Marshwood+ September 2022

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The natural world has been a recurring theme in the pages of this magazine for many years and looking back over some of the articles in this issue, it’s clear there are many natural wonders that inspire our readers and contributors. In our cover story, Hannah Bourne-Taylor talks about her youth around the Marshwood Vale and remembers how on warm summer nights when it was difficult to sleep she would hold hands with her father in the garden and listen to the song of the nightingale. Hannah went on to become fiercely dedicated to the natural world around her. Although her book Fledgling is a beautiful memoir of her time spent looking after finches and swifts in Ghana, it is also about so much more than that. We are delighted this month to welcome Michael McCarthy who is writing a column entitled ‘Nature Studies’. Michael describes it as an incomer’s discovery of the natural world in the West Country. He is one of Britain’s leading writers on the environment and the natural world, the former Environment Correspondent of The Times and later the longstanding Environment Editor of The Independent. Seeing local aspects of nature opening up through the eyes of someone so passionate about the environment is a joy. Also in this issue, Robin Mills remembers the ‘unforgettable privilege’ of spending an afternoon with the late James Lovelock who passed away on his 103rd birthday in July. Despite occasionally sharing views that were not universally accepted, James was without doubt an extraordinary man and will be remembered for proposing the Gaia hypothesis which sees the Earth function as a self-regulating system. His pioneering ideas and, as Robin puts it ‘his ability to connect evidence from a variety of scientific fields into a hypothesis of global significance’ made him a visionary figure. Staying on the subject of the future, I was fortunate enough to meet with former film producer Nick Goldsmith recently to learn about his initiative to help local school children explore and enjoy the process of writing. With numerous excellent literary festivals to look forward to in the coming months, it’s exciting to see that a vision for making writing more inclusive to young people may help to shape a path to our literary future.

Fergus Byrne

Editorial Director

Fergus Byrne

Deputy Editor

Victoria Byrne

Design People Magazines Ltd

Advertising

Fergus Byrne info@marshwoodvale.com

Contributors

Helen Fisher

Mark Hix

Russell Jordan

Michael McCarthy

Julia Mears

Robin Mills

Gay Pirrie Weir

Antonia Squire

Lesley Waters

Ashley Wheeler

Twitter @marshwoodvale

The views expressed in The Marshwood Vale Magazine and People Magazines are not necessarily those of the editorial team. Unless otherwise stated, Copyright of the entire magazine contents is strictly reserved on behalf of the Marshwood Vale Magazine and the authors.

Disclaimer : Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of dates, event information and advertisements, events may be cancelled or event dates may be subject to alteration. Neither Marshwood Vale Ltd nor People Magazines Ltd can accept any responsibility for the accuracy of any information or claims made by advertisers included within this publication.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

Trades descriptions act 1968. It is a criminal offence for anyone in the course of a trade or business to falsely describe goods they are offering. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. The legislation requires that items offered for sale by private vendors must be ‘as described’. Failure to observe this requirement may allow the purchaser to sue for damages.

Road Traffic Act. It is a criminal offence for anyone to sell a motor vehicle

for use on the highway which is unroadworthy.

EVENTS AND COURSESSeptember

31 August

East Devon Ramblers 8 miles moderate walk. Sidmouth. Tel 01404-831143.

West Dorset Ramblers Moderate circular walk from Cerne Abbas via Minterne Magna. Contact 01300 320346.

1 September

Steve Knightley doors at 7pm, gig starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £20. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

River and Railway Guided Walk West Bay. Discover the history of the old West Bay railway and the beautiful flora and fauna along the River Brit on this easy terrain 2 mile walk. Meet at West Bay Discovery Centre 10:30am. Adults £5 Further details http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

Tatworth Flower Club at Memorial hall, TA20 2QW, on doors open at 1.30 for 2pm start. Our demonstrator will be Julia Harrison. All arrangements are then raffled, plus tea and cake served for a donation. Julie Kettle 01934 248536.

Lyme History Walks 11.00 am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Thursday in September. Experienced Tour Guide: Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £10, Children half www. lymehistorywalks.com Call 01297 443140 mob:0775690 4411 for further information. Booking not required. Also 8th and 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Pottery courses and workshops for adult beginners and improvers. Six-week courses starting 1 & 2 September and 13 and 14 October. Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm; Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm. Also, Weekend Workshops on 17 & 18 September, and 15 & 16 October. Contact Franny Owen at frannyowenceramics@gmail.com. Ground Floor, Unit 10, St Michael’s Riverside Studios. St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR - Mobile: 07713 104573

The Courier (2021, UK, 12,111 mins, Director: Dominic Cooke)

Doors 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £25 (£22 before 1st film), guests £5 per film. Contact mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Di Crawley on 01460 30508.

Community Coffee Morning St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport 10.45 - 11.45am. Fresh Coffee and cakes. All welcome there will also be a raffle in aid of a local charity.

Dr Tom Brereton “Whales and Dolphins in Lyme Bay and globally” Eminent academics and nature writers give a filmed presentation with live discussion and questions to follow. Tom Brereton is the Director of Research of Marine Life monitoring whales and dolphins plus all birds, fish, mammals and insects in Lyme Bay. 7pm, doors at 6.30pm. Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. Bar and hot snacks will be available. Tickets: £10 All ticket revenue to Marine Life charity. Donations can also be given on the night. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk

3 September

Bridport & District Gardening Club Summer Show is on at the United Church Hall Bridport. www.bridportgardeningclub.co.uk.

This is an Open show so non members are welcome to enter. Where The Crawdads Sing (15) film. 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

Dalwood Jazz The Jake Leg Jug Band 3pm Dalwood

Village Hall EX13 7EG (near Axminster). Ticket £12.50p info: t.mackenney111@btinternet.com 07999 553477

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Bothenhampton. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Richard Hutley – The History and Future of Policing The Friends of Weymouth Library (Fowl) are hosting a talk by Richard Hutley, ex Dorset Police Officer at 10.30am. This will be held in Weymouth Library in support of the library’s events and activities. Booking is essential. Please contact Weymouth Library on 01305 762410 or email weymouthlibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Indoor Bowls Session Join us from 10 am until 12 noon at the Bridport & W D I Bowls Club, St Andrew’s Trading Est. DT6 3EX. We supply all the equipment and offer tuition by a qualified English Coach if required. First session FREE of charge. For more details, Tel Arthur on 01308 425278. Also 10th, 17th & 24th. Halstock Fete from 1 to 4pm. Silent Auction, Live music, Brica-Brac, Tombola, Book-CD-DVD sale, a Photographic and kid’s LEGO competition plus a Farming Corner and model aircraft display. £1 for the over 12s. Phone Peter Brink for further info on 01935 891822

Chillfest Chillington Village (TA19 0PU) hold their annual festival in aid of St James Church, from 11am until 4 pm. Harry Potter themed Flower festival in the Church, various arts, crafts, furniture, produce stalls and games as well as Teas and Cakes, BBQ and Bar. White Tara 2:1s Dean Carter and Anna Howard healing modalities. Slots available: 12.30, 13.30, 15.00, 16.00 PM Stour Row Village Hall £60 bookings ahiahel@live.com

4 September East Devon Ramblers 10.30. Leisurely walk. 5.5 miles. Exmouth to Lympstone exploration. 01395-266668.

5 September

Indoor Bowls Session Join us from 7 30 pm until 9 30 at the Bridport & W D I Bowls Club, St Andrew’s Trading Est DT6 3EX. For more details Tel Arthur on 01308 425278. Also 12th, 19th & 26th.

Hawkchurch Film Nights in association with Devon Moviola, proudly presents ‘Benediction’ (137 mins, Cert. 12). Terence Davies’ (Distant Voices, Still Lives: The Deep Blue Sea) beautiful and poignant portrait of the WW1 hero and poet Siegfried Sassoon and his life-long quest for personal salvation through his experiences with family, war, his writing and destructive relationships. Starring Jack Lowden (War & Peace, Fighting with My Family) and Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who, The Thick of It) as the younger and older Sassoon. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Reservations £5 from csma95@gmail. com or leave a message on 01297 678176 (socially-distanced seating available if booked in advance) or pay at the door. New improved projection - give us a try if you haven’t been for a while. Home-

EVENTS AND COURSES

September

made cake and other scrummy refreshments available. The Stanchester Quire will resume meeting at The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, TA13 5AA at 7:30pm. For further details please either Email stanchesterquire1@gmail.com or phone Bonnie on 01935 822287.

Bridport Choral Society rehearsals at 7.30 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. in the United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport. New members are welcome. For more information phone 01308 425987, visit our website or Facebook page: Bridportchoral.wordpress.com facebook.com/Bridport Choral Society, or just turn up on the night.

Bridport Youth Dance Bridport Boys Dance and the BYD street dance crew - ages 5 to 21 years. New term starts. Classes include contemporary dance, tap, urban, street and Musical Theatre. For more details contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@ gmail.com.

6 September

Scottish Country dancing ceilidh at Ashill village hall TA19 9LX from 7.30 to 9.30 pm . Drinks will be provided. Everyone welcome. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail.com.

Adults Dance First Tuesday of the month 7pm to 8pm. These

classes journey through a number of dance styles from disco, to latin, to freestyle and electro swing. For more details contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com.

7 September

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. Moderate walk. 10 miles. Chagford. 01404-831106

8 September National Theatre Live: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (12A) Live Stream 7pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets adults £15, Age 15 & under £8. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

Bridport History Society 2.00 for 2.15 United Church Hall, East St. Bridport. ‘Americans in Bridport: November 1943 - May 1944’ Jane Ferentzi-Sheppard, Nick Pitt, Robin Stapleton and friends. Who were these young men who took part in the D-Day landings? Visitors welcome £3.00. For more information contact Jane on 01308 425710 or email jferentzi@aol.com

Dorchester Art Club’s winter programme for 2022 is starting today. It is a friendly, sociable club which welcomes artists from absolute beginners to all levels of experience. It meets most Thursday afternoons from 2 – 4 pm at St. George’s Church Hall,

High Street, Fordington, Dorchester, where there is ample free parking. New members are always welcome to come for a “taster” session. Each session is £2.50, to include refreshments. For details see the Club’s website or phone 01305 264568 for more information.

NT Live: Much Ado About Nothing (12A) 7pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

Stormy Seas & Crumbling Cliff Guided walk West Bay. Discover how the weather has shaped West Bay through time. 1.5 mile walk. Meet at West Bay Discovery Centre 10:30am. Adults £5 Further details http://www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/ Comedy Network Corn Exchange Dorchester at 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. All tickets £12. Age guidance 14+. Bridport Climate Fellowship Circle This is a peer group, meeting monthly in person, intended for anyone wanting to grow through painful emotions about the climate crisis and other current challenges. The groups will be in Bridport, 7-9 pm on Thursdays. Limited to 10 people: for more information or to reserve a place, contact Alan on alanheeks@gmail.com or 07976 602787.

9 September

The Tannahill Weavers Corn Exchange Dorchester at 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. Tickets £15/£13 members and concessions. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

The Ile Valley Flower Club start the new season meeting at Broadway Village Hall close to Ilminster. Starts at 2 pm doors open 1.30 pm. This month’s Demonstrator is Susan Griffiths. Visitors welcome first visit free or £8 entrance. New members welcome. Downton Abbey 7pm for 7.30pm start at Holyrood Academy, Chard. Tickets in advance from Eleos, the PO and Barron’s for £5 and £2.50 or on the door for £6 and £3. Tiered seating, free parking and refreshments.

Social Capitalism by Andrew Blackwood Meet the Author/ Book launch at 2.30 p.m. Free entry. Presenting Social Capitalism: The End of Neo-Liberalism and Where We Go Next, by Andrew Blackwood. The Leigh Browne Room at Dissenter of Sidmouth (entrance behind the Unitarian Church off All Saints Rd. At the top of the High St. EX10 8ER.)

Lyme Regis u3a a presentation on Forde Abbey by Dr Bygrave Lyme Regis u3a will be treated to an illustrated lecture on the rich and varied history and development of Forde Abbey spanning 900 years. Founded in the 12th century, Forde Abbey flourished as a monastery for 400 years during which time it became one of the richest and most learned institutions of its kind in England. Edmund Prideaux, MP for Lyme Regis, was largely responsible for transforming the building from Monastic residence to private home during 1649-59. In addition the award winning gardens provide year round interest and include the highest powered fountain in the country. Here history is preserved but not petrified. 11am at Woodmead Hall. Details available on www.lymeregisu3a.org. Non members are welcome for a donation of £2.

Pottery for the garden Make a green man, owl or botanical tile for the garden £30. Puddletown village hall 9.30am to 11.30am. Please email creativeclayforall@yahoo.co.uk for more information and to book your space. Prices include kiln firing.

The Railway Children Return (U) screening, 9th -7.30pm, doors 6.30pm, Family Picnic Night; Matinee -15th screening 2.30pm doors 1.30pm tickets £7. Starring Jenny Agutter and Sheridan Smith. Also 15th. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.

EVENTS AND COURSESSeptember

thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm. East Devon Ramblers 10.00. Moderate walk. 5 miles. Wilmington with optional lunch afterwords. 01297-24312

10 September

Last Night of the Proms’ Live stream from the Royal Albert Hall, 7.15pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets £10. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

The Alter Eagles…no finer tribute to The Eagles. 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist Corn Exchange

Dorchester 7pm, doors, bar 6.30pm. Tickets £6 (Certificate 15+).

Yarcombe Village Market 10- 12 noon in Yarcombe village hall. Local produce stalls, cakes, pies and pasties, plants, eggs, metalwork and woodwork, gifts, bric a brac and much more tea, coffee and cake stall. Any queries Helen 07858625421.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride for Churches. Ask for your Parish Organiser or look at dhct.org.uk for how to take part in the Trust’s major fund-raiser to help preserve the county’s beautiful and historic church buildings.

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

Yandles Autumn Handmade Craft Market Timber, tools, machinery, hobbies, gifts. 10am - 4pm. Yandles & Sons Ltd, Hurst Works, Hurst, Marock, Somerset TA12 6JU. For more information visit www.yandles.co.uk.

11 September

Kiri Pritchard-McLean Corn Exchange Dorchester 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. £16/£14 members and concessions. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

Heritage Open Day at West Bay Discovery Centre. The Open Day will include access to the mezzanine not usually open to the public. (Disabled access to the ground floor only.) Open 11am -4pm Admission free, donations welcome. Further details http:// www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk

South Perrott Village History Tour at 2.30pm. Please come and join in a stroll around our pretty village and learn about its fascinating history. Meet at the Village Hall and then return afterwards for tea and cake. There will be a display of historical information including photos and articles owned and collected over the years. The tour including refreshments is £5 (proceeds go towards the Church repair fund). Contact Ann 01935 891224 East Devon Ramblers 10.30. Leisurely 8 mile walk. Circular walk around Budleigh. 07772-069940.

12 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Evening of Scottish dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 - 10.00 pm. Tea and Coffee provided but please bring your own mug. No partner required. Cost £2.00. Contact David on 01460 65981. www.chardscotttishdancingclub. org.

Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild 2 p.m. Meeting. Rene

Dewhurst. The Horse Course. Helping people with mental health difficulties. Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT2 3DF. Visitors £2.50. Queries 01305 832857.

13 September

Scottish Country Dancing at Ashill village hall TA19 9LX every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Come along and join us for a fun evening of dance. Everyone welcome including beginners and you don’t need a partner. for more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail.com.

14 September

Talk ‘The A la Ronde Project’ by Salli Carr-Griffin, Assistant Property Manager. Axe Valley Centre, Millenium Hall, Colyford 2.30pm. £1 for members. £2 non-members including drink. 01297 598296.

Bridport Scottish Dancers begin a new season of dancing on Wednesday 14th September. Church House, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NN. 7.15 to start dancing at 7.30. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Newcomers first evening is free, thereafter £2.00 which includes tea/coffee & squash. Contact Malcolm on 07790 323343. Check out our website for more information: bridportscottishdancers

Colyford & District Photographic Club Come along to our Club nights 7.15 to 9.45 pm, every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, Colyford Memorial Hall, Swan Hill Road, Colyford EX24 6QJ. For more information please telephone 07753911751.

What A Load Of Balls The Parkinson’s Lottery (aka WALOB)/ Kinetics double bill, Corn Exchange Dorchester 7pm, doors and bar 6.30pm Tickets £8 Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

Downton Abbey: The New Era (PG), Kilmington Community Cinema will be screening at the Village Hall (EX13 7RF). Doors open 6.45 film starts 7.15. Matinee on Thursday 14th afternoon doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm advance booking required for this matinee, limited seating, cream teas (£3) available if booked with the ticket reservation. Tickets can be pre-booked by email: wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 639758 see www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. Moderate 8 mile walk. Charmouth. 07977-057546.

Elizabeth Buckler Gale speak about her new book, Memoirs and Connections with West Bay. 2pm at Bridport Library, South Street Bridport DT6 3NY. Free ticketed event. Please reserve your ticket on Eventbrite Bridport, United Kingdom memoirs and connections with west bay Events Eventbrite or 01308 422778.

15 September

Book launch A group of young writers from Sir John Colfox School will celebrate the launch of their creative writing anthology

Spiralling: A Slow Descent into Madness, 6pm at The Bookshop on South Street in Bridport.

Arts Society West Dorset: Frozen Breath of the Polar Night:

An Introduction to Art Nouveau Glass. Speaker: Justine Hopkins

2.30pm Bridport Town Hall. Visitors welcome-£7.50

Bridport & District gardening club monthly meeting at 7.30pm at the W I Hall North Street Bridport. The talk is about the History and Development of the Daffodil. The speaker Gwynne Davies is a member of the RHS Bulb Committee and Vice President of the Daffodil Society. He has grown and exhibited daffodils for over 35 years and is an international judge. He has travelled Europe and North Africa seeking wild daffodils. He will cover the origins of the daffodil in the Iberian peninsular through the 19th/20th century hybridisers to the latest introduction in 2022.Non members are welcome for a fee of £2.00 and further information about the club can be found at www.bridportgardeningclub.co.uk

Crowshute Centre AGM in Crowshute House Chard at 6.30 p m Everyone welcome. Enquiries contact Tony on 01460 65144.

Bridport Broadsides Male Sea Shanty Singers entertain in support of Bridport Millennium Green. At Bridport Town Hall, 7.30pm. £8, members £7, to include a glass of wine. Details Sandra Brown, 01308 423078.

Sea Shanty sessions Marine Theatre Lyme Regis. Devon Shanty men, The Chantry Buoys, perform an informal shanty singalong. A free event, The Buoys start at 7.30pm. All monies raised go to local charities. Licensed bar will be open, serving local ales and soft drinks. Tel 07761 469676.

16 September

Belfast at 7.30pm Village Hall, The Causeway, Milborne St Andrew DT11 0JX Doors and bar open 7.00 Tickets cost £5, which includes a drink or an ice-cream.

Knoll Gardens Foundation Open Day 10am to 5pm. Knoll Gardens, Stapehill Road, Wimborne BH21 7ND. East Devon Ramblers 10.00. 5 mile leisurely walk. Exeter quay and coffee. 01392-439122

Where the Crawdads Sing! (15) Screening 7.30pm, doors 6.30pm Picnic Night, tickets £7. Tickets from 01297 625699, www. thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

16 - 17 September

Jazz with David Gordon et al On Friday with legendary John Law and on Saturday with young gun Gabriel Margolis : “the selection of a genius’” Jazz-meets-classical wizard David Gordon brings his soulful, thoughtful and joyous brand of performance to Tincleton. In the second half of each concert, David will feature a different pianist to play some solos and duos, including music by the performers and a choice selection of jazz and Latin tunes. Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, Tincleton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QR. Performance times: doors open 19:30; concert starts 20:00 Admission fee: £15. Telephone 01305 848 909. http://www.tincletongallery.com.

17 September

Gardeners Question Time Powerstock Hut 2 for 2.30. DT6 3TB. The distinguished panel includes Jenny Makepeace, Anna Pavord, Mel Webb (Head Gardener from Symondsbury Estate) and Cyril Whitlock from Groves. Please bring any horticultural specimen on which you need help from the panel. Excellent parking, disabled access, and a cream tea make for a great afternoon in legendary Powerstock Hut. Admission on the door £7 proceeds to Hut funds. Registered Charity No 301171. www.powerstockhut. co.uk or find us on Facebook.

Wareham Folk Harvest A full day of music and dance on the Quay as well as a variety of indoor locations offering music and workshop sessions. Festival food and drink available. Great traditional pubs too. See the website www.warehamfolkharvest. co.uk for details and tickets.

Joyride (15) 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton. co.uk 01404 384050

EVENTS AND COURSES

September

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Salcombe Regis. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Jazz Meets Bacharach Frank Griffith, Corn Exchange. Dorchester 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. £18/£16 members and concessions. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

17 - 18 September

Choreography Geography Bridport Youth Dance contemporary dance programme - a site specific performance on Eggardon Hill at 6.30pm Tickets are available from Bridport TIC in September Cost: £5. For more details contact Nikki Northover at bridportyouthdance01@gmail.com

18 September

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. 10.5 mile strenuous. Views from Golden cap. 01297-625045.

Melplash Annual Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match is taking place on land at Higher Langdon, near Beaminster DT6 3NA. 9am - 3pm. Spectators welcome. Hedgelaying taster day for beginners. West Bay’s Hidden History Sunday Stroll Discover the hidden history of West Bay with us on this easy terrain 1.5 mile walk. Meet

at West Bay Discovery Centre 11:00am. Adults £5 Further details www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

Fun Quiz at St Swithun’s Church Bridport To reserve a table please contact 07741457505, 6 people per team (max) doors open at 4.30pm and the quiz starts at 5.00pm. At £5 a head, please reserve a table in advance and pay cash at the door. All welcome and parking available. St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport. Art and Craft Exhibition Wooton Fitzpaine Village Hall. 10 to 4 o’clock. Proceeds to Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and Wootton Fitzpaine Skittles Alley Roof. Their will be a selection of local artist’s and craft makers including Elizabeth Kitcher, Alex Brooks, Claire Trenchard, Sue Cannon, Trudy Ociltree and many more. More information, Anna Bearpark. 01297 560913

Singing Bowl Soundbath 2-4 PM The David Hall South Petherton £15 bookings ahiahel@live.com

19 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Evening of Scottish dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 - 10.00 p.m. Tea and Coffee provided but please bring your own mug. No partner required. Cost £2.00. Contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishdancingclub.org. Art History lectures in Bridport in person, 2pm-3.30pm,

EVENTS AND COURSESSeptember

venue in the United Hall Bridport, East Street. ‘British Romantic Moderns’, Fee £65 for six consecutive wks lectures. *You can catch up on Fridays via Zoom if you miss a Monday. Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion. To book email Pam chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com.

20 September

Scottish Country Dancing at Ashill village hall TA19 9LX every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Come along and join us for a fun evening of dance. Everyone welcome including beginners and you don’t need a partner. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail.com.

Belfast Chideock Hall Film Club. An Oscar winning film by Kenneth Branagh starring Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds and Judy Dench. 7pm for 7.30 start at Chideock Village Hall, DT6 6JW. Tea, Coffee, Wine and choc-ices available.

21 September

Colyton & District Garden Society Talk ‘Gardening with Ornamental Grasses’ by Katherine Crouch, landscape designer. Colyford Memorial Hall, start 7.30pm. Members free, guests £3. Information: Sue Price 01297 552813.

The Beehive Folk Café Hosted by Sue King. Perform or listen

in the Beehive bar. Free entry 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton www. beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

22 September

The ‘Late Sixteenth Century and Early Seventeenth Century Painting’. Fee £60, 6wks of lectures. Thursday evenings from 22nd September, 6.30pm-8.08pm in two parts with short break in the middle, on line via Zoom. Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion. To book email Pam chris. pamsimpson@btinternet.com.

Nostalgic Cinema: A New Leaf (PG) 2pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

West Bay’s Hidden History Guided Walk Meet at West Bay Discovery Centre 10:30am. Adults £5 Further details http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

23 September

The Friends of Lyme Regis Museum present an illustrated talk: ‘Mary Anning: the Geological Lioness of Lyme’ by Dr Tom Sharpe, at 2.30 pm Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG. All welcome; Members £2, Visitors £3. Contact David Cox 01297 443156.

Planting for Honeybees A talk by published author & honey

sommelier Sarah Windham-Lewis. She will talk about how, and what, to plant to attract honeybees & pollinators be it in a window box or planter, a corner of your garden or an entire paddock, amongst your fruit & veg patch or a barren piece of waste land so everyone’s situation should be covered. Her husband Dale, with whom she runs Bermondsey Street Bees, will also be with her. He manages a large number of hives for companies to help them with their green offset. The hives can be found amongst solar farms, on office roof tops, the grounds of hotels and even Lambeth Palace.

To be held in Winsham’s Jubilee hall (TA20 4JA) starting at 7.30pm seats are £5 for non members & £3.50 for WHS members (please show your membership card at the door). It would be advantageous to know numbers in advance so if you could ring Debbie 01460 432815 to reserve your seat(s) that would be helpful.

‘British Romantic Moderns’ Fridays from 23rd September, Art History on line, 2pm-3.38pm, in two parts with short break in the middlevia Zoom. Fee £60, 6 wks of lectures. Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion. To book email Pam chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. 4.5 mile leisurely walk. Hawkchurch with optional pub lunch afterwords. 01404-861527.

Somerset Wildlife Trust Ilminster/Chard group invite you to “The work of Somerset Rare Plants Group” Stephen Parker, chair of Somerset Rare Plants group will give an illustrated presentation.

7.30pm Parish Hall, North St. Ilminster TA19 0DG, roadside & town car parks. £3 SWT members, £4 non-members, no charge for children. Refreshments will be available. Enquiries Valerie Godsmark 01460 234551

24 September

Simon Parker multimedia talk ‘A night of Adventure-Cycling 3500 Around Pandemic Britain’. Talk 7.30pm, doors 7pm, tickets £14. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in

person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

The Colyford Medieval Goose Fayre The theme of the Fayre for the last 40 years has always been medieval with visitors and stall holders dressing the part. Villagers and visitors from far afield dress up and join the parade through the village to the fayre ground for the official opening by the Mayor of Colyford. Tradition crafts, Tea and Beer tents, Lamb roast, Punch and Judy, Quintain rides, Falconry, Fighting knights and Dance groups are just some of the activities. This annual event normally attracts over 2500 people to the Springfield Fayre site. Ample free parking.

Camera Obscura Workshop with Ingrid Pollard 10-3. Free. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com. 01404 45006.

Albert Lee and his band 7.30pm The Beehive Honiton www. beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

Artist Talk Ingrid Pollard in conversation with Dr Ella S Mills. 5-7pm. £5 book via thelmahulbert.com. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006. Scottish Dancing Party in Chardstock Evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 - 10.30 p.m. No partner required. Please bring a plate of food to share and your own mug. Tea and coffee provided. Cost £5.00 Contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishdancingclub.org.

24 - 25 September

Holy Cross Harvest Celebration Woodbury Lane (off Lyme Road) Axminster. Decorated for Harvest the Church will be open 10.30am-4pm on 24th. Coffee, soup & ploughman’s, tea & cake available in Woodbury Hall. Join for a Harvest Songs of Praise 10am on 25th. Contact 01297 598953

25 September

East Devon Ramblers 10.30. 9 mile moderate walk. Colyton and Shute. 01297-552313.

EVENTS AND COURSESSeptember

Singing Bowl Soundbath 2-4 PM Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, £15 bookings ahiahel@live.com

26 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 - 10.00 p.m. Cost £2.00 Contact David on 01460 65981 www. chardscottishdancingclub.org.

27 September

Royal Opera: Madam Butterfly (12A) Live stream from the Royal Opera House. 7.15pm, doors 6.45pm, Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

Scottish Country Dancing at Ashill village hall TA19 9LX every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail. com.

Bridport U3A Monthly Meeting & Talk Music in Every Home & How it All Began Gordon Bartlet. Please see the Bridport U3A website for further information about this and future talks and if you are interested in becoming a member : bridportu3a.org.uk.

Recycling Matters Steve Maclure from EDDC and Jessica Prosser from Suez Recycling and Recovery will give the inside picture of what happens to waste in East Devon and the challenges for the future. Talk 2pm at The Gateway, Fore Street, Seaton. Free to members, £2 to non-members, including refreshments. For more information about Seaton u3a, see website: u3asites.org.uk/seaton

28 September

Adolf and Winston Living Spit Corn Exchange Dorchester 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. £15/£13 members and concessions. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

Dalwood Coffee Concert Sax & Guitar Duo - Katie Rook and

Dave Wicken at 10.30am. St. Peter’s Church, Dalwood EX13 7EG (near Axminster). Free entry, coffee & biscuits. Retiring collection for local Cancer Charity FORCE info: t.mackenney111@btinternet. com.

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. 10 mile moderate walk. Thorncombe. 07870-804711.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society talk ‘Herbs: A Taste of the Unexpected’ by Mark Diacono, 7.30pm, Uplyme Village Hall. Members free, guests £3. Doors open 7pm. More information www.ulrhs.wordpress.com.

29 September

Isata Kanneh-Mason Thomas Hardye Theatre Dorchester 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. £25/£15 under 18s. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

Royal Opera House Cinema Live: Madama Butterfly (12A) 7.15pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050

West Cliff and Eype Guided Walk Meet at West Bay Discovery Centre 10:30am. Adults £5 Further details http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.

Greta Stoddart poetry performance and book launch Awardwinning poet Greta Stoddart will perform poems from her new collection ‘Fool’, published by Bloodaxe Books, in conversation with Gill Barr. 7pm, doors at 6.30pm. Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. Bar and hot snacks will be available Tickets: £10. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk

Thursday Group Talk Trick or Treat by Richard Kay Fakes and Forgeries in the Art Market. 9.30 for 10.15 £3.00 or join. Talks each week until March. The Warehouse Theatre, Brewery Lane, Ilminster TA19 9AD Call Jane Peace 01460 259596.

Georgian Coffee House Day Axminster Heritage Centre, Silver St, Axminster from 9am until 4 pm.

30 September

Bullet Train (15) screening, 7.30pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets £7. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue - Thur 10am - 1pm.

Drop in the Ocean An infectious blend of reggae, ska & dub fusion with special guests, The Dilly Boys (lively folk). 8pm The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

Paul Foot Corn Exchange Dorchester 8pm, doors and bar 7.30pm. £16/£14 members and concessions. Booking through dorchesterarts.org.uk or 01305 266926.

East Devon Ramblers 10.00. 6 mile moderate walk. Hayes Barton and Squabmoor reservoir. 07780-638350.

An evening of Music by Adam Parrish Musical Director and Composer who has performed at the London Royal Albert Hall, Chatsworth House, Durham Cathedral and tours at home and abroad. At Crewkerne Methodist Church South Street TA18 8DB on Friday 30th September at 7pm. Tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the door. Available from Crewkerne Information Centre TA18 7LN OR by ringing 01460 74380. Light refreshments will be served with donations to Children’s Hospice South West.

Producer Fest at Washingpool

WASHINGPOOL Farm Shop’s big foodie event is back for the first time in three years—and this time it is to be held in September rather than spring. Producer Fest 22 will be held on Sunday 18th September at the farm shop just outside Bridport, with many local food producers in attendance to give out tasters, chat about their products and sell. There will be some great special offers on the day, as well as refreshments and free parking.

Washingpool Farm Shop is also celebrating its 16th consecutive Taste of the West Gold award and twentytwo years of the current farm shop. Three generations of the Holland family work at the farm which is renowned for growing vegetables and salads as well as running a beef herd—all of which is available for sale in the farm shop. For more visit www.washingpool.co.uk.

GOLDEN CAP Family fun activities

The National Trust is inviting families to make Golden Cap their playground with a range of free activities. Families are encouraged to head to Stonebarrow car park where they can collect a ‘Come Out and Play’ leaflet, which details some of the things you can do on the estate. Activities include a Smugglers Trail with brass rubbing, orienteering, a challenging 10km walk and free use of balance bikes. The leaflet is also available from the National Trust Hive Beach Hut and can be downloaded from the Golden Cap website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/golden-cap.

CHARMOUTH Grant to help clean the Char

BRIDPORT UK’s longest mural

BRADFORD ABBAS Neighbourhood Plan

The Lower Char Community Project has secured a £1,500 grant from the Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund to start to clean up the River Char as it runs through the village of Charmouth and out to sea. The Project aims to bring the river back to health, to make the water safer for local people and visitors to enjoy and to allow wildlife that has disappeared from the Char Valley to return and flourish there. To find out more visit www.riverchar.org

Painted on the hottest day of the year, a youth-led project supported by Bridport Arts

Centre and funded by Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council has resulted in the creation of the UK’s longest mural reaching an impressive 133 metres long. The aim of the mural project was to encourage young people to design and create an ambitious artwork in the town that celebrated the local area and gave voice to their views for the future. The project began with an agreement from Bridport Football Club that the wall could be a canvas for a street art mural.

Residents of Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan. Dorset Council has received a request from Bradford Abbas Parish Council for the approval of a Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan. The application and supporting information can be viewed at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ neighbourhood-area. Residents who have any comments about the Neighbourhood Plan can send them to the Spatial Planning Team at Dorset Council by Friday 16 September 2022.

DORCHESTER Fundraising to unlock archive

Dorset Archives Trust (DAT) is leading a fundraising effort to permanently unlock the internationally significant, UNESCO-listed archive of author Thomas Hardy. At present, the collection which consists of over 150 boxes of material spanning Hardy’s life and including diaries, photographs, letters, books, architectural plans and poetry is almost invisible to the wider world. The archive contains such items as the manuscript of the Mayor of Casterbridge, correspondence to Hardy from such luminaries as T. E. Lawrence and Siegfried Sassoon and the plans for Max Gate. The project will require £60,000 and DAT has started a crowdfunding campaign at www.dorsetarchivestrust.org.

Nature Studies

By Michael McCarthy

Before we came to the village last autumn I had not run my moth trap for years. It was difficult to do in our small garden in London because you had to shield the bright light with umbrellas and such, so you would not keep the neighbours awake, and anyway, not an awful lot flew into it. Where it did work, supremely well, was in the garden of the old farmhouse in southern Normandy where we spent holidays when the children were small; each year I set it up at the edge of the orchard, and wonders flew in, out of the hot summer night.

When we came to Dorset I was thinking much more about dayflying butterflies than about night-flying moths: about the clouds of blues, the chalkhill blues and the adonis blues, that flash in the sun above the chalk downlands in high summer. Even more, I was thinking in particular about the famous hill above the village, considered one of the best butterfly sites in the country. For not only does it have a plentiful supply of alluring species such as green hairstreaks, grizzled skippers, and marbled whites; it holds the lovely and uncommon marsh fritillary, and most of all, it houses a real rarity: the Duke of Burgundy.

His Grace the Duke, as some enthusiasts call it, lives in scattered small colonies and is on the wing from late April to early June. I knew it was found on the hill and I invited my friend and fellow butterfly-buff Jeremy to come and find it with me; in the first week of May he came all the way from Suffolk and after a long search, find it we did, although I should confess here that we had the help of Martin Warren, who used to run the charity Butterfly Conservation, and knew exactly where to look. It was thrilling: a tiny brilliant lattice of orange and black, a rare jewel.

It was not till the hot weather came in July that I started to think about moths again. I was walking to the shop when I saw something out of the corner of my eye which stopped me in my tracks: sitting serenely on a garden railing was an elephant hawkmoth. In the middle of the village. In the middle of the day. I could scarcely believe my eyes. It’s a big insect with a striking colour scheme of pistachio green and pink, perfectly reflecting the

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

colours of the plant its caterpillars feed on, rosebay willowherb, and the sight of it suddenly reawakened all my forgotten moth enthusiasm: a few evenings later I was taking the moth trap out of its case and setting it up in the garden.

It’s a simple device: basically an extremely bright light which attracts moths out of the dark, with a box underneath, so constructed that they can fly in, but not out. You can line the bottom with cardboard egg boxes which provide perfect nooks and crannies for them to hide in; they go to sleep, and in the morning can be identified and then released unharmed.

I was not disappointed: in the morning no fewer than six elephant hawkmoths were asleep on the inside of the trap, as was a privet hawkmoth, which is an absolute giant, big as a bat. There were other lovely (and charmingly-named) creatures which most people never see: a ruby tiger, a swallow-tailed moth, a lesser yellow underwing, a silver Y, a buff arches, a magpie moth, a drinker, a peppered moth, a lackey, a large emerald… and some I didn’t have time to identify before the sun grew too warm and they needed releasing. But one of the elephant hawkmoths obligingly crawled onto my fingers for a photo before flying off.

It’s a hidden world, the world of moths, yet a marvellous one: I was thrilled to view it once again and to realise that Dorset is as rich in moths as it is so rich in butterflies, if not richer (there are only 58 regularly occurring butterfly species in Britain, yet there are nearly 900 larger moths, many of them exquisitely beautiful.) There are no street lights in the village: the night can be a wondrous time with the complete quiet and the brilliance of the stars; and now I realise there are other wonders out there too, which a wooden box with a light on can draw out of the dark, like magic.

Elephant Hawkmoth.

Photograph by Michael McCarthy

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

James Lovelock

On a warm July day in 2015 I drove the mile or so from Abbotsbury beach car park along the single-track road that led to the coastguard cottage home of James Lovelock, who died recently on his 103rd birthday. I was meeting him to interview and photograph him for a Marshwood Vale cover story. Stopping in a passing place to admire the view, I tried to collect my slightly nervous thoughts ahead of meeting the 95-year-old world famous scientist. The

view was simple but stunning—beach, sea, and sky in perfect horizontal proportion.

I was of course welcomed warmly by James and his wife Sandy, and I immediately noticed Jim’s South West Coast Path sweatshirt. I was within 60 or so miles of completing the 630 mile path myself, and being some 30 years his junior was staggered to hear that he and Sandy had themselves completed it a few years previously. I knew only too well the physical challenges

Scientist, environmentalist and futurist, James Lovelock spent his later years enjoying the Dorset coast. Robin Mills remembers meeting him for a Marshwood cover story.

of walking the path, and with no hesitation Jim told me it was the achievement of his life of which he was most proud.

Jim’s obsession with science began early. As a boy he was driven to find out how things worked, and why. His parents allowed him to spend unaccompanied time in the Science Museum aged 6, where his early curiosity developed. His extraordinary scientific skills seem to a large extent to have been acquired through practical experience; he was once accused of cheating in an exam because, as he said, by then he could almost do gravimetric analysis in his sleep. And starting work for the Medical Research Council during WW2 he found himself experimenting not with medical research but with outlandish defence ideas such as igniting huge amounts of fuel oil floating on the sea off Studland. He found that a wooden boat could be pulled through the flames unscathed, so saving the nation a lot of fuel.

It was Jim’s invention of instruments like the Electron Capture Detector which led NASA to offer him a job as an experimenter on their Mars and Lunar expedition programmes. His ability to prove that gases like oxygen and methane didn’t exist on Mars meant that there could be no life there. But that also made him realise that because those gases, which, although they react together and disappear in sunlight, in fact are plentiful on Earth, they must not only be generated in vast quantities by life on Earth, but are also maintained in equilibrium by that life, at a level which supports it. His theory, developed in collaboration with Lynn Margulis and Dian Hitchcock, and named “Gaia” at the suggestion of his friend William Golding, made his eventual reputation, but the scientific community of the day was sceptical, particularly when the theory was given spiritual significance by New Age followers.

Jim’s views on climate change, what humanity could do to offset it, and what the prognosis for the planet might be, were sought by all and sundry. He cared passionately about how the disturbance to the equilibrium of the biosphere by humanity’s efforts were driving climate change. As a result, he devoted his later life to raising awareness of it, publishing his later books on the subject. His views were not universally accepted, such as his support for nuclear power. He told me that if only we could find a way to harness it, the energy of the sun’s rays in the Sahara Desert alone were more than sufficient for the entire world’s energy needs, and that he had calculated that predicted sea level rise in his lifetime meant that at least his coastguard cottage by the sea at Abbotsbury should stay dry.

Jim should be honoured and remembered for many things, including detecting the atmospheric traces of chlorofluorocarbons which were damaging the ozone level, and through detection of minute quantities of pesticides in the environment he gave Rachel Carson the evidence she needed to write Silent Spring. Perhaps it was his ability to connect evidence from a variety of scientific fields into a hypothesis of global significance that made him a visionary figure. Maybe a friend of mine was right when he said he was a “sage/scientist, who bowed out just as it became obvious he was right all along”. If our meeting was but brief, it was for me an unforgettable privilege.

© James Lovelock Photographs by Robin Mills. To read his Marshwood cover story visit www. marshwoodvale.com/people/2015/09/james-lovelock/

Vegetables in September

By Ashley Wheeler

September is kind of like a second Spring—the late summer sown crops establish quickly with warm soil temperatures and usually plenty of moisture around for newly planted crops to get going quickly. September growth is often lush like it can be in Spring and it is a great month to make the most of these conditions.

We planted lots of chicory, turnips, fennel, salad leaves and autumn cabbage through August and will continue lots of salad and leafy green sowings through the beginning of September to be planted in our polytunnels from the end of the month and through October. These crops will replace summer veg such as tomatoes, cucumbers, french beans and peppers that are coming to their end by mid October.

We usually just hoe off old crops in the polytunnels and then water the beds thoroughly for a few hours before raking out the beds and planting straight into them. Some of the crops with thicker stems like tomatoes might need chopping off at ground level or just below. Doing it this way means that the roots remain in the soil with all of the solid life remaining intact, rather than pulling up the plants with all of the associated microorganisms around the roots being disturbed.

Planting new crops into relatively undisturbed soil like this means that the plants’ roots can quickly make new associations with the soil life and access more nutrients to grow healthily.

Something else that we have begun to do from mid August and through September is to sow green manures over our autumn growing crops outside. So, after planting things like fennel, endive, lettuce, salad leaves and chicory we hoe them about a week later, and then about a week after the first hoeing we broadcast or direct drill green manures and then hoe them in to incorporate them into the top layer of soil.

We use a mix of things for this but it usually consists of black oats, linseed, phacelia and buckwheat amongst other things. Having a mix of different species ensures different rooting depths and different associations with soil life. Some of these will be winter killed whilst others will slowly grow through winter, covering the soil and providing living roots so that microorganisms can live off the exudates given out by the roots, and in turn provide accessible nutrients to the plants. We then mow these down in early spring and cover the beds with black plastic to kill of any crop residue and green manures before planting early crops into the ground.

So, although there is a sense of things slowing down in September and less of a feeling of urgency than there is through the summer, there is still plenty to do, and of course plenty to harvest too.

WHAT TO SOW THIS MONTH: Direct sown outside: turnip greens, leaf radish, red russian kale as salad leaf. Sow in trays: Now is the time to make sure you start sowing all of your overwintering salad leaves if you have a glasshouse or polytunnel, or even a sheltered spot on a patio. Leaves such as winter purslane, landcress, rocket, mustards, corn salad, endive, chervil, lettuce should be sown from the beginning of the month through to early October.. Also spring onions for overwintering in a cloche or tunnel/glasshouse

WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH:

OUTSIDE: salad leaves: leaf radish, winter purslane, landcress, rocket, mustards, overwintering spring onions, spinach and spring cabbage.

INSIDE: overwintering salad leaves (at the end of the month and into October), chard, coriander, chervil and parsley.

OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS THIS MONTH: Get your squash in by the end of the month and cure them either in a glasshouse, polytunnel or ideally in your house—this will make sure that the skins are hard and will last through the winter.

Get your squash in by the end of the month and cure them either in a glasshouse, polytunnel or ideally in your house—this will make sure that the skins are hard and will last through the winter.

September in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

Even though, at the time of writing, thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days there is no escaping the fact that it’s been an unusually hot, dry, summer. This will affect your gardening activities this month and into the future. Here, in the south west, we are generally a little wetter and cooler, than the south east, which at least means that we tend to escape hosepipe bans so that essential irrigation, of your most precious plants, should have been possible. Hopefully this means that you still have a garden to maintain, despite the drought, now that we are heading into autumn and, fingers crossed, increased rainfall.

The biggest effect of the hot, dry, summer is that it will have stressed many plants so that a lot of them will have flowered earlier than normal and for a shorter period. Some of the late flowering perennials, that can usually be relied upon to keep flower borders looking good well into the autumn, have flowered in august and will need a good dollop of rain if they are to soldier on much longer. The tribe of plants that I am thinking of are the ‘daisies’; Rudbeckia, Helenium, Helianthus, Echinacea, asters (now mostly reclassified as Symphyotrichum) etc.

Dead-heading, cutting back and adding extra support is more important than ever if your garden is to look as good as it can, especially when heavy rain beats down plants that have been weakened by severe lack of water. Some plants which are generally pretty immune to collapse in dry conditions, such as Persicaria and Crocosmia, have succumbed this year but will bounce back once we’ve had a bit of rain. The increase in the number of named cultivars of Persicaria amplexicaulis, over the last couple of decades, reflects a shift towards the more naturalistic, late summer flowering, planting style that also includes all those stalwarts of long lasting border plantings; Miscanthus (giant grasses) in its myriad forms. Miscanthus are one genus that actually thrives in a hot summer and will flower at its best in hot conditions, especially in heavier soils where it can eek out the available soil water content.

Schizostylis, now known as Hesperantha, hit their flowering stride after the heat of the summer has given way to more autumnal conditions and add a really fresh burst of colour, especially in the cultivar Hesperantha coccinea ‘Major’, akin to spring flowering bulbs. The caveat here is that, like many garden plants that hail from South Africa, they prefer to

have heat and soil moisture if they are to thrive. They naturally flower in the Southern Hemisphere spring, like many of our autumn flowering bulbs, corms and rhizomes, and grow in stream side locations where, in that hotter climate, they even survive permanently wet soil. In the UK climate, ‘normal’ garden soil is fine although Hesperantha definitely prefers soil where it gets full sun, which never completely dries out, and which is not waterlogged in our cold winters—not always an easy conditions list to provide.

Talking of ‘spring like’ plants reminds me that we are heading into peak bulb planting season. This is a subject I’ve covered numerous times before so this is just a timely reminder that, as soon as soil conditions allow, it’s important to buy and plants your spring flowering bulbs. As ever, the exception to the general rule of thumb, getting them into the ground roughly in flowering order, is that tulips should be ordered now, while stocks last, but planting should be delayed until November for cultural reasons. While browsing for spring flowering bulbs why not take a look at some of the autumn flowering species, such as Colchicums and autumn flowering Crocus, which are the kind of special garden plants to add a fillip of interest to a planting scheme or container?

I didn’t do much hedge cutting in August. It’s not the kind of activity that lends itself to uncomfortably hot, dry conditions where the hedge you are cutting is already stressed, by lack of water, and may just scorch if you remove its outer layer of foliage in the blazing sun. Hopefully we’ll have better hedge cutting weather this month which will allow me to catch up with essential maintenance activities. The added bonus is that neatening up the structural elements of the garden really helps to keep it looking fresh and reinvigorated right up until everything begins to die back.

The formal lawn is the other element of the garden, aside from neatly clipped hedging and topiary, which really offsets everything else. This will have turned brown during the drought conditions, because watering lawns is a ‘no-no’, but early autumn is a good time to give is some ‘tlc’ and help it to recover from the stresses of a being droughted. Once we’ve had some decent spells of rain and you can see that the grass is growing again, turning green, it’s a good idea to give it a gentle raking with a wire lawn rake, to remove

any dead stems, thatch and moss. A powered scarifier may prove a little too brutal, on a stressed lawn, and could lead to unsightly areas of bare soil which will require total reseeding if it’s to recover.

A gentle rake over, mowing at an increased height once the sward starts to recover, plus the addition of a proprietary ‘weed and feed’, will return your lawn to health before it has to endure winter weather. If the lawn is not huge, and it really has suffered badly, then early autumn is a good time to resow it, well before any frosts are likely, or to ‘over sow’ it using a top dressing of sieved top soil with your chosen grass seed mixed into it. The ‘top dressing’ of fine lawns is the kind of gardening activity that used to be common practice but which is now confined to the realms of the green keeper or lawn fanatic. These days, spiking lawns, rolling them and cutting them solely with a cylinder mower are the kind of time consuming tasks that have fallen by the wayside—perhaps it’s time to give your lawn a bit of love again?

Lawns and meadows are not the same thing! Simply deciding to not cut your lawn will not turn it into a species rich meadow. A lawn fulfils a completely different role in the garden than anything else and not cutting it simply turns it into an unkempt lawn - not a meadow. I have an ex-agricultural field which, after more than a decade of a meadow maintenance regime, is a species rich meadow. It has turned brown earlier this year than in a wetter summer but I shall leave it relatively late to cut it down because it’s still full of life : bats, dragonflies, swifts, swallows, martins, barn owls etc. all fly over it to hunt their chosen prey at different times of day—all part of life’s rich tapestry.

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Village Central

By Helen Fisher

HINTON ST GEORGE £975,000

Believed to be one of the oldest houses in the village, with 15th/16th century origins. With 4 bedrooms and many period character features inc: exposed beams, stone fireplaces and window seats. A predominantly high walled, south-facing rear garden. Plus a terrace, workshop, greenhouse and a variety of trees. Off road parking. Savills Tel: 01202 856872

WHITCHURCH CANONICORUM £675,000

Beautiful 3/4 bedroom attached home on a development of just 3 properties. Characterful cottage with all the benefits of a relatively modern home. Wide hallway with flagstone flooring, dual aspect sitting room, open fireplace. Kitchen with a vaulted ceiling. Rear garden with woodland and stream. Single garage and ample parking.

Goadsby Tel: 01308 420000

CHARMOUTH £850,000

A spacious and immaculate detached home with 4 bedrooms. Recently updated in a contemporary style inc: a solid oak staircase, designer lighting and a spa bath. Benefitting from an attached workshop with electric roller-door plus garage/play room. Landscaped west-facing garden with terrace. In a tucked away yet central location with ample parking.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

MARTOCK £1,050,000

A 17 c semi-detached yet very private south-west facing 4 bedroom home, down a no-through lane. Grade II listed with many architectural features: stone mullion windows, ceiling beams, fireplaces & window seats, 4 oven Aga. Stunning, richly planted gardens featuring a brook with timber footbridge, garden room & paved terrace. Garage & parking. Knight Frank Tel: 01935 810064

HOOKE £850,000

Substantial light and airy detached family home with 4 bedrooms, built in the 1960’s from Purbeck Stone. Spacious & beautifully presented throughout with many rooms double or triple aspect. Plus an attached two-story self-contained annex with private garden. Main garden with terrace, mature trees, fruit & veg beds. Countryside views and ample parking. Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 863100

BRADPOLE £350,000

A well appointed and maintained semi-detached 2 bedroom bungalow built in late 1960’s. Updated with uPVC double glazed windows and doors. Front and rear gardens with patio and greenhouse. Single garage and parking. Easy access to village centre yet also benefitting from a 1.5 mile walkway/ cycle/mobility scooter route into Bridport. No forward chain. Kennedys Tel: 01308 427329

BLACKBERRY ICE CREAM

Delicious home-made ice cream. Remove ice cream from freezer and place in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving – this way it will be scoopable

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS

• 350g blackberries + few extra for serving

• 25g caster sugar

• 300ml full fat milk

• 1 vanilla pod, split

• 4 medium egg yolks

• 100g caster sugar

• 300ml double cream

LESLEY WATERS

Serves 4 - 6

• For a cheats version without having to make custard – simply buy a 500g ready made fresh, vanilla custard. Lightly whip a 284ml carton double cream until it just holds soft peaks. Stir the custard and whipped cream together and place in the ice cream machine or in a freezer proof container. Follow recipe above adding the blackberry puree.

1. Wash the blackberries and tip into a pan. Add the sugar and place over a gentle heat until the juices start to run. Gently cook for 5 minutes or until the blackberries have softened.

2. Pour into a sieve over a bowl and press through the sieve. Set aside to cool.

3. Put the milk and vanilla in a pan and slowly heat until boiling point. In a bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar together and then still beating pour over the milk. Return the mixture to the pan and stirring constantly heat it until the mixture forms a film over the back of the wooden spoon and lightly thickens. Do not let it boil or it will separate.

4. Remove the pan from the heat, leave it until cold then stir in the cream.

5. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream machine and churn until softly set. Or, put the mixture in a freezer-proof container and freeze for approximately 2 hours or until the outer edge is just set. Remove from freezer and break down with a fork, then return to the freezer for a further 2 hours or until softly set.

6. Gently fold the cooled blackberry sauce in to the softened ice cream until it forms swirls. Return to the freezer until firm.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES WITH SALSA

If like me you are stuck with green tomatoes that just don’t ripen then try this. They make a great snack, starter or an accompaniment to grilled or barbecued meat and fish.

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS

• 4 medium green tomatoes, cut into ½ cm slices

• Sea salt to serve

• Vegetable or corn oil for deep frying

For the batter

• 200g Dove farm gluten free self-raising flour

MARK HIX

• About 150-200ml cider

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the dressing

• 3-4 green tomatoes, half, seeded and finely chopped

• 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 medium green chilli, seeded and finely chopped

• 1tbsp chopped chives

• 1tbsp olive oil

Serves 4

1. To make the batter, gently whisk the flour and add enough cider together to make a thick batter then season and leave to rest for half an hour.

2. Preheat about 8cm of oil to 160180°C in a large thick bottomed saucepan or electric deep fat fryer.

3. Test a piece of tomato in the hot oil to ensure the batter is the correct thickness and coating the tomatoes nicely, if not adjust the batter with more cider or flour.

4. Dip the tomato slices in the batter and fry in batches then drain on kitchen paper and scatter with sea salt.

5. Mix all of the ingredients together for the dressing and season.

6. To serve, put the tomatoes in the centre of the plate and spoon the dressing over the top.

Achance encounter with a pirate supply store in California was the initial inspiration that prompted former film producer Nick Goldsmith to launch an initiative to help young people enjoy the benefits of writing. Best known for producing films like The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Son of Rambo, Nick was visiting San Francisco when he ‘stumbled across’ a shop that appeared to sell accessories for pirates.

The store, on Valencia St in the Mission District, offered an extraordinary array of pirate supplies including peg legs, eye patches, products to combat scurvy, planks (sold by the foot), ocean maps, and a large vat full of miscellaneous antiquities where visiting pirates might rummage for treasure. It even had a glass case of replacement eyes for any pirate needing a new one. And for those that might be suffering from being land-bound, there was a small area with a fish tank where melancholy pirates could sit and dream of the ocean waves.

Nick remembers being ‘blown away by this weird and wonderful place’ and asked if this was really a shop for pirates. Or was it a front for something even stranger? In fact, it was. It turned out to be the retail frontage of an initiative set up by American writer Dave Eggers who wanted to run workshops to help disadvantaged children learn about writing. At the back of the store, a secret door opened into a tutoring room where kids from the local neighborhood came to be given one-to-one attention to learning. Often, parents would come too and watch as enthusiasm spread amongst the children. In time, the focus became about writing stories that were to be published in books, and the initiative led to similar shop-front workshop centers popping up around the country. One, in Brooklyn New York, was set up as a ‘Superhero Supply Company’ carrying everything from capes to invisibility products and Superhero instruction manuals. The initiative was an enormous success and young people who had never before had an opportunity to have their words listened to, let alone published in a book, got the chance to develop talents that might otherwise have remained dormant.

Captured by a pirate fantasy, former film producer Nick Goldsmith has created a world where young people can find their voice. He tells Fergus Byrne about the Bank of Dreams and Nightmares.

The concept was never far from Nick’s mind and after getting involved in the homeschooling of his own children during the first lockdown he decided to quit film producing and start a charity to help local children in the same way. His charity, ‘The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares’, published its inaugural anthology, I Have a Dream, written by young writers from Beaminster School in July this year.

The key activity of the charity is to work with schools that have a high proportion of pupils who experience socio or economic disadvantage. The target audience for their creative writing program is children who live or go to school in these wards, many of whom are failing to reach expected levels of literacy and are experiencing social exclusion because of their lack of reading and writing attainment. Aware that, now more than ever, schools need all the help they can get to catch up after the Covid lockdowns, Nick Goldsmith and his volunteers are providing an invaluable resource to support schools with specific workshops which fit into the school curriculum.

On a personal level, it is an enormous leap for Nick. ‘I was a film producer working in TV commercials, features, and music videos’ he explains. ‘I’ve been doing it since I left Art College and loved every minute of it.’ However, after ‘thirty-odd years’ he felt that either he or the industry was changing and it was time to do something else. After his mum passed away during the pandemic and left him a little bit of money he decided that gave him the opportunity to set up the charity. ‘It would make her proud and that would be something really special’ he says. With a huge track record in getting things done and working with a vast network of high-caliber people in the film world, he set about calling some of those he used to work with to ask them to support his charity. ‘And what’s been great’ he says ‘is all the people I have worked with over the years have been really helpful and supportive in getting the charity up and running.’

That seed funding started the ball rolling and although fundraising is always a constant; the charity is now running ongoing workshops with Primary Schools which are booked right through December. They are working with

sixteen Primary Schools as well as Secondary Schools and they are currently training up four volunteers to be paid as freelance workshop leaders. With a sense of brimming enthusiasm, Nick talks about some of the ideas currently underway including a ten-week workshop working with a Bridport school on writing lyrics, which he hopes will result in recording an album; a national newspaper, being designed, written, and produced by children from different local schools, which he hopes will see its first issue produced in the Autumn; a Guide Book to Weymouth being produced by children at Budmouth Academy and a range of podcasts which are currently being released on their Soundcloud page.

However, there is one small gap in the plan, and as the charity grows and becomes more effective the need to fill that gap becomes more important, and indeed valuable. The charity needs a home. And to fit in with the successful model that was begun by Dave Eggers all those years ago, it needs a public space for kids to drop into whenever they can or want to. So what is Nick’s plan? ‘I want to buy the bank’ he tells me. ‘Rather than be a nameless, faceless charity, the idea that we’re striving for is to have a space on the High Street, so that you become accessible. So I want the bank.’

Nick is referring to a building that once housed and ran the finances of the community; an institution whose tentacles spread into the many nooks and crannies of the local economy and into the lives of people striving to build their own and the town’s future. What could be more apt than a bank to house ‘The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares’? He sees it as a repository for the future of the

Nick Goldsmith

...when you let them go, they take you to a place where you’d never think the story would go

area’s imagination, its aspirations, and healthy development; building strength from the young minds that will build our future communities. ‘The idea being that we’re a real bank for stories’ he says. ‘So kids come and they deposit stories and they withdraw stories and they get inspired to write stories in there. And what it does is it makes us as a charity accessible, so we’re not unknown. People can just wander in and discover us—which is really exciting.’

He cites Bridport as the natural starter home for ‘The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares’. He says it ‘has this image of being super-creative and eccentric and all of these things’. But he points out that it still has areas that are deprived, ‘and they are overlooked because people see the highlights’ he says. ‘And actually, it makes it sort of worse for those communities to be served.’ The other reason is the charity wants to offer more to kids than just an extra writing hour in school, by working with professionals in industry. ‘And what Bridport does have is, it’s got some really interesting people’ says Nick. He wants to tap into those interesting people. For example, one of the current projects is a comedy sketch workshop which has got two professional comedy writers running it and BBC Comedy has come on board to partner with him on it.

At this point the possibilities are endless but there is a need for more benefactors and volunteers, especially as momentum builds and new ventures grow. In September the charity will publish its second book of stories written by the children and Nick is hugely enthusiastic about the impact being published can have on young people. ‘I’m incredibly buoyant’ he says. ‘I don’t know whether it’s because we are doing something outside of school that is not like school, but when we do these books in Secondary Schools we ask the school to select twenty children from the year group who this would benefit most. Often the teachers will be amazed saying, “they don’t normally concentrate for longer than 10 minutes—they’ve lasted the whole two hours”. So we must be doing something right. But I find the kids, 99% of the time; blow me away with their imagination and what they come out with.’

Spiralling: A Slow Descent into Madness, an anthology

written by a group of young writers from the Sir John Colfox School, is the title of the second volume being published and launched in September. The title doesn’t necessarily depict the content of each story; although Nick admits that some of the content is quite dark. It is chosen by a democratic vote amongst the children involved. ‘Our whole philosophy is to let them say what they want and not censor it’ says Nick. The tutors don’t try to steer the children despite sometimes being tempted. ‘It’s really hard not to try to direct them’ he says. ‘I think that’s the hardest thing to do. But when you let them go, they take you to a place where you’d never think the story would go. With the primary school workshops, we come up with a story for the class up to a cliff-hanger. And then they finish their own endings individually. Their endings are amazing; bonkers; off the wall, but really amazing! And so I guess I’m really enthused about what the kids can come up with—and the fact that they want to do it. I find it absolutely fascinating. That’s a big bonus for me in doing this.’

There’s no doubt that what Nick started at the beginning of 2021, remembering his ‘stumble’ into a Pirate Supply Store, will have many twists, turns, and indeed a myriad of endings. But in the meantime, it is a story worth following, whether as an observer, supporter, or volunteer.

For more information or to get in touch visit: www. thebankofdreamsandnightmares.org.

The launch of Spiralling: A Slow Descent into Madness, will take place at 6 pm on Thursday 15 September at The Bookshop on South Street in Bridport.

‘I Have a Dream’ and ‘Spiralling: A Slow Decent into Madness’, the first two books published by The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares

GALLERIES September

From 30 August

Introducing West Dorset Landscape Artist Harland Viney at Marine House at Beer. Harland Viney’s love for the wilder parts of Dorset are caught to powerful effect by an artist whose star is much in the ascendent. Open 7 days a week www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257.

1 - 24 September

James Brown Photography Talented local Wildlife Photographer James Brown will be exhibiting new and unseen photographs. Open daily from 8.30 - 4pm at Unique Framecraft, Units 4-5 Millwey Rise Workshops, Second Avenue, Axminster. EX13 5HH. Telephone 01297 631614. Follow us on Instagram @uniqueframecraft .

1 - 30 September

Kit Glaisyer: The Marshwood Vale & Beyond is an exhibition coinciding with the release of Kit’s new book documenting his evolving series of West Country landscape paintings over recent years, with a range of works on show in his gallery and studio. Open Saturdays 11-3pm or by appointment. Bridport Contemporary Gallery, 11 Downes Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JR. 07983 465789 www.bridportcontemporary.com @bridportcontemporary

Until 2 September

Summer Exhibition Celebrating 13 years of Artwave West! An exciting and dynamic selection of paintings, ceramics and sculptures by our Gallery Artists. Artwave West, Morcombelake, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6DY Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Phone 01297 489746. www.artwavewest.com.

2 - 21 September

Caroline Bailey, Emma Dunbar and Jenny Wheatley The Jerram Gallery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LN www.jerramgallery.com.

Until 3 September

“Our World, Your Choice” An exhibition examining how we lived in the past; workshops and exhibits by local businesses all relating to the issue of climate change and how we can all make small adjustments to our lives to help. Mon, Thur, Fri, Sat 10am-

4pm. Free. Crewkerne & District Heritage Centre, Market Square, Crewkerne. Somerset. TA18 7LP. www.crewkernemuseum.co.uk.

Until 4 September

Portland Coast Fascinated by this rocky coastline, local artist Leon Dore was determined to find a less figurative and more authentic response to its unique mixture of Mesolithic geology, quarrying, natural rock fall and erosion. Form dominates, colour is minimised, and each visit provided a unique artistic experience. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm, www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk.

Textures of Dorset An Art Exhibition in Card and Felt by artists

Jenny Penney & Di Pattinson 10 am – 5 pm Except Sunday 10 am – 4.30 pm. Eype Centre for the Arts, Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR

Landscapes, Seascapes, Hedgerows by Dot Wood 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. Working with acrylic paint and pastel, Dot developed a series of paintings inspired by the 78 days’ worth of hedgerow and flower studies she had produced whilst in hospital, receiving treatment for leukaemia.

5 - 18 September

David Brooke David Brooke’s paintings create a sense of mystery. Although events are taking place within his paintings, sometimes it is unclear exactly what is happening. There clearly is a narrative, but it is left to the viewer to decide the nature of that narrative, to develop their own stories, their own responses and their own sense of mystery and adventure. 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.

6 - 23 September

Looking Beyond … an exhibition by members of the Somerset Monochrome Group of Photographers. Taunton Library, Paul St., Taunton, TA1 3XZ. Opening times: Weekdays 9:30am – 5:30pm (Wednesdays 7:00pm), Saturdays: 9:30 – 5:00. Free entry.

6 September - 23 October

In Our Hands Caroline Ireland’s folk-art inspired paintings abound in colour and pattern and feature the shapes of the artist’s own hands as elements of imagined landscapes, highlighting human interconnection with the natural world and the premise that the future is in our hands to change for the better. Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, TuesSat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm, www.lymeregismuseum. co.uk

7 - 16 September

Artbeat 10th annual exhibition for this popular group of 11 East Devon artists. An exciting and varied show with affordable, original art, prints, cards & gifts. Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8NG. www. kennawayhouse.org.uk. Open daily 10am-5pm. (Last day close 3pm) Free admission.

9 September - 6 January

Mixed Autumn Exhibition of Gallery & Guest Artists

An exhibition featuring all our gallery artists including sculptors Johannes von Stumm and Sarah Moore, ceramicist Alison Wear and many paintings and prints from Phillippa Headley, Kim Pragnell, Colin Moore, Ruth Ander, to name but a few. Visitors also welcome outside normal hours by prior appointment. Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, Tincleton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QR. Opening Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon from 10:00 – 16:00 Admission free. Telephone 01305 848 909. http://www.tincletongallery.com.

Until 10 September

Andrew Lanyon A dinner-gong in the jungle The Shippon Gallery Hook Farm, Chardstock, Axminster, Devon EX13 7DD Open Saturdays and Sundays 12pm –4pm and by arrangement 01460 220021.

10 - 14 September

Ruth Piper - Visual Artist ‘Emblems of Hope’ The Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PU. To view my portfolio please visit my website http://www.ruthpiper.com ruth@ruthpiper.com Unit G6, BV Studios, BS3 4EA 07711541852

10 - 24 September

A Celebration of Bridport An exhibition of paintings by Jules Cross former student of the Royal Academy schools at The Chapel in the Garden, 49 East St. 16 carefully observed studies (oil on canvas board) of iconic businesses and landmarks which contribute to the town’s unique heritage.

10 - 30 September

Sophie Capron Solo Exhibition Sophie’s paintings reveal a multitude of worked marks that resemble aged doorways and crumbling walls - places where time has left its mark, and where traces of human interaction speak of countless interventions that have accumulated over time. Artwave West, Morcombelake, Dorset DT6 6DY Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. 01297 489746 www.artwavewest.com

GALLERIES IN OCTOBER

Live or Online send your gallery details to info@marshwoodvale.com

10 September - 1 October

Michael Williams Recent Paintings The Art

Stable is delighted to be presenting a fourth solo exhibition of the watercolours of Michael Williams.

Fiona Robinson Drawing to Music The Art

Stable. The Art Stable Child Okeford Blandford Dorset DT11 8HB

Until 11 September

Alex Lowery ‘Picturing’ recent paintings and drawings. Akiko Hirai ‘In a manner of Speaking’ recent ceramics. Petter Southall furniture. A heart-stopping exhibition from three artists whose intelligent, exquisite work always brings something new and thrilling. Sladers Yard Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm (Café and ground-floor gallery also open Sundays 10am - 4.00pm). Admission free. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk.

12 - 17 September

Windwhistle Designs Autumn Exhibition

Windwhistle Designs is a graphic art studio based in South Somerset producing contemporary designs and art prints. 10.00am - 5.00pm. SomARTon, 1 West Street, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7PS. andrew@windwhistledesigns.com, www.windwhistledesigns.com

17 - 30 September

Solo show Mel Cormack-Hicks at Marine House at Beer. Open every day. This hugely popular artist is presenting her second solo show at Marine House at Beer with 35 new works reflecting moments of inspiration near her home in the Cotswolds and her seaside hideaway in Beer, also the wilds of Scotland. Free 28 page catalogue and invitation to launch day on September 17 when Mel will be there to greet you. www. marinehouseatbeer.co.uk 01297 625257

17 September - 12 November

Coast Lines - Martyn Brewster ARE at 70. This autumn Martyn Brewster fills the galleries of Sladers Yard with his richly coloured lyrical paintings, drawings and prints of the Dorset coast alongside the timeless textured and coloured ceramic sculpture of Peter Hayes and Petter Southall’s beautiful furniture. Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm. Café Sladers and the ground floor gallery are also open Sundays 10am - 4pm. Admission free. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk

Until 18 September

Unrestricted: SSW Summer Open 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. The gallery offers a ‘no limits’ approach to their annual summer open this yearartists have been encouraged to defy conventions - with no holds barred!

18 September - 2 October

A Celebration of Sky: Steve Manning Steve is a printmaker based in Devon producing unique limited edition linocut prints. His images are inspired by the cloudscapes that gather over moorland, estuary and coast. 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

23 September - 6 October

Bridport Textile Artist Deborah Tiltman hand embroidery exhibition at Art Unlimited gallery, South St, Bridport, DT6 3NR. 9am - 5pm MonSat. Contacts gallery 01308 426593, or Deborah 07929280639.

24 September - 9 October

Somerset Art Weeks Artists across Somerset will be responding to the theme of ‘Sanctuary’. Pick up a guide or visit somersetartworks.org.uk.

24 September - 16 October

‘Pop Up’: Selected Artists and Makers An innovative ‘galleries within a gallery’ show: a platform for discovery. Sou’-Sou’-West brings together a selected collection of artists and makers, each of whom will have their own individually curated exhibition space within the gallery to showcase their work. 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

Until 25 September

Canvas & Rock an exhibition by Philomena Harmsworth. A fusion of paint, charcoal and neon - some of the media used in this latest collection. New Inn, Stoke Abbott, DT8 3TJ. Opening hours are 12-2pm & 6-11pm Weds - Sunday. Check website before travelling.

Until 4 October

Under the Cedar Tree Artist Belinda Smith offers a contemporary view on some of the stories that shape the identity of Athelhampton House and Gardens. www.belindasmithstudio.com Instagram: @belindasmithstudio. Athelhampton House and Gardens, Athelhampton Road, Puddletown, Dorchester, DT2 7LG. Open Sunday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm (Closed Saturdays). www.athelhampton.

com

Until 29 October

Myths and Monsters Explore the wild worlds of Myths and Monsters in a new exhibition featuring over 70 artworks from some of our best-loved children’s stories. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Tue – Sat. The Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA. Museumofsomerset.org.uk

Until 31 October

‘Buried in Time’ at West Bay Discovery Centre. Open daily 11 am - 4 pm excluding Mondays. Admission free, donations welcomed. There will be various walks, talks and events associated with this exhibition. www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.

PREVIEW September

Three days of folk

LYME Folk Weekend returns, from 2nd to 4th September, with a stellar line-up including Sam Sweeney and his band, Seth Lakeman and the brilliant quartet Ranagri.

The festival includes free gigs, shanty singing, storytelling and Morris dancing along the seafront. as well as four headline concerts at the Marine Theatre, beginning on Friday 2nd with the Sam Sweeney Band. Sam first played at the Lyme festival in 2019 when he gave the last ever performance of his Unfinished Violin show.

The 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year returns with his band to play music from the acclaimed album Unearth Repeat. The new band brings together Sam’s unique fiddle playing, the double bass of Ben Nicholls and the keyboards of Dave Mackay, with guitarist Jenn Butterworth, voted Musician of the Year at the 2019 Scots Trad Music Awards.

Ranagri, at the Marine on Saturday 3rd, are four Irish and English musicians, combining voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp and percussion. They were described by BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham as having “a sound that’s completely new, which has great energy and immediately makes you want to dance.” Opening the Saturday show will be Lyme Folk favourite Steve Dagleish.

On Sunday there are two concerts, starting in the afternoon with the Dorset-based duo songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Bob Whitley and cellist Lee MacKenzie. They will be playing Whiteley’s Magellan Circumnavigation, a blend of theatre and musical storytelling, bringing to life the story of the greatest voyage of human exploration, at a time when sailors believed in gigantic sea monsters, demons, boiling seas at the Equator and magnetic rocks that drew the nails out of the timbers.

In the evening the singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Seth Lakeman will play songs from his new album Make Your Mark, written during his enforced 18 months off the road. He will be joined by Alex Hart who

was the first ever singer at the festival, when she performed with her band on the opening night of the inaugural event in 2013.

Welsh comedian on tour

DORCHESTER

COMEDIAN Kiri Pritchard-McLean, who moved back to her native Anglesey during lockdown, is on tour this autumn, with West Country dates including the Corn Exchange at Dorchester on Sunday 11th September, and Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre on 19th November.

Praised by the Sunday Times as “very dark, very funny... [with] masterful timing,” her show covers topics that range from skinny jeans to learning Welsh and white supremacy!

Kiri has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You. She hosts her own show on Sunday afternoons on BBC Radio Wales, has created a popular true crime podcast with Rachel Fairburn and a new podcast, Who Are You Wearing, during which she chats to celebrities about their relationship with clothes, with guests including Jonathan Ross and Rosie Jones.

Ravilious—a life cut short by conflict

BRIDPORT

A NEW documentary film being shown at Bridport’s Electric Palace on 23rd September, explores the life and work of the watercolorist and wood-engraver Eric Ravilious, who disappeared over Iceland in 1942, during the Second World War.

Directed by the BAFTA winner Margy Kinmonth, Eric Ravilious—Drawn to War, features contributions from writer

Folk fiddler Sam Sweeney comes to Lyme

The Westbury White Horse by Eric Ravilious, private colllection, Towner Eastbourne Photograph © www.foxtrotfilms.com

Literary Highlights Ahead

While the heat of the summer eases there are many exciting literary events to look forward to in and around the Marshwood Vale.

Budleigh Salterton—celebrating books by the sea

COVERING a wide variety of topics, including current affairs, best-selling authors and leading debut novelists, as well as events for families, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival runs from 14th to 18th September. It promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar.

Headlining the packed programme is legendary actress Dame Sheila Hancock, the BBC’s Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen, the broadcaster Simon Reeve, poet Pam Ayres, gardening expert Joe Swift and BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Ronnie Archer-Morgan. Baroness Floella Benjamin will be delivering the annual Susan Ward memorial talk in memory of the Festival’s founder. The leading brain surgeon, Henry Marsh, will share his own experiences as a patient; acclaimed behavioural scientist and author of Sway, Pragya Agarwal, explores the myth of gendering emotions. The man at the centre of the Jeremy Thorpe scandal, Norman Scott, reveals the impact it has had on his life and explorer Benedict Allen whisks us off to undiscovered places, while MP Andrew Mitchell blows the lid off life inside Parliament in a very febrile climate.

There is also a wealth of other diverse events from Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland sharing his extraordinary new account of an escape from Auschwitz to Riverford veg box founder Guy Singh-Watson talking about food miles with food writer Orlando Murrin.

‘We are so excited by this year’s programme,’ says Sue Briggs, Festival Committee Chair. ‘There is something for all interests and all ages, and we are looking forward to welcoming audiences back to the Budleigh and the Festival.’

The Festival, which has a hub marquee with café and pop-up Waterstones bookshop, is strongly supported by local businesses and donors, and is recognised as a partner by Exeter City of Literature. Tickets are on sale from budlitfest.org.uk.

Dorchester Literary Festival—celebrating literary passions and country pleasures

ROBERT Harris will discuss Act of Oblivion, Max Hastings will talk about Abyss and Ben Macintyre will discuss Colditz. These are just some of the fantastic events available at this year’s Dorchester Literary Festival from 15th to 22nd October.

During the same week you can delve into the lives of our Queen and the Royal family; learn about Marine Commandos; discover The Celts; the life of artist John Constable or Josephine Baker’s life in espionage with Damien Lewis.

The festival also features a range of memoirs as well as highlighting the world of nature and animals.

Details of all the events on www.dorchesterliteraryfestival.com Tickets are available online or from Dorchester Waterstones.

Bridport Literary Festival—exciting events to brighten the winter days

MELVYN Bragg and Chris Patten add their weight to an incredible line-up for Bridport Literary Festival which runs from 6th to 12th November this year. The line-up also includes awardwinning novelists Maggie O’Farrell and Kit de Waal, travel writer Colin Thubron, environmental activist George Monbiot, war correspondent Jeremy Bowen, Today presenter Justin Webb, gardener and novelist Alan Titchmarsh and celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

‘It’s an exciting programme, fitting for our coming-of-age year,’ said festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart. ‘The team is really looking forward to bringing together these high calibre speakers to Bridport.’

Highlights this year include Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville in conversation with Julian Fellowes, Sheila Hancock’s gloriously irreverent memoir and Dorset’s own PJ Harvey on her book Orlam, a poem-sequence of light and shadow and written in Dorset dialect.

Debut novelist Joanna Quinn, whose Dorset-based novel, The Whalebone Theatre, is receiving rave reviews, joins a stellar line up of authors.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.bridlit.com.

and playwright Alan Bennett, artists Grayson Perry and Ai Weiwei and landscape and nature writer and poet Robert Macfarlane. The director chose artists to talk about Ravilious rather than curators or journalists. They bring an engaging creative energy to the narrative.

The narrative thread, largely drawn from Ravilious’ many letters, recounts a life as compelling and enigmatic as his art, set against the dramatic wartime locations that inspired him. Actors Freddie Fox and Tamsin Grieg provide the voices for Ravilious and his wife Tirzah Garwood, who was also an artist. As well as the private correspondence the film includes previously unseen archive material. Two other actors taking part are Jeremy Irons and Harriet Walter.

Margy Kinmonth says: “As a filmmaker and artist myself, I am telling the story of an artist whose life was cut short by conflict. Ravilious was a brilliant painter whose art portrays a very British way of life, creating his unique point of view at a particular point in history, my film asks what his life and art might tell us about the elusive concept of Englishness.”

Margy believes that Ravilious is one of Britain’s greatest landscape artists: “He is much loved and very popular. He should be widely recognised alongside Turner, Nash, Constable and Hockney. But Ravilious is not a household name. I want my film to bring him wider recognition and not just around the UK.”

One reason that Ravilious was relatively forgotten for many years after his death was that the existence of many of his paintings was unknown until his children discovered them under the bed of his great friend Edward Bawden.

People may not have heard of him but nowadays they certainly recognise his art, she says: “Since he went out of copyright, his work is to be found on every dishcloth and handkerchief—but who wants to be Britain’s favourite mousemat?”

Dorset artist, Robin Mackenzie, one of the country’s youngest and finest wood engravers, was commissioned to make the little wood blocks for the tiny engravings seen in the film—Ravilious’ own wood blocks were lost in the war.

Mini tour for talented trio

BRIDPORT, ILMINSTER, CREWKERNE

CONCERTS In The West begins its autumn season on Friday, 2nd September, with a violin-cello-piano trio playing works by Schubert, Faure, Dvorak and the young British composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

Fenella Humphreys, violin, Cara Berridge, cello, and Libby Burgess, piano, have all played for Concerts in the West before, but not as a trio until now. They will begin their mini-tour in Bridport Arts Centre with a coffee concert, on Friday morning, followed by Ilminster Arts Centre that evening, and Crewkerne Dance House on Saturday evening.

Winner of the 2018 BBC Music Magazine Instrumental Award, Fenella Humphreys has won critical admiration and audience acclaim with the grace and intensity of her playing. One of the UK’s most established and versatile violinists, she has a busy career

Festival Treats

b-side returns to land Bridport Hat Festival

combining chamber music and solo work, performing in prestigious venues around the world.

Cara Berridge is a founder member of the multi-award-winning Sacconi Quartet who have performed at all the major London venues including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room.

Leading arts festival, b-side, is making its return to the Isle of Portland, Dorset, for 2022 between 8-11th September, with an exciting lineup of diverse artists. Under the uniting theme of Common Lands, visitors will be exploring their relationship with the land through the various artworks and activities on offer. Visitors can expect to engage with a wide variety of activities across the weekend. For more information, please visit the b-side website https://b-side.org.uk/

As well as being a busy solo pianist and chamber musician, Libby Burgess runs the New Paths festival in Beverley and the Beverley Chamber Music Festival. For Concerts in the West, she is standing in for Daniel Grimwood who is suffering from an arm injury.

The programme for the three concerts includes Schubert’s Sonatensatz in B flat major, My Fleeting Angel by Frances-Hoad, and piano trios by Dvorak and Faure.

West country bands at the Beehive HONITON

HONITON’s Beehive Centre hosts a band that is making a name for its energetic live festival and stage performances. Drop In the Ocean are playing a gig on Friday 30th September.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2017 Drop In The Ocean have been winning fans with their infectious blend of reggae, ska and dub fusion that is sure to get you moving.

They are supported at The Beehive by another West Country band, The Dillyboys, who play original and traditional folk songs and tunes, using banjo, accordion, guitar. Like the headline band, they are known for getting their audiences dancing.

Other September live music events at The Beehive are The Alter Eagles on Saturday 10th and Albert Lee and his band on Saturday 24th.

Parkinson’s, parkour and a lottery of life DORCHESTER

The 2022 Bridport Hat Festival will be held on Saturday 3rd September 2022, 10am – 4pm. The festivities will be opened by the Mayor Ian Bark at 10am in Bucky Doo Square. This will be followed by a programme of music by young local musicians until the mass photo at 1pm – followed by the judging of the various ‘Best Hatted’ competitions. The HatFest Garden Party also commences at 10am at the Millennium Green where there will be folk music from local musicians, Hat Hurling, Best Hatted Dog competition and other attractions. Hank Wangford is returning to the Electric Palace 8pm. Visit www.bridporthatfest.org.

ACTRESS, film-maker and Parkinson’s sufferer Sue Wylie invites you to roll up for the Parkinson’s Lottery in her new film, which will be shown at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Wednesday 14th September, in a double bill with her first, Kinetics. Both films explore the experience of living with Parkinson’s Disease.

What A Load of Balls: The Parkinson’s Lottery, which is also available on YouTube, is a follow-on from Kinetics and looks at the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s and the randomness of it all.

Anyone who has seen Kinetics—the film or the live performance—will know that it is an entertaining and moving story of the unlikely friendship that developed between a recently diagnosed Parkinson’s sufferer and a rebellious student.

Sue Wylie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s more than a decade ago, and decided to use her writing and acting skill to express her intimate knowledge of the condition through films made by her production company, DT2.

Kinetics follows the experience of a woman called Rose as she tries to come to terms with her diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s. An unlikely friendship develops when Lukas—a Parkour-obsessed student—comes tumbling into her life.

Hank Wangford plays at the Bridport Hat Festival

The Gig Portland Parade comes to b-side Festival

The trio on the September Concerts in the West Series—Cara Berridge, Libby Burgess and Fenella Humphreys

Art Weeks

IN SOMERSET

ARTISTS across Somerset will be responding to the theme of ‘Sanctuary’ for this year’s Somerset Art Weeks.

More than 300 artists will be hosting exhibitions and events in over 100 venues, including loft spaces, tithe barns, stables, museums, churches, farms, libraries and a prison.

Members of Somerset Art Works and commissioned artists will be showcasing their work, giving local people and visitors to the county the opportunity to discover high quality shows and exhibitions in unique and inspiring locations across the county.

Artists have interpreted the theme of Sanctuary in many different ways, such as with paintings of the natural world, mindful mark making and a poetic sanctuary.

Somerset Art Works recently declared a Climate Emergency, and reflecting this, the event has a focus on sustainability. Many of the artists have been inspired by our relationship to the natural world. Others have responded to shared experiences of the pandemic, often highlighting positive changes or allowing visitors to contemplate.

A full event programme includes talks, walks and workshops focussing on making art, wellbeing and a return to nature. Each weekend will be Family Friendly, with arts activities for families of all shapes and sizes, encouraging everyone to join in.

Somerset Art Weeks runs from 24 Sept9 Oct 2022. For more information visit https://somersetartworks.org.uk.

The new film, What A Load of Balls, is a funny and hard-hitting short film that combines live action with animation to explore the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s in a truly original way. Every ball in the Parkinson’s Lottery reveals a symptom!

Funds raised from this evening will be used to support Dorchester Arts’ Parkinson’s Dance classes and to further the work of DT2 Productions.

Star pianist from famous family DORCHESTER

THE Kanneh-Mason family has been making musical headlines for years, with awards showered on the two older siblings, cellist Sheku, the 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year, who played at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and his older sister Isata, who comes to Dorchester Arts at the Hardye Theatre at the Thomas Hardye School, on Thursday 29th September, Isata Kanneh-Mason won the 2021 Leonard Bernstein Award, a 2020 Opus Klassik award for best young artist and, as a member of the Kanneh-Mason family, the 2021 best classical artist at the Global Awards.

She has released two albums, Romance—the Piano Music of Clara Schumann, and Summertime, a journey through the piano repertoire of 20th-century America. During the 21/22 season, Isata is one of the European Concert Hall Organisation’s Rising Stars, giving recitals at some of the continent’s most illustrious concert venues.

Her programme at Dorchester includes Schumann’s Kinderszenen and works by Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn, Debussy, Clara Schumann and Chopin.

When Winnie met Adolf DORCHESTER

YOU know what to expect when Stu Mcloughlin and Howard Coggins—better known as Living Spit—tackle a serious subject. Mayhem. But also laughs—and their latest foray into world history promises plenty when they bring Adolf and Winston to Dorchester Corn Exchange on Wednesday 28th September.

Bronwen Coe has created a series of work on the theme ‘Theatre of trees’

Isata Kanneh-Mason playing at The Thomas Hardye School in September

London, 1939. Winston Churchill looks in the mirror, realises that only he can steer our great nation through its darkest hour and steels himself for the hard road ahead.

Bristol, 2021. Howard Coggins looks in the mirror, shaves, realises he looks a bit like Winston Churchill and steels himself to break some bad news to his good friend, Stu.

Bristol, 2022. Stu Mcloughlin looks in the mirror and realises that he’ll have to grow a little moustache.

After the success of their Tudor dramas, The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous. Howard and Stu are once again walking the tightrope of taste with another slice of poorly-researched history

This new show from the inventive duo includes a 15-minute musical race through the history of the Second World War.

The John Martyn Project LYME REGIS

The Young Lit Fix

THE John Martyn Project, at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, on Friday 16th September, is a special concert where six established artists from the world of folk, soul and jazz, come together to celebrate the music of John Martyn, the acclaimed British guitarist and singer-songwriter who died in 2009.

The line-up features singer Blythe Pepino, virtuoso guitarist, composer and singer-songwriter and mandolin player Kit Hawes along with soul singer Pete Josef and Sam Brookes. Together, they reinterpret the many different aspects and eras of Martyn’s music.

Since first coming together for a sold out show in 2018 at London’s Jazz Cafe, the project has made several tours and become a firm fixture on the festival circuit.

At Lyme Regis and for the current tour, they are joined by a rhythm section of guitarists John Blakeley and Jon Short who have played together in various incarnations including with Sheelanagig and No Go Stop.

by Peter Carnavas

Pushkin Children’s Book RRP£6.99

Ages 9+

Recommended by Nicky Mathewson

WHEN you look up to your older brother like he’s some kind of hero, what can you do to halt the inevitable divide that comes between you as he grows older, grows away from you? What happens when he no longer needs you as you need him?

Ben and Luke live in Queensland Australia and lead a simple life of swimming in the creek, bird spotting, camping, playing football and dreaming of owning their own little boat.

Their mum is endlessly busy with work and their dad is absent, but they’ve always had each other and Luke believes that’s all they need.

As Ben moves up to High school leaving Luke to continue his journey through school on his own, there is an uncomfortable shift which feels like the beginning of the end. Luke tries to find a new focus by nursing an injured magpie and filling his sketchbook with birds that he spots, but it’s hard to let go of your hero. And when Ben appears to be thinking of committing a crime, Luke has to try and stop him.

Beautifully pitched, this middle grade story of nature, family and brotherly love transported me to a distant part of the world and touched my heart.

10% off for Marshwood Vale readers at The Bookshop on South Street, Bridport. 01308 422964 www.dorsetbooks.com

GPW

My Brother Ben

Living Spit in Adolf and Winston; photograph by Graham Burke

The John Martin Project

FOR SALE

Classic Clinker 14 foot day boat with Road Trailer, 2.3 Honda Outboard, Oars, Anchor, 3 Life Jackets, Auto Bilgepump. Fishing lines, and much more. £1,600 Tel. 01297 443334

Apollo Excel adult bicycle, 22 inch wheels, 17 inch frame, Shimano 6 gears, in immaculate as new condition. The vertical measurement from floor to top of saddle is 33inches. You won’t get a better bike than this at the same price. £69. 01300

321299

Bathroom storage unit in pine with 6 drawers and towel shelving above. This compact unit is very suitable for a small bathroom with a footprint of 17.5 inches width and a depth of 12 inches and a height of 5ft 9 inches. All in very good condition with curtains over the shelving which are easily removable if required. Collection is desirable but delivery in the local area can be arranged at a small additional charge. £28.

01300 321299

Pine single bed with integral headboard and footboard and slatted base

SITUATIONS VACANT FOR SALE

in very good condition with integral headboard and footboard, length 6ft 3ins; width 3ft. Comes complete with mattress but as the latter is a little tired that is free. £45. 01300 321299

High side table for use in dining room or for display, hardwood beech top with pine legs and low shelf in pine plus two drawers; 1.5metre long, 0.5 metres deep and 0.9metres high overall, shelf 150mm high. All in very good condition. Matching beech chair with rush seat available separately. Table £75. Chair £45. 01300 321299

Lakes Classic Range Shower Screen. Brand new still in box, Size 1400mm x 1850mm high; 6mm glass semi frameless silver; new price currently £294, sale price £95 or make an offer. Could be delivered locally for a mileage fee. Photo available. £95.

01300 321299

Wickes white plastic standard front bath panel 1700mm x 525mm x 2mm thick; still in protective plastic film. Surplus to requirements. Half the retail price. £10. Could be delivered locally for a small fee. 01300 321299.

Charcoal Portable BBQused once, returning to Gaz! £35. 15K bag of Charcoal & Lighter Fuel £20. Both together £50. Router & table, Axminster 1/4” £60. Picture Frames, assorted sizes, mostly wood frames - Offers? 01297 631283.

Numatic George GVE370/2 wet and dry carpet cleaner ex condition, hardly used Surplus to requirements £45.00 for quick sale. Two white table valets adjustable and folds flat, hardly used £17.50 the pair (cost £20.00 each from chums)07968 053268/01460 63866 (Chard area).

Celebrating 175 years of Tradition

THIS year’s annual Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match is taking place on Sunday 18 September on land at Higher Langdon, near Beaminster. It will be marking 175 years since the first Melplash Agricultural Society’s ploughing match took place. It all started in the village of Melplash. Legend has it that two farmers in the bar at the Melplash Inn (now the Half Moon) argued whether their carters (the term used for workers who work with horses) could plough better than any other in the area. To settle their differences each staked the sum of £5 that his employee would do the better day’s work.

The contest was held on 20th October 1846, the same day as the Melplash Parish Church was consecrated. It attracted a great deal of attention and after it was over, there were many more farmers to be heard in the Half Moon asserting that their man could have done a better day’s work than either of the two contestants.

It was decided to form the Melplash Agricultural Society so that they could hold an annual ploughing match for the rest of the farming community to compete in. The first Ploughing match took place the following year in 1847 on 20th October. At this time there was a choice of ploughing with horses, or four oxen and the time fixed for ploughing half an acre was three and a half hours. Spectators are welcome to the event at Higher Langdon.

Horse Ploughing. Photograph courtesy of Bridport Museum

East Coast Dakota white wooden toddler bed & mattress - as new. Attractive style with side rails Comfortable foam core mattress with ‘freshtec’ zipped washable and water-resistant fabric cover. Machine washable at 60 degrees c. Pristine condition - only slept on 6 times by visiting grandchild. Happy to email photos. Cost new £150 - great bargain £55. Tel: 01935 872217. Rotatrim slitter T950 tech. 1320mm x 354mm x 920mm cutting length 950mm 11.6kgs. GWO with parts chart. Can send photo £40.00 ono for quick sale. Trident thermostatic mono bath tap chrome on brass ex cond ition as new bought in error. £6.00

FOR SALE

Telephone. 01460 63866/07968 053268. Variety of books for young children, some preschool 30 + books in all, + large amount of games / puzzles etc. alphabet puzzles, jig saws, spelling pictures, All fall Down. etc. wooden farmyard with animals. Early toys, play things, crayons, pens, pencils etc. Would like to part with all for £130 or near offer but sensible offers may split. Also 2 x Booster car seats, (£10), 1 Mothercare de luxe fold up booster seat for chair. Baby bath, bucket, changing mat, etc.(£15 ono).Tomy soft safety bed rail (18 mnths –5yrs) £10. Tel: 01297 33621. Neff single electric oven, white, built in, connects

via 13a plug. Very good clean condition. £40. Could deliver locally. 01300 341637.

Mens linen /silk blend summer jacket in oatmeal coloured herringbone weave. Two buttons, patch pockets, traditional two flaps by J Phillipps Vintage. Excellent condition, like new. Size medium 38/40. £10 01300 341637. Zimmer, aluminium with two wheels and rubber feet and a pair of crutches £10 01300 341637.

Floor and Table Lamps, Matching Pair from Potbury’s of Sidmouth. almost new,no longer needed. £40 the pair. 01297 691493 Seaton. Brass Standard Lamp £45. 01297 444112.

TUITION

Piano, Violin, Theory tuition at your homw. Highly qualified teacher. Adults and children welcome from beginners to advanced. Dr Thomas Gold 07917 835781 oct 22

BASS PLAYER

Bass player needed in 5 piece mature covers band. Rehearsal room near Crewkerne. Afternoon practice. Contact Simon 07867452666.

SHEDS

Ex-display sheds, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195 sept 22

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 Sept

HOLIDAY FRANCE

Rural Villa in South West France. Sleeps 8 guests. Sunflowers, vineyards and nature! Please contact me via the website form or call. charenteholidayrentals. com

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

Wanted - Old slot machines, shop signs, fairground & military items, Old Interesting items & collections, 07875 677897

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

Oct 22

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

Aug 22

Dave buys all types of tools 01935 428975

FOR SALE

Oct 22

Wanted: Old tractors and vehicles. Running, non running. Good price paid. 01308 482320

07971 866364

Coins wanted. Part or full collections purchased for cash. Please phone John on 01460 62109 Oct 22

Stamp collections/ albums especially Great Britain and empire. Please contact Mike 075 275 38863.

FOR SALE

New Truma high pressure propane pigtail for motorhome or caravan. POL connector one end, M20 x 1.5 nut other end.

L 450mm, 21.5mm left hand thread other end. £10. New Gaslow butane 21.8 adaptor gauge, a visual warning of low gas level & quick, easy leak detector. £20. 3 x 1 gallon demi johns plus 6 new 750ml bottle for decanting £18. Antique

tall cut glass vase, petal shape top. Approx height 25cm, 15cm dia. Excellent condition, unused. £20. Beautiful quality new 3 foot adjustable electric bed and new mattress. chrome plated legs. Dual motor control for head and foot. Weight limit 28 stone. Bed length is 6 feet 6 inches. £850. Telephone 01935 824029.

Approximately 70 trees from 2ft to 5ft high.

Sycamore, Oak, Elder, hazel, etc. free to a good home. phone 01297678602.

As new, single electric bed. Grey headboard and base. Only slept in for one week. Paid over £500 new. Genuine reason for sale. £300 ono. Collection only. Hostess trolley ‘Royal’ with 4 glass serving dishes, good condition - £40. Yew corner unit with glass fronted top cupboard - £20. W - 65cms, H - 180cms. Yew bookcase£20. W - 91cms, H - 191cms Tel: 01305 269255.

VW Touran Travall dog gate for sale £35.00 VGC buyer must collect. 01297 560002.

EBAC De-Humidifier with extra filters £50. Two old wooden kitchen chair with new cane seats £20. 01308 422019.

Mountain Bike specialized Rockhopper Comp 26” dia wheels suspension forks regularly maintained, good

condition. £180. 01297 561260.

Gas main cooker hob, new, boxed with fittings, make Bauknecht, with instruction booklet. £30. 01404 851267.

Derby Arabesque Plates

6 dinner plates. £5 each.

6 medium (8”) plates £4 each. Or £40 the lot. 01308 423109.

2 x Charleston Glass £1020. Never been used, still in boxes. 1 x cat bed £3 - £10 never been used. 01460 76099.

Fold up single bed, very little used, vgc, £35ono. £35ono. Set of 4 Ladies size 2 medium bowls. £25. Gents black leather jacket 38”/40” £30 ono. 01935 412892.

2 Wheelchairs, good condition, hardly used £50 each or reasonable offer will be accepted Lap top £60 ono, sold as seen. Microwave hardly used £25ono. To clear house. 07436 022960 afternoons or evenings.

2 x 2 metre pieces of rainwater pipe, white, plus 5 fittings and 2 pipe brackets for same. £15ono. All good condition. Phone any time 07591 058862.

Hilka 2-tonne Hydraulic Bottle-Jack £15. Invertor 300W 12V £15. Caravan Awning tie-down kit £5.

Dog ‘Canny’ collar size 3

FOR SALE

33-38cm neck £7. Dog lead to match £3. 01460 220116. Bodyfit exercise bike used once £80ono. Antique pine bedside cabinet 16” high 17” wide with shelf and drawer under £25ono. 01395 567588. Kilner jars, six of various sizes with clip tops, new seals, £10 01935 863429 (East Coker).

6 Glass Demijohns with airlocks plus bottle corker and corks. £25. 01297 631808.

Child’s Car Seat, hardly used so in good condition, £25 which will go to a charity. 01460 75420.

Paperback books as new, about Women at Work during the War. 50p each or all for £25 approx 56 books. 01308 427689.