Marshwood+ August 2023

Marsh wo o d

© Tim Crabtree Photograph by Robin Mills

Iwas born in Reading in the freezing winter of 1962, and spent my first 6 months indoors in a fog of cigarette smoke from my chain-smoking parents and grandmother. Not the best start in life, and perhaps one of the reasons why I spent a good deal of my childhood outdoors. We moved to Poole when I was four, and I took every opportunity to canoe in the harbour, swim at the beach or cycle in the Purbecks. My father Tom was an educational psychologist who later became an agony uncle for Cosmopolitan magazine and my mother was a social worker and also a gifted artist. I have two sisters, the older one running a very successful public art agency, and the younger one working as an acclaimed performance poet and children’s author.

It was through my mum that I first developed a political awareness, as she worked on the new housing estates built on heathland surrounding Poole. She was appalled that they had inadequate services, no children’s clubs and no youth facilities. Two other issues stand out—the first was when I passed the eleven plus and ended up in Poole Grammar School’s brand new buildings while most of my friends went to the secondary school which had been relocated to the grammar school’s old buildings. The second was when oil was discovered under the harbour. There was a public “consultation”, but despite widespread opposition the drilling went ahead because, we were told, it was in the country’s “economic interest”.

Fergus Byrne met Tim Crabtree in Bridport

© Tim Crabtree Photograph by Robin Mills

Tim Crabtree

Despite this, economics was my favourite subject at school, and although I got a place to study a law degree at Oxford, I decided in my first year there to change to economics and politics. During my gap year in the US I had read Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful and watched a documentary about a consortium of 80 cooperatives in Spain founded by a Catholic priest. This was the early 80s, and we were being told that “there is no alternative” to free market capitalism and privatisation, but these inspirations gave me hope that other directions were possible.

After university I went to Japan for two years. At Oxford I had taken up aikido, a traditional martial art, and then decided that I should go to Tokyo to practice. At the time, the Japanese economy was booming, so I was able to work for two hours in the evening but then had enough time and money to follow other interests. Alongside aikido I studied shiatsu and also became involved in a student-led group called Peace Boat. This hired a cruise liner each summer and took hundreds of undergraduates to countries in the Pacific that had been colonised by the Japanese before WW2, to explore the real history of what had taken place.

The year that I was involved, the focus was nuclear issues. So we went to the Philippines, where the Marcos dictatorship had borrowed millions to pay a US company to build a nuclear power station on the side of a volcano. We departed from Hiroshima, and on the cruise I got to know two hibakusha—survivors of the nuclear blasts in 1945—who invited me to come and work with them. So for my second year in Japan I became a volunteer with Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace. My main role was helping with the setting up of a new centre which linked the history of Hiroshima with current nuclear issues across the world, such as the illnesses faced by ex-servicemen forced to stay in areas where atomic bombs were tested, or the forced relocation of native Americans in places like Nevada.

Returning to the UK, I decided that I wanted to work with the recently established New Economics Foundation, but their funding was limited and they could not pay me. Fortunately, Margaret Thatcher had set up the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, so I set myself up as a consultant with the Foundation as my “client”. It has always amused me that our basic aim was to critique Thatcher’s economic policies.

In time I took over the role of General Secretary and worked with the Foundation for five years. My main interest was practical action at a local level, and I was fortunate to work with one of

Schumacher’s old colleagues, with whom I undertook research into community enterprise. That led me to Bristol, where a job was advertised running a new social enterprise support agency. I applied to do the role as a job share, as I wanted to join a professional training course in shiatsu. I worked in Bristol for three years, and during that time my wife Elizabeth and I became partners. When Elizabeth became pregnant with our daughter Leah, we decided that we would move to Bridport, where my parents had moved a few years previously. Leah was later joined by my daughter Grace and son Thomas.

While I was In Bristol, I focused on three core areas of the economy which have a real influence on people’s well-being— food, housing and energy. So when I moved back to Dorset, these were the areas that I chose to focus on. I first worked with Dorset Community Action, where I set up and ran a programme in eight market and coastal towns, supporting local people to establish Development Trusts, such as the one in Lyme Regis which became very successful. I also founded Bridport Area Development Trust, and helped bring the Literary and Scientific Institute into community ownership—if not actually in community use at the moment!

I then set up West Dorset Food and Land Trust and its subsidiary Local Food Links Ltd. I worked with local schools creating gardens and orchards, and with local producers for whom I set up 12 farmers’ markets, produced local food directories and established Dorset Food Week and the Bridport Food Festival. At this point, it was clear that a facility was needed to support the local food sector with processing and marketing, so I developed the Centre for Local Food on the St. Michael’s Trading Estate.

One of the activities at the Centre was to host visits by school children, and through this I met with the headteacher at Bridport Primary School, Ruth Clench. We first worked together on a fruit scheme for pupils, and this led on to the development of a school meals service. Initially this provided soup lunches, but the reintroduction in 2007 of nutritional standards for school meals, which had been abandoned in 1981, meant that soups did not meet the requirements.

Dorset County Council wrote to all schools saying that they had to provide hot meals, and that as almost all primary schools no longer had kitchens, that the Council would have a contract with a frozen ready meal supplier in Nottingham—these meals would be trucked down and heated up in micro-waves. Parents and head teachers were appalled, so we arranged a meeting of 8

local schools and reached agreement for Local Food Links to set up a not-for-profit hot meals service. The Centre for Local Food was turned into a hub kitchen to serve schools in West Dorset, and later other hubs were set up in other parts of the county. The service now works with 57 schools, has a turnover of nearly £2 million and provides a significant market for local farmers.

The main other area that I have worked in is affordable housing, and with colleagues I set up an organisation called Wessex Community Assets. It has worked with 75 community-led housing groups across Devon, Dorset and Somerset over the last 20 years. Local initiatives include Community Land Trusts in Broadwindsor, Lyme Regis, Maiden Newton, Marshwood, Powerstock, Toller Porcorum and Symondsbury. My current focus is working with partners on a project called Raise the Roof, where we are exploring how to link the retrofit or construction of housing with the use of local materials such as timber and clay. As part of this, we’ve been

working with local farmers to grow hemp, which was the original material for rope and net in Bridport. We are hoping that it can help with regenerative farming and provide a sustainable building material.

Alongside my work in community economics, I’ve been teaching part-time, mainly at Schumacher College on the Dartington Estate for eight years. This led me to start a part-time PhD with the University of Plymouth and I’m finally about to submit after 6 years of research. That will free up lots of time, so I am looking forward to seeing where I can put my energies next. One area that I will give more time to is renewable energy. Ten years ago, I set up Dorset Community Energy with Pete West, a colleague at Dorset Council, and it has raised £1.5 million from local people to install solar PV panels on 27 schools, hospitals and community buildings. Developing a localised energy system for the Bridport area feels like a really important thing to work on over the next few years.

© Tim Crabtree

Photograph by Robin Mills

As we approach our 6th Marshwood Arts Awards exhibition, I thought it would be interesting to hear from some of the over 100 artists and makers that have exhibited since we launched this initiative 15 years ago. It is clearly a challenging moment for people in all walks of life, but it does seem that artists and makers face an especially difficult time during an economic downturn. There are few in full time jobs and irregular freelance income produces uncertainty. But I found that overall past exhibitors expressed a sense of perseverance, ingenuity, flexibility and community. It is really impressive how so many people have been able to adapt to change. In his latest book, But What Can I Do?, Alastair Campbell combined the words perseverance and resilience to invent ‘persevilience’. It’s a word that might apply to many of those I spoke to. Print artist, Cameron Short, an exhibitor in our 2015 Awards, commented on the fast changing world where at one end our daily lives are dominated by cost of living pressures and at the other ‘the existential threat from climate change, despotic governments, geopolitical tensions and war in Europe.’ He said that many people are asking if art is still relevant. He reminded me of a comment he made at the end of last year which speaks volumes about the value we should place on artists and makers. He said: ‘Someone once said that art strengthens faith in the nobility of man. In an increasingly broken world, artists have the imaginative power to lift the spirit and restore collective suffering through the creation of beauty. Indeed, if what we do offers someone—in the contemplation of a beautiful object or emotive idea—respite from disturbing events, perhaps we have succeeded in making the world a better place (even for a short while).’ Many artists face the challenge of finding a balance between expressing their artistic vision and meeting commercial demands and that will never change. But Cameron’s final comment very much echoes our thoughts when we first launched The Marshwood Arts Awards. He urged his artist and maker friends to continue their work and said: ‘Although many of you toil alone, you are part of a much larger community, and your role is more significant than you may think.’

Fergus Byrne

Editorial Director

Fergus Byrne

Deputy Editor

Victoria Byrne

Design People Magazines Ltd

Advertising Fergus Byrne info@marshwoodvale.com

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Mark Hix

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Robin Mills

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Ashley Wheeler

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EVENTS

August

AND COURSES

28 July

Blue Note Grooves Neil Burns Organ Trio + Terry Quinney

A hard swinging, hard groovin’ jazz trio celebrating the rich history of the Hammond Organ, joined by guest star Terry Quinney on the saxophone. Expect a funky night of Blue Note gems and original compositions! Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £18 (free to under 12s. Students £5). To book: 01460 54973. https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/ performances.

Frances Hatch Artist’s Talk at Sladers Yard, West Bay 7pm (Doors 6pm Hot food available before) Tickets £10 from Sladers Yard Tel. 01308 459511.

East Devon Ramblers A 6 mile moderate walk by Squabmoor reservoir. 10.00am. Meet at Squabmoor. Contact 07780-638350

‘Dungeons & Dragons – Honour Among Thieves’ (12A) Picnic Night screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors

6.30pm, film 7.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary role playing game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

29 July

‘Greatest Days’ (12A) – Picnic Night screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 6.30pm, film 7.30pm, tickets Adults

£7.50, Under 16s £6.50. Greatest Days is an upcoming British film based on the Take That jukebox musical of the same name, directed by Coky Giedroyc and written by Tim Firth. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

Chideock WI Cream Tea Chideock WI will be holding their annual Cream Tea at Chideock House, Main Street, Chideock between 2.30 - 4 pm. £6.00 adults and £3.00 for children. Raffle and WI Cake Stall. For more details email chideockwi@ gmail.com.

Lyme Bay Chorale and friends of all ages present an hour of joyous summer music. Conducted by Richard Tanner, Director of Music, Rugby School. Lyme Regis Parish Church at 6pm. Free admission with retiring collection in aid of the RNLI. Wambrook Flower Show at The Tithe Barn, Cotley, TA20 3EP, near Chard. Doors open at 2.30pm. Entry by donation to our chosen charities, St Margaret’s Hospice and the church of St Mary the Virgin, Wambrook. St Wulfric’s Folk Club in courtyard, grand raffle, tombola, teas and cakes. Children’s Fancy Dress and Entertainment. Flower Show schedules are available from: The Cotley Inn, Combe Dingle Nursery, Barleymow’s Farm shop and Floweringi flower shop or download a copy at www.wambrookparishchurch.com

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Odcombe. For further information please ring 01308 898484

or 01308 863340.

The Bridport and District Model Railway Club will once again be holding their annual exhibition in the Sir John Colfox Academy, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3DT on Saturday 29 th July from 10am until 4pm. Visitors will be able to view a wide variety of layouts in various gauges and themes, from both local exhibitors and those coming from farther afield. There will also be layouts representing steam and modern railway scenes which have a very local and an international flavour together with other railway displays. The exhibition will also have some trade stand for visitors wishing to buy new or second-hand model railway products. Car parking is available in the car park with hot and cold refreshments being served during the day. Admission prices are:- Adults £6 Child (under 16 years) Free Family (2+2) £10 Contact:- Bob Ahrens 01308-861754 or 07927-312341 or R_ Ahrens@outlook.com

29 - 30 July

Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction, Stoford BA22 9UU: Train, Tractor and Land Rover Weekend. Further details on our website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com; find us on Facebook or recorded information on 01935 410420. If you are interested in exhibiting, call John on 01297 32935.

30 July

Divine Union Soundbath Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning take you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA £15 Please book in advance via 01935 389655 or email ahiahel@live.com.

Walk and High Tea starting from the Blackdown village Hall at 2.00pm. There will be a choice of long or short walks, and the cakes on offer will at least undo all the good that the walking has done. People are able to attend for Tea, without undertaking the walk if they so desire. The funds raised are in aid of Blackdown, Broadwindsor & Burstock churches. The cost will be £8.00 per person for adults and £4.00 per child. Dogs are welcome on leads.

East Devon Ramblers A leisurely 7.5 mile walk along the Umborne and Coly. 10.30am. Meet in Colyton. Contact 07966300919.

The Alice Dilke Memorial Concert presented by the Friends of St Candida. Professional pianist Maria Razumovskaya plays music by Liszt, Schumann and Beethoven. St Candida & Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum at 3pm. Tickets £12 on the door, to include light refreshments.

31 July

A talk by Bruce Upton on “Country Life in the old days. Farming and Rural Life in Photos”, at Bridport Museum, South Street, at 5pm for 5.30. £5 from museum shop.

2 August

EVENTS AND COURSESAugust

East Devon Ramblers Town and Country easy 4 mile walk. 10.30. Honiton. Telephone 07460-181-656. West Dorset Ramblers Woolland Hill, 10:00, 8 miles, contact Ian 07826150114.

‘Decorator Crabs’ on the beach with West Bay Discovery Centre – learn how some crabs disguise themselves to hide from their prey; decorate your own shell and see if you can beat the shark! Oops Wow Messy Art will be joining us at this event which is linked in with our ‘Beneath the Waves’ Exhibition. Admission free, donations welcomed.11am3pm. Event subject to weather Further details http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

Adult dance with Nikki Northover at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am to 11am. Journey through different dance styles from Latin to disco, to freestyle and creative work. Each class focuses on dancing for well being and ends with a relaxation. Cost: £8. Enquiries and to book please contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com

3 August

‘Exhibition on Screen – Tokyo Stories’ Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 1.30pm, screening 2pm, tickets £10. Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art –ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton. co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

4 August

‘Mad About The Boy – The Noel Coward Story’ (12) Picnic Night screening - Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 6.30pm, film 7.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, under 16s £6.50. This is his inspirational story told in his own words and music, and unique home movies. The film features Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Harold Pinter, Frank Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, Michael Caine and Lucille Ball. It is narrated by Alan Cumming, Rupert Everett is the voice of Noel Coward and Adam Lambert sings the title track. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

Roller skating disco 6pm-7.30 at BYCC, Bridport Youth Community Centre, Gundy Lane,DT6 3RL. Food and drink available.open to all ages. £4.50 admission,£1.50 skate hire, inclusive of protective gear. email bridportskating@outlook. com also Fridays 11th and 18th.

Weather Weaving pop up art workshops Carnival CatsMask Making with Darrell Wakelam 1pm to 3pm for ages 7 to 12 years

Cost: £7/£5 concessions and siblings. Venue: A lovely local garden. To book please contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com

East Devon Ramblers Coastal views 4 mile leisurely walk.

10.00. Salcombe Regis. Telephone 01392-759332. West Dorset Ramblers A Bridport Circular, 10:00, 4 miles, contact Bridget 07952517764.

5 August

Loders Fete from 2-5pm in the grounds of Loders Court, DT6 3RZ (next to Loders Church). As usual, we will be raising money for Loders Church and local community organisations. This year, in addition to traditional stalls and games, such as the Grand Raffle, Tombola and our famous Coconut Shy, there will be magic and mayhem from entertainer Professor Count Backwards and music from local folk singers Kitty and Lynn. You will also be able to enjoy delicious refreshments at the Tea Tent, Barbeque and Pop-Up Bar. Entry to the Fete is £2 per person and children under 12 get in free. Parking is also free in the Fete car park in the fields behind Loders Court. Wellbehaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Scottish Dancing Party in Chardstock An Evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 - 10.30 p.m.. No partner required. Please bring your own mug and a plate of food to share. Tea and coffee provided. Cost £5.00 Contact David on 01460 65981 www. chardscottishdancingclub.org

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Beaminster. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Crewkerne Flower and Produce Show Entry Admission of the Show at 11am - 2pm is 50p. Refreshments available. The Henhayes Centre, South St Car Park, Crewkerne, Somerset.

5 - 11 August

Seaton and District Art Society Annual Exhibition 2023 51st Annual Art Exhibition at the Marshland Centre, entrances Harbour Road and Esplanade, Seaton EX12 2LT. Open from 10 am to 4pm daily – except Friday when we close at 1 pm - we will be showing more than 200 original works by local artists, all for sale. Vote for your favourite art work while occupying your young ones with our special children’s competition. Free entry. All welcome.

6 August

East Devon Ramblers Gardens of Exmouth, easy 4 mile walk. 10.30. Telephone 07460-181-656.

Lyme Morris perform at Sidmouth Folk Festival. Lyme Morris are also still looking for local musicians to play with them. Any girls and boys interested in dancing or learning Morris dancing. Contact Lyme Morris: petemorton56@ googlemail.com or Lyme Morris FaceBook.

South Perrott Village Fayre 11am-5pm Our annual Village Fayre this year incorporates a Fun Dog Show with a number of classes to suit all “pooches”. There will be many other attractions too, including cream teas, our very own Steel Band, Morris Dancing, Beer Tent, barbecue, lunches, arts and crafts, ice cream, plus a variety of stalls. There is free parking close to the Village hall. Running concurrently with the Fayre is the Flower Festival in the church with the theme “Leisure Hours”.

EVENTS AND COURSES

August

In fact there is something for everyone so please come along and enjoy a fun day out in our beautiful little village. Contact: Sue 07971 979155.

7 August

A talk by Professor Karen Hunt on “Bridport and women’s suffrage: a forgotten story”, at Bridport Museum, South Street, at 5pm for 5.30. £5 from museum shop

8 August

Mummies (U) It follows three mummies as they end up in present-day London and embark on a journey in search of an old ring belonging to the Royal Family, stolen by the ambitious archaeologist, Lord Carnaby. 3pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

9 August

Dalwood Music Day 11.30am - 10pm. All styles of music (classical, folk, jazz, country, pop) in 3 venues. Village Hall. St. Peter’s Church. Tuckers Arms. Dalwood EX13 7EG near Axminster. Free Parking. Free programme. BBQ, Bar for beer, wine, soft drinks. Teas/coffees Day Stroller £12.50p Evening Concert with Neil Maya Qtet. £10 info: www.dalwoodvillage. co.uk : t.mackenney111@btinternet.com.

West Dorset Ramblers Tincleton Hang, 10:30, 8 miles, contact Ian 07826150114

10 August

The Shanty Sessions Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. Come and join us, with East Devon Shanty group The Chantry Buoys, for an evening of Sea shanties and other well known songs of the sea. Entry is free and all are welcome to come along and listen, or join in. Doors open at 7pm and the licensed bar will be open. All proceeds go to local charities, The Buoys start at 7.30pm. Tel 07761 469676.

Chesil Bank Writing Shed Do you write? Would you like to be a writer? Whatever you want to write why not come and learn with our creative writing group. New writers always welcome. 7pm - 9pm, Portesham Village Hall. Find out more by calling Linda on 01305 871802.

Chard Royal Naval Association Members will be entertained with a presentation by way of questions and answers by a member of the Somerset NHS veterans advisory team at 8pm at the Chard Rugby Football Club Essex close Chard. Further information on the Royal Naval Association can be obtained from the official RNA website www.royalnavalassociation. co.uk or by phoning the local branch Chairman 07929291401. A talk by Clive Groves on the Wildflowers of the Himalayas at 2.30p.m in the Freemasons Hall Seaton. £ 2.00 for visitors including refreshments. For further details contact 01297 22869.

Garden open for the N.G.S. at Broomhill, Rampisham. DT2 0PT. 2-5pm £5 entry, children under 16 free. Ph: 07775 806 875 Glorious 2 acre garden, with extensive herbaceous borders and island beds, planted with a succession of bee friendly perennials, annuals and shrubs. Lawns and paths lead to a less

formal area with a large wildlife pond and a small meadow, the garden also has a productive vegetable garden, cutting garden and orchard. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome, wheel chair access. Ample parking. Delicious homemade teas and quality plants for sale.

11 August

East Devon Ramblers A steep 5 mile walk to Salcombe Regis. 10.00. Sidmouth. Telephone 01395-488959.

Amendments: A Play On Words be prepared and ready to be led on a journey of dazzling word play and (sometimes), controversial debate - over what is and what is not acceptable to say. From the first second, audiences are exposed to unrelenting bombardment of dialogue and comedy. 8pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk

11 - 13 August

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (12A) Gala Weekend: Fri night Gala Night, Sat night Picnic Night, Sun Matinee – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 6.30pm, film 7.30pm, tickets Gala night £12.50 (includes glass of Prosecco and canapé) Other screenings Adults £7.50, under 16s £6.50 Finding himself in a new era, approaching retirement, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am1pm.

12 August

Artist Talk and Film Screening COTIDAL a film by Devon-based artist Tania Kovats commissioned by Time and Tide Bell. The film tracks the wave of high tide around the UK through contributions from local communities alongside segments created by Kovats, meditating on the question “What do you see when you see the sea?” 4pm. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX, 01404 45006. A Summer Party to Raise funds for improvements to our beautiful church. All Welcome Music by Solid Sound Disco. Enjoy a drink and a dance £5 Entry First drink Free BBQ: Burgers & Bangers Supported By: The Church Group. 7.30 pm till late. At the Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor. Tickets required for Catering Numbers. Tickets Available from Village Shop or John & Lynne Staff 01308 868584.

Lyme Morris perform at Lyme Regis Carnival. Lyme Morris are also still looking for local musicians to play with them. Any girls and boys interested in dancing or learning Morris dancing. Contact Lyme Morris: petemorton56@googlemail. com or Lyme Morris FaceBook.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Bridport. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Tea with Mr Toad We have an extraordinary interactive

EVENTS AND COURSES

August

experience for all the family to enjoy! The performance is an interactive adventure that takes elements from the classic story Wind in the Willows. It features Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole who will lead the performance. 2pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

12 - 20 August

Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art . Six days of brilliant classical, jazz, world music, bluegrass and more with internationally acclaimed performers and a nine-day exhibition featuring some of the finest art and ceramics in the South West. The Art Exhibition runs from Saturday 12 August to Sunday 20 August in the Village Hall. Admission free. Lunchtime and evening concerts and late-night recitals in St Mary’s Church Burton Bradstock from Monday 14 August to Friday 18 August. Tickets can be booked via Bridport Tourist Information Centre. Full details on the website www. burtonbradstockfestival.com

13 August

East Devon Ramblers A favourite 9 mile walk. 10.00. Broadwindsor. Telephone 01297-552313.

French & Breton Folk Dance (Bal Crewkerne), with live house band in the Speedwell Hall, Abbey Street, Crewkerne, TA18 7HY. Dance workshop for beginners from 6 – 7pm followed by main dance 7 – 9.30pm. Admission £4 at the door. No bar but tea and coffee available. Free parking in the town centre car parks. For more information please go to our website. https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne.

14 August

A demonstration and talk by Dave Willis on Ropemaking, at Bridport Museum, South Street, at 5pm for 5.30. £5 from museum shop

14 - 19 August

Mega 80s Week Get ready for a mega week in August where we will be screening six classic 80s movies, hosting an 80s quiz night and a performance from THE ZOOTS! The best of the best 80s tribute band. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

15 August

West Dorset Ramblers Golden Cap, 10:00, 7.5 miles, contact Carol 07902 988549.

Weather Weaving pop up art workshops Nature Tribe - Arts and crafts with Kathy Kelly. 10.30am to 12.30 Clay, painting and puppetry for ages 7 to 12 years. Cost: £7/£5 concessions and siblings. Venue: A lovely local garden. To book please contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com

16 August

Summer Festival 440 Theatre present ‘Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet: A Comedy Shakespeare Double Bill’ – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 1.30pm, show 2pm, tickets Adults £15, under 16s £10. 440 Theatre are back with their ‘Double Bill’ for 2023. Two of Shakespeare’s Greatest Tragedies transformed into outrageous, fall-on-the-floor comedies, 4 actors and 2

plays 40 minutes each! Tickets from 01297 625699, www. thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm. West Dorset Ramblers Gore Hill, 10:00, 8 miles, contact Jill & Simon 07974 756107.

Coffee Morning including cakes, scones & savouries, and bacon/egg rolls (made to order), 10.30am – noon; all welcome. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. More details from Julia (01460 72769)

‘Fabulous Fish and Curious Creatures’ outside West Bay Discovery Centre – Using clay and driftwood, watercolours, salt and magic, you will create some of the fabulous creatures who live under the waves. Oops Wow Messy Art will be joining us at this event which is linked in with our ‘Beneath the Waves’ Exhibition. Admission free, donations welcomed.11am - 3pm Event subject to weather Further details http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

Colyton & District Garden Society ‘Pests, Diseases and Weeds’ - a talk by Julie Steed, a scientist and gardener. Venue Colyford Memorial Hall, 7.30pm start. Members free, guests £3.

East Devon Ramblers West Dartmoor Tors and Peatworks 9 mile walk. 10.30. High Down. Telephone 07851-743913.

17 August

Summer Festival ‘Boots and Moon: Finders, Keepers Puppet Workshops’ Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 10am & 11.15am tickets £5 per child. Using recycled materials, we’ll teach you how to make your very own coastal creature and learn how to bring them to life, whilst collecting some fossil prints along the way! This sea inspired craft will leave you bobbing for joy. Please note, this 45 minute long workshop is aimed at families completing the activity together. Children will need to be accompanied by adults for this workshop and must not be left unattended. Aimed at ages 4-7.

‘Finders Keepers’ Puppet Show doors 1.30pm, show 2pm, tickets Adults £12, child £8, Family ticket £34 (2 adults/2 children) Packed full of wonderful live music and puppetry, this magical tale of friendship explores the importance of environmental responsibility and belonging within the natural world. Full of original music and lots of mystical fun, this 45 minute adventure will inspire even the most intrepid explorer. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

18 August

‘Elemental’ (PG) Family Picnic Night screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 6pm, film 7pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire, water, land and air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

East Devon Ramblers Two Woodburys 5 mile walk. 10.00. Woodbury. 07485-654089.

What’s love got to do with it? at 7.30pm Village Hall, The Causeway, Milborne St Andrew DT11 0JX. Doors and bar open 7.00. Tickets cost £6, which includes a drink or an ice-cream. For documentary-maker and dating app addict Zoe (Lily James), swiping right has only delivered an endless stream of Mr. Wrongs, to her eccentric mother Cath’s (Emma Thompson) dismay. For Zoe’s childhood friend and neighbor Kaz (Shazad Latif), the answer is to follow his parents’ example and opt for an arranged (or “assisted”) marriage to a bright and beautiful bride from Pakistan. As Zoe films his hopeful journey from London to Lahore to marry a stranger, chosen by his parents, she begins to wonder if she might have something to learn from a profoundly different approach to finding love. A lighthearted rom com - One review says ‘A perfect blend of laughter, joy, tears and love!

19 August

Counterfeit Beatles Live Music – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm, tickets Adults £18.50 Now in their 25th year with tours to India, Thailand and Europe under their belts; the Counterfeit Beatles have established themselves as one of the UK’s most sought-after international acts Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

‘A Beginner’s Guide to Dorset Buttons.’ Learn the history of Dorset buttons and how to create one for yourself. 10am - 2pm, Bradshaw Meeting Room, Axminster Heritage Centre. £7.50 per person. For more information telephone 01297 639884 or email: info@axminsterheritage.org

Bride Valley Gardening Club Flower & Produce Show

This will take place in LATCH in School Lane, Litton Cheney, DT2 9AU Entry is free and visitors are the judges. There will be a display of work by local artists on a fruit, flower and vegetable theme. The Show opens to the public at 2.00pm and includes a raffle, plant stall and splendid teas and cakes. All are most welcome. Contact: 01308 897421.

Burstock Summer Concert & Afternoon Tea at St Andrew’s Church Burstock Enjoy an afternoon of songs from the Music Hall and Musicals under the direction of Hilary Kenway followed by delicious afternoon tea. Tickets £8 On the door or contact Hilary 01308 862099 or Kate 01308 868083. In aid of St Andrew’s Church.

Bardfest ‘23: a celebration of modern bards The Salt House, West Bay 6.30pm door for 7pm start. An amazing evening showcasing the finest modern Bardism - poetry, storytelling, songcraft, musicianship - in an atmospheric, historic location in gorgeous West Bay! Featuring the incredible talents of Michelle Diaz (Bard of Glastonbury), Ged Duncan (Apothecary), Robert Sean Casey (Bard of Exeter), Peter Roe (Jawbone; Deputy Bard of Dorchester), Dylan Ross (Bridport Mummers; Barnes Night), Helen Garrett (Bridport Folk Society), Angie Porter (She Speaks), Anthony Nanson (Storytelling & Ecology), Kirsty Hartsiotis (Royal Society of Arts), Svanur Gisli Thorkelsson (world famous Icelandic tour guide; ‘Beowulf’ on Audible), Marko Galladhe (Irish musician; a man you don’t meet everyday), Simon Andrews (Americana & Irish), Jimtom Say? (Bardic Picnic, Northampton) and Car Dia (Stonehenge Festival). Hosted by Kevan Manwaring (Bard of Bath). Book & CD stall (cash only) NB no refreshments will be on sale at the event, but you are

EVENTS AND COURSES

August

welcome to BYO. Entry is £10 per person on the door (cash). Doors 6.30pm, 7pm start. FFI: kevanmanwaring@yahoo.co.uk

19 - 20 August

Flower Festival in the Church Plus bric a brac, plant stalls and refreshments. 10.30 to 5.00pm. Free admission Donations for new facilities at the church and the Sudan Schools Under the Trees. Fishpond, St John the Baptist Church DT6 6NN

20 August

East Devon Ramblers Marshwood Vista 7.5 mile walk. 10.30. Whitchurch. Telephone 01395-577891.

21 August

A talk by Professor Karen Hunt on “Stories from the Outworkers Ledger”, at Bridport Museum, South Street, at 5pm for 5.30. £5 from museum shop

21 - 25 August

Creativity for Life Whether you are an artist, designer or complete novice, rediscover the joy of creativity on this fun and challenging week-long course run by exhibiting artist, art therapist, and creativity coach Mary Caddick. Learn to play again; take risks, have fun, release inhibitions, and give the

inner critic a holiday. Sessions take place 9.30am - 4.00pm at The Chapel in the Garden, Bridport. Cost £350 including all materials and refreshments. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07557 275275, email mfcaddick22@ gmail.com.

22 August

My Fairy Troublemaker (U) 2pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

‘A Night at the Museum’ All Aboard . . . Railway Open Evening. Join us as we celebrate the railways and the Axminster to Lyme Regis railway line (opened 24 August 1903). Visit our temporary exhibition, ’Britain’s Railways,’ and witness the Heritage Centre in a new light. 6:30pm8:30pm, Axminster Heritage Centre. FREE ENTRY. For more information telephone 01297 639884 or email: info@ axminsterheritage.org

Bridport U3A talk 2pm in the Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport DT6 3LJ. It’s title is The Mary Rose – A Sailor’s Perspective, by Peter Lansdown. Talks are free to U3A members and £3 for visitors.

Weather Weaving pop up art workshops Oops! WOW! Messy

Art with Jo Burlington 10.30am to 12.30 for ages 4 to 12 years (Parents welcome too.) Cost: £7/£5 concessions and siblings. Venue: A lovely local garden. To book please contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com.

23 August

East Devon Ramblers Two moors way 9 mile walk. 10.30. Green Combe. 01297-23424.

24 August

Babe (U)(1995) 2pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

The Melplash Show one of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions West Bay, Bridport. www.melplashshow. co.uk.

West Dorset Ramblers Burton Bradstock circular, 10:00, 8.5 miles, contact Carol 07902 988549.

25 August

East Devon Ramblers Lanes and footpaths around Otterton 6 mile walk. 10.00. Otterton. 07780-638350.

The Little Mermaid (PG) 2pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

Asteroid City (12A).The itinerary of a Junior Stargazer convention is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

26 August

André Rieu’s 2023 Concert: Love is All Around The concert will be a musical feast with heart-warming pieces lovingly

chosen by André, covering classics, popular sing-alongs, and delightful waltzes that make you want to dance. 4pm. The Beehive Honiton. 01404 384050 beehivehoniton.co.uk.

Car Boot Sale & Annual Horticultural Show a festival of flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, home produce, art, craft & photography at Winsham community club (TA20 4JN) from 2.30pm. Car-boot sellers £5 per pitch (sorry no trade) set up from 1.30pm. Refreshments available. Cups & trophies will be presented at 4pm. Schedules for entries (which close on 23rd) are available from the village shop. For more details tel Debbie 01460 432815.

Hawkchurch Fete Music, Displays, Classic cars, Hog roast, Beer tent, tea tent, games for the children, 2pm start, contact details Peter Kleyn 01297 678468.

Roller disco first session 5.30-7.15. 2nd session 7.45-9.30. Lyme Regis Woodmead Hall, Hill road, DT7 3PG. Includes skate hire and protective gear, hot/veg dog, 2 cans and 2 finger lights. £10. prebooking only Lymeskating@outlook.com.

Books, Jigsaws and Games Sale Bridport Millennium Green, off Rax Lane, near Mountfield, from 9.30am. In support of the gardens, green and woodlands. Details from Sue, 01308 425037.

26 - 28 August

Abbey Farm Flower Festival 10-4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ. A festival of flowers, with talks, demos, art, food, craft stalls, activities, guided tours and walks. Entry free, some demos may charge. A prize for the best floral outfit! Explore

Summer activities at Beaminster Museum

DURING August, there’s a host of family-friendly and seasonal activities to enjoy at Beaminster Museum. For budding artists there’s the ‘Step Back in Time’ challenge: choose an artefact from the museum’s collection or a period of history and put your design inside the footprint outline; all entrants receive a certificate and a sticker.

The challenge runs until the end of August when entries will be displayed in the Museum. The footprint outline and information about the challenge are available inside the Museum and on the website. Other August activities include museum trails, exploring artefacts, dressing up and craft activities. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk

the Abbey Barn, tour a flower farm, learn from experts and make something to take home. All info at www.abbey Farm Abbotsbury.co.uk

27 August

Car Boot Sale Symondsbury Cricket Club Bridport refreshments available and live music 7am - 2pm.

‘Andre Rieu 2023 Maastricht: Love Is All Around’ screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, doors 2.30pm, screening 3pm, Tickets Adults £14.50 Under 16s £7.50. André Rieu will again stage his glorious annual summer event in the iconic Vrijthof Square this year. The concert will be a musical feast with heart-warming pieces lovingly chosen by André, covering classics, popular sing-alongs, and delightful waltzes that make you want to dance. Tickets from 01297 625699, www. thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm. East Devon Ramblers A fine 11 mile walk in Somerset. 10.00. Wellington. Telephone 01395-512973.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at Meerhay Manor Viola, survivor of a shipwreck, is recovering on the shores of an unknown land and is talking to some of the crew who have survived with her: ‘It is perchance you yourself were saved”. Perchance the RNLI were on hand? Festival Players International are returning to Meerhay Manor in Beaminster with their current production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night. The gardens will be open for picnics from 1.30 pm. Kindly sponsored by Mr and Mrs Michael Ryan, the performance will again be in aid of the RNLI and will start at 3.00pm. Tickets (£18 for adults, £10 for under 18s) may be purchased online from crbo.co.uk/12night or Yarn Barton

Centre, Fleet Street, Beaminster on 01308 862715.For further information about the venue, please call 01308 862305. Guide dogs only.

28 August

East Devon Ramblers A 10 mile walk up steep and stony paths. 10.30. East Hill Ottery. Telephone 01404-45944.

29 August

Lunchtime concert 12:30 with light refreshments from 12 St. Andrew’s church, Charmouth. Contact: liz@elizabethsansom. co.uk.

Weather Weaving pop up art workshops Wild Timeexploring nature through games and activities with Clare Smith 10.30am to 12.30 for ages 7 to 12 years Cost: £7/£5 concessions and siblings.

Venue: A lovely local garden. To book please contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com.

30 August

East Devon Ramblers Moor, river, sea and cliff 8 mile walk. 10:30 Sidmouth. Telephone 01404-831143.

Bridport Scottish Dancers invite you to an evening of social dancing at 7.30 Church House, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NN. Cost: £3.00 which includes tea/coffee and soft drinks + biscuits. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Our regular dancing evenings will recommence on Wednesday 13th September. First evening free, thereafter £3.00, which includes soft drinks, tea, coffee and biscuits. Contact: Malcolm on 07790 323343. Check out bridportscottishdancers for more information.

Lyme Day of Morris brings a spectacle of colour to Lyme Regis

LYME Morris welcomed 17 Morris sides, over 200 performers, to its recent Lyme Day of Morris, held on Saturday 15th July. The seafront came alive, on a lovely sunny day, with the sound of lively music, jingling bells, colourful costumes and lively traditional dancing. Sides from all counties across the West Country, Southern England and London came and enjoyed a fantastic day hosted by Lyme Morris.

Lyme Morris will be performing at Lyme Regis, RNLI Week on Friday 28th July, Sidmouth Folk Festival on Sunday 6th August and Lyme Regis Carnival on Saturday 12th August.

The group are also still looking for local musicians to play with them. Any girls and boys interested in dancing or learning Morris dancing. Contact Lyme Morris: petemorton56@googlemail.com or Lyme Morris Facebook.

DRIMPTON Community Land Trust homes

Fifteen high quality affordable rural homes are soon to receive their first tenants thanks to the hard-work of a Community Land Trust. Northcombe Lea, the affordable housing site at Netherhay Lane, Drimpton comprises a mixture of apartments and one, two and three bedroomed homes and has come to fruition due to the passion of the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust (BGP CLT) which was established in 2016. Sheila Hawkins, BGP CLT secretary, said the site would provide a lasting legacy for the community. ‘We want to keep our community thriving and support people born and brought up here.’ Twentynine local families applied for the homes.

LYME BAY Save our Seas Appeal

Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to raise vital funds to protect Dorset’s precious marine wildlife from plastic pollution. An estimated twelve million tonnes of discarded plastic are finding their way into oceans every year causing damage to precious marine ecosystems and habitats. Many species mistake plastic for prey and seabirds, dolphins, whales, fish, and invertebrates are all known to ingest plastic, leading to suffocation and starvation. Birds, seals, and fish also become entangled in discarded fishing gear and plastic packaging. To find out more, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/WildSeas

BRIDPORT

Bursary boosted by local couple

Bridport Literary Festival’s first student bursary scheme has been boosted by a private trust fund. Two bursaries of £3,000 a year are now available to two local students who are in Year 13 or just finishing a gap year and planning to go to university in the autumn. Initially set as a £1,000 a year award, a local couple decided to make it £3,000 for each of the successful candidates for each year of their degree. It is open to Year 13 students applying for an undergraduate course beginning in 2023 who are in the BeaminsterColfox joint sixth-form or who live within Dorset Council’s Bridport ward. The application deadline is 31 August. To apply visit bridlit.com/bursaries.

BRIDPORT Food Links Award

School meals provider and social enterprise, Local Food Links (LFL) CEO Caroline Morgan, has won the Roger Davies Outstanding Achievement Award at the LACA Awards for Excellence in Birmingham recently. This prestigious award represents the highest accolade that can be bestowed upon an individual within education catering. The award is recognition of the hard work and commitment that has gone into the growth of LFL over the last 17 years and it is a real honour for Caroline and her team. Local Food Links is an independent caterer and a not-for-profit social enterprise that supplies 4,800 meals a day to 59 schools in Dorset and Devon.

PORTLAND Feeling exploited

Fears for the safety of women and girls; conditions for those on board and mental health support for the migrants are just some of the concerns of local residents on Portland as the Bibby Stockholm arrived on the island according to a BBC report. The barge has been the focus of much debate for Portland residents, one of whom suggested the island is being exploited yet again. Charles Richards pointed out that the island has been exploited by stone firms, the MoD and then the government for its prisoners. Recently reminded that the Navy still occasionally uses the port as a back-up berth for nuclear submarines he said: ‘Portland is a strange place.’

Nature Studies

By Michael McCarthy

Ihave thought for a long time that there is something peculiarly thrilling about setting eyes on an unfamiliar wild animal. My own belief is that this feeling is very old, and that we have inherited it from our distant hunter-gatherer ancestors, who lived cheek by jowl with everything from mammoths to lions, and showed their intense emotional reactions to these creatures in the astonishing cave paintings they made of them in places like Lascaux and Chauvet in France. But even today, thousands of years later, the sense of awe and wonder at the sight of a strange wild animal persists. It is obvious in children—it was very observable in them in zoos, in the days before zoos fell out of favour—but it also can be felt by adults lucky enough, say, to go on wildlife holidays or safaris, especially with the big beasts of Africa.

I can vouch for that, having seen hippos and giraffes and buffalos close to in the wild, and even more, rhinos and elephants. My first sight of a wild elephant left me almost trembling, at how amazing it was, how huge and how majestic and also, how dangerous (for elephants are very dangerous indeed.) So do you think it would be remotely possible to get the same sort of thrill as one gets from seeing an elephant, from seeing a dormouse? Well, my answer is Yes.

For a start, it’s harder. Your chances of seeing a wild dormouse have always been much lower than those of seeing a wild elephant. This exquisitely-charming, three-inch long bundle of golden-brown fur, not quite a mouse—it is more closely related to squirrels—is Britain’s sleepiest creature: it hibernates, in a nest under the leaf litter of the woodland floor, and is sound asleep, wrapped in its long furry tail, for as much as seven months of the year. Then in the summer, when it’s awake, it is active only in the treetops—and then only at night. Your chances of glimpsing one on a country walk have always been infinitesimally small.

But now this already-rare creature, only found in Britain in southern England, is rapidly getting rarer. Dormouse populations have shrunk considerably in the last twenty-five years, perhaps because of the disappearance of its favourite habitat of coppiced woodland and more worryingly, perhaps

An incomer’s discovery of the natural world in the West Country

because of climate change—if a dormouse wakes up in a very warm winter, thinking it’s spring, it will find no food and will starve to death. It’s now one of Britain’s most endangered animals, so when Angela Price of the Dorset Mammal Group recently offered me a chance to go with her team on a survey of a woodland where dormice are known to breed, I jumped at the chance. The survey was of nest boxes and nest ‘tubes’ which the group has put up among the trees to encourage breeding, and finding a nest is in practice the only chance you will ever get of seeing Muscardinus avellanarius in the flesh.

For more than an hour we found nothing. I watched as Angela and her all-women team—Jan Freeborn, Katie Crawford and Brazilian Briza Alves, all professional ecologists, and Kathy Harvey and Kath Tyler, who are volunteers—checked box after box and tube after tube without success. We had done more than 30 and I was beginning to think we would draw a blank when they finally found a tube which was heavier, and so likely to contain a nest. Amid an outbreak of whispering and fevered anticipation they opened it—inside a big clear plastic sack, clever move—and a mother dormouse and three young popped out.

I was gobsmacked. I cannot tell you how beautiful this small animal was, with her lustrous golden fur and her big black eyes and her frantic energy, scrambling around inside the plastic sack, until she was put back with her babies in her nest tube. I felt an immense sense of privilege at seeing something both so elusive and now so rare, but I also felt the age-old sense of awe at seeing a new wild creature, still coursing through the tissues after thousands of human generations. A six-tonne African elephant weighs 200,000 times as much as a 30-gramme dormouse, but I have to tell you that my initial sight of the first, in a dry river bed in Namibia, was fully equalled in wonderment by my sight of the second, in a woodland at the heart of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset.

Recently relocated to Dorset, Michael McCarthy is the former Environment Editor of The Independent. His books include Say Goodbye To The Cuckoo and The Moth Snowstorm: Nature and Joy

Britain’s sleepiest animal: a dormouse in a torpid state, in June. They can go to sleep for long periods even in summer. Photo: Angela Price

Letter from the Future

Have you ever wondered what your great grandchildren will think about the world we leave them? Imagine a letter from the future and what it might say.

THE letter above, could have been found ragged and torn and blowing in a sporadic breeze around what looks a little like Colmer’s Hill in Dorset. It asks some tough questions. Even for those of us that don’t have any (great) grandchildren, this still concerns us. Our friends and neighbours probably do, and we may have nieces and nephews. We all have a responsibility.

Here at the Marshwood Vale Magazine we’d like to hear your views and your answers to the person who wrote this note. Tell us what you or your organisation is doing to help create a world that our great grandchildren can survive and even thrive in. And tell us what other readers can do to help.

In our September issue we will hear from the author who actually penned this plea and perhaps have some answers to share.

Write to us, either by email to: info@marshwoodvale.com or by post to Marshwood Vale Limited, Lower Atrim, Bridport, DT6 5PX.

Vegetables in August

By Ashley Wheeler

After a hot, sunny June, the weather in July changed. We needed the rain, but the lack of sunshine was not ideal for all of the summer crops. However, as always, some crops preferred the slightly cooler, damper temperatures. The shallots have been excellent and we will be harvesting these to dry during August, but have been enjoying them as younger, fresh shallots throughout the end of July too. A lot of the leafy greens have been doing well— we have had some of the best chard and perpetual spinach that we have ever grown this summer, and a lot of the salad leaves have been pretty good too.

August is a great month for harvests, but is also the last chance for sowing and planting many of the outdoor autumn crops if not already done. Most of the leafy brassicas were planted in June and July, a lot of the root crops were sown earlier in the year too, and many of the autumn salad crops were sown in July and will be planted through August (chicory being the big one for us), but there is still plenty of time to sow turnips, winter radish, spring greens, salad leaves such as rocket, mustards, endive, chervil, buckshorn plantain and shungiku.

August can feel like a second spring sometimes, with all of the new plantings going in after some of the earlier crops of broad beans, peas, salad leaves, onions, shallots, garlic and early brassicas. The soil has a lot of warmth and new plantings get established really quickly as long as they get plenty of water. We will be planting plenty of chicory, chinese cabbage, lettuce, fennel and endive. We grow more of these crops at this time of year than we would through the summer, as the rate of regrowth after harvests slows right down as we get into autumn, so we need to make sure we have plenty to get us through the autumn.

August is one of the key months for establishing green manures amongst the vegetables to ensure that the soil has living roots in it for as long as possible. Many crops are undersown with a diverse mix of green manure seed that may include things like clovers, trefoil, linseed, buckwheat, phacelia, oats, and even surplus saved seed of anything to maximise diversity. We literally broadcast the mixed seed over crops that are growing in the beds and then we hoe the crops, which gently rakes the seed into the soil and ensures a better chance of good germination. These green manures then slowly establish amongst the crops, and if timed correctly the crop will grow well and after harvest the beds will have a good covering of green manures, some of which will be killed off by the cold in winter, and some of which will stay alive and maintain healthy soils over winter. August is a particularly good month to do this, as it allows the green manures just enough time to establish and get their roots down before it starts to get colder.

WHAT TO SOW THIS MONTH: endive, winter purslane, salad mustards (best sown direct) such as Golden Streaks, Purple Frills, rocket, land cress, chard, leaf radish, texsel greens, lettuce, fennel (early in the month), broad beans (for tips in salads) & peashoots, autumn radish and turnips, chinese cabbage and pak choi (early in the month), parsley (for overwintering in polytunnel/glasshouse), corn salad & spring onions & spring cabbage (all late in month for overwintering)

WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH:

OUTSIDE: fennel, beetroot, lettuce, chard, kohl rabi, chicory, salad leaves: buckshorn plantain, salad burnet, chervil, endive, turnips and winter radish (sown direct), pak choi and chinese cabbage

INSIDE: summer purslane, goosefoot

OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS THIS MONTH:

Keeping on top of taking old crops out and planting with new crops is still important throughout August. There is still plenty of time to get late crops in the ground.

Generally it is a time to harvest—keeping on top of harvesting courgettes and beans will keep them going and mean that they don’t get too big or too stringy. Also continue with the weekly job of sideshooting tomatoes and removing lower leaves to get good airflow going through the crop. Don’t rest on your laurels just yet—still plenty to do to make sure the garden is in good health for winter!!

We try to undersow a lot of our crops at this time of year, but also those that are in the ground for a long time earlier in the year. The pathways between these beds of shallots are sown with clovers, trefoil, linseed, phacelia, buckwheat, winter oats and some annual flowers.

The Country comes to Town

NOW in its 176th year, The Melplash Show still brings the country to town to celebrate the best of rural life by the sea on August 24th.

This year there will be over 400 trade stands selling everything from plants, jewellery, clothes, crafts and valuable home, work and life services as well as plenty of regional food and drink. There will also be a great selection of street food and cooking demonstrations by local chefs and of course the unmissable vegetable and produce tents.

It really is a perfect day out, offering something different for everyone. Buy tickets early and save. Discounted advance adult tickets £18 online at www.melplashshow.co.uk On the day: Adults £20. Admission is free for children aged 16 years and under.

August in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

With decent rainfall last month, ending a largely dry start to the summer, any plant growth retarded due to a lack of water will have made up for lost time by having a late spurt of new, soft, foliage. This makes the usual task of ‘editing’ borders, by removing excess growth where it threatens to collapse, or where it is smothering neighbouring plants, even more important in August.

There will also be a rash of new weeds to remove especially where weeds which ran to seed quickly, during the hot spell, have spawned a new generation of seedlings. These will be desperate to produce a whole new generation of offspring before cooler autumn temperatures halt their ability to set seed. Gardening is a constant ‘plate spinning’ act whereby there is always some task which is becoming wobbly, i.e. critical, just as you get on top of another one.

Pests may also be making good use of the flush of new plant growth, after the rains, so continued vigilance in this area is another plate that needs to be kept spinning. I had thought that there were relatively few lily beetles around this year, I assume there was a spell of cold weather in the winter which must have coincided with a point where the overwintering adults were at their most vulnerable, but removing their filthy, poo encrusted, grubs from lilies is a timely way of breaking their life cycle and reducing the number that are able to overwinter.

Lush new growth is also particularly susceptible to fungal diseases so removing leaves and stems which are exhibiting dieback, infected foliage, or are simply too lax, will help to keep plants healthy. Avoid using nitrogen rich fertilisers at this time of year, especially on lawns, because the ‘soft’ growth that this promotes is particularly likely to succumb to disease.

In a similar vein, it is a good idea to prune and trim, removing flowered stems and growth down to a point just above where they originate from, Mediterranean style shrubs and sub-shrubs—lavender is a prime candidate. ‘Tightening up’ these, often silver-leaved, plants means that they have a chance to relocate themselves in new shoots which have time to harden up before the onset of winter.

Lavender is particularly prone to becoming ‘leggy’ if not treated to this late season trim and that’s a shame because it is an indispensable constituent of many gardens, especially welcome due to its ability to attract nectar loving insects. Without a bit of well-timed maintenance it can be a shortlived shrub, quickly becoming a straggly mess, but, if regularly

trimmed back after flowering, lavender can survive to a ripe old age.

As ever there are certain tasks, which you will have been doing all summer, which need to continue if your garden is not going to ‘run out of steam’. Watering, feeding and dead-heading summer bedding displays and half-hardy perennials, in tubs and containers, is still important. If you are going on holiday soak all these thoroughly and try to find a reliable person to keep them watered during any dry spells. It’s probably too much to ask for a friendly neighbour to do your dead-heading as well, so plan to remove all the flowers, and the coming buds too, on any bedding plants that would otherwise go to seed in your absence.

I mentioned last month that taking cuttings is a good idea because the hormone levels that promote good rooting are at their highest; continue taking cuttings into August and keep an eye on those already taken for signs that they have successfully rooted. Seed sowing is another easy form of plant propagation; half-hardy plants can be sown now to produce early flowering plants to plant out in early spring. Some of the most popular ‘cottage garden’ type plants fall into this category; annual poppies (Papaver), Californian poppies (Eschsholzia), English marigolds (Calendula), larkspur or annual delphinium (Consolida) etc.

Collecting seed from garden flowers is the other side to the coin and now is a good time to gather up suitable candidates (generally the same sort of plants as those listed above for timely sowing!). Collect when they are bone dry, anything damp or wet will simply rot unless sown immeadiatly, and store in paper bags or envelopes rather than in plastic bags or sealed containers. Seed is also a good way of spreading the gardening love around because you can pass it on to other gardeners or, a la Ellen Willmott, scatter it yourself in their gardens when you visit—this a also a good way to test how good they are at weeding.

Ellen Willmott (1858-1934) was a renowned gardener during the heyday of English gardening in the late Victorian and early C20th period. It is reputed that she broadcast the seed of the silver, spiky, eryngium, Eryngium giganteum, into the borders of gardens that she visited so that it would germinate, establish and then, appearing from nowhere, spring up in those gardens in future years. This may, or may not, be true but, in honour of this story, this silvery perennial is commonly known as ‘Miss. Willmott’s Ghost’.

Today, with all the ‘rewilding’ that’s going on, as seen recently during the ‘NGS’ opening of the glorious ‘Slape Manor’, Netherbury, and also on a visit to the pioneering ‘Knepp Castle Estate’ in Sussex, I think I might choose to scatter the seed of ‘Yellow Rattle’ (Rhinanthus minor) as my ‘ghost’ of choice.

It is sown, absolutely fresh, into ares of established grass if you want to reduce the vigour of that grass as the first step to creating a ‘wildflower meadow’. Rattle seed ripens from late June to August, the seedheads making the characteristic rattling sound when mature, and it is imperative that it is harvested before all the seed is shed and then sown, without delay, into the grass where you hope to get it established.

I find that yellow rattle is only really able to get established if the receiving grass sward is mown, preferably ‘scalped’, and some scarification performed, either by vigorous raking or using a powered scarifier. I’ve successfully performed this with a Stihl ‘Kombi’ cultivator attachment, although something like a ‘Mantis’ tiller should also manage the necessary loosening of the soil surface.

Rattle needs to have a winter of exposure to low temperatures, ‘vernalisation’, in order to break its dormancy and successfully germinate the following spring. It is used in the ‘rewilding’ of established lawns, or other grass monocultures, because it is semi-parasitic of grass species and thus weakens existing perennial grasses thereby allowing the less vigorous wildflower species, plus finer grasses, to re-emerge from the existing seed bank (or allow introduced wildflower mixes to get a foothold). It’s less of a ‘ghost’, more of a hidden assassin, a ‘meadow-making ninja’, but certainly a plant most fitting to the ever-changing style of English gardening.

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Hot Summer Sizzlers

By Helen Fisher

CHARMOUTH £900,000

Built in the 1970s. Featuring a spacious galleried hallway, stunning sitting room with cosy gas-fired wood-burner and full width of the house glass and steel balcony. All in perfect decorative order throughout with UPVC double glazing, underfloor heating and 4 bedrooms. Stunning landscaped gardens. Ample parking and garage. Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

CHARMOUTH £995,000

An attractive and impressive new, detached contemporary house with 5/6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Cleverly designed with excellent eco credentials and many contemporary features inc: integrated roof solar panels. Large living room with balcony. Landscaped front gardens and rear gardens with decking and lawns. Private driveway plus single garage/workshop. Easy access to the village and beach.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

AXMINSTER £520,000

Beautifully presented 3 bedroom attached house set within a small community of properties, all built in 2005 from a former Mill. Recently upgraded and featuring a spacious living room with wood-buring stove and doors to a seating area overlooking the mill race. Double glazed throughout. Front patio garden plus a main rear garden. Shed/workshop and gated parking area.

Gordon & Rumsby Tel: 01297 553768

WAYTOWN £975,000

An individual, detached family house with 4 bedrooms, farmhouse-style kitchen with stable doors leading to the large rear conservatory. Spread over 3 floors with well-proportioned, light and airy living throughout. Gardens surround the house with pretty patio area. Gated driveway leading to the detached garage. All set in the rural private estate of Slape Mill. Goadsby Tel: 01308 420000

BUCKLAND NEWTON £2.3M

Splendid Grade II listed thatched house. 5 bedrooms and 4 separate cottages plus swimming pool. Beautifully furnished. Currently run as a successful self-contained holiday letting business. The main house features an inglenook fireplace plus family kitchen opening out onto the landscaped grounds of 1.5 acres. Ample parking, 4 garages plus outbuildings.

DOMVS Tel: 01305 757300

ABBOTSBURY £595,000

A virtually detached, modern cottage built in 1987 with 4 bedrooms and views to the sea. Beautifully presented throughout. Low maintenance, south-west facing, beefriendly garden with private seating areas. Shared driveway, double garage. Set on a corner plot with good village facilities near by.

Kennedys Tel: 01308 427329

Somerset man breaks world record raising awareness of Type 1 Diabetes

DIAGNOSED with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in 2019,

Dougal Glaisher, from Purtington in Somerset decided to study the disease as part of a Biology degree at University of Nottingham. Since graduating he’s been working to raise awareness of T1D as a kayak coach and public speaker and in June embarked on the 2,000 mile circumnavigation of Britain by kayak to help raise awareness of the disease. He completed the trip in 40 days—making him the new world record holder.

Dougal achieved this feat whilst simultaneously managing his T1D and fundraising for the charity, Action4Diabetes— which helps young people with the condition in South East Asia, where lack of medical support can sometimes be fatal.

Although initially hoping to set off from Eype Beach near Bridport, north easterly winds forced him to set off

from Aldeburgh, Suffolk instead.

On the 2,000 mile voyage, Dougal faced typically unpredictable weather around the UK— strong tides, cold waters, exposed coastline—and had to navigate some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, all while managing his insulin and food intake to control his blood sugar levels. He carried everything he needed to complete the challenge unsupported, including a tent, gas cooker and his medicine.

Dougal recognised the scale of the challenge but was determined to succeed. The previous record of 67 days was held by Joe Leach from the Isle of Man and has stood since 2012.

Anyone who would like to support Dougal’s fundraising efforts can do so through his JustGiving page at: https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dougals-epic-adventurea4d.

ETON MESS

Eton mess is a dead simple dinner party dessert and if you don’t fancy faffing around making meringue then your guests won’t know if you bought it from the shop. Fruit wise you can use a mixture or a single fruit like the classic strawberry, up to you. It’s a real British classic and you can serve individual servings or a large sharing one looks pretty impressive.

INGREDIENTS

For the meringue

• 2 egg whites

• 120 g caster sugar

• Or buy a good quality meringue

For the sauce

• 150g strawberries

MARK HIX

• 1 tbs caster sugar

To serve

• 200g mixed or a singular berry

• 400ml double cream

• 200 g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Serves 4

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the meringue whisk the egg whites and the caster sugar until very stiff, so that it forms peaks when the whisk is removed, a mixing machine or food processor will give the best results.

2. Spread the meringue on a baking tray lined with grease proof paper and place in the oven at the lowest temperature setting and bake overnight until dry and brittle.

3. Remove the leaves from the strawberries and process in a blender until smooth.

4. Whip the double cream, the rest of the caster sugar and vanilla essence together until stiff.

5. Break the meringue into small pieces and fold into the cream with half of the strawberry puree.

6. To serve, spoon the cream mixture in the middle of the plate then drizzle some of the strawberry purée around the outside and scatter the berries over the top.

Farmer wins for conservation

SWATHES of Great Green

Bush Crickets and clouds of Marbled White Butterflies were just two of the unusual and rare species to welcome some 50 guests at The Home Farm, Curry Rivel, on a farm walk in June. Guests gathered to celebrate the Lang family’s successes on the farm, winners of the Regional Barn Owl Award, FWAG SW’s flagship award to celebrate the best of farmland conservation and positive environmental practices across the six counties of the south west region.

Henry Lang welcomed guests from all over the South West on behalf of the Lang family. The Home Farm is a diversified arable farm on the edge of the Somerset Levels, jointly run by brothers Henry and Richard Lang, with Richard’s son Harry. The story here is special: over 30 years ago, Henry and Richard began to notice a decline in the biodiversity on the farm, notably a fall in the abundance of cowslips, skylarks, butterflies and bees. Having grown up on the farm and being surrounded by an amazing array of wildlife as children, the brothers were prompted to make significant changes to protect and encourage wildlife for future generations, whilst continuing to run a commercially successful farm.

The Home Farm actively minimise fossil fuel consumption and energy use across their enterprises, using direct drilling and minimal cultivation. Currently in Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme, they also have traditional cider orchards grazed by sheep. The farm is said to be an exemplar of modern farming, showing that commercial agriculture and habitat conservation can work side by side and are not mutually exclusive.

Richard, Henry and Harry Lang at The Home Farm

Sir Don McCullin

Selecting exhibitors in the PRINT PHOTOGRAPHY category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

Speaking to journalist and author Sophy Roberts for her powerful podcast series Gone to Timbuktu, Don McCullen said that one of the best sets of pictures he ever did wasn’t Vietnam, Cambodia, the Israeli six-day war or any of the many conflicts that he photographed, it was the homeless men he found in Spittlefields in 1970. They had been cast out of institutions without their medicine during a time when the government were trying to ‘slim down’ social health. These were people that represented what he called ‘great human tragedy’ - something that few other photographers have witnessed in the way that he has.

Without doubt one of the world’s greatest living photographers, Don McCullin is known for capturing some of the most iconic images of the horrors and tragedy of human conflict. Through his eyes we have seen photographs that are what Sophy described in her podcast as ‘profoundly empathetic’ from a man who is ‘always trying to speak a truth’.

A new biopic based on his life, to be directed by Angelina Jolie is to begin filming soon and it is sure to be filled with many of the extraordinary stories that have trickled out over his many years ‘following and chasing wars’. There have been numerous occasions where Don has been lucky to escape with his life. Whether being ambushed and blown across the road in Vietnam; saved by a camera taking a bullet in Cambodia or imprisoned by despots in Uganda, he has often been likened to having the nine lives of a cat. But those lives have left a mark. He has printed thousands of the images that he has taken over the years and says that although he loves being in his darkroom, it is a ‘haunted place’.

However, living in Somerset he has fallen in love with the landscape and the Somerset Levels. He cites his photography of the local area as a healing factor for his warring memories. As well as landscapes he is fascinated by still lifes. He has spent a great deal of time in museums looking at the Flemish and the Dutch masters and professes admiration for the great draughtsmen Leonardo

and Michelangelo. ‘For me, looking at them is like having a transfusion’ he says. ‘My still lifes provide an even deeper form of escapism than my landscapes.’ Whilst scrambling around battlefields he would dream of ‘misty England.’

Whether photographing, printing or travelling Don hasn’t had much time to judge photography and is looking forward to seeing the work that other photographers submit for The Marshwood Arts Awards. He says he will be looking for impact first and foremost. ‘Photographs that stand out in front of others’ he says. ‘The first thing I look for in a photograph is whether it speaks to you, whether it has the right composition, whether it has the right impact and whether it has the right lighting.’

A major retrospective of his work is opening in October at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. From his first documentary works in the London of the 1950s, through wars in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Far East, to his recent projects on the legacies of the Roman Empire around the Mediterranean it will be a highlight in the world of photography.

But in the meantime he is thinking of the work that photographers submit for the Marshwood Awards and with typical and endearing humility he hopes other photographers will be happy with his choices. ‘If they accept my decision at the end of the day, they at least know that it’s done by another photographer who’s been around a long time. And whatever I choose, at least photographers will know that they will get a fair hearing.’

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

To submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

‘The first thing I look for in a photograph is whether it speaks to you’

Tormented, Homeless Irishman, Spitalfields, London 1970 © Don McCullin

Fru Tholstrup

Selecting exhibitors in the PAINTING & DRAWING category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

Art advisor, curator and founder of the Sequested Prize, Fru Tholstrop says the most rewarding thing about her work is having the ‘privilege of working with extraordinary artists on a day to day basis.’ Known for her creative approach to making engaging and original exhibitions—an ability honed during 10 years at London’s Haunch of Venison Gallery—she has worked with artists including, Damien Hirst and Michael Joo, Adrian Ghenie, Frank Stella and Richard Long to name a few.

Launching the Sotheby’s flagship London Art Gallery, S|2 in 2013 she helped guide the gallery to commercial and critical success with an ambitious and diverse programme, including solo exhibitions by artists of international stature such as Joseph Beuys, Taner Ceylan and Banksy—the latter drawing in over 18,000 visitors over its 6 week run.

Today she is excited by artists such as Sarah Cunningham, Francesca Mollett, South African artist Cinga Samson and American artists Hernan Bas and Angela Heisch. A highlight this month is a trip to see the opening of ceramic artist Lindsay Mendick’s show at Jupiter Artland in Edinburgh.

She is enthusiastic about current trends and themes in art today. ‘I think it’s a moment when artists are pushing their limits and expanding their practices in innovative ways, this is definitely exciting.’ She is intrigued by the diversity of work today. ‘Seeing a plethora of artists working with textiles, ceramics and performance art and choosing this medium over the more traditional art forms is fascinating.’

Fru sees common themes in art today that are ‘a reflection of society and culture.’ She says: ‘artists seek to bring awareness and challenge their viewers in a diverse way alongside this technologically advancing world.’

And this technologically advancing world, that is such a dominant news subject at the moment, is something that Fru is very aware of. She says: ‘Many artists worry that a market flooded with AI-generated media will drown out work done through the lengthy, unpredictable creative process. While it will lead to increased creativity and innovation and efficiency,

there are also ethical concerns and the risk of losing the human touch and personal connection that are often present in traditional art.’ However, she also sees positives, and perhaps the inevitability of the progress of technology is something to embrace where possible. She hopes that in some ways we can ‘look forward to increased collaboration between “humans” and AI to produce high-quality and complex art in various forms.’

As a curator she doesn’t see technology changing much of what she does, she says: ‘human emotions, feelings and thoughts are unique and intangible things that computers can’t replicate, therefore the role of the curator will stay the same.’ Her advice to artists is to ‘Be authentic and well informed, build a portfolio of experience and connections which are key and above all don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.’

This year she will be choosing work in the Painting & Drawing category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize. She looks forward to seeing ‘Artists that push their boundaries and have unique perspectives and contributions through their work, in turn introducing a level of newness and depth.’

Running the Sequested Prize she knows that artists work best when they have a focus. She says: ‘Regularly entering competitions is a powerful way to inspire yourself to continuously try and improve and to push yourself to think outside of the box in an art community where there is unity.’

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

To submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

‘Human emotions, feelings and thoughts are unique and intangible things that computers can’t replicate’

Kate Malone MBE

Selecting exhibitors in the APPLIED ARTS category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

As one of the great ambassadors for the world of ceramics, and makers in general, it’s no surprise that Kate Malone is heavily involved in a project to get more young people working in craft. Co-founder of FiredUp4, which enables hundreds of young people to enjoy the benefits of working with clay, she has helped provide studios, equipment, and training to OnSide, a national network of state-of-the-art Youth Centres in the UK’s most economically disadvantaged areas.

She says she was ‘fed up’ that young people weren’t being given the opportunity to experience the benefits and pleasures of clay turning into ceramic. ‘The benefits to the spirit and mind are many’ she says, as she explains how she was very lucky to have been at school at a time where most schools in the UK had kilns. Today there are very few. So she invited many of the U.K.’s studio Potters to donate a piece towards an auction and managed to raise nearly £250,000 to equip five studios in after-school clubs.

‘We have a third auction this October which can be seen on www.firedup4.com’ she says. ‘Over 90 UK ceramic artists have donated their work and together the field is making a difference.’ Thousands of children are now getting the option to try ceramics. ‘It gives me great pleasure to be co-founder of this project, as I myself experienced ceramics as a young person and it has been my passion and profession ever since.’

Originally inspired to be kind within her field by a Potter called Mick Casson, and also, by Mo Jupp, she says they were great teachers who made wonderful ceramics as well as having ‘a depth of kindness that was extraordinary’.

Beginning with a BA at Bristol Polytechnic she went on to an MA at the RCA and has been represented by Adrian Sassoon for nearly thirty years. She has received an MBE from then Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace and worked as one of the first judges on the TV series, The Great Pottery Throwdown. Seven million people watched the programme and for Kate the huge benefit was being able

to ‘bring the joys of ceramics into people’s living rooms, to people who had never really known about the wonders of the subject, and the multitude of ways we interact with Ceramics every day.’

So how does she feel about the support that government gives to arts and crafts at the moment? ‘I feel like I’d like to shut the minister of education in a room and not let him or her out until they agree to a craft policy for the young’ she says. ‘It’s not necessarily to make a nation of crafts people, but to make things with your hands is empowering and so good for the spirit and confidence.’ She feels that we are becoming distant from the activity of making things with our hands, ‘which seems ridiculous.’ As ever, Kate is happy to give her time to work on ways to get government to see the benefit of art and craft and would be happy to be part of a panel. ‘Perhaps we should start a think-tank’ she adds.

When talking about FiredUp4, Kate stresses the point that every child has a seed of talent and that exposure can nurture unforeseen passions. The same goes with Arts Awards. ‘I think a deadline or entering a competition is a really good thing to work towards’ she says. ‘A challenge is always good. And to me, it’s not about the winning, it’s about the doing, and although this is a prize, every person who enters is a winner. I’m honoured to have been invited to be part of this wonderful project, please do consider seriously entering this wonderful community project.’

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

To submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

‘I’d like to shut the minister of education in a room and not let him or her out until they agree to a craft policy for the young.’

Kate Malone

Woven Atomic Gourd, 2022, by Kate Malone

Andrew Logan

Selecting exhibitors in the SCULPTURE category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

When evaluating submissions for this year’s Marshwood Arts Award ‘Sculpture’ category, Andrew Logan sums up what he is looking for in one word—‘Soul’. Of course the precise definition of ‘soul’ is not something that is easy to pin down, but we can be sure that authenticity and work that elicits an emotional response are likely to feature in his choices. On top of that, if Andrew’s personality is anything to go by, sculptors entering will know that he is as much attracted to fun and originality as he is to craftsmanship.

Best known for his unique and eclectic style and primarily known for his work in sculpture, Andrew is also known for his wonderful jewellery design and painting. His sculpture and ‘wearable sculpture’ often incorporate found objects and materials like mirrors, glass, and jewels. He believes in the transformative power of art and aims to create work that inspires joy and celebration.

Andrew believes the role of art today is ‘to make the world a better place’ and says that his greatest achievement to date is ‘to make people smile and to inspire others.’ Citing his Cosmic Egg as one of his most meaningful pieces, he describes it as ‘a universal symbol of the life principle.’ The 12 foot sculpture was originally commissioned by the Greater London Council to represent ‘peace’ for their annual Easter Parade in Battersea Park in 1983.

Made of polystyrene, resin, glass and glitter, the Egg required a team of three people to build and the original can be seen at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in Berriew in Wales.

One of the benefits Andrew sees of initiatives like The Marshwood Arts Awards is the joy of working with and meeting other artists and ‘being able to chat.’

Andrew is also the founder of the ‘Alternative Miss World’ pageant, which he launched in 1972. An eccentric and inclusive event it challenges the norms of traditional beauty pageants, celebrating individuality and creativity. The pageant has grown into a legendary event, attracting participants from all walks of life and inspiring other alternative beauty competitions around the world. After a break due to Covid, Andrew says another event is planned on the theme of Gaia—‘when and where to be decided!’

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

Mike Kus

Selecting exhibitors in the DIGITAL MEDIA category for The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

ENTRY DEADLINE AUGUST 18

Taking on new challenges and stepping out of his comfort zone are two things that Mike Kus believes are good for good for both ‘personal and professional growth.’ A British designer with a passion for Digital photography Mike is selecting exhibitors for the Digital Media category of this year’s Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize exhibition.

He looks forward to giving digital media artists the opportunity to engage with a vibrant artistic community, receive valuable feedback, and make new connections and friendships. ‘While gaining visibility for your work is undoubtedly a good thing’ he says, ‘the true value lies in the meaningful connections and relationships formed during such events.’ To learn more about Mike and his bacjkground in design visit www.marshwoodvale.com to read a full story in our July Marshwood+.

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

To submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

Johnnie Boden

Selecting the COLLECTOR’S PRIZE in The Marshwood Arts Awards and John Hubbard Prize

Known globally for his entrepreneurial success in the fashion business Johnnie Boden is passionate about art as well as the 40 acre wild flower meadows he has cultivated on his farm near Bridport. Johnnie’s interest in fashion was finally realised when he became male fashion editor of teenage Harpers & Queen in 1978. He has since built the Boden business into a global brand.

In a recent newspaper article, Johnnie admitted that he had just taken delivery of some new watercolour paintings but had them delivered to his office to avoid the well-worn quip that he buys too much art. He joked that ‘interior decoration’ was a bit of an explosive issue at home.

But those that know him well are aware of his enormous

passion for art. Art makes him ask questions of the artist, and questions of his or her subject and the unseen people behind a painting. ‘I want to know more’ he told Country Life when discussing one of his favourite paintings, The Lustre Bowl with Green Peas, by Sir William Nicholson. ‘What sort of person owns the bowl? What is going on in the room?’ he asks, admitting that he never tires of looking at it.

Three artists/makers are chosen from each category to exhibit in a mixed exhibition at the Allsop Gallery in Bridport, from 14 October – 4 November 2023. Entry deadline - August 18, 2023

To submit an entry visit www.marshwoodawards.com

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in Dorset

and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for over 55 years. Launched back in 1965, today the competition receives entries from over 90 countries all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a worldrenowned exhibition that brings together some of the most incredible images of our natural world. On loan from The Natural History Museum in London, it is at Dorset Museum until 29 October 2023—giving local people and tourists to the county an opportunity to enjoy the exhibition away from the London crowds.

The exhibition features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species,

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum says, ‘Captured by some of the best photography talent from around the world, the 100 photographs encourage curiosity, connection and wonder. These inspiring images convey human impact on the natural world in a way that words cannot—from the urgency of declining biodiversity to the inspiring bounce back of a protected species.’

Dorset Museum will be offering schools the opportunity to take part in a workshop inspired by the Natural History Museum’s Explore: Urban Nature project. This national initiatives looks to challenge students across the UK to help everyone better understand the nature around us.

For more information about exhibitions and events at Dorset Museum, visit dorsetmuseum.org.

Polar Frame © Dmitry Kokh, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

GALLERIES August

1 - 19 August

Ancient Land and Mythical Creatures An exhibition of fine pencil and graphite drawings by Jon Hodgson, and traditional monochrome photography by Justin Orwin. Mon - Sat 10.00 am - 4.00 pm The Millhouse Gallery Millhouse, Unit 1, Rose Mills Industrial Estate, Hort Bridge, Ilminster TA19 9PS www. rosemillssomerset.com 01460 52866.

1 - 26 August

Steve Armon guest artist for this month. Open daily from 8.30 - 4pm at Unique Framecraft. Units 4-5 Millwey Rise Workshops, Second Avenue, Axminster, Devon. EX13 5HH. Telephone 01297 613614 or 07801 260259.

1 - 31 August

Kit Glaisyer presents an evolving exhibition of his West Country landscape paintings, with works on show in his gallery and studio, including original paintings, drawings, and prints on canvas. Open Weds & Sat 10-3pm or by appointment. Kit Glaisyer Gallery, 11 Downes Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JR. 07983 465789 www. kitglaisyery.com @kitglaisyer

1 August 16 September

Visual Rhythm Works by John Austin-Williams, Imogen Bittner, Mala Hassett, June Lisle, Helen Simpson and Gillian Collins. Tue to Sat 10am to 5pm Malthouse Gallery and Studio, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Silver Street, East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH www.eastlambrook.com.

5 August - 7 October

PAPER: Unfolding Unfurling Kaori Kato Kato creates geometric patterns and organic forms by hand-folding paper. Her paper sculpture will be suspended from the ceiling, unfolding from the floor, rhythmically rolling over plinths and curling over the walls. As artist-in-residence Kaori will be making work on site responding to the interior of the thirteenth-century tithe barn. Messums Wiltshire. Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6LW. E:info@messumswiltshire.com T:01747 445042.

Until 12 August

Celebrating Art exhibition will include artists from all over the

country, including those that have not exhibited here previously. Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tues-Sat, 9.30am - 3pm. Free entry. https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions. Corinna Wagner: TerraOceanus Exhibition of the work of photographer Corinna Wagner exploring our relationship to rivers, seas and to their edge lands relating to the Time and Tide Bell Project. Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com. 01404 45006.

12 - 24 August

Richard Kaye, Recent Works The Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU. 10 – 5 daily (including Sundays). Featuring works by Richard Kaye, including Painting, Printmaking and Drawing

Until 13 August

Landscapes of Dorset and Cornwall by Caroline Nairn, Caroline Nairn is a Weymouth-based artist whose inspiration comes from the Dorset countryside and West Country coastline. Her love of nature, walking and sketching outdoors has led her to create this memorable series of paintings and drawings. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm, www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

South West Academy Sou’-Sou’-West Arts Gallery, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG. Open daily 10:30-4:30. Free admission & parking. Contact 01308 301326 www.sousouwest.co.uk.

15 - 19 August

By the Sea An exhibition of paintings by Richard Corbett. Richard lives and works as a professional artist in South Perrott, West Dorset. 11am - 5pm Eype Centre for the Arts. Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR.

15 August - 1 October

Water and Sky Local artists Mary Noon and Vivienne Littley explore the constantly changing environments of our skies, seas and waterways through the media of watercolour, acrylics and collage. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, www.lymeregismuseum. co.uk

Until 19 August

Genius Loci Featuring paintings by Katie Barons and Luke Mintowt-Czyz, and a video/sound installation by former students of AUB in collaboration with Richard Waring, this exhibition reveals how ten artists explore their sensations of landscape. Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR 01308 424901. Open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, Free Entry.

26 August - 2 September

The 33rd Annual Exhibition of Mosterton Art Group celebrating the work of local artists, will be held in The Skyrm Room, Beaminster. The exhibition is open between 10am and 5pm, (it closes at 4pm on the Sunday). Entry is free.

28 August - 3 September

Three Pairs of Hands Eype Centre for The Arts, Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR Open daily 10 – 4.30 pm. Free admission and parking. This incredible combination of art and crafts has been put together by three very different pairs of hands: Jenny Penney, Relief Sculpted Landscapes and Drawings, Sarah Bramwell (Textile Artist) and Diana Parker (Ceramics). Jenny uses just a scalpel and card to create very distinctive pictures of Dorset's fabulous landscape and birds. Sarah has a real passion for the heritage crafts, many of her works are based on museum pieces. She enjoys creating works through the intricacy of Shetland lace, the colours of Fair Isle work and the tactile nature of leather work. Diana throws porcelain and stoneware on her wheel and creates a fabulous selection of perfect gifts from ceramic bowls and jugs to beautiful little animals. During the exhibition there will be daily demonstrations, see www. jennyvp58.wixsite.com/penneyart for further details.

28 August - 30 September

What Is Beautiful? Bridport Arts Centre will be hosting an interactive visual-arts project based in the Allsop Gallery, exploring personal and universal themes of beauty. This will include a series of workshops as well as a mini exhibition with reproductions of historical and modern art and a chance to add your thoughts on each piece. We are also asking the general public to submit their own response; what do you think is beautiful? This can be in any form, such as a painting, poem or object, and submissions will be displayed in the gallery for the duration of the project. To

submit your response or for more information email exhibitions@ bridport-arts.com or visit www.bridport-arts.com. Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR. 01308 424901. Gallery open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, Free Entry.

Until 31 August

Summer Exhibition Fifteen painters and sculptors exhibiting new work. The Jerram Gallery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LN. www.jerramgallery.com.

Until 2 September

Hope: Ways forward into a changing world Frances Hatch ARWS paintings, Rachel Fenner ARCA paintings, Adela Powell ceramics. Caroline Sharp woven sculpture, Petter Southall furniture. Sladers Yard, 6 West Bay Rd, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EL. 01308 459511.

Until 29 October

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a world-renowned exhibition that brings together some of the most incredible images of our natural world. On loan from The Natural History Museum in London, it is at Dorset Museum giving local people and tourists to the county an opportunity to enjoy this renowned exhibition. Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XA

Until 1 January 2024

‘Gruppenausstellung’ is a celebration of Hauser & Wirth’s Swiss heritage through a playful presentation of over 20 artists, including Phyllida Barlow, Martin Creed, Nicole Eisenman, Isa Genzken, Rodney Graham, Richard Hamilton, Mary Heilmann, Camille Henrot, Richard Jackson, Rashid Johnson, Allison Katz, Paul McCarthy, Jason Rhoades, Pipilotti Rist, Dieter Roth, Björn Roth, Mika Rottenberg, Anri Sala, Cindy Sherman, Roman Signer, Lorna Simpson, Alina Szapocznikow, Franz West and David Zink Yi. Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton Somerset BA10 0NL.

After the Awards

Over one hundred artists and makers have exhibited in the Marshwood Arts Awards since its launch, and despite challenging times for the art world, many have been inspired by their experience. Fergus Byrne has heard form some of those that received Awards in past years.

Starting any new initiative is not without its challenges, but launching an Arts Award programme in the year of a major economic downturn presented obstacles that were often hard to negotiate. Having set up The Marshwood Arts Awards and gathered a group of selectors to look at submissions for the 2008 exhibition, we had hoped to run it on a biannual basis. However, the inevitable knock-on effects of the 2008 economic turmoil had a devastating effect on small businesses like ours, so it took a few years to get the Awards up and running again. These awards are unfunded and the submission fees are designed to cover costs with the balance going as prizes for the winning artists.

After a slightly rocky start, we ran the exhibition again in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 before the Covid pandemic made it difficult again. This year we are delighted to be relaunching the Awards, especially with such fantastic selectors as Kate Malone, Don McCullin, Fru Tholstrup, Mike Kus and Andrew Logan.

What keeps us going is the joy of hearing from so many of the over 100 artists and makers that have featured in the Marshwood Arts Awards exhibitions in the past. In the face of such trying times for everyone—with artists and makers especially hit by an unsupportive government and economic belt-tightening—it is wonderful to hear their positive experiences since they exhibited with us.

Ceramicist Bjork Haraldsdottir, whose work was selected in 2017 and 2019 and won the John Hubbard Prize, now exhibits regularly at places like the Collect International Contemporary

Craft and Design Fair at Somerset House; at the RWA in Bristol; at Messums in Wiltshire and Cork Street and in various galleries from Falmouth and St.Ives to Liverpool and Edinburgh. Bjork describes The Marshwood Arts Awards is ‘a great platform for artists in the South West and particularly for emerging artists as a springboard to wider recognition.’ She has since been commissioned to create a major work for the Architecture Room at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and says that ‘Established platforms such as the Marshwood Arts Awards, as well as grassroots arts initiatives and self-promotion media such as Artist Support Pledge are important showcases and essential stepping stones.’

South Korea-born Jione Choi, an artist who now lives and works in London says that all of her ‘career achievements stem from Marshwood Arts Awards.’ Chosen by selector artist Dave White in 2019, she has gone on to win the RWS Publicity Prize from the Royal Watercolour Society and also won first prize from ArtGemini Prize 9th edition. In 2022 she won the Signature Art Prize 2022 in the Drawing & Printmaking Category.

Photographer Paul Carruthers remembers his ‘great experience with The Marshwood Art Awards.’ He has since gone on to win International Photographer of the Year at the Head On Photo Awards in Australia and also took Second Place in the prestigious Fine Art Photography Awards.

Lotta Teale, another artist selected by Dave White, has gone on to enjoy gallery representation in ‘four UK galleries, including one in Mayfair, all of whom I feel extremely proud and honoured to

Detail from a Cameron Short print block

be with.’ She explained that The Marshwood Arts Award was one of the first exhibitions her work appeared in and said: ‘I found it extremely encouraging both to be included in the selection and to see my work up surrounded by all sorts of other pieces I admired. I feel it gave me more confidence that my work was up to that level, and I was very grateful for having been included.’

Artist Fernando Velazquez, who exhibited in 2013 believes The Marshwood Vale Awards are key in the art scene in the South West and says: ‘to be considered and exhibited amongst talented artists is a real privilege. Since my participation in the 2013 show, I have exhibited in London, Krakow, Bogota, Madrid, Milan and Venice.’ He has also won the Artzine International Art Prize in the abstract category and has shown at the Saatchi Gallery in Kings Road, London. He says: ‘Art is key in moments of crisis and the support from The Marshwood Vale Awards is particularly meaningful for its quality and its physical presence.’

Textile artist Clare Mort recently shared a photograph of Grayson Perry enjoying her work saying: ‘Such a lot has happened since I won the Applied Arts Award at your amazing show.’ She has exhibited in many places including the ING Discerning Eye exhibition and the Royal Academy. ‘I was included in the BBC documentary for the Summer Show in 2021 and was lucky enough to be selected’ she said. She has also been a finalist in many other shows but a real highlight has been doing ‘radio shows, talks at groups and to be featured in fabulous magazines.’

One of the highlights since exhibiting at The Marshwood Awards for ceramic sculptor Babs Kirby was ‘being asked to bring one of my totem poles to be filmed as part of the The Great Pottery Throwdown series and making Keith Brymer Jones cry.’ She has exhibited with Westcountry Potters at the RHS Rosemore

Artists such as Jason Sumray, Lotta Teale and Jill Mugliston pointed to the boost in confidence that The Marshwood Arts Awards gave them, while print artist Cameron Short described it as ‘a real fillip’ for him at the time. Jim Hunter told us he went on to be accepted as a full member of the Royal Watercolour Society which allows him to exhibit regularly at the Society’s Bankside Gallery in London. He now serves as Vice President of the RWS. Jim said he was ‘grateful for the opportunity and recognition that came with my participation in the 2017 Marshwood Arts Award and the John Hubbard Prize.’

It is gratifying to hear that producing a programme like The Marshwood Arts Awards has had a positive effect for so many artists, especially at a time when art and culture appear to be under threat from a lack of support. In fact that lack of interest from government has been a recurring comment from many of the artists and makers that we recently spoke to. We will be looking at those thoughts in a future news update.

In the meantime, we are excited to see the submissions for the 2023 Awards. The deadline for entry is August 18th 2023. Entries can either be uploaded at www.marshwoodawards.com or sent by email to info@marshwoodvale.com.

Gardens in Devon and has just recently returned from the International Ceramics Festival, held in Aberystwyth.

Blondie, embroidery by Claire Mort Seacombe Land by Jim Hunter

Knife and Fork by Lotta Teale Rey by Fernando Velazquez

Ebb and Flow by Bjork Haraldsdottir

Applied Arts by Babs Kirby

‘All of my career achievements stem from Marshwood Arts Awards’

Drawing, Memory at Trampoline by Jione Choi

PREVIEW August

From jazz to baroque BURTON BRADSTOCK

BURTON Bradstock Festival Music and Art returns this year, from 12th to 20th August, with a dazzling musical line-up which ranges from international baroque instrumentalists to West Country bluegrass stars.

As always the festival begins with the opening on Saturday of the art exhibition, which runs throughout the week at the village hall, and the delightful Rectory Gardens Tea Party on Sunday from 3pm, with cream teas and music. In the evening, the festival evensong in the parish church, at 6.30pm, will be led by Canon John Wood with the choir from Litton Cheney, and organist Paul Cheater.

The festival concerts all take place in St Mary’s Church, starting on Monday at 11.30am, with Sandy Burnett, musician and broadcaster, talking to long-time resident Monique Pasche about her favourite music and what it means to her. The evening features the brilliant Penzancebased four-piece, Flats & Sharps, who bring a fresh and modern style to bluegrass with their powerful, original

songs. They are followed by a late night recital, from 9.45pm, with Craig Ogden, guitar, David Juritz, violin, Milos Milivojević, accordion, David Gordon, piano and Adrian Bradbury, cello, playing Nigel Westlake’s Jovian Moons for guitar and piano, Valentyn Silvestrov’s Homage à JSB and Bach’s Cello Suite 1

Tuesday’s lunchtime concert at 12.30pm features a piano duo of Nadine Andre and David Gordon with Craig Ogden, taking the audience to a remote corner of his native Australia with Nigel Westlake’s Mosstrooper Peak. The piano duo share the keys in music by a youthful Poulenc, with dances by Rachmaninov and Brahms, and Nikolai Kapustin in a light-hearted mood. The ticket price includes a picnic platter and a glass of wine in the Rectory Gardens.

In the evening, at 7pm, top jazz guitarist Jim Mullen and singer Zoe Francis are joined by David Gordon, bassist Sandy Burnett and Paul Cavaciuti for Remembering Wes, a celebration of the legendary Wes Montgomery. The late night recital at 9.45pm features husband and wife Paul

Husband and wife Paul Cavaciuti and Nadine Andre bring The Musician’s Guide to A Happy Marriage to Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art

Cavaciuti and Nadine Andre in The Musician’s Guide to A Happy Marriage —a musical journey that tells you how to live in perfect harmony, why Ragtime is an ideal metaphor for marriage, the proper way to have an offstage argument and, most importantly, how Beethoven invented disco!

Wednesday 16th features a delightful chamber concert at 7pm, with ten of the festival musicians, playing Beethoven’s Septet, a Mozart horn quintet Mozart and a folk song arrangement by the 20th century Czech composer Vaclav Trojan. The late night jazz concert brings together Alena Walentin, David Gordon, Paul Cavaciuti and Sandy Burnett in French jazz legend Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz trio.

The Thursday lunchtime concert is a Summer celebration with the Atea quintet playing Samuel Barber’s Summer Music, quintets by Hedwige Chrétien and Antoine Reicha, Glinka’s Trio Pathétique with a virtuoso piano part featuring Nadine Andre, and Valerie Coleman’s brilliantly witty Tzigane. In the evening, Emmy award winning

compose, John Lunn conducts the Festival Orchestra in his scores for Downton Abbey, Shetland and Grantchester and other screen classics including music from Schindler’s List, The Deer Hunter and The English Patient. The late night recital features David Gordon, David Juritz, Fiona McCapra, Yuri Zhislin, Adrian Bradbury, Miloš Milivojević and Sandy Burnett playing The Baroque Planets. The night sky has been an eternal source of inspiration for musicians. David Gordon takes the band on a 18th century tour of the solar system with music by Lully, Rameau, Biber and the Astronomer Royal, William Herschel. The festival’s music programme ends with a gala concert featuring the whole musical line-up, featuring a rarely heard gem by Haydn, Concerto per due lire organizzati; Yuri Zhislin as soloist in Telemann’s brilliant viola concerto; Vivaldi’s concerto for violin and organ with Miloś and Anja Milivojević and Claire Bradshaw singing Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen . Other works are by Piazzolla, Brunelli, Vivaldi and Kovács.

PREVIEW August

Riding through the glen OPEN AIR TOUR

ROBIN Hood and his Merry Men will be riding through the glens and gardens of Dorset and Wiltshire in August as Three Inch Foods perform their anarchic take on the legendary British hero—and a Shakespearean favourite—at venues including Upton Country Park near Poole, Sandford Orcas and Corfe Castle,

The company of musician-actors are on the road with a production which can only be described as disastrous. Beneath the Major Oak, this inept troupe of three actors gather to tell the story of Britain’s best-known folktale. The only problem is, noone can agree how the story ought to go! As each actor battles to tell their own version of the legendary tale, our hero Robin must use every string to his bow to bring his band of merry misfits together...

The Three Inch Fools have made their name on the summer open air circuit with their fast-paced, colourful, musical style, with a vast range of instruments and dozens of quick costume changes. The summer tour also includes

a production of Shakespeare’s arcadian comedy, As You Like It. Catch Robin Hood at Higher Orchard, Sandford Orcas, with Artsreach, on Tuesday 15th August, As You Like It at Upton Country Park on Wednesday 16th, Robin Hood at Corfe Castle on Thursday 17th, Powderham Castle, Exeter, on Tuesday 22nd, and both plays at the magical National Trust garden of Stourhead on 25th (As You Like It) and 26th (Robin Hood).

What’s in the box? BRIDPORT, ARTSREACH, LYME REGIS

THE Last Baguette, a company that has built a reputation for entertaining, accessible and eccentric family shows, brings one of the enduring Greek myths to Dorset. Pandora’s Box, described as a “gallop through Greek mythology for all the family,” comes to Bridport’s Millennium Green on Thursday 3rd August, Winterborne Stickland Sports Club with Artsreach on Wednesday 16th August, and the Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis on Thursday 17th August .

Friar Tuck and Little John in Three Inch Fools’ Robin Hood

Written by Sunday Times Award-winning playwright Tiff Woodsmith, Pandora’s Box

tells one of the bestknown of the ancient Greek stories—a tale that has continuing relevance thousands of years after it was first told!

The Last Baguette, resident artists at Pound Arts in Wiltshire, were founded in 2010 by graduates of the Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq schools in Paris, with a shared love of theatre, bakery, and humour.

Last Baguette’s producer, Sydney Robb, says: “We make visual theatre, and believe in the power of fast-paced physical comedy and silliness to talk about important issues of our times.”

Have you ever wondered what’s in the box? The one on the top shelf? Why is it there? Why you were told not to open it? Could it really be so bad?...

Expect a pantheon of Gods, a kaleidoscope of costumes and a prohibited peek into a pithos as The Last Baguette lift the lid on a classic myth and retell the story of Pandora ...

Flash, bang – Kipps! BRIDPORT

KIPPS, a semi-autobiographical novel by HG Wells, was turned into a stage musical and film, Half a Sixpence, both starring Tommy Steele in the title role. The 21st century version, Half A Sixpence‑the Flash Bang Wallop Musical, is the summer choice for Bridport Musical Theatre Company at the Electric Palace from 23rd to 26th August at 7.30pm with a 2.30 Saturday matinee.

The 2017 show, which reunited the team who originally came together to create Cameron Mackintosh’s stage production of Mary Poppins, returned to reinvent the old musical as a Half a Sixpence for the modern age with an infectious new score.

Arthur Kipps, an orphan, is an over-worked draper’s assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar, Folkestone, at the turn of the 20th century. He is a charming but ordinary young man who, along with his fellow apprentices, dreams of a better world. When Kipps unexpectedly inherits a fortune that propels him into high society, it confuses everything he

Pandora’s Box—a gallop through Greek mythology for all the family, touring in August

Screen Time

with Nic Jeune

Top Six at the Flix

Bridport Electric Palace

Indian Jones and The Dial of Destiny (2023)

A terrific thrill ride. With Ford in fine form, Indy’s last stand is a highly satisfying blend of action, humour and emotion. Total Film. James Mottram.

Plaza Cinema. Dorchester

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was screened as a work in progress at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2023. According to The Wrap, at the end of the screening the film received a six-minute standing ovation.

BBC iPlayer

Bringing up Baby (1938)

Bringing Up Baby is very funny. It leaves one in awe at the speed and timing of Grant and Hepburn, as well as their goofy, lopsided humanity. The Guardian. David Thomson.

An Irish Goodbye (2022)

Winner of 2023 Oscar for Best Live Action Short. Worth watching this charming 23 minute Irish tale of two estranged brothers coming together at the family farm after their mother’s death.

Phantom Thread (2017)

Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson has crafted a period drama of startling tonal fluidity, and Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps deliver reserved performances that slowly reveal significant depth, transcending the material’s potential plight-of-the-artist clichés to hit at something far richer and more mysterious about desire, ambition and control. Screen Daily. Tim Grierson

Netflix Heart of Stone (2023)

Constantly proving themselves to be a landing spot for A-list talent, Netflix snagged one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars to lead the cast of the Heart of Stone movie. Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot was cast in Heart of Stone in 2020, and the rest of the star-studded ensemble has slowly been put in place around her. Screen Rant. Dalton Norman.

thought he knew about life.

It’s bright, cheerful, nostalgic, romantic and above all energetic. The costumes, the song and dance routines are a delight, What a picture …

Digging in ILMINSTER

A ONE-man show that has delighted audiences around the country for several years comes to Ilminster Arts Centre on Friday 4th August. Old Herbaceous , performed by Giles Shenton, is a play about a gardener and a mustsee for anyone who loves gardens, gardening or just being entertained in a gentle horticultural way.

The play by Alfred Shaughnessy traces the relationship between head gardener, Herbert Pinnegar, and his employer, Mrs Charteris, over the decades, as he tends the garden of her country manor house in Gloucestershire.

Herbert, who has spent his whole working life at the big house, shares his memories, recalling how his interest in flowers and plants was originally aroused with the help and encouragement of the village schoolmistress.

He won fi rst prize in the village fair’s wild fl ower competition, and when “My Lady” presented him with the prize, she whispered to him that he won because he had carefully cut the fl owers, not simply yanked them out of the ground as others had. All the village boys were destined to work on the land, but Herbert is taken on as an apprentice by Captain and Mrs. Charteris at the Big House.

The story follows his career, from his first day at work and his gradual rise up the ranks within the garden until eventually he becomes head gardener and is addressed as “Mr Pinnegar”.

Operatic peers and peris DORCHESTER

WE are all used to open-air theatre and comedy, and some local dance lovers will know about Ballet at Hatch near Tisbury, but open air opera is still a rare treat— so don’t miss Opera Anywhere’s performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe in the dramatic setting of Maumbury Rings at Dorchester on Thursday 24th August at 7pm; with its arcadian story of a shepherd and fairies (and lovelorn peers of the realm) it is in many ways an ideal choice for the open air and features some of the finest G&S songs—including the show-stopping Lord Chancellor’s Nightmare song.

So prepare for lots of laughs and general pandemonium with this new production of an ingeniously witty and magical tale of forbidden love between fairies and mortals, which is also known as The Peer and The Peri

Strephon is the half-fairy, half-mortal son of the fairy Iolanthe and has fallen in love with Phyllis, a ward of the court. But for them to marry, Phyllis needs the Lord Chancellor’s permission, which is going to be tricky as he hopes to marry her himself—as do half the house of Lords!

It’s Gilbert & Sullivan at their satirical best poking fun at power, privilege and parliamentary democracy. You might expect some topical jokes!

Celebrating the hare

LYME REGIS AND TOURING

TIDAL Tales Collective, the Bristol-based folk and storytelling collective, bring their latest show, The Hare, The Moon and The River, to the Marine Theatre at Lyme

Giles Shennton stars in Old Herbaceous at Ilminster

The Young Lit Fix

The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

Published by Walker Books, RRP £7.99

Reviewed by Antonia Squire

Regis on Wednesday 2nd August at 11.30am.

The company is earning a great reputation with their engaging style of family theatre exploring local folklore and music, and the connected stories and songs found all around the globe.

This new show, by their resident writer, Kesty Morrison, with music by Coreysan, is a delightful exploration of the unique relationship that man has had with the hare throughout the centuries.

Ssshhhh ... come and look! It’s the hedge-springer, the skidaddler, the nibbler, the starer, the wood-cat, the skulker, the bleary-eyed, the glance-aside, the one who doesn’t go straight home, the dew-hopper… the animal that no-one dares name ... the hare!

Explore countryside from all over the world and the creatures living within it, with music and folklore from all around the globe. The Hare, the Moon and the River is suitable for all the family, from three years and up.

Grimethorpe at the seaside

LYME REGIS

THE band that starred in the classic British film Brassed Off is coming to Lyme Regis on Sunday 13th August for an afternoon concert, beginning at 2pm.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band is visiting various coastal towns during August on a “Grimethorpe at the Seaside” tour. Other local dates include the Palace Theatre, Paignton, on Saturday 12th August and Weymouth Pavilion on Monday 14th.

Formed in 1917, during the First World War, Grimethorpe Colliery Band is a national institution. National and British Open Champions on numerous occasions, the band’s contest successes are legendary. They include 16 Brass In Concert Championship titles, 11 times Yorkshire Regional Champions, two English National Championship victories, four times British Open Champions and four times National Champion Brass Band of Great Britain.

The band’s many high profile performances include the FIFA World Cup, BAFTA Awards, BBC Proms, Eurovision and the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. The band received a BAFTA nomination for its contributions to Brassed Off

WHEN the Fallen Star hit the world thousands of dinosaurs perished in an instant. Millions more starved to death in the aftermath of the disaster. But for those that survived, they started to change. “Their minds grew alert, rich with songs and thoughts and language. They learned to speak. To dream. To share their stories. To trade resources and form alliances.

To wage war.”

The Mountain Kingdom and The Prairie Alliance have been at war for generations. Young Oryctodromeus, Eleri, knows that the group of Triceratops in The Mountain Kingdom are a grave threat to his tribe, but he cannot help but warn them when a Pterosaur prepares to attack.

No good deed goes unpunished and Eleri is exiled for treason. Forced into The Deadlands he must evade carnivores and try to find food and shelter. There he meets Tortha, an angry and distrustful young Triceratops—one of the invaders of Eleri’s homeland who has been exiled for disobeying a direct order—killing Eleri. Together Eleri and Tortha discover that the carnivores are not just wild beasts, as they have always been taught, but an organised and dangerous army bent on the destruction of The Mountain Kingdom and The Prairie Alliance.

Along the way the two meet other exiles, a Sauropod named Lerithon and an Ankylosaur named Sorielle.

With each exile bringing a special skill to their arrangement, can these ‘Natural’ enemies work together to save their homes and families?

The first in a series, Hunted is a brilliant dinosaur adventure, perfect for fans of Warrior Cats.

The Hare, the Moon and the River in Lyme Regis August 2nd, photo Chris Lucas

Stars of the film ‘Brassed Off’ the Grimethorpe Colliery Band tour the area in August

CHOREOGRAPHY Geography

Contemporary Dance in Abbotsbury

Bridport Youth Dance contemporary dance programme presents a site specific performance—Choreography

Geography—at Chapel Hill, Abbotsbury on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September at 6pm.

Dance, movement, nature and land combine in a tale of light verses dark performed by BYD contemporary dancers aged 10 to 20 years old. Following on from last years “unforgettable” and “breath taking” performance on Eggardon Hill, Abbotsbury—a place of pilgrimage and retreat and like Eggardon, another spectacular site of ancient heritage—will be the perfect backdrop for the dancers as they honour the land through movement and dance.

Choreography Geography moves with the Dorset landscape as the audience walk and watch, listen and absorb.

Tickets are available from Bridport Tourist information Centre from August, Tel : 01308 424901

The performance will take place on Chapel Hill thanks to kind permission by The Ilchester Estate.

Choreography Geography will involve a walk,with uneven ground, so please wear suitable footwear.

For more information visit www.bridportyouthdance.org.uk.

Photograph of BYD dancer Lucie by Dan Tucker

PROPERTY WANTED

Newly retired couple with funds readily available urgently seek the opportunity to purchase a house, bungalow or plot of land (with planning) in a rural or village edge location in Dorset/ Somerset up to £750000. Entirely flexible on time scale, we can exchange contracts with a delayed completion, should this suit. Any offer or introduction would be much appreciated and discretion guaranteed. Please call Patrick or Lulu on 01935 891249 or 07946413638.

FOR SALE

Ex-display sheds, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195 Aug 23

Canon black 545 XL and colour 546 XL ink cartidges. Brand new bought recently, have now bought a new printer. £20 07979291088. BBQ Gas with part full cylinder two burners plus Heat tray £100 cost over £400 tel: 01460 61078.

Leisure Sunbed by Supremo Cost well over £120 from Otter Nurseries. High quality lightweight anodized frame Attractive striped multicolored mattress Very little used and always stored inside. Almost as new. £35 Phone Allan on 07787837281.

Motorised curtain track with remote control.

Adjustable length 2.5m maximum Open and shut curtains from your bed or chair £50 Tel 01308 897278. Ercol Windsor sideboard, elm, light finish, 1970’s Vintage Gold Label on castors. Photos can be provided £400. Ercol

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOLIDAY LET

ladderback dining chairs 4 Mid century light golden dawn finish £200. Teak computer desk, pull out keyboard shelf, on wheels W54cm, H80cm, D40cm £35. Contact 01297553064/07770 722099

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Good clean condition

Very attractive stove Ready to use £375- Collection is Bridport,Dorset Tel no, 07444753913.

Caravan Awing Westfield 360 Air Frame. As new only

FOR SALE

used 3 times plus Pump ground sheet skirt rock pegs. 360L 260 W 235-260H cost £1000+ bargain £450 Bridport Tel 01308 427234. Caravan Winter Cover Breathable suite 17ft X 19ft caravan as new used 1 winter £65 ono collection only Bridport 01308 427349. Boat bits: two 2m oars, one 6kg grapnel anchor, one Imray C14 chart Plymouth Harbour and Rivers (2002 edition, hardly used), two trailer wheels with tyres (one 4.80/400-8, the other 5.0010). Call 07543 106021 for information.

NIKON Coolpix B700

Bridge Camera 20MP 60xzoom Red Boxed 32GB SDHC £150 07889842104. Honda Lawnflite pro 553 HRS PRO Lawnmower for sale. Powered by a 5.5 OHV Honda, this professional mower has not been used for a while so is sold as spares or repair. I have freed up the clutch and will put fresh fuel in and try it for a potential buyer. Has a grass box . £30. Please call 07479474392 and leave a message and contact and I will call you back. Near Membury

Hayter Harrier 48 self propelled mower with grass box. Not been used for

RESTORATION

FURNITURE.

Antique Restoration and Bespoke Furniture. Furniture large and small carefully restored and new commissions undertaken. City and Guilds qualified. Experienced local family firm. Phil Meadley 01297 560335

a while, but was working last year. Will put fresh fuel in and try and start it for a potential buyer. In the Membury area. £30. Please call 97479474392 and leave a message and I’ll call you back.

Vintage seventies Moroccan wool rug white background with black diamond pattern £35.00 Tel 0774345 6171 Nr Crewkerne.

Complete jigsaw puzzles for Sale £3-£5 each, various subjects, HOP, Gibsons, Ravensburger, Corner Piece, etc. Uplyme. All profits to Devon Air Ambulance 0748 751 6791.

Sofa bed mauve and whitescript pattern £50. 01297 23574.

Curtains, 2 pairs, Morris & co. ‘Fruits’ design. Lined, 3” pencil pleat header tape. Width-49”/124cm. Drop-51”/130cm. Excellent condition. £60 a pair, £100 for both pairs. Can send pictures. 07800726827.

New Firebelly Woodburning Stove. Never fitted as not needed with under-floor heating. Pewter (silver) colour. Attractive design RRP £1609. sell £800 ono. Pine bookcase good quality ex Dennnrs. 4’ h x 3’ 2” w. vgc. Tel: 01935 834270.

Vax hard floor scrubber.

Picks up dirty water.

Excellent condition. £25. 07581 749564 (Dorchester).

Noma crystal pine fibre optic tree colour changing 60cm £8. Tel 01308 458533

Bridport.

Men’s bicycle Hercules ‘Commuter’ 3 speed. Red.

Little used over 50 years. New tyres but needs service. £25. 01308 427359.

Lawn mower, Hayter ‘Spirit41’ petrol. Rear roller drive for neat stripes. 7 years

old. Little used. £95. 01308 427359.

Ladies bicycle Raleigh ‘Camera’ 3 speed. Aubergine, includes front basket. Little used over 50 years. Need service. £25. 01308 427359.

Industrial Bernina sewing machine, very good order, well maintained includes stand and motor. £85. 01308 422241.

Ruby & Diamond half eternity band ring 9ct gold bought 2000 never worn Size R bargain £50ono. 07840 803872.

Late 19c/ early 20c lacquered and polished metal extendable tripod MESU

D.R.P. cylindrical leather carrying case 42cm (fits my modern camera). £50ish. 01935 823043.

DIY scaffold tower complete with outriggers, very little used, with trap door and wheels, 5 metre working height. £300. 01460 220181.

Retro 1960s French red/ light blue2-person small frame tent in canvas bag,

good clean condition included anodised metal bits, original box, ropey. Messager: Maker £25. 01935 823043.

Shallow white ‘Belfast’ sink with repair, used as planter – free to collecter with Sack- truck and /or muscles. 01935 823043. Pretty little Victorian corner ‘what not’ dark mahogany in use, but a bit of tlc could really ‘bring it back’. Offers on £50. 01935 823043. Lamona double oven electric model LAM4405. Lamona gas hob 4 rings good condition £70. Buyer collect. 01460 76463. Chrome soap dish Fidelity collection never used £6. Tel. 01308 458533 Bridport. Ladies trousers M&S (unworn). Size 22 one black, 3 navy Regular length £10.00 each. 01308 422400.

Specialised Tricross XS lightweight man’s bike 21 Shimano Gears with 2 sets of brakes on drop handlebars Aluminium Black frame & Carbon fibre forks Mudguards and rear carrier included. Really good condition £250.00 Tel. 07776466401 or 01308 898172.

Playpen by Kibofa, Holland, 1960s. L.1.00m, W. 0.80m, H. 0.73m, floor height 0.14m. Folds to 1.00m x 0.16m. White with red, white, yellow & blue bars, folding floor. Some woodworm apparent but has been treated, main frame repainted so perhaps not suitable for infants but useful for restoration, pets, toy storage, harassed mums etc. £10.00. Tel: 01297 32169 (Axminster). Lloyd Loom “Bistro

Set” Cream Round Table 60 cm diameter (Glass Top) + 2 matching chairs £195 (Cost £750). Very Good condition. Photo available. Tel. 01395 514894 (Sidmouth).

British railway items. Engine mans grease top cap. £15. Train guards hat BR Southern £15. Shunters lamp 3 colours £45. Guards large leather bag £20. Engine man’s box full of books £15. 01935 422620. Railway Books Hardback Historical Survey Stations. All Oxford Publishing. GWR Vol 1/2/3/4. SR Vol 1. S&D Vol 1. 6 books total. Good condition. Buyer collects. £35.00. 01935 427066.

FREE ADS for items under £1,000

This FREE ADS FORM is for articles for sale, where the sale price is under £1000 (Private advertisers only — no trade, motor, animals, firearms etc). Just fill in the form and send it to the Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX or email the text to info@marshwoodvale.com. Unfortunately due to space constraints there is no guarantee of inclusion of free ads. We reserve the right to withhold advertisements. For guaranteed classified advertising please use ‘Classified Ads’ form

Name .............................................. Tel. ............................................

Address ................................................................................................

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WANTED

Secondhand tools. All trades and crafts. Old and modern. G. Dawson. 01297 23826. www. secondhandtools.co.uk.

July 23

Dave buys all types of tools 01935 428975

July 23

Coins wanted. Part or full collections purchased for cash. Please phone John on 07980 165047 or 01460 62109

Oct 23

Wanted - Old Enamel signs, slot machines, advertising, tools, Military items, Interesting Items and collections, 07875677897

Oct 23

Vintage & antique textiles, linens, costume buttons etc. always sought by Caroline Bushell. Tel. 01404 45901.

Feb 24

Stamps & Coins

Wanted by collector/ investor. We are keen to purchase small or large collections at this time. Tel: Rod 07802261339

PLUMBING

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

May 23

To advertise here email: info@ marshwoodvale.com