The BV Magazine, Feb 24

PROUD TO BE ONLY DIGITAL – WE LOVE TREES!

February ‘24

ISSN 2634-8810

The heart of the Blackmore Vale

The BV magazine - February ‘24

IN THIS ISSUE

Award-winning writer Sam Peters looks for a game-changing playbook with Jerome Kaino’s Dorset evasion clinic | Page 34

B&SV Hunt have been suspended after drone footage shows a fox being killed | Page 4

It does NOT look like this now! | Page 54

Meet the fourthgeneration funeral director and discover what it’s like to have a job that is either a conversation starter – or fast finisher! | Page 31

A streak of Dorset daring rescues – but there’s a thin line between humourous mishaps and farming tragedies | Page 56 Front cover: Grumpy little wren by Sarah Smith

Reader’s photography.

Just ... don’t miss them this month (or ever, to be honest). | Page 100

The BV magazine, February 2024

INDEX

We know, it’s a HUGE magazine, and the sections can change month to month. So we make it easy for you: just like grabbing the sections you like best from the Sunday papers, you can click the number below to jump straight to the section you want.

Or you can just go make yourself a mug of tea and start from the beginning...

31

A Country Living – Richard Wakeley

62

Animals

106

Announcements

68

Art - Dorset Galleries round up

42

Book corner

35

Community News

56

Farming

82

Food & Drink

97

Health

108

Jobs

38

Letters to the Editor

52

Local history

4

News

49

Night Sky

90

Out of doors

26

Politics

41

Puzzles

100

Reader's photography

50

Rural Matters – CPRE

46

Take a hike

72

What's on

64

Wildlife

Contact The BV Team: 01258 472572

Editor: Laura Hitchcock editor@BVmagazine.co.uk Advertising: Courtenay Hitchcock advertising@BVmagazine.co.uk Sub-editors: Gay Pirrie-Weir Fanny Charles Everything else: Try Courtenay, he’s the organised one...

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR That was a quick three weeks since I was last here – although at the same time I suspect we may have just completed the longest January ever in the history of ever.

But here we are, out the other side at last and breathing in those faint fresh scents of spring.

My brain turned repeatedly this week to the phrase ‘don’t get it right, get it written’. It’s a great mental kick when I’m dithering over how to make the first sentence flow; it really doesn’t matter, just write something! It’ll work itself out as I go, and then I can always come back and fix the start once I know where I finished.

The funny thing is, I learned the phrase from a journalist friend of mine who, as a young graduate, worked in a newsroom where the older editor would stand in the doorway and shout the phrase across the noisy room at people – he apparently had an uncanny knack for spotting the procrastinators.

A man who I have never met, whose name I don’t even know, helps me on a weekly basis.* It made me wonder what small parts of me I have left, entirely unknowingly, with others. And the next thought is obviously that if there are some I hope it’s my wit and my brains, and not just the time I fired a hunk of lobster at one of the world’s greatest winemakers ...

This month, for a magazine that doesn’t do much sport (and actually the one sport discipline we do cover – equestrian – is on a winter break), we’ve come over all sporty. Quite by accident, obviously (if you think we have a smartly themed plan for each month then quite frankly you’re in for a little disappointment). We have some incredible rugby with an ex-All Black, Shaftesbury ice mile swimmers that made my jaw clench, a good news golf story, and a good news / bad news balance of community leisure centres.

Sport aside, not to brag but there’s some absolute peaches in this issue. We are so lucky to have the writers we do. Andrew Livingston’s Slurry Shuffle is unmissable, be sure to make it as far as Farming.

I’m starting to suspect Barry Cuff of picking the ‘then’ images for Then & Now just for the delight of where he’s making Courtenay go to get the ‘now’ version. Last month it was the middle of the A357, this month ... it’s literally a roundabout.

And oh, the reader’s photography ... but I can’t bang on about that again. Just don’t miss it.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

by Andrew Livingston

Local hunt suspended

Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt suspended after drone footage shows a fox being killed, sparking investigation and debate on hunting practices The Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt has been suspended by its governing body after the release of drone footage which shows a pack of hounds killing a fox.

The footage, captured by North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs, was taken on 4th December and released to the hunt’s governing body, the British Hound Sporting Association (BHSA), and Channel 4 News last Thursday (25th January) – Click play on the video below to watch the full news report.

Before the footage was released to the public, the BHSA had announced its decision to suspend the hunt group. The Association’s statement says: ‘The BHSA are aware of the content of footage taken on 4th December. As a

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consequence, the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt and all BHSA members within the hunt were suspended from all hunting activities on the 24th January pending further investigation. The incident has been referred to the Hound Sports Regulatory Authority (HSRA) who will open a disciplinary inquiry.’

One of the North Dorset Sabs, who was in attendance when the drone footage was taken, told the BV: ‘Although we are very pleased with the suspension and police investigation, we had really hoped that the presence of the drone would have stopped the hunt killing the fox.

‘Unfortunately, it seemed they were making so much noise and were so engrossed in chasing the fox that they

didn’t notice it until it was too late. It’s a sickening insight into what goes on and very upsetting for us all that we couldn’t save this fox.’

First hand experience Since the 2004 Hunting Act, it has been illegal to knowingly chase live animals with dogs; guilty parties found breaking this law can be issued a £5,000 fine. The BV contacted Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick for comment on the case but were told that he ‘would not make comment on what is a current and ongoing police investigation.’

A report released last year by the League Against Cruel Sports collated ’621 cases of hunt havoc and 361 incidents of hunts being involved in

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

suspected illegal hunting’. It our entire herd of dairy cattle found that the Blackmore & across a narrow bridge and up Sparkford Vale Hunt was the to the farm, half a kilometre. second-worst offending hunt These [were] pregnant in the country, with the South animals, and animals in milk – Dorset Hunt being the worst. our livelihood.

(Although the League Against ‘They were half a mile away Cruel Sports is an independent and I called them back. The charity, its data is collated by men came back and they the public and surrounded ‘The Hunting saboteurs, and me on Act might be results could be horseback. exaggerated or It felt ambiguous, but even falsified.) threatening. threatening However, The BV ‘That was behaviour, antihas spoken with really the social behaviour, one Sturminster beginning of aggravated trespass, the end.’

Newton farmer criminal damage who has firstSince that hand experience and killing wildlife moment, of the Blackmore the 60-yearwith dogs are all & Sparkford Vale old farmer illegal and they’re Hunt trespassing says that not ambiguous’ on his land and the hunt worrying his has been animals over many years. ‘antagonistic and destructive’ Terence Fox had previously towards both himself and his allowed the hunt to pass farm. ‘We were advised to put through his land until an a number of cameras around incident in 1996. He said: because of their behaviour, ‘They [the hunt] stampeded which we’ve now done.’

Mr Fox prides himself on the biodiversity of his farm. He added: ‘It’s very distressing, when you have a wildlifefriendly farm, to have a whole pack of hounds killing.’

He went on to explain how a wild animal was killed during a period of two hours the hunt spent on his land: ‘We heard it die that day. It screamed like a baby.’

After seeing the North Dorset Sab’s drone footage of the incident for which the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt has been suspended, Mr Fox said that it was, in his opinion, ‘appalling’.

He added: ‘I hope they get brought to book for it. And it’s about time these people were brought into line.

‘The Hunting Act might be ambiguous, but threatening behaviour, anti-social behaviour, aggravated trespass, criminal damage and killing wildlife with dogs are all illegal – and they’re not in the least ambiguous.’

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

A critical moment The BV has approached the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt and various members for comment, but they have been advised not to comment during the ongoing investigation.

One organisation that did speak to The BV was the Countryside Alliance, which works alongside hunts and the BHSA as an external public relations firm.

A spokesperson for the Alliance said that ‘there have been just a handful of hunts prosecuted since the Hunting Act came into force almost 19 years ago’. They added: ‘It is estimated that around 12,000 days of lawful hunting activities take place across the country each season ... demonstrating that the majority of hunting days are conducted within the law.’

Hunts are lawfully allowed to go out on what are known as trail hunts. This is the practice of using a pack of hounds to follow a scent of animal urine, typically fox, that is laid in

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advance – the trail. there was incredible coverage ‘If hounds accidentally nationwide ... as ever with the deviate from the trail that has media, however, bad news been laid for them and start always spreads faster than following the scent of a live good news.’ quarry, it is the responsibility of the huntsman and hunt Rural livelihoods staff (those assisting the When the 2004 Hunting huntsman), to stop the hounds Act came into force, hunts immediately.’ moved over to trail hunting to The Alliance stressed that ensure that hunts such as the the General Blackmore & Election due to Sparkford Vale ‘If hounds ... start take place this could continue. following the scent The Alliance year marks a dangerous time says that ’the of a live quarry, it for the future of is the responsibility trail hunting hunting. They of the huntsman ... community said: ’There is across Dorset to stop the hounds and beyond is political change immediately’ in the air and still thriving.

Labour are ‘Trail hunting currently hot favourites to win. has enabled hunts that were ‘This represents a critical impacted by the Hunting moment for hunting. So Act to adapt their practices now, more than ever, it is while still retaining their crucial that hunts are able infrastructure, ensuring a to openly demonstrate that future for their hounds and their lawful hunting activities horses as well as careers are legitimate and that they for the hunt staff. The are operating to the highest continuation of trail hunting standards at all times. also ensures that other, ‘Throughout the festive period related, businesses – such as farriers, horse breeders, feed merchants and horsebox manufacturers – will still benefit too.

‘Trail hunting plays an important role within communities, bringing together people from all walks of life and of all ages who enjoy following hounds. Whether following on horse or on foot, hunt supporters benefit widely from the positive physical and mental well-being that hunting generates. Social interaction plays a key role too, particularly for those who are from isolated or remote rural areas.’

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Dorset’s leisure centres and recreation grounds at risk As local towns fight to save their sports facilities, Rachael Rowe highlights the clash between budget cuts and public health priorities What do you do when a sports centre or recreation ground that plays a critical part in the community’s health and wellbeing is at risk of closure? With limits on the public monies available, local authorities have to make difficult spending decisions.

Cutting sports and leisure funding seems inevitable. How can recreational facilities be protected, maintained and become sustainable, when closing them seems to fly in the face of the council policy of keeping people healthy?

QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne In March 2022, Dorset Council Cabinet agreed to serve a two year notice period on the QE Leisure Centre. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring they get best value for money within their limited budgets, and their contribution to the leisure centre in Wimborne is £550,000 annually – a third of Dorset’s entire leisure budget.

From April this year, the management of the leisure centre will be handed to the Queen Elizabeth School and the general public, apart

from those in clubs with prior arrangements, will no longer be able to use the facilities.

In 2021, 64 per cent of the 1,799 respondents to a public consultation said they used the facilities.

A petition was launched as soon as local residents heard news of the closure. Stuart Paterson, from the group QE Leisure Centre Action, which is working on the response, described the initial reaction to the news in 2022: ‘At the time, although the clubs were happy to discuss the issue, there was a bit of reluctance to do anything because there was a widespread view that alternative arrangements would be made.

‘It’s a very popular centre and there is a lot of support for it. It looks like that’s the end of the public facility, so it will certainly have a big impact on the community.

‘We have a 25 metre pool that’s deep enough for scuba diving clubs to use. There are daily hydrotherapy sessions, which people are referred to for medical reasons. The prospect of that closing is a major issue. And the Wimborne Wagtails is a disability swimming group which uses the pool. Some don’t have their own

Dorset Council’s contribution to the leisure centre in Wimborne is £550,000 annually – a third of Dorset’s entire leisure budget

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre found a new way more than 12 years ago with the formation of Sturfit – trustees run the facility as a charitable not-for-profit enterprise in partnership with SAST

transport and public transport often doesn’t tie in with the timing of sessions.

‘Although the council is quick to point out that there are three other council-run leisure centres within a 20 minute drive of Wimborne, it’s not like-for-like. Some centres don’t have the facilities that we have.’

Initio Learning Trust, which runs the school says: ‘We understand the concerns expressed by users of the QE Leisure Centre and swimming pool after the council’s decision to withdraw from running the facility from 31st March. The pool requires improvements, and in order for those to be carried out it will have to be closed for a period. It will therefore be unavailable for use from 1st April 2024. We anticipate the works will be completed in time for the new school year in September this year, which is when we expect school lessons to restart. From that point the pool may also be hired to swimming lesson providers, clubs and community groups, but we do not intend to directly provide lessons or general public swimming.’

Sturfit Much like the QE Centre in Wimborne, Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre’s purpose was always to provide a sports facility for the high school as well as the local community – the land for the building was provided by the Pitt-Rivers Estate with a covenant on it to that end.

When it was at similar risk of closure due to lack of funds in 2011, an open Sturminster Newton Town Council meeting was held to find a solution.

During the meeting, it was proposed that a charitable trust might take over the running of the centre as a not-for-profit organisation, and various local residents volunteered to be the

trustees of the newly-formed Sturfit charity.

Sturminster Newton High School recently joined the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) and Sturfit and SAST have continued an already excellent working relationship. The leisure centre is used by several thousand people each week.

Chairman of Sturfit, Courtenay Hitchcock says: ‘During term times, Sturfit has full use of the gym and dance studio, and the school has priority use of the main hall. We manage the facility on behalf of SAST and they are responsible for the fabric of the building. We employ a full time manager, other staff are subcontracted, and we also support the numerous local small businesses who run the various classes and clubs here.

‘One of the challenges we face is the common misunderstanding that we are funded and run by the council – we’re not, and haven’t been since 2012! But the model we have is working well for all parties. Sitting down together and working out what works for everyone was key.’

The Sturfit trustees have had to work through lots of important lessons, and their experience could perhaps help those places that are now at risk of closure. Courtenay added: ‘Leisure facilities are in a difficult situation right now when running either as a for-profit private enterprise or, especially, as a cash-strapped council-funded facility. Our model is a really good solution for us and for the school.

‘From the outside, I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for Wimborne too. If there is a core of people with the will and momentum to change to a charitable model, it’s a viable option that can also open up further opportunities in terms of grant funding.’

• To support the QE leisure Centre Action petition, sign here.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Better news from Yeovil Yeovil town council steps up with tax increase to safeguard beloved recreation ground amidst Somerset’s budget cuts There is some good news from Yeovil on the future of the town’s valued and much-used recreation ground, which was threatened with closure as part of Somerset Council’s draconian cuts – part of a nationwide picture of underfunded rural councils facing financial melt-down.

Yeovil Town Council, which has unanimously decided to increase Council Tax for the upcoming fiscal year, agreed budget plans aimed at preserving the athletics arena. This move is part of a strategy to allocate resources for the upkeep and operational expenses associated with Yeovil Recreation Centre.

Andy Kendall, the town council Liberal Democrat leader, says it is the first step towards saving the facilities, but there are still months of The threat negotiations ahead with to Yeovil’s Somerset Council.

Somerset Council important currently faces a £100 leisure facility million funding deficit inspired a huge and consequently has some hard choices to campaign by make – but the threat to users Yeovil’s important leisure facility inspired a huge campaign by users, including a petition which has already attracted more than 14,000 signatures.

Geoff Cole, chairman of Yeovil Olympiads Athletics Club (AC), says: ‘The athletics arena is used by the Yeovil Olympiads AC, Dorchester AC, Yeovil Town 10

Road Running Club and Running for Time Running club. In addition to those clubs, more than a dozen local schools and colleges used the athletics track in 2023, from all over South Somerset and North Dorset. There is no other facility like it locally.’

Closing the arena could mean the end of schools and club competitions, ‘and Somerset County Athletics Championships could not be held in Somerset,’ he said.

There is similar strong support from other users, including Jo Stephenson of Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club. The construction of the artificial pitch in 2013 was a collaborative venture between South Somerset District Council, the Hockey Club and England Hockey, and the club continues to invest in the facility. It has just made a contribution of £10,000 towards the provision of equipment so the café can provide players with meals and bring more income to the Rec. She said it would be ‘devastating’ if the facilities the club had worked hard to establish were lost – ‘Once gone they will be gone for good,’ she warned. ‘It would be another nail in the coffin of this area of South Somerset, which is recognised as one of the most deprived areas in the South West.’

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said the council both owns and operates Yeovil Recreation Ground: ‘Therefore, it is not “funded” as such, in the way that we grant-fund some other leisure centres, which are operated on a contractor basis.

The annual operating cost for Yeovil Recreation Ground is c£190,000 net.’

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

by Ted Howells

North Dorset MP secures £600m for local councils

Simon Hoare plays pivotal role in securing the funding boost, aiming to alleviate financial strains on Dorset and Somerset councils On 12th January, 46 Members of Parliament jointly signed an open letter to the Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary, demanding ‘additional funding for local government’. The letter, titled ‘Impact of the Autumn Statement on County and Unitary Council Finances’, highlighted the challenges faced by country and rural areas, and their MPs, with an expected shortfall over the next three years of more than £4 billion.

Two MPs from the region were signatories of the letter: Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, and Sarah Dyke, MP for Somerton and Frome.

Following the letter’s publication, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Local Government Minister Simon Hoare, who is MP for North Dorset, announced a £600 million funding boost for councils in England.

Local Government Minister Simon Hoare MP has been pivotal in securing the increase in funding

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According to another local MP’s aide, Simon Hoare has been fundamental in securing this funding package, which will benefit both Dorset Council and Somerset Council. It is estimated that the allocation could be between £4m and £5m for each local authority.

Speaking exclusively to The BV, Simon Hoare says: ‘Coming from a local government background and seeing the great work Dorset Council does for local communities drove me in working to help secure extra funding. I know every penny will be used to benefit communities and deliver the services that local people need.

It’s the largest uplift from provisional to final settlement ever – and I am delighted to have had a hand in delivering it.’

Where it’s going The main bulk of the support package will see an additional £500 million added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets. Further details on this will be set out in the incoming Budget, while details on the distribution of the funding will be included in the final Local Government Finance Settlement next month.

The remaining £100m comprises: • an increase to the Funding Guarantee from 3 to 4 per cent • £15m for the Rural Services Delivery Grant • £3m for authorities with Internal Drainage Boards • additional funding for the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly,with the remainder distributed through the Services Grant.

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

This will be welcome news for our region’s MPs, £5m will not help us overcome a projected who have been campaigning for the recognition budget shortfall of £100million for next year. We of rural areas. It was only in November last year still have a broken model of local government that Chris Loder and Sarah Dyke led debates on finance and social care funding which needs the topic of rural councils. The £15m increased to be addressed. We have explored all options funding through the Rural Services Delivery to reduce our gap and it is clear we will need Grant for rural councils is, accordGovernment approval to increase ing to the Government: ‘the largest Council Tax and use capital funding ‘The burden of cash increase since 2018-19 and the to create a sustainable council.’ the additional Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset second successive year of above-inadult social flation increases’.

Council, is yet to issue a statement The additional £3 million is for local care costs is on but in his interview with the BV authorities facing high levies from us, on the local Magazine in November, he said: Internal Drainage Boards which help ‘There’s no recognition from taxpayers. protect residents from flooding. government – the burden of the And it’s huge.

Moreover, the £500m increase in additional adult social care costs social care funding is in addition to It’s £142 million is on us, on the local taxpayers. the £1 billion in additional funding out of our £348 And it’s huge. It’s £142 million out announced at Autumn Statement of our £348 million total budget, million total 2022 and in July 2023, to enable and we don’t get any support from budget’ councils to continue to provide the government to fund that.’ crucial social care services for their It is widely expected that the local communities, particularly for children. additional funding will be used to address Despite the record level of funding, not everyone the pressures facing councils and improve is satisfied. performance. The Government has been clear Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, said: that it should not be put aside for later use or ‘Any extra funding is of course welcome – but spent on areas that are not a high priority.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS Former New Zealand star Jerome Kaino, the holder of two World Cup winner’s medals and no fewer than 83 All Black caps, teaching the art of evasion at Clayesmore School in January All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

All Black Jerome Kaino’s Clayesmore masterclass tackles rugby’s rough edge Award-winning writer Sam Peters looks for a game-changing playbook with Jerome Kaino’s Dorset evasion clinic providing a beacon for the future The headlines surrounding rugby union’s safety record have been pretty dreadful for the past decade or more.

I should know – I’ve been responsible for many of them.

Having witnessed the sport morph from a physically demanding amateur game into an extreme version of its former self, following the onset 14

of professionalism in 1995, I spent more than 15 years as a national newspaper reporter, including four as rugby correspondent at the Mail on Sunday and two more at the Sunday Times, warning anyone who would listen that rugby’s risk profile was becoming intolerable. But for much of that time, it felt as if I was

screaming in an empty room.

In August last year, still convinced there was a problem, I published a book: Concussed; Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth, which recounts the many battles I’d fought within the sport to raise the alarm about concussion and other injuries, and my hope that rugby could one day revert back to an

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS Players and staff from Bath and Stade Toulousain academies provided the opportunity of professional coaching for students from Clayesmore, Monkton Coombe and King Edward’s School Bath

evasion-based sport enjoyed by players of all shapes and sizes.

In November, it was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

It starts in Dorset A legal case involving more than 300 former professional

players, alleging the sport’s governing bodies were negligent in their handling of concussion following the onset of professionalism, hardly bodes well. Some fear if the sport doesn’t act decisively to reduce injury risk, rugby as we know it may not even exist in

two decades time.

While some have sought to dismiss and denigrate those (me included) involved in the legal case, others believe it could be the catalyst for muchneeded change which helps de-power the sport, reduce collisions and educate players to prize skill and evasion over brute power and force.

Anecdotally, parents are increasingly concerned about concussion rates, which have spiked in the past 20 years as professionalism has encouraged players to become bigger, faster and stronger. Inevitably, levels of participation in schools is being hit as a result.

Unquestionably, change is already beginning. In January, something quite remarkable happened here in Dorset, at Clayesmore school.

Former New Zealand star Jerome Kaino, the holder of two World Cup winner’s medals and no fewer than 83 All Black caps, schooled dozens of young players from around the west country in the lost art of evasion – how to explore space and in doing so reduce collisions on the field.

Players and staff from Bath and Stade Toulousain academies joined a training session which, while held on a biting-cold 15

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

January morning, could not fail to warm the soul of anyone who cares about rugby’s longterm future.

A very different style Watched by a collection of interested parties, including Clayesmore’s rugby-loving head teacher Jo Thomson, head of games Dan Conway, and head of rugby Richard Dixon, the players hung on every word the 40-year-old Kaino uttered and followed every direction given.

‘We (Stade Toulousain) love to keep the ball alive and the more time we can do that, without going into rucks or contact, that can be beneficial,’ Kaino said.

Dixon added: ‘You see a lot of rugby which is not about space, it’s about collisions. We’re more interested in teaching our boys there is another way to do this.

Use your brain ... create space ... use space.’

No doubt sensing the opportunity to impress, boys

Clayesmore’s teacher of mathematics and sports coach Richard Dixon has known and worked with Sam Lacombe, Head of Stade Toulouse Academy for the last 12 years, having been introduced by Pierre Villepreux. Sam is the president of ‘Le Plaisir Du Mouvement’ the internationally-renowned rugby camp which teaches players and coaches on the coaching philosophy of Pierre Villepreux

from Clayesmore, Monkton Combe and St Edwards Bath were willing participants in a session demonstrating a very different style from the simplistic collision-based game many modern coaches are fixated by – but eschewed by legendary Toulouse and France coach Pierre Villepreux.

Jerome Kaino demonstrating how to use speed, footwork and body moment to avoid big clashes

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Improving tackle techniques in order to reduce concussion was also a focus.

‘I am a huge believer in the importance of rugby and the values it instils in young people,’ Thomson told me. ‘But the data you show in your book is hard to argue with. Rather than bury our heads in the sand, we want to look for solutions to parental concerns about the risks of playing rugby. We want to safeguard the future of this brilliant game.’

With other schools around the country also looking to address safety concerns, it feels as if change will be driven not by reluctant and conflicted governing bodies, but by forward-thinking educational establishments such as Clayesmore, willing to tackle the toughest conversations and institute change accordingly.

And if they do, perhaps those headlines will begin to change for the better.

I, for one, dearly hope so.

• Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth by Sam Peters SHORTLISTED for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2023

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS Housing provider Abri facilitated the £8 million affordable development at Hazelbury Bryan

Homegrown havens: the growing DIY answer to housing hurdles ‘No one knows a place like the people who live there’ – Rachael Rowe asks if community land trusts are the housing solution for rural communities You can’t help but notice that there are housing estates springing up all over North Dorset. And there’s no doubt that affordable homes are required for local people. Dorset is one of the most expensive places in England to buy a home and it is critical that the county can both attract key workers and enable people to live in their local communities. How can communities stop developers building uninspiring eyesores or luxury homes that local people don’t want or can’t afford to buy.

Community land trusts are having a significant impact in rural areas and could be a solution for places that need to expand but where local people want to maintain control.

A community land trust?

There may well be a community land trust (CLT) in a village near you, and several have achieved remarkable things. CLTs give ordinary people the means to steward

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land for local use and sustaindevelopments. They don’t want ability. Primarily, they focus on places to lose their character and developing and managing homes. they don’t want policy imposed However, a CLT can also be used from outside. People want to be to manage other important assets able to plan sites for themselves. in a local community, such as a ‘There’s a real need for affordable post office or village hall. Some homes in rural communities so are also beginning to look at that younger people are able to community renewable energy continue to live locally – that’s schemes. often a starting point for a A CLT gives local community land people an opportutrust.

‘Many nity to have more ‘Typically, a parish communities control over develcouncil will make today feel like opments. Alison an assessment Ward is the lead of local housing they are not community land need – usually in control of trust advisor at Midthere’s a mix of developments’ dlemarch, a social types of property, enterprise set up to depending on the support community-led housing, local requirement. What we tend for example, through a commuto find is that local people have a nity land trust, housing co-op or very good knowledge of what is co-housing organisation. needed, and also of how it should ‘No one knows a place like the look. Where they usually need the people who live there,’ she says. assistance is with the planning ‘Many communities today feel as and building, which is where we though they are not in control of can help.’

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS Who knows best?

Once a community land trust has been set up and a local housing need is identified, there’s a call out for suitable land. Sometimes a landowner will offer to sell a piece of land for local use. ‘Usually, communities know where a project would work best,’ says Alison.. ‘In Powerstock they chose a place in the centre of the village, opposite a Grade 1 listed building and down a long winding lane.

No large developer would have gone there, but it worked for the community. They knew what was right and got eight affordable homes there.’

Once a CLT has a site, they need to partner with a housing association and developer who will finance the build and do the construction. The small village of Toller Porcorum has 160 houses.

Their priority was actually a new post office, as the current one was in an unsuitable building.

Toller Porcorum CLT secretary Rorie Geddes has worked with the project since 1999: ‘It all hinged around our post office, which was closing. In 2012, a village survey showed a lot of enthusiasm for a community land trust. Some land became available from a local landowner, Venera Hereward, but the condition was that a new post office would have to be built as well as the affordable housing.

Queen Camel’s Old School building was secured by a community land trust, and is now a hub for the village with a cafe, community facilities and workspaces

‘We worked with Aster Housing, which now manages the homes as well. We get a ground rent which is ploughed back into the community. However, it takes a long time to get these things done. It took us five years.’

Working to local needs When communities take on major projects like a CLT, there are lots of lessons to learn. Terry Bennett, involved with a CLT in Bradford Abbas, and Rorie Geddes in Toller Porcorum both feel the length of time to get things done can be frustrating. Rorie says: ‘Our priority was the post office – there wasn’t that much of a local housing need, so people from other parts of Dorset moved in to the houses. We may have had a

Toller Porcorum’s community land trust secured the village post office, along with affordable housing

different outcome if we had sold the houses in an affordable way instead of renting them.’

Alison has also worked with Norton sub Hamdon in South Somerset.

‘They have been going for a long time now. They initially got 12 affordable homes developed – they partnered with Abri. But their community shop was at risk so they also included that in the CLT. They didn’t do it because they love building but because they love their community.

‘Queen Camel is another great example where they built 20 affordable homes, and then the CLT took on a school building. The school had been at risk of flooding so there was always a plan to close it, but the community did a massive job of raising the funds to keep it. Now Old School contains a community cafe, a gallery space for local artists, business space, a day centre ... there’s even a community laundry.’

For those communities considering a community land trust, the housing enabling officer at the local authority is a good starting point. Both the Middlemarch website and National Community Land Trusts Network are full of excellent examples of developments where communities are taking back control of their areas and making positive change.

• communitylandtrusts.org.uk

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

The Ice Milers of Shaftesbury Winter water wonders: Shaftesbury Lido turns icy conditions into a hub of cold water swimming camaraderie and ambition, says Rachael Rowe ‘There was ice on the pool cover this morning!’

As one of the highest towns in England, standing at 750 feet above sea level, Shaftesbury is known as one of the coldest places in North Dorset.

With frost on the ground, most people are trying to keep warm – the last place I’d expect to find anyone on a January morning is an open air swimming pool.

Unexpectedly, Shaftesbury Lido was full of people.

Elizabeth Mills (left) and Harriet Green after the qualifying Ice km All images: Rachael Rowe

Winter swimming The lido began offering cold water swimming in November 2023 as a trial, and it has proved very popular. There’s a real sense of community at the poolside, with smiling faces encouraging some to take the plunge and supporting swimmers as they get out of the chilly water. Some swimming the River Dart 10km. I were happy to take a dip in had just suffered a trauma, and a full wetsuit, but others had when I got in the water it was so significantly more experience very cold but it really focused my with cold water swimming. mind as I relaxed. It took all that New manager Harriet Green [trauma] away. I realised cold is an aquavit instructor and water swimming could lifeguard as well help me.’ as a swimming Ice miles are not Harriet has just instructor and cold-water and a stag weekend qualified as an International Ice open-water activity or a Swimming Association coach. She is dare. Rather, Official Observer, so also experienced they require she can participate in teaching in IISA events and ice people how to very serious mile qualifying swims. swim safely in preparation With the water at a cold water. She bracing four degrees says: ’I love the conditions were ideal for her first variety you get with cold water observed swimmer to take the swimming, it really opens the plunge in Shaftesbury. eyes of those who come for a dip. And there’s a whole new side No jumping, no diving with ice swimming. We have 16 An ice mile is a technical term places available here, and we’re rather than simply a slang phrase fully booked. for a chilly swim – a one-mile ‘I got into it myself when I was 20

swim under International Ice Swimming Association rules in a water temperature of five degrees Celsius or less, without stopping or putting a foot down, wearing just a standard costume, goggles and one swim hat.

Only 450 people have completed the challenge globally – it is not to be taken lightly. Ice miles are not a stag weekend activity or a dare. Rather, they require very serious preparation.

As with all cold water swimming, ice miles must always be done with other people. Swimmers have to be in good health and it can take several winter seasons to build their stamina. Medical checks, including an ECG, are required before undertaking an ice mile.

Elizabeth Mills from Corfe Mullen was about to attempt her qualifying swim for the ice mile.

‘I’ve built up my strength over

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS about five seasons. You really have to build it up.’

Elizabeth is also a mermaid swimming coach and has previously swum the length of Lake Windermere in a mermaid tail! She’s hoping to be one of four qualifiers to go to Cheltenham in February to swim an actual ice mile.

Shaftesbury cannot be used as an ice mile pool – even though the temperature is optimal, the length needs to be 25 metres, and Shaftesbury is only 25 yards.

However, it can be used to train and also to get that crucial qualifying swim.

Successful ice mile swimmers have to get the swim properly ratified. They then become part of a very exclusive community and get to own a coveted Ice Mile Red Jacket.

There is, of course, a lot of publicity about the dangers of swimming in cold water, especially jumping in. So what is the team doing that is different?

Harriet explained the importance of coaching for anyone interested in cold water swimming.

‘We do a lot just to help people get into the water properly.

During lockdown, all the pools were closed and people took to open water. However, they were just jumping in, and that can be really dangerous. The shock of the cold water makes people inhale, and they can take in pints

Tracking the lap numbers as an alert support team monitors Elizabeth carefully

Elizabeth Mills as she finished her final lap - ice Miles must be completed wearing just a normal costume and one hat in water less then 5ºC

of water. That’s how people drown. Even the tombstoners on Durdle Door are at risk from cold water inhalation.’

The swim With the water temperature at an average of 4.1 degrees, Elizabeth is ready to enter the water for her qualifying one kilometre swim – 44 lengths. Around the pool, all eyes are on her as she carefully steps into the pool, splashing water on herself to try and get used to the cold.

Then she’s away, slowly but deftly gliding through the water.

An ice mile typically takes 20 per cent longer than a normal swim because of the strain on your body. From the pool edge, Watching from the pool edge, Elizabeth’s swim looks effortless but all around me the team is vigilant for any sign of a problem.

Someone is monitoring the number of lengths she has to swim, and Harriet times each length, focusing on Elizabeth the entire time.

Halfway through, Harriet asks Elizabeth a question to ensure she is still orientated. Then, after 15 minutes and 49 seconds, Elizabeth reaches the finish. She did it! There’s a quick cheer from friends and she’s rapidly bundled off to the changing room, where she has to be dried, changed, and she’s enjoying a warm drink within ten minutes.

Glass hands An ice mile is not over until the ‘after drop’. During the swim, blood travels from the extremities to the body’s core to protect vital organs. After the swim, there’s a critical ten-minute window before the blood starts flowing back to the rest of the body again, and that cold blood can shock the system. Extreme shivering can occur, and you are often colder than you are in the water. Elizabeth recovers quickly, and is soon wrapped in warm clothes with an essential hot chocolate. ‘It was fun,’ she said. ‘I couldn’t actually feel my hands.

I wasn’t sure if my hands were touching the water.’

Harriet nods in recognition as she recognises the feeling: ‘When I swam, my hands felt like glass.’

Not all about the ice You don’t have to be an ice miler to enjoy Shaftesbury Lido, though there are cold water sessions where you can learn the techniques. In summer the pool opens to schools as well as for naturist swims, aquafit and paddleboard yoga.

New ideas and suggestions from the public are always welcome.

• A four-person team from Shaftesbury Lido aims to complete ice miles in Cheltenham in February. We wish them the very best of luck.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Wincanton golf reprieve

A grassroots revolt against The Jockey Club’s closure decision is breathing new life into Wincanton Golf Course – Steve Keenan reports An organised revolt by a small army of veteran golfers has forced the mighty Jockey Club to retreat on plans to close the golf course in the middle of Wincanton racetrack.

The nine-hole course was losing money and The Jockey Club had alternative plans to build an equine “centre of excellence”, including jumps and straights for horse training, on the land.

But given just six months’ notice to quit, the golfers immediately rallied, presenting The Jockey Club with strong arguments for retaining the course and drawing up a plan for a path to profit. They have won a reprieve of at least 12 months.

It is a hugely important victory, particularly given that public sport facilities could lose grants as part of Somerset Council’s wider plans to bridge a £100m funding gap for 2024/25.

Dr Tamsin Graham, a GP at The Surgery in Silton, said the course benefits the health of many in the area. ‘Not only does it help improve physical strength but also mental health through the fellowship, friendly competition and a good laugh,’ she told the BV Magazine.

‘It’s the ideal medicine for over-50s, and with the NHS under considerable pressure and Somerset Council no longer able to fund such amenities, it is a sensible way to stay out of the clutches of the medical profession.’

Two members of the ‘kitchen cabinet’ - Jonathan Howard (left) and Andrew Wilkinson

said it would close the course to save money.

A golfer on the Golfshake website summed it up last year: ‘I’ve played a few times over the years and it has always been just about OK. However, it really has fallen by the wayside … There seems to be no interest in golf from the owners. It is being run by the manager of Exeter racecourse, who, quite naturally, has absolutely no idea whatsoever on running a golf course.’

In November, Mr Parkinson returned to Exeter and Wincanton appointed a new manager: Blaithin Murphy, 25, fresh out of completing The Jockey Club’s general manager trainee programme.

A systemic decline No one disputes that the golf club had been in decline for some years, broadly coinciding with the arrival of Jack Parkinson as manager of both Wincanton race and golf courses in November 2020 – while remaining manager at Exeter racecourse.

Ground staff were gradually switched from golf to racecourse duties. The An arcane system quality of the greens suffered What really irked members was and members left. Then, 18 To simply close the that there had been no attempt months ago, the machine to market the course or to appeal course would cost used to maintain the greens to new players. And it hadn’t put The Jockey Club an was stolen and has not been up membership fees enough. The additional £37k over club had a general committee who replaced. Inclement weather didn’t help either. decided handicaps and arranged and above the £13k By 2023, membership had competitions, but they had no access current losses declined to approximately 55, to membership details, which were and the quality of greens was held by The Jockey Club. It transpired poor. It meant that income from golf operations is the Club had not implemented GDPR (General Data currently 30 per cent lower than five years ago.

Production Regulations) in 2018, so were not able The Jockey Club projected a £13k loss in 2024, and to release members’ information to the committee.

22

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS The golf club didn’t even have its own website – and tee-off times were booked through an “inefficient” third-party platform. The frequent lack of a phone signal in the clubhouse caused even more issues, as golfers couldn’t pay by card – staff had to write down card numbers and process payments when there was a signal.

The teed off members campaign A three-man kitchen cabinet committee was formed, led by Andrew Wilkinson. Another member, John Wolstenhome, represented the senior players and Jonathan Howard the casual pay-and-play contingent.

‘I knew the people at The Jockey Club as I worked for them on live music events, and I understood the problems on the golf side,’ said Andrew.

He also knew The Jockey Club had apparently shelved plans for an equine centre of excellence, and there was no Plan B. ‘It became clear quite quickly that to form a golf club (30 years ago) was one thing – but to run it was a hurdle too far for The Jockey Club.’

He estimated that to simply close the course would cost The Jockey Club an additional £37k over and above the £13k current losses, due to loss of income and costs of simply maintaining the land.

‘To leave the course fallow in the coming years would be a huge waste of a valuable asset and a very real additional cost to The Jockey Club.’

But he believes that, with better marketing, there could be an income this year of £110k, enough to move golf operations into profit.

‘If The Jockey Club can achieve a well-maintained course, it will get to that point. The course is playing well and drains well. Now we have to sit down with them and work on marketing, find out what they are going to do.

‘Forming a Wincanton Golf Club (WGC) entity responsible for membership communication, marketing and setting membership and green fee rates is an essential change that should be made.

Marketing alone, which to date has been nonexistent, would benefit revenues substantially in future years.

‘Recent publicity in the BV Magazine regarding the closure of the course has resulted in a remarkable level of enquiries from prospective new members.’

The 55 members were surveyed and 52 (95 per cent) agreed to pay increased memberships of £600. It was also proposed to increase green fees for casual players to £18.

The committee also wants to overhaul the current ‘prehistoric’ booking systems and suggests turning the clubhouse (which has three bedrooms) into accommodation for a couple to clean and run the place. Andrew England, a pro with 40 years’ experience, previously ran the clubhouse, prepared the golf kit and gave lessons. He is no longer involved with the course.

The latest state of play The Jockey Club has decided not to raise annual fees to £600 – membership fees for 2024 are £495 and it has pegged green fees to £15 for the casual pay-and-play users.

In a statement, Ms Murphy said: ‘Following a lengthy review process involving discussions with stakeholders and members of the local community, we are pleased to announce that Wincanton Golf Club will remain open for at least a further 12 months before we review its status once again.

‘This is a fresh start for the golf course. It will now be managed entirely by the racecourse, and we ask our members for patience and support as we transition into this new phase.

‘While the costs of running this venue are still high, we understand that the course is incredibly valued by our local community. We look forward to working closely with those who regularly use the facility and thank everyone for their support to ensure this course can thrive in the long term.

‘Memberships will be on sale from 1st February 2024, with pay-and-play also available.’

Wincanton’s nine-hole golf course is located within the racetrack

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The BV magazine, February 2024

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The BV magazine, February 2024

ADVERTORIAL

NEWS

Image: Tim Holt

Come racing at Badbury Rings!

Tickets for the ever-popular Countryside Alliance point-to-point at Badbury Rings on Sunday 18th February, kindly supported by Howden Insurance and Savills Estate Agents, are now available to buy online.

If you are new to point-to-pointing, it is a form of amateur horse racing, where horses and jockeys race over steeplechase fences. It is a great day out in the countryside where you can meet family and friends, watch a fantastic sport and socialise. When you arrive grab a race card and study the form of each horse as they walk around the parade ring.

There is no better location than the historic Badbury Rings – an Iron Age Hillfort between Wimborne and Blandford – where from the top you have sweeping views out across Dorset.

The course at Badbury Rings is rectangular and undulating with an amazing view of the four fences in the home straight, so you can watch the horses battle it out to the winning line. An amazing way to watch horses who love what they do speeding across the line to applause.

Plenty to do Gates open at 10am with the first race – the Countryside Alliance Club Members Conditions Race – starting at 12 noon. This allows plenty of time for racegoers to arrive in good time, enjoy the entertainment and perhaps consider a visit

to the bookmakers for a flutter before the first race. It’s a super family day – enjoy a picnic or purchase a variety of food and drinks from the stalls, and stroll around the trade stands selling many great locally-produced gifts and products. Another firm favourite of this annual event is the family dog racing so bring your dogs along too!

The Patron experience There are a limited number of Patrons’ tickets available – these offer a thrilling race day experience which includes entry and parking.

Other inclusive benefits of the Patron’s package are all-day access to the designated marquee area, which is positioned in a prime location and offers seating, a welcome aperitif and buffet lunch, refreshments throughout the day and a complimentary race card.

Tickets for the Patrons’ area cost £45 each and must be ordered before 10am on Friday, 9th February. You can purchase your patrons’ tickets HERE. Early bird tickets are currently available to buy online at £12.50 per person – card or cash entrance on the day is £15 per person. Further details can be found on the point-to-point website, just click on ‘Buy racegoer tickets’.

• View the full 2024 list of point-to-point meetings here.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

POLITICS

The balance of national well-being Addressing the complex tapestry of security, Simon Hoare MP discusses defence, environmental threats, and energy independence as key areas While there are always many issues that generate heated debate among friends and family (and sometimes between Member of Parliament and constituent ... [although rarely in North Dorset, naturally!]) I believe that one thing that unites most people is the issue of security. Like many words, security manifests itself in many ways. It is a good catch-all word and there are various issues of security that I think will be important both this year and in the future.

At home The first duty of government is the security of the country – it is a long established rule. There is little point in having good public services etc if one cannot defend them.

We live in an increasingly insecure world – the Middle East and Ukraine underscore that, along with a myriad of international rows, wars and skirmishes. Our policies on defence are important to provide both that security umbrella at home and also the opportunity to act overseas, alone or in concert with others, to defend our interests, values – and mankind.

The environment Increasingly, environmental security is pivotal.

Clean air and clean water are the obvious ones, but the insecurity occasioned by climate For some an change is now as much a uncomfortable security issue as it is an environmental issue. The balancing act. potential for our fellow Not for me. humans to be forced Pragmatic to flee uninhabitable portions of the planet realism has creates, in great part, the always been my problems and tensions hallmark caused across Europe by people fleeing their homelands.

As above, global insecurity and the displacement of people as a result of warfare and territorial struggle add to this problem.

Our food Disruption to international trade in the Red Sea illustrates once again the importance of food security. Of course there is a place for rewilding and similar projects, but these should be focussed 26

on land which is unusable for food production.

A nation which cannot feed itself is indeed too vulnerable. So we must focus on sustainable, environmentallyneutral farming and food production. We cannot afford not to do so.

Our energy Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine highlighted our high risk and fragile reliance on foreign energy sources.

We cannot afford, financially or morally, to be in a position where we rely upon overseas fuels, even when they have to be sourced from an enemy and where the purchase of the oil or gas adds to the aggressor’s war chest. That is why I have consistently supported the drive towards carbon neutral, UKgenerated energy, as well as accepting the realism that, as industry and domestic life transition to Net Zero, oil and gas will continue to be required.

Given that fact, I would prefer it to be from lowtransport miles UK sources which also protects UK jobs. For some it is an uncomfortable balancing act. Not for me.

Pragmatic realism has always been my hallmark.

Our economy Economic security at home, for all of us, is the most immediate pressure. The falling rate of inflation and the easing of interest rates help us all to feel a little more secure. The reduction in National Insurance contributions (hitting pay packets even as I type) is a help, as is the promise of tax reductions in the Budget. These changes, if any, will not be delivered as a result of ideological purity but with the understanding that household financial security is important and only where reductions can be afforded sustainably.

Our country, and the entire world, has come through incredibly choppy waters. I believe we will not only have weathered those storms but come out stronger and more resilient as a result. We will keep the elements of security to the forefront of all policies. I owe that to you and I will play my part in delivering on that agenda for all in North Dorset.

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

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The BV magazine, February 2024

POLITICS

Wanted - one honest politician They say there’s no such thing as an honest politician, but that’s an over-simplification.

Some politicians are genuinely driven to do their absolute best for all their constituents, particularly the less fortunate ones, and often do so at great personal cost to their private lives.

Unfortunately there are others all too willing to accept donations or favours from corporate businesses, and in return they lobby government on behalf of those businesses.

The gambling industry, for example, uses this tactic to influence politicians, as do the fossil fuel companies.

Polls show that the majority of UK citizens now accept the need for urgent environmental action. The fossil fuel industry

has therefore changed tack, and now promotes Climate Delay with the message: ‘Yes, of course the climate is changing, but it’s fine.

We still have time, so we can all relax and carry on burning fossil fuels for a while yet’.

It’s what we all want to hear, that things aren’t as bad as they seem and that we don’t have to change our lifestyles too much.

Seductive. And destructive.

Try telling the people whose homes and businesses have already been flooded twice this winter that we don’t have to take urgent action.

Don’t tell us Moving on to New Year resolutions, here’s one I wish

all politicians would adopt - Tell the Truth.

Don’t tell us you’re committed to protecting the environment, and then abandon it as ‘green crap’. Don’t tell us you’ve an ‘oven-ready’ Brexit deal, when you haven’t. Don’t tell us you’re building 40 new hospitals, when you aren’t. Don’t tell us that Rwanda is safe to send asylum seekers to, while granting asylum to Rwandans fleeing persecution from their own government. Don’t tell us you’re on track to reach net zero by 2050, when your Climate Change Committee states that you are not. Don’t tell us more drilling in the North Sea will ensure the UK’s energy supply, when most of the oil and gas will be sold on the global market. Don’t tell us the drop in inflation is thanks to your policies, when the real cause is a global drop in prices.

Now, more than ever, we need honest politicians.

Ken Huggins North Dorset Green Party

Unseen, unsung, unjust: carers need more help Caring for the people we love others, unpaid, for more than should be something to rejoice 50 hours per week. Consider about , but while caring is love, then the additional numbers of it also needs effort – veering people who are also contending towards work – and it is mostly with caring, unpaid, for people unpaid. Many people with diseases like in North Dorset, as dementia. A fellow We need to everywhere in the constituent got in UK, provide unpaid touch just last week be a better care. At the 2021 to share their pain version of census there were and frustration at Britain: not a approximately 5,500 the lack of support British version people providing available to help unpaid care in care for his wife’s of Germany North Dorset. That’s increasing needs. roughly one in 14 Liberal Democrats of us. Around 2,400 of us in support increasing the Carer’s North Dorset were caring for Allowance and making respite 28

breaks a statutory right for unpaid carers to ensure they receive the support they need.

But this is only part of the answer to a bigger challenge.

For years, unpaid care has been one part of the wider failure to come up with a solution for social care. The Dilnot Report concluded in 2011 that the adult social care system was not fit for purpose and required more funding, and if media plaudits are the metric of success then it did a great job. But that report ran into the sand as the coalition government gave way to the current government in 2015.

The BV magazine, February 2024

POLITICS The sorry observation is that all politicians have an idea about what could be done to solve the problem. It’s just that none can work out how to get re-elected when they’ve done it – just ask Teresa May. Local councils that pay for social care are starved of cash, which is taking social care backwards.

So, the longer we wait, the worse it will get and the unjust situation we have now will become a broader and much more serious economic problem.

Our population is ageing, with proportionately fewer workers over time paying tax to support the current care system. So families will inevitably pick up the burden by increasing unpaid care. This will naturally take more people out of the workforce, further reducing the tax being paid, in a predictable vicious circle. It has to be said that this caring burden also falls unequally on women.

Our government has promised everything and achieved nothing for care and carers in England.

They say this is a priority, but there is no will and no plan.

England is 20 years behind others in the UK. Scotland has a working system that provides means-tested free personal care for over-65s who need it. This law was proposed by Scottish Liberal Democrats and passed in July 2002. In Scotland you don’t have to sell your house before you can have care.

Deferred Payment Agreements avoid that prospect. Liberal Democrats prefer the Scottish solution for England too, and it is in our manifesto.

Germany and the Netherlands began solving this problem more than a generation ago, through compulsory social care insurance for all adults.

Other solutions are available and while we should learn from others, let’s actually decide and act.

Today, people are enslaved by the way we fail to deal with social care in England – and it could happen to any of us. Liberal Democrats do have the will and we do have a plan to restore people’s freedom and confidence, to enable people to decide and afford what they need, rather than soldier on unseen, unsung and unvalued.

Gary Jackson North Dorset Liberal Democrats

These Acts make a bonfire of our rights Train drivers are being forced to strike again this month as part of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions. Regrettably, many people’s travel plans will be disrupted as a result.

Under the recent Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, train operators are legally allowed to force striking workers back to work to provide a minimum service level (MSL) that the industry has set at 40 per cent of the normal timetable.

However, none of the rail companies are exercising these powers, despite ministers making it clear that they were expected to do so.

The reason for this is an understanding that to do so would lead to worse industrial relations with their employees, protracting the dispute and increasing the chance of further disruption. Indeed, an attempt by one train company, LNER, to enforce MSLs was met

by ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, calling five additional strikes.

Needless to say, LNER withdrew its plans.

It is clear that MSLs (which are applicable to health, fire and rescue, education, nuclear energy and border security, as well as transport services) were intended to fan the flames of chaos rather

than dampen disputes, so that industrial relations might be weaponised for political gain.

The trade union movement has slammed the legislation as a threat to both industrial relations and the right to strike. The Labour Party has committed to repealing the Act immediately on forming a new government.

While it seems that the plan has backfired for now, we can be assured that the Tories will not stop there.

Indeed, the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and the Public Order Act 2022, when taken together, represent a veritable bonfire of many of our rights to peaceful protest – fundamental pillars of a functioning and stable liberal democracy.

Pat Osborne North Dorset Labour Party 29

The BV magazine, February 2024

POLITICS

The crucial livestock export ban Local funding reforms gain momentum, and Chris Loder MP reflects on his personal commitment to animal welfare The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is a key piece of legislation which is currently on its passage through Parliament. This is a vitally important Bill, which, once ratified, will ban the export from Great Britain of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs for slaughter and fattening. It seeks to stop unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused to exported live animals.

It’ll also permanently stop our well-cared for farm animals being loaded onto a lorry and sent thousands of miles by land and sea to a destination in Southern Europe – or even further afield, with reports that these animals go on to be slaughtered not even in continental Europe, but in places such as Libya and Lebanon.

Since I entered Parliament, I have campaigned for the introduction of this legislation. When I succeeded with getting my own law onto the statute book (increasing the maximum sentence for cruelty to animals in 2021), I committed to stopping live animal exports too.

Animal welfare is a very personal matter for me; I am a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, and as the son of tenant beef farmers I am acutely aware of how important high animal welfare standards are.

Equally, it is of deep concern to me that any animal should be put through unnecessary trauma and treated inhumanely.

I have supported, and will continue to support, the Livestock Exports Bill throughout its passage.

Also on my animal welfare agenda is legislation to tackle the distressing issue of animal worrying.

There are countless and often graphic examples in the media of instances when livestock is chased and/or attacked by dogs off the lead.

These instances have devastating consequences for livestock keepers, with financial and psychological impacts.

I expect to make progress with the animal worrying cause in a few weeks’ time and I will be sure to update you in due course.

Local funding In other news, back in November, readers of The BV may recall that I tabled a debate in Parliament to improve the financial situation of our rural councils. I’ve consistently led the charge for fairness and reform when it comes to the allocation and calculation of local government 30

funding, because it’s simply unacceptable for rural people in West Dorset to have to pay more in Council Tax than those living in urban areas. This is just one instance of the rural/urban disparity that we all experience, and which I outlined to the Chancellor of the Exchequer only a few weeks ago.

Since that important debate, much progress has been made to address this unfavourable situation.

In late January, the Government announced its intention to provide significant additional measures for local authorities across the country, worth £600 million. This funding package includes £500 million of new funding for local authorities with responsibility for adults and children’s social care, which includes Dorset Council. The funding will be distributed through the Social Care Grant.

My campaign to ensure greater recognition of the specific needs of rural areas has also received special attention. I’ve been informed that the Government will be providing an additional £15 million for the Rural Services Delivery Grant – which represents an increase of more than 15 per cent and is the largest increase since 2018/19. It means that additional funding will be available for Dorset Council, and I expect further details to be announced shortly.

As always, I’d be most interested to know your views on this topic. You can contact me by email: hello@chrisloder.co.uk and you can keep up with my latest news by visiting chrisloder.co.uk or write to me at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

The BV magazine, February 2024

by Tracie Beardsley

A COUNTRY LIVING Formal attire isn’t always wanted – Richard has been requested to dress down in shorts and a t-shirt

Generations of care Tracie Beardsley meets a fourth-generation funeral director and discovers what it’s like to have a job that can be a conversation starter – or fast finisher!

In 1897, in the small village of Broadwindsor, carpenters and gatemakers Arthur and Ernie Wakely turned their skills to making coffins.

Arthur’s son Jack helped his father and uncle in the family business and, with an entrepreneurial eye, he purchased a small funeral business in Bridport.

Fast forward more than 120 years and that funeral business has burgeoned into 13 offices covering an area from Sidmouth to Wincanton.

Jack’s grandson, Richard Wakely, is the fourthgeneration funeral director to join A. J. Wakely & Sons. Richard says: ‘It wasn’t my plan to come into

the family business. My dad, Clive, a director in the firm, never pushed me or my three sisters. It wasn’t like TV’s Succession! Dad wanted it to be a natural progression. This is more of a vocation than an actual job. You’ve got to want to do it.’

After leaving school, Richard worked in the Philippines for the charity Mercy in Action. ‘That experience was life-changing for me,’ he says. ‘I grew up so much in three years.’

Working in the charity’s homes for vulnerable children in the Philippines, Richard ran a summer programme for street kids and a drop-in centre for 31

The BV magazine, February 2024

A COUNTRY LIVING

Richard Wakely outside the Sherborne office All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

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The BV magazine, February 2024

A COUNTRY LIVING orphans. ‘We’d feed them and give them a basic education.’

A keen sportsman, Richard spent time going into the community and playing basketball with the kids. This success led him to run an after-school programme as a full-time job. ‘A lot of the kids had no electricity in the evening and were doing their homework by candlelight. Opening the day centre at night gave them a safe space to study.’

Richard spent three years working with vulnerable children in the Philippines before joining the family business

We’ll find a way Returning home, a casual chat while walking along the beach with his dad led to him joining the family business aged 21.

Richard began learning the ropes as a general employee.

He worked on the fixtures and fittings of coffins, having inherited his great grandfathers’ craft skills, and he shadowed experienced funeral director Matthew Paterson.

Richard juggled working with studying for his funeral director’s diploma. ‘Incredibly, you don’t legally need any qualifications to be a funeral director. It’s scary to think anyone can set up – without the right facilities, knowledge, or empathy that this work requires.

Hopefully regulations will be coming in soon.’

After nine years, Richard now

‘We will say yes and then work out how to do it – if a family wants it done and it’s legal, we’ll find a way.’

runs two of the Wakely offices.

‘Our motto is: “we will say yes and then work out how to do it”!

If a family wants it done and it’s legal, we’ll find a way.’

This includes unusual requests – Richard researched if a lady could keep her husband’s skeleton hanging in her office (she couldn’t).

He’s also been asked to dress down in shorts and a t-shirt rather than the usual funeral attire of tailcoated suit.

‘The taboo of talking about death has changed. People are keener to organise their own funeral and take the burden off loved ones. People want a personal touch. We now have a Land Rover 33

The BV magazine, February 2024

A COUNTRY LIVING Defender converted into a hearse for funerals on private land.

Sometimes it’s just in a field with hay bales for the mourners.’

What is the reaction when Richard says what he does for a living? ‘I always say it’s either a conversation starter or finisher.

Some people are surprised and hesitant, not wanting to know more. Others ask questions – lots of them!’

Tough days Richard’s faith helps him handle the emotions of dealing with death every day. ‘Praying through things really helps. My wife Emily is also a fantastic support. And as soon as I walk through the door, I’m bowled over by two young children and a baby. Work goes to one side for family time and that helps a lot.’

Organising a funeral for a baby or child is the toughest part of his job. ‘You feel for the parents.

‘Also, I’m always struck by nonattended funerals, where the deceased has outlived all friends and relations so there are no mourners. You become the congregation, and when you hear about their incredible lives, it’s very moving. I remember one chap who had been a spy gathering intel during the Second World War. We’re coming to the end of that generation. Such heroic stories will be buried forever – I’m very privileged to hear some of them.’

A. J. Wakely & Sons’ Landy hearse

David, Simon, Clive and Jack Wakely at the opening of the Sherborne office in 1999

Quick fire questions: Top dinner party guests?

My rugby heroes, Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter.

Jesus would be cool ... and my great grandfather, so I could thank him for starting the business!

Book by your bedside?

Imagine Heaven by John Burke

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The BV magazine, February 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

More than just gouda times Did you know how the Sturminster Cheese Fest spreads generosity as much as it does the smell of Stinking Bishop?

The famous cheese festival at Sturminster Newton isn’t just about dairy produce – though cheese is of course reason enough for a festival in itself.

It is equally about the community and about charity.

Since the event was started by a group of townspeople in 1999, it has helped many charities and local groups to raise muchneeded funds. The event has grown enormously since that first festival, but 25 years later it still remains on the recreation ground. Visitors have said that part of its charm is the size – it is easy to get around and see everything. Some visitors return year on year. Some even plan their holidays around it!

A team effort The festival is still entirely organised by voluntary committee members, the majority coming from Sturminster Newton’s community groups and local organisations.

They are assisted by the many volunteers who help with the setting up and breaking down, the fetching and carrying, those who man the gates and the thousand other things that go into making the event happen.

As a thank you, last year the Cheese Festival donated the

grand sum of £15,200 to the Rescue and Shelter Box. Of groups which had helped the the funds raised by the event festival over the weekend. itself, 100 per cent of any profit As with most community generated is donated by the organisations, the festival Cheese Festival committee always needs more to help change volunteers. Do you lives within local Since 2012, belong to a group or communities. more than club which would be Since 2012, more £400,000 has than £400,000 able to help over the weekend? If yes, the has been given been given organisers would love to local charities to local to hear from you! and organisations, charities and the vast majority Please email your details to: organisations of which are local enquiries@ to Sturminster cheesefestival.co.uk Newton. In addition, the festival committee will The fest that gives back also consider any ‘special Each year a small number of circumstance’ application that is charities are invited to attend the received during the year. event, at no cost to themselves.

The 2024 Sturminster Cheese In 2023 these groups raised an Festival will be held on estimated £8,000, helping them the weekend of 14th-15th to help others in turn. These September. Save the date and include SERO (raising money look out for the Early Bird Tickets, for Julia’s House), Sturminster on sale from June onwards.

Newton Men’s Shed, Rabbit • cheesefestival.co.uk

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The BV magazine, February 2024

ADVERTORIAL This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale...

Weddings, cars, pancakes and prizes – it’s all going on in Stur this month Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events The team at 1855 will be inviting you to come and meet the traders and taste some of their wares on the morning of Saturday 3rd Feb – more than 80 traders, makers, crafters and producers are now operating from within the old bank.

The SturActions shops – The Emporium, Furniture Store, Art Gallery, Dapper Chaps and The Boutique – continue to welcome donations and shoppers to raise funds to make Stur a good place to live, work and play – including paying for free parking on the first Saturday of each month.

SturAction is also supporting the third annual Wedding Festival, including a Wedding

The 1855 team may look fierce but all forms of bonio are definitely accepted

Fair in The Exchange on Saturday 3rd and a Vintage Wedding Dress Display in St. Mary’s Church on 2nd and 3rd February.

The Car and Bike enthusiasts will also be in town on the morning of Saturday 3rd Feb –including some serious Wedding Cars, naturally!

The new season is in at the pre-loved Boutique!

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• Pancake Races SturBiz will be organising Pancake Races for William Barnes and Yewstock School pupils on The Rec. at Stur on Tuesday 20th Feb. 2 to 3 pm.

(As usual teams from local businesses and parents will

The BV magazine, February 2024

also have a go, and then the children will be showing everyone how it really should be done) • SturBiz, the Sturminster Newton and Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its AGM on Wednesday 21st Feb. Members are welcome to attend at 5.30pm in the Baxters Room, upstairs in The John Roman’s Building.

Sturminster Newton will be giving its first Business Awards on 23rd May this year, with Marketing West operating in partnership with SturBiz. The aim is to celebrate our range of successful businesses and business people – for more information •This year the 6th June is the 80th Anniversary of D Day and the Stur Literary Festival is appealing for local people to share the stories of D Day that have been handed down – feel free to write them up and drop them into the town council offices or email them to cllr.p.batstone@btinternet.com – please keep to under 500 words and include copies of any photos you may have.

The 2023 annual Sturminster Newton Pancake Races: Harts of Stur were in the lead in the relay race, just in front of Mathew from Rutters, and Friars Moor Vets coming up on the outside (not to brag, but the joint Rutters/BV magazine team won ...)

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The BV magazine, February 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@BVmagazine.co.uk.

When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

On the small things In the January issue, editor Laura wrote about the small things she has found joy in to lighten a very long grey January. Others were keen to take up her invitation to join in: I was touched by Laura’s list of small joys. It’s a wonderful reminder of how the simplest things can lift our spirits during the gloomy winter months. For me, it’s that snappy crisp air during an early morning walk, and the steamy warmth of a home-cooked meal. Let’s all share and celebrate these moments of happiness!

Joyce Green, Shaftesbury I was charmed by Laura’s list and felt compelled to add my own everyday delights. How about the smell - and that first sip of the first coffee of the day? The satisfaction of solving a difficult crossword puzzle, and the unexpected find of a forgotten £10 note folded into an unused handbag. It’s these small surprises that brighten our days.

Nan Bellingham, Wimborne Laura’s letter resonated with me, especially her appreciation for the simple pleasures of winter.

For me, it’s the (sadly rare this year) frost patterns on the garden, the chilly silence of an up-beforethe-sun morning, and the weight of a warm blanket with a good book. All things to cherish, even in the darkest of Januarys.

Hilly Pearce, Blandford Can I add a few things to Laura’s list that I’ve noticed this weekend? Realising that accidentally

overcooking last night means there’s no need to even think about dinner tonight, because LEFTOVERS! That yes I did get another jar of coffee, it’s right there, comfortingly where it should be, and we were not, in fact, coffee-less.

That Pom-Bear crisps are not just for six year olds – apparently I like them too. Knowing ALL the words to Maui’s rap in Moana. Sleepy bedtime hugs.

Ginny Baker, Shaftesbury On the (lack of) sparkle in Stur Yes, we totally agree that the battery operated lights do not give the degree of sparkle we would wish, but this year it was the best we could do.

Its not as simple as your correspondent suggests to access the necessary mains electricity. That requires safe and accessible electric sockets and increasingly the flats above the shops are independently occupied, nothing to do with the business below, so we cannot just use their supply and put wires through their windows. We are trying to find a way round this for as many trees as we can, but it is not straightforward.

The Christmas trees in Stur are nothing to do with the Town Council – the businesses buy their own little trees and SturAction pays for lights where needed and for fitters to put them up and take them down.

The big tree is paid for by sponsors, organised through SturAction and SturBiz. SturAction put well over £3,000 into the SturSparkle event this year and we will do our utmost to make it sparklier next year, but sadly, do not expect every small tree to be as sparkly as we would all wish. If your correspondent has an answer please come and show us, we are all volunteers and would appreciate the help.

Cllr Pauline Batstone, Secretary, SturAction On Mr Loder & the Post Office In January’s BV, Chris Loder MP criticized Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey over his handling of the Horizon/Post Office scandal, and declaring he had ‘questions to answer’ (mirroring sentiments in the broader Tory media landscape).

It’s important to note that Sir Ed Davey served

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The BV magazine, February 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

as Postal Services Minister for just 21 months, from May 2010 to February 2012. During the two decades that spanned the wrongful convictions of numerous sub-postmasters, starting with Mr. Bates’ case in 2003 up to the 2024 ITV drama, a total of six Labour and nine Conservative Postal Services Ministers were in office – yet none addressed the issue.

Chris Loder’s focus on Sir Ed Davey’s role, without acknowledging the inaction of the numerous other ministers from both the Labour and Conservative parties, seems to lack a broader perspective. A more balanced view that considers the collective oversight over the years might lead to more constructive discussions rather than singling out individuals with a gleeful pointy finger.

Tom Hocket, Sherborne On Robert Cowley What a fascinating article this month’s Dorset Island Discs turned into! I started thinking I knew about ‘Robert the plumber’. I did NOT know he had graduated from Cambridge and chosen to return to Sturminster to work in the family firm.

I was unaware of his huge involvement in the old market site development (I’m a blow in, we arrived in 1996), and I certainly wasn’t aware that the exchange is in a sticky situation right now.

We cannot let such a brilliant community resource vanish – not just for Sturminster, but for the much wider community. Where’s the next nearest 300seat theatre venue? – is it time to begin rallying the troops once again?

Name and address withheld

Commercial & Private Law

Whatever your next step is, we’re here to support you.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your property, create a Will, or appoint an attorney, we’re on hand to provide the clarity you need.

By working with us, you can be confident that whatever decisions you make, they’ll be based on sound legal advice that’s in your best interest.

Contact us at: info@porterdodson.co.uk

On Sherborne West Has Sherborne Council gone mad? In its response to the Sherborne West development proposal they have said they concerned about the infrastructure stress created by 2,400 extra cars, and to this end they intend ‘civilising’ the A30, bringing it down to a single carriageway to reduce the potential for speeding. You’re going to knowingly add 2.5k cars to our town, and then NARROW the main arterial route through it at one of the busiest junctions?

Benedict Rose, Sherborne On the North African Pirates Terrific article from Rupert Hardy on the Barbary Pirates – a long read, but definitely worth it, I had no idea they had struck so close to home. The additional footnote on the Wolfgang brothers and their abduction was also a fascinating little rabbit hole for me to wander down – the whole collection of engravings is well worth taking the time to browse through. Thank you!

porterdodson.co.uk

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The BV magazine, February 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and now writes a regular column - Ed

Making your Valentine’s Day special It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is nearly here!

Since Valentine’s Day is all about loving and giving and sharing love, in this month’s article I thought I would share with you some homemade decor and gift ideas to for your Valentine on the 14th.

If you are having a Valentine’s Day party a heart garland is an easy Valentine’s Day decoration to make. This simple pipe-cleaner garland is so sweet and not hard at all to make.

One of the easiest ideas you can make is a simple hanging heart decoration – hang it anywhere!

easy to make, pretty to look at and oh so yummy to eat!

Easy treats Want a romantic sweet treat that is simple to make? Chocolatedipped strawberries are perfect:

Galentines Why not spend Valentine’s Day with your best friends? Watching rom com movies or curling on the

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Hanging Heart Craft • Pink String • Pink or patterned paper in Valentine colours, cut into heart shapes of various sizes • Pink gems optional This craft is really easy because all you have to do is cut five or six hearts from some love-themed paper and punch a hole in the top and the bottom of each heart.

Thread the hearts through with pink or red string, hang it up and feel the love!

sofa eating chocolates is always great, but you can celebrate the BFF love and make simple bracelets! It’s really easy and fun to share the making and the giving both. Bracelets can be customised in so many different ways and styles – not just for Valentine’s Day but any occasion.

If craft is not your forte, then maybe look for something special to buy instead. These sweet little charms could be perfect for loved ones and best friends (*whispers* my personal favourite is the ‘little bit of love’ charm) so you can share the love all year round.

I hope you enjoy your Valentines Day, however you choose to celebrate it! Maddie.

The BV magazine, February 2024

PUZZLES click to complete on your tablet, computer or phone Crossword Simply - or there’s a download option if you prefer pen and paper.

Jigsaw This month’s puzzle is a rare burst of January sunshine – just click to complete, the shape is not what you see here, you may want to rotate your device!

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The BV magazine, February 2024

BOOK CORNER

Meet Annabel Abbs at Winstone’s Listen to her discuss her fascinating book Sleepless – about women and the nocturnal world. This will be a fascinating talk, one not to be missed.

In the winter of 2020, Annabel Abbs experienced a series of bereavements. As she grieved, she kept busy by day, but at night sleep eluded her. Yet her sleeplessness led to a profound and unexpected discovery: her Night Self.

As the night transformed into a place of creativity and liberation, Annabel found she wasn’t alone.

From the radical fifteenthcentury philosopher Laura Cereta

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and subversive artist Louise Bourgeois, to Virginia Woolf and the activist Peace Pilgrim, women have long found sanctuary, inspiration and courage in darkness.

Drawing on the latest science, which shows we are more imaginative, open-minded and reflective at night, Annabel set out to discover the potential of her own Night Self.

Sleepless follows her journey, from midnight hikes to starlit swims, from Singapore, the brightest city on Earth, to the darkest corner of the Arctic Circle, and finally to that most elusive of places – sleep.

A moving, revelatory voyage into the dark, Sleepless invites us to feel less anxious about our sleep, and to embrace the possibilities of the night.

‘Sleepless has changed how I feel about sleep ... I was captivated’ The Times, Book of the Week ‘This book will inspire you to get up, light a candle, and experience your own Night Self’ Financial Times

Annabel will be doing a talk and signing on Tuesday, 19th March 2024, 6.30 for 7pm, Winstone’s Books, Sherborne.

Tickets £2, available from the shop or from winstonebooks.co.uk

How to Solve Your Own Murder

by Kristen Perrin A hilarious mystery with a killer hook. In 1965, a fortune teller told 17-year old Frances Adams that one day she’d be murdered.

Thus began a life of trying to prevent the crime that would be her eventual demise.

No one took Frances seriously for sixty years – until, of course, she was murdered.

When Frances’ great-niece Annie arrives in Dorset and discovers her death, she is thrust into her great-aunt’s final act of revenge.

Frances had collected a lifetime of evidence, compiling dirt on everyone she knew – just in case. Her will stipulates that the person who uses these findings to solve her murder will inherit millions.

Can Annie unravel the mystery and find justice for Frances, or will digging up the past lead her into the path of a killer?

Set in the fictional town of Castle Knoll – inspired by Corfe Castle – right here in Dorset, How To Solve Your Own Murder will publish on 26th March.

The BV magazine, February 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues. In the postbag this month:

Please can someone explain pension credit?

Q

: ‘I am due to retire soon but I think I might struggle to manage on my State Pension. Someone told me I might be able to claim a Pension Credit – but I don’t know what that is.’

A

: Pension Credit is extra money to help you cover your costs if you’re over state pension age and living on a low income. You might be able to get it even if you have other income, savings or assets. Pension Credit comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. It’s separate from your State Pension.

• Guarantee Credit is intended to top up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level – in 2023-24, this is £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 if you’re a couple.

• Savings Credit is extra money for those who have some savings, or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension.

It’s available to people who reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016. In 2023-24, you could get up to £15.94 extra per week if you’re single, or £17.84 for couples.

There are different eligibility requirements for each of the two parts of Pension Credit. If you’ve reached state pension age, you can claim Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £201.05 if you’re single or £306.85 if you’re a couple. But even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you have a severe disability, you’re a carer or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.

If you reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016 – or, if you’re a couple, one of you did – you might be eligible to claim Savings Credit. There isn’t a savings limit, though more than £10,000 in savings will affect how much you receive.

To claim Pension Credit, you can either claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim) or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Claiming Pension Credit doesn’t just top up your income – it could help you get other benefits, too, including help with health and housing costs. For more details, contact your local Citizens Advice.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

No.1 Gold Hill to become part of Shaftesbury Museum Once a priest’s house for St Peter’s Church in the 16th century, No. 1 Gold Hill still has a ‘squint’ through the wall to the church. It later became the Sun and Moon Inn, at the heart of Shaftesbury’s market days for more then 200 years. Sir Frederick Treves in his 1906 book; Highways and Byways in Dorset mentions the Inn by name – so it must still have been an inn at this time.

It has most recently been a shop – but in its latest incarnation, it will be re-purposed into an extension for Gold Hill Museum.

Dorset Council has agreed the transformation of Sun and Moon Cottage into a space that will house new exhibitions, an office, and a sales area, enhancing the museum’s capacity for display and storage.

The museum’s trustees, supported by the Shaftesbury and District Historical Society, aim to carry out the expansion with minimal structural changes to the building’s 700 sq ft of space.

Opened in 1957, the museum on Gold Hill currently has eight galleries which tell the story of rural and town life, starting even before Shaftesbury’s notional foundation by Alfred the Great.

Highlights of the collection include the unique Byzant, carried during annual celebrations of the securing of the water supply (vital to a hilltop town); Dorset’s oldest fire engine, dating from 1744; fine lace work and costumes; handmade Dorset buttons; and a mummified Dorset cat. Drawing in 18,600 visitors last year. This new development promises to further enrich the cultural landscape of Shaftesbury, offering residents and visitors alike a deeper dive into the town’s storied past.

Gold Hill is, of course, the best known attraction in North Dorset thanks to Ridley Scott – in one of his last pieces for The BV, historian Roger Guttridge took a look at the history of ‘the Hovis Hill’ and the 50th anniversary of the advert in The BV.

Gold Hill Museum is currently closed for winter, but will open for the Shaftesbury Snowdrops event on 10th to 18th February 10.30am to 4.30pm And then every day from Saturday 23rd March

Rare chance to go behind the scenes at Swanage Railway Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are to stage a two-day Community Weekend, offering a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the awardwinning heritage line. The special event takes place on the weekend of 17th and 18th February, with staff at Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden stations all taking part.

There will be the chance to drive a 1950s heritage diesel shunter at Swanage for £20, watch a train guard or on-train travelling ticket inspector perform their duties for £5, as well as enjoy £5 behind-thescenes tours of the award-winning signal boxes at Harman’s Cross or Corfe Castle stations.

Free events include guided access to the footplate of a steam locomotive at Swanage, visits to 1960s heritage telephone exchanges at Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle stations (both subject to volunteer availability) and the chance to have a go at signalling at the Corfe Castle signalling museum.

Event organiser and volunteer guard Clare Collins said: ‘Our Community Weekend is a different

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and interesting day out for all the family – a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of a working heritage railway, explore some of the many different roles required to operate the Swanage Railway and find out about varied volunteering opportunities.’

In addition, for people living in the BH and DT postcodes, half-price train tickets for the Community Weekend are available in advance from swanagerailway.co.uk.

The BV magazine, February 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

The anniversary of Tolpuddle Martyrs arrest Before sunrise on 24th February 1834 farm worker George Loveless left for work as usual ... but it would be three years before he was back with his wife and children again.

George and five fellow workers – James Brine, James Hammett, James Loveless, John Standfield and Thomas Standfield – were arrested, charged with making an illegal oath and transported to Australia. They only returned following a public outcry over their treatment.

We know now that the real reason for their treatment was that they had made a stand against poor pay and wage cuts by forming a trade union.

The Martyrs Arrest 190 event offers an opportunity to connect the historical struggles of the Tolpuddle Martyrs with contemporary worker experiences, featuring insights from speakers and performances by the local socialist choir, Dorset Red, and singer-songwriter Neil

Duncan-Jordan. Unite event organizers are collaborating with a Canadian project dedicated to restoring the grave of George Loveless in London, Ontario, where many Martyrs found refuge post-release. This collaboration aims to include a virtual discussion about the restoration effort.

John Burbidge, a former farmworker and Unite Branch Chair, reflects on the parallels between the past and present, saying ‘The Martyrs’ arrests were calculated to create fear after pay cuts that left workers unable to feed and house their families.’ He goes on to say how this might be seen to mirror today’s governmental efforts to quash worker resistance against economic injustices.

Unite South West Deputy Regional Secretary Donna Williams will be speaking at the event and said: ‘As we reflect on the Tolpuddle Martyrs legacy, the struggles of the past continue

to resonate with the challenges workers face today as we continue to fight for jobs, pay and conditions.’

The event will be held in Tolpuddle Village Hall on 24th Feb, 12.30 to 3pm.

For more information please contact Unite Branch Officer Alan Daniels – alan.daniels@ unitetheunion.org

A tree-mendous £30K for Salisbury Hospice Charity Salisbury Hospice Charity is thrilled to announce a ground breaking achievement with this year’s Christmas Tree Collection & Recycling initiative, which raised a record-smashing unprecedented £30,000!

Over three days, 1,500 trees were collected by 33 vehicles working across the region, thanks to the immense support of numerous volunteers, including many from local businesses, some of whom have personal connections to the Hospice’s work.

The funds raised are crucial for Salisbury Hospice, ensuring that patients can spend their final days with dignity and choice, while offering essential support to families, carers, and friends.

The hospice provides care at no

cost for up to 1,000 individuals with life-limiting conditions every year. It relies on the charity to raise £1.5 million of the £2.9 million required to maintain its vital palliative care services.

In a gesture of community spirit, Salisbury Hospice Charity will donate 10 per cent of the initiative’s profits to The Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts.

Additionally, the environmental benefit of this initiative is

significant, with collected trees serving as feed for alpacas and goats or being chipped for use as mulch or path reinforcement on local farms, thanks to the collaboration with local tree services.

The Charity expresses its heartfelt thanks to all who registered their trees for collection and extends special gratitude to Step Associates for their generous sponsorship.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Take a Hike:

Milborne St Andrew and Weatherby Castle| 5.8 miles Admittedly, these are slightly underwhelming pictures for what is, I promise, a really lovely couple of hours’ walk! Our first walk of the new year was such a peaceful one, full of wide open skies and big views, and despite the threatening gloom of the grey weather it stayed dry enough for a picnic (can it even be called a winter walk if you’re not perched under a hedge out of the wind eating a slightly-squooshed sandwich?).

The secret of the towering obelisk from 1761 in the middle of the densely wooded Weatherby Castle hillfort was fascinating – it can surely only ever be seen by surprised walkers.

The majority of the route is on bridleways, but even the footpath sections are broad and easily followed. It is easy going all the way round, with no big hills, and despite walking it in early January it wasn’t too muddy at all.

People encountered - zero, except for passing the garden of one lady off to feed her chickens!

• CLICK HERE for more images and an interactive map (plus downloadable gpx file)

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See all previously-published Dorset Walks on the website here. You can also find every route we’ve walked (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on OutdoorActive here (just zoom in/out on the map) – all include a downloadable gpx file.

The BV magazine, February 2024

TAKE A HIKE

This field was flooded through a central dip, right across the valley. The only way out was through … it wasn’t impassable, but some sploshy trotting was involved!

CLICK THE MAP to see the interactive version and download a gpx file

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The BV magazine, February 2024

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NIGHT SKY

Earth’s nearest stellar nursery Venturing into the cosmic nursery, Rob Nolan captures the Orion Nebula’s Trapezium, showcasing the beauty of stellar birth Well, the start to 2024 has certainly been anything remains one of the most intensely studied celestial but mundane! The weather’s been extremely features in our night skies. changeable, from warm to cold and back again!

The core of the nebula is what’s known as the Thankfully, a few clear nights have been enjoyed Trapezium, and this is where the stellar nursery is by those of us willing to brave the frost, and situated. Astrophotographers frequently become that’s allowed me a bit of time frustrated photographing this target, due to have another go at one of the how bright the core actually is compared UK’s favourite and arguably most with the surrounding Nebula. This leads It’s recognisable winter nebulas. to frequently ‘blown out’ images as we reasonably Orion the Hunter is one of the try to obtain a good image of the rest of close – in most noticeable constellations in the Nebula and surrounding gases. To cosmic terms our night sky. Once you locate it try to combat this, we use a technique (usually via the three bright stars – at 1,344 light similar to that of ‘bracketing’ in terrestrial that make up Orion’s belt), the two photography, where photos are taken years from brightest stars in the constellation at different exposure lengths and then Earth are Betelgeuse and Rigel. About blended into a single image to create a where Orion’s ‘knees’ would be more even light across the image. is the Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42).

For the image opposite, I shot a bunch of When we’re looking into the core of the Orion 10-second subs (exposures) for around half Nebula, we’re gazing into our nearest stellar an hour, and also around six hours’ worth of nursery, where new stars are born.

180-second subs. I then merged the core of the The Orion Nebula is what’s known as a diffuse Nebula from my shorter subs into my overall nebula, meaning its visible to the naked eye and image, allowing me to present a highly detailed doesn’t require photographing using special image of the entire Nebula. narrowband filters. It’s also reasonably close – in I won’t lie, I’m pretty happy with this image, as cosmic terms – at 1,344 light years from Earth. it’s the culmination of three years of painstaking Estimated to be 24 light years across and with a practice on this target – with the help of some new total mass about 2,000 times that of our Sun, it equipment of course!

The night sky, February 2024 – Rob’s guide for your stargazing this month: February this year is a relatively quiet one for celestial events, but it is a Leap Year, so we do get an extra night in the diary to explore the skies!

As the image of the month suggests, it’s a great time of year to explore the Orion Constellation and the Orion Nebula. You can photograph this yourself with just a decent camera, long focal length lens and a tripod. Just take short 10 to 20-second exposures and you should be able to make out the purplish colour of the Nebula.

Other winter constellations to explore are Taurus and Gemini as they continue to drift westward in our sky, due to our changing perspective looking outward to the universe as we orbit the Sun. Looking east, new constellations begin to move into view, including Leo and Boötes.

It’s also a great time to grab those binoculars and explore the M35 star cluster, located in the

constellation of Gemini. This particular swarm of more than 2,000 stars is located 2,800 light years away, towards the outer edge of our own Milky Way galaxy. Star clusters are amazing to observe, and I plan to image more of them this year!

Closer to home, we have a few events this month to look out for around the Moon: • On the 7th, before dawn, Venus will appear to the left of a narrow crescent Moon, illuminated in the twilight. Grab your binoculars to get a good view!

• On the 14 and 15th, Jupiter will be seen as a bright object close to the Moon.

• On the 16th, between 7pm and 10pm, the Moon will pass in front of the Pleiades cluster.

Next month we can look forward to the Spring Equinox – and a passing comet!

Until next time, clear skies.

Find Rob on Facebook as RPN Photography here

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The BV magazine, February 2024

RURAL MATTERS The view from the ridge above Minterne Park - Thomas Hardy’s chauffeur drove Hardy to this spot so that he could delight in the view of his ‘Vale of the little dairies’ Image: Richard Miles

Wherefore the ‘black’ in Blackmore Vale?

Delving into Blackmore Vale’s past, Richard Miles reflects on its changing landscapes, from Thomas Hardy’s era to the impact of modern lighting If you search the origin of the name ‘Blackmore’ the right a splendid panorama unfolded of the or ‘Blackmoor’ in Google, you will be told that it Blackmore Vale. So, drawn by the view, we turned is derived from the Old English (OE) word “bloec” right through the gate and walked a little way meaning “black, dark”, and “mor”, meaning “hill”. down the slope (OS map reference But beware of Google as it often oversimplifies ST 6684 0456) encountering two ladies who things. The word ‘mor’ in Anglo-Saxon times also had just finished picnicking at that very place. referred to a ‘morass’ or ‘swamp’ and In conversation, we discovered that could mean an area of raised ground one of them was a granddaughter of We need the Thomas Hardy’s chauffeur. She said liable to hold water: one that would be difficult to grow arable crops on, right type of that during the 1920s he occasionally for instance. As to the ‘black’ part of lighting in the drove Hardy along the track to that the name, this was written as ‘blæc’ or same spot so that he could delight in right places, the wondrous view of his ‘Vale of the ‘blÆc’ and could mean ‘ink’, the colour pointing in the little dairies.’ black, or dark. A variant of this is the OE feminine noun ‘blæcce’ meaning right direction The track above this spot has recently black matter. and switched been named the ‘Hardy Way’.

My feeling is that anyone viewing A century has now passed since Hardy on at the right surveyed the scene that he wrote Blackmore Vale from one of the times surrounding hills, such as from the about in Tess of the D’Urbevilles.

Dorset Downs to the south more What would Hardy make of the Vale than a thousand years ago, would have seen nowadays? I would like to think that its name predominantly forest, which, during most of the is still very appropriate, but I fear that nothing year (apart from high summer), would endow it remains the same and the little smallholdings with a more-or-less dark, shadowed appearance. have largely disappeared, as has much of the woodland, transformed by larger scale farming The Hardy Way methods over the intervening years.

Some 15 years ago while walking along the Another change has been the march of elevated ridge above Minterne Park in the technology – and in my role as dark skies adviser direction of Dogbury Hill in search of a picnic to Dorset CPRE, I have seen a widespread increase place, I noticed that at one particular place you in lighting across the Vale. Don’t get me wrong, I can see clearly both sides of the ridge: to the am not against lighting per se. But we need the left (south-west) the upper reaches of the Cerne right type of lighting, in the right places, pointing Valley near Minterne Magna, whereas over to the right way and switched on at the right times.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Dorset does have a good deal of ‘full cutoff’ street lighting (designed to direct the light downward and outward, rather than upwards towards the sky), and those bright sodium lights – some of which used to illuminate the dual carriageway between Sherborne and Yeovil – have thankfully now been replaced. But the countryside is also threatened by ever more development, as well as the introduction of more and higher-intensity LED lighting and the like.

Modern car headlights One little-known fact about modern lighting is the trend towards ‘white’ light. No doubt you will have noticed those particularly dazzling headlights in new cars. The manufacturers claim they provide improvements in safety for the driver and add a stylishness to the look of the vehicle.

However, has anyone considered the problems they create for other road users and wildlife? To make the light appear white requires adding blue light to the spectrum they emit, but unfortunately ‘blue light’ is invariably ‘bad light’! One reason is that scattered light causes glare, and the amount that is scattered is much greater at the blue end of the spectrum. Technically speaking, scattering increases as the fourth power of the frequency, so the bluest light we see scatters about 16 times worse than red light of half the frequency. Highintensity discharge (HID) headlights are the worst offenders as they are both four times brighter than the standard yellow halogen light but they also have this nasty blue tint.

As well as wet weather and wet windscreens enhancing their glare, as we get older our vision also suffers from scattering of light inside the eye – blue light especially. Yellow-tinted driving spectacles work well, I’m told.

Although white headlights were first permitted as early as 1993, I was astounded to discover that in 2019, the EU mandated the use of ONLY white lights in main and dipped-beam headlights in new vehicles – and that these headlights emit a higher proportion of blue light than is present in daylight. One small relief – since Brexit, the UK has not had to adopt this rather draconian change and yellow headlights are still permitted here!

But what about the effect of unnatural levels of blue light on our wildlife and human health?

That is a whole new story that has yet to be fully understood. My concern is that the march of technology will lead to the ever-increasing use of HID and LED lighting, to our own detriment, and that with increased light pollution (especially by blue light) across this part of Dorset, we will lose even more of the ‘black’ of Blackmore Vale!

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The BV magazine, February 2024

POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

A peek at old Colehill This month Barry Cuff has chosen a couple of postcards of Colehill near Wimborne Minster.

Sent initially to Titchfield, this postcard was forwarded on to Seven Sisters Road in Holloway, London. It was sent in January 1910 to a Miss K Bond c/o The rev’d Matthews, and appears to be simply known as ‘Nurse’. She in turn seems to know the gentleman of the sending couple by his surname – perhaps they were all in service together?: ‘Dear Nurse We had quite a surprise on Sat, Burling met Anstee (?), and Mrs M have taken a house about 7 or 8 minutes walk from here, so I suppose we shall [have] the pleasure of seeing you & the family soon. Only fancy Mrs M coming to live so near us, it really was a surprise. Our very best respects to Mr & Mrs Matthews & love to yourself from your old friends H & E Burling’

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The BV magazine, February 2024

POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

‘Millie’ sent this chatty postcard of the stores and post office at Colehill to Miss D Morris on 13th October 1908 – Millie feels like a young girl. Dorrie’s address is simply ‘Stanley Villas, Downton, Salisbury’, which we cannot find in modern day Downton: ‘Dear Dorrie Very many thanks for P.C. was very pleased to receive it and to hear you are all well.

Have made another sachel with the silks and have begun a glove case which I hope to finish this week.

Give all my love to all, yourself included. Best love, Millie

*Barry has always understood that postcards were often written upside down ‘to prevent the postman reading them’. It’s a puzzle as to which way up to display it on the page! – Ed 53

The BV magazine, February 2024

THEN AND NOW Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards meet modern-day reality.

Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places.

Sturminster Marshall

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The BV magazine, February 2024

THEN AND NOW

The original toll round house stood in the angle between the Blandford and Wimborne roads, with the Poole road going off to the right. The entire junction has now been replaced by a large roundabout - named the Roundhouse Roundabout for now-obvious reasons. This card was posted to Uplyme in 1907.

Above, Sturminster Marshall’s High Street looked very different in 1906. Sturminster Marshall grew around the Bailey Gate milk, cheese and whey products factory. It was so large it had it’s own station – called Bailey Gate to avoid confusion with Sturminster Newton, further north on the Somerset & Dorset Railway.

The factory was started by Henry Tory in 1888 and at one time was the largest cheese producing factory in Europe. The ’Then’ image was taken from the S&D Railway bridge, with the Churchill Arms on the left and Bailey Gate Milk Factory on the right. The original factory warehouse building on the right is gone, though there remains an industrial park on the site, and the Churchill Arms on the left has recently been demolished.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

FARM TALES

The RSPCA and three fire service units attempt the rescue of the fox trapped on the slurry pit cover Image: RSPCA

Beware the slurry shuffle

Dorset’s daring rescues – but Andrew Livingston points out the very thin line between humourous mishaps and farming tragedies You may (should?!) have already read my article on the suspension of the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt by the British Hound Sports Association. Safe to say, that news wasn’t quite the jaunty tone I need for what I like to think of as the light-hearted, admittedly slightly frustrated, musings my column usually is.

I am, however, still going to talk about foxes ...

Well, one, anyway.

This particular fox was found by a Warminster farmer walking across the top of his slurry lagoon. The lagoon, covered by a tarp to keep the rain off, was 25 metres wide and it quickly became a sticky situation for the fox, as his weight caused the water on top of the tarp to pool around him, If what I trapping him on the lagoon. think is I suspect the stressed animal quickly quoted happening Felicity Fox from the 2009 is happening, Fantastic Mr Fox movie: ‘If it better what I think is happening is happening, it better not be!’ not be!

Commendations must go to the farmer who quickly contacted the RSPCA to see if they could come and save the animal.

Animal rescue officer Gemma Gumbleton attended the scene and said in a statement:

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‘My usual rescue poles just wouldn’t stretch far enough, and because of his anxiety, the panicked fox wouldn’t stay still to allow me to reach him anyway.

I knew the rescue would need specialists with expert skills, so I contacted the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

‘Three of their units were soon on the scene, Two firefighters descended into the underground pit to attach strops to the trapped cows.

Image: DWFireRescue

The BV magazine, February 2024

FARM TALES including the ‘large animal rescue’ team, who brought their inflatable raft.’

After three hours of both the RSPCA and the three fire service units attempting to save the animal’s life, one individual decided to simply step onto the tarp and just go and get the wild animal. One very wet and very cold fox was swiftly taken to the vets and made a full recovery.

Slippery Situations Interestingly enough, this is not the only Dorsetbased slurry rescue tale of the month. Just a week earlier, six cows were rescued by Dorchester and Weymouth fire crews after falling through an inspection hole cover into an underground slurry pit. The animals were trapped for a couple of hours before two brave firefighters waded through the deep cow muck to attach strops to each of the six cows so they could be lifted to safety. Throughout the operation, gas monitors were placed in the pit to check for dangerous gases.

And just one week later, two cows fell into a 15ft deep slurry pit on a farm near Wimborne.

Firefighters from Verwood attended, and a specialist technical rescue crew from Poole was able to remove the cows, using animal strops and the assistance of the farm telehandler.

A brigade spokesperson said: ‘Both cows seemed to be none the worse for their ordeal. The crews, however, needed to decontaminated before they left the incident.’

I know. It sounds too far-fetched to be real.

No joke These animals – and their rescuers – all had genuinely lucky escapes. Slurry can be extremely dangerous. Its viscosity means that if you literally get caught deep in the s**t, you’ll seriously struggle to get out.

In the village of Hooke, where I grew up, a farmer who went missing was eventually found; still in his tractor, submerged in the slurry pit.

An inquest into his death suggested that in the process of pushing muck into the pit, the farmer had suffered a heart attack. The tractor kept going with the farmer still inside ... and that was that.

One of the six cows rescued from an underground slurry pit near Dorchester Image: DWFireRescue

All six cows were unharmed Image: DWFireRescue

These animal rescue stories are fun and both have a happy ending. But they should serve as a stark reminder that farming is a dangerous profession.

Already this year there have been three reported farm deaths. This ending isn’t particularly ‘jaunty’, but the truth needs to be told.

It’s barely February and we are already on three.

Two cows stuck in a 15 foot slurry pit on a farm near Wimborne Image: DWFireRescue

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The BV magazine, February 2024

FARMING

NFU Education reached half a million schoolchildren in 2023

Sowing seeds of agricultural knowledge, the NFU programme is connecting students with the vital role of farming in food production and sustainability In a landmark year, the NFU Education programme has made significant strides in bringing agricultural education to more than 500,000 students nationwide. With the assistance of more than 250 farming ambassadors, the programme works to broaden a new generation’s understanding of the pivotal role of British agriculture in responsible, sustainable food production, while simultaneously emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship.

The ambassadors have visited more than 50 schools since September, delivering assemblies on farming to more than 7,000 schoolchildren – an increase of more than 300 per cent on 2022.

Looking beyond traditional classrooms, NFU Education has captivated a wider audience through innovative live lessons like Science Farm Live, Harvest Thali and The Lamb Diaries, reaching a further 360,000 students in 5,000 classrooms.

These sessions are meticulously designed to integrate agricultural themes into the national STEM curriculum, providing students with a practical and immersive learning experience.

NFU President Minette Batters said: ‘I am extremely proud of the work delivered by NFU Education, resulting in some incredible achievements this year. The sheer number of students engaged in our Live lessons demonstrates the enormous appetite from

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The NFU Education ‘Live’ lessons have reached 360,000 students in 5,000 classrooms

children and teachers to teach and learn STEM subjects through the lens of agriculture, whether they come from a farming background or not, and we have dozens more Farmers for Schools booked in for the next school term.

‘It’s really heartening to see so many schools wanting to engage with us and provide their pupils with such a fantastic learning experience, helping them gain a greater understanding of where their food comes from.

‘As we celebrate these successes, it’s good to reflect on the power of education to excite children in food and farming and pave the way for a future generation that really values, understands and champions British agriculture.’

Farmers for Schools Ambassador Evan Taylor said: ‘Farmers for Schools appealed to me because

I wanted to share my passion and experiences in farming.

‘I also want to try and get young people into farming – it can only help to future-proof farming in Britain, and the NFU programme gave me a platform to do this.

‘I gave an hour-long talk to 200 Year 10 and 11 students and it was great to see them asking questions and showing a real interest in getting into agriculture as a career.

‘Ultimately, it’s about starting a conversation – I’m looking forward to doing more and spreading awareness about how important British farming is.’

• if you would like to register your interest in being an NFU Farmers for Schools ambassador you can contact the NFU Education team at education@nfu.org.uk

The BV magazine, February 2024

NEWS

Countryside Alliance Point-to-Point

Sunday 18 February Badbury Rings, Wimborne DT11 9JL Gates open 10am / First race 12 noon Online tickets available at www.pointingwessex.co.uk/events-and-tickets Early bird online tickets £12.50pp. Card or cash entry on the day £15pp

Enjoy fantastic horse racing, family dog racing, shopping, entertainment, food and a licensed bar.

Stay up to date on Facebook @badburyringspointtopointcourse Photo credit Tim Holt

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The BV magazine, February 2024

FARMING The young stock are out grazing cover crops. There’s lots of leaf and a good many roots, and they get a fresh hectare every day, so they don’t over-tread the ground

From hedges to hay From kitchen classrooms to hedge health: farmer George Hosford dives into hedge surveying for new farming incentives, and the latest school visit At the end of last year, a few members of our farm cluster group met at Hammoon to learn how to survey hedges. Led by hedge expert John Calder from Dorset Climate Action Network’s Great Big Dorset Hedge Project, we explored a few kilometres of hedges around Adam’s farm. They were in pretty good condition, mostly made up of a healthy mixture of species. There were plenty of trees and we even

found hops, which are rare in Dorset. The prime purpose of our visit was to learn what we needed to do in order to take advantage of the hedgerow offer, part of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive standards (SFI). For this, we don’t even have to record the species, but as John pointed out, it can be informative. An old rule of thumb is that the number of tree and shrub species in a 100ft (30 metre) length of hedge

The cows are indoors for winter, munching on hay made from the farm’s wild flower margins

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can indicate its age, with one species for every 100 years. A single-species hedge is likely to be less than 100 years old while a 1,000 year old hedge is likely to contain ten to 12 species.

However, this formula must be used with caution.

For example, it’s anyone’s guess how this is supposed to work if we are surveying our own new hedges, planted last winter, where we were planting up to 10 species within 30m.

For the purposes of SFI, we simply have to assess each stretch of hedge around a field according to the Adams formula, which will help us to decide the most suitable management for the hedge in the future, whether trimming, laying, coppicing, gapping up etc.

There are bonuses available if you have a tree per 100m of hedge. These can be existing, newly planted, or a suitable hedge plant selected and marked to not be trimmed and allowed to grow up.

John and his team have been helping many farmers across Dorset to learn about this, and

The BV magazine, February 2024

FARMING to get their hedges into SFI. John has put huge amounts of energy into the development of the SFI hedgerow standards, with numerous messages and presentations to DEFRA, RPA etc, and one enduring sadness is the absence of any incentive in SFI to actually plant new hedge.

We very much hope this will materialise in the next chapter of releases. For more information see the Great Big Dorset Hedge project here.

Banished empties The cows are indoors for winter; the plumper ones are munching on hay made from our wild flower margins, the thinner ones are on the lovely, soft, sweet meadow hay – much more digestible with less roughage.

Pregnancy diagnosis detected six empty out of 70, which is a bit higher than it should be. The three empties we have kept have been banished to the steep banks of the valley – no nice warm shed for them!

The young stock are in two groups grazing cover crops.

There’s lots of leaf to eat and a good many roots this year – thanks to the damp autumn, daikon radish and turnips abound. They get a fresh hectare every day, so they don’t overtread the ground, and leave

Daisy the ewe is known for her patience with school visits – even after all the toast has been eaten

plenty of green matter in place to grow on in the milder periods.

A new kitchen classroom December saw the inaugural session in our new kitchen classroom. A group of willing participants from Durweston school arrived ready to try out the programme that our friendly teacher Penny had worked out.

The plan was for the children, with careful guidance, to prepare and cook a simple vegetable soup, including fresh farmsqueezed rapeseed oil, fieldgrown potatoes and onions from the garden. They would also be shaping and baking rolls made with 50 per cent homegrown wheat flour, having first seen

Reggie has done an outstanding job with his ewes

the wheat being ground into flour. And then, if successful, taste the result. Penny brought along dough she had prepared the day before, using some of our wildfarmed wheat flour, which the children made into a variety of shapes. The bread was very tasty, and considerably more popular than the soup (although I hasten to add that it too was very tasty)! In between the cookery, the children painted farm themed pictures and did a cutting and sticking exercise to help them realise which foods originate locally and which come from overseas.

Pictured above is Daisy the sheep on the same school visit.

She excelled herself on the last school farm visit of the year – she has such patience and gentle endurance. Everyone wants to stroke her, and she stays on long after all the toast has been eaten. Hands-on experience is an important element of school visits, even in mid-winter. Some of the ewes are wonderful with the children (much more tolerant than with adults!).

On the left is Reggie, who was at work over Christmas. All the ewes had a red rump – we changed his raddle crayon, and none turned blue. Let’s keep it that way and have a nice compact lambing period in May. 61

The BV magazine, February 2024

ANIMALS

‘Discovery Day’ at Dogs Trust Salisbury This month, dog owners, potential dog owners and dog fans are in for a treat as Dogs Trust Salisbury opens its doors for a fun open day.

The ‘Discovery Day’ event, to be held at the Salisbury Rehoming Centre in Newton Tony, will run from 12pm to 4pm on Tuesday, 13th February. The free event is designed to provide a real insight into the range of services Dogs Trust offers.

Visitors can look forward to learning about various Dogs Trust initiatives such as the Dog School, Behaviour Maybe you’ll even meet your new best pal, like this boy, Bjorn

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Support Line, their popular fostering programme, and their educational services: • Dogs Trust Dog School In person and virtual training classes for you and your pooch. Classes cover all ages, from puppy to adult dogs, and are tailored to the age group to best meet your needs.

• Education Dogs Trust Education and Community Officers offer free workshops for primary schools, with fun sessions to promote safe and responsible interactions between children and dogs.

In addition to this, a wealth of resources are available for all ages to learn about dogs.

• Behaviour advice Every Dogs Trust rehoming centre has a dedicated behaviour team who work with the dogs to give them the best chance of success on their journey to find their forever home.

• Canine Care Card This is a free service that anyone can sign up to. The

Canine Care Card service provides the peace of mind that should anything happen to you, Dogs Trust will care for your dog(s) – giving them the care they need and deserve.

The Salisbury rescue centre’s knowledgeable staff will be available to field questions on the day as well as share insights into their work. There will also be a Tombola, exclusive Dogs Trust merchandise for sale, and a selection of refreshments.

Justine Salkeld, the Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust, said: ‘We are really excited to host our Discovery Day this February. It is a great opportunity for the public to learn about our fantastic work, explore our rehoming centre, and chat to our amazing staff.

It will be a fun event for dog owners and dog lovers alike – we look forward to welcoming everyone on February 13th.’

Set your calendars for a day filled with canine camaraderie at Dogs Trust Salisbury, 45 Amesbury Road, Newton Tony, Wiltshire, SP4 0HW.

The BV magazine, February 2024

WILDLIFE The polecat Mustela putorius is a native British mammal and a member of the mustelid (weasel) family.

A pungent predicament Polecats have quietly been making a secretive but fragrant return, says wildlife writer Jane Adams – but there are hybrid hurdles to overcome 64

The BV magazine, February 2024

WILDLIFE

Who hasn’t heard about the population recovery of otters?

They’re now regularly seen in Dorset. However, another close cousin of the otter, the polecat, has also been making a much quieter comeback.

Polecats have been in mainland Britain since the end of the last ice age. These long, dark-brown mammals with short legs and a facemask of light and dark fur survive on a diet of rabbits, small mammals, amphibians and worms. They’re also nocturnal and secretive.

It’s not surprising they keep themselves to themselves. Over 300 years, we humans nearly wiped them from the map due to their supposed penchant for chickens and game birds.

So much so that, by 1915, we had eradicated them from most of their British haunts.

Only strongholds in Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire remained. After the First World War, the end of commercial rabbit trapping and fewer predator controls meant they made a slow but steady recovery – and they’re spreading.

The English skunk Less fussy about habitat and territories than badgers and pine martens, our hedgerows, rabbit warrens and woods are perfect hunting grounds for Dorset polecats. However, don’t expect to see one anytime soon – and, if you do, approach at your peril.

Their Latin name, Mustela putorius, means ‘foul-smelling musk bearer’. This refers to the smell they release from their anal glands as a defence mechanism when scared or hurt.

It’s worth keeping your distance!

Sadly, the most likely place to see one is dead at the side of the roads which are now a major cause of mortality. Still, there are currently more polecats

Perceived as bloodthirsty animals, polecats were declared vermin during the reign of Elizabeth I and the name ‘polecat’ was used to refer to vagabonds.

in the British Isles than at any other time in the last 100 years, which is good news, isn’t it? Yes ... and no ... and this is where it gets controversial.

Ferretcat or polerat?

Wild polecats will breed with their closest relative, the domesticated ferret, especially feral escapees. And, though there are visible differences, these hybrids are difficult to distinguish from pure polecats without DNA testing. This may not be the natural disaster it sounds. Some researchers have suggested polecats might have benefited from ferret genes.

So, rather than losing the species completely, the roguish, masked bandit has survived and is thriving, because it’s not in a completely pure state. It’s a tricky conservation conundrum and one that will no doubt rumble on for years to come.

Key visual differences between ferrets and polecats: Polecat: Dark fur on the face extending to the nose. Pale cheek patches contrasting with its dark facial mask. No scattered white guard hairs over its body. No pale throat patch (or less than 50mm long). Dark fur on paws.

Ferret: Dark fur on the face that does not reach the nose. Pale cheek patches, often extensive, that contrast poorly with its darker facial mask. Scattered white guard hairs over the entire body, especially its hindquarters and tail. Pale throat patch 50mm or more long and one or more white paws.

More info: • Earlham Institute on the hybridisation quandary (a very similar hybridisation problem is seen between Scottish wildcats and domesticated cats) • vincentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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The BV magazine, February 2024

WILDLIFE Dunnock singing in the late winter sunshine

What to do for wildlife in your garden in February It’s not hard to give the wildlife in your garden an extra helping hand at this time of year, says Mitch Perkins, DWT’s wilder communities assistant With the year well under way, things are starting to ‘move’ in the garden. Bulbs are popping up and bird song is increasing as the birds vie for the best nesting territory. On clear days, try listening out for some of our resident songsters. If you are interested in learning a few bird calls, this is an excellent time to ‘get your ear in’ before the summer migrants arrive!

Weed out the knobbly bulbils On mild days you might also hear (and see) signs of amphibian activity. Newts are starting to come out of hibernation and if you have a pond of any size, you could already have frog spawn – warmer winters mean that frogs are sometimes spawning earlier than in previous years.

Hungry insects are starting to emerge from 66

Dorset snowdrops Image: Mark Heighes

The BV magazine, February 2024

WILDLIFE hibernation and need an energy boost from the nectar and pollen provided by early-flowering plants. Could you help by growing a late winter larder for insects?

Take action for insects and consider planting shrubs like sweet box or winter flowering heathers – either can be grown in a pot. Also, think again about early flowering ‘weeds’ – the cheery yellow flowers of lesser celandine are a good nectar source. This useful native can be kept in check by lightly weeding out the knobbly bulbils. Crocuses are also a good early source of food for insects and, if you have a sunny patch of lawn, purple crocus tommasinianus is a good variety to naturalise.

Later in the month, look out for the first redtailed queen bumble bees and peacock butterflies enjoying your wildlife-friendly plants.

Share the bulbs As snowdrops finish flowering, it is a good time to split and move them – these bulbs establish best if planted ‘in the green.’ Share them with friends and just remember to plant them to the same depth as

they were in their original spot. Water well, remove old flower heads and let the leaves die back naturally for strong plants next year.

If the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen, you can plant bare root trees and shrubs now to provide shelter and food for birds. Guelder rose, mountain ash or juneberry (Amelanchier) are all good trees for small gardens. Some crab apples (Malus ‘Laura’) and fruit trees (try ‘Conference’ pears, ‘Discovery’ apples) can even be grown in pots.

At the end of this month, cut back the old flower stems of perennial plants (sedum, golden rod, teasels). It is much better to do this now than in the autumn, as insects will have been able to shelter over winter in the nooks and crannies that seed heads and hollow stems provide. Leave the bundles of stems in a quiet corner to give insects time to find a new home. These will be picked over by birds looking for a tasty snack – and the plant debris may become nesting material.

• For more information about how to attract more wildlife to your garden, please visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

If you have a pond in your garden, modern warmer winters might mean you’ve already got frog spawn Image: Richard Burkmar

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ART

Winter gallery round-up

by Fanny Charles

From two of the biggest names in the visual arts to tiny arts centres, there is plenty of colour and excitement in local galleries over the next few months Hauser & Wirth At Durslade Farm, Bruton, is the Somerset location of one of the world’s biggest gallery groups, with galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Zurich, St Moritz, Gstaad, London, France, Spain, Monaco and Hong Kong.

A family business with a global outlook, Hauser & Wirth was founded in 1992 in Zurich by Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser. The firm represents more than 90 artists and estates.

As well as the gallery, showing world class exhibitions, there is a famous garden designed by Piet Oudolf, restaurant, farm shop and programme of events, talks and more.

The late winter and early spring programme begins with Present Tense, on until 28th April, spotlighting the next generation

A vessel by Adam Buick, in a dramatic setting – see his work at Messums West in Tisbury

Let The Land Speak, by Ania Hobson, can be seen in Present Tense at Hauser & Wirth

of artists living and working in the UK, from emerging to mid-career. Celebrating the breadth of creative talent and socially-engaged practices, the exhibition features work by 23 contemporary artists who are testing the boundaries of their mediums to address and confront notions of identity, consciousness, humanity and representation. Through their individual lens, each artist is responding to the cultural climate of the UK right now, depicting a range of lived experiences that coexist and connect within the rich fabric of the same location.

Messums West The rural wing of top London gallery Messums is hosted by the Tisbury tithe barn – one of the great architectural wonders of the south west

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ART

Some of the old stone buildings at Guggleton Farm Arts

and the country’s largest thatched building. The regular programme includes outstanding contemporary dance, exhibitions, workshops and talks.

Look out for the Messums Ceramics season, featuring Of The Earth – a group exhibition with thoughts and actions around making in clay. It runs from 2nd March to 29th April, and features artists Claudia Barreira, Charly Blackburn, Adam Buick (pictured opposite), Halima Cassell, William Cobbing, Bouke De Vries, Sara Howard

and Nina Salsotto Cassina. Of The Earth reflects Messums’ special interest in active environmentalism. It explores the connections of raw clay and fired ceramic with the earth, the body and time, while considering what making means in relation to the environment. The raw material of clay is abundant and richly varied across the globe.

Archaeology has revealed clay being formed into figurines, vessels and architecture as far back as 30,000 years ago. It has and continues to play a crucial role within the ceremonies and

routines of our birth, life and death cycles – but the ceramic medium enacts a heavy toll on the earth, artistically and industrially, from mining clay and glaze elements to energyconsuming kiln firings.

Running over the same period, Contem’plate presents a historical narrative around the development of the plate from decorated functional objects to canvases for contemplation.

There will also be a Ceramics Symposium on Saturday 6th April, bringing together artists and experts in ceramics to

Empire of Light by Finn Campbell, in Dreamscapes at Sladers Yard, West Bay.

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ART Robin Rae’s Portland Bill Lighthouse in Dreamscapes at Sladers Yard, West Bay

Barry Flanagan’s Large Left-Handed Drummer at the NewArtCentre at Roche Court Sculpture Park

discuss their artistic practice and to talk about the ecological and environmental aspects of ceramics practices.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre The gallery at the arts centre in the old covered market in Bell Street has a programme of regularly changing exhibitions, often with leading local artists and makers. Look out for the Spring Open (formerly Snowdrops in Art), from 7th to 24th February. From 6th to 19th March, photographer Justin Orwin has a joint exhibition with Mary Tambini, who shows the development of her art, from large paintings of swimmers from 25 years ago to prints, collages and 3D work. She has taught art and ceramics for many years.

The Gugg Guggleton Gallery, now known as Guggleton Farm Arts (and

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ART affectionately as The Gugg), at Stalbridge, is a combination of gallery and workshops, in old farm buildings. There is a regularly changing programme of exhibitions as well as talks and workshops. Currently having a winter break, The Gugg has live music and a host of activities, including classes and workshops on everything from bonsai and bag-making to wet felting and wreath making. There are also Coffee Companions mornings, Knit and Natter sessions and a Men’s Shed club.

Sladers Yard Housed in a Georgian rope warehouse in West Bay, Sladers Yard is the base of the acclaimed furniture designer-maker Petter Southall, and shows work by many of the region’s leading artists, as well as major retrospectives. Gallery regulars include the sculptor and collagist Marzia Colonna, colourist Philip Sutton, ceramicists Adela Powell, Akiko Hirai and Yo Thom, and husband and wife painters Alex Lowry and Vanessa Gardiner.

The current show, running to 16th March, is Dreamscapes, an exhibition of surreal, strange, humorous and beautiful paintings by Finn CampbellNotman (Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2023 – see image on page 69), Alfred Stockham, who spent seven years in the Royal Navy before becoming a full-time artist, and the late and much-missed Robin Rae, whose later landscapes have been compared with Edward Hopper’s paintings. There are also wood carvings by David West and Petter Southall’s furniture.

The Art Stable Run by Kelly Ross in a former farm building at Gold Hill Organic Farm, Child Okeford, The Art Stable has an astonishing view of Hambledon Hill, and it’s no surprise that the huge chalk hill topped with an Iron Age fort,

The Art Stable will be showing In The Beginning – early Brian Rice work from the 1950s

often features in work by gallery artists, such as Liz Somerville.

Specialising in contemporary and 20th century British paintings, prints, and ceramics, The Art Stable has eight exhibitions a year of both established and emerging artists.

There are two spaces – one showing solo exhibitions and the other an ever-changing selection of pieces by gallery artists. The spring programme includes In The Beginning, early works from the 1950s by Brian Rice, from 10th February, to 9th March.

Don’t forget ...

A little further afield, but always worth a visit (although it’s perhaps best enjoyed when the weather is a bit warmer and less

stormy), the NewArtCentre at Roche Court Sculpture Park, near Winterslow just the other side of Salisbury, is one of the country’s top contemporary art venues.

It has regular exhibitions, but the real attraction here is the astonishing collection of artwork in the grounds – Roche Court is one of the pioneers of British sculpture parks.

At any given time you may find works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Richard Long, Antony Gormley, Anthony Caro, Barry Flanagan … and more. ... and don’t forget the wonderful Elisabeth Frink exhibition at the Dorset Museum, which continues to April, and Georgia O’Keeffe drawings at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre until 24th February.

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WHAT'S ON @ THE EXCHANGE NEWS

WILL GATER

FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY

THE GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT

Astronomer Will Gater with this thrilling new show, delves deep into some of the biggest questions humans have ever FRIDAY 1ST MARCH asked: what’s ‘out there’, what are the Enjoy the UK’s leading live music tribute stars, and what is our place in the to George Harrison, performing his bestimmense Cosmos that we call home. loved hits from The Beatles, his solo career Blending spectacular visuals, live demos and The Traveling Wilburys. With hits My and inspiring storytelling (£16/£12) Sweet Lord, Got My Mind Set On You and many more! (£22)

PROF. ROBERT WINSTON ‘The Misuse of Science’ a talk by world-renowned expert in fertility and genetics, Robert Winston (£18/£10)) 72

THE CHAS & DAVE STORY SATURDAY 9TH MARCH (£17)

The BV magazine, February 2024

WHAT’S ON

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show Alfred Tennyson might have mused that spring was the season for romance, but in Dorset, hearts are set aflutter with a different kind of love – a passion for the countryside. The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show is ready to spring into action as the first rural spectacle of the season. Family fun is firmly at the heart of the exciting new-look show, the first under new organiser Cat Harris. It takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April at Turnpike Showground, in Motcombe, SP7 9PL What’s more, children under sixteen can enjoy the festivities for free, with early bird family tickets currently available for just £12 per adult, rising to £17 on the day.

What not to miss Get set for a whirlwind of laughter as the UK’s only Arena Comedy Car Act and Slapstick Stunt Show takes centre stage. It’s going to be a riot of fun with the madcap stunt clowns’ capers and water cannon antics - just don’t end up in the splash zone!

And pigs can’t fly – but do they race? Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs are about to show you.

Witness five rare breeds leap and snort their way through an entertaining obstacle course.

The Lamb National is hot on the trotters of the

Clown Dingle Fingle is an undercover policeman is on the relentless pursuit of Slippery Sid the classic car thief ...

pig race, with nimble Herwick sheep from the Lake District’s slopes navigating an obstacle challenge.

Root for your favourite woolly competitor and see who will out-leap the flock.

On the Sunday you can see The Dog & Duck show – with skilled sheepdogs herding not just sheep but also ducks, geese and chickens! There will be free tractor and trailer rides, horticultural showcases, the finest Dorset culinary delights, and live music to ring in the spring.

And don’t miss the chance to create your own scarecrow. Let your imagination run wild – there’s no theme and you can make use of any materials.

Cat Harris says: ‘Who doesn’t love a scarecrow (apart from the birds!)? We’re hoping to have a spectacular line up so visitors can enjoy a Scarecrow Stroll or take the free tractor ride and see all the entries. Entry to the competition is free, and the only rule is that the scarecrow must be a group effort. We hope groups of all ages and sizes will take part – from families to schools, youth clubs to care homes.’

It’s not just a celebration of spring but a community gathering that champions the joyous spirit of rural life.

• To take advantage of early bird pricing visit the tickets page here • Register your scarecrow group here or email compete@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

•

for more information. springcountrysideshow.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

All Stars with the Sherborne School Swing Band

Friday 9th February, 7.30pm Dining Hall, Sherborne School Enjoy a three-course dinner and some foot-tapping numbers from the Sherborne School Swing Band

Tickets £30.00 (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

Scan the QR code to book, or email: tickets@sherborne.org Dress code: smart casual

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WHAT’S ON

BBC Radio 4 ‘Any Questions?’

To Come to Swanage The Mowlem are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a recording of BBC Radio 4 Any Questions? On Friday 8th March at 6:30pm. Tickets are free, but must be booked, with a maximum of four per person.

The show is broadcast live on Radio 4 on most Friday evenings of the year following the 8pm news. The programme is repeated on Saturday lunchtimes at 1.10pm, and is followed at 2pm by the Any Answers? phone-in which gives listeners a chance to join in the debate by calling or emailing the Saturday host Anita Anand.

Any Questions? was first broadcast on Friday 12th October 1948; for the first eighteen months it was a West of England Home Service programme, run from Bristol. It moved to London in April 1950, but after 61 years in the capital, it returned to the production offices in Bristol in 2011.

Over the years, many figures of note have appeared as panellists, including most past and present leaders of the political parties. Every Prime Minister since Harold Wilson has appeared on Any Questions at some point in their political career!

Panels also feature many distinguished figures

from the worlds of the Arts, Science, Business, Law and other areas of public life.

Currently, around 1.59 million people listen to the programme each week, the majority of them hearing the Saturday lunchtime repeat.

Tickets via the Box Office and themowlem.com.

All you can eat, build-your-own kids pancake party!

Thyme after Time Cafe in Stalbridge has announced a new Pancake Day Event – kids can come and enjoy unlimited pancakes form the Build Your Own Pancake buffet!

The cafe will be going flip-pancake-tastic for one day only, making their delicious pancakes using Silverthorne Farm free range eggs and the whole milk from just down the road at Woodbridge Farm.

Choose from a delicious selection of pancake toppings – lemon, sugar, nutella, ice cream, marshmallows, banana, chocolate buttons, sauces, syrups, cream and more! It’s an unlimited return buffet – the only rule is that you must have finished

what was on your plate before you return (because no one likes food waste!). The price includes unlimited drinks, too: choose from delicious hot chocolate, cold milk, squash or water.

And there will also be a pancake day-themed colouring table to keep busy between pancakes!

The Pancake Party for children (and their adults) is on Tuesday 13th Feb, 9 to11.45am, cost is £6 per child or £10 for two kids (there will also be an Adult pancake day menu available!)

Booking is advisable as there are limited spaces available – simply call 01963 362202 Monday to Saturday between 7.30am to 2pm

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WHAT’S ON

Dramatic quiz night in Wimborne Wimborne Community Theatre invites you to an exhilarating Quiz Night on Thursday, 29th February at Colehill Sports and Social Club, located at 108 Wimborne Road, Colehill BH21 2QR. This promises to be an entertaining evening filled with challenging questions, delicious food, and fantastic prizes.

Whether you come on your own or bring a team of up to 6 people, Wimborne Community Theatre guarantees a night of fun and friendly competition!

Challenge your team with a variety of questions covering different topics. There’ll also be a raffle, a licensed bar, and you can enjoy a delicious buffet served directly to your table.

• Thursday, 29th February • 7pm for a sharp 7:30 start • £8 per person

• •

Maximum six people per team Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road, Colehill BH21 2QR To secure your spot, please contact Barbara Hart at 01202 884201 or barbarahart414@gmail.com.

The Mousetrap is coming to Poole Celebrate 70 years of suspense with The Mousetrap; the longest running play in the world is still captivating audiences on its tour across the UK and Ireland. It arrives at Lighthouse Poole for one week from 29th April to 4th May. The genuinely iconic murder mystery stars Todd Carty (EastEnders, Grange Hill, Dancing on Ice) as Major Metcalf and Gwyneth Strong (known best as Cassandra Trotter in Only Fools and Horses) as Mrs Boyle. They will be joined by Neerja Naik as Mollie Ralston; Barnaby Jago as Giles Ralston; Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren; Amy Spinks as Miss Casewell; Steven Elliot as Mr Paravicini and Michael Ayiotis as Detective Sgt Trotter.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap debuted at Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and toured

Todd Carty in The Mousetrap Image: @MattCrockett_

the UK before opening in the West End – where it continues its record-breaking run at the St Martin’s Theatre. Now it’s back on the road, and it’s 70th anniversary tour, having also opened in Nottingham, is marking its milestone anniversary by visiting more than 70 theatres, including all cities to which it originally played 70 years ago.

In this classic whodunnit, seven strangers stranded at Monkswell Manor by a snowstorm face a chilling reality as a detective reveals there’s a murderer among them. As the suspense builds, each character’s dark past unfolds, leaving audiences guessing who the real culprit is.

Don’t miss this classic piece of mystery, directed by Ian Talbot OBE and Denise Silvey, and produced by Adam Spiegel.

• Tickets from lighthousepoole.co.uk 76

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WHAT’S ON

Your Invitation to join us for a Service of Thanksgiving Sunday 10 March 2024 at 6.00 pm Sherborne Abbey, Dorset

A special occasion To mark the RNLI's 200th Anniversary By kind permission of the Reverend Martin Lee Rector Sherborne Abbey

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ

Photo: Stephen Duncombe

Tindall Recital Series Wednesday 7th February, 7.30pm Tindall Recital Hall, Music School, Sherborne School

Benjamin Davey — piano

Clare Jackson — flute

Music to include:

La Flute de Pan Jules Mouquet Sonatina for flute and piano Eldin Burton Sunday morning Ian Clarke

Tickets £12.50 (to include a glass of wine)

Scan the QR code to book now or email: tickets@sherborne.org

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WHAT’S ON

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WHAT’S ON

Concerts in the West at Shaftesbury A music organisation which has been bringing rising stars of the chamber and baroque music scene to Dorset, Somerset and Devon for 18 years, makes its debut at Shaftesbury this year, with two concerts organised in conjunction with Shaftesbury Arts Centre. The first Concerts in the West event in north Dorset will be on Sunday 21st April, at 3pm, and will feature the Gildas Quartet, playing at St Peter’s Church.

Catherine Maddocks, then director of the London Handel Festival, recalls that she had recently moved to Ilminster in 2006 and was asked if she would like to organise a concert in the town, as there was no classical music being performed locally at the time.

‘As I was very new to the town it seemed like a good way to meet people and so it proved,’ she says.

‘One concert quickly became four in the first year with Lyme Regis joining in.’

The pattern was set, with additional venues being added, and young professional musicians being invited to perform at a series of three or four concerts, regularly including Bridport Arts Centre, Ilminster Arts Centre and the Dance Centre at Crewkerne. Other occasional venues include Pendomer church near Yeovil and, Upwey church.

There are nine series each year, spread over a weekend, beginning with a coffee time concert at Bridport, at Ilminster and Crewkerne on Friday and Saturday evenings, and often a fourth on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs Maddocks, who retired from her London role in 2016, was determined to have a very high standard of performance in the West Country.

She says: ‘The musicians, all of whom are trained to at least postgraduate level, find the tours quite

The Gildas Quartet are Tom Aldren, violin, Gemma Sharples, violin, Christine Anderson, viola, and Anna Menzies, cello

useful in embedding repertoire and working towards recordings or a big concert in London or elsewhere.’

The Gildas Quartet are Tom Aldren, violin, Gemma Sharples, violin, Christine Anderson, viola, and Anna Menzies, cello. Their Shaftesbury programme will be:Montgomery’s Break Away, Haydnn’s String Quartet No 5, Op 76 Friedhofsquartett, Puccini’s Crisantemi for String Quartet and Debussy’s string Quartet in G minor, Op 10.

The second Shaftesbury concert in the 2024 Concerts in the West programme will be with the Lumas Winds on 21st July.

21st April, 3pm to 5pm Tickets £18 shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk

Ignite a passion for STEM this February half-term at the Fleet Air Arm Museum Sensational Science Shows Monday 12th to Friday 16th February, 11am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm An event made possible by the museum’s National STEM program, co-sponsored by Serco, Newton and Airbus, the Explorer Dome team are coming to the Fleet Air Arm Museum for some sensational science. These demonstrations, while fun and suitable for all the family, will help younger visitors get to grips with important scientific principles, even if they’re not to be tried at home. These shows are free with a valid museum ticket.

Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild Once visitors have learnt all about the flashy side of science, they can get to grips with the major engineering project that is Barracuda Live. Not a single Fairey Barracuda exists in the world today, so piece by piece, a passionate team of staff and volunteers at the museum has been given MOD permission to gather scattered parts from wreck sites. It is a longterm project which will employ a delicate balance of reclaimed original parts and newly manufactured components. Barracuda Live is free with a valid ticket to the museum.

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WHAT’S ON

Poole Harbour Festival 2024 is set to be the biggest yet!

Get ready for the ultimate family live music experience this summer in Poole and Bournemouth, where thousands of music enthusiasts will gather for the area’s most anticipated weekend event.

With an early bird special offering savings of up to £30, eager fans are securing their spots well ahead of the festivities.

This year’s festival is boasting a line-up that includes the iconic Razorlight, the revitalised sounds of The Coral, and the 90s chart-toppers Reef. The line-up also features The South – former members of The Beautiful South– the 90s indie icons Toploader, the comeback of Southampton’s Artful Dodger, the energetic folk punk Ferocious Dog, and the crowd-pleasing Dr Meaker.

‘Last year’s festival was the best yet in terms of line up – we’re definitely putting Poole Harbour Festival on the map,’ says festival organiser Ben Dyas, who has been listening to the feedback on last summer’s event. ‘Last year we had so many last minute ticket buyers that we did have queues, but we’ve learned a lot from that and this year we’ll have more and bigger bars, many extra toilets, easier entry and more staff and security across the site, with better signage for things like water points and toilets.

‘It’s going to be a brilliant weekend!’

Four stages and 50 acts The dance tent is set to pulsate with beats from the legendary Lisa Lashes, chart-toppers 80

Ultrabeat, the inventive Jaguar Skills, and the renowned Seb Fontaine. Fans of tribute acts will be thrilled by performances celebrating the music of Queen, Madness, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, and, for the first time, Fleetwood Mac. With an impressive line-up of 50 acts spread across four stages, the festival also proudly showcases top local talent from the BCP area, including the infectious Mother Ukers, the Americana sounds of Sixteen String Jack, the energetic Celtic punk of Blackwater County, and folk favourite Gaz Brookfield.

Not just about the music The festival’s renowned family-friendly vibe includes free circus performances, kids’ entertainment, dinosaur shows, and activities throughout the weekend. Coupled with affordable ticket prices, the Poole Harbour Festival promises a perfect start to a summer by the sea.

‘It’s the party weekend that Poole is now famous for!’ says Ben. ‘And people can help make the event even better by taking advantage of the much cheaper launch offer tickets – this really helps us plan and book the facilities needed.’

• Poole Harbour Festival opens at 5pm on Friday, 12 noon on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, closing at 11pm on Friday and Saturday and 7pm on Sunday.

Tickets available now at pooleharbourfestival.com.

The BV magazine, February 2024

WHAT’S ON

Flash Bang Wallop, - what a picture!

Shaftesbury’s amateur dramatics society invite you to come along and be part of the new Half A Sixpence musical production this summer Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Music and Drama Group are delighted to be able to stage Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical as their summer show. The book, by HG Wells, was updated for the stage by Julian Fellows, and then the stage version was rearranged by Cameron Macintosh – what could be more joyous?

Kipps is an orphan, working as a draper’s assistant in Folkestone for strict owner, Mr Shalford. Kipps is charming and hard working, but also enjoys his fun and dreams of happiness with enough money to marry his childhood sweetheart Ann. When he unexpectedly comes into money, he attempts to better himself – rather disastrously – and meeting and falling for the high-born Helen. Between Ann and Helen, Kipps doesn’t know which way to turn.

Would like to be a part of it?

The group are about to start casting – the characters span different ages, with lots of

Friday Lunchtime Recitals 1.45pm Cheap Street Church (unless otherwise stated)

12th January

Pianists

19th January

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists I

26th January

Strings

2nd February

Wind Band

9th February

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists II

23rd February

Brass

1st March

Woodwind

8th March

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists III

15th March

Jazz

22nd March

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists IV

(BSR)

FREE ADMISSION ALL WELCOME

Interest Evening Join us to find out how to get involved

5th Feb 7.30pm opportunities for anyone interested. In all there are 12 principal parts, 11 smaller speaking parts and a variety of chorus characters. There are two parts for under 16s – the young Kipps and Ann who appear at the beginning of the show.

There are no less than 25 musical numbers, including Half a Sixpence, Pick Out a Simple Tune and the iconic Flash Bang Wallop. Lively dance routines and a riot of colourful costumes.

And it’s not just about acting – help is also needed with costumes, building and painting set, or simply joining the front of house team.

Everyone is invited to the interest evening to see a clip of the show and talk to the director and musical director on 5th Feb at 7.30pm in the Rutter Room at the Arts Centre. If you can’t attend but would like to know more, then please email stage@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk for more information. The show itself is on in the second and third week of July and auditions will be in February, following the interest evening.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Have you ever made bagels?

I personally love the texture of a good bagel – slightly chewy and dense. As you’d expect, nothing beats home baked ones – and they’re easier than you think. Brilliant toasted too, bagels are the perfect vehicle for lashings of butter. But be creative, there are so many delicious toppings/fillings. I have given one of my favourites at the bottom of this recipe.

Ingredients makes 12 bagels

• • • • •

750g strong white flour 375ml warm water 1tsp dried yeast (or one packet) 3 heaped tsp of malt extract 2 tsp salt

Method 1. Place the warm water, yeast and the malt extract in a small bowl or jug, and stir or whisk to combine. Leave for five to 10 minutes to get frothy.

2. Place the flour and salt into a large bowl or stand mixer.

3. Once the wet mixture is frothy, pour into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. Once it has formed into a dough, knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough is soft (slightly less time if using a stand mixer with a dough hook). If your dough is too soft, add a little more flour – too dry, add a little more water.

4. Leaving your dough in the bowl, oil the sides of the bowl. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place to double in size (this could up to two hours, but check after an hour).

5. Line two trays with parchment paper. Then cut 12 squares of parchment paper (5cm square-ish but it doesn’t need to be accurate) for the bagels to sit on and lay these out evenly across the lined trays. Give the whole lot a little oil.

This might seem a weird extra step, but trust the process!

6. Once proved, tip out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead again before dividing the dough into 12 even pieces and roll them balls.

7. Take each ball of dough and simply poke a hole in the centre, then gently spin them on your finger to make them widen into a hoop shape, with a 2cm-size hole.

8. Place each dough hoop onto a square of paper on your trays.

9. Cover with a damp tea towel or oiled cling film and leave to prove again for 45 minutes.

10. Once the bagels have proved for the second time, take a large saucepan full of water and bring to the boil. At this point, preheat the oven to 200º fan/gas 6.

11. Using the squares, carefully tip each bagel into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds each side. You may need to do this in batches of two or three bagels at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Try not to knock the air out of the bagels as you do this. The little squares of paper help to transfer the bagels to the water.

12. Drain them on a wire rack until all the bagels have had their boiling dip in the pan. You can brush with a little beaten egg if you wish and then bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Heather’s favourite bagel filling:

I love a toasted bagel filled with butter, soft cream cheese, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup, crispy streaky bacon and a generous squeeze of sriracha mayo. Its a delicious combo of sweet, spicy, creamy and salty!

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Heather Brown is a special officer for the Guild of Food Writers, and has worked in the food industry for 20 years.

83 She is a food writer and photographer, offering one-to-one help to local businesses for content and websites.

The BV magazine, February 2024

LOCAL FLAVOURS An original copy of Sir Kenelm Digby’s The Closet Opened in the Bankes library at Kingston Lacy.

Image: National Trust / Georgie Long and Emma Lansbury

How we ate – historic recipes from Dorset The alchemy of cookery with a 17th century adventurer and the secrets of some old Dorset kitchens – Fanny Charles Fifty years ago there wasn’t much interest in the history of food – a few specialists researched the diet and cooking methods of our ancestors, but there was little available for the general reader or domestic cook. Nowadays, as fans of BBC Radio 4’s delicious Kitchen Cabinet know, food historians are frequent broadcasters and popular authors, feeding a growing appetite to understand more

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about the ingredients, cooking equipment and dietary health of past centuries.

Chefs and domestic cooks enjoy exploring historic recipes and hunting down the sort of ingredients that our greatgrandparents would have used.

Reconnecting with the food of our past is a way of reaching back to our forebears. It can also offer more healthy eating – don’t forget American food campaigner Michael Pollan’s famous quote: ‘Don’t eat anything your greatgreat grandmother wouldn’t recognise as food’.

It is, of course, naive to suppose that our ancestors only ever ate delicious, local, seasonal food – which is so often glorified as simple peasant food. We don’t have any traditions like Italy’s cucina povera, which has been made fashionable by top Italian chefs including Mario Batali and Cesare Casella (in whose skilled hands, of course, it is anything but ‘povera’.)

But we do have strong traditions, including herbs and spices, baking and roasting.

The collection of a 17th century diplomat and adventurer, in the library of one of Dorset’s great houses, reveals the diversity of ingredients and the importance of taste in the diet of Restoration England.

Any food history will always feature lavish descriptions of Tudor feasts, vast banquets in pre-Revolutionary France or the sheer, astonishing amount of food consumed at a grand Victorian dinner or a shooting breakfast with the future Edward VII. The truth is that the rich, particularly in the 18th and 19th century, ate very well (albeit often with too much sugar), while the poor ate ... what they could gather from the hedgerows or grow, if they were lucky enough to have a little patch of garden.

George Mitchell, who lived on the estate of the Phelips family of the Elizabethan mansion, Montacute House, in the Somerset village near Yeovil, wrote The Skeletons at the Plough 1827-1846. It makes for grim reading: “Our food consisted principally

The BV magazine, February 2024

LOCAL FLAVOURS families, the Lyfords and the Bragges. Mary Lyford’s Receipt Book covers the period from around 1650 to 1690. After a rather dramatic start in life – she was rescued as a baby from a burning house – she settled down to domesticity, making such dishes as macaroons, “harty chock pie” [artichoke], piping [a form of pippin] marmalade, custard, fritters and tripe pie.

Recipes from the Bragge family, of Beaminster, covering the Restoration period 1660 to 1690, include a “ragoo of hog’s ears”, butter chicken (which bears no resemblance to the much-loved Indian dish), a soup with lettuce and a “cabob’d leg of mutton.”

For many reasons, including Dishes from Dorset kitchens the lack of accurate weights or In the late 1950s and early 60s, method, we would struggle to antiquarian, book-seller and polymath James Stevens Cox was replicate many of these dishes – particularly, for obvious reasons, living in Beaminster and began to gather recipe collections from Mrs Bragge’s lark pie – but the Dorset-based food writer Simone some of the old country families Sekers managed to convert some and manor houses in the area.

18th and early 19th century He published two booklets, recipes for modern cooks in a both from his Toucan Press at fascinating booklet, Dining with Beaminster – Dorset Dishes the Racketts, published by Dorset of the 17th Century (1967), County Museum in 2008. and Dorset Dishes of the 18th Century (1961). The 18th century Thomas Racket was the Rector of Spetisbury, collection, an antiquarian, which is simply “harty chock archaeologist, described as pie” [artichoke], natural “from Dorset historian and inhabitants” – piping [a form of including Lady pippin] marmalade, musician, who loved Trenchard, Judith custard, fritters and good food Frampton, the tripe pie and drink, and Bragge family divided his time and Tyneham between his House – includes almond flummery, Hog’s Pudding Dorset flock and the rather more (still a local delicacy in Cornwall), exciting society in London. The dishes described in the letters ‘a pasty of beef or mutton as of Thomas Rackett and his good as venison ... snail water ... mackerooms ... quaking pudding sister-in-law Lady Davis make a fascinating and rich contrast and jugged hare.’ with the more humble country Some of these names are still cooking of the West Dorset familiar, although jugged hare is rarely eaten now and snail water families.

Lady Davis wrote from Bath, doesn’t much appeal! where she was on a roasted The recipes in the 17th century collection come from two Dorset apple and no wine diet for a of a little barley-cake, potatoes, salt, tea kettle broth and barley ‘flipped.’ Tea kettle broth consisted of a few pieces of bread soaked in hot water with a little salt, sometimes with a leek chopped up in it. ... Barley flipped was made by sprinkling barley-meal into a pot of boiling water which when sufficiently thickened was served up with salt and a little treacle.

Sometimes I would pull a turnip from the field and gnaw it to prevent hunger ... and many a time have I hunted and foraged about for snails in the hedges and roasted them for my lunch and tea.” *

‘detestable pain’ in her leg.

She described being praised ‘for the elegance of my dinner last Tuesday’ when she served ‘a beautiful brill and excellent lobster sauce ... a small fillet of veal and elegant little ham ... larded pullets with forcemeat ... lobster patties ...’ (and that was just the first course!)

The recipes which Simone Sekers has cleverly updated include lobster sauce, buttered chicken, a steamed spinach soufflé, orange jellies and a wonderfully alcoholic orange cordial. This is ideal for this time of year as it requires two Seville oranges, stuck with a dozen cloves each, put in a large jar with half a pound (225gr) of sugar and a bottle of whisky, kept for a fortnight, then strained. It improves greatly by keeping, says the recipe, without actually suggesting how long. Still, it sounds worth a try!

Courtier, diplomat, spy ... cook Sir Kenelm Digby was not born in Dorset but he was a member of the well-known Dorset family whose estates include Sherborne Castles and Minterne. Born in 1603, he was a leading Roman Catholic intellectual and the son of Sir Everard Digby, one of the 85

The BV magazine, February 2024

LOCAL FLAVOURS Gunpowder Plotters who were executed as traitors for their conspiracy to blow up Parliament and King James I. His activities as courtier, diplomat and spy took him all over the country and Europe, and out to sea where he was a noted privateer (defined in naval history as a private person or ship that engages in maritime warfare under a commission of war – and not to be confused with a pirate).

He was also an astronomer and alchemist – and he was very interested in food and drink.

His many writings include a Discourse Concerning the Vegetation of Plants and his bestknown work (at least for food historians), The Closet of the Eminently Learned Sir Kenelme Digbie Knight Opened. You wouldn’t guess from the title but this is actually a cookbook, which was published by a servant a few years after Digby’s death in 1669.

Quoted by the late great Elizabeth David, who called it ‘a beautiful piece of English kitchen literature’ this collection of often detailed recipes recommends a wide use of herbs and spices, famously gives instructions for making metheglin (the word is derived from the old Welsh word for mead) and also includes one A rare copy of Sir Kenelm Digby’s The Closet Opened, is in the Bankes library at Kingston Lacy. It is too fragile to be fully opened, but the picture gives a glimpse of the text.

Image: National Trust / Georgie Long and Emma Lansbury

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of the earliest references to the ceramics from 2800-1800 BC. beneficial effects of drinking tea.

It is suggested that Sir Kenelm Tea With Eggs calls for freshly Digbie’s metheglin, with a list brewed tea to be poured on of ingredients that reads like beaten eggs and poetry, probably sugar. It is said tasted like the ‘take sweet to ‘fly suddenly French sweet, marjoram, sweet over the whole sticky liqueur body and into Chartreuse. The briar buds, the veins and cook is instructed violet leaves, strengtheneth to ‘take sweet strawberries exceedingly, and marjoram, sweet leaves, of each one briar buds, preserves one a good while from handful, and a good violet leaves, the necessity of strawberries handful of violet eating.’ leaves, of each flowers’, thyme, It was a very new one handful, and drink in England borage, agrimony, a good handful – tea from China rosemary, caraway, of violet flowers, had arrived in thyme, borage, coriander and England shortly agrimony, fennel before the rosemary, Restoration of caraway, King Charles II in 1660, less than coriander and fennel, as much ten years before this book’s of the best honey as will make publication. the liquor bear an egg the Historically referred to as breadth of six pence above the ambrosia, nectar of the gods water.’ or honey wine, mead is the It’s a more interesting measure world’s oldest alcoholic drink than your average digital scales!

– its origins go back to preWhen it comes to food, his history, and definitely to around instructions are often quite 6500BC and the discovery of a precise: penny royal (a herb that drink fermented from honey in you don’t often see nowadays) northern China. Mead has been should be used sparingly in traced back around 4,000 years black pudding, for example. He in Europe, with traces found on advised that the cook should add

The BV magazine, February 2024

LOCAL FLAVOURS a little to a ‘plain bag pudding ... as not to taste strong ... onely to quicken the other flat ingredients.’

If you are a wine lover or someone interested in odd corners of history, Kenelm Digby has another claim to fame – he is considered the father of the modern wine bottle. During the 1630s he owned a glassworks where he produced round wine bottles with a high, tapered neck. The manufacturing process involved a coal furnace that was hotter than usual because of the use of a wind tunnel and a higher than usual ratio of sand to potash and lime. The bottles were stronger and more stable, and, with their dark colour, better protected the contents from light.

You can enjoy The Closet Opened in its entirety for free online in the Project Gutenberg library here. There is a rare physical copy of the book, dating from 1671, in the Bankes library at Kingston Lacy House near Wimborne. It was probably acquired by Ralph Bankes, the builder of Kingston Lacy, who was a contemporary of Sir Kenelm and fellow Royalist. It was Ralph’s mother, Lady Mary Bankes, who famously defended Corfe Castle against the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War. ... and a local favourite While Dorset Blue Vinny may be Dorset’s best-known historic

A 21st century version of Dorset apple cake, based on Philippa Davis’s recipe in Deepest Dorset

product (mentioned by Thomas Hardy, among others), perhaps the county’s best-loved speciality is Dorset Apple Cake.

Many apple-growing counties claim the apple cake, and historically the biggest differences would probably have been the local apple varieties. But Dorset can claim to have a genuinely old recipe, reproduced in Florence White’s Good Things in England. White, the founder of the English Folk Cookery Association, published her famous book in 1932. It is an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in regional recipes and historic food from around the country. Many of the recipes came from country house kitchens and many more were sent in by people who remembered them from the food made by their mothers or grandmothers.

The recipe for Dorset Apple Cake was sent in by a Miss Annette Vipan, ‘as it was given to me by a farmer’s wife in this village, North Chideock.’ As was often the case with old family recipes, there were no weights, so Miss Vipan suggested the quantities: • INGREDIENTS: Apple and flour, equal quantities; fat half the quantity, sugar half the quantity; salt, a pinch; baking powder 3 teaspoonfuls to the lb. of flour; milk enough to make a firm dough.

• TIME: To bake 3/4 to 1 hour.

One of my favourites in our evergrowing library of food books is Marie Stone’s Covent Garden Cookbook**, published in 1974.

Its publication marked the transition of Covent Garden from its role as the historic vegetable, fruit, nuts and flower market to its new life as a shopping, eating and leisure area. Marie Stone includes an 1840 recipe for apple cake which is a far cry from the cake we know today. It involves boiling a large amount of sugar in water, adding cored, thinly sliced apples and the rind of two lemons and pouring the thick reduced puree-syrup into oiled moulds, where, says the recipe writer, ‘it will keep good for a month.’

Finally, I can’t resist mentioning the excellent Dorset Apple Cake recipe in Deepest Dorset, which Gay Pirrie-Weir and I wrote and published a few years ago. The recipe is by the Shaftesburybased private chef, Philippa Davis, and we can vouch for how well it works – see above!

(Sadly, Deepest Dorset is sold out, with around £40,000 contributed to local charities from the proceeds – deepestbooks.co.uk)

*George Mitchell’s book was exhibited by Montacute Parish Council and is quoted in the 1990 National Trust Book of Healthy Eating,

by Sarah Edington. **The Covent Garden Cookbook,

by Marie Stone, pub. Allison and Busby Ltd, 1974

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The BV magazine, February 2024

MEET YOUR LOCAL All images: Rachael Rowe

The Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen Rachael Rowe visits the Gillingham hotspot that has transformed from Moto Corsa dealership to mussels and marshmallows among the motorbikes With motorbike displays in the entrance, the Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen immediately feels like a very different cafe in Wyke, just west of Gillingham.

It’s a building that has lived several lives and its latest venture is proving popular: ‘This building was built in the early 1800s and was originally Matthews & Co Brewery,’ says manager Steve Angell. ‘Then it became Talisman Antiques and was full of stone figures. In 2017 it became a bike dealership. There was a little cafe as well, The Old Brewery manager Steve Angell

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called The Newt – we named it after the great crested newts that live in the ponds outside.’

In January, the newts are happily hibernating, but the lovely open space with its Italianate style ponds is ideal for alfresco dining and newtspotting in warmer ‘We do advise weather. Apart from giving some of Britain’s booking – when I rarest newts a home, came in today we there’s more to the Old had four tables Brewery story. free but they ‘The Newt cafe was really tiny,’ says Steve. were all booked ‘And it was also counter by 11:30!’ service only. When it became part of the motorbike dealership it became Cafe Corsa in line with the company.

We won 2018 Taste of Dorset Awards (Best Independent Cafe) and were runners up in 2019.

Unfortunately, Moto Corsa went into liquidation in 2022. So the Chedington Court Estate bought the premises and we became a restaurant. We also changed the name to the Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen to reflect the building’s history.

‘We have expanded the cafe into what was once the dealership space, installed a bar and created more seating. We also have conference facilities on the upper floor with two meeting rooms seating 12 and

The BV magazine, February 2024

MEET YOUR LOCAL 40 people. And we’ve changed from counter service to table service. We do a lot of private functions now – in the past 18 months, the business has really grown. We have to advise booking now as we are usually full – when I came in today we had four tables free but they were all booked by 11:30!

‘It’s not just locals either. We’re still very popular with bikers – they come here on their rides and stop off for something to eat. We get bikers from all over the country, because we’re a good stop if you’re driving the A303 between London and Cornwall. Car enthusiasts like coming here too. The other day we had a group of Porsche drivers, with all the cars lined up outside!’

It may no longer be a dealership, but the motorbikes are still quite a talking point – on display is part of a magnificent private collection owned by Chedington Court. Placed throughout the cafe, the current collection includes a 1980 Honda CBX 1000cc in Candy Glory Red, and a 1983 Laverda Jota. The 2020 Horex VR6 is an inline six cylinder muscle bike from Germany which boasts 1200cc and produces 163bhp at the back wheel. The decor reflects the motorbike-filled past of the building, with stylish wall art featuring bike brands such as Royal Enfield and MV Agusta.

Always adapting ‘We are known for our breakfasts,’ says Steve.

‘We do a mid-week roast which is very popular, and there’s also Fish Friday. Our fish is caught overnight, delivered to us and we batter it ourselves. Everything is cooked from scratch in the kitchen. We do offer cafe favourites but add other dishes, especially for our evening menus – so you’ll often find items like mussels and halloumi fries, and our chef also creates dishes especially for us. At the moment we are booking a Valentine’s special, and due to demand we’re running it not just for the 14th February but for three nights.’

‘We use local suppliers and I’m always looking to source new suppliers in the area. Our meat comes from Prime Cuts in Shaftesbury and our bread is from Lavender Blue. We use local farm eggs. Our coffee comes from 918 Coffee in Shaftesbury. At the bar, there are beers from Salcombe Brewery Gritchies, and we have Thatcher’s Cider.

‘One of the biggest challenges for the business has been changing from a small counter service style cafe to a table service restaurant. We had to make a lot of changes. As a result of the expanded cafe we had to make more parking space, and that took over a year to get agreed and finally built.

‘However, we’re also a versatile business. If there’s nothing on the menu that works for someone, we’re happy to adapt something. I’m so proud of the reputation this place now has and what my team of 16 has achieved. We have gone through

lots of changes, but the team has stuck by me and helped me build the reputation that we now have.’

So what’s next?

‘We have tried opening in the evenings during November and December, and it’s been very successful. We’re open every Thursday and Friday evening, and from Easter we’ll be open on Saturday evenings too. We’re currently closed on Sundays, but we’re also planning on starting Sunday lunches.’

The Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen, Wyke Road, Gillingham, SP8 4NW 01747 442 164 Mon to Sat: 9am - 4.30pm (kitchen closes at 3pm) Thurs and Fri: 6pm - 10pm (kitchen closes at 8.30pm) theoldbrewerycafe.co.uk

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The BV magazine, February 2024

OUT OF DOORS

A beautifully different Valentine’s bouquet Say NO to roses that literally cost the earth – Charlotte Tombs considers 700 years of Valentine’s, and how to enjoy it with a clean conscience While my garden lies apparently dormant, a handful of resilient blossoms are already peeking through the soil, with early daffodils, snowdrops and hellebores leading the vanguard of Spring. This burst of early life piqued my curiosity about the origins of the first floral celebration of the year, St Valentine’s Day. Our modern holidays often have origins in ancient traditions, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

Rooted in the pagan festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in the heart of ancient Rome from 13th to 15th of February, this peculiar festivity involved quite the spectacle, with uninhibited romps through the streets and the curious practice of fertility-boosting spankings of young ladies with leather straps.

These pagan rites were later woven into the fabric of early Christian celebrations. Notably, two Christian martyrs, both allegedly named Valentinus, were executed on 14th February, leading to Pope Gelasius in 496AD proclaiming the date as 90

A beautiful Dorset-grown Valentine’s bouquet All flowers and images: Katie Priestly, Dorset Flower Co

Charlotte offers workshops throughout the year - please see northcombe.co.uk for further details.

The BV magazine, February 2024

OUT OF DOORS St Valentine’s Day, transforming it into a day of Christian observance.

It took a while to catch on, however, and it was some 1,000 years later that Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem The Parlement of Foules, which he wrote in 1380–90 on a conference of birds choosing their mates on St Valentine’s Day, first connected the day with romance. The poem may have been written in honour of Richard II’s marriage to Anne of Bohemia in January 1382 – the earliest letters between lovers referring to St. Valentine’s Day begin to appear soon after the poem’s publication.

When Charles, Duke of Orléans, was captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he was held as a pawn by the Burgundians in the Tower of London. He wrote his wife a letter from his cell that included: ‘God forgives him who has estranged Me from you for the whole year.

I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.

The day’s association with love steadily intensified – in 1601 Shakespeare mentions Valentines in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet, and the passing of love-notes between sweethearts appears to have gradually become standard practice. In 1797, The Young Man’s Valentine Writer was first published, containing sentimental rhymes for those young gentlemen not quite in love enough to be moved to compose their own verse!

The advent of the Penny Post in 1840 revolutionised the exchange of amorous sentiments, making it affordable for the masses to send anonymous cards adorned with verses and ornate illustrations, akin to those we know today.

This era also saw the emergence of racier content, which quite scandalised the Victorian sensibilities.

The trouble with red roses Regular readers know there is no need to buy imported roses (or any flowers). They are quite literally costing the earth.

Flowers from the Farm has a search bar that will direct you to a grower in your area who will be able to send flowers. You can support a small business, help the planet and make all involved happy – what’s not to love?

The brilliant Dorset Flower Co near Dorchester are members, and usually have Valentine’s bouquets of beautiful British flowers – stunningly gorgeous tulips (doubles, singles and frillies), scented narcissus, lovely long-lasting alstroemeria and gorgeous locally grown foliage. These eco-friendly options don’t carry the environmental toll of imported red roses and offer a local, chemical-free alternative for the eco-conscious romantic.

Or, of course, there’s always chocolate ...

What’s not to love about a romantic bouquet of red tulips?

Scented, stunning and so much kinder to the planet – British-grown Valentine’s bouquets

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OUT OF DOORS

The Voice of the Allotment

Frost stopped play at minus seven!

Winters limits are behind us and the growing season is beginning again, says Barry Cuff – who has been for his annual potato shop We continued to harvest fresh vegetables from our plot throughout January. They all survived the week of hard frosts (15th-20th) as well as the temperature dropping to -7ºC on the 19th. We double-fleeced the more tender plants: celeriac, radicchio, mustards and Chinese cabbage.

Freshly harvested from the plot as required through the month were leeks, parsnips, carrots, sprouts, red cabbage, cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli, plus the salad plants we had protected with the fleece. We dug a supply of leeks, carrots and parsnips before the hard frosts arrived, as it would have been impossible to remove them from the frozen soil.

Thankfully we did not have any damage from the gales. In previous years we have lost panes of glass from the greenhouse.

It has either been too wet or too frosty to carry out much work on the plot, but as any crops were harvested and cleared it was possible to mulch these areas with manure.

The old raspberry canes were cut down and we also cut back our hazel bushes where they hang over the gooseberries, to give them more light. All these prunings will be burned on a still day.

On the 13th we made our annual visit to Mill House Nurseries at Owermoigne to buy our seed potatoes – they stock more than 80 varieties and all are sold loose so that you can buy exactly what you wish.

We came away with eight varieties for 14 rows.

The price per tuber is much less than those bought from garden centres and seed companies and of course the range of varieties is far greater. These are now stood up in trays in a frost free room.

Our first sowings of the year have been made!

• Sweet peppers - 12 varieties sown on the 11th and placed in a propagator.

• Sweet peas on the 22nd.

From store and freezer we continue to use last year’s vegetables – potatoes, onions, winter squash, sweetcorn, peas and broad beans.

We have a great range of seeds to sow over the coming months, both direct and in modules. Most were bought back in September at a 50 per cent discount from Kings Seeds (we get the discount as we are members of The South West Counties Allotment Association).

Hopefully, February will be a drier month enabling digging and cultivations to take place.

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Purple sprouting broccoli is still being harvested from the allotment in January

Mill House Nurseries has more than 80 varieties of seed potatoes, all sold loose.

Barry’s seeds for the year were mostly bought at 50 per cent discount back in September from Kings Seeds

The BV magazine, February 2024

OUT OF DOORS

ADVERTORIAL

Smash those garden goals!

New year, new developments at Thorngrove: January sees the unveiling of the renovated cafe and a host of garden plans and events Well that was officially the longest January in all of the Januarys! Even though it can be a difficult month, we had a busy and positive start to 2024 at Thorngrove.

The reopening of our café and the launch of the new menu was a huge highlight for the month – we want to thank everyone who’s been out to see the refurbishments. With improved kitchen facilities, and a better front of house, it really feels like the Secret Garden Café has taken a huge step forward. We’re excited to continue serving you throughout the year! Do stop by and see us if you haven’t yet (the fish and chips are easily my own personal recommendation!).

We’re also delighted to confirm that our community project in December, the ‘Winter Woodland Experience’ – a free festive walk through for the public, designed and built by our students, staff, and day service users – managed to raise £200 via donations. We were raising awareness and funds for Gillingham based SEND youth club Hipp!!Bones.

This is a fantastic local project which is utilised by

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some of our own Employ My Ability students.

Our calendar of events continues to grow! This coming February half term our crafts for children return and tickets are available now.

Tracey will be hosting bug-themed sessions on the 12th, 14th, and 16th of this month. Safe for small hands, with a range of craft activities, the workshops are suitable for ages four to 10. They are just a great way to get out and creative this half-term – book via Eventbrite or give the shop a call to book over the phone.

Laura Jackson is hosting two days of decoupage workshops on Sat 10th and Sun 11th Feb. The Sunday session is SOLD OUT so if you’re interested, hurry and book a Saturday spot! No experience is required, and all materials are provided.

If decoupage isn’t your thing, Nina of Green Spiral Willow is joining us on Sunday 17th Feb for a living willow garden sculpture workshop. The perfect sculpture for your own garden, or perhaps as a gift for a loved one. Nina will be hosting various workshops throughout the year – all details can be found on our website.

Looking ahead to March, Mother’s Day is on Sunday 10th and we’ll be offering two or three course roast dinner options in the café. Booking is essential – these days always fill up, so get in touch today for a special lunch for Mum! Despite being the middle of winter, the Garden Centre has plenty of vibrance on display. February will see more daffodils, hyacinth, iris and tulips making themselves known. With all your gardening essentials ready, and a beautiful range of seasonal plants, we have all you need to hit those garden goals for 2024.

Phew – that’s about it for now; roll on spring!

For all the latest news and updates, offers and more from thorngrovegardencentre.co.uk

The BV magazine, February 2024

OUT OF DOORS

Feeling the garden As gardeners wait for the earth to warm, Pete Harcom considers ways to make an outdoor space stimulating and healing for every sense As I wait for Spring to arrive, I have been thinking about making a part or the whole of a garden into a sensory garden – to appeal to as many of the senses as possible.

These gardens and types of plants can be very beneficial for so many, in particular people suffering with dementia. Being able to experience colour, touch and scent can help inspire recollection of memories. These types of gardens can also help children with special educational needs, including autism. The RHS has an excellent guide on its website on how to create a sensory garden – it’s definitely worth a read.

Briefly, here are just a few ideas (plants with a * are those which can be easily grown from seed).

Sight Choose bold leaved and architectural plants: • Sunflowers* – a bright, bold flower that can grow 30cm in height in a week in ideal conditions • Love-in-a-mist* – sun-loving, bright blue flowers • Chameleon plant – three-toned foliage that smells of lemons • Swiss chard* ‘Bright Lights’ – brightly coloured stems and foliage • Heuchera – cultivars are available in many vibrant colours and shades from lime green to dark purple Taste Herbs are always an easy win for this one!

• Spearmint • Rosemary • Chives – this plant also produces pretty pink, mauve or purple flowers • Nasturtium* • Wild strawberry* • Pot marigold* – the yellow-orange petals brighten up any salad • Sweet basil* Smell • Curry plant – the fragrant leaves give off a spicy aroma on a warm, sunny day • Lavender – relaxing, fresh aroma and flowers • Chocolate cosmos – the beautiful, maroon flowers give off a chocolate/vanilla scent, and are always a big hit with the kids!

• Stocks* – these traditional cottage garden plants are highly-scented summer flowers in a variety of pink, white and red shades

Chocolate cosmos – always a favourite with children

•

Lemon scented geranium – crinkly leaves that smell delicious when rubbed • Oregano/wild marjoram* – not just aromatic leaves, it also produces pretty pink or white flowers in midsummer Sound Enjoy the bees buzzing, the birds singing, the sounds of the wind rustling through grasses and plants.

Add a water feature or wind chimes to enhance the sounds in your garden.

• Greater quaking grass, Briza maxima* – a grass that rustles in the wind with nodding, lantern-like heads of flowers • Miscanthus Nanus Variegatus – pretty, rustling bamboo-like foliage • Sweetcorn* – another rustler, and it’s good to eat too!

• Bamboo Phyllostachys – pretty foliage that whispers in the wind • Fountain grass – long, evergreen grass with bristly spikelets Touch • Lamb’s ears, Stachys – the downy leaves resemble the ears of a lamb • Silver sage, salvia: large, silvery–white leaves covered in cotton wool-like down • Jerusalem sage – soft, downy leaves and stems with pretty, yellow flowers

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The BV magazine, February 2024

by Karen Geary, Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

HEALTH

Nourishing longevity Nutritional therapist Karen Geary sheds light on optimising health with targeted nutrition for the older generation As society undergoes a global demographic shift, more individuals are reaching advanced age, making it crucial to understand and address the unique nutritional needs of older adults. In the UK, an ‘older’ adult is generally defined as an individual aged 65 years or older. With advances in healthcare, technology and living conditions, life expectancy estimates have risen significantly over the past century, reaching 78.6 years for males and 82.6 years for females in 2020 to 2022.

Common issues in older adults Older adults face various health challenges, including diminished muscle mass, decreased bone density and a higher susceptibility to chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Almost 95 per cent of individuals over 60 have at least one chronic condition, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, high cholesterol, digestive disorders or kidney disease. Proper nutrition is crucial for preventing and managing these age-related issues.

Blue Zones and common factors Blue Zones – regions known for having an unusually high number of centenarians – offer valuable insights into longevity. Places like Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia in Italy share common lifestyle practices promoting health in older adults, including a plant-centric diet, moderate alcohol consumption (preferably red wine), limited animal product intake, regular physical activity, strong social connections and a sense of purpose.

The impact of diet on ageing Diet plays a central role in the ageing process, influencing factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function (the energy source for cellular processes).

As we age, our repair systems become less effective, and a nutrient-dense, balanced diet is ever more important. Key dietary considerations for older adults: 1. Protein intake – adequate protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass. Sources include poultry, fish, beans and dairy products.

Incorporating protein into every meal, including breakfast with options like eggs or Greek yogurt, is recommended.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in olive oil, fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseeds, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties supporting cognitive health.

3. Antioxidant-rich foods – fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants combat oxidative stress and supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and

4.

5.

6.

7.

minerals. Include a variety of colours, with a focus on purple plants high in polyphenols.

Magnesium – found in dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds and whole grains, magnesium is crucial for more than 300 bodily functions.

Vitamin D – essential for bone, brain, and immune health, vitamin D is found in oily fish, egg yolks, red meat and liver. During winter, it’s suggested we all consider a vitamin D supplement (how to supplement vitamin D).

CoQ10 – our levels naturally decrease with age, and statins may further lower production. Oily fish, liver, whole grains or supplementation can be supportive.

Hydration – ageing diminishes the sense of thirst, making dehydration common. Staying well hydrated supports overall health.

You’re not just what you eat Adequate sleep is crucial for healthy ageing – with five to seven hours as a minimum, but avoiding excessive sleep beyond nine hours.

Regular physical activity, even as little as 13 minutes a day, can extend life by three years. Try also to stay connected with friends and family – a sense of community is key.

Addressing the nutritional needs of older adults is critical for promoting health and longevity. As the global population ages, a proactive approach to nutrition in older adults becomes imperative, not just for extending life expectancy but also for enhancing the quality of life in later years.

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Organised by Shaftesbury Rotary Club

ALL PROCEEDS TO STARS APPEAL

Easter Sunday 7th april 2024

Start at park walk - finish gold hill 10km run starts 10 am - £15 a head 5km run starts 10.30 am - £10 a head Under 16 HALF PRICE

For more information & booking details (shaftesburyrotary.org)

The BV magazine, February 2024

HEALTH

Combat the winter blues From SAD lamps to simple self-care, Dorset Mind ambassador Lucy Lewis shares some tips for thriving during winter’s gloom As the days get colder and darker, it is common to notice similar changes in our own mood and wellbeing – the decrease in daylight hours and the arrival of gloomier weather can have a significant impact on our mental health. It’s a phenomenon commonly referred to as the ‘winter blues’ or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in more significant cases. But there are some strategies that may help you to manage your mental health during the winter months when the weather becomes melancholy.

Make the most of the daylight One of the primary reasons for winter blues is the reduced exposure to natural daylight. Lack of sunlight can disrupt our circadian rhythm and decrease the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. This can in turn lead to sleep issues, reduced energy and low mood. To combat this: • Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let in as much natural light as possible and try to sit near a window when you can • Maybe invest in a light therapy box, or ‘SAD lamp’, which mimics natural sunlight and can help improve your mood and energy levels • Spend time outdoors, even on cold and overcast days. Just a short walk during daylight hours can make a significant difference.

Maintain a consistent routine The winter months can disrupt our daily routines – it feels easier to stay in bed longer, skip exercise and avoid social activities. However, maintaining a consistent routine can be a powerful tool to manage your mental health. To combat this: • Set a regular sleep schedule to ensure you’re getting enough rest.

• Incorporate physical activity into your routine, even if it just means doing some indoor exercises • Make plans with friends or family to stay socially engaged, even if it’s just for a video chat.

Practise self-care Self-care is essential all year round,

but it becomes even more crucial during the winter when our mental health may be challenged.

Incorporate it into your daily routine: • Engage in activities that bring you joy – perhaps reading, painting or playing music.

• Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga.

• Ensure you’re getting enough rest to recharge your mind and body.

Remember that self-care is not a waste of time; it is productive and important and can help you maintain both your physical and mental health.

Stay mindful of your diet Comfort food becomes far more appealing during the winter months, but a poor diet can negatively affect your mental health. Opt for a balanced diet: • Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meals.

• Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol – they can exacerbate mood swings.

• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.

• Consider vitamin D supplements if you are not getting enough daylight (discuss with appropriate medical professional first).

Seek professional help If you find that your winter blues are becoming overwhelming and affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Talk to your GP if your feel that your daily functioning is being affected by your low mood.

Support for you: • Visit dorsetmind.uk for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy • Call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support • Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on NHS 111 • Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger 99

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Hunting Kestrel Gillian Thomas White Tailed Eagle Pam Ballam

The BV magazine, February 2024

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Leaning into winter Elzbieta Sosnowski

Kimmeridge Mark Parris

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Hide and seek gull Becki Cooke

I want to see everything Keith Musselwhite

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Gladiator tit trials Mike Howson

We welcome photography submissions from readers - the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. Our cover shot is usually selected from our submissions pile. If you’d like to join in, please share it in The BV community Facebook Group or simply email it to us on photos@bvmagazine.co.uk

Frosty sunrise Nick Dibben

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Shillingstone bridge Meyrick Griffith Jones

Wagtail mirror Paul Dyer

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Swan Danny Howe

First Wolf Moon Gordon Silver

The BV magazine, February 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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The BV magazine, February 2024

Available 24 hours Personal service day & night.

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The BV magazine, February 2024

JOBS

108

The BV magazine, February 2024

JOBS ®

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223 Blackmore Vale Magazine Ad.indd 1

12/6/23 8:14 AM

Join the Sturfit Legacy: Shape the Future of Community Wellness in Sturminster Newton!

For over 15 remarkable years, the Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre, operated by the charity Sturfit, has stood as a testament to community spirit and collaboration.

At its core, Sturfit isn't just a leisure centre. It's a movement, a commitment, and a promise to champion the wellness and sports needs of Sturminster Newton and its neighbouring parishes.

Here's What We Believe in and Strive For:

✅ An all-accessible leisure centre, where the entire community finds its fit. ✅ Top-notch sports facilities, especially curated to aid our local schools and vibrant community groups. ✅ A proactive approach to holistic health, ensuring everyone,

irrespective of age or background, experiences the joys of fitness and well-being.

Are YOU Our Next Trustee?

As we stand on the brink of our next exciting chapter, we're on the lookout for two or three dynamic individuals who share our vision.

As a trustee, you'll not only partake in, but also actively shape the transformative journey of Sturfit. It's more than a position; it's an opportunity to sculpt a legacy, making lasting contributions that resonate with every home in our community.

Who's the Perfect Fit? No need to be a sports enthusiast or carry prior experience! What we treasure most is your unique life story, the diverse skills you bring, and an undying passion for community betterment.

Feeling the Call?

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The BV magazine, February 2024

JOBS

110

The BV magazine, February 2024

JOBS

111

While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation.

Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.

– Patience Strong

GOT SOME NEWS? OR DO YOU THINK A LOCAL (OR YOUR OWN) BUSINESS WOULD MAKE A GOOD FEATURE? KNOW SOMEONE DOING GOOD THINGS THAT WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT? Send a quick email to

editor@BVmagazine.co.uk

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Get in touch with Courtenay to chat about what you're looking for:

advertising@BVmagazine.co.uk 01258 472572

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:

Next Publication Date: 1st March (deadline 23rd February) Then...

5th April 3rd May

The BV publishes on the first Friday of the month, and the advertising booking deadline is always the Friday prior to publishing