors

Encipher

7 8

Genuine

Stupid

11 The self

Vinegar, eg

Seaweed jelly

12 14 15

Dutch cheese

Rappel

17 Poem

Arm joint

Years ago

Spot

20 22 24

23 College

‘Far out!’

Wordsearch Onomatopoeic Words

K O N I I I B I C O C L I N A

BANG BEEP COO FIZZ FLUTTER HICCUP HUM KNOCK

O W K B U B P O H A P S O M B

L Z M O U P H M O I U S U O U

B U E S U R C T I M L Q Z A E

H E S C L A I O E A M M Z P N

K E C Q T O F B T K O P A Z E

I I P H M G S L B K C W E F B

H H N Z S N O H I I O O S A A

MIAOW MOO OINK QUACK RIBBIT SLOSH SNIP ZAP

I U K T Z G U B K I T H N F N

P T A Z C N E E A O A H C K G

N W I K T U C O C P P U U L B

S F P E S L O F S Z R K G Q A

O B E E P I O Z F L U T T E R

Across 1 Illness (7) 5 At a distance (4) 8 Copy and ___ (5) 9 Mode (7) 11 Vinegar, for example (4) 12 Tries (8) 15 Building remains (5) 16 Behaved (5) 19 Synonym books (8) 21 Observation (4) 23 Mediterranean island (7) 25 Musical performance (5) 26 Founder of the Holy Roman Empire (4) 27 Moral (7)

Outside; unenclosed (4,3)

Casually

T N I P A K Z K N C I I K C T

Arid

Hidden

H E O B F E U Z A S Z N T I K

Sink

Narrow valley

Youthful and fresh

Sudoku

3 6

1 9 3 6 5 9 6 4

5 1 2 3 7 9 4 1

Down 2 Association (9) 3 Observes (4) 4 Security (6) 5 Remains of a fire (3) 6 Concerning (5) 7 Say words (5) 10 Rough drawing (6) 13 Strange events (9) 14 Not just (6) 17 Away from school without permission (6) 18 Juridical (5) 20 Shape associated with love (5) 22 Mongolian and Chinese desert (4) 24 Lennon’s Yoko (3)

For the solutions turn to page 67

2 9 8 3 2 6 6 5

2 3 5 7 8

Brain chain RESULT

×1/2

+44

-49

×1/3

Puzzles (for cleverclogs) Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

4 9 5

3 2 5 3 7

8 9 2

7 4 1

9 2

5 9

1 6

5 7

5 7 7

6 5

1 7

8 9 8 1

9 6

21×

17+

120×

Across 1 Keep for future use place out of traffic? (3-2) 4 Person offering information in spring (6) 10 Unusual zeal I bet with Henry and Tudor queen (9) 11 Exercise shown by American with energy (3) 12 Turkish governor seen in stop as haven (5) 13 Article is about second academic composition (6) 14 Deem modern ground containing first in catering? It’s given high approval (11) 18 Drink first pair swapped? That’s a possibility (6) 20 Time to withdraw useless body of soldiers (5) 23 Indicate vocal disapproval of endless literary creation (3) 24 Vain Dane moved around college beforehand (2,7) 25 Take in sailor close to this circle (6) 26 Enthusiasm among fieriest romantics (5)

Down 2 British novelist supported by son is wrong (5) 3 Word of support about a duke in swaggering display (7) 5 Church surrounded by valuable material in pale colour (5) 6 Usual course containing tips for illustration (7) 7 Smooth English archdeacon (4) 8 Lure agency worker over end of contract (5) 9 Male’s intent confused and affected by emotion? (11) 15 Puts to work revolutionary writer over stratagems (7) 16 Indigenous types dressed in a vest (7) 17 Overturn leading group (5) 19 French company in Ireland with a less friendly outlook (5) 21 One who has miserable experience first off (5) 22 A graduate touring Belgium in pop group (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro instructions 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.

12+

21×

25+

12×

11+

14+

11+

42×

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

4×

432×

144×

21+

7 3

13+

960×

Killer Sudoku Pro

54×

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

360×

8 2 7

Jumbo 3D Sudoku instructions

19+

2 4

9 3

1 2

8 7

1 6

120

×5/6

-80%

+61

-46

+20%

13+

12+

48×

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. 61

MPs’ round-up

I’d rather not back further restrictions In my last column, I attempted to give a very brief summary of the kaleidoscope of activities in Westminster over the previous month. I’m conscious that – now more than ever – a week is not only a long time but a small eternity in politics, but at the time of writing, there was only one decision monopolising the attention of every MP over the last fortnight – the vote to reintroduce national restrictions to contain the transmission rate of covid-19. That vote was one of the most consequential we have seen for decades, and I was conscious, in making my decision, of the enormous impact it would have on the economy, jobs in our area, mental health and the texture of our everyday lives. When faced with whether or not to grant the government the power to lock us down again, I sought to balance a passionatelyheld belief in individual freedom against the grave counsel offered by Public Health England, the Chief Medical Officer, the NHS and SAGE.

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton It is the job of those bodies to advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet as to the level of transmission and the consequent risk to public health and the fabric of the NHS. They gave a direct recommendation – that the only way to arrest the spread of covid was through imposing a new set of national restrictions. This is something we all desperately wished to avoid. The three-tier system was, indeed, designed to mitigate against just this risk. But like Germany,

France, Belgium and other European countries, we have found ourselves in a position where this seemed imperative. I’m aware the statistical evidence for this fresh lockdown is contested. Like, I’m sure, all of you, I’ve been following the data extremely closely and know that the infection rate is, for the moment, now falling again. I know too the direst projections provided by the CMO don’t tally with the situation as we see it. But these truths do not confer the right for the government simply to ignore or reject the very clear scientific advice they’ve been given. I know that this fresh lockdown has already been met with widespread discontent. Over the course of the first lockdown, my constituency team and I faced an unprecedented amount of casework from those in real distress, grappling with the fact that their businesses, relationships and lives had been radically compromised. Before the vote on Wednesday, I spoke to ministers and Number 10 to make my concerns clear.

My support for this lockdown was predicated upon it being strictly time-limited and upon the need for a further parliamentary vote for any suggested extension. Unless we see a truly dramatic worsening of the situation, I would be extremely reluctant to support any extension of these new restrictions. I was, of course, delighted to see the Chancellor extend the furlough scheme and other measures of financial support through to March. But I’m keen to ensure this is not a tacit admission that further lockdowns are seen as inevitable or any way desirable. Thinking about power, the Roman poet Juvenal tried to square the political circle by asking: “Who will watch the watchers?” And over the next few week and months – as we wait for phial after phial of the new vaccine to drop off the production line – I’ll be seeking to do just that – to scrutinise, on your behalf, those in whose hands our safety and economy rest and ensure that both are protected.

I’ve been scrutinising National Trust’s version of history This week I led a debate in Westminster Hall on the future of the National Trust, in this its 125th anniversary. We all love the Trust but many of us worry about recent events. I live a mile from one of the National Trust’s big attractions, Stourhead, and BVM’s catchment has several trust properties. It is an important institution for us and the local economy. Readers may be aware of the furore surrounding some of the organisation’s recent actions and statements. Of particular concern are leaked plans to sack curators, close smaller houses and the report into slavery and colonialism. 62

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison The report is a badly contextualised gazetteer, conflating colonialism and slavery and painting a partial picture of people and properties covered –

including Churchill and his house, Chartwell. Publishing such a document gave the appearance that the trust was intentionally pushing an agenda, an impression supported by a series of leaked – but subsequently disowned – documents which point towards a re-purposing of the organisation contrary to its statutory functions. The Charity Commissioner too appears to have been sufficiently concerned to write to the trust for an explanation. Contrast to the English Heritage 2013 report ‘Slavery and the British Country House’, which does not imply that slavery and colonialism are the same evil and does not curl its upper

lip at figures like Churchill, who, let’s remember, led Europe against tyranny, racism, slavery and antiSemitism. The trust has almost 6m members, lots of money and receives a lot of public funding – albeit indirectly. For the same reason the state doesn’t promote an ‘official history’, the trust shouldn’t push its own worldview. The trust must return to its role as a mediating institution, a de-politicised space and a bastion of civil society. I am glad the minister shared some of my concerns and welcomed the scrutiny. We will be keeping a close eye on the trust moving forward.

MPs’ round-up

Let’s never forget how we rely on military November is the month of All Souls, when we remember and pray for those we knew and loved who have died. As the weather turns, and the landscape decays, it almost forces a sombre air. The pinnacle of remembrance is of course the events and services and The Cenotaph and village and town memorials to those who have fallen in war, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. While Remembrance Sunday was very different this year I do not believe I am alone in thinking that the scaled back national commemoration seemed more significant this year due to its simplicity and quiet dignity. While we remember those of our military who have died, and those who live on with both physical and mental scars, I can never but reflect on the debt we owe those who today put on an uniform, prepared to defend us, and

MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare our values to, when necessary, the death. When we are often faced with the question, some people believe it to be rhetorical, ‘what makes/ defines/marks out Britain today’ I always believe it is our military. Our forces are seen, across the world, as exemplars of best practice, quiet dignity and the personification of service.

They do not just defend our country and the values we believe are important to us, but they carry those values overseas with their work in nation building, military training, humanitarian and aid work. Speak to anyone involved with government overseas and the conversation usually turns to their respect and admiration for UK forces. As a nation we should be proud of all that they do. Three domestic examples I believe highlight the status and respect for our military. Back in the summer when Lockdown release resulted in the facilities at Lulworth being put under unbearable strain, councillors and council staff tried to turn people away. Often they were, unforgivably, ignored. When a few soldiers were drafted in to man the gates things changed and people frankly did as they were asked. When a Brigadier took

part in a recent No10 covid press briefing to explain how the military was delivering mass covid testing in Liverpool the mood was one of relief; the knowledge that the job would be done calmly, professionally and well. When the Herculean task of delivering Nightingale hospitals in double quick time presented itself we turned to our miltary, and they got the job done with little fanfare or recognition. We declare on and around the 11th day of the 11th month: ‘we will remember them’. The phrase of course means that we will never allow ourselves to forget the sacrifice and service but, the use of the word ‘will’ can suggest something to be done in the future. I often think we should say, and pray, ‘we do, we will and we will always remember them’. Let us, in north Dorset, pledge to do that each and every day.

Mistaken identity, Remembrance and the environment In case anyone was worried I was having a wobble, I should first of all just clarify that ‘my’ column printed in the last edition was actually Simon Hoare’s words and not mine. There was a publishing error and the headline didn’t represent my view at all - so I’ll hopefully put that right this week! My position on meals for children during school holidays is on my website at chrisloder.co.uk/families which includes the detail of the latest support for families this winter and school holidays in 2021. November of course is a month of Remembrance. I did my duty as the MP for West Dorset by not only taking part in acts of Remembrance across the constituency, but in also laying a wreath at the

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder Sherborne war memorial, and at other town memorials including in my home parish of Folke. But attending the Cenotaph on Armistice Day to lay a wreath, and privately attending the grave

of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey was a very moving experience. In doing so, I hope that I will have expressed your will, especially given there are so many from West Dorset who would have liked to travel to London for this occasion but were unable to do so because of the lockdown. I was appalled by the disrespectful protest by Extinction Rebellion activists at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day and you may have already read in the press that I felt it my personal duty to remove their political statement, which I did. This stunt was a shocker and I’m afraid only does the climate change cause harm in itself. On the subject of the environment, I have recently co-sponsored of the Plastic Pollution Bill, to help

combat the damage caused by single-use plastics in particular, and I am also considering plastics-related amendments to the Environment Bill. As you read this column, we will be half-way through a second national lockdown and I appreciate what a very challenging time this is for our communities and local businesses. This period of national restriction will end on December 2 and I hope all our sacrifices will, by then, allow some normality during Advent. As we approach Christmas, I have been lobbying, as I did during the spring, for church services to be allowed to continue as soon as possible and I shall hopefully be playing the organ again this year at a carol service – fingers crossed! 63

Arts & Entertainment

The show goes on... After all these By Anya Noakes Shaftesbury’s thriving arts centre is housed in the old covered market in the centre of the Saxon hilltop town. The iconic Gold Hill and the ruins of the once mighty Shaftesbury Abbey lie at its very heart, its magnificent views inspiring artists, writers, musicians and pilgrims for centuries. Poet and novelist Thomas Hardy was fascinated by Shaston: “The city of a dream… one of the queerest and quaintest spots in England… breezy and whimsical.” Shaftesbury became a busy market town, connecting London and Falmouth, and traders needed a market hall. In 1855 Richard Grosvenor provided one, its entrance through elegant iron gates on the High Street, another entrance in Bell Street, which is now the Shaftesbury Arts Centre. When General Augustus PittRivers built extravagant pleasure gardens at the Larmer Tree, locals attended summer picnics while tourists flocked to Shaftesbury. Travellers looking for overnight accommodation on market days found it in the less salubrious, overcrowded houses on Gold Hill and along St James. This changed in 1919 with the famous “Sale of Shaftesbury”. The Talking Pictures had arrived and with them a cinema. The Palace Picture House stood at the bottom of the High Street but was demolished in 1925. The Savoy Cinema opened on Bimport in 1933. In austerity ridden post-war Britain, it was clear that Shaftesbury needed a permanent organisation to encourage people to take part 64

GRAND RE-OPENING: The cast of production of The Sleeping Monk from 1957

FROM THE PAST: A crowded Gold Hill in 1905, the High Street in 1920 with the Palace Picture House and, below, the Savoy Cinema in 1940. Right: The arts centre today

in cultural life. The Shaftesbury and District Arts Club was born. Their ambitious first offering was staged in the Savoy Cinema. Performers included Zuilmah Hopkins (soprano),

Sybil Willey (contralto) and Sydney Snape (baritone). Drama, music and camera groups followed and the club arranged its first Art Exhibition at The Town Hall. They needed a home.

Local architect Eric Stevens suggested purchasing the empty Upper Market Hall in Bell Street, secured in 1952 for the grand sum of £750. Donations came from Miss Belfield’s Chalke Valley School of Dancing, the Drama Group agreed to stage at least four productions a year and other members went all out to raise funds with sales of artwork, bridge drives, concerts, exhibitions and raspberry teas. Volunteers were drafted in

Arts & Entertainment

years, town’s arts in the right place

CELEBRATION TIME: The grand re-opening in November 1957

MAKING HEADLINES: The disastrous fire in June 1965 and, right, a scene from Toad of Toad Hall from June 1967 and, right, publicity posters through the years

and timber flooring and doors were obtained from a manor house. Tradesmen helped readily with advice, concrete mixers, wheelbarrows and tools. The conversion took four and a half years to complete. The Old Market Playhouse had its Grand Opening in November 1957 with soldout performances of The Sleeping Monk. In 1965, plans to improve the playhouse were sent in for approval, but disaster struck.

In the early hours of June 24, 1965, a catastrophic fire broke out and ravaged the centre. You can still see a fire damaged beam over the emergency exit doors as a reminder. Members sorted

through the debris, salvaging where possible - although luckily the building was well insured. Two years later on June 3, 1967, the centre reopened. The drama group’s first

Christmas production was Toad of Toad Hall. Since then, more than 50 Christmas shows and pantomimes have been staged. Over the ensuing years there have been major improvements. In 2013 the adjacent shop was converted into the art gallery and the dance studio was unveiled in October 2019. The arts centre is a hub of activity, with music and drama groups, poetry, art classes, a burgeoning film society, a host of workshops and a plethora of health and beauty offerings. The centre houses events for the phenomenally successful Shaftesbury Fringe Festival and will do for the inaugural Shaftesbury Literary Festival next year. The Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival draws in visitors from across the globe - and starred in BBC One’s Countryfile just weeks before the first coronavirus lockdown. The art gallery showcases the talents of many artists, drawing inspiration from an area that has always held a fascinating allure. Shaftesbury Arts Centre can’t wait to welcome you all through its doors again. “Despite the recent setbacks, in the spirit of the arts centre, plans are already in place for the future. “When possible, The Gallery will reopen and a programme of recorded theatre performances and films awaits, including Warhorse, Fleabag, Summerland and The Bolshoi Ballet’s Nutcracker, whilst Zoom rehearsals for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are underway in the hope that it can be staged at the end of January.” The show must go on! 65

Arts & Entertainment

Exhibition focuses on heroes of the NHS North Dorset venues are being sought to host a special exhibition paying tribute to heroes of the NHS. A photographic exhibition at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester called Unmasked is a project by photographer Andy Scaysbrook, journalist Emma Pittard and designer John Nesbitt. The project reveals and celebrates the faces of health workers fighting the battle against covid-19 in Dorset. A spokesman said: “We clapped for them every Thursday but we didn’t see their faces... In hospitals and medical centres across Dorset - and the nation their identities have been hidden behind masks and gowns and gloves. “Unmasked” is a project inspired by the fact that, to

OUR HEROES: Fairouz Farag and Mohamed Abbas

fight this invisible enemy, our healthcare heroes have made themselves invisible, too, in a way.” A series of portraits by

photographer Andy Scaysbrook reveals and celebrates faces on the front line in Dorset. Together with journalist

Emma Pittard and graphic designer John Nesbitt, Andy shines a light on many of the men and women behind the masks. A book containing more photographs and full stories is in production, to raise funds for local NHS charities and to serve as a permanent record of these times. Arts in Hospital Advisor at Dorset County Hospital, Suzy Rushbrook said: “Art has an enormous impact on health and wellbeing and this is something people are becoming increasingly aware of, making collaborative projects like this invaluable.” A full gallery of the exhibition images is available to view at andyscaysbrook.com/andy scaysbrook-unmasked.

Fingers crossed for re-opening of David Hall All being well, The David Hall performing arts centre in South Petherton will reopen in early December and Petherton Arts Trust will present its planned programme of live and streamed events. n Chris While and Julie Matthews – Virtual Tour 2020 Saturday, December 5 at 7.30pm Exclusive to The David Hall, While and Matthews are bringing their tour to your living room where you can watch along with your regular concert-goers and share a unique performance. The concert will be performed in two halves from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a short interval in the middle. Each ticket purchased will buy a private YouTube link to the live performance, which will be sent the day before the concert. 66

Tickets are offered on an ‘honesty’ basis so we kindly ask that, if more than one family member is watching the concert on the same device, you buy tickets for each person, as you would if you were attending a live concert together. Tickets are £15 from whileandmatthews.com nRichard Digance Christmas Tour Saturday, December 12, 3pm and 8pm Richard Digance ends his final year of touring with two very special live Christmas shows for grown-ups who still believe… Enjoy an afternoon - or evening - of festive merriment and audience participation to celebrate the end of Richard’s over 50 years of touring up and down the country without Santa’s magical sleigh! Each show will have up to

48 tickets allocated. Tickets: £15.50 / £14.50 from thedavidhall.org.uk nChristmas Coffee Morning Wednesday, December 16 @ 10am Pop into The David Hall for a cup of real coffee and a chat - and perhaps a mince pie? Entry is free. nPetherton Picture Show presents: The Personal History of David Copperfield (PG) Friday, December 18 8pm A modern take on Charles Dickens’s classic tale of a young orphan who is able to triumph over many obstacles. Stars: Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton. Tickets: £5. Available from thedavidhall.org.uk Tickets are limited and sales will close at 3pm on the day. nAcoustic Night @ The David Hall Saturday December 19, 7.30 pm

Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging more local performers of all genres to come to The David Hall and perform on a professional stage. This is an evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety – and it doesn’t cost the earth - just £2 for audience members and £1 for performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting. All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance. Everyone has the opportunity to deliver for 10 – 15 minutes with full PA and lighting. If you would like to attend Acoustic Night as a performer or audience member please e-mail: Chris Watts at folk@chriswatts.org or call 07715 501157. Payment on the door.

Arts & Entertainment Once a vice president for a big American software company, newly published author Anna Hayward, who writes under the name of Anna Charles, has had held life-long dream to turn her love of literature, travel and people into a novel. “I dreamed of being an author from the days when I sat my English A level at Gillingham Comprehensive,” says Anna. “Mr Hebditch, my English teacher at Gillingham, sparked my interest in literature. He was one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had.” Anna was born in Shaftesbury and grew up in Mere. Since the age of 18, she has travelled the world and lived in many countries, including the US, Germany, Amsterdam and now Switzerland. And now, nine years in the making and six rewrites later, the former Gillingham school pupil has penned her first novel – A Thin Line. It was during Anna’s three- year stint in Amsterdam working for a US software company when she discovered The Resistance Museum. “One tiny paragraph about ‘The Crèche’ on Plantage Middenlaan was the seed for my book,” she says. “I read every article I could find on the subject, then broadened my research to other key incidents and locations

NOVEL APPROACH: Anna with her debut novel A Thin Line

Anna’s novel is a labour of love around the city. I’ve visited Amsterdam a few times over the past few years and used each trip as an opportunity to do more research.” Anna started writing at 25. She said: “I got many chapters in, but it never got completed. This continued off and on for quite a few years - starting projects, pausing them, going back to them… fitting everything around work but I never got to the point where any of my writing felt ‘right’. “Looking back, none of those

stories compelled me enough to be willing to put in the work!” That was until that tiny paragraph inspired a story line that held Anna captive.

A Thin Line tells the tale about Amélie Janssen’s struggle between collaboration and resistance in 1940s Amsterdam and her granddaughter’s quest for truth seventy years later. Anna explained: “It may sound trite, but I do want to be the best version of myself. It’s so easy to start things, but so much harder to finish. I walked away from my book a number of times, telling myself I was “too busy” to work on it. But those were just excuses. I decided to get tougher on myself and find a way to make it happen. “There’s an old saying that life is stranger than fiction. I have always been a bit of a people watcher and see possibility for stories all around me. I am absolutely fascinated by what makes people tick.” A Thin Line is being produced in audio and once finished, Anna will start her next story. “I’m currently in the research phase and it’s a lot of fun!” nThe Thin Blue Line by Anna Charles is available at amazon.co.uk.

Dorset singer on new album The Nick Ross Orchestra has released a new album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London and featuring Dorset singer Sam Merrick. Many years before the Beatles stepped onto the world’s most famous zebra crossing, Glenn Miller made his last known recording at London’s Abbey Road Studios on Monday, 27 November 1944, just a few short weeks before he “disappeared” on December 15 of that same year. It was especially poignant for the Nick Ross Orchestra to step

into those same studios to record their new album almost 75 years later. The album features Dorset born jazz singer Sam Merrick, who has been touring with the band across the UK for the last six years and back in 2017 brought his own show to the ‘Night Air’ Stage with the Nick Ross Orchestra as part of the Bournemouth Air Festival. Due out November 20 and released on ‘Montpellier Records’. Order at nickrossorchestra .com or on your digital store of choice from November 20. 67

Letters

So much of interest in new magazine Although I have read and used the BVM since moving to Dorset in 2000, I frankly often found little of interest in it and spent only a few minutes scanning through it every week. My complaint now is that there is so much of interest in the new fortnightly version that reading it is taking up too much of my time! Seriously though, I am so impressed with the quality and variety of the content. Congratulations on producing such an excellent publication in difficult circumstances. Michael Sumpster n Just to say how good it is to have the BV back again. It is an excellent publication and it’s great to have it in the old format. Good luck to you all. Juliet Cooper Donhead St Andrew n Dear Editor I thoroughly enjoyed north Dorset MP, Simon Hoare’s article about his ‘firm’ message regarding the vote on free school meals for disadvantaged children. (Accidentally placed under west Dorset MP Chris Loder’s byline – apologies – Ed) Essentially, he was so firmly against the policy of his own party, that he …erm…. abstained on the vote? Feel free to explain further, Simon. I’m a little confused over your Orwellian ‘doublethink’. I wonder how strongly he’d have to feel to actually vote against the proposal. Ah, I see the problem. A cynic would, doubtless, wrongly, say he was perhaps more concerned with his own advancement within his party than with disadvantaged kids. Aside from this hilarity, great mag – and your headline for 68

There once was a vicar from Gillingham... I hope you might publicise my current project for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal. Inspired by my neighbour Anne Kings’ efforts with her book Button Cottage Lockdown, I’ve produced an illustrated book of limericks. Each book costs about £1 to print and another £1 to post. Any donation above those figures will go to the Stars Appeal for Salisbury District Hospital. To arrange collection or posting I can be contacted by phone on 01747 833734 or by email at c.b.marsh10@gmail.com. Revd Colin Marsh Gillingham Hoare’s article was genius. Keep up the good work. Andy Palmer Mappowder n First, Congratulations on our fantastic magazine back. My partner is related to Julie Bennett, (Stardom for blind gran in TV ad, P1). She is such a inspirational lady – nothing gets in her way. When we get down or miserable in these lockdown days just give a thought to Julie and how she has turned her life around. We all love her. Jenny Lucas n Having just returned from several weeks In France I have just picked up my first “hard copy“ of the magazine. I expected it would be a few pages of content. However, with over 90 pages it shows

the hunger from your advertisers and readers for local news and advertising content. I should say that being in the middle of two weeks lockdown it will be read avidly! I wish you well. Roy Roberts Okeford Fitzpaine n With the lockdown we were deprived of our voice but now, thanks to BV, we have our forum back. We were sold (but had no choice in the matter) the merger of Dorset Councils on the basis of economies of scale and costs reductions. Since then, council tax bills have increased. Although limited to 3.95% for 20/21,a rise of 7.4% was imposed for 19/20. From what I could gather at

the time, we were levelling up to Bournemouth and coastal towns, who of course benefit from far greater facilities than ourselves. In East Stour, we have little street lighting or footpaths and no traffic calming measures or traffic lights with the A30, in a village that, at times, resembles a race track. Neither do we have adequate public transport, unlike Bournemouth. The increased parking charges reported by BV last week are another example of ‘levelling’ up. Maximising income should not be an immediate objective in these times when local businesses are struggling to survive and have maintained, in many instances, a magnificent service during this current period. Councillor Ray Bryan needs to get out more, but not, I would suggest, to a Bournemouth beach, where so many of the latest infections may have arisen, judging by the number of covid patients in hospital in a region that is still relatively safe and responsible. Jeremy Bloomfield, East Stour n Determined not to be defeated by the wretched covid my village set about looking outside the box to find a way to commemorate our thanks, in a positive way to the millions of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I may have the opportunity of freely writing to this remarkable magazine and expressing my thoughts. The very idea that Remembrance Sunday might be cancelled filled me with horror and the very thought hurt as much as suggesting we postpone Christmas – a ludicrous idea. We had a very moving service at the village cross, with just a

Letters handful of people present laying wreaths and planting crosses and saying the remarkable words and prayers, whilst Union flags were flown at half mast throughout the village with the rest of the villagers marking their respect by standing at their doorways at 11 o’clock for the two minutes’ silence. So all’s well that ends well and the freedom of speech reigns supreme! Della Jones MBE Winterborne Zelston n Are there any Subbuteo players in the Blackmore Vale area who fancy a friendly game after lockdown is over? We’d play to very simple rules and the principle would be 95% on having fun, 15% on winning (under FA rules, all football percentages have to add up to 110). If you haven’t ever played, it’s a wonderful, easy to play game. Just come along and give it a go. If you are interested please let me know on mchugh_hill@hotmail.com Geoff McHugh n It is a delight to have you back. I was reminded by your picture of red hot pokers in your last edition of something that happened during the war. My mother and a friend were discussing the naming of cows – Buttercup, Daisy... then the question came up as to what to call bull calves. “I know,” chipped in evacuee Maureen: “Red Hot Poker!” Being a small child I could not understand why all the grownups burst out laughing! A few years later the penny dropped and it has made me laugh ever since. Perhaps this will make some of your readers have a little giggle, it does me whenever I see a certain flower. Blanche Miller Semley

We found this funny little man in our potatoes, with the face already on it! My nephew is obsessed with it because it looks just like his snowman soft toy Jake Channon Stalbridge Weston

Core! Is it Jimmy? n A big "thank you" to all the people who contacted me about the article you printed about my family. I have been able to learn a lot more about the family and have had contact from someone whose mother was a Pester. I have been able to pass on this information to Di, who is delighted with the result. It was great to hear from Andrew who is a member of the Pester family. Mary Wright n With a worldwide crisis in full swing, there has been a major lull in the fundraising operations of the Sturminster Newton & Gillingham Branch of the The Royal Air Forces Association. No saturation raids on superstores. No patrols to politely knock on

n Further to Teddy the Potato picture , I had to send this Apple picture of “Jimmy Durante“ may a “peel” to older readers. Regards Jim Green Note: The editor, who was mightily confused, added the handy googly eye so readers won’t have to squint at Jim’s apple as she did, then Google Jimmy Durante...

doors for donations. No cheese festival to engage in friendly fire and, limited sorties to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Nonetheless, courageous crews initiated valuable skirmishes. Donations, gifts, sales and monies owed to us from previous victories secured over £5,000 towards the £8m spent annually on welfare for those that serve, have served and their dependents. Our heartfelt thanks go to those who willingly and generously gave. To businesses that allowed our static tins to loiter on their counters. Sadly, a well earned 48 hour pass had to be delayed to next year! C’est la vie! Ad Astra. Tony Edmunds

Corrections and clarifications From edition 4, Page 16: In an article on Anne Kings collecting pearls to raise money for the Poppy Appeal, the email address should have been annemkings2@btinternet.com and the Post Office postcode SP8 4AA. Page 59: West Dorset MP Chris Loder’s column was not written by him, but north Dorset MP Simon Hoare. He voted against free school meals, and Mr Hoare abstained. Huge apologies for the mix-up. Treewise: Many thanks to the kind soul who fielded calls for our advertiser after we got a digit wrong! 69

Church

Be gentle to yourself and others I would like to share with each and everyone who reads the BVM a letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York: To the nation 4th November 2020 Dear Friends, These are deeply challenging and difficult times for us all. When we are surrounded by fear and suffering, it can be hard to feel hopeful. This coming winter feels like it will be longer and darker than usual. There is a story in the Bible where Jesus and his disciples are caught in a storm. The disciples are understandably terrified as the wind and waves threaten to overpower them. “Why are you so afraid?”, Jesus asks. This year, we too have been caught in a storm which often feels overwhelming. And yet we can look to Jesus, in the boat with us, who calms the storm and comforts us in our fear. We are writing to share our belief that whoever you are,

and whatever you happen to believe, you are loved by God. Beyond measure. We also want you to know that we are praying for you, particularly asking that Christ’s love will comfort us, calm our fears, and lead our nation and our world through this terrible pandemic. Starting this week, we have asked every church to pray each day at 6pm. We invite you to join with us. You’ll be able to find simple resources on the Church of England website and social media channels. There are three other responses that we want to encourage everyone to consider. First, let’s be calm. By only buying what we need and not hoarding, or by reaching out to our neighbours as we did during the first lockdown, we can be stronger together in ways that are impossible if we go it alone. When things go wrong – as they always will with such complex challenges – let us look for good and right ways

forward together. Secondly, let’s be courageous. There are many reasons to be fearful at the moment, but the story of Christ calming the waves calls us to give our fears to Jesus and have faith in Him. Let us not be paralysed by fear. We will all need each other’s courage in the months to come. Thirdly, let’s be compassionate. So many of us are holding so much pain – our own and the pain of those we love. We will need to be gentle, kind and patient with each other. In the first wave we showed we are a nation of compassion and kindness. Let’s dig deep and keep that love for our neighbours strong in this second time of struggle. Even though there is much darkness around us, there are also many points of light in the weeks ahead. Soon it will be Christmas. At his birth Jesus was also called Emmanuel. It’s a word that appears in lots of carols. It means ‘God

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

Vicar in the Vale is with us’. And this is the message of Christmas: in Jesus, God is with us, sharing our darkness and our struggles, bringing comfort and joy. It is the source of our hope. As the Bible says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Let us shine in the darkness of this winter. May God bless you and keep you, and all those you love. The Most Revd & Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell , Archbishop of of York

LET US SHINE: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Puzzle solutions Crossword

Sudoku

7 5 6 8 3 4 1 9 2

9 1 2 7 6 5 4 3 8

3 8 4 9 2 1 6 5 7

6 4 3 1 5 8 2 7 9

8 7 1 2 9 6 5 4 3

2 9 5 3 4 7 8 1 6

4 3 7 6 1 2 9 8 5

1 6 8 5 7 9 3 2 4

5 2 9 4 8 3 7 6 1

Brain chain 34

D I S E S N Y P A S T E E T S A C I D K T U R U I N T F T H E S A E I M A J O R R N O T T O

A S A F E A T Y S T U R U C A N E T

E A T A I

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

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Arrow words C O E M E A N O D G O

A A M B R E A E R G I N G G O A C I G A R O D E D A E O E B L E N S B S C U R E O P E N A I D E W Y I D L

L D U M B D R Y

Education

How to help your teenagers ace their exams With 2021 examinations in doubt, how can you best help GCSE and A-Level students make the most of the situation? PG Online is a Dorset-based, independent publisher, specialising in educational materials in STEM and Computer Science for students and their teachers. After 13 years of teaching, Rob Heathcote started the company specifically to support the teaching and learning community. At this time of year he’s busier than ever with queries on preparation for revision and exams. This summer, when exams were cancelled, teachers had to rely on their professional

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

judgement and aggregated assessments. So, how does that affect teenagers in 2021? Teachers are already creating regular exam-style assessments from which to build a reliable dataset of the effort and ability of each student. Rob said: “Parents can really help their teenagers by getting them to focus on their ongoing assessments more than ever this year, even if this is a minor homework. Regular, high marks in homework and topic assessments is where it will really count. We know that getting teenagers to revise isn’t easy!

Rob says this is the time to motivate your children by learning with them. Find out which exam board your children are studying and download the course specification. It provides a perfect checklist of things they need to understand. This isn’t the year for students to coast through the course with minimal effort, with last minute cramming to try and pass the exam – however bright or confident they are. This strategy just won’t work if exams are cancelled. Revision needs to be continual and it really will help reduce household exam stress and anxiety should there be examinations in the summer.

A good revision aid can hugely impact grades and they don’t need to be expensive. Students need concise explanations with lots of well-structured, realistic exam-style questions. Materials also need brilliant visuals to peel students off the sofa and get them inspired. PG Online meet this problem head on with their new ClearRevise books. These are accessible and affordable revision guides that perfectly follow every specification point. The information is broken down into bite sized chunks with engaging designs on every page. ClearRevise guides are £8 from clearrvise.com, or from your local bookshop and Amazon.

™

ClearRevise

2.2.4

2.2.5

PLACE

Effective revision and practice books

Place considers a business’ location and the method of distribution used. This determines how the product gets to the end consumer. Methods of distribution

• • • • •

Answers provided for all questions within the books Speciﬁcation references for every topic Examination tips and techniques Hundreds of marks worth of examination style questions Illustrated topics to improve memory and recall

USING THE MARKETING MIX TO MAKE BUSINESS DECISIONS For a business to be successful, it needs to develop an integrated marketing mix as this will have an inﬂuence on a business’ competitive advantage. Each of the elements is inter-related and must complement each other.

A distribution channel is the route that a product takes from where it is manufactured to where it is sold to the end consumer. This could be direct or could involve the use of a retailer. Direct

Retailer

Direct distribution is employed by businesses who sell their product directly to the customer. This allows the producer to engage in communication with the customer so they will know if there is a problem. It also allows them to know what the needs of the customers are, so they can easily adapt their product if needed. Many e-commerce businesses will sell directly to customers via their own website.

Some manufacturers will sell their products to a retailer. A retailer acts as a ‘middleman’ who buys products from a producer in larger quantities and then sells them on for a higher price to the end consumer. The retailer is usually more convenient for a customer to visit and buy from.

E-tailer An e-tailer is an online retailer. They buy and sell goods on the Internet. Some businesses may be a retailer and an e-tailer having both physical stores and online platforms.

1. Explain one benefit to a business of using a retailer to distribute their products.

Influence of the elements

Explain one way that promotion may impact on the price element of the marketing mix. [3]

All the elements of the marketing mix will inﬂuence each other. If a business decides to produce a new, high-quality, luxury and innovative product utilising the latest technology, the product will inﬂuence the other factors in the following ways:

A business may decide to conduct free promotion using regular posts on social media rather than using TV advertising[1]. This will mean that the overall costs of the business are lower[1]. This will mean that the business can charge a lower price for its product[1].

Price: The product is likely to cost a lot to manufacture and the price will need to be set high to reﬂect this and provide a satisfactory margin.

A promotional campaign may be trying to portray an image of luxury[1] and the price of the product needs to reﬂect this[1]. Consequently, the business may use a price skimming strategy[1].

Promotion: The promotion strategies used must be appropriate given the product is of a high quality and likely to be targeted at the premium market.

[3]

Place: To uphold the product’s superior image it must be sold in suitable establishments that enhance this image. Distribution is not likely to be extensive in order to protect the luxury image.

[6]

Competitive advantage is a gain that a business has over its rivals in the market. Each of the elements of the marketing mix can help to build that competitive advantage and give a reason for a customer to buy the product of one business over another.

One beneﬁt is that customers can see the products and potentially try them[1]. This will give the customers conﬁdence that they are buying the right product[1]. Therefore, the business may make more sales than they would if they were selling them directly[1].

The marketing mix and competitive advantage 2. Discuss the benefit of e-tailing to a business. One advantage is that an e-tailer can sell to a global market[]. This is because they are selling goods on the Internet[]. This may enable them to reach many more customers than if they used physical stores[]. This could lead to increased sales and revenue[].

Order now via our website, from your local book shop or from Amazon

• A product can have unique features and be of a superior quality when compared to similar competitor products. • A business may be able to produce their product for a lower cost than any of their rivals. Therefore, they can sell it to customers for less.

Another advantage is that they do not need expensive retail locations[]. This may lead to lower ﬁxed costs since they do not need to pay to open physical stores[]. This would mean that total costs may be lower[] which would allow them to sell their products for less[].

Discover the series at www.clearrevise.com

• A business may have a very eye-catching advertising campaign that could become viral and is seen by a wide audience, leading to the business building a strong brand. • A business may have a wide distribution network meaning that their products are sold in more outlets than competitor products, allowing a business to gain more exposure. Edexcel GCSE Business 1BS0 – Section 2.2

56 ClearRevise

Dorset’s top educational publisher

Puzzle solutions Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Killer Sudoku Pro 19+

13+

21×

3 360×

54×

17+

21+

12+

432×

11+

8 42×

13+

4×

144×

11+

14+

12+

9 48×

Brain chain (Hard) 120

100

2 8 4 9 1 5 9 16 3 5 3 5 8 1 3 2 6 4 7 6 4 4 5 3 6 9 2 6 7 8 4 8 7 4 7 2 9 1 3 7 2 1 2 8 4 9 9 8 1 6 8 7 5 6 8 5 3 1 5 9 2 1 5 3 7 9 1 3 9 6 3 6 2 7 65 4 2 3 9 24 2 7 6 5 1 8 9 4 7 5 8 4 2 8 1 7 3 6 8 3 5 2 9 4 1 5 1 9 4 5 7 3 6 8 4 2 4 8 3 7 3 1 6 8 2 7 8 3 1 1 9 9 2 8 5 9 6 9 2 6 9 7 6 1 4 7 7 8 3 6 4 2 5 9 8 6 5 3 1 3 4 1 5 7 5 1 6 4 7 3 1 4 2 4 5 6 2 8 2 9 1 2 8 3 7 7 6 5 4 7 9 3 8 9 4 9 5 4 8 1 9 5 5 8 2 3 5 5 3 2 6 7 6 7 7 3 1 6 3 2 8 9 1 4 9 4 6 8 6 1 1 2 2 8 9 3 4 7 5 7

25+

12×

21×

2 120×

960×

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

Cryptic Crossword L A Y B T M R E L I Z A M S V P A S H A T D R E C O M O P T I A L C B O O I B Y E A B S O R

Y B

M O N B

S E N T I M E N T A L

S O U R C E C O V T H U S E R T N H E S I S N E N D E D A U T R O O P I W S D V A N C E E E T E S T R O

Motoring Motorbikes Wanted Non runners and Unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

John’s Caravans Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs

01747 853114

07546 548017

WANTED CAR TRAILERS ALL TYPES CONSIDERED 07736 871092

Drivers hail a milestone for A303 tunnel – By Kate Smith newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Motorists who use the A303 are breathing a sigh of relief after government transport secretary Grant Shapps agreed a £1.7bn road tunnel scheme under Stonehenge. The scheme, designed to tackle traffic bottlenecks on the major route to and from the south west, will build a two-mile stretch of dual carriageway tunnel under the site, some 50 metres from where the current stretch of road is situated. Historic England and the National Trust say diverting the road underground would enhance the site and Highways England say the scheme will return the landscape to its original

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

setting and speed up journeys. Many motorists in the Blackmore Vale have welcomed the decision. Gillingham driver Gary Dowling said: “I am a conservationist. The road is noisy, bright and a major cause of pollution. I have sat in heavy traffic next to Stonehenge more times than I care to remember. “A tunnel, if built sensitively would decrease not only traffic pollution but light pollution too and reunite Stonehenge with the natural landscape.” Anna Eavis, from English Heritage which looks after Stonehenge, said the scheme would “restore the ancient landscape” around the monument.

But, the planning inspector report, which recommended withholding consent, claimed planning permission could cause “substantial harm” to the cultural heritage, landscape and visual impact around Stonehenge. Tom Holland, the president of the Stonehenge Alliance, which launched a petition which attracted 125,000 signatures to block the scheme, described the decision as “calamitous.” There is now a six-week period in which the decision can be challenged in the High Court. Independent Land Rover specialists Parts, repairs, servicing, MoT preparation, 42 years’ experience, 01749 880817, www.nicholaspaxton.co.uk

CAR SALES

2013 (63) BMW 1 Series 1.6 116i M Sport Automatic 5dr. 136bhp, 8 speed automatic, lovely M Sport model, parking sensors, bluetooth, climate control, auto lights & wipers, 67,500 miles £10,450

2017 (17) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 180bhp, diesel, all wheel drive, sat nav, touch screen, heated leather, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, park sensors, camera, sunroof, electric tailgate, 32,100 miles £15,950

2015 (64) BMW 3 Series 330D M Sport 3.0TD Automatic 4dr. 258bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic, sat nav, leather, park sensors, adaptive suspension, Harman Kardon audio, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, 48,800 miles £15,750

2017 (67) Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi Automatic 5dr. 102bhp, petrol, automatic, sat nav, parking sensors, touch screen, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, cruise control, sign recognition, bluetooth, 13,500 miles £11,350

2018 (68) Ford Ka+ 1.2 Active 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, city & technology packs, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, speed limiter, parking sensors, touch screen, bluetooth, Active has raised ride height & exterior styling, only 850 miles £9,650

2006 (06) Jaguar S-Type 3.0V6 SE Automatic 4dr. 240bhp, petrol, automatic, sat nav, heated leather seats, electric seats, parking sensors, cruise control, air con & climate control, luxury car at an affordable price, 80,500 miles £4,950

2018 (68) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Active X 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, 1/2 leather, heated seats, touch screen, sat nav, park sensors, camera, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, sign recognition, upto 55mpg, 6,900 miles £14,500 2017 (17) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, automatic, parking sensors, multi award winning engine, auto lights & wipers, climate, cruise control, bluetooth, upto 65mpg, 33,700 miles. £9,500 2017 (17) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, automatic, cruise control, climate control, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, award winning engine, 45,500 miles £8650 2016 (66) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, partial leather, heated seats, parking sensors, reverse camera, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Free road tax, upto 65mpg, 21,000 miles £9,750 2016 (65) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium X 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, partial leather, heated seats, parking sensors, reverse camera, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Free road tax, upto 65mpg, 49,900 miles £8,250 2019 (19) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost ST Line X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, ST styling pack, 1/2 leather, heated seats, touch screen, sat nav, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, cruise control & speed limter, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, bluetooth, 12,800 miles £16,500

2002 (02) Mini Hatch Cooper 1.6 Chili 3dr. 116bhp, petrol, well kept Cooper with Chili pack, Indi Blue with White roof & mirror caps, White wheels, full leather, extensive history, MOT til July, clearance vehicle, 146,500 miles £1,250 2015 (65) Peugeot 208 1.2 Allure Automatic 5dr. 110bhp, petrol, automatic, parking sensors, touch screen, auto lights & wipers, cruise control & adjustable speed limiter, £20 a year road tax, upto 60mpg, only 13,300 miles £8,650 2015 (15) Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2.0TD 4x4 Allure Automatic SUV 5dr. 200bhp, diesel & electric hybrid, 4 wheel drive, 6 speed automatic, very high specification, FREE road tax & upto 74mpg economy, 79,900 miles £8,250 2018 (68) Renault Clio 0.9TCe GT-Line 5dr. 89bhp, petrol, sat nav, touch screen, 1/2 leather seats, cruise control & speed limiter, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, parking sensors, hill start assist, keyless entry system, 14,400 miles £9,975 2017 (67) Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRi 5dr. Petrol, air con, alloys, cruise control, touch screen, automatic lights & wipers, hill start assist, 29,500 miles £7,950 2012 (12) Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SE 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, partial leather, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, air con, alloys, cd, ipod input, automatic lights & wipers, 32,300 miles £4,950

2018 (67) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost ST Line 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, ST styling pack, multi award winning engine with more power than most 1.8’s, sat nav, touch screen, bluetooth, hill start assist, 30,800 miles £11,250

2017 (67) Vauxhall Astra 1.6CDTi Elite Nav 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, sat nav, touch screen, heated front & rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather seats, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, 58mpg economy, 82,500 miles. £8,250

2013 (63) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, multi award winning engine, more power than most 1.8 engines, appearance pack, bluetooth, £30 a year road tax & upto 56mpg economy, only 35,100 miles £6,750

2017 (17) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4T Active SUV 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, high seating position, large boot, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic lights, touch screen, bluetooth, hill start assist, 42,800 miles £9,500

Motoring

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; though alliance disagrees

Honest pricing Quality work Exceptional customer service

Sport

New chapter opens in amazing By Steve Keenan newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

After 40 years as a top-flight hockey coach, Gavin Featherstone has written a thriller with a shocking secret, drawing inspiration from his south Somerset village. Gavin played for and captained England in 42 matches at all levels before becoming a coach and taking the US and South African hockey teams to the Olympics. His career took him to many countries in Africa and Asia which feature in the book – as does life in Penselwood, near Wincanton, the village he moved to 18 months ago. The book Rhesus Positive follows the lives of the Bristowes of Bermondsey, two brothers born into the Second World War. “One married above his station and ended up in a traditional English village,” he reveals. “In the book, it’s in Sussex but a lot of it is based on Penselwood, which I find is a very traditional but cooperative village. You can walk into the front yard, buy the veg and leave the money. “There’s the village hall, no pub and walks on a Sunday. There are fanatical gardeners and riding stables: it’s a very pleasant lifestyle.” Although moving here recently, Gavin is no stranger to the area. His career took in a spell as a coach at Sherborne School: Coldplay singer Chris Martin was in his First XI in 199394. He also worked at Millfield School for a spell and lived in Wells. He was born in London in 1953 and was on the books 74

STICKING AT IT: Gavin Featherstone in action for England and, below, badges from his time with South Africa during the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and, right, with the US in Los Angeles in 1984

of Chelsea FC when he was 16. But studies got in the way and he later switched sports, reached the highest levels of hockey before a car accident prematurely ended his career, aged 27. “I made certain back then that I had some coaching qualifications,” he said.

He went abroad to learn, “to bring some fresh ideas back,” and worked in countries including the US, South Africa and Malaysia. “I wanted to see the game and major tournaments from an objective point of view. I knew playing wasn’t the same as coaching at that level. I lived like a hockey

nomad as well as coaching at junior levels.” After two years on the road, he got a phone call in 1982 from the US asking him to coach the men’s team in the run-up to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984. “Men’s hockey was nowhere in the States at that time – there were only 120 field

Sport

career of hockey coach Gavin

WHAT A LIFE: Gavin coaching the USA team at the 1984 Olympics and, top, the Sherborne School First XI from 1993-94, with future Coldplay frontman Chris Martin circled, Gavin Featherstone today and, bottom picture, Gavin, circled, in the Kingston Grammar School First XI of 1968

hockey players in the whole of the US. They wanted somebody with broad experience to bring the game on.” The team didn’t win any of its seven games but drew two – and lost by just 2-1 to eventual Olympic champions Australia. In Los Angeles, he got in

with the film crowd and learned about video. He began making films about different aspects of the game and went on to produce 15 such videos. “It gave me employment for the next 20 years.” The videos provided an income as did the emergence of Astroturf pitches, with

Gavin able to travel the world and coach teams to play on grass or synthetic – such as a spell at Sherborne when the school switched surfaces. He also coached Oxford Blues for four years, coached England under-21 men’s and women’s teams at World Cups in 1993 and 1997 and

coached South Africa in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The peripatetic lifestyle slowed down slightly when he became coach to the men’s and women’s hockey teams at Durham University in 2004. He warned it would take years to turn it around – but he did. By the time he left in 2012, Durham’s women’s XI was the best in the country: the men’s team was No 2. In another brush with fame, the skipper of his women’s team when they won national titles in 2012-13 was Cherry Seaborn, the childhood sweetheart of singer Ed Sheeran. Gavin was invited to their wedding in 2018. Gavin rounded off his coaching career back in America, at Ivy League school Cornell for three years until 2015. But while at 67 he is unlikely to take on another job, he still travels the world on short-term contracts, typically a three-week coaching clinic in, say, America or Namibia. And now he writes. Rhesus Positive is his fourth book and first attempt at fiction – the first three were about hockey: a biography of the game, a collection of short stories and an academic study of changes in the sport. “I’ve clashed with the English establishment over the years. It’s a sport that’s set it in its ways, a bit like cricket. A very complacent and tribal sport. “Books are my vehicle to travel now,” he says. “I can go and teach and talk hockey. Half of my career has been overseas. It’s good.” n Rhesus Positive is available on Amazon, price £9.95. 75

Sport Dryside training keeps swimmers fit in lockdown

STICKING AT IT: Sophie Hamilton, centre, in action againt Belgium in the FHI Pro league

Bruton teen is GB hockey star A Bruton teenager has made her full hockey debut for Great Britain in games against Belgium and current world champions Holland. Sophie Hamilton, 19, played against each team twice in the FIH Pro league, a global competition for the world’s nine best teams. “It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to go on my first trip away with the GB Senior Team,” she said. I was nervous before the game, but you only get your first cap once, so I just tried to enjoy it.” GB won one game, drew two

and lost one in the second round of a tournament that will finish in June 2021, a year behind the original schedule due to covid-19. Sophie was born in Bruton and spent five years at King’s Bruton school, where she was part of the six-strong team that won the under-16 national indoor hockey trophy. “It is fantastic to see how seamlessly Sophie has adapted to the pace, physicality and pressure of senior international hockey, and is extremely exciting to think she is only at the start of her international hockey career,” said Henry Eriksson,

King’s Head of Sport Coordination. Last year, Sophie played for the University of Connecticut Huskies, notching eight goals and 14 assists in 21 matches in her first year. She is now back in the UK playing for Bristol-based Clifton Robinsons Ladies in the Hockey Premier Division, while also training with Great Britain. According to GB Hockey’s website, Sophie is also a gifted tennis player and has a twin sister, Olivia, who has also represented England at age group level.

Last golf rounds at Yeovil before lockdown The last week before Lockdown gave Yeovil Golf Club members several opportunities to play a last competitive round. Colin Leach of Charlton Horethorne won the Division One prize in the last Saturday Stableford Competition with 35 points. Andrew Trevett won the Sunday Stableford Competition with 41 points and William Chesterman won the Junior Bowls trophy 76

with 35 points - he went on to clinch both the scratch and handicapped Junior Championships two days later. The junior stableford competition was won by Chloe Northover. The final pre-lockdown competition over the Newton Course was won by David Brown whose 41 points saw him finish two points ahead of Sam Kendall. More than 100 senior members

participated in the final prelockdown competition which was run as a fourball better ball stableford event. It raised £104 for the Senior’s charity fund and was won by Mark Barber of Malcombe Bingham and John Docherty of West Stour with a score of 46 stableford points. Allan Houghton and John Sheldon came second with 45 points and Hartley Heard and Roger Bateman third with 44 points.

North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club’s countylevel athletes, the Performance Squad, could only swim one Wednesday training session at RiversMeet in Gillingham before lockdown. The 90-minute, two-lane session is in addition to whole pool training on Tuesday and Friday. Almost all the 12 Performance Squad swimmers attended the first Wednesday session, which included timed 50metre sprint trials in all four strokes. Head Coach Rich Brocklehurst, who took the session, said the youngsters have retained their fitness very well, despite months of ‘dryside’ training over summer and missing the spur of real competition. “We introduced land training for swimmers aged 11 and above just over a year ago in the RiversMeet sports hall,” he said. “The skills they learned during the half-hour sessions immediately before swimming undoubtedly helped them stay match-fit through the first lockdown, and it will help them with this one. Our hope now is that our Performance Squad can pick up next month right where they left off.” NDTSC entered 16 swimmers at the most recent Dorset County Championships in Bournemouth. Almost all clocked up at least one personal best for a squad total of 42; the team gained four silver and two bronze medals.

Sport

Haylock quits as Blandford manager Blandford United FC manager Jamie Haylock has quit the job after three years in charge. It was a personal decision, with the manager blaming pressure of work and family commitments. He runs both carpentry and building businesses and recently advertised for more workers. “I’ve got a lot on outside the club, a lot of personal things with lockdown and it just seemed the right thing to do,” he told The New Blackmore Vale. “I’ve been doing the job for three years, and played there for years but to be honest, the enthusiasm dried up a bit with lockdown. It was relentless, a bit like having a part-time job.” He also went on Facebook to thank the club. “Thank you for the opportunity and a massive ‘thank you’ to all the players that believed in what I was

END OF AN ERA; Jamie Haylock gives a half-time talk to his Blandford team

trying to achieve. A top club with top, top players – all the best for future.” Haylock leaves the club with Blandford in the top half of the Dorset Premier League and the club thanked him. Chairman David Fraser said: “He took over when we were joint bottom and are now a thriving Dorset Premier League side regularly looking to finish in the top four and win more silverware.”

Fans of The Royals were unanimous in their praise on social media. “Terrible news – won’t be the same around the place now. “Worked his socks off over the past few years,” said Dan Baxter. Rob Andre added: “During Jamie’s time in charge, there has been a clear pathway from youth to senior team. “You did an amazing job. Personally, I know what a

boost it was for my own son, Matt, when you praised his performance. The fact that you were already looking at players from the under-15 team to see how they could develop and play a part in the senior team shows fantastic long-term vision.” Haylock thanked the fans and club and said: “There would never have been a bust-up.” And asked if he might return to football, he added: Never say never.”

Sherborne keep a run going Sherborne Town 1 Bishop Sutton 1 Toolstation Western League Division 1, November 4 Sherborne made it three matches unbeaten with a draw despite going behind in the first minute of the game. Sol Shearer put Bishop Sutton ahead but Josh Williams rescued a point for The Zebras from the penalty spot in the second half. Sherborne manager Wayne Jerome had warned it would be a tough game against a team which beat high-flying Warminster Town this season and is aiming for a top six finish.“A good exhibition from both teams and a draw seemed the fair result,” said

Bishop Sutton’s Twitter feed. The draw followed back-toback wins for Sherborne against Cheddar (5-1) and Bishops Lydeard (3-1). The Zebras then had an FA Vase game against Millbrook called off because of the weather, but their mini-run has seen them climb to midtable and 12 points clear of the relegation places. Lockdown has come at the wrong time for the team, said Jerome. “It is sod’s law that we had just turned the corner and results were happening after a bit of a shaky start to the season.” The match was on the eve of lockdown and the last played in the division before lockdown. One football fan

ACE: MotM Sam Farthing with chairman Jon Bowers

chose to drive three hours and tweeted: “Wasn’t expecting much for a Level 6 game but was very impressed with both teams. Really enjoyed the game and

a lovely, friendly club.” Sherborne’s next fixture is away to Almondsbury on Dec 5. Their Man of the Match was Sam Farthing. The attendance was 106. 77

Equestrian

Millar’s tale of grit & determination Aaron Millar is a very successful local eventer, his mother was a keen rider, and he began his career at his local began with his local pony club. At 16 Aaron was faced with the choice to continue in education and go to university then pursue a military career at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy but his addiction to thrills and spills of equestrian life had been sparked at 10 years of age. He chose horses and his career goes from strength to strength, one could say that the most important horse in his career was Henry found by Carolyn Criton, he says he owes his achievements to them both. Henry was an Irish sports horse that took him through young riders and they went on to achieve at the National under 18s and he came seventh at Branham aged just 19. They went on to compete three times at Burghley and once at Badminton and he credits Henry as being his horse of a lifetime. Aaron says that he loves all eventing disciplines equally and that you possibly must, to achieve in the sport.

RIDING HIGH: Aaron Millar belives in determination over talent

He believes in determination over talent, which may rings true throughout Aaron’s story; that determination saw him establish his own business at just 21 years of age, running his yard at Wigginton for 10 liveries, later moving to yards in Exeter and Cattistock as he grew his business. He’s now based in Buckland Newton, and the yard is currently full, with 18 horses competing. Aaron was involved in a serious car accident in 2015 in which he sustained

injuries with a lasting impact. He was unable to work for a year, whilst he was lucky in his recovery-disastrous in a career dependant on full fitness, but once again Aaron’s determination shone through, having invested in a lot of young stock that he couldn’t produce and losing a lot of business; injury was the catalyst for him to strengthen his team and focus on developing a more sustainable business model. Eventing is an expensive

sport, but Aaron’s syndicate model makes it accessible to those with an interest in the sport. Enthusiasts have the chance to become owners, with shares starting from £100 per month (which may be a very shrewd investment, as two or three are likely to reach fivestar level). Stakeholders will be able to visit the yard every month and all events. Their investment will offer them shared owner ship and a dividend on any profits made.

bridleway sign miraculously disappears. This track though, if you can find it, is great.” Niki Elliot, who is a keen mountain biker and hiker, said she had also encountered problems on bridleways and public paths. She said: “I relocated to Shaftesbury last November. During the first lockdown I bought an OS map for the area, thinking it a good opportunity to get to know the local bridleways and trails whilst keeping my daily exercise local. “I found gates bolted and locked

and some signposted bridleways were impossible to pass, including on the Hardy Way and the Wessex Ridgeway.” BHS county bridleways officer Carol Shoopman says Dorset Explorer, Dorset Council’s online mapping app gives everyone access to a huge range of layers and tools, which can be overlayed onto a modern map providing a magnitude of routes for the horse and rider. “Dorset Explorer can be downloaded onto your phone, so you can pick your paths when

Riders urged to report problems using bridleways and other By Kate Smith Horse riders in Shaftesbury say they struggle to find bridleways around the town. Showjumper Charlotte Williams who lives in West Stour, said: “There are very few bridleways in Shaftesbury and sometimes we do encounter problems with locked gates or overgrown paths. I used to live in Surrey and our bridleways officer was fantastic – we fundraised to keep bridleways in good shape and we would often get together to clear overgrown hedges, which 78

are a perennial problem. In many places to ride there are also problems with off-road bikers or herds of cattle, which you are unaware of until you might be half way across a field – this can be quite daunting on horse-back especially if the cattle start to run.” Charlotte told us of a beautiful but little known bridleway near Wincombe Lane, which takes you behind BV Dairy and across to the Coombes. “This is a lovely bridleway but little known, because the

Equestrian

Howdy to north Dorset’s very own cowboy By Jade Leahy BACK TO THE RANCH: Dean has returned to be near family

I’ve been hunting for a cowboy to chat on my Off The Lead Rein podcast for quite a while and I never expected to find one in rural north Dorset. Dean Robbins is surely north Dorset’s one and only cowboy? Dean was a working cowboy on a Colorado ranch. Perhaps most surprisingly he doesn’t have a horsey background and had only ever ridden a horse three times! Born and raised in Child Okeford, he grew up watching spaghetti westerns with his dad.Those films would go on to influence his life, with him becoming a professional

musician. One day Dean and his wife were debating the path they wanted their lives to take and Dean said: “I want to be a cowboy...” Dean’s wife must have an equally adventurous spirit, as she began packing her bags, no questions asked! That was it, they relocated to Colorado. Dean’s wife found a new job as a teacher in a local school and Dean set up about becoming a cowboy – at this stage one who couldn’t ride. Luckily, he found a ranch in Colorado looking for a protégé who would happy to do things their way. The ranch

owner taught Dean how to ride. Like me, he wouldn’t entertain an English saddle now, and believes in the old cowboy adage ‘there are two types of cowboy – those who’ve fallen off and those who are going to’. He became every inch the authentic cowboy, learning to ride the ranch’s quarter horses, carrying out ranch repairs, branding cattle and roping cows. (It’s quite a skill, he practised on a wooden cow for a year before tackling the real thing.) Dean said: “Being a cowboy was the hardest and best job I’ve ever had, early mornings and long days, but I loved all

rights of way after issue raised in Shaftesbury you are out with your horse,” said Carol. “And if anyone would like to learn more about our bridleways then they can join my Facebook page: BHS Access & Bridleways Dorset.” Giles Nicholson, Dorset Council greenspace manager, said: “It is an offence to intentionally obstruct a public right of way, so this report is a concern and we would encourage walkers and horse riders to tell the Ranger Team of any issues so they can be investigated and rectified. “There are over 1,700

bridleways in the Dorset Council area. These are mostly historic rights of way, where passage over private land has been established over many years. “It is often difficult to create a new bridleway or footpath, as these routes will most likely be over private land, however Dorset Council has been successful in creating some new bridleways such as the North Dorset Trailway. “This year has seen a significant increase in people using their rights of way, and the Ranger

Team, with the help of apprentices and volunteers, are resolving more problems than ever before. “The removal of side vegetation which may be obstructing a bridleway and the provision of useable gates is the landowners responsibility, the surface and signage is the responsibility of Dorset Council. “Please assist us, by reporting issues online, to show us where your concerns are.” dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ RightsofWay

of it, from learning how to ride then rope...riding in the mountains on trails three feet wide...with a 1,500-foot drop.” Dean moved cattle across 1,500 acres and led dude ranchers and pack horses out on trail rides into the mountains, taking people on hunting trips in the snow, and driving draft horses pulling a sleigh. He’d spend his evenings singing the songs he penned around the camp fire. Whilst the dudes opted to stay in the comfort of cabins, Dean slept under the stars with his mount keeping watch for mountain lions and bears. After seven years on the ranch, Dean returned to north Dorset to be closer to family, but he didn’t hang up his cowboy boots. Although covid-19 has temporarily put paid to his live gigs, like me, his love of horses has led him down another interesting path. Unsure where he would find work away from the microphone, one day as he walked through the village of Almer he stopped to talk to Sarah Viven, owner of Horserenity equine assisted learning centre. It was a done deal. Dean says what he valued most about the cowboy way of life were their values: trust, authenticity and family centred. Dean is the perfect fit, adding to those values and supporting young learners at Horserenity. Transport yourself to the Western lifestyle by listening to Dean on Spotify. Small bale hay & small bale wheat straw. Collect or delivered. 07980147019 01747870360 Two Leather Saddles & One Felt Saddle, numerous bridles, stirrup leathers & irons, all broken but useful for repairs etc. Open to offers for job lot to clear. Call 07871 165609

Field & Stream

Tags, mud and tears on the smallholding THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing So, the ram has been in with the ewes for a few weeks now and he has been booked out to visit another herd of ewes in Wiltshire. Moving sheep is indeed an interesting experience, before you set off with your trailer you have to fill in ministry movement papers on which you put amongst other things, where the sheep are going, what the date is and most importantly the sheep’s unique ear tag number. Why do sheep have EID ear tags? It is the law in the Uk to tag your sheep to enable management of disease and to track animal movement. If a sheep is bred for slaughter it has one tag with your identification number shown,

if you intend to breed it will have a tag in each ear which will include your own flock number. It is a bit like its own bar code and can be read by machine thus identifying where it is from and who its keeper is. Tagging is painless and a bit like ear piercing, swift and mildly uncomfortable. Our boy is a pedigree and has a certificate to show this. Can you imagine the moment of horror, whilst filling out the movement papers, when you discover that the tags do not match the certificate? In layman’s terms a bit like selling a car for which you cannot find the logbook so you buy some papers from a friend and hope that is will do. The previous owner it would seem mislaid the original tags and put some old ones in. So, there we are up the

hill, in the mud and a howling gale, sheep trailer hitched and wrong ear tags. We could not take him as we could not fill out his papers. He looked quite pleased as we shut the trailer up again and left him with his ladies, I am not sure they looked as happy. A phone call to both the association and the ear tag manufacturers gave them a challenge and between them they explained to us that we needed him to be wearing

5th: Rob Wood (Sensas Lobbys)- 7-14 On the team front PI Thatchers scored 35 points to win the day, with Sensas Devizes in second with 32 and Sensas Lobbys in third with 30. 4th: Garbolino Blackmore Vale- 29. 5th: DGL- 28 6th: Matrix Talismen- 16 This means that Sensas Devizes are winning the league with 7 points from PI Thatchers in second with 9 points and Daiwa Gordon League and Sensas Lobbys in third with 10 points. 5th: Matrix Talismen- 12 6th: Garbolino Blackmore Vale- 14. Angling Thatchers 20-11 With the river out of sorts

recently there have been no matches but a few anglers have managed to fish on the weirpools where sometimes the high waters don’t completely prevent angling. Last Friday a couple of guys from the PI Thatchers team fished the weirpool at Sturminster and, in spite of the near-flooded river, had a good day. Fishing ledgered worm on a feeder rig Rob Mann had a nice 6lb bream and Mark Harper had around 40lb of good bream up to 6lbs in the next peg. The bream often oblige when the river is up and a bit coloured and so it proved on the day.

red replacement tags with our number on as well as his pedigree number. Swiftly ordered they arrived in the post and we set off again to sort his ears out. He is a big lad and objected to being given so much attention…I still have the bruises! At least his papers matched his ear tags. This weekend we hope to complete the whole palaver again, movement papers, tags and ram behaving dependant. I am sure the relentless mud will help no end as will the forecast monsoon. Then we can move this year’s lambs back with the hopefully pregnant ewes and have all the sheep in the same place. Everything has a process, its there to protect us but at times it seems as though we are wading through mud with our eyes closed.

Bleak breams are made of this... ANGLING Angling Trust Upper Thames Winter League on River Avon at Chippenham, Melksham & Barton Farm, Nov 1 (55pegs) The third round of the winter league was fished on a high river. Bleak and odd bream made up many of the weights. Winner on the day was Andy Ottaway (PI Thatchers) who drew at Scotland Road at Melksham and caught 12-01 of bleak on 3 and 4m whips. Joint runners up were Tony 'Elvis' Randall (Matrix Talismen) and Andy Pollard (DGL) who were first and second pegs at Barton Farm and both had exactly 12-00 of bleak. 3rd: Kev Bennett (Garbolino Blackmore Vale)- 8-08 4th: Mark Treasure (DGL)-8-01 80

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

Air rifles and air pistols, any make or model and condition, we collect in any area 07970 742471

Roofing Sheets, New Boxed Profile, Galvanised Steel, Heavy Duty, Extra Wide Cover, Most Sizes Available also Clear GRP Roof Lights, Ridging, Fixing Screws, Delivery Possible. Please contact 01823 674414 or 07766 898886

Farming

The ins and outs of the mating season Livestock health by Alice Miller of Friars Moor As the country goes back into lockdown, we have been instructed by our regulatory body that we can continue to remain open. This comes as great news, since ensuring animal health and welfare is our priority. But importantly it means we can also continue to support our farmers and their businesses too. UK farmers play a vital role in maintaining the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food chain, producing delicious dairy, eggs, and meat produce to one of the highest welfare standards across the world. The last few weeks have been busy in the practice, with lots happening on farm, which has kept our vets as well as our farmers well occupied. We have been attending calls to treat sick animals as well as going to emergencies. We also carry out advisory routine work since forward planning is key to ensure farms remain productive. Currently, alongside our clients, we have been focusing on preparing spring lambing ewes and autumn calving cows for their breeding season. This is a key period in the farming calendar, as ensuring health for these animals now, means they are more likely to get pregnant and essentially this ensures maintenance of the food chain for this country. A cow has an average gestation period of 283 days, so those dairy and beef herds aiming to calve in August will be either be serving their cows to artificial insemination (AI) or running bulls now. Where bulls are not used it is important that cows are spotted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;on heatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and mated within 12 hours. Cows on heat will change their behaviour, they

will stand whilst another mounts her. When a farmer spots this they will know to AI the standing cow. But the cows cannot be watched all the time, so many use heat detection aids too. You may spot cows with coloured stickers or crayon marks near their tail heads, which change colour or rub off when another cow mounts. Good health and nutrition in the run up to this period means cows are more likely to display these signs and are therefore more likely to get pregnant. Sheep have an average gestation period of 147 days, so those planning to lamb their flock in April will have put their rams out from the beginning of this month. In the run up to the start of this mating period it is

important that the health of the ewes and rams is at an optimum level to ensure their fertility is good. Rams will get a full MoT approximately 10 weeks before starting work, since this gives enough time for any problems to be resolved before their critical role is required. Checks are carried out to ensure their body condition is good and their teeth, feet and reproductive organs are healthy. Similarly, ewes will be monitored during this time too. When the rams go out to work

you may notice them wearing a harness that has a brightly coloured crayon positioned over their brisket. These are called raddles and when a ram mounts a ewe he will leave a coloured mark on her rump. These marks are recorded by the farmer, so they know when a ewe is mated but, also by which ram. The colours can be different for different rams and changed between reproductive cycles to give an idea of whether a ewe has been mated again and therefore did not get pregnant the first time. This may explain some brightly coloured sheep that you will see this time of year in the fields! We wish success to these livestock farmers at this critical time and we would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well during lockdown. It has been a worrying time for many businesses and we would like to reassure all our clients that we continue to offer our support and would urge you to get in contact if there is anything we can help with.

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk 81

Farming

WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING Acreman Street Antiques

AUCTION FRIDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER ONLINE BIDDING ONLY THROUGH EASYLIVEAUCTION.COM COLLECTIONS BY APPOINTMENT

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

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

For those whose TV volume is now at 50!

A 19th century Cambodian stone figure. Estimate £3,000-£3,500

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

Successful year after going online ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Acreman Street Auctions has now passed its one-year marker for holding online auctions through the easyliveauction.com platform. This has meant the business has been able to grow through these uncertain times. They started their auctions three-and-ahalf years ago on the same site as their antique centre and, being a family-run business, this has enabled them to carry on with their monthly auctions throughout the first lockdown and now through the current lockdown by following and adhering to the government covid-19 regulations. Recently they have taken the opportunity to expand the auction selling space to meet the increased local demand for this service with their monthly auctions now offering between 600 and 800 lots on average. They pride themselves in being able to offer an interesting and ecletic range of items to suit all pockets. They have been achieving high prices for jewellery, gold and silver items, coins

38 The High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HT Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST!

showing a change in the way people are choosing to invest in these uncertain times. The firm is championing the Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal every auction, including 85 lots in their upcoming auction. Their 27th November auction catalogue is available to view through easyliveauction.com where you can register to bid online only or commission bids can still be accepted before 6pm Thursday 26th November by phoning Gill. They are now taking in items for their December sale (by appointment only). They accept single items through to a full house clearance service if required, free valuations and home visits are also undertaken. Their competitive selling and buying terms are 15% seller’s commission inc and 19% buyer’s premium inc. Please note they are operating a click and collect system for goods sold in their 27November sale by appointment only. For any enquiries call Gill on 07908 333577.

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! 82

Farming Cash for walking and cycling Wiltshire is to get £681,000 to boost cycling and walking, which may affect landowners. MP Andrew Murrison has welcomed funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund (GATF) – designed to create safe space for cycling and walking. The cash could be used to fund measures such as pedestrianised streets outside schools and segregated cycle lanes. Councils receiving money will have to meet tough new conditions to ensure that schemes are properly thought out. Councils will also have longer to spend the money, ensuring there is

time to consult communities. Dr Murrison said: “I’m delighted that Wiltshire will benefit from additional funding to make our local area more bike and pedestrian-friendly.”

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on

01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwestyreservices.co.uk

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Live Geese Rready for Christmas, Call 07890 409647 SMALL BALE HAY Tel 07768 747967 Wanted. large and small bale hay. Tel 077687 47967 Animal Husbandry, for sheep goats and alpacas, Call Oli on 07972 603681 SHEEP KEEP WANTED for small flock of sheep, 18 miles radius of Wincanton. Please call 07566 850572 Flail Hedging, Hedge Laying, Haulage. Please phone Andrew 01747 855198

To-let: approximately, 100 acres of winter sheep grazing/pasture, Higher Ansty, ring fenced, water available three months November, December, January only. Offers invited. 01258 880006. Wanted. large Sheep Keep wanted for small flocks of sheep. Anything considered, North Dorset Area. 07564277083e and small bale hay. Tel 07768 747967 Young friendly flock 23 CharollaisX breeding ewes running with Charollais ram from 27.09.20. FABL. HeptovacP. Blandford 01258 860107.

Mob: 07966 244536 Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

Farming

Rubbish harms wildlife and livestock happy in their winter quarters, with roomy barns and yards, deep littered with straw to lie on. We feed the cattle on grass and maize Winter seems to have silage and hay that we made arrived; cold rain is lashing in the summer, and their down as I write this. waste is removed every day. Paul and I have taken the The men tend to their every rainfall measurements for a need! Now they are all in number of years, following from the fields we don’t on from Paul’s father Jack, have to worry about them we have unofficial records getting out, either because of going back years. October a weak fence we hadn’t this year has proved to be on noticed or walkers leaving a the wet side as was last year. gate open. We still of course We still measure in imperial have sheep out in the fields. – it was 6.87 inches. It Rights of Way usually is 2.5-4”. Perhaps I could just remind We have now completed the everyone using footpaths housing of the stock for over fields, to please keep to winter. They seem very the right of way and to keep your dogs under close control or on a lead. It is not always obvious if there are farm animals in a field, especially if it’s a WEEKLY MARKETS EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY hilly or large TH WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER area. Please take NEXT SALE OF REARED CALVES WEDNESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER your dogs’ poo SALE OF 20 EXCELLENT QUALITY FRESHLY CALVED COWS 1ST TO 4TH LACTATION home with you. TH FRIDAT 27 NOVEMBER There has been SPECIAL SALE OF BREEDING SHEEP WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER an increase in the NEXT SALE OF PIGS incidence of CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES neosporosis, Full Market Wednesday 23rd December Including store cattle no Pigs found in dog No Market Friday 25th December faeces, which is Full Market Wednesday 30th December – then passed on to Including store cattle no Pigs cattle and sheep, No Market Friday 1st January 2021. WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER causing FROME CHRISTMAS MARKET abortions. Please UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDELINES WE ARE UNABLE TO HOLD don’t leave it in OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FATSTOCK SHOW IN THE USUAL WAY. WE WILL OFFER PRIZES FOR THE REGULAR MARKET SECTIONS ON THAT DAY. the fields and £50 FOR THE HIGHEST PPKG BEEF ANIMAL UNDER 30MO verges and don’t £50 FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE PPKG BARREN COW bag it and hang £50 FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE PPKG PEN OF 3 OR MORE FAT LAMBS £50 FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE PER HEAD PEN OF 2 OR MORE FAT PIGS it! £50 FOR THE TOP PRICE CALF (41 DAYS OR UNDER) Every year we ENTRIES WILL BE TAKEN ON THE DAY ONLY hear of dogs Strict Social Distancing rules apply. Everyone to provide their own face masks and gloves. worrying Face masks to be worn at all times Email: info@fromelivestock.com livestock. In the first lockdown, Website: www.fromelivestock.com Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, this problem Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 escalated. Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com Farmers and Frome Market Office Tel: 01373 830 033 landowners info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com turned a blind 84

Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary

eye to where the public walked to help the nation cope. However, several situations have come to light where people walked all over crops, cereal and grass laid up for hay and silage making, or just growing ready for grazing. Gates left open and fences damaged. Some picnicked, which sounds innocent enough, but damage to growing crops takes time to recover or simply doesn’t, and the leaving behind of rubbish causes harm to livestock and wildlife alike. I like many pick up rubbish when out walking the lanes, I picked up a discarded drinks can, it seemed heavy, so I tipped it up to drain out the liquid, it started to drain but then stopped, in the opening was a drowned field mouse, I shook the can and out it plopped, then I tipped the can up again, it began to drain, then the same thing happened, another field mouse blocked the entrance to the can. I remember being told many years ago whilst attending a wildlife stand at the Bath & West Show about this scenario. Indeed, they had a large lemonade plastic bottle with several small mammal skeletons inside. The thought is a discarded can or bottle still has some sweet liquid which attracts the animals, they crawl inside, drink up the sweet juice, turn to get out, but either they are now too fat with a full tummy and or the slippery slopping side of the can or bottle, they just can’t manage to get a grip to get out. So, there they die either of exhaustion, starvation, drowning or even extreme heat, none of which is a pleasant thought, and totally avoidable if the can/bottle had been disposed of properly.

Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T Sedgemoor Auction Centre

Forthcoming Special Sales

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278 TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7712 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 14th November 2020 DAIRY CATTLE (95) Heifers to £2180. Others £2000. Cows to £2180. Others £2000. (1241) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS FORWARD STORES (880) Steers to £1370 (HEX). Others £1345 (AA) £1305 (2x LIMX & BRBX) & £1300 (3x CHX). Heifers to £1215 (LIMX). Others £1210 (LIMX) £1190 (LIMX) £1180 (CHX) & £1155 (CHX). GRAZING COWS (6) to £1020 (AA). Others £655 (HEX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £1180. STIRKS (357) Steers to £905 (CHX). Others £895 (PA) £890 (CHX) & £885 (CHX). Heifers to £880 (BRBX). Others £800 (LIMX) & £760 (PA). CALVES (380) - Beef Bulls to £458 (3x CHX & BRBX). Others £455 (BRBX) £438 (CHX) & £425 (BRBX). Heifers to £345 (BRBX). Others £320 (BRBX) £318 (BRBX) & £302 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £225. Others £210. (5184) SHEEP Store Lambs (5184) to £100.50. Others £96.50, £93.00 (2x) & £92.50. Overall Ave £74.32. Cull Ewes & Rams (1143) Ewes to £128. Others £116. Rams to £190. Others £148. Overall Ave £65.93. BREEDING EWES (31) to £110. GOATS (40) to £140. Overall ave £96.50. COUPLES (4E & 6L) Doubles to £210 (£70/life). Singles to £145 (£72.50/life). The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 16th November 2020 PRIME CATTLE (117) Steers UTM av 186.6ppk to 228.5ppk & £1,411.85. Others 203.5ppk, 201.5ppk, 201.0ppk & 198.5ppk. Others £1,404.15, £1,399.43, £1,363.70, £1,324.95, £1,319.50. Heifers UTM av 190.1ppk to 228.0ppk and £1,417.97. Others 219.5ppk, 219.0ppk (2x) 215.5ppk & 211.5ppk. Others £1,369.12, £1,352.40, £1,346.85, £1,322.40 & £1,320.66. BARREN COWS (117) Continental av 111.1ppk to 133.5ppk and £1,051.98. Others 126.5ppk & 123.5ppk. Others £1,023.83 & £1,023.39. Native Beef av 105.1ppk to 124.5ppk and £886.57. Others 117.5ppk & 116.5ppk. Others £865.05 & £864.13. Dairy av 97.4ppk to 115.5ppk and £889.53. Others 114.5ppk (5x) & 113.5ppk. Others £879.63 & £876.00. FINISHED SHEEP (578) Lamb ave 200.13ppk to 209.0ppk (2x) and £102.00 (2x). Others 208.0ppk, 207.0ppk (3x) & 205.0ppk (3x). Others £99.00, £98.50 & £97.00 (2x).

For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report . NOVEMBER Fodder sale 1pm Sat 21st Sat 21st Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB

Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2

Fri 27th Sat 28th

DECEMBER Sat 5th

Mon 7th Wed 9th Sat 12th

Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 South West Winter Fair **Closed Show - No Public Entry** Collective Machinery Sale 10.30am Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1

Forthcoming Fodder Sale SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Saturday 21st November at 1.00pm Collective Fodder Auction Hay

Silage

50 Round at Bridgwater; 130 Round at Burnham on Sea; 200 Round at Highbridge; 50 Square at Norton Fitzwarren; 260 Round at Wedmore; 1000 Conv at Weston-super-Mare. 50 Round at Bridgwater; 100 Round at Highbridge; 25 Round at Williton.

Stock Feed 8 Tonnes at Williton. Potatoes 23 Round & 140 Square at Curry Mallet; 315 Conv at Curry Straw Rivel; 90 Square at Upton.

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

Forthcoming Dairy Sale Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net DECEMBER Thurs 10th SEDGEMOOR AUCTON CENTRE. The Christmas Cracker Show & Sale of Freshly Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Bulls. ** Further Entries I invited **

Farming ON FARM FODDER SALE TUESDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2020 9.30 am

Lower Langdon Farm, Beaminster, DT8 3NN 100 Tons 2019 Maize Silage - In Barn Clamp, Analysis on day of sale 225 x Round Bales 2nd cut Chopped Silage, McHale Fusion Baler - Not Spiked 58 x Quadrant Bales Wheat Straw – Barn Stored

symondsandsampson.co.uk

Also to be sold by sample at Lower Langdon Farm: Part Pound Farm, Old Sherborne Road, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, DT2 7SJ 50 x 120 x 90 Bales Wheat Straw, Krone HD Baler - Barn Stored, Loading Available

DISPERSAL SALE THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2020 at 10.30am Lower Bowden Farm, Bowden, Templecombe, BA8 0PQ

10.30 am Caswell Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, DT9 6JP 100 x 80 x 70 Bales Wheat Straw - Barn Stored 11.00 am Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne, DT9 4JX 60 x Round Bales Perennial Rye Grass Silage – Not Spiked, made Aug/Sept 26 x Round Bales Italian Rye Grass Silage – Not Spiked, made July Stacked in field off B3145 – Charlton Horethorne road 12.00 pm Tyning Wood, Gare Hill, Frome, BA11 5EY 71 x Quadrant Bales Organic Hay– Stacked in Dutch Barn, Purchaser to load 12.45 pm Slaughtergate Farm, Wavering Lane West, Gillingham, SP8 5NH 100 x 80 x 70 Bales Spring Barley Straw – Barn Stored 100 x 80 x 70 8’ Bales Meadow Hay – Barn Stored 50 x Round Bales 2nd cut Silage, McHale Fusion baler – Not Spiked, Stacked on hard 1.45 pm

East Farm, Hammoon, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2DB 70 x Quadrant Bales 2nd cut Organic red clover Silage – Not Spiked, Stacked on hard 50 x Round Bales 2nd cut Organic Silage – Not Spiked, Stacked on hard

2.30 pm

Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Blandford, DT11 9DE 70 x Quadrant Bales Spring Barley Straw – Barn Stored 100 x 80 x 70 4’6” Bales Rye Grass Haylage – Not Spiked, Stacked on hard Also to be sold by sample at Glebe Farm: Higher Dairy, Littleton Farm, Blandford St Mary, DT11 9NB 70 x Quadrant Bales Spring Barley Straw – Barn Stored 100 x 80 x 70 Bales Hay – Barn Stored Moor Court Farm, Sturminster Marshall, BH21 4AH 40 x 80 x 70 Bales May 2020 Hay – Stacked on trailer for local delivery up to 10 miles (chargeable thereafter)

ALL LOTS TO BE PAID FOR IN FULL ON THE DAY NEXT SALE - TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER - FURTHER ENTRIES INVITED Please note the current Covid Rules: •

Only 1 person per household/business

•

All persons present to wear face masks unless exempt

•

Preferably all bids to be left with Auctioneers prior to sale

Tractors and Machinery including: Massey Ferguson 5612 with MF 956 Loader 4,000hrs (15), John Deere 6200 with MX U10 Loader 12,050hrs (97), Ford 4000 2wd, Honda 400cc Quad, Vicon Extra 628 Mounted Mower Conditioner, Krone 7.70 6 Rotor Tedder, Vicon Andex 783 Twin Rotor Rake, 2002 Sulky DPX Prima Fertiliser Spreader, JPM 10t Silage Trailer, Marshall 25’ Bale Trailer, Malgar 1500gln Vacuum Tanker, McConnel PA93 Classic Hedgetrimmer, Parmiter Post Driver, Parmiter 16’ Chain Harrows, Browns 3m Aerator, Hustler SL350 Round Bale Feeder, Albutt Round Bale Handler, Foster Bale Squeeze, Pallet Forks, Strimech X Form Dung Fork, (all attachments on Euro brackets), Agco 900kg Block Weight, etc. Livestock equipment including: Ifor Williams TA510G 12’ Livestock Box, Ritchie Stock Cube, Ritchie Strathmore Cattle Crush with Electronic Weighing, Ritchie Sliding Crush/Race Gate, Ritchie Non-Return Race Gates, 10 x 10’ Ritchie Cattle Hurdles, Batemen Forcing Curve, John Shepherd and Portequip Feed Trailers, John Shepherd Box Feeder, Browns Yard Scraper, 56 x Super Comfort style Cubicle Sections, Calf Feeders, etc Workshop & Miscellaneous including: Post Hole Borer, Machinery Spares, General Workshop Equipment, Mig Welders, Grain Pedestals, Solar & Battery Fencers, Various Field and Yard Gates, Large Quantity of Electric Fencing Reels and Stakes, etc On Behalf of Bowden Farms (Change in Farming Policy) If Lockdown restrictions are still in place this will be a Timed Online Auction commencing 3rd December and closing from 7.00pm on Sunday 6th December (in bold please) Full Catalogues available online or contact 01935 382909

Contact: Mark Northcott 07798 645274, Greg Ridout 07817 517467, Charlie Coleman 07494 588013 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

Property

Memb No: A101 REMOV ALS & STORAGE

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a European service for full and part loads.

Local and National Removals Container Storage Packing Service All Full Time Operatives Personal Service Covid advance planning for your removal to keep you secure plus remote survey option

Country House Moves

European Removal

Containerised Storage

Standard House Moves

Small Moves

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving at the highest standard no job too big or too small

â&#x20AC;?

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 87

Property

DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET WILTSHIRE LONDON

Winterborne S ckland

Guide £720,000 A tradi onally built 3 bedroom co agestyle property with a deligh ul contemporary theme, presented beau fully throughout with an abundance of character features. EPC=D.

Sherborne

Blandford 01258 452670

Sherborne 01935 814488

Cerne Abbas

Guide £335,000 An a rac ve Grade II Listed 3 bedroom property in the heart of this historic and desirable village with garage and garden. EPC=Exempt.

Langton Long

Dorchester 01305 261008

Blandford 01258 452670

Milton Abbas

Guide £475,000 A charming 4 bedroom semidetached Grade II Listed co age with stunning gardens and views. Beau fully designed gardens and private parking. EPC=Exempt.

Sturminster Newton

Blandford 01258 452670

Sturminster 01258 473766

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

Guide £345,000 A unique detached 3 bedroom house situated on the desirable road of Newland, with parking and garage, close to the town centre. EPC=D.

Guide £515,000 A Grade II Listed 3 bedroom individual contemporary property with period features set in parkland with countryside views, garage and parking. EPC=Exempt.

£499,500

A Swedish design 3 bedroom chalet bungalow situated within walking distance of the town centre oﬀering tremendous scope for further accommoda on. EPC=C.

VALUATIONS

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

South Cheriton

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

Zeals Guide £740,000 A beau fully presented, 5 bedroom, family house with internal accommoda on of over 3200 sq and south facing garden close to excellent road and rail links. EPC=E.

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

Cerne Abbas

Guide from £300,000 NOW RELEASED FOR EARLY RESERVATION OPPORTUNITIES. Giant Close is an exci ng new development of 14 homes situated on a private road in the very popular village of Cerne Abbas.

Over Compton

Dorchester 01305 261008

Sherborne 01935 814488

SALES

LETTINGS

AUCTIONS

Guide £620,000 A beau fully presented and wellpropor oned 4 bedroom family home with garage and lovely mature garden backing onto ﬁelds in a soughta er village loca on. EPC=D.

Property

11 AU DE CT CE IO M N BE R

DORSET DEVON HAMPSHIRE SOMERSET WILTSHIRE LONDON

Guide £500,000 A rarely available freehold investment opportunity with stunning sea views fron ng The Esplanade. EPC=Exempt.

Mannington

Guide £450,000 Detached bungalow for modernisa on, approx. 1.09 acres. Adjoining paddock available (1.86 acres approx). EPC=D.

West Horrington

Poundbury 01305 251154

Wimborne 01202 843190

Sherborne 01935 814488

Guide £450,000 Development opportunity 3 bedroom house, former public house, range of buildings in approx 2.30 acres. EPC=G.

11 AU DE CT CE IO M N BE R

Weymouth

Nr. Wimborne

Guide £300,000 An opportunity to acquire a detached 2 bedroom period cottage with potential for extension (STPP). EPC=G.

Guide £275/300,000 An renova on/development opportunity (STPP) including a semidetached dwelling and a block of garages. EPC=E.

Axminster 01297 33122

Wimborne 01202 843190

Dorchester 01305 261008

11 AU DE CT CE IO M N BE R

Guide £300,000 A detached bungalow for renova on in an outstanding rural se ng, countryside and sea views, in approx 0.67 acre. EPC=G.

11 AU DE CT CE IO M N BE R

Fishpond

Cerne Abbas

Stra onontheFosse Guide £110,000 Development plot approx. 0.08 acres Full PP for detached 3 bed dwelling.

Templecombe Guide £150,000 Development plot approx. 0.08 acres Full PP for detached 3 bed dwelling. Weymouth Guide £360,000 Cranborne

Guide £250,000 A Grade II Listed village house requiring complete renova on, centrally located in this soughta er village. EPC=Exempt.

Guide £180,000 A charming 3 bedroom period co age, believed to date back to circa 1850, with garden in a popular village. EPC=F.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Blandford 01258 452670

Iwerne Minster

PLANNING

Ground and Part Second Floor Pharmacy Investment.

Sherborne Guide £400,000 Building plot with full PP for 1873 sq modern property.

VALUATIONS

BUILDING SURVEY

Property

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL

Wynford Eagle

£1400pcm

Milborne Port

£800pcm

A 3 bedroom end of terrace house located in the popular village of Milborne Port with a rac ve garden. Available early December. EPC=C.

Dorchester 01305 261008

Sherborne 01935 814488

An unspoilt Grade ll Listed 4 bedroom co age with large garden, garage and parking, situated in an idyllic rural loca on. Long term let. Available immediately. Pets considered. EPC=D.

Milborne St Andrew

£1100pcm

A charming 3 bedroom modern terraced co age with garden and parking, situated on a working farm on the outskirts of the village. EPC=B.

Dorchester 01305 261008

AMC AGENTS

PLANNING

GRANTS

WAYLEAVES

TENANCIES

Property

Property National Country & Equestrian Property Specialists TC SS

Dinton, Wiltshire Rare organic Farm with Large Barn, Farmland, Pasture & Woodland in Stunning Rolling Countryside. Best & 昀nal offers 12 noon 26th Nov 11-137 Acres Guide £150-£850,000

URGENTLY WANTED Character Family Homes Required in Bruton and Surrounding Areas for Chain Free Buyers

SS TC

EW N Sparkford, Somerset Exceptional Family Home, Privately positioned with Spectacular Countryside Views and generous secluded gardens Garden Guide POA

N EW

Donhead St Andrew, Dorset Four bedroom Family Home set in Idyllic Rural Location *SOLD – SIMILAR REQUIRED* Smallholding

Fovant, Wiltshire Rare Building Opportunity in Highly Desired Nadder Valley Location For Sale by informal tender (unless sold prior) 1 Acre Guide £425,000

1 Acre

Southwick, Wiltshire Courtyard Development Comprising of Three Barn Conversions Guide £275-£300,000

Call the Country and Village Specialists if you are Looking to Buy or Sell in 2020/2021 01722 782 727 or email maddie@foxgrant.com

foxgrant.com COUNTRY & VILLAGE

FARMS, LAND & SMALLHOLDINGS

EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS

TOURISM & LEISURE

Property

n The country cottage at Colehill near Wimborne and right, the site for development at Hospital Lane in Sherborne

n Victoria Farm at West Horrington, a period cottage at Iwerne and, right, one of the Grade II listed cottages in Cranborne

n A Grade II listed cottage in Cranborne and, right, the three-bed semi at Cerne Abbas with adjacent block of garages

One of the year’s most diverse collections of properties will come under auctioneer Mark Lewis’s hammer by virtual auction on December 11. Renovations, development sites, building plots, commercial, agricultural and investment opportunities from Fishpond, Bridport in the west to Cranborne in the east, and from Weymouth to Wells are to be sold, with opportunities for owner-occupiers, developers, retailers, speculators and investors alike. Amongst period properties for renovation are two Grade II Listed houses in Cranborne, both coming to the market for the first time since built, and a period country cottage in Colehill, near Wimborne. The opportunity to build a house within the conservation area in the heart of Sherborne is rare indeed, a site off Hospital Lane has planning permission 94

Homes under the virtual hammer for a striking contemporary three-bedroom house is for sale with a Guide of £425,000. Building plots in Templecombe and in Stratton-on-the-Fosse offer further opportunities for a self-builder. Opportunities for developers include Victoria Farm at West Horrington, three miles north of Wells. This is an exciting opportunity (STPP), comprises a three-bedroom detached house, a former pub and an extensive range of farm buildings, all in about 2.3 acres. Guide £450,000. An exciting renovation/ development opportunity close to the centre of the historic

village of Cerne Abbas. A three-bedroom semi-detached house requires modernisation, whilst the adjacent block of three garages has potential for development, STPP. Guide £275,000-£300,000. A charming three-bedroom period cottage in Iwerne would appeal to first time buyers, second home owners, or make an ideal investment for holiday/long lets. Guide £180,000. The freehold of Nexus Apartments in Gillingham, Dorset is another interesting opportunity for an investor. The block comprises 20 selfcontained, long-leasehold flats,

each subject to a lease with about 110 years unexpired. Guide £50,000. The auction will be livestreamed, and interested parties have the option to bid by telephone, by proxy or via @AuctionHouse. Entries for our 2021 auctions are being taken now, contact Mark Lewis or Meredith Holmes for further information. 01258 474266 Cottage to let, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, for in between moves maybe a longer let. Pets welcome, 5 miles out of Shaftesbury, 01747 811588/07766 464102 Married Couple wish to rent cottage or bungalow, early spring, rural only, radius 10 miles of Castle Cary, excellent references, 01373 813091.

Property

hapman

oore

For the Complete Property Package. Agents for Residential, Commercial, Property Investment & Management. Price Reduction

No Forward Chain

GILLINGHAM

Det 3 Bed Ens 2 Rec Gdn Gge

Price £300,000

No Forward Chain

SD 3 Bed 2 Rec Patio Parking

Price £142,500

Price £239,950

New Instruction

GILLINGHAM

SD 2 Bed Clk Gdn Gge Pkg

Price £205,000

Price £335,000

New Instruction

GILLINGHAM

Price £225,000

Price £165,000

New Instruction

GILLINGHAM Price £125,000

Price £170,000

Price £295,000

GILLINGHAM

Price £125,000

Sold

More Properties Required Contact Andrew Bonnet or Sue Moore

New Instruction

Let

GILLINGHAM

Det 2 Bed Ens Gdn Gge Pkg

Price £390,000

GILLINGHAM

GF 2 Bed Flat Com Gdn Pkg

GILLINGHAM

Mid Ter Bed Garden Parking

MERE

Det 2 Bed Ens Clk Gdn Gge

Viewing Recommended

Price Reduction

FF 2 Bed Retirement Apartment

Price £235,000

Viewing Recommended

STALBRIDGE

GILLINGHAM

FF 2 Bed En Gge Com Gdn

Price £222,500

SD 3 Bed Clk Cons Gdn Gge

Price Reduction

SD 3 Bed 2 Rec Cons Gdn Gge

GILLINGHAM

SD 3 Bed En Clk Gdn Parking

Viewing Recommended

MERE

SD Bed Conservatory Gdn Gge

MERE

Retirement 2 Bed Com Gdn Pkg

Viewing Recommended

More Commercial Properties Required. Contact Sue Moore

Townbridge House, High Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AA Telephone/Fax: (01747) 822244 E-mail: chapmanmoore@btconnect.com See all our properties on www.rightmove.co.uk & www.zoopla.co.uk

Bombouche are a team of mail and print professionals that work to give you the easiest and most streamlined

mailing service available

3 1

m a o t iling wi s p e t s th sy Upload

Click

us.. .

Mail!

Upload your addresses and artwork Sign up to our easy to use website

Sit back and let us do the rest!

At Bombouche we offer online solutions 24/7, with fast turnaround time, for all your direct mail and printing requirements. Whether you are sending from home or work, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got you covered.

DIRECT MAILING SPECIALISTS

RELIABLE & SAFE SERVICE

0800 1300 964

FAST TURN AROUND AND DELIVERY

EASY ONLINE SHOPPING 24/7

sales@bombouche.com

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Articles inside

Property

Equestrian

Sport

Letters

Arts & Entertainments

MPs’ Round-Up

Business

Health & Wellbeing

Antiques & Collectibles

Planning Applications

Pets

Local Services

Food & Drink

Funeral Services & Death Announcements

Home & Gardens

Gardening

Items For Sale