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. 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 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

FACTORY GLOVE SALE NOW ON 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 Buckingham Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QE 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

WANTED

Jack’s House Clearance, Often without charge. Books also wanted for cash. 07542 389447 And website jacks houseclearance.co.uk/

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

Vintage Bicycles - Pre 1980's Racing bicycles, Shoppers & Choppers & old parts any condition considered, Good Prices paid Tel 07739 808013 Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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

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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 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, volunteers organised a

Knitted Teddy Bears’

Picnic, calling crafters stuck at home to make bears, picnic food and blankets.

A vast array of knitted wonders were made and 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 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

BEARING UP: Some of the knitted teddies on display at the Royal Volunteer Shop now some of these clever but volunteers are hoping kindly held on to them until creations are on display at that many people will read now, can they please get in the Royal Voluntary Shop in this, and come and see their touch and we can collect. Antelope Walk, Dorchester. teddies when the shops Ring 01305 236666 or Sadly due to the second reopen. If anybody in the email maria.jacobson lockdown the shop is now community has made bears @royalvoluntaryservice.org. closed until December 2, or other items for us and uk

Volunteers wanted for festive meals

wreaths they had made.” 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 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

BRING THE SPARKLE: Brighten up Enmore Green or tree. 19, between 5pm and 8pm The St John’s Christmas Tree and on Sunday, December 20 will be in The Knapp. at 4.30pm. The aim is to have as many Jo added: “Do join us if you trees lit up as possible to can.” between Thursday and Please contact Jo Churchill Saturday, December 17 and on 01747 850432. 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.

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’ 870 466179 ristmascouk 07870 466179 o-christmas.co.uk

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 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. 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 Tel: 01258 472564 59 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AX Tel: 01935 389665 www.EB Marsh.com

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

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 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. 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 “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 Fineman at his piano

Owls’ home saved in £30k roof project

26 cafes.com for more. 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.

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL No place for PC brigade in history

28 Picture: George Jeans 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.

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.