October 2018 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 79

Carnival fun: Pages 4&5

October 2018

Doctors’ surgeries to merge

BLANDFORD's two GP practices, which have announced plans to merge in 12 months' time if their proposals are accepted by NHS England, have reassured patients that as far as patients are concerned, there will be no obvious immediate changes in the way the two practices operate.

The merger plans, to create a united GP service for the patient population of the Blandford area, were announced in newsletters to patients last month which stated: "We have both decided that now is the time to move formally towards merging to guarantee the sustainability of both practices for the future."

Eagle House has four doctors, while Whitecliff has 11 listed on its website, and is also a training

Unification would safeguard the future of patient care practice taking students from a number of teaching hospitals to give them experience of general practice and training GPs known as GP registrars who work with the practice for six or 12-month periods.

Carol Tilley, practice manager at the larger Whitecliff surgery, which is almost opposite the Eagle House practice in Whitecliff Mill Street, said: "Certainly in the foreseeable future we will be operating from existing premises.

"Both practices are committed to focusing on maintaining continuity of care for those patients that

have regular contact for ongoing medical conditions. Our merged practice will do its best to make sure that patients who come regularly generally see the same clinician.

"One very important message for patients is for them to understand that there is a national GP recruitment shortage, which makes it challenging for both practices to attract GPs to work in our rural area. To address this we are using the skills of other highly trained health professionals who can deliver some of the services that have been tradition-

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ally provided by a GP. "It is not realistic for patients to expect services to be delivered in the same way as they were historically - there is neither the staff nor the NHS funds to do this.

"These two major factors are outside of both GP practices' control. Both practices have excellent teams who work extremely hard and who deliver good-quality patient care despite the challenging circumstances."

Regarding the appointments system, the practices are regularly meeting to plan how they can best use the resources they have available. They have been working together for some time through shared patient group meetings, business continuity • To Page 2

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October 2018

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CONTACTS

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Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like to join our team to deliver in their own or any other area that has no delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above).

Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Coop in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, Lidl in Higher Shaftesbury Lane, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park.

In the villages: Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Anvil and Farquharson pubs in Pimperne, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

Diary events are updated regularly on our website so it is always worth logging on to stay up to date with what’s happening in the area. The website also carries additional pictures of local events and background information on stories.

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GP practices to merge • From Page 1 plans, training and effective use of resources to deliver high-quality, safe patient care.

The merger proposal follows the example set elsewhere in the country of organisations working together.

"It is important that patients have good information regarding the challenges in the health service as a whole and that we are transparent regarding the progress of the merger process," said Mrs Tilley.

"The strategy will emerge over the coming months. The stage we are at is that a formal application has been made to the NHS commissioners and we are aiming for merger on October 1, 2019.

"This gives us lots of time to redesign the best service that we can with the staffing and resources we have available to us."

The practices were represented at the Community Expo on September 16 to answer questions from members of the public, and there are also online and paper-based consultations available for patients to express their views.

In their newsletter, they say: "There are many unknowns and lots of questions that we need to answer together. We understand that change can be daunting and

are committed to ensuring that you are kept informed and your opinion listened to throughout this process."

The newsletter also confirmed that there had been talk of relocating to Blandford Hospital, for which the funding is being reviewed but no decisions have been made as yet, and realistically it would be three or four years before any decision over relocating.

Residents unhappy with street repairs SURFACE dressing of a large number of Blandford streets in the first two weeks of August prompted an outcry from those who found traffic movement disrupted and felt it was a waste of money and poorly done.

But after the dust had settled, and the contractors had gone around clearing up the loose chippings, most of the grumbles ceased.

The process, far cheaper than resurfacing which becomes necessary if roads deteriorate too far, is used to restore and seal the road surface in one process, improving skidding resistance, helping to make a road waterproof and protecting it against frost and water damage.

County Councillor Byron Quayle said: "I'd like to thank the residents of Blandford for their patience and co-operation during the County Council's recent pro-

gramme. The main work has now been completed, and the programme took in nearly 40 roads in some of the most difficult areas to park on in town.

"Although most of the surface dressing went well, I have received a number of letters from local residents relating to a number of issues about the work carried out. I have made note of all these points and will be working with our highways team to follow up on any remedial works that are required.

"However, if you believe there is an issue with your road but have not contacted me, please feel free to do so by email to Byron.quayle@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone 07843 616 343 and I'll be happy to take it up with the County Council. I will also continue to lobby the council for more funding for our roads here in Blandford."

October 2018

Town flats scheme clears its first planning hurdle PERMISSION in principle has been granted under officer delegated powers to use land west of Luton Mews in Short Lane, Blandford, for between six and nine residential units.

More than 20 neighbours objected to the new-style application, which confirms only the suitability of the location, land use and amount of development and leaves all other matters, including parking issues, for a more detailed application.

The conclusion was that, since the land was in a highly sustainable town centre location and had previously been given permission for three two-and-a-half storey town houses, the principle of development had already been established.

The site was considered large enough for up to nine small units of accommodation without

Free meals back on menu BLANDFORD's community kitchen was back in business on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Parish Centre in August, serving lunch followed by activities for all ages.

Meals and activities were provided at no charge thanks to local sponsorship. A total of 281 meals were served over four sessions to more than 72 families, helped by 37 volunteers.

The kitchen will be back during half-term in October.

impacting adversely on neighbours.

Details of design, massing, scale and layout could not be assessed at the 'in principle' stage, but there was no objection in principle to introduction of flats to the site, which could enable a plainer, more ancillary appearance of building more in keeping with the service area.

North Dorset District Council case officer Hannah Smith said: "Officers consider that, provided the units are sensitively planned, they can be accommodated on the plot without giving rise to adverse overlooking, overbearing or overshadowing. The acceptability of the impact on neighbours must be assessed at the technical stage."

In response to complaints that neighbours had not been properly consulted, she said the correct consultation for the type of application - a site notice erected on the site and consultation with statutory consultees - was carried out.

A late request from ward member Jackie Stayt for the application to be considered by the planning committee was rejected on the grounds that the new form of application provided even less detail than an outline and was solely to establish the principle of a development.

Head of planning Jean Marshall said a further detailed consent would be required and, of course, could be refused if the detail then provided was unacceptable.

From Russia with music MUSIC lovers are in for a rare privilege in Blandford on Saturday October 20 with the debut visit to the town of Voskresenije, the world-renowned a cappella ensemble from St Petersburg.

The eight-strong group, under their conductor Jurij Maruk, are making a brief return to Dorset by popular demand and will be performing sacred and folk songs from their native Russia. The evening promises to be an unmissable opportunity to hear some of the best vocal harmony in the world.

The concert, to be held in the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in aid of the Cupola Fund, will start at 7.30pm, and early booking is recommended as there is already a high demand for tickets.

Wine will be on sale during the interval, and the group will have a small stall selling authentic Russian gifts.

Doors open at 7pm, (and evening parking in the town's car parks is free). Tickets are ÂŁ10, to include a cup of tea or coffee in the interval, and are available from Liz on 01258 452506, or visit b-c-p.co.uk and follow the link.

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WORKSHOPS with artist Peter Rush at the Blandford Town Museum gave young and old the chance to make their own insects using plastic cutlery, chicken wire and spray paint. Pictured are Izzy Ellis and Megan Lowe with their creations. Peter was back in action with more workshop activity in the Market Place on September 9 at the Free Expression Arts Festival.

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October 2018

Town turns out for a fun carnival THE community came together again to support Blandford Carnival, with crowds lining the streets and many more helping and taking part in the procession and other events.

Carnival secretary Sara Jones said: "We would like to thank the large and enthusiastic crowd that came out to support carnival and make an electric atmosphere and people who supported us by purchasing toys from the Lions instead of from the street sellers, who do not give us any money.

"Thanks also to all our helpers on the day and the army of marshalls and helpers who gave up their Saturday night to help us and the town enjoy a successful carnival.

The parade itself, led by the Fire Service, the Mayor Roger Carter and civic representatives, followed by carnival Junior Princess Millie Pickering and her attendants Kacey Bumby and Mollie Gregory and Miss Carnival Teenager Imogen Brewer, was filled with ten bands and majorettes teams, and although missing some notable favourites welcomed back others and a

number of new entries.

The Friends of Milldown Primary School returned after a few years' absence to be runners-up in their class and win the Chamber of Trade Best Endeavour award.

New entries included two trade supporters, Hall & Woodhouse, sporting their new branding and delighting carnival-goers by distributing miniature rugby balls among the crowds, and DE Scott Electrical, whose John Scott said: "Local businesses need to support carnival. We are here for the first time this year and hope to be back next year."

Free Expression, the winners of the trade class, the Chairman's Challenge Cup, and the public choice with their junk piratical theme, promoted their arts festival in town the following day.

There was also a large contingent of Morrisons staff dressed as items available from the supermarket. From their shopping trolleys they distributed sweets to children and won the Jones Brothers Challenge Shield for most humorous entry.

The best overall in non-carnival

The Morrisons team - 'proud to support their local community'

KR Martial Arts ready for action in the parade. classes was the Performing Arts Theatre Academy's 'Arabian Nights', winners of the youth schools and organisations class, in which they were joined by the Friends of Milldown Primary, KR Martial Arts and Blandford Youth Football.

The general award Arthur Pope Memorial Shield went to Colvin Gilman from Dorchester with his giant tank, Armoured Fighting Vehicle 432, which he uses to fundraise for Help For Heroes.

The Lil Jones Memorial Cup went to decorated prams class winners Toy Story from the Wolfendale, Hussey, Ball, Michie and Heaney families of Blandford; and the overall walking trophy went to 612 year walking class winner Anya Tarrant as a diminutive Cleopatra, with Alice Loftus as The App Store the best carnival classes individual walker and best endeavour.

The Quarterjacks Dorset Youth Marching Band and the Ilchester Gems were the award winners among the bands and majorettes.

It was good to see that John Jones, former carnival chairman now resident in a nursing home, was able to join the well-wishers, and his son Barrie, now chairman, announced that at the presentation of donations prior to the baby show in the Corn Exchange on carnival day morning was the

highest total in recent years.

They include £150 to the Blandford Foodbank, £75 to the Stour Valley Band who play in the Market Place for people waiting for the Carnival to arrive, £50 to regular Carnival supporters Magnum CC, and £80 in sponsorship to AFC Blandford to buy goalkeeping gloves for their Dorset Premier League goalie Michael Gleadall.

In the baby show (sponsored by Ragtags), the age group winners among a total of 19 entries were Annabelle Gates 0-6 months, Erica Jessie Dowling 6-12 months, Oscar Ball 12-18 months and Ralph Ireland 18-24 months, with three-month-old Annabelle being chosen as the overall winner.

The carnival has also thanked everyone who came and supported their grand carnival bingo the previous Wednesday, in particular the many local traders donating prizes.

The next carnival bingo will be at the Royal British Legion in Church Lane on Wednesday October 17, when doors will open 7pm for eyes down 7.30pm.

Carnival secretary Sara Jones added: "We are still looking for additional committee members, who can contact us via our Facebook page or email blandfordcarnival@talktalk.net."

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October 2018

The Performing Arts Theatre Academy's 'Arabian Nights', winners of the youth schools and organisations class.

Baby show winner Annabelle Gates, aged three months, with her mum Catherine, who live in Blandford St Mary.

Alice Loftus as The App Store, winner of the individual Carnival club walking class.

Keith Gillingham in the cab of the newly branded Hall & Woodhouse Badger lorry.

Free Expression, multiple award winners.

Andrew and John Scott of DE Scott Electrical with Toby and Jacob.

More carnival pictures on our website forumfocus.co.uk

Above: Carnival Junior Princess Millie Pickering. Above right: Attendants Kacey Bumby, left, and Mollie Gregory.

Blandford Group details: Tuesday 9.30am Corn Exchange Charlotte 07857 017902 Tuesday 7.30pm Corn Exchange Debbie 07415 565185

Wednesday 9.30am 11.30am & 7pm Corn Exchange Tracey 07776 309982 Thursday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Methodist Church, The Close Tracey 077763 09982

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October 2018

Nordon plans face a barrage of objections MORE than 20 detailed objections have been submitted by members of the public to the Aster Group application to demolish North Dorset District Council's former offices off Salisbury Road in Blandford and build 40 affordable homes, the majority for shared ownership, on the site.

There has also been an objection from Historic England calling for the scheme to be revised, an objection from the Town Council on grounds of traffic issues, and tree loss, lack of support from the council's own Conservation Officer, and a request for deferral from Transport Development Management at Dorset County Council to properly assess the application.

There has also been a call for an adequate surface water scheme to be approved in principle before suitable conditions can be sought.

The town council's strong opposition to the proposals followed objections being raised at a planning committee meeting by a large number of members of the public.

Council Chairman Nocturin

Lacey-Clarke said he understood the application could be heard by the district council's planning committee meeting in October but undertook to keep them informed of the date.

As a member of the district council committee, he stayed to listen to the objections but, together with fellow district councillor and planning committee member Jackie Stayt, withdrew from the meeting during the debate so as not to be accused of prejudging the application.

John Stayt, district councillor for Riversdale, abstained. The rest of the councillors voted to object.

There were calls for more discussion on the future of the site which forms part of Blandford's conservation area. Town councillor Haydn White, speaking in the public session, asked why there had been no prior consultation between the town and district councils.

"We have not been allowed to find out about it until after it has been decided. We need to put a stop to any development until there has been a discussion on

how best to service the 5,000 residents north of the railway line and what to do with this site in the middle of a residential area."

Mayor, Councillor Roger Carter, said: "I absolutely agree we should take a step back, listen to residents, and look at how the site might be used instead of selling to the first bidder and destroying our historic heritage."

Other objections related to proposed parking provision, the loss of the Nordon building, traffic generation, loss of mature trees, impact on air quality, flood risk, wildlife and neighbours' privacy, as well as the affordability of shared ownership accommodation and where proceeds might go from the sale of the site, valued in the council's asset register at ÂŁ2.096 million.

Retired architect John Turnbull said special attention should be paid to the objection from Historic England, and their pre-application comments, suggesting that although the council would suffer a serious loss of face if it were refused, it needed to be redesigned.

Agent Matthew Holmes, for Aster's architects Chapman Lily, said they understood the local history of the Nordon building, but it would impact on the redevelopment plan. He said all category A

and the majority of category B trees on the site would be retained and highlighted that a biodiversity mitigation plan had been submitted, and that parking provision of two spaces per house was in accordance with policy.

The pressure on the District Council to provide more housing, and crucially more affordable housing, was illustrated in a report to Cabinet which revealed that only 11 affordable homes had been built in the district since April 2017 - a fall from 137 the previous year - and not a single affordable home had been built so far this year.

A target to have between 50 and 68 affordable homes built, set at the beginning of the year, has since been lowered to 32.

North Dorset District Council leader and cabinet member for housing, Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, said: "It's so disappointing to see that there were zero affordable housing completions for North Dorset and breaks my heart to see it because North Dorset has had such an exemplary record at least since I've been on this council. All we can say is that we are giving out [planning] consents.

"It gives me slight comfort to know that we have got the application for the Nordon site for 40 affordable homes."

TARMAC laid outside Barclays Bank in the Market Place after Scottish and Southern Electric carried out work there over six months ago was finally replaced with proper paving slabs in August.

County councillor Byron Quayle, who has worked hard to ensure that utility companies are not allowed to avoid their responsibilities after digging up the pavements in the town centre, said: "I guess the second fine and the threat that the county council would do the work and charge a very high fee did the trick."

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October 2018

Grange set for a brighter future EXPERIENCED home manager Tilla Wagner has been appointed as the new manager of Blandford Grange care centre in Milldown Road, Blandford, with a focus on implementing an improvement plan to take the home forward.

Prior to joining the home, Tilla was manager of a 56-bed nursing home in the New Forest where she also managed a homecare operation, providing domiciliary care services to 120 clients and supported both the residential and homecare teams with training responsibilities, using her previous experience as a training manager and a university lecturer.

Since joining Blandford Grange in July, she has been working on a recruitment programme to bring more care workers on a full- and part-time basis to support existing team members, and is working on building closer ties with the local community through homecare providers, schools, church groups and other community-based social groups.

She said: "Blandford Grange is a lovely home with a great team and I've been made to feel very welcome by everyone. My personal aim is to make this home officially outstanding - the fabric is certainly there to make this possible.

"I also want Blandford Grange to become a 'hub' in our community, a place where people gather, socialise and create friendships. I'm reaching out to bring our residents and clients together for friendship lunches, helping those who are lonely in the community to find somewhere they can regularly visit for companionship.

"I am relishing my new role and look forward to creating new partnerships and connections for the benefit of our residents and the community as a whole."

Blandford Grange, part of the Healthcare Homes Group, offers a range of residential, nursing and dementia care services, including respite. For more information call 01258 458214 or visit healthcarehomes.co.uk.

New manager Tilla Wagner at the Blandford Grange care home.

Music from the war DORSET Rural Music School will be joining the activities by which Blandford is remembering the events of 100 years ago by holding a study day on Music in England during and after the Great War. It takes place on Saturday November 3 at DRMS in The Close, running from 10.30am until 6pm, and will include lectures illustrated with recorded music, together with a piano recital by Duncan Honeybourne of works inspired by the war.

Dr Richard Hall, who is leading the day and who earned his doctorate by his work on this topic, said: "We will be looking at composers swept up in the war, the music they wrote in response to it, and also at the effect the war had on musical life in general."

The charge will be ÂŁ30 which includes a soup and bread lunch and tea and coffee during the day. For further details and to book a place contact DRMS on 01258 452511 or drmsblandford@gmail.com.

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October 2018

Mixed messages from steam fair THE Great Dorset Steam Fair's massive 50th anniversary event was marred not only by the heavy downpour which persisted throughout most of the fourth day, but also by failings in traffic management and site services for which event organisers have apologised.

Some of the longest queues ever were reported by those trying to reach or exit the showground, and there were complaints of toilets not being serviced, electricity supplies failing, possibly as a result of large-scale equipment, and cable and generator theft on site.

In a statement issued shortly after it closed, the board of directors said: "Whilst this year's exhibit areas and attractions were a resounding success, especially the 500@50 Guinness World Record, the 50th anniversary of the Great Dorset Steam Fair will be remembered as a bitter-sweet year for the organisers."

Acknowledging the criticisms raised by exhibitors and members of the public regarding the performance of certain on-site service contractors, they said: "Despite bringing in some additional high-profile event industry contractors this year, we feel as frustrated as our exhibitors and customers.

"We are particularly disheartened as, in the show's 50-year history, the event has never deployed as many security guards, stewards and traffic operatives as this year, with an increase in the security, stewarding and traffic management budget of over 40% from 2017. This year's show also saw the most toilets on site, with an extra 125 from last year.

"We had every confidence that our infrastructure and site services would be delivered to an acceptable standard, having relied on the professional experience, expertise and recommendations of these contractors.

The Ladies of Steam celebrating 50 years of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and 100 years of votes for women.

"As part of the event debrief process, we will be meeting with the contractors concerned to establish what went wrong and to prevent reoccurrences at future events."

Giving an assurance that all comments were being taken very seriously, they thanked everyone for their constructive feedback, both positive and negative, saying it was important for the show moving forward into next year when it is planned to again be held over the Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday to Monday, August 22 to 26.

A post-event GDSF parish and town liaison meeting will be held on Thursday October 4 when local authority and parish representatives will provide feedback to the organisers.

The anniversary event was in other respects declared a resounding success, achieving a world record for their 500@50 bid to stage the largest display ever of steam-powered vehicles.

Out of 522 full-size steam engines present, assembled from all over the world, including New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands and Ireland, 472 were officially recognised as meeting the set criteria, and a certificate was presented to managing director Martin Oliver by Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Stenning.

Mr Oliver, the son of the founder Michael Oliver, said: "It just goes to show that we really are the biggest steam event on earth. All our exhibitors stepped up their game this year, and each section had something special to offer the visiting public. My dad would have been chuffed and that's what it's all about for me."

A car park was moved to create 50 acres of extra camping space which for the first time ever this year was sold out.

Major attractions included the final World War One commemorative centenary display. It featured Guy Martin's 30-tonne replica WW1 tank Deborah II from Norfolk Tank Museum and the replica War Horse Mark IV tank from Bovington Tank Museum, as well as a remarkable six-metrehigh sculpture, The Hauntings, made of scrap metal and inspired by the legend of the ghost of a fallen First World War soldier wandering the fields near the sculptor's home.

The Haunting, a six-metre WWI soldier sculpture made of scrap metal.

Pictures: Sian Court

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October 2018

Three-way tie in the fight for points COMPETITION was fierce in the floral art section at the 31st annual summer flower and vegetable show of Blandford & District Horticultural Society, held at Tarrant Keyneston village hall.

So fierce, in fact, that three members tied when it came to totting up the points, resulting in Arthur Yeo, Oscar Young and Novice Cup winner Debbie Beale sharing the Dixon Cup awarded to the exhibitor with the highest total points.

It was fierce, too, in the Potato Challenge for the Bristol & West Cup, where the winner was Alan Newman with 10lbs 3oz, just one ounce more than runner-up Dave Miles with 10lbs 2 oz. Pete Eveleigh was third with 9lbs.

Alan Newman picked up a few more awards, including the Garden News Top Vase, the Treasurer's Bowl for highest total points in all classes, the Floral Cup for highest total points in the

flower classes and the Greensbridge Cup for best exhibit in the gladioli classes.

Dave Miles also won the Garden News Top Tray and Blue Ribbon for best exhibit, Banksian Medal and Terry Richards Cup for highest total points in the vegetable classes.

Other awards went to Hilary Over in the dahlia section with best exhibit to win the Cyril Hovard Memorial Trophy, Sue Billington for most points in Homecraft & Cookery and in Wine, and Tina Potter for the best Homecraft & Cookery exhibit.

The Portman Trophy for highest points in photography classes went to Rachel Eveleigh, the Handicraft Shield for best handicraft exhibit to Shelagh Yeo, and Dave Miles, Pete Eveleigh and Rachel Eveleigh were first, second and third with their 'Housewife's Choice in a Basket'.

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Cup winners Alan Newman, Hilary Over, Dave Miles, Sue Billington, and Arthur and Shelagh Yeo.

Winner Jacob Williams with an animal made of vegetable.

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October 2018

Festival turns the market place into an outdoor theatre BLANDFORD's third annual Free Expression Arts Festival, held this year the day after Carnival Day, was scaled down from last year's two-day event to just a single day.

It demonstrated again how a market place free of parked cars could be turned into a wonderful pedestrian-friendly performance area where people could enjoy the activities on offer, and thankfully the sunshine.

Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter said: "What a wonderful use of the space it was and how much better if it had all been on a paved area. We need events like this to imbue in the community the perception that thetown centre is a community hub - it increases footfall and everyone benefits."

There were circus activities including hula hoops, mini and unicycles, balloon walking and trapezing with the Wessex Community Circus, an assortment of arts and crafts including doodling on the Free Expression van, musical entertainment, interactive music making and wire sculpture with artist Peter Rush.

In the Corn Exchange and

Shambles, exhibitors were asked to focus on the world of science, engineering and industry, with a chance to try virtual reality with Game On, to see how illusions work with magician James Brown, to try 3D sculpture making and decoupage, and view the displays of work by artists from across Dorset in The Art Fair.

In Bere's Yard the Blandford Museum art exhibition featured textile artist Wendy Hermelin, and outside in the Festival Crafty Area, pieces of plastic and wire were being made into bracelets, and a drumming workshop was led by local musician and percussionist Sanou.

Razeena from Weymouth demonstrated her skills in working with henna and was invited by festival organiser Kate Seeger to create a signed piece of work for auction later this year to raise funds for next year's festival.

A pop-up cafe restaurant with stalls offering a variety of foods

More pictures on our website forumfocus.co.uk Circus skills in the Market Place. from Eazy Vegan, the Wrap Shack and others, ice-cream from Arctic Cow and liquid refreshment, displays from the Dorset Wildlife Trust, and promoter Jon Ivay of the Fording Point, the arts centre for which planning permission has now been secured in the old orchard next to Bere's Yard, was on hand to tell people about the plans for the dedicated facility which he hoped would be up and running next year.

Kate Seeger was congratulated

by many on organising the gathering of creativity, and was pleased to see a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, feeling that the change of date was a positive move and the festival concept was building.

She and her team had the previous evening promoted the event by taking part in the carnival, where they were thrilled to win a couple of awards, and a number of visitors said the publicity had paid off in persuading them to come.

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October 2018

Festival organiser Kate Seeger.

Trapeze work from Wessex Community Circus.

An enthusiastic participant in drumming workshop with Sanou Smith, left.

Music making in the Market Place.

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Readers’ letters

Nordon: a better way THE planning application process for the controversial demolition of Nordon and the redevelopment of the site in Salisbury Road, Blandford becomes increasingly intriguing as time goes by.

So far, there has been a worrying lack of transparency in the preliminary planning. There has also been unseemly haste in the public consultation process, through a planning application which appeared to be timed to slip through unnoticed by local residents during the main August holiday period.

This is a very important site in Blandford, arguably owned in part by all local council tax payers.

The proposal is to develop the land by demolishing all existing buildings, including the 1900 Woodhouse family building, and to erect 40 affordable homes with 80 parking spaces. It seeks to remove a number of mature trees and to create a new vehicle entrance to the site, nearer to the busy junction with Kings Road.

Whilst we wholeheartedly support the essential idea of using the redundant NDDC plot for much-needed affordable homes, we oppose the demolition of a historically important building, and the removal of its associated mature trees in the conservation area.

Surely a better idea would be to

October 2018 Please 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 to: Forum Focus, c/o Colin's

sympathetically convert the old building into homes, retain the associated mature trees and use the remaining site for new houses, as has been done very successfully elsewhere in Blandford?

We had assumed that since the application seemed to be submitted by Aster Group, this company had bought the land. However, it seems that this is not actually the situation. Apparently, NDDC still own the land, and Aster Group has agreed to buy the site if their plan for redevelopment is accepted.

However, the decision on the planning application will be made

by NDDC planning committee, putting considerable pressure on the decision makers to accept the plan to avoid the embarrassment of NDDC failing to sell the land to their preferred bidders.

C & D Williamson, Blandford

Pet loss is so painful TWO days ago I had Patsy, my chocolate brown Labrador, put to sleep. She was ten years old and I had lived with her since she was eight weeks old.

We'd lived in the Blandford area since 2011 and she was almost always with me out and about.

We were each other's companion and I had never before experienced from many pets the love she showed me. We had lots of adventures together and rarely did she visit the vet.

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.

At the end of 2017 I became concerned about lumps behind her rear most teats. My vets performed an operation and removed what they could. We all hoped it was enough but, as with humans, you never know.

Unfortunately the cancerous growths came back with a vengeance.

There was nothing now to be done but to wait for the end. That is when the owner asks the vet to put him/her to sleep. He/she may still show all the affection, meal times may still be an event and you know that on returning home there will be the greatest welcome. But you can see the effort needed for some everyday things, you can see the growths getting bigger and spreading, and that the time has come to make a final appointment with the vet.

Over the last ten months many dog owners would ask 'Has she been spayed?', which at a younger age might have extended her life expectancy. I had not because it had never been suggested, and I had once considered she might have puppies.

Whatever your companion is, no matter the age, ask your vet how you can prolong your chum's life.

To a pet owner coming home to an empty home, opening the door without the welcome, having your daytime schedule for years set by feeding or walk times and now it doesn't matter, it's heartbreaking when it happens.

Nicholas Smith, Blandford

Outraged by my fine LAST week I took my car down to Poole for its MoT, which it passed with flying colours.

Leaving the industrial estate and the Fair Repair Workshop who have serviced and MoT'd my cars for the past 20 years I have to drive past Lidl's new store at

Fleetsbridge, so I nipped in for some retail therapy.

Two days later the postman delivered a plain brown envelope. Inside was a car parking fine for £90 - I had overstayed my free car parking time at Lidl by 17 minutes.

Disgruntled of Tunbridge Wells became Disgruntled of Winterborne Zelston! I appealed against the fine and have now received an email to say that my fine has been cancelled and the matter is closed.

I am about to write to Lidl's head office with a few choice words about how frightening a silverhaired old lady with a £90 fine is an unwise thing to do. I won't go there again - next time I'll come straight home to continue my retail therapy in Blandford. I certainly learnt my lesson.

I believe it is quite outrageous for a company to charge a customer to park whilst shopping in their store. To me it is an immoral thing to do, which is why I have always felt it immoral for a town to charge visitors to park whilst spending money in their town. I know the revenue is welcome but it creates the wrong impression and we should welcome tourists, locals and visitors not penalise them.

Della Jones Winterborne Zelston

A fun time I AND other residents of Ryan Court have just spent two days at Blandford Methodist Church for a 'holiday at home'.

It was wonderful: good food, lots of fun and good company. I can't thank Alison and her team enough for the effort put into make us happy - and all for £6 a day! I've booked for the next one in December already.

If anybody in Blandford is lonely, come along to Lunch Club on a Tuesday and Friday and make new friends.

Val Cowley

THE Friends of Blandford Hospital hold their popular autumn fair in the Corn Exchange on Saturday, October 20, between 9.30am and 2pm, including a huge variety of stalls with quality items at good prices. There will be gifts, crafts, collectables and jewellery, toys and jigsaws, toiletries, Christmas cards and decorations, cakes and home produce, kitchen items, handbags, scarves, toys, children's items, tombolas and a grand raffle. Refreshments will also be available. For further information call 01258 451456.

October 2018

Magic table ‘toys’ can help dementia patients THE Friends of Blandford Hospital trustees were delighted at their management board meeting to be given a demonstration of some of the wonderful activities in which patients can participate using the two Torvertafel Units that the charity bought and had installed at a cost of £18,000.

Tovertafel is a 'Magic Table' which, by ceiling-supported computer/projector, provides on the table surface below a series of interactive light games specifically designed for patients with mild to late-stage dementia.

It was developed over 12 years

by Dutch student Hester Le Riche, who wanted to create something to stimulate activity, physical, mental, and social, in people with later stage dementia.

The computer/projector also includes infrared sensors and a

speaker, which detects hand and arm movement, controls the games and projects light animations onto the table surface.

The audio-visual stimulation gives those living with dementia, who may previously have rarely demonstrated any capability for interaction, to follow the projected images with their hands and eyes, attempting to grasp the shapes. The table can be used by one person or as a group, so encourages interaction with other people.

The installation has proved a great success with patients and staff, and during visiting times, patients with their family visitors interacting in fun activities.

Tarrant Ward have also had visits from Occupational & Physiotherapy in the hospital who plan to also use the Tovertafel with some of their patients.

The Friends of Blandford Hospital play with Tarrant Ward's new toys. The picture shows Sister Gill Wood demonstrating one of the units to board members (left to right) Peter Richell, Steve Cole, Trevor Bridle, Mac McLaughlin, Steve Hayward and Mike Woods, and seated, Diana Sale and Linda Prior.

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THOUSANDS of poppies will be taken out onto the streets at the start of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on October 27.

Pictured (left to right) are Denis West, Bryan Kelly, David Jardine, Alex Williams and Richard Williams, all RBL branch members, hard at work at Legion House in Church Lane preparing the boxes to be taken to the regular collection points and on the house-to-house and street collections.

Anyone who would like to help by volunteering to staff collection points on a two-hour shift can sign up on sheets available at Legion House, or email blandford.secretary@rbl.community.

VISIT our website to find more about Blandford's new charity shop The Wendi House, Ragtags' 25th anniversary, the fire service cadets, initiatives to support the elderly and the young, the town's new bike racks, news from the Blandford Town Museum, harpist Jane Stokes whom we featured in May, and the town pantomime, 'Alice in Cuckooland'.

THE Stour Valley Band will be giving a 'Last Night of the Proms' style concert in the Corn Exchange on Friday October 12 in support of the Mayor's Charities, the Blandford Opportunity Group and Blandford Food Bank.

They will be joined by soprano Christine Haworth and support artists including Julie Newall (alto) of the Dorset Rural Music School. The concert, starting 7.30pm, promises to be an evening filled with highclass musical entertainment with an emphasis on fun and audience participation. Tickets are available in advance from the Town Council office in Church Lane or from Chaffers in Salisbury Street.

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October 2018

A show of success for local artists

Andy McIver with his clutch of awards at Blandford Art Society's annual exhibition, pictured with his winning line drawing Raven Mad.

BLANDFORD'S Corn Exchange was again transformed by Blandford Art Society into a gallery for their annual exhibition of work by members, non-members, and this year invited guests Amanda Notarianni and Charlie Macpherson from Notarianni Glass in Poundbury and woodturner and sculptor Darren Wheeler.

The exhibition, featuring more than 200 paintings, sculptures and a large number of collages, opened to the public after a preview the previous evening. Society chairman Mike Lofthouse thanked all who had helped mount, stage and open it within the space of 48 hours, with particular thanks to town council staff and exhibition team leader Judith Hyde.

Home Office role for local MP NORTH Dorset MP Simon Hoare has been congratulated on his recent appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

The appointment sees him join the Home Office team, which

now includes Secretary of State for the Home Department, Amber Rudd, Minister of State, Brandon Lewis, and other parliamentary private secretaries Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly and Nusrat Ghani.

Mr Hoare said he was thrilled and honoured to be appointed, having thoroughly enjoyed his time as PPS to Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds, where he had learned a huge amount, and was looking forward to the new challenges.

Congratulations came on Twitter from Rector of Blandford, Jonathan Triffitt, who said "Will be praying for you as you step into this new exciting, challenging and demanding role."

Mr Hoare replied: "Many thanks.

All 'help' gratefully received!"

In 2016, as part of the Government reshuffle, Mr Hoare was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to George Eustice, then Farming Minister at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

TASTER sessions in Mindfulness and Movement were held at Hambledon Health in September by Fiona Chapman, who is now offering new courses starting in the first week of October in the form of gentle movement that uses the body as a meditation tool. For more information call her on 01258 458120 or 07766 671398 or see chapwellmethod.com.

It was opened by Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter, who said: "Blandford is lucky to have such a thriving art society. I was blown away by the talent on show here."

The winner of three of the society's members' only competitions was announced as Andy McIver, who has also designed the society's recently adopted new logo.

His entries in the Max Bennet line drawing, Harding Trophy with the title 'Made of Wood' and the Esme Butler Trophy 'Vision of Blandford' earned him an armful of awards.

The Chairman's Choice section with the title 'And then there were none' was won by Jennifer Martindale with 'Men Who March Away', based on a Thomas Hardy poem 'Song of the Soldiers'.

Best picture by a non-member was a still life in oils submitted by Annabel Valentine, and the President's choice, presented by Jestyn Coke on behalf of his wife Sue, went to Mary Straw's watercolour 'Beat the Retreat'.

There was an additional presentation to Ella O'Loughlin, the first recipient of a bursary from the society to go onto higher education in the visual arts. Following a foundation course she started last month at St Martins in London.

The independent panel of judges were John Britton, Rob Adams and Sara Loch, and visitors during the week had the opportunity to choose their favourite picture for the 'Public Choice' award.

At the end of the six-day exhibition, organiser Judith Hyde said: "We had well over 1,000 visitors, sold more paintings than ever before, met loads of lovely people and gained several new members so I think it was a success."

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October 2018

Lidl bus in service

Jon Wilson and Martin Keenes of Karm Developments and Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter with neighbours of the newly completed Wheatsheaf redevelopment in Albert Street.

Opening time for homes on old pub site COMPLETION of the redevelopment of the site of the Wheatsheaf pub and car park in Albert Street, Blandford, was celebrated by agents Goadsby and developers Karm Developments with drinks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local residents and Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter.

Jon Wilson of Karm Developments thanked neighbours for being understanding and patient during construction work following the closure of the pub in 2016, and the granting of planning permission for its demolition and rebuild with a terrace of homes in the car park. Half the homes are already reserved.

Pavilion path grant to aid sports clubs FOLLOWING a request from Blandford United FC for match funding towards the creation of an accessible path to their new pavilion, town councillors have agreed to give ÂŁ6,000 to both

the football and cricket clubs for the work to be carried out. They have also agreed to spend ÂŁ3,997 on painting and replastering of the football pavilion changing rooms.

NOW AT THE BLANDFORD SCHOOL

MORE than nine months after it was originally launched in January, the X8A bus was finally due to enter the Lidl site in the week of September 16 to use a bus stop in a corner of the site which will also be used by X8 Blandford/Poole service.

Damory Buses have also been carrying out a consultation with passengers on how the service might be improved. General manager Adam Keen said: "We're serving Lidl on the X8A (and X8) and are adding it to the digital destination blinds to draw people's attention to it. We are also updating all the bus stop flags and timetables.

"It's been a long time coming and we're pleased to now be able to start serving the supermarket which is the very reason that the bus exists.

"A good deal of work has gone into agreeing a start date with Lidl. We will be looking to make further changes to the X8A if appropriate, with a view to ensuring it remains useful and convenient to the people of Blandford."

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The View from the Hill

by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

T

HE county show at Dorchester provided a great day out, the weather was kind, the brand new Fabulous Food and Farming area was busy and popular, and there were camels playing polo in the main ring.

What more could you want?

Well, there was chariot racing (scurry racing carts are like mini chariots), a fabulous grand parade of all the winning farm animals from the competitions, and a great deal more to occupy the family for the day.

Our own slice of excitement came with the presenting of a long service award to Gary Sutherland, who has worked at Travellers Rest for the 40 years since he left school, mastering most jobs, and currently in charge of primary cultivations as senior tractor driver.

He tells of his first day at work, during the sheep shearing season of 1978, where he was amazed to find that the cider barrel was cracked open at 10am and was dipped into at regular intervals throughout the day, in order to numb the pain of shearing, he was assured.

It would be nice to think that since harvest finished unusually early, more than a month ago, we would have had plenty of

time for relaxation. It's a good theory, but in practice it hasn't quite been the case.

We have been cultivating stubbles to create stale seedbeds, sowing cover crops to soak up any residual nutrients left by the previous crops before winter, and turnips to fatten the lambs on, and just last week we sowed the oilseed rape for next season.

It will be in the ground for nearly 11 months before it is ready for harvest, the longest of any of our crops.

Having applied a pre-emergence weed killer, we are now awaiting emergence, hoping there is enough moisture in the dry soils to allow the seeds to germinate and get the little plants up and away as quickly as possible to stay ahead of attack from flea beetles and slugs.

In some parts of the country the flea beetle is so numerous that rape has become almost impossible to grow; they devour the tiny leaves before they have barely opened. We are keeping fingers crossed that emergence will be swift.

October 2018 The insecticide seed dressings known as neonicotinoids, which were banned by the EU two years ago, used to keep this little pest at bay, so now we have very little left to treat it with.

Cypermethrin applied as a spray is ineffective on 60% of the flea beetle population these days due to resistance, so we just have to sit and watch and hope, having done our best to sow the seeds in good Gary Sutherland receives his long service award from conditions into a Alastair Cowen, President of the County Show. quality seedbed.

A drop of rain would help a lot. tidied this up today and we are going to sprinkle a bit of grass After the months of dry weather, seed onto the bare patches to it has been a struggle to find make good. enough fodder on the farm to get

our animals through the winter.

We have been rolling up silage with an eight-metre rake, which pulls the mown grass into rows for the baler.

After last week's silaging session, we have just about got enough bales, and will be hoping that winter is not the long-drawn-out and wet affair that it was last time.

We had to feed hay to the cows for at least six weeks during the driest weather, when most of the grass turned brown, and the cows spent all day hanging around the feeders waiting for fresh bales.

This has inevitably made a bit of a mess in the corners of the grass fields where we fed them. Brendan The steam-up at Bushes Farm, Stourpaine.

One evening in August we were invited to a steam-up very near the original site of the first steam fair 50 years ago, at Bushes Road, by Mark and Mandy Farwell, whose family are now committed steam enthusiasts themselves.

There was a wonderful collection of 30 or 40 engines, all under steam as the sun went down, puffing away quietly around the yard. The smell of the coal and steam, and the hissing and popping of the engines created a marvellous atmosphere.

Three engines had come over from New Zealand for the steam fair season. This might seem an extravagant endeavour, to return the engines to the country of their birth. However, it is not as wildly expensive as you might think - all three fitted into a single container once wheels and chimney had been removed.

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October 2018

Pedal power raises funds for churches RIDERS+Striders across the UK set out on September 8 for the annual event of visiting the country's historic church buildings while raising funds for their upkeep.

A number of cyclists visited Blandford Parish Church and others in the area, and in the Blackmore Vale, 11 cyclists from across Hampshire and Dorset convened at St Andrew's Church in Okeford Fitzpaine, before pedalling 35 miles to visit 11 churches.

Welcomed with Dorset's speciality apple cake and hot drinks, they discovered some hidden gems down the River Tarrant valley which has eight villages with seven churches.

They enjoyed a picnic lunch on the front lawns at Tarrant Rawston, a

tiny privately owned church which at one time sat 100 worshippers, before progressing to Tarrant Crawford, hidden away from the road but containing 14th century frescos uncovered in 1940.

Their ride was organised by Dilys Gartside, a cycling instructor, cycle tourist, speaker and Dorset Cyclists Network campaigner for safer cycling, who this year was named in CyclingUK's '100 Women in Cycling' awards alongside suffragettes and names from the past century who have inspired women to cycle.

They raised ÂŁ180 donated by riders for their great day out and by others who couldn't join them this year. Donations are still very welcome at justgiving.com/dhct

Pupils benefit from Bikeability advice FIFTEEN pupils from The Blandford School took part in the government-funded Bikeability scheme, which trains pupils to cycle safely on a variety of roads and junctions.

Local instructor Lucy Bemand goes into primary schools to deliver level one and two which prepares pupils for advanced cycling (level three) when they are in secondary school.

Bruce, a year 7 pupil, said: "Bikeability teaches you about safety and it is fun for any age. To learn, you go on a set course with Lucy, stopping to talk about hazards. It makes you think. It will help you feel confi- Pupils learning cycling safety with dent." Connie (year 8) said: Bikeability.

"Learning about traffic lights and the roundabout was very useful. I feel more confident on the roads."

Safer travel officer Rob Camp said: "Bikeability provides the skills and knowledge to enable children to cycle on suitable roads, either to school, local shops or just for fun. This nationally supported initiative provides a valuable skill for life while supporting and encouraging sustainable travel."

For more information contact Lucy Bemand by email to lbemandcycling@hotmail.com or visit bikeability.org.uk

Dilys Gartside, far left, with riders who joined her for the Historic Churches Cycle Ride.

Half-term fun at the library HALF-term in Blandford Library will feature a Space Adventures Week, with an opportunity to build a spaceship, be an astronaut or make a Star Wars puppet.

On Saturday October 20 there will be a Little Stars Rhyme Time and Astronaut Antics, and on Monday October 22 there will be paper plate spaceship or flying saucer building.

More Little Stars Rhyme follow on Thursday, together with the puppet making session, and there is a colouring competition and a Great Pumpkin rescue event on Tuesday October 23. For details call 01258 452075.

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October 2018

War nears an end but no let-up in the casualties

Flu outbreak claims the lives of airmen OCTOBER 1 saw the first of more than two dozen deaths among members of the Royal Air Force, based at Blandford Camp, who are buried in Blandford Cemetery where the War Graves Commission gravestones mark their final resting place.

Many had fallen victim to an influenza outbreak and pneumonia between October and December 2, which resulted in concerns being raised in the House of Commons about the conditions in which they were living.

The first was Walter Frederick Morris, a private 2nd Class, and two days later on October 3 came the death of George Campbell, also private 2nd Class in the Recruits Training Wing, and on October 12 Charles Almond, private 2nd Class in the Recruits Wing.

Joseph Arthur Channing was just 18 when he died on October 13, the son of Joseph and May Hine Channing of Fulham, London. Albert Edward Widdicombe was only 17, a private in 'K' section reserve depot. He was the son of Mr F C Widdicombe of Woodburn Green, Bucks, and uncle of Elaine Wilson, who attended the ceremony in the cemetery in 2014 when the new casualty information board was unveiled.

James Kirker, private 2nd Class, died on October 19, and the deaths continued almost daily of John Manley of 'K' Section, Leonard Langfield Roberts, 31, from the Instructional School, the son of Fred and Margaret Roberts of Leeds, Edward John Studden, 40, an Air Mechanic 3rd In Blandford cemetery, the graves of servicemen Class in the from the RAF camp.

Recruits Wing, S G Martin, also an Air Mechanic 3rd Class in 'F' Section of the Recruits Training Wing, T Andrews, private 2nd Class in the Recruits Wing, and Percy Bertram Grundy, clerk 3rd class in the Recruits Training Depot died on October 27, the son of the late T N and Mary Grundy of Manchester and husband of Margaret of Ewood, Blackburn, and Robert Robinson, 23, private 2nd class, the son of Richard and Marie Robinson of Harlesden, London.

The final deaths that month on October 30 were of privates 2nd Class James Green and Michael Higgin from the Arrival Section.

BLANDFORD-born Ernest Samuel New was killed in action in France on October 3, 1918, aged 31, serving as a private with the Dorsetshire 1st Battalion and is buried in Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

He was the son of brewer Samuel, who died in 1899; his mother Rosa and five sisters lived first at The Rookery in Blandford and then in East Street, where in 1911 he was 23 and working as a carter.

Frederick George Pratt was a corporal in the Royal Irish Rifles, 16th Bn, and died on October 5 in Germany and is buried in Cologne southern cemetery. The son of licensed victualler Frederick and Elizabeth Ann Pratt, who lived in Bude, Cornwall, with his two older sisters, at 16 in 1911 he was working at the Railway Hotel in Oakfield Street as a railway messenger.

Reginald James Tom Daniels was born at Hilton and served as a sergeant in the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) 24th Squadron, having previously served in the Dorset Yeomanry. He died in India, aged 35, on October 9 and is buried in Mhow New Cemetery.

The son of Henry William and Sarah New, at the age of six he was living with his grandmother Martha Drake at Stony Knap, Hilton. In 1907 he married Florence Mary Pethen in Dorchester. They had a daughter, Ida Oliver, born 1909 at Dewlish, where he at 27 in 1911 was living as an inn keeper at The Royal Oak. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records that his widow was living at 11 Damory Street, Blandford, where she was still living in 1939, and he is remembered on the Blandford war memorial as well as at Dewlish and Hilton.

Charles Axford, a corporal in the Dorset Yeomanry (Queen's Own) 1st Btn died, aged 32, in Egypt on October 21 and is buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. His father George, a coal merchants' yardman, and mother Elizabeth Catherine married in Eton, Buckinghamshire, and he was

born in Essex.

By 1896 when his younger sister was born they were living in Dorset, and after working as an apprentice tailor he was in 1911 a tailor living in East Street, Blandford.

Arthur Samuel William Hardy also died in Egypt on October 23, serving as a driver with the Royal Engineers 5th Field Sqn, and is buried in the Beirut War Cemetery.

He was 35 and had served since 1899 when he attested for the Royal Horse/Field Artillery.

He transferred to the Army Reserve in 1906 and was discharged in 1911, when the census recorded him living in East Street and working as a labourer, but clearly re-enlisted.

His medal shows he served with the Buckinghamshire, Dorsetshire and Staffordshire Yeomanries, as well as the Royal Engineers.

His father William was a wheelwright who had married Ellen Upward, born Nutford, in 1874, but she died in 1907. He had a twin sister Bessie and seven other brothers and sisters.

He had married Edith Cecelia Maud Hall in Folkestone in 1904, and they lost their first son the year after he was born, but had a daughter and five sons born in Blandford.

Ernest William Beddow, who came originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, was the husband of Mabel (nĂŠe Edmunds) whom he had married in Birkenhead in 1910, and who came to live at Crews Yard in Child Okeford. They had three children.

He served as a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery from 1915, and is buried in Child Okeford churchyard, having died 'at home', aged 36, on October 31 following medical discharge two months earlier from the Royal Field Artillery Labour Corps. His silver war badge was issued on November 2, three days after his death.

There were a further 13 deaths in October in France, Belgium, Mesopotamia, and back in the UK of men from neighbouring villages, including six teenagers and four in their early 20s.

Anyone who would like to share with our readers pictures and details of events relating to relatives who played a part in World War One is invited to contact Forum Focus by calling 01258 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL. Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.

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October 2018

Karen Reddaway, devoted helper THERE was standing room only at Poole Crematorium for the funeral service for Karen Jane Reddaway, who died aged 58 after a long battle with ill-health.

The eldest of five children of Peter and Hazel Warrington, she was born in Hitchin, Herts, and educated in the Rhondda Valley, Exeter, and finally at Blandford Upper School after her family moved to Blandford when her father became manager of Woolworth's in Salisbury Street.

On leaving school she worked first at a hatchery, and at 18 joined the Royal Air Force in Plymouth, servicing motor launches and leading an adventurous life. She married, but later became a single mother to her daughter and son and making her family her top priority.

The loss of her daughter Hannah at an early age was a devastating blow for all her family and was

reflected in the music played at her funeral.

She worked as a chauffeur for a company in Wimborne and then, after gaining her PSV licence, for Damory Coaches and for 'Bus to Go', where she was a popular and respected member of the workforce.

Following open heart surgery at Southampton Hospital, she worked for Dorset County Council (Highways) in Blandford until the office transferred to Charminster. She was known for her kind, caring nature and dedication to helping. She volunteered as a Scout leader and with the Samaritans, and latterly with the Disability Action Group as its secretary.

She is survived by her mother and father, son Luke, and brothers Peter, Huw, Gavin and David.

Family, friends and past and present colleagues gathered for a 'farewell party' at the Blandford Royal British Legion Club following the service.

Karen Reddaway

Paul McIntosh, ‘green’ champion TRIBUTE has been paid by Sustainable Dorset (Dorset Agenda 21) to the late Paul McIntosh, whose funeral was held at Weymouth Crematorium on August 29 following his death at the age of 39.

On their website, which he initiated and helped to develop, they said: "The untimely passing of Paul is a great loss to the sustainability community of Dorset."

Paul was a dedicated and passionate believer in sustainable living and spent his working life supporting the cause in Dorset through a variety of contract jobs, research projects and committee work.

After graduating from the University of the South West in 2005 with a degree in geography, Paul started as a volunteer with Dorset Agenda 21 (da21) working with Sally Cooke, its then manager.

He soon joined the board of trustees of the charity and from 2007 to 2016 assisted on a part-

time basis managing the day-today activities of the charity.

He was also employed as a part time sustainability officer with North Dorset District Council, helping deliver its commitments on climate change, and from 2010 to 2014 was employed part-time by Dorset Community Action as a third sector sustainability officer on the BASIS programme, delivering community group support on sustainable living.

In 2010 Paul was selected and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Blandford as a member of a group study exchange visit to southern Brazil to learn more about the cultural and environmental challenges facing a rapidly developing country and see the Rotary Foundation's work to support a major project in the Gravatai River Basin to reduce pollution, improve water management, sanitation and bank restoration through tree planting.

He worked on the development

of the successful climate change coalition programme and was a co-founder of the car sharing scheme Dorset Flexicars, chairman of Dorset County Council's renewable energy group and worked on a web-based series of case studies on renewable energy projects.

Paul McIntosh

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October 2018

Green theme in the wood HUNDREDS visited Blandford's first Sustainability Fair in Angus Wood, St Leonard's Avenue, to learn how to create a sustainable Dorset and healthier planet by reducing waste, eating plants, avoiding plastic and reducing litter.

There were talks, films, stalls and entertainment, including exhibits by Sustainable Dorset, Lush, Cariad Wholefoods and Blandford Transition Town, presentations by Monique Munroe on recycling, reusing and channelling items, by Gabriela Lerner on raw foods, by Sophy Colley of Litter Free Dorset, and the screening of the film Cowspiracy, with stalls, activities, food and drinks.

Proceeds of ÂŁ250, after expenses, will be shared between the Blandford Environmental Trust and Sustainable Dorset, and efforts are now underway to form a War on Want group in Blandford.

Sophie Colley of Litter Free Dorset with the dung beetle which has appeared on the county's verges urging people not to deposit litter.

Judge Lyn Scott presents Lisa and Lilly Siddler with Best In Show for Buddy the cocker spaniel at the Pimperne Village Fete dog show.

Buddy’s big moment A BEAUTIFUL sunny day ensured a great turnout at the Pimperne village fete.

Visitors enjoyed craft stalls, children's activities, a display of classic cars, as well as the local art and photography clubs putting on a show highlighting the work they have produced over the year.

The dog show, sponsored by Healthy Pets in Blandford, was a great success with a number of local residents entering their dogs. This year's winner was Buddy, a cocker spaniel, entered by Lisa and Lilly Siddler.

The fete also welcomed a number of community stalls, including the Life Boat stand, the Poppy Appeal and Dorset POPP Wayfinders.

The refreshments team was kept busy on the day and all money raised goes towards the upkeep of the village hall.

21

October 2018

Village war project plea

Above: Limousines lined up outside Blandford Parish Church for the Romany funeral. Above right: Mourners follow the cortege on foot from the church to the cemetery.

Huge turnout for Romany funeral BLANDFORD has been thanked for its patience and show of respect to the family and friends of Darren Smith, who died on July 28, aged 23, and was a member of the Romany community, whose family graves are in Blandford Cemetery.

His funeral on August 29 at Blandford Parish Church was attended by a large number of people who after the service walked behind the coffin on foot as it was driven slowly, followed by a large number of limousines carrying family members, to the cemetery in Salisbury Road for committal.

Advance warning was given on social media by Blandford Parish Church, who advised people to

avoid the streets at the time of the procession if possible, and apologised for any inconvenience and asked for patience while the death of a loved one was mourned, but traffic in East Street, Salisbury Street and Salisbury Road was delayed.

In a statement following the service, conducted by the curate, the Rev Neil Robertson, the church said: "Thank you, Blandford, for your patience and show of respect. We know it held some of you up and was an inconvenience, but it was lovely to see passers-by respecting the traditional funeral procession. We would also like to thank Dorset Police for assisting with traffic control and public safety."

YOUNG children in Blandford St Mary were horrified to find vandals had damaged recently restored play equipment including goal-posts and play park items with obscene messages carved into woodwork. Some play park facilities will need to be isolated whilst expensive repairs are carried out. Residents are asked to notify the police if any potential miscreants are spotted near the park.

News from the surgeries It's flu jab time To help stay healthy this autumn/winter and prevent the spread of flu, it's time to have your annual flu jab. Flu is contagious and can be passed on through coughing, sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Anyone over 65, patients with particular health conditions such as asthma, and carers will be invited by text, letter or prescription reminder to make an appointment for one of the special Saturday sessions below: Eagle House Surgery • 6th October - Adults only • 20th October - Everyone eligible • 3rd November - Everyone eligible Whitecliff Surgery • 22nd September (Blandford) • 13 October (Blandford) • 3rd November (Child Okeford) The parents of all children born between 1.9.2014 and 31.8.2016 should also book flu nasal sprays at their surgery. School-age children will have them at school If you have an appointment with your doctor or nurse on another matter, you can ask for your flu jab at the same time. Doctors will have supplies of the flu vaccine available in the surgery.

If you have been invited but don't want your flu vaccine, please inform the surgery. You will still be invited again next year!

It is also a good idea to stock up on cold relief products. If you need any help with what to buy, your local pharmacy can advise you.

THE Milton Abbas Reading Group is appealing to anyone with ancestors living in the village around the time of the First World War to get in touch to help them with a project looking at the impact of the war on the local community.

It will culminate in a major exhibition being held from October 5 to 7 in the village Reading Rooms and St James Church, for which a considerable amount of information has already been collected from research in local and national archives and online databases, revealing the names of soldiers, sailors and airmen who served, were wounded or died, and information about families living in the village during the war period.

They would like to include more family stories and anecdotes from families and individuals who moved away from the village to surrounding villages and towns, and others who moved into the village.

A detailed list of all the Milton Abbas men found who fought in the war can be seen on their website miltonabbashistorygroup.com.

22

October 2018

School delight as exam records smashed THE Blandford School celebrated exceptional results at both A-level and GCSE this year, learning first that post 16 students had smashed school records and bucked the national trend at Alevel, and again broke school records in the new GCSE exams.

A-level and Vocational results revealed an overall pass rate of 100 per cent, with 32 per cent of students achieving the coveted top grades of A*- A, and 60 per cent achieving A* - B. Headteacher Sally Wilson expressed her delight for students in the year 13 cohort, saying: "Our results this year are just brilliant with so many students achieving their target grades and beyond. They should be very proud of themselves."

Many have secured places at top universities, while others will be starting apprenticeships or entering employment.

Of particular note were A-level performances recorded by Ruby Opalka, who achieved two A*s and one A and is heading to Manchester to study English with creative writing.

Lauren Barton, with two A*s and one B, will study medicine at Southampton in September 2019, and Emma de Sarum with one A* and two As will read law at Exeter. Hector Solway's three As and an A* secures him a place at Bath to study physics.

Top performers on vocational courses, achieving Distinction* or Distinction, included Danny Cowley, Sam Gale, Georgia Galloway, Darryl Garbutt, Jared MacDonald, Issy Morris and Emily Park.

Students in this year's cohort have chosen a wide variety of future careers and routes, including degrees in medicine, law, mathematics, physics with professional placement and research

placement, criminology, music production, mechanical engineering, veterinary nursing, zoology, business management and enterprise innovation, marketing, archaeology and anthropology, accounting and finance, psychology, optometry and dance.

Mrs Wilson said: "As a truly comprehensive sixth-form we are equally pleased that students who have chosen alternative routes than HE have been successful in securing their chosen paths, which include an apprenticeship with Thames Water, an IT apprenticeship and entry into the Armed Forces."

She also congratulated GCSE students and staff on a "fantastic" set of results at GCSE, saying: "I am thrilled to see so many of our students of all abilities doing so well. As ever, students have worked incredibly hard and one can only admire the commitment and determination of our young people who have achieved such high grades across a broad range of disciplines.

"I would like to publicly congratulate my colleagues whose dedication and resilience in a period of significant assessment and curriculum change should be applauded. I am delighted to say that the vast majority of students will be joining the sixth-form where I am sure they will continue to do well."

At GCSE the combined figure of students achieving at least a standard pass in both English and maths was 66 per cent, with 42 per cent achieving a strong pass.

Science results were the 'best ever' for TBS, and other subjects showing significant improvement this year were geography and languages.

Individual performances saw a host of students gaining impressive sets of the coveted Grade 9

Students celebrate their GCSE results with TBS head Sally Wilson.

Hector Solway who will be studying physics at Bath.

Emma de Sarum who will be reading law at Exeter.

awarded to the top three per cent of students nationally.

Samuel Hughes and Mansoon Tamang topped the leader board with both achieving seven Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and one Grade A; Olivia Sellen also did brilliantly with five Grade 9s and three Grade 8s, closely followed by

Top GCSE achiever Mansoon Tamang.

Amy Lewis, who achieved four Grade 9s, five Grade 8s and one Grade A. Emma Wright also achieved ten 9 -7 passes with three Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and four Grade 7s. • See more detailed results on our website at forumfocus.co.uk.

23

October 2018

United’s new season off to a strong start BLANDFORD United FC's first team has made the best start in years in their league run, says chairman David Fraser, following five away games.

"Having finished 15th in the Dorset Premier League last season, we are looking to finish in the top half this season, and after five away games - since we are unable to play at Park Road until the cricket season has ended - we made a strong start.

"We've got a young and enthusiastic squad, plus very good coaches and it's encouraging to

Blandford United's first and reserve teams gather at their Park Road ground prior to their first home match of the season. see members of the youth teams stepping up and playing for both the first team and the reserves.

"Our plans for the ground this year include providing an acces-

Carol Williams (Dorset Ladies' County President), coaches Joy and Sid Steele, with Callum, Jack, Liam, Connor, Jamie, Nathan, Millie and Catherine.

Young bowlers shine THE Dorset Youth Bowls Academy was well represented by eight youngsters, seven of them from Blandford and one from Broadstone Wessex, in the Sutton Winson Trophy held during the National Finals at Leamington Spa. This was the first venture of Academy members into this competition and each one played well and did themselves, their clubs and the Academy proud.

In the singles competition, Connor reached the last 16 bowling very well to do so.

In the pairs competition, Callum teamed up with Danial Moulton from Kent and reached the quarter-final where they were closely beaten by the eventual winners. Nathan and his partner Luke Fisher, from Devon, played well together as a team and reached the last 16.

Catherine Solway (Blandford) also paired with Rebecca Cresswell (Poole Park) in the under-25s to represent Dorset.

sible footpath from the car park to the clubhouse ready for next season. Life president Michael Westwood is working tirelessly with the council to make this happen.

"We are also looking to refurbish the changing rooms and update the dugouts, followed by a covered stand for supporters. We are extremely grateful to the William Williams Trust and One Stop in Blandford for their support in these projects, as well as All Insure and Maple Carpentry for their kit sponsorship."

The first home match for the first team resulted in a win for Merley Cobham Sports dropping Blandford to 14th, but confidence for the future remains high.

Matches are played every Saturday afternoon at Park Road, with the kick-off at 3pm (2pm after the clocks go back in October). Refreshments are available in the new clubhouse, which thanks to the vision of John Wakefield is proving to be a great asset. All are welcome to come and support Blandford's premier football club."

24 OCTOBER October 1 to October 27: Blandford Art Society Members’ Exhibition, Blandford Town Museum, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Monday October 1: Blandford Floral Group meets, Blandford United Reformed Church Hall, 2pm. Pelley - Inspirations Tuesday October 2: Blandford Breast Cancer Support Group meets, Pimperne village hall, 2.30pm for talk and demonstration by Barry Graham on cheese.

Tastings, refreshments and raffle Wednesday October 3: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Thursday October 4: Book launch, Murder Britannica by Paula Harmon, The Cedar Tree , Anchor Gateway, Salisbury Street, Blandford, 7pm, tickets £3 from info@the-cedar-tree.co.uk Friday October 5: Faith I Branko, Milborne St Andrew village hall 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Friday to Sunday October 5 to 7: Milton Abbas Local History Group WWI Exhibition, Reading Rooms & St James Church, details: miltonabbashistorygroup.com Saturday October 6: Pimperne Coffee Morning, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall, supporting Oxford Radcliffe Hospital patient Katie Gent Child Okeford's inaugural Hill Races 11am to 3pm and Oktober Beer Festival, 6.30 to 11pm, supporting the Child Okeford Community Centre Project, tickets from the Cross Stores or see Facebook /thehillracechildokeford Sunday October 7: Round Robin Ramblers meet Badbury Rings car park, B3082, 2pm for 4.5-mile walk, Kingston Lacy Estate and Badbury Rings, details 01258 880044 The Art Room: Informal art session for beginners, 11am-1pm at The Kings Arms, Blandford, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Monday October 8: Child Okeford WI meets, 2pm The Community Centre, Station Road, Child Okeford: Talk by Dr Yvonne Varley: 'The story of Riziki': building a future for children in Kenya Wednesday October 10: Play reading, 'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7 to 9pm, details 07596 959703 Dorset Moviola presents ‘Entebbe’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm.

Thursday October 11: Forum

What’s on this month Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, send details to Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email events@forumfocus.co.uk. This page is available and regularly updated on our website at www.forumfocus.co.uk. Readers are advised to check with event organisers before attending.

At the annual general meeting of Age Concern Blandford, held in their premises in Nightingale Court, Judy Housley, who has volunteered as secretary for the last 12 years, was presented by chairman Peter Slocombe with a retirement gift of a plant and cheque with thanks for all her help. Mr Slocombe was re-elected chairman, and Phil Allen was appointed as the new secretary.

Otters, Macmillan Support Group, meets Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 2 to 4pm, details 01258 458280 Friday October 12: Craft Market in The Shambles in front of the Blandford Corn Exchange, 9-2pm (and Friday October 26) Blandford WI meet, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7-9pm, speaker Pam Williamson Christmas crafts, demos and participation. Details blandfordeveningwi.com or on Facebook Race Night, Durweston Village Hall 7pm, tickets £5 includes light supper, bar & cash prizes, details durwestonptaracenight@gmail. com Last Night of the Proms, Blandford Corn Exchange, with the Stour Valley Band and guests, 7.30pm, supporting the Mayor's Charities Wessex Acoustic folk present Granny's Attic, Blandford Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 8.15pm Saturday October 13: Jumble sale for Mercy in Action, Child Okeford village hall, 12 noon to 2pm, donations to 01258 450908 or 861055 or at the hall on the day 'Take me to your leader - a correspondent's experience': talk by Kate Adie at the Old School, Sturminster Marshall, 2.30pm, ticket 01258 857528, proceeds to the Mackrell Charity My Sweet Patootie, Ibberton village hall, 7.30pm, details. artsreach.co.uk

Sunday October 14: Sarajevo Big Bang, Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Monday October 15: Strictly Come Tea Dancing at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum, live music from the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, 2.30 to 4.30pm Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning talk by Rev Stewart Timbrell, ‘Wonders and Blunders’, The Ark's room, St Nicholas School, Child Okeford, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 860767 Wednesday October 17: Blandford Carnival Bingo, Royal British Legion, Church Lane, Blandford, doors open 7pm for eyes down 7.30pm Blandford Georgian Fayre AGM, Royal British Legion, Church Lane, Blandford, 7.30pm Valley Gardening Club meets Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm, AGM, raffle & refreshments, details sites.google.com/site/vgcdorset or valleygardening@gmail.com North Dorset Group, Dorset Wildlife Trust talk, The Secret Life of the Dormouse', Steve Oliver (DWT North Dorset Warden), Fontmell Magna village hall, 7.30pm A Pure Woman, Sturminster Newton Exchange, 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Thursday October 18: Blandford Art Society: Demonstration and workshop by

October 2018 Caroline Ireland - using pastels on black paper, Pimperne Village Hall, 1.30pm, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Blandford Museum Archaeology Group meets Blandford Museum 7.30pm, Miles Russell (Bournemouth University) on The Piltdown Man, details 01258 452831 Friday October 19: Quiz Night, Durweston Village Hall, 7.30pm, bar from 7pm, £5 per ticket includes light supper, bookings 01258 488883 Raise The Roof, All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton, light music and entertainment fundraising for a new church roof, tickets 01258 830 252 or email redzed252@yahoo.co.uk Saturday October 20: Friends of Blandford Hospital Autumn Fair, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to 2pm Cats Protection coffee morning & stall, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Voskresenije Choir of St Petersburg in concert, Blandford Forum Parish Church, 7.30pm, booking advisable, tickets 01258 452506 or b_c_p.co.uk Sunday October 21: Fierce Flowers, Tarrant Gunville village hall, 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Thursday October 25: Blandford and District Horticultural Society meets United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 7.30pm, AGM with speaker Paul Sturgess Friday October 26: Julian Fellowes presents Pick of his Flix for Naomi House & Jack's Place, Layard Theatre, Canford School, 7.30pm, details naomihouse.org.uk Film Night Child Okeford Village Hall, Filmflixs present Phantom Thread (15), 7 for 7.30pm, details 01258 860518 Wessex Acoustic folk present Banter, Blandford Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 8.15pm Saturday October 27: Blandford Town Museum closes for the season, reopens spring 2019 Comedy Exchange, Steve Legg 30th Anniversary Tour, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm, see b-c-p.co.uk Monday October 29: Monthly Stroke Association Peer Support meeting, Church Room & Village Centre, 1 The Close, Charlton Marshall, DT11 9PA, 10.30am to noon Resurgence Dorset event, Monique Munroe (Ideas2Action), on waste, recycling and saving items for good causes, Blandford Museum, Beres Yard, 7.30pm, details 01258 818223