Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area
July 2020 Issue No.100 Est: 2012
Start of the ‘new normal’
THE latest phase in the gradual easing of lockdown on June 15 saw more than three dozen shops and services open in Blandford. There were lingering safety concerns from some shoppers and none of the queues seen in some larger towns and cities. A number of other retailers had planned to reopen before the end of June. Precautions included limits on the number of customers allowed in, the introduction of one-way systems, protective screens, hand gel and the two-metre rule. Businesses were still taking orders online for delivery and special services for key and emergency workers. Some had been allowed to open in advance of that date. Conyers opened their gun shop with reduced hours on June 1, and their home & country next door a fortnight later. Market Manager Andy Reynolds, who used his time while the market remained closed supporting the community with shopping trips and deliveries for vulnerable people, welcomed back market traders on June 4, supported by colleague Nick Chandler. The Alaska House dental practice in Salisbury Street was • To Page 3
FORUM FOCUS
Market manager Andy Reynolds greeted traders and customers to the first Thursday street market in over two months.
www.forumfocus.co.uk
@forumfocus
2
July 2020
FORUM FOCUS CONTRIBUTING
CONTACTS
Forum Focus welcomes the submission of articles and reports from clubs and societies but asks that they are kept to a maximum of 200 words. If you have pictures you would like to share with us, our readers and our website visitors, please send them, with brief descriptions, by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Low resolution pictures cannot be printed in the paper.
Editorial: Nicci Brown T: 01258 459346 E: editor@forumfocus.co.uk Advertising: John Stayt T: 01258 454427 E: advertising@forumfocus.co.uk Distribution: Jackie Stayt T: 01258 456999 E: distribution@forumfocus.co.uk Design: David Eidlestein T: 01258 450989 E: de@deadlines.eclipse.co.uk
ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk
Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.
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.
DEADLINES Adverts: Monday July 13 Editorial: Tuesday July 14 Deliveries from Tuesday July 28 View future deadlines on our website.
OUR ADVERTISERS Please support our advertisers who have given us their support. All material published in Forum Focus (either in the magazine or the website), including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, Forum Focus accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in the publication or on the website.
Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus
Where to find Forum Focus
Still keeping Blandford in focus - 100 issues later
FOR the duration of the Covid19 emergency the number of Forum Focus pick-up points has reduced due to the closure of many premises. However, copies may also be found at other points in the town and villages, on our website, and will also be distributed through social media and email. Currently confirmed pickup points are: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Brewery Visitor Centre, Blandford St Mary; Lidl and Bartletts in Shaftesbury Lane; Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S, Langton Road; the Spar Shop in the Market Place; Chaffers and Iceland in Salisbury Street; Whitecliff Surgery in Whitecliff Mill Street; James Newsagents in The Plocks; The Post Office in the Tabernacle; The 3Cs in Damory Street; The Co-op, Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road; Blandford Hospital in Milldown Road; Blandford Connect Day Centre and the Central Shop in Heddington Drive. In the villages: Bryanston Bryanston Club; Child Okeford The Cross Stores; Iwerne Minster - the Post Office; Langfton Long Abbots Nursery; Pimperne Village Hall and church; Shillingstone - Garage and Coop; Spetisbury - Village Hall and Clapcotts Farm; Stourpaine - The White Horse Inn; Tarrant Keyneston - St Richard Close bus stop; Tarrant Launceston and Gunville Farm Shops.
WE had planned this month to celebrate a significant milestone in the journey of Forum Focus, which launched in April 2012. We have now entered our ninth year of publication and this is our 100th issue. So we make no apology for blowing our own trumpet - perhaps not in the way we planned since, as a result of the Covid-19 emergency, we are a little diminished in size. But we like to think that since its launch, Forum Focus has established for itself a place in the hearts of the Blandford community and will continue to go from strength to strength. And we'd like to thank all those who have supported us - by advertising, submitting their reports, stories, letters and photographs, distributing, acting as collection points and collecting copies, and most recently collecting copies for others unable to get out to our various distribution points to pick up their own. Some of our advertisers, contributors and team members have been with us from the start and continue to be so during the emergency, enabling us to continue to produce a magazine, albeit a smaller one, this month. We know that our printed copies are much valued by our readers and have been determined to try to maintain production, unlike other publications which have resorted to digital production only. We have made fuller use of our website and of social media to distribute more widely. We know there are those who are struggling through their recovery to resume activities under much changed conditions or may not be able to
resume at all. To those businesses, charities, voluntary groups and individuals unable to do so, we offer our heartfelt sympathies. We are grateful to them all and wish all those who can a speedy return to as near normal life as possible.
RESIDENTS have until July 20 to give their views on a new social housing policy being drafted by Dorset Council which will come into effect in April 2021. The new policy will replace the Christchurch and East Dorset joint housing allocation policy and the Dorset Homechoice common allocation policy and proposes some changes that might affect people
currently on the housing register in Dorset. It considers who can apply to be on the register, how to prioritise applications, how many bedrooms to allocate to a household and how to support homelessness applications. The survey can be found online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-register-survey and paper copies are available by calling 01305 221000.
Our first issue,
published in Ap
ril 2012.
3
July 2020
Traders gear up to deal with the new normal • From Page 1 able to open its doors on June 8 after weeks of offering only triage advice over the phone and prescription delivery. Brian Johnson, at Wessex Carpets in West Street, said they also opened on June 8 and had been busy, allowing only two customers in at a time. "Fortunately we have long-standing contracts in the commercial sector so will now be playing catch-up to deal with the pent-up demand," he said. Mobility scooter hire charity Disability Action Group, which along with garage and vehicle hire businesses - were allowed to open through the lockdown, has been operating with reduced hours in Nightingale Court since mid-May. Two other outlets have opened in the court, The Spoons of Dorset ice-cream parlour by Justine Templeman, and Coralie's Crafts and Gifts by Coralie Stainthorp. A third new business, Showcase arts and crafts, plans to open at 71a East Street on July 1 with collectables, antiques, and rentable cabinets or shelves for crafters. Among the many opening on June 15 were the Wendi House charity shop in Salisbury Street, but most others remained closed. Emma Costello, at Costello Properties, said it had been business as usual at home and with the aid of technology, and the plan now was to combine a mix of 'appointments only' in their West Street office and working from their home where possible. Bryan Benjafield, at Cheap Printing Dorset in Tabernacle Walk, said: "We've been printing the whole time for our customers, but the shop is closed to the public. That's not going to change too much as I'm currently here on my own until things pick up more, so it will probably be jobs via email, website and phone." For others the circumstances were
similarly complicated, with staff furloughed or with shielding and parenting responsibilities, and so unable to return. Rob and Heather Harman, at Papyrus in Salisbury Street, said they were working behind the scenes to prepare for opening in July. Laura Sweetland, at Sweetpea Florists in the Market Place, who has also been supplying flowers from home, said she hoped to open for reduced hours on Thursday to Saturday, dependent on how it worked and childcare availability when school holidays start. In Salisbury Street, Charlotte Bentley at the Hambledon Gallery said: "Reopening is tricky on many levels, not least for those with children normally at school during the week. We aimed to reopen initially on three days a week for a few hours only allowing us time to sanitise the shop. We have invested in a steamer to sanitise clothing after it has been touched." Netti Blume, at Modo Interiors in West Street, said: "Unless the government changes its mind we will be back open, with a door bell to control the flow of customers and other Covid-19 safe measures." Following the government's announcement that not all primary school pupils would be returning to school this term, Alison Falconer, at Rag Tags in West Street, reduced her planned opening hours with a one-way system entering from Barnack Walk and exiting onto West Street, but orders could be taken on their website and Facebook page. Simon Oldfield, at Oldfields at Glenmore Trading Estate, off Shaftesbury Lane, who during the lockdown produced 860 Rainbow NHS & Keyworker thankyou stickers to raise over ÂŁ1,500 for frontline workers, said: "We are open for business producing workwear and signage and are manufacturing non-slip social distancing floor signage in house at bargain rates."
CHURCHES were told on June 10 that they would be allowed to reopen for private prayer only from Sunday June 14. But Blandford Parish Church announced it would remain closed until they were confident that they could reopen safely and within the guidelines set by the Government and the Church of England. The Rev Canon Jonathan Triffitt said: "We are working towards opening the Parish Church by the end of July for a couple of sessions per week. We will keep everyone posted."
Welcome back to a socially distanced market on June 4.
Dorset spared the worst DORSET - and Blandford in particular - has so far continued to be spared the worst of the pandemic. By June 12, there had been 365 confirmed cases in the county, compared to thousands in other areas. There had been 15 deaths in Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation (community hospitals), 48 at Poole, 65 at Bournemouth and Christchurch, 24 at Dorset County Hospital, 55 at Salisbury - an increase of four in total since the end of May. Figures for care homes and community settings in the county were not available, but at that time, according to the ONS data, eight of the 20 Covid-related deaths in North Dorset were from the Blandford area - four in April and two in May from central Blandford, and two from the villages to the north and east of the town. There were none from outer Blandford or villages to the south and east of the town.
4
July 2020
Lockdown easing leads to yob behaviour BLANDFORD was spared the excesses of the lifting of the lockdown, which saw crowds gathering on Dorset beaches. But that and the presence of more youngsters during a long absence from school saw an almost inevitable increase in antisocial and criminal behaviour. There was a complaint to Dorset Police about a large number of youths gathering at Park Road recreation ground, large amounts of litter accumulating in and around the football dugouts and no social distancing being observed. Town Council staff, who regularly clear litter and broken glass on the meadows and other open
spaces, litter-picked daily, and boarded up the dugouts to prevent them being used as a gathering point. Peter Jones, chairman of the Stourpaine playing field and village hall, reported that some time over the last weekend in May a Tesco trolley was pushed from Blandford to Stourpaine playing fields. The trolley had lots of food in it and all the leftover food and rubbish was left in the trolley near the picnic table, together with cans and bottles left by the football dugout. Durweston Parish Council chairman Mark Taylor also reported an increase in criminal activity.
There continued to be regular reports of dogs fouling public footpaths, pavements and those parks open to the public after owners were asked to take their pets' mess home with them in the absence of the usual DWP collections from dog bins. Police seized home-made drug-smoking equipment after attending at the Stour Park Tesco store following reports of drug use and antisocial behaviour. A Police spokesperson said: "We'll be patrolling regularly but in the meantime, please report any sightings and descriptions of people involved."
Opening time delayed for hospitality outlets HOPES for the early reopening of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants were still uncertain by mid-June. JRs restaurant in East Street announced on May 22 that they had taken the difficult decision to close the business, saying the rent for the 100-seat building did not reflect the problem of social distancing. One customer regretted the untimely end of a bright new venture, saying it was proof if needed that there were far more victims of the virus than those who have
become infected. Kevin and Julie May at the Stour Inn, business partners with Hall & Woodhouse, said they were awaiting an update from the brewery. Sam Edwards at the Paddocks Bar said: "We are in the process of getting the bar as Covid friendly as possible with screens, sanitiser and signage. We do not know what our music situation will be until I can confirm the opening date and sync diaries with the acts." Janie Martin at Nelsons in
Salisbury Street said they would be opening as soon as the Government allowed. Alex and Emma Young at the Ginger Viking in East Street, who planned to open from June 15 as a deli, said the bar was set to open on the date allowed by the Government, probably July 4, with social distancing in place. Others have taken advantage of the enforced closure to make changes and improvements to their premises. Mick Bircham, chairman of the Royal British Legion Club, which
is also planning to open on July 4, said it had been an opportunity to carry out some decorating and improvements. Blandford Fashion Museum has installed a new door to their tea room in The Plocks to provide easier access when it reopens. The Forum CafĂŠ celebrated on Facebook the fixing of the dishwasher and repairs to the loo, saying that being a takeaway was not a viable option for them, and they would wait for Government guidelines before opening as a fully functioning cafĂŠ.
Keeping a distance proves a challenge REOPENING the town centre which started in June brought with it the problem of how to maintain social distancing among people visiting the shops, many of them with restrictions on the number of people who could enter. A bid was made by Dorset Council for funding to provide temporary measures such as road barriers to make pavements wider, and Blandford's councillors met with officers and town council representatives to consider a way forward. Councillors Byron Quayle and Nocturin Lacey-Clarke said suggestions put forward had included asking pedestrians to adopt a one-way system in the main streets, and removing Blue Badge parking on the east side of Salisbury Street to allow more room for those on foot. But at the time of the general opening of shops on June 15, the situation remained unclear. An appeal went out through the Blandford Business Support Group asking for shops and businesses not to put A-boards out-
side shop doorways so that the complete pavement width could be used to help with social distancing. Salisbury Street business owner Mr Lacey Clarke said: "Cllr Quayle and I have been working on plans to help with the reopening. Part of that is social distancing on pavements, and one thing that all shopkeepers can do to help would be to not put A-boards out as they severely restrict the ease and flow of pedestrians." The Blandford Town Team, which had offered to conduct a survey on a suggested Market Place Enhancement at the Community Expo in March, widened the remit of the survey in the light of the Covid-19 lockdown. A draft considered by the Town Council at its virtual meeting in June, to ask the community how the experience had changed their views about the town centre and what they would like to see in the medium and long term, was deferred for further consideration by a sub-group and the council's planning committee on June 22.
5
July 2020
Schools follow the rules for reopening AS primary schools gradually reopened to more pupils, first for staff to undertake training and preparation, then to children in reception and finally to year 1 and year 6, parents were given detailed advice on how they would be operating. Children worked in groups of no more than 15 children, sometimes not in their normal classroom or with their usual teacher, with additional signage and segregated areas to reduce contact, and staggered play and lunch times. They were invited to wear school uniform, on the understanding that some may have outgrown them, and to wear PE kit on PE days to avoid the need for changing. Mark Lacey, chief executive of the Salisbury Diocese Academy Trust to which schools in Blandford belong, thanked headteachers and staff for their efforts to make the new regime a success, and parents for their understanding and support. He said he had been genuinely moved to read their appreciation in surveys for what the schools were doing. "We will do all we can to keep you informed and to do the very best we can for the children in our care," he told them.
Those sending their children back to school were encouraged and given advice by Dorset Council on how to continue the trend towards 'active travel' - walking, scooting, cycling and running - which families have enjoyed as part of their daily exercise during lockdown. A spokesman said: "It's a great opportunity to keep this going when schools go back. Our surveys show that pupils would prefer to travel actively if they were given the choice. Surveys show that over one-third of pupils want to cycle to school and a massive majority are positive about travelling actively." The advice was that the streets around school were safer with less congestion and less air pollution, and distance from others could be achieved by using quieter routes. But if active travel was not possible, park-and-stride using an off-street car park five or ten minutes away from the school was an alternative. There might also be opportunities, through raising concerns with the school's head and the local authority, to widen footpaths, create pop-up cycle lanes and close roads around schools to traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.
Helpline issues plea for more volunteers THE return to their day jobs of many of the volunteers who have been running the Covid-19 Helpline has resulted in a new appeal for others to come forward. Miranda Dominey, who had become a regular sight on her yellow motorbike collecting prescriptions from the pharmacies for those in self-isolation, issued an appeal for others who were DBS checked or on the NHS volunteer service that could help with the Blandford helpline volunteers, doing prescription deliveries or helping on the phones. "We have a few of us heading back to our jobs in the next few weeks but there are still many self-isolating and vulnerable that will still need this help, so if anyone is part-time or furloughed for a few more months but can spare some time it would help many. The number is 01258 452361." The helpline has also launched an appeal for funds to help meet expenses. Alongside the organisa-
tion of shopping runs, dog walks and trips to surrounding hospitals, the helpline has delivered 463 medical prescriptions, enabling those in shielded categories or self-isolating to stay at home. "Like all organisations we have overheads. Although we keep expenditure low, there are phone bills and accommodation to pay, and we think it's right that our volunteers are not left out of pocket for expenses incurred. "We expect the threat of coronavirus to be an ongoing issue for several more months and we would like to continue to offer a service to those that are vulnerable or when required. "The use of the helpline will always remain free but we do appreciate any support you may be able to give. Feel free to donate to our Go Fund Me Page. And if you need our assistance don't hesitate to call us on 01258 452361 any time 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday."
Social distancing in the classroom for the children of Year 6 at Durweston School.
A class of their own AT Durweston C of E Primary, one of the area's smaller independent voluntary-aided state-funded schools, headteacher Nicola Brooke said: "We are lucky that our cohorts are already fewer than 15, so we don't have to split the year groups. "While we can't manage a strict 2m distancing in class, we have done our best to spread the children out as far as we can. "They keep all of the things they need on their desk and only move from their seat if they really have to. We have enough entrances to keep them apart and enough outdoor spaces for them to rotate on a weekly basis. "It's not quite school-as-we-know-it, but it is lovely to be back with the children. It's not just children who miss being at school - teachers do too (though they might not always admit it). "We had really hoped to be able to welcome some of our other year groups back for a few weeks before the summer but despite a lot of hard thinking, we just don't have enough staff to keep to the current government guidelines. We are all hoping and praying that we will be back together again soon."
6
July 2020
Help you can bank on when times are tough THE Blandford Food Bank quietly opened some eight years ago in the hope that the Churches Together in Blandford could make a difference for those who needed a little extra help now and again. As the years have rolled on the numbers of those seeking help has steadily increased, with 1,400 people helped last year. It has been able to continue to grow, develop and look after increasing numbers due solely to the support of the community in giving food, financial donations and time. Manager Gail del Pinto said: "The commitment from the community to support its own has been awe-inspiring. We have a strong team of 32 volunteers who give up two hours a week to help pack, sort and encourage those who come needing help. "Month in and month out we have received food donations from the trolleys in our supermarkets, people walking in with donations, people making weekly commitments and support from local village shops. I have met the most wonderful people - people well into retirement, mums bringing up families, soldiers, Guides, Brownies, Scouts and our local businesses. "When the pandemic arrived, I genuinely thought that this would be a very difficult time for us with volunteers having to stand down and donations dropping off. "Far from it - the phone immediately started ringing with people offering to help pack, sort and deliver or just do something.
Donations increased and we were able to continue to offer help to anyone needing it during this frightening time." From January to May 20, 840 people had sought their help, including 656 adults and children in the first nine weeks of lockdown. "Time and again the community of Blandford and the villages have stepped in to help in so many ways. And now they've helped with our move from Blandford Methodist Church and the Parish Centre to the United Reformed Church." Gail thanked Tracy and her crew from Pitmans Removals, who moved all of the back-up produce centralised in the Parish Centre main hall to their new home, Gerry at ASL Dorset Locksmiths, who cut the keys for the new premises, and a team of volunteers from Bryanston School who moved the rest of the stock. "None of these businesses charged a penny for their time and hard work, especially generous in these weird times," said Gail. She also thanked the Methodist Church for giving them a presence in the centre of Blandford, the Parish Church for use of the Parish Centre, the United Reformed Church for sharing their beautiful church, and all the local churches for their continued giving, Hall & Woodhouse for desks, tables and funding, Mike Chandler IT Services for their support, The Blandford School and Bryanston School for their fund raising efforts, Morrisons for
Pitmans remove produce from the Parish Centre to the Food Bank’s new base in the United Reformed Church.
Megan Hill, left, Beth Rodford and the Fermor-Dunman family, right, from the Bryanston PE department who helped move stock from the Methodist Church. the 18+ weekly crates of food, Lidl for allowing bulk buying during the pandemic, Tesco for their food bank trolley, the Co-op for their donations, Blandford Rotary, Stour Rotary and the Blandford Lions for funding and meat vouchers, the Town Council, Dorset Council and Westbury Charitable Trust for funding, the Blandford Community Kitchen,
the Langton Arms for cooking meals for the vulnerable and the myriad people who had so generously and wonderfully donated. "This is not an exhaustive list of those who have helped, and if I have not mentioned someone, I apologise," she said. "But thank you all for the utterly amazing commitment to help those in need of our help."
Bryanston volunteers help in the Food Bank’s new home.
7
July 2020
Tammy’s online cut helps charity funds A BIG BAKE and raffle for the Brain Tumour charity, which was halted by the Covid-19 restrictions, was converted by organiser Tammy Andrews into a live online event which, together with a head shave, raised a massive £4,130. She said the prizes donated by the community and local businesses were phenomenal, which encouraged people to buy raffle tickets online. She had been supported by the Masonic Hall which did its own raffle for her before Covid-19 began, to raise £230. "My friend Anne Houston-Knight helped me with the event and managed to secure £1,000 of funding from Barclays Bank to add to the amount for the charity. "I decided that when the total reached my £1,000 target I would have my head shaved by my husband Jim live on Facebook, and further donations, including some very large ones, quickly took the total to
over £4,000! "I would like to thank every single person that supported me with this event, from people selling raffle tickets to all the amazing prizes that were donated, and to the Ginger Viking for creating a 'Tammy's Tumour Cocktail' especially for me, that will be on sale when they reopen. "Blandford really is a wonderful place to live. We raised £4,130.30 and Barclays will donate £1,000 directly to the Brain Tumour charity, making the total £5130.30." Tammy, who was the inspiration behind the video contribution from Blandford Community Hospital to the BBC's 'Big Night In' in April, has also thanked all those making scrub hats and washbags for the hospital. She has now launched an appeal to create and fill 'Sunshine Bags' for patients unable to receive visitors in Tarrant ward, in which she is a staff nurse.
NEWS in BRIEF AN environmental impact assessment has been submitted to Dorset Council for proposals for a second solar farm at North Farm, Spetisbury, by Savills on behalf of Stark Energy. The 66-acre site is planned to produce 20mw of renewable energy to the south-west of the existing solar farm, approved in 2014, for which extended use beyond 2029 by Next Energy was allowed in 2018. The proposal is described as effectively an extension of the existing facility, making use of the remaining capacity on the local grid network and connecting into the grid at the same point. Three acres of the site will be dedicated as an area of ecological enhancement. • • • RESIDENTS of Winterborne Kingston have a new village shop which opened at the Greyhound Inn after the pub initially operated as a takeaway with the onset of Covid-19 restrictions.
Tammy Andrews and husband Jim after he shaved her head for the Brain Tumour charity.
Emma Proudley has now officially applied for change of use of part of the pub for the purpose, and her application is being considered by Dorset Council.
8
Readers’ letters
A waste of our money I WAS pleased to see in the June issue of Forum Focus that the Town Council have now appointed an architectural practice, with some conservation accreditation, to take forward the Corn Exchange project. It is very unfortunate that the Town Council have spent something in the order of £150,000 to date on a project that was never going to be deliverable in terms of capital funding or sustainable in terms of revenue funding. This cost since 2005 does not even include the salary and oncosts of a project officer, who is no longer with the Town Council, and other staff costs. Some works have been carried out to the Corn Exchange in the last few years due to the work put in by the Town Clerk. However, past chairs of the Corn Exchange working group and previous town councillors must take the blame for this flagrant
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
waste of Section 106 and council tax payers' money, which could have been used more profitably in other ways for the good of the town. John Turnbull, Blandford
Much safer at school TO all these 'caring parents' that think their kids won't be safe in school: do they really think they are safe at the beach, in parks and at friends' houses? They are safer in school. What do they want? They are the ones that are being paid to sit on the beach, etc. It makes me boil and makes me so angry. It's so selfish. Everyone is still at risk from the virus and we have to follow the rules and try to keep safe - not flock to beaches, parks, etc and risk millions being ill. Wake up. Name & address supplied
July 2020 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.
Cyclists’ bell advice AS we returned home along the trailway after taking our tandem out for an airing, two ladies thanked us for using our bell. We were the first cyclists to do so on their walk that morning. As we have a combined weight of 24 stone on an eight-foot-long tandem, we can be a bit intimidating as we pass pedestrians along the trailway. Despite our weight and length the tandem is silent and can startle anyone unaware of our approach. It is unkind to frighten our neighbours so we always ring our bell or call out as we approach people from behind. A cheery ringing bicycle bell or verbal 'dring dring' and a happy 'good morning' makes a good safe outing for everyone. So please, all you happy cyclists,
ring your bell. Madeleine Bridle Address supplied
A good read I MANAGED to pick up a copy of the June issue of Forum Focus at Lidl last week and I want to thank you and the team for pulling together such a good read in the face of the current situation. I found it most informative. Gill Baverstock, Farnham
Thorny issue REFERENCE your article in the June issue of Forum Focus about the beech trees along Wimborne Road: it's not the trees that need pruning but the brambles that need clearing as the trees are slowly being overgrown by them. Emma Fox Nursery Road, Blandford
Councillors speak up in favour of sound system A CONFERENCE audio system costing over £5,500 is being bought by Blandford Town Council to allow it to hold physical meetings with social distancing in place. Councillors have, for the past two months, met virtually online and in the past there has been difficulty in hearing all speakers during meetings in the Corn Exchange. They were told at their virtual meeting in June that there had been a £15,216 reduction in lettings and rental income due to the closure of venues, and extra expenditure of £2,555 on banners, advertising, training, and grants for Age UK and the Food Bank. Any shortfall in the budget at the
end of the financial year would have to come from reserves, which would need to be built up again from the precept in the future. Councillor Roger Carter said purchase should be deferred, since the full impact of the pandemic on town council finances was not yet known. Councillor Alan Cross said it could be difficult to explain to constituents that the money was being spent so that councillors could be heard. But the proposal by Councillor Steve Hitchings, seconded by the Mayor Councillor Lynn Lindsay, was supported by 12 votes to 3.
A NEW military cyber unit to protect forces in the modern era has been created by the Army and based at Blandford Camp. The 13th Signal Regiment, consisting of several cyber protection teams as well as technical staff, was formally launched on June 1 and will operate where needed around the world. Formally under Army command, it will work with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to secure communications networks on the battlefield overseas and at home, bringing together personnel from all three armed services and built around a core of 250 specialist servicemen and women. See more on our website.
July 2020
WI support health staff What to do if you have MEMBERS of the Child Okeford Women's Institute were among the army of volunteers making PPE, scrub caps, headbands and other items for NHS and front-line workers. The members and friends made more than 1,000 pieces for Dorset County Hospital, and are now busying themselves knitting teddies - small bears wearing masks - to give to children who could be frightened seeing a nurse in a mask. Those making scrub hats for the staff on Tarrant ward and wash bags for Blandford Community Hospital - including a retired hos-
pital worker now in his 80s - were also thanked by staff nurse Tammy Andrews. Jen Reeves, who with help from her sister-in-law has been making up to 60 meals a week for the vulnerable in the area, also appealed on her Facebook page, Blandford meals for the vulnerable, for donations to help with the cost of ingredients, packaging and fuel for deliveries. On June 6 they organised an afternoon tea delivery to unpaid carers often providing full nursing care day in, day out for people with severe physical and mental illnesses at home.
Club meets the challenge BRYANSTON Club responded to the coronavirus crisis by co-ordinating the new Covid response group, the Bryanston Volunteers, to help anyone in the village in isolation, or affected by the lockdown, by getting essential shopping and prescriptions delivered. Volunteer Catherine Moxham said it was a wonderful way to get to know more of the villagers, albeit virtually, and confirm the club as
the community hub for the village. Although forced into lockdown in March, the closure was on a positive note, with the club's debt almost cleared, and it is looking forward to reopening in July. For more information about what's happening see the newly launched 'Bry Club' Facebook page. For what's happening in Bryanston visit 'Bryanston Village Community' Facebook page.
9
Covid -19 symptoms Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus - a new continuous cough OR a high fever OR a loss or change of taste or smell - should self-isolate immediately and not leave home. Other members of your household must also self-isolate. You should ask for a test as soon as you have any of these symptoms. Ask online or call 119 if you have no internet access. The NHS test and trace service: • ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (Covid19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus • helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus How NHS Test and Trace will contact you. If you're identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, NHS Test and Trace will contact you by email, text or phone. Text messages will come from the NHS. Calls will come from 0300 0135000. Children under 18 will be contacted by phone wherever possible and asked for their parent or guardian's permission to continue the call. You'll be asked to sign in to the NHS Test and Trace contact tracing website at https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk. If you cannot use the contact tracing website, they will call you. Be aware of scams. The NHS Test and Trace service will not: • ask for bank details or payments • ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media • ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone • ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.
10
July 2020
OBITUARIES
Freeman and driving force for charity TRIBUTE has been paid to Heather Bracewell, Freeman of Blandford, who died on May 26, aged 87, after a short illness. She was the founder chairman of the Blandford Opportunity Group and, formerly Miss Key, was headteacher of the Blandford Infants School from 1967, when it was located in Damory Street, to 1989, by which time it had become a first school on the Milldown. On retirement, she devoted her time and energies to various charitable organisations in the town and was involved with the Blandford Charities from 1990 as a trustee and member of the education grants sub-committee. In 1993 she also became involved with the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital and was a valued member of the finance & projects committee. In 1991 she was one of the founding members of the Blandford Opportunity Group, serving as chairman until retiring in 2006. Group chairman Colin Stevens
key member from the beginning and was instrumental in finding premises for the group to operate from. "At that time it was the only group in the area that took children with any disability or additional need, and Heather was one of the driving forces, pushing for funding, dealing with Ofsted, administration, finance and appointing staff. "She volunteered at the group and was a hands-on chairperson and committee member, coming into the group daily and dealing with all aspects of the running of the group. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her and worked with her." Heather was presented with the Freedom of the Town by Blandford Town Council in 2007 in Heather Bracewell. said: "The group was established after health officials and social services asked for something to be set up for children in the area with disabilities. Heather was a
recognition of her services over many years to the people of the town, and in particular for those in greatest need of support. Mayor of Blandford, Cllr Lynn Lindsay, said: "Heather always impressed me with her knowledge on local history and she was passionate to talk to the young people to ensure that history would pass down to the next generation. "She served the community and never sought gratitude and it was an honour to bestow on her the Freedom of Blandford Forum. Her presence will be missed and she will always be remembered with great admiration." Cllr Rosemary Holmes added: "Heather worked tirelessly for those who were less fortunate than most. She will be missed."
A selfless worker for those in most need A MEMORIAL fund launched for Blandford CARES founder Suzi Hearn raised ÂŁ2,500 within three weeks of her death, aged 71, on May 21, after being diagnosed with lung cancer. The fund was launched in support of Care4Calais by her husband Mike, who with her and their son Jason, head of science at an international school in South Korea, set up Blandford CARES in 2015. The fund has now succeeded in the aim of equalling the sponsorship she raised in 2018 when she trekked the refugee route from Thessaloniki to Skopje in support of NGO organisations in north France. Donations can still be made to funeral directors Lesley Shand in East Street, Blandford. She and Mike, a Hercules and Vulcan pilot with the RAF from 1970-1971 who became an IT specialist with Leicestershire County Council until 1989, had two children, Jason and daughter Sara, who now lives in Oxfordshire. Suzi entered the teaching profession in 1980 in Lincoln as a member of the Institute of Linguists teaching secondary pupils and became head of the language department in Wisbech in 1984, teaching French and German. The couple moved to Derby in 1988, where she became head of department at Village School within a high multi-ethnic area, build-
Suzi Hearn. ing on experience with integrating Vietnamese boat people into education to lead the assimilation and education of children rescued from the Bosnian/Serbian conflicts. After the closure of Village School she retired as a teacher in 2001 and for the next ten years ran a gardening business, specialising in helping the elderly, until they moved to Blandford in 2012. Tributes described her as selfless and caring, and with courage and a relentless advocacy for those in need, acknowledging the work the pair have done since coming to Blandford which most recently included the placement of a Syrian refugee family in the town. A private cremation is hoped to be followed by a church service in Blandford once Covid regulations permit.
11
July 2020
Tributes to former town mayoress WARM tributes have been paid to the wife of a former Blandford minister following her death on March 31 in the Grange nursing home, aged 92. Jean Balmer was the wife of the late Rev Ray Balmer, who was
Jean Balmer.
the minister at the United Reformed Church. They served as Mayor and Mayoress of Blandford three times, in 1979, 1982 and 1989, and the Rev Balmer was made a Freeman of Blandford in September 1995. His wife ran the Sunday school at the United Reformed Church and then went on to run the Brownies, the church Women's Guild for a number of years, and Inner Wheel. Many recalled happy times spent with her in the Brownies and Guides, her sense of humour and fun, and weddings and christenings conducted by her husband. They were both also involved in the twinning of Blandford and Preetz. A family burial at Blandford cemetery will be followed by a memorial service when the lockdown is over and circumstances permit.
Other death notices Ken Burrett, dearly loved father and friend, passed away on May 25. His funeral service was held on June 12. Due to the current social restrictions there will be a celebration of his life at a later date. Donations can be made to the MS Society in his honour. Enquiries to Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford DT11 7DR, 01258 453425. Alan (Popps) Bunnagar, on May 28, peacefully at his home, aged 99 years. Alan is now with his beloved wife Phyllis. Dearly loved Dad to Carol and Sue. A much-loved Popps to Pippa, Jon, Simon and his great-grandchildren. No funeral or flowers because of this sad time but donations to Parkstone Evangelical Church, c/o Colin J. Close Funeral, Peel Close, Blandford DT11 7JU, 01258 453133. Jill Marie Mabbutt (nee Woolard) passed away suddenly at Salisbury Hospital on April 26, aged 76 years. Cherished daughter of Honor (Nora), muchloved wife of Peter, adored mum of Joanne, Richard and James, and treasured granny to
Ken Burrett.
Georgia, Alexander, Archie and Alice. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Enquiries or donations if desired for Parkinson's UK c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford DT11 7DR, 01258 453425.
In honour of D-Day ON Saturday June 6 members of the Blandford branch of the Royal British Legion held a small wreath laying ceremony at the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery to commemorate the 76th anniversary of D-Day. Following the Exhortation and silence, branch chairman Terry Clarkson placed a wreath on behalf of the branch and its members, supported by vice-chairman Tony Lucas and RBL Club president Marilyn Gibbons. In keeping with RBL guidance and Government guidelines, no standards were paraded and safe distancing was maintained.
12
July 2020
Crises tempt students into studying politics
Peter pedals for museum DUE to the Covid-19 restrictions, most Blandford and District U3A activities have been suspended since March so it has been almost impossible to stage any fund-raising events for their chosen charity, the Blandford Town Museum. In order to partly compensate for this, Peter Aldous (pictured right), vice-chairman and leader of the Cycling Group, has decided to attempt to ride 74 miles on his 74th birthday, July 25. His routes will include both sections of the North Dorset Trailway and most of the outlying villages. He will be
flying a '74' flag. Sponsorship will be very welcome, either by cheque to Blandford and District U3A, The Coach House, Duck Street, Child Okeford DT11 8ET, or via his JustGiving page, Peter Aldous 74.
PREMIUM prepared-food pioneer Charlie Bigham, Milton Abbey School's Entrepreneur in Residence, helped to judge their annual entrepreneurship competition and advised the student finalists, with the winner receiving a £2,000 start-up investment to launch their business 'for real'. The scheme started in 2014 and has hosted household names from the worlds of fashion, food, jewellery and mobile electronics. Winning young entrepreneurs have gone on to run successful businesses, both while they have remained students and after leaving the school. The school has been thriving using their online learning platform MOLE (Milton Abbey Online Learning) during the Covid-19 pandemic and are proud to offer 35 extracurricular sessions a week, live chapel services and assemblies, and lots of one-to-one time.
A SIGNIFICANT increase in the number of sixth-formers studying politics at Bryanston School has been followed by the school and its head of politics Will Bridges being presented with the Gold Award as a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador. More than 50 pupils have registered on the politics course for the 2020-21 academic year. Mr Bridges said: "There is no doubt that Brexit and now the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the younger generation to think much more about democracy, voting and the importance of political debate. "As an ambassador, we will of course continue to build on the increased interest in the subject with our own pupils and will take steps to ensure that every year group has some form of engagement with politics." Bryanston has also become the first independent school to be recognised as a School Governor Champion by Inspiring Governance, a national and charitable organisation supported and funded by the Department for Education. More than ten members of staff have already signed up to become governors of local pri-
Will Bridges, head of politics at Bryanston School. mary, secondary and FE Colleges. Others are in discussions with other schools and members of the Blandford Schools' Network. Charlotte Willis-Clarke, who is co-ordinating Bryanston's work with Inspiring Governance, said: "Any major employer has a responsibility to its surrounding community and local centres of education and, as one of the largest employers in the area with a workforce of over 600, we are no different."
Branches closed but credit union loans still available BRANCHES of the Wyvern Savings and Loans Credit Union, including that in Blandford, have closed to protect members and volunteers since the lockdown began. But staff in head office continue to work on members' behalf, dealing with telephone and electronic banking needs, making new loans and discussing repayments. Appointments can now be made by calling 01305 268444 at the Dorchester branch which reopened with reduced hours on June 1. Two new products for existing members include a spring loyalty
loan of up to £2,000 at a lower interest rate and a Covid response loan of up to £500. Other loan products are available to new and existing members. There is now also a new cash facility enabling members to withdraw savings using a voucher system at the Post Office. For latest development see their website or Facebook page. As a small credit union Wyvern has limited resources to invest in growth, and the board is currently in the early stages of negotiations with another credit union after issuing an invitation seeking a merger.
IN the absence of the popular Blandford Hidden Gardens event this year, the Blandford Environmental Trust (BET), who were going to organise the event with Rotary until Covid-19 restrictions imposed a halt, has invited garden owners to contribute photographs of their gardens to a photo collection. They will be shown in the Town Museum's 'Blandford Covid-19 Story' in an exhibition at the museum next year, and on the Town Team website and Blandford-Environmental-Trust Facebook page. For details email blandfordenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com.
13
July 2020
A plea to tradesmen MILLDOWN CE Academy are seeking the services of some local tradesmen in carrying out their latest project, the conversion of an old PE cupboard into a new and inspiring music room. With no spare rooms available in the school to accommodate music lessons, they need to change the use of the cupboard, which is in need of a complete overhaul. If there is a builder, carpenter, electrician, plasterer, painter/decorator and/or window fitter willing to become part of 'Team Transform' and donate their time, skills and/or products to make the project happen, they should contact Claire Way
Headteacher Nicola Brooke in front of her 'blue school'.
The PE cupboard awaiting transformation. on 01258 452456 or email cway@milldown.dsat.org.uk.
Panda pupils in their woodland classroom.
Panda’s woodland adventure PANDA Pre-school have announced a new woodland school project, allowing children to develop and maintain a Forest School education with qualified Forest School leaders. The children will have the opportunity to experience and explore the outdoor environment, learning new skills that will challenge and educate the children in sustainability and how to work as a team. The project is ongoing and this year's fundraising has gone towards trees and equipment. Blandford Stour Rotary Club has donated £600 for the new outdoor shelter which will allow the site to be used all year round. To contact the pre-school for a place from September, or arrange a visit, email Pandapreschool@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01258 458151.
School shades it with a blue show of thanks DURWESTON CE VA Primary School said thank you on the final 'Clap for Carers' day by turning blue. With the help of one of their parents, the whole of the school and St Nicholas' Church were lit up. "We wanted to say thank you to all the people who have helped us during lockdown," said headteacher Nicola Brooke. "To the NHS, yes, but also to the postmen, the dustbin men and the groundspeople. "I wanted to say a big thank you to all of our staff who have been working tremendously hard to support the children whether they are still coming into school or
whether they are working from home. And finally, we wanted to say thank you to our parents, who have been thrown into a situation that few of them would ever have expected, and who are doing a fantastic job of keeping their children learning while also keeping them safe." Parents have been running the 'Durweston Pantry' from the school grounds where villagers can donate and collect food and groceries. Teachers made a video for the children and then the children made one for each other. And to celebrate Ascension Day, one of the governors put together a video of children, staff and parents singing The Lord's Prayer.
Kurling Club’s virtual meetings THE Brendoncare Blandford Kurling Club, which usually meets every Wednesday morning in the Blandford Methodist Church Hall, has been meeting virtually to give members and volunteers the opportunity of a chat, a virtual cuppa and a quiz, each member contributing questions, with a personal 'trophy' awarded to the winner each week. Volunteers of the club have also been helping people who want to join in but don't yet have the skills, confidence with technology, or the equipment to do so, with hopes of developing further virtual clubs to help the isolated connect with the outside world. Find out more on the website or call 01962 857099 for more information.
July 2020
14
Thanks from the Queen
The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk
T
HE editor has asked me to be brief this month as the magazine is trying to squeeze in as much as possible without incurring the cost of further pages. Here is a sunset shot from beside the Stour in Durweston, with hay on the ground, always risky so early in the season, but it made beautifully and now smells delicious in the shed. The beasts in view have been growing really well on the meadow grass. In spite of dryness, most of our
grass had turned brown prior to the wonderful rain, but these fellows have still managed to average 2.8kg weight gain per day for the last three weeks and are very nearly fit. How much grass must they eat every day to manage that? For more news and pictures from the hill, including the farm, and natural world which thrives in spite of human difficulty elsewhere, please visit my website. And for those who use Instagram, pictures and video at georgehosfordfarmer.
Football fence hits snag A REQUEST from Blandford Football Club for the ground at Park Road to be fenced off to meet the requirements of the Football Association if it succeeds in gaining promotion has been deferred by town councillors.
and in a conservation area.
The club, which recently extended and upgraded the pavilion, added a small stand and installed a disabled access path on the Park Road recreation ground, said that if they went up to the next league, it would be necessary for the pitch to be fenced off from the rest of the park during a match.
Councillor Roger Carter said: "I want to support the club, but this could be a rather ugly feature across the middle of the ground and a bit of a blot on the landscape and intrusion into a public recreation space."
The club is also looking into the installation of floodlighting. The fencing which the club want to purchase and install will go from one side of the park to the other, five metres behind the goal at the cricket square end of the pitch, but be removable during the cricket season. But members of the council's recreation and amenities committee were reluctant to allow any of the options suggested, bearing in mind that it was a public recreation ground, not just a football pitch,
Ground and property manager Jon Goodenough said it would also add to the maintenance needs due to grass needing trimming against the fence and could also hide youths drinking in the evening.
Councillor Steve Hitchings said it would also prevent people watching from a distance. He suggested seeking a meeting to establish whether it was absolutely essential. Committee chairman Councillor Haydn White said that since there was no chance of the club's promotion this year in view of the Covid-19 lockdown, there was time to meet with the club to discuss possibilities. "The FA may be getting way beyond themselves if they are expecting 3,000 people to watch Blandford play," he said.
VOLUNTEERS and parish and town councils have been thanked in an open letter by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, on behalf of the Queen, for all they had done and were still doing in the face of the international emergency. He said: "I know Her Majesty and the other members of the Royal Family would wish me to voice their appreciation and admiration for your tremendous efforts at this most difficult time. "I have been hugely impressed with the way organisations and individuals have come together across the county to support the sick and the vulnerable in all the areas of their lives where they need protection and help. "It is a magnificent demonstration of the best of community spirit and selflessness across Dorset and the country."
Domestic issues in divided homes THE recent easing of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions has made life easier, but there are still huge complications for inter-personal relationships within split households, says Blanchards Bailey head of family law Laura Martin. She says the issue of contact arrangements for children of separated or divorced parents remains difficult, and she and her team have put together a guide for parents using some of the most frequently asked questions from the past two months. Anyone with questions or concerns about maintaining contact arrangements in difficult circumstances should contact Blanchards Bailey's family law team to discuss on 01258 459361. See more on our website.
15
July 2020
Four of the town’s finest FOUR local people have been awarded certificates of appreciation by Blandford Town Council to thank them for their tireless work for the town and the local community. Certificates are usually presented at the mayor-making ceremony held in May, which was this year cancelled due to the Covid-19 emergency. The people chosen to receive them were Jo Hutson from Blandford Youth Centre, Gail Del Pinto of Blandford Food Bank, Tom Snape from Blandford Cricket Club and David Rose for his work with the Clean Up Blandford group.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Veterinary care during Croquet back after the lockdown Sue Drew (in white) and Kate Brice on the croquet lawn.
rabbits and Covid ONE of the sports allowed to resume on June 1 with the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown was croquet, which began to be played on the new Winterborne Valley Croquet Club lawns in Winterborne Stickland. The club is an existing (renamed) club which has relocated to the Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club (WSSCC) from its previous site at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, with superb support from the village club, a generous grant from the local Solar Fund and another from the Croquet Association. First onto the lawn, and on her birthday, was the club's oldest member, Tess Burt, who is the holder of a Croquet Association diploma for services to croquet and has represented England in a women's team in Australia. She was followed by Kate Brice and Sue Drew of Winterborne Stickland, who said the club's search for an alternative home within 10 miles of Dorchester had finally led to her home village where it would provide welcome income to the sport and community club. The conversion of a football pitch into lawns fit for croquet play had
also been hindered first by six weeks of continuous rain preventing seeding and another two months with none, and then by the arrival of rabbits, necessitating the installation of a rabbitproof fence. Rabbit damage has limited the opening, postponed from mid-April, to one lawn instead of two, but a second lawn should also be playable in the near future. The strict application of social distancing requirements and, following advice, other precautions, mean that only social play is possible at present. League matches and competitions will follow when the regulations allow. Membership is open and potential members may apply through the website (wvcroquet.co.uk), by emailing wvcroquet@gmail.com or by ringing Ian Harborow on 01305 266632. Chair Tim Dennis said: "We are delighted that play, albeit of a limited nature, can now start on our new lawns. Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available. We look forward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating, and social sport."
Cash for support group CARER Support Dorset has been awarded ÂŁ4,000 by Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund to support the county's most vulnerable carers through a new 'Here to Talk' service, reaching out to unpaid adult carers who are struggling with issues related to Covid-19. The charity is recruiting volunteers who can support one or two carers each over the course of 12 weeks or on a long-term basis and significantly build its volunteer capacity in Dorset. Find out more or if interested in volunteering at carersupportdorset.co.uk/volunteer. Carer Support Dorset can be contacted on 0800 368 8349.
FRIARS Moor Vets have thanked the many friends and members of staff who generously made and donated home-made masks to help keep their veterinary staff and clients safe, enabling them to carry on caring for the many animals they see. They are taking the risk of Covid-19 seriously and continuing to provide the best service they can in these difficult times, following guidance from the Government and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons / British Veterinary Association. Every appointment is risk-assessed and measures to help with social distancing include telephone consultations and appointments while you wait in your car. For emergencies, call 01258 472314 or 01258 472160 to make an appointment. They will contact you if your pet is due a booster vaccination. If your puppy/kitten needs vaccinations, or your rabbit needs vaccinating against myxomatosis/RHD, call 01258 472160. They are neutering only bitches before their second season, rabbits, cats in mixed-sex households and cats that cannot be kept in, and repeat prescriptions, flea and worm treatment and food can be ordered online for collection in 24 hours. They understand that lockdown has been difficult for everyone financially and have a 'Lifetime Care Club' letting you budget for your pet's routine preventative health care. Find out more at friarsmoorvets.co.uk
Friars Moor Vets say 'Thanks for our masks'.
16
July 2020
Blandford fire crews fought forest blaze
Hall & Woodhouse's Matt Slater with drinks donated to the firefighters.
BLANDFORD'S retained firefighters were among the fire crews repeatedly attending Wareham Forest after an enormous fire broke out in the middle of May and for several days afterwards when it continued to threaten to re-emerge. Smoke was visible for miles from
Go-ahead sought for 40 homes on Nordon site DETAILED plans have now been submitted by Aster Homes for the redevelopment of the site of the former North Dorset District Council HQ at Nordon in Salisbury Road, Blandford. They show plans for 40 two-storey properties around a cul-de-sac, with parking, gardens and open space. It follows the granting of outline planning permission for the demolition of the Edwardian villa, Nordon, and construction of 40 affordable homes. Planning agents Chapman Lily acknowledge that there is no specific reference to the former council office site in the draft Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan which confirms the need to provide at least 1,700 new dwellings in the area by 2033. They highlight the committee report on the outline permission concluding that the "less than substantial" harm to the Conservation Area arising from the loss of Nordon and a number of trees, is outweighed by the delivery of a 100% affordable housing scheme, together with the contributions to biodiversity, local play and community infrastructure. The housing mix remains as in the outline proposal, for four one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bedroom houses, 30 three-bedroom houses and one four-bedroom house. It also states that an historic linkage between the approved and former uses of the site will be provided by the re-use of materials, including decorative stonework and the datestone from the original dwelling in an infill panel on the Salisbury Road boundary.
Items of memorabilia, including chains of office of the former council, minute books, boards depicting dignitaries and photographs of full council, will be retained by the new council. Although a number of trees will be lost, the agents say a key asset to the site is the retained mature tree cover which will give the scheme a green and sheltered setting, providing natural screening for residents. The application no 2/2020/0726-REM, which has a neighbour consultation deadline of July 9, can be viewed on the Dorset Council's planning website (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning). The outline application, approved in February last year at the final meeting of the former North Dorset District Council planning committee, attracted much local objection, together with that of statutory consultees, and a petition was launched on Change.org and at the Blandford Town Museum by Blandford & District Civic Society, which has so far gathered over 2,000 signatures. Local Dorset councillor Byron Quayle has urged people to read about the application, saying he does not support it and will be calling for it to be considered by the planning committee, and not decided by officers under delegated powers. "This plan will put extra pressure on our town and they will knock down the Nordon House which is part of our history. I'm all in favour of affordable housing but just how affordable will these houses be? Many houses are earmarked for the top of town to meet demand."
the blaze, which spread quickly because of the wind, closed a number of roads and caused enormous damage to the forest and its wildlife. Blandford town and county councillor Byron Quayle, who is vicechairman of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "My heart sank when the full scale of the damage caused became clear. "It appears that reckless individuals may have caused the fire by leaving behind their disposable barbecue. This resulted in nearly 220 acres of devastation and meant the Fire Service had to allocate resources away from the vital Covid-19 response, not to mention the great loss to our already vulnerable wildlife. "Unbelievably, more fires have started this way in the same area since the first fire. I urge everyone, if you are intending to enjoy our wonderful countryside, please be mindful and avoid setting fires or barbecues in these precious areas. It is our collective responsibility to protect our environment for future generations." Blandford brewers Hall & Woodhouse donated 1,500 bottles of soft drink and 400 packets of crisps to Wareham fire station for firefighters tackling the fire - a donation which was shared with other local fire stations involved in controlling the fire. Anthony Woodhouse, chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: "The devastating fire at Wareham Forest has been harrowing to witness. The firefighters showed immense bravery and strength." The brewery has also made donations to the NHS frontline staff, key workers, foodbanks and the homeless.