Valley News September 2022

to inform and unite the

E V E N T S E V E N T S E V E N T S E V E N T S

Firstly, an apology. We are aware that a small number of people might no longer be having copies of the Valley News delivered to their door. We are sorry that this could be happening - it’s as a result of some of our volunteers being unable to undertake deliveries. It doesn’t seem likely that we will be able to handle this any differently as we are so close to the final edition. Copies are still made available in the usual locations for pick up and we hope this won’t spoil your enjoyment of the magazine too much.

We haven’t had any offers to continue with the magazine, and as we are now in September time is running out a little. If anyone is interested we should still like to hear from you, of course, but it does seem likely that December will see the final edition.

It seems as though every conversation taking place at present includes concerns about the heatwave and the drought. We are fortunate that our area is well served by underground water reserves, so we are not in a drought area currently. But heatwavefor sure! It has reminded those of us old enough to remember what 1976 was like, with standpipes in many areas for all water needs. It prompted many trips a day to the pipes to get water, and it proved a real challenge for many. Thankfully we haven’t reached that situation yet - although there is one village in England (Northland in Oxfordshire) which has had to collect water from a bowser/bottled water as its supply has completely dried up. One can only feel incredibly sorry for them. As we write, the forecast is for some chance of thunderstorms and rain - how welcome that would be, provided it’s not so heavy as too cause flooding - but realistically we will need several months of at least normal rain before things can be thought of as ‘returned to normal’. We can only imagine how much farmers are worrying - many of whom have had to use fodder/silage that should have been in storage for overwintering, but with grass and other crops not growing, it has been necessary to use it now. And this country is not alone in its worries in this regard with many European countries similarly affected..

Another feature of the scorching temperatures has been the increase in wildfires, and we have not been immune to those. A large fire in fields at Stickland recently needed many firefighters too put it out, and the more recent fire at Studland looks as though it was started by the use of a disposable barbecue. It makes one realise how dependent we are on everyone playing their part under these difficult circumstances, and also how important are our public services of all kinds when an emergency strikes.

Let’s hope autumn might progress in a more normal fashion! VN

St Mary’s Stickland Harvest Lunch

Our Harvest Lunch this year will be held on Sunday, 2nd October at the Pamela Hambro Hall, Stickland with lunch being served at 12 noon. This is always a very popular event with villagers enjoying a delicious home made lunch with family, friends and neighbours amidst lots of chatter and laughter. And if you are new to the Valley, it is a great place to meet people. Ticket prices are the same as last year, just £7 for adults and £3 for children under 12, this includes a two course lunch and even some chocolate nibbles with your coffee/tea at the end of the meal! Please bring your own choice of drink and a glass and there will be some great raffle prizes too! Tickets will go on sale from 5th September, please see the advertisement in this issue for contact details of sellers or pop along to our friendly coffee pot in the Church (every Monday from 10.30am – 12 noon) where tickets will also be available.

There will be a Harvest Service in the Church before the event starting at 10.30am. You do not need to attend the service to come to the lunch, but if you would like to, you will be made very welcome. During the Harvest Service we will be taking food donations for Blandford Food Bank, if you would like to donate please bring items along with you. We look forward to welcoming you on the 2nd October to this traditional village event. St Mary’s Stickland PCC Pamela Hambro Hall

August 100 Club Results

Milton Abbas Surgery

We will be running a flu clinic at the Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall on Saturday 8th October 2022 - if you are generally invited for a flu vaccination please save the date!

Invites by letter will be sent to patients eligible for a flu vaccination at the end of August/the beginning of September.

Blandford Group Practice

Flu season is nearly upon us.

Don’t worry, you don’t know to do anything just yet.

We are currently planning our annual flu vaccination clinics to begin in September. These clinics will be held on Saturdays for those patients eligible for the vaccination.

More details to follow so keep an eye on our website/social media for more information.

Please do not telephone the surgery regarding these as patients will be contacted and invited for their vaccines nearer the time.

Fundraising in memory of Steph Heath

In memory of my wife Steph who ran The Crown with me several years ago, and who passed away last year, my children and I are undertaking a Macmillan Hike on September 11th to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. The walk starts in Weymouth and finishes in Lulworth. We chose this route out of many because Steph so loved Dorset. We are hoping to raise in excess of £1000 for this very worthy cause.

If anyone reading this would like to donate, please use the following link in your search bar: www.justgiving.com/David-Heath17

All contributions, whatever the size, would be very welcome. You can contact me at the following email address should you wish: djheath51@gmail.com

Sports Club Seeks New Members

The village has a wonderful facility in the Sports and Community Club

Its strength is not simply in the building and grounds but in its membership.

Whilst in recent months participation in events and sports at the club has grown significantly - this support needs to develop into increased membership to help to win funds from grant giving bodies. Putting it simply the Club want to be able to create an up to date facility which will provide excellent sports and community facilities for the local area.

Grant giving bodies always look at the committed support an organisation has and a key element of this is the total numbers of actual membership.

Joining will help to build upon the recent achievements –including:

• A new youth club which already has 43 young people as members

• Relocating Winterborne Scouts to our clubhouse as their primary hub

• A world class croquet club and pitch

• A community rounders pitch available to all to use

• Regular Tuesday night bar opening (when The Crown is closed) providing an opportunity for people to socialise in the village every night of the week

What the Club are hoping to achieve includes:

• An updated and refurbished tennis facility

• A 5 a-side; 6 a-side and walking football pitch – even potentially a full sized pitch

• A modernised and extended clubhouse to include a kitchen and refurbished toilets and changing rooms

Benefits of membership include reduced bar prices and lower charges for hiring the facilities.

If you are interested in becoming a member please contact the club secretary:

Christina Rhodes, christina.rhodes63@outlook.com

07960 986893

Milton Abbas Street Fair 2023

It’s the 50th Anniversary next year and we need your help and ideas now!

Open Evening – Wed. 7th September

Everyone’s invited, especially people who’ve moved to the village since the last Street Fair in 2019.

The Street Fair is a fabulous, fun, traditional event with a range of activities, entertainment and stalls in the Street and Lake Field, where for just one day Milton Abbas attempts to wind back the clock to its Georgian origins!!

The event also raises much needed funds for Milton Abbas and surrounding village organisations and causes and a local Dorset charity chosen by you, the villagers - in 2019 the Fair raised a profit of over £33,000!

We’re hoping to make the 2023 Street Fair, in July next year, a ‘big 50th’ Anniversary event celebrating Street Fairs over the years and hoping we can count on the support of everyone in the village to make it happen.

The Organising Committee have some plans, but we’d love to hear your ideas, thoughts, memories of Fairs gone by, too. To find out more about the 2023 Street Fair, and hopefully entice some of you to join the Organising Committee, as we currently have 3 vacancies, Secretary, Operations Co-ordinator and Publicity Coordinator, we hope you can come along on Wednesday 7th September at 7.30pm to the Milton Abbas Reading Rooms to have a chat over some drinks and nibbles.

Hope to see you on the 7th but do get in touch beforehand with any comments, questions, ideas etc. Thanks.

Freddy Robinson, current Chair of Organising Committee on 881681 or freddy.robinson5@gmail.com

Hello from Corfe Mullen

Not much to report this time, really, because we haven't been doing much or going anywhere much - the extreme heat has knocked us both for six, plus the roads around here in August are manic! So, it's been a case of walking the dogs early in the mornings, doing any household jobs, and getting everything done before the heat really sets in. Then it's time to pull the curtains to keep out the heat, and lay on the bed… accompanied by our two little dogs, who don't like the heat, either.

I went to visit my lovely old pony Skye at the Margaret Green animal sanctuary back in July - he is doing very nicely and is enjoying his new life and his three field companions - all much bigger than him, but apparently he is the boss! Their field has a massive purpose built shelter, but during this extreme heat, they have all been coming into the stables - which are situated inside an open-ended huge barn, which is lovely and cool. The head girl says it's lovely walking through there when they are either munching on hay or snoozing quietly in their separate stables.

Till next time, God bless you all!

Heather Sims Buzzy the Bee – A Children’s Story

“Stop, STOP!” cried Buzzy the Bee in her loudest mini-voice. “I need the nectar, and my insect friends need the protection of the long grass until June”.

Bob, the gardener was striding along, whistling, and paying no attention to Buzzy. “We need the nectar for our Queen, and if you mow those wildflowers down, we will have none.” The whistling continued and Bob the gardener was still blissfully unaware of Buzzy’s plight.

Buzzy had to think of a solution quickly. “I know!” she thought, “I will land on a clover flower, Bob will see me, and he will understand.” As Bob turns the mower to make his way back, he notices Buzzy on the clover flower and thinks to himself how nice it is to see a bee in his garden. He knows bee numbers are down and he hopes they will recover, so that once again he will hear the buzzing of bees around his flowers. Buzzy manages to dart out of the way as Bob’s mower slices the flower off the clover.

Buzzy is crestfallen. “I only have a little voice and cannot make myself heard. I will have to go back to the hive empty handed. What

will my Queen think of me?”

The hive is buzzing with activity when Buzzy gets back. The Worker Bees are not at all happy. Some are cross and complaining, and some look helpless and saddened. Buzzy believes she knows why.

“There are not enough flowers,” cried Ebee. “How can we make honey if there isn’t enough nectar?” said Phoebe. “And there are houses where there used to be fields, and most people are keeping tidy lawns, cutting the grass before the dandelions have a chance to grow,” said Abbie, with a frustrated, downcast expression on her face.

Buzzy understood exactly how Ebee, Phoebe and Abbie felt. Something had to change, but what, and how? The Queen emerged from her slumber and addressed her colony of bees. “You must fly further,” she said. “Seek out flowers from another source.”

Buzzy and her co-workers would not give in. They continued in their search for flowers, flying longer distances with limited success. The weeks and months passed, and the bee numbers fell. Another year or two, or maybe three, passed by and then something miraculous happened. Buzzy found not one field, not two fields but three, filled with the most tempting yellow flowers, more than she had ever seen before. Without hesitating she turned for home. “I must show Ebee and the other worker bees the way.”

On arrival at the hive an excited Buzzy exclaimed, “Follow me, quickly, for I have found the promised land. The landmen, who grow crops, have grown dandelions for us, I know they have, come see.” With no further ado, the bees, led by Buzzy and Ebee, fly in a swarm, confident and with great hope for the future. “It’s true!” they exclaimed as the enormous expanse of yellow came into view ahead of them. “Oh, Buzzy,” exclaimed Ebee, “this makes all the difference.”

As the weeks and months passed by, the bees noticed that there were more flowers in village gardens and some of the lawns had been transformed into mini wildflower meadows. “Maybe,” thought Buzzy, “everything will be fine after all.” Chrissy

A Wilder Dorset by 2030

Wildlife and nature make a huge contribution to our wellbeing and quality of life; however, the natural world is in crisis. Driven by climate change and environmental degradation, nature is declining at an unprecedented rate. We must act now to reverse this decline by making more space for wildlife and habitats to adapt and recover on a grand scale. If we do that, then nature can help us to tackle the climate crisis by capturing carbon, contributing to flood defences and providing cleaner air, soil and water.

The world is waking up to the impact of climate change and nature loss on our lives and those of future generations and awareness of the need for change has never been higher. People are demanding action to address the climate and ecological emergencies and we need to inspire and empower people to take action for nature. Dorset Wildlife Trust is here to play a vital role in leading that change and enabling people who are clearly thinking globally to take action locally.

The next ten years are crucial for nature, and we look forward to a decade of change. We will work in partnership with people and communities, farmers and landowners, local businesses, our local authorities and other conservation organisations to deliver nature’s recovery.

We need as many people as possible taking action for nature and we hope that you will join is in making the 2020s a decade of transformation for the natural environment.

A Wilder Dorset - a Dorset rich in wildlife, valued and nurtured by everyone will safeguard our natural world for future generations and enable people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Our role is to lead the recovery and restoration of nature in Dorset and to raise awareness of the diverse range of opportunities for everyone to benefit from nature and get involved in its restoration. Whether that’s volunteering on a reserve, joining a youth activity group, an online talk or a guided walk, taking part in a wildlife survey or a community planting day. Nature is for everyone.

Together with the national partnership of 46 Wildlife Trusts, we have set ourselves two major challenges to help address the climate

and ecological crises:

• More space for nature – by 2030 we want to see 30% of land and sea managed for the benefit of nature. Nature has been pushed to the margins for too long. If wildlife is to recover it needs space and that can be in nature reserves, farms, parks, gardens and even road verges.

• Inspire and empower people – by 2030 we want to help 1 in 4 people to take action for nature. In order for nature to recover, we need many more people on nature’s side. Evidence shows us that if 25% of the population – 1 in 4 people – visibly take action, we create a social ‘tipping point’, where the majority will follow.

To make our vision a reality, we have committed to three specific and strategic goals to bring back nature to Dorset. We see it as our mission to do everything we can to achieve these goals and create a Wilder Dorset by 2030.

Restore and expand habitats and the abundance and diversity of wildlife.

Champion the natural environment, ensuring that people and wildlife benefit from local policies, decisions and management affecting land and sea.

Inspire people and communities to learn about, value and act for wildlife and Dorset’s wild places. Our ambition is that 1 in 4 people in Dorset are involved with nature.

Delivering a Wilder Dorset

In delivering a Wilder Dorset, our work will focus on four key themes

Wilder Places

Nature in Dorset is much less able to adapt to climate change in its damaged and fragmented state, or to help limit climate change. We need more of our land, freshwater habitats and sea managed for the benefit of wildlife. We aim to:

• Manage our nature reserves as exemplar wildlife hubs, showcasing Dorset’s habitats and giving our wildlife species, both rare and common, a place to thrive.

• Establish nature recovery networks on land and sea, working closely with neighbours, partners and stakeholders to agree longterm management that makes space for wildlife and supports communities and livelihoods.

Wilder Voice

It is vital that the climate and ecological emergencies are taken account of in all land and sea management, policies and decisionmaking processes. We will continue to:

• Influence local land-use planning to ensure local policies and development protect and make space for wildlife and enable access to green spaces for everyone.

• Play a leading role in securing and managing Marine Protected Areas, Local Wildlife Sites and managing river and wetland catchments.

• Work closely with our partner Wildlife Trusts to develop and deliver policies and initiatives in a local, regional and national context.

Wilder Lives

Evidence shows that people who spend time in wildlife-rich places are more active and mentally resilient and enjoy better health. Add to that the significant role that volunteers can play in conservation work and it’s clear that we need to support individuals and communities to do more by:

• Providing accessible and practical opportunities for everyone to actively help manage, experience and find solace in wild spaces, particularly those who have not had the chance to do so before.

• Involving more people as volunteers on our nature reserves, at our visitor centres and supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust’s activities in a multitude of ways.

Aim for Net Zero

Nature can play a major role in capturing and storing carbon but we must also reduce emissions into the atmosphere. We aim to lead by example and reduce our carbon footprint to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In doing this we will both learn from and influence others who are on the same journey to address biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change on their land and in their organisations. We as a charity must be resilient, efficient and fit for purpose whilst achieving the highest standards of environmental

performance across our own operations.

Bringing back nature in Dorset

Across the county, we work in partnership with other conservation organisations, utility companies, landowners, farmers and councils on many projects ranging from safeguarding habitats and implementing scientific studies to engaging communities or pioneering conservation techniques such as rewilding.

For more information on how you can join us in our mission to help reverse climate change and the loss of nature please visit Dorset Wildlife Trust and search for ‘A Wilder Dorset by 2030’

On behalf of Dorset Wildlife Trust • dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

The Tour of Britain heads to Dorset

The countdown to the Tour of Britain’s first-ever visit to Dorset for what promises to be one of the most picturesque stages in race history has officially begun.

Over 100 of the world’s best riders will tackle a 175.9km (109.4mi) stage that begins on the Esplanade at West Bay and culminates in the heart of Ferndown on Saturday 10 September.

The route will pass alongside the historic Jurassic Coast, through Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorchester, West Lulworth, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Bere Regis, Blandford Forum, Wimborne Minster and Verwood. A large crowd is expected to turn out to watch this free-to-attend sporting spectacle.

The rough times for when the Tour of Britain Stage 7 race is rolling through Dorset are… West Bay 11:00am Burton Bradstock 11:15am Abbotsbury 11:26am Chickerell 11:38am Weymouth 11:41am Dorchester 12:06pm West Lulworth 12:33pm Corfe Castle 12:54pm Wareham 1:02pm Bere Regis 1:18pm

VN: Timings through the valley, depending on race pace: Milton Abbas 1:32 - 2:03

Okeford Hill: King of the Mountain Finish 1:49 - 2:23 Turnworth 1:50 - 2:25

Top of Stickland, heading to Blandford 1:55 - 2:31 Blandford 2:04pm Wimborne Minster 2:24pm Verwood 2:45pm Ferndown 3:00pm

A route map and full stage timings are available on the Tour of Britain website. Spectators can watch all the action by the roadside for free.

Mick Bennett, Race director, said: “Bringing the UK’s biggest cycle race to Dorset is something that has been on our to-do list since 2004. After what has seemed like an incredibly long wait, race day is thankfully fast approaching! It’s going to be great to showcase this wonderful county to a worldwide TV audience.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Dorset Council has been working closely with Tour of Britain as we prepare to host what promises to be a fantastic event for both casual sports fans and avid cycling enthusiasts.

“I hope as many residents as possible come out next month to make the most of this great opportunity and give a warm Dorset welcome to visiting spectators and competitors. In the meantime, I recommend saving the date in your diary and checking out the route online to select the best spot to watch the action.”

Ben Ansell, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, said: “We are very pleased to welcome the Tour of Britain to Dorset and wish all the riders, and their teams, the best of luck on stage seven.”

ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage and nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are. The race will also be shown in over 150 countries worldwide, thanks to the event’s partnerships with Eurosport and the Global Cycling Network.

Last year’s star-studded race was won by Belgian rider Wout Van Aert (Team Jumbo – Visma), with reigning world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe finishing third overall. According to research by Frontline, a roadside crowd of over one million spectators resulted in the Tour of Britain generating £29.96m of net economic benefit for the UK economy.

Pansies

Open

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Plants Roses

C.W. ABBOTT

MILTON

COPIES AVAILABLE

Mary’s Church, East Farm Shop

James’ Church,

Farm Shop,

STICKLAND

Mary’s Church, The Crown

Information Centre,

& Woodhouse

Centre

Fishing and phishing?

Ever since my father was a boy, he was fascinated by fishing. Being a WW1 war orphan, he was taken into the home of various uncles and aunts who could barely cope with this unruly difficult child. As he grew up, he developed a passion for trout fishing which he could enjoy in the waters of Burgundy where his large family were based.

Unruly and difficult maybe, but clever too. At the age of eighteen, to follow in his dead father's footsteps, he joined the prestigious University of Paris, the Sorbonne, where he studied to be a schoolteacher. While he was there, he befriended a Canadian student who taught him all he needed to know about fly fishing. My father introduced him to the waters (and the wines!) of Burgundy at weekends and during some of the academic breaks.

At the end of the course, in 1935, it was time to say goodbye to his friend who was returning home. As a thank you present for so many good times spent in Burgundy, the Canadian gave my father a bag of feathers suitable for him to make his own lures. He also gave him a delightful brass miniature monocular telescope that fitted snuggly in his hand. I still remember the unpleasant smell the brass object gave off when, later on as a child, I held it in my moist hand. The telescope wasn't powerful but was good enough for spying on insects and creepy crawlies.

While waiting for a teaching post, my father, short of funds, found a temporary job in a children's summer camp where he met my mother, a student teacher in her final year at training college. To improve his earnings - and to impress the girls! - he used to catch adders in the vicinity and store them in his bedside table till he had enough to warranty a trip to the Institut Pasteur where the venom was extracted for the manufacture of anti-venom injections.

Finally, as is the system in France, the Ministry of Education posted him to a village school in Normandy. His first reaction was "Great trout territory, all these little chalky rivers!", even before reading about the working conditions and salary. As was customary in France, schoolteachers were housed in the schoolhouse, usually sharing the building with the mayor's office.

Three years passed. My father was kept very busy at school, fishing whenever possible and running the local football team as well as courting my mother hundreds of kilometres away. The wedding was held in 1938 and my mother was posted to the same school. He was called up for his military service but after a short stint in the army as a met officer, he was released as an essential worker.

War broke out three weeks after I was born and, for my parents and many others, that was the end of an idyllic way of life. A climate of fear and trauma permeated everyday life with danger around all corners. With the German presence on their doorsteps, people knew to hide their thoughts and to mistrust one another. The memories of WW1 were still raw in people's minds. Many bent to accommodate the enemy, many sat on the fence and a few dug their heels in and vowed to save the country from the invader at any cost. No one knew for sure who to trust nor who to believe.

My parents were determined to resist the invasion and found all sorts of ways to challenge the tyranny of the SS. The French Resistance didn't take shape till 1942. In the meanwhile, it was hard to coordinate the efforts of the lone fighters.

The imposing manor house a few kilometres from the schoolhouse had been commandeered by the SS 2 Panzer Division early on in the war. In 1944, it was busier than ever, the SS trying to re-group forces from the south. The manor was standing in a large park, originally full of wild life. Its south boundary was a branch of the river Risle, well known to my father who used to fly fish there whenever he could. There was a particular gentle bend in the river which allowed the water to calm down and form a tranquil pond where the fish could be seen jumping out of the water after the afternoon flies.

Sitting on the bank, through the undergrowth, he could see the corner of the building and the various military vehicles meticulously parked, quite close. Somehow, the opening in the vegetation wasn't obvious from the manor's side but he was always careful not to

attract attention. His little telescope enabled him to spy on the troops movement and he kept a record of all the German vehicles' registration numbers. He eventually worked out the routine movement of traffic, the function of each vehicle and who was visiting the manor.

The regular foot patrol passed by several times a day. Some of the guards would tell him to pack his bags and disappear. Some were obviously bored with their routine and would stop to watch the familiar sight of my father standing in his waders in midstream casting his line, cheering quietly when he caught a fish. Gradually, they came closer and engaged in casual conversation. Soon, they wanted to know more about the fly fishing tricks. My father laboriously showed them how to make fish flies, all the while subtly getting them to release any information about the base and the troop movements. To keep their interest going, he even used to give them the occasional trout to supplement their poor rations.

Armed with precious information, loaded with his tackle and a good catch, he would cycle all the way back home with a contented smile on his face. That night, he would crawl into the dug out under his classroom and get working on his radio transmitter, sifting the information he'd gathered between what was useful locally and what the BBC World Service would gladly receive. Regularly, he managed to collect information on the triangulation sorties planned by the SS who were determined to unearth the illegal transmitters in the area.

Some phishing! Annie Thom

New countryside crime report published

Early this month, a new countryside crime report was published by NFU Mutual, stating the cost of rural crime in the Southwest in 2021 was 18% less than the previous year. However, NFU Mutual also reported that rural crime pay-outs between January and March 2022 were over 40% higher than in 2021.

I want to take this opportunity to reassure Dorset’s rural communities that I am working hard to ensure that robust action is taken to tackle rural crime in our county.

I have shared before that there has been a 400% increase in resources dedicated to rural crime, including an uplift in the number of officers in the Rural Crime Team. This increase in resources and capacity has extended the police’s reach and capability to fight rural crime.

One of the ambitions within my Police and Crime plan was for Rural Crime Team to have closer links with neighbourhood policing and their resources to be even more visible and effective. Back in the new rural crime engagement van was launched which will help to further the work towards this goal by allowing the team to reach more remote areas and rural communities, ensuring that there is better connection and communication between the police and the communities they serve.

On top of this, my office worked with the Rural Crime team to develop a series of rural podcasts, providing funding so that the team could highlight a range of topics, including awareness of wildlife crime issues and associated prevention advice. The podcast was hugely successful, making it into the top ten.

In early 2022, The Rural Crime Reduction Board (RCRB) was implemented, with an aim to make Dorset the safest county and lead the way in preventing and reducing rural crime. The RCRB gives partner agencies such as Dorset Council, Dorset Police, and The Environment Agency, amongst others, to work together, and share knowledge and best practice to better support Dorset’s rural communities.

Since April 2022 the RCRB has been meeting quarterly to deliver on the four themes of Priority 4 of my Police and Crime Plan - to Fight Rural Crime, through the Board’s Action Plan. These themes are Country Watch, Fly-tipping, Rural Resources and Wildlife Crime.

So far, work has included setting up training for police officers by specialist organisations on rural crime issues, working with neighbouring police forces and partner agencies to catch offenders of wildlife crime, and the set up of three initial multi-agency ‘task and finish' groups to focus on:

Engaging with rural communities through Watch groups

Fly-tipping prevention through both awareness raising, and

Polly 'Bs'

Local lady doing:

Holistic Treatments, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Ear Candling. Also Beauty Treatments Facials, Waxing, Eyebrow/Lash tinting. Manicure and Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal. Appointments available during the day and evenings. Some treatments can be done in your home.

Ring Pauline on 01258 880084 / 07760 303332

Gift Vouchers available.

The Winterborne Stickland Solar Fund Committee would like to remind residents of Winterborne Stickland that funding is available for community projects.

Applications for funding should be emailed to sticklandsolarfund@yahoo.com

Decisions are made every 2 months. The basic criteria are that ideas should have benefit to the community. A committee of volunteers select successful projects.

Rural crime prevention through better communication and engagement work with rural communities

Finally, later this summer my office will be launching Country Watch, to represent the work of the RCRB partners works in tackling rural crime in Dorset. The Country Watch website will work as a resource to help rural residents find proactive advice and support if they are a victim of crime and information on reporting crimes – so please do keep an eye out for Country Watch in the next few weeks.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

New officers welcomed to the Rural Crime Team

Three dedicated special constables join the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team to enhance the county’s capability in tackling crime across rural communities.

Consider if, when and how you contact the Force

Dorset Police is currently receiving a significant volume of calls, digital contact and visits to enquiry offices and is asking members of the public to consider whether their enquiry can be best resolved by another agency.

The summer months see a significant increase in demand with emergency 999 calls increasing by 23 per cent, calls to 101 going up 12 per cent and 17 per cent more incidents in a typical day.

Superintendent Pete Browning, Head of Contact Management for Dorset Police, said: “We’re currently seeing a significant volume of demand coming into the Force and as a result the waiting time for calls to be answered and digital enquiries to be processed has increased. I would like provide reassurance that genuine emergency calls will receive a prompt response.

“Our contact officers review all reports for threat, risk, harm and vulnerability to ensure we are using our resources as effectively as possible and responding to those most in need first.

“We want to remind members of the public that our teams should be treated with courtesy and respect. They are doing their best to help you in very challenging circumstances and we won’t tolerate any abuse towards our hard-working team.”

The Force is the public to only dial 999 in an emergency, if there is a crime in progress or immediate danger to life.

Kieran Baker, Non-Emergency Contact Manager for Dorset Police, said: “We’d also ask residents and visitors to consider whether their issue should be handled by Dorset Police and to consider approaching other agencies such as social services, the local authority, fire service or the NHS.

“If you’re calling us about something we can’t help with – such as abandoned cars, lost or found dogs, loud music, rowdy or noisy neighbours or barking dogs, you might be stopping someone who we can help from getting through. All these examples should be reported to the local authority.

Special constables are unique individuals who bring skills and experience from outside of policing that benefit the communities of Dorset. 'Specials' have the same powers and wear the same uniform as regular police officers.

In 2021, special constables performed 18,000 hours of duty throughout Dorset. Each one makes time to police Dorset and keep people safe, for no monetary gain.

Inspector Lee Turner, from the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “I am incredibly happy to welcome Jon, Nathan and Dave to the team.

“Two of the new team members are experienced, having served as special constables elsewhere in the county. Following a recent selection process, I am thrilled to welcome them to the Rural Crime Team.

“These additional officers will enhance our capability in tackling crime across Dorset’s rural communities and support us in putting victims first – both of which are at the heart of everything we do.”

Special constables are volunteer police officers who are used to compliment regular officers. They are members of the community who really care about the county in which they live and who want to support local police to make a difference. This demonstrates a commitment and determination to make Dorset the safest county.

Deputy Chief OfficerAntony Streets of the Dorset Police Special Constabulary said: “Embedding our special constables within the Rural Crime Team will assist in providing exceptional local policing across our rural communities.

“I am very proud to support this historic initiative in Dorset as we look to embed special constables in more business areas throughout the Dorset Police family.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I am delighted to see three new dedicated special constables welcomed to the Rural Crime Team. Fighting rural crime is a priority of my Police and Crime Plan and these additional officers will help the police be more visible and effective in Dorset’s rural communities. The continued expansion of the team shows our commitment to tackling rural crime as we endeavour to make Dorset the safest county.”

“We’re here to help if you need to report an incident or crime to us. All enquiries via our telephone or digital services will be answered as soon as possible.”

Winterborne and Milton Abbas Benefice

Sunday 4th September

9am Turnworth (Communion)

10:30am Whitechurch (Morning Worship)

10:30am Stickland (Morning Worship with live stream)

Sunday 11th September

9am Stickland (Book of Common Prayer Communion)

10:30am Milton Abbas (Communion)

10:30am Clenston (Book of Common Prayer Communion)

4:30pm Houghton (Outdoor Harvest in Churchyard)

Sunday 18th September

9am Milton Abbas (Book of Common Prayer Communion)

10:30am Stickland (Communion with live Zoom)

11:30am Whitechurch (Cafe Church)

Sunday 25th September

10:30am Houghton (Communion)

10:30am Turnworth

6pm Milton Abbas (SoulSpace)

DEADLINES for the OCTOBER Edition

(Business and Events)

10th

and all other

Are you building a new extension?

Are you doing alterations to your home?

Do you need some free advice & a quote for drawings?

jo d designs

Posters Advertising Planning Drawings Building Regs Drawings

Call me: 01258 721347 or 07703 034127 or email: kempo79@sky.com

Winterborne Whitechurch Old School Room is available to hire.

This beautiful large room, ideal for parties, meetings and family or community gathering. Come and visit to appreciate the charm of this lovely venue.

Full kitchen and cloakroom facilities. Disabled friendly.

Booking charges £7 per hour. Liz Platten 881650 lizplatten@hotmail.co.uk

Stickland Framing

ALL FRAMING OPTIONS

UNDERTAKEN

PHIL HARLOCK 4 West St, Stickland Blandford, Dorset DT11 0NT Telephone: 01258 881290 philharlock@hotmail.com

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Fast Professional & Friendly Service for Business or Home use.

Advice, Health Checks, Repairs & Upgrades, Virus & Spyware Removal Networks - Wired or Wireless, Disaster Recovery Web Site Design / Hosting

Contact Mark Watson on: Tel: 01300 308653 Mobile: 07437 054185

Problems Solved Fast

Chimneys

Professionally Swept

Traditional brush and vacuum sweep. No mess or fuss and nothing to do before or after.

Woodburners, inglnooks and Agas etc. Reliable prompt helpful service. Cowls fitted 07952 991966

J.P.L Gardens

Professional Garden Services

Lawn Mowing • Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance • Garden Clearance Mole Catching • Landscaping and fencing Small tree work

Call Jerry Legg 01258 489977 • 07940 895803

23 May Grove, Charlton Marshall, jplegg48@googlemail.com

Complete Pest Solutions

Commercial and private sector, professional, discreet and punctual All pests dealt with including rodents, moles, rabbits, wasps, ants and flying insects etc.

Contracts undertaken Pubs, Farms etc. 07952 991966

Clenston Church Fete

“Acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path” ( Proverbs 3.5). Every year for the last 20 years God has given us a fine day for the Fete, put on by local people for local people to raise funds for little Clenston Church, to be an active place of worship and prayer for our local community – and for weddings and funerals. To God be the glory. Thank you to all those who helped set up, pack up, run stalls , produce cakes and came in to join in. A lovely afternoon had by all and the church all the better for it.