Marshwood+ November 2020

Girl with the Louding Voice Page 16

Lisa Jewell ED ELL C at BridLit CAN Page 68

Inside the Secret Empire Page 50

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Marshwood +

© Louisa Adjoa Parker Photograph by Robin Mills

The best from West Dorset, South Somerset and East Devon

No. 260 November 2020

COVER STORY Robin Mills met Louisa Adjoa Parker in South Somerset

© Louisa Adjoa Parker Photograph by Robin Mills

’M

y Dad came from Accra, Ghana, to study nursing in the UK. He and my Mum, who is white British, got engaged not long after their first date, much to the disapproval of Mum’s parents. They opposed the marriage because of the cultural differences as they saw it. However, much to my Mum’s delight they turned up at the wedding, and totally accepted us kids when we arrived, although they were worried for us with good reason, because life was sometimes going to be tough.

I was born in 1972, the eldest of three children, in Doncaster, Yorkshire. Memories of early childhood are hazy, but at times it was challenging. There was domestic violence in my family, and in the community overt racism was all too common. It was a very difficult time for black and brown people everywhere.

Our next home was in Cambridgeshire, near Huntington. At that time, my English grandparents moved to KingskerTel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 3

Louisa Adjoa Parker

© Louisa Adjoa Parker Photograph by Robin Mills

swell in Devon to retire. I have many happy memories of childhood holidays there. When I was seven, my Mum pulled me and my sister out of school because she felt the headmaster was prejudiced, and as a primary teacher herself, taught us at home. I loved the process of learning; I especially enjoyed learning French and English. I loved reading Enid Blyton’s stories, and wrote my own stories as a young child in a similar style. Words were an escape route for me. The self-discipline that came from learning alone at that young age has stayed with me and makes writ-

ing at home perfectly enjoyable.

I decided I wanted to go to school, so aged 11 went to Hinchingbrooke Comprehensive. I was keen to integrate and make friends but found it difficult having been out of school for the last four years. Knowing what to wear, with so much peer pressure at that age was tricky. I had to reinvent myself quickly, something I’ve often had to do throughout my life.

When I was 12 my parents split up, something I was relieved about. Mum moved us to Paignton in Devon to be near my grandparents, but sadly,

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only six weeks after we’d moved my Grandad died of a heart attack, and my Mum really struggled to come to terms with that. Although I was upset, I coped with the loss, and began to enjoy living in Devon, up to a point. I felt safer without my Dad around, although I was conscious that racism was a huge issue in Torbay, perhaps worse than where we’d lived before as it was less multicultural. I was a sociable kid, and I made close friends with another girl my age in our street who stuck up for me.

The local boys, however, treated me and my siblings very badly.

Although we lived in Paignton, I went to a Steiner School in Totnes. Paignton was a bit rough, but things were different at school. I had to reinvent myself again as a ‘hippy’ to fit in, so I got rid of the plastic earrings, and wore baggy jumpers and leggings. I loved the two years I was there, although it seemed a much longer part of my life, and it felt almost like another family. There was no uniform, we called the teachers by their first names, played recorders and did weaving. We did something called Eurythmy, a strange dance therapy pioneered by Rudolf Steiner.

But then the school had money troubles, so my whole class had to leave.

That was traumatic for all of us, but I had been lucky to have had a teacher, Ian, who had seen some potential in me and encouraged me. I made two lifelong friends there. My next school was King Edward VI Community College in Totnes. Another major reinvention for me after the Steiner School, and I struggled with the rules, trying to keep the identity I’d adopted in the last two years. I insisted on wearing dangly earrings, and would hand them over stroppily to the teachers when they caught me breaking the rules.

When I was 15 I began to get into drugs and alcohol. It was quite widespread in Totnes at the time, and I gravitated towards other kids who were a bit dysfunctional and like me had had challenging lives. I was quite depressed, and I had very low self-esteem. As a mixed-race kid in the South West I felt I didn’t belong to any particular group, and my face didn’t look right against a rural landscape. I did my best to keep my education together, and despite being stoned in one exam managed reasonable grades at GCSE. I began to move from smoking cannabis to harder drugs.

When I met the man who became the father of my oldest daughter, a new age Traveller, I moved into a squat in Totnes, which was above the Job Centre (handy, fellow squatters joked, for signing-on), although at the age of 17, I couldn’t claim any benefits. There were

criminals and addicts passing through the squat. My education inevitably suffered and I was kicked out of Sixth Form. I think these days there would be more support for someone in my situation, a troubled kid, but despite my best friends begging the teachers to let me stay, I had to leave.

Soon after that, my boyfriend went to prison, and I got a job at a restaurant, and sofa-surfed, but when he came out I slipped back to the same lifestyle. We were homeless, and lived in a bender by the river, amongst other places, then moved to the Forest of Dean where we first lived on a bit of carpet under a tarpaulin. In due course I found I was pregnant, and realising this life couldn’t continue, I went back to live with my Mum. Before my daughter was born, I got my own flat. I knew that because I had the responsibility of a child, I had to turn my life around. I didn’t want her growing up in such a chaotic lifestyle.

My Mum met another partner and together we moved to Lyme Regis, in 1992. I was seeing my daughter’s father occasionally. When she was two he died of a heroin overdose. I felt safer in Lyme than I had anywhere else. I was a teenage single mother, and I went on to have two more children there. I’m aware I was judged about having children with different fathers, and for being a single mum (and being black). But I decided that although I’d made mistakes in my life, I was going to be the best mum I could be. Life was tough on my own with three kids, but one day I had a sudden realisation that instead of being a victim, and things happening to me, I could do something about my life and make positive changes.

A friend paid for me to do a distancelearning Sociology A Level with Weymouth College, and I found I absolutely loved the subject. During the exam, I had to rush out halfway through to breast-feed my youngest daughter, but I still got an A! I began an Open University degree in Sociology, and then finished the degree at Exeter University.

It was like a dream come true, something I never thought I was capable of.

Having to organise my kids’ school day, and get myself to Exeter for lectures for two years, was difficult to say the least, but in spite of the challenges, the experience was fantastic. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my good friends Maisie and Lisa, who helped with the children.

As part of my degree I studied racism and migration, a subject which changed my life. I found out there was a gravestone of an 18th century black person in Devon, and I’d been thinking I was one of the first! People often think immigration started with the Windrush, but the Romans brought black people with them to England; people from all over the world have been coming here for thousands of years. I began imagining ghosts of Africans in West Dorset, and, wanting to tell their stories, I cowrote a book and exhibition with Lyme Regis museum called Ethnic Minorities: Lyme Regis & West Dorset, Past & Present.

That was my first heritage commission, and from there I’ve written lots more about the experience of local ethnically diverse people for other projects.

I’d also started writing poetry whilst I was at university, and my career as a poet has gradually unfolded. As well as my writing and associated workshops and talks, I now also deliver equality, diversity and inclusion work. I have three books in the pipeline due for publication in the next year: a collection of short stories, a poetry pamphlet, and a coastal memoir, with Little Toller Books, a Dorset publisher of books relating to nature.

When I was 36 I met my husband, Pete, who’s been a great stepdad to my children, Keziah, Jess, and Alicia, although adjusting to life as a ‘blended’ family was hard for all of us—the children were used to just being with me.

I have three beautiful grandchildren, Maya, Leila and Harrison, and another on the way. With my family nearby, and so many friends and connections to the South West, with its stunning sea and landscapes, I finally feel this is where I belong.

’

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UP FRONT Having a last look over this issue before it goes to the printer, there is a lot to take in. From Margery Hookings’ communication with local people overseas to Samantha Knights’ explanation of modern slavery, as well as articles about the local area and information on fascinating exhibitions and talks, there is a healthy image of local diversity. There are welcome signs of creativity, as well as humanity— perhaps even a snapshot of continuity in the face of such upheaval in our world. Back in April, in the early days of lockdown, I asked some friends on a zoom call whether they were concerned by the personal intrusion posed by the idea of track and trace. I had been told by an epidemiologist that a strict track and trace system could help stall the spread of coronavirus and make it manageable until treatment and vaccine options were more advanced. He had pointed to the success of South Korea in stalling the virus using personal information gathered by whatever means possible. As many of those on the zoom call were seasoned journalists, I expected at least a little indignation at the potential trawling of personal data.

But the shouts of incensed outrage were nowhere to be heard. Instead, one simply answered ‘they already have all that data, what’s the difference?’ There was a little shrugging of shoulders and a conclusion that voluntarily making personal information available to authorities—who may or may not allow it to be used for purposes other than that for which it was obtained—would not be popular. I was reminded of their response when reading Paul Lashmar’s book, Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate, before talking to him earlier this month. A fascinating account of the history of the intelligence services and how they have used and abused the media, the book also offers insights into some of the many activities agencies are alleged to have been involved in from the Great War to the current day. Paul talked to me about ‘huge warehouses full of servers’ with data on everyone in the country.

His concern wasn’t so much that data had been collected, though that is a concern, but that there is little accountability and oversight on the organisations that are collecting it. With Google, Amazon and the Facebook group of companies gathering and utilising data that can help them manipulate people’s buying habits—and possibly their social and political activities—it’s not surprising that we may be becoming immune to the collection of personal information.

Fergus Byrne

Published Monthly and distributed by Marshwood Vale Ltd Lower Atrim, Bridport Dorset DT6 5PX For all Enquiries Tel: 01308 423031 info@marshwoodvale. com

THIS MONTH

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Cover Story By Robin Mills Event News and Courses Life after lockdown By Margery Hookings A Sense of Place By Fergus Byrne Gulliver’s Travails By Cecil Amor Ancient Fortresses By Connie Doxat News & Views

36 36 38 40

House & Garden Vegetables in November By Ashley Wheeler November in the Garden By Russell Jordan Property Round Up By Helen Fisher

42 42 44 46 48 49

Food & Dining Bonfire Barley Broth with Garlic Bread

By Lesley Waters Korean Fried Fish By Mark Hix Carp on the Golf Course By Nick Fisher Leak, White Bean and Ham Soup By Sally Clarke Leek Vinaigrette with chopped eggs, Chives and Mustard Dressing By Sally Clarke

50 50 54 64 66 67 70 71

Arts & Entertainment Secret Empire By Fergus Byrne Galleries Modern Slavery By Samantha Knights QC Rural Voices By Louisa Adjoa Parker The Lit Fix By Sophy Roberts Young Lit Fix By Antonia Squire Screen Time By Nic Jeune

72 72 74

Health & Beauty Steps2Wellbeing By Ellie Sturrock Services & Classified

“Had this been an actual emergency, we would have fled in terror and you wouldn’t have been notified.”

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Twitter @marshwoodvale

Editorial Director Fergus Byrne

Contributors

Deputy Editor

Cecil Amor Connie Doxat Sally Clarke Helen Fisher Nick Fisher Richard Gahagan Margery Hookings Mark Hix Nic Jeune Russell Jordan

Victoria Byrne

Design

Fergus Byrne

Advertising

Fergus Byrne info@marshwoodvale.com

Samantha Knights Robin Mills Louisa Adjoa Parker Gay Pirrie-Weir Sophy Roberts Antonia Squire Ellie Sturrock Lesley Waters Ashley Wheeler

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.

November

EVENT NEWS AND COURSES

‘1917’ at Hawkchurch Film Nights

November 2

Art History course on line on Zoom. ‘The Fauves’, a group of artists who created a significant impact in early modern painting, Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Raoul Dufy and others. Two course groups run, on a Monday or a Friday. The course runs for six wks, fee £51 on line, drop in rate £10 a lecture. Course Tutor: Pam Simpson BAhons, MA, PGCE, is a professional Art and Design historian, who has taught in London art colleges for 32 years, 20 of those years at Middlesex University, where she ran a department. She has also worked at the Royal College of Art and University of the Arts. She is currently teaching at Bath Spa University and London College of Fashion as an Associate Lecturer. She is an enthusiastic lecturer who loves her subject and conveying her knowledge to others. Contact: chris.pamsimpson@ btinternet.com 10 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Devon Moviola, presents the Oscar-winning WW1 drama ‘1917’.

Tickets are £5 and are available IN ADVANCE ONLY from Chris at csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 07753 603219. Two performances, allocated seating, social distancing and full Covid-19 counter-measures will be in place - details will be issued to ticket-holders. Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XW. Performances at 4.45pm (doors 4.30pm) and 7.45pm (doors 7.30pm).

November 3

Online Talk: The History and Mythology of Glastonbury, 7.30 pm. £7.50 per computer. Join Professor Ronald Hutton as he shares his insights on the history and mythology of Glastonbury. After the success of his talk last year to a sell out audience, he has agreed to return and repeat the talk again! srlm.org.uk

November 5

Lipreading & Managing Hearing Loss. Sessions every Thursday on Zoom. Choice of 10.30am to 12.10pm or 2pm - 3.40pm (2 x 40 minutes each with a 20-minute break in the middle). Learn how to manage your hearing loss using lipreading and coping strategies, while building confidence in a supportive, friendly group. Contact Ruth for further details. email: ruthbizley@outlook.com text/tel: 07855 340517.

Online Talk: The Impact of the English Civil War on Somerset, 7.30pm. £7.50 per computer. Join Mark Stoyle, Professor of Early Modern History in his online talk exploring the most devastating conflict in this country’s recorded history, the Civil War. Museumofsomerset.org.uk

November 6

Art History course on line on Zoom. ‘The Fauves’, a group of artists who created a significant impact in early modern painting, Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Raoul Dufy and others. Two course groups run, on a Monday or a Friday. The course runs for six wks, fee £51 on line, drop in rate £10 a lecture. Course Tutor: Pam Simpson BAhons, MA, PGCE, is a professional Art and Design historian, who has taught in London art colleges for 32 years, 20 of those years at Middlesex University, where she ran a department. She has also worked at the Royal College of Art and University of the Arts. She is currently teaching at Bath Spa University and London College of Fashion as an Associate Lecturer. She is an enthusiastic lecturer who loves her subject and conveying her knowledge to others. Contact: chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com

November 7

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

November 8

Crystal and Tibetan singing bowl soundbath 2-4pm.

Bridport Unitarians, 49 East St, Bridport DT6 3JX £15.

Numbers restricted to ensure social distancing, handwash on entry, no refreshments. Please book firmly in advance– no ‘on the spot’ admissions. Booking via ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655 ffi www.centreforpuresound.org

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November 9

November 15

November 10

November 20

Still Life ‘ Christmas jug and seasonal fruits’ 2 to 4.30pm at The Masonic Hall, South St, Axminster Cost £16 Come and learn how to draw and paint a Jug with Seasonal Christmas fruits (tangerines, walnuts). With pastels or watercolours and suitable for beginners. Covid safety rules in place and limited numbers. Contact Gina 07703246481 or gina.youens@btinternet.com.

Bridport History Society zoom meeting. 2.30. Richard Edmonds, a leading specialist on the Jurassic Coast, will talk about ‘The Great Bindon Landslip of 1838’. If anyone would like to join the meeting please contact Jane jferentzi@aol.com

November 14

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 6 mile walk from Broadwindsor. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

West Dorset Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society zoom meeting. 2.00. Jacqui Halewood from the Dorset History Centre, will talk about the Herrison Asylum Project the story of the ‘Dorset County Lunatic Asylum’. If anyone would like to join the meeting please contact Jane jferentzi@aol.com

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Crystal and Tibetan singing bowl soundbath 2-4pm £15 Numbers restricted to ensure social distancing, handwash on entry, no refreshments. Please book firmly in advance–no ‘on the spot’ admissions. Oborne Village Hall, OBORNE, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA Booking via ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655. ffi www. centreforpuresound.org Henhayes Chef ’s Special Lunch. 12noon for meal to start at 12:30. Fruit juice on arrival, Roast Pork with roast potatoes and seasonal veg, followed by Eton Mess, tea/ coffee & a chocolate. Members £9.00 Non-members £10.50. Booking essential. Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne, TA18 8DA. Tel No: 01460 74340.

‘Old Vessels, New Recipes’ – a virtual dinner party, choosing significant vessels, making new food and sharing stories. From 7-8:30pm online, SEAFAIR arts organisation is inviting people nationwide to an online event to raise money for Bridport Refugee Support Campaign. 30 people can join the dinner party, up to 12 people taking part will tell their stories. SEAFAIR is asking people to choose a special vessel (bowl, plate or other) and make some food they’ve not made before. As they eat and chat, some will share their old vessel/new recipe stories. Everyone will be

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asked to draw or photograph their plate + food + recipe for a collective zine – they will each get a copy. Sales of extra copies will be added to the campaign fund. This event is a reference to Syrian and other nationality refugees having to travel and flee from their home countries. The online dinner party was devised by Sally Lemsford, cofounder of SEAFAIR, during the Ration Challenge 2020 when she ate the same as a refugee receives for a week. It was to raise money for the charity Concern Worldwide that helps refugees with emergency food, hygiene kits and lifesaving support. Sally said, ‘It was hard enough doing it for one week, very hard to do it with no end in sight. I wanted to do more, understand better and hear stories from refugees first hand’. As co-founder of the arts collective Meg Dunford says ‘this could be the start of ongoing conversations about how SEAFAIR can support Bridport Refugee Support Campaign in creative and intriguing ways’. For more information contact seafair.info@gmail. com or Sally 07974785624. To apply: tickets at Eventbrite (donations £5+ suggested) https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/old-vessels-new-recipes-tickets-125178673783.

Money raised: Bridport Refugee Support Campaign https://www.facebook.com/Bridportrefugee

November 21

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

Henhayes Big Breakfast. Baps, teas/coffee & cake (to coincide with the Farmers Market) Baps from £2.50. Preorders welcome by email or phone up until the day before.

Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne, TA18 8DA. Tel No: 01460 74340.

November 28

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

Pop up Vintage, Popping up again in the Courtyard Gallery at The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PU. Open from Saturday 28th November to 3rd January. (Closed on 25/26 Dec). Recycled, upcycled, repaired and reclaimed: clothes, textiles, toys, accessories, furniture, homeware and much more for a truly creative and sustainable Christmas.

Facebook: pop up vintage Lyme Regis.

Henhayes Christmas Market Brunch (to coincide with the town’s Christmas market) Pigs in Blankets Baps from £3.00 With stuffing and cranberry sauce optional. Preorders welcome by email or phone up until the day before.

Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne, TA18 8DA. Tel No: 01460 74340.

November 29

Crystal and Tibetan singing bowl soundbath 2-4pm £15 Numbers restricted to ensure social distancing, handwash on entry, no refreshments. Please book

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firmly in advance–no ‘on the spot’ admissions. Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA Booking via ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655 ffi www. centreforpuresound.org

December 7

The Arts Society Neroche South Somerset. Covid-19 guidelines permitting, it is hoped to hold the AGM and social evening, for members only, on Monday, 7th December at Monks Yard, Horton Cross, Ilminster, TA19 9PY. Visitors will be welcome at the Lecture on January 4th. Details from Sue on 01460 57179 or www. theartssocietynerochesouthsomerset.org.uk

Honiton Walking Club - notice

Honiton Walking Club have restarted their small group walks for members on existing Club Tuesdays. This is a great time to join a well established local club. Come along on a small group walk led by a walk leader on some of our loveliest footpaths and lanes in and near Honiton and further afield. The group adheres to the government’s social distancing guidelines and group sizes. Meanwhile check out Honiton Walking Club website for details of local walks and their Facebook page for lots of interesting tips and information! New members warmly welcomed!

Thorncombe Rail Activities Club - notice

Thorncombe Rail Activities Club would like to thank it’s Members, Committee and Speakers both past and present over the last 20 years. Also all the Exhibitors, Traders and helpers at it’s annual Railway Exhibition. TRAC is no longer able to continue in this current climate and the Club has now closed.

Christmas Tree Festival

Bridport United Church Christmas Tree Festival.

There has been a Christmas Tree Festival at Bridport United Church for 21 years which has attracted many thousands of visitors and raised welcome funds for the 60+ charities that decorate their trees. The first administrative task of organising the Festival involves sending out 90+ Invitation letters during September.

Because of the Covid related ongoing restrictions and continuing uncertainty, organisers have taken the disappointing decision that there will be no Festival this year. They will have the usual lights everywhere (which are a delight) and some trees but no charity trees this year.

Please continue supporting the charities in other ways.

Martock Guardians Concerts/Charity Raffle

Unfortunately, with the current pandemic restrictions, we are no longer able to proceed with our annual charity raffle or our concerts. We will contact raffle ticket buyers and refund all costs and we hope to restart the concerts and the raffle in 2021.

Captured Images

C

asual walks in the countryside, or by the sea, have an added purpose for Lyme Regis based Cynthia (Cynny) Sharp. Now in her seventies, Cynny has just launched a new business scanning images of flowers and foliage and producing beautiful prints to sell online.

The inspiration for her new business came during lockdown. Like many others, Cynny was spending long weeks locked down on her own away from family and small grandchildren who live in London and Austria.

Searching for a creative and rewarding project, she began experimenting with scanography after she was given a birthday card of scanned flowers by her painter brother who had added, encouragingly ‘You could do this!’

Cynny explained how the process works. ‘Scanography or scanner photography is the process of, in my case, laying fresh flowers, foliage, nuts or mushrooms onto a scanner covered with a box, to create digitised images which eventually become beautiful photographic prints.

Having researched this new idea, I tracked down the required flatbed scanner on EBay and on a whim, took a deep breath and clicked the Buy button.’

She set it up in a small space in her sitting-room and, living in a beautiful seaside town close to a river and hills, began collecting hedgerow plants and flowers on her daily walk. ‘Kind friends that I was eventually permitted to meet outside, allowed me to roam their gardens, woods, orchards and fields where I gathered posies and leaves, carefully carrying them home in a box lined with damp paper’ she said.

‘They were then quickly placed on the scanner in order to capture them digitally, ready to print. This would often take as long as 3 or 4 hours until I was happy with the composition, angle and light of the many different flowers and plants, while others awaited their turn in the fridge.’

One morning a local company who grow and forage different species of mushrooms brought her a basketful of ivory and coral coloured fungi which scanned beautifully, resulting in some magical prints.

She decided to open her own Etsy shop in October selling unframed A4 prints of 10 of her scanned images.

‘My younger brother suggested asking my friends to post some of my images on their Instagram posts with a link to my Etsy shop. This, I explained to him would be impossible for quite a number at my stage of life, not having Instagram accounts or being particularly technologically proficient or interested. However, they all received emails and replied enthusiastically!

‘I now have over 500 different images so will be changing those on the Etsy page now and again.

‘Not surprisingly, my relaxed and casual walks now have an intensity and purpose about them and I find I am viewing the countryside with even more enjoyment and an eye to this curled honeysuckle tendril or that new-born leaf.

‘Hopefully this creative and very rewarding interest will keep my spirits high in this uncertain climate.’

You can view Cynny’s images at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ Fleurdelyscans or email her at fleurdelys.prints@gmail.com

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Diverse range of events as Shute Festival Continues SHUTE Festival 2020 continues The Festival has also put to provide a wholly diverse on a number of panel events programme of events during this on highly topical subjects period. November and December including Human Rights in a will see a live sitar concert with Covid Climate, and The Future of Axminster-based Ricky Romain; a British Farming. panel discussion on slavery in the All its past events are South West past and present with available to watch via the Dr Todd Gray, Exeter University festival website. and Kate Garbers of Unseen; a concert with The South Country, a Dates for the remainder of the folk and classical quartet; and Abi year are: Dare speaking about her new book The Girl with the Louding Voice.

Ricky Romain in concert: 12 Since April of this year, the November 6-7 pm boutique festival normally based in Slavery in the South West past and the village of Shute in East Devon present: 26 November 6-7 pm has taken its events online and The South Country in concert: 28 made them free to all. “This has November 7:30-8:30 pm been a difficult period for all arts Abi Dare: 3 December 6:30-7:30 Abi Dare will be speaking about her new book at Shute Festival but we were determined to run our pm events and to help support authors, and performers alike,� said Samantha Knights coRegistration is free via: www.shutefest.org director.

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Rural media charity’s website opens a window on our past

R

ural media charity Windrose now has a new website—windroseruralmedia.org—where you can view old film, listen to audio and order DVDs. Over the years, Windrose, which is known for its film archive of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire life, along with educational, archival and creative work in rural communities, has presented 256 archive film shows in village halls, cinemas, theatres and arts centres across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire As reported in the Marshwood Vale Magazine, recent grant funding has enabled Windrose, which was set up in 1984 under its earlier name of Trilith, to forge ahead with new community-based work. All of its projects had been cancelled or postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Via its website you can buy DVDs and CDs and access the interactive map of the Close Encounters Media Trail, which gives you a fascinating insight into the lives of people in years gone by, as well as more contemporary commentaries.

Films include fishing off the Chesil Beach, 1930s village life in Symondsbury, snow in Dorset in 1962/63, the mud sledge fishermen of the Severn Estuary, family holidays at Butlins in the 1960s and the peat diggers of Avalon.

Old films are a unique window on our past but they are being lost and destroyed all the time. If you know of films that should be saved and seen again, please contact Trevor Bailey Windrose at Corner Cottage, Brickyard Lane, Bourton, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5PJ, telephone 01747 840750 and email tbailey352@btinternet.com

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Life AFTER LOCKDOWN

Your stories from around the world With the UK facing more lockdown measures, Margery Hookings, in the third article in a series about people and the pandemic, speaks to relatives and friends from around the world to find out how Coronavirus is affecting their lives.

Mother-of-three Marie Besson is back in her native Canada after living in America’s deep South for the last five years.

It was the third week of May and I was sitting with my seven-year-old son at home, working on an online school assignment. My phone ‘dinged’ and I blinked in disbelief as I saw the message from my husband: ‘Pack up the house, we have one week to get out.’ We were suddenly propelled into a state of simultaneous loss, grief, excitement, thrill, and anger.

My first two children, now seven and five, were born in Canada, our homeland, while my third child, now two, was born in Texas. For the last few years, I’d yearned to raise my children with ‘Canadian identities’. In the USA, we greatly benefited from the kindness and care of our big-hearted neighbours,

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friends, teachers, and church family but living under the constant fear of my family being killed or injured in a shooting (in 2019 alone, 37 people lost their lives in mass shootings in Texas) began to take its toll. This was compounded by a deep horror around what I perceived to be people’s gross desensitisation to this violence, the profound polarisation and disparities of socioeconomics, racism, nationalism and the structure of the medical system being solely based on one’s employment status. It was all just too much for me. I wanted out. Well, be careful what you wish for as the Universe/Creator/God, can be quite literal.

Shortly before Covid-19 hit, my husband decided he wanted a career change. I happily gave up my 20-year career as a child welfare and hospital social worker to invest in my own family life. I wanted to show my husband support as he showed me in that decision so I told him to go for it.

Unfortunately, the timing could not have been worse. We were filled with dread. During a time of mass layoffs and business shutdowns, how could my husband ever find a job? A few months later, he was able to secure a good position with a reputable company. As a Canadian citizen working in the United States, he simply needed to take his visa papers to the border for processing. But in accordance with President Trump’s ‘Keep America Great’ mandate to prioritise jobs for American citizens, my husband’s application was rejected. He was told to leave the country within one week. As he had travelled to Canada and, due to American’s own quarantine rules couldn’t leave the country for at least 14 days, our departure date was then approved for three weeks later.

The days blended into the nights as I furiously purged and packed our 3,800 square foot house we’d built a few years before. Yes, I wanted to leave America, more than anything, but not under these terms.

Settling into our Canadian life has been difficult. My

husband was not able to sort out his work visa and we have been without an income since March. We receive some financial help through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit programme, enough to buy minimal groceries every few weeks. Canadian employers are not in a hurry to hire during a pandemic. We are swimming in debt and our personal belongings are in storage in Texas. Our house still waits for a buyer.

We have no transport because we cannot bring our vehicles up to Canada. Presently, we live in a tiny townhouse owned by my husband’s uncle, who just informed us that he would like his space back. We have a plan but it entails burdening more family members.

Part of me is at peace despite our dire and humiliating circumstances. I found an amazing medical team and have already seen them twice. In America, this would have cost us several hundred dollars. People of colour in America are three times more likely to be infected by Covid, five times more likely to be hospitalised, and 1-2 times more likely to die from Covid (and at younger ages) than Caucasian people. You have a better chance of living through an epidemic if you live in a country with universal health care, don’t kiss a lot of people when you say hello or goodbye, don’t have to choose between food and health care, or, like President Trump, have access to an unprecedented level of care, day and night, have access to experimental treatments not available to the average citizen, have unlimited health care practitioners at your disposal and helicopters to transport you to hospital. The US has the world’s highest cumulative number of Covid cases to date.

Covid has taught me to live in the moment. My children perceive a situation based on my cues so I need to remain imaginative and upbeat about this ‘adventure’, no matter what.

We have slowed down, focused more on reading, walks, silly games and outings to the stunning parks of British Columbia. Coming home to the mountains,

greenery and water has been healing. This period of life will hold many stories to tell my children later.

Arborist Dave Dennis is originally from west Dorset. He’s been in Nelson, New Zealand, since 1 March with his partner Megan McGovren.

Lockdown level 2 was lifted a couple of weeks ago and the country has returned to some sort of normality. Jobs, however, are more scarce and talk of future recession is a hot topic. Borders are shut to anyone without NZ citizenship and a two-week quarantine is in place which looks likely to continue for the foreseeable future. People seem more aware, verging on paranoid about the odd sniffle. I think with summer on its way the general mood in this area is one of optimism but we have seen how quickly this pandemic can re-emerge. Overall I feel lucky to be in a place which as a result of its geography and demographic seems to have a fighting chance against Covid 19.

Sports reporter Alan Nixon was born and brought up in Scotland and has lived in Warrington for 32 years.

During lockdown, if you see a scary man in a helmet riding a bike uncertainly that will be me.

Need to keep up with granddaughter

Isla somehow and keep the weight down. Covering football for The Sun is much the same until match day. Your own private game every weekend. Then a chat with the manager on Zoom. Bizarre. The second wave won’t be easy if you can’t go out at all. Then it really will be too long on the sofa, watching TV and betting too much. My main fear is children missing out on school and people getting out of the habit of leaving the house. It is an anti-social disease. I would probably emigrate but I hear there is a new series of Brassic coming. Simple pleasures.

Neville White is originally from Chard. He lives near Frankfurt and is global analytics leader at DuPont. He has been in Germany for 25 years.

Back in March, I set up my computer in the cellar and started working from home.

I was soon able to conduct meetings as effectively as ever and have now grown to love the arrangement. I’m using the extra time at home to advance my skills in music theory, data analysis and German grammar.

We can’t complain here. Infections remain relatively low, restrictions are reasonable and Kurzarbeit has saved many jobs. Losing our Christmas Markets has been painful but we’re able to meet up with family and friends. Christmas will be fine. Germans always find ways to celebrate.

We held our own family Oktoberfest in the garden this year since Munich was cancelled. It was cold and a little rainy but everyone had fun.

New Covid cases are increasing across Europe as we head into winter, but fatalities remain low. I’m optimistic that significant improvements will be made in 2021.

Bridget Strange lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Originally from South Petherton, she and her husband, Mike, have lived in America for 52 years.

Florida was one of the critical states just a couple

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months ago, but things have vastly improved. Masks are still very much encouraged although fines are no longer imposed. I can see things going downhill come November and December. Our Christmas will be the same as always, having our daughter and her husband here who also live in Florida. We don’t go out as much as we used to and we’re certainly not ready to hop on a plane. The majority of people are still being very cautious. We are lucky being retired, having no jobs to lose and no young children to care for. I see more layoffs looming. It’s been an horrendous year what with the pandemic and the protests and riots.

And now our President has been in hospital with Covid, after downplaying the situation. Our election is imminent. Given the fact Mr Trump is dead set against mail-in voting as he says that will be rigged and has not committed to bowing out peacefully should he lose the election, who knows what the future holds. It’s definitely a very divided country.

Housewife Mrs Leena Sinha has lived in New Delhi for more than 26 years.

It was March 25 when the lockdown started and since then we have been living under a constant state of apprehension.

We packed our homes with all the things we might need, but always it seemed that some necessary item might have been overlooked. We lived in constant fear of getting the disease and even more frightening was the prospect of being sent to government hospitals and quarantine centres since you would be in sort of prison where you might not even get to see your family for two weeks.

After July 18, the government began lifting restrictions and people resumed their day-to-day activities, albeit with masks and sanitisers. People who were infected were allowed to live in their homes in self-quarantine.

Now it seems people are not as perturbed by the disease and have resumed their social lives as was normal before lockdown. In coming months, people, especially the younger generation, are looking forward to celebrating our festivals like they used to. This trend will continue with our government deciding to open schools and colleges again. Amidst all this, we are still seeing a rise in the number of people affected by the disease, which will continue until there is a vaccine.

Distiller Tim Stones, who is originally from Bridport, has lived in the Northern Beaches, Sydney for nearly four years.

In New South Wales, we’ve been extremely lucky. With a total of 4,250 cases we’ve not been locked down as severely as Victoria, which with 20,237 cases was hit hard.

Post-lockdown, life is getting back to normal.

Except for social distancing measures, capacity limits in hospitality venues, and masks on public transport, everything seems normal again. Twenty people are allowed to visit your household, so that shouldn’t impact on Christmas plans. Except for Victoria, state borders are opening and internal travel is starting again so families will be able to see each other.

Looking back on the government’s handling of the pandemic in general, I’ve been impressed. It’s not been perfect, but when I see how other countries have handled it, I’ve considered myself very lucky to live here.

In Australia, the future looks positive, albeit heavily sanitised. Aussies are a resilient bunch and, for the most part, are doing their bit to help get life back to normal as quickly as possible. Some people still have a lot of toilet paper to get through though.

Babette Schriks lives in Eindhoven, Holland, and is a professional in learning and development within organisations.

Besides all the negative aspects of coronavirus we experienced a positive one. During the first lockdown it seemed people got out of the rat race.

Everything and everybody slowed down. There were restrictions that applied to everyone, no dining out in a restaurant, no theatre, bar, sauna, etc. Rich or poor, we were all in this together. For many people it felt like everyone was equal and there was a sense of comradeship.

Now we are heading for a possible second lockdown and my feelings are mixed. Of course, the

economy will suffer hard from a second lockdown.

But the camaraderie has diminished. Some people are opposed to the government’s measures which leads to polarisation. One is shouting louder than the other. I will miss the social interacting with friends and family.

But on the other hand, the tranquillity of a second lockdown and the feeling of equality due to the restrictions is very appealing.

University lecturer Louise Matthews lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

The last few years I’ve somehow found myself flying back to Bridport for New Year’s Eve as well as catching up with friends and family. But this Christmas—our summer hols—I’ll be making the most of the situation and travelling around New Zealand to revisit some amazing spots, last seen when I lived here 17 years ago. That’s because while Kiwis are still free to come and go overseas, you still have the mandatory fortnight hotel quarantine on return. I am in no rush. There are places here I haven’t seen since the 90s. After lockdown, Kiwis have enthusiastically taken to domestic tourism with renewed appreciation.

Christmas for me will involve a combo of beach, swims, great food and a horse ride in the forest.

I feel very lucky to have a job that could continue, thankful for good health while Covid knowledge still develops (especially as family and friends overseas have all suffered); for the reminder of what’s important; beautiful surroundings to exercise and have peace in, and thankful for how New Zealand approached this. I am incredibly thankful and lucky to be here.

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A Sense of Place Twenty years on from Ron Frampton’s ‘Millennium Exhibition’ of Monochrome Images, Fergus Byrne has been talking to some of the photographers whose work was printed in the publication that accompanied the exhibition

Pilgrim, Somerset by Justin Orwin

A SENSE OF PLACE

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wenty years ago, seventy photographs were chosen by Ron Frampton and Joy White to be part of an exhibition of monochrome images to be exhibited at The Town Mill in Lyme Regis. It was the first year of the new Millennium and the exhibition, along with a catalogue comprising nearly a third of the photographs, was a celebration of the art and beauty of black and white photography. Most of the photographers who participated had studied with the late Ron Frampton at The Somerset College of Arts and Technology and at Dillington House in Somerset.

The exhibition, A Sense of Place, demonstrated the power and beauty of the monochrome image in subjects ranging from portraiture, coastal landscape, architecture, documentary and art photography. As well as the talent of those who took the photographs, it also demonstrated the excellence of the tutor, Ron Frampton, whose passion for both photography and the West Country became legend. This month we have been in touch with some of the photographers whose work appeared in the catalogue to find out what they are doing now, and how much the experience of learning Ron’s techniques of photographing and printing stayed with them.

Nicky Saunter remembers the joy of ‘seeing each image come to fruition in the darkroom, hanging the work together, the excitement of publication, and being pushed to Ron’s exacting standards of professionalism.’ A ‘serial entrepreneur’ who set up and developed the Boston Tea Party coffee house chain, Nicky now works in advocacy, acoustics, drug policy, land-based training and nature restoration, and having cofounded the Beaver Trust helps communities to welcome beavers back to Britain. Nicky says she still uses every technique Ron taught her. ‘His inspiration was to teach us by osmosis’ she says. ‘We worked together, looking at the masters, appreciating each others’ successes and just loving monochrome photography. Along the way the technical knowledge simply seeped in.’ She has even reestablished her darkroom explaining: ‘There is nothing quite like the

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West Bay, Bridport, Dorset by Ron Frampton

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quiet magic of silver reacting on paper to create a unique image every time and the physical beauty of a handmade photograph. I sometimes miss the camaraderie of my darkroom mates though.’

Justin Orwin, whose image of the Pilgrim was chosen for the cover of the Marshwood Vale Magazine in 2002, went on to make a career out of photography. Initially he worked on weddings and portraits and now runs a commercial photography studio in Ilminster, working with local manufacturers and Interiors specialists. ‘I also spend a lot of time photographing both people and landscapes as part of my more personal work, using the skills Ron taught me about composition, exposure and printing in the darkroom’, he said. ‘I am also teaching others the intricacies of traditional fine art monochrome photography with my workshops.’

‘A Sense of Place was, for me, a milestone in my photography. I had never had a photograph in print before and I had excitedly pursued subjects suitable for the book. This gave me great confidence in my photography and in photographing people. You always knew with Ron that if it wasn’t good enough it wouldn’t be going in the book or the exhibition, so you really had to work hard to reach his exacting standards.’

Bill Wisden Hon FRPS, Chair of the Distinctions Advisory Board at The Royal Photographic Society, wrote the forward to the catalogue. He pointed out that the ‘removal of the reality of colour’ enabled the photographer to express ideas in a much more subjective manner.

Pauline Rook, another successful photographer who contributed to the exhibition had initially been inspired by the photographs of James Ravilious. She did a day of portrait photography at Dillington House with Ron Frampton and said: ‘that was the day my life changed.’

She spent five years under what she described as his ‘patient guidance’ and went on to become a successful commercial photographer. She also took on many ‘wonderful commissions’ including documenting a year in the life of Cannington College and a project with James Crowden to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of Bridgwater’s Town Charter. ‘I have had a wonderful journey over the past 20 odd years’ said Pauline. ‘It has opened so many doors for me and I have met so many interesting people and seen some wonderful sights. I am truly grateful to Ron for unlocking all this for me. I continue to photograph as keenly as ever and have taken part every other year in SAW (Somerset Art Weeks).’

After assisting fellow student Pauline Rook for

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a year, Katia Marsh set up her own business and has been working ever since. She considers herself extremely lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and gained such a solid and meticulous grounding in the art and practice of photography.

As a single mum bringing up two small children in rural Dorset, Katia remembers it as ‘a total dream being able to study what I loved, part time in the evenings and gain a highly respected professional qualification at the end of it!’ She now specializes in social and commercial photography—weddings, portraits, events, and works with businesses and charities. ‘Whilst a career in photography hasn’t made me a millionaire, it’s providing me with fabulous opportunities’ she said. Including ‘documenting the origins of Bark Cloth in remote tribes of Papua New Guinea, Prince Philip’s charity work in various royal palaces, Blue Lias and amonites in Mustang Nepal, Margaret Atwood with the penguins at London Zoo.’ Kirsten Cooke remembers that Ron was very strict in his darkroom technique. ‘Ron instilled an incredible way of working in all of us,’ she said ‘Everything had to be clean, everything had to be precise.’ Discipline is something that is echoed by most of those that worked with him. ‘We made meticulous notes with every image that we put through the enlarger. So you got into this habit. If you go back in a year, or two year’s time, you have your notes. That kind of thing stayed with all of us I think.’ Kirtsen carried on as a photographer for many years and now has a special passion for photographing empty houses and buildings. ‘That’s something that I’m fascinated by, because I think there’s a residue from whoever lived in the house before it’s sold or how houses move on from one family to the next.’

Over the many years since Ron Frampton began contributing to this magazine, we have been very fortunate to have been able to publish and publicise photographers that have worked with him. Especially Robin Mills and Julia Mear who still work on our cover stories.

A Sense of Place, the exhibition and the catalogue are a fascinating reminder of, and representation of, an art that captures more than the eye can see.

For more information visit: Katia Marsh: www.katiamarshphotography.co.uk Pauline Rook: www.rookphoto.co.uk Justin Orwin: www.orwinstudio.com Kirsten Cooke: www.kirsteningercookephotography.co.uk Nicky Saunter: www.beavertrust.org

Carolyn and Guy, Kingston Maurward, Dorset by Kirsten Cooke

Howard, Bridport, Dorset by Katia Marsh

The Last Salmon Catcher, River Parrett, Somerset by Pauline Rook

Win copies of A Sense of Place, the catalogue for the exhibition. We have ten copies of the catalogue printed for the exhibition at The Town Mill twenty years ago. To win one, send your name and address either by email to info@ marshwoodvale.com or by postcard to Competitions, Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX. The first ten out of a hat will received a free copy. Deadline for entry is November 30th 2020.

There is no cash alternative. Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Axmouth Harbour, Devon by Nicky Saunter

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Gulliver’s Travails

By Cecil Amor

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ome time ago I gave a brief mention of Isaac Gulliver, a renowned Dorset smuggler, but I think he is worth more than just a brief note. He was one of the best known of local smugglers, trading in wine, spirits and tea, but he changed his lifestyle later on to become an upright citizen.

Isaac Gulliver was known as the “Gentle Smuggler”, presumably to distinguish him from the others who were anything but gentle! He was born in Wiltshire in 1745 and moved to Dorset and married Elizabeth Beale at Sixpenny Handley in 1768.

Gulliver frequently operated from Lyme Regis and is said to have employed 40 to 50 men who wore a kind of livery, with smocks and powdered hair, so were called the “White Wigs”. At Lyme they had a room open to the sea at the mouth of the river, where they could rest, eat and drink, whilst waiting for their call to business, only 100 yards from the Customs House.

In 1763 Gulliver brought contraband totalling £20,000 into Lyme and other ports. In 1776 he landed goods in full view of the Customs men. From about 1789 no goods could be seized above the high water mark, so wine was landed close to the Customs House and allowed to remain on the beach close to the Customs House and the Cobb-gate.

Gulliver used vessels of about 100 tons, called “tonnagers”, with papers made out from Cherbourg to Ostend. One boat was boarded off the Cobb and found to be loaded with wine, but the next day she entered the Cobb without a single drop of wine on board. Mr Raymond of the Customs house seized her and the smugglers were tried at Dorchester, but pleaded that they had thrown their cargo overboard to avoid the vessel sinking. The smugglers were safe, with all the hundreds of bottles of wine stored at Bridport.

A bribed Customs Officer said they had a conversation, saying “Let us be off, or we shall share the same fate as Admiral Kempenfelt”. (Admiral Richard Kempenfelt, 1718 to 1782, died when HMS Royal George, a 100 gun warship, accidentally sank off Spithead and Portsmouth. He and 800 others were drowned.)

Isaac Gulliver was a friend of the Rev William Chafin, Rector of Lydlynch, owner of Chettle House and a wine connoisseur. Chafin was said to have fathered

three illegitimate children. Chafin sold Gulliver Eggardon Hill, where he planted trees within an octagonal bank and ditch, to act as a landmark for his smuggling ships. The trees were said to have been felled later on a government order. It is said that Gulliver also owned Kings Farm (House) or North Eggardon House. Of course, the “Spyway Inn” is close to Eggardon. His route to Bath and Bristol with his contraband was supposed to be either from Bridport Harbour, Burton Bradstock or Swyre, through to Puncknowle, Powerstock, over Toller Down, Corscombe and Halstock.

Shipton Gorge boasts a “Gullivers Lane”, but this may possibly refer to another Gulliver.

Isaac Gulliver owned a lugger “The Dolphin” and a well known white horse. He used a shop to sell wine and spirits and some say he once evaded capture by posing as a corpse and on another occasion dressed as a shepherd.

In 1779 the Salisbury Journal advertised the sale by auction of 24 of his pack horses and in 1782 he took advantage of the Government’s pardon for smugglers who entered the navy, or could provide two substitute men. Gulliver could easily afford to bribe substitutes and then gave up smuggling tea and spirits, but continued wine smuggling which was apparently less serious.

There is a story that he was pardoned for providing information about a French plot to kill King George III. Gulliver became wealthy, owning a luxury schooner and had two daughters who married well, Elizabeth married into a banking family and Ann a Blandford doctor. Isaac became an upright citizen and a church warden. He died in 1822 and is buried in a vault in Wimborne Minster.

An Act of Parliament of the time made the lighting of fires along the coast, as a signal to homewardbound smuggling craft, a punishable offence.

William Crowe, Rector of Stoke Abbott from 1782 to 1788, wrote a poem, “Lewes-Dun Hill” which refers to Burton Bradstock: “These, Burton, and thy lofty cliff, where oft, The nightly blaze is kindled; further seen...The stealth - approaching vessel, homeward bound - From Havre or the Norman Isles, with freight of wines and hotter drinks, the trash of France, - Forbidden merchandise”.

Thomas Hardy, in his novel The Distracted Preacher tells how Lizzy Newberry lit a bush on the cliff, at new moon, to warn smugglers that the “Preventive-men” were about locally. She expected they would then sink the tubs, strung to a stray-line at sea, to be later raised by a “creeper”, a grapnel. In the same story Hardy tells how the tub carriers carried “a pair of tubs, one on his back and one on his chest, ....slung together by cords ....weighty enough to give their bearer the sensation of having chest and backbone in contact after a walk of four or five miles”.

He also said that almost everyone in the villages was involved in the gangs, even the clergy benefitted from the trade and churches were good hiding places for smuggled goods.

Rudyard Kipling wrote Traders of the Night, a poem, which includes : “Five and twenty ponies trotting through the dark, Brandy for the Parson, ‘baccy for the clark”.

Kipling went on to say that if you were outside as the “Gentlemen” came by, you should turn your face to the wall and not look at them, or let them see your face. Presumably then you would not recognise them, or they you.

Eventually the Government reduced the duty payable on many of the goods liable to be smuggled, which reduced the profit for the smuggler and the trade ceased. Or has it? Have you heard strange noises in the countryside on a dark night recently?

Bridport History Society is meeting on Zoom during lockdown. The November meeting is on Tuesday 10th at 1.30 for 2pm and is “The Bindon 1838 Landslip” by Richard Edmonds. For details of the Zoom, please contact Jane Ferentzi-Sheppard on 01308-425710, or email jferentzi@aol.com.

Cecil Amor, Hon President of Bridport History Society.

ANCIENT

Fortresses Uncovering the rich history of some of the Marshwood Vale’s iconic hillforts - by Connie Doxat

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tanding in the belly of the Marshwood Vale, several distinct lumps protrude over the horizon. Of all these impressively elevated spots, one of them has a remarkably flat top—the Table Mountain of West-Dorset perhaps? Another, sitting at the roof of the vale wears a dark green cloak of beech and oak trees. A third, is a vast plateau which towers over its conjoined but miniature twin less than a mile South. All these spectacular sites are of course the unmistakable hillforts of Pilsdon Pen, Lewesdon Hill, Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle, respectively– arguably some the most distinctive items on the area’s skyline.

However, alongside such splendid natural scenery, the rich and ancient history of these hills is in many ways just as thrilling to discover…

Anyone familiar with the marvellous walking in the Marshwood Vale will have summited Pilsdon Pen, perhaps the best preserved out of this unusual cluster of hillforts.

This distinctively angular spur gains its name from the ancient Pilsdon community, from which Pilsdon Pen’s vertical sides majestically rise (the ‘Pen’ derives from the Welsh word for head or top). Once you’ve scrambled up its ramparts to the top – reached quickly from a short but steep walk from the National Trust car park—it soon becomes easy to understand why this location may have been the longest inhabited spot of all the four hills. Pilsdon’s outstanding 360-degree views are unrivalled by those of its neighbours, providing a panorama not only rare for the surrounding region, but the country as a whole. The archaeological significance of Pilsdon Pen,

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however, wasn’t truly discovered until after the 1960s, when its former owner Michael Pinney gave permission for Peter Gelling of the University of Birmingham and his wife, Margaret, to begin excavations on the site. Their findings revealed the remains of 14 Iron Age roundhouses, and thus provided evidence that a considerable population once inhabited its exposed top. Further surveys conducted by the National Trust in 1982 and Historical Monuments of England in 1995 uncovered flint tools and burial mounds thought to date back as far as the Bronze Age, suggesting the site has seen human activity for some 10,000 years.

The impressive height of Pilsdon (277m) is only slightly trumped by its closest neighbour, Lewesdon Hill, which stands triumphantly at 279m, higher than both Lambert’s (258m) and Coney’s (210m) also. This miniscule but rather meaningful 2m difference between Pilsdon and Lewesdon wasn’t actually recognised until recent surveys, granting it the crown as the county top of Dorset and placing it as one of its only four classified ‘Marilyn’ peaks. As well as the topography, the actual design of each fort is also fascinating—particularly that of Lambert’s and Coney’s Castles, which were actually built as together a pair. The reason for this unusual structure is thought to lie in the control it gave the occupants of Lambert’s (which was the far larger settlement) over an important track which ran a mile to its South (beside Coney’s).

Moreover, whilst Lewesdon, Lambert’s and Coney’s Castle display a univallate design, consisting of only one large defensive bank, Pilsdon Pen’s is rarer, with a complex network

of ditches and ramparts known as a multivallate fort.

Although different in design, the purpose of all four hillforts remained relatively similar; acting as strategic and easily defendable settlements in which people of the Durotriges tribe concurrently lived. The Durotriges were one of many tribal groups to exist during the Iron Age, and occupied large swathes of Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Bar the system of hillforts visible today, most elements of Durotrigan society have been destroyed over time, following years of destruction by Roman invasion and natural slippage in the region’s geology and thus many questions about the culture have been left unanswered. However, a remarkable collection of silver coins is one of the only artefacts to have survived the millennia and is even thought to be one of the only systems of coinage to exist in Britain prior to the Roman conquest (AD 43). The sheer rarity and volume of such coins found across the region help to illustrate the superior wealth and craftsmanship of the Durotrigans in comparison to neighbouring groups, such as the Dumnonii to their West.

Despite their affluency, the population of the Marshwood Vale remained sparse in this period, and it is hence only natural to wonder why the Durotrigan’s established these four settlements within such close proximity to each other; surely this strained resources like firewood, or impeded the defence of such a vast territory? However, it is thought that the grouping of these forts did indeed serve a strategic purpose, providing a central meeting point for the dispersed Durotrigan population, which is considered to have been more of a tribal confederation than an organised municipality.

The history of these forts also extends far beyond the Iron Age and they have played an important part in shaping the identity of the Marshwood Vale ever since. For anyone with an interest in literature, the possible impact of these hills on the poet William Wordsworth is fascinating. Between the years 1795 and 1797, Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, lived at Racedown House in Birdsmoorgate and the couple

quickly developed a fondness for the surrounding peaks (the house being located close to the centre of all four forts).

Although William never explicitly mentioned any of these historic sites in his work, their similarity to the rugged crags and open skies synonymous to his writing suggests their influence in his pieces written during his time at Racedown. A diary entry written by Dorothy during this period, illustrates this “we have hills which, seen from a distance almost take the character of mountains, some cultivated nearly to their summits, others in their wild state covered with furze and broom”, alluding to the distinctive shape and yellow gorse which characterises their flanks still today.

Lewesdon Hill also has a place in political history as one of the many hilltop beacons used to alert Sir Francis Drake and his men of the impending Spanish Armada fleet in 1588, initially spotted off the Cornish coast. British maritime history has also involved Pilsdon and Lewesdon due to their use as navigation aids, known as the ‘Calf and Cow’, which helped to guide sailors across Lyme Bay for centuries. What’s more, the presence of pillow mounds at Pilsdon suggest that the area saw the practice of rabbit rearing, popular during the medieval period after the Black Death saw incomes tumble with plummeting grain production. Coney’s Castle is also likely to have seen medieval rabbit warrens, with the word ‘Coney’ translating from the Old English for rabbit. In the last century, Lambert’s Castle’s was also used as the site for an impressive county fair, which took place annually between 1709 and 1954.

A grant from Queen Anne originally allowed the fair to be organised, and saw market stalls, animal enclosures and a large racetrack all built where dogwalkers stroll today—with such a glorious view it must have been quite the spectacle!

The fact that the history of these tight cluster of hillforts spans millennia is truly a testament to the sheer depth and variety of their past, and we should celebrate how these four hills have shaped the local culture and beautiful landscapes of the Marshwood Vale we enjoy today.

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News&Views

LYME REGIS Singers support lifeboat station A group of Lyme Regis sea shanty singers have presented a cheque for £850 to the volunteers at the town’s RNLI lifeboat station. The donation was raised during performances by the 20 strong group known as Harbour Voices who specialised in songs of the sea. The group was recently disbanded and re-formed as Lyme Bay Moonrakers. Treasurer of the singing group Steve Coles, who presented the cheque to Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks, said: ‘We had a vote to decide who should get the donation and the RNLI came out on top by a long way.’ Lyme Bay Moonrakers have already agreed to perform at the Blessing of the Boats annual service at Lyme Regis lifeboat station on May 9 next year.

BRIDPORT Award for museum as it reopens Bridport Museum has reopened after closure due to the coronavirus pandemic and staff and volunteers are welcoming visitors again. Awarded £50,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, the museum receives thousands of visitors every year and contributes an estimated £1 million each year to the local economy.

It is supported by their 80 strong volunteer team. Despite a few changes to make it safer and comply with Government COVID-19 regulations, the museum is still packed to the rafters with things to see and do.

LYME REGIS Marathon walk for Alzheimer’s

A woman who previously raised over £6,000 for Alzheimer’s by running a marathon and walking the length of Britain has recently reached Lyme Regis on a walk to raise more money to help combat the disease. Karen Penny is devoting four years of her life, leaving behind family and friends and her cat Bilbo to raise a target of £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. She hopes to complete a continuous walk circumnavigating the 20,000 kilometres of the British and Irish Coastline and it’s islands. Karen, who lost two family members to the disease, began her journey in January 2019 from her home in Gower, Wales. Anyone wishing to donate can visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ thepennyrollson

32 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

SHERBORNE New plans for Sherborne House

Sherborne House Trust 2018 has submitted a planning application to restore the Grade One Georgian building to its former glory.

The Trust is seeking to transform the building into an events and art exhibition venue.

Featuring a café and restaurant, the building is also set to include flexible office space, artists’ studios and artisan workshops, whilst a contemporary multifunction rear extension has also been proposed. The Trust’s restoration plan hopes to provide the town with a fantastic facility and secure the long-term financial viability of the house. It has also been engaging with prospective business partners on the hospitality and events side and it is hoped Dorset Visual Arts, the organiser of Dorset Arts Weeks, will have its home there.

WEYMOUTH Train arriving at Brewers Quay?

Weymouth may have some new land train attractions next year as councillors gave their backing to a plan to run expanded routes around the town. The routes proposed include a history train from the Esplanade to Hope Square and a Cruise Ship Train when tourist ships are visiting. The Dorset Echo reported that an idea has also been floated for an evening train on a short route which may offer sea shanty music. The train will have a full time attendant and travel at a maximum of 10 mph. It will have a capacity of 16 people and will have a specialist lift for one wheelchair passenger. The service had been given a go ahead to be run this year but was shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A final decision will be made by Dorset Council.

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More film credits for Mapperton House MAPPERTON House and Gardens has another starring role in a new film version of Daphne du Maurier’s classic Gothic novel Rebecca released recently on Netflix.

And there is the chance to visit the Gardens in their autumn finery and see where the filming took place as Mapperton extends this year’s opening season into November and December.

Mapperton, near Beaminster, is one of a number of historic houses used as a location representing Manderley— the beautiful but sinister mansion that is central to the plot of the 1938 novel, which has been voted the nation’s favourite book.

A star-studded cast including Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas and Keeley Hawes also filmed in Dorset at Cranborne Manor, while in the coastal scenes Hartland Quay in Devon stood in for the original Cornish setting.

Film crews were at Mapperton to film in the extensive gardens, the Orangery and areas within the house itself, which were turned into rooms within Rebecca’s wing at Manderley.

The film follows a young newly-wed (Lily James) who, after a whirlwind romance in Monte Carlo with handsome widower Maxim de Winter, (Armie Hammer) arrives at Manderley, her new husband’s imposing family estate on

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a windswept English coast. Naive and inexperienced, she begins to settle into the trappings of her new life, but finds herself battling the shadow of Maxim’s first wife, the elegant and urbane Rebecca, whose haunting legacy is kept alive by Manderley’s sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Mapperton, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, is no stranger to film crews. It has also featured in Far from the Madding Crowd starring Carey Mulligan, Restoration starring Robert Downey Junior and Emma, starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Countess of Sandwich says: ‘We really enjoyed Rebecca filming at Mapperton in July 2019. There were only three days of filming with Lily James, as the new star, and sadly we didn’t have Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs Danvers. However I met her at a party later and she told me she was very wicked.

‘We had the usual to-do of cameras and booms and scurrying people. But it was the best organised film ever at Mapperton and the garden was dressed magnificently for the party scene.’

The Gardens at Mapperton are now open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 5pm. Garden tickets should be purchased in advance and are available online at mapperton.com. The Coach House Café is open 11am to 3pm Sunday to Thursday for hot and cold drinks, light lunches and refreshments.

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House&Garden

Vegetables in November

By Ashley Wheeler

B

y November almost all of the out around the end of April—early planting in the veg garden is May as they start to go to flower rather done until Springtime, apart than producing leaves. Meanwhile, the from maybe some garlic and broad tomatoes, peppers and the like have all beans if not done last month, along been slowly growing in the propagating with maybe some spring onions and tunnel and are ready to plant in the peas for overwintering in a glasshouse or tunnels to replace these salads. polytunnel. It is definitely a good time to Being organised and having a clear spend reviewing the year gone by whilst it plan for the garden is one of the best is still fairly fresh in your mind. ways to get the most out of the ground, We like to take notes throughout the and by continually having something season so that in the autumn and winter growing in the soil means that there is we can have something to work from to always something to make associations make plans for the following year. with the biology of the soil, rather Growing in a small space can be highly than having bare ground which leads productive, but you need to be organised Before and after. As tomatoes were removed in to erosion and negative effects on the and have an awareness of how long crops October they were replaced immediately with structure of the soil. This is the time salads and herbs to be thinking about how you can are in the ground for. This can allow you to plan for multiple crops per bed and implement these ideas, so sit down in ensure that you have sown enough veg to replace a your most comfortable armchair with a good vegetable crop as soon as it is harvested or gone over. This is growing book which will help you with sowing dates something that we work hard on, but there is always and map out your garden for next year. It won’t all space for improvement. Many of our follow on crops work out, but if you keep notes along the way you can are sown in module trays a month or so before the keep tweaking your plans each year. crop that they are replacing is harvested. This means that they are ready for planting as soon as the old crop WHAT TO SOW THIS MONTH: Not a lot! We is out, and the new crop has already had a few weeks have made all of our sowings by now, and will start in trays to get a head start. For example, we replace tentatively with a few sowings again in January, but our shallots and spring onions in early August with nothing else before then. chicory. The first lettuce is planted around the end of March and is replaced as it starts to go to seed around WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH: mid June with autumn cabbage, and peas and broad beans are replaced with late summer lettuce in mid OUTSIDE: Garlic (if not planted already) July. This means that all through the growing season we have to be quick with deciding when a crop has INSIDE: peashoots, sugarsnap and early pea varieties, finished and when it is ok to remove it before planting spring onions, broad beans, garlic (for extra early the next one. We have a sowing plan so that the next garlic) crops will always be ready at the same time and the growing space is maximised.

OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS THIS MONTH: This also works perfectly in the polytunnels. In the If the weather dries, continue preparing beds for the autumn, the summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, winter by mulching with compost. Don’t be tempted aubergines, cucumbers and beans all come to an to tidy up too much, as old crops and flowers act as a end around about early-mid October. We sow most habitat for many beneficial insects. Start going through of our overwintering salads and herbs around early your winter job list - whether its cleaning glasshouses September so that they are all ready to be planted at or polytunnels, tidying up your propagating area, the time that these summer crops are ready to come cleaning and oiling your tools or even looking through out. This then works at the other end of the year seed catalogues for a bit of inspiration for next year! too—the overwintered salads are all ready to come

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Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 37

November in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

W

ith the clocks having gone back, November is the first month in which it properly feels like winter is breathing down our necks.

Even if you got away with leaving doubtfully hardy plants outside, up until now, this month they really do need to be either brought into a frost-free place or protected in some way. It’s often the winter wet, combined with low temperatures, that kill some of our less hardy garden plants.

As mentioned in my last article, it is traditional to leave dahlias in the ground until their leaves have been blackened by the first frosts. In some years there may not be a severe frost until much deeper into winter and I’d certainly not recommend leaving them in the ground much later than now. Once you have lifted the tubers, removing all the leaves and stems right down to the tuber itself, they need to be cleaned up a bit before storing. Knocking off as much as the soil as possible is important in order to remove pests, especially slugs, so that they don’t overwinter along with the tubers.

The cleaned up dahlia tubers should be left upturned, so that excess moisture can drip out of the cut stems, in a dry place such as on greenhouse staging, if you have such a luxury. Once dried off like this for a few days the tubers can be packed, right way up again, into crates, stout cardboard boxes or some such receptacle, and placed in a frost-free place. As a kid I remember boxes of knarly old tubers carefully boxed up and sharing our suburban garage space with the family ‘Hillman Hunter’ estate, a car which I mostly remember thanks to its keenness to overheat at every opportunity.

I should have mentioned, at the beginning of that process, that it’s helpful to write labels for each variety, while it is still in flower, and to attach these labels securely, wiring them onto the base of the strongest stem, so that the labels persist right through the lifting trauma. If you split up the tubers, before committing them to storage, then you’ll have to write additional labels for each separated tuber but this is only possible if you know what the ‘mother plant’ looked like in the first place. If you don’t label the stored tubers then it’s really difficult to know where to plant them next year,

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after the frosts have passed, as all dahlia tubers look pretty much the same!

Dahlias grow from ‘tubers’ which are, in horticultural terms, just a form of perennating organ which plants have evolved to survive seasonal unfavourable growing conditions in the region where they originated. Bulbs, corms and rhizomes are also perennating organs and this month is practically the last gasp for obtaining them to plant now for a spring display. Tulips are the bulb most able to be planted really late in the autumn, indeed they often flower successfully even when planted after Christmas...

I remember testing this ability, while researching a report for ‘Gardening Which?’, about a quarter of a century ago.

On the subject of late bulb ordering; yesterday I had a missed call on my mobile from a number I didn’t recognise. Checking that the number was not a ‘cold call’, I discovered that it originated from the bulb company that I’d placed a late order with. I called back and got straight through to the lady that was, even on a Sunday, packing my order. She was calling me just to check that I was aware that the Sternbergia lutea were going to be in bud when I received them and was that OK with me?

I thought this was somewhat above and beyond the call of duty although I was grateful that she had thought to check that this was OK, recognising that the rest of my order was made up of traditional spring flowering bulbs. I felt a slight pang of ‘post purchase guilt’ having remembered that the Sternbergia were a complete impulse addition having seen a lovely pic of some on my Instagram feed (thank you @christopher_ stocks) and realising that the ones I used to have in my own garden had been shaded out, years ago, and never replaced. I shall ensure that the new ones are planted in a more sheltered spot where they will not get crowded out by too much competition.

You can start planting bare-root plants this month although, in tune with the slowness of the season, there’s no rush with this. Do it when the weather conditions are favourable and you’re in the mood. To make a proper job of planting takes time, especially if

tree stakes, rabbit protection and mulching provisions are involved.

Similarly, herbaceous perennials can still be dug up, divided and replanted this month, providing we don’t plunge into really cold, frosty or waterlogged conditions.

If you miss this ‘window of opportunity’ then you’ll get another chance to divide them in early spring when they are poised to break their winter dormancy.

The arrival of proper overnight frosts is the signal that most ‘fiddling’ maintenance jobs can cease and you can concentrate on all the ‘hardcore’ winter stuff. Before that happens, and whenever it is dry but not frosty, you should continue cutting the lawn but with your mower set higher than in the summer. The grass won’t be growing much but the whole point of a lawn is to act as a good, green, foil to the surrounding plants and you’ll notice the contrast more markedly as the borders gently fade into muted tones of brown.

Leaf raking, collecting and composting is a major task right now especially if you are fortunate enough to be the custodian of some big, old, trees in your garden.

This always reminds me of the popular aphorism relating to the fact that you “plant trees not for yourself but for your children and your children’s children”. You may curse them now, as they are dropping great leathery old leaves onto your lawns and flower beds, but, in the great scheme of things, mature, majestic, trees are the gentle giants of our perfected nature.

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PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Homes in the Heart of the Community

By Helen Fisher

THORNCOMBE £310,000

A charming period single storey Grade II listed home with 3 bedrooms.

Double glazed wooden windows plus spacious kitchen/diner with multifuel stove. A former bowling alley for the adjoining pub (now also a home.) South-east facing garden with shed and potential for a garage (pp granted.) Parking for 3 cars.

Gordon & Rumsby Tel: 01297 553768

BEAMINSTER £345,000

A deceptively spacious town house dating back to 1864. With 3 double bedrooms, high ceilings and large Shaker-style kitchen. Excellent decorative order and set over 3 floors with far-reaching views to the church. A very pretty rear garden with two terraces, surrounded by a stone wall.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

LYME REGIS £750,000

A detached 2 bedroom cottage in the heart of the town with spectacular sea views. Generous kitchen/dining/family room with engineer’s drawings for further expansion. Main garden on several levels with shed and paved terraces to the front and side. Residents’ parking permits available.

Martin Diplock Tel: 01297 445500 40 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

UPLODERS £400,000

A pretty natural stone cottage, previously converted from the former parish hall. Bright and airy with 3 bedrooms and a beautiful bespoke open-plan kitchen with stone flooring. Stylish, newly fitted, modern bathroom. Sunny south-facing garden with gravelled terrace for al fresco dining plus parking.

Jackson-Stops Tel:01308 423133

BOTHENHAMPTON £370,000

A terraced village cottage with 3/4 bedrooms with many characterful features inc: wooden doors, exposed floor boards and ceiling beams, window seat and panelling. Plus useful attic room. The mature garden features some small trees and extends to over 120ft, finishing with a ‘wild garden’ area.

Kennedys Tel: 01308 427329

PUNCKNOWLE £500,000

A nicely proportioned, 3 bedroom cottage benefiting from quality period-style UPVC windows. Recently fitted, contemporary kitchen & dining room with open fireplace. Bathrooms with underfloor heating. Southwest facing courtyard garden with stone shed & log store. Plus large ‘secret garden’ with veg patch & shed.

Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

Community free food initiative supported by local organisations FOLLOWING on from the success of the Garden Glut stall held at St Mary’s School during the Summer school holidays by Home and Bridport Transition Town, the Bridport Community Fridge and Bridport Local Food Group have joined forces to continue the initiative.

Free food, including fresh fruit and vegetables is available from the weekly stall in St Swithuns Church Car Park, North Allington on Thursdays from 10am to 1 pm, kindly donated by local shops, supermarkets and growers to help local families.

‘We are very pleased that the word is getting out and that we are reaching the needy and vulnerable as well as anyone who wants to see food waste reduced’ said Peter Wilson, who initiated and runs the stall at St Swithuns. If you have surplus fruit and vegetables and would like to donate, please deliver to St Swithun’s Church from 9.30 am on Thursday or contact Peter Wilson 07778 159826 peterjwilson8@btinternet.com

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Food&Dining

BONFIRE BARLEY BROTH WITH GARLIC BREAD

LESLEY WATERS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 1.5 litres (2 ½ pints) chicken or vegetable stock • 100g (3 ½ oz) pearl barley • 5 tablespoons white wine • 1 leek, finely chopped • 2 sticks celery, finely chopped • 2 large carrots, peeled, finely chopped • 1 medium parsnip, peeled, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato puree • 2 bay leaves • 2 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley

1. Pour the stock into a pan, add the pearl barley and gently boil for 10 minutes.

2. Pour the wine into a large pan, add the leek, cover and steam fry for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

3. Add the remaining vegetables to the pan and cook for a further 5 minutes. Stir in tomato puree, bay leaves, stock and pearl barley, bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, toast bread on both sides. Rub toasts with garlic clove and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Season soup to taste with freshly ground black pepper and stir in parsley.

6. Pour into large mugs warm and serve.

For the garlic toasts • 1 rustic loaf, sliced • 1 garlic clove, peeled • extra virgin olive oil for drizzling Serves 4

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Host your own Charity Dinner DIVERSE Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has launched a new fundraising event, in line with the current government guidelines; Come Dine With Us encourages everyone to host an intimate black tie dinner within their own homes on Saturday 28 November.

Groups of up to six can book from two ticket types; £50 for a three-course meal and a cocktail, or £15 for a cocktail, and both give access to additional online content and entertainment suggestions, including an online auction and pre-recorded music performances. The meals and drinks will be delivered directly

to the host’s home, complete with reheating instructions and serving suggestions.

Merlins Catering, based in Parley Manor, is providing the catering for the event, and DarkBear, based in Bridport, is providing the Dorset-themed predinner cocktails.

Should the guidelines be amended prior to the event taking place, all hosts will be contacted to arrange further delivery details for their guests. Visit diverseabilities.org. uk/cdwu for more information and to book tickets. Delivery is only available within Dorset.

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KOREAN FRIED FISH This makes a great snack, starter or main and you can really use any fish fillets, from value whiting to monkfish, but to be honest, by the time you have battered and fried the fish and tossed it in the sauce the result is just as good. You can also make this dish vegan by using onion rings or try it with pieces of chicken. At the fish house we tend to use day catch for this which again could be pouting or huss and recently used conger and named it longfish!

MARK HIX

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 300g skinned and boned fish fillet • Vegetable or corn oil for frying • 1tsp black sesame seeds (optional) • 1 tsp white sesame seeds • A few sprigs of coriander

1. Mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce 2. Whisk the flour with enough water to make a smooth batter and season to taste. Separate the onion layers into rings.

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

4. Test a piece of fish in the batter to ensure it sticks and not too heavy and adjust accordingly with more flour or water.

5. Mix the fish with the batter a few pieces at a time, depending on the size of your fryer and fry them a few pieces at a time, turning them in the oil with a slotted spoon until golden then remove from the oil and drain on some kitchen paper and continue with the rest of the fish.

6. To serve, toss the fish in the sauce in a bowl then transfer to a serving plate and scatter with the sesame seeds and scatter over the coriander.

For the sauce • 120g Gochujang (Korean hot pepper sauce) • 100g tomato ketchup • 30 ml sweet soy sauce (ketjap manis) For the batter • 100g Doves farm gluten free self raising flour • Enough cold water to make a light batter • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Serves 4

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Opening up The Worlds End

Men on a mission. Laft to right Steve Killingbeck, Mark Banham and Alasdair Warren

T

aming the wild South West and making it an even better place for travellers to eat and drink takes a bit of true grit bravery in 2020. But it seems that three amigos in Dorset are up to the challenge.

Electric Pubs, the Dorset-based pub and restaurant operator, will soon re-open the Worlds End, Almer which has been shut since the spring of this year.

The Worlds End is one of Dorset’s best known pubs, located at the “gateway to Dorset” just off the A31 as you drive between Wimborne and Bere Regis.

As part of the nearby Charborough Estate, it’s a place full of character and history. It has been a pub for almost 600 years—rumoured to be the oldest in Dorset—and during the war, Churchill and Eisenhower met there to discuss preparations for D-Day. Unfortunately, the original burned down about 30 years ago, but it was rebuilt in the style of the original, retaining its traditional thatched exterior and a wonderful historic interior, with wood panelling, open fires and old oak beams.

As a free house, the pub will offer a broad selection of real ales and ciders, sourced locally and from further

afield, with regularly changing guest ales.

Steve Killingbeck, a director at Electric Pubs, said “Over time, we plan to expand the food and wine offering. We will have a largely British menu with a strong emphasis on Dorset produce, meats and fish, and bespoke wines supplied by Morrish & Banham. We also plan to significantly expand and upgrade the outside areas, developing a large country garden in the fields to the rear, which we hope to open in the summer of next year.”

Alasdair Warren, Chairman of Electric Pubs, said “Given its location, the Worlds End is one of the best known pubs in Dorset. We are very excited to work with the Charborough Estate and realise its full potential in the years to come. We look forward to reopening, and welcoming back our locals as well as passing visitors from further afield”.

Richard Drax of Charborough Estate, said “We are delighted that Electric Pubs will now be operating the Worlds End. They share our vision for the pub and how it can develop going forward. We look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 45

Carp on the Golf Course

By Nick Fisher

C

hris Yates is probably the world’s most famous carp fishermen. He held the British record for many years. Starred in the BBC’s unforgettable fishing show, A Passion For Angling, and is singlehandedly responsible for leading a nation of beard growing fishermen back to the good old dark ages of split cane.

Britain is famous for its eccentrics. They are an important factor of our Gross National Product. We export them and their creations around the world.

But, the trouble with some eccentrics is that they lack authenticity, their eccentricity is only skin deep. Just an eccentric glaze basted over normality to give them a unique selling appeal. Yates is nutty to the core.

The modern carp fishing world is a universe of space age invention and technology. Rods are made out of the same materials as Formula One racing cars.

Lines are woven from fibres developed by NASA. Bait is engineered by revolutionary nutritionists whose knowledge of gastric science belongs to the next century. So, it’s immensely refreshing to have such a maverick, leather-bound, stick wielding, feather-quill constructed anachronism as Chris Yates, hovering at the very epicentre of such a technologically cognisant collective of carp enthusiasts.

Normally, you’d expect to find Yates crouching in the shadow of some 18th century architectural folly, or hanging out of a huge willow tree, splayed across some forgotten estate lake, stalking some huge steel grey common carp. Not dawdling in the centre of a golf course. The prospect of finding carp guru Chris Yates loitering around the 18th tee, or padding round the edge of the 16th green, is about as likely as finding

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a ferret at an international dental convention.

But Stoke Poges Golf Club has got something to offer that most golf courses don’t. A lake. Two lakes in fact. Both full of carp and bleeding with history.

Angling history.

My fondness for golf has been non-existent until Heath Harvey, the man in charge of publicity for Stoke Park Club invited me and Chris to come and fish the lakes in the centre of the course. An invitation to go fishing is not something I take lightly.

And an invitation to go fishing in an ancient carpstocked lake which hasn’t been fished in 50 years, is something that has me standing in my local tackle shop buying two pints of maggots and a can of sweetcorn before an Essex lad can say ‘’Ere, you got any boilies, mister?’

Stoke Poges always had a fishing club, as well as a golf club. The club was founded and designed in 1908, the vision of Nick ‘Pa’ Lane Jackson and the creation of Harry Shapland Colt, the greatest golf architect of his day. The lakes in the middle of the course were stocked before the Second World War with the famous Leney strain of carp, the same strain used to stock exemplary waters like Redmire, where Yatesy caught his 51 lb 8oz record breaker ‘The Bishop’ back in 1981.

Stoke Poges was once the posh playground of The Corinthians, a collection of old style sportsmen who would hunt and shoot and fish and row and play cricket, golf and football. In fact, The Corinthians football team were the last amateur football team to ever win the FA Cup. The Corinthians had a healthy all-round approach

to sport. But the War and the ensuing decline of the next few decades which had little respect for grand houses of a bygone age meant that Stoke Park fell into disrepair. The golf course was the only sporting element to survive, existing on a local membership, who inhabited a tiny portion of the great house, while the rest was ripped apart to provide cheap offices for the council and local start-up businesses.

The grounds and lakes, originally landscaped by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton grew thick with noxious weeds. The undergrowth took over, burying statues and Japanese gardens under an impenetrable layer of brambles. Trees fell into the lake.

Silt filled it up and the carp grew wild and fat.

The lakes have been sorted out. Big carp netted out of the lower lake and moved to the top one. New carp, carefully sourced, have been stocked into the lower lake, where the abundance of natural food means they put on weight faster than a couch potato at Christmas.

Chris and I parked ourselves on the newly cut, beautifully constructed swims made of bark chippings.

We catapulted maggots, over hand bowled sweet corn and flicked wedges of bread crust out into the water.

Yates had his stick bent by a red eyed, green backed tench. My newly bought Edward Barder split cane orgasm-inducer was wobbled by a flashy stripy red finned perch.

Deep worrying swirls punctuated our peace as fat carp rolled nearby. And sharp crashing splashes burst moments of silence as yet another miss hit golf ball splooshed into the water. We ate the most sumptuous picnic known to Man, which was delivered on a golf buggy with the compliments of the great house.

Then, in the full-tummy, warmth of the afternoon we decided to go stalking.

Yates crouched in the long reeds, poking his split cane between the green fronds while delicately chucking small handfuls of curry scented maggots at a stream of water borne bubbles. Carp were feeding within feet of the 15th tee. It’s an island tee. Which means golfers have to climb over a small bridge before sticking a tiny little plastic cup-stick in the ground, balancing a golf ball on top and going ‘thwock’.

We looked up at them. Fishermen in the weeds in the pursuit of our quarry. They looked down from their flat grass. Men in bad jumpers. They were curious to see bearded ones with big hats and long sticks. Our sticks were longer than theirs. But they had more of them.

A tee-off situation was in progress, a practice swing completed and shot about to be shot, when Yatesy hooked a snout-feeding carp on his free lined bait. The carp roared off and the jumpers watched as history repeated itself for the first time in fifty years.

If ever there was a man fit to plunge back through a time warp and kick start an ancient tradition of carp fishing and drag it fighting into the 21st century.

That man is Yates. His rod was hand built by Richard Walker half a century ago. His reel a relic of the 60s. His hook a well-loved friend and his eccentric enthusiasm something distilled and bottled a long long time ago.

If I was a sleek old carp swimming round a lake full of history. I’d want to be caught by Yates. It’d be kind of fitting, historically correct and it’d make a change from dodging all those golf balls.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 47

LEEK, WHITE BEAN AND HAM SOUP The very young little finger-sized leeks can simply be trimmed top and bottom, rinsed well and the outside leaf removed. These are then blanched for seconds with other spring vegetables such as peas, young carrots, broad (fava) beans and spring cabbage. Simply strained and tossed together with olive oil, salt and pepper, they create a perfect bed for a poached fish fillet or chicken breast for example. The slightly thicker ‘teenage’ leeks (as we call them) are lovely prepared, cooked and

INGREDIENTS • 250g/scant 1½ cups dried cannellini or borlotti beans • 600g/1¼lb fresh ham hock • 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered, root on • 2 sticks celery, washed and sliced • A few springs rosemary, thyme, bay and parsley, tied together • 2 cloves garlic, gently crushed • 1 carrot, peeled and cut lengthwise • Salt • 2 tbsp olive oil To finish the broth: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp chopped thyme 2 large leeks, trimmed, washed well and sliced • 1 tbsp chopped celery leaves • 1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves • • • •

DIRECTIONS 1. Soak the dried beans overnight in lots of cold water.

2. The following day bring the beans to the boil in fresh water, drain, rinse and place in a clean pan with the ham hock, onion, celery, herbs, garlic and carrot.

Cover well with cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer gently (adding extra water if the level diminishes) for up to an hour, or until the beans are tender throughout. Remove the pieces of vegetable and the herbs with tongs.

3. Remove the hock piece and trim off excess fat, then dice the meat finely. In a large heavy-based pan heat the olive oil, crushed garlic and thyme until fragrant, add the leeks and cook until soft

48 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

but not coloured. Add the ham and then the beans including the broth. Bring to the boil, taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Add chopped celery and parsley leaves and serve drizzled with extra olive oil.

Guest Recipe

Sally Clarke

LEEK VINAIGRETTE WITH CHOPPED EGG, CHIVES & MUSTARD DRESSING served in the same way, but I almost prefer them grilled (broiled) with olive oil and sea salt or roasted for a few minutes and served warm or chilled with a salad of crumbled ricotta, pine nuts and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

6 small leeks 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp wine vinegar Salt and pepper 5 tbsp light olive oil 3 eggs 1 tbsp long chopped chives 1 tbsp small capers 2 tbsp roughly chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS 1. Choose even-sized small (not baby) leeks, trim away the dark green ends and peel off the outside layers. Rinse, cut in half lengthwise and rinse again very well. Cut each half to the same length, approximately 10 cm/4in.

Use the trimmings for soup or stock.

2. To make the dressing, whisk the mustard with the wine vinegar, salt, pepper and light olive oil.

3. Hard boil the eggs by placing them in a small pan, covering with cold water and bringing them to the boil. Cook for 7 minutes then rapidly cool them under cold running water. Peel and cut open the eggs, remove the yolks and crumble or push through a wide-gauged sieve (strainer). Chop the egg white roughly. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the leeks gently until tender. Drain carefully and remove them to a serving platter, lining them next to each other, cut sides up. Pour the dressing over the warm leeks and leave to cool.

4. To serve, scatter the egg white over, then the yolk, then finish with lots of chives, capers and parsley.

5. A lovely dish to serve with cold sliced ham, or as part of a selection of old fashioned hors d’oeuvres.

Sally Clarke is one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs.

Trained in Paris and London, she moved to California in 1979, where she worked in the kitchens and dining rooms of Michael’s and West Beach Café. It was while in California that she met her mentor Alice Waters, chef and proprietor of Chez Panisse, and that her love of disarmingly simple cooking based on the freshest local ingredients was born.

Sally Clarke: 30 Ingredients by Sally Clarke (Frances Lincoln)

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 49

Arts&Entertainment

Secret Empire

A veteran investigative journalist, Paul Lashmar has written about the Intelligence Services for over forty years. His new book, Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate, offers a fascinating insight into the agencies that work to protect us. He talked to Fergus Byrne.

J

ust weeks after the publication of a new book about the British intelligence services, the new Director-General of MI5 has promised more ‘visibility’ from his organisation.

Speaking at his first media briefing since taking the top spot at MI5, Ken McCallum detailed the threats facing Britain, including State interference

by Russia. He also suggested that although his organisation needed to be ‘invisible’ in much of what it does, he wanted parts of MI5 to be more visible and open to the public.

However, after a lifetime of studying the intelligence services, Dr Paul Lashmar, author of the recently published, Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate, takes these comments with a large amount of scepticism. Pointing, for example, to McCallum’s comments about Russia being a threat to British democracy Paul says: ‘For those of us that have been calling for an inquiry into the impact of online disinformation by Russia and other hostile forces on the 2016 Brexit vote, we are told by MI5 and government “move along here, there is nothing to see”—they can’t have it both ways.’

Head of the Department of Journalism at City University and an investigative journalist for over forty years, Dorchester based Paul makes the point in Spies, Spin and The Fourth Estate that

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there is much to be concerned about for British democracy from within the security services themselves. Increasingly invasive powers, a lack of accountability and oversight, and ‘massive’ reliance on private contractors are some of the points that he believes need to be addressed to make sure the intelligence services are not only robust enough to do their jobs, but also to protect the freedom of the people they are there to safeguard.

In his book, Paul traces the activities of various organisations tasked with protecting the country through The Great War, the inter-war years, the Second World War and the Cold War, right up to the present day and the ‘War on Terror’.

His detailed account, drawing on years of research and experience writing about the security services, and especially their reliance on and interaction with journalists, paints a fascinating picture of a powerful force. One that, in general, he believes is a force for good. But he is concerned that it may have already amassed data way beyond its needs. Speaking about GCHQ, for example, Paul explains: ‘I don’t think people understand how powerful GCHQ working with the Americans now is. It’s not about what they might get about you in the future.

They already have in their files a huge amount

of detail about everybody in the country—it’s sitting in computers. It’s frightening. They build huge warehouses full of servers where they download metadata, phone calls etc.

With an increasingly authoritarian air to the current government, that’s frightening, really frightening.’

Despite new regulations attempting to monitor and regulate intelligence services, Paul’s depth of frustration with their intrusive activity is mirrored by his concerns about whether we have the ability to monitor these organisations the way we should. ‘If you are critical of the intelligence services you are perceived to be anti-intelligence’ he says. ‘I am not at all anti-intelligence. But I believe they should be properly accountable. And they are not properly accountable, even with the new regulations. The fact that the Government tried to put Chris Grayling in as the chair of the Intelligence Security Committee (ISC) demonstrates the appallingly poor accountability that currently exists and there’s lots of evidence in the book that supports that.’

In their defence, Paul is quick to point out some ‘extraordinary good work’ done by Dominic Grieve as Chair of the ISC. But he also says that ‘by and large since 1996 the ISC has been a cheerleader for intelligence, rather than a critical independent oversight mechanism. We haven’t had effective oversight for just about all that time really, except for a short period around 2016 to 18.’ Paul questions whether we have the manpower and resources to monitor such secretive organisations properly. ‘We don’t have the skill base in accountability to deal with it’ says Paul. ‘They just don’t have enough inspectors and people who understand what is going on at GCHQ to do that. It’s a really interesting question.

This isn’t me saying that GCHQ and other amazing agencies aren’t doing great work in monitoring terrorists and protecting us, but it’s the most powerful secret tool in the country by a long shot—and it needs to be regulated properly with oversight. The history of intelligence, as laid out in my book, shows that if you give people who are operating in secret, ‘power’, they will always push the edges of the envelope—push it that bit further—interfere with this or that bit of politics—push the people that their politics supports—embarrass people...’

From undermining ‘isolationists’ opposed to America entering the Second World War

Inside:

Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate …Oliver Cromwell, as the head of the British State in its brief period as a republic during the Civil War in the seventeenth century, put the justification neatly: ‘There are great occasions in which some men are called to great services, in the doing of which they are excused from the common rule of morality’… …The Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch, cooperating with MI5, ran a full-blown, forty-year undercover intelligence operation – the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) – against civil rights, animal rights and anti-fascist left-wing groups, far-right activists and environmental activists… …MI5 also hired indigenous journalists as agents and propagandists in many countries. A recruitment by British Intelligence of a foreign journalist that now seems unfortunate is that of Benito Mussolini, later the Italian fascist dictator. In 2009, newly released MI5 archive documents revealed that Mussolini got his start in politics in 1917, with the help of a £100 weekly wage from MI5… …It felt strange, almost eerie, to be the first member of the public to hold and read the notorious Red Book when it was finally released into the public domain in January 2000. The Red Book is the membership list of the Right Club, a secret organisation founded in May 1939 by Captain Archibald Ramsay MP. During the Spanish Civil War (1936–9), Ramsay was swept up by the tide of fascism and came out as a pro-Franco and virulent anti-Semite and a devoted enemy of international communism... …Old Etonian Burgess had worked in the BBC in the early war years as a producer while freelancing with MI5 and MI6. In October 1941, Burgess took charge of the flagship political programme The Week in Westminster, which gave the Soviet spy almost unlimited access to Parliament… …British military intelligence agents in Northern Ireland used fears about demonic possessions, black masses and witchcraft as part of a psychological war against emerging armed groups in The Troubles in the 1970s… …IRD had another target outside its anti-communist official remit. The Department had been involved in the covert manipulation of the public in favour of the UK’s entry into the European Union in 1973…

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 51

already have ’They in their files a huge amount of detail about everybody in the country

’

to intensive propaganda efforts in Northern Ireland, as well as the promotion of moderate Islam, Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate offers no shortage of detail about security services tactics and ‘tradecraft’ over many years. The word ‘Spin’ in the title alludes to the many occasions where journalists and writers were co-opted to perform as propagandists. Despite the fact that a journalist’s role should be, as Paul puts it, to act as a ‘challenge to the presuppositions that exist in the intelligence world as elsewhere’, from Daniel Dafoe to Roald Dahl, many journalists’ talents have been used to assist when necessary. In fact, there were those that made their careers by being a pair of ‘safe hands’ and therefore were granted early access to information—as long as they spun it with the required angle. In the main, these were more establishment oriented than left-wing. They tended to be ‘people from the right or centreright, certainly not from the left’ said Paul. ‘Those journalists, academics and politicians appeared to have a level of knowledge that other people from the left didn’t have and therefore their careers blossomed. It was a very effective mechanism for isolating people from the left because they couldn’t get that information.’

Making the point that intelligence gathering and investigative journalism utilises similar techniques Paul reminds us that ‘the fourth estate’ or journalism, has another aspiration: ‘the concept of the freedom of the press within a democracy suggests that the news media preserve the citizen’s liberties from an overbearing state and corporate sector.’ However, he says that ‘reporting critically on the world of intelligence

52 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

is regarded as one of the most difficult specialist beats in journalism as it is, by definition, a world of secrets.’ Today, the ability to simply report, let alone investigate, has become more than difficult.

Not least due to the suborning of journalists over many years. Today the game has changed says Paul. ‘When I started out, if you were sent to a trouble spot as a journalist, you could rush around and wave your press card and people would think “oh, that’s a journalist” and not touch you. These days, the assumption is that you are a spy, or you’re up to no good, or you’re just a lackey of the bourgeois media. We both know journalists who are now much more cautious about going to danger spots because they might get kidnapped or taken hostage. Or even worse beheaded and killed.’

Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate shines a light onto activities that may have been undertaken with the intention of protecting western democracies but the long term result is an abuse of power that makes it increasingly difficult to hold to account. ‘Intelligence agencies will tell you they are there to defend democracy, so why is it they have had a hundred years of subverting journalism and the media?’ asks Paul. ‘It seems to me, the notion of the freedom of the press is a fundamental aspect of democracy. And no one ever asks that question. Why do intelligence agencies consistently misuse the media for their own benefit? Given that they are interfering with the freedom of the press and the free flow of information. They have always interfered with it. I think that’s a big question that’s never been properly answered.’

Inside:

Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate …In 1985 David Leigh, Mark Hollingsworth and I obtained concrete evidence for the first time of the way the Security Service, MI5, secretly controlled the hiring and firing of BBC staff… As a consequence of our 1985 articles the BBC staff and the National Union of Journalists eventually had the vetting system overturned, although it did not cease entirely until the 1990s…

During his career, Dr Paul Lashmar has written about terrorism, intelligence, organised crime, offshore crime, business fraud and the Cold War and broken many major domestic and international stories. As a student in 1976, he began to research the intelligence community under the mentorship of Richard Fletcher, a lecturer at North East London Polytechnic. Paul was one of his volunteer team of researchers uncovering the secrets of the SIS/Foreign Office Cold War propaganda organisation, the Information Research Department (IRD). It was the beginning of a career that has seen him work in television, radio, online and print. He has been on the staff of The Observer, Granada Television’s World in Action current affairs series and Independent Newspapers. Over the years he has also produced a number of TV programmes for BBC’s Timewatch, Channel 4’s Dispatches series and briefly reported for Newsnight. He also covered the so-called ‘War on Terror’ for the Independent on Sunday from 2001-2007 and authored or co-authored six books.

Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate: British Intelligence and the Media

By Paul Lashmar is published

by Edinburgh University Press, September 2020.

ISBN: 9781474443081

…After many years of denial that he had worked for the SIS, the famous British thriller author, Frederick Forsyth, admitted he had worked for the Service for two decades, from the 1950s, unpaid as he had perceived it to be his ‘patriotic duty’… …Snowden has also revealed that the agencies have secretly negotiated for ‘backdoors’ in the security of many computer programs, social networking sites, websites and smartphones… …The history of intelligence tells us, if we care to note, that intelligence entities, screened as they are from public view, have a tendency to exceed their remit, in the same way the Victorian politician Lord Acton suggested ‘power tends to corrupt, absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely’. I first heard this dictum when I was a student and thought it a bit glib, but forty years on I have seen it proved time after time… …If private companies are handling intelligence data, what is the oversight to make sure it is not also provided to private sector clients?... …The power of algorithm-based technology and artificial intelligence, focused on profit, where public and private sectors become indistinguishable, has the potential for mass behavioural modification. This presents a terrifying prospect… …There are politicians in the British Parliament whose authoritarian views, dislike of expertise and history, certainly make me as nervous as Trump. Distracted, perhaps we really are sleepwalking into the surveillance state…

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 53

November GALLERIES

Until November 2 South West Sculptors, 10.30-16.30 Thursdays-Mondays, Visiting exhibition of engaging sculptures by artists from the South West, The Gallery Symondsbury, 01308 301326.

& Craft Gallery, West Bay Bridport Dorset DT6 4EL. Tel. 01308 459511. Gallery open 10 am – 4.30 pm Wednesday to Saturday. www.sladersyard.co.uk.

Until November 4 Days Like These, Moira Baumbach; Allan Green; Dr Sarah R Key; Prof David Manley and Stewart Reid, The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3PU. For more visit www.townmill.org.uk

Until November 10 Dorchester artist Caz Scott exhibits her latest work celebrating the beauty of the local landscape inspired by the Jurassic coastline. Gallery on the Square, Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3BL. 01305 213322. gallerypoundbury.co.uk

5 - 23 November Bringing Art to Life, 10.30-16.30 Thursdays-Mondays, An open 2D and 3D exhibition focussing on colour and form, The Gallery Symondsbury, 01308 301326

Until November 14 Felice Hodges, Palimpsest. New Paintings. The Art Stable Child Okeford Blandford Dorset DT11 8HB. 01258 863866. www.theartstable.co.uk.

6 - 21 November Landscape and Memories. Nicholas Hely Hutchinson.

The Jerram Gallery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LN. www.jerramgallery.com

14 November – 24 December Present Makers 2020, Open Thursday – Saturday, 10-5. A curated showcase of work celebrating the talent of South West based contemporary crafts people and designer makers, who create unique hand-made and locally-designed gifts. All work is for sale. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX, 01404 45006 www. thelmahulbert.com

7 November - 20 November Amanda Popham – The 2020 Collection. Contact the gallery for an invite to the launch day on Saturday 7 November, when Amanda will be present. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Appropriate Covid measures are in place in the gallery. Steam Gallery at Beer, Fore Street, Beer Nr Seaton Devon, EX 12 3JB Tel. 01297 625144 Email: info@ steamgallery.co.uk Until November 8 Curious Expressions. Simon Quadrat, Gabriele Koch, Petter Southall, Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art, Furniture

54 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

14 November - 17 January Colour & Light: recent paintings by Julian Bailey, Alex Lowery, Michael Fairclough and Alfred Stockham with furniture by Petter Southall, ceramics, craft and accessories by leading artists and designers. Four painters who reflect glorious light effects in their paintings to celebrate both the natural and the built world, Petter Southall’s beautiful bentwood furniture, plus ceramics, craft, gifts, and

accessories by leaading artists and designers. 10 am - 4.30pm Wednesday to Saturday (Café also open Sundays 10 - 4.30pm). Free admission.

Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. 01308 459511. sladersyard.co.uk Until November 21 Somerset Reacquainted Exhibition, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Wed – Sat (admission by advance booking only). ‘Somerset Re-acquainted’ is a creativity-in-isolation project for SAW members. The project encourages artists to refresh their engagement with their locality, using ideas of reacquaintance as a starting point to discover and re-discover excitement and purpose in their artistic practice. Responding to the challenges artists are facing, the project encourages artists to refresh their engagement with nature, locality and community, using ideas of reacquaintance as a starting point to discover and re-discover excitement and purpose in their artistic practice. More than 60 artists are now taking part in the project, through a process of cascaded invitation, issued by artists to artists.

A collaboration with Somerset Art Works.

Somerset Rural Life Museum, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DB, srlm.org.uk Until November 25 Apply Day Exhibition. Bridport Arts Centre, South Street Bridport DT6 3NR. www.bridportarts.com or telephone 01308 427183 26 November - 13 December Norman at 90, 10.30-16.30 ThursdaysMondays, A retrospective of the artwork of Norman Saunders-White, a Dorset librarian, art teacher, actor and director of youth theatre whose paintings range from the naturalistic to the abstract, record landscapes, and include more personal work drawn from his imagination. www.lymebayarts.co.uk, The Gallery Symondsbury, 01308 301326 28 November -18 January Unwrapped, 10.30-16.30 Thursdays-Mondays, Arts and crafts showcase for the holiday season, The Space Symondsbury, 01308 301326 Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 55

1-19 December Anne Bullen. Part Three and the final collection of recently discovered drawings and oil paintings by Anne Bullen, who lived outside Charmouth, known for the numerous books she illustrated, of which many have become collectors items, as well as her vast knowledge and understanding of the horse. This exhibition will be the final opportunity to see her original and iconic works. The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU. gallery@osg.uk.com. Tel. 020 7235 9667 Until December 5 Telling Tales!, 10.00-16.00 Wednesdays-Saturdays, Pictures, words and whimsy by author and illustrator Carolyn King, The Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, 01297 443370 or 01308 301326.

Chloe Fremantle at the Tincleton Gallery

Until January 10 Autumn Mixed Show Work by gallery artists & Chloe Fremantle. The exquisite Tincleton Gallery will be holding a four-month mixed show of their gallery artists, plus Londonbased artist Chloe Fremantle. Periodically some of the works will be taken down and replaced by others so that the show can remain fresh for the 4-month run irrespective of how the Covid-19 pandemic evolves. Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, Tincleton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QR. Opening times: Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon from 10:00 - 17:00, no admission fee.

Telephone 01305 848 909. Website: www.tincletongallery.com

Nicholas Hely Hutchinson at The Jerram Gallery

Anne Bullen at The Osborne Gallery

56 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

Online Festival of Craft

Susan Lurker ceramics are part of the Digital Craft Festival

D

evon based ceramicist Susan Luker joins a huge cast of exhibitors at the Digital Craft Festival set for late November. Susan’s pots are hand built using slabs of white stoneware clay, she uses the flat platform of the pot like a canvas to paint abstractly on and convey her feelings of beautiful Devon where she lives. Painting clay slips, engobes and a variety of glazes in multiple layers and firings.

The Bovey Tracey based Digital Craft Festival returns November 27-29th 2020, with more exhibitors, a wealth of product launches, inspirational exhibits, workshops and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy for free at digitalcraftfestival.co.uk.

150 makers of the highest quality are currently making, photographing and stocking their shops with new designs to present over the weekend.

Sue Pryke, known as co-judge on Channel 4s Great Potter Throwdown, will be debuting a limited edition range which will be exclusively available via her website, at digitalcraftfestival.co.uk Pryke said: ‘I’m intrigued by the detailing and flourishes of 18th century creamware, I used to design with these floral accents as a junior designer at Wedgwood at the start of my career, drawing inspiration from the archives and reworking into a contemporary context.’

Brighton based design duo, Ash & Plumb, who specialise in woodturning will be paying tribute to the traditional craft in a modern context. Each piece is uniquely crafted and functional— breathing life into the living space it inhabits. The design duo will be showcasing inimitable classically formed works of sustainably sourced British woods, hand shaped on the lathe allowing the natural beauty of the material to shine.

Over the Digital Craft Festival weekend, Ash & Plumb will be showcasing how they craft their work, why they feel craft is an excellent form of personal expression and offering a limited range of bud vases, plates & bowls specifically designed for this event.

Highlights include: Keith Brymer Jones will be taking part in a live Q&A session. Aardman Animation Senior Model Maker and Animator, Jim Parkyn, will be teaching a live Make-Along-withJim session hosted by mega-fan, Andy Greenacre. James Otter, master craftsman, award-winning wooden surfboard maker will be chatting with Mark Shayler about his custom-made wooden surfboards, and his latest book ‘Do Make’ to rediscover the joy in making. Mark is an eco-innovator, public speaker and Director at Ape, an innovation and sustainable consultancy.

For those wanting to book places in advance, or for further information please go to digitalcraftfestival.co.uk

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 57

Above: Norman at 90. Norman Saunders-White at The Gallery in Symondsbury from November 26.

Left: Amanda Popham at The Steam Gallery in Beer from November 7.

Below: Dorchester artist Caz Scott exhibits at Gallery on the Square in Poundbury until November 10.

58 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

Frink Dog takes a trip to Europe

I

n mid-October an important work of art contribute to the enjoyment and education owned by Dorset County Hospital leaves of a new audience by loaning it in this way.

Dorchester for the first time since being Collaborations like this help signify that Dorset donated to the Hospital nearly 30 years ago. and Dorchester continue to play a significant The Dog sculpture by renowned artist Dame part in Frink’s artistic legacy and highlight the Elisabeth Frink is one of the Hospital’s most importance of our hospital’s outstanding art treasured possessions and highly popular with collection on an international level.’ staff, patients and visitors. The Dog was donated The new exhibition featuring the Dog to the Hospital by the artist herself, a former sculpture is entitled Elisabeth Frink: Man is patron, in the early 1990s at the very beginnings an Animal. It looks at Frink’s work in the of Arts in Hospital. The sculpture is being loaned context of a much wider sculptural tradition. first to the Gerhard Marcks Museum in Bremen, Surprisingly, it is only the second solo Germany and then to the Museum Beelden aan exhibition of her work in mainland Europe.

Zee at The Hague in Holland until its return to It will provide European audiences with a the Hospital in June 2021. rare opportunity to discover Frink’s many Suzy Rushbrook, Arts in Hospital Manager connections to European art and see how her at Dorset County Hospital said: ‘This is an Dorchester County Hospital’s Dog work was strongly influenced by key artists exciting opportunity for Arts in Hospital such as Rodin and early Greek art. to celebrate the impressive art collection at DCH which we While the sculpture is on loan, staff and visitors to are privileged to be able to enjoy on a daily basis. Elisabeth DCH will be able to enjoy a new piece called Ponyrider, Frink was one of the major sculptors working in the second

by Gerhard Marcks, which will be in place until the Dog half of the 20th century and we are proud to be able to returns in June 2021.

Anne Bullen exhibition set for December

E

ntitled, Part Three: the final abroad, or during the war, where collection, an exhibition of the arguably some of her most poignant drawings and paintings of Anne work was done. Anne drew Christmas Bullen opens in London on December cards every year, usually centred 1st and has much to interest art and around The Nativity; also collections countryside lovers in west Dorset. of pictures of Britain’s Native Pony Born in Hampshire in 1912, Anne Breeds, Hunting Scenes, many from Bullen soon moved to Somerset where the Beaufort and Cattistock Hunts she grew up with her sister and two and other commissions on a variety brothers amongst horses and ponies. In of subjects.

1933 she married Jack Bullen (RHA) and In 1959, with the upkeep of moved into his family home Catherston Catherston becoming too much of a As well as country scenes Anne Bullen was known for pictures of financial burden, the family moved to Manor, just outside Charmouth in Britain’s native pony breeds as well as evocative hunting scenes Dorset. There they brought up their Didmarton, Gloucestershire, where six children, Anthony, Michael, Charlie, shortly afterwards Anne was diagnosed Jennie, Jane and Sarah. with cancer. Throughout her illness she continued to paint As a young girl, Anne exhibited at The Royal Academy, and draw. She also produced and wrote a Christmas Nativity winning The Presidents’ Prize in the 14-15 age group and Play in aid of charity, gave amazing ‘Wassail’ parties with studied at the Academie Julien in Paris and The Chelsea Art banners of her fishes and mermaids decorating the room and School. She went on drawing holidays with her cousins to there was fun, singing and laughter in which she brought up Belgium, Paris and Italy. Her romantic and versatile style her family. caught the eye of Joanna Cannan who gave Anne her first Anne died at home aged just 51. Few people could have commission to illustrate her book A Pony for Jean published in achieved so much in such a short life but her memory will 1936. Anne went on to illustrate well over 40 children’s books surely live on through her varied, romantic and often haunting as well as three of her own. pictures. She is buried at St. Lawrence’s Church, Didmarton in During the Second World War she worked as a VAD for Gloucestershire. the Red Cross and at some stage at St Thomas’ Hospital.

The exhibition opens on December 1st at the Osborne Never without her sketch pad, Anne continued to draw Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU. anything that appealed, whether in the countryside, gallery@osg.uk.com. Tel. 020 7235 9667 Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 59

Fingers crossed for Panto

Applause for venue funding

MUCH as we would like to give readers news of live entertainments in the coming months, recent rises in Covid-19 numbers put the most carefully laid plans under unpredictable threat.

If the South West continues to stay in the lowest risk area, we will hopefully see some concerts and shows in the run up to Christmas, with the reduced seating selling fast.

Yeovil’s Octagon is staging Nurse Nelly Saves Panto with three of the region’s best loved pantomime stars forming their own bubble and able to rehearse together. From 11th December to 3rd January, you can see be a 70-minute show with Gordon Cooper, Jack Glanville and Thom Ford in many of the favourite routines and a new story.

Weymouth Pavilion is building Rapunzel’s tower for its Christmas show, from 4th December to 3rd January. The show replaces the advertised Aladdin and is described as “a hair-raising adventure”. Like all the Christmas shows, there will be no interval.

Exeter Northcott brings Treasure Island to the university theatre, from 9th December to 9th January, performed by Devon-based comedy and physical theatre company Le Navet Bete.

Snow White will be on stage at Exmouth Pavilion from 24th December to 1st January.

At Bath Theatre Royal there’s a welcome return for the hysterically funny The Play that Goes Wrong, on stage from 17th December to 10th January.

Plymouth Theatre Royal has booked Slava’s Snow Show from 1st to 6th December, and White Christmas, The Musical is from 8th to 12th December, as its Christmas offerings.

Visit the theatre’s websites for full details.

WHILST Bridport Arts Centre has managed to see a way forward through it’s own fundraising and an extra year of its NPO funding, many other arts venues in the south and west region have been awarded six-figure grants from the Covid-19 Culture Recovery Fund announced by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

A total of 1,385 theatres, music and arts venues, museums, performance groups and cultural organisations received £257 million in the October announcement of grants from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s total allocation of £1.57 billion.

Among them are Bristol Old Vic, the country’s oldest theatre in continuous use, Bath Theatre Royal, arguably the country’s prettiest historic theatre, and Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre, the biggest multiarts centre outside London, as well as Exeter’s Northcott Theatre.

The total value of grants to West Country venues and organisations is £26,560,756.

Somerset-based, lighting, fire, etc, installations for festivals and outdoor events company Arcadia Spectacular received £237,826. Eight Bath organisations, including the Theatre Royal and Bath Festivals, were successful in their applications. Eight Bristol organisations were also successful. Bridgwater, Somerset Film and Video at Bridgwater has £52,000 At Bridport, the Museum Trust had a £50,000, with Stuff and Nonsense Theatre at the Lyric winning £94,000 and the Electric Palace £50,000. Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre, which regularly tours the region, was awarded £77,000. Dorchester Arts and the County Museum shared £265,831. Exeter’s Northcott Theatre and Phoenix arts centre had grants totalling £375,421.

There was £60,000 for Lyme Regis Museum, £50,000 for Marine Theatre, Lyme Arts Community Trust and £987,964 for Poole’s Lighthouse, home to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Sidmouth Folk Week was awarded £62,000 and the David Hall in South Petherton had £51,476. Weymouth Pavilion CIC was also successful, gaining £573,413. Yeovil Octagon received £298,687. Kneehigh Theatre £249,833 and Barnfield Exeter. £62,083.

These grants are intended to help the entertainment industry, hardest hit with instant closures and slow, faltering re-openings, to survive the worst of the pandemic.

Exhibition pays tribute to Apple Day BRIDPORT Arts Centre is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Apple Day. Apple Day was launched on 21st October 1990 by Common Ground, a charity based in Dorset, which has been at the forefront of community conservation and environmental education in England for the last thirty years. It was intended to be both a celebration and a demonstration of the variety we are in danger of losing, not simply in apples, but in the richness and diversity of landscape, ecology and culture too.

The first Apple Day celebrations, in the old Apple Market in London’s Covent Garden, brought fruit to the market after 16 years’ absence. Forty stalls were taken. Fruit growers and Espalier mural by Bob Dron nurseries producing and selling a wide variety of apples and trees rubbed shoulders with juice and cider-makers, as well as writers and illustrators with their apple books.

The Bridport Arts Centre exhibition will include photographs by James Revilious and many Apple Day related items from the Common Ground archive (with thanks to Dorset History Centre for their support) as well as a presence from the Bridport Community Orchard. For more information visit www.bridport-arts.com or telephone 01308 427183. Come and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Apple Day at Bridport Arts Centre Thursday to Friday 10-4 pm until November 25th.

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EXILE An ambitious and engrossing programme of events at Bridport Arts Centre in December

Exile - A Mind in Winter, is a multi-genre exhibition of painting, photography, film and an accompanying soundscape that was initially inspired through a painting by Axminster artist Ricky Romain.

When Bridport photographer and documentary filmmaker, Robert Golden, first viewed Ricky’s 72 frame work, his imagination saw a film ‘asking to be freed from the painting’. A long process of collaboration between Ricky and Robert ensued and as ideas developed they combined with Congalese artist Cedoux Kadima to bring together a fascinating event that will run at Bridport Arts Centre from December 2nd to 22nd.

The exhibition and programme of events, which includes a 30-minute film, as well as conversations and music in the Allsop Gallery and a world music concert in the theatre on 10th December, tell a story of the social and personal impact of alienation, torture and physical exile.

Described as a poetic fusion of different art forms blended into a dramatic whole, the exhibition consists of 12 montages by Cedoux Kadima that reveal the journey he took from being a working artist in London for six years to receiving a Home Office letter threatening deportation back to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cedoux had fled the Congo after becoming a government target for teaching street children drawing and painting.

From Robert Golden there are 12 composites of photographs and texts about different aspects of alienation, as well as Robert’s 30-minute poetic documentary film about alienation, exclusion, exile and evil. This will also be available on the website.

These lead to the painting by Ricky Romain. Divided into 72 frames it relates the story of 36 good people and their 36 substitutes who exist in the world to balance evil.

Mick Smith, Director of Bridport Arts Centre said: ‘We are proud to be hosting this exhibition featuring the combined work of three remarkable artists, all of whose lives have been affected by exile, addressing some of the defining issues of our time. The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of events, which further explore and interact with the subject matter, appealing to both head and heart through talks, music, photography and film.’

Robert Golden is hoping for an extra level of depth behind the initial reaction to the work and the events. ‘I hope the exhibition will leave people in turmoil’ he says ‘a turmoil which may force them to ask themselves “What the hell am I signed up to in this economy? What am I allowing this state to do in my name?”’

All events will be ticketed even those that are free. The Allsop Gallery will have safe space for 24 and in the theatre for 90.

More information will be available on the Arts Centre website at https://www.bridport-arts.com and https://robertgoldenpictures. com/2020/09/09/exile-a-mind-in-winter-current/

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MODERN SLAVERY

By Samantha Knights QC

Whilst slavery can be traced back to some of the world’s oldest societies and was officially abolished in the UK in 1833, its modern form is still widely practised. A specialist in civil liberties, Samantha Knights QC, will be giving a talk as part of the Exile - A Mind in Winter exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre in December. She talked to Fergus Byrne.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Victims of modern slavery are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception. Slavery violates human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom and security.

Examples of some of my clients’ cases include a Vietnamese boy trafficked to the UK by a Vietnamese gang and forced to work without any pay in a cannabis house; a British girl in care from an early age who became trapped into a cycle of sex and drug trafficking in Wales and England; a Lithuanian woman trafficked to the UK by a violent partner and forced into prostitution; an Indonesian woman brought to the UK as a domestic servant by wealthy Middle Eastern family and exploited, subjected to abuse and underpaid; and a Polish man based in the UK who lost his job and who became trapped in working for a small laundry business in the UK earning £10 a day for long hours of work.

How prevalent is it?

The UK is both a country of destination, with

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thousands of victims arriving from other countries only to be exploited by criminals; and a source country with increasing numbers of British victims identified.

Slavery takes many different forms and affects adults and children, males and females.

Those who are enslaved are exploited for the financial gain of their captors. The vulnerable are made to work in cruel conditions for long hours without pay. Examples include women and girls forced into prostitution for profit, young boys made to commit criminal acts against their will and men kept in slavelike conditions in factories.

Last year 10,627 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the National Referral Mechanism; a 52% increase from 2018. The most common type of exploitation for both adults and minors was labour exploitation. Potential victims from the UK, Albania and Vietnam were the three most common nationalities to be referred in the NRM. Human traffickers in the UK will coerce and control their victims, keeping them in slavery for weeks, months or years at a time. Individuals are often deceived into working in slave-like conditions, and then threatened in order to keep them there. Victims are

moved from abuser to abuser and they are usually too afraid of their captors to risk escape, making slavery a hidden, complex crime.

For those victims who do escape or are rescued the UK has an established system of support, namely, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

This was introduced in 2009. The NRM provides accommodation and other vital services for victims for a minimum of 45 days. The NRM exists outside statute, and many organisations also support victims of modern slavery before, during and after exiting the NRM. Although modern slavery can involve the movement of people across an international border, it is also possible to be a victim within one’s own country.

How is the South West affected?

There is no part of the UK which is unaffected by slavery and this includes all parts of the South West.

The Bristol based NGO ‘Unseen’ was founded in 2007 with its aim to tackle slavery in the area. ‘Unseen’ in turn set up the Anti-Slavery Partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council.

The organisation ‘Safer Devon’ states: “Modern slavery and human trafficking is happening in Devon. Hotspots include the tourism and hospitality industries, nail bars and car washes. Hotels and holiday lets may be used to house people whilst they are being exploited. As a hidden crime, our knowledge of modern slavery happening locally is still developing.

Everyone can do their bit to be aware of the signs and report concerns.”

What do you do?

I am a barrister at Matrix and specialise in public law and civil liberties. I have worked for many years on refugee and immigration cases and in the past four years have been working increasingly on modern slavery and trafficking cases. The cases that come to me reflect all the various types of slavery present in the

UK today including trafficking for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and labour exploitation. My clients are foreign nationals, EU citizens and British.

I have represented clients who are being unlawfully detained in immigration detention centres; clients who have been wrongfully convicted of drug offences whereas they should have been recognised as a victim of trafficking and protected; clients who have been refused the status of victim of trafficking by the Home Office and thus not considered entitled to support and assistance; clients who have not been provided with support and assistance to which they are entitled as victims of trafficking by law. The cases I am involved in tend to be complex and often involve multiple government departments, local authorities, and other organisations. Most of my clients are deeply traumatised and some of them have suffered abuse from childhood in the UK. I am instructed by firms of solicitors in these cases who are specialist in this area and who themselves are working in very difficult circumstances with limited legal aid resources available.

What can people do?

Be aware and informed about the issue. Consider where you source your food, clothes and consumables from. There are numerous websites with helpful information including Anti-Slavery, Unseen, Kalayaan, Stop the Traffik, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. If you are concerned about someone, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline.

RELEVANT LOCAL EVENTS: Slavery in the South West Past and Present: panel discussion with Prof Todd Gray, University of Exeter and Kate Garbers, Unseen moderated by Samantha Knights QC (free online registration at www.crowdcast.io/e/slavery-in-the-south) 26 November 6-7 pm Exile talk, Bridport Arts Centre 2 pm on 5 December

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LEE ANN

By Louisa Adjoa Parker LEE-Ann was born in Malawi, Africa.

She is of mixed Asian, European and African heritage. Both her parents are from Malawi. On her mum’s side her grandmother was of Pakistani and Malawian mix, and her granddad is British. On her dad’s side her granddad was Chinese and Mozambican, and her grandmother is Malawian and English.

She has always lived in Exeter as this is where her grandparents moved to when they left Malawi. She says her experience has generally been OK, although when telling this story, she has wondered whether she has experienced negative behaviour but chosen not to acknowledge it.

‘The only thing I noticed was how my hair was different and how difficult it was to get product! I used to wish it was straight. Now, I embrace my uniqueness.’ People often comment on her hair: ‘One experience I had was when I went out with some friends who are also mixed race. These guys assumed we were sisters. I assume because we have a similar look and colour!’

When Lee-Ann says she’s from Africa, people used to ask if she lived in a mud hut! ‘I used to say yes. Even though the houses my family lived in are far from it—they are like MTV cribs.’

Lee-Ann has never really felt she didn’t belong here.

‘Exeter is home. But I always felt better when I went to London to visit family, as I saw people like me. As I got

older it was nice to see guys who liked me.’ The main difference between rural and urban areas, Lee-Ann feels, is that in rural places everyone stares and judges.

‘In urban areas you can embrace who you are and at pretty much at every corner you see another you! You can locate hair products much easier, although the Internet has given a helping hand.’

She finds that POC can be judgemental, especially if your partner is dark skinned and you are light skinned.

‘It’s almost like they are thinking, why are you with him/ her! You also get it the other way round.’

When it come to be being mixed, Lee-Ann finds it annoying that people expect you to choose which side you belong to, to choose one or the other ethnicity or race, depending on your skin tone.

‘I read an article about Tiger Woods and people commented on how he denies his black heritage. He has said he doesn’t, but doesn’t see why he should deny his white mum’s heritage. Why should we have to choose one or the other, why can’t we represent both of our parents’ heritage?’ *PoC refers to the term ‘People of Colour’ which is now commonly used in the UK to describe ethnic minorities from Black, Asian and other non-white backgrounds Lee Ann’s story is one of the many stories that Louisa has been gathering for The Inclusion Agency (TIA).

To read more visit www.whereareyoureallyfrom.co.uk.

Extras online for this year’s BridLit audience BRIDLIT Shots, a selection of small films by local filmakers are now availabe on the BridLit website. The films aim to give audiences a taste of a couple of authors, Raynor Winn and Andrew Ziminski, who’s books are rooted in the landscapes of the SouthWest.

Serving as a visually poetic response to their work, organisers wanted to create a tiny glimpse into the emotional resonance of their work. Visit the blog section of the website to view: https://www.bridlit.com/blog/ With the advent of Covid, organisers at BridLit also felt that hosting live kids events this year was a risky business, so instead they decided to put on a small digital children’s programme that will run alongside the live festival.

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by a local personality up on the website. There should be something to suit all ages and it will be available online for the duration of the festival, and in some cases beyond.

At 4pm each day, look out for Charlie Fuge, Susannah Hubbard, Billy Bragg, Kim Squirrell and BridLit Shots - on the website Antonia Squire from The Bookshop on South Street—where all the books featured will be available to buy.

The readers bring such warmth and personality to their chosen stories that they can be enjoyed by everyone— not just the children of the household! For readers old enough to remember Jackanory, expect this simple format of tales well told.

Additionally, look out for Nicola Leader reading her own take on the Hundred Acre Wood in Lockdown, with a humourous look at how Pooh and Piglet might have coped with living with the pandemic.

The Lit Fix

Marshwood Vale based author, Sophy Roberts, gives us her slim pickings for November

I

n my work as a travel writer, I’ve always been drawn to remote cultures and places. But sometimes, in searching out the places least familiar to Western dogma, I forget that the most alien cultures of all can be those we think are familiar. I, like many others, have spent the last four years wondering where everything went wrong for America. As the US presidential election looms, I’ve found myself turning to literature for hope—the classics over the contemporary (a refuge from the whirlwind of the present). This month, my slim pickings are all written by Americans. Their stories are not necessarily set in the US, but nonetheless remind me what makes America great.

The Hunters by James Salter is one of my all-time favourite books—the story of a fighter pilot in the Korean War. It’s a little long for my slim pickings, so here’s a quicker Salter read: A Sport and a Pastime. The story follows a Yale dropout, Philip Dean, as he pursues a provincial French girl. The erotic, obsessive narrative is fed through a voyeur: an older, impotent man, for whom the affair is part fantasy, part musing on the nature of relationships and romance. Interspersed with visceral sexual imagery come evocative whispers of 1960s France, with sunlight ‘falling into its alleys like fragments of china’, and ‘the blue of autumn that touches the bone’.

There’s a deeper philosophy in Salter’s writing too: after all, ‘dreams… are the skeleton of all reality’.

Denis Johnson’s Train Dreams catapults the reader into the American West at the turn of the nineteenth century, tracing the life of Robert Grainier, a day labourer in Idaho’s forests.

Just as Robert Seethaler’s A Whole Life—which made last month’s slim pickings—conjures up a startlingly vivid picture of a changing way of life, so too does Train Dreams unpick the frontier mentality of American expansion, and the rapid changes of the twentieth century. As the narrative flows through the rare happinesses and many tragedies of Granier’s life, the spare economy of Johnson’s language lays bare the consequences of change. This is a poignant book, the noise of a train moving through a burned-out valley, ‘unable to wake this dead world’.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is about a young AfricanAmerican girl, Pecola Breedlove, growing up in Ohio during the years after the Great Depression. The novel, published in 1970, deals with difficult topics including racism, poverty and sexism. With haunting, incisive prose, Morrison cuts to the heart of issues surrounding Black identity in America, with Blackness described as if one were given ‘a cloak of ugliness to wear’, with ‘every billboard, every movie, every glance’ supporting that misrepresentation.

Don’t let the narrative simplicity of Seize the Day by Saul Bellow—a single day in the life of New York-based Tommy Wilhelm—dupe you into thinking this isn’t an emotional rollercoaster. In his mid-forties, Wilhelm has been on the brink of chaos for some time: he is separated from his wife and children and temporarily living in a hotel, has a contentious relationship with his father, and is facing financial ruin. This is the day when things come to a head. As the novel hurtles towards its climax with supercharged intensity, I find myself being swept along, believing in bright beads of hope, despite inevitable despair. The lasting power of his message is tangible; we can only know the present, Bellow posits, ‘like a big, huge, giant wave—colossal, bright and beautiful’.

J.D. Salinger’s For Esmé with Love and Squalor is a short story based around a 1944 encounter between an American soldier stationed in Devon, a girl called Esmé, and her younger brother, Charles. The trio share a brief conversation; Ésme’s precocious manner and small, ‘oddly radiant’ smile enchants the soldier. He explains to Esme he is a professional short-story writer (although not yet published), and she asks him to write her a story, one ‘extremely squalid and moving’.

The memory of the encounter, and a subsequent letter from Ésme, give the soldier a measure of peace as he suffers from battle fatigue in Bavaria during the weeks after VE Day. The intensely human rendering of Salinger’s characters makes a masterful impression of innocent naivety against an ugly backdrop of war and division—as much a story for our times as it was for the post-war 1950s when it was first published.

Buy any of the books above at Archway Bookshop in Axminster in November and receive a 10% discount when you mention Marshwood Vale Magazine. archwaybookshop.co.uk.

Sophy Roberts is a freelance journalist who writes about travel and culture. She writes regularly for FT Weekend, among others. Her first book, The Lost Pianos of Siberia—one of The Sunday Times top five non-fiction books for summer 2020—was published in February by Doubleday.

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Exciting additions

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From top left: Lisa Jewell, Barny White Spunner, Alastair Campbell and Amanda Craig

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ncertainty may be the order of the day in most situations at the moment but for BridLit, Bridport’s annual literary festival, changes to the line up have made for some fascinating new events.

At the time of writing the festival is still on schedule.

Bestselling author Jonathan Coe has stepped in at the eleventh hour to fill the slot on Friday 6 November after Pointless’s Richard Osman bowed out.

Said BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart: “We were all very disappointed when Richard Osman had to withdraw from this year’s Bridlit. His Thursday Murder Club is a hilarious read. But we are delighted to welcome award-winning novelist Jonathan Coe whose new book, Mr.Wilder and Me, has just been published in time for this year’s festival. It is a novel based on the declining years of film director Billy Wilder set in Greece and not without a subtle innuendo towards #MeToo.” In the heady summer of 1977, a naïve young woman called Calista sets out from Athens to venture into the wider world. On a Greek island that has been turned into a film set, she finds herself working for the famed Hollywood director Billy Wilder, about whom she knows almost nothing. But the time she spends in this glamorous, unfamiliar new life will change her for good.

While Calista is thrilled with her new adventure, Wilder is living with the realisation that his star may be on the wane. Rebuffed by Hollywood, he has financed his new film with German money, and when Calista follows him to Munich for the shooting of further scenes, she finds herself joining him on a journey of memory into the dark heart of his family history.

In a novel that is at once a tender coming-of-age story and an intimate portrait of one of cinema’s most intriguing figures, Jonathan Coe turns his gaze on the nature of time and fame, of family and the treacherous lure of nostalgia.

When the world is catapulting towards change, do you hold on for dear life or decide it’s time to let go?

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Jonathan Coe is the author of 13 novels, all published by Penguin, which include the highly acclaimed bestsellers What a Carve Up!, The House of Sleep, The Rotters’ Club, Number 11 and Middle England, which won the Costa Novel of the Year Award and the Prix du Livre Européen.

Coe’s event is on Friday 6 November at 4.30pm at the Electric Palace.

Another change to this year’s line up is the addition of Alastair Campbell. Former chief spokesman and strategist for Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell will be talking about his new book, Living Better, on Thursday 5 November at the Electric Palace.

A former ‘Mind Champion of the Year’, Campbell is an ambassador for several mental health charities.

In November 2017 he was awarded an honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in recognition of his role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness.

He’s now just brought out Living Better, described as an ‘honest, moving and life affirming account of his lifelong struggle with depression’.

It is an autobiographical, psychological and psychiatric study, which explores his childhood, family and other relationships, and examines the impact of his professional and political life on himself and those around him. It also lays bare his relentless quest to understand depression, not just through his own life but through different treatments.

This is a book filled with pain but also hope—he examines how his successes have been in part because of rather than despite his mental health problems— and love.

His partner of forty years, Fiona Millar, writes a moving afterword on how she too has learned to live with his depression.

Depression is the predominant mental health problem worldwide—it is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem and major depression is thought to be the

second leading cause of disability worldwide.

Alastair Campbell will be in conversation with Susannah Simons on Thursday 5 November at the Electric Palace at 6.30pm.

Sir Barney White-Spunner starts the festival off on Wednesday 4 November with a talk about his latest book, Berlin.

Seen by many as the most fascinating and exciting city in Europe, Berlin is a city on the edge— geographically, culturally, politically and morally. It’s a city which has given rise to movements that changed Europe—the Reformation, Marxism and Fascism.

Berlin is a story of tension and contradiction, of ground breaking cultural experiment and artistic and social liberation. It is the compelling story of a unique, absorbing and multi-faceted city.

White-Spunner wrote the international bestseller Partition: The Story of Indian Independence and the Creation of Pakistan in 1947. He lives locally and is always a big hit at BridLit with audiences fascinated by his compelling accounts of history underpinned by meticulous research.

His book, Of Living Valour: the Story of the Soldiers of Waterloo was a fascinating account of a famous battle voiced by those who were there.

Berlin tells the story of this extraordinary city’s people

and its rulers, from its medieval origins up to the present day.

Despite being the long-time capital of Prussia and of the Hohenzollern dynasty it has never been a Prussian city. Instead it has always been a city of immigrants, a city that accepts everyone and turns them into Berliners. A typical Berliner, it is said, is someone who has just arrived at the railway station.

With its unique dialect, exceptional museums, experimental cultural scene, its liberated social life and its open and honest approach to its history, with monuments to the Holocaust as prominent as its rebuilt royal palace, it is as challenging a city as it is absorbing.

And it has always been like that, since its medieval foundation as twin fishing villages. Too often Berlin is seen through the prism of Nazism and its role on the front line in the Cold War. Important, frightening and interesting as those periods are, its history starts much further ago than that.

As approachable for the casual visitor to Berlin as it is informative for those who enjoy reading history, Berlin: The Story of a City is as fascinating as its subject.

Barney White-Spunner will be talking about the book at the Electric Palace on Wednesday 4 November at 11am.

LISA Jewell is in conversation with Sally Laverack at Bridport Arts Centre on Thursday 5 November, 2.30pm.

From the number one bestselling author of The Family Upstairs comes an engrossing, twisting tale of betrayal when an outsider is accused of murder. Lisa Jewell has sold over 4.5 million books worldwide. Her latest novel, Invisible Girl, is, according to Erin Kelly, the author of He Said, She Said, ‘an up-all-night gripping story with characters who feel as real as you and me.’

AMANDA Craig is in conversation with Celia Brayfield on Friday 6 November at the Electric Palace, 11am.

In The Golden Rule, Amanda Craig reflects the way we live now—highlighting the gulf between the haves and have-nots—while modelling the story on two very different kinds of plot, from Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train and the classic fairy-tale, Beauty and the Beast.

Visit bridlit.com for the full festival line-up and more information. Tickets can also be booked through Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901.

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NOVEMBER YOUNG LIT FIX Leyla by Galia Bernstein Abrams, RRP £11.99, Ages 3+ Reviewed by Antonia Squire When a chimpanzee named Leyla gets overwhelmed by her family she runs far, far away where she meets a lizard who teaches her how to do: Nothing.

Like me, Leyla thinks that it must be quite easy to do nothing, but the lizard shows her a special way of sitting and a special way of closing her eyes that makes the sun move across the sky without her even noticing.

When Leyla says goodbye to the lizard and runs home to her too big family of mummy, daddy, aunties and cousins she tells them all about her exciting adventure far, far away. Her family may sometimes feel too big, and they may sometimes feel too loud for little Leyla, but when it all gets to be too much she now knows how to sit, and close her eyes and just do nothing until she is ready to join the fun and games again.

With gorgeous illustrations this is an adventurous book about mindfulness, without ever mentioning the word ‘mindfulness’. Beautiful, fun and evocative, it’s a perfect addition to any family library in these uncertain times.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

by Phil Hickes, illustrated by Keith Robinson. Usborne Publishing, RRP £6.99, Ages 8+ Reviewed by Nicky Mathewson I do love a good ghost story and this fast-paced tale of a girl staying in an unfamiliar, storm beaten, coastal town on All Hallow’s Eve, is deliciously creepy.

Aveline needs to stay with her aunt for a few days in the Cornish town of Malmouth which has a pretty ghostly past, what with a smuggler’s cove and all. But the Halloween tradition of making a childlike scarecrow to adorn each garden is less familiar and very unnerving.

After buying a book of ghost stories from Lieberman’s Second-Hand Books, a curious trove of many dusty tomes, she stumbles upon another girl’s fascination with ghosts. A girl from the past whose mysterious disappearance is still unexplained. Primrose Penberthy once owned this book and what’s more she kept a diary.

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Using Primrose’s diary, can Aveline piece the puzzle together to determine what happened to her?

More importantly, can she find out in time to save her own life?

Phil Hickes has created an electric atmosphere full of tension and suspense with a subtle nod to Daphne Du Maurier. I simply couldn’t put it down and it has become one of my firm favourites.

The Illustrated Child by Polly Crosby. HarperCollins, RRP £12.99, Ages 14+ Reviewed by Nicky Mathewson To say that the old farm, Braer, is creepy would be an understatement, but for Romilly and her father it is a warm family home. Romilly’s father is an artist, whose love for her is deep but sometimes concealed. Is he negligent in his paternal duties? Perhaps, but let’s just say that he gives her a freedom and independence that would please any inquisitive child.

Is Romilly lonely? Without a doubt, but by chance she meets a girl from the village, Stacey, who could be a potential friend, but she’s always pushing Romilly to step outside her comfort zone and something about their friendship feels amiss. Then Romilly’s father has his first book published, a beautiful picture book depicting the adventures of Romilly and her kitten ‘Monty’. That isn’t all though, the book seems to hide in its pages many random clues, which apparently lead to treasure. Her father’s success is tremendous, so he publishes more, giving the books all of his time and attention. However, the intimacy of the books and the prospect of finding treasure, brings unexpected intruders to their idyll at Braer. Romilly can’t step into the garden without being confronted by strangers.

As she reaches her teenage years, the child in the book created by her ever distant father, is like a spectre that she cannot shake off. She has many needs and many questions about her absent mother, which he is unable or unwilling to answer. While others are seeking Treasure, Romilly is seeking truth. A sophisticated and enigmatic coming of age novel which is not all it seems.

A Special 10% discount for Marshwood Magazine Readers throughout November at The Bookshop on South Street, Bridport.

Screen Time with Nic Jeune

Soul - on the big screen

AND then there was one. The Plaza Dorchester, part of the Picturedrome Electric Theatre company cinema chain is still open for you to enjoy a socially distanced night out.

Christmas on The Square in which Dolly Parton plays Angel.

For fans of Dolly this could be a real tonic for our times. I think you will either want to watch this or run away!

Finding Jack Charlton is a Soul 8.6 on IMDB and 100% moving film that celebrates not only rating on Rotten Tomatoes. the career of the footballer but also All the critics love it. “Visually Martin Freeman and Andy Nyman in Ghost Stories his last few years when he suffered glorious, frequently very funny from dementia. “He conquered the and genuinely profound, this is a world, he transformed a nation, then picture which cries out to be seen on the big screen.” he faced his greatest challenge,’” Gabriel Clarke, one of Wendy Ide. Screen Daily. the film’s directors Sadly such is the tenuous nature of film releases at the moment that many of the Plaza November Amazon screenings are still to be confirmed. So check their Rocks website to see what is on https://www.plazadorchester.

“What a wonderful, heart-breaking, life-affirming gem com/ of a movie this is.” Mark Kermode The Observer Remarkable performance from a young cast of unknowns but above all the brilliant newcomer Bukky Meanwhile plenty to watch on the home cinema screen Bakray who plays the title roll Rocks.

Netflix Hillbilly Elegy is an adaptation of a New York Times bestseller directed by the seasoned Hollywood director Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Da Vinci Code, Apollo 13) and starring Glen Close and Amy Adams. No reviews but great cast and looks interesting.

BBC iPlayer Films Ghost Stories A British horror film starring Martin Freeman, Paul Whitehouse and Andy Nyman. “darn scary.” Phil de Semlyen Time Out. I don’t need to tell you any more about this! It is.

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Health&Beauty

HELP AT HAND IN A TIME OF NEED A psychological therapies service that is part of the NHS, Steps2wellbeing offers a range of therapies to help with mental health problems. In a series of short articles, Ellie Sturrock offers details of a vital community resource.

ACCORDING to research carried out by the University of Sheffield there was a threefold increase in the number of people reporting significant depression and anxiety problems during the lockdown. This is especially prevalent in certain groups: young women, domestically abused families, socioeconomically deprived or unemployed. The study was conducted in April and one can only assume that with increased employment problems and less financial security this may be even more problematic just now. Our hospitality sector is a much loved and key employer for young women in this area of Dorset.

Apart from that as we come to the darker days of the year seasonal affective distress increases naturally and our evenings of meals and drinks outside the Hoppiness or the Parlour, Rise, Swim and other good places get less comfortable.

Looking after ourselves becomes even more important.

The digital delivery of yoga classes, book clubs and chatting with friends and relatives via WhatsApp and similar are excellent ways to keep us connected, stimulated and exercised.

There is perhaps more available than ever before, provided we have the technology and the willingness to engage online.

For those who couldn’t previously get to church or meditation groups digital delivery has given greater access to important aspects of what keeps us well. Wide ranging educational and occupational courses, exercises from t’ai chi to morris dancing, social groups and support groups abound.

Looking out for those who are not digitally connected is

even more important than ever and there are certain services, usually free, that use letters and telephone calls as ways to keep in touch with isolated people in any community. Silverline, set up by Esther Rantzen, is one example.

Online delivery of psychological therapies such as counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness programmes for stress and low mood have become an important way that Dorset Healthcare NHS ‘s free short term psychological therapies team, Steps2WellBeing (S2W) now operates.

We are also offering face to face to those who need it.

Our Employment Advisory team is particularly devoted to supporting people with emotional distress around work issues. They have recently recruited more team members to reflect the increased need at this time.

Referral to both can be via the website www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk or by phone 0300 790 6828.

For people feeling low and suicidal different services will help and the first step is to see your GP as an emergency appointment or to call the Connections team on 0300 1235440, a 24/7 crisis service. The Samaritans continue to support around the clock and by phone 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk There is a crisis text service called SHOUT on 85258, Prince William is a volunteer!

Please look after yourself and others. Do things that bring you satisfaction, occupation, connection and good health to body and mind. It might not always be easy; do it anyway. It’s important! If you’ve been doing all that and still struggling with anxiety and or low mood and feel like you need a short course of psychological therapy then please contact us.

S2W is not an emergency service. In crisis and if suicidal please use emergency services 111, Samaritans 116123 or 0300 1235440 and ask for an on the day appointment with your GP.

New venue for Cards for Good Causes THIS year the ‘Cards for Good Causes’ Axminster shop has moved to bigger, Covid-secure premises in Chard Street, Axminster EX13 5DL. It is just past The George Hotel and next to the ‘Friends of ARC’ Charity Shop.

Cards for Good Causes is a multi-charity initiative operating a national network of around 300 charity Christmas card shops.

As always you can browse their wide selection of Christmas cards from many charities, plus traditional Advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper and trimmings.

The shop will be open from Thursday 22nd October – Thursday 10th December, 10 am - 4 pm on weekdays; 10am – 1 pm on Saturdays (closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays).

Look out for the triangular red Santa!

For further information ring 01264 361555 or visit the website www.cardsforcharity.org.uk 72 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 73

Services&Classified SITUATIONS VACANT

FOR SALE Vintage Murano Italian Glass Shade Pale Pink. Hand Blown. Width 18cm Height 14cm £45 Vintage Murano Italian Glass Shade Pink.

Hand Blown. Width 23cm Height 14cm £45 Vintage Murano Italian Glass Shade Antique White Hand Blown.

Width 21cm Height 16cm £45 Vintage Murano Italian Glass Shade Antique White Hand Blown. Width 22cm Height 16cm £45 Unique Mahogany hand carved occasional chair. pictures available Cost £450 will accept. £250 New Franke Diamond White Fraganite Sink and Drainer 97cm x 50cm. still in original box.

Cost. £390 will accept £190 Tel: 07484689302 Mens Barbour Wax Ashby Jacket Black with Tartan lining XL £95.

07484689302 Mens Galloway Golf Jacket Black as new £25 07484689303 Wood Burner. 4kw brand new, never installed. £400 Ono. Tel 01308 897987 Corner Bookshelves Solid Whitewood H59” 21”to corner 30” out of corner 6 Shelves £20 for charity Macnair 01297 560611 Flymo Mow n Vac HV280 Excellent clean condition

£35 New Flush Ply Veneer Internal Fire Door H1981 x W838 X D44mm Never Used still in wrapping £40.

White Wooden Internal Glazed Door 15 Panes Used Heavy Solid Wood door H1965mm xW 832mm Includes brass handles, hinges, latch & latch plate.

Good condition. £15. Roca White Ceramic Hand Basin & Pedestal Modern style includes taps, plug & chain + flexible hot & cold hoses.

Good clean condition no chips. £10 Charmouth Tel: 07773675792 Photos available for all.

Ladies Jack Cooper Outdoor Jacket Navy Size 10 £18. Mens Barbour Wax Ashby Jacket Black XL £95.

Mens Galloway Golf Jacket Black as new £20 New Franke Diamond White Fraganite Sink and Drainer 97cm x 58cm. still in original box. Cost. £390 Will Accept. £190.

07484689302 Brother Innovis 500 D Disney Sewing/Embroidery Machine. Excellent condition, has had little use.

Perfect for everyday sewing as well as embroidery. Cost over £4,000, accept £995 ono. Tel: 07855801637 Riser/recliner chair in wine boucle, new September

74 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

FOR SALE 2019 but scarcely used. As new. Cost £1700 but will accept £500. Buyer collects.

01308 868717 Assorted jazz and swing CD’s. From Louis Armstrong to Alex Welch.

Over 120 albums, all in excellent condition. £50 or any reasonable offer. 01308 868717.

Portmeiron Botanic Garden set of 6 breakfast cups and saucers. Still in original box; not used.

Excellent condition.

Retailing for £120 on Amazon. Will accept £50.

01308 868717.

Disability Scooter Wheeltech Monami Vitesse silver . Comfortable swivel seat, bag, basket and battery charger. 20mile range. variable speed and reverse.

Batteries run down due to lack of use this year. Vgc .Ideal for pavement and garden. Bargain at £200.

Phone 01460 234534 Stairlift. Simplicity 950.

Lefthand straight run.

P.w.o. Clean and neat. Little used. Buyer to remove. £250 01460 234534 Calor gas Fire Cabinet Heater. Very effective. 1 – 4 KW output. With hose and regulator. Wood effect top/cream. £25. Phone: 01308 458955 Dehumidifier. Amcor DC800 model. Neutralise condensation/reduce damp.

Moisture removal 12 L/day.

Front water tank. £35.

Phone: 01308 458955 Jersey stamp booklets and prestige stamp books (1969-2010). All in mints condition, in album. Real price approximately £380 -

£285 Ono, 01305 820878 Jersey definitive stamps (1969-2007) all in mint condition. Also jersey postage dues all in mint condition in album (19691982) to include all bulletins with inserts. Real price approximately £360 - £265 Ono 01305 820878 MF35 Fergusson Rear Trailer Hitch Bolts to rear axle, adjustable tie bars onto Hydraulic 3 point hitch.

No T bars £120 will fit T20.

MF 35. Etc 01460 242071 07834 550899 East Lambrook Honda GD410. 9 HP Diesel Engine Hand pull start, double Belt Pulley Final Drive. Used with Pressure Washers, Generators, Compressors.

Good condition £180 01460 242071 07834 550899 East Lambrook GPlan teak dining table with 4 teak fabric chairs.

122cm diameter,extends to oval 168x122cm Excellent condition, could deliver.

Photos on request. £200 01460 242071 07834 550899 East Lambrook Gents Trek T30 cycle; 51cm. aluminium frame; 700x35c wheels; 21 gears; rack; panniers; prop. stand.

Ideal commuting, shopping, everyday roaming bike.

Picture available. VGC. Could consider delivery. £100. 01305 871863 Orbea Aqua gents lightweight cycle; blue and white 54cm aluminium frame, carbon forks; 700x23c wheels; Shimano Tiagra and 105 derailleur 3x10 gears; Look clipless pedals. Good responsive

CHURCH PORCHES We’re compiling a booklet and would like to include people’s memories and anecdotes connected to Church porches. Email: vaastley@gmail.com or telephone 01300 320695.

LOGS Logs split seasoned hardwood £115 truckload 07465 423133 Dec 20

Seasoned logs for sale.

1.8 c/m loads or smaller.

Tel. 07427 675637

CURTAINS Little Curtains.

Handmade Curtains, Blinds and Cushions.

Contact 07443 516141 or 01308 485325

Apr 21

FOR SALE bike. Picture available.

VGC. Could consider delivery. £225. 01305 871863.

Hotpoint ceramic electric hob, size 580 x 510. Year old, model HR612CH. £80.

Husky slimline 12 bottle wine cooler £70. Frahke 1 ½ bowl s/steel sink and tap. £50. 01297 552420.

Vintage terracotta land drains Create an unusual garden feature with these vintage terracotta land drains or a hiding place for small creatures. Plant up or drop a plant pot in the

ELECTRICAL

WANTED

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Seeking residence via work exchange/rent on farm for young family with mobile home from spring 2021 for a year during search for land to farm. Practically experienced couple with two kids and well trained dog. Sophia 07904454227 Postage stamps. Private collector requires 19th and early 20th century British. Payment to you or donation to your nominated charity. 01460 240630.

FOR SALE

top to keep safe from slugs.

Various sizes 7.5” across £8, 4.5” £4, 3” £3 Photos available and ideas for use.

Secondhand tools 01460 55105 wanted. All trades. Users Genuine Ugg boots & Antiques. G & E C purchased Australia size 7 Dawson. 01297 23826. grey, worn once £50. 01460 www.secondhandtools.

220885. co.uk.

Tall bathroom cabinet fully mirrored front, as new RESTORATION accept £15. TV stand glass on castors immaculate £15.

01308 861474.

FURNITURE. Antique Flute Buffet Crampon Restoration and Bespoke model 816F with case Furniture. Furniture large and stand, £95ono. 07463 and small carefully 610810. restored and new L200 Mitsubishi roof commissions undertaken. black (2 side windows need City and Guilds qualified. replacing). Also matching Experienced local family boot lining. £95ono. 07506 firm. Phil Meadley 084167.

01297 560335 Upright piano, John Broadwood, offers around £400. Buyer collects. 01460 SURFACE PREPARATION 30994.

Prada Handbag, leather Alberny Restoration brown tote size. Purchased In-house blast cleaning in Milan Capri never used, for home and garden comes with dust bag and furniture, doors and certificates. 07780 433827. gates. Agricultural/ Gold club: Lady’s King construction machinery Cobra Hybrid No 5, 23 0. and tooling. Vehicles, New unused. £50. 01297 parts and trailers etc.

22105.

01460 73038, email Electric cement mixer, allan@alberny.co.uk, FB very good working order.

Alberny Sandblasting £60. Arizona mountain bike, 18 gears, sprung allround centre pull brakes. £60.

01460 61863.

To advertise on these pages John Lewis bedframe telephone 01308 423031 King size, solid light oak Oct 20

Dec 20

with mattress, very little used, must see, accept £100.

01308 861474.

Handmade Doll’s house made in 1996, handmade fixtures and fittings, Victorian, call for pictures, great condition, fully furnished, Bridport Area. £650. 07930 902368.

Cold Frame 1.27m L, 66cm W, 38cm D, good condition £20. Seaton.

01297 22371.

Tyre and Wheel, brand new tyre on wheel size 165/70R13. £35. 01460 220181.

Walking aid, good quality walking aid complete with brakes and tray, able to fold up. £35. 01460 220181.

Golf buggy Powacaddy Discovery, Lithium battery charger and ramps included. £300. A R Hopkins 01297 07761, 442134 258115.

Eight glass Demi-Johns plus airlocks and rubber stoppers £40. Also bottle corker and corks £10. 01297 631808 (Raymonds Hill).

3-BAR O Scillabug Halogen Heater £12.

Ladies motor cycle jacket, unworn. £25. Frank Thomas Ladies size 4 boots £15. Upcycled table lamp petrocan £35. Original Waterccl Flyingscotsman 22 x 24 £70. Craftsman made weathervane £60. 01460 64607.

DISTRIBUTION

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 75

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 insertion of free advertising. We reserve the right to withhold advertisements. For guaranteed classified advertising please use ‘Classified Ads’ form

Name ............................................................. Telephone number .................................

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

Town .......................................... County....................... Postcode ..................................

Monthly Quiz –

Win a book from Little Toller Books

Send in your answer on a postcard, along with your name and address to: Hargreaves Quiz, Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX. Study the clues contained in the rhyme and look carefully at the signposts to work out which town or village in South Somerset, West Dorset or East Devon is indicated. The first correct answer drawn out of a hat will win a book from local publisher Little Toller Books.

There is no cash equivalent and no correspondence will be entered into.

Last month’s answer was Yarcombe. The winner was Mrs Hitchcock from Kilmington.

76 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 Tel. 01308 423031

BUSINESS NEWS

Good news for local business ROB Perry Marine Ltd, based at Raymonds Hill just outside Axminster, have shared some good news about success for a local young man. Former Woodroffe school student William Tewson has been employed full time as a Marine Engineering Apprentice.

William first came to Rob Perry Marine two years ago, when he spent two weeks in their workshops as part of the work experience placement programme. Following that, he was offered work on Saturdays and during the school holidays. Then on August 1st 2020, Will was employed full time as a Marine Engineering Apprentice.

Doing a four-year course, he will be attending college one week in five at Paragon Skills Training facility in Bournemouth. He will learn the academic and practical skills required to qualify, with full back up and support from the team in the workplace throughout, culminating in an NVQ Level 3.

Having been accepted on the course, it was suggested that Rob Perry Marine contact the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, a London livery company (one of 110 such companies). The company was founded in 1299, and nowadays—as with other Livery companies—are essentially a philanthropic organisation that donate to, and assist relevant causes.

One area of support is through their apprenticeship bursary programme, through which they offer support to a small number of Small and Medium sized Enterprise’s and individuals annually. Funding for the programme comes from sources such as; Lloyds of London, and The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. Following application, and a rigorous scrutiny and interview process of both Rob Perry Marine and Will, The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights have granted a bursary to sponsor Will for the first year of his apprenticeship.

The Directors at RPM are extremely proud of William and look forward to helping him to achieve his goals for his future in the marine industry.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine November 2020 77