Sherborne Times December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 | FREE

A MONTHLY CELEBR ATION OF PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURVEYOR

HOW SWEET THE SOUND with Sherborne Abbey Choir

sherbornetimes.co.uk

WELCOME

A

lan Dodge is something of a reluctant Christmas institution.

He may have hung up his beard, sold his reindeer and stepped down as the most convincing You Know Who this side of Lapland, but it’s not Christmas in Sherborne until Alan has scaled the shopfronts and adorned them with twinkling Nordmann firs. There’s Louise Burks too, whose magical Christmas displays at Castle Gardens continue to weave themselves into many a childhood memory. And David Bingham, the unassuming joyful hatter whose outlandish festive creations quite literally light up every shop and café he visits.

Christmas can also be a time of expensive gifts and grand gestures.

Less obvious and arguably more effecting are the subtle, innocuous acts of strangers. We can’t pretend to know what might be spinning through someone’s mind as we pass them in the street, but don’t underestimate the impact of our response in that moment, that tiny fleeting moment.

A supercilious glower can cast a long, dark shadow, while a gentle smile can fill someone’s heart. Two minutes spent in the vicinity of Sara, Sherborne’s ever-buoyant Big Issue vendor, offers a humbling, poignant lesson in this.

In our quest for the perfect gift, the wine you hope they’ll like or the card with a cat that looks just like theirs, we might encounter a dozen strangers, each one deserving of kindness. It’s a gift we have at our fingertips and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Thank you as ever for your support and involvement over the course of this year. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, in whatever shape and scale it takes for you.

Glen Cheyne, Editor glen@homegrown-media.co.uk @sherbornetimes

CONTRIBUTORS David Birley

Mike Hewitson MPharm FFRPS FRSPH MRPharmS The Abbey Pharmacy theabbeypharmacy.com

Elisabeth Bletsoe Sherborne Museum sherbornemuseum.co.uk

Richard Hopton Sherborne Literary Society sherborneliterarysociety.com

Photography Katharine Davies

Richard Bromell ASFAV Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers charterhouse-auction.com

James Hull The Story Pig thestorypig.co.uk

Feature writer Jo Denbury

James Budden jamesbudden.co.uk

Editorial assistant Helen Brown

Mike Burks The Gardens Group thegardensgroup.co.uk

Annabelle Hunt Bridport Timber bridporttimber.co.uk Bridget Joslin Sherborne Repair Cafe

David Burnett The Dovecote Press dovecotepress.com

Martin Lee Rector of Sherborne sherborneabbey.com

Rob Bygrave Sherborne Science Cafe sherbornesciencecafe.com

Lucy Lewis Dorset Mind dorsetmind.uk

Reverend David Campbell Sherborne School sherborne.org

Peter Littlewood Young People’s Trust for the Environment ypte.org.uk

Paula Carnell paulacarnell.com

Chris Loder MP chrisloder.co.uk

Cindy Chant & John Drabik

Paul Maskell The Beat and Track thebeatandtrack.co.uk

Editorial and creative direction Glen Cheyne Design Andy Gerrard

Sub editor Jemma Dempsey Social media Jenny Dickinson Illustrations Elizabeth Watson Print Stephens & George Distribution team Barbara and David Elsmore The Jackson Family David and Susan Joby Mary and Roger Napper Mark and Miranda Pender Claire Pilley Ionas Tsetikas

Laurence Belbin laurencebelbin.com

Julie & Kane Clements Sherborne Food Bank sherbornefoodbank.org Sophie Clotworthy Woolley & Wallis w-w.co.uk Malcolm Cockburn David Copp

1 Bretts Yard Digby Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3NL 01935 315556 @sherbornetimes info@homegrown-media.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk

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4 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Rosie Cunningham Jemma Dempsey James Flynn Milborne Port Computers computing-mp.co.uk Simon Ford simonfordgardening.wordpress.com

Sasha Matkevitch & Jack Smith The Green Restaurant greenrestaurant.co.uk Gillian Nash Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership newtonclarkevet.com Simon Partridge SPFit spfit-sherborne.co.uk Constance Pollard Sherborne Preparatory School sherborneprep.org Val Stones bakerval.com

Andrew Fort Fort Financial Planning ffp.org.uk

James Stubbs Sherborne Scribblers

Cllr Anne Hall Sherborne Town Council sherborne-tc.gov.uk

Luke Sutton The Clockspire theclockspire.com

Craig Hardaker Communifit communifit.co.uk

Emma Tabor & Paul Newman paulnewmanartist.com

Andy Hastie Cinematheque cinematheque.org.uk Alex Hennessy Dorset Wildlife Trust dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Michael Taylor mrtaylor.co.uk Simon Walker Mogers Drewett Solicitors md-solicitors.co.uk John Walsh BVSc Cert AVP DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Vets friarsmoorvets.co.uk

72 6

Art & Culture

DECEMBER 2021 64 Gardening

116 Finance

18 What’s On

72 Sherborne Abbey Choir

118 Tech

20 Community

80 Food & Drink

120 In Conversation

28 Family

90 Animal Care

124 Short Story

40 Science & Nature

96 Body & Mind

126 Literature

52 On Foot

108 Home

128 Crossword

56 History

114 Legal

130 Pause for Thought

61 Antiques

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01929 448 708 newowners@dorsethideaways.co.uk dorsethideaways.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 5

Art & Culture

ARTIST AT WORK

No.37: Michael Taylor, Three Tiered Table, Oil, 117cm x 81cm, £POA

S

ince leaving Goldsmiths in 1973 I have been working more or less continuously on one picture at a time, one after the other. Spending some months on each means that not only do they develop their own individual structure, but can contain the complexity of content that I favour.

Working in this way also means they hopefully release this content equally slowly to the viewer. An unexpected benefit of choosing to paint figuratively and sequentially has been that it collectively adds up to a kind of visual diary of my surroundings, friends and family through the years, with continuity provided by familiar objects or people appearing repeatedly.

Three Tiered Table was the result of wanting to convey a feeling of someone gazing down through their own reflection into a slightly displaced inner space: a kind of high-rise Narcissus. It was painted in my studio in Child Okeford where I lived and worked for 30 years until moving to Dorchester recently, so it will be very special for me to be showing it at the Art Stable along with other works created there, particularly as this will be my first gallery show outside central London for forty years, and by chance coincides with my 70th birthday. __________________________________________________________ Saturday 5th February - Saturday 5th March 2022 Michael Taylor - Attic Stories The Art Stable, Gold Hill Organic Farm, Child Okeford, Blandford DT11 8HB

__________________________________________________________

theartstable.co.uk mrtaylor.co.uk @michaeltaylor5863

6 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 7

Art & Culture

ON FILM

Andy Hastie, Yeovil Cinematheque

Capernaum (2018)

S

ince opening up after lockdown at the beginning of October we have shown three films at Cinematheque and with ever-increasing audiences as members return to watching intelligent films on the big screen. It’s so good to be back and coming up this month we have two more excellent offerings before the Christmas break.

On 8th December we show Nae Pasaran, the true story of workers at the Rolls Royce factory in Scotland, and their refusal to service engines from the Hawker Hunter fighter planes being used by the military junta in Chile to bomb civilian targets. In 1974 the military had overthrown the democratically elected government, and their brutal power-grab installed a reign of terror and torture. By refusing to co-operate with the junta the Scottish workers saved untold Chilean lives and 40 years later director Felipe Bustos Sierra travels to Scotland to find those responsible and thank them. These principled, now elderly men, are told of the huge consequences of their life-saving actions, and in moving scenes demonstrate their innate decency, and a willingness to stand up to be counted when it mattered. Essential viewing. ‘The filming of the men’s response to Chilean footage shows that Sierra has a true understanding that real feelings, unfolding in real time, make an unbeatably potent cinematic combination.’ Sight and Sound.

On 15th December we follow with Capernaum (2018) a Lebanese drama from acclaimed director Nadine Labaki. This is the highest grossing Arabic and Middle Eastern film ever, winning the Jury Prize at Cannes, with endless other honours world-wide including the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. This is seriously good film-making.

8 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Its story follows 12-year-old Zain in present day Beirut who, being let down by his inadequate and neglectful parents, is forced to live by his wits in order to survive.

When his younger sister is sold as a child bride into marriage with the family landlord, this unforgivable deal leaves Zain distraught as he runs away, full of righteous anger and fury, into the chaotic Beirut underworld.

Despite this, Capernaum doesn’t turn to self-pity or even sentimentality, rather Zain is played as a resourceful figure fighting impossible odds, and not a passive child victim. Filmed at child height, to give an almost documentary feel, and with a mostly nonprofessional cast, Capernaum is a tribute to the resilience of children, paying the price for adult betrayal that many unregistered Lebanese youngsters still experience today.

Powerful, unmissable film-making. ‘A film that already feels like a landmark.’ Daily Telegraph, ‘Capernaum is something truly special.’ Heat Magazine.

Two great films for December. If you are interested, look at our website to find the rest of our season, or come to the Swan Theatre as a paying guest to check us out. We would love to see you! cinematheque.org.uk swan-theatre.co.uk

___________________________________________ Wednesday 8th December 7.30pm Nae Pasaran (2018) 12A Wednesday 15th December 7.30pm Capernaum (2018) 15 Cinematheque, Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT Members £1, guests £5

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10am-4pm

SHERBORNE

FESTIVE SHOPPING DAY SUNDAY, 5th DECEMBER

Event ORGANISERS

@sherborneCOT @sherbornefestiveshopping @sherbornefestive ABBEY CHURCH SERVICES

MUSIC, BANDS CHOIRS

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

STREET ENTERTAINMENT

CHILDRENS COMPETITION

FESTIVE SHOPS & STALLS

SANTA’S GROTTO

LOCAL PRODUCE

ABBEY 104 LIVE BROADCAST

FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK STALLS EVENT SPONSORS

CHEAP STREET PARADE & LIGHTING OF THE TREE 4PM— AT THE CONDUIT

PLEASE NOTE: NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO CHEAP STREET OR DIGBY ROAD ON 5th DEC UNTIL 6PM ORGANISED BY SHERBORNE CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE, SUPPORTED BY SHERBORNE TOWN COUNCIL WWW.SHERBORNECHAMBER.CO.UK

Art & Culture

CONFESSIONS OF A THEATRE ADDICT Rosie Cunningham

Image: John Swannell

I

saw Private Lives starring Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge at the Theatre Royal Bath. It was a matinee performance, which accounts for the titters from some of the ladies in the audience, and the theatre was jam-packed. This play is, as always, a complete delight. The script is excellent, and the comic repartee and mock fights fast-paced. Patricia Hodge is sublime; her presence is reminiscent of the sophisticated Hollywood stars of the 1950s and 1960s. Her poise and presence, for me, made the play. She moves beautifully and her singing voice is a delight. This is Nigel Havers’ first production with his own company, and it was a well-chosen play for his ageing charms. I am sure that this production of Private Lives, which is touring until April 2022, will continue to melt the hearts of various ladies of a certain age.

I was really saddened by the news that one of the fabulous new plays in the West End, which I had recently seen and loved, is closing early. Why? Possibly because it was an historical play and not something light and frothy which audiences seem to favour during the Covid era. Times are challenging still and, whilst it is pleasing that audiences are going back to the theatre, new plays really need to be supported. BC (before Covid), people went to the theatre to be challenged, excited and amazed. The audience might not have agreed with the tone or morals of the play, but they 10 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

went to find that out for themselves. Now, it seems, that life is much more fragile. I love the theatre but, whilst I might recommend plays which I think have legs and that other people will enjoy, my opinions are my own.

I saw Stanley Tucci at The London Palladium talking with Dolly Alderton and publicising his book, Taste. He is extremely charming and amusing and his love of food is clear. He is, after all, already the author of two cookbooks. Stanley’s anecdotes about incidents on various film sets were hilarious. His book is money well spent and there are some wonderful recipes hidden amongst the stories.

Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser is the exhibition on at the V&A until 31st December 2021. A delightful collection of original drawing, futuristic 3D interactions and light shows, for both adults and children.

A collection of rare drawings by Katsushika Hokusai, he of the iconic Great Wave image, can be seen at the British Museum until 30th January 2022.

I went with two young companions who thought that the detail of the drawings was awe-inspiring. I did too.

There are 103 drawings which were originally meant to be published as a book but because that never happened, the block print drawings have survived.

The curator’s tour of Hokusai: The Great Picture Book of Everything can be watched on YouTube if you can’t get to London.

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Seasons Restaurant, The Eastbury Hotel & Spa, Long Street, Sherborne www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk Tel: 01935 813131 Book a table online

Art & Culture

12 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

AN ARTIST’S VIEW

M

Laurence Belbin

any years ago I did a drawing and later a painting which included what was then ‘The Greyhound’ pub situated at the top of town. It was one of many townscapes I produced. Although the outside looks familiar and has changed very little, the inside of what was the public bar, if I remember correctly, has.

It is now called Austyn, a most wonderful den of unusual and amazing things. I was taken by some boats in the window and went in to have a closer look. I returned a few days later and asked if I may do some drawing. I was given the go-ahead and did the one shown here along with a few others. It’s a real feast for the eyes. Stuffed animals, collections of moths and butterflies, boats, bottles, Meccano toys, African face masks and a host of other gems filled the entire space. I stood, as there was no room to sit, and put down as much as I could using an HB pencil and ink on cartridge paper and later added some watercolour here and there. Once again it was a case of selection. No way was I going to draw it all but the feeling I wanted to achieve was one of a sense of busyness and that a discovery of some amazing artefact was about to be made.

Chris Austyn is an interesting and very knowledgeable chap to talk to and can tell you a story relating to most of the items he has. A collector of objects and ‘the more unusual the better’ seems to be the only criteria.

One boat I would like to draw in some detail is of HMS Victory. It stands in a huge glass case in full sail but comes with a very unusual addition, a cross section of the ship showing the various deck levels. I’ve never seen one like it before.

It would be just my luck if it sells before I get round to it.

Apart from drawing and painting, some of my time has been spent making automata, mechanical movements. These I make mainly in wood but other materials are sometimes incorporated if it helps things along. In fact I have two of my creations sharing space with all the other items in Austyn. To see it working you will have to visit the shop, where Chris will no doubt oblige.

As always, my studio is open by appointment or pot luck. If you would like to visit and see some of the things I’ve been doing then give me a ring 01935 816618 or just try the door!

As promised, I can reveal that the drawing of the cottage in the October issue is Golden Ball, at the junction of Bristol Road and Blackberry Lane.

Happy Christmas to all of you and thank you for all the kind comments I have received from those who follow my musings. laurencebelbin.com

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 13

Art & Culture

INTRODUCING SHERBORNE ARTS James Budden, Artist and Teacher

W

hen we were shut away in our homes, many of us discovered that embracing our creativity and enjoying the purity of making something – whether it was food, home decoration or art – was a release and a joy in strange and difficult times.

During lockdown I ran Zoom classes. A tricky thing to do with painting, as it required several cameras and compositing software, but I had to be inventive to stay afloat. What I hadn’t been prepared for was how encouraging and supportive our little community would be. The classes were a success and I was impressed with how well those who had originally been a little technophobic, made the most of the opportunity to socialise, as well as learn ‘virtually’. Most of all, I surprised myself with my ability to organise such a venture. These discoveries influenced what happened next.

For nearly a decade I’ve been involved in providing 14 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

art activities and classes to a growing community of creative people in and around Sherborne. In addition to visiting art groups, running workshops, and doing the occasional demonstration for an art society, I taught several courses for an organisation many will be familiar with, Sherborne ArtsLink.

Over the years I saw ArtsLink develop from a rather parochial hobby group to a place where people could access a high-end learning environment. With courses planned and delivered by accomplished professionals it was embraced by many.

At the end of nearly 18 months of disruption and restrictions from doing my normal work, I was dismayed at the surprise news that the organisation I’d put so much energy into had folded; but I knew the community remained, along with the goodwill and momentum we had spent so long building, so in a moment of determination, indignation and bravado,

Sherborne Arts was born.

I contacted a few other tutors who had worked with ArtsLink before, and added Drawing with Alex Cree and Life Drawing with Susan R Hughes to my own classes. I was glad to be able to put drawing front and centre with experienced artists and teachers.

At the time of writing we are well into our first term, running courses in oil painting, drawing, portraiture, and life drawing - all from the newly refurbished Digby Hall, Hound St. Next term, beginning January 2022, we will introduce new courses, new tutors and new formats, including short courses and evening sessions.

To showcase the classes and tutors, we’ll be hosting an open day in the Small Hall of the Digby Hall on Saturday 4th December. Expect demonstrations, talks, displays, and activities. All the information will be on the website sherbornearts.org.

In addition to the classes, we’re bringing back the long-running Sherborne Art Club annual exhibition in July 2022. Up until the most recent event in 2018, the exhibition has been enjoyed by many, representing the artistic output of the region in all its glorious variety. Next year, we will be organising fringe events such as talks, demonstrations and workshops to make it a real celebration.

In future we hope to expand the scope of Sherborne Arts, as well as promoting and publicising many other artistic endeavours in the area. There is so much talent and potential here, and I want everyone interested to have the opportunity to get involved.

‘Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time’, Thomas Merton wrote and I think this sums up the value of making art. We learn to see the world in a new way, and in doing so, see something new within ourselves. We can hone skills and learn techniques which are fun and satisfying, but while we are on that journey it isn’t really about the end result; it’s the purity of making something.

If you would like to be involved with Sherborne Arts, please contact info@sherbornearts.org. For more information about courses and events visit sherbornearts.org @sherborne_arts

___________________________________________ Saturday 4th December Sherborne Arts Open Day Small Hall, Digby Hall, Hound Street DT9 3AA

SMALL PAINTINGS GROUP 26th November – 18th December

JUDITH GARDNER

JACQUELINE TABER

BEACH CLOUDS

OIL

TANGERINES

OIL

www.jerramgallery.com THE JERRAM GALLERY Half Moon Street, Sherborne, 01935 815261 Dorset DT9 3LN info@jerramgallery.com Tuesday – Saturday

___________________________________________ sherbornetimes.co.uk | 15

Art & Culture

COUNTER CULTURE Paul Maskell, The Beat and Track

No.4 The Sisters of Mercy: A Gothic Tale

I

would have been about 17 when I was first introduced to the Sisters of Mercy. It didn’t take long for me to get completely hooked. Drum machine-driven, guitar-laden songs full of dark imagery and mystique with a front man thinner and paler than the Thin White Duke himself. Just what a 17-year-old needs in their music.

Formed in Leeds in 1980, a very punk-influenced ethic saw band members Andrew Eldritch (drums and vocals) and Gary Marx (guitar and vocals) record and release a single Damage Done. With the sole intention of being played on the radio the band began to achieve some underground success and soon made the addition of Craig Adams on bass guitar and, most symbolically, that of a drum machine nicknamed ‘Doktor Avalanche’.

With Eldritch taking on writing duties and vocals, the band developed a sound that blended pounding drum rhythms, rumbling bass lines, flowing guitars and baritone vocals. The band released several singles and EPs between 1980 and 1983, gaining ever-increasing fame in the underground goth scene.

1984 saw the addition of a further guitarist in the guise of one Wayne Hussey, bringing a 12 string and acoustic feel to their sound. This culminated in the recording of the Sisters’ first album First and Last and Always. This recording raised their profile to such an extent that they were now regulars on the John Peel show and regular subjects of the British music press.

The enigmatic singer, rarely interviewed, proved to be the leading force in the band and a man not easy to

EM_ST.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2021 13:53 Page 1

get on with. This came to a head in 1986 when Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams felt they had no other option but to leave, although this was not to be the end of their troubled relationship.

On leaving the band Hussey and Adams began to perform under the name of The Sisterhood and played tracks that they had written for the next Sisters album.

Eldritch felt that the name was far too close to his band’s and was also, in fact, the collective name of the fans community. A polite warning was issued to change their performing name, which was ignored. Legally, there was little Eldritch could do to stop the pair until he realised that legal right to the name and publishing rights thereafter would go to the band that released an album under The Sisterhood name first. Days after this revelation Eldritch released the single Giving Ground under the name of…The Sisterhood. The single immediately reached the top of the independent charts.

An album called Gift was released shortly after, forcing Hussey and co. to change their name to The Mission.

1987 saw the release of the next Sisters of Mercy album, Floodland. Taking the flowing guitars of their debut album and layering over keyboards (an influence from the Gift album) and a fifth generation ‘Doktor Avalanche’ they achieved Top 10 positions in the singles charts and a number one in the alternative charts for the album - an achievement in itself as they received very little record company support and didn’t tour the album at all.

The introduction of a new bass player, Tony James

THE FREE WESSEX ARTS AND CULTURE GUIDE

EVOLVER MAGAZINE

Pick up your copy every two months at arts venues, galleries, art shops, cafés, libraries and tourist information centres (etc) throughout Dorset, Somerset, East Devon, West Wiltshire, Bristol and Bath Or subscribe online at: evolver.org.uk Instagram: evolvermagazine

16 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

(ex Sigue Sigue Sputnik), Tim Brechenio (ex All about Eve) and German guitarist Andreas Bruhn saw the band take a more stripped down rock/guitar orientated sound.

This culminated in more chart success for album Vision Thing and all three single releases. The band enjoyed world tours which included some of the major festivals on the world stage. One of these was the headlining of the Reading Festival in 1991 which, embarrassingly, was the first time I saw the band live. The goths were out in full force that day and I remember making my way to the front of the crowd in anticipation of seeing the god-like Andrew Eldritch. I felt rather underdressed in my jeans, t-shirt and boots as I was passed by a couple in full goth regalia including top hat and dress coat and white wedding dress with veil! The band continued to tour and released several compilations over the following three years and also released a reworked version of the Temple of Love featuring Ofra Haza.

This single was their highest charting track making it to number three in the British singles chart.

With no new album in the offing and very little record company support, Eldritch continued to tour but effectively the band went on strike with regard to their recording contract. Eldritch and the rest of the band had been completely underwhelmed by the record company’s vision and complete radio silence ensued. Trapped in a contract that required a further album release Eldritch paused for thought in a similar fashion to that of the Gift scenario.

In 1997 a band called SSV released an album called Go figure. SSV were not the Sisters of Mercy. But

because it featured music by P. Bellendir with words

by T. Schroeder and had sampled vocals by Andrew Eldritch, East West bought the record without even having heard it and agreed to release Eldritch from his recording contract. Unfortunately for East West, their SSV record was Not Very Good - to put it mildly.

To date East West have not released the SSV album. Bootlegs have subsequently appeared on the internet which only goes to prove that it was definitely not a Sisters release and, indeed, not very good.

Fast forward 23 years and the Sisters are still touring. My brother and I managed to catch them on their only UK date in 2011 in Leamington Spa where I found myself amongst fans that had travelled from Hong Kong just to see the band! They played the classics but also a very healthy array of new songs. To this day the Sisters have still not released a fourth album. They continue to tour and still hold headline spots in many European festivals often playing to crowds in excess of 30,000. The mystique that Andrew Eldritch was so well known for still surrounds him. He lives in Hamburg… or Japan…or Leeds. Who knows? He’s recording the new album, or maybe not.

He’s got a new label deal or maybe not.

One thing that is certain is that the Sisters of Mercy are still touring, still producing powerful music with lyrics full of oblique sub-texts and tonguein-cheek hedonism.

If history is bound to repeat itself I’m due to see them live again in 2031! I’ll dress appropriately. thebeatandtrack.co.uk

NOW OPEN

Suppliers of both new and pre-loved vinyl, official t-shirts, merchandise and memorabilia.

Come visit and “Try before you buy”.

The Beat & Track, The Old Shambles, South Street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN

07730 356719

thebeatandtrack@icloud.com www.thebeatandtrack.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 17

WHAT'S ON Listings

installations themed on sustainability.

Stalbridge Village Hall

Wednesday 1st 3pm & 7pm

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Food and Art Through the

Sunday 5th 10am-4pm

collected folk songs and West Gallery

Ages: From Renaissance Sugar

Sherborne Festive

Sculpture to 3D Printing

Shopping Day

Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne

Festive stalls, entertainment, church

award-winning food historian and

grotto, lighting of the tree and more!

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Art Society lecture with Tasha Marks, artist. Non-members £7. All welcome.

@wincantontownfestival

services, live music, choirs, Santa’s

Inspired by the rich sources of locally carols, the Ridgeway Singers and

Band present a joyous celebration of

Christmas past and present. £8, £5 u18s, £20 fam. 01963 362355. artsreach.co.uk ridgewaysingersandband.wordpress.com

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Saturday 11th 7.30pm

theartssocietysherborne.org

Thursday 9th 2.30pm

Pocket Sinfonia Presents:

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Quiz and Miniature Floral

Mozart and a Miracle

Thursday 2nd 7.30pm

Arrangement Competition

BSO On Your Doorstep -

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne

Cheap Street Church, Sherborne

Music of Reflection Sturminster Newton Exchange

BSO Principle string players journeying through 450 years of music from JS

Bach and Corelli to Arvo Pärt and Anna

A quiz, a floral arrangement

competition (maximum 6”x4” overall) and some festive fare. Visitors £2.

01935 389375

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Works by Mozart, CPE Bach and

Haydn. Tickets £10 ticketsource.co.uk/

pocketsinfonia or on the door (cash only)

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Advent & Christmas Services

Meredith, presented for an audience of

Friday 10th 7.30pm

475137 bsolive.com artsreach.co.uk

Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne

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Friday 3rd December - Sunday

Amadou Diagne and French-American

Sunday 5th 1.30pm,

beguiling debut album. £12, £6 u18s,

Shoppers’ Carol Services

amadoudiagne.com

Sunday 12th 5pm

all ages. £10, £5 u18s, £25 fam. 01258

Touki – Right of Passage

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Stickland. Senegalese kora player

Sherborne Abbey

guitarist Cory Seznec tour their

2.30pm and 3.30pm

2nd January Mother Goose The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil

Tickets £14.50 - £25. Box office 01935 422884 octagon-theatre.co.uk

£27 fam. 01258 880920. artsreach.co.uk ____________________________

Christingle Service

____________________________

Friday 10th 7.30pm

Friday 3rd 7.30pm

David Mynne -

Monday 13th 7.30pm

Bowjangles - Dracula in Space

A Christmas Carol

Chetnole Village Hall

Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall

Christmas Concert

acclaimed foursome are blasting off into

presents his acclaimed adaptation of

A Quieter Christmas

Celebrate the festive season with a

Friday 17th 5pm

of this timeless, transformative story.

Sherborne Singers

The award-winning, internationally-

outer space on course for an hilarious,

sci-fi horror musical. £10. 07966 177789. artsreach.co.uk bowjangles.org

____________________________ Saturday 4th, 11th & 18th 5pm-9pm Wincanton Town Festival of Lights

David Mynne, veteran Cornish actor Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. mesmerising one-man performance Recommended 9+. £10, £6 u18s,

Thursday 16th 7pm

Choral Evensong -

£25 fam. 01300 341777

Saturday 18th 1.30pm,

____________________________

Shoppers’ Carol Services

artsreach.co.uk mynne.com

2.30pm and 3.30pm

Greening The eARTh Gallery,

Saturday 11th 4pm The Ridgeway Singers & Band

Sunday 19th 5pm

An illuminating trail of light

West Gallery Carols

Abbey Festival of Lessons and Carols

7 High Street, Wincanton

18 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 Christmas Eve

Sunday 19th 10.30am

Christmas Eve

3pm and 5pm Crib Services

All Age Nativity Service

4pm Crib Service

11.30pm Midnight Mass -

Christmas Day 10am

and Lighting of the Tree

11.30 Midnight Mass

The First Eucharist of Christmas

All Age Holy Communion

Christmas Day 10am

Christmas Day

Lillington

____________________________

8am Holy Communion

Sunday 19th 6pm

9.30am Parish Eucharist

11.15am Festival Matins Boxing Day

____________________________

Family Communion

Carol Service

Planning ahead

Christmas Day 10am

Wednesday 5th January 10.30am

Family Service

The Probus Club of Sherborne:

____________________________

(followed by Holy Communion)

The Samaritans - with guest

____________________________

speaker William Christopher

____________________________

Longburton

Castleton

Sunday 5th 4pm

The Grange Hotel, Oborne

Christmas Day 11am

Christingle Service

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Parish Eucharist

Service of Lessons and Carols

____________________________

Sunday 19th 6pm

St Paul’s

Carol Service

New members always welcome.

Contact John Hutchings

(Club Secretary) 01935 813448. probus-sherborne.org.uk

____________________________

Friday Lunchtime Recitals Cheap Street Church, 1.45pm 3rd December - Pianists’ Recital II 10th December “Mince Pies“ Chamber Music Recital Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School

FREE ADMISSION ALL WELCOME sherbornetimes.co.uk | 19

Community

TIMES OF CHANGE AT SHERBORNE FOOD BANK Julie and Kane Clements

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here’s plenty of ground to cover this month as a lot has been happening since our last article.

After Covid restrictions were eased over the summer, demand for our service fell, which was good news. This lull allowed us to carry out a reorganisation of the depot to improve health and safety and we were able to replace old racking with safer wheeled units which make better use of the space. Many thanks to our donors whose generosity enabled these purchases, their kindness also paves the way for essential work to be carried out on the building later this year.

The quiet period also means we have built up some reserves of food, which is good, especially ahead of Christmas. This has been helped by a bumper set of donations from local harvest festivals. On two mornings alone the incoming volumes were almost overwhelming.

Thank you all for your terrific generosity, however, we are overflowing with dried pasta, tinned soup, cereals and the inevitable baked beans!

An urgent plea - our storage is limited and when we build up excess stocks, trying to store them interferes with depot operations, particularly on packing days. So we would be grateful if you could donate other items, as we can’t store any more of these for the time being.

The food and essential goods donated creates a direct link between you and people in need. Our role in gathering and distributing them is at the heart of what we do and this works brilliantly for every day items. But things get patchy, however, with baby food 20 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Image: Katharine Davies

or gluten-free and other dietary needs because demand for these is unpredictable. Infant formula is particularly problematic. We must send out the right brand and number and inevitably donated stock doesn’t match what is needed. The same goes for baby food in jars.

Therefore, for little ones we welcome nappies, wipes, all-over body wash and shampoo.

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that the Food Bank advert in the Sherborne Times has changed. We are encouraging donations via Just Giving.

Those pay for the special items and go further via Gift Aid. They are also vital to our new initiative.

As of September we started distributing fresh fruit and veg and bread each week. It’s been going well and we’re still learning. We initially bought from supermarkets, as calculating how much to buy was a work in progress, but we’re now dealing with wholesale suppliers to make our funds go further. As before, no donations of fresh food please.

The recent spike in Covid numbers, along with energy price increases, have affected demand. Almost overnight we’ve doubled parcel numbers, mostly for families. Fortunately the work of our fantastic team of tireless volunteers has left us well placed to cope with a difficult winter.

Lastly, as usual but no less heartfelt, thank you all so much for your support and generosity. sherbornefoodbank.org

ON THE MEND

Bridget Joslin, Repair Café Committee Member

Clare Louise Jackson/Shutterstock

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here was an extra buzz on Cheap Street when Repair Cafe Sherborne held its very first session at the Methodist Church Hall in October.

Most people by now have probably heard of Repair Cafe cafes popping up all over, even if they don’t know exactly what they do. Marnhull, Bridport and Wincanton have all joined the growing band.

They have a strong appeal to people wanting to contribute to their community, offer alternatives to throwaway culture and beyond that live more sustainably. Sherborne has now joined a national network of 125 Repair Cafes across the UK. For those new to the idea, a Repair Cafe is a place where people bring their broken everyday objects to be repaired by volunteers tooled up to do the job and where they might also learn from the experts how to repair objects themselves. This service is free but users are asked to give a donation towards the running costs and pay for any materials if needed. We are a ‘Not-forProfit Organisation’.

Five expert repairers were there on the first day in Sherborne, skilled in mending ceramics, textiles, sewing, jewellery and wooden or mechanical items. 26 items were mended, saving 10 kilos of stuff from ending up in landfill (we weighed each item that was saved!).

Coffee and cake (kindly supplied by Kafé Fontana) were on offer and around 100 people visited during the morning to have items mended or just to check things out for a future visit.

It was a busy morning with all kinds of people meeting all kinds of other people. Lots of common ground was established and some friendships made.

The organisers and volunteers, some repairing, others serving in the cafe or on reception, were all delighted with the response so far.

Perhaps the biggest thrill of the day was seeing how members of the community came together to work, in this still difficult time of Covid, on a joint project, knowing we are helping in a modest way to reduce the town’s carbon footprint.

There were visits from the mayor, Sherborne town councillors and Abbey104. In the future we hope to mend electrical items too, offer workshops on sewing and maybe even have our own premises. But let’s walk before we run.

We’ll be holding a special Christmas session on 18th December at Cheap Street Methodist Church Hall from 10am-1pm and then on the third Saturday of each month. For more information see the website, Facebook or Twitter.

There are a growing number of green and climatefriendly activities going on in and around Sherborne and of course the council itself has declared a climate emergency and hosts a green action website. The new Sherborne Repair Cafe is one of the crossing points in all this, and one in which we can all contribute to and enjoy. @repaircafesherborne @repaircafe_DT9 sherbornetimes.co.uk | 21

Community

THREE MEN AND A MOTORCYCLE Malcolm Cockburn

Bill, Malcolm, Radu and Sara

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bought a Harley Davidson ‘Electra Glide’ in a fit of madness in 1997 and the following summer toured with it through Italy, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. It was my final day in Romania when I came to the Hungarian border. The day had been damp and drizzly, the ride from the south long. Just before the border was a service station and motel, here I would stop and stay the night. When I parked the bike at the motel entrance I noticed a young man who was washing car windscreens for customers at the petrol pumps; he came over and offered to wash the bike which was filthy. I said that there was no point as it would soon be dirty again tomorrow. I locked the bike and checked into the motel. Just as I was finishing my supper in the restaurant, the young man came over to my table and said, ‘You must not leave your motor-cycle outside here, by the morning it will have disappeared on the back of a lorry. I will guard it.’ I did not know what to say, but he assured me that he would be there all night washing cars and earning money to go to university. He looked honest and trustworthy so I said that would be really good, and went up to bed.

In the morning the bike was still where I left it and it was shining clean. When I apologised to Radu (for that was his name) that I only had a few Romanian lei coins, he replied that a ride on the pillion would be more than enough pay. So I took him the 10 miles back to Oradea, where he lived with his parents. We kept 22 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Image: Katharine Davies

in touch. Radu got a place in Cluj University and he bought his own small motorbike. The following year I visited the family again. This time Radu and I toured through the Carpathian mountains in North East Romania. He graduated in engineering and quickly got a job with Siemens. He also became engaged to Suzy, a fellow graduate, and I was privileged to be invited to their wedding.

As time passed I was beginning to find the Harley too heavy for me and handed it over to Bill Anderson, my cousin and a lifetime biker who lives in Sherborne. I found myself reduced to riding a scooter with ‘only’ an 800cc engine when the two of us set off to Plymouth and the ferry to Santander. We rode our bikes south to the beautiful city of Salamanca where my niece was a student at the university. So, until this day I have been able to keep an eye on the bike and even have the occasional ride. Meanwhile, Radu works for Triumph Motor Cycles in Leicester as a design engineer, his company is based in Romania but he frequently comes to England and we have always kept in touch reminiscing about the days of biking 25 years ago. And so finally, Bill has been persuaded to part with the old Harley Davidson and Radu realised his dream to own the bike. At the end of August Radu arrived in Sherborne with his young daughter Sara to collect the bike and ride it back to its new home in Romania.

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Community

A CHRISTMAS ROUND-UP

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Cllr Anne Hall, Sherborne Town Mayor

t the end of last year Cllr Jon Andrews, in his position as mayor, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and hoped for a happy and healthier New Year for us all. I think it’s fair to say that although earlier in the year we saw the continuation of lockdown, social distancing and masks, we have 24 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

entered a new phase thanks to the vaccine and booster introductions from our wonderful NHS and a brilliant community effort. The three local GP centres have worked with Sherborne Town Council regarding the use of the Digby Hall and nearly 100 volunteers, to help assist the Covid clinics which started in January 2021

and are continuing now with the booster programme and yearly flu jabs.

A big thank you must go out to all those involved for their dedication to pulling this mammoth task off, with such seeming ease. I have had the pleasure of being on the volunteer rota for these clinics and it really has been an uplifting experience to be part of such an endeavour. We may not have a cure for Covid, but we can certainly move forward living with its existence.

Since I became Sherborne Town Mayor in May this year, and with the easing of lockdown, I have been able to carry out my mayoral duties which, amongst other things, have included attending the celebrations of the Royal British Legions 100th Anniversary, opening the new top floor at Trinity Manor Care Home, presenting our Community Champion Award to the very worthy John Miller of Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance and being part of the achievements at Future Roots and the inaugural Sherborne Business Awards 2021.

Sherborne saw an influx of visitors this year due to travel restrictions on foreign holidays. It has been a rewarding experience meeting some of these visitors whilst out volunteering with the Dorset Volunteer Ambassador Scheme; a small group of volunteers who generously gave up their time to meet and greet visitors and residents. We were delighted to hear visitors waxing lyrical about how vibrant and full of life our town centre is, especially after such difficult and challenging times.

September saw the installation of the new team Rector for Sherborne, Reverend Martin Lee, who has already had such a positive impact on those he has met and the local initiatives he helps and encourages. We wish Reverend Martin, his wife Susan and family every happiness for their new life in Sherborne.

Works that Sherborne Town Council has been involved in this year include the new water feature installation, with plants and spring bulbs in the raised beds it sits on, along with the beautiful wood carvings in Pageant Gardens, a new promotional town video to encourage visitors to see just what Sherborne has to offer, the imminent launch of a new microsite called Visit Sherborne, which will be part of Visit Dorset’s successful tourism site and a new bicycle rack soon to be installed up at the Terraces. A new community noticeboard is shortly being placed on the Waitrose site, which will help assist the flow of communication from both the town council and local organisations.

It is now confirmed that early in the New Year, the paths and maze in Paddock Garden will be resurfaced

using an environmentally-friendly, resin-bonded material. Alongside this work, more bulbs will be planted and there will be rejuvenation of some parts of the flowerbeds; this is to replace plants that have either died out or outgrown their allotted positions. Paddock Garden has also seen a small group of volunteers helping, where they can, alongside the town council’s grounds maintenance, with weeding etc in this lovely walled garden. New energy-saving measures to include solar PV, LED lighting and improved insulation will also now be introduced at the Gainsborough, located at the Terrace Playing Fields, sometime next year and it is hoped that funding support will be provided by Low Carbon Dorset towards this initiative.

It is very pleasing to hear that a new Community Orchard is being established at the McCreery Road allotment site.

A special thank you should also be given to the entire staffing team within the town council for their help and support throughout the year. It really is much appreciated and a pleasure to see our facilities, parks and open spaces always so well maintained.

With the New Year comes the second Sherborne Business Awards, which the town council will again be supporting by sponsoring The Best Place to Work Award. In a town such as Sherborne, we know there will be lots of entries!

As we approach Christmas and in support of this year’s Festive Shopping Day, organised by Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce, on 5th December, we will be making parking in Sherborne car parks free for the day. Do try and come along between 10am and 4pm to enjoy and support the street market and businesses by shopping locally. Along with festive food and drinks, there will be music, bands and a choir throughout the day.

The Abbey will be holding church services with carols to get you in the Christmas spirit and the lighting of the tree on the Parade is scheduled for 4pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

As we come towards Christmas, everyone at Sherborne Town Council hopes that you and your families can come together to celebrate this special time and look forward to a New Year with some optimism, happiness and less uncertainty than the past 12 months. sherborne-tc.gov.uk @SherborneTownCl sherbornetimes.co.uk | 25

Community

OUR MAN IN WESTMINSTER Chris Loder MP

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hose of you who live in Sherborne will have received a letter from me last month about housing in the town. West Dorset has one of the highest average demographics in the country, mainly because people love to move and retire to the area and enjoy our lovely town. Such an imbalance in demographic presents a number of difficulties, primarily the ability, or lack of it, for young people who were brought up and went to school here, to buy their own home and work here - we know that local businesses are already finding it difficult to recruit.

I have felt for a long time that we have a fundamental difficulty with housing in and around Sherborne. Some residents who’ve moved into the Corelli estate have had a difficult experience with their new home built

by Persimmon, although there are houses still available 26 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

through the government-backed ‘Help to Buy’ scheme there. But otherwise it is not easy for children or grandchildren to get on the property ladder here, unless they are given a significant financial gift from a family member. We need to address this, now.

A few months ago, I met a number of people from Sherborne who shared my desire to address the issue of local homes for local people. They told me how the Sherborne Town Council had received their presentation but didn’t yet have an appetite to be active on a Community Land Trust (CLT). Because this is so important I was very pleased to kick off this campaign at the Digby Hall on 11th November and to give it my full support. More than 250 residents attended what was a thorough and positive meeting for this initiative which could herald an exciting way forward and make a

Image: Len Copland

real difference for local people. Please do get in touch if you’re interested. chrisloder.co.uk/sherborneCLT Since the beginning of Covid, we have struggled with the re-opening of the Minor Injuries Unit at the Yeatman Hospital. I’m pleased we were able to get the walk-in-clinics reinstated, which is quite a step forward. It’s been a hard–fought battle but one which I believe the people of the town deserve to have won and a service I think Sherborne will hugely benefit from.

Also last month, I represented West Dorset at the COP26 international climate conference in Glasgow.

It was a fascinating experience and hugely insightful.

As a transport professional, I was very pleased to be able to participate on Transport Day and I’m keen to share my insights with you from the few days I spent there. While the Paris agreement a few years ago was

good in a lot of respects it had little clout because the USA withdrew. This conference though I think has been a success. The UK has hosted the world in aligning on priorities. Fundamentally, the principal objective is for developed countries which have considerable economic benefit to reconcile with developing countries that often bear the brunt of climate change effects, but given the lack of integrity in some foreign nations, money cannot simply be pumped into those nations.

UK greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 49% between 1990 and 2020 (House of Commons Library, Parliament website). Our impact on climate change stands at 1% of global emissions, so we are in a good position compared with most other countries. Just 1% of our energy comes from coal, whereas some other countries rely on it for 90% of their energy needs. This alone highlights the necessity for these countries to come to the table. I have written this column before the end of the COP26 summit so the outcomes will be available in the national press.

Whilst I firmly believe there is a lot of work required, I am concerned that some environmental groups are using climate change as the reason for events such as flooding that ultimately detract from the need for proper care of waterways and the countryside. The upkeep of our countryside - the dredging, ditching and keeping our drains clear is a multi-agency task. I sometimes feel there is an expectation that ‘someone else’ will do these jobs and if they don’t get done, the flooding that results is because of climate change. This is simply not always the case.

We also need to think about what each of us can do individually to play our part. Are we leaving our lights or our heating on when it’s not needed? What can we change to be re-usable, not just recyclable. Have you written to the supermarket to ask them to stop using single–use plastic? Do you know where your food comes from? Do you walk where you can so you don’t need to drive the car?

The risk we have in society though is that excessive and extreme campaigners do more harm than good and I believe are now often motivated for the purposes of anarchy and revolution, rather than meaningful impact for the cause. We must be careful not to closely associate the two – despite the impression that may be given.

And finally, can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. chrisloder.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 27

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Family

Children’s Book Review Herbie Chambers, aged 8, Leweston Prep School

The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson (Alison Green Books 2021) £12.99 Sherborne Times reader offer price of £11.99 from Winstone’s Books

30 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

T

he Christmas Pine is a true story about the life of a pine tree. The pine tree was grown in Norway and was chosen to be cut down. It travelled far across the sea to London for a Christmas tree. It felt happy in Trafalgar Square because people visited it every day.

I like the book because it is a poem and has good pictures in it. I think adjectives help describe the story well and the pages are colourful. I like rhyming words with pictures to match. It is a joyful book. It makes me feel calm and feel Christmassy inside.

I think this book is suitable for children aged 2-6 who will understand and appreciate the words and pictures. They will enjoy reading this.

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UNEARTHED George Smith, aged 18 Sherborne School

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s an Upper Sixth boarder in Sherborne School’s Harper House, George Smith is determined to make a positive difference to reduce the School’s impact on the environment. Alongside his ‘A’ Levels of Geography, German and Economics, George organises the School’s Environmental Action Group which sees boys come together each fortnight to discuss ideas and formulate plans to promote sustainability within the School. As an aspiring social scientist, George has researched studies into different types of recycle bin and which are most effective to encourage recycling. A trial is currently underway in the Art department prior to rolling this out across the School. The School’s IT department has now installed Ecosia as the search engine for all pupil devices – a project which plants trees using the profit from web searches.

George successfully applied to be part of the Wessex Water Young People’s Panel which has a regional meeting in Bath for young people to come together, forge joint plans and apportion action for a more sustainable future. Committed to the cause George has bigger plans afoot and is currently engaged in leading assemblies and the wider promotion of sustainability in the School.

Watch this space @sherborneschool! sherborne.org

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32 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

BACK TO SCHOOL

Constance Pollard, Residential Gap Tutor, Sherborne Prep

Image: Lizzie Watson

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veryone remembers their childhood differently, but however you look back on your school days, your prep or primary school years remain some of the most formative of your life. My nine years at Sherborne Prep School were undoubtedly some of the happiest in my childhood, and I look back on them with great fondness – so much so that I decided to come back as a gap student post A-level.

The huge variety of jobs as a gap student – the daily shift from the classroom to the sports field, or the boarding house to the music department – is something I expected from this role, however there is so much more work to be done alongside what the children see.

Preparing information boards, organising the post, and making beds are very much needed to run the school effectively, but not necessarily noticed by the pupils themselves.

I never expected I would spend so much time laminating or removing staples, but I also hadn’t predicted how enjoyable the little moments are. My highlights of the week are rarely the big events or activities; but rather a joke that a pre-prep child made up all by themselves, or when a child scores their first

goal in a match, or when a new overseas boarder starts to properly settle in to life here, despite missing home.

This area of work is incredibly rewarding as I can support and encourage the children here, just like I remember previous gap students doing for me, and these moments are what make this job worth having – something I could never have seen as a pupil myself.

There are always a few unforeseen hurdles to overcome, especially when returning to your old school. For example – I will never get used to calling my old teachers by their first names, it will always be strange umpiring a hockey match rather than playing in one, and I invariably feel like I am breaking a rule by going into the staff room!

I could not recommend this job more to anyone considering taking a year out before university. It is a wonderful experience, good fun, and you meet so many lovely new people. But most importantly, I think this is a job with a huge sense of purpose and personal reward, and it has given me the opportunity to give something back to the school that moulded me into the person I am today. sherborneprep.org sherbornetimes.co.uk | 33

Family

HOME FRONT Jemma Dempsey

Sergey Ovchinnikov/iStock

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unno about you but I am an inherent listmaker, always have been. In fact, I get a bit twitchy if I don’t have a list on the go and most of the time it calms me, affords a sense of ‘being in control’ (who am I kidding) as I cross off each achieved bullet point. It also helps with my menopausal brain to have things written down because otherwise, well, you can guess the rest. But there are certain times when just looking at said list invokes mild palpitations and one of those times is Christmas. Obviously, this event warrants several lists, the husband reserves his best eye-rolling for the festive season – the present and food lists being the most extensive. However, after such a momentous year, we want to ring some changes. It has created some lively discussion, shall we say.

First, the Christmas dinner: have always stuffed a turkey, then ourselves. The problem is half the household doesn’t really like a roast dinner – a travesty in my opinion, but there you go. Last year I’d just had my tonsils out (home to the evil cancer) so I could 34 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

barely eat anything and as I was one of the roastlovers I was outnumbered. Instead, a Christmas buffet adorned the table, a veritable smorgasbord of savoury pick and mix delights. It was a triumph. And when the kids invariably said they were hungry a few hours later, I just wafted a hand in the direction of the kitchen and said, ‘It’s all there, help yourselves.’ Job done. Last year was meant to be a one-off but the temptation to repeat it is great, mostly because it means I won’t be tied to the kitchen all day. There is, however, significant prep work involved but the joy of this kind of eating is that you can out-source a lot of it. Thank you to the delis of Sherborne, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s et al. But this year Mum and Dad are coming for the day and I’m wavered. Would they be mortified to not have traditional turkey and all the trimmings? Tentatively, I broached the subject, expecting a stunned silence and a hurried change of heart followed by, ‘Actually, on second thoughts we’ll go to your sister.’ But no, their dwindling appetites meant they didn’t want massive plates of food,

so a buffet would be just lovely. Phew, whether they were just being nice or not I couldn’t quite work out but the smorgasbord was a go – the food list could begin.

Second, the presents: most parents, if they can, indulge their children at Christmas. There is nothing like seeing their little faces light up at the pile of presents under the tree knowing Santa has been, even if it is at five in the morning. But when the whole family’s been forced to see life through the lens of cancer, other things come into focus - like doing things together.

So, this year we’ve decided we’re not going to spend lots of money on ‘things’, this year we’re going to put the money towards a big trip overseas – a road trip around Europe. However, I can’t quite bring myself to deny the boys a stocking, although what with the ‘supply chain crisis’ and lack of HGV drivers, I’m half expecting the shelves to be empty by the time Santa comes round to thinking about what to put in them.

And anyway, the big one declared the other day that he wanted his Christmas present money to be spent on solar panels for the roof - I’ve been investigating having them installed after the eye-watering news about how much our energy bills are expected to skyrocket over

the coming months. We already have an air-source heat pump, don’t I feel good, but we didn’t get the solar panels fitted at the time we renovated, because, guess what, we didn’t have the money. But it seems like a no brainer now. However, despite the big one’s grownup talk I suspect it’s just words and not particularly sustainable, excuse the pun, because at the end of the day everyone likes a present on Christmas morning. We were all wide-eyed kids once upon a time. I did suggest to the boys though that they scour the charity shops for their presents. That was met with a look of horror but when we talked about trying to buy less and recycle more, they came round to the idea. And if there’s one thing Sherborne has in abundance, it’s charity shops.

Knowing me, I’ll end up trying to please everybody – do a traditional Christmas dinner, with a buffet on the side for later. As for presents, well I’ve secreted a few early purchases around the house and I’ve started practising rapping myself over the knuckles when I get tempted in the shops or online. It’s hard though – I’m a sucker for an impulse purchase, but I am trying to model virtuous behaviour to my children. I do enough talking, better start the walking.

Little Preppers Toddler Group Follow our Little Preppers Toddler Facebook page to see the fun activities we offer

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Follow our story sherbornetimes.co.uk | 35

Family

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLACE Reverend David Campbell, Chaplain, Sherborne School

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n many philosophical, spiritual, and perhaps particularly in religious traditions, the concept of place is emphasised as being important, indeed essential even, for enhancing our sense of personal and corporate wellbeing. And in my view quite rightly so.

Over these past weeks I have been watching avidly a magnificent and beautiful series of programmes fronted by Ben Fogle on the subject of Scotland’s sacred islands. In essence, each episode is a kind of travelogue which sees Ben travel the seas around the western coast of Scotland and stopping off on a number of small islands in order to explore them, sometimes alone, sometimes with individuals, to find out for himself what it is that makes those places special. Usually he investigates the outstanding beauty of the place being visited - the soaring cliffs, the long-empty ruins of simple village streets and shattered simple buildings in which people once lived and worked and loved. Always the viewer is treated to a sight of the vast horizons, the amazing seascapes.

On occasion he finds out the religious history of the place and, on the inhabited islands, what place religious belief and faith has within those communities today.

In one of these very evocative and beautifully filmed episodes he landed at a place I count myself lucky to know so well and have been fortunate enough to visit many times in my life. Arrival was by sea, at the lovely little pier at the bottom of the village street of the Isle of Iona, Saint Columba’s Isle, a small island about three miles long and one mile wide which lies just off the south-west coast of the mighty Mull. It was the late, great George Fielden MacLeod MC, later Baron MacLeod of Fuinary (1885-1991) who said that Iona was ‘a thin place’. By this he meant that for him Iona was a place where the experiential distance between heaven and earth seems far less than it usually does in every day life and living. In other words, he found a kind of paradise on earth, where it might be possible for humans to escape from the rigours of existence into the peace and wellbeing of a higher plane.

36 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

As I write these words, I think of those countless thousands of people from all over the world who have made this journey and still continue to this day to visit Iona, seeking inspiration from its white sandy beaches, from its stunning Abbey and Bishop’s House, from its glorious sunsets and all-pervading sense of a deep and somewhat unearthly calm. I think too of those I knew who, like me, came there bringing with them their troubles and inner fears and who were able after a time to leave again having been renewed for the daily struggle with a new plan to put into action, with a deeper sense of hope and with genuine and enduring encouragement that in the words of Dame Julian of Norwich, ‘In the end all will be well and all manner of things will be well.’

And yet, living as we do in this glorious part of Dorset, we do not need to travel far, certainly not as far as Iona, in order to find for ourselves the importance of place and the benefits the natural world around us here can have in order to help us reflect on our lives, to seek hope and encouragement for the future and to recollect how fortunate indeed we are. There is beauty and profound inspiration to be found all around us. For me, I think of the old bench beside the beacon at the end of the Terraces with its wonderful views of the imposing hills beyond. I think of the quiet that can be found on a very early morning dog walk around a deserted Purlieu Meadow or in the Quarr Nature Reserve. I think of cycling in the hills above Sherborne through those villages and hamlets seemingly untouched by the passing of time.

All of this is by way of encouragement, invitation even, for us, to take time out, even in this busy season, for ourselves. To take time to find and perhaps even learn to enjoy solitude and all the benefits it can bring, when it in turn allows for deeper reflection and consideration of how things are with us and how we would like them to become. sherborne.org

Image: Josie Sturgess-Mills

Reverend David Campbell sherbornetimes.co.uk | 37

WISHING YOU A RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY, CONTENTED 2022 from

sherbornetimes.co.uk 38 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

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elizabethwatsonillustration.com 40 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Christmas and New Year recycling and rubbish With Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day all falling on the weekend this year, your recycling and rubbish collections over the festive period will be on your usual day of the week.

Refer to your calendar or visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ check-your-bin-day to check your collection days.

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© Paul Williams

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sherbornetimes.co.uk | 41

Science & Nature

ROE DEER

Alex Hennessy, Dorset Wildlife Trust

Costas Anton Dumitrescu/Shutterstock

A

s Dorset’s most widespread deer species, you might be lucky enough to spot a roe deer or two tentatively emerging from woodlands or bounding across frosted fields this winter. But how much do you know about the lives of these mysterious wild mammals?

Roe deer live a mostly solitary life during the summer, but in winter they may come together and form small, loose groups. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and live in areas of mixed countryside where they can be close to woodland, farmland, grassland and heathland. They eat buds and leaves from trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, grasses, brambles and heathers.

Be prepared to look out for the roe deer’s identifying features, as if you do glimpse one, it may be on the move and disappear swiftly. They are a slender, mediumsized deer with short antlers (males) and no tail. Roe deer are mostly brown in colour, turning reddish in the summer and darker slate grey in the winter, with a pale buff patch around the rump. Their eyes are large and black, and they have black noses and mouths, with large ears atop their heads and a white chin.

A male’s antlers typically have three points each and undergo a cycle of growth and re-growth which 42 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

takes a full year. They begin to grow their antlers in November, shedding the velvet from them in the spring.

By summer, they are ready for the rutting season. After mating, they shed their antlers in October and begin to grow a new set.

If you don’t happen to spot a deer itself, you might be able to spy some tracks left behind. Their hoof-prints will be around 4cm long – remarkably small for such a substantial animal (up to 1.3 metres in length and 75cm in height). They tend to follow the same paths regularly.

Roe deer facts: • A roe deer’s average life span is seven years.

• Adult roe deer have no natural predators, however, their young can be taken by foxes.

• The animated Disney character Bambi is thought to have been based on a roe deer.

Fawns like the film’s title character are born with white spots on their back and sides, which disappear with age.

dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Ian Redding/Shutterstock

DRAWN TO THE LIGHT

December Moth (Poecilocampa populi) Gillian Nash

A

lthough moths on the wing are now much reduced, there are still a small number of seasonal species that can be seen in the adult stage during our colder months.

One such species is the beautiful December moth, with its thickset ‘furry’ appearance looking well prepared for winter weather. Chemicals in its body serve as antifreeze which enables the survival of what is possibly the hardiest of our UK moths. It has even been witnessed flying in snowstorms. The male with its extravagantly feathered antennae and a wingspan of around 40mm is somewhat smaller than the seldom seen female. They belong to a small but interesting group of species called Eggar moths that are incapable of feeding in the adult stage – their bodies containing all the nutrients required to sustain their short adult lives.

The December moth appears to have been a rare

species for Dorset in the late 1800s although they are now more frequently seen by Lepidoptera recorders through October to January – its southern flight season.

Habitat includes woodland, rough ground, hedgerows and gardens. It is sometimes attracted to lit house windows and may be seen flying around street lights or settling on nearby buildings where it may remain during daylight hours.

Eggs hatch in April and June, having spent the winter attached to branches of various broadleaved trees and woody hedgerow plants, including poplars, sallows, oaks and hawthorn. The night-feeding larvae are greyish in colour with variable attractive subtle yellow and black markings in the final stage of growth. Having feasted on the leaves of the foodplants, when fully grown the larvae forms a pupa within a flimsy cocoon, often at ground level among decomposing leaves. sherbornetimes.co.uk | 43

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Crafting quality timber buildings and gates since 1912 Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH Tel: (01963) 440414 | Email: info@sparkford.com | @sparkfordtimber | www.sparkford.com 44 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

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Science & Nature

GIFTS FROM BEES

Paula Carnell, Beekeeping Consultant, Writer and Speaker

Y

esterday, I received a large, unexpected mystery parcel. I was particularly excited as the tape had ‘Afghan Rug Company’ written all over it, and a lot of tape was used! I’ve always had a fascination with rugs and dreamt of collecting them from all over the world. This was inspired by Pat who I met in 1991 whose house was filled with wonderful rugs, which she and her husband collected as they travelled Persia and the Far East. I have managed to collect two rugs, one from Wells market and the other directly from the weaver in a remote village in Bhutan.

But yesterday changed things as I unwrapped the parcel; first two footstools, then a rolled up Afghan kilim rug. Absolutely perfect - but who could have sent them to me? My husband was quick to guess it would be from my ‘guardian angel’ in Singapore, ‘Cat’. Last year she sent me four beautiful hand-printed scarves 46 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

with wings on. Cat and I have never met, and yet we have been connected through an extraordinary string of events, and ultimately bees!

Back in 2018 she had photographed one of my sons, who was in Singapore. He didn’t remember her, however when his photograph popped up on social media, one of his friends knew the photographer and they connected online. Over the course of several chats bees were mentioned – Cat was interested in them, and my son explained that his mum too loved bees. A few conversations later and Cat said she’d received an amazing bee book about a lady who as a disabled artist started keeping bees. Cat said she was certain my son’s mum would love the book. Of course, he then explained that the book sounded like it was written by his mum! How incredible that she was sent a copy of my book from England!

That’s how I was introduced to Cat, and our regular

Image: Katharine Davies

online friendship has developed from there. It turns out we have far more in common than originally thought, as well as shared travels and many dreams unexplained by rational thought. One time I was watching wild bees living in a large lime tree, and sensed that I was being watched. I turned around to spot a barn owl watching me. We stared at each other for a while then it flew off. I later learned that Cat had a dream of being an owl watching me looking at a tree!

This and many other extraordinary connections can often not be explained, however they are so important for giving us joy and purpose in life. I have always loved giving gifts to others, and yet felt guilty receiving. Now, as I grow older I delight in the gift of giving, it fills me with as much happiness as the recipient. Cat’s note with the rug said I owe her nothing, and to ‘pay it forward’. I love this concept

of a giant generous circle she gives to me, and I give to you. Then eventually someone completes the circle by giving to her. Then all gifts are perfect; gifts chosen following an instinct that someone we love would be so delighted to receive. Trying to find a gift with a deadline rarely works and is why so many are not looking forward to the festive season; the pressure to find the perfect gift in time for Christmas.

Bees have got it just right. They receive the gifts of nectar and pollen from the flowers. Yes, there is a direct return in the form of pollinating the plants, however, the real treasure is the honey, which may be gifted to the rest of the hive, or to the beekeeper. Bee stings can also be seen as a gift, a powerful healing. Venom has been shown to stimulate the immune system and has been used for thousands of years to heal many ailments.

Today, there are apitherapists worldwide using bee venom to treat everything from skin complaints to arthritis. Yet the bee loses its life with each sting. We as humans find it hard to comprehend sacrificing our life for another’s wellbeing but by sharing honey and propolis bees are providing humans with healing. In the Quran it states that the fluid from their bellies is healing for the people, ‘surely in this is a sign for those who reflect’. I believe that by reflecting, we see that all the bees ask of us is to take good care of the land – the sources of their nectar and pollen. That would complete the circle of generosity and giving.

I received two other unexpected gifts from strangers this month; a necklace with a coin showing the bee from Ephesus together with a pearl, the same size as a drop of honey. The motto in the box was to see these bee coins as a new currency, perhaps not literally. Then a hand-woven scarf, made from stinging nettles! Who knew that was even possible? Stinging nettles are also medicine for humans, in this instance harvested and prepared by small communities in Nepal. Both senders felt inspired to treat me as they felt my work for the bees had been a gift for them. Bees have connected me to Singapore, Afghanistan and Nepal.

What goes around comes around, and so this festive season, I am truly grateful for the bees and the many gifts they have brought into my life. paulacarnell.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 47

Science & Nature

DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS Peter Littlewood, Director, Young People’s Trust for the Environment Svetikd/iStock

H

ere are 20 ideas from YPTE for having a greener Christmas in 2021:

1. Try buying locally-made gifts: Reduce the carbon footprint of your gifts and help local shops and craftspeople by buying something made nearby.

2. Buy less: Resist the temptation to buy any of the strangely pointless items that seem to be produced specifically for Christmas and will almost certainly end up in the bin before New Year! Get people gifts that you know they’ll like, or get a voucher instead…

3. Consider buying a charity gift: Many charities offer schemes through which your donation can be used to buy something like a goat, a cow, or even a toilet for 48 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

people around the world who are in real need.

4. Try buying a gift made from recycled materials: Reusing and recycling help to cut down on the waste that ends up in landfill.

5. Make your own gifts: Why not have a go at making your own, personalised gifts for your family? There are lots of ideas available on the internet.

6. Buy pre-used gifts: A charity shop or auction site can be somewhere that you can pick up something really special, often at a bargain price too! And by buying something that has been pre-used, you’re giving an item a new lease of life while also reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

7. Give a funky flask and say goodbye to plastic bottles: There are lots of stainless steel flasks in all kinds of colours and designs that are able to keep their contents hot or cold for hours and they can be re-used literally thousands of times.

8. Donate to a food bank: If you can afford to, buy a few extra items of food to give to your local food bank to help people in your community.

9. Donate any unwanted gifts you receive: Either to a charity shop or as a present to a friend or relative (if you know it’s something they would like!). Try to do this in a way that doesn’t offend your gift-giver!

10. Get a real Christmas tree: Real trees are the greener choice. That may seem wrong, as many of the eight million real trees sold in the UK are simply thrown out after Christmas, but they will rot down naturally in time, while many local councils offer a tree recycling service, turning unwanted Christmas trees into wood chips for use in parks and gardens.

In theory, an artificial tree, which is usually made from a mixture of metals and plastics should last forever and after about 15 years of re-use, they start to be a greener option than a real tree. But the reality is that most artificial trees are thrown away after a few uses, because they start to look a bit scruffy after a few years stuck in a shed, loft or cupboard!

11. Buy your real tree in a pot: You might be able to use a small real tree in a large pot for 2-3 years before you need to repot it, plant it or discard it. Just make sure it gets taken outside again once the festive season is over. Christmas trees don’t like being in the warmth of our houses for too long!

12. Go for a walk: Christmas is a great time to reconnect with nature. Why not head out for a walk, either before or after Christmas lunch, to work up an appetite or to help walk off all those festive calories!

13. Give the birds a Christmas treat: If you have any trees in your garden or school grounds, why not decorate them with some bird feeders over Christmas?

You can make the bird food yourself too - it’s a great activity for children.

14. Make homemade Christmas cards: A cool way to do this is to save last year’s Christmas cards and cut them up to create new designs that you can stick onto some plain card. But that takes a bit of planning - you have to have saved last year’s cards, so maybe it’s one for next year! You could also draw or paint your own cards. Home-made cards are always really appreciated, as the sender has to make much more effort to create them.

15. Make video cards: This is a great idea for primary schools, if you’ve got the technical know-how. Each child can record a quick Christmas message for their friends, which can then be played back on a big screen in the dining hall at lunchtime. In a school of 200 pupils, if pupils normally send 30 cards each to their friends, that’s a potential saving of 6,000 cards! Video Christmas cards might be a great way for friends and family to stay in touch too.

16. Use recycled wrapping paper, or make your own: Try to use wrapping paper made from recycled paper, re-use old wrapping paper or have fun creating your own wrapping from whatever you have spare. That could include old comics, old maps, posters or fabric offcuts. Avoid metallic or glossy wrapping papers, as they are really hard to re-use or recycle.

17. Use energy-efficient LED lighting for your Christmas tree: They use around 95% less energy than old-fashioned tree lights with traditional bulbs.

Remember to turn them off when you go to bed!

18. Try to decorate your tree using natural materials: Avoid plastic decorations and glitter.

19. Buy local, organic and free-range foods for your Christmas lunch: If you’ve planned ahead, you could even harvest the winter vegetables from your garden to accompany your meal.

20. Get creative with your leftovers! Most of us waste a third of the food we buy for the Christmas period.

You can make amazing dishes like bubble and squeak or frittata with your leftover veggies, and a brilliant curry with leftover turkey before making a soup or stock with the turkey bones. ypte.org.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 49

Science & Nature

A STAR IS BORN Rob Bygrave, Sherborne Science Café

I

n May 2016, Dr Jennifer Hatchell, Lecturer in Astrophysics at Exeter University, entertained us with a beautifully illustrated talk on current research into star and planet formation in our galaxy, the Milky Way. Dr Hatchell talked about how the Milky Way consists of various types of mature stars along with the raw materials needed for star formation: dust and gas (essentially hydrogen). Surprisingly, it is estimated that as few as two stars per year are formed in our galaxy. One problem for astronomers is that the regions where stars are formed are hidden by dust when observations are made at optical wavelengths.

We were shown images of the Orion nebula, one of the nearest star-forming regions, at both optical and 50 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

(longer) infra-red (IR) wavelengths.

Young stars, obscured by dust at optical wavelengths, are revealed in the near-IR. An understanding of the physics of star formation requires balancing the force of gravity (causing material to coalesce) and gas pressure (which resists the collapse). Proto-stars take about one million years to form, a process that has been modelled by Prof Matthew Bate in Exeter, using supercomputers. Some of the models take several months to run to complete the calculations, but we were shown simulations of the process condensed into a few seconds. The evolution to nuclear fusion (hydrogen ‘burning’), the process that fuels our sun, takes much longer – 100 million years.

Checking the computer models against observations takes astronomy into new areas, in particular sub-mm wavelengths. Dr Hatchell outlined those parts of the electro-magnetic spectrum that are available to earthbased telescopes, and described how the atmosphere, particularly atmospheric water, absorbs strongly at some wavelengths. One approach is to place telescopes in outer space, like the Hubble and Herschel Space Telescopes, or as far as possible above the atmosphere on Earth: major observatories are sited in Mauna Kea in Hawaii and in the Atacama Desert in Chile. A range of instruments now enable astronomers to look at a much wider range of wavelengths than previously, and to investigate the temperature of star-forming regions, and the relative amount of radiation at different wavelengths - important for comparing theory with observation. One particularly exciting recent development has been the introduction of ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimetre Array, a large-scale interferometer operating in the sub millimetre region.

Angular momentum within dust clouds leads to the formation of disks around proto-stars, the regions where planets are known to form.

Perhaps the most amazing of Dr Hatchell’s many remarkable images was of the proto-star HL Tauri, imaged by ALMA, showing disks separated by dark bands, thought to be evidence of planets in formation ‘clearing’ the dust. The comparison with our own solar system is striking. A very successful talk was followed by a lively session of questions.

Artist’s impression of an infant star, showing protoplanetary disks. Image: L. Calçada/ESO

Sherborne Science Café does not have a meeting in December. The next one will be on 26th January, with Professor Roland Jones from Bath University.

___________________________________________

"Proto-stars take about one million years to form. Their evolution to nuclear fusion takes 100 million years."

Wednesday 12th January 7.30pm Return of The Great Egg Race This lively competition returns with practical tasks, quiz,

refreshments and prizes. All you have to do is form a team (4 members max), register online and join us for a postChristmas science party! sherbornesciencecafe.com

___________________________________________ Wednesday 26th January 7.30pm Understanding Epilepsy – Speaker: Professor Roland Jones from Bath University Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne

From sacrifices and exorcism to cannabis and the human brain in a dish. sherborne.scafe@gmail.com

___________________________________________ sherbornetimes.co.uk | 51

On Foot

52 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

On Foot

LITTLEBREDY, LONG BREDY AND POOR LOT BARROW CEMETERY Emma Tabor and Paul Newman

Distance: 4½ miles (plus extra mile for detours) Time: Approx. 3 hours Park: By the village green in Littlebredy Walk Features: A circuit which takes in the head of the Bride valley with a bracing return along the ridge overlooking Black Down, plus detours to view Martin’s Down Bank Barrow and Poor Lot Barrow Cemetery.

There is one moderate climb from Long Bredy up Long Barrow Hill. The walk is boggy in a couple of places but otherwise straightforward.

Refreshments: The White Horse, Litton Cheney >

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 53

On Foot

E

ach month we devise a walk for you to try with your family and friends (including four-legged members) pointing out a few interesting things along the way, be it flora, fauna, architecture, history, the unusual and sometimes the unfamiliar. For December, we discover the head of the Bride Valley, with the distinct church towers of St Michael and All Angels in Littlebredy and St Peter’s in Long Bredy, nestling beneath Black Down. There are fine views south towards the coast and across the surrounding downland, marked by strip lynchets, as well as many signs of prehistoric activity including bank barrows, long barrows and cross dykes. The return route provides the opportunity to walk up to Martin’s Down Bank Barrow and also detour to Poor Lot Barrow Cemetery which has all four types of round barrows and rarer pond and disc barrows.

54 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Directions

Start: SY 587 891 There is plenty of space to park along the road running by the village green, just after the bus shelter.

1 Before setting out, take time to admire some of the fine buildings in Littlebredy with a mix of architectural styles including Jacobean and Gothic.

2 Turn down a marked footpath by the bus shelter.

After 75 yards, turn right across a small section of grassy common to a stile. Climb this then head diagonally across the centre of a field, slightly uphill, towards a wooden stile on the right. Head over the stile and straight across the next field, following the contours around a large oak tree in a marshy area, towards another wooden stile set in the next fence.

Cross this, into a marshy field and reed bed, which is very boggy in places. The footpath soon meets a

short wooden walkway; cross another stile into a not-so-marshy field! Go straight ahead and uphill towards a group of beech trees where a hedge on your right reaches the trees. Turn right in front of the beeches; there is a stile on the right which you go over to then meet the road.

3 Turn left onto the road and walk for just over 1/3 mile. Where the road is crossed by the Macmillan Way, it then turns sharply left. On this bend, at the entrance to Belmont House and Farm, go slight right off the road, through the gate that faces you as you leave the road. There is no visible footpath sign but go through the gate (with a golden duck on it) into the field ahead. Do not go up the drive to Belmont House. Head uphill towards a small metal gate in the hedge - ignore the stile towards the left. Go through the gate, up the field and keep the fence and trees on your right. You soon come to a seven-bar metal gate on your right. Go through this and follow the footpath to emerge into a triangular corner of a field. Head uphill and then round to your left, following the contour of the hill.

The village of Long Bredy is now visible down to your left hugging the base of the hill, with the coast beyond. As you walk around the hill, the view opens up to reveal bare-shouldered hills, lined with sheep tracks, with the square-turreted church of St Peter’s nestling in the fold of the combe. Look out for buzzards, ravens and green woodpeckers along here as well as flocks of goldfinches. You soon meet a fence with a small wooden gate - pass through this into a small paddock, turn slight left and walk down towards a small metal gate taking you out of the paddock and then into a drive between buildings.

Emerge onto a road at a junction and then bear round to the right following the sign for the church.

4 Just before the church, turn right through a large gate, heading uphill along a sunken field track, between grassy banks. Go through another gate and keep heading uphill, with a lovely view over the church and school houses. After a few more yards, you reach the top of the hill and three gates. You can detour here and go left for ⅓ mile and climb Martin’s Down to take a closer look at the Bank Barrow and Long Barrow. Otherwise, go through the small metal gate on the right and turn right.

5 Walk along this track for a short while; where the track then turns left, keep going straight on through a seven-bar metal gate. At the top, go through a

five-bar metal gate keeping the wire fence on your right. There are some good views all around from here. You then come to a seven-bar metal gate with a bridleway sign. Go through this, keeping straight on; on your right is a lovely, old, crumbling flint wall studded with wind-blown hawthorns. You will start to see more barrows along the ridge. A view then opens up across Poor Lot Barrow Cemetery which has over 40 barrows of differing types, size and construction. If you are carrying an OS Explorer map, you will see cross dykes marked along the path here as well.

6 You will soon meet another five-bar metal gate.

Go through this and then cross the middle of a large field - look out for the large barrow on your left which the field boundary bisects. Once you reach the hedge, go through the gate then turn immediately left. Keep the hedge on your left, heading downhill until you meet another track.

You can take the second detour of the walk here and turn left to investigate Poor Lot Cemetery further. Otherwise, turn right onto the track, which is the route of the Jubilee Trail. The track heads slightly downhill and then uphill, around the edge of a wood on your left and soon passing farm buildings on your right. After a short while, you will meet a road junction.

7 Turn right here onto the road and follow the sign for ‘Littlebredy ½ mile’ downhill until you reach the village and back to where you have parked.

The light was fading as we completed the walk.

Descending the road into Littlebredy, we watched the leaves falling from the trees, which formed a sheltered boundary along the road. The failing light through the trees was sublime, bouncing off the sea and revealing the outline of nearby Crow Hill and Tenant Hill. As with many of the walks, we wanted to linger. It was a moment of crepuscular wonder and, in the confusion of twilight and hibernal gloom, we realised that among the falling leaves a bat was patrolling the canopy.

As the year closes, we’d like to say thank you to readers who have enjoyed the walks, even if just through reading them! We hope that we’ve been able to convey some of the wonder and interest of what we’ve seen. We’ve tried to give a sense of the variety of things to see at different points throughout the year and look forward to sharing some more walks in 2022. sherbornetimes.co.uk | 55

History

LOST DORSET

NO. 18 SHERBORNE

‘U

David Burnett, The Dovecote Press

p to Lodge’, 1906. Traditionally, children and the elderly went to the Castle Estate Yard at 9am on Christmas Day to receive ‘two bright pennies’ from the Wingfield Digby family, owners of Sherborne Castle and much of the town.

The origins of the custom are uncertain, though it was regularly recorded in Victorian times. The Western Gazette noted that in 1906 the elderly were given four pence each, children two, and, ‘it is estimated that 1,200 applicants received the bounty’ – hence the crowd of children gathered in the background. The tradition continued unbroken through both world wars and the change to decimalisation, though not alas the dangers posed by Covid in 2020. Hopefully, it will be renewed again this Christmas, with the children being given chocolate coins and the remaining recipients coins and a commemorative card. dovecotepress.com Lost Dorset: The Towns 1880-1920, the companion volume to Lost Dorset: The Villages and Countryside, is a 220-page large format hardback, price £20, and is available locally from Winstone’s Books or directly from the publishers.

56 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

D I S C O V E R | E AT | S H O P | S TAY | C E L E B R AT E

Time to be merry, time to be bright...

Welcome to Symondsbury Estate, set in the beautiful Dorset countryside just a stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast. Join us for lunch. Browse our shops.

Visit the gallery. Explore our fabulous walks and bike trails. Relax and unwind in our holiday accommodation. Celebrate your wedding day... +44 (0)1308 424116 symondsburyestate.co.uk Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6HG

History

DORSET’S FAERIE REALM Cindy Chant & John Drabik

T

he romantic notion of faeries, those endearing winged creatures dancing gracefully and creating a delightful scene, is how most people perceive them. But if the old tales are to be believed, we must be cautious, and beware the Fae! These eerie creatures are known to be mischievous, malevolent, often dangerous, and rarely friendly to humans. They are ‘Nature Spirits’ and possess magical powers, and therefore must be treated with the greatest respect – they do not take kindly to being disturbed by us mortals.

If you think you can go looking for them, traditionally at high noon, or on moonlit nights, then you may be making a grave mistake, as many have tried. One tale tells of a woman so determined to hear 58 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

the strange faerie music emanating from the Bronze Age barrows at Bincombe, near Weymouth, that she ignored all the local warnings - once detected, the soul-stirring melody will send the listener into a fatal slumber. She stubbornly persisted with her quest, and was never seen again.

Another tale tells of a pretty young nine-year-old girl called Ann Ward and the bewitching music coming from Colmers Hill, near Bridport. One day the curious Ann, attracted by the haunting melody, climbed the hill and came across, what she perceived to be, an innocent faerie ring. Having stepped inside, as children do, she was immediately swept into a fast whirling faerie dance.

So ferocious was her dancing that, after being lifted up

Andreiuc88/Shutterstock

and thrown out of the ring, she was left panting and exhausted. The call of the faerie ring brought her back to dance every day, and each day she was tossed out of the ring and left totally drained on the grassy hill.

In time she became frail and listless, but still indulged in her daily wild dance with the faeries. Sadly, after failing to return home for supper one evening, her fraught mother discovered her dishevelled and lifeless body, lying next to the faerie ring. Ann had danced herself to death.

Another story tells of a simple teenage boy, named Lubberlu, who was occasionally called upon to run errands for the medieval monks at Bindon Abbey.

One summer’s day, while walking along the banks of

the River Frome, a strikingly beautiful girl mysteriously appeared from behind a clump of bulrushes. With her sparkling eyes and cascading silvery hair, she looked irresistible to the smitten Lubberlu. She beckoned him to come closer…and kiss her. Lubberlu was instantly enchanted, and returned to the spot day after day.

Despite the repeated warnings by the monks, who were wise to the fact she was no ordinary mortal, he was head over heels in love with her. One day, her murderous intent was revealed, as, after a search along the river bank, poor Lubberlu was found dead, faced down, tangled amongst the weeds. He had drowned at the hands of a young but deadly ‘Fairy Nymphet’.

Of course, not all faerie stories are so grizzly. There is the beautiful little St. James Church, hidden away in Lewcombe, a remote corner of West Dorset. This was not, however, the place where the church should have been built. Workmen had completed laying the foundations at the bottom of nearby Castle Hill, in East Chelborough. This hill, like many hills, was reputed to be inhabited by faeries, and as we all know, faeries do not take too kindly to buildings, however sacred, being built so close to their home. In the morning every stone was found to have been moved, and piled in a heap beside the river in Lewcombe.

The puzzled workmen set about returning the stones to their original position, and with an enormous effort, re-laid the footings and a substantial amount of the construction. But, alas, the next morning the stones were found once more in a heap by the river. The same thing happened again the following night. The workmen despaired, and the folk of East Chelborough decided that Lewcombe by the river, was now the place where the church should be built.

There is a similar faerie story concerning the church in Folke, which should have been built down the road at Broke Wood, and also the church in Holnest is said to have incurred the wrath of the Fae. So, as you can see, nothing is sacred to these faeries.

They have even been known to come out of their abode in Hod Hill, enter the bell-tower of Stourpaine’s Holy Trinity church through the now aptly named Faerie Door, and ring the bells by peeing on them – just a little tinkle!

So let us not tempt fate by disturbing them, searching for them, or destroying their habitat.

Instead, let us learn to live in harmony with the faerie community. After all, regardless of your beliefs, or how you feel about them, they are our ‘Nature Spirits’. sherbornetimes.co.uk | 59

History OBJECT OF THE MONTH

THE CYPRIOT PERFUME JAR Elisabeth Bletsoe, Curator, Sherborne Museum

A

pproximately 49 per cent of all perfume sales during the year in Britain are made in November and December, so it seems that fragrance is considered one of the most popular as well as the most thoughtful and personal of Christmas gifts.

In my search for a seasonal object this month, I alighted on this little onion-shaped pottery jar, roughly 10cm high, brushed delicately with reddish lattice patterns. It is recorded as a Middle Bronze Age perfume flask from Cyprus, and it was one of the earliest accessions into our collections. It is wrapped in a riddle, however, for it was discovered here in Sherborne, concealed within the fabric of an outbuilding wall in the property of Greenhill House at the top of Hospital Lane, being revealed only when the building was demolished in order to widen the road.

Scent takes a direct route to the brain’s limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, regions that are related to emotion and memory.

Its visceral language can have a significant impact on cognition, mood and social behaviour. Perfume, therefore, has the potential to influence human experience and provides a spiritual connection to life, underpinning primordial sacred acts, as well as forming the basis for cosmetics and medical science.

Its origins are believed to date back to 5000 BC in Mesopotamia where archaeological digs in Mosul in modern Iraq uncovered evidence of perfume manufacture. The skills migrated to Anatolia, then to the Mediterranean and beyond.

Reference to a Cypriot perfume merchant was discovered on a 4000-year-old tablet found in the Greek city of Thebes. Cyprus was the site of several perfume factories which manufactured for export across the Eastern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age and one of these was excavated in 2005, in a dig led by 60 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Maria Belgiorno. The main target market was Crete, where perfume commanded a high price and was used for funerary rites and religious ceremonies.

According to the archaeologists, who managed to isolate twelve different scents, the perfume was composed of essences extracted by a precise distillation process in clay vases of specific proportions. Cypriot perfume was distinguished by the rare quality of its olive oil, in which was mixed the extracts from indigenous local flora: laurel, myrtle, oak moss, citrusy bergamot, labdanum (rock rose), and neroli with resins of terebinth and conifer. Cinnamon, nard and olibanum were imported from Phoenicia.

From the 14th century, Eau de Chypre (Cyprus) was exported from the island into Europe although at that time it had a strong labdanum base and was worn mostly by men as it was quite woody with autumnal notes. It was used as a prophylactic against plague and burnt in ‘birdies’ or bird-shaped burners in aristocratic rooms; later, during the Renaissance, it was used for powdering wigs. By the early 19th century it had developed a floral-amber centre and gradually became less opulent with lighter notes of musk, vanilla, rose and iris. In 1917 in France, Francois Coty reinterpreted the perfume to create Chypre, a dark and complex scent that created an aura of intimacy popular with women.

Although no longer produced, it has left its legacy in a family of perfumes, all containing sparkling top notes of bergamot with a floral heart, resting on bases of moss, labdanum and patchouli.

We thank all our visitors, volunteers and members for their unfailing support of the museum and wish you all a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. sherbornemuseum.co.uk

Antiques

BOOK WORMS

Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers

W

hen looking at books there is one line on the end, or fly papers, we look for which is ‘First Edition’, printed preferably with ‘First Impression’ so you know it is a good early copy. Back in the 1990s, when I was working for auctioneers in Yorkshire, I headed up their book department. I have always had an interest in books and volunteered myself for the position as no-one else wanted to do it.

There are many rewarding parts to running a book department. The first is, of course, getting to see, handle and smell the books along with an occasional long read. But as you imagine, there are also some not-so-rewarding parts.

Thankfully, I was fit and young in the 1990s. Just as well as I have no idea how many tons of books I sorted, catalogued and moved. I remember one particular library I catalogued; it was a classic gentleman’s library formed in the 19th century with mostly historical and literature tomes. During the Second World War the country house they came from was commandeered for use, probably as a hospital. Many of the items in the house were put into storage, but whoever organised this clearly did not like books as they were all put into the damp cellar. They remained in the cellar and continued to deteriorate over many years. By the time they surfaced to be sold they were all in a pretty sorry state and whilst they sold reasonably well, I cannot start to guess what they would have made if they had been better stored.

But this was a classic gentleman’s library of books from the 19th century. Although they were well received, there was not the excitement which books

printed in the 20th and 21st centuries can generate.

Put simply, the demand for modern first editions way outstrips the demand for classic historical volumes such as Gibbons famous The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. I still find it unbelievable that a first edition Harry Potter can sell for £100,000. In the Bromell household we have two copies each of all the Harry Potter books printed, as one copy was not enough for the family for such a wizard read!

However, not all modern first editions carry such a hefty price tag. Recently, a client brought in some books to the saleroom for valuation. They belonged to her late husband, which was confirmed by him writing his name on the end papers in case they were lent out or just to show proud ownership. Most of the group of books dated to the early 1960s, clearly a time he enjoyed reading, but one book stood out for me – A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Here, I must confess the book is not really my cup of tea, but there is a huge following for Anthony Burgess and a huge following for this book, which, as many of you will know, was made into a film with the same title which today has a cult status.

As mentioned above, not my personal choice for a light read on a Sunday morning, but this 1962 first edition, even with its price crudely torn out, the dust jacket with a few knocks, bumps, a little faded and with the original owner’s name written on it, is estimated to sell for £400-600 in our book auction on Thursday 6th January, and will no doubt be hotly contested. charterhouse-auction.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 61

CHARTERHOUSE Auctioneers & Valuers

Forthcoming Auction Programme

Picture, Maps & Books 6th January Mid-Century, Antiques & Interiors 7th January Classic & Collector Cars 3rd March Classic & Collector Motorcycles 9th March Further entries invited

1955 MG TF 1500 in our March auction

Contact Richard Bromell for advice on single items and complete collections Valuations for Probate and Insurance

The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com

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64 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

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sherbornetimes.co.uk | 65

Gardening

HOLLY BEARS THE CROWN Mike Burks, Managing Director, The Gardens Group

Marina Volodina/Shutterstock

66 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

T

here are many plants associated with Christmas, with the Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy listing two – the holly representing Jesus and the ivy being the Virgin Mary, although there are some who say that it has pagan origins. Whichever is true, and of course both could be, both plants are really useful around Christmas.

Hollies can be in full berry at Christmas and are often used in wreaths, swags or even stuck in the top of the Christmas pud! It’s the female varieties that bear the fruit including Golden King, which is female, with Silver Queen a male. Golden King has wonderful golden variegation in its leaves and bright red fruit. There are some hermaphrodite varieties, which means both male and female flowers are on the same plant and JC Van Tol is one with a mass of red berries.

Ivies too are heavily used in wreaths and garlands and being evergreen are tough and can cope very happily with being hacked about; they are perfect for this role. It may be that the ordinary green variety is the best for such purposes but look out for the variegated varieties too such as Goldheart or the fine-cut leaf forms such as Sagittarius.

The leaf shape of ivy changes when the plant moves from its juvenile to its adult form when the defined finger-like leaves change to much more rounded shapes. At this stage the plant also starts to be able to flower serving as a really useful food source for many insects late in the year. Birds love the berries and they are also favoured by flower arrangers who use them when making Christmas displays.

Mistletoe has not been in high demand in Covid times but it’s very much a part of Christmas. It dates back to the 8th century as a tradition but it’s uncertain as to why. It certainly has links to druid rituals and is often referred to as having medicinal or even magical properties. The plant grows in the cracks and crevices of trees including mature apples and is semi-parasitic. This means that it has rootlike structures that penetrate the host obtaining water and nutrients, but it can photosynthesise without the help of its host.

There are many houseplants associated with Christmas, including the Poinsettia which is a type of Euphorbia. Traditionally, Poinsettias are grown for their red bracts (which are the leaves that come underneath the insignificant flowers). However, with modern plant breeding there are now pink, white, cream or even variegated forms giving a different twist. They originate from central America and the red leaves form when they have had 12 hours of darkness for a period of eight weeks or so. It is sometimes known as the Flower of Christmas or the Christmas Star.

A type of succulent, the Christmas cacti or Schlumbergera is often associated with Christmas but could also be known as the Easter cacti too! In fact, it can be in flower at all sorts of different times of the year. It is a pleasing plant and easy to propagate making it good fun for younger gardeners. Traditionally, the plants would be abandoned under the greenhouse bench for a few weeks in the summer and then be brought back upright, fed and watered, with flower buds following soon afterwards.

I love Amaryllis. They offer a wonderful huge flower and if bigger bulbs are grown there can be a cluster of flowers or a ‘succession’ and can ‘wow’ for many weeks. They make an excellent present especially as a kit with the bulb, a pot and some potting compost as the pleasure is in growing it yourself and watching the development of the leaves and the flowers. There are so many flower colours and shapes available now, but my preference remains the dark red which is stunning.

Plants are important throughout the year but can give special joy over the weeks to Christmas and into New Year. thegardensgroup.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 67

Gardening

WINTER BIRDS

Simon Ford, Gardener and Land and Nature Adviser

D

ecember can be quite a forlorn month, trudging through muddy fields with heavy clods of clay sticking to the wellies and the odd ‘caw’ from some rooks in a distant oak tree. Most of the trees and hedges are bare of leaves and only the odd brave red campion in the hedge is still in flower.

In the past, winter stubble would have been left by farmers, with weed seeds to sustain birds, but nowadays, it is much more common for winter wheat or barley to be planted in the autumn, which is devoid of food for wildlife.

Some hedgerow trees that have not been flailed, still have fruit and nuts, such as hawthorn, holly, crab-apple, spindle, hazel, acorn and beech-mast. These are very important for our birds as well as mammals such as wood mouse and grey squirrel. However, many species of birds fly south to warmer climes in the winter, where they can find ample food and do not have to scratch out a sparse living in the fields of Dorset. These include insect eating species such as swallows, house martins, swifts, cuckoos, flycatchers and chiffchaffs. They are known as summer visitors and will breed here, before 68 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

returning to their winter haunts.

While many species that we love to see in our gardens and countryside are not going to be back until April or May, there is a corresponding group of birds known as winter visitors, which make the United Kingdom their winter home. These are generally species which breed in northern countries such as Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland and Greenland, but understandably cannot find food under the snow and ice in the winter, so come here to enjoy our relative balmy weather, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Most well known are the large flocks of geese, such as brent, barnacle and pinkfooted, whooper swans, waders such as the graceful avocets as well as widgeon, goldeneye and eider duck.

These are drawn to the coast and large wetlands, such as the Somerset Levels, the Severn and Exe Estuary, Poole Harbour and the Fleet. They make a wonderful spectacle and draw bird watchers from near and far.

Dress up warm and bring binoculars or a telescope to the hides at Slimbridge, Ham Walls, Greylake, Brownsea Island or Radipole Lake.

DKeith/Shutterstock

However, it is possible to see large flocks of rather beautiful birds in the thrush family, known as redwings and fieldfares, in West Dorset farmland and occasionally gardens. These birds are attracted to fruit such as hawthorn, rowan and also fallen apples in orchards and will work systematically along suitable hedgerows in groups, making quite a noise. Sometimes they will strip garden shrubs, such as the orange berries of Pyracantha.

Arguably the greatest spectacle of all are flocks of a once common and maligned bird - the starling. People think of them as a dowdy black bird which makes a mess, but they have the most beautiful iridescent green and purple feathers when caught in the right light. They also have an incredible vocabulary, but in the winter, they descend on favoured sites (often wetlands, with large willow trees) in their tens of thousands. As the sun begins to go down, they will fly to their roost sites from around the area and congregate to create wonderful displays, known as murmurations. These form amazing shapes which constantly change, before suddenly diving down to roost in their preferred trees. A trip before dusk

to Shapwick or Ham Walls near Glastonbury is the South West’s version of the Aurora borealis or northern lights!

With food in the wild sadly quite limited on much of our farmland, many people will do their best to feed birds. Sunflower, niger, peanuts, grain, all provide food for various species of bird and can help sustain them over the winter. Allowing flowers to go to seed, will also provide valuable sustenance for species like goldfinches.

Leaving hedges untrimmed on farmland with the many berries of black bryony, honeysuckle, hawthorn, sloes, spindle and buckthorn will be really beneficial for food and shelter. Birds will also need fresh water and this may need regular topping up and replacing if it freezes.

It is recommended that feeders are regularly washed in something like Milton fluid, to avoid passing on debilitating and potentially fatal infections.

Wrap up warm and explore the countryside around Sherborne, or take a trip to our wetlands and estuaries for a real treat. Happy Christmas. simonfordgardening.wordpress.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 69

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72 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

SHERBORNE ABBEY CHOIR Words Jo Denbury Photography Katharine Davies

I

have a confession to make. Sometimes, when no one is home, I listen to Gregorian monks chanting. It’s not what they are chanting about that matters, it is simply the sound of the voice as a musical instrument that I enjoy. It soothes and calms. I am not sure where it comes from, but my suspicion is that it’s a throwback to my childhood memory of hearing my father singing in the kitchen in the early morning. He was of Welsh extraction and a pretty good tenor and it’s that purring sound that I still find a reassuring start to the day. Of course, the monks only come out when I am alone for fear of other members of the family storming in with, ‘What is that noise?’ and immediately telling Alexa to play something else. The fact is that singing is in our bones; music affects us all in some way or other. >

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 73

74 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Sherborne is a town blessed with a musical hub at its very heart: the Abbey, home to the long-standing and nationally-recognised Sherborne Abbey Choir.

This flourishing group draws choristers from across the town’s schools, state and private alike. I meet with Jamie Henderson, Musical Director of Sherborne School and the Abbey choir, fresh from auditions at Sherborne Abbey Primary. ‘I had 50 children lining up to take part,’ says Jamie of the process, ‘it was wonderful to see because during lockdown we haven’t been able to visit schools.’

Jamie took the helm as Director of Music at Sherborne School in 2005 – a role that saw him returning to his alma mater. ‘After a music scholarship to Sherborne School I was fortunate to receive an organ scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, where the tradition is for the scholar to be the Director of Music.

In the ‘80s a choir of trebles from Christ Church Cathedral School and undergraduate ‘back rows’ sang three or four times a week. I led that for three years plus many other musical events.’ The experience led Jamie to direct the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford; Portsmouth Baroque Choir and Yeovil Chamber Choir.

He also served as Chorusmaster of Dorset Opera for several years and held teaching positions at Oxford School, Stowe and Portsmouth Grammar before returning to Sherborne.

As a child, Jamie started playing the piano aged five, the clarinet at eight and the organ as, he admits, a ‘quite late’ 16-year-old. A musical prodigy you might say, but no – Jamie is quite open to the fact that any child who is, ‘singing while they’re swinging,’ [on their swing] is likely to be musical and a choir is but one platform for that talent to blossom. ‘A child that is singing voluntarily should be given the opportunity to meet with me and pursue it. The joy that comes from being in the choir is second to none,’ Jamie enthuses, ‘and singing opens doors to musical instruments.’

‘It takes a long time to learn music,’ explains Jamie, ‘but by participating in a choir you are swept along; it is like being part of a team and children become obsessed with participation.’ Harriet Chappell, mother of head chorister Oliver, agrees, ‘Oliver has been in the Abbey Choir for seven years – half his life – and he loves it. In particular, the friendship between the boys and it’s really nice for them to have friends outside of school.’ > sherbornetimes.co.uk | 75

76 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 77

She adds, ‘He enjoys the leadership and the responsibility gained as he’s become more senior. Of course he loves the singing and the huge range of music he gets to perform with the choir.’ The role of the choir should not be underestimated in these formative years notes Jamie, ‘It gives a child a unique start in life. There is a real sense of belonging and teamsmanship, everybody plays their part and if one chorister is missing then the sound suffers because there are no subs in this team.’

The role of the choir is to lead and elevate liturgical song, bolstering the congregation in their musical expression of worship. In other churches the texts are spoken, but here at the Abbey, cathedrals elsewhere, Oxbridge and some parish churches, the text is set to music. ‘The variety of music is huge,’ Jamie enthuses.

‘Fundamentally, the choir is made up of four parts: the trebles, the altos (ladies), the tenors and basses – the ‘back-row’ stemming from all walks of life and often driving long distances to be part of the choir.’

Singing is said to release endorphins associated with feelings of pleasure and many of us can attest to 78 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

an uplift in mood when singing along to the radio.

Imagine then the joy of singing your heart out (in perfect tune, might I add) with a group of friends striving as one to reach a dizzying emotional peak.

Jamie concurs, ‘Most people who get involved in choral singing are bitten by the bug. They ask themselves – is that my sort of thing? – but the fact is that being in the choir becomes their moment of time whether they are of a faith or not.’

Do humans have a fundamental need to sing?

‘Absolutely,’ says Jamie. ‘It was very interesting that during Covid the choir kept going on Zoom and particularly the adult members did report serious well-being issues from the lack of meeting up in person to sing, to the point of feeling down. In fact, when we weren’t allowed to sing due to Covid regulations, members of the congregation told me that they would come to the service and then go home and listen to the hymns on YouTube because they had missed it so much.’ It is clearly a sound that resonates on a very deep personal level.’ Choral music converts people who

thought they only liked rock music,’ explains Jamie.

‘They hear this heavenly sound and they start asking about it, getting to know about it and they become absorbed. We are lucky in Sherborne to have such huge quality of music-making right in the centre of town and which everyone can come and enjoy.’

The Abbey Choir uphold the important tradition of inclusivity and children are actively welcomed from all of the town’s schools. The choristers are paid ‘pocket money’, starting at the junior level – the blue ribbons – and it increases with each level passed. ‘Of course, they have a huge sense of pride,’ says Jamie. ‘A boy whose voice doesn’t break until he is 15 is delighted!’ Some of their earnings come from the concerts performed over Christmas, Easter and during the summer. ‘The congregation values the importance of music within the liturgy and enjoys the choral s sound,’ says Jamie.

The town also hosts the Sherborne Abbey Music Festival that raises money towards musical education for children who would otherwise not have the means.

Since the recent arrival of the new Rector, Reverend

Martin Lee – himself a musician – there are plans afoot for Jamie to form a girls’ choir, adding an exciting new dynamic to the Abbey’s sound.

Sitting, listening to the choir in the Abbey is, whatever your faith might be, an uplifting experience.

‘It’s an amazing privilege to sing in the Abbey because it’s one of the most splendid buildings in England.

The stone, shape and height of it make for wonderful acoustics,’ explains Jamie, ‘it’s just a joy to sing in.’

If curious, I would suggest attending Choral Evensong on a Sunday evening. There is no sermon and no expectation, just an opportunity to sit and listen. If compelled to join in you can do so, from the safety of the pews, on your own terms and safe in the knowledge that the choir are there to guide you. ___________________________________________ Sunday 5th December 6pm Choral Evensong Sherborne Abbey. For details of all services visit sherborneabbey.com/services/

___________________________________________ sherbornetimes.co.uk | 79

elizabethwatsonillustration.com

FROM FIELD TO

CHRISTMAS

TABLE

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See more at www.thestorypig.co.uk A wide selection of Tamworth meats and meat boxes.

Please email or phone us with your individual requirements.

Also now taking bookings for our amazing Tamworth Hog roasts, you have never had crackling like it!!

The Story Pig, Sandford Orcas, Sherborne Winter Café & Shop open Every Saturday and Sunday 10 - 3pm 80 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

The Festive Season at

THE CLOCKSPIRE

Festive Lunch Menu

12 O’clock Gin

Head Chef Luke Sutton and his team will be showcasing modern English dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients, using market-led British produce and vegetables from our plots at nearby Ven House. Choose from a great selection of three starters, three main courses and three desserts. Available from November 17th and throughout December.

We’ve teamed up with local distillery The Somerset Spirit Company in Castle Cary to produce our own signature London Dry gin. The style is mellow and harmonious and the blend of aromatics includes some secret locallyforaged ingredients, orange leaves from the Conservatory at Ven House as well as juniper, bay, angelica, coriander and cassia bark. We’ve named it 12 O’Clock gin in homage to our own clocktower. Available to order online.

Hampers

Tuesday 21st December Opening

Our glorious Christmas hamper is full of festive luxuries including our own gin and an exclusive 007 Bollinger Cuvée.

There are some wonderful locally-sourced Dorset cheeses (with some great crackers) and Somerset charcuterie to enjoy. Plus there are many treats made by Luke and his team in The Clockspire kitchens including Christmas Pudding, Mincemeat, Macarons, Chutney, Biscotti and our amazing hand-made chocolates. Available to order online.

For the Christmas week we will be open for 6 days rather than 5, enabling us to spread our reservations and provide an opportunity for all locals to enjoy The Clockspire experience in a safe and relaxed environment.

To make a reservation please book online at www.theclockspire.com or telephone 01963 251458 The Clockspire Restaurant & Bar

Gainsborough, Milborne Port, Sherborne DT9 5BA @theclockspire

Food and Drink THE CAKE WHISPERER Val Stones

CHRISTMAS MINCE PIE CHEESECAKE

I

really love mincemeat, at any time of the year, but restrain myself to the winter season. In October I cook my easy mincemeat - perfect folded into ice cream or, on this occasion, into this creamy dessert. It turns an ordinary cheesecake into a festive treat. Serves 8-10 Timings

Mincemeat can be made before the cheesecake – this will take about one hour.

For the cheesecake - 30 minutes to prepare, plus one hour baking and a further hour in the oven with the oven switched off. Overnight in the refrigerator to set completely. It will take 15 minutes to decorate.

What you will need

A large pan.

3 x 1 lb sterilised jars.

A springform 9-inch (23cm) cake tin about 3-inches (7.5cm) high.

Baking parchment (and silicone circle if wanted).

Kitchen foil to place around the pan so water won’t leak into the cheesecake.

A shallow baking pan large enough to place the cake tin in to use as a bain-marie.

A piping bag.

A star nozzle.

Preparation

Lightly grease the tin.

Cut a strip of non-stick baking parchment to fit around the sides of the tin, fold the bottom edge of the strip up by about 1-inch/2.5cm creasing it firmly, then open out the fold and cut slanting lines into this narrow strip at intervals.

Fit this into the greased tin with the snipped edge in the base of the tin and put a circle of non-stick baking parchment or a silicone circle on top.

82 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

For the mincemeat Ingredients

150g sultanas 150g light brown sugar 150ml cider 100g raisins 2 medium-sized Bramley apples (around 150g when cored and peeled) 50g dried cherries, chopped 50g dried cranberries, chopped 30g unsalted butter or vegan alternative 25g pre-soaked Californian prunes, chopped Zest and juice of 1 small orange Zest and juice of 1 small lemon 3 tablespoons brandy 3 tablespoons orange liqueur 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (If you want to keep the recipe alcohol-free then substitute the alcohol for 6 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice and replace the cider with apple juice.)

Method

1 Peel and grate the apples and place them in a large pan with the brown sugar, cider, orange and lemon zests along with the juice of the fruits.

2 Stir well and place on a medium heat. Gradually bring to the boil stirring frequently until the apples are soft.

3 Add the butter, dried fruits, prunes and spices to the pan, stir well and simmer until thickened (about 30 minutes).

4 Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

5 Once cool, stir in the brandy and the orange liqueur (or the orange juice). The mincemeat can be packed into jars or into containers until needed.

For the cheesecake base Ingredients

300g digestive biscuits or you could use shortbread biscuits 70g unsalted butter 25g demerara sugar Method

1 Melt the butter in a large saucepan.

2 Blitz the biscuits to fine crumbs in a food processor or place in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Stir into the melted butter, add the sugar and combine. Remove from the heat and put into the lined cake pan.

3 Smooth flat, but don’t push down too hard; you don’t want a tightly packed crust. Put in the fridge for half an hour to set.

Set the oven 160C, 325F, gas mark 3

For the filling

cheese mixture.

5 Remove the cake pan from the fridge, wrap it in tin foil (this will stop the water leaking into the cake pan), place it in a roasting pan, and pour in the cream cheese filling.

6 Pour hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the outside of the cake pan. Carefully slide into the oven and bake for an hour. You will find that the middle of the cheesecake will feel uncooked and wobbly, but that is how it should be.

7 Switch off the oven, close the door, and leave the cheesecake for a further hour.

8 Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and then refrigerate overnight to ensure a good set.

Ingredients

To decorate

600g full fat cream cheese 180g caster sugar 25g plain flour 4 medium eggs separated – whisk the egg whites to firm but not dry Zest of an unwaxed orange 4 drops orange extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 150g sour cream 150g double cream, lightly whipped 250g mincemeat

200ml double cream 1 tablespoon icing sugar 1 tablespoon apple brandy or plain brandy 4 drops orange extract 10 slices dried oranges or you can use gold foil Fresh fruits if you wish Pouring cream to serve

Method

1 Put the cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer and beat for a couple of minutes until smooth. Add the flour and beat to combine.

2 Add the orange zest, orange extract and vanilla extract.

3 Add the eggs yolks one at a time, beating each one thoroughly before adding the next. Scrape down the sides regularly.

4 Stir in the sour cream with a large spatula, then fold in the whipped cream followed by the whisked egg whites. Fold in the mincemeat with a metal spoon, stirring only enough to ripple it lightly through the

Method

1 Place the cream and icing sugar in a stand mixer and beat to a piping consistency.

2 Add the orange extract and brandy.

3 Place the nozzle in the piping bag and fill with the cream.

4 Pipe rosettes around the top of the cheesecake and then place the orange slices angled to alternate between rosettes. If you wish you can decorate with fresh fruits and/or small pieces of gold foil. Well, it is Christmas.

The cheesecake will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days.

Remove the cheesecake 15 minutes from the fridge before serving. bakerval.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 83

Food and Drink

SPICED KIDNEY BEAN, TURKEY AND WALNUT SALAD Sasha Matkevich and Jack Smith, The Green

A

variation of a Georgian classic can be found on almost every family table during the festive season. Here’s ours.

Ingredients Serves 6

1kg turkey breast, diced 3 tablespoons sunflower oil 4 red onions, halved and finely sliced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 300g walnuts, skinned and chopped 1 large bunch of coriander, chopped ½ bunch of dill, chopped 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground marigold 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 800g red kidney beans, cooked and drained 4 tablespoons mayonnaise To garnish: Seeds of 1 pomegranate Pomegranate molasses Basil Sea salt Chilli flakes to taste 84 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Image: Clint Randall

Method:

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and poach the turkey breast on a medium heat for 15 minutes.

2 Use a knife or toothpick to check the turkey is cooked through then drain and set aside to cool down.

3 Place the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and add onions and garlic, cook for 10 minutes stirring continually on a low heat until translucent.

4 Meanwhile, place the walnuts in a food processor and liquidise to a very fine smooth paste (this can take up to 6 minutes) 5 Transfer walnut paste into a large bowl with ground coriander, cumin, marigold, cloves, cinnamon, vinegar and mayonnaise – use a spatula to mix into a smooth paste.

6 Place the beans with onions and stir until well combined. Add turkey, walnut paste mix, chopped coriander and dill.

7 Stir again until everything is incorporated together, remove to a large bowl and season to taste with chilli flakes and sea salt.

8 Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes.

9 Decorate with pomegranate seeds, molasses and basil leaf and serve. greenrestaurant.co.uk

TREACLE TART Luke Sutton, Head Chef, The Clockspire

Image: Food Story Media

I

have always enjoyed a good treacle tart, however some can be a bit too sweet and sickly. The addition of the cider vinegar here helps to balance the sweetness along with the use of sourdough to make the breadcrumbs, which also brings a bigger depth of flavour.

This also happens to be a great way to use any leftover sourdough we have at the restaurant so win, win.

You will currently find this on our menu – a great winter warmer. We serve ours with a scoop of hogweed ice cream and freshly grated chestnut but you can’t go wrong with a good dollop of crème fraiche.

Ingredients

To fit a 22cm tart tin or several smaller sized ones.

Treacle tart mix: 100g sourdough, dried and blended to a fine crumb (not a powder) 1 egg 125g double cream 300g golden syrup 40g honey Splash of cider vinegar 60g ground almonds Sweet pastry: This will make more than you need but keep it wrapped in your freezer for up to 3 months.

300g butter 200g icing sugar 500g plain flour 1 egg 60g ground almonds

Method

Treacle tart mix: 1 Whisk the egg and cream together.

2 Heat the golden syrup and honey together, just until it becomes runny, add the vinegar.

3 Add to the cream mix.

4 Add the breadcrumbs and almonds.

5 Mix well and leave to rest overnight in the fridge.

Sweet pastry: 6 Beat together the butter, icing sugar, flour and ground almonds to a breadcrumb consistency.

7 Add the egg and mix to form a rough dough.

8 Divide into two balls, wrap and chill the mix in the fridge for 20 minutes.

9 Take one of the halves and roll the dough out to a 3mm thickness.

10 Line your tin with the pastry, trimming the excess (this can be kept and reused).

11 Line with parchment paper and fill with baking beans.

12 Rest in the fridge for another 20 minutes.

13 Bake at 160c for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is set but not too coloured, take out of the oven and carefully remove the paper and beans.

14 Fill the tart with the treacle mix and bake for a further 22-25 minutes until golden.

15 Allow to cool before removing from the tart tin.

(This recipe contains cereals containing gluten, eggs, milk, nuts and sulphites) theclockspire.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 85

Food and Drink

A YEAR ON THE PIG FARM (PART I) James Hull, The Story Pig

86 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

S

o, yet another year nearly over and for us here on the farm it has been our most transformational yet. We have gone from a private farm to a more public space; a farm thronging with people, laughter and smiles. So I thought I would take a look back over the last 12 months and remember.

act to get things done. We had to open in May as the lockdown lifted and it was going to be tight - building materials were starting to rocket in price and things were becoming difficult to source. We got the poly tunnel up but the sad thing is it’s still full of the remnants of building materials and not a plant in it yet.

January

May

We started the year as gloomy as the next man, the country in full lockdown – a phrase I hope we soon lose from our every day vocabulary. The weather was cold and miserable. We had had a busy Christmas; Charlotte had suffered with vertigo really badly three days before all our orders were due for collection and with everything written in Swedish I could be of little help.

I was going to Bath Farmers’ Market every Saturday to sell our produce, racing back to feed the pigs in the afternoon instead of the morning, hoping that they hadn’t got too impatient and escaped! Charlotte and Sten continued with their pop-up shop here at the farm, and incredibly, helped by lockdown no doubt, with the lure of our meat and good coffee made by Paul, we got increasingly busy.

Now I can’t sleep – we are a couple of weeks away from opening, the toilets aren’t finished, the weather has not been good and I am stressed. Charlotte is busy making and baking, testing her recipes and ideas – I am a willing taster! It’s down to the wire – I am spreading gravel in the yard the night before we open. We are basically running on empty; tired, poor and overwhelmed with emotions of what we have achieved. Our dream of opening our farm was a reality. And then we were open, by the seat of my pants I learnt how to make coffee. There was no more we could do, just open the gate and wait…

February

We started to get busier with cafe preparations. Our tipi was on its way from Sweden, our poly tunnel was ordered with great excitement. We were busy putting up new fences to make two viewing pens for the pigs down by the farm. Drainage took up a lot of my spare time; re-digging a stream down across our field, building two sleeper bridges and putting in land drains in wet areas to take the water away. It’s too early into the winter to tell how well they will work.

March

Our tipi arrived and with much excitement was erected in its cafe/shop position. It was all systems go to get ready to open though we were still a little way off yet.

With the tipi up, things started to feel real. We built a huge wooden floor inside, which took two weeks to finish. The days were getting longer and I was trying to do a bit in the garden, although my time was mostly taken up with building work.

April

Inside my mind I really started to feel the pressure looming; we still had an incredible amount of work to do and very limited finances to do it. It was a juggling

This retrospective will continue in the January edition but for now, I want to write a thank you letter: To my wife, who through thick and thin, has provided our thousands of visitors with entirely homemade food and looked after me. One day, I hope we can build you a much better kitchen darling! To all of you who have come and supported us, who have understood what we are trying to do here, who have rained lovely comments on us. Many of you come every week, have become friends – you know who you are. You make what we do so special – your comments and happy smiles spur us on to do more. To Julia, who has come every Thursday to volunteer in our garden and humbles me with your kindness – we are so grateful. To Donna, who made all our beautiful bunting for nothing – we love it. To our pigs for living up to their brief – be nice, don’t smell, be photogenic and teach. To Blue, our lovely kind dog who has greeted all of you. And finally to Max, our young apprentice, who is a breath of fresh air, proving to be a great help in the butchery, on the farm with me and also in the café on Saturdays – that’s a wide roll, always smiling and willing, thank you. Happy Christmas everyone, we hope to see you all soon. thestorypig.co.uk The Story Pig will be closed from Christmas Eve until Saturday 22nd January. They need a rest! sherbornetimes.co.uk | 87

Food and Drink

CHRISTMAS LISTS

A

David Copp

s Christmas draws near, I get showered with various wine merchants’ lists either on paper or online. I find them endlessly fascinating for what merchants or restaurants reveal about themselves as well as their customers.

We are lucky to have one of the country’s best independent wine merchants in Sherborne, now installed in new and larger premises. Vineyards’ success has been built on listening to what their customers tell them and finding growers that respond to their interests, as well as presenting their own ideas developed from a well organised approach to tasting and selection. Vineyards are good at finding winemakers who express the characteristics of certain varieties or wine regions.

I am also a great fan of the Wine Society’s Exhibition range, equally carefully selected for their typicity and full of lovely surprises.

Over the years I have received lists from many great wine merchants such as Corney & Barrow, Justerini & Brooks, and London’s oldest wine merchants, Berry Brothers and Rudd (BBR). I still have a copy of their 1909 list sent to my grandfather. It reveals that the most sought-after wines in those days were German.

And the most expensive wines were from Tokaj. There were fine clarets and burgundy: 1888 Chateau Lafite and 1888 Romanee Conti are listed at 200 shillings per dozen. But so is Schloss Johannesberger 1893.

However, you would have had to fork out 275/- for a case of 1874 Chateau d’Yquem and 480/- for a dozen 50cl bottles of Tokaji Aszu.

Peter Meech of the Sherborne Historical Society recently showed me a copy of the Wine Society Winter list for 1965-66. The great First Growth clarets and top vintage red Burgundies were now listed at 20/per bottle. However, a bottle of a prime vintage of Le Montrachet would have set you back twice as much.

I enjoyed reading the Wine Society 1965-66 list because it included details of a dinner (taken at midday in those days) quoted from Parson Woodforde’s Diary. Woodforde was the Somerset-born vicar who religiously chronicled his day-to-day life thus giving us a unique insight into dining and wining in 18th century rural England.

88 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

He tells us that at the age of 19 he went up to New College Oxford and ‘was immediately plunged into ‘unregenerate’ days,’ as an earlier entry reveals. ‘Hooke, Boteler and myself went up Welch’s at Wadham College, where we designed to sup and spend the evening. Our entertainment was thus: one pound of lobster, a half-pennyworth of bread, and the same of cheese, with a bottle of ale, half a bottle of wine, and a bottle of Lisbon.’

He makes out he was a normal undergraduate, ‘not unoccupied with the duty of preparing himself for the priesthood.’ After four years at Oxford, he returned to Somerset to get some experience (he doesn’t say whether diocesan or dining), before being posted to Weston Longeville in prime Norfolk farming country, where he chronicled one dinner after another without any attempt at over-egging the story.

For example, his entry for 20th April 1796 reads: ‘The company assembled and dinner was soon announced. It consisted of boiled salmon with shrimp sauce, some white soup, roast saddle of mutton with cucumber, rice pudding and the best part of a rump of beef. The second course was spring chicken with roasted sweetbreads, jellies, macaroni and frilled oysters, two small crabs and a dish of eggs. He also reported that ‘the bread, all brown, was well made’ adding what might have been a prayer, ‘May we never eat worse.’

On another occasion he wrote, ‘The first course was pike, followed by a large piece of boiled beef, pea soup, stewed mutton and goose giblets. For the second course, a brace of partridges was served followed by roasted turkey, baked pudding, lobster and scalloped oysters. Then grapes, walnuts, almonds and raisins, damsons, cheeses and golden pippins. Madeira and port to drink.’

Woodforde made no pretensions at being a wine writer. In fact, he hardly mentions wine at all beyond generic reference to Madeira or Lisbon. In those days wines would have been sold by the cask unless you had your own bottles. Suppliers would most likely have been French, German, Portuguese or Hungarian.

No Australian, Californian, Chilean or South African.

All wine lists have a story to tell and worth setting aside a few minutes to read.

Niki, Hugo, Sadie, Hannah and Julia at Vinyards' new Old Yard Mills HQ

Image: Katharine Davies sherbornetimes.co.uk | 89

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www.newtonclarkevet.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 91

Animal Care

OUT FOR THE COUNT Mark Newton-Clarke MAVetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons

O

h my goodness, how can it be that I am already writing for the Christmas edition of the Sherborne Times? The last year seems to have evaporated so quickly, but the residue that remains still has plenty of flavour. A lot more than this time last year, anyway!

Now, I have been threatening to write about anaesthesia for several months but there have been distractions and now the festive season is upon us.

But maybe a nice snooze fits in well with Christmas, especially after a good lunch. So with the permission of the editorial board, I’ll forge ahead with some anaesthetics, but will try to sprinkle it with something festive. The last time I had a general anaesthetic was about 8 years ago. I remember everything very distinctly up to a point and then woke up with no memory of my hour-long sleep. More importantly, no ‘hangover’ and no pain from the surgery. And that pretty much sums up the goals of a successful anaesthetic, i.e. the patient is relaxed, has an uneventful sleep and wakes up pain-free (to be offered a mince pie if this is me on 25th Dec).

What was actually going on during my anaesthetic is much more complex and is the same for the hundreds of animals that we anaesthetise every year.

Now, when I say ‘complex’ I mean many of the things we all take for granted such as blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rates and body temperature. For the anaesthetised patient, these vital statistics have to be monitored and controlled externally, as the brain is asleep and cannot perform these essential functions. Not many years ago, a finger on the pulse and the colour of the gums summed up anaesthetic monitoring, with the surgeon doubling up as anaesthetist. Nowadays we have dedicated nurses monitoring the patient continuously, and to help we have given them an early Christmas present. Called a multi-meter, this device monitors the levels of critical things like oxygen in the blood and carbon dioxide in the breath. It even has whistles and bells (the alarms) and a screen that displays all the 92 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

colours of the rainbow. I even draped it in tinsel.

I have been fascinated with the control of respiration since my undergraduate days, when physiology was my favourite subject. Breathing is one of those take-it-for-granted functions that we don’t notice until it stops working perfectly, as sometimes happens when we sleep or, more relevant here, during anaesthesia. Apnoea, meaning literally cessation of breathing, is common during an anaesthetic and for some people during a normal night in bed. When I was a child, I was so excited on Christmas Eve that I never slept and probably didn’t breathe much either. I had a happy childhood!

Back to the nurses’ Christmas present, the multimeter measures (among other things) the level of carbon dioxide in expired air. Why is this important?

Well, carbon dioxide, as we all know, is the product of combustion or metabolism but it isn’t just an evil waste product, providing levels are strictly controlled. If planet

Carl Dupont/Shutterstock

Earth was as intolerant of CO2 levels as most animals, raising body temperature by 1.5C would be the least of our worries. In fact, the tiniest, weeniest increase in carbon dioxide level in our bodies causes a massive change in our respiration, increasing its rate and depth. Why? Because CO2 makes acid and all our body processes are run by acid-sensitive enzymes that need to be protected.

When we are awake and exercising, the extra CO2 our muscles produce is cleverly swapped for oxygen in the lungs and our bodies’ acid level (pH) stays constant within very tight margins. When the brain is anaesthetised, the breathing reflex is depressed and if not monitored, CO2 levels can rise causing an acidosis.

The part of the multi-meter that senses CO2 is called a capnograph and it tells the anaesthetist it’s time to help the patient breathe.

Although many animals and humans are anaesthetised every day, there is naturally a fear of the risk associated with this strange process. As technology

improves, we can now approach the level of monitoring for patients that our brains normally perform. So if you or a family member needs a general anaesthetic this Christmas(!), take some comfort in the safeguards that the multi-metered capnograph gives us. I wonder what the clever machine would tell us during the postChristmas lunch snooze, when an over-full stomach and a few glasses of wine do nothing to help lung function!

I guess the point of this article is really to try and reassure all owners whose pets are needing an anaesthetic. Although risks do exist, they are minimised by our professional nurses and their shiny multi-meter.

An excellent Christmas present for all our patients.

Last but not least, may I wish all our clients and readers of the Sherborne Times a very happy Christmas and we all look forward to waking up to a healthy and peaceful 2022. newtonclarkevet.com sherbornetimes.co.uk | 93

Animal Care

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VET John Walsh BVSc Cert AVP DBR MRCVS, Friars Moor Vets

G

obble, Gobble! After having a chat to one of our clients who provides farm-reared and finished turkeys for Christmas, I thought it would be interesting to write about turkeys – how this Christmas feast tradition started and how we enjoy them today.

Turkeys were first domesticated in what is now southern Mexico around 800BC by Olmec farmers – the birds were called ‘Huexolotl’. These farmers ate turkey meat and eggs and used their feathers to make beautiful feather capes and necklaces. Then around 200BC another group of farmers, called Pueblo, from what is now Arizona and New Mexico, independently domesticated a slightly different breed of turkey. These were also kept for their meat, eggs and feathers and musical instruments were even made out of their bones.

Around 1500AD, the first Spanish invaders came to the Aztec empire in Mexico, found turkeys there and brought them back with them to Europe.

The first turkeys are believed to have been introduced into Britain in 1526 by a Yorkshireman named William Strickland. He managed to get hold of a few turkeys from American Indian traders on his 94 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

travels and sold them for tuppence each in Bristol. He was obviously very proud of his acquisitions, as his family coat of arms shows off a large turkey as part of the family crest – one of the first portrayals of a turkey seen within Europe. From then on, most turkeys were imported on ships into the UK from America via the eastern Mediterranean, many of them arriving on Turkish merchant ships. So, the British assumed that these impressively large birds came from an area around Turkey and so called them turkeys!

Henry VIII was the first British monarch to enjoy turkey on Christmas day. George II attempted to introduce the wild turkey as a game bird in the 18th century. He placed a flock of a few thousand in Richmond Park but they proved to be far too easy a prey for the local poachers, who plundered them to extinction!

By the 1720s, around 250,000 turkeys were walked from Norfolk to the London markets in small flocks of 300-1,000 to adorn the Christmas tables of the rich and wealthy. They started the slow procession in August, with birds feeding on stubble fields and stopping at specific feeding stations along the way. I’m sure it would have created quite a spectacle as they passed the villages

Sergey Kolesnikov/Shutterstock

and hamlets along the way!

Having once been an abundant bird, turkeys almost went extinct in the 1930s from loss of forest habitat and over-hunting. However, recovery efforts were put in place and today the wild population is estimated to be seven million in North and Central America.

In Britain, the oldest breed of turkey is called the Norfolk Black and is originally descended from the turkeys that were first introduced in the 16th century.

The modern turkey has been selected by breeding to give the right size and conformation that we require as the consumer.

Local Farm-Reared Turkeys

Our client talked me through how they rear turkeys on their farm and what makes their turkeys taste so good.

In early July, mainly female chicks arrive on the farm at a day-old from a hatchery in Essex and are placed in groups of 100-200 according to their different size breeds. The chicks are sexed by the hatchery before arrival. The farmer generally chooses female birds because they will generally have bigger

breast meat than the males (stags). They are given multivitamins and electrolytes in the water to help them settle in. Different strains of the same breed are selected by the farmer so that they can match the final size of the birds to their customers’ requirements. The names of these different strains are very interesting and range from the smallest called Super Mini, mediumsized birds, called Plumpy, and the largest birds called triple Bs (Broad Breasted Bronzes). These will range in weight from 10lbs to 45lbs with most birds supplied as whole birds, but the larger birds are sold for their breast meat as crowns.

These turkeys are raised to the highest standards in barns and are deep-bedded on straw for their comfort.

Keeping the birds in barns means the farmer has more control of disease by preventing wild birds from introducing diseases to the flock. They are fed by hand daily and receive different feeds at different stages of their development from a local feed mill to optimise their growth and health at those times.

After a growing time of about 20 to 24 weeks the time comes to have the turkeys slaughtered. This is where farm-reared turkeys come into their own in terms of welfare and flavour. Because the facilities are all on site there is no stressful lorry journey as they only travel a few yards. After being humanely killed, each turkey is immediately ‘dry-plucked’ and finished by hand by a team of twenty people who will pluck around 300-400 birds a day. They are then left to hang for 7 days which really allows the flavour to develop.

After this time, they are dressed (the internal organs and giblets are removed) and then refrigerated, ready for sale. The extra labour required for dry-plucking forms one of the biggest costs for this farmer, but they believe the investment is essential to achieve the best tasting bird for their clients. By contrast in commercial abattoirs, turkeys are plucked using the ‘wet-plucking method’, where a machine is used to pluck the bird after they have been immersed in hot water. This presents a massive saving of time with each bird plucked in around 10 to 15 seconds, but the process damages the integrity of the skin and means they have to be dressed and refrigerated immediately, not allowing time for hanging for the flavour to develop.

So, if you are having turkey for Christmas try and support local farmers to get the best tasting bird with very low food miles for your Christmas dinner. friarsmoorvets.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk | 95

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Body & Mind

Image: Katharine Davies

MAGIC FORMULA

I

Mike Hewitson MPharm FFRPS FRSPH IP MRPharmS, Pharmacist, The Abbey Pharmacy

t might seem fanciful but we pharmacists have (accidentally) had a massive impact on this time of the year, and a great many other things besides…

In 1886 Dr John Pemberton a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia invented a new tonic, which he hoped he could market as a new proprietary medicine. He took kola nuts, which are high in caffeine, and brewed them with coca leaves (the plant which is used to produce cocaine) to create an ‘uplifting tonic’. It proved so successful that he started selling it for five cents a glass. Its name? Coca-Cola – one of the most successful consumer products ever invented. What has this got to do with Christmas? Well, Coca-Cola is often credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus, in his red suit…it may not be completely true as others had previously used this imagery, but it is certainly true that Coca-Cola popularised this singular vision of Father Christmas that we all know today. While Dr Pemberton’s lasting footnote in the history books has probably been a boon to dentists worldwide, he remains the most successful pharmacist of all time for his commercial legacy.

When you tuck in to your Christmas pudding chances are that you may accompany it with some custard, possibly made from the famous Bird’s custard powder. Mr Alfred Bird, a pharmacist, born in 98 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Gloucestershire decided to formulate a replacement for custard for his wife who was allergic to both eggs and yeast. He used cornflour, flavourings and colourings to produce the thick imitation custard that we now see marketed as Bird’s custard. Bird also went on to invent and mass-produce the form of baking powder which is still used by bakers today.

When you reach for the chocolates, you might happen across the name Nestlé, which is of course familiar to us all. Heinrich Nestlé was a pharmacist, and while he didn’t invent chocolate he did invent baby formula, which saved the lives of thousands of premature babies in the late 19th century. The Nestlé company has many tentacles these days but without that initial success, who knows if your chocolate selection box would look quite the same? KitKat, Aero, Milkybar, Smarties, even Quality Street, are all now owned by the Nestlé company.

As you light the Christmas pudding even the humble match you are holding was invented by pharmacist John Walker of Stockton-on-Tees. In fact, if you were to douse the pud with cognac, specifically Hine’s cognac, a well-known brand particularly in the 1970s, it has a connection that is even closer to home.

Our other pharmacy is based a few miles down the road in Beaminster and was founded in 1790 (the same

year as The Abbey Pharmacy) by a Mr Richard Hine.

Thomas, the sixth of Richard’s 12 children decided that pharmacy was not exciting enough for him, so he set out on an adventure to learn the secrets of cognac. The company which Thomas Hine founded is still alive and strong 230 years later.

Absolutely no connection to Christmas, but nonetheless interesting, is that one of the successors to Richard Hine at Beaminster Pharmacy was a pharmacist by the name of John Tynegate. Tynegate had an interesting, if somewhat odd, claim to fame.

He had perfected the recipe for stage-blood, which he marketed under the trade name Kensington Gore, and which featured in the seminal Hammer horror films. So successful was his recipe that Kensington Gore is still in use today as shorthand in the theatrical industry for all stage-blood. Hopefully your Christmas will not include any gore, real or otherwise.

There is one other invention which I didn’t know about until about half an hour ago, and this one is probably for the ladies as you get ready for your Christmas parties. A young pharmacist called Terry Williams invented a new beauty product for his sister Mabel to give her the appearance of longer eyelashes.

Mr Williams combined his sister’s name and the word ‘vaseline’ to create the product Maybelline mascara.

Thankfully, we no longer use vaseline and coal to produce mascara!

As we begin to look forward to the end-of-year festivities, now would seem like an opportune moment to thank everyone who has supported our independent business throughout 2021. We are very hopeful that our plans to expand and transform the pharmacy will be progressing in early 2022. We are very happy to look after patients new and those we have gotten to know over a good many years. Operating an ancient independent business in a town with as strong a sense of heritage and character is a great privilege, but it is one that we cannot take for granted in a world that is increasingly digitised. This is one of the main drivers for us taking on the expansion project, which we see as vital to protecting the long-term future of the pharmacy, and to providing some really exciting new services for the people of Sherborne and its environs.

From everyone in our family business to everyone in your family, we hope you will have a happy festive season, and wish us all a healthier and happier 2022. theabbeypharmacy.com

MINDFUL

NESS

SHERBORNE

NESS LEE

Mindfulness Coach and Counsellor 8-Week ‘Mindfulness for Wellbeing’ course beginning Wednesday 12th January 2022 on Zoom www.mindfulnessherborne.com ness@mindfulnessherborne.com

YogaSherborne Sherborne, Milborne Port and Trent • Hatha Yoga • Relaxation and guided meditation Contact Dawn for more details 07817 624081 @yogasherborne hello@yogasherborne.co.uk Yoga Alliance qualified teacher

Muntanya is an independent trekking and outdoors shop offering clothing and equipment from major suppliers.

7 Cheap St, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PT david@muntanya.co.uk 01935 389484 • 07875 465218 www.muntanya.co.uk

This month if you are able, please consider visiting the Just Giving website to donate money, which you can gift aid. Your cash donations are valuable and enable us to buy items for babies, children and people with special dietary needs. www.justgiving.com/sherborne-foodbank Thank you.

www.sherbornefoodbank.org 07854 163869 help@sherbornefoodbank.org

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 99

Body and Mind

Iluistrator/Shutterstock

100 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

ANGER AND YOU

T

Lucy Lewis, Dorset Mind Ambassador

he 1st – 7th of December, just a few weeks before Christmas, is National Anger Awareness Week (NAAW). The holiday period can be a stressful time for many; increased financial and social pressures can cause many people to experience more anger than usual. NAAW encourages everyone to build their awareness of anger and related management techniques whilst considering the effects unmanaged anger can have on individuals, groups, and society. We at Dorset Mind have collated some relevant information and top tips for managing anger, in anticipation of NAAW. When Is Anger a Problem?

It must be highlighted that anger in itself is not problematic. It is a universal, natural emotion that does not require shame or guilt. However, when these angry feelings become overwhelming or affect one’s behaviour, this can indicate a problem.

The Cycle of Anger

Firstly, an event or situation triggers the anger response, such as unfair treatment at work or a traffic jam. This results in negative, unhelpful thoughts, such as ‘my boss is a terrible person’, or ‘my day is completely ruined’.

Negative thoughts lead to uncomfortable emotions such as anger, but also related emotions like shame, guilt, sadness, or frustration. These emotions are coupled with physical symptoms that can make anger a very uncomfortable experience, including shaking, pounding heartbeat, ‘seeing red’, and sweating.

These thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms can detrimentally influence a person’s behaviour; they may experience and give in to urges to shout, be spiteful, or physical aggression. Every individual moves through the cycle in different ways with differing thought patterns, feelings, physical symptoms, and behaviours.

Managing Anger

The first stage to managing anger is building awareness of one’s anger cycle. What situations do you find angerinducing? What thoughts run through your mind when you are angry? What emotions and physical symptoms

do you experience?

Recognising your anger cycle is important, because once you can recognise your anger early warning signs, you can implement management techniques before the feeling spirals out of your control. The early warning signs can act as an alarm system, indicating that you should take a beat and take some heat off the emotion, before it leads to negative consequences.

Anger is an automatic process, so it may take some practice to slow down the process in order to control it.

The second stage of anger management is practicing and implementing relaxation skills once you begin to feel angry. These skills require practice, both when feeling calm and following anger warning signs.

Try a range of skills and be persistent; everyone benefits from different techniques, and it can take a while for them to begin working in the moment.

Additionally, not every skill is suitable for every situation or everyone, so it’s worth having a range of techniques to choose from.

Here are some useful strategies for you to try: • Take 5-minutes out from the situation • Distract yourself • Try relaxation techniques (search online for breathing, grounding, and mindfulness techniques) • Talk to yourself kindly and with compassion • Consider the consequences of anger-related behaviours • Visualisations • Write a letter expressing your anger • Get active and go outside if you can If you are struggling to cope with your anger, or mental health in general, talk to your GP. Dorset Mind offer 1-2-1 and group support for a range of mental health challenges. Visit dorsetmind.uk for more information about the support they offer.

If you’re in a crisis, treat it as an emergency – call 999 or The Samaritans, free on 116 123. sherbornetimes.co.uk | 101

STAY FOCUSSED AND UPRIGHT THIS WINTER Craig Hardaker BSc (Hons), Communifit

N

ow is traditionally the time to relax, overindulge and enjoy quality time with family and friends. This is doubly the case in 2021 as we try to compensate for last year’s disappointment of not being able to see our loved ones.

It is also of course the ideal time to reflect on your health and fitness achievements this year and to focus on setting your new goals for 2022! The key word here is SMART – set targets which are: Specific – what exactly are you trying to do?

Don’t just have a vague idea.

Measurable – how are you going to measure it?

By time, distance, repetitions?

Achievable – don’t set yourself goals or targets which are not safe or too much at this moment in time.

Build up slowly and stay within your capabilities.

Realistic – work around your lifestyle. Don’t set targets that you know, deep down, you won’t be able to achieve, or sustain.

Timed – what timeframe are you giving yourself to reach a particular goal? Is the timescale sensible?

On a separate issue, as winter is now well and truly with us, the number of falls unfortunately increases at this time of the year.

Here is some guidance to hopefully help you stay on your feet this winter, helping in turn to reduce the chance of serious falls and injury.

1 Visualisation

This is incredibly important with balance. Picturing what you are doing before doing it can significantly reduce the chances of falling. We are most likely to fall when we are concentrating on something else. If we can keep our focus, we are then better able to concentrate on the task at hand. The best example is stepping on 102 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Image: Stuart Brill

Body & Mind

and off the pavement – visualise this step with full concentration and effective body weight distribution.

2 Body weight distribution

We lose our balance easily when we don’t distribute our bodyweight evenly. This is one reason why activities such as climbing stairs, turning around on the spot and stepping up and down from pavements can be challenging. Practising body weight distribution – forwards, backwards and sideways can help improve our balance. The benefits of this practise are that when we need to adapt to body weight distribution in everyday activities, we are more likely to succeed and this in turn lessens the chances of falling.

3 Strengthen

We are less likely to go outside when it is dark, cold and wet – so we must make sure we continue to move our bodies. You will know from previous articles the importance of strengthening exercises, and the benefits such exercises have for our bodies. Put time aside to strengthen, keep your muscles, bones and joints strong – all of which will help keep you upright rather than ending up on the ground.

There you have it, three tips to not falling over this winter – none of which involve avoiding alcohol!

We truly appreciate your support over the past year and we can’t wait for another exciting year ahead with you all. Everyone at Communifit would like to wish you the best for a very merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. Stay safe, stay well and see you in 2022.

Cheers! communifit.co.uk

Looking for an alternative gift this Christmas?

Gift vouchers available

osc_info@sherborne.com

www.oxleysc.com

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 103

Body & Mind

CAN YOGA IMPROVE MY RUNNING? Simon Partridge BSc (Sports Science), Personal Trainer SPFit

L

ast month I wrote about the benefits of ‘fartlek’ training for those wanting to develop their running and I have previously written about how ‘Broga’ (a type of fitness yoga) can improve technique. Knowledge is motivational and empowering, so let’s look at running specifically for the purposes of this article again, but the benefits will of course crossover into other sports and our everyday life.

We have a flourishing running club and private gym, but I face a constant battle to get our members to work on their mobility and flexibility. How many people go to the gym but don’t know how to mobilise and stretch effectively?

A simple yoga routine loosens tight spots, strengthens weak spots and makes you a better, less injury-prone runner. I am 52 and had a recent lifechanging injury followed by an operation, but now yoga is helping my recovery and I have started to run again.

I started running before I was aged 10 (probably), yet started yoga when I was 45. There are no prizes for guessing which I was best at or where my weaknesses were before and after my injury and subsequent operation. Yoga benefits the runner’s body (improved flexibility, range of motion, muscular strength) and mind (more focus, less stress) helping to improve performance and reduce injury.

Yoga is also the perfect recovery activity for runners.

It relieves soreness in hard-working muscles and restores range of motion so you can perform better the next time you train.

There are numerous yoga moves which could be recommended following a run or on a rest day (or both), 104 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

but if you are new to yoga and have been running with tight muscles for a long time, be careful. Ease into each position, never push to the point of pain. Leave your ego outside! As you continue to practice, you will notice improvement in your running and on your yoga mat.

My favourite pose, and the one which was the lightning bolt which made me realise yoga was for me, is Downward Dog: Benefits of Downward Dog: Stretches hamstrings, calves, and foot arches; strengthens shoulders. In fact, I love the feeling it gives me by stretching the whole of my posterior chain rather than ‘traditional’ fitness industry stretches which only stretch individual muscles.

How to Do It: Begin on your hands and knees.

Align wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.

Spread fingers and press into palms. Tuck toes and lift knees off the floor. Gently try to straighten legs and raise hips into an inverted V. Breathe deeply for 10 breaths. As your muscles relax, try to straighten legs more and sink heels toward the mat. I cannot stress how important using your breath to relax into the stretch is. This takes practice.

Why not use yoga to improve your running and if you don’t run just enjoy the amazing benefits it will give you? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi keep practising and you will be amazed at the progress you can achieve.

See you on the mat very soon. Good luck. spfit-sherborne.co.uk

TRANSFORMATION

Respecting the past, embracing the future In the 231 years since we were established, The Abbey Pharmacy has seen many changes in our society. We continue to evolve and are now, more than ever, committed to meeting the changing needs of our customers.

Our vision for the transformation of The Abbey Pharmacy invests not only in the health of our community but also our high street – we need your support in making this a reality.

To find out more about our exciting plans and to register your support, please visit www.theabbeypharmacytransformation.com

Established 1790

Brister&Son Independent Family Funeral Directors

When your family suffers the loss of a loved one, we are here to support, guide and reassure you – every step of the way Call Teresa or Daniel on 01935 812647 100 Lenthay Road, Sherborne DT9 6AG Email: info@wsbrister.com www.wsbrister.com

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

A J Wakely& Sons

Independent Family Funeral Directors – 24 Hour Service –

Helping the bereaved of Sherborne and Yeovil for over 30 years

Sherborne 01935 816 817 ˙ Yeovil 01935 479 913 Pre-payment plans available www.ajwakely.com Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

106 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

elizabethwatsonillustration.com 108 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Woolley & Wallis Property and Land Specialists A selection of farms & equestrian properties recently sold. Woolley & Wallis have a number of under bidders looking for similar properties.

FREE Farm & Equestrian Valuation Fortnight From 1st December to 14th December Woolley & Wallis will be undertaking free and confidential market appraisals.

Sold

Marnhull, Dorset Highly desirable commercial farm in an outstanding setting. About 528 acres. Guide £7.1 million.

Sold

Sold

Stoke Trister, Somerset Charming period Manor in secluded setting with income stream. About 70 acres. Guide £2.5 million.

Sold

To make the most of this opportunity to discuss the current market, values and the options available to you please contact one of the dedicated team: Richard Nocton 07775 636696 r.nocton@w-w.co.uk

Over Wallop, Hampshire Well located ring fenced arable and livestock farm. About 161 acres. Guide £1.95 million.

Sold

Teffont, Wiltshire Outstanding equestrian property in a first class setting. About 43 acres. Guide £1.7 million.

Sold

Sophie Clotworthy 07467 145524 s.clotworthy@w-w.co.uk

Barnaby Gower 01747 852242 b.gower@w-w.co.uk

Frome, Somerset Delightful equestrian small holding in a rural village location. About 13 acres. Guide Price £825,000.

Devizes, Wiltshire Two beautiful blocks of woodland and pasture in a desirable location.

About 54 acres. Guide £325,000.

Shaftesbury 01747 852242 | Salisbury 01722 424515 | Marlborough 01672 515252 Fordingbridge | Lymington | Mere | Ringwood | Romsey | Winchester

w-w.co.uk

Home

Wall - Farrow & Ball Peignoir No.286 110 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

DECK THE HALLS

A

Annabelle Hunt, Colour Consultant, Bridport Timber & Flooring

s we hurtle towards the end of another peculiar year and the days grow shorter and darker, festive rituals and traditions bring some much-needed brightness.

Whether your tree cannot have too many baubles, or you prefer a more restrained vignette of rustic twigs, putting a bit of holiday cheer into your space can certainly help lift the mood.

When our children were very small, I learnt to relinquish all control over the tree.

This was their dominion, and I would (and still do) step back, pour myself a glass of something festive and let them get on with it. I say relinquish all control, but I do admit to a little surreptitious ‘filtering’ of the more battered or bizarre decorations. And perhaps just a tiny bit of rearranging here and there. Just to even things out.

Whatever your festive style, we all want our homes to be relaxed and welcoming.

Whether you prefer neutral schemes or bold statements, contemporary spaces, or a more nostalgic style, at this time of year we all share a common need for comfort and cosiness.

If you have a neutral scheme, build on it with delicate blues and greys or add warmth with soft pinks and browns. Introduce texture by layering up cosy throws, cushions, knits, and faux furs in earthy, muted tones and add stronger accents of mossy greens and blues. Farrow & Ball are famed for their subtly shifting shades which are perfect for achieving this look. Try Smoked Trout for warmth, or Green Smoke, Pigeon or Inchyra Blue which are all beautifully muted and change as the light moves throughout the day.

This year, when it comes to decorations, natural wood, feathers, pinecones, and even dried fruit and flowers will be the stars of the festive show. Leave the glitzy, glamorous decorations in the loft and go for a more subtle, pared-back style.

For those who prefer a more dramatic and sophisticated look, glowing shades of raspberry, plum and grape decorated with gold details is a stylish twist on the classic red and gold festive scheme. For attention-grabbing shades that will add drama to any room, the jewel-bright tones of F&B’s ‘Colours of Nature’ palette are perfect. ‘Lake Red’, which appears red to some and pink to others, is perfect for this updated Christmas look but for a deeper, darker scheme, try ‘Preference Red’ or ‘Brinjal’. Any of these highly saturated shades will create a gorgeously decadent atmosphere, perfect for the season.

A well-chosen group of festive baubles against such a bold backdrop is strikingly elegant.

For hopeless sentimentals like me who laugh and cry over the same well-loved decorations every year, a simple bowl of baubles makes a quick and effective display, and a few favourite festive trinkets placed artfully on a shelf or side table make a cheerful tableau, capturing the joy of the season perfectly. Oh, and twinkly lights everywhere.

Preferably on a timer so you don’t spend an hour or so turning them all off before bed each night. bridporttimber.co.uk

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Home

A NEW BREED OF LAND BUYERS? Sophie Clotworthy, Rural and Farm Agent, Woolley & Wallis

T

he recent pandemic has caused a huge review of people’s aims and aspirations as well as a change and a widening of the audiences of potential buyers. My colleagues and I are witnessing the start of an urban exodus, with heightened demand for homes with land. But what of the agricultural land market?

Traditionally, blocks of agricultural land and paddocks have been purchased by farmers, landowners and investors, often driven by the benign Capital Tax regime that is afforded to the agricultural property.

But now the market has seen the emergence of a new type of buyer. There is a growing demand, backed by substantial funds, for rewilding land - planting trees to off-set carbon and create Biodiversity Net Gain.

There is a growing and powerful lobby to ensure that agricultural land plays its part in reducing the impact of climate change. Larger parcels of bare land are becoming highly sought-after for buyers seeking to use the land for this purpose. Rewilding has the opportunity to aid in reversing the extinction of some species as well as tackling climate change.

I am seeing growth in demand from charities, individuals and some companies all wanting to buy land purely to plant trees – not necessarily with a commercial outcome but with the aim of creating wildlife habitat and broadening the diversity of habitat for a species112 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

rich environment. These buyers are well-funded, welladvised and are taking a long-term view.

A change in property development and housebuilding has forced a number of developers to become buyers of land in order to offset nitrogen or phosphate pollution. As an example, there is a collective hiatus in residential development on land within the water catchment leading into the Solent. This is forcing developers to purchase agricultural land to be dedicated as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to mitigate any discharge. Developers are buying land and at high prices. They are required to make a long-term commitment to maintain the ground - up to an 80-year tie-in! This will undoubtedly replicate itself across the country and your Local Planning Authority soon.

The volume of potential buyers will only maintain and strengthen the future value of agricultural land.

The advent of these new types of buyer will support the value of the poorer land and possibly narrow the gap between it and the better ground.

For those who are contemplating a sale, I have never seen a better time to sell agricultural land into a market that is cash-rich and robust, supported by a benevolent tax regime (which may soon change) and the widest audience of active potential buyers. w-w.co.uk

Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Lettings & Property Management

Independent Letting Agent representing town and country property throughout Somerset and Dorset 1 Horsecastles, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3FB T: 01935 816209 E: info@stockwoodlettings.co.uk www.stockwoodlettings.co.uk

Heating installation specialist Oil, Gas , LPG , Renewables All general plumbing

07943 868726

patrick@patricksplumbingandheating.co.uk www.patricksplumbingandheating.co.uk

Competitively Priced, High Quality Carpets, Vinyls, Woods & Rugs SHERBORNE SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Unit 12, Old Yarn Mills, Westbury, Sherborne, DT9 3RQ A family run business established in 1998, we promise a highly professional level of service Tel: 07733 101064 or 01935 817885 www.lsflooring.co.uk

Wayne Timmins Painter and Decorator • • • • •

Interior & Exterior Fully Qualified 20 Years Experience Wallpapering & Lining Residential & Commercial

01935 872007 / 07715 867145 waynesbusiness@aol.com

Suppliers and Manufacturers of quality Signage, Graphics and Embroidered Workwear

T: 01935 816767

info@swsigns-sherborne.co.uk www.swsigns-sherborne.co.uk

Unit 14, 0ld Yarn Mills, Sherborne Dorset DT9 3RQ sherbornetimes.co.uk | 113

Legal

TIPS FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS Simon Walker, Associate Solicitor, Family Team, Mogers Drewett

W

hilst Christmas is a magical time of year for children, for many parents it can be hectic and stressful. For separated parents, this feeling can be exacerbated as they also have to try and navigate agreeing arrangements with their expartner/spouse.

To help those parents struggling to find the right balance this Christmas I have created the following list of top tips for parents to consider for the festive period which I hope will assist in ensuring everyone, most importantly the children, have a relaxed and enjoyable time.

Advance planning

Lockdown over the Christmas period in 2020 meant that many children may not have seen both their parents, and/or extended family. There are also likely to be far more in the way of parties and events now that restrictions have relaxed.

As such, more than ever, we would recommend you start discussing arrangements as early as possible, so that if there are any issues, there is sufficient time to resolve them.

Leaving it last minute will narrow the options available to you as the courts are extremely busy and will only deal with very urgent issues (for example where there is risk for the safety of a child) just before Christmas.

Communication

Keep the lines of communication open. Some separated parents may feel able to discuss these issues directly together and even share the children’s Christmas gift lists.

Others may require legal assistance, particularly if this is the first Christmas since separation, but this does not need to be acrimonious. There are many ways to resolve these sorts of issues in a non-confrontational manner and without the need for court proceedings, so please seek assistance if needed.

114 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Putting the children at the heart of discussions

When making arrangements, always try to consider how they will impact the children.

Whilst the children should never be placed in the position of making decisions, where age appropriate, it is important for children to feel their wishes and feelings are being heard.

Fairness

The court acknowledges that this is a special time for families and therefore this period should not be monopolised by one parent.

Whilst the arrangements will depend on each family’s specific circumstances, there should be a sharing of this holiday. If you and your ex-spouse live close to each other, it may be that you share Christmas Day itself. Alternatively, Christmas Day and Boxing Day could be alternated each year. If your locations require more travelling for the children, it may be that you alternate the Christmas and New Year periods annually, so the children get to spend more extended time with each parent and reducing the travelling involved.

Parenting plan

When you have reached an agreement, it is helpful to record the detail in writing to ensure there is no confusion, misunderstanding or upset over the festive period. This would include dates, times, location etc for handovers. You could use a calendar, mobile app, or parenting plan to record the arrangements.

Timekeeping

Reaching an agreement is something that should be commended. It should make Christmas a far more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone. As such, it is important you stick to the arrangements and agreed times so that you can continue to co-parent successfully for the holidays to come. mogersdrewett.com

Christmas is a time to pause and reflect on what matters most to us all.

At Mogers Drewett we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Finance

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

T

Andrew Fort B.A. (Econ.) CFPcm Chartered MCSI APFS, Certified and Chartered Financial Planner, Fort Financial Planning

here is a recurring phrase that I use in my articles which is ‘real financial planning’.

I use this phrase as most financial advisers, incorrectly in my view, describe themselves as financial planners.

Financial planning is a process, not a product. It is the long-term method of wisely managing your finances so you can achieve your goals and dreams, while at the same time negotiating the financial barriers that inevitably arise in every stage of life. In order to create a sound financial plan, goals must first be established. Data is then gathered to analyse and evaluate your financial status. Once complete, your plan can be developed and implemented.

Monitoring the plan on an ongoing basis is essential in order to make necessary adjustments to reach your goals.

Not only is financial planning a process, it is one that has internationally agreed standards, as well as an internationally agreed (and vigorously tested) educational and competency standard, the designation being Certified Financial Planner™. The examination not only tests technical competency at a very high level (level 7) but also focuses on the practical aspects of delivering successful financial planning. At level 7, there is no higher achievement for Financial Planners in the UK and those who achieve the qualification standard will be part of an exclusive group.

One of the most challenging aspects of real financial planning is that of defining goals and dreams. It can be difficult for many people to identify what they really want out of life.

For many it may be a straightforward feeling of security. Indeed many people’s overriding goals can be described as reaching financial independence at a certain age (meaning they can choose whether to work or not), ensuring that their partner will be financially secure in the event of death, or simply being financially well organised. There may also be specific goals, although these are somewhat rarer. It might be a desire to help children financially or a desire to purchase a holiday home.

What they all have in common is that they come with a ‘price tag’. If, for example, you wished to achieve financial independence by the age of 60 you would need to analyse what your likely cost of living would be when that point in time is reached. Some people have very simple requirements and modest expenditure; other people have very high expectations and significantly higher outgoings. One is not better than the other, they simply reflect the differences between us human beings.

A Certified Financial Planner™ is experienced in the six processes that represent real financial planning and can help people who wish to define the life that they wish to live in the future. ffp.org.uk

116 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Your Life, Your Money, Your Future Trusted, professional, fee based advice We live in a complex world. At FFP we aim to remove complexity, replacing it with simplicity and clarity so that our clients can enjoy their lives without worry

FFP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Telephone: 01935 813322 Email: info@ffp.org.uk Website: www.ffp.org.uk

AHEAD IN THE CLOUD Our real-time cloud accounting solutions present you with a full picture of your financial position 24/7, allowing you to proactively plan and respond ahead of tax deadlines.

For a fresh take on your accounts, speak to Hunts

T: 01935 815008 E: info@huntsaccountants.co.uk W: huntsaccountants.co.uk @Hunts_Sherborne The Old Pump House, Oborne Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3RX

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 117

Tech

MICROSOFT OFFICE, OPEN OFFICE, LIBREOFFICE ..!

M

James Flynn, Milborne Port Computers

ost of us these days need to write a letter or create a spreadsheet for some reason or other. I am often asked what software we recommend and if should people change. I generally say stick to what you know, unless you know that you cannot do what you need to with the incumbent program. If you’re unsure, hopefully the list below will give you an idea.

Microsoft Office

Whether you like it or not, this is the industry standard suite of programs that most of the world uses for creating documents, spreadsheets and the like. The program names are Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher & Word and they sit alongside the lesser-known Access database manager. Nearly every business also uses the email, calendar and planning program called Outlook.

It is never free and whatever version you’ve got it will have come as part of your computer’s package or you will have subscribed somewhere along the road.

Microsoft did offer another package called Works that was free, but it has been retired and has not been distributed for several years. Most people want Microsoft Office on their computer as they will have learned to use it at work or at school and they have no idea that there are alternatives that are FREE! However, people don’t like change and it takes a while to get used to something else, but many do...

Open Office

Apache OpenOffice is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages (like Microsoft Office). It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose including business use. It does look slightly different, but it is at least as good as Microsoft Office.

118 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a powerful office suite – its clean interface and feature-rich tools make it a great free alternative. It was based upon Open Office and is probably the most developed clone. LibreOffice includes several applications that make it the most powerful free and open-source office suite available: Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics and flowcharts), Base (databases), and others.

WPS Office

WPS Office Free is another free office software suite that has limited functions but a nifty PDF editor.

The smallest size office suite consisting of Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets and there is an online version as well so you don’t have to install it at all.

However, they do try and get you to buy the full version with all the bells and whistles unlocked (Open Office & LibreOffice are both fully free forever).

Google Apps

Good old Google had to join the bandwagon and they have developed a suite of free apps. Rather than be all things to all men and women, Google’s suite is content to cover the basics and to cover them well. It’s fast, lightweight and works on a wide range of devices, and it’s both easy to use and to administer. If Google’s apps cover the features your users will need every day, it’s a very compelling product for free users and it’s a product you can test risk- free.

Of course if you’re an Apple user then you’ve had your own suite of programs free for years, but you can use any of the above as well if you want to, or you can buy a Mac version of Microsoft Office that is just as ambitiously priced as the Windows version.

The choice as always, is yours, but if you think you need help or advice, you know where to come. computing-mp.co.uk

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IN CONVERSATION WITH DR RUTH SULLIVAN David Birley A former pupil at Sherborne Girls who has come full circle to now become its Head, talks about what drove her to become a teacher, the new performing arts centre and hopes for the School’s future.

DB Can you tell us about your own schooling?

RS I went to a state primary school, then on to the City of London School for Girls in Year 7. I came to Sherborne Girls for Sixth Form, which was brilliant: the best two years of my life!

DB What was your time at Sherborne Girls like?

RS I was really encouraged and nurtured as the staff were so wonderful. I did three A Levels and an S Level in Geography, tried everything from pottery, drama (with Sherborne School), and various sports. I loved having friends around me 24/7 and being able to go out exploring the local area on foot or by bike. My time at Sherborne Girls was transformational: it opened my eyes to so many opportunities.

DB What did you do when you left school?

RS I went to Edinburgh University to read Geography. As well as developing my independence and subject knowledge, it enabled me to pursue my love of the outdoors, especially mountaineering. I went away most weekends with the Mountaineering Club to climb mountains and explore the Highlands and took part in sport and drama. I also held down a part-time job, so kept myself pretty busy!

DB What led you into teaching?

RS I experienced at first-hand the life-changing nature of education and I come from a family of teachers, so it seemed natural for me to help others in this way.

I knew I didn’t want an office job and that I needed to be active and fulfilled with a real sense of purpose. I also love communicating and explaining things to others.

DB Where did you start your teaching career?

RS I trained at Moray House in Edinburgh before starting my teaching career at St John’s in Leatherhead, which at the time was a boys’ school with girls in the sixth form. I was there for five years, becoming a housemistress and running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which I had completed myself at university.

I thought the programme was amazing and set up expeditions all around the world including to America, 120 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

Iceland, Morocco and Norway.

After St John’s, I went to Glenalmond College in Perthshire to lead the Geography Department. While there, I helped run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, led expeditions and the first ever all-girls pupil team in the Scottish Island Peaks Race.

Then, having taught at boarding schools, I took on a different challenge and moved to The Queen’s School, Chester as Head of Sixth Form. This gave me an insight and experience of a day-school environment which I eventually concluded wasn’t for me, so I decided to take a break from teaching. I applied for a master’s degree and was awarded a four year scholarship to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which led to me completing an MSc and PhD. DB What happened next?

RS During my doctorate I missed the interaction with young people, helping to nurture, instil and develop their interest and passion for learning. I took up the post of Head of Department (Geography) at Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, whilst completing my PhD, and was appointed Deputy Master the same year.

DB What led you back to Sherborne Girls?

RS After six years as Deputy Master, I felt I had learned a huge amount, benefited from phenomenal opportunities across all aspects of teaching and boarding education and in a very senior post. When I heard about the role at Sherborne Girls, I felt excited and ready to apply for such a fantastic opportunity.

DB What do you find most fulfilling about your role?

RS I thrive on sharing ideas, working as part of a team and facing challenges in a constructive way.

Working with young people is hugely rewarding: their energy inspires me, and they help me to not take myself too seriously. Their high hopes, aspirations and vision for the future instil a great deal of positivity.

The staff at Sherborne Girls are the best I have ever worked with, and my days are filled with fascinating and engaging conversations. The parent and staff body are extremely collaborative and have been real sources of support since I joined, particularly during the pandemic, as has Dr Luckett, the Head of Sherborne School and Nicki Edwards, the Head of The Gryphon’. I have built on the superb foundations of my predecessor, Jenny Dwyer. >

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 121

DB How has Covid affected the School?

RS Inevitably there were lots of challenges presented by the restrictions. Fortunately, we rolled out our digital learning strategy in 2019, so were able to transition seamlessly to remote lessons when schools first shut.

We currently have our highest ever student roll and it is wonderful to have all the girls and staff back and to see Sherborne Girls return to a vibrant, happy, purposeful environment, bursting with life and energy.

DB Do you have any specific aims for the School?

RS It’s more of an evolution: I want to support the girls in developing an understanding that they can achieve anything if they are committed, prepared to work hard and be truly passionate about it.

DB Tell us more about the new performing arts centre that has opened in your time.

RS The Merritt Centre is a truly fantastic venue and a wonderful addition to the School, named in memory of Gwendoline Merritt who was a muchloved member of the housekeeping team, remembered for her kindness, tireless service and generosity to the School. She was even known to sleep in the kitchen when the weather was bad to ensure she would be on hand to prepare breakfast for the girls in the morning. When she sadly passed away in 2014, she left her estate to the School, so we thought it was entirely appropriate that the centre was named after her. We also named the café ‘Queenie’s’, which was Gwendoline’s affectionate nickname in School.

DB How closely does Sherborne Girls work with Sherborne School?

RS The schools work very closely and we feel that our ‘Separate Yet Together’ offering provides pupils with the best of both worlds. Each school is committed to single-sex education, providing focus in the classroom.

But our pupils benefit from an extensive joint cocurricular and socials programme, including: debating, choir, CCF, pupil pastoral forum, orchestra, drama, shared barbecues, black-tie dinners and many others.

We also work closely with The Gryphon School, including collaborating on preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance, sharing career event opportunities and specialist academic initiatives.

DB What are your priorities for Sherborne Girls in terms of community work and outreach?

RS We are committed to ensuring our pupils understand the importance of service. Amanda Mackintosh, as our Head of Outreach and Community Liaison, is fantastic at encouraging the girls to raise funds 122 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

and engage with the community, whether it is serving as a youth ambassador on the town council, litter picking, or volunteering in one of the local primary schools.

Another important initiative for the School is our Candlelight Bursaries programme. These full, transformational bursaries aim to widen access and support girls whose challenging circumstances at home mean a boarding education can be life-changing.

We partner with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation to identify girls who need our help the most. This is a key fundraising focus for the School, and we hope to increase the number of girls we support in this way.

DB Looking back, what would you say to your younger self ?

RS I think I would try to be less critical of myself.

I want pupils to leave Sherborne Girls with a real inner confidence, able to speak out for what they believe in, and equipped to deal with any challenge that life throws their way and to seize every opportunity.

DB What do you do in your downtime?

RS I love running and take part in Triathlon events and half marathons. I also love to travel, spend a lot of time reading, cooking, completing jigsaws and I relish walking my cockapoo, Honey.

DB Do you have a personal ambition?

RS Absolutely: I have always wanted to do voluntary work either here or overseas. At present I help with Crisis at Christmas in London and work in one of its centres for a week each December. I have had such an amazing and wonderful life; I like giving back and want to do more.

DB Do you have a personal wish?

RS To have good enough health to fulfil my future plans and for others to be kind to both themselves and to others.

DB Do you have a wish for the School and for our town?

RS For Sherborne Girls to go from strength to strength and be true to its roots: to celebrate and educate every girl as an individual, whatever her strengths and interests, and to help the girls develop as compassionate global citizens.

For the town, I would like it to continue to be a friendly, kind and welcoming place to all. I always think that Sherborne feels like a sunny place even when the sun doesn’t happen to be shining! sherborne.com

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Short Story

JACK AND THE GARDEN PARTY James Stubbs, Sherborne Scribblers ‘Go on Jack, tell me again – why are we having this garden party?’

‘Oh Mother, how many times do I have to repeat myself ?’

‘Okay, I’ll tell you again, but you must check those scones and the lemon meringue pies in a minute.’

‘Don’t worry, I will!’

‘Well Mother, it was when I was waiting for the giant to go to sleep. I had crawled into a tiny cave in amongst the boulders where he penned the poor miserable sheep. Don’t forget I reached the top of the beanstalk just before sunrise.

At first it all seemed magical but as the dawn rose and the shadows started to shift the full horror of that place became apparent.’

‘Remind me, when did you first see the giant?’

‘As I say, at first the place seemed incredible, climbing up through the lush vegetation past the huge bean pods in the moonlight – I couldn’t believe it. It was so exciting. But at the top as the sun rose there appeared before me a deserted place, like an arena full of stones and rocks. It was sandy and very dry. After a while I became aware of a really awful smell and the air was full of dust and debris flying around as if it was being fanned by something.’

‘What was that then?’

‘Well by this time I was getting quite cautious. I let the sun gradually light up the place and became aware of something monstrous hanging in what appeared to be a huge hammock slung between two wizened old oak trees that were bent double with the weight. The smell and the wind had a rhythm to it like breathing.’

‘I would have turned round and fled!’

‘Well I wanted to, but then I heard some other noises, and the huge shape in the hammock shifted and coarsely called out something like, “Wife! Bring me some food,” in a really loud deafening roar.’

‘I definitely would have legged it then.’

‘Well I was going to but then I saw the goose house and I could see that the goose inside had spotted me. I niftily jumped it and clamped my hands round its beak so it couldn’t raise the alarm. It was then that I spotted the golden eggs! I couldn’t believe it! As quick as a flash I tied my kerchief round its beak and stuffed those golden eggs into my haversack.’

‘Oh Jack!’

‘There was the sound of a shrill voice, a shuffling sound and what sounded like sacks being thrown into a pit. As I crept out of the goose house the bird made a bid for freedom and with its wings flapping I tripped on an old sheep carcass and fell

124 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

over still clutching the troublesome thing. As I stood up, dusting myself off, to my horror I saw a monstrous forehead and eye appear over the edge of the hammock.’

‘Oh lord!’

‘The eye looked at me and I looked back in disbelief. The size of it! All red and myopic, with what looked like enormous globular stalactites wobbling on the eyelids. I was completely transfixed! The beast with the eye started to roar and only then did I start to run.’

‘What happened then?’

‘I legged it! I could feel the stench of hot breath on my heels and that dreadful roaring, “Fee Fi Fo Fum.” Luckily he was slow and I don’t think his eyesight was that good. I saw the sheep and ran towards them and they scattered and I dived behind a rock. The beast was swiping at anything that moved, cursing and roaring.

Then I made for the boulders and in the shade of one I found the tiny crack of a cave. I squeezed myself and the goose right in. Luckily it was deep enough so I could retreat right to the back when that awful nose appeared with giant hairs glistening with all manner of horrible debris. The giant sniffed up and down for an hour at least, roaring that mantra that all Englishmen know so well. I shivered, sweated and prayed at the back of the cave and knew my only chance was to wait for nightfall.’

‘It must have been awful!’

‘Yes it was truly, make no mistake, but fortunately I was safe for the time being and I began to dare to think of all the things I might do if I ever got out of that dreadful place alive. I dreamt of what you and I could do if we had a goose that laid golden eggs! And I got to be so hungry, laid up in that cave for hours and hours, that I started to think of my favourite food. That was when I vowed I would hold a garden party for the whole village if I managed to escape with my life - and the goose!’

‘Well it won’t be long now till our guests begin to arrive. I’m just going to check on those scones and smarten myself up a little! I’ve got a freshly laundered apron somewhere.’

In a Matter of Words – the Sherborne Scribblers’ first collective work of prose and poetry is available now from Winstone’s Books at £9.99

sherbornetimes.co.uk | 125

Literature

OPERATION PEDESTAL SIR MAX HASTINGS AT THE SHERBORNE LITERARY SOCIETY

S

Richard Hopton, Sherborne Literary Society

ir Max Hastings is one of Britain’s leading military historians with a string of best-selling books to his credit. He will be talking about his latest, Operation Pedestal, to the Sherborne Literary Society on Friday 3rd December.

Operation Pedestal was the codename for the convoy which sailed under intense attack to resupply Malta in August 1942. It is a departure for Hastings as it is the first of his books to cover the war at sea.

Hastings is now a renowned military historian but he enjoyed a distinguished career as a journalist, serving between 1986 and 2002 as editorin-chief of the Daily Telegraph, then as editor of the Evening Standard. In his early years as a journalist Hastings was a war reporter, covering conflicts all over the globe, from the streets of Belfast to the jungles of Vietnam. He was present at the fall of Saigon in April 1975. He reported on the Yom Kippur war of 1973, on the Biafra civil war in the late ‘60s, and on the conflicts in Cyprus and Rhodesia. In 1982 he sailed to the Falkland Islands with the British Task Force and was the first man into Port Stanley when the town was recaptured, his scoop appearing on the front page of the Evening Standard. His extensive, first-hand experience of soldiers, fighting and the terrible cost of war has given his military history a humanity and an immediacy it sometimes lacks in other hands. Likewise, his journalist’s instinct for a story and his facility with words make his books entertaining and readable.

By the end of June 1942, Malta was in dire straits, desperately short of food and fuel and under relentless 126 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

attack. As the Axis, having advanced to within 60 miles of Alexandria, controlled almost the entire North African littoral as well as the naval and air bases in Sicily and southern Italy, it was able to launch wave after wave of attacks on the island and prevent any convoys from resupplying the garrison. Several attempts to get vital supplies to Malta had failed and it was obvious that the island could not hold out much longer.

It was against this background that Operation Pedestal was launched.

Between 11th and 15th August 1942 a supply convoy of 14 fast merchantmen escorted by a fleet of four aircraft-carriers, two battleships, seven cruisers, and scores of destroyers and smaller craft fought its way across a thousand miles of sea under constant attack by 600 enemy aircraft and packs of U-Boats and torpedo boats. It is a gripping story of heroism, stoicism and determination, of admirals and ordinary seamen, of pilots and merchantship masters, of stricken ships and desperate measures.

Sir Max is a fine speaker so it promises to be an enjoyable evening. sherborneliterarysociety.com

___________________________________________ Friday 3rd December 7pm–9.30pm Sir Max Hastings - Operation Pedestal The Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA

Tickets £10 (£9 Sherborne Literary Society members) sherborneliterarysociety.com/events

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NOVEMBER SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 1. Ship's complement (4) 3. Relight a fire (8) 9. Mental collapse (7) 10. Faces (anag) (5) 11. Physics of movement through air (12) 14. Snake-like fish (3) 16. Shallow recess (5) 17. That vessel (3) 18. Conflict of opinion (12) 21. Excessively mean (5) 22. Microorganism (7) 23. Value greatly (8) 24. Computer memory unit (4) 128 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

DOWN 1. Vegetables (8) 2. Mistake (5) 4. Young newt (3) 5. Ineptness (12) 6. Imperfections (7) 7. Far from difficult (4) 8. Birds of prey (6,6) 12. More pleasant (5) 13. Person with an appreciation of beauty (8) 15. Time off (7) 19. Dark wood (5) 20. Short tail (4) 22. Spoil (3)

Literature

LITERARY REVIEW Richard Hopton, Sherborne Literary Society

Noble Ambitions by Adrian Tinniswood (Jonathan Cape, £30)

T

Sherborne Times Reader Offer Price of £28 from Winstone’s Books

he English country house is one of our national glories, collectively, a unique treasury of architecture and artefacts. For much of the 20th century, it has been under attack, its future the despair of architectural historians and social conservatives alike. The Destruction of the English Country House, the V&A’s 1974 exhibition, starkly illustrated the extent of the loss.

Adrian Tinniswood’s new book, Noble Ambitions, is a thoroughly absorbing investigation of the story of the country house since 1945, a blend of architectural and social history, of high culture and scurrilous gossip. Tinniswood is equally at home explaining the technicalities of the Historic Buildings Councils and recounting the eccentricities of the people who owned the houses. Many owners of country houses might have been burdened by debt and dogged by a leaking roof ‘the moat is overgrown and the earl is overdrawn’ - but many of them muddled through and they certainly had fun while doing so. If some of the social history - for example, the Argyll divorce and the Profumo affair - is well rehearsed, Tinniswood includes other stories which are less well known. In the 20 years between the two world wars, more than 420 country houses were demolished in England alone. Reduced agricultural incomes, loss of heirs in the trenches, high taxation and wider economic depression were all to blame. One cynical peer remarked that, ‘If you need to dynamite a country house, do it early on a Monday morning.’ The bigger houses required large numbers of servants to run them; once these were no longer affordable or available, the houses themselves

'Independent Bookseller of the Year 2016’ 8 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PX www.winstonebooks.co.uk Tel: 01935 816 128

became unsustainable. Worse, houses requisitioned during the war were frequently returned to their owners in poor condition.

After 1945, owners of the large country houses were forced to confront the new reality. Many did so by selling outlying parts of the estate; both the Marquis of Bath and the Duke of Devonshire sold large tracts of land to meet death duties. Others rationalised their houses by demolishing unneeded wings: Bowood, Woburn and Knowsley were all greatly reduced in size. Some were demolished altogether: 48 in 1955 alone. Some houses were rescued by the National Trust; many others received restoration grants from the Historic Buildings Councils. Many country house owners embraced a new commercial spirit: Longleat may have been exceptional in its lions but many a stately home converted a disused stable into a tearoom for visitors, put the family treasures on display and employed guides.

Tinniswood’s book is, for all its tales of demolition, sale and retrenchment, essentially optimistic. In the 1960s and ‘70s a new generation of pop stars and actors began buying country houses. In the thirty years leading up to the Destruction exhibition of 1974, a coterie of talented British architects built well over 100 new country houses. Now, in the 21st century, a new breed of the super-rich, oligarchs, tech wizards and hedge funders are breathing new life into these old houses.

As Tinniswood says, the country house isn’t dying, it’s adapting to a changing world. ’Twas ever thus. sherborneliterarysociety.com

Your Christmas Gifts Covered

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

D

Martin Lee, Rector of Sherborne

ecember brings such a glow of excitement to so many, especially to our young people, who are by now starting to write their letters to Father Christmas and planning the list of things they might like for Christmas.

The trees are about to go up, if they’re not already, the shops are looking at their best with that ideal gift, and yes, the sound of carols are ringing in our ears, no matter where we shop.

The Abbey is no exception. As you enter the door, the sound of carols fills the air and the Christmas tree twinkles brightly. Through December, shoppers have plenty of opportunities to join us in the Abbey for a few moments and to sing at our short Shoppers’ Carol Services on Sunday 5th and Saturday 18th.

For many of us, this will feel a bit like a first occasion; a first for a long time since we have been able to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones for what seems like years and years. However, it was just two years ago, but it feels longer.

Personally, it is our first Christmas here in Sherborne, and as a family it is our first Christmas with our little grandson, who is just eight weeks old.

With so many firsts, it is poignant for us to reflect on that very first Christmas night. We often see the romantic beauty of the stable on our Christmas cards, but the reality was this was a cold, old stable at the back of the inn. However, this was the place where God’s love shone so brightly, as Mary gave birth to His child in a simple stable. In great humility, Jesus arrived surrounded by the extravagant love of God, extravagant love for every one of us, as he gave to us His only son.

That first Christmas night has caused us down through the ages to stop and ponder, yes to celebrate, but to stop and look at the Christmas scene and see how a loving God gave us His child. By his transforming beauty, a child causes so many to stop and adore the reality of love.

Wherever you may be this Christmas time, and whoever you share it with, may we be reminded that the first Christmas night reflected such wondrous love and beauty that we will once again stop and adore the scene, be that on a card or in a shop window or the beauty of the Abbey at our crib. In adoring the scene, may the message of the Christ child of love, joy and peace be in your hearts, and may it transform us as it did those shepherds and kings who knelt in adoration before him.

May I wish you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas.

130 | Sherborne Times | December 2021

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