The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 116

What’s inside this issue…

07714 289409

Motor heads: Gearing up to support

men’s mental wellbeing

A SOUTH Somerset charity is joining forces with one of the county’s best-loved museums to launch a new mental wellbeing initiative aimed specifically at men.

Motor Heads is a collaboration between The Balsam Centre in Wincanton and Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford and is billed as ‘a monthly informal morning of

cars, coffee and chat’.

The initiative aims to bring together like-minded men with similar interests who may also be struggling with their mental health.

passionate volunteers from both organisations.”

Haynes Motor Museum will host meetings about motoring and mental health in partnership with The Balsam Centre

Balsam Centre project worker, Bruce Lloyd, said: “Men don’t always find it easy to talk directly about their mental health and wellbeing, and we know that many men in rural areas such as South Somerset are particularly affected by social isolation and loneliness.

Speaking on behalf of Haynes Motor Museum, Jon Ducker, visitor experiences and volunteers manager, added: “There are not many opportunities or places in the area for men to meet and talk in this way.

“Motor Heads provides a great opportunity for them to come together in one of the best motor museums in the country, make new connections and talk about everything on four, three and two wheels, ably supported by

“We’re delighted to be able provide an environment where men can feel comfortable sharing how they feel while also being able to have a friendly chat about all things motoring.

“We look forward to supporting the initiative.”

The first Motor Heads meeting is on Friday, March 7, at 10am, and thereafter on the first Friday of every month until July 4, at Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford. It is free to attend but spaces are limited, so anyone wishing to join the group should contact The Balsam Centre at info@ balsamcentre.org.uk or phone 01963 31842.

More information can be found at www. balsamcentre.org.uk/motor-heads

Service station’s EV charger plans

GILLINGHAM Service Station’s plans to increase its electric vehicle (EV) charging provision from two bays to six have been approved.

Motor Fuel Group (MFG) submitted an application to Dorset Council back in December to create an EV charging hub, as well as a replacement jet wash, at the service station found at the Kingsmead Business Park on Shaftesbury Road.

The plans included six new rapid EV charging bays with canopies, which will sit on the southern edge of the site and will replace nine existing customer car parking spaces and two existing EV charging bays.

There are two existing EV charging bays at the site

currently, but the applicant says these 50KW chargers do not ‘fully meet’ the needs of motorists.

They said: “The proposal is for six rapid charges of 150KW,

enabling faster and more efficient charging in line with the expectations of motorists.”

The new, upgraded, jet wash will be in the same location as the previous jet wash, but will

include screening to minimise water spray.

JMS Planning & Development said on behalf of the applicant: “The facility will provide a strategically located electric vehicle recharging hub for EVs, reducing CO2 emissions from road transport and reducing oil dependency as a transport fuel.

“The proposal, in association with the existing facilities on site, will create a true dual-fuel facility.”

One customer car parking space will also be lost to accommodate a new air/water and vacuum bay.

A new plant room was also included in the plans which will be located to the north of the jet wash bay.

MP hits out at Trump over Ukraine

MP Simon Hoare has lambasted US President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Russia as “dangerous” and urged European powers to “wean ourselves off US defence dollars” and “step up”.

The Conservative MP, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, reacted on social media to recent developments in the US approach to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ahead of the third anniversary of the invasion, Mr Trump has provoked shock and bewilderment around the globe with statements regarding the conflict.

The president has refused to identify Russia as the aggressor in the conflict, while labelling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and bizarrely claiming Ukraine started the war.

The approach has led to European leaders touting a reset of relationships with the US, including newly-elected German Chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, who said the US “does not care much about the fate of Europe” and pledged to “strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA”.

Mr Hoare, who represents North Dorset, appeared to echo this sentiment in his comments, saying the US-UK relationship “is important on many levels but it can never be at any price”.

“It’s true that Trump won the popular and

(Electoral College) vote very strongly last November but that does not mean his policies are de facto right,” he said.

“It is undoubtedly true that non-US NATO members need to speedily wean ourselves off US defence (dollars) addiction and step up.”

And the MP also appeared to attack former PM Boris Johnson’s response to the US president’s tactics, which saw the former Tory leader say “Trump’s statements are not intended to be historically accurate but to shock Europeans into action”.

Mr Hoare went on: “Trump’s stance on Putin and Ukraine cannot be explained away as a shock therapy for Europe. It is too dangerous for that. It gives succour to the tyrant while diminishing Ukraine and her allies.”

“To placate and fawn at the feet of a tyrant is obscene to the point of nausea,” he added.

He also criticised Russian President

Vladimir Putin, along with President Trump in his remarks, saying: “Putin sees himself as a latter day Peter the Great. Trump sees himself as the great deal doer. They are neither.

“The rest of the world cannot appease or cave to either of them. To do so ends in destructive folly.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was due to meet President Trump in Washington on Thursday (February 27).

Six EV charging bays will be installed at the Kingsmead Business Park in Gillingham

Craft beer bar plan for Wincanton’s High Street resubmitted

A PLAN to bring a beer and bottle craft bar to Wincanton High Street has been resubmitted after it was initially refused by Somerset Council.

Applicant Nicholas Long submitted plans to renovate the ground floor of the former Wincanton Cobbler shop on the High Street to facilitate the new bar, complete with the conversion of the first-floor into a three-bed flat.

Somerset Council refused the application due to a lack of information about the plans for the second floor space, prompting new plans to be submitted.

The latest plans would see the second floor converted into

a one-bed flat. Bell Associates Architectural Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The applicants consider the proposed change of use will benefit the town with a new amenity outlet.”

They added: “Whilst the applicants believe patrons to the establishment will predominately be on foot, there is a significant amount of parking at the rear of the site if required.”

Access to the properties would be from the existing entrances from the High Street, with the double doors at the rear

providing an emergency exit onto the rear yard.

The applicant reportedly wants to place tables and chairs outside these rear double doors when weather permits.

Plans are also in place to create a staircase to the upper floor, which would not be accessed from the proposed bar.

To view and comment on the plans, visit the planning section of Somerset Council’s website and search reference 25/00379/ P3GPA.

Boots takes back blister packs

HARD-TO-RECYCLE

blister packs can now be dropped off at Boots locations across Dorset. All blister packs, whether previously used to hold medications or vitamins and no matter which brand, can now be recycled through the scheme.

Blister packs cannot be placed in the kerbside recycling bin as they are made of a combination of plastic and foil that cannot be separated by Dorset Waste Services.

And if you download the Recycle at Boots app, deposit five or more packs in one go and spend £5, you’ll receive 100 Advantage Card points.

A night of poems, in good company

TESTING Shaftesbury residents’ appetite for a night of poetry, three local writers have set up an event in the town’s thriving King Alfred’s Kitchen café.

The café boasts a cellar venue known as the Nuns’ Passage, and it is here that ‘Words Under Ground’ will take place, on March 14 from 7pm to 9pm.

Featured readers will be Living With Trees author Robin Walter, whose poems drew many listeners at last year’s Shaftesbury Fringe Festival, and Catherine Simmonds, whose highly regarded poetry collections include Avia and Far West

Your genial host will be Wilful Misunderstandings writer Richard Foreman. There will be five short open readings slots, now filled by distinguished local writers.

There will be no charge for entry, but there will be a call for donations to help cover costs. The organisers hope that, with a good turn-out and the blessings of King Alfred’s Kitchen staff, this might become a regular event, possibly extending to musical and storytelling contributions in future.

Capacity is limited, so get there in good time if you want to be sure of a seat.

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Library closed for access improvements

THE library at Sturminster Newton is closing next week for essential building work.

The work is being carried out ahead of the installation of new technology to enable ‘Extended Access’, which will allow library members to use the facilities beyond staffed opening hours and launch later this spring.

Arts Council England is funding the investment in Sturminster Newton with ‘Extended Access’ also in the pipeline at the libraries at Verwood, Gillingham and Sherborne.

Cllr Ryan Hope, portfolio holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council, said: “We know the residents will benefit significantly from the investment and the expansion of opening times once the work is completed.”

Sturminster Newton Library will be closed to the public from Monday (March 3) and re-open on Saturday, March 8.

Cerne Sheep Group

AFTER the group’s speedy AGM earlier this month, Rob Sansom gave an informative illustrated talk on the work of the Coast Guard Agency, of which he is a member.

The next meeting will be on Monday, March 10 from 7.30pm at The Fox at Ansty (DT2 7PN). John Calder will be giving an illustrated talk on the Great Big Dorset Hedge Project.

Following that, the group will meet on Monday, April 14. Details to be confirmed.

International Women’s Day at SEED Hub

REWILDING, regenerative farming, natural healing and community growing will be among the themes of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations at Lynne Franks’ SEED Hub in Wincanton, held in partnership with the Balsam Centre.

Special guest Sarah Dyke MP will be in conversation with Balsam Centre chief executive Sue Place, sharing their stories about growing up in farming families as well as discussing the role of women in today’s growing world.

A series of panels, talks and workshops will also take place during the day.

These will feature successful local women entrepreneurs, farmers and community leaders including Chelsea Flower Show winner, landscape designer and organic, rewilding advocate, Brutonbased Lulu Urquhart; Somerset flower farmer and author George Newbury; award-winning flower essence producer Saskia Marjoram; award-winning farm shop matriarch and farmer Ruth Kimber; and

Dorset sheep farmer Rachel Hall, who, together with others, will be sharing their stories and giving their views on the current challenges for women in farming and growing.

Lynne Franks said: “Traditionally women have been at the forefront of sowing seeds to feed their communities since we stopped being nomads and it has never been more important for us now to take leadership roles in ensuring connection and healing of the land for our children, grandchildren and the generations to come.”

A simple ritual honouring Mother Nature will start the day’s activities, followed by an introduction to the day’s theme by Lynne.

Other activities taking place during the day include a SEED Swap, talks by local organic growers, children’s activities and discussions on the importance of Forest Schools and children learning how to connect with nature from an early age.

Workshops will be held at the end of each panel where inter-active discussions,

demonstrations and information will be shared.

Snacks and drinks will be available during the day, which will finish with a Gratitude Circle to complete the gathering.

All ages and genders are welcome. Admission is donation-based and organisers say it is best to book tickets in advance to ensure visitors have space at what is proving to be a popular event.

The event is on Saturday, March 8, from 10am-4pm and tickets can be pre-booked at www.seedhub.uk/iwd25. For further information, contact hello@seedhub.uk

Police appeal after three motocross bikes stolen near Sherborne

THREE motocross bikes were stolen from an address near Sherborne on February 18.

Dorset Police say the three bikes were stolen at around 4.30am from a garage at an address in Bishops Caundle.

The force says efforts were also made to steal a Ford Transit van from the address.

They have released images of the stolen bikes in efforts to find them.

PC Matt Robinson, of Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I am appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or saw a white van travelling in the area between 9pm on Monday,

February 17 and 9am on Tuesday, February 18 to please come forward.

Pair apprehended motorist and stole car before crashing into level crossing barrier

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men crashed a stolen car into a rail crossing near Dorchester on Valentine’s Day.

Dorset Police said a man driving a white Mercedes stopped to assist two men by a silver Ford Focus that had seemingly broken down or had been involved in a car crash near the Woodsford level crossing on Lewell Road near Crossways at around 7.35pm.

The two men then reportedly removed the Mercedes driver from his car and drove off in the vehicle before crashing into a barrier at the level crossing.

The pair reportedly then left the Mercedes and attempted to stop other passing vehicles – making threats to the occupants – before leaving the scene on foot.

Officers carried out an extensive search of the area but could not find the men.

The rail operator was notified in relation

to damage to the level crossing.

Detective constable Mia-Isabella Bowditch, of Dorset County CID, said: “We are continuing to carry out enquiries to identify the men involved in this incident and I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please make contact with us.

“I would also urge any motorists who were travelling in the vicinity around the relevant time period to please review any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything that might assist our investigation.

“There will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity as we carry out enquiries and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 using reference number 55250022301 or to make a report via the Dorset Police website.

“I am also keen to hear from nearby residents with doorbell or CCTV cameras or motorists with dashcam who were driving in the area and may have captured relevant footage that might assist our investigation.

“We are issuing an image of the bikes – two red Honda bikes and a white Yamaha bike – and would urge anyone who comes across matching bikes being offered for sale locally or online in suspicious circumstances to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via 101 using reference number 55250023695 or to make a report via the Dorset Police website.

Public steps in to detain men after reports of firearm at Lidl

MEMBERS of the public stepped in to detain two men who were reportedly in possession of a firearm at a Warminster supermarket.

Wiltshire Police arrested two men, aged 45 and 28, on suspicion of possession of a firearm, being drunk and disorderly, theft and going equipped for theft.

This follows an incident at the Warminster Lidl on Station Road at around 4.30pm on February 13.

Both men remain in police custody.

“We would like to thank members of the public who immediately took action to detain the two men, at great personal risk, before police officers arrived at the scene,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

“There were no reported injuries or discharge of firearms.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have video footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 197 of February 13.

Man jailed after sexual assault at work

A WARMINSTER man has been jailed after admitting he sexually assaulted a male colleague.

Roy King, 60, of Cley Hill Lane, Corsley, pleaded guilty on February 3 at Winchester Crown Court and has been jailed for 46 weeks.

The charge came after an 18-year-old man, on August 5, 2024, reported how he had been touched inappropriately while at work on a farm by an older man.

As well as being jailed, King has to abide by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the probation service will put in place safeguards when he is released.

After the sentencing, local crime investigator Debbie Ritchings, said: “I would like to thank the victim who showed immense bravery reporting this matter to the police.

“King assaulted his victim on two separate occasions in his first few days in a new job. The victim was grabbed over clothing and was subjected to personal questions about his body.

“No one should have to face this. With support from his boss and family we saw a positive result in court, with King pleading guilty to the two counts of sexual assault just before going on trial.

“This must have been an uncomfortable ordeal for the victim but…with the support of his family, we have seen justice at court.

“This was a good result with the maximum sentence given for this level of offence.”

Cigarette thieves sought

THIEVES smashed a glass door at a Dorset service station before making off with a quantity of cigarettes.

The incident, at around 5am on Saturday, February 8, occurred at the Long Ash Service Station, near Frampton.

Police said a piece of slate was used to smash a glass door at the property, before two men entered and stole the cigarettes.

The men left the scene in a grey Volvo, with the registration WD62 DNV, which had been reported as stolen from a property in Crewkerne.

PC Jade Owen, of Dorchester police, said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to please contact us.

“Finally, I would ask anyone who comes across a vehicle matching the one described to please report it to police.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www. dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55250018969, or Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

Royal representative joins in the celebrations

CASTLE Cary Town Council (CCTC) welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, to a formal

presentation to celebrate local volunteers at The Market House.

Town councillors greeted Mr Saddiq over coffee and gave him a short tour of the building, visiting the Tourist Office, Museum and Assembly Room.

The Assembly Room featured an exhibition of displays from more than 30 volunteer groups.

Mr Saddiq visited all the stands and chatted to volunteers and presented them with a certificate to acknowledge their work for their voluntary group or charity.

Local groups, Cary Cares, Tools for Self-reliance and the Litterati gave presentations, and Mr Saddiq and Judi Morison, chair of CCTC, made speeches.

The occasion ended with lunch in the Shambles, prepared by a team of volunteers.

valuable work in the community by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Catrin Loxton, for the town council, said: “It was a wonderful occasion, and a fantastic opportunity for our volunteers to get together and be recognised for their

“CCTC would like to express its sincere thanks to Mr Saddiq for being part of the celebrations and creating such special memories for our volunteers.”

SHAFTESBURY VALUATION DAY

GROSVENOR

FRIDAY 14 MARCH AT 10 AM–3 PM

Mohammed Saddiq with poppy appeal and museum stalwart Ann Brittain

Mohammed Saddiq and Judi Morison, chair of Castle Cary Town Council

Fun, fitness and friendship

by Angela Brackstone

LEARNING to dance may not be top of your agenda but it could provide a good alternative to how you spend your time now and how you create your fun, keep up your fitness and make new friends.

British American Square dance has developed from folk, country and barn dance.

It is different from other forms of dance as the dancers are taught the moves by a caller, who then calls them in random order.

We start with very easy moves and gradually progress – first Basic 1, then Basic, then Mainstream.

The ethos of Square Dance is to have fun and the best times are when we are laughing so much we temporarily have to stop.

There are no exams, and no tests, but local dances, once the basics have been learnt, are great fun.

Having fun helps keep your mind active, as you are learning, and you will improve your physical fitness through movement.

Great friendships have been forged within Square Dance clubs.

Two beginner groups are available:

Minster Squares meets at Stapehill Village Hall BH21 2DY, every Tuesday from 1.30-4pm. Contact Sheila on 01202 889110 or Andy and Angela on 01202 731012.

Spetisbury Squares meets at Spetisbury Village Hall DT11 9DT every Thursday from 1.45pm-4.15pm. Contact Andy and Angela on 01202 731012.

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August Motors, based in the heart of Salisbury

Based in the heart of Salisbury, August Motors is a family run business that has been in the motor trade since 1971. Part of the Balmer Lawn Group covering Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, they are committed to building long-term relationships with their customers and providing a high-quality product and service.

As a main dealer for KGM, they offer comprehensive care for your vehicle, with expert servicing, MOT testing, and a wide selection of genuine parts. KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, recently celebrated 70 years in vehicle manufacturing, and in that time have built a reputation for engineering vehicles that combine performance, safety, and style. From electric cars and comfortable SUVs to the ultimate 4x4 pickup truck, KGM caters to every driver’s needs. Recognising the local agriculture, August Motors is proud to offer a range of KGM vehicles that meet the needs of the community, from reliable pickups to versatile utility vehicles. Proudly selling the Musso, which won 2024 Best Value Pick-Up in “4x4 Magazine”. We understand the importance of durability and efficiency in the field, and our team is here to help agricultural customers find the right vehicles to enhance productivity and mobility. The Rexton, along with the Musso has a huge towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. August Motors offer a “Tools

and Trade Discount” to businesses and individuals that purchase these models. Both vehicles can be seen in our advert opposite..

August Motors also offer an electric KGM vehicle, The Torres EVX provides an environmentally friendly option that don’t compromise on performance. For August Motors, providing electric vehicles, is about being a part of a more sustainable future.

August Motors is a premier KGM dealer that prioritises quality and customer satisfaction. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, look no further than August Motors and Balmer Lawn Group —where your automotive journey begins and ends with a smile. Come to visit and experience the difference for yourself!

The Torres EVX, electric KGM vehicle

Choir seeks new conductor to continue its rich history

by Christine Drake

MARNHULL Community Choir is a choir on a journey. It was formed in spring 2019 as a group of enthusiastic amateur singers with varied levels of experience and has grown in number and commitment.

The first choir leader was Katie Smith, together with her husband James as accompanist, who took the fledgling group over a two-year period from its early beginnings to a thriving group of about 35 members by Christmas 2020.

Katie and James kept everyone’s spirits going during the pandemic with virtual sessions and the group ended their stint with a virtual carol concert.

Under the current music director, Geoffrey Horton, and accompanist Neil Sissons, the

since school days.

Members bond as a choir and support each other as a key community group in the village that offers friendship and support.

Many members have formed great and lasting supportive friendships.

The repertoire features music from many different genres.

About half the members do not read music and have never sung in a choir before but do so because it is a relaxed and friendly group who enjoy singing together for fun.

As the choir plans ahead, it will continue with the development of both the type of music sung, and the encouragement of the more experienced singers, together with support for the less experienced, but equally

It also runs a summer workshop and barbecue each September before the start of the autumn term, open to new and returning members.

The event has offered an introduction to music theory and an opportunity to try different music genres, such as shanty songs, as well as a taster of the music to be sung the following term, and the day ends in a social barbecue for singers and their partners.

The choir is now at another crossroads in its short life as it looks to recruit a new music director for September 2025, following the departure of its current director, who is moving away from the area.

It is looking for a skilled, ambitious and motivating conductor to lead it on to the next stage of its singing performance.

Unsung heroes…

AUTHOR Victoria Coombes, from Bishopstrow, near Warminster, shines a light on military wives’ untold stories in her memoir, Wife of…. Victoria takes readers on a journey through her early life as the spouse of a British Army officer in the 1960s and 70s.

From the official married quarters of West Germany to the trials and triumphs of navigating a maledominated military culture, the book offers a heartfelt and humorous account from a rarely told perspective.

Drawing on personal experiences and contributions from fellow military wives, Victoria brings to life the challenges and joys of an uncertain lifestyle.

“Accepting a marriage proposal from a

military man was a step into the unknown,” she said.

The title, Wife of…, is inspired by the British Army’s system of defining women by their husbands’ rank and name, symbolising the identity struggles faced by military spouses of the era.

Wife of… delves into diverse aspects of military life, including the rank system, the unique challenges of childbirth in army facilities and the fellowship of wives’ clubs.

The book is a memoir and a tribute to the women who, behind the scenes, played an essential and unsung role in supporting their families and communities.

Victoria used to contribute to the Blackmore Vale writing reviews and a walk series, and reporting on local events.

She has also edited a history of Bishopstrow and written a leaflet on The Hills of Warminster.

Happy to help?

VOLUNTEER Centre Dorset is looking for people to sign up to be community response volunteers as part of a befriending campaign.

The centre says that one in five households in Dorset is vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, and that for some people volunteers provide the only human contact they have all week.

Volunteers do not have to make a minimum time commitment – they are simply included in an email if someone in their area requires help.

If the volunteer is available, and happy to help, they just respond.

To find out more, visit www. volunteeringdorset.org.uk

Luxury residential care at The

Rectory

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The Old Rectory is a beautiful residential care home that specialises in dementia care. Tastefully converted from a former rectory and carefully adapted to make it safe and secure for residents giving them the freedom to have a full and active life. We offer a caring and welcoming environment that is a true home in every sense of the word, where people with dementia are respected as individuals.

Residential care Day care Respite care Convalescent stays

Council tax and parking charges to rise in response to budget shortfalls

COUNCIL tax bills in Dorset are rising in a bid to tackle an increase in costs for providing services of more than £83 million – with a warning jobs could go at the authority as money continues to be tight.

On February 11, the full Dorset Council approved its 2025/26 budget, which included a 5% increase in its share of council tax – a 3% rise, plus an extra 2% for adult social care costs.

The total budget reaches £417.2m for the year, and councils are required by law to balance the books.

A council spokesperson said: “Dorset Council faces rising pressures on services, for example with the growing number of older people in Dorset who need social care support.

“The additional cost of service delivery next financial year is forecast to be £83.4 million.

“Due to the national funding formula set by Government for councils, Dorset is heavily dependent on council tax for

funding of the essential services it provides.

“Council tax will increase next year by just under 5% (3% plus 2% for the adult social care precept). The increase is equivalent to £1.91 extra per week for a Band D property.

“As a means of managing costs into the future, the council has developed a transformation plan to streamline council operations including increased use of technology, better customer service, closer working with communities, and lower operating costs.”

After the meeting, Cllr Simon Clifford, cabinet member for finance and capital strategy, said: “We have developed this balanced budget in a national context of significant financial challenge. We want to continue to protect essential frontline council services, but still have difficult decisions to make over the coming years.

“It’s a tough financial climate with inflation, higher National Insurance costs, and the ever-increasing need for social

care services, particularly with our growing older population in Dorset.

“We are lobbying Government for fairer funding for Dorset so that we can reduce the burden on local taxpayers in future. We will not be looking to increase council tax levels above government-set limits for the five-year duration of this administration.”

Among plans in the budget is the revised council tax reduction scheme, which came into effect on April 1 last year, allowing eligible working-age households to claim up to 100% of their council tax bill.

Around £10m is set to be saved through staffing, with the budget report highlighting how a “£10m recurrent revenue saving will be delivered through reducing spend on employees by £9m and reducing third party spend by £1m”.

Meanwhile, parking charges at council-owned sites are also set to increase, with evening charges – at a flat rate of £2.50 between 6pm and 10pm –

A walk around… Castleton

Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

WARNING: don’t attempt this walk if there’s been recent rain as the surface mud is incredibly slippery! I fell over twice during my exploration and got very muddy.

Start at Haydon, near the church (which is now a carpenter’s workshop). Just north of the church is the lodge gate at the Castleton parish boundary, where a private road which is also a public footpath gives entry to the Sherborne Castle Estate.

After about a furlong, leave the tarmac and head north west across the field towards a gate giving access to woodland and a deer park, which has some lovely views.

The path goes downhill quite steeply until it reaches the bottom, where it crosses a bridge over a stream then goes up to Pinford Farm – turn left here, then right, through a stretch of steep and slippery woodland to turn left and head west across fields.

When you get to the railway line, take the bridge under it and continue north west until you meet the A30 at a tiny ancient chantry, which is usually open and worth a visit.

Cross the road and use the pavement heading south west for about 500 yards, then fork left along the B3145 along the edge of

Sherborne. After over half a mile, fork left again, crossing the railway line and passing the garden centre and the entrance to Sherborne castle and gardens.

introduced.

The evening charges plan provoked a response from MP Simon Hoare (Conservative, North Dorset), who said after the meeting: “I fail to see how, financially, this will stack up given the costs needed to impose and enforce it.

“It will be a new cost for residents living in towns such as Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Blandford, where many of the roads were never intended for massed car ownership.

“Our arts and cultural sector together with pubs and restaurants depend upon evening trade. Our volunteer and community/sporting groups meet in the evening too. All of these will be hit adversely as a result of local Lib Dems using them as a cash cow.

“With no North Dorset Lib Dems serving in cabinet or key positions on (Dorset) Council it should come, disappointingly, as no surprise that they did not speak up for North Dorset residents to the council leadership.”

At a bend in the road, close to the lodge, there’s gate into a field. The footpath goes up a steep slope for short distance then turns left and takes you east, downhill, then up again, giving you views over Sherborne castle and the lake.

After a mile or so the path weaves through woodland, including some ancient trees that are worth hugging.

The path then takes you past some large agricultural buildings at The Camp and you rejoin the tarmac road that takes you back to where you started.

Photo © John Allan

Leweston Senior and Sixth Form Visit Week

Leweston believes in fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom. Their educational approach empowers students to develop critical thinking skills and a growth mindset that they can use not only in their academic studies but also in their future endeavours. Whether your child is interested in day, flexi, weekly, or boarding options, Leweston provides a supportive and enriching environment for boys and girls to thrive. Join their upcoming ‘Visit Week’ for a personalised, guided tour of the school and an opportunity to meet staff, students, the Headmaster and Admissions Team.

Leweston Senior and Sixth Form Visit Week | 10 – 14 March.

The best way to experience Leweston is to book an individual tour, tailor-made to your requirements.

Leweston ‘Visit Weeks’ are available to book now. These offer a personalised guided tour of the School during which you can find out more about academic, creative and sporting opportunities, view their extensive facilities and talk to the Admissions team about entrance, transport, enrichment and more. Your visit will also include a meeting with the Headmaster, Mr John Paget-Tomlinson.

Contact their Admissions Team, or visit their website to book your place – admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk | 01963 211015 www.leweston.co.uk

VISIT WEEK

SENIOR AND SIXTH FORM 10-14 MARCH

Book a personalised tour during our visit week and find out more about an education at Leweston

Vale Pantry expands to offer range of family services

THE Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton is set to become a ‘Main Family Hub’, offering a wealth of new services and support for families and individuals.

New premises on the Butts Pond Estate include a cafe, offering breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, soft play area for small children and meeting rooms for one-to-one help, drop-in services and counselling work.

The Pantry will be moving across to the site, ensuring ongoing access to fresh foods for those in need.

Visitors can see the new premises at 22B Butts Pond, next to footpaths into Filbridge Rise and across Butts Pond Meadows, at a community open day tomorrow (Saturday, March 1).

Carole Jones, trustee of The Vale Pantry, said: “This has been 18 months in the planning, building works and raising the money needed – which has been well over £250,000 – but the resource for families across

North Dorset needing a whole range of help will be invaluable.

“By opening the Vale Pantry four years ago, we have been able to help those most financially in need of fresh foods – however, food alone is simply a sticking plaster.

“Our aim has always been to uncover the underlying causes of food insecurity and help where we can with debt and welfare, support, strategies and mentoring, and sometimes just a listening ear, but our new Hub space allows us to sit and talk properly.

“Our Citizens’ Advisor will be able to work alongside us, and a host of other agencies and organisations will be running drop-in services.

“In addition, plans are afoot to create the space for groups to meet and to start the ‘Not So Youth Club’ with lunch and activities for our older residents, some who are often lonely and isolated.”

Services offered include:

• Family support Including parent and child support,

The Vale Pantry premises on the Butts Pond Estate have been transformed into a family-friendly space

parenting support and infant feeding support.

• Early childhood Early language and home learning, Stay & Play for ages up to five, SEND support and early childhood education and care.

• Health services Health visitors for ages up to five, oral health, substance misuse, stop smoking and mental health support.

• Financial wellbeing Assistance with debt, welfare and housing.

• Youth services Breakfast and homework corners.

• Support for parents

Domestic violence and abuse support, parental conflict resolution and supporting parents’ programmes.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “The opening of The Vale Family Hub is a fantastic milestone in ensuring families have easy access to the support they need, exactly when they need it.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.”

For more information, visit valefamilyhub.co.uk

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Fern Brook Lodge residents welcomed furry friends

Fern Brook Lodge care home residents enjoyed cuddling guinea pigs and rabbits as part of their varied activity programme.

Residents at the Gillingham care home were thrilled to see Kirsty from Hooves, Hounds and Hutches arrive with a range of furry friends for them to meet during their animal therapy sessions.

The care home’s dedicated activities team runs daily events to encourage socialising and friendship. Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care.

It hosts free Welcome Wednesdays sessions each week, where visitors can enjoy complimentary cakes and hot drinks while experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere of the home.

Fern Brook Lodge also hosts Memory Café sessions every Thursday from 10am to 11 am for people living with dementia and their carers. There is no need to book - just drop in on the day.

trusted local care home in the

Spotlight shines on young talent

HIPP!!BONES, the Gillingham based club dedicated to supporting young people with special needs, hosted an unforgettable morning of talent at the ‘Hipp!!Bones Has Got Talent’ event this February.

The morning was a heartwarming showcase of talent, with performances enjoyed by an audience of proud parents, carers and special guests.

Among the distinguished guests watching the show were the Mayor of Gillingham, Cllr Roger Weeks, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fiona Cullen, who served as part of the feedback panel, offering words of

encouragement and praise after each performance.

In recognition of their outstanding talent and courage, every performer was celebrated as a winner.

The Mayor presented each participant with a certificate, acknowledging their achievements and making the event truly memorable.

For more information about the club, visit www.hippbones. org.uk

The club relies heavily on a very small group of volunteers and needs more.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email serena@hippbones.org.

Children celebrate

numbers

ST Gregory's Primary in Marnhull was buzzing with excitement on Numbers Day. The children arrived in outfits with numbers proudly displayed, including football kits, hand-decorated T-shirts and number badges.

The morning was spent doing all sorts of number related activities, including a number quest and creating a number robot.

The

children at school made numbers from nature

the outdoor learning space.

Chilling fiction from local author

J. PATRICK Armstrong has dreamed of being a novelist since he was a teenager, and early this year that dream came true with The Book Guild’s publication of Lyttleton Siren.

After leaving school, Armstrong trained as a hairdresser in Dorchester and Weymouth then worked as a barber in Poole and London, before returning to full-time education through an Access to HE course.

During that year, ‘back home’ as he describes it, he took his first steps in creative writing with an evening class at Weymouth College.

His love of all things literary then took him to Scotland, where he studied for his MA, MPhil and PhD degrees in English and American literature at the University of Glasgow.

He moved to Taiwan and worked as a Professor of English while continuing his creative writing.

Now settled with his family back home in Blandford, Lyttleton Siren is his first published novel.

The thriller, set on the English south coast in the early 1980s, with the Falklands War as backdrop, delves into the harrowing

aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run.

Told in the distinct voices of Melvyn, Lisa and Kevin, the novel explores how their lives unravel and entwine in the fallout from the accident.

Dexter Petley, author and editor for Jericho Writers, labelled the work “a masterpiece of literary suspense, utterly convincing, chilling, disturbing and beautifully written.”

Armstrong said: “Although the subject matter is dark and brutal in places, the book is also a homage to a time and place gone by.

“I grew up in the seventies and eighties, and Lyttleton in 1981 is a nostalgic reimagining of a south coast town or village from that time.

“I thought it was important to include the trauma of the Falklands War, as it impacted so many towns and villages, especially those with significant military populations.”

J. Patrick Armstrong will be signing copies of his novel at the Authors’ Event on Sunday, April 27, at Bobby’s (first floor) as part of the Bournemouth Writing Festival.

For more information about J. Patrick Armstrong and to purchase a copy of Lyttleton Siren, visit jpatrickarmstrong.com

FURNITURE

Trophy triumph

THREE choirs from Leweston School in Sherborne, featuring more than 100 pupils, brought home trophies when they performed in the Taunton Festival of the Arts.

The Prep Choir competed in the 12 and under age group and secured a very close second.

The Festival Singers impressed in the Younger Senior Choirs category and came first, winning the Bishop Fox’s Cup for Senior Choirs.

Schola Cantorum triumphed in the older category, earning the prestigious Taunton Music Festival Choral Challenge Bowl.

A spokesperson for the school said: “All three choirs sang beautifully and were a shining example of the high quality of choral singing that is at the heart of the Leweston Music Department in both the Prep and Senior Schools.”

Glorious gardens

THE award-winning gardens at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, are set to open as part of the National Garden Scheme.

The 20-acre gardens surround the Tudor manor house and include the Great Court with its 12 giant yew topiary pyramids overlooked by two terraced pavilions.

The Grade I architectural garden is full of vistas with spectacular planting, ponds with fountains and has the River Piddle flowing past.

The ancient Manor of Pydele, as it is known in the Doomsday Book, was home to a deer park in Tudor times.

The gardens date from 1891 when Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchased Athelhampton to create an Arts & Crafts style architectural garden.

It was designed by Francis Inigo Thomas and more than 40,000 tonnes of Hamstone were bought to the site.

The Hamstone 'rooms'

feature contrasting planting that changes with the seasons.

Subsequent owners have left their own mark on the gardens, enlarging, refining and enhancing.

The Edwardian kitchen garden is part of a 10-year plan to provide low food miles produce to the restaurant and shop.

The gardens at Athelhampton House will open for the National Garden Scheme four times this year and for the first time on Thursday, March 20, from 10am-5pm.

Admission (garden only) is £12.50, children free – entrance fees will go to the National Garden Scheme charity.

A wheelchair map to guide visitors around the gardens is available and dogs on short leads are welcome. Coffee, lunches and afternoon tea will be on offer.

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance via www. ngs.org.uk

Village pays respects to local hero who formed a trade union

DIGNITARIES attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of James Hammett, the only Tolpuddle Martyr

buried in the county.

Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE, and High Sheriff of Dorset, Anthony Woodhouse, paid their respects with floral tributes at St John the Evangelist churchyard.

Honorary Alderman Pauline Batstone; founder chair/heritage ambassador of the Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust, Andrew McCarthy; and trustee and chair of the Trust, Professor Philip Martin, attended the event.

It followed a tour of the recently

renovated Tolpuddle Old Chapel.

The iconic chapel, built in 1818, is a Grade II* listed building and a rare example of an early 19th century earthen vernacular Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

Some of the men who later became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs constructed it.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were six Dorset farm labourers who, in 1834, were arrested for forming a trade union to protest against low wages.

They were sentenced to transportation to Australia, sparking national outrage.

Public pressure led to their pardon in 1836 and they became symbols of workers’ rights and unionism.

Today, the Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust works to preserve the martyrs’ legacy in the village. With support from Dorset Council, The National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic England, and 11 other funding bodies, the renovation and extension of the old chapel were completed in September 2023.

Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE, and High Sheriff of Dorset, Anthony Woodhouse

Happy 90th birthday, Jim!

METAL detectorists in the Stour Valley Search & Recovery Club have marked the birthday of their most senior member.

John Hinchcliffe, who lives in Tarrant Hinton and who was celebrating his 90th birthday, was presented with a Dorset Lost Towns history book by club chair, Richard Henshaw.

James Power, from the club, said: “John has been an avid metal detectorist and club member for many years, still being out in the fields of Dorset every week whatever the weather – hot or cold, rain, snow or sunshine.

“He is a true inspiration to his fellow detectorists, not to mention passing members of the public, clearly demonstrating that age is no barrier to pursuing one's passion.”

Put on your

dancing

shoes for an afternoon of fun

THE Digby Hall in Sherborne is the venue for a Let’s Dance event this weekend, held as part of a national day of dance spearheaded by Angela Rippon CBE.

Fitness instructor, Emma Randall, and Georgina Greenwood, are hoping to get the town and surrounding area dancing at the Hound Street venue on Sunday (March 2) between 2.30pm-4.30pm.

Let’s Dance is a nationwide movement of dance organisations, charities, health professionals, community groups and celebrities who are getting together to get more people dancing.

The event aims to raise awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of dancing.

It also seeks to make it easier to for people to find a dance activity no matter their age, experience or fitness, and bring individuals of different backgrounds together and connect through dance.

Emma and Georgina will be collecting for Alzheimer’s UK in Sherborne.

Entry is £15, including refreshments – to book, visit www.dancefitwithemma.co.uk or phone 07764 160424.

A musical treat

MEMBERS of the audience for Wessex Musical Theatre’s sell-out performances of Sister Act at The Hardye Theatre in Dorchester last year raised hundreds of pounds for a good cause.

The theatre group has now presented a cheque for £1,032.60 to Gully’s Place Trust fund, which supports children receiving palliative care across Dorset.

A spokesperson for Gully’s Place said: “Take a bow, Wessex Musical Theatre, because that Sister Act performance was show-stopping, raising a brilliant amount for Gully’s Place!

“Thanks to your talent, dedication and dazzling energy, you've helped bring joy, comfort and hope to the children and families supported by Gully's.

“Bravo, encore and a standing ovation of gratitude from all of us!”

The Gully’s Place Suites at Dorset County Hospital and Poole Hospital provide children with a life-limiting illness and their families with a supportive environment.

Wessex Musical Theatre is performing Oliver! at Weymouth Pavilion, from May 28-31. Tickets are available from the box office on 01305 783225.

Saving St Eustace

THE parishioners of St Eustace church, Ibberton, are celebrating as work on the north aisle gets underway.

The grade II-listed, 650-yearold church needed extensive restoration and repair to stabilise its north aisle. Thanks to a number of grants and donations from the local community, work began at the end of January and is ongoing.

Tradition Meets Innovation at Bryanston Prep

Bryanston Prep is making waves in education, drawing growing numbers of children to its 30-acre grounds located within the 400-acre Bryanston School estate in the heart of Dorset. The school has become a hub of creativity and innovation alongside tradition, offering a distinctive all-through educational experience in preparation for Year 9 in the senior school.

Bryanston Prep’s formula for success lies in its unique blend of traditional values and innovative learning. From Forest School adventures to cutting-edge technology, every element of the curriculum is designed to inspire young minds. The school’s approach ensures a holistic development, enabling children to thrive both academically and personally.

Children enjoy a wealth of opportunities across the school, from arts and drama to competitive sports, supported by state-of-the-art senior school facilities, mentorship from older students and access to specialist staff. Aspiring athletes can hone their skills through the High Performance Sports Programme, while creative minds take centre stage in plays, concerts and musicals performed in the spectacular Coade Hall theatre.

The school’s outdoor education programme takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, with younger children able to freely discover and explore in its Forest School, deepening a connection with nature whilst complementing learning in the classroom. Staying true to its equestrian roots, the school offers riding lessons and equinelearning sessions with its resident ponies. For the adventurous, children can challenge themselves with activities like kayaking, climbing and orienteering making full use of the incredible surroundings including expansive woodland, sports pitches and river frontage.

With flexible boarding options and daily bus routes catering to modern families, alongside full boarding for those living further afield, Bryanston Prep is more than just a school; it’s a community that prepares children for life while celebrating childhood. Through a blend of tradition with innovation and placing nature at the heart of its ethos, Bryanston Prep is setting the standard for forward-thinking education in its all-through school approach.

Daily

Scholarships available for pupils applying for entry into Year 3, Year 5 and Year 7 joining in September 2025

Museum reveals new identity

GILLINGHAM Museum and Local History Society has unveiled a modern new logo reflecting the town’s unique identity.

The logo features Gillingham’s three rivers and Town Bridge, made famous by 19th century artist John Constable.

Dorset-based Black Dog Graphics created the new brand.

The museum, managed by society volunteers, has occupied its current premises, next to the library, since 1996.

Its collection includes archaeological finds, objects, ephemera, photographs and archives telling the story of Dorset’s most northern town and the immediate parishes.

The museum has launched social media profiles on the back of the new branding to help it communicate more effectively with the community.

To find out more about Gillingham Museum and Local History Society, visit www.gillinghammuseum.co.uk or find it on Facebook and Instagram.

Digital champions make tech a doddle

THERE’S now more help than ever if you’re struggling with technology, computers or getting online, with 50 volunteer digital champions working across Dorset.

The newest champions for Shaftesbury – Chris Robinson and Lorena Sutherland – now mean Dorset Council has recruited its largest number of active digital champions.

Digital champions hold face to face sessions in libraries and community centres for anyone who has a technical problem or needs help with a digital device or getting online.

Chris, who worked for Openreach for 44 years as an engineer before retiring a year ago, said: “I always like helping people and I wanted to do my bit. I did a lot of coaching in my previous job and thought the time was right to give something back to the community.”

And Lorena, who is a web content designer and has worked previously for central and local government, added: “In my job I have seen firsthand the immense impact of digital exclusion and the barriers that can bring. I’m hoping I can help people overcome those barriers.”

Both Chris and Lorena will

be based at Shaftesbury Library, holding face-to-face sessions on Mondays and Thursdays.

As well as Chris and Lorena, there are 48 other volunteer digital champions who are dedicated, friendly and patient.

They can help with a whole range of digital issues such as setting up a new device, online shopping and banking, using apps, accessing public services and how to save money and stay safe online.

Dorset Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, Cllr Richard Biggs, said: “It’s fantastic news that we now have 50 dedicated volunteers who are helping our residents to get online.

“This is so important as more and more things become digital, including vital public services.

“Our volunteers are very good at encouraging people to try digital and have some fun with it. We’ll always be able to help people whether they are digital or not but for anyone who would like more help getting online, our champions are ready and waiting to help.”

People can find out where their nearest digital champion session is by calling the council’s Digital hotline on 01305 221048.

Stay one step ahead of the criminals

DORSET Police have launched a new initiative that will help keep you, your family and your business safe.

Informed Communities is an initiative that involves Dorset Police working with your local Watch Scheme to help keep you informed, updated and aware of local issues and risks. Register for updates and get your community safety information from the source. You’ll receive regular reports on crime, crime trends and policing, and be able to access practical information.

To sign up to Dorset Alert visit www.dorsetalert.co.uk. For more information email resilientcommunity@dorset.pnn. police.uk

Our loose Canon

For the Church to stay meaningful, it must include everyone

by Canon Eric Woods

A FORTNIGHT ago, in my February 14 column, I tried to draw out the positive side of the ancient but still mysterious Feast of St Valentine, now so horribly commercialised. I thought “job done”, and mentally moved on. But then on the day itself I saw numerous clips of some 80 couples renewing their marriage vows in Coventry Cathedral at the invitation of the local BBC radio station. It was moving and powerful, as each couple faced each other to say “I choose you again”.

I am no stranger to either wedding blessings or the renewal of marriage vows. I conducted many in my 27 years as Vicar of Sherborne Abbey – though never on an industrial scale! But somehow that cathedral extravaganza left me not only happy for the couples involved, but unhappy for the many viewers who must have felt excluded by its cosy inclusivity. I thought of those who have lost a much-loved partner. I thought of the divorced, the separated, and those who longed to meet a life-long partner but never did. I thought of those whose intended bridegroom or bride had never returned from war or terrorist attack, from natural disaster or tragic accident. And, to be honest, I wept. Any parish priest worth his or her salt weeps often, because we stand before God with the people on our hearts – and if our people

are on our hearts then we must feel their pain, their loneliness and their hurt.

So, if Valentine’s Day is to mean anything in the future, it must somehow make room for the single, the bereaved and the divorced. More importantly still, if the Church is to mean anything in the future, it must make room for everyone: the married, the single, the widowed, the divorced, the gay, the bisexual, the transgendered. It must make room for the dispossessed, the victims of war and oppression and all who are marginalised in our increasingly judgemental world.

A good many years ago, two of my colleagues at Sherborne Abbey – the Reverends Jane Craw and Lesley McCreadie – came to me with a suggestion for an extra service in the run-up to Christmas. Inwardly I groaned. We already had over 20 extra services in December, including carol services for every group imaginable. Did we really need any more? Yes, they said. I had forgotten one group: those who find the boisterous, busy, noisy, family-centred celebration of Christmas just too much. Those who simply wanted an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of it all, but quietly, in the gentle light of the Lady Chapel – perhaps thinking of those they had loved, and lost – or simply wanting to draw near to God to steady, refresh and still their hearts for the coming of Christ. And so “A Quieter Christmas” was born. It still happens. It is a small example of what the Church can do when it remembers its calling to minister to those who always had a special place in the heart of Jesus himself.

Photo by Etienne Delorieux on Unsplash

History lecture

HISTORIAN Diarmaid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University, will be giving a lecture to Sherborne Historical Society next week.

He is well known for his television documentaries and his scholarly books, the latest of which, Sex and the Church (2024), provides the theme for this talk.

The lecture, which deals with the 3,000-year story of Christians encountering sex, gender and the family, is on Thursday, March 6, at 8pm in the Digby Hall, Hound Street. Members and students free, visitors £5.

Cinema to return to town before the end of the year

WINCANTON is set to get a new cinema - and it could be open before the end of the year.

Your New Blackmore Vale understands the former Plaza Cinema, in South Street, pictured, is in the process of being purchased by S&B Cinemas.

The firm - which runs the Westway Cinema in Frome, The Ritz cinema in Burnham-on-Sea and The Avenue Cinema in Minehead - intends to open a three-screen complex in Wincanton.

A source told your NBV the company was in the process of securing the premises, with building work to convert and repair the building potentially starting in the coming weeks. It is hoped it will welcome film goers before the end of the

year.

The original Plaza Cinema opened in 1934, but was converted into a bingo hall in 1970.

In 1989, films were once again shown at the South Street cinema, but the venue closed in 1992. Although re-opened as a

cinema in the intervening years, the building was taken on by Wincanton Community Church in 1999, but has been vacant since 2014. Now, it looks as though Wincanton will once again welcome the big-screen.

Dorset shop up for Independent Bookshop of the Year – again!

A POPULAR bookshop in Shaftesbury is aiming to be back-to-back regional winner at the Independent Bookshop of the Year awards.

FOLDE Dorset was last year’s south west winner in the British Book Awards –and the shop will be competing to win the crown two years in a row after it was once again nominated.

The awards, organised by business magazine The Bookseller and sponsored by book wholesaler Gardners, celebrate stores that reach beyond the literary landscape and bring books to the heart of local communities.

FOLDE, the specialist nature bookshop in the High Street, was certified last year as a B Corporation (B Corp), furthering its founders’ commitment towards operating as a force for good while becoming a go-to

destination for nature writing and locally sourced arts and crafts.

The shop will vie to win its region first before contending for the overall prize, which will be announced when the British Book Awards ceremony returns to central London on Monday, May 12.

The overall Independent Bookshop of the Year winner will also be in the running to be crowned Book Retailer of the Year.

Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller managing editor, said: “The last year has been a drab time for the high street with declining footfall and rising prices, but what has been underscored by our regional and country finalists is that independent bookshops are

beacons of hope amid the gloom.

“I have been judging this award for a decade and a half and I have never seen such depth of quality and energy in the submissions.

“These finalists are wonderfully unique and idiosyncratic, but there is a link in that all of them are not confined by the four walls of their shops – they are out in their communities organising festivals, visiting schools, bringing authors to town.

“Sure, they sell a lot of books but that is just the start: independent bookshops are Britain and Ireland’s local cultural linchpins.”

Regional and country winners of the award will be announced on Tuesday, March 11, with the overall winner revealed at The British Book Awards ceremony.

JUMBLE SALE on March 8th at 9.30am, in Aid of Woodlands Methodist Church, to be held in Verwood Memorial Hall, bargains galore!! entrance 40 pence

JUMBLE SALE 15th March 2pm , Community Connections, Stour Connect Bath Road Sturminster Newton DT10 1JF - 01258 471359

JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull

Royal British Legion DT10 1PR on Saturday March 8th. Doors open 10.15.

3 COUNTIES

WOODTURNERS host a craft fair at Hooper Hall. Lydlinch DT10 2JA. FREE admission, lots of varied stalls. Sunday 23rd March. 10am - 2.30pm

JUMBLE SALE

Ashmore Village Hall SP5 5AQ Saturday 8th March 10-12.30

FURNITURE & COLLECTABLES House

Clearance - Saturday 1st March 10am to 2pm - All must go. Old Boundary Lodge, Shaftesbury. SP7 8ND

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion DT10 1PR on March 10th. Eyes down 7pm.

Businesses warn of dire impact from NI rise

RESULTS of a major new survey have exposed the depth of distress among businesses in Dorset about the impact of a hike in employer National Insurance.

Some 91 per cent of respondents in the Dorset Chamber poll said that they were concerned about the rise due to take effect in April.

Many warned that they will be forced to freeze recruitment and pay rises, cut jobs or halt investment.

From April, employers will have to pay National Insurance (NI) at 15% on salaries above £5,000, instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100 currently.

The chamber – Dorset’s leading business support organisation and the county’s voice of business – has written to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Dorset MPs about the survey results.

It has also invited the Chancellor to visit Dorset to speak to those businesses set to be hardest hit by the hike.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “In what is already an extremely challenging business climate, these findings reflect very serious concerns around the impact of these increases.

“Many are around sustaining and growing employment, future pay rewards for a workforce that already faces severe cost of living increases, business growth and investment and, ultimately, the survival of many businesses.”

WEDNESDAY

Musicals and the magic of live performance

MUSIC, entertainment and audience participation are in store when musical theatre duo CODA perform at Shaftesbury Arts Centre next weekend.

Soprano Gemma Ashley and bass-baritone Mark James will present songs from musicals including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and The Rocky Horror Show.

CODA have refreshed their show for 2025 with new arrangements and surprises as they seek to support local independent theatres on their UK tour.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing

our updated show to Shaftesbury and sharing our passion for musical theatre with such a vibrant community,” said Gemma.

“We believe in the power of live music and the role local theatres play in keeping the arts alive.

“It’s our privilege to support these venues and bring people together to celebrate the magic of live performance.”

CODA are at the arts centre on Saturday, March 8, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.musicalcoda.com or via the theatre box office.

Baritone at the

village hall

DURWESTON Choral

Society is bringing wellknown baritone Philip Smith to Durweston Village Hall next month.

The one-time zoologist and national otter surveyor of England will sing an evening of popular favourites from the opera stage to Broadway and beyond in a cabaret-style

Wonderful world of folk music

HEARTFELT, eclectic folk songs from across the world, with a good dose of original material thrown in, is promised when Jaclarabag visit Dorset.

The group is a new collaboration of three of Cornwall’s most seasoned theatre musicians, performers and composers.

It features Jim Carey on accordion, trombone and guitar; Giles King on clarinet,

bagpipes, whistle and saxophone; and Claire Ingleheart on fiddle, clarinet and baritone.

Jaclarabag are at the village halls in Buckland Newton on Friday, March 14; East Stour on Saturday, March 15; and Corfe Castle on Sunday, March 16, all at 7.30pm.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Meteoric rise and an untimely death

MUSICAL theatre is coming to three venues in Dorset next month with Kathleen Ferrier: Whattalife!

performance with accompanist Siobhain O’Higgins.

Philip Smith will perform on Saturday, March 8, at 7.30pm and tickets priced £25 include a two-course dinner – email jgedcf@talktalk.net, phone 07860 645073 or visit www.durwestonchoralsociety.

The show tells the story of Ferrier, a contralto singer who gained an international reputation as a stage, concert and recording artist before, during and after the Second World War.

It is developed and inspired by the singer’s own letters and diaries and performed by Lucy Stevens and pianist Elizabeth Marcus.

Whattalife! tells Ferrier’s story from her debut as a singer to her meteoric rise and tragic and untimely death aged just 41 in 1953.

The show is at the village halls in Marnhull on Thursday, March 13, Hinton Martell on Friday, March 14, and Yetminster on Saturday, March 15, all at 7.30pm.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Soprano Gemma Ashley and bass-baritone Mark James are CODA

Jaclarabag promise heartfelt,eclectic folk songs

Lucy Stevens performs as Kathleen Ferrier

Arts & Entertainment

Ladies first at literature festival

JOURNALIST,

war correspondent and chancellor of Bournemouth University, Kate Adie, will be at Blandford Literary Festival on International Women’s Day next month.

Kate, who reported on the Iranian Embassy siege and Tiananmen Square massacre, the Gulf War and conflict in Bosnia, will be at the event on Saturday, March 8.

She will discuss her eventful life and how she has seen life change for women across the world, her books and an

upcoming novel, in conversation with Nat Wood Fox.

The event also features, in seven sessions, poet Melanie Ann Vance; authors May Ellis, Felice Hardy and Paula Harmon; artist, writer and spiritual life coach Nicki Greenham; former ambassador and Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge, Juliet Campbell; local author Alice May; and a calming session with Finola Brennan of the Cedar Tree.

The event is at the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion from 9.40am to 6.30pm.

A NEW adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic thriller, Dracula, is coming to Poole Lighthouse. It runs from Thursday to Saturday, March 13-15, with performances at 7pm on Thursday, 7.45pm on Friday, and 2pm and 7.45pm on Saturday. For tickets, visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Comedy, cricket and the state of the planet

HOST of Radio 4’s The News Quiz and member of the BBC’s Test Match Special team, Andy Zaltzman, is set to appear at The Tivoli theatre in Wimborne.

Zaltzman, one of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, will assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race – when he stops off on his The Zaltgeist Tour.

Zaltzman has chaired The News Quiz since 2020 and has helped the long-running flagship topical comedy show earn multiple awards, critical acclaim and a growing listenership.

He has also hosted The Bugle, one of the world’s longest-running and best-

loved comedy podcasts, since 2007 – alongside John Oliver until 2015 – and with numerous co-hosts from numerous continents since 2016.

The Bugle recently passed the 600-episode mark and has clocked up about 100 million total downloads.

Zaltzman is also a professional cricket statistician and has been a member of the Test Match Special team since 2016.

He has toured in the USA, India and Australia, wrote a book about the 2008 economic crisis and appeared in Channel 4’s Taskmaster. Andy Zaltzman is at The Tivoli on Wednesday (March 5) at 7.30pm.

Kate Adie

• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am. BH21 5LZ.

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – everyone is invited to services at 10.45am. Thursdays – coffee and a chat from 10am-noon. Fridays –lunch club for over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book. The church is anxious to offer help to all those in need – call church steward John Cornish on 07799 516735 or leave a message.

• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday –weekly gathering for older people 2.30pm-3.30pm followed by refreshments. Tuesday –Footprints, an activities playtime for pre-school children accompanied by parents, grandparents and guardians, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm2.45pm. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689 for more information.

• Castleton, Sherborne, St Mary Magdalene (DT9 3SA): First, third and fourth Sundays, Sung Mattins; second and fifth Sundays, Holy Communion. All services are BCP at 11.15am.

• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2pm3.45pm.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday; Sunday service at 10.30am; Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper; Taizé Service second Sunday each month at 6.30pm, next March 9. Half an hour of prayer, meditation and music. Further details from vicarlesley@ outlook.com. Rendezvous Community Cuppa: Third Monday each month, next

March 17, 10.30am-12.30pm. Chat, cuppa (£1) and cake (£2). Support/advice from local surgery, speak to a pharmacist, blood pressure checks and Age UK will attend. All welcome. Profits to Rendezvous.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Sherborne Quakers – meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599. Children’s Choir – rehearses at the Almshouse on Mondays at 4pm. Contact charlie. gurnham@sherborneabbey. com, assistant director of music, to join, or just turn up. Mothers’ Union – next meeting is on Friday, February 28, at 10am for 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. The speaker is the Rector on The Almshouse Past & Future. Everyone welcome. Shrove lunch – Sunday, March 2, from 12.30pm. Tickets: £12.50 –children free – available from the Parish Office.

• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.

• Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.

• Longburton Village Cafe: Held in the village church of St James. Tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £2.50. Tuesdays, March 4 and 18, 10.30am-noon.

• Lillington: All morning services at Lillington now begin at 9.30am.

• Lufton Church: BA22 8SU, just to the west of Yeovil. Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.

• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm.

• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass – Sacred Heart, Tisbury, 9am, coffee after

Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am.

• Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.

• Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• Sherborne Abbey: Lady Chapel, Julian group, Wednesday, March 12, Abbey, 4pm-4.30pm.

• Sherborne Churches Together: Dorset Youth for Christ ‘Youth Hangout’, a space for young people aged six-11 in Sherborne to connect with others their age, play games and explore the Christian faith. Every second Sunday of the month, 6.30pm-7.30pm.

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.

• St John’s Church, Enmore Green: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.

• St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0AZ: Alternating first Sundays Mattins and Holy Communion, 11.15am. Everyone welcome.

• St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every

first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm.

• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion.

• St Mary & St Bartholomew’s Church, Cranborne: Book of Common Prayer Evensong with the Benefice Choir, first Sunday of the month at 6pm.

• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.

• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second and fourth Sunday, 11am Holy Communion. Third Sunday, 6pm Evensong.

• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, March 2 – 10.45am Together Communion at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; Wednesday, March 5 – 10.30am Ash Wednesday Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall. Sunday, March 9 –9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston. Coffee and cake –Spetisbury 10am – 11.30am first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am-11.30am March 20. Coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesday to Friday.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday, March 2, 4pm – United Sunday @ Four. Sundays, March 9, 16 and 23, 4pm –afternoon services. A very warm welcome to everyone. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff. mead@yahoo.com

The drowning of the shrew

I REMEMBER well the freedom when the teenager became the adult.

When enjoying that sense of independence with your mates.

Driving around the country lanes you have no thought about the smaller creatures sharing this world with you.

And why should you?

Without a care or consideration as to the consequences you throw out of the car window your empty drink cans.

You know this behaviour is wrong and anti-social, not forgetting you are, in fact, polluting the very county you call home.

But this also has unforeseen consequences for wildlife.

Shrews are often tempted by the sweet taste of residue left in the can.

I was litter picking recently and emptied an energy drinks can, only to see three little dead shrews tumble out.

Trapped in their quest for this sugary treat they cannot get a grip on the inside of the can to find their way out.

Unable to escape they drown or die a slow death through starvation – this is the most upsetting and tragic layer to the careless act of littering that you gave no thought about.

By understanding the far-reaching impact of your actions, we can begin to appreciate the importance of responsible behaviour.

Littering is more than an eyesore, it is a silent killer of the animals that share our environment.

Every piece of rubbish collected and properly disposed of is a step towards preserving the intricate web of life that surrounds us.

Small, conscious efforts can make a significant difference in ensuring that our natural world remains vibrant and thriving for those generations to come.

So next time you consider tossing away that empty can, think twice.

Reflect on the life that might be lost because of a moment’s stupidity.

Embrace the opportunity to be a guardian of nature and an advocate for a cleaner, safer world.

You know you can recycle the can and in doing so, you not only contribute to the wellbeing of the environment but also inspire others to follow suit.

Together, we can create a legacy of responsibility and compassion, where every creature, no matter how small, can live without the threat of human negligence.

Name supplied Via Email

Solar is spoiling the countryside

WE are currently going through the latest of this winter’s ‘Dunkelflaute’ – as the Germans call them – the long periods when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine.

During such periods, neither wind turbines nor solar panels produce energy.

Yet Labour’s Greg Williams – New Blackmore Vale, February 14 – following the lead of the intellectually challenged energy minister, Ed Miliband, thinks the answer to our energy problems is to semi-industrialise the countryside with yet more turbines and solar farms.

Small modular nuclear reactors may well help – though the Government has been slow to push ahead with these – but you could blanket and permanently ruin the entire Dorset landscape with turbines and solar panels without ever solving the problem.

That is one good reason why residents in the Sherborne, Thornford and Bradford Abbas area are quite right to fight proposals for a massive new solar development at Wyke Farm – now renamed ‘Blackberry Farm’ by the developers to make it sound cuddlier.

Roger White Sherborne

Putting the ‘Great’ in Great Britain

I LIKED the poem by Martin Hobdell in the New Blackmore Vale, February 14.

The word ‘great’ is often used to describe something as wonderful, whereas the ‘Great’, as in Great Britain, means something larger,dating from when Britain expanded to include Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is not in order of importance, but alphabetical in case I seem prejudiced!

J Hukins Sturminster Marshall

Thank you for the donation

THE trustees of Dorset Children’s Foundation would like to thank Louise from Slimming World in Wimborne for the generous donation of £185.

All the money will be used to improve the lives of disabled children living in our community.

We wish to thank members for raising this marvellous amount for us. We really appreciate your kindness.

Jayne Carr Manager

Targets and standards

KEN Huggins, writing on behalf of the Green Party in the New Blackmore Vale’s November 14 edition, endorses a call for ‘legally binding targets’ for greenhouse gas emissions.

This is a contradiction in terms.

A target is something that one aims for. One may hit or miss it. So it cannot be legally binding.

If we hit our targets all the time, then they are probably unambitious.

The yen for ‘legally binding targets’ also raises the question of what legal remedy exists when they are missed.

Who will be punished if we fail to achieve net zero in 2050?

We need to distinguish between ‘targets’, which are aspirations, and ‘standards’ which are, one hopes, obligatory.

We diminish the language if we misuse it.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne

Plane crash clarification

FURTHER to my email below, and the letter from Bapsy Gooding – New Blackmore Vale, February 14 – it is Mrs Gooding who is confused and not Mr Hayward as she suggests.

Mr Hayward made it quite clear that the crash he was referring to took place between Mapperton and Spetisbury in East Dorset, and not Maperton – note the spelling with one ‘p’ – in Somerset, near the A303 –nor Mapperton in West Dorset, near Beaminster.

The information I provided – below – is therefore correct in relation to the crash in East Dorset that Mr Hayward was enquiring about.

“In response to AR Hayward’s question in your January 17 edition I can offer the following information: The crash he refers to was that of a United States Air Force General Dynamics F-111E, registration number 68-0057, of 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.

“It crashed into a hillside at Mapperton Farm Estate near Almer on Tuesday, April 29, 1980, and was destroyed.

“Both crew members, Capt. Jack A. Hines and Capt. Richard J. Franks, were killed.” Ben Sennett via email

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across 6 Certainty missing Northern supplier of bread? (5)

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

7 Handy place for keeping bread? (6)

9 Drink when consuming fish producing disturbance (5-2)

10 Something gripping about alto’s latest means of expression (5)

11 School getting backing of celebrity (4)

13 Artist is in case of picture getting approval (6)

Down

1 Musical state? (8)

2 Short statement of aims (5)

3 Steal second bit of tissue (5)

4 One’s bound to be in this condition? (7)

5 Dutch priest in shop selling foreign food?

6 A cake’s best after work making one a nervous wreck (6,4)

8 Ordinary person using a crossing? (10)

12 Scholar taken with East and West (3)

15 Noble term for originality ahead of time (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

16 Rough set of lessons, it’s said (6)

17 In this way, paper is moderate (4)

20 Fashion figure (5)

22 ME citizen is earl I confused (7)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

23 Fellow about to cut a dry figure, overpaid executive (3,3)

24 Item in a setting, say, in court (5)

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

13 Stratagem to overlook nothing for work

14 First person left out of nice British university making affirmation of affection (1,4,3)

15 Sense unusually expert disowning a perfume (7)

18 Origin in quarters at sea, it’s said (5)

19 A hike in pay to happen (5)

21 A judge, we hear, is off work (4)

Politics

National poll lead and Ukraine

THE most recent Findoutnow poll has Reform UK with a national lead at 29%, Labour 25% and the Tories at just 18%. Fantastic numbers to build off, but the hard work is just starting. Our teams will be out in every corner of Dorset over the next several months, speaking with constituents and setting out our bold and optimistic vision for a better future for our country and for Dorset.

The truth is, our country’s current trajectory is extremely concerning. The last 14 years of Tory failure has left our nation in a very precarious state and this Labour Government is only exacerbating the problems. The solutions cannot, and will not, come from the legacy parties. We need bold and decisive action on immigration, on criminality, on government waste, and on lowering taxation and the cost of living for

Reform UK Dorset county organiser Thomas Gargrave

hard-working families. Only Reform UK can offer that. As our party chair said this week, the first 100 days of a Reform UK government will be the most transformative in our country’s modern history.

As we head towards the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it seems almost incomprehensible that in modern Europe, we have such

senseless bloodshed. The Ukrainian people have shown the most remarkable courage, dignity and strength in the face of the most appalling brutality by Putin. The UK has been categorically right to give Ukraine every possible support in the defence of its sovereignty. The origins of this conflict are extremely complex, and the way out is likely even more challenging, but a peace that allows men to go home alive to their families, even if that peace might be deeply imperfect, is better than war.

One consequence of the invasion has been to lay bare just how reliant both the UK and Europe have become on countries like Russia for our energy and other critical imports. The UK’s net energy import dependency stands at 37.3%, steel at 67% and food about 45%. We have been

setting our sails for calm winds for far too long, and we must shift rapidly to become less reliant on imports and, with that, less exposed to inflationary supply shocks.

One of the key components of our national security must be energy independence. You simply cannot have a manufacturing base without cheap baseload energy. The fanatical obsession with net zero by the Tories and Labour has left us with no manufacturing base and unreliable and expensive energy. If Britain is to play its role as a key leader in the world and rightly support countries such as Ukraine in their fight for democracy, we have to do that from a position of strength. Becoming self-sufficient in the key sectors of energy, industrial manufacturing and food is critical going forward.

dorset@reformuk.com

Building an NHS fit for the future

I PLEDGED to keep you updated on Labour’s progress with its Plan for Change. So I’m pleased to share some updates on our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.

More than two million extra NHS appointments, including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy and diagnostic tests have been delivered – seven months earlier than we planned.

Between July and November last year, the NHS delivered almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period the previous year.

It follows figures published earlier in the month which showed the waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the Labour government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year.

It means hundreds of patients across Dorset and the Vale have received vital operations, scans, treatments and consultations

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

earlier than planned, helping them get back on with their lives and back to work sooner.

The extra two million appointments – delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working – are underpinned by the Government’s ambitious wider reform agenda, including our plan to expand opening hours at Community Diagnostic Centres across the country, 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Another healthcare issue

that’s particularly acute in the south west is access to dentistry. People across England will soon be able to better access urgent and emergency dental care as the Government and NHS rolls out 700,000 extra urgent appointments.

The previous Government failed to address the crisis in NHS dentistry. For example, the new patient premium –introduced as part of the dental recovery plan published in 2024 – was revealed to have cost £88 million but with little impact for patients.

Through our Plan for Change, this Government will rebuild dentistry – focusing on prevention, retention of NHS dentists and reforming the NHS contract to make NHS work more appealing to dentists and increase capacity for more patients.

These extra appointments will be for patients who are likely to be in pain – including those suffering from infections

or needing urgent repairs to a bridge – and require urgent treatment.

There will be 13,569 additional urgent dentist appointments in Dorset, 13,498 in Somerset and nearly 14,000 for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Better still will be to improve dental health so that urgent appointments are not needed in the first place.

To that effect, the Government will introduce a new supervised toothbrushing scheme for three- to five-yearolds, which is aimed at providing advice and tooth brushing guidance in the school setting to children living in the most deprived areas in England, as well as providing toothbrushes and toothpaste.

This exemplifies the approach Labour is adopting to our mission to rebuild the NHS. Prevention is as much of a priority as the cure.

Parking: Battle won, ‘war’ goes on

WHAT an utter and chaotic farce! Regular readers will recall that I set out recently my opposition to Lib Dem run Dorset Council’s plan to introduce night-time car parking charges.

These would have affected Verwood, Sturminster Newton, Blandford, Shaftesbury and Gillingham. They would have created additional costs to local residents who often use the car parks at night due to pressure on residential roads not built to accommodate mass car ownership. They would have had a negative knock-on effect on local pubs, restaurants, arts and sports venues. Moreover, local volunteer community groups meeting in town centres would be forced to pay.

You may also recall that I raised serious questions pertaining to the revenue raised having offset the costs of implementation and wardens policing car parks after dark. I made my views known to

Conservative MP for North Dorset

the council leadership. They were brushed off. The opposition Conservative Group on the council tabled a budget amendment to remove the proposal. Lib Dems, Green and Independents arrogantly carried on and voted to introduce these unnecessary charges. Some of the strongest opposition to the proposal had come from Shaftesbury and Gillingham residents and yet the towns’

three Lib Dem councillors meekly voted for the charges to be introduced.

They should have rebelled and voted against. Rebelling is not easy, but I have done it many times in Parliament when I believed it to be in the interests of North Dorset residents to do so. Sometimes your backbone has to trump party loyalty.

Well! You can imagine my surprise to hear my own arguments against the introduction of night-time charges played back by a Lib Dem cabinet member in order to announce a pause and a review of the proposal. Further detail has not been forthcoming.

Agony postponed until the dust has settled? Abandonment of the policy? When and by whom would the review take place? Still all as clear as mud. Dorset Conservatives working together with the community may have won a battle on this but the war, I am afraid, goes on.

Treasures on our doorstep

IN the past weeks I have had the pleasure of visiting some of our wonderful West Dorset cultural institutions, most recently the remarkable Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy.

The academy itself is a testament to West Dorset’s maritime heritage, and the work it does training the next generation of boat builders is vital for keeping these traditional skills alive. It has done a fantastic job of innovating to ensure it is able to keep these skills and traditions alive, even as boat building schools elsewhere have been forced to close.

I also visited the new ‘Gladiators of Britain’ exhibition at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, in Dorchester. A fantastic show that highlights our rich history and includes many pieces on loan that have not been on display before in Dorset. It is well worth a visit.

Like our other cultural institutions, Dorset Museum

does a fantastic job, on a very limited budget, of educating and inspiring. So, I was delighted that it has been announced that it will receive £940,500 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Museum Estate and Development Fund for urgent building upgrades. Hopefully, this will allow it to continue to provide a draw for residents and visitors alike for a long time to come.

Last weekend I was also out and about in Maiden Newton, where I had several productive conversations with residents about their concerns and hopes for the community. These face-to-face meetings are vital for understanding the real issues affecting our towns and villages, and I’m always

And it goes on because the Lib Dem Leader of the council emailed me on February 7 to tell me that his council would be conducting a parking charge review with an option to make charging across the council area the same. This would see a significant rise in costs for local residents and shoppers and would hit local businesses and so on across North Dorset.

It seems this council is never happier than when it’s dipping its hand, Fagin-like, into your pockets. I shall continue to champion the interests of North Dorset residents and businesses on this issue.

On a separate point, I was delighted to join farmers in Westminster as we again protested the destructive Family Farm Tax. Another policy from a party that thinks it knows better than the experts. A review and a rethink is not too much to ask? I shall continue to call for one.

grateful for the feedback I receive.

I was also informed last week that we hit a major milestone. We closed our 4,000th piece of casework. People write to me with all nature of appeals – from help with the DWP so they can stay in their retirement home – done – to getting British Airways to provide a refund – done, plus a £250 apology gift voucher. With so many people getting in touch, we have to prioritise according to urgency and importance, but every email and letter is read, and we always seek to help.

So, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank my amazing team for everything they do. Please always do get in touch, we’re here to help.

Simon Hoare

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

Birth of a new world order

FOR decades political careers have been largely forged on the home front. Defence and foreign affairs have played second fiddle. No more. This Government will be defined by Ukraine and its relationship with the US. That’s because of The Donald. What to make of him? Well, at left of arc, Trump is a crazed narcissist and convicted felon who has somehow fetched up as President of the greatest nation on earth. Right of arc has him as a strategic genius with unique clarity of thought who uses counterintuition and hyperbole to shake things up and puncture ‘the blob’ where others have failed. I genuinely don’t know which is closest to the truth. However, the President is making it difficult for those of us who genuinely wished him well in November to continue giving him the benefit of the

doubt. Post Pax Americana and the rules-based international order that has kept us all reasonably conflict-free for decades, making for better lives and growing prosperity, it looks like it’s back to the brutal exercise of raw power by big players. For the first time since the mid-17th century that does

not include these islands.

Now an upper-middling power, our options are limited. I know what Sir Keir would like to do. That’s to rejoin the EU in whole or part. Safety in numbers, that sort of thing. Remember that, not liking the verdict of the EU referendum in 2016, Sir Keir tried to get a second one in the hope of obtaining the ‘right’ answer. Sir Keir may be lining up Trump’s smashing of Pax Americana and the consequent resurgence of Russia as a force majeure opportunity to wind back Brexit. So look out for him conceding things to the EU. In this scenario the Chagos cave-in becomes a practice run.

The better course would be to position ourselves as the grown up in the room, trying to reconcile the US and Europe, keeping America engaged while Europeans grow their militaries

sufficiently to deal on our own with Putin’s aggression. Such a course would enable the US to do what it surely must, which is to pivot to the Indo-Pacific to deter China. But that would require a statesman of Churchillian proportions. Perhaps one will emerge from France, Germany or maybe even Poland, perhaps even NATO’s Mark Rutte could pull it off. But, while I’d so like to see Sir Keir surprising us, I fear that his will be a case of cometh the hour, flunketh the man. So, what does the UK do now? We need a ceasefire based on borders Ukraine can defend that are guaranteed by a new coalition of the willing made up of proper military partners, not aid workers in uniform. That is not, repeat not, Sir Keir, an excuse for a backdoor EU army. Above all, we have to rearm. Fast.

Women must push for more progress

NEXT weekend, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), which recognises women’s achievements, raises awareness of ongoing inequalities and pushes for a fairer world.

Since 1911, IWD has belonged to everyone who cares about gender equality, and it remains a vital moment each year to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges remaining. This year, the theme of ‘accelerate action’ is an important one, as at the current rate of progress it will take five generations to reach full gender equality according to the World Economic Forum. Clearly far greater urgency is needed in breaking down the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

I’m incredibly proud to be an officer of the Women’s AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG) which is working towards a gender-equal

Parliament by 2028 – the centenary of women's suffrage. On the APPG, I’m honoured to be working alongside Helen Pankhurst CBE, greatgranddaughter of suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst, and granddaughter of Sylvia. A humbling legacy to continue. Women’s representation in leadership is vital, we should not be a minority, we account for over half of the UK population, yet both in politics

and in public life, it can be difficult to hear our voices. I want to ensure that women are at the core of all levels of decision-making.

It’s also crucial that all women have the support and recognition they deserve in every industry, including the armed forces. I’ve been vocal in pushing for a more inclusive and supportive environment in the military, and I’m always pleased to highlight the work of the brilliant organisation, Women in Defence, as I did recently in Parliament.

A further priority of mine is too often overlooked – the mental health of women in farming. Farming is demanding, and women in agriculture face unique challenges, including isolation, access to support services, childcare issues, gender discrimination and sometimes domestic violence. I have demanded a parliamentary debate on this important issue, spoken in the House on it, and

submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for targeted mental health support and a recognition of the crucial role women play in our agricultural sector.

This International Women’s Day, I’m looking forward to celebrating the brilliant women of Glastonbury and Somerton at events around the constituency. We have come a long way over the last 100 years, but across politics, farming, defence and every other industry, we must continue to challenge inequality and push for progress. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to achieve her full potential.

As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk

LibDem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Curated Interiors, Japanese Cloisonné and collectors’ cars

PRIVATE collections of high calibre items lead Dore & Rees’s Curated Interiors auction on Wednesday, March 12.

The Collection of Hemington House features high quality pieces of furniture, pictures, prints, Asian works of art and more – Chinese Haan and Tang statues, a lifesize Burmese buddha and lovely antique English furniture.

Paintings from the collection of the late Andrew Guy Thomson also feature in the auction, including striking old masters such as St John the Evangelist, studio of Carlo Dolci, estimated at £4,500£5,500.

The Alan Bostock Collection of Fine Japanese Works of Art is for sale on Wednesday, March 19, and features a wide selection of cloisonné wares.

The technique of creating a design out of metal ribbon filled with coloured enamels provides a highly intricate decoration. The auction includes outstanding examples such as a fine cloisonné box and cover attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, a widely appreciated cloisonné master, offered at £1,500-£2,500.

The Motoring team

continue to grow their partnership auctions with the second of the year coming up on Saturday, March 29, at Five Zeros Supercars in Bradfordon-Avon.

Head of Motoring, Nick Wells, and his team are presenting a wide selection of classic and collectors’ cars, alongside

automobilia.

This auction builds on the December auction at Five Zeros in which a 1984 Land Rover Devender D110 Arkonic Custom led the pack selling for £110,000 (including fees).

Contact Nick to discuss selling collectors’ cars and motoring memorabilia.

Dore & Rees’s marketleading Fine Asian Art auctions will be held in May and November.

Jewellery, Watches and Silver auctions are scheduled for June and November.

Please get in touch if Dore & Rees can assist with appraising items and offering pieces at auction.

Its friendly team is ready to help – email enquiries@ doreandrees.com or phone 01373 462257.

This fine cloisonné box and cover, attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927) is estimated at £1,500-£2,500

Antiques & Collectibles

Vintage clothing and superbike scale models

CLARKE’S Auctions is holding its two-day March sale next weekend and is open for viewing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 5-7, from 9am each day.

It is also holding its regular monthly valuation days on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, so please call in with any items, or photographs of larger pieces, if you have wondered about their value.

Clarke’s valuers will advise and answer any questions you may have regarding pieces.

Clarke’s is open for live bidding on the days of the sale and its colour catalogue is available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

The auction house has gained a reputation locally for offering single owner collections and it will be selling part of a

This 19th century Dutch kingwood and marquetry bombe commode is estimated to sell for £300-£500

collection of vintage clothing, including Savile Row dinner jackets, hunting coats, Master’s jackets, hunting pinks, hacking jackets, leather riding boots and trees, jodhpurs, ladies vintage fashion dresses and riding jackets and much more. It will also be offering a single owner collection of Minichamps 1:12th scale Grand Prix British Superbike motorcycles collected over the last 25 years, all in mint

condition with boxes.

This collection will be offered in its Classic Vehicle & Automobilia sale being held in April.

Anyone who has any automobilia-related items in sheds and garages can get in touch with Clarke’s to have its automobilia specialist take a look at what you have.

Clarke’s is taking entries for its April Antiques & Collectibles and Classic Vehicles & Automobilia sales, and for enquiries for consignment into either of these sales, or for probate or insurance valuations or full or part house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

NEARLY 140 pioneer, veteran, vintage, classic and modern motorcycles are for sale in Charterhouse’s auction being held at Haynes Motor Museum on Thursday, March 13.

“We have travelled far and wide valuing motorcycles for clients and have a great entry for the auction,” said George Beale, from the auction house.

The earliest motorcycle dates from 1900 with the newest having rolled of the Kawasaki production line in 2019.

A vast range of bikes from 50cc mopeds to an 1,890cc Indian trike are on offer.

There is something for any collector or biker, with road, off-road, race and sidecar combinations, and from

Antiques & Collectables

Friday 7th & Saturday 8th March

Viewing and Valuation days

Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th March

Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Auctioneers & Valuers Units 1

An ancient Egyptian carved carnelian and gold necklace, 1000bc. Sold for £10,000

Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Jewellery, Watches & Silver 3rd

Enamel Signs, Automobilia & Models 4th

Classic Motorcycle Auction March 13th

C lassic & Vintage Car Auction March 27th

Further Entries Now Invited

Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 5th Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 6th Chinese & Japanese Ceramics 7th 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS

This

restoration projects to show bikes estimated from £500 to £35,000.

Viewing for the auction at the motor museum in Sparkford is on Wednesday, March 12, and on the auction day.

All the lots, with live internet bidding, are also available on charterhouse-auction.com

Charterhouse is still accepting late entries for this specialist auction of motorbikes.

George Beale and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277 or via bikes@charterhouseauction.com

AUCTION houses often bear their quality in bringing the marvels of yesterday into today.

Bygone eras weaving into modern times through the filter of auction houses and the conduit of the auctioneer.

However, the artistic excellence of the contemporary art world deserves equal attention, and Duke’s Art & Design post-1880 auction serves to celebrate it.

Showcasing the majesty of the modern art world with names like David Hockney, Henri Matisse, Elisabeth Frink and more.

The most recent Art &

Design post-1880 sale achieved some magnificent results, including a wonderful fulllength portrait of the Talbot Sisters by Wilfrid Gabriel de Glehn, which sold for £36,000, and a rare, signed David Hockney print which made £10,000, inclusive of buyer’s

Wilfrid Gabriel De Glehn’s (1870-1951) The Talbot Sisters sold at Duke’s Auctioneers for £36,000

premium.

The first Art & Design post-1880 auction of the year is coming up on Thursday, April 17, with consignments now open. To consign, email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com The last date for entries is Thursday, March 6.

Three sales over two days

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding its first Garden & Architectural sale of the year in its two-day March auction.

The Garden & Architectural sale on Thursday, March 27, features a large selection of antique and vintage items, including a wonderful pair of French cast iron gothic revival benches and a pair of large hand-carved granite planters, one with cat detail and the other with mouse detail.

The sale also features various garden furniture sets, a pair of galvanised metal trees, statues and lots of pots.

The General Antiques & Collectors Auction is also on March 27, starting at noon, with Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, March 28.

The catalogue and bidding are available through Easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com, and Auctionet.com for Acreman’s timed auctions.

The auction house is now holding regular valuation days at its premises at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH, where its specialists can evaluate prospective sellers’ items.

Valuation days 10am-3pm: Jewellery & Watches, Tuesday and Saturday; Silver & Obje’t

BUSBY

D’art, Tuesday and Saturday; Toys & Collectables, Wednesday and Saturday; Oriental & Asian, Thursday and Saturday; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera, Friday and Saturday; Militaria, Friday and Saturday; Textiles & Fashion, Monday and Saturday; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Monday and Saturday.

Anyone unable to get along to the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment – house visits can also be arranged if required.

Acreman is also accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and can offer advice on items being considered for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk or visit the salerooms, open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm.

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections.

It can also offer advice and valuations to householders who are downsizing or who need to deal with a whole house, and can arrange full house clearances at competitive rates.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 or via the email address above.

-Tel 07771 518629

Home & Garden

Euphorbias shout sunshine, warmth and spring

by Sally Gregson

IT’S at the very end of winter, just as the garden is beginning to wake up, that those big, structural euphorbias begin their show. They lift their heavy heads and fix their open, green eyes on every visitor to the garden.

These Euphorbias are so emblematic of Mediterranean gardens that they shout sunshine, warmth and spring. And they form good companions to the whole tribe of happy tulips and sunny bulbs. They associate well with other Mediterranean plants – the still-sleeping, evergreen cistus with their sticky, aromatic leaves; blue-flowered rosemarys and the contrasting upright spears of bearded irises and

heads of agapanthus.

In our cooler, damper British climate Euphorbia characias seems nevertheless to endure rain and wind well, provided they are sheltered from the worst of the gales which could blow them over. Their architectural forms belong alongside a building or in the shelter of a garden wall. And their greygreen complexion marries well with bricks and mortar.

Euphorbia characias produces bracts of ‘flower’ with bright yellow ‘eyes’ or nectar glands, and Euphorbias characias ‘Black Pearl’ has very dark ‘eyes’ that are positively arresting. By June or July, the eyes will have popped open to explode seeds with quite a loud report. It can be clearly heard at

the end of a sweltering summer day like gunshot. The resulting seedlings will put themselves everywhere – they choose some interesting places to germinate. Notoriously, E. characias exudes a sticky sap which is extremely irritant. So, take care when handling the cut stems, and don’t rub your eyes or any other delicate part of the anatomy when they are cut

down at the end of flowering. It is advisable to wear gloves to avoid the sap, but if it does get anywhere sensitive, wash it off immediately with lots of cold water as soon as you can, to avoid a nasty trip to A&E. But, precautions taken, these lovely plants are well worth growing to lend a touch of classy exoticism to the English garden.

Time to plant ‘bee-fuelling stations’

by Sally Gregson

AS the days begin to lengthen, the sun becomes slightly warmer, the birds begin to form tunes from their apparently random notes – and the early bees are beginning to investigate their surroundings in search of potential nesting sites.

Many dormant queens spend the cold months tucked up in leaf-litter or under stones. In February, the winter sun gradually warms their cold bodies until they cannot resist the urge to fly. Their main aim is to recharge their batteries and take on nourishment from those plants that obligingly flower in the early months. And we as gardeners can help them by planting lots of early bee-plants that will make fuelling stations – plants such as crocus, winter-heathers, grape hyacinths and hellebores. It does not come as any chore to fill nooks and crannies in the border with these

winter flowers. They sell themselves to us as gardeners. Then once the early-flowering plants have finished, pulmonarias, rosemary, aquilegia and foxgloves could take over the supply of fresh nectar and pollen.

It is becoming increasingly important to feed our declining

populations of bees – they are essential to mankind. They pollinate so many of our vegetables and fruit, that without their assistance our larders would soon become empty.

Last year a Royal Horticultural Society survey among its members of bumble

bees found that white flowers received the most attention from bees, followed by purple and pink. The most sightings of bees were in suburban locations, that is, our gardens. And they were surprisingly fond of some plants we classify as weeds –dandelions, comfrey and green alkanet were among the top favourites, as well as winter honeysuckle, mahonia and flowering currant. These very easily grown plants, and some of our most common woods, all provide a lifeline for bees at the beginning of spring. It’s simple to encourage them.

But be warned – the ‘beebug’ is very infectious. Before you are aware you will be tending rows of hives dressed in gloves and veils. Soon you will be producing jars of summer honey from your own garden and you will have joined that army of apiarists that garden only for their bees.

Euphorbia characias belong alongside a building or in the shelter of a garden wall

An RHS survey found that bumble bees most favour white flowers, followed by purple and pink ones

Home & Garden

Google search: Your top 10 home problems

LEAKY taps are the most common repair problem households face, according to new research.

Property business, Leaders

Letting Agents, looked at the average number of monthly searches on Google for repair fixes across the UK and came up with the top 10.

Leaky taps were the most common home repair problem, with an average monthly search volume of 3,788.33.

Some common causes of leaking taps can be a build-up of minerals, excessive water pressure and a faulty cartridge.

Holes in walls and cracks in walls were joint second, with an average monthly search volume of 1,626.67.

These can occur for a variety of reasons, such as water damage, thermal expansion and deterioration of materials.

In third place was creaky floorboards, with an average monthly search volume of 1,501.67.

Creaking floorboards can be an issue in many homes, often caused by shrinking or expanding wood, and loose nails and screws.

Cracked tiles was in fourth place, with an average monthly search volume of 950.00.

Heavy foot traffic, improper adhesive and foundation issues can cause floor tiles to crack. Fifth place was loose toilet seat with an average monthly search volume of 855.83.

Common causes of a loose toilet seat include worn or rusty bolts and misalignment during installation.

Cracks in ceilings was in sixth place, with an average monthly search volume of 778.33.

Temperature and humidity changes can cause ceilings to crack, as well as improper drywall installation and structural movement.

In seventh place was peeling paint, with an average monthly search volume of 770.83.

This can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor quality paint, temperature fluctuations and improper surface preparation.

Peeling wallpaper was in eighth place, with an average monthly search volume of 471.67.

Inadequate adhesive can be one cause of peeling wallpaper, as well as excessive humidity, and sun exposure.

In ninth place was creaky doors, with an average monthly

search volume of 349.17.

Some common causes of creaking doors can be corrosion, accumulation of debris and dirt, and misaligned hinges.

Lastly, mould on walls was in 10th place, with an average monthly search volume of 222.50.

Poor ventilation can cause mould to grow on walls, as well as condensation, and improper sealing on windows.

A spokesperson for Leaders Letting Agents said: “The health impacts on residents living with issues in their homes can be very severe, such as mould affecting those with a weak respiratory system or allergies.

“Issues like loose screws or cracked flooring can cause trips and falls, especially for those more vulnerable, which can result in debilitating injuries that could have been prevented with a simple fix.”

For more information, visit https://leaders.co.uk

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Home & Garden

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

info@kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

info@kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

info@kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

We

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

Services offered include:

Services offered include:

Services offered include:

Services offered include:

Services offered include:

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

• Block Paving

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

• Block Paving

• Block Paving

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• Natural Stone Patios & Paths

• Natural Stone Patios & Paths

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THE range of chemicals available to the amateur gardener is in decline and has been for many years.

This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of bringing such chemicals to the market and a genuine desire by many gardeners to reduce their usage of such products.

Home & Garden

invasion by soil-borne pathogens.

Many examples exist of plants with natural pest and disease resistance.

Many of the seed companies will list these attributes on the packets.

Companion planting is the use of combinations of plants that confer upon each other mutual benefits or where one plant assists another.

Overcoming the challenges caused by this reduction in availability can be achieved in a number of ways.

Firstly, I would start by selecting the right plants for the conditions you have in your own garden.

‘Garden with nature rather than fight against it,’ would be my motto.

This includes selecting plants that will cope with, or even better that will enjoy, the soil in your garden.

By this I’m referring to soil type, such as whether your soil is clay-based or sandy, as well as the pH of the soil.

Both will affect the type of plants that will thrive.

For example, silverleaved plants such as Lavender will love a free-draining sandy soil whereas Camellias won’t enjoy an alkaline soil.

I would also ensure that plants are well looked after at the time of planting with the use of planting composts to improve the soil conditions and the addition of Rootgrow in each planting hole.

Rootgrow contains naturally occurring mycorrhizal fungi, which not only act as an extension of the root system but also will protect the plant from

An example of this is the use of French Marigolds among tomatoes in the greenhouse.

Either Whitefly don’t like the smell of the marigolds or it confuses them so that they aren’t aware of the tomatoes, but whichever is the case, the tomatoes are protected.

Biological control is also on the increase.

This utilises naturally occurring predators and parasites of insect pests which are introduced to crops.

Many are available for greenhouse use against aphid, Red Spider Mite, Whitefly and mealy bug, but also now for outdoor use are controls against slugs, leatherjackets and Vine Weevil.

Look out also for the organic treatments available.

Many of these use vegetable and fish oils which can be used to nobble insect pests and to stop the spread of fungal spores.

Many of these methods require a bit more planning and thinking, but with such planning they are very useful, and much kinder to the environment. Mike Burks Managing director of The Gardens Group

with Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group

Home & Garden

GARDEN RESCUE.

Tel: 01747-821726

GREENHOUSES

Supplied/Erected Alloy TenColours Spares-Repairs-Glass

Chris Abrams 01258-452632

WELL ROTTED MANURE

£60.00 a transit load. Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

WOODLAND CLEARING AND COPPICING, pruning, hedge cutting, Chain-sawing and general garden/estate maintenance. Call David: 07786-658708

For all your fencing and decking needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted. Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

Tel: 01935 814272

Mobile: 07814246332

Cash waiting. 01747 416022

WANTED -

Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

FOREVER-GREEN LANDSCAPES.

All aspects of garden maintenance & landscaping 01747 825134/ 07885-586716

mathughes@hotmail.co.uk

L.DAVIS AND SONS

Fencing, and garden design

Concrete bases, patios, gravel, garden clearance and much more. We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458-241230 or 07950-261510

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

• Fully qualified & insured tree surgeon

• All aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting & stump grinding

• Competitively

• Free no

LAWN MOWING SERVICES. Tel: 01747-821726

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647

CURTAIN ALTERATIONS

Curtains made to measure Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

GARDEN MAINTENANCE please contact James on 07930-262639

RIDE ON MOWER SERVICE REQUIRED. MARNHULL 3-4 HOURS PW MOB 07900-842224

HEDGE CUTTING and Lawn mowing services, Shaftesbury-Blandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130

NEIL’S QUALIFIED TREE GARDENING SERVICE. Professional, reliable and friendly service. Many years of experience, all types of landscaping. Including fencing, trimming, pruning, felling and topping. All overgrown jungle gardens cleared. Gravel and shingle. Rubbish removed. OAP discount. Emergency call-out. Fully insured and waste carrier licenced, CBDU402194. Call Neil: 07770-810559

LOGS

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING - Your local mobile service07760 469411

LOGS FOR SALE transit tipper load £260 Half transit tipper load £160 Dumpy bag £100 TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

£190 double load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250

LOGS R US Tipper Load £200 Half Tipper Load £100 dumpy bag £90 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale Barn-stored Any size of load If you want anymore help contact Andy

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

ALL TYPES OF EXTERIOR CLEANING UNDERTAKEN. Gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, patio driveways and solar panels, drains unblocked. Call Ross or Pat on 01963371123. Whatsapp images to 07393-941500. Call on mobile 07747-709002.

WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER AND OPERATOR HIRE, orchards,paddocks and neglected area clearance 07432 773151 paul25.06@outlook.com

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 / 07751 278363

PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run Business based in Shaftesbury, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size and Re-stuffing of feather cushions. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com.

HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AP Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com

JAMES AYRES

DORSET TREE CARE

Specialist Tree Workers

All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waster carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129 / Mob: 07951 284639

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)

Seed Potatoes, Shallots and Onion Sets. Fruit Trees and Ornamental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Terracotta pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258-452513

LES BENHAM

Garden Property Maintenance

All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work

Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343

lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

M & A J Landscaping

~ Fencing ~ Walling ~ Patios/Steps ~ Concreting/Tarmac ~ Tree work

~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377

GUTTERS CLEARED

• Windows,

• Fascias,

• Soffits,

• Gutters cleaned,

• Repairs,

• Free Estimates 07788-376752

WINDOWS & DOORS RESTORATION

RESTORATION OF YOUR WOODEN WINDOWS, DOORS and So Much More. Embrace the old don’t buy new. Ask me first and see what I can do tel 01747 822537 / 07734-943848

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

L R MASONRY GENERAL BUILDER, Stone work, Brick work 07971-982565

llewie30roberts@gmail.com

& RENOVATIONS

All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@ gmail.com

All types of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius.

HELPFUL ADVICE & FREE QUOTATIONS CALL NEIL: 07974 185923 or 07811 211586.

Groundwork, man and machine hire. Footings, ditchings, driveways, new build, drainage, extensions plus lots more. Call for a quote. 07546-762236. sun@baileyandsun.co.uk.

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076

G ROSE PLASTERING.

For all your Plastering needs Experienced and reliable Phone 07766-243762

G.S GENERAL BUILDER. Extensions, renovations, alterations, plastering, brickwork, block-work, stonework and patios, fencing. NO VAT. Call Garry: 07933-921382

ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301

ELECTRICIAN EXPERIENCED, New Installations,

Rewiring, Sockets, Consumer units, Fault Finding Repair. Reliable, Registered, Insured 07973 690260

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

KBB KITCHEN FITTER, all aspects of kitchen fitting undertaken. 30 years experience, free estimates given. Tel: 01963 364550 or 07890 841827

ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com

HARRY JACK, HOME SERVICES. Handyman, home maintenance, landscaping, roofing. Harryjackhome services@gmail.com 07855-544618

BATHROOMS

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

CHIMNEYS

CHIMNEYS

Martin Simmonds

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS

Martin Simmonds

registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038

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Martin Simmonds

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service

Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep

Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

Accredited installers of Wood burning & Multi fuel stoves, Chimney liners, twin wall flues, fireplace conversions, replacement hearths, chimney restoration & rebuilding, dealing with water ingress, cowlings, bird guards. Fully Insured, long term established. 01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

• Wood & multi-fuel stove installation

• New build houses – No chimney No problem

• Electric fire installation

insuring a quality finish and not waiting for other tradesmen. Established reputable company with excellent reviews and vetted by checkatrade. Relining existing woodburners, all building work undertaken from plastering/rendering/demolition and fireplace alterations even exterior painting or chimney/roof leak fixing.

• Metal twin wall chimney installations

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• Chimney take down rebuilds

• Hetas inspection repair to current regs

• Log burner flexi liner installations

• Fireplace alterations drone surveys

• Cherry picker & scaffold if required

• Thatch property wood burners

• Plastering rendering exterior decorating

Local Services

CLEANING

Joseph Crocker Computers

/ Wi-Fi &

ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software TuitionCall Gregg on 01963 370713

COMPUTER REPAIR SturComputers

Low Cost Mobile Service 01258-817-537 sturcom@outlook.com

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

COUNTRY CARPENTRY

Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570

M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07534-952486 / 01305-849380

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FRIENDLY LOCAL EX BT TELECOM & WIFI ENGINEER. Problems solved, fully insured & DBS checked. 35 years experience. Adrian 07799 105008

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WINDOWS & DOORS

experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS.

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: The hunter and the hunted

by Susanna Curtin

WORK commitments, relentless rain and mud, and a prolonged spell of bitterly cold grey weather have temporarily curtailed my adventures in the Dorset countryside. Meanwhile, there is sufficient drama in my garden to keep me connected to nature’s events. This morning, just after I filled up my bird feeders, a sparrowhawk swept through the garden grabbing a goldfinch in its talons before landing on the lawn to dismember its catch. This is the second attack on these social and gregarious birds in three days.

Goldfinches are widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, the rest of Europe, North Africa and Western and Central Asia. Their song, which is both distinctive and appealing, was – and sometimes still is – the reason they are trapped for the caged bird industry. As I sat on my sofa drinking tea, and thinking about the sparrowhawk and the goldfinch, I recalled a morning in November 2018 when I was working on the Greek island of Samos for a conservation organisation and was assigned a mission to catch a trapper. This excerpt from my diary tells the story:

“It is a warm, restless night in Pythagorio. I toss and turn with an anxious mind – I do not want to miss the alarm. Surely it is 5.30am by now? I am in and out of half-sleep dreams until at last the hour comes. I get dressed, grab my camera and my phone, and make my way out into the fading darkness. I follow the directions carefully – I must walk past the junior school, then after the fire station, between the Greek ruins

and the Pegasus taverna, there is a track that leads to Potokaki beach. I can just see it. But before I turn left into this dusty trail, a black car quietly turns the corner before me…, holding back just out of view, I follow it.

“By now, the darkness has lifted and there is a pink tinge over the Turkish mountains that summons the morning light. I make my way down onto the beach, out of sight, and wait. The owner of the car is making his way to a sheltered area flanked by stone walls. I watch him, surreptitiously, from behind the fine, wispy Tamarisk trees that line the beach. Soon after, the quietness of the dawn is broken by a dull drumming as he drives the wooden stakes into the hard ground. This must be him. I wait a bit longer. Eventually, I see him cast his ominous net over the stakes and over the seed head vegetation. I reach for my phone and make my call while a sick, cloying anger grips my stomach and swings the adrenalin from my heart. The trapper had been spotted yesterday by someone who had informed the conservation organisation I am working for. I was the perfect spy and, as a foreigner, would be spared the revenge that might come. Perfect or not, my pulse is racing. I can see him looking over at me.

“I take out my camera, I want to photograph him, and his act, but cowardice prevails. Instead, I point my camera towards the intensifying sunrise which silhouettes the castle against the dark mountains behind, and aimlessly gaze out to sea, the way someone might if they were there to watch the

dawn. The Forest ranger was on his way from the other side of the island. He would be there in 45 minutes. I must bide this enormous gulf of time. I so want him to make haste. The seconds seem to turn into minutes and the minutes into hours. Where is he?

“As I look across to the trapping before me, I can see him get up and down to collect his bounty of goldfinch. These birds will end up on the black market in Athens or Thessaloniki for sale as caged birds. The male sings the brightest and the loudest song, so the females are often dispensed with, fried and served with Ouzo.

“At last, I get a message. I meet the ranger at a nearby hotel and then join him in his jeep to show him where the trapping is taking place. As he drives down that dusty track, he catches sight of the trapper, veers left and hides the vehicle behind some reeds. The ranger runs out and across the field to make his own capture. I can feel the tension ease at last and can finally breathe – we have got him.

“Eventually they both return. There are four tiny goldfinch –that is one every 15 minutes, every morning since the beginning of the migration –that sit eyeing me from their

25 million songbirds, like this goldfinch, are shot and trapped every year across the Mediterranean

cage. Tiny, innocent victims undeserving of their imprisonment. The hunter looks at me and says ‘sorry’, but I shake my head in disgust. Walking back to my apartment, I feel both elated yet saddened as it feels like a drop in the ocean. It will take a year to come to court. He may get three years imprisonment, but it is unlikely. Although bird trapping is illegal in the EU, most governments turn a blind eye and thus more than 25 million songbirds are shot and trapped every year across the Mediterranean.”

But in this country, one of the first battles that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds fought was against the taking of goldfinches from the wild. Finally, in 1933, the Government passed an act to make the sale of wild birds illegal. Now our resident goldfinch population is a success story due to this, and the adoption of our garden feeders filled with sunflower and Niger seed helping to improve their winter survival rates. On balance, and given the goldfinches’ breeding success, I forgive the hungry sparrowhawk for its catch this morning, for it, too, must survive the winter cold.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).

Managing conflict in relationships

by Danielle Goshawk

CONFLICT is an inevitable part of any relationship. Whether it’s a minor disagreement over household chores or a deeper clash of values, conflict can feel unsettling. But what if, instead of seeing conflict as a threat, we reframed it as a way to understand each other more deeply?

When faced with conflict, we often bring our previous experiences to the current situation – family dynamics, stuff from past relationships or unspoken fears about ourselves or the relationship. Becoming curious about what is going on for you internally can shift the energy of conflict from blame to self-awareness. Next time you find yourself triggered, give yourself a moment to pause and ask: What story am I telling myself right now?

When tensions rise, our nervous system takes over, pushing us into fight, flight or freeze. In these moments, words can be sharp, silence can be punishing and the distance between us can feel insurmountable. Something that can really help is learning to regulate our emotions before responding. This might mean taking a breath, going for a short walk or letting your partner know you need a moment to collect your thoughts. By giving yourself space between the trigger and our reaction, we cultivate the ability to respond rather than react.

Often, we enter conflict determined to be heard but not always willing to hear – it feels so important to get our point across that we can easily miss what our partner is actually saying. Something I see when working with couples is that connection and intimacy is built in moments of deep listening, when we set aside defensiveness and make space for our partner’s perspective. This doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they say but rather acknowledging their experience and letting them know you’ve truly heard them. No relationship is free of conflict, but what sets strong relationships apart is the ability to repair. After an argument, check in: “Are we okay?”. Take responsibility for your part without excuses or justifications. Offering small gestures – a sincere apology, a gentle touch, some simple reassurance that you love and care about them –can rebuild trust and reinforce connection. The challenge is not to avoid conflict, but to move through it with curiosity and compassion, both for yourself and for your partner.

n Danielle Goshawk is a counsellor working with adults and couples, based in Lytchett Matravers and also online at www.acaciacounselling.net. She is also co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support which provides local businesses with counselling and wellness services. For more information, email DorsetEWS@proton.me.

SMART PHYSIO

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Gourmet burger a winter warmer

THIS gourmet burger is an indulgent treat for lunch or supper on a cold winter’s day.

First turn your oven to 200 degrees or equivalent.

Grab a medium non-stick frying pan and a splash of olive oil.

Ingredients

500g steak mince

1 garlic clove finely diced/ smashed

1 half onion finely diced

Fresh chopped herbs – parsley or thyme

1 teaspoon condensed tomato puree

Afew splashes of Worcester sauce

Salt and pepper

Make the burgers by binding all these ingredients in a mixing bowl and leave to marinade.

Extra ingredients

8 chestnut or wild mushrooms

sliced or torn

Handful of spinach leaves

Your favourite melting cheese – mine is Gruyère

Two ciabatta rolls or your preference

Olive oil

Another clove of garlic

Maldon salt

Pepper grinder

Next

Pan fry the mushrooms but do not be tempted to move them around until they start to caramelise.

Add a clove of chopped garlic, throw in the spinach until it is wilted and use a wooden spoon to integrate the ingredients.

Add a pinch of Maldon salt and a good grind of black pepper and set aside.

Burgers

Now mould the two extra large juicy burgers into a patty and pan fry on a medium to low flame – not too hot otherwise they will blacken – just for a couple of minutes each side.

Place them in a shallow roasting tin and put them in the oven for five to 10 minutes, depending how rare or well done you like them. Do the prod test and eek open with the point of a knife to see if they are to your liking.

Ciabatta rolls

Cut both rolls open and toast them lightly or under the grill so they are warm and crunchy!

Assemble your burger

Discover

Put a drizzle of olive oil over the inside of the rolls and place the burger on top. Give the mushroom and spinach a quick re-heat with a knob of butter and tip on top of the burger. Grate the cheese on top and it will ooze with the warmth of the ingredients. Indulge! n Annie des Forges, DirectorChef The Table Bruton; Annie Austin, Director-Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.

Mothering Sunday 30th March

Our Sunday Roast menu is bursting with appetising starters and mouthwatering, slow-cooked cuts. It’s nearly as good as mum’s homecooked roast - but prepared by us with love this Mother’s Day. .

Sundays

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Dedicated to some very special ladies; treat Mum to a wonderful day with our magnificent Afternoon Tea, served with a chilled glass of Ayala Champagne. Find available dates at www.theclockspire.com/events £55.00pp

Music

Tea firm’s £5,000 charity donation

by ed@dorsetbiznews.co.uk

MENTAL health charity Dorset Mind has received a boost for 2025 thanks to a £5,000 donation from Dorset Tea.

The partnership aims to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone.

Dorset Mind, a self-funded charity, is one of more than 100 local Minds that provide essential mental health services in communities across England and Wales.

Dorset Mind, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Dorset Tea for 2025.

“A cup of tea brings comfort, warmth and emotional grounding, often in challenging situations.

“We’re very grateful for both the vital funds and, of course, the tea – supporting our services, events, volunteers and individuals throughout 2025.”

The donation from Dorset Tea will help fund its vital services throughout the year, alongside providing tea and support for key fundraising events and initiatives.

Nick Rowe, corporate and major donor fundraiser at

Lauren Forecast, brand manager for Dorset Tea –pictured – added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Dorset Mind, a local charity making a real difference in our community.

“Their tireless efforts to provide mental health support and open conversations are vital, and we’re proud to help – with both funding and, of course, tea!”

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more.

Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

01258 450050

DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB

SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.

We are delighted that our renovation and expansion project has been well received by customers as have our food and beverage offerings. After a very long search, we now have a fully staffed kitchen and offer our full lunch and dinner menu every day from Tuesday lunch until Sunday lunch. We are closed after lunch on Sunday and all day Monday. We offer a wide range of beers, cider, wines and spirits as well as a range of non-alcoholic options.

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

The bar and snug have been refreshed but retain all the old features that made this cosy area so attractive. And, by popular demand, we have a new wood burning stove to provide atmosphere and warmth whenever needed! We have a completely new kitchen, beer cellar and new male, female and disabled washrooms. The old conservatory is now an insulated garden room and we have a new dining area which can accommodate a further twenty guests.

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

By experimenting with our menu and listening to our customers we have developed a popular menu ranging from light snacks to exciting specials and everything in-between. Please look at our menu and see if you can spot your favourite country pub meal. For Sunday lunch, in addition to our full menu, we offer a traditional roast with all the trimmings. Our range of drinks has evolved in response to customer demand and caters for all tastes. But most importantly we have built a wonderful team to look after you all and ensure a great experience at the Plough.

We hope to see you soon, Cheers, Peter & Karlene

Should I get my dog neutered?

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

WHEN I graduated in 2000 our advice was to neuter all male and female dogs to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unwanted behaviours. No studies, at that time, suggested adverse effects from doing this. In the last 25 years multiple studies have been carried out to

C.B. Brett & Son

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compare the effects of neutering with unneutered dogs and to compare the effects of the age at neutering.

Recent studies have suggested that early neutering in certain breeds of dog can increase the risk of certain tumours and other abnormalities developing. For instance, Rottweilers neutered before 12 months of age are at higher risk

of developing osteosarcoma –bone tumour – and Golden Retrievers neutered before a year old are at increased risk of joint disorders. Other studies have led to the recommendation that all large breed dogs are not neutered until they are at least 12 months old and preferably 15 months.

Urinary sphincter mechanism incontinence (USMI) is a condition that can develop mainly in neutered females. It is much more common in breeds of dog over 20-25kg adult weight and early neutering can increase the incidence. The age of neutering females of smaller breeds appears to have no effect on whether USMI will develop.

Another study in Dachshunds has shown that early neutering can increase the risk of intravertebral disc disease –slipped disc. The advice now is to wait to neuter until dogs are over 18-24 months old.

Owners: Elaine & Ed Tilley

5*

Lattiford, Wincanton, BA9 8AF | 01963 32104

Equally studies have shown that there is no increase in health problems caused by early neutering in many small breeds of dog such as Jack Russell Terriers, Toy Poodles, Pugs and Yorkshire Terriers.

While delaying neutering is beneficial in certain breeds it is also important to consider other

factors. Dogs with behavioural issues that will benefit from neutering should have their needs prioritised. If alternatives involve ongoing behaviour problems, risk of rehoming or euthanasia, then the benefits of early neutering outweigh the disadvantages for that particular dog. However, anxious dogs, particularly males, may become more anxious after neutering and the reason for neutering should be discussed with a vet and/or behaviourist before going ahead.

It is important to note that there are many benefits of neutering such as preventing other cancers in both sexes and other conditions that often develop later in life such as prostate enlargement in males and pyometra – womb infection – in females. Adverse male behaviours are learnt and neutering after they have developed may not reverse them. Bitches spayed before their first season have no risk of developing mammary tumours and their risk is still reduced if neutering occurs before they are two years old. Neutering is an important subject to consider and the benefits carefully balanced against any disadvantages.

Let us pamper your pet in our luxurious kennels and cattery. All accommodation has central heating and double glazing to keep our guests comfortable. Our dogs are exercised in secure gardens. Open for boarding 7 days per week from 09.00am. See website for details of opening times.

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KENNELS

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MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Misty, 10 years.

Delightful girl and a bit of a character, never wanting to miss out on attention

Rene and Gruber, six months.

Delightful pair looking for a home together

LOST CATS

If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost.

FOUND CATS

If you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs. First, check if it is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary. Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media and community groups. Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring. For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats. org.uk/middorset

Do harnesses encourage pulling? Debunking the myth

by Raychel Curson

A COMMON misconception among pet owners is that using a harness will encourage dogs to pull more during walks. While it’s true that some dogs may pull while wearing a harness, it’s not the harness itself that causes the behaviour. Instead, it’s often due to other factors like training, excitement or the dog’s natural instincts. Let’s explore this myth and uncover the truth.

Harnesses are designed to provide better control and distribute pressure evenly across a dog’s body, reducing the risk of injury to their neck and spine. Unlike collars, which can cause harm when a dog pulls, Y-front harnesses are a safer option, especially for dogs prone to respiratory issues or those with delicate tracheas. However, some pet owners notice their dogs pulling more when wearing a harness, leading to the assumption that the harness encourages this behaviour.

The reality is that pulling often stems from a lack of proper training or an excess of

excitement or anxiety during walks. Dogs naturally explore their surroundings with enthusiasm, and without consistent training, they may pull to reach scents or sights of interest. Harnesses may make pulling more comfortable for the dog, but they don’t inherently cause the behaviour. To discourage pulling, consider training techniques such as the ‘follow me’ game, where they are rewarded heavily for being by your side. For dogs which persistently pull, no-pull harnesses with front attachment points can help guide them back to you and reduce pulling tendencies. Harnesses are a valuable tool for safe and enjoyable walks. Combined with consistent training and patience, they can help you and your dog enjoy stress-free outings without reinforcing unwanted behaviours.

n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching. Email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk.

Jasper, 11 years. Absolute dream boy, looking for his retirement home, find out more about his story online

Announcements

DEATHS MEETING PLACE

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

GENTLEMAN

LOOKING FOR LADY PARTNER, prefer someone slim. Text or phone 07754-232184

THANK YOU

Judi Noakes (nee Greenway)

Mike Noakes, Jon , Liz and Bex Greenway would like to thank everyone who sent cards and messages and who supported us at Judi’s funeral on 10th February 2025. In total, donations of £600.00 were raised in support of the Fawcett Society and the Samaritans. Thank you so much.

DEATHS

GILES

Micheal John - “Mick”

Peacefully on 6th February 2025. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral Service at Poole Crematorium on Friday 7th March at 11.00am. Family flowers only please. Donations to the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital. Enquiries to Colin J Close Funeral Services, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU

Greta Kate Proudley

Peacefully on 16th February aged 90 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Eric, Mum, Grandma & Sister. Memorial service at St. Mary’s Church Gillingham on Tuesday 18th March at 2pm. Family flowers only please donations if desired for The British Heart Foundation. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel 01747 833757.

Edward Elmore

Passed away peacefully at home in Sturminster Newton, on 2nd February 2025, aged 94 years. Much loved husband of the late Edna. Loving Dad to Anne, Christine and David. Dearly loved Grandad of Matthew, Luke, James, Claire, Neil and Lucy. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service at Church of Our Lady, Marnhull on Monday 10th March at 11.00am, followed by cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel. 01963 362570

BRIAN CURTIS

Of Sturminster Newton. Passed away at home on the 4th February aged 85.He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

Terence (Terry) Weeks

Aged 87 of Zeals.

Peacefully on 3rd February at Bramley House, Mere. Much loved by Valerie Nicholas, Teresa, Ellie & James Pepi, Simon, Georgina & Charlotte

MARISE WOOLLARD

Peacefully at home on 13th February 2025 aged 89. Wonderful Wife to Tony for 58 years. Profligate artist and an amazing life. Mother to David & Bruce, Granny to Jack, Tom, Daisy & Edward. Service of Thanksgiving at St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna on 7th March 2025 at Noon.

Eastaugh Rosemary Anne

of Springfield House, Wincanton

Peacefully at home, on 11th February 2025

Aged 92, Beloved wife of Jim and mother of Stephen There will be no funeral as Rosemary has donated her body to Bristol University for research purposes

Mary Bridget Berry of Iwerne Minster

Passed away 7th. February after losing her very long battle with acute illness. Mary’s Funeral will be at 2pm, on 5th March at Harbour View, Lytchett Minster, BH16 6AN. Contact Chuck@hkb.co.uk for full details

JONATHON GEORGE WITCHER

on 13th February 2025, peacefully, in Salisbury District Hospital after a short illness, aged 82 years. Of Shaftesbury. “Now resting with his beloved wife Patricia” Peace be with you John from your ever loving brother, sons, grandchildren and all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 17th March at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations for Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

DEATHS

Harry James

aged 85, formerly of South Cheriton and Milborne Port, sadly passed away at home in North Petherton on 12 February. Beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, brother, grandad, uncle and friend to many. Funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 14 March, 11.20am. Family flowers only, please. Donations in memory of Harry to Cancer Research or Alzheimers Research UK can be made at https://harry-dennis-james.muchloved.com

DEREK ROY WOODLAND

Sadly Roy passed peacefully away on Friday 21st February 2025. His cremation will be held at Poole on 11th March at 11:00am. Casual dress. No flowers, but donations to Cancer Research please. Refreshments will follow at The Red Lion, Sturminster Marshall, BH21 4BU. RSVP please to 07808 094803 to confirm attendance. Thank you.

PATRICIA MARY STAINER

On 13th February 2025, peacefully in Blandford Grange Care Home aged 76 years. Formerly of Shaftesbury. Private cremation service. Any donations in Patricia’s memory for Cancer Research UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Violet Holloway ‘Winnie’

Passed away peacefully at the Old Rectory, Stalbridge on 9th February 2025 aged 88 Years. Dear Wife of David and much loved Mother, Nanny and Great Nanny. Funeral service to take place on Thursday 6th March, 12 noon at All Saints Church, Fifehead Neville. Donations if desired to Cancer Research UK or Dementia UK C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP

GRAY MICHAEL JOHN

Aged 84 years of Holton. Formerly of Bourton. On 2nd of February 2025, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. Michael will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral Service at St Michael’s Church, Penselwood on Monday 3rd March at 2:00pm, followed by interment in the churchyard. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Michael are being invited for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. C/O: Harold F Miles Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: 01963 440367.

BLUNDEN

Margaret Rosemary

Peacefully on 19th February, aged 73 years. A dearly loved Wife, Sister and friend to many. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 12th March, at 11:20am. Enquiries c/o Brister & Son Funeral Directors Tel: 01935 812647

STOKES

Gordon Eric

Passed away peacefully on 9th February 2025, aged 95 years. Much loved husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad. Funeral service on Wednesday 19th March 2025, 1.00p.m. at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Wincanton. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Gordon are invited for The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital and may be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to the charity

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

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01963

Majority of drivers think headlights are too bright

A QUARTER of drivers (25%) who find vehicle headlights too bright are driving less at night as a result, a major new study on headlight glare from the RAC shows.

A further 22% say they wish they could drive less at night because of other vehicles’ lights and one-in-20 drivers (5%) have stopped driving at night altogether for the same reason.

The findings come from what is believed to be the most in-depth research into motorists’ views on the issue.

Three-quarters (75%) of those who drive less do so because intense headlights make the experience uncomfortable or more difficult.

Almost all drivers agree vehicle headlights can be too bright – more than a third (36%) believe most are, with a further 59% saying some of them are.

Drivers aged under 35 are more likely to say most headlights are too bright (41%), as are those who drive conventional hatchbacks, estates and saloons. Thirty-eight per cent of this group said most are too bright, although it’s still the case that three-in-10 (29%) of people who drive vehicles that sit higher on the road like SUVs say most are.

What’s more, six-in-10 UK drivers (61%) who suffer from headlight glare say the problem has worsened in just 12 months, with only a quarter (26%) disagreeing.

Looking at motorists who still drive at night, nearly a fifth (17%) say bright headlights leave them feeling tired and fatigued while driving, while 16% say they’ve suffered with headaches, migraines and/or eye

pain. Meanwhile, six-in-10 (59%) say dazzle makes driving more difficult and uncomfortable, a figure that rises to 65% for 65 to 74-year-olds and 67% for those aged 75 and over.

Headlight glare is a complex issue that may be caused by a variety of factors.

These include the alignment of a vehicle’s headlights, changes in lighting technology – from halogen to bi-xenon and LED – and variations in vehicle height, as more drivers switch from conventional hatchbacks that sit lower on the road to higher-riding SUVs.

Following campaigning led by the RAC, Baroness Hayter, The College of Optometrists and others, the Government commissioned a project looking at the conditions most likely to lead to headlight glare, and to see what can be done to address them. The project is set to report by the summer.

RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “With the exception of potholes, few motoring topics seem to rouse as much interest among the nation’s drivers right now as bright headlights.

“It’s undisputable that public concern is increasing, but the reasons for glare and what can be done to reduce it aren’t nearly as clear.

That’s why we’re pleased the Government heeded the calls of the RAC and our partner organisations on this issue and commissioned an independent project to look into it. We’re aware other European countries are now taking the matter seriously, too.

“What has gone from a mere

frustration is now having a profound impact on people –whether that’s momentarily being blinded while driving or struggling to judge the speed or position of a vehicle ahead.

“The fact such a high proportion of people are also driving less at night – or wish they could – is remarkable and demonstrates the need for glare to be tackled.

“This does, however, need to be balanced with the potential road safety benefits afforded to people driving vehicles with brighter headlights.

“Our research does suggest that the difference in height of vehicles affects how drivers perceive glare, as does the colour of headlights on oncoming traffic.

“It also appears to be more of a problem on unlit roads, where drivers’ vision is subjected to greater levels of contrast.

“We hope our findings prove to be valuable to both industry and government in understanding the effects dazzling headlights are having on drivers. At the same time, we’re pleased to be able to dispel some myths around the topic, such as the one that headlight glare is something that affects only older drivers. Interestingly, drivers under the age of 35 are more likely to say most vehicle headlights are too bright.”

Baroness Dianne Hayter said: “As this detailed study shows, virtually every driver

experiences the problem of over-bright headlights, and many find the dazzle sufficiently problematic to stop or reduce their driving at night, with real social and other costs. The RAC has produced the evidence, now the Government needs to take action – whether on the colour, intensity or angle of these glaring lights.”

Official government statistics show that since 2013, there has been an average of 280 collisions a year where dazzling headlights were a contributory factor. Of these, six a year involved someone losing their life. However, this only includes those collisions where a police officer attending can be sure that headlight dazzle was a factor.

The RAC website has a full guide to headlight glare, including tips for drivers on how to avoid it – and how to avoid accidentally dazzling other road users.

One-in-20 drivers have stopped driving at night because of headlight glare and another 47% are either driving less at night or saying they would prefer not to have to drive in the dark

Dorset drink-drive statistics:

1,752 offences in three years

DORSET has seen a shocking number of drink-driving offences in the past year, according to new data.

A new investigation by drink-driving car accident claims specialists, Legal Experts, reveals Dorset Police recorded more than 1,700 drink-driving offences in the last three years, with 389 logged in the last year alone.

The force clocked 1,752

drink-driving offences between December 2021 and November 2024 – which includes people who produced positive breath tests as well as those who failed to provide one.

75% of offences resulted in a charge or summons.

76% of drink-drivers arrested by Dorset Police in the last year were male.

25-34-year-olds were the most common age group

arrested in the last year, closely followed by 35-44-year-olds, which made up 20%.

Poole recorded the highest number of drink-driving arrests between December 2023 and November 2024 with 45 offences committed in the last 12 months.

Dorchester came in second with 32, while East Dorset came in third with 29 arrests.

Dorchester recorded the

second highest reports of drink-driving.

The findings follow the latest data released by the Department for Transport in 2024 revealing that UK drink-driving deaths have hit a 13-year high.

There were an estimated 300 deaths where at least one driver was over the legal bloodalcohol limit in 2022, the latest year for which official figures are available.

This is the highest annual figure since 2009. Road Traffic Accident specialist, Tracy Chick, from Legal Experts, said: “It is deeply concerning that drink-drive-related deaths have reached their highest level since 2009.

“Anyone who drinks and drives is putting the lives of all road users at risk.

“The impact of drink-driving can be devastating not only for victims who have been killed or suffered life-changing injuries but also for the drivers facing serious legal consequences.”

The car –and the manual’s –the star!

DISPLAYS, demonstrations, talks and activities will be on offer when the Haynes Motor Museum, near Sparkford, holds a motor show later this year.

The inaugural John Haynes Classic motor show marks 40 years since John Haynes OBE founded the motor museum in July 1985.

The event will be spread across five outdoor zones surrounding the museum, with the Haynes Manual Display celebrating Haynes’s ability to explain complex engineering in an easy to follow way.

The museum is looking for owners of vehicles linked to the Haynes Manuals which have interesting stories, whether that is a personal connection, mechanical challenges or journeys the cars have been on.

Chris Scudds, museum chief executive, said: “Since we announced the show late last year, we’ve been amazed by the huge amount of interest shown by car and motorcycle clubs eager to attend the event as well as show visitors wanting to

PEUGEOT PARTNER VAN, MOT Dec 25, new starter motor fitted, good runner, sound body, 150k, 57plate, £1000.00 ono. Tel: 07966143724

SUZUKI IGNIS. 2017 42,000 miles. FSH RFL only £20 59mpg As new £6650 MOT 2/26 07434-957734

BMW MINI CLUBMAN 2017 reg, petrol 1499cc, manual, Racing Green , in good condition. 50000 miles. £7500. 07877-971318

secure tickets. This is going to be a very special day, and quite rightly so, as it honours and celebrates John’s legacy and his passion for the motor vehicle.

“I’m super excited to hear all the wonderful manual-related stories people have and cannot wait for them to be shared on the day. With the other four zones as well, this is going to be an unmissable show!”

Other show highlights will include the Car and Motorcycle Club Arena featuring hundreds of veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles.

The Live Show Paddock will be full of talks, debates and a special vehicle parade that brings the Haynes Manuals to life.

The Discovery Zone will offer a dynamic mix of handson workshops, demonstrations and interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities.

Finally, the Market will showcase locally sourced food, drink and crafts from regional artisans alongside automotive exhibitor stands featuring products, services and collectables for vintage, classic and modern vehicles.

The show is on Sunday, September 7, and tickets are available through the John Haynes Classic website.

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

VW CADDYMAX HIGHLINE TDI, 2016, White, Diesel, 67,500 miles, 1968 cc

Very good clean condition, panelled. Used privately. Lady owner. MOT July FSH £6,500. 07818-84 440

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577 OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

BRIDGE MOTORS

2020 (69) Seat Leon 1.5 TSi EVO FR Automatic, White 44,000 miles Sat Nav, Parking Sensors, Personalised number Plate ............................... £12695

2018 (68) Skoda Citygo 1.0 MPi Greentech SE 5 Dr, Blue, 1 Owner £6295

2017 (67) Ford Kuga 1.5 Titanium Auto 4x4, Metallic Blue, 44,000, Miles, Service History ................................................................................... £11695 2017(67) VW Polo 1.2 TSi Match Edition, 5 Dr, 70,000 miles, 2 Owners ..... £7995

2017 (17) VW Golf 1.6 GT TDi, Bluemotion Tech, 5 Dr, White .............. £11995 2016 (16) Kia Sportage 2 ISG 1.6, 5 Dr, Silver, 29,500 Miles, Kia Service History, 2 Owners ................................................................................ £10995

2016 (65) Audi A1 TFSi SE 1.0 Sportback, 5 Dr, Red, 45,000 miles, Zero Road Tax ................................................................................................ £8995

2015 (15) Mini One 1.2, 3 Dr, White, Alloys, Air Con, 2 Owners,......... £5995

2015 (15) Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi Exclusive, 57,000 Miles, Service History, Metallic Red, 2 Owners ........................................................... £5995

2015 (15) Nissan Qashqai 1.5 Tekna DCi, Alloys, Full Leather, Heated Seats, Pan Roof ...................................................................................... £6995

2013 (63) VW Beetle 2.0 TDi Design, Alloys, 98,000 Miles, Black ..... £4995

TO CLEAR - 2011

2010(10) Mercedes E Class 2.1 E250 CDi AMG Sport Cabriolet, Auto, Tenorite Grey with Light Grey Leather Heated Seats, Sat Nav, Service History, AirScarf, Over £4000 of options when new ............................ £5995 ARRIVING SOON

2016 (16) Citroen Berlingo Enterprise Van, 77,000 Miles

2015 (65) Nissan Note Tekna Dig-S, 1/2 Leather, Sat Nav, Service History, 70,000 Miles .................................................................................................

(64) VW Golf 1.4 TSi SE SV, 1 Owner, 64,000 Miles .......................

2014 (64) Vauxall Corsa 1.2 Excite, Air Con, Alloys, 54,000 Miles...........

2011 (11) VW Golf 1.6 TDi, 5 Dr ................................................................

FOR SALE ON CUSTOMER’S BEHALF

2004 Swift Celeste 2 Berth Caravan, Awning, Shower etc, Good Condition £3195

Motoring

ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT

CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, f rom small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS , SERVICING AND REPAIRS

ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Diagnostics

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

Air conditioning Valets

Bodyshop also available.

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, f rom small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Diagnostics

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Air conditioning Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions ed Forces a es

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

Email info@sunriseservicecentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

2010 (59) Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 S 5dr. 51bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, simple basic car ideal for young driver, £35 road tax, 50mpg, MOT January 2026, bargain clearance car to be sold as seen, 54,800 miles ..................Due in soon

2010 (10) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 3dr. 82bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, air con, heated front screen, Bluetooth, ideal 1st car, MOT January 2026, cheap bargain clearance car to be sold as seen, 74,600 miles ...........................£2500

2015 (65) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, Free road tax, park sensors, reverse camera, ½ leather, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, new cambelt fitted, 72,800 miles .....£6450

2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV SUV 5dr. 155bhp, self-charging petrol hybrid, manual gearbox, partial leather, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, collision detection, road sign assist, outstanding performance, 50mpg economy, 47,200 miles.........................................£14650

2017 (17) Ford Focus 1.0T ST Line Nav 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, stunning looking car, appearance pack, sat nav, road sign assist, cambelt has been replaced, 50+ mpg economy, 22,600 miles ...............£10450

2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, high seating, sat nav, road sign assist, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, park sensors, auto parking system, ½ leather, 62,000 miles ........12450

2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 Trend L2 H2 12 Seat Minibus 5dr. 125bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, 11 seats plus driver, 3 front seats, 9 rear seats, Bluetooth, electric step, 75,500 miles .........................£11500+VAT = £13800

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,100 miles ...........................................................£18000+VAT = £21600

2017 (67) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Automatic 5dr. 102bhp, petrol, automatic gearbox, park sensors & reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, collision detection, road sign assist, cruise control, 27,600 miles ............................................£12750

2011 (11) Mercedes-Benz E Class E220 2.1CDi Avantgarde Automatic Estate 5dr. 175bhp, diesel, automatic gearbox, heated leather, electric tailgate, park sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, 96,500 miles ..................£5850

2014 (63) Peugeot 2008 1.2VTi Allure SUV 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, park sensors, partial leather, new cambelt & clutch, £35 tax, 50mpg, 82,700 miles .........................................£5250

COTTAGE DOORS. Solid pine panelled doors painted white. Complete with hinges and latches

1x 180x79cm 2x 186x76cm

£100.00 each. Must collect. Bishops Caundle 01963 23518

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

CLASSIFIED ADS

JOHN DEER RIDE ON MOWER, 279 model. 48” mulching deck. £950. Hayter mower, 56 model, £220. Tel: 07970-213388

BOSE LIFESTYLE HOME Entertainment System. Hardly used. Buyer collects. Offers welcomed.

07958 450762, Shaftesbury

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

FISHING TACKLE, reels, rods etc.£40. ono (Stan) Tel: 01749-346383

UNDERWOOD, ORIGINAL TYPEWRITER, needs service £25. Tel: 07860-969868

INTERNAL DOOR. 5 panes of glass. £20. Tel: 07791-958868

FREE SIDEBOARD, 2 good to break up. Ideal garage/ workshop/storage. Tel: 07907-044084

BODUM CHOCOLATIERE chocolate jug new boxed£20.00. 07711 270762

FREE VERY LARGE CREAM

LEATHER chaise longueend of DFS 2-section sofa only. Lovely conditions, would suit snug room or playroom. Collection only. 07970-568679.

OVAL MIRROR 100cmx65cm whitewood suround, excellent cond £15. 01935-873441

FILING CABINET Two drawer wood effect 66x48x72cms. Good condition £25. 01258 820674

40 INCH PANASONIC for sale good condition including sound bar £50 . Tel.01935-706998

ROPE TOP Garden stone edging 19 for £38 07951-132253

AGA KETTLE. Dark Green. £5. Electric Trouser Press. Perfect condition. £10. 07785 534 524.

SMALL CHEST FREEZER. As new. £40. Tel: 01258-452749

VINTAGE WOODEN AND GLASS BOX with scales brass. £16.00 07743-731685

TOSHIBA 32 INCH SMART TELEVISION . FULL WORKING ORDER £40. TELEPHONE 01747 823280.

TWIN CYLINDER FOOT PUMP, 1 ton scissor jack and 12v battery charger. £20.00 job lot . Good condition. 07837 765092

DISPLAY CABINET, £15. a choice of 2. enquiries. Tel: 01747-840835

HUNDREDS OF RHS MAGAZINES, mostly complete years back to 1980s. Excellent for decoupage. Tel 01963-351106

NEW INTERNAL DOOR. Not used. 69cmx200cm. £25. 07976-611341

BRAND NEW SPARE WHEEL unused 205/552/R16/91W Fits Meriva SE £30 Tel 01935 814746

PATTERNED RUG BY GOOCH ORIENTAL. £30 Pale green background.2.42mx1.72m .VGC North Cadbury Tel.01963-440891.

PINE WARDROBE very good condition. £50 ONO. 01935-812985

WOMEN’S CASAMIA EXCLUSIVE dark green, very warm lined gilet. Size 1416. Excellent condition. £45. 01258-860113.

APPROX 120 BOOKS CRAFT, gardening and cooking. £48. 07818-080173 Sherborne

MAC ALLISTER EXTENDABLE POLE electric hedge cutter, Good condition as hardly been used £30, 07350-324462

TIGERINO CORN CAT LITTER

new 14l bags £10 each or 6 for £50 our cats don’t like it 07840-986402

FREE ITEMS suitable for car boot sales. To be collected. 01747 830000

MINT CONDITION ANGLING BOOKS. Hard back and quality, FREE 01749 813529

ANTIQUE (1930’s) WALKER & HALL 3 LARGE SILVERPLATED SERVERS in satin lined presentation box. Unused. £40 Tel 07767 221364

SAMSUNG 30 INCH SMART TELEVISION, recent model, together with Sony DVD recorder, and including controls, £50 the lot. East Knoyle Tel No 01747 830350

HEDGE CUTTER. Echo HCA2400. £50. Tel 01747 840681

LARGE NUMBER OF HIGH QUALITY ANGLING BOOKS, hardback, covering all aspects, FOC. 01749 813529.

GARAGE CLEARANCE TYRES 205x60x16 215x60x16 8mm tread depth. £20 each. 07971-042490

3ft AND 6ft STEP LADDERS. Also 3.5mtr extension ladder, FREE to collect (Gillingham) Tel: 01747-822755

DOUBLE DIVAN BED, excellent condition, to be collected. FREE Tel: 01258-863718 (Nr Sturminster Newton)

4 TYRES WITH GOOD TREAD 175 70 13. £25. 07391-306334.

PENY LLAMA & ALPACA RESCUE, excess bags of Llama manure to clear for free! to collect bags call 01725-552061

WICKER TRADITIONAL LOG BASKET, square with handle. Good condition. £30, Tel: 07778-549236

CORBY 5000 TROUSER PRESS. Excellent condition. £10. 07785 534 524.

GRANDPARENTS SELLING MY BABIIE Car Seat height range 76cm to 150cm brand new only used once. £50 01935 421313 (Yeovil)

HORSEWEAR RHINO WUG turnout rug 6 foot. Clean and in good condition £25. Tel: 07543-679877 Blandford area

COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS, Handheld Camcorders, VHS Players, Must be in working order, good prices paid and will collect Call Andrew on 07799417711

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392-602014

Rockies bounce back after last-gasp penalty

Shaftesbury 2

Didcot Town 1 by Avril Lancaster

ALEFE Santos DAbadia’s penalty in second half injury time saw the Rockies claim a vital victory in the Pitching In Southern League Division 1 South.

They saw out a wave of second half attacks from mid-table Didcot Town to move up to 15th and secure a first ever Southern League double.

DAbadia opened the scoring after three minutes when he fired past Lee Bedwell after receiving the ball from Moss Jackson-Collis.

Ewan Lynch levelled a minute into the second half as the Railwaymen put on the pressure.

Heath Bartram in the home goal made some good stops and resolute defending kept Didcot out.

Greg Peel was fouled in the box in the 92nd minute and DAbadia despatched the spot kick to secure a vital three

points.

That was most welcome for manager Jim Milligan after a disappointing defeat at home to Cribbs.

Bailey Croome and George Kellow goals secured a 2-0 win for the Henbury-based visitors.

Yellowbox Charity Cup Quarter Final Odcombe 2

Team Gryphon 2 (Odcombe won 6-5 on penalties)

ODCOMBE are through to the semi-finals of the Yellow Charity Cup after a penalty shoot-out.

Visitors Team Gryphon had

Shaftesbury recorded a home win against Didcot

come back in an exciting tie at Old Road that could not be decided in normal time.

With games falling thick and fast, manager Steve Cook and the club did all they could to ensure the match went ahead.

The result was certainly worthy of the manager, club and players, before and during the fixture.

Jake Skipp’s third minute opener and an own goal had put Cook’s men in the box seat, but Pete Diffey’s Gryphon came back from 2-0 down.

Jamie Brant scored before the break and Alec Knott levelled before the game went to penalties.

Sherborne Golf Club winners

THE winners of the Sherborne Golf Club mixed winter greensomes were Paul and Catherine Bradford. They were worthy winners as they have been organising the competition since 2018 – a challenging task of keeping a

record of all the scores, randomly selecting 20 pairs over six rounds and entertaining the group after a delicious meal.

GOLF

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Bowmaker –February 11: Winners – Brian White/Phil Francis/Chris Mieville, 77 points.

Seniors Back 9 Stableford – February 11: 1 John Wolstenholme 18, 2 John Westaway 16, 3 Pete Starkey 10.

Monthly Medal – February 16: 1 Mike Case nett 65, 2 Steven Ireland nett 67, 3 Brian White nett 73.

Seniors Front 9 Hol

Stableford – February 18: 1 Harry Eden 16, 2 Keith Williams 13, 3 David Hallett 9 ocb, 4 Malcolm Faulkner 9. Seniors Monthly Stableford – February 18: 1 David Amann 37, 2 John Westaway 34, 3 Jon Reed 33 ocb, 4 Chris Mieville 33.

Seniors roll-up back 9 Stableford – February 18: Winners – Phil Francis/Chris Dibben/Steven Ireland, 37 points.

TABLE TENNIS

In the picture (from left) club captain Jim Stewart, Catherine Bradford and Paul Bradford

Mixed Knockout Cunningham Cup winners 2024, Jim Stewart, Kate Cornell and Nigel Cornell

School showcases talent and creativity

CREATIVITY took centre stage at Leweston School’s inaugural Creative Arts Scholars’ Showcase at The Sherborne. Its Art and Design scholars displayed their work in an exhibition, the Drama scholars hosted the evening – introducing the performers and giving an excellent history of The Sherborne through their script – and the Music and Performing Arts Scholars played, sang and danced.

The art and design students’ exhibition, including everything from golden gowns shimmering under the lights to delicate metal flower sculptures by a talented year 9 student, was a feast for the senses.

Easels showcased horse portraits and hyper-realistic still-life paintings, while eye-catching art films flickered across the big screen.

Leweston’s drama scholars led the audience on a journey

through time, weaving together

The Sherborne’s rich history with Leweston’s own, bringing stories to life with humour, charm and theatrical brilliance.

Between their spirited storytelling, the stage was filled with inspiring performances, including a spellbinding Wicked number, a drum solo to David

Bowie’s Let’s Dance and soaring Italian arias.

A spokesperson for the school said: “The whole evening was a celebration of the immense talent and creativity of the school’s scholars, and served as a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of both students and exceptional staff.”

Pupils dig in for tree planting

PUPILS at Thorner’s CofE Primary School in Litton Cheney enjoyed getting stuck in when they planted trees given by village-based building company CG Fry & Son.

Youngsters in the gardening club helped select the trees and decided where they went in the school grounds.

School headteacher, Michael Sitch, said: “Thorner’s was delighted to welcome CG Fry & Son to our wildlife, forest school area and the children were excited to help plant the new trees Fry’s kindly donated.

“The children enjoyed

digging the holes for the new trees and getting nice and muddy in the process!”

One year 6 pupil said: “It’s nice to think it will still be growing here in years to come, especially as so many older trees have blown down recently.”

Philip Fry, managing director of CG Fry & Son, said: “CG Fry & Son was started in the quiet Dorset village of Litton Cheney not long after the First World War.

“More than 95 years on, the company still has its head office in the village.

“Therefore, we are proud to donate the trees to

Thorner’s Primary School as we believe in the power of giving back to the community,

environmental sustainability and building a legacy for future generations.”

CG Fry managing director, Philip Fry, with Thorner’s pupils

Leweston School staged a Creative Arts Scholars’ Showcase at The Sherborne

Recruitment

EVENING SHIFT PRODUCTION OPERATIVES required for Local Medical Manufacturing Company.

Shift Hours 3pm-11.30pm Monday to Friday, email julie@ meditechsystems.co.uk for immediate interview

RESPITE SUPPORT WORKER. Do you need someone to support your loved one whilst you attend appointments. Or assistance with shopping or accessing the community. Anything considered. DBS. For friendly chat, contact Terrie on 07535-606888

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER to join our team working on a prestigious 7 acre garden near Shaftesbury. Previous experience required and references. 07792-892999.

Hindon, Wiltshire Fixed-term, part-time

We are looking for maternity cover for our farm office administrator to support the day-to-day running of our busy farm office in Berwick St Leonard.

The role is part-time and flexible for 24 hours over a minimum of three days a week.

Responsibilities of the role will include, but are not limited to:

• Being the first point of contact for the farm office both in person and on the telephone.

• Supporting the Farm Manager and his team with the administration of farmbased paperwork; to include maintaining accurate records for livestock, crops and stock levels to support future planning.

• Timely and accurate inputting of data.

• General administrative duties, including managing correspondence, filing systems and answering calls. Booking of staff training. Monthly payroll submissions to Head office.

Knowledge, skills and experience required:

Essential:

Proven experience of strong administrative skills.

Background knowledge or a keen interest in the agricultural industry.

Strong computer literacy with knowledge of MS Office and SharePoint. Experience of using computer programmes to

Benefits:

Flexible hours to work around personal commitments and the farm.

Support and training for you to deliver your role effectively.

• 31 days holiday p.a., pro-rata.

manage workflows including Excel.

• Excellent communications skills with telephone experience. Competencies:

• Organisational and time management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Flexibility and adaptability

Modern spacious office with free parking. Dynamic friendly team. Opportunities to get out and about on farm.

We promise no two days will be the same!

Closing date for applications: Friday 14th March 2025

Address: The Farm Office, Berwick Farm, Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 5SN

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY

Please send CV’s and queries to Catherine U’Dell on 01747 820 130 or at cudell@velcourt.co.uk

FARMER REQUIRES A GARDENER for several properties. Might suit active retired person. Free hand. 07971-590540

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

EXPERIENCED 18T LORRY DRIVER wanted for local collections and deliveries. ADR licence holder preferred. Weekday only, competitive pay. Contact: rhianna@recyclify. co.uk 07896-219409 for details.

FULL-TIME OFFICE ADMIN ASSISTANT required for Local Medical Manufacturing Company. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Email julie@meditechsystems.co.uk

CARER/PA FOR FRIDAY MORNINGS, other times in addition are possible if wanted. Tisbury area. Varied role, personality more important than qualifications: cheerful, can-do, dynamic! Non smoker only. 07790-524241

THE GOOD LIFE, COUPLE WANTED.

To take care of a large house in West Dorset, Beaminster. Responsibilities would include normal household duties, some cooking. A love of country life and animals essential and a genuine interest and knowledge of gardening. Would suit a single person or a couple. However, partner would not be employed. Private accommodation is included, plus Council Tax etc. in the package. Please call: 07837-109417 or email christinewoodibza@gmail.com

RECRUITMENT EVENT - SHAFTESBURY

SEND Teacher and Learning Support Assistant Jobs at Coombe House School

Wednesday 26th March 2025

Starting at 15.45 (arrival from 15.15) To book your place call 01747 449858 or email HR@coombehouse.org.uk www.coombehouseschool.org.uk

Sales Person / Sales Manager

Armishaws Removals & Storage are looking for a target driven, energetic Sales Person to join our team, covering Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset. The right candidate will move into the Sales Manager role.

Sales Role

• Working with high-end clients

• Surveying house contents for removals

Basic salary

Experience

• Field sales experience

• Proven track record achieving targets

Service, Works in Yeovil,

Tel: 07565 915736.

Iconic Dorset fingerposts being made as good as new

AN iconic image of Dorset –one which has even graced millions of television screens in iconic comedy classic Only Fools and Horses – is of traditional fingerposts.

The signs have been guiding carts, cars and walkers for centuries, their white or occasionally red metal roundel or finials becoming a familiar sight.

To ensure their continued presence on the landscape, in 2017 Dorset CPRE launched a grant scheme for their restoration and maintenance.

Eight years on, the charity has paid out more than £22,000 towards the restoration of 160 traditional fingerposts, helping save the treasures from extinction.

Fingerposts are a legacy of the early road system. In 1773, the General Turnpike Act made it mandatory for trustees to put up signs informing the traveller of the distance to the closest town.

Of the 1,300 or so fingerposts thought to exist in the 1950s, just 717 survive today.

Many were lost in the Second World War as they were removed in 1940 to deny guidance to an invading army and were not replaced.

Others have been repaired using non-traditional materials or lettering, and many are in

need of attention.

The local authority no longer has a remit to repair them, and both the Dorset National Landscape – formerly Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and Dorset CPRE are keen to support local fingerpost champions to save the signs from extinction and restore them to their former glory.

Roger Bond – Dorset Fingerpost Restorers –coordinates the Dorset National Landscape Fingerpost restoration project, working from his home workshop, repairing and restoring characters on new oak ‘fingers’, while Coles Castings provides new stock – cast lettering and roundels – ready for fettling and painting.

The experience gained is now collated in his new website to help others restore their village fingerposts and can be viewed at www.dorsetfinger postrestorers.co.uk

Among those Roger has managed and supported are the full reinstatement of all four of Dorset’s ‘Red Posts’, including at Horsey Knapp, near Evershot.

Roger first became involved in fingerpost restoration projects 10 years ago, when he stepped in to assist with the repair of a bracket on the Green Hill Junction fingerpost at Sutton Poyntz.

Since then, he has been engaged in restoring more than 200 traditional fingerposts around the county.

The post had been badly damaged a couple of times and a new location opposite, away from traffic, was provided by a farmer, while Highways agreed a new site and provided a new post. New oak fingers and alloy lettering were prepared and fitted by volunteer, Nigel Clarke, who also fitted the fully refurbished bracket assembly and roundel.

Roger said: “This distinctive fingerpost, one of four we have restored in Dorset, is now looking good and in a safer position. Thanks to Dorset National Landscape for the new oak and a grant from Dorset CPRE.”

“Dorset has only a few surviving fully cast-iron fingerposts, so we were pleased to have fully restored this post in the centre of Evershot village,” he added.

“After several visits and much surface preparation and painting, a missing finger was

located and a new cast finger to Holywell was fitted – made by Coles Castings foundry in Melbury Abbas.”

Neil Matthews, chair of Dorset CPRE, said: “These distinctive signposts which show, not only distances and directions, but also the grid reference of the junctions concerned, are a real boon to walkers and drivers in the county.

“I am pleased that Dorset CPRE are able to support this scheme which enhances the character and uniqueness of the Dorset countryside.”

Dorset CPRE offers a small grant scheme, up to £200 a post, for people wanting to restore fingerposts using the correct materials as set out by the Dorset National Landscape.

Match funding is not required and there is no application form, but the charity asks that requests come from a parish council representative or similar, with a summary of the fingerposts that need repairing, their location and estimated costs.

For more information, contact Dorset CPRE via dorset-cpre.org.uk/contact-us

As for the sign that features in Only Fools and Horses, it is in the classic A Touch of Glass episode – the one with the chandeliers.

The title screen of the episode uses a rural road sign to establish how the Trotters are out ‘in the sticks’ for an auction. That road sign is a fingerpost at Peggs Lane, Farrington, while other Dorset locations were also used in the episode.

The sign at Peggs Lane, Farrington, which features in Only Fools and Horses PHOTO: Google/BBC

A restored ‘red post’ at Horsey Knapp, near Evershot.

PHOTO: Dorset CPRE

A before and after of restored fingerposts in Dorset. PHOTO: Dorset CPRE

Field & Stream

Signs of spring on a walk in the woods

by AJ Selby

“March in January means January in March” – Anon WALKING up the escarpment deep into the woods is a joy at any time of year but especially so as we move towards the spring equinox. There’s a feeling of movement all around me that only happens at this time of year and I never tire of it. Under my feet the earth is stirring, in front of my eyes the buds are swelling and above my head the birds are clearing their throats ready for one of the most spectacular events in the natural world – the dawn chorus.

The woods are a mix of deciduous and conifer with oak and beech the main species –oak near the field margins and the beech higher up. There is also a lovely mix of hornbeam, ash and hazel, the latter possibly coppiced in times past, which then gives way to a stand of larch near the crest of the hill and beyond this the land falls away more gently the other side into permanent pasture right down to the edge of the neighbouring village.

It’s the perfect woodland mix and I have seen many bird species there over the years including goldcrests, firecrests and crossbills in the conifers, a myriad of most common types in the beech and oak, and once, many years ago, a nightingale in the hawthorn and elder scrub at the edge. I used to stand here and listen to the cuckoo calling across the valley in late April and May, but he is here no more. He is a marker bird for the health of the local eco-system and given that he has been gone for six or seven years, it’s a worrying time for

other species.

The walk to the top to look for Britain’s smallest birds, the aforementioned goldcrests and firecrests, is great fun, their tiny bodies weighing just five or six grams, the same as a 20p coin, but their weak song still giving them away. Compare that to a wren, who weighs half as much again – about eight to 10 grams – and is able to belt out an astonishingly loud song for its size. But I love those small birds in the conifers, often high up foraging for insects – the Latin name for the goldcrest is Regulus regulus, ‘King’ or ‘Prince’. Conifer woods tend to be much quieter than deciduous ones and their tiny trill can be heard even from the highest branches. With binoculars trained, I spot a pair two-thirds of the way up a tall conifer and watch as they dart from twig to twig in a non-stop quest for insects hidden in the pine needles and tiny fissures in the spindly branches. These birds keep feeding while daylight allows before fluffing up their feathers and settling down as dusk approaches. Turning around and looking down to the bottom of the wood with my field glasses I see three roe deer grazing, possibly a doe and two of her youngsters. The bucks are more active during rutting in the autumn, and she is now probably pregnant again and just a month from giving birth, and nary a male in sight! I follow the deer as they skirt the grassy headland, out just far enough for a bite but close enough to scarper back into the wood at the first sign of danger. Their keen ears pick up the slightest noise and they

frequently stop dead and jerk their heads up as they pick up a sound on the breeze. Then it’s head down to continue grazing before returning to the trees and safe cover when their bellies are full.

A viewpoint offers a lot to the watcher if he or she is endowed with patience. Patience to sit or stand still and let nature carry on around them and patience to spend an hour or more on the same spot. Wearing clothing that blends in will enable you to see more and I can think of many occasions when I have been rewarded with a sighting that I would never have seen had I been on the move. Once I watched two dormice playfighting along a branch of a sapling in an ancient forest, completely oblivious to my presence. On another occasion, a fox walked right up to me in a dense wood before slinking slowly off, aware that he had seen something odd but

unaware of what it was exactly. Only a couple of years ago I was standing still on a riverbank looking out for ‘ratty’ – actually a water vole – when out the corner of my eye I saw a flash of blue, no, two flashes of blue, coming towards me at speed. As I processed exactly what this was, I enjoyed the sight of two kingfishers chasing each other just feet above the water and twisting and turning with the river line.

I have had lots more amazing wildlife experiences by virtue of standing still. Just before dawn in early June I have crept into a wood and laid down on a ground-sheet waiting for the dawn chorus to start, noting down in my pocket-book which species I hear and the order of them joining in. And then just wallowing in the greatest orchestral performance of them all. Just do it, even once – you won’t regret it.

The cuckoo is a marker bird for the health of the local eco-system

Show organisers set out their stall

ORGANISERS of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show are already preparing for this summer’s event.

Two days of attractions are in store with livestock parades, agricultural and countryside exhibits, equestrian events, vintage machinery and cars, steam engines, live bands, a funfair and more.

The main ring attractions at the event at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe are still to be announced.

Show organiser, Cat Harris, said: “Last year the racing camels were a huge hit and we will soon be revealing the exciting line-up for 2025.

“Watch this space to find out

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

what animals may be coming to the Turnpike Showground this year!”

Tickets are on sale now with one-day admission for adults £19 and family tickets – two adults and two children £43.

Children under five go free and two-day tickets are available.

The show takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, August 13-14, and will raise funds for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society to help support farming and the countryside.

The show welcomes dogs on leads and mobility scooters will be available for hire on the day. Free parking and picnic areas will be available.

Katie wins young farmer bursary

WEYMOUTH and Kingston Maurward College student

Katie Burgoine has been awarded a Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Further Education Bursary.

Despite not coming from an agricultural background, Katie is determined to build a career in the industry.

She has received a bursary of £500 to support costs related to her Level 3 Agriculture T-Level in Livestock Production at the Kingston Maurward campus, with the judges commending her commitment to entering the industry.

Katie developed an interest in farming after working as a veterinary care assistant and raising her own chicks.

me. I love the fact that each day brings new and different tasks and challenges to face, and you never know what will happen.

“I plan to use the bursary to fund driving lessons so I can travel to local farms for work experience.

“I’d like to also gain either my AI or foot trimming ticket which could make me more employable and expand my horizons further.”

Cornish Mutual’s Young Farmer Bursaries, which attracted a record level of entries this year, offer funding to support agricultural students studying in the south west.

Katie said: “The idea of working hard no matter the day or weather is so exhilarating to

The farming insurance business offers four Further Education Bursaries of £500 and two Higher Education Bursaries of £750 towards course-related costs.

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College student Katie Burgoine

Dyke helps turn spotlight on farmers’ mental health

MEMBERS of Parliament were welcomed to a drop-in event local MP Sarah Dyke hosted with the Farm Safety Foundation for Mind Your Head week.

The event, now in its eighth year, raises awareness of farmers’ mental health and this year’s theme was love, positivity and resilience.

Ms Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, spoke in Parliament earlier in the week and highlighted the importance of the campaign and supporting farmers’ wellbeing.

She said farmers were never more in need of love, positivity and resilience given the pressures they face from extreme weather and what she claimed were years of Conservative mismanagement of the farming budget and now the Labour

Government’s family farm tax.

A recent Farm Safety Foundation survey found that 91% of farmers under 40 years old believed mental health to be the biggest hidden challenge facing farming, while 65% revealed they feared closing their farms for good in the next 18 months.

Ms Dyke said: “The event was a huge success. I was pleased to see so many of my

fellow parliamentarians who are supportive of moving forward the conversation around farmers’ mental health.

“It’s deeply concerning the levels of stress farmers are under and I’m particularly worried about women in farming.

“We must make sure we reduce the stigma around talking about mental health and continue to have these conversations openly.

“This event helped go some way towards achieving that in supporting MPs to learn more.”

Stephanie Berkeley, from the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “It is so encouraging to know that so many MPs from all parties with rural constituencies care deeply about our farming community and I am so grateful to Sarah for championing us with her colleagues and fellow

EFRA committee members.

“We had a lot of very useful conversations and have so many actions and follow ups to get through, which is fantastic.”

Ms Dyke also tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) urging the Government to address mental health concerns of women in farming, citing that over half (58%) of women in farming experience anxiety, and 64.5% are often or always lonely.

In the EDM she acknowledged research on women in farming’s mental health being done by Exeter University, and later in Parliament called for a debate on the topic, saying: “Women in farming occupy many roles both on and off the farm, balancing childcare, caring responsibilities and non-farming work.

“They often have to manage gender inequalities in agriculture, and in some cases are victims of domestic violence and rural crime. Their voices and mental health struggles are rarely heard.”

Introducing our NEW Synergy Farm Health “Foundation Dairy Skills” Course

The course is aimed at farm staff who want to broaden their understanding of dairy farming. It would suit new entrants to the dairy industry, but also those who have worked in one particular role (such as calf rearing or milking) but want to develop a wider understanding of what makes a successful dairy farm.

The course includes 7 modules:

1 Fertility and the annual cycle 2. Calving and newborn calf care 3. Calf rearing 4. Health conditions and treatments

5. Udder health and mastitis control

6. Foot health and cow mobility

7. Nutrition and the environment

The course is entirely farm based and each module will involve a mixture of farm walks, practical sessions and guided discussions.

The modules are designed to fit around

the time constraints of a modern dairy farm and you will meet on farm at 10am till 1pm every Wednesday for 7 weeks.

When does it start and what’s the cost?

The next course starts on 19th March 2025 and costs £480 ex VAT. The course will be based on a commercial dairy farm near our Rampisham Headquarters.

To find out more information and to sign up, please visit www.synergyfarmhealth.com or call us on 01935 83682.

Tom Clarke, Clinical Director and Veterinary Surgeon

Lib Dem MP Sarah Dyke (right) supported the Mind Your Head event in Westminster

Is rewilding the future of marginal farming?

Could rewilding be the key to sustaining marginal farms?

Is rewilding the future of

Farming consultant Jim Bliss believes so. Speaking on a recent bonus episode of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus™, Jim shared insights from his Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

Could rewilding be the key to sustaining marginal farms? Farming consultant Jim Bliss believes so. Speaking on a recent bonus episode of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus™, Jim shared insights from his Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

Jim’s research suggests that a monoculture system is not the future for marginal farms: “Instead, it lies in a diversified system that can deliver our environmental, economic, and social outcomes to create a truly sustainable business,” he explains.

Two concerns fuelled Jim’s interest in rewilding: the decline in UK farmland bird species and farm profitability. His travels provided valuable lessons, particularly in Africa. In Zambia, he saw beekeepers protecting forests to sustain honey production, while in Zanzibar’s Pemba Island, spice farms thrived by cultivating a diverse range of products within a small area.

Jim’s research suggests that a monoculture system is not the future for marginal farms: “Instead, it lies in a diversified system that can deliver our environmental, economic, and social outcomes to create truly sustainable business,” he explains.

Two concerns fuelled Jim’s interest in rewilding: the decline in farmland bird species and farm profitability. His travels provided valuable lessons, particularly in Africa. In Zambia, he saw beekeepers protecting forests to sustain honey production, while in Zanzibar’s Pemba Island, spice farms thrived by cultivating a diverse range products within a small area.

Despite its benefits, rewilding remains controversial. Some farmers fear it prioritises land conservation over livelihoods. However, Jim suggests that it could be an opportunity for community engagement and on-farm volunteering.

Despite its benefits, rewilding remains controversial. Some farm fear it prioritises land conservation over livelihoods. However, Jim suggests that it could be an opportunity for community engagement and on-farm volunteering.

Jim also sees government schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive playing a crucial role. “We have to bring more nature back onto farms. Not only is it beneficial for environmental recovery, but it’s a crucial component of farm sustainability.” Ultimately, he remains hopeful. “Without food, there is no nature, and without nature, there is no food. For a landscape to produce food sustainably, it needs to be balanced,” he concludes.

Jim also sees government schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive playing a crucial role. “We have to bring more nature onto farms. Not only is it beneficial for environmental recovery, Ultimately, he remains hopeful. “Without food, there is no nature, produce food sustainably, it needs to be balanced,” he concludes.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/ - also available via Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/ Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Helping

Farm Health & Safety Service

Our specialist team provide a tailored, cost-effective health & safety management solution.

To find out more and to download our free health & safety guide scan the QR code or call 01872 277151.

MOBILE CRIMPING AND ROLLING. All cereals, pulses and maize, up to 20 tonnes per hour. Call Andy 07979-758907.

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Ademuz. 2m Tall Bare Rooted Whips. £25 each plus VAT and delivery. Phone Peter Shallcross 07974 140848

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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.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

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GFW REQUIRED AS PART OF TEAM on well equipped modern mixed dairy farm near Shaftesbury. Assist with relief milking and all other aspects of the farm. CV to robinblatchford@gmail.com

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Blue gloves, iodine, heat lamps and torches –time to get ready for lambing

by Tria Stebbing

WHAT a cold month we have just had, the kind of cold that when you are lugging a bale up a steep hill cuts your fingers to the bone. The animals have all been enjoying the quiet, calm weather. The mud began to dry, it became easier to do the endless list of jobs that were stacking up and we even started to hope that winter was over. The Highland Cows are just loving the bales that are keeping them going, their favourite pastime is putting one horn into the square bale and then tossing it as hard as they can. It becomes a game they all enjoy. The Highlands toss their heads frequently because of their long heavy horns. The horns can become cumbersome and need to be periodically adjusted to maintain balance and comfort, especially after grazing. When feeding at the trough, Belle, who is bulking up to feed her

The mud began to dry, making it easier to work around the smallholding, but then the rain returned. “Farming is a tough call at this time of year,” says Tria

unborn calf, swings her head to ‘doof’ Sebastian away from the food. They are a constant source of amusement at feeding time, not so much when they run at you when you have a bucket of food!

The pregnant ewes are still

MUCK HEAPS REMOVED 07977 561860

HAYLAGE AND HAY 2024 good quality June made also small bale wheat straw. Collect or delivered. Blandford area. Call Jerry 07940-895803. GOOD ORGANIC HORSE HAY. Can deliver 01258472182

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grazing with the Dutch Spotted and this weekend they will be separated so that we can concentrate on the ewes getting the best anti-natal care in this the last few weeks before lambing begins. The unborn lambs grow the most in the last few weeks and good feeding is essential now. I am busy putting together my lambing kit. A box of things that might or might not be needed in the middle of the night once lambing has started, a bizarre scavenger hunt of random objects. Blue gloves, iodine, heat lamps and torches, to name but a few things –being prepared can make it all a bit easier.

We were concerned, along with other smallholders, to hear this week that we are now in a Blue Tongue restriction zone. It has been spreading slowly

towards us and now there has been a confirmed case in our area we have been locked down.

Wiltshire, Dorset, parts of Somerset and parts of Devon are now affected. It means that no ruminant animals can now leave the restricted zone to go to market or to another premises outside the zone unless they have among other things a negative pre-movement blood test taken up to 21 days before being moved. Early days to speculate on the impact this will have, but for those that show their animals it will be another hurdle to jump over.

Right on cue the rain returned, and the grass is now saturated. Farming is a tough call at this time of year, and I cannot wait for the sun to make a return in time for lambing to begin.

TYRES AROUND Mobile Service

IMPORTANT BLUE TONGUE RESTRICTION

ZONE CHANGES AS 14/02/2025

Outside the Zone If you are outside of the zone, then no restrictions apply to selling at Frome Market

Inside the Zone For Wednesday Prime Stock market (prime & cull cattle, prime & cull sheep) a general licence EXD634 will need to be obtained from APHA call 03000 200 301 or see our website for a direct link. Your stock will be declared as coming from within the BTV RZ and can be purchased by any Abattoir inside or outside of the RZ as well as any finisher or farmer from within the RZ. Store animals for Wednesday & Friday Markets (calves, dairy cattle, store lambs & store cattle) All animals will need to be subject to a negative pre-movement test for BTV. The tests are carried out by Farmcare UK. Please note the test is free of charge. 0800 6125289 Email:- admin@ukfarmcare.com Results will take 48 hours to be confirmed and then animals must be accompanied by a Licence EXD632 to Frome Market. If you require any assistance in this matter and would like to speak to one of our team please see phone numbers below:-

Details for licence application:

Frome Livestock Market BA11 2QB CPH: 36/122/8000

Contact: Bradley Towell 07496 263916 info@fromelivestock.com

Frome Farm Vets: 01749 601899 office@fromefarmvets.co.uk

EVERY WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SALES OF PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, STORE & CULL SHEEP ********************************************************************

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WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS

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Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com

One of Tria Stebbing’s older retired sheep enjoys the hay baled last summer

Plan for new shop on family-run farm near Sherborne revealed

A CAREER path in property

has seen Simon Havens progress from trainee to chair of a leading south west firm.

Mr Havens, partner and head of residential sales at Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH), has taken up the reins as chair of the company, which has offices across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

It is the culmination of a career spanning more than three decades.

“I am immensely proud to have been made chair of this fantastic firm, which continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.

“GTH is widely recognised as one of the most prolific firms of property professionals in the West Country, offering a diverse and specialist range of services.”

Having started his career as a trainee negotiator with an independent firm in 1988, Mr Havens rising through the ranks with numerous competitors until joining GTH in 2000.

“I always wanted to work for GTH and was given a brilliant opportunity to run the firm’s office in the beautiful abbey town of Sherborne,” he said.

He went onto establish the

firm’s branch in Wells and currently oversees the company’s residential network, made up of 17 offices.

He takes over from Richard Webber, one of the firm’s farm agency experts based in North Devon.

“I would like to thank Richard for his superb leadership and guidance over the past two years,” Mr Havens said.

“Richard has done an excellent job in leading the firm through often turbulent times

and he will be a very tough act to follow.

“With the economy struggling, inflation and interest rates not as low as expected and the era of Trump 2.0, we are undoubtedly facing challenging times both domestically and internationally.

“However, in adversity there is always opportunity and the diversity that we are able to offer stands us in good stead to be able to weather any storm.

“My fellow partners and I believe we have one of the

strongest teams the firm has ever seen and that we can look ahead to the coming years with confidence.

“Nevertheless, we must never become complacent and continue providing a first-class service to our clients.”

In his spare time, Mr Havens is a passionate sports fan, in particular of Bath Rugby, where he can be found at most home matches.

He is married, has a 12-yearold daughter and a mad Irish Doodle, named Noodle.

Council’s search for housing sites in Somerset launched

SITES are now officially being sought for housing in Somerset.

Somerset Council has launched a Call for Sites, which seeks landowners, developers and site promoters with plots suitable for housing and industrial builds to come forward.

It comes as the authority works to create the first Local Plan covering the Somerset Local Planning Authority (LPA) area –identifying where new housing and employment developments will be built –and the plans were previously revealed by your Leveller in November.

Sites are being sought for use for housing, economic development, gypsy and traveller pitches, renewable energy

installations, and leisure/recreation facilities.

However, anyone can suggest a site for consideration that they think may be suitable for development.

The Call for Sites will run for six weeks – until February 24 – followed by an assessment of each site’s suitability, availability, and achievability.

Findings will be presented in a Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) report later this year, which will be used as evidence to help inform the Somerset Local Plan.

Local Plans help layout possible decision making on future developments in an area, with sites ‘allocated’ for uses such as

housing and employment based on the needs of an area.

The plans are official documents, ratified after extensive public consultation and already exist for many towns and villages.

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “We’re asking our residents and businesses to get involved and suggest land that might be available for possible future development, helping us to identify potential site options for further consideration.”

Submissions can be made from any area, the council said. For more information visit somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-andland/local-plan-call-for-sites.

Simon Havens is now chair of GTH

| WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Stour Provost, Dorset

Mappowder Guide £595,000

Sturminster Newton, Dorset

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A stunning period house in the heart of arguably one of Dorset’s most attractive and prestigious villages.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Shroton Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

A wonderful detached bungalow with far reaching views across stunning Dorset countryside as far as Fontmell Down to the East.

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488 Shroton

Property Showcase

20 March | The London Office

Connect with London buyers at our forthcoming West Country Property Showcase.

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well

Contact your nearest office for further Information.

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

| 01258 452670

North Cheriton

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Fontmell Magna, Dorset

Pimperne, Dorset

DORSET

DORSET | DEVON

| DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Queen Camel, Somerset

Guide £760,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000

Chippenham, Wiltshire

Guide £750,000

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A detached historic home, dating back to the 15th century with later 18th-century additions and recent updates. Set within a generous plot with a substantial barn.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens,

A Grade II Listed Farmhouse currently subdivided into two dwellings with multiple farm buildings (with potential for Class Q Development). 1.55 acre development site.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Guide £375,000

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Devizes | 01380 710535

Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £240,000

Madjeston, Dorset

Shroton

Shroton

Guide £435,000

A semi-detached brick constructed house, thought to have been built in 1925, with a south facing garden, a plethora of sheds and a large garage/ workshop.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated village. CTB D. Freehold.

A character house with beautifully proportioned rooms and allocated parking, a short walk from the shops and facilities.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Are you up to date with the latest news on the Renters Rights Bill?

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Gain essential insights into the legislation as it progresses through Parliament. Join Rachael James, Partner and Head of Lettings with over 30 years’ of experience, for the latest updates and industry predictions.

Wednesday 19th March | 5pm - 7pm | The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury

Thursday 27th February | 5pm - 7pm | Shire Hall, Dorchester

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Limited availability, book your place today: 01258 474265 | enewman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

North Cheriton

Sturminster

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Stalbridge, Dorset

All

Storage

24-hour

Emergency Storage

£500,000 Bayford

£525,000 Wincanton

£175,000 Templecombe

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

Thinking of moving?

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.

£375,000 Wincanton

£125,000 Cold Harbour

£350,000 Wincanton

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Sutton Veny, Wiltshire. Guide Price £695,000

A superbly refurbished and charming village home with stylishly presented, versatile accommodation and manageable garden.

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity. 5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

Hall, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, main bedroom with ensuite, 3 further bedroom & family bathroom, small garden & parking.

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity. 5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station. East Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

East Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

West Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens. Hall, five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

An attractive, extended Victorian country home with glorious grounds of about 2.5 acres, versatile accommodation & further potential. Hall, 2 reception rooms, farmhouse kitchen, utility, cloakroom, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, garage, outbuildings, parking & gardens including arboretum. EPC

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

A large, detached property with flexible accommodation, set in an elevated position with a lovely view over this prime village.

Hindon, Wiltshire. Guide Price £925,000 Milton, East Knoyle, Wiltshire. Guide Price £495,000 Donhead St Andrew, Wiltshire. Guide Price £360,000

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity. 5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station. East Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity. 5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station. East Orchard, Dorset.

Hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, conservatory, utility, cloakroom, ground floor bedroom with ensuite, 3 first floor bedrooms with ensuite & family bathroom, garden, parking & double garage.

An enchanting Grade II listed period cottage, beautifully presented and tucked away in a lovely rural hamlet. For Auction, a charming, character cottage set in a lovely elevated, semi-rural setting.

Dining hall, sitting room, study, kitchen, utility, 2 double bedrooms with ensuites, loft room, delightful garden, orchard & parking.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation,

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

EPC Exempt

Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, downstairs bathroom, 3 bedrooms (one walk-through), cloakroom, garden, parking & garage.

Hall, five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

2 LARGE

ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

LAKE COMO, ITALY (Menaggio).

Available for rental from mid-May (minimum 5 night stay) gorgeous recently refurbished cottage with stunning views of Lake Como. Sleeps 4. Garden and Terrace, fully equipped. Very close to Italy’s second oldest 18 hole golf course. Special launch promo price of £250 per night plus cleaning. Please contact lh@lucydenardi.eu

THE Office for National Statistics has reported that average UK rents increased by 8.7% in the 12 months to January 2025.

This is lower than the 9.0% reported for December under the Price Index for Private Rents.

A recent report by Zoopla found that rents for new lets are £270 a month higher than three years ago, adding £3,240 (27%) to the annual cost of renting since 2021.

Meanwhile, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s 2024 UK Poverty Report found more than a third of private renters were in poverty after housing costs.

Responding to the statistics, deputy chief executive of Generation Rent, Dan Wilson Craw, said: “Everyone needs a

safe, secure and affordable home.

“But renters across the UK are facing soaring rents which are far outstripping our earnings.

“When we are forced to spend too much of our income on rent, the effects ripple across the rest of our lives.

“It means children are going to school hungry, and older renters can’t afford to turn the heating on.

“High rents are trapping people in poverty.

“It’s encouraging to see the Scottish Government proposing to introduce rent caps.

“We now need to see a similar approach across the rest of the UK to urgently slam the brakes on rising rents and give people the breathing space we need.”