September 2014 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 30

Stagestruck: Les Mis proves a smash hit: Page 25

September 2014

Arts centre plan clears its first big hurdle A MAJOR step forward in the establishment of The Fording Point, a new arts venue in Blandford town centre, has been taken with the granting of outline planning permission.

Despite early objections from English Heritage and North Dorset's conservation officer, consent has been given for a building in the former orchard off Bere's Yard, near the town museum.

Jon Ivay, of Spetisbury, a film director who is spearheading the project for which the application was submitted late last year, said: "We received the news on 8th August that outline planning had been approved.

"The vision is to create a cultural quarter for the town including theatre, cinema, gallery and bar, alongside the added attractions of the Victorian garden project and museum."

He added: "We would like to place on record our thanks for the support of the William Williams Trust, the Theatres Trust, Blandford Forum Town Council, the Town Museum and Blandford Forum Civic Society."

Mr Ivay said the original objections to the scheme from English Heritage and North Dorset's conservation officer would probably mean that English Heritage would want to be quite involved when the detailed application was drawn up.

"This or other elements may or may not slow down the project, but we just need to keep focused on the ultimate goal," he said.

He answered concerns about the amount of traffic that would use the Bere's Yard site, pointing out that access was intended to be for pedestrians only when visiting the venue. Those coming by car

would use the town's car parks.

The approval, given under delegated powers, stresses that it is for the scale only of what must be a single-storey building, and that the plans submitted so far have been considered for illustrative purposes only.

All other details - layout, landscaping, appearance and access - will need to be submitted as part of the full application, and a number of conditions must be met before that can be granted.

Use of the building for assembly and entertainment will not be allowed between midnight and 8am, and a minimum eightmetre undeveloped zone has to be provided between the building and the flood alleviation scheme, together with a minimum two-metre pedestrian pathway along one side of the building to allow access for its inspection, maintenance and improvement.

Blandford town clerk Linda Scott-Giles and her deputy town clerk Leani Haim sampled the face painting craze when Blandford Rugby Club welcomed two former England international sports stars to help give their pavilion a pre-season clean-up. Full story and more pictures: Page 21.

What next in the fly saga?

DISTRICT councillors were, on 27th August, due to consider again the issue of the Blandford Fly, whose incidence has for many years been kept down by a treatment of the River Stour.

The treatment is now in danger of being stopped and local members are concerned that the problem is not being viewed with sufficient urgency, given the known impact of the fly's bite on some unfortunate victims.

Councillor Tony Harrocks said: "It would appear that first stage EU-level approval for the use of the chemical treatment of the river was reached from October 1st 2013. But the second stage authorisation of the product at national level requires application by the manufacturer or user, and North Dorset as user did not apply.

"The manufacturer informed the council in June of this year that the process might not be com-

pleted until 2016, so we had all better buy bodylength mosquito nets and wear them every summer until then.

"Then there is the little matter of which authority or authorities are prepared to pay for the spraying and whether there is any need for it to continue."

Councillor John Tanner said: "Blandford people cannot believe that those with the power to safeguard their health are prepared, for the sake of a few thousand pounds, to gamble in this reckless way with allowing this terrible beast to once again breed out of control and cause such misery for the people of Blandford and the surrounding villages.

"The issues and the remedy are well known how our health service can be so penny wise and pound foolish I find hard to believe."

To Page 2

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September 2014

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Where to find your copy of Forum Focus THOUSANDS of copies of Forum Focus are picked up every month from our drop points in various outlets in Blandford and villages, and we are very grateful to all the businesses and organisations which help us by accommodating them. However, some people still ask us where they can find a copy.

The main drop points, in Blandford and Blandford St Mary, are: Blandford Post Office, Blandford Library and Blandford Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Gorge Cafe and Blandford Museum in the Market Place, Blandford Tourist Information Centre in West Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-ops in Salisbury Road and Langton Road, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop

Forum Focus is an independent, not-for-profit, community newspaper produced entirely by volunteers.

We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park.

made by a team of more than 40 volunteers to whom we are also very grateful.

In the villages, they are at:

If copies are not delivered in your street, please consider helping us and your neighbours by joining our delivery team.

Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Pimperne shop, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster post office, butcher Simon Harvell at Iwerne Minster, Shillingstone Garage, the Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

If you know of other places where copies could be left for collection, please let Jackie Stayt know by email at distribution@forumfocus.co.uk or phone 01258 456999.

House-to-house deliveries are

Opportunities exist particularly in the Market Place and West Street, the lower Salisbury Road, Badbury Heights, Black Lane, St Leonards Avenue, Philip Road, Langton Road and Milldown Road areas.

Fly row deadlock From Page 1 It was reported in 2003 by Roger Frost, the council's food, safety and licensing officer, that the number of reported fly bites had dropped from 1,500 in its heyday to only double figures in 2001 and 2002, and that "consistent treatment procedure appears to have led to the gradual reduction in larvae present at the treatment sites".

Four years ago a new treatment was sourced when it became difficult to obtain the original, and in October 2010 it was reported to have been successful.

But in 2012 NHS Dorset threatened to withdraw its contribution to the cost of around £12,000 annually, saying that the treatment was not a public health priority. Neighbouring authorities said they could not make up the shortfall.

North Dorset indicated late last year that it was not prepared to fund the treatment without the support of the health authority and neighbouring councils in areas affected by the fly's bite further downstream.

Cabinet health spokesman Councillor Gary Jefferson told the council in January that the authority was not in a position to apply for approval of a licence to spray under new EU regulations, but it was understood the manufacturer was doing so.

It has since emerged that due to a backlog in dealing with applications, that licence is unlikely to be granted in time to allow the usual treatment next March.

The council in July announced a thorough review to be led by Public Health England with the agreement of Dorset's Public Health Authority and the local Clinical Commissioning Group. A petition has now been started locally calling for immediate steps to be taken to ensure that the treatment continues.

See letters: Page 22.

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September 2014

Angry backlash as key support services face closure THE closure at the end of August of two support services in Blandford for those with mental health issues has prompted a campaign to secure funding to keep them open.

Users of the Positive Approach drop-in and shop in Tabernacle Walk and the Wednesday Group at Castleman Bungalow have been devastated to learn that the two facilities will no longer be supported by Dorset County Council.

Stewart Randall said he was a drop-in user of Positive Approach which was an important non-clinical place for people to go for support, with staff who had been very helpful to him and other users.

"I know I am not the only one to be upset at the closure of these places so if anyone out there can help us to stay open, please can you help us."

Another service user in his 60s, Barrie Smith, said the life-changing support offered by the two facilities saved the National Health Service money, since without it those with mental health issues would need to see their GPs more often.

"My doctor and psychiatrist are very supportive of me but cannot fill the loss of this valuable Blandford amenity. I have contacted the local MP but only received a short note saying he would look into it, nothing more. As time ticks by, we are all feeling the strain now.

"Blandford has always been home to me, but the callous way this support is being removed makes you wonder if the people at the top really care about the common folk."

Amanda Udale, estate manager at Hanover Court in Blandford, said: "One of my residents is a service user of Positive Approach and the Wednesday Group. Both services are a huge support to residents of

Blandford with mental health issues and those involved need help to find other income sources to keep the facilities going."

The tender for service in the community across Dorset has been awarded to Rethink, a national mental health charity which has no plans to maintain the Blandford facilities and similar facilities in Sherborne. The outgoing service provider Dorset Mental Health Forum did not tender for the contract.

Manager Florence Spencer, one of three staff employed by the Dorset Mental Health Forum offered redundancy with a total of 30 years' service between them, said: "The new service does not include permanent premises where users can meet and integrate with the public which offer a social prescription to people.

"The long-running peer support group on Wednesdays costs £4,000 a year and the Positive Approach Centre for Wellbeing costs £7,500 a year.

"The local Community Mental Health team, based at the Milldown Unit in Blandford, are shocked and deeply saddened at the news which will no doubt mean more pressure on the NHS, with more unwell people attending their GP surgeries and using NHS mental health services."

She said an anonymous donation had been received to keep the Wednesday Group going for another month, and a donation of £1,000 has been received towards the cost of Positive Approach.

"But we will have to vacate Tabernacle Walk, and are now looking for both funding and premises from which to operate."

Anybody who would like more information or to help can call Mrs Spencer on 07979 437076.

See letters: Page 22.

SCOTTISH & Southern Energy finally connected up the new sub-station in Church Lane on Friday 8th August, resulting in a power outage that morning while the reconnection was made. It had been running on a generator parked in the Church Lane car park since the storm in July.

Royal team set for Carnival Meet Blandford's Carnival Royalty who will be given pride of place in the Carnival on Saturday 6th September: standing Miss Blandford Carnival Lauren Johnstone, left, with her attendant Lucy Pike and last year's Princess, Jenny Lockyer, right, who presented the awards at the selection night in the Royal British Legion. Front row, left to right, attendant Ginny Dugdale, Carnival Junior Princess Amelia Ball and attendant Dolcie Burton.

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September 2014

Another piece of golden treasure comes to light A SECOND piece of golden treasure has been found in the Tarrant Valley by the team of metal detectorists who have been searching the site over a number of years.

John Earley of Blandford and John Hinchcliffe of Tarrant Hinton, both members of the

Stour Valley Metal Detecting club, worked with the finder of the original artefact, David Spohr of Poole, to uncover another part of the 4,000-year-old gold lunula, or necklace, found early this year in the valley.

Using a system of pegs and

ropes accurately aligned to the lines of the Ordinance Survey National Grid system, they intensively detected an area measuring 6,800 square metres, and after a lot of hard work were thrilled and excited to find another piece.

It was sent to the British Museum in London for evaluation by the Bronze Age department and has been confirmed as treasure trove at an inquest in Bournemouth.

John Hinchcliffe said: "We are all struggling mentally to put into context the great age of the gold we have found. It comes from a time when Stonehenge was still being built. It is certainly the most valuable, exciting and important find ever made by our detecting club which has operated in the North Dorset area for over 30 years."

Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, the finds liaison officer for Dorset, based in Dorchester, has confirmed that the Dorset County Museum have already expressed an interest in acquiring the piece.

David Daly, right, and Peter Duke, centre left, with members of the Julia's House Friends team.

A NEW Julia's House Blandford support group will get off to a musical start when they present a 'Sunday afternoon tea with music' at the Blandford Parish Centre.

The Julia's House charity shop in East Street does a marvellous job in raising much-needed funds but until now there has been no support group raising awareness of the charity's work.

On Sunday 21st September at 3.30pm, David Daly, principal double bass with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, together with a colleague, will be presenting some classical delights while the new support group will be serving freshly baked cakes and teas.

The group's chairman Peter Duke will talk about the charity, the only children's hospice charity in Dorset dedicated to helping life-limited children and their families.

Admission is free but there will be a box for voluntary donations and the opportunity for anyone interested to find out how to help.

September 2014

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September 2014

The taste of success delights food producers A STUNNING success in the 2014 Great Taste Awards has thrilled the makers of Blandford's own Dorsetshire Sauce.

Karl and Chrissy Regler, who started their food production business From Dorset With Love in 2010, have been celebrating the 3-star accolade awarded to their unique sauce.

The couple, who live in Damory Street with their two sons, made all their sauces and preserves at home until moving production into a

unit near Milton Abbas last September.

Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for speciality food and drink. It has been described as the Oscars of the food world and the 'epicurean equivalent of the Booker Prize'.

From Dorset With Love already held three Great Taste awards but this year's was the first at the highest level.

Karl, the main product developer of Dorsetshire

Sauce, said: "Being one of 153 3-star producers out of 10,000 entries is huge.

"It means the world to us both and just shows that hard work, teamwork and patience pay off.

"It's the recognition any artisan producer strives for - and we've done it!"

Stockists of Dorsetshire Sauce, which is a blend of 15 herbs, spices and vinegars, include Mato's in Blandford and Fortnum & Mason in London.

Events to raise town profile The line-up of entrants for the Carnival Princess competition.

All set for the big carnival parade BLANDFORD Carnival paraders will be lining up to wow and entertain the crowds on Saturday 6th September.

The floats will be gathering in Holland Way from 5pm and preparing for the start of the parade at 7.15pm.

The parade will take its usual route past Fairfields Bungalows, up Salisbury Road, down Kings Road and St Leonards Avenue for its entry into the town centre along Wimborne Road into East Street and the Market Place.

Spokesman Ian Stapleton said: "The fact that Blandford Carnival takes place each year is down to the hard work of a very small committee.

"The carnival is not free. We have to pay for the bands, road closures, public liability insurance and other things. We raise funds by staging events and asking local businesses to advertise in the carnival programme. Coles Funfair make a generous contribution to the carnival, but our largest source of income is through the collecting buckets on carnival night."

He added: "The carnival has been kept going over the years due mainly to the time and effort that John and Lil Jones and other previous committee members have put into it.

"We really do need the continued support of the townspeople through their kind donations on carnival night as, without sufficient funds, it will be increasingly difficult to stage the event."

Prior to the parade, there will be the baby show, with a tombola, stalls and refreshments in the Corn Exchange from 9.30am, and a carnival bingo fundraiser in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 3rd September starts at 7.30pm, with doors opening 6.30pm.

THREE groups aiming to regenerate facilities in Blandford have joined forces to raise the profile of the three projects to maintain and improve the town's heritage buildings and treasures.

The Corn Exchange, Cupola Project and Blandford Museum are working together on fundraising and promotional activities under the banner of 'Blandford Regeneration'.

Their first joint event on Saturday 13th September will involve all three in putting on attractions which will include: * A craft fair in the Corn Exchange from 2pm with vintage-style cream tea cafe; * Country dancing outside the Corn Exchange with performance by dance group Studio B from 3pm; * The Blandford School Jazz Band and soloists singing on the Church Green; * The Community Choir singing on the church steps; * A 'pop-up' bar at the Museum; * A 30-minute performance of Animal Farm performed by Bryanston School in the Museum Garden at 7pm.

Banners will be waving in the square to provide a backdrop to the programme of music and dance, and throughout the afternoon there will be face painting, stilt walking and characters in costume. The Forum Drama group, in costume, will be handing out fliers for their next production.

Spokesperson Helen Cooper said: "The day coincides with the Dorset Historic Churches Trust 'Ride and Stride' when the church will be welcoming visitors walking and riding between the churches in the county. They will find Blandford enjoying itself."

For more details, go to: blandfordregeneration.org.uk.

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September 2014

No need to worry, rugby club promise their neighbours NEIGHBOURS have been assured that a weekend afternoon only on-licence at the new home of Blandford Rugby Club on the Larksmead recreation ground will not lead to any drunken or rowdy behaviour or risk to children using the adjacent play area.

A number of nearby residents objected to the club's application for a noon to 6pm licence on Saturdays and Sundays following its return to the ground, where two new levelled pitches have been created, from its current playing area at The Blandford School.

They feared that the drinks and entertainment licence would mean disturbance every weekend, and challenged the application at a hearing of a North Dorset District Council licensing panel in August.

Councillor Tony Harrocks, representing some of his electorate in Buttercup Lane whose garden was only 30 feet from the back of the pavilion, said rugby club members were known to be boisterous and noisy, and asked how often the licence would be used.

Others asked whether spectators would be able to drink outside the pavilion, the extent of catering to be provided, how many people might be attending, what the noise levels might be and queried shared use of the access track.

Simon Evans, chairman of the club's youth committee and vicechairman of the main club, said the licence would only be used regularly during the winter months, and then only briefly for senior games on Saturdays, and after morning training sessions for

the youth section on Sundays when light refreshments were provided for parents.

Deliveries would be by one car a week of cans and spirits, since there was no intention to serve draught or keg beers from the premises.

He said between 20 and 30 usually attended senior games. Young people attending training sessions were subject to the club's own safeguarding policies and always supervised by an adult. The main purpose behind the move to Larksmead was to provide somewhere the adults could shelter.

"We are not talking about hundreds of people," he said, adding that the players would have time for only one drink before adjourning to the main Rugby Club premises in East Street, Blandford.

The retired police officer said the town centre club had never, to his knowledge, been the subject of complaint to the police, and that a licence had operated as an extension to the club's headquarters at the Half Moon pub when the club previously used the recreation ground in the 1980s before any houses were built around it.

Councillor David Milsted, chairing the licensing panel, announced its decision, saying the majority of activities taking place at the sports ground would happen whether or not the pavilion was licensed.

He reminded local residents and the club that should the Licensing Act or council licensing objectives be undermined, the licence could be reviewed and face further sanctions or ultimately be revoked.

Pub closed again THE sudden closure - not for the first time in the last few months - of Nelson's Ale House in Salisbury Street has again robbed the town of one of the few hostelries with a large garden at the rear.

At the time of going to press, the future of the business was unclear.

Louise Barnett, press officer for owners Star Pubs and Bars (formerly Scottish & Newcastle) said the premises were on a longterm lease with a management company.

She said: "Nelsons is leased to an independent business person to run as their own. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the lessee has taken the decision to temporarily close the pub.

"We are working with them to try and get the pub reopened again as quickly as possible. In the meantime we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by its temporary closure."

A GROUP of craftworkers have been brightening up the Shambles in front of Blandford's Corn Exchange every other Friday by setting up stalls from which to sell their wares.

Nikki Hooker of Phoenix Trading (cards), Angie Adams of Peggy Rae (soya wax candles) and Gilly Hopson of Atmosphere Images Photography (pictured left to right) invited others to join them, and now a total of nearly a dozen are filling the area with their arts and crafts on the second and fourth Fridays of every month.

They include Sarah Westaway, woodturner Don Upward, Angela Bidder with 'Out of My Shed', and Material Things and Cotton Strings.

Gilly said: "We asked the town council if we could rent the space as a way of bringing a new attraction into the town and bringing more revenue to the Corn Exchange."

September 2014

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Hospital Friends welcome new chief

Above: Tina Potter with her winning entries in 'In Stitches' which was judged best handicraft entry, and the 'My Favourite Hobby' class. Right: Sue Billington with her first prize winning novelty cake, in the form of a giant sunflower.

Another blooming good show ANOTHER successful show was staged by Blandford and District Horticultural Society in the Anne Biddlecombe Hall at Tarrant Keyneston on 9th August, when members gathered for their 27th annual flower and vegetable show.

Judges Dennis Hewitson of Swanage found "high quality in

the vegetables" and Colin Giles of Weymouth described it as "a very good village show".

With nearly 120 classes in sections including flowers, vegetables, floral arrangements, wine, photography, cookery, preserves and handicrafts, there was also the Great Potato Challenge won

by Rachel Eveleigh with 12.8

points, ahead of Pete Eveleigh with 11.4 and Dave Eastment with 11.

Top of the points winners as usual were Dave Miles, who took the Garden News Top Tray and Housewife's Choice, together with best exhibit in the show with a splendid pair of cucumbers and the Terry Richards Cup for most points in the vegetable classes.

Barry Gould had the Garden News Top Vase, together with an impressive giant marrow measuring over three feet long, but it was Alan Newman who took the Treasurer's Bowl for highest points in all classes, the Floral Cup for highest points in flower classes and Greensbridge Cup for best exhibit in the gladioli classes.

Mary Newman won the Dixon Cup for most points in floral art, and Rosemary Howland and Sue Billington shared the honours in cookery and preserves, while Jeremy Peck had the best exhibit.

Sue Billington had the best exhibit in the wine classes, and Diane Downe most points in photography, while Tina Potter took the handicraft shield for best exhibit, an entry in the 'In Stitches' class.

THE Friends of Blandford Community Hospital have appointed former North Dorset Primary Care Trust manager Steve Cole as successor to their chairman Peter Fale, who died in January.

Mr Fale was due to stand down as chairman this year after his 17 years in office, and Mr Cole, who has worked on a number of occasions at the Blandford hospital and is now retired, was an obvious choice.

He was already a member of the Friends' Council, chaired the finance and project group and a member of the board, and had three spells of working locally, first as catering manager, then with responsibility for cleaning staff and hotel services, and finally as locality manager.

He plays cricket for Pimperne and serves as an umpire and as chairman of the Dorset Afternoon League.

With the hospital now reduced to just Tarrant ward from 58 beds when he was working there, he is looking forward to the official opening of the newly reconfigured Portman ward area with its new facilities of a day surgery ward, local anaesthetics, consulting rooms and a dental services suite.

He paid tribute to project manager Mac McLaughlin, who had been acting chairman following Mr Fale's death, and who continues as deputy chairman.

The AGM heard speakers on dentistry and Sally O'Donnell, director of operations, and treasurer Trevor Bridle reported that the year to March had ended with a balance of nearly £1.4 million despite increased expenditure, including £750,000 towards the configuration, thanks to a large increase in legacies and increased fundraising.

Hambledon Hill is sold HAMBLEDON Hill, the Iron Age hill fort which overlooks Child Okeford and has been in the ownership of a private trust for the past 30 years, has been bought for £450,000 by the National Trust with funding from a Natural England grant and legacy left to benefit the Dorset countryside.

It is the seventh in the county to be acquired by the Trust, which also owns nearby Hod Hill, Lamberts Castle, Badbury Rings and Pilsdon Pen. It was offered for sale by the conservation charity the Hawthorn Trust, on whose behalf it has been managed by Natural England.

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September 2014

Sam recognised as a community hero A YOUNG Pimperne man who has worked as a volunteer and now as member of staff at Whitecliffe House Nursing Home has been declared a Great Dorset Steam Fair Hero for his dedication to the community, helping to care for others.

As part of the GDSF Hero awards scheme, Sam Smith of Portman Road wins a free fiveday VIP pass for himself and his family, together with a framed certificate, and the Michael Oliver Cup as overall winner.

The VIP tickets and certificate were presented to him during a barbecue held at the home by Della Jones, chairman of the

judging panel, who nominated him after seeing his work at the home where her husband David is a resident.

Mrs Jones said: "I have known Sam for almost a year and was amazed to find such a delightful young man working in an old folks' nursing home. He has a charming manner and looks ahead to what may be needed for the residents, rather than waiting to be asked."

Sam started as a work experience student from The Blandford School working in the kitchen washing up, but then began helping to serve the meals and to feed those unable to feed

Solar farm plan to power homes A PUBLIC presentation was given on proposals for a solar farm in the fields next to those now being put forward as an alternative to the Crown Meadows for housing in the draft North Dorset Local Plan.

The scheme to provide enough energy to power 3,200 homes is being promoted by Lightsource Renewable Energy in collaboration with the owners of Littleton Farm.

Designs are still in the early stages, but the plans on display at the Hall & Woodhouse brewery visitor centre showed the site next to the proposed St Mary's Hill development of up to 300 homes on which North Dorset District Council is now consulting.

Lightsource say the majority of the solar farm land will remain open and suitable for the grazing of sheep and will have wildflower seeding, log piles, bird, bat and barn owl boxes to help native species thrive.

A bridleway running along the southern boundary will remain undisturbed and views will be well screened by existing vegetation with added planting of native species to improve existing wildlife corridors.

The 11.1MWp generated would save carbon emissions of 5,500 tonnes a year, the equivalent of emissions from 1,200 family cars, and will go straight into the closest sub-station to be used first by

local consumers.

Conor McGuigan, planning and development director at Lightsource, said: "Solar farms are a remarkably passive and flexible technology, and as well as being a source of clean electricity, the Littleton solar farm site could also provide a real boost to local biodiversity.

"We want to work with the local community who will be our neighbours so that the project can evolve with the guidance of local knowledge and ideas."

For more information about Lightsource Renewable Energy and its proposals, phone 0333 200 0755 or email info@lightsource-re.co.uk quoting 'Littleton'.

A drop-in exhibition was held by North Dorset District Council on 14th August in the Parish Centre so that people could view the 'Focused Changes' consultation on the Local Plan and talk to planning policy officers about the proposal to substitute the St Mary's Hill site for the Crown Meadows.

The consultation remains open until 11.59pm on Friday 12th September, and documents and survey forms are available at council offices or on the council's website at dorsetforyou.com/focusedchangesconsultation/north.

For more information call the planning policy team on 01258 484201.

Anne Tapley, Whitecliff Nursing Home manager and Nicky Wildeman, head of care, with 'hero' Sam Smith and Della Jones. themselves before being taken on full-time as an activities and social co-ordinator.

"To have a bright young boy interested in and enjoying this work is quite inspirational, and his dedication to the elderly is a joy to behold."

His award was being presented

by GDSF President Jean Oliver at the show.

At the same barbecue event at Whitecliffe House, representa-

tives of the BFPC Cupola Project were handed a cheque for ÂŁ1,150, representing fundraising at the home on behalf of the project. It was presented by activities organiser Kay White.

Project leader Sara Loch, who was accompanied by Pat Ellen and Anne Shire, thanked them, saying it was the largest donation they had received so far from the community.

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September 2014

Fire service rush to the aid of foodbank

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell hands the keys of the new storage facility to Blandford Foodbank manager Gail del Pinto, with (from left) Ian Welch, DFRS home safety advisor for Blandford, Jill Warburton DFRS community engagement and inclusion manager, Brook MacCallum of Blandford Foodbank and Station Commander at Blandford Fire Station, Steve Garbutt. Photo: DFRS.

DORSET Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with foodbanks across Dorset to help those in need, and recently handed over the keys to facilities for a second store at Blandford fire station.

The Blandford Foodbank operates from the Methodist Church in Blandford and is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am-12pm.

Gail del Pinto, manager of Blandford Foodbank, said: "I cannot thank the Fire Service enough for all the work they have

done. Things were getting a bit desperate at the Blandford Foodbank as people have been so generous in their donations and we had simply run out of room. To know that our stock is stored safely and locally has lifted an immense pressure from us."

The Foodbank and Fire partnership is also working to provide simple recipe cards and information on food budgeting, hygiene, fire safety and nutrition to be given to those visited by home safety advisors.

Wind turbine opposition Volunteers needed PUBLIC consultation started on 30th July and officially closed on 20th August on an application for four 125-metre wind turbines south of the A354 at Winterborne Whitechurch, which has now been submitted to North Dorset District Council by REG Windpower.

The application is not expected to be considered by the planning authority's development control committee until late autumn but campaign group DART Winterborne Whitechurch urged its supporters to submit objections in good time to demonstrate the strength of dissent locally, and from further afield, to the proposal.

to help with The Bell VOLUNTEERS are still needed for this month's performance of The Bell, which will come to Blandford on Thursday 18th September.

The 50-minute show, suitable for all ages and starting at 8.30pm, is funded by Arts Council England, Blandford Forum Town Council, Awards for All, MOD Community Covenant Fund, North Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council.

It is a free-to-view production which examines the theme of conflict and regeneration appropriate to the town's commemoration of World War One. With pyrotechnics and aerial performances inspired by the films of Kurosawa and Tarkovsky, it promises a unique spectacle against the background of Blandford's Georgian market place.

Activate, who organise the Inside Out Dorset Festival, of which the performance is part, have many opportunities for local people to become involved.

They can work with the leading theatre company Periplum as singers, pyrotechnic assistants, ushers and stewards.

Workshops with local community groups, schools and individuals are being organised to make banners specific to Blandford relating to World War One and which will feature in the performance. There will be an opportunity to join soloist Juliet Russell to prepare a song for the show.

Anyone available on the day before and day of the performance and wanting to get

involved is invited to get in touch with Caroline Steele by emailing caroline@activateperformingarts. org.uk or calling 01305 260954.

The performance will mean a degree of disruption in the town centre in the two days before and the day of the performance.

An area will be used in the Market Place on the afternoon of Tuesday 16th for delivery of fencing, and Market Place parking will be suspended between 7am and 9am on Wednesday 17th for the erection of the fencing around the work compound which will be extended to become a rehearsal compound from 3pm onwards.

A partial road closure will then divert traffic away from the Market Place by reversing the one-way order in Sheep Market Hill and making The Plocks oneway in a westerly direction.

The roads will be reopened at 10.30pm and remain so until 3pm on Thursday 18th, when the partial road closure again comes into force. During the performance between 7pm and 9.45pm there will be a full road closure also involving West Street east of the Marsh and Ham car park entrance and the bottom of Salisbury Street, followed by a further partial closure while the work compound is reestablished for removal the following day.

During the road closures and reversal of direction of Sheep Market Hill, the taxi rank will be relocated to the Marsh and Ham car park.

September 2014

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12

HEALTH & WELLBEING

September 2014

Getting fit and staying healthy - there’s plenty of help at hand BLANDFORD and district is well served by a variety of health practitioners and voluntary groups whose role is to help people achieve their highest potential.

In addition to the exhibitors mentioned at the Health and Wellbeing Information Fair there are dozens of others, including the Volunteer Centre Dorset which gives people a chance to meet new people, use skills and develop new ones, the Blandford Carers, who look after carers in the community, Treads youth advice centre and Read Easy, who help adults struggling with literacy.

Others include chiropractor Ros Nelmes in the Georgian Passage and Five Rivers Child Care working with foster carers to look after children, the Blandford Food Bank, newly launched Park Run and sports clubs.

At the Blandford Centre for Complementary Health Care they take both mental and physical health and wellbeing very seriously, recognising that depression can be brought on as a result of chronic physical complaints and that life events can take their toll.

One of their homeopaths has a particular interest in post-traumatic stress disorder, and they offer a variety of other treatments with some nine practitioners at the clinic.

A four-week Pilates course starts on 24th September aimed specifically at improving the pelvic floor muscles and problems brought on by pregnancy, injury or as part of the ageing process.

The Information Fair is part of the DT11 Health & Wellbeing Week organised by Blandford's DT11 Forum Community Partnership in partnership with the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

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September 2014

Health changes go under the spotlight MEETINGS are being held in Sturminster Newton and Weymouth this month so that people can learn about major changes affecting the health service.

They are organised by the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, and the first, on Wednesday 3rd September at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton between 10am and noon, will be chaired by Graham Downer, chairman of the North Dorset Health Network.

Issues include the sharing of information about patients between health and care services, and the major implications for the work of GP practices of the government's policy to bring health and social care services with a single point of access in multi-disciplinary teams for the frail elderly and those with multiple long-term conditions.

Speakers will also discuss the £167 million funding gap anticipated over the next eight years for health services in Dorset which has led to a clinical services review for which a project leader has now been appointed.

The second event will be at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday 25th September between 2pm and 4pm. To book a place at either, contact Sue Brazier at the CCG on 01305 368908, or by emailing sue.brazier@dorsetccg.nhs.uk.

Home cooking advice A YOUNG mum from Blandford is one of three attending accredited training sessions in parenting skills with the North Dorset Cluster of Children's Centres who took part in a sponsored shop at the Co-operative Food Store in Sturminster Newton.

Daniel Haynes, the manager of the store, had generously given the students vouchers to cover the cost of ingredients for two

healthy, two-course, homecooked, budget meals.

The students chose their menus, made their shopping list, did their shop and then went home to prepare and cook their meals.

For information about the Young Parents to Be group please contact Blandford Children's Centre on 01258 480147. Students can be collected from all over North Dorset.

Samaritans in need of help VOLUNTEERS from across the county are being sought by the Samaritans of Dorset to help with the 24/7 work of providing a listening ear for those feeling depressed, lonely and suicidal.

Based at King Street in Weymouth, it has planned two training courses, one starting in October and one in the New Year, for anyone who feels they could be there for callers by phone, email, text message and face-to-face.

For information email weymouthsamaritansrecruitment@gmail.com or phone 01305 770598.

Cash support for Mosaic THE latest charity initiative of The Society of Dorset Men is Milborne St Andrew-based Mosaic, who since 2007 have supported many bereaved children, young people and their families all over the county.

Parent trustee June Carter from Weymouth received a £300 cheque from Society vice-chairman Andrew Prowse, saying it would fund one of their residential camps at Leeson House in Langton Matravers.

William’s family fundraisers MORE than £500 was raised at a jumble sale on 26th July in Blandford Methodist Church for the Stars Appeal Spires Cleft Centre at Salisbury Hospital. It was organised by the family of five-year-old William Yorukoglu in appreciation of the support he and they had received from the centre. Helen Yorukoglu said: "William would like to thank everyone who supported, came and donated to our event."

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WORLD WAR ONE CENTENARY

September 2014

Village pupils get a lesson in the sacrifices of war CHILDREN from Okeford Fitzpaine School were joined by villagers and Major Mark Tivey at a special church service to remember the sacrifice of so many young men in defence of their country 100 years ago.

The children read a poem written by a soldier before he was killed in action and some special prayers that they had written themselves. They also led the singing of hymns which they had practised at school.

They are this year researching their local community history as the school celebrates its 200year anniversary in October, and some of the soldiers who fought and died in World War One would have been pupils at Okeford Fitzpaine School.

Major Tivey told them about his Army career as a soldier in several wars since 1980 and most recently in Afghanistan, and about the young men from the village who went to fight in World War One, some of them as young as 12 years old.

He stressed the importance of remembering the self-sacrifice made by those who were physically and mentally damaged by the war for the rest of their lives, and those who had died so that we may live in peace.

After the service Major Tivey showed the children his collection of World War One medals and photographs. He explained the history of the medals and why they were awarded.

Michael Le Bas explains the Blandford Museum World War One Commemoration exhibition to deputy mayor Councillor Bob Brannigan, left, and deputy commander of Blandford Garrison Col Sean Keilty.

Above left: Laurence Binyon's words from 'For the Fallen' in the nave of the church. Above right: The Rev Gwyneth Owen of Blandford Methodist Church gives the address.

Major Mark Tivey with the medals that he had won during his Army career and the children holding a selection of World War One medals: Sarah, Kayley, Daisy, Charlie, Zachary, Naomi and Nathanael.

Tarrant Valley resident Mike Wells with his model Tiger Moth bi-plane and tank. What’s it all about? Story: Page 17.

A BED of poppies has been fluttering in the breeze in the front garden of the United Reformed Church in Salisbury Street, created and sown by a church member to commemorate the anniversary of the First World War.

September 2014

WORLD WAR ONE CENTENARY

15

Town unites to salute the fallen THE blowing of the whistle which summoned soldiers to go 'over the top', followed by a minute's silence punctuated only by the tolling of the church bell, brought a poignant conclusion to a civic service commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War One in Blandford Market Place on Sunday 3rd August.

Outside the Parish Church a board carried the names of the 117 men from Blandford who died fighting for their country.

Inside the Shambles of the Corn Exchange, boards depicting fields of poppies painted by members of the community lined the walls.

The church had become the venue for a floral display and exhibition commemorating the outbreak of World War One, and around 200 people gathered in the Market Place for a civic service on Sunday afternoon.

Across the road in the Blandford Museum, an exhibition was opened by Lieut-Col Sean Keilty, deputy garrison commander at Blandford Camp.

The display focuses on what happened in Blandford in the first year of the war by looking at the lives of eight Blandford men who enrolled for military service in 1914. It is in two parts: one recalls the recruitment campaign with a book naming all those who signed up for service, and the other features eight families and the homes they came from.

The church exhibition was created by the church flower group with contributions from the BFPC

Councillors and guests at the civic service in Blandford Market Place.

Friday Quilt Club, and the museum exhibition by deputy curator Michael Le Bas and his team of helpers.

Deputy Mayor Bob Brannigan represented Blandford Town Council, and branch chairman Veronica Jenkins the Blandford Royal British Legion at the opening.

The civic service was organised by the town's 14-18 commemoration group, introduced by Mr Brannigan, and led by mayor's chaplain Brook MacCallum, pastor of Blandford Evangelical church.

It began with the presentation, by Dr Peter Reder, of books of remembrance, the result of his research into the names of the fallen on the town's war memorials, to the town, represented by

Volunteers from Blandford Camp who made the collection of voluntary donations to SSAFA and the Blandford Food Bank.

Councillor Esme Butler, chairman of the 14-18 group, and the church, represented by churchwarden Gail del Pinto.

The address by Rev Gwyneth Owen of Blandford Methodist Church highlighted the changes in the class structure, the role of women, and the position of the church and religion brought about by the conflict. Rupert Brooke's poem The Soldier was read by Col Keilty.

Prayers were led by Ian Smith of the Blandford Christian Fellowship and youth members of Blandford Churches, and hymns were accompanied by the Stour Valley Band.

Those attending were afterwards invited to take refreshment provided by members of the national

armed services charity SSAFA in the Corn Exchange, where there was a further display of memorabilia and historical research. A collection was taken for SSAFA and the Blandford Food Bank, representing the services and the community.

The following evening, the actual anniversary of the declaration of war, a two-hour candlelit vigil was held in the parish church as part of the nationwide Lights Out campaign, to commemorate the beginning of the conflict, with readings of World War One poems.

Customers at the Dolphin pub in East Street sang war songs by candlelight, and ended the evening by singing the National Anthem.

Dr Peter Reder presents books of remembrance to Gail del Pinto and Esme Butler, right.

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September 2014

Human stories that lie behind the names on war memorial AMONG the names of nine men on Blandford's war memorials who enlisted in September 1914 was Tom Brensley Bartlett, who had first joined up in October 1910.

He was discharged at his own request in June 1914, only to re-enlist three months later. He was the only son of bill poster and town crier Tom Bartlett and his wife Fiona Kate of Queen's Road, Pimperne, and grandson of Durweston-born master printer James Henry Bartlett.

J H Bartlett was also a tea dealer, owner of the Blandford Express Newspaper and agent for the Caledonian Line, living first in Whitecliff Mill Street and then 19 Salisbury Street, Printhouse Corner.

He was a sergeant in the 1st VB Dorset Reg

Queens Rangers Yeomanry Cavalry under Princess Victoria, later Queen Victoria and received a long service Volunteer Force Medal.

Tom, who worked as a corn merchant's clerk, entered India in October 1914 with the Dorsetshire 2nd Battalion. The photograph (right) was taken in Ambala, India, when he was 21 on 10th September 1915. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 1916 and posted to Mesopotamia in February 1916, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in July 1917.

He was killed in action on 19th September 1918, aged 23, in the battle of Megiddo and is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. His family also have a memorial for him on the family grave in Blandford Cemetery in Salisbury Road.

Blandford’s early casualties BY the middle of September 1914, the war had already claimed its first two Blandford casualties.

William Edwin Ernest Caines, a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, was born in 1896, the eldest son of bricklayer Edwin George and Jessie Sarah Caines, of 23 Albert Street, Blandford.

He worked as a gardener, and enlisted in January 1914, declaring his age to be 18 years 76 days, when he was, in fact, only 17.

He was posted to France on 13th August 1914, only a week after the declaration of war, and was killed in action at the Battle of the Marne on 14th September, still 17. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-etMarne.

Walter and William Clark were among 11 pairs of brothers to enlist and give their lives,

the sons of railway labourer George Clark and his wife Elizabeth, of Mount Pleasant, East Street, Blandford.

Walter worked as a labourer, but had enlisted in July 1909 and served in Ireland with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, a battalion of career soldiers.

He was killed in action, aged about 21, on 24th August in one of the first battles on the Western Front at Mons with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment after arriving in France on 16th August. With no known grave, he too is commemorated on the La Ferte-sousJouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne.

His brother William Clark died during the attack on Flers on the Somme in August 1918 with the 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, a battalion of volunteers which trained at Wareham and landed in Boulogne on 14th July 1915.

Extracts from the Dorset County Chronicle AS there are a number of Dorsets who are in the hands of the enemy, it is important that it should be known how they may be communicated with. His Majesty's Government has now received information that the German Government are prepared to communicate lists of British prisoners of war who are in their hands in return for similar information as to German prisoners interned in this country.

It is contemplated that such lists (which will include information as to the physical condition of the prisoners) shall be interchanged periodically. Relatives of British officers and men who may be included in such lists will be given immediate notification of the fact. As no lists have as yet been received through this channel, no information is at present available.

Amongst those mentioned in the dispatches of Sir John French [Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force] are the actions of Major E H E Daniell, son of Mr and Mrs G Williamson Daniell, of Dale House, and Lieutenant C H Woodhouse of Fields Oak, Blandford. The town of Blandford might well feel proud of the honour of these officers being especially mentioned for conspicuous service to their country.

Tom Brensley Bartlett, of Blandford, pictured in India in September 1915 when he was 21 years old.

Three years later he was killed.

WITH the onset of war, the minimum age for voluntary enlistment was set at 18 years and for service overseas at 19. However, officers were eligible for posting overseas when aged 18. The lower age limit for recruitment into the Royal Navy was 14 and for active service 16.

Thirteen of the Blandford dead were teenagers: Frederick Lane, Wilfred Miles, John Read, Henry Parsons, Robert Richards, Bertram Shave and Reginald Tanswell aged 19; Cecil Ford, Percival Shave and Frank Wyatt aged 18; and William Butler, William Caines and William Smith aged 17.

Recruiting sergeants readily ignored the lower age criteria, as did young men eager to reach the front. The available service records reveal how their readiness to falsify how old they were was made easier by the procedure only requiring them to state their age, not date of birth.

William Caines claimed he was "18 years 76 days" when enlisting in January 1914 and was still only 17 when killed on the Marne nine months later. Henry Parsons exaggerated his age by a year in August 1914, claiming to be "17 years 10 months" and was killed in a gas attack aged 19. Reginald Lane also added a year to his age when enlisting in August 1914.

Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group and Peter Reder for their help in researching this material.

September 2014

WORLD WAR ONE CENTENARY

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Valley villagers discover more about their past

Organisers and guests at the World War One commemoration tea party at Tarrant Keyneston.

Signals Museum joins the BBC tour THE Royal Signals Museum has over the last two months been a part of the BBC's World War One At Home Tour which has been visiting venues across the country.

Large-scale events have been staged at Greenwich, Wolverhampton, Sunderland, Dundee and Bristol, with another three events planned for Rhyl, Port Rush and Nottingham.

The museum's role involved running four interactive activities including semaphore, Morse training, creating a field telephone network and a radio exercise using PRC 349s, at the same time promoting its existence and keeping the Royal Signals Corps in the public eye.

More than 6,000 people attended the first event at Woolwich Barracks in June, including the Armed Forces minister and a

number of senior military personnel. The Museum was featured on the 6pm London news, showing their Morse code and working radios.

"Our exhibition concentrated on the evolution and technical development of wireless and field telephony, while illustrating the adaptability of signallers through the use of pigeons, despatch riders and visual signalling," said Adam Forty, museum manager.

"Next to our tent was a 'mobile pigeon loft' replica which enhanced the display. It also drew attention to the start of electronic warfare in WW1, the story of interception and the struggle to provide secure communications, of greater significance today with the arrival of mobile phones and computers."

Visitors to the BBC's World War One At Home event learn about signalling with the Royal Signals Museum exhibit.

VILLAGERS from the Tarrant Valley gathered in the Anne Biddlecombe Hall at Tarrant Keyneston on 12th July for a commemoration tea party to remember those who fought and died in World War One. The hall was decorated with bunting and filled with memorabilia and stories of the relatives of valley residents who fought in the conflict, together with a detailed account of how the war affected the farming community in the diaries of Rawston Farm supplied by the Cossins and Tory families.

Somerset and Dorset Family History Society members were in attendance to help anyone interested in tracing their family tree or First World War ancestors.

The afternoon began with a 'flypast' on the recreation ground outside by a model Tiger Moth and tank built around mobility scooters by Tarrant Rushton resident Mike Wells.

Tea with sandwiches and cakes was served to more than 90 guests by ladies and gentlemen dressed in early 20th century fashions and nurses uniforms. It was followed by a talk from Peter Reder on the 38 young men from the valley who died as a result of fighting for their country between 1914 and 1918.

After a reading of poetry by Binyon and Sassoon and other war poets, letters to June Davey's family, and an account

by Caroline Tory of the Cossins family war service, the afternoon ended with a singsong finale and further flypast.

The event was organised by Angie Collings with the assistance of members of her family and a team of villagers, inspired

by Mr Reder's research into the names of the fallen on valley war memorials.

All proceeds were given to SSAFA and the Tarrant Keynston War Memorial Fund.

Charity’s crucial role in the conflict SSAFA volunteers from Blandford served refreshments and provided information on the charity before and after the civic service in the Market Place on Sunday 3rd August in commemoration of the outbreak of war.

Back in 1914 SSAFA - the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association or SSFA as it was then - was the only charity caring for the families of the troops sent to the front.

In the first few weeks of the war the number of volunteers caring for the women and children of soldiers and sailors swelled to 50,000. The work was vital to the war effort, and without SSAFA's support the millions of men who volunteered would have been unwilling to leave their families.

Spokesperson Caroline Moore said: "Then, as now, we worked hard to ensure that no service family was disadvantaged. Within days of the outbreak of war, SSAFA was called upon to assist the Government to help ensure that families didn't suffer hardship when the men were called up.

"SSAFA was brought in to provide some of the structures and services which would be automatically provided by the state today. It was the only national Service charity in existence at that time and was already a well respected organisation, having been established in 1885.

"From housing and home help to counselling and support networks, our trained volunteers provide practical and emotional help for those serving in the Royal Navy, the Army or Royal Air Force and their families. We recognise that it is often the little things which make the most difference."

A network of local branches means help is always close at hand and people can be put in touch with one of their advisors in the area. For more information call 0845 241 7141 or visit their website SSAFA.org.uk.

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September 2014

Beer tanks installed

Sixteen beer tanks were inched into position by cranes over the Blandford brewery site, completing another important milestone in the new brewery development programme.

A CRANE seen towering over rooftops was lifting into place 16 massive new beer tanks being installed at the Hall & Woodhouse brewery in Blandford St Mary.

The crane was manned by King Lifting and overseen by Musk Engineering, the British designers of the specialist brewing equipment, and by the end of the following day all the tanks had been lifted and positioned, one in the existing fermentation building and the rest in a 'tank farm extension'.

Head brewer Toby Heasman said: "The new tanks are different sizes, holding between 15,000 and 50,000 litres each, and will

be used for the fermentation and maturation of Badger ales.

"This is another important stage of the journey of moving from the old brewery to the new one. It's not often a brewer gets to take delivery of 16 vessels in one day, and watching the contractors inch the vessels into place was quite something."

Over the coming weeks, there will be more developments as the wall and roof cladding is completed and Greendale, the building contractor, started to pour the concrete foundations for the new packaging hall which will then be completed with a new steelframed building.

Football club provides coaching for children ALL-DAY coaching sessions for children of all abilities were run by coaches from Blandford United Football Club's youth section on the fields of Blandford Leisure Centre in July, and enjoyed by girls and boys between five and 12 years old.

Representative from the club Rob Andre was chosen to go up to St George's Park for the launch of a special software, Captured, pioneered by Sir Clive Woodward, and has learnt that the Blandford under-9s, of which he and David Wilby are managers, have been chosen to pilot the new software.

Rob said: "We are among very few teams and managers across the country who have been given the opportunity to pilot it, and will have the support of the learning team at the Football Association and Sir Clive. The software will allow us to store coaching sessions and evaluate each individual player through the season."

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September 2014

Shirley Moores and Ruby Barnes receive their awards from Charles HunterTease of the RNLI.

RNLI stalwarts honoured TWO members of the Blandford & District Branch of the RNLI were honoured at a presentation of awards at the RNLI headquarters in Poole.

Shirley Moores received a bronze badge and Ruby Barnes received a certificate of thanks for their fundraising efforts over many years.

Mrs Barnes organises the dog show staged annually at the

branch's main fundraiser, the country fayre and classic car rally, held for the last few years at Spetisbury Manor, and Mrs Barnes helps with souvenir sales and the tombola.

The country fayre and car rally this year was held on 9th August in beautiful weather. Organiser Kath Underwood said: "We raised over ÂŁ1,700, so thank you everyone who supported us and helped on the day."

THE Blandford Opportunity group held their annual sponsored Walk/Run/Jog/Cycle event along the Trailway to Shillingstone station and back in support of the pre-school for children with special needs, whose annual running

costs total ÂŁ54,000.

Blandford's deputy mayor Councillor Bob Brannigan is pictured dropping the flag to signal the start for more than three dozen of all ages who took part.

A university student from the Blandford area has won an award at the Interior Educators Free Range interior architecture and design show in London.

Evie Sudlow, who is set to graduate from Leeds Metropolitan University, picked up the award for Best Overall Presentation or Drawing for her degree project, 'Requiem for Matter: A Future Cemetery'. It promotes a sustainable and responsible alternative to burial and cremation.

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September 2014

A heavyweight journey from a bygone age AN 80-foot-long World War One load drew crowds when it travelled from Bovington to the Great Dorset Steam Fair site at Tarrant Hinton.

The load, weighing 72 tons, was to form part

of a special display in tribute to the centenary anniversary of the First World War at this year's event, which runs for five days from 27th August.

Two McLaren locomotives pulled a Pickford trailer carrying a 1914 WW1 Holt 75 HP gun tractor, which was originally used to tow a field gun. The crew dressed in British Army uniform from the time, and the load was flanked by several other army vehicles, recreating an original WW1 convoy.

The tractor, built in late 1917 to Army specification and still painted in green military colours, is believed to be the one still at the factory when the war ended in 1918 and purchased by the US Government for use by public authorities and then by the Heidrick Collection in California.

It was sold in 2003 to the Harris family of

Gillingham and is now jointly owned by Ron and Keith Harris and Roger Dibnah, son of the late celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah.

Supporting vehicles included a steam lorry, a Daimler lorry and a traction wagon.

Martin Oliver, managing director of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, said: "Everyone today is affected by the First World War and the colossal road run in British Army colours with everyone in uniform was planned to be a breathtakingly moving sight."

He thanked everyone involved in the organisation and preparation of the four-hour journey via Bere Regis, Winterborne Kingston, Thornicombe and Blandford St Mary to Blandford town centre from where the convoy headed off up Salisbury Street and Road to Pimperne and the showground at Tarrant Hinton.

Crafts group holds its centenary show THE 100th anniversary exhibition of the Dorset Arts and Crafts Association was opened by Anthony Pitt-Rivers, whose grandmother was the founder of the Association in 1907.

Also present were the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, the leaders of all Dorset district councils and many of the county's mayors.

Angus Campbell congratulated the association on its centenary exhibition saying: "This is an extraordinary achievement.

TICKETS are now on sale at an appropriately antiquated 20 guineas (ÂŁ21) for a gala opening of this year's 10th anniversary Screenbites Festival to be held on 2nd October in the 17th century splendour of St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, the home of the Earl of Shaftesbury.

These exhibitions are now part of the fabric of the character of Dorset and are events of which we can all be extremely proud."

Among the 860 entries by 260 people was that of Penelope Williams, of Shillingtone, winner of the Rose Family Cup as Champion of Champions for her needlework.

Exhibitors this year included the South West Society of Botanical Artists, and Phil Warren of Blandford with a selection from his spectacular fleet of 1:300 scale model ships constructed entirely from matchsticks. He also provided a Dorset Arts and Crafts Association award certificate presented to him in 1957 on the occasion of the 44th exhibition.

This year for the first time the exhibition was held at The Purbeck School.

Phil Warren with part of his Matchstick Fleet.

Families flock to Jigsaw FAMILIES arrived in their hundreds to see performances by Jamie Jigsaw, which were promoted by Blandford Forum Town Council in a sun-drenched Woodhouse Gardens.

As part of the same series of summer activities on Friday 8th August, Chris Bennett spent the day telling stories to a rapt audience in the Corn Exchange.

Film nights in the Corn Exchange will be starting up again on Friday 12th September at 7.30pm

with a screening by Dorset Moviola of Maleficent, a re-telling of the classic fairytale The Sleeping Beauty starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning.

The presentation is in association with the Town Council and the Corn Exchange Challenge Group in a series which will continue on Friday 10th October, again at 7.30pm, with 'The Book Thief', a World War Two tale of a girl who seeks solace by stealing books to share with others, and on Friday 12th December with 'Belle'.

Dale House: the facts DUKE'S Auctioneers would like to apologise to the Blandford Constitutional Club and the Wilson family for an inaccurate report published in the August issue of Forum Focus.

Dale House was, in fact, sold by the Wilson family and purchased by the Blandford Constitutional Club in 1948 and not 'gifted' to the town as the report stated.

The sculpture mentioned in the report remained the property of the Wilson family who, in agreement with the Constitutional Club (who took responsibility for insuring it), made the decision to sell it.

The Wilson family have generously offered to share part of the proceeds of the sale of the sculpture with the Blandford Constitutional Club.

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September 2014

Phil Tufnell, left, and Matt Dawson, right, with Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and his wife Lynn.

TV sports stars join rugby club clean-up HUNDREDS of youngsters and their parents joined members of Blandford Rugby Club at their new sports ground at Larksmead when the Karcher Deep Clean team brought sporting heroes Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson to help spruce up the pavilion.

Blandford won a national competition to win the deep clean thanks to Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles, who spotted it on the Karcher Facebook page and immediately thought of the recreation ground where the Rugby Club is returning after years of absence.

She said: "The town was very lucky to be hosting this event and to win a cleaning kit that will certainly be put to good use."

The Karcher team arrived early in the morning to start work with their pressure hoses and specialist equipment, joined by volunteers and Rugby Club members, and by the two team captains from 'A Question of Sport', Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell. Also present were the Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and representatives of wheelchair rugby club Team Solent Sharks.

Matt and Phil are ambassadors for the Karcher Cleans Britain campaign. Former England rugby star Matt said: "It's really important for everyone to take pride in their local sports facilities. I hope this encourages the youngsters in Blandford to get involved in local sport and perhaps become the next England captain."

TV presenter and former England cricketer Phil Tufnell added: "There's never been a better time for people to be inspired to use their local sports facilities. We want to get people out and about, playing sports in their local areas and enjoying the summer."

After helping with the clean-up, they took part in some sporting activity, including rugby and cricket on the newly levelled pitches.

There were bouncy castles, face painting and refreshments.

Blandford & District Lions were also invited to entertain the children with a 'Hook a Duck' game.

Karcher spokesman Arnold Bennett said: "This is one of the best turnouts we have ever had, and we're very grateful for all the help Linda has given us."

The two sporting heroes turn the hoses on to Larksmead Pavilion.

Above: Blandford Rugby Club's Justin Frampton, centre left, and Matthew Cowlard, centre right, with members of the Team Solent Sharks wheelchair rugby club Adrian Scott and Donna Stenner at the Karcher Deep Clean.

Below: Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson try their hand at 'Hooking a Duck'.

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Letters to the Editor

LETTERS Do write to Forum Focus if there is something you'd like to comment on or share with other readers.

Email your letter, which should be as brief as possible, to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can call 01258 459346 or deliver your letter by post or by hand to: Forum Focus, c/o

September 2014 Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and remember to include your address, which will not be used in full.

Forum Focus reserves the right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of clarity, brevity and style.

Vital life support system must be saved I HAVE attended the Positive Approach Wednesday Group for 20 years and I write to you as a heart's cry to not stop the group.

This group is small in numbers at the moment but the benefit it gives to members outweighs the cost of running the group.

I am trying to get funding to keep the group going and would like to share my testimony to give a real insight into what this group means to me and others that attend.

On March 27th 2013 I lost my husband to cancer. He was a rock to me and helped me live a bearable life right down to the little things like

eating meals together and talking about my worries and issues. He gave me hope that my life is worth living.

When I lost him I felt alone and afraid how I would live my life with depression and lack of company, but thanks to the Wednesday Group they helped me by talking to me about things I can do and were there every step of the way.

I owe them my life right down to the little things.

When I am at home I struggle to eat because it seems pointless cooking just for me. We have a cooked meal together and just that feeling of

talking with others while eating a meal is so lovely. We all look forward each week to having the meal together and to share the week's ups and downs. I cannot share with you all that the group does as it would take too long.

It's not just a group. Do not just turn the switch off but help us maintain this vital life support system.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I pray that someone will truly understand what this group gives its members and help with the funding to keep it going.

Sue Phillips, Address supplied, Blandford.

Partnership is to benefit the community YOUR readers will be interested to learn of events in the DT11 Forum Community Partnership since NDDC's controversial Overview and Scrutiny report into the Community Partnerships in North Dorset.

Many of the inaccuracies would have been avoided had Partnership chairs and parishes been consulted before it was released. Scott Norman devoted

four years of his life to serving DT11 Forum and deserved better treatment - his resignation was inevitable. We will miss Scott's presence, intellect and integrity he has the rare ability to make everyone 'raise their game'.

In contrast, NDDC's leaders were full of praise for the Partnerships and this is reflected in their subsequent report which recommended that we broaden our leadership base. Partnerships' budgets have been cut in half but we are delighted to have retained our excellent community resource worker Julie Wigg's current hours

and hope this will be seen as a priority in the review in September.

We have attracted people of talent from BFTC, the parishes and elsewhere to form a DT11 Forum steering group, which will meet for the first time in September.

We are particularly grateful to Hugh de Iongh (NDDC's Community Officer) for his proactive support, guidance and hard work on behalf of the Partnerships.

I must also thank Julie, Bobbie Church and Peter Slocombe for their ongoing commitment to the community and advice to me as

the new DT11 Forum chair.

We are 'run by the community for the community' and this will remain our motto and primary objective. We need the involvement and support of enthusiastic people in the community to serve the community in the DT11 area.

Call in for a chat in the DT11 Forum office in Nightingale Court from Monday to Thursday, call 01258 489998 or get more details from our website at dtllforum.org.uk Nic Nicol Chair, DT11 Forum, Community Partnership.

Not just a fly - a tropical monster that nearly killed me THE Blandford Fly is no 'fly' but a virulent monster of a tropical insect. One suggested origin is that it was brought back from a field trip to the tropics to a laboratory at Bryanston School, from which it escaped - which sooner or later was almost inevitably going to happen. I can't vouch for this, but this is what I have heard.

Thus it began its reign of terror along the river stretch between Durweston and Blandford bridges. It has now extended its presence down the river Stour, beyond Wimborne and Parley Cross to Throop and beyond.

I have been bitten twice by the Blandford Fly. Each time it put me in hospital for a week.

The first time I was bitten, I was about to travel out of the district. Within 24 hours I was admitted into Newark Hospital, where there was no local awareness of the Blandford Fly, so they tried for 72 hours to solve it. They tried three different approaches and finally found something that would work. By then my white cell count had dropped to zero. I nearly died. I don't know why they did not contact my GP surgery in Blandford

sooner, who might have advised on its seriousness.

The second time, as soon as I had been bitten, I felt very unwell and had to lie down. I was in no state to do anything, but went up to Shaftesbury to the weekend duty doctor, who gave it one look and said: "Go home, get your pyjamas and get someone to drive you direct to Poole Hospital.

Wave this envelope with a letter in the corner immediately you reach reception, and they will send you straight to a ward. Get changed into your pyjamas, and they will conduct a blood test right away. And that is what they did. I then spent the following week in hospital.

The Fly is a really nasty thing. I would not be surprised if people have already died from it in recent years. It has a really bad economic impact, and if it spreads, its effect will only get much worse.

I cannot believe that various government departments are still arguing about whose budget its prevention costs should come out of. Meanwhile, NOTHING is being done to control it.

Adrian Fisher, Portman Lodge, Durweston

September 2014

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LETTERS

Propaganda just a route to ‘backdoor development’ I WOULD like to suggest that the piece on the front page of the June issue of Forum Focus '60home plan for farmland' is a disingenuous bit of propaganda from North Dorset planning department.

It firstly says that the scheme "conforms with the draft Local Plan", but that plan has not been approved. It says that the wouldbe developers have been told that an "environmental impact assessment is not necessary".

Why not? This development would have a dire effect both on the adjacent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Conservation area, on the protected bat habitat (protected by law), and a huge impact on the surrounding roads.

Dorchester Hill is a narrow road, only just passable by two cars and without footpaths. It already gets clogged with traffic by the Stour Inn. Adding the traffic from 60 or more houses without major road improvements is madness.

John Hammond from North Dorset Council implies that further development might take place in future and includes a possible access to neighbouring fields. North Dorset originally suggested 220 houses in this area, not just 60. This would infringe on the AONB and impact on the designated Conservation area.

Whilst we understand that the Crown Estates (the Government) would like to get in as much money as possible, to destroy such an important part of Blandford (and Dorset) heritage

An accolade for the school CONGRATULATIONS must be given to The Blandford School for their amazing production of 'Les Miserables' at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.

It was a truly fantastic show and the enthusiasm and passion by the students, who were brilliantly supported by the orchestra and stage crew, was remarkable. A real accolade for The Blandford School - here's to the next time!

Mary Rawlinson, Address supplied, Blandford St. Mary.

around the historic Lower Bryanston Farm is lunacy.

Mr Hammond admits that the area is within a site of local archaeological significance, and that there would be an impact on protected species. The reality is that this is the habitat of the rare greater horseshoe bat, and that any development could put North Dorset (and possibly its councillors and officers) in breach of existing law.

He goes on to say that "the proposal is not considered to be of more than local importance in terms of its landscape and visual impact". This area has been designated an Area of outstanding Natural Beauty. Surely visual impact is nearly always going to be of local rather than national importance! Furthermore, all of this goes against the advice of English Heritage which says that the proposed amount of development is too much for the historic town of Blandford.

This is the back door to further development. The comment that "a larger development could potentially result in a different EIA opinion"- but that this can be determined on the basis of the 60 dwellings currently proposed suggests that North Dorset want to pretend that any future expansion would be nothing to do with this decision. This would be dishonest.

The site known as St Mary's Hill to the south west of the Badger (Tesco) roundabout adjacent to the A350 and A354 could provide space for hundreds of homes and would at least have access to appropriate highways and better access to the town.

John Charnley, Address supplied, Lower Bryanston.

Steve Adamson (incoming President of Blandford Rotary), John Bentley (outgoing President of Blandford Rotary), Judy Adams (Inner Wheel District Chairman) and Mike Jackson (Rotary District Governor).

Inner Wheel Judy steps up for district role IT was a proud day for Blandford Inner Wheel when a luncheon was held at the Crown Hotel to install Judy Adams as the new Inner Wheel District 11 chairman.

Judy is a past president of the Blandford club and is the first from the club to become District chairman. More than 100 members from all over the south-west of England, along with representatives of Blandford Rotary, enjoyed a great lunch, during which Judy was presented with her chain of office.

Her Inner Wheel charity for the coming year is Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose representative, Mary-Jane McKecknie, accompanied by hearing dog Isaac, gave a very interesting talk on how the dogs are trained and the work of the charity.

Judy is keen to sponsor the training of a puppy in the name of Inner Wheel and through her own efforts, a raffle on the day and a donation from Blandford Rotary has raised sufficient funds to sponsor a puppy called Iker.

Inner Wheel members will be able to visit Iker at his training in Southampton to see how he is progressing. The training takes 18 months and when he is older it is planned that he will visit many of the Inner Wheel clubs in the region.

Blandford Inner Wheel has been in existence since 1946 and meets at the Crown Hotel every second Tuesday of the month. To find out more, contact the secretary, Greta Chippendale, on 01258 453238.

Team to report survey results BLANDFORD Town Team will be giving a presentation on the results of its town survey in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 23rd September, when it has invited representatives of local authorities and responsible bodies and

other organisations to respond to the points raised. There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.

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SCHOOLS

September 2014

Writers bring adventure to Clayesmore reading festival

Nicci Brown with members of the Spetisbury Primary School Year 5 class whose idea it was to produce their own journal, with their teacher, Helen Snow.

Pupils reporting for duty PUPILS at Spetisbury Primary School who were studying how to produce a journal were given an introduction to journalism and reporting for a local community newspaper by the editor of Forum Focus, Nicci Brown.

She visited the year 5 class of 9 and 10 year-olds to tell them how she became a reporter, talk about researching and writing stories for a journal, and answer questions about her work.

Class teacher Helen Snow said: "The children worked really hard on their newspaper articles and produced some really good articles and newspapers. I think they realise how much work goes into producing a newspaper now."

AN array of acclaimed authors attended the Senior School Literature and Lunch event at Clayesmore's Festival of Reading.

The Prep School was delighted to welcome two expert word weavers, including children's writer Ali Sparkes, who as author of the 'Shapeshifter' books and winner of the 2012 Blue Peter Book of the Year, triggered great excitement among Years 6-8.

Ali presented an animated account of her past, with visual illusions, multi-media presentations and even a spot of juggling to weave a fascinating story of how she came to write.

Pupils from Nursery to Year 5 were taken on a round-the-world trip by Lucy Walters, an actor and storyteller who specialises in bringing tales to life. The youngest were introduced to knights and castles, while the older children joined Lucy on a journey to Nepal to explore the theme of light which touched on

Lucy Walters Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, JR Tolkien and Star Wars.

Years 3 to 5 spent the whole morning participating in an 'Around the World' drama workshop in preparation for Lucy's visit, creating soundscapes to evoke different environments, taking part in an interactive story and dramatising new endings.

A new era for Knighton PRESENTATION Day, a celebration by Knighton House pupils, staff and parents of the past academic year, also marked the handing over of the leadership of the school by Alison Tremewan to Sarah Wicks.

Mrs Tremewan has been headmistress for the last five years, and Mrs Wicks, the current deputy head, took on the role of acting head.

Alison Tremewan was thanked for her hard work and leadership and wished every success in her new post at Sherborne Prep, which she takes up this month.

Sarah Wicks, who has taught at Knighton for almost 20 years, is ideally suited to lead the school forward and build on its excellent reputation and academic successes. She also takes over at a key time as next year Knighton celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Jack gears up for a run JACK Delaney, who carried the Olympic torch through Blandford and Blandford St Mary in July 2012, is running in the Great North Run on Sunday 7th September on behalf of USupport, who help disabled and disadvantaged children.

The disabled wheelchair user will be assisted around the route, but intends to cover as much of the 13.1-mile course on foot as he can.

"Training for me started early this year at my local gym on the treadmill, now I am on the open road," he said.

Support him on his Just Giving page, or text JACC94 and £1, £2, £3, £4, £5, or £10 to 70070.

An explosion of orchids THE Blandford School held the annual Della Jones Mile and again it was a great success with a total of 280 participants.

The winning boy was Year 12 student Ryan Walbridge with a time of 4 minutes 56, who is pictured receiving his award from Mrs Jones, watched by fellow governor John Paulley. The winning girl was Amy Robbins from Year 9 finishing in 6 minutes 50.

The top two teachers were Mr Spry, running the mile in 5.44, and Mrs Minchella in 9 minutes 09. Mrs Jones kindly offered to fund certificates for all the students who completed the mile.

UP to 14 varieties of wild orchid have appeared at Badbury Rings in Dorset, the first time National Trust rangers have seen as many on the Iron Age hill fort.

The explosion in number and variety of wild flowers on the site has been attributed to the warmer winter and spring and the improved conservation of the chalk downland achieved with hard work undertaken by the National Trust with the help of volunteers and organisations such as the Princes Trust.

September 2014

SCHOOLS

Les Mis goes down a storm Widespread acclaim for school show THE Blandford School's production of Les Misérables at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, was a truly unforgettable experience for the cast, crew and audience members.

Over a year's work went into the production, with an imposing barricade as the centrepiece of this staging of Schonberg and Boublil's masterpiece.

Gavin Marish commanded the stage in the lead role as Jean Valjean, showcasing the incredible talent that he has.

Zoë Hickson moved the audience to tears with her moving rendition of 'I dreamed a dream' and Ryan Brown embodied the troubled soul of Javert with passion and energy.

The drama was juxtaposed by riotous portrayals of the Thénardiers - Tom Henley and Jess Nipper were hilarious.

The cast, aged 11-18, worked as an incredibly strong ensemble.

Musical director Nicola Fulker conducted both orchestra and singers with skill over the two hours and 40 minutes of the production.

The full standing ovation of the opening night was repeated night after night - the best indictment of the extraordinary talent at The Blandford School.

Changes at Durweston YEAR 6 pupils at Durweston Primary School held their leavers’ assembly on Tuesday 22nd July in Durweston Church, which was followed by a school picnic on the playing field.

The school had the previous day enjoyed the final of the 'Durweston has talent' competition.

A school rag bag collection by the Parent Teachers Association of old clothes, textiles, belts and shoes has over the past year raised £934.70 to provide extra activities for the children.

Chair of governors Jayne Hosford, who has been a governor at the school for 21 years, has finished her term as chair, and was thanked for all her hard work and support over the years.

The cast of The Blandford School's production of Les Misérables.

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26

SPORT

September 2014

Strong entry for annual Valley run

The runners at the start of the Blandford Park Run

Park runners blaze a weekly trail THE first Blandford Park Run took place on the North Dorset Trailway on 26th July for runners of all ages and abilities to start monitoring their own progress by registering online and having their times recorded week by week.

The weekly 5k runs start from the Jubilee Way bridge over the Trailway at 9am and follow the route of the former railway line towards Stourpaine, turn-

ing at France Oaks Coppice to return on the same route to the finish and coffee at Blandford Leisure Centre.

They are organised, with the support of Active Dorset, promoters of sport in the county, by Mark Way of Blandford, who was joined at the start of the first event by Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings.

To find out more go to: parkrun.org.uk/blandford/

Bowlers pass island test MEMBERS of Blandford Bowling Club enjoyed a friendly match against Ryde Marina Bowls Club on the Isle of Wight on one of the hottest days of the year.

They travelled by coach to Portsmouth Hoverport for the 10-minute crossing to Ryde.

The rinks were bathed in sunshine when club chairman Mike McCreanor welcomed president Tony Ives and 43 bowlers including members of the junior section.

The outcome of the bowling was a 180-165 win for Blandford and Tony Ives received the newly established 'Ryde to Blandford Bowls Challenge' shield. It is intended that the match will become an annual reciprocal fixture.

The day ended with the hosts providing a two-course meal in their clubhouse before the return journey to Blandford for very satisfied bowlers.

THE 27th running of the TV10 took place from the Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, on a very hot Sunday and was won for the third year running by 19-year-old Kieran Young of Bristol & West AC in 36.06 minutes.

Adrian Bonner of Littledown Harriers was less than half a minute behind in 36.31. Third place went to Kevin Green (37.02), and veteran leaders were 60+ Hamish Murray of Purbeck Runners (40.06), 50+ John Oakes of Dorset Doddlers (38.47) and 40+ John Bassinder of Poole AC (37.28).

Ladies' winners were Sharon Hutchings of Wimborne AC (45.17), Ginny Mills of North Dorset Tri (45.52) and Lynn Hutchings of Wimborne AC (46.16) and their veteran leaders: 45+ Daveena Tweed of Poole Runners (47.50), 35+ Helen Gilbert of Dorset Police (47.21).

First runner under 20 after the above was 17-year-old Ryan Walbridge of Tarrant Monkton (Wimborne AC (37.13) and the first Tarrant Valley runner was Steve Claxton of Tarrant Hinton (43.53).

In the children's one-mile race, first boy was Freddy Harris (12) (6.13), first girl Madeline Stokes (10) (7.43), first under-10 boy Monty Stoles (9) (7.19), and first girl Eliza Hope (8) (9.55).

Sponsors included Dorset Doddlers, Launceston Farm, Sunrise Service & MoT Centre, Tarhinton Farms Ltd, Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, CLP Computer Supplies, Off Camber Cycle shop, Jonathan White & Associates.

The charities supported were the Wessex Neurological Unit, Naomi House & Jack's Place Hospices, and All Saints' Church, Tarrant Monkton.

Full results are available at tarrantvalley10.webs.com.

Follow us on Twitter Tony Ives (left) receives the shield from Mike McCreanor.

@forumfocus

SPORT

September 2014

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Veterans raise another healthy sum for charity THE annual BUFC Veterans charity golf day was held at a sunny Ashley Wood course.

It was the 14th year for the event, staged this year in support of the UK Sepsis Trust in memory of Kevin Manson, the brother of organiser Gary Manson.

A total of 192 players in 48 teams played for the best two stableford scores on each hole. There were prizes for nearest the pin on the par-3s, longest drive, nearest the barrel on the 10th hole and the possibility, if a hole-in-one was achieved on the 18th, of a Volkswagen Polo for the ace worth up to £15,000.

Golfers were introduced by the official starter and at the halfway hut there was a full barbecue with ale, tea, coffee and cakes all served by the Veterans' wives.

On completion of their round the golfers had the delight of a buffet in the clubhouse.

Prizegiving started at 8pm, and the eventual winners were Ashley Wood members Ryan Elliott, Don Wilson, Joe Wells and Jamie Goslyn, with a score of 87 points.

Evening entertainment followed with a live band from the landlord of the Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, Nev Green, and his mate.

The Veterans would like to thank all local businesses, including the Ashley Wood Golf Club management committee and green staff, who have supported them over the last 14 years in raising a total of around £75,000 for a variety of causes, and this year a record total of £8,564.

Gary Manson said: "I would like to thank the members of the BUFC Veterans charity team for all their hard work over the years.

We have raised a terrific amount of money, thanks to all concerned.

"Sepsis tell us that as a small charity it is massively appreciated, and will go a long way to making a real difference. For the sum raised they can, for example, train 'change teams' at five hospitals, which equates to 600 more lives being saved each year."

The Egg Chasers from Blandford Rugby Club, Andy Dobson, Stevie Hawkins, Martin Cherrett and Steve Dobson, ready to tee off with (right) Gary Manson, organiser of the BUFC Veterans charity golf day at Ashley Wood golf course.

Ann Courtney and Terry Everett, winners of the Ashley Wood Golf Club Summer Cup.

Golf club extends a warm welcome ASHLEY Wood Golf Club responded to the 'Get into Golf' campaign by the English Golf Union, to raise the profile of golf and explain the game's benefits, with two special activities.

Each Monday evening during the summer months they are holding open evenings from 6pm to 7pm, where for £5 per session people can see the club and its facilities, meet members and have a lesson with Jon Shimmons, the professional.

On Saturday 26th July an open day was an opportunity for both newcomers and those returning to the game to see, free of charge, what the club has to offer.

The club is proud of its reputation for friendliness and a course that is in great condition and is playable even in some of the most severe weather.

July proved a particularly good month for the seniors of the club, who secured a convincing win by 4 to 2 at home to Wareham, followed quickly by an away match at Sherborne where they were winners by 3½ to 2½. A third success came when Weymouth were the visitors and the home side triumphed by 4-2.

The seasonal weather was right on cue for the Summer Cup when participants enjoyed a mixed pairs event in glorious sunshine.

The eventual winners were Terry Everett, a stalwart of the seniors' section, with his partner Ann Courtney, who finished with 42 points. Close on their heels, with 41 points, came the club captain Dave Keig and Ann Morris, who narrowly edged Chris Topliss and Jeananne Elcomb into third.

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September 2014

Rotary Club welcomes its new president THE start of the Blandford Rotary year brought a change of leadership when Steve Adamson was welcomed as new President, succeeding John Bentley.

Steve, who has selected the Blandford Opportunity Group and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust as his chosen charities, will deliver with his team what promises to be an enjoyable programme of projects, social and cultural events, and fundraising.

Current activity includes provision of youth lead-

ership training for Emily Jones and Bob Newett of the Blandford School; the provision by the youth group of support to the relocation of Larksmead Pre-school, and a club speaker programme including talks about Blandford's heritage, the Blandford Food Bank and Sailability.

The Satellite Group will support the Clinical Commissioning Group and DT11 Forum's Health and Wellbeing event from 18th to 20th September.

Cultural and imaginative social outings are an

important part of Rotary and recent trips with partners included the Blandford School's wonderful production of Les Misérables, a boat trip from Poole to Wareham, the BSO at the Lighthouse and a box with lunch and tea at Wincanton races.

Sporting activities include skittles and golf, and plans are being made for the annual Shoebox Appeal and Christmas Day lunch for those alone, courtesy of the Crown Hotel. To get involved, contact Nic at nicnicolnms@aol.com.

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events SEPTEMBER Monday 1st September: Blandford Floral Group meets United Reformed Church Hall, 2.15pm.

Wednesday 3rd September: Health services presentation, Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 10am to noon, details 01305 368908 or email sue.brazier@dorsetccg.nhs.uk Blandford Carnival bingo, Corn Exchange, 7pm Child Okeford Gardeners' Club, 7.30pm, Child Okeford village hall Durweston Choral Society rehearsal start, Durweston Village Hall. 7.15 for 7.30 pm.

Contact secretary Lizzie Patterson 01258 830216 Thursday 4th September: Blandford Museum talk, Sara Loch on the Blandford Forum Parish Church Cupola Project, 7.30pm Blandford Museum Friday 5th September: Roaring 20s swing night, Crown Hotel, Blandford Friday 5th and Saturday 6th September: Farky Music Fest in aid of Rosie Brown Trust and Type I Diabetes in Dorset children, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne Art exhibition, Tarrant Hinton village hall, Friday 7.30 to 9.30pm, Saturday 10.30am to 3pm Saturday 6th September: Blandford Carnival, stall and Baby Show in the Corn Exchange, parade leaves Holland Way 7.14pm Sunday 7th September: Manor House, Lower Blandford St Mary, gardens open for NGS, 2 to 5pm Monday 8th September: Vintage at the Village Hall, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 4pm, admission £1 Tuesday 9th September: Bryanston Choral Society rehearsals start Bryanston school for Christmas concert 6th December, details 01258 857260

Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, please send details to Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email s.n.b@btinternet.com. This page is available and regularly updated on our website at www.forumfocus.co.uk Wednesday 10th September: Manor House, Lower Blandford St Mary, DT11 9ND, open for National Gardens Scheme, 2 to 5pm North Dorset Discussion Group meets Talbot Hotel, Iwerne Minster, 6.30pm - topics immigration and influence of the media 'Wednesday 10th September to Thursday 18th September: Architectural Heritage Week: WWII Pill Box tour, open days Parish Church, Fashion Museum and Cemetery Chapel, see www.edht.org.uk Friday 12th September: Moviola Film Night, 'Maleficent', Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm Saturday 13th September: Garden Open for Brooke Hospital, Stour House, East Street, Blandford Dorset Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride: contact Louise Moogan on 01258 456260 Blandford Regeneration event, Market Place and church green, Corn Exchange and Museum garden, all day and evening Charity Meetloaf, Blues Brothers, Motown tribute night, 7.30pm, Crown Hotel, Blandford, tickets contact Karen on 07887 728318 Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September: Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival Sunday 14th September: The Royal British Legion, Blandford Branch, annual Car Show, 10am to 4pm at the Ham and Marsh Car park Durweston Country Fayre, 12 noon to 4pm, Durweston playing fields, 12 noon to 4pm, enquiries 07988 791260 Monday 15th September: Art for Everyone course starts Durweston village hall, 10am to 12.30pm, details 01258 820349 or email

deb_chisman@hotmail.com Blandford Club for Visually Impaired meets Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2 to 4pm, contact Margaret Hemus on 07786 413616 Wednesday 17th September: Garden Open with various stalls, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 10am-4pm, Road closures Blandford town centre from 3pm for theatrical production preparations Thursday 18th September: Periplum's The Bell, WWI commemoration event, Market Place, Blandford, 8.30pm (road closures Blandford town centre from 3pm) Blandford Heart Forum AGM and talk, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 7 to 9pm.

Talk on Dorset Buttons, Dorset History Centre (DHC), Dorchester 6.30 for 7pm in aid of the Dorset Archives Trust.

Tickets £10 from 01305 228945.

Thursday 18th and Friday 19th September: Health and Wellbeing Event, Sealy Suite, Crown Hotel, Blandford Saturday 20th September: Health and Wellbeing Week Activity Day, Crown Hotel, Blandford Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection coffee morning and stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Sturminster Newton Floral Group Golden Anniversary Floral Art Show. The Exchange 10.30am to 3.30pm Durweston Harvest Supper, village hall 7.30pm Sunday 21st September: Sunday afternoon tea with music

for Julia's House, 3.30pm, Parish Centre, Blandford Fun Ride for Bryanston Group RDA from Newfields Farm, Pimperne. Details 01258 863683 or springheadjackie@hotmail.com Tuesday 23rd September: Blandford Town Team public meeting, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7pm to ask accountable authorities to respond to the town team survey results Blandford Museum Solly Lecture, Parish Centre, Blandford, Michael Keith-Lucas of Reading University on 'Pollen and Archaeology', 7.30pm Wednesday 24th September: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2.15pm Friday 26th September: Macmillan Cancer Support World's Biggest Coffee Morning: Blandford Parish Church lunchtime concert, Blandford Museum and afternoon tea Blandford Museum Garden.

Morning events at Spetisbury village hall and Iwerne Minster Blandford & District U3A open meeting, Durweston village hall, 2pm, Powerpoint presentation by Kay Townsend,: Behind the scenes of a fairground. See www.blandfordu3a.co.uk or call 01258 860191 Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September: Long Meadow Quilters 20th anniversary exhibition, Shillingstone Church Centre, Blandford Road, Shillingstone, 10.30am to 4pm Saturday 27th September: The Dorset Beer Festival, Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, 11am to 9pm, live entertainment and hot food, proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support, tickets www.hallwoodhousebeerfest.com Trio Paradis performance, Woman of World War One, Corn Exchange, Blandford, see www.blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk

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