The Blackmore Vale Jan 2021

POLITICS

Bloomfield POLITICS & Associates Ltd celebrates its 15th year in Shaftesbury high street, and has recently opened a satellite office in Frome. The company was founded by Adam Bloomfield in 2005 following a move back to Dorset, after several years practising in London. Whilst we retain a large London and national client base our roots are firmly based in the Blackmore Vale.

The company is built around a highly qualified team of Independent Advisers, who provide a wide range of bespoke services to Individuals, Businesses, Trustees and Charities.

Stuart Adams is our specialist adviser for Later Life planning and holds full member status of SOLLA (Society of Later life Advisers).

Stuart has helped many families navigate care fee planning, whether this be generating income from investments or gradually withdrawing the capital required from properties via Lifetime

mortgages and Equity Release.

Whilst this remains a specialism, Stuart is just as at home creating investment and pension portfolios.

Following several years within Barclays Stuart is now entering his 10th year with Bloomfield & Associates.

Jo Betts is our mortgage specialist with 24 years experience in the industry across a variety of roles.

Jo joined Bloomfield & Associates 6 years ago and heads up the Commercial and Specialist Finance role within the company, she also operates our Frome office.

Steve Napier has worked in financial services for 37 years holding a range of previous posts.

Steve specialises in Pensions and Investments providing high level bespoke planning to our clients.

He has been with the company over 3 years and is based in our Shaftesbury office.

During the lockdown we added Matthew Isaacs to our team; Matthew has worked in financial services for 21 years being an

Independent Financial Adviser for 16 of those years. Matthew specialises in Investment and Retirement planning, Inheritance Tax and Trusts. Matthew also provides specialist trust investment advice to solicitors and trustees.

We also have an excellent and long serving back office team, providing an efficient service to all our clients.

What really sets us apart is that we are a whole of market IFA Practice, committed to retaining the full Independent advice solution which is in our clients, and prospective clients best long term interests. You can only get truly bespoke, high quality and personal tailored advice from a firm that is Independent.

In a complex and opaque financial world, we offer clear face-to-face advice.

If you would like to talk to us please get in touch, info@ bloomfieldifa.com or call in and see us.

POLITICS

Front cover: the footbridge that crosses over from Child Okeford to Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, taken on 1st January by Marilyn Peddle LRPS

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POLITICS 41

Animals

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Announcements

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Art

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Beauty

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Book Corner

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Brigit Strawbridge

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Bryan Badger Goss Obituary

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Business News

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Charity pages

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Community News

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Education

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Family Finance Feature

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Food & Drink

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Garden Jobs

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Health

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Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

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Meet Your Local

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News

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Night Sky

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Oonagh's flowers

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Paul Birbank

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Police news

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Professional Services

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Property Special

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Puzzles

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Reader's Photography

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Rural Matters

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Simon Hoare

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Situations Vacant

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Take a Hike

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Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

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Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

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Voice of the Allotment | Barry Cuff

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What's on

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Wildlife

Well now. 2021, eh? We got ourselves through the last burst of 2020 in the vague notion that 2021 was bound to be better.

It’s really not, is it?

I’ll not dwell on the pandemic - there’s more than enough abounding from every screen and newspaper you glance at. I’ve tried to only consume so much news, and I’m ensuring I get out of the house and away from screens every single day.

2020 for us was tough in other ways - loss of two incomes, and then our eldest lost his job too (later returned via furlough before losing it again Ah, the giddy thrill of Tier 2 though now thankfully in an amazing new one). lockdown and a day at the beach Naturally it was also the year that the tumble dryer died. And the car broke (expensively), and the other car broke (very expensively). The stand mixer threw its hands up at all the 2020 pizza dough it was mixing, danced its way off the surface... and broke. One of the teens PC’s broke.

Then his phone broke. Then Courtenay’s phone broke...

But there’s been so much good stuff too. I mean look at where we are *looks round with not a small amount of pride at this thing we have created*. I’ve learned new skills from TikTok that I never knew I was missing, and laughed til I cried (and cried til I laughed) at random strangers on the internet. We’ve explored more and walked further in Dorset than we have in the last twenty years.

And so we face a new year, with the same old challenges. But this week I’ve been truly inspired. Talking to the medical professionals and teams of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to administer thousands of vaccines with just a few days notice - and as soon as the next stocks arrive they’ll go again.

Naturally as it’s January we couldn’t resist a look at the local property scene - don’t miss the pro insider tips if you’re thinking of buying or selling this year. And the Family Finance Feature is really important - please do read, whether you’re panicking over debt, or plodding on as one of many in the sandwich generation *hand in air*, there’s help out there.

Thanks for letting us have a Christmas break. We had a full nest, and it was rather lovely. Even if our ancient range cooker’s grill did break on Christmas Eve...

See you in three weeks!

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POLITICS

Dorset Council are promising a major public consultation after confirming their multimillion pound purchase of the St Mary’s School site at Shaftesbury.

by Roger Guttridge Latest news suggests newspaper rumours that David Beckham was hot favourite to buy the site were as wide of the mark as the former footballer’s infamous penalty miss against Turkey in 2003.

Dorset Council have agreed to pay £10.05 million for the 55-acre site which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and other facilities as well as a greatly extended Victorian mansion. The price is above the agents’ guide price of £7.5-£9 million.

In a statement confirming the purchase, Cllr Tony Ferrari, holder of Dorset Council’s Economic Growth, Assets and Property Porfolio, said: ‘We are always looking at ways of improving delivery services for Dorset children and adults, and the purchase of the St Mary’s site will help us achieve that.

‘We are very ambitious for the site and are determined that it should remain an asset to our community.

Council Leader Cllr Spencer Flower added: ‘This is a significant investment and I’m pleased we’ve been able to

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secure it for the benefit of our community. It is suitable for a broad range of services and community uses, which could include provision for Dorset children, supported living for our Dorset care leavers, provision for adults with disabilities, as well as a possible site for businesses to boost our local economy and more besides.

‘We are committed to working with local people and stakeholder groups to get the mix of activity right so together we can achieve great things for this site and our community.

‘I realise people are asking how we can afford it, but this is a clear example of investing to save in the longer term.

‘I don’t want to pre-empt any decisions about the site, as we want to work with local people and groups first, but building a facility like this from scratch would cost considerably more.

‘This is a unique opportunity and a very exciting chance to create something new that will greatly benefit our community.’

The digital Blackmore Vale understands that a steering committee has already been formed and is expected to meet early next month.

Asked to comment on rumours that houses could be built on

the site, one of the steering committee’s members, Shaftesbury Cllr Tim Cooke, told the local radio station This is Alfred: ‘I have not heard anything to suggest that housing is in any way a possibility.

‘I will be pushing to make sure that all the facilities are kept intact.’

Cash-strapped Dorset Council is expected to borrow from government funds to finance the purchase.

An unusual aspect of the deal is that Dorset is buying a property in Wiltshire – although St Mary’s Catholic girls’ school has always been regarded as part of Shaftesbury.

The house – formerly Coombe House – was built in 1886 as a country retreat for Liberal MP and vinegar magnate Mark Hanbury Beaufoy.

It was a hotel in the 1930s and a US Air Force rest home in the Second World War before becoming St Mary’s Convent in 1945.

North Dorset MP Simon Hoare welcomed the purchase.

‘It’s great news,’ he said. ‘I know the site well and it will add an important new base for the council to deliver services in the north. The site has limitless potential and its purchase should be welcomed across the county.’

Clare Balding visits Dorset to interview local sculptor for BBC Radio 4 Clare Balding recently visited Sculpture by the Lakes, a sculpture park near Dorchester, to interview its owner and world-renowned sculptor, Simon Gudgeon, for the BBC Radio 4 programme, Ramblings.

The recording, which took place in December 2020, involved the pair walking a five-mile trek from Moreton to Sculpture by the Lakes, in Pallington, whilst Clare interviewed Simon on his fascinating journey to becoming an internationally-recognised sculptor.

POLITICS NEWS

Having discovered his passion and talent for sculpture at the age of 40, Simon has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success, with pieces favoured by royalty and rock stars alike.

sculpture park, Sculpture by the Lakes, providing an idyllic setting for his pieces. The park is open for most of the year and is a haven for art lovers and nature lovers alike.

Prince Charles has one of Simon’s sculptures in the grounds at Highgrove and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were given one by Sandringham staff as a wedding present. Rock royalty Nick Mason, founder member of Pink Floyd, has a couple too.

Over the half day recording session, Clare and Simon walked from St Nicholas Church in Moreton, through the local woods, and all around the sculpture park – discussing Simon’s life story along the way.

In 2011, Simon opened the doors of his 26-acre Dorset home to the public. He has transformed the grounds of his home into a

Simon Gudgeon said: “Recording with Clare was an absolutely fantastic experience. We explored some very interesting topics in the interview, and she was great company. When we got back to Sculpture by the Lakes, we had a really good look around the nooks and crannies of the park, including the gallery and the café.

She has some very nice things to say about the chef’s quiche!”

The Ramblings episode will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in the coming months. The programme sees Clare Balding join notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside and has seen former guests such as former Home Secretary David Blunkett, naturalist Steve Backshall, comedian Dom Joly, and anthropologist Alice Roberts.

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NEWS

Over 2,600 Local Residents Vaccinated Last Weekend

Last Saturday, the 9th January, over 1,000 patients and staff received their first coronavirus vaccine at Sturminster Newton medical centre, in a joint operation between Gillingham Medical Practice and the Blackmore Vale Partnership.

On the same day, all care home residents in Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury and many NHS staff in the community also received their first dose of the Covid vaccine.

Practice Manger Karen Rhys exclaimed “We couldn’t have done this without amazing teams of clinicians, admin, domestic and volunteers. I have genuinely never seen such hard-working teams in my life” GP-led sites in north Dorset are continuing the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination at speed to the county’s most vulnerable people. Primary care networks (groups of local GP practices) have worked closely together to develop detailed plans to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations in their wider community locations.

By the end of this week, every care home in the Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Sturminster Newton area has received their first dose, along with all over 80s, as per the Government’s instructions.

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GPs, nurses, pharmacists, support and logistical staff, other primary care staff, and those in the wider health and social care system have been working at immense speed to make it happen.

Dr Simone Yule is a GP and Clinical Director for the Blackmore Vale Partnership. She said “The vaccination roll-out is continuing to gather momentum and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved for their help in making this happen, I’d also ask anyone who is invited to accept the offer and come along to get their jab, not just to protect themselves but to reduce the risk to others.”

Dr Kathryn Mounde was one of 3 partners from Gillingham Medical Practice who helped administer the vaccines on the day

‘’Thank you to the patients for their understanding and for helping us to make it a positive day! The gratitude of the patients was overwhelming. We look forward to seeing more of you over the coming weeks. An enormous thank you to our extraordinary team of invaluable volunteers who worked tirelessly all day. You are amazing! ‘’ Amongst the first to be vaccinated was 80 year old Andrew Tinsley from Wyke, Gillingham who said ’’Everything was extremely well organised. I was kept well informed and was very pleased to be able to have my vaccination. I felt very safe with socially distanced seating whilst I waited for the 15 minutes after my jab and thought the whole set up was absolutely excellent’.

In Sherborne, a similarly large scale clinic at the Digby Hall was a joint effort by the combined forces of the Sherborne Area Network, which comprises The Grove

The vaccination clinic underway in the Digby Hall, Sherborne. image: NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group

NEWS

Medical Centre, The Apples Medical Centre and Yetminster Health Centre. Staff from all surgeries were taking part in this fantastic event, and vaccinated over 1200 over 80s and health and social care staff.

Carolyn Loosen from Sherborne got in touch with The Blackmore Vale to praise the clinic staff and volunteers “My husband today was given the vaccine in Sherborne at Digby Hall thanks to the Sherborne surgeries. I have to thank all concerned especially those assisting car parking who also personally saw that the infirm were assisted up/ down kerbs or they helped pushing wheelchairs. It was so well run.”

Dr Rob Childs from The Grove medical Centre wrote “We are delighted to report that our first Covid vaccination clinic went very well.” He continued “All three practices are working extremely hard at the moment to ensure that we get as many patients vaccinated as soon as we can, but we are still open on our practice sites. If you have any other health concerns, please contact your surgery as normal.”

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Patient Participation Group at The Grove Medical Centre, Sherborne told us “The Primary Care Network asked if our local Patient Participation Groups would take on the task of safely controlling patients arriving at the clinic.

We have been overwhelmed by the offers of help - over eighty volunteers within the

community which is most welcome as we are all in this for the long haul.

Following our first round of clinics we have received comments via Facebook from as far away as Australia thanking us all for how well we have looked after their elderly parents whilst they attended the clinic.

Outside of the large central clinics, many local GP practices will continue visiting care homes during the week to ensure both residents and staff can receive their vaccination, and there will be further vaccination clinics at the central locations by appointment only.

Carol Tilley, Managing Partner at the Blandford Group Practice told me “by Friday 15th, the practice team will have completed 2,750 patients and front line workers vaccinations in 7 days. Will be working with our nursing team to start vaccinating housebound patients as soon as NHS England gives us permission to start.”

Carol echoed the view of every Practice Manager and GP I spoke to, adding

“I wish to publicly thank all of our staff and our fabulous volunteers.

Our extended team has worked weekends, given up days off and generally pitched in to do whatever is needed, regardless of their usual role. Not only have they done this for the recent high profile Covid vaccination programme, but they also have provided over 7,000 flu vaccinations in the autumn / winter and have been working flat out since the Covid crisis began, with no let up. They are heroes and I applaud them all.”

PLEASE DO NOT call your GP surgery for a vaccine appointment. They will make contact as they are able to invite you to attend. The teams are working tirelessly to contact eligible patients to arrange appointments as soon as they become available.

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Scramble ace ‘Badger’ Goss dies aged 80

by Roger Guttridge

Tributes have been pouring onto social media following the death on January 6 of Blackmore Vale motocross legend Bryan ‘Badger’ Goss.

He was 80.

Bryan was born at Yetminster on September 11, 1940 – during the Battle of Britain, hence his middle name, Winston, after wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

It was also at Yetminster that he acquired his ‘Badger’ nickname.

His lifelong love affair with motorbikes began early, and before he got his own, he used to ‘badger’ fellow villagers for a go on theirs.

The habit led to one of his friends calling him ‘Badger’ and the name stuck.

His first bike was a 197cc Ambassador, which cost the teenager £40.

Badger entered his first motorcycle scramble soon after his 16th birthday.

Perhaps inspired by grasstrack star Lew Coffin, another Yetminster resident, he also tried his hand at that discipline but crashed heavily at Exeter and broke his leg so badly that he was out of racing for a year.

‘I vowed to stick to scrambling from then on,’ he later recalled.

In 1959 Badger Goss became a works rider for Cotton and promptly beat some of the region’s best competitors to

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register five race wins during a memorable afternoon at Ham Hill, near Yeovil.

After Cotton failed to capitalise on his success, in the early 1960s he let Greeves, a leading works team from Essex, know that he would like to race for them.

The move kick-started the heyday of Badger Goss’s illustrious career.

The 1960s were also the era of scramble meetings at Bulbarrow, which helped Badger to become a sporting hero in his own backyard.

To his surprise, they offered him a £25 retainer – a moment that Badger later described as a ‘dream come true’.

‘It was everyone’s ambition to race for Greeves at that time,’ he said.

A generation of Blackmore Vale folk can still remember the sight of Badger and his rivals, such as brothers Don and Derek Rickman, flying over the jumps on the spectacular hillside course.

In the mid-1960s, Badger switched his allegiance again, this time to Husqvarna, a Swedish company, who would provide him with some of his greatest triumphs.

These included victories in the 1966 Trophée des Nations at Brands Hatch, the BBC TV Grandstand Trophy and the British 500cc championship, which he won in 1970, just before his 30th birthday.

As well as an eye for speed, Badger also had a head for business, and in 1964 launched his own shop at Yeovil, Brian Goss Motorcycles.

After winning the British title with Husqvana, he raised eyebrows the following year by switching again to the German manufacturer Maico.

The move not only brought him more success but won him Maico’s UK import franchise.

‘Their bikes were not

only fast but fantastically reliable,’ said Badger. ‘For three years on the trot we sold over 1,000 a year, which for a small concern like ours was like winning the pools.’

The second night was supposed to be spent in a hotel in Lyon, where Bryan was riding in an international event.

They couldn’t find the hotel and ended up sharing an old van with Badger’s bikes and his mate Don Hitchcock, who slept in the bunk below.

The Goss business continues to this day as a leading stockist of motocross helmets, kit and other accessories, run by the founder’s son and daughter, Jeff and Debbie, and Jeff’s wife, Sophie.

Badger went on to win the 250cc race in Lyon with Don Rickman winning the 500 event.

Jenny Goss died in 2012.

Badger met his wife, Jenny, on a blind date arranged by a friend and proposed on the Tilbury ferry while taking the cattle truck that he drove for a living back to Thundersley.

Motocross writer Ian Berry describes Badger as not only a ‘tenacious competitor on the track’ but a ‘great character’ off it.

The rider once told Berry: ‘All I ever really wanted was to be everybody’s mate.’

The first night of their honeymoon was spent in the slightly more romantic setting of a Paris hotel.

He achieved that with interest.

An early outing on the 250cc Husqvarna at Bulbarrow Hill in October 1965

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POLITICS

North Dorset Cycle Ride 2021 WILL happen!

Following cancellation of last year’s event, it is Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s intention to go ahead with this year’s charity ride.

The event will be different in many ways due to COVID-19, therefore a lot of careful planning has been introduced to comply with regulations.

Last year unsurprisingly saw a marked increase in cycling throughout the UK - and if you needed a reason to get on your bike for 2021, the Shaftesbury annual event takes you out to experience the amazing beauty of North Dorset.

Shaftesbury Rotary Club are pleased to announce that their main sponsor will be BV Dairy.

certain that the excellent work carried out by Shaftesbury Rotary Club and its volunteers will result in an even bigger, better and well supported event for 2021 – and with that raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK research.

We look forward to entering our own competitive team which, no doubt, will be headed up by our Managing Director Jim Highnam who himself is a keen cyclist!”.

In 2021 the event will “start” at Castle Hill, to allow more space for a socially distanced event. Instead of a mass start, riders will be given a staggered start time with all registration online (therefore no entries will be accepted on the day). More details will be released nearer the date. We would hasten to add, the “finish” will remain cycling up the iconic Gold Hill (subject to weather).

funds is Prostate Cancer, other local charities have benefited from donations.

This year we want to do much more so please come along, have a great time, a lot of fun and raise lots of much needed money.

There are three routes to choose from all starting on Castle Hill and finishing on Gold Hill. The easiest is a family friendly 12mile route, the second a tougher 25mile route and lastly a 50mile ride for the more serious biker!

Registration will be online for a modest £25.00 per adult for the 25 mile and 50mile rides, and £20.00 per adult for the 12mile ride. Young people aged 10 - 16 years are half price, and children under 10 years are welcome join in for free.

In support of the Cycle Ride, BV Dairies Commercial Director, Harry Cowan, commented by saying; “We are both excited and privileged to be involved as sponsors of this important event.

It was disappointing that due to Covid restrictions the 2020 event had to be postponed, but we are

With many charities suffering, financial hardship, due to COVID-19, this event will be even more important. It is very important not only to help charities such as Prostate Cancer UK financially, but also make awareness of the Cancer.

In 2019 a cheque for £6,000.00 was handed to Prostate Cancer UK. Whilst the main recipient of

Should the event be cancelled your entry fee will be refunded or held over to the following year.

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Initiated by Cllr Carole Jones in March 2020 and supported by the Friends of Stour Connect, the Covid-19 Action Group Sturminster Newton received over 1000 requests for shopping and prescription collection and all

delivered thanks to the help and support of over 50 local volunteers during the first Lockdown last year.

This COVID Action Group is still active and continues to provide help or support with the following: • Hot food deliveries direct to your door • Helping young people cope • Health and Wellbeing - e.g. mental health, loneliness, physical health • Dealing with Utilities • Information about help with debt

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Riders can pre-register by going to the website www.cycleride. shaftesburyrotaryclub.org or you can contact Martin on 07341 866941 Prescription and shopping collection • Benefits advice • Housing issues • Help with costs of shopping – Vale Pantry, food vouchers (local shops, Coop, Steeptonbill Farm Shop), boxes of essential non-food items Call us on the following for further information: Andy (07849) 618522 Chris (07771) 517913 Carole (07968) 348481 Or email us on covid19stur@gmail.

POLITICS

No Time for Complacency

by Simon Hoare MP In the words of the Aretha Franklin song “Here We Go Again”.

Covid seems like one of those film villains that despite shooting, stabbing, suffocating and drowning, remains alive to cause mayhem.

We can, however, take heart that vaccines are now being licensed and rolled out across the country to beat this villain. This is the first real fight back that we have been able to make against this serial killer virus.

While the decision of who is in the front of the queue for the vaccines is ultimately a decision for the national medical committees I do hope that they will listen to the very strong call being made for teachers, school staff, police and emergency services to be vaccinated speedily. Those who put themselves ‘on the front line’ deserve the comfort and reassurance that the vaccine represents. I would also add delivery drivers, shop workers and posties.

I know from my inbox that people are getting bored and fed up.

Post Christmas blues, poor weather and the bills of Christmas (that ultimately wasn’t a Christmas) coupled to a third Lockdown do not make for the ingredients of a delicious cocktail.

I want to share with you my biggest fear for Dorset:

complacency.

Throughout the Covid turmoil of 2020 Dorset as a whole fared well. The South West had the lowest R rate in the country and Dorset was among the lowest of the low. Our communities rallied to provide support. Our local NHS services stayed standing.

Communities adhered religiously to the rules.

2021 has changed the local picture. The South West’s R rate (at the time of writing) is the highest in the Country. Infection rates across the County are on an upward trend. Our local NHS is nearing capacity. Ambulance crews are at full tilt. As a result of delays in hospital admissions there is a shortage of small tanks of oxygen. The valiant men and women who provide our healthcare are not themselves immune to catching the virus and I shudder to think of the scenario where too great a number of NHS staff have themselves become covid patients.

Bed capacity has had to be significantly reduced in order to accommodate social distancing.

1-2-1 intensive care is now being delivered at 1-2-3.

So, Lockdown 3 is real because it is needed. The rules are the rules and laws. They are not guidance. They are not a pick and mix a la carte. They are not for others to follow but that you have a special exemption. They are for all of us to follow. Not because the State has delusions of power madness or because we take a perverse thrill in stifling liberty: it is simply

because none of us went into public life to see constituents avoidably fall ill and possibly die. Of course Lockdown is a damned nuisance. But it is a necessary and vital damned nuisance. Our local Police have my full support in being as robust as necessary to enforce the law.

I shall share with you with this thought sent to me from a constituent. You have to imagine a new headstone in a graveyard.

The inscription reads: “Here lies xxxxx aged 49. He need not have died but he thought he was immune and exempt from the Law. He refused to wear a mask.

He went out unnecessarily. He had friends and family to visit (some of them are in hospital or awaiting burial). He leaves a wife and two children. Arrogant and selfish to the end”. I do not want that to be the epitaph of any resident of North Dorset. I implore you to follow the Rules and do what is right.

I started with Aretha Franklin, let me close with the metaphysical poet John Donne: “No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main……… Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.”

Let’s follow the Rules to the letter: the bell won’t be tolling for thee.

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POLITICS EDUCATION

‘View from the Bridge’ – a postcard from the life of an exasperated education leader.

by Luke Rake - Principal and Chief Executive of Kingston Maurward College

I think it’s fair to say that Gavin Williamson may have lost the dressing room.

and mixed messages - but still we get up and carry on because what we do is important and our children deserve the very best we can offer.

On the last day of term prior to the Christmas Holidays, the government announced (with no real guidance, legal view or working days to implement), that schools and colleges were to be open but transformed into mass testing centres from the start of January.

I have never experienced such a paucity of leadership and clarity from the Department for Education in 25 years as an educator. This is not party political, it wouldn’t matter who was in power; all leaders recognise that the greatest enemy to strategic and operational efficacy is a lack of clarity in communication, yet it appears Mr Williamson wasn’t even in the room in early January when the decision to change delivery was made.

In addition, on the last day of the holidays we were glibly reassured by the Prime Minister that schools were safe.

24 hours later they and colleges like ourselves had to shut our doors to most students and move immediately to a remote delivery of learning. Add to that the 11 additional new pieces of guidance expected by the end of the same week in January, and you have a very tired and grumpy set of education leaders.

Many will have spent their holidays using time to set up systems for testing students that were rendered redundant within 24 hours, after an exhausting term of lockdowns

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In addition, as a College leader there is persistent challenge to enable us to occupy the same visibility as schools in the minds of politicians, the vast majority of which (like myself to be honest) went through school, Sixth Form with A levels and thereafter University.

Yet the technical skills of young people coming into employment, whether ensuring your car runs, your plumbing is fixed, you hair looks reasonably tolerable or that there are farmers working safely to put food on the table, means that this group also needs support and help.

It has been noticeably absent, which is why this week when government announced laptops for children in schools I was forced to make an executive call at Kingston Maurward and spend £10,000 to give our students the same opportunity.

I don’t begrudge it for the students, but it’s not budgeted and we’ll have to find the savings from somewhere.

What does grate, though, is our students being treated as second class as in the minds of many in senior government they don’t even register. I shouldn’t have to be the one making things fair.

So, here’s a parlour game to brighten up your January; all young people are expected to be in education or employment with training until 18. Next time someone talks about schools, see if they ever say ‘and colleges’. You could be waiting a while!

In the meantime, stay safe, and know that teachers of every type, from early years to colleges, are doing the very best they can.

Local Music Teacher Offers FREE Online Group Sessions for 0-5yr olds.

A popular Shaftesbury music therapist is offering free online music sessions each week to help struggling families with young children (0-5/6yrs) over lockdown.

Emma House is a trained music therapist, and has been running local music groups in Shaftesbury (for more years than she cares to admit to!), along with music groups in several local schools.

POLITICS EDUCATION

“It’s about enjoying Music, song, movement, rhyme and most importantly fun for pre-school children - they find lockdown so difficult, and music & singing are good for every aspect of child development.” Emma told me.

Emma’s Facebook Live sessions were born last year during the first lockdown, due to popular demand.

Each week Emma engages the children in fun music and song, encouraging their participation and taking requests for favourite songs.

They proved so popular that Emma is re-introducing them next week - much to the joy of parents across social media: “Yippee!! Rose has been requesting the Magic Bag only this week! She will be very excited indeed. X” commented one Facebook user, while another was thrown into a quandary “Thank the Lord! Just need to work out how to juggle school zoom lessons with this! Can’t wait! Xx” The sessions are entirely free, and anyone can join in - they’re begining on Tuesday the 19th, and will be on Facebook every Tuesday at 10am.

Anyone who is unable to join the live session can always access the sessions at any time with their child as Emma makes them freely available on her Facebook page.

“This is just a way of trying to give something back during this difficult time” commented Emma.

Just search ‘Emma & The Magic Bag’ on Facebook, or click here.

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POLITICS

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POLITICS

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The Anti-vaccine argument?

It’s 135 years old.

The closer we came to a vaccine, the more rapid the rise of conspiracy theories and misinformation campaigns. But is this anything new? If we look back in time, we see it’s really not.

Theres’ a great example in a popular pamphlet published in 1885 during the smallpox epidemic in Montréal. Over a hundred years later we enjoy the luxury of living in a world that has eradicated smallpox - thanks to a vaccine. Published by a leading anti-vaccinationist, Dr. Alexander M. Ross, this pamphlet was widely circulated as the health officials attempted to increase vaccinations.

What’s interesting is not that Dr Ross was discovered to have had the vaccine himself (the papers had afield day there!), but the arguments he used can easily be recognised in the anti-vaxxer strategies of 2020.

1 - Minimize the threat Ross and his associates dismissed the threat of smallpox, despite an almost 40% mortality rate and

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Images taken from Dr. Ross’s 1885 pamphlet denouncing smallpox vaccination. (HathiTrust Digital Library)

its contagiousness. Ross declared it was ‘senseless panic’ and the city had very few cases (sound familiar?) Official numbers for Montreal recorded over 3000 deaths; nearly 2% of the population at the time.

2 - Claim vaccine causes illness or is ineffective Modern anti-vaxxers have claimed vaccines cause autism, but our ancestors used a much more scattergun approach in their allegations. Claiming a whole spectrum of diseases from small-pox itself to bloodpoisoning. Perhaps not always groundless due to poor hygiene practices, but consistently exaggerated. Eventually the poor practices (the lack of sterile cleaning) that saw the spread of disease were eradicated and lead us to the way we conduct our safe vaccination process today.

3 - Declare vaccination is part of a bigger conspiracy Dr Ross claimed the role of the press and the medical profession stoked the fears of ordinary folk as part of a ‘mad’ campaign to gain money and employment for those in research, was painted as unethical and at the expense of the poor.

Public health measures were depicted to be an assault on personal rights, and the government was abusing its power.

These arguments still echo today as we see a constant and continued belief that there is a conspiracy to limit our freedoms.

4 - Use alternative authorities to legitimize your argument Last but not least is an appeal to authorities that help the antivaccination argument.

The modern anti-vaxxer, thanks to the wonders of the internet, has an abundance of these at his disposal.

But the anti-vaccination movement has had a long tradition of promoting the words

of “experts” who support their narrative. 100 years ago, debates often brought together a small circle of medical men who were only too happy to talk against vaccination, claiming it was a ‘filthy and evil ‘practice.

Their arguments were rebuffed by their medical peers, but they gained prestige as authoritative voices amongst the antivaccination, seemingly providing the proof that was needed.

The rhetoric we hear today is nothing new, there has always been throughout history

someone looking to capitalize or to push their own agenda.

Of course, today with modern technology, the strategy of misinformation has evolved, it has never been easier to spread your message.

As the COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out across the world, you will probably see an increase in this kind of misinformation.

Breaking down patterns of arguments seen repeatedly in the past can provide a useful lesson for combating them in the future.

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PROPERTY SPECIAL POLITICS

The Pro’s Insider Top Tips on Moving House Spring is the traditionally said to be the best time to sell your house but if that’s going to be you in 2021, then right now is the time to start thinking about it.

January is the time when people start to browse for new property - Christmas is over, work’s in full swing, and this year there’s the glumness of lockdown to ward off with some online house shopping too.

The property market is still open - there are a few extra hurdles, but it’s still entirely possible to move. If you’re a 2021 seller, then now might be an excellent time to get your house on the market to get ahead of the Spring competition. But it’s a big decision - and even when you know it’s the right time there’s often a feeling of overwhelm. What should you do first? Where to begin? What do you really need to do to the house? When do you do the legal stuff?

Fear not - we’ve rounded up a group of the most experienced local experts to help with their top insider tips on how to move house with as little stress as possible...

In an ideal world, where all your clients sold their homes your way, what would be your tip tips to ensure a quick and easy sale?

The simple things you just wish every homeowner would do?

1. The experts were unanimous in their first tip: prepare, prepare, prepare.

James McKillop, Head of Residential at Savills was very firm “First and foremost, prepare. Instruct a solicitor, prepare a draft contract pack and apply for searches, especially as they can take many weeks at present”. Susie Palin from Meyers agreed

“Appoint a solicitor early in the process so they can begin their work as soon as possible, and have all documentation associated with the house in a file ready to go including any planning permissions, building regulations, safety certificates (Gas and Electric) and make your estate agent aware of any boundary issues that might rear their head during the ‘searches

process’.

2. The second tip is the one we all know: Declutter!

“Do take the time to make sure that everything is spic and span and that the house looks great from the outside as this is where the first impressions will be formed.” Says Sarah Cull, Associate Director at Strutt & Parker. George Sparks, Local Sales Expert for Dorset at PurpleBricks agreed “you aren’t on the market every day so it’s worth putting in some effort to ensure it’s presented at its best.”

But don’t go mad says Richard Stubbart from Greenslade Taylor Hunt “To ensure any property is marketed to its full potential, we always ask clients to ensure the property is left in a presentable condition. This does not necessarily need to involve financial investment, but to make sure the decks are clear for first impressions.”

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PROPERTYPOLITICS SPECIAL

And on the flip side, what are your top three tips for anyone buying a house?

1. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we got a unanimous consensus on this one; George put it most succinctly: “Be nice to the estate agent!

The agent may have other properties of interest and it’s human nature that the first person they are going to call is someone they enjoy talking to.”

unrealistic with their timescales.

Everyone is in the same boat wanting the same thing - to move house. Remember that people’s lives are almost on hold when they’re moving so its a good time to be understanding.”

2. Simon Neville-Jones, Branch Manager at Lodestone Property Shaftesbury said you must be clear about what Sarah also pointed out that you’re searching for: “At Strutt & Parker we sell a “the number of rooms, outside good deal of property ‘off the space, parking, work space... and market’ to strong buyers who of course a clear budget.” are registered on our mailing list James suggested that doing and who we build a rapport with. your research is important Don’t just reply to the online but do stay open “road noise, presence for houses.” near neighbours etc can all be identified before you visit and it George also pointed out a little saves you a potentially wasted patience goes a long way “Buying trip. If you have a “tick list”, be and selling homes can be positive; 7/10 is pretty good!” stressful for everyone but more Richard points out that this is so if someone is inflexible and more important than ever

“Due to COVID there are restrictions and safety protocols in place for viewings. It is important to carry out as much online research of a property before undertaking a viewing in person. Google maps and virtual tours are the best way to undertake initial research. “ 3. Susie said it’s as simple as being ready.

Have all monies ready; if a First Time Buyer, and you need a mortgage, have your ‘ decision in principal/agreement in principal’ ready before you look to buy your next home and if you are selling your current home in order to move, in this current CV19 climate, be prepared to need to be ‘proceedable’ before you even start to look around. Ideally you’ll be ‘under offer’ already, know your buyer and what the chain is if any.

PROPERTY SPECIAL POLITICS

Did anything significantly change in the 2020 local housing market?

1. Sarah spoke for everyone when she said “We had a huge change to the property market in 2020.

From lockdown in March when the market came to halt, to lockdown lifting and enjoying an exceptionally busy market bucking all expectations. Local people looked to upsize, whilst many buyers flocked to the country from more urban locations in search of more space and less neighbours.“ George agreed “People know now they can work from home.

Instead of living in an urban area close to the office why not live in the beautiful countryside and have your office in the comfort of your own home? Who wouldn’t want that?”

Simon had some fascinating data to back it up “The annual price rise recorded in the South West of England in September 2020 was double the level seen in the region the previous month according to the Office of National Statistics. Dorset and Somerset were two of the most searched counties in the south

according to Rightmove, and the Land Registry data shows that detached homes saw the biggest annual price rises in the UK. 2. James had a different issue with the rush to move to the country: “The concern is the shortage of good houses to sell. It doesn’t matter if it is a £300,000 cottage, a £1,000,000 townhouse or a £2,000,000 country house – if it is a best in class property for its price, there are buyers registered for it “

What do you see 2021 bringing in terms of property market trends?

1. Once again there was a unanimous consensus.

“In 2020 the UK property market saw a huge shift in people moving to rural spaces as a result of the pandemic.” Said Simon. “...the trend to move out of the cities to a more rural environment will continue apace, especially now with the 3rd lockdown. We now all know that remote working is possible and buyers are looking for a much better quality of life.” added Susie.

“Although the stamp duty holiday

is due to end at the end of March, I believe there will still be strong demand for property in the west country.” agreed Richard “This current lockdown will only fuel further lifestyle moves, whether for for work or family reasons.

2. The second unanimous point was… it’s en timely unpredictable!

George points out that “This is a difficult one as there are a some many variables that are so new to have to deal with, for example the length of lockdowns, the

vaccine and of course the Stamp Duty Holiday.”

James is confident though “My view is that if enough sellers bring their properties to market before March, we will see a continuation of the busy market at all price points. The demand is there but price sensitivity is very clearly dictating what is selling and what isn’t. If a property doesn’t sell within a 4 to 6 week window from launch at the moment, the price is probably too high.”

Are there specifically desirable locations within the Blackmore Vale?

1. Sarah was pleased to share that Strutt & Parker “... have had a very successful time in Ashmore this year, with competing bids on two houses and a good sale agreed on another delightful property. We also sold a substantial home in Marnhull off-market with no internet advertising needed.”

Richard agreed it was the desirable villages which were winning “Out of area buyers are

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looking for space and privacy, yet within easy reach of amenities.

Those local villages with good amenities, such as Yetminster, Milborne Port & Thornford are achieving strong demand and excellent sales success” Susie pointed out that “...houses with gardens and a value of around £300k+ are selling well currently. In my area also it is the villages that are proving most popular; Milborne St

Andrew, Milton Abbas and the Winterbournes in particular” Simon said that “We’ve seen keen interest in villages including Nether Compton, Sandford Orcas, Marnhull, the Donheads, Buckhorn Weston. Bruton led the way, topping Rightmove’s search list – the popular town saw a 72% increase in buyer searches in 2020.”

PROPERTYPOLITICS SPECIAL Susie was keen to explain Meyers’ current rules on house viewings during the pandemic: “Personally I am being tested for CV-19 on a weekly basis so I can give reassurance to both my clients, and my family.

We pre-qualify all viewers; they must be ‘proceedable’, and have signed a disclaimer to confirm they are well and have not been exposed to CV-19.

In addition to that, each viewing is booked in isolation to others.

We only ever have one family in the house at any one time.

No small children allowed (as they will want to touch things!)

and we try to keep viewings to a maximum of 2 adults from the same household.

Every person has their temperature taken before they enter the house, face masks are mandatory and everyone is briefed not to touch anything within the house.

For the sellers part, they are asked to vacate the house as we do viewings, and to leave all internal doors open.

Richard had a final warning for 2021 viewers: “Sell before you buy.

Due to Covid, agents and vendors are limiting viewing

activity and only focusing on those prospects who are in a position to offer immediately.

Searching for a new home will always be exciting, and with the multitude of online property listings nowadays it can be tempting to search for your dream home when your current property is not yet on the market. It is important to not get carried away and fall in love with a house before you have a buyer, or you may lose out on the house of your dreams to someone with the funds already available.

I’m not selling - what about the rental market?

Rachael Cook, a partner at Taylor & Co Lettings in Shaftesbury had some advice specifically for those in the rental market: “When it comes to rental property and ensuring you find the right tenant quickly and

easily, we usually suggest that landlords try and get ahead of the game and ensure their properties are ready to go before you start viewings. There’s nothing more off putting to potential tenants than a house which isn’t clean or full of a previous tenant’s belongings.

If they are able to see it is fresh and clean when they view it then they’ll have a much more positive first impression.

Similarly, if it is empty then it’s a lot easier for them to see where their own belongings can fit in!

And price the property right.

If might be tempting to try and ask for little more but even if you then drop the price potential viewers can be wary, perceiving something’s

wrong because it hasn’t been snapped up by anyone else!

Finally be realistic about tenants. It’s a nerve-wracking to trust someone else with your property. However, the more restrictions you put on the type of tenants, the longer it will take to find people who suit. Things to be mindful of, are saying no children in a three bedroom house!

It’s gearing up to be a busy year in 2021 for the rental market.

With everyone working from home there’s been a big surge of tenants moving after finding their current property no longer suits their needs. For similar reraosns the South West has suddenly become an even more desirable place to live.

It’ll be interesting to see if this results in a shortage of property or whether the buy-to-let market will also surge. Research has shown that buy-to-lets sales are on the rise but we’re not sure if this will meet the demand.

In short, if you’re looking to invest in a buy-to-let then now is the time!

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POLITICS PROPERTY SPECIAL

PROPERTYPOLITICS SPECIAL

PROPERTY SPECIAL POLITICS

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The Finance Expert’s Eye On The 2021 Mortgage Market The year ahead is uncertain but as you’ve just read, property experts are still predicting 2021 to be a strong year for the UK residential property market.

There is currently an unprecedented demand for moving house, leading to a record number of property transactions. Successive lockdowns have led many homebuyers and tenants to reassess their homes.

Spending more time at home in 2020 led people to look for more space and better internet connectivity. This, along with the stamp duty holiday approaching at the end of March 2021, is now fuelling further demand throughout the beginning of 2021.

and a stamp duty window, make now the perfect time to act if you are contemplating moving, buying a holiday home or simply passing wealth down the family line and reducing the family potential inheritance tax liabilities.

The likelihood of the Bank of England increasing the base interest rate at least in the short term remains slim. This means mortgage rates should stay low which is making this an attractive time to purchase property. Even with the stamp duty holiday set to end in March 2021, investors are taking advantage of these competitive rates.

Banks are gaining more confidence to lend, and this will continue to do so as more normality returns. This helps further increase the availability of mortgages.

PROPERTYPOLITICS SPECIAL

This should be a good time to lock in lower mortgage rates and take advantage of subdued house prices. Interest rates and house prices are only likely to increase in the coming years.

So if you are thinking of buying or selling a property, then mortgage rates and availability of funds, together with advice on where best to access those funds will be an important factor.

Adrian Seager is Ward Goodman’s mortgage expert.

He regularly reports on how the whole of the market is changing, something only your Independent Financial Adviser would do.

If you want to speak to him, call him on 01202 875900.

Have you heard of the term “bank of Mum and Dad” or “the Granny bank”?

In the past decade it has become more and more common for homebuyers, and particularly First Time Buyers, to receive a contribution from parents or other family members towards the deposit on their first home.

These are just two rising in popularity ways, alongside newly created Retirement Interest Only loans, and Lifetime Mortgages that people are using to buy property. Low rates of interest

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POLITICS PROPERTY SPECIAL

PROPERTYPOLITICS SPECIAL

LEGAL

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POLITICS

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TALES FROM THE VALE POLITICS

Tales From The Vale with Andy Palmer

Stalbridge back in the 60s and 70s was a bustling village.

Roughly half the size it is now, the main street was full of shops and we had some great characters.

Probably top of the list was Reverend Frederick Saunders (shortened to ‘Derek’) – an eccentric, likeable, scatter-brain of a vicar resembling Alistair Sim, who’s enduring legacy of forgetfulness and haplessness still keeps village elders entertained.

Typically, once a month he trooped us primary school kids, delighted with the diversion from lessons, up to the church, only to find he’d again forgotten the enormous brass key – so we kids would again amuse ourselves among the gravestones while he dashed down to the enormous Rectory just behind the wall by the Stalbridge market cross (officially ‘the finest market cross in Dorset,’ says Hilary Townsend, author and broadcaster), now The Old Rectory Care Home.

And come the time for his sermon, he’d start to look a bit panicky and search his pockets, a benign smile in place, until it dawned on him that his notes were, again, back at the Rectory, so he’d Image: Reverend Frederick Saunders courtesy of Stalbridge Archive Society

extemporise in an entertaining way, pretending to refresh his memory by looking at non-existent notes on the lecturn. We all knew he’d forgotten them. He always did.

The Rectory is where I first tasted ginger wine. I was nine and it was at Christmas carols, held in a cavernous room that was definitely a few degrees centigrade below the freezing outside air. The ‘heating’ came from a minute paraffin stove that absolutely stank.

Rev Saunders drove around in a battered old slide-door Dormobile the colour of butterscotch Angel Delight. It was battered and scraped because he was forever driving or reversing into buildings, telegraph posts, walls and the few parked cars there were in a Britain barely out of post-war austerity – rationing didn’t end when we finally clobbered Johnny Hun, it continued for another nine years, ending at midnight 4th July 1954. Some youngsters moaned about ‘austerity Britain’ after the financial crisis of 2008 – they should have been around for the real austerity and what followed.

London’s Imperial War Museum, at the very top floor, has a wonderful, nostalgic replica of a 1940s home – stark, barely furnished. I was overwhelmed by it. That was the house I grew up in.

The Rev Saunders caused much mirth when, on a typical occasion, he drove into the petrol station (still there, and brilliantly

run by very friendly staff), went and paid for five quids worth of petrol, then drove away without putting any gas in the tank. He then phoned the garage for assistance ten minutes later when his car spluttered to a halt for want of fuel.

On a later occasion, which thrilled the village, he survived accidentally driving off the road up at Thornhill. But he was impressed at how his car was efficiently towed out of the field - through a hedge - and showed the greatest cooperation with the local policeman, PC Spencer Meacham, whose son, also Spencer, was a mate of mine.

Yes, we had a village constable who lived opposite The Green in an official ‘police house’ with official police light and notice board. How very Dixon of Dock Green.

Another character was the head of St Mary’s school Geoff Mallet, who lived in Snowdon House in Gold Street, probably one of the loveliest and architecturally distinguished streets in all Dorset. Worth a slow, appreciative walk up and down.

We school kids liked our headmaster. I had the added advantage of seeing Geoff in a social context as my mother, Audrey Palmer, was an infant teacher at the school and she and my father were friends with Geoff and his rather brisk PE teacher wife, Molly.

TALES FROM THE VALE POLITICS

me reminiscing.

After the primary school, we older kids queued for the bus which took us to Sturminster Newton High School – a good,

Stalbridge High Street - image courtesy of Stalbridge Archive Society

I had a particular reason in being friendly with Mr Mallett. I found his daughters Catherine and Celia very agreeable. I’m not sure this was reciprocated. But then I was 12 years old and girls were a mystery to me.

Geoff Mallett was a man of enthusiasms. He suddenly felt that the senior kids at the primary school should learn school should learn basic French.

It was obvious that no teachers knew the language, so Geoff was horrified (I later found out) that he had to do it himself. That wasn’t the PLAN. He’d stare incomprehensibly at a text book in his desk drawer, which he clearly believed was unseen by us pupils, as he hammed his inaccurate way through, barely one step ahead of his charges.

He also had a sudden passion for teaching Algebra. One of my mates, clearly ahead of Billy Connolly, said, ‘why should we learn algebra, Sir, I’m never going to go there.’ My mate was serious. He thought the French was enough.

There was one teacher I really liked, Mr Head.

He was considerate, enthusiastic and obsessed with fishing and hunting.

He was brought up by his grandfather who worked on the Sherborne Castle estate and gave him a love of the outdoor life.

Years later, when I bought a cottage in Dorset, I found that John Head, long-retired, had been head teacher at Bishops Caundle school, so I went to see the head teacher who put us in touch. We arranged to meet at the White Hart close to the school.

I was so excited.

So, 42 years after I last saw the teacher I really respected, in walked John Head and his lovely wife Sally. I’d have recognized him anywhere.

I couldn’t not call him ‘Sir’, despite him entreating me to call him John. I just had to call him ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr Head’. That’s how I thought of him for nearly half a century.

However, both John and Sally looked rather subdued.

A few months later Sally mailed me that John had died. Just before coming to meet us, and I mean their previous appointment, they had learnt that John had terminal cancer.

What courage and kindness they had in still coming along and listening and smiling patiently to

strict school with excellent academic standards. A few years later I went to Weymouth Grammar School which was astonishingly lax by comparison.

At Stur High School, we had to call female teachers ‘ma’am’ which felt grown-up and rather American, and I wasn’t the only one that liked it. The maths teacher, a Scot, Mrs Warren (who we knew as ‘Haggis’), was very strict and an excellent teacher, showing us how to do quadrilateral equations, which amazed my new teacher at the Grammar school.

I was a year ahead of other 13 year-olds at the Grammar, I believe.

The French teacher Mrs Minnear was the mother of Kerry Minnear, then a relatively famous progressive rock musician in the band Gentle Giant. Knowing of some kids’ interest in the genre she generously invited a group to her home when Kerry was visiting. He was very kind and awed kids with stories of how albums (as they were then called) were made.

He was pushed to open up about other aspects of a rock star’s life, but with his mum looking on pretended not to know what was being asked.

The geography teacher, Mr Newton, I believe had had a particularly ghastly time as a prisoner of war, I’ve an inkling

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TALES FROM THE VALE

in Burma or Thailand. He chainsmoked cigarettes during lessons. Oh, that dreamy past.

Our form teacher had been a rear-gunner in a Lancaster – he was lucky to survive. Roughly 55,000 young men in Bomber Command died, and the rear gunners were usually the first to go.

All in all, both my first schools were happy places for kids.

One rainy November evening in the late 60s, two young scamps from the primary school, knowing that a meeting was being held in Stalbridge church, crept through the gloomy damp entrance, and in true French resistance style, threw fireworks

The first job I had after university (after a summer in the Pocono mountains, Pennsylvania, teaching teenage girls to windsurf) was to head the education department in a Sussex military museum, Fort Newhaven, similar to the Nothe Fort in Weymouth.

I knew that boys would enthuse over the guns and tanks etc, but wanted females to be interested too. So, apart from getting a display of women’s fashions from 1914 to 1945, and female military uniforms (the girls particularly admired the WREN officers uniform, and do you know what? So did I), I got the art department to mock-up a typical

The enthusiasm for sharing and engaging others in Stalbridge history discussion is still as strong as ever with the Stalbridge History Society, even though they haven’t been able to hold any of their popular talks for almost a year now.

A new website https://www. stalbridgehistory.co.uk/ is proving to be quite a hit, and an engaging Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ stalbridgehistory has attracted nearly 120 group members since its New Year launch.

The very first post on Facebook was a request for information about the New Inn at Stalbridge

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in before scampering away in a state of great rebellious excitement.

One of them was Brian Trevis, whose dad farmed down Station Road – the farm’s now a housing estate. I can’t tell you who the other imp was, but I caught a dreadful cold that night.

Bloody good fun, though.

adults’ weekly ration: this included a 57 gram blob of butter, four thin slices of ham and bacon, 227g of gristly minced beef, 57g of tea, 57g of cheese and, wait for it, one egg.

Get out the kitchen scales and see how many feasts you’d get from 57g of cheese!

The school children I took round this fascinating display could not believe what their grandparents had to put up with. And they’d return with parents and their parents, all paying the hefty entrance fee.

What a marketing genius I could have been!

Andy

Stalbridge Weston - image Dee Judd

Weston from Dave Hucker. His father, Henry George Hucker, had been the landlord 19441951. As word quickly spread and new members signed up that same day, various snippets of information emerged, including a list of landlords and even a photograph from Dee Judd (above), whose father, Vic King was the landlord for many

years (1959-1975).

School photos are becoming a hit with the group at the moment. As faces of long ago are recognised and names added, we are able to record and store this valuable information for the benefit of all. Take a look. Join the group. Become a member of the Stalbridge History Society.

Voice of the Blue Light: Gillingham Rural Neighbourhood Team

POLITICS POLICE

Monthly news from different voices within the North Dorset Police Team. providing sustainable long term solutions to local issues.

Our current 3 local priorities are: 1. Anti Social behaviour: dealing with persistent offenders and repeat victims 2. Drug offences: tackling County Lines and organised drug dealers and protecting Vulnerable Victims, 3. Rural crime: with a focus on Burglary.

Inspector Simon Perry 1656

The town of Gillingham and surrounding villages has a local Neighbourhood team stationed at Gillingham comprising of One Sergeant (Francis), One Constable (Geraint) and 2 x PCSOs (Fear and Biggs) Details of the team and our current priorities can be found here https://www.dorset.police. uk/neighbourhood-policing/ gillingham-and-shaftesbury/ Neighbourhood officers work closely with Partner Agencies from other services to look at

One example of our Partnership working in Gillingham is that in December working with a local Housing Association, Council teams and the forces Vulnerability lawyer we secured a Closure Notice on a property in the town.

The address was linked to anti-social behaviour and drug offences.

This sends out a clear message that such locations will not be tolerated, and that enforcement action will be taken against repeat offenders.

All persons, with the exception of the tenant, have been excluded from the property and any

persons found in breach of this order can be arrested. This has resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of reported incidents and issues at the location, and demonstrates how Partnership work can be effective in tackling such issues, for the benefit of local residents.

Now we have moved into Tier 5 Restrictions we receive a lot of contact around Covid 19 issues.

Guidance around our Police response can be found here: https://www.dorset.police.uk/ covid-19-coronavirus/ These are clearly unprecedented and challenging times, and we are grateful for the Community’s support around adherence to the current Tier 5 measures.

Our team will patrol and respond to community concerns and will continue to Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce the current Measures.

As always for current updates on the work the team undertake please follow our Social Media page NORTH DORSET POLICE on Facebook and/or Twitter

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MEET YOUR LOCAL

Meet Your Local: The Baker Arms, Child Okeford

Our regular column in which you discover the faces and stories behind the pub sign. This month we’ve been chatting to The Baker Arms in Child Okeford.

The Baker Arms is owned and run by husband and wife team James & Desi Hutchings who bought it in 2017.

How did you end up at The Baker Arms?

We have always worked in hospitality, notably at The Museum Inn in Farnham, The Cow in Poole, Westbeach in Bournemouth, Odette’s in Primrose Hill, The Pig & Butcher in Islington, and Smokehouse in Highbury & Islington to name a few!

It was at Smokehouse that we both worked & met, and then eventually moved back to Dorset.

We had always thought of having our own place after 20+ years of working for other people.

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We randomly found the pub online (and on the market!), it ticked lots of boxes, so we went for it and we’ve now been here 3 years.

What’s your favourite local place to visit on an afternoon off?

We don’t afford ourselves much time off in normal circumstances, however we enjoy eating at The Fontmell when we can, or clambering up Hambledon hill with our dog Smokey.

Tell us about your 2020...

Lockdown 1 last spring was tough but it did enable us to make small improvements around the pub, with much of our attention focused on our beer garden, before what proved to be a busy summer thankfully.

The second lockdown & then Tier 2 proved much more challenging to come out of and we only reopened in mid-December with a much reduced offering and limited hours.

And now here we are again closed except for a Takeaway Roast on a Sunday.

What’s been your biggest challenge since taking over - apart from COVID, obviously!

Our biggest challenge actually resulted from a Motorcycle accident that James was involved in, in May 2019. James’s left arm was shattered and he had to be air lifted to Southmead Hospital.

Following 2 surgeries, the recovery is still ongoing.

So, James learned to cook one

MEET YOUR LOCAL

handed! Its tough, but you learn to adapt and just get on with it.

It has definitely added to Desi’s work load though.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that people keep coming back again and again, and in some cases from quite a distance, encourages us that we are really providing a great environment & service for our customers.

We always keep our menu very different to other pubs, with big, bold flavours and often classics with a twist. Our menu is always kept small, because its always evolving, freshly prepared & homemade with an emphasis on comfort.

Our homemade ice creams are pretty popular too.

And right now?

What’s next - do you have big plans on the horizon?

Otherwise, we’re simply focused on being fully open, and driving the business forward without the Covid handbrake on?!

The ability to plan beyond a few days in 2020 has been almost impossible with the Covid-19 restrictions.

We put up a temporary marquee over the summer which proved popular. We have since replaced it with a strong permanent marquee with long tables, benches & heaters. This gives us a bit more capacity year round whatever the weather.

Normally as we hit January our attention turns to our yearly charity event ‘Pheasant Fest’. This event has now been going for over 10 years, and is our focus in February. The event raises much needed funds for the Dorset & Somerset air ambulance, who we support year round. We have yet to decide upon a date for 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

However, we still intend/hope to run the event, possibly in June 2021.

https://www.bakerarms.co.uk/

What part of the pub is your absolute favourite?

The pub is Grade II listed, however our favourite has to be our cosy little holiday letting cottage. ‘Daisy cottage’ is just behind the pub and is really popular with leisure guests who come to roam the countryside or guests visiting families & friends who live locally.

The pub is beautiful, and we will always maintain its traditional charm & character. You can’t beat sitting in front of our wood burner on a winter’s evening... with a pint of course.

We are led to believe that there is an old tunnel that leads under the pub to our neighbouring church...

Which dish is your most popular?

Ironically (and substantial jokes aside), our homemade Scotch egg is pretty popular, and will always remain on the menu!

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THEN AND NOW POLITICS

Then and Now with Roger Guttridge

Ibberton Church is one of three in England that are dedicated to St Eustace, the others being at Tavistock in Devon and Hoo in Suffolk.

That number was in danger of being reduced to two as the Ibberton building teetered on the brink of collapse.

My ‘old’ picture shows the church almost roofless and with its walls shored up by timber props.

Many sources – including my own book A Blackmore Vale Camera –

date the picture to 1889.

But an unpublished diary that came to light about 12 years ago suggests the collapse occurred three or four years later.

In her entry for December 8, 1892, diarist Julietta Forrester records a visit from a distressed Rector of Ibberton with Belchalwell, the Rev Augustus Rix. ‘He was in great trouble – the roof of the chancel and chapel at Ibberton had fallen in and the nave [is] expected to follow,’ writes Julietta, wife of James Forrester, Lord Portman’s agent for the Bryanston Estate.

Six days later she paid a return visit.

‘I called first at Belchalwell Church, where the chancel roof was off and men were busy restoring that end of the church,’ she says. w ‘At Ibberton I noticed the roofless chancel and side chapel of that church. The walls were very much out of perpendicular and the ceiling of the nave full of ominous-looking cracks.’

Restoration work at Ibberton at Ibberton did not start until 1902 and took seven years to complete held in a specially built corrugated iron building that later became the village hall.

Standing well above the foothills of Bulbarrow, Ibberton Church today offers a view that few Dorset churches can match.

Roger welcomes emails at roger.guttridge @btinternet.com

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POLITICS WILDLIFE

The Big Garden Birdwatch

image: Great spotted woodpecker in Bridget Strawbridge’s garden!

I saw my first snowdrops of the year today.

Primroses and celandine are tentatively opening their buds too, though I suspect they’ll soon change their minds if the Beast from the East blows in again this month, as forecast.

And who can blame them?

It must be extremely confusing being a wild flower when you can no longer rely on the weather being the same this year as it was last year.

To help understand the effects climate change is having on the flowering times of native plants, the BSBI (Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland) run an annual ‘New Year Plant Hunt’. In its 10th year now, the ‘New Year Plant Hunt’ enlists the help of citizen scientist volunteers throughout

Our local wildlife columnist is North Dorset resident Brigit Strawbridge Naturalist, wildlife gardener, well-known British environmentalist and bee advocate.

Britain and Ireland, to note down, photograph, and record all the native wild plants they find blooming over a 4 day period at the beginning of January. But this is not the only project of its kind other annual recording schemes take place throughout the year, including Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Butterfly Count’ and RSPB’s ‘Big Garden Birdwatch.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the largest, and by far the most well known, of these annual surveys, and it takes place this year from 29th - 31st January.

You don’t need to be an expert to join in; indeed when this survey was first set up back in 1979, it was intended only for children, but anyone and everyone can take part now.

If you haven’t participated before, maybe this could be the year you sign up?

Not only will you be helping the RSPB track declines and increases in bird numbers and species, but it is also a lot of fun… and a great way to give something back to to our beautiful garden visitors during lockdown.

Joining instructions, downloadable identification sheets, and tips on how you can attract more birds to your garden, can all be found in the link below, together with an option for these to be sent to you in the post, if you prefer: https://www.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/activities/birdwatch/ Enjoy!

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POLITICS WILDLIFE

Redwing by Chris Gomersall 2020 Vision

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

By Sally Welbourn, Dorset Wildlife Trust Communications Officer

On the afternoon of a cold and dry winter’s day, the sky may darken and suddenly a deafening harmony of chitter chatter will fill the air. One of wildlife’s most spectacular winter sights is approaching – a swooping and swirling flock of birds.

Winter is the best time of year to put on a hat, scarf and gloves and head out to see a huge variety of migrating and flocking birds. Our winter visitors will include birds from Eastern Europe and even species from the far northern regions, such

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as redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia. Whilst starlings are a common sight in the UK, not all are residents, so the sight of a ‘murmuration’ (flock) of starlings during the winter is still a very special sight.

Why does this happen?

Well, why not!

Birds can move easily and quickly, so they make the most of an annual trip to the UK, with an abundance of food and a warmer climate to enjoy.

Flocks of birds display complex social skills, which will help ensure their survival at this time of year. The main advantage of a large flock of birds is safety in numbers – they can distract predators with the sheer size of the group, mesmerising potential threats and distracting them from preying on individuals in the flock. Large groups of birds also stay warm and hunt together, increasing their chances of success and survival.

Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves are an excellent place to witness these special wildlife sights this winter. Holes Bay in Poole is a particularly great place to see flocks of birds, and you could time this with a nice walk (if you’re local during

lockdown! However, you are just as likely to see some great wildlife activity in your own garden so be sure to look ‘up’ this winter!

Leaving food and water out in your garden for birds this time of year can make up an essential part of their diet, and it’s also advised to avoid cutting hedges or Ivy until the end of winter as the berries provide birds with food and the greenery provides shelter.

One of the best winter wildlife spectacles on offer, most people searching for flocks of migrating birds won’t be disappointed this time of year.

Find out more about DWT reserves at: www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ reserves Do share your photos and videos with us at: www.facebook.com/ dorsetwildlife or www.twitter.com/ dorsetwildlife

A Vet’s Voice: Cats Love Antifreeze...

ANIMALS

by Leanne Garrett RVN ISFMDipFN Small Animal Team at Damory Vets, Blandford

As we are entering the winter months and the frosts start to set in, it is important to remember that screen wash and other antifreeze solutions contain the very toxic chemical Ethylene glycol.

Ethylene glycol is used to prevent freezing, most commonly used in cars but can also be found in paints and even in ornamental snow globes!

This chemical is extremely toxic to all animals (including humans!) but cats are more susceptible due to their metabolic differences.

This metabolic difference in cats means that even when a very small amount is ingested it causes very rapid and fatal injury to the kidneys which can result in death.

Cats are most commonly exposed when it has leaked into a puddle, been spilled when topping up car fluid levels or drained into a container (No, this cat is NOT actually drinking antifreeze, I promise - Ed)

in a garage. Cats can also be poisoned by drinking rain water that collects in a vessel that previously contained antifreeze.

Unfortunately, ethylene glycol is very palatable to cats which is why it is so important to be vigilant and take extra care when using the chemical.

It should only ever be used in closed systems (such as car engine coolant systems).

Any coolant drained from cars needs to be disposed of carefully in tightly closed containers. Any spillages should be cleaned and mopped up thoroughly. Bottles containing ethylene glycol should be stored carefully and tightly closed.

If you are worried that your cat may have ingested ethylene glycol you should take your cat to the vet immediately!

The sooner medical treatment is started, the better chance of survival.

Leanne & a magnificent Sherman

Signs of antifreeze poisoning: • Increased urination • Increased drinking • Vomiting • Depression • Lethargy (being abnormally sleepy) • Appearing drunk and uncoordinated • Seizures (fitting) • Abnormally fast heartbeat • Very fast, shallow breathing

How to avoid accidental poisonings: • Never add antifreeze to garden water features or ponds.

• Always keep antifreeze in clearly labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets and their environment.

• Clean up any spills immediately, no matter how small, and make sure pets cannot access the area until it is clean and safe.

• Always dispose of antifreeze safely and responsibly. Contact your local authority for advice.

Ref: Icatcare.org, 2018. Antifreeze

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ANIMALS

Our rehoming centres aren’t open for public browsing but we’re still rehoming and taking in dogs, with new processes in place to keep staff, visitors and adopters safe.

For dogs we know will thrive straight away in their new home, we’re matching them with their new homes virtually and delivering them contact-free.

Current restrictions mean we can only facilitate adoptions local to our centres and not across Countries or anywhere there are travel restrictions. We’re not able to make appointments for dogs

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to meet their family before going home, but we can register interest to arrange appointments when restrictions ease.

We’re currently experiencing an unprecedented amount of interest, with some dogs getting several hundred applications.

Please bear with us, we’re doing everything we can to find our dogs their forever homes.

Old Places, New Adventures

OUT OF DOORS

By Paul Birbeck, Blue Badge Tour Guide with How have the Vales’ small businesses coped with 2020?

I was always taught that years ending in ‘66’ were the most memorable in British history.1066 (Battle of Hastings),1666 (Great Fire of London) & 1966 (England win World Cup). Well, maybe history will remember 2020 as a major pivotal moment!

Record-breaking extremes of weather associated with global warming, Brexit and of course a worldwide pandemic. Life is never going to be exactly the same again as these occurrences are resulting in major adjustments in the way we organize our social, economic and healthy life style.

One change that has interested me has been the shift to home working and the declining importance of town centres and urban areas.

The increase in online shopping is causing the collapse of established town stores and having a major impact on jobs; many of us are now more confident to interact using social media to converse with family, friends and importantly, do business. The speed at which houses are selling across the area also seems to indicate an apparent desire for families to relocate from urban areas to the countryside for a better quality of life – the housing market across the Vale reflecting this vibrancy.

With these thoughts in mind, last November I interviewed a business acquaintance who runs her own business in the area.

Tessa Corney owns Tessa’s Tiaras.

Her work involves designing and creating handmade accessories aimed at, but not exclusively for, the wedding market and brides as she makes products including tiaras, hair vines, veils and embroidered pieces.

happening and limits on weddings for the foreseeable, Tess is ticking along quietly fulfilling orders for sewn garments for a long term customer and, as Sherborne Walks can testify, embroidery to workwear for local businesses.

Tessa started trading from home in April 2005 and opened her first studio space in 2007. Last summer, mid-pandemic, she relocated her business from Wincanton to the Gibbs Farm Units near Stalbridge.

Gibbs Farm Unit’s are a typical example of numerous small industrial business sites found across the Vale. The relatively remote rural location really suits Tessa’s work style. A high street location would not work. Here Tessa can avoid being interrupted when focusing on tricky (and sometimes secretive) designs, so her customers get her full focus.

The Unit offers Tessa some lovely business neighbours and so she feels she’s getting the best of both worlds.

Her old studio was accessed via shared stairs and facilities which meant that not only was it tricky for customers with mobility issues, but there was no control over other people coming in and out of the building which just did not work within a Covid-19 risk assessment! Both problems were solved by moving. Her new studio is more reflective of her work and is a beautiful bright space.

Tessa commented “I love that I can go to my studio and feel that I am in control of offering my customers as safe an environment as possible. I get to see some beautiful views on my way to work and the courtyard is kept very tidily by my landlord. It is just a pleasant environment to be in.

For Sherborne Walks, a new lockdown means that once again we have lost all visitors, our foreign guests and coach parties cancelled, routine weekly group trading completely ceased.

The situation thankfully slightly improved towards the end of the year, and like the many small independent businesses from all sectors in the area we are optimistic that trade will recover during 2021.

My dog, Jessie, and I get to say hello to the cows every morning too!”

The pandemic has significantly affected business. The usual wedding trade has pretty much paused.

With no wedding fairs

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POLITICS

Take a Hike...

The routes we feature have always been created and walked recently by ourselves, so you know you can trust them - we aim for unpopulated routes with as little road and as many views as possible!

You can always see the route and follow it yourself via the free Outdoor Active app see all our routes here. (you need to click the ‘contents’ tab - the dropdown box above lets you see the ‘tracks’ of every single walk we do, and the ‘routes’ of those we choose to actually publish)

Getting out for some exercise each day is more essential than ever during lockdown. We’ve been restricted for months thanks to Courtenay’s knee injury, but we’ve slowly started enjoying a few short (for us) slow strolls.

This particular one was an absolute joy - we headed out on the afternoon of New Years Eve and we took it oh-so-slow.

The light was glorious, the air was crisp, the shadows long, and we simply breathed in the dying embers of the year, making plans for better days ahead.

Clearly we all need to think about what ‘local’ is during lockdown - this walk may need to wait until we’re all moving around more freely again.

But do please bookmark it and go try it. We’ve been asked for some shorter routes, and at just over four miles on wide easy tracks, this one’s for almost everybody. You will not be disappointed.

CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE INTERACTIVE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE

Starting on the Ox Drove, there is usually ample space to park under the trees. Then it’s a simple saunter along the Drovers track, enjoying the views and the forest, until a short right cuts across to the Roman Road on Vernditch Chase - we always cut this corner during the winter as the Roman Road gets horribly sloppy. In the summer do square the corner along the edge of Knighton Wood.

Then it’s a simple bridleway all the way back up to the car - keep an eye out for the white deer.

OUT OF DOORS

The Voice of The Allotment Our plot continued to supply us with fresh vegetables throughout December.

We had good pickings of Brussels sprouts (Brendan and Trafalgar), Romanesco (Natalino), Cauliflower (Cendis) and Calabrese (Ironman). Having picked the main heads of the Calabrese in November the plants continued to produce smaller side shoots.

With no hard frosts it was easy to dig carrots and parsnips as required. We have grown many different varieties of parsnips over the last 30 years and are now finding Palace to be an excellent trouble-free variety.

We had a plentiful supply of leeks and some of the best celeriac (Monarch) ever grown on our plot. We both enjoy Winter salads and grow a lot of Autumn mustards, radishes, winter cress and corn salad.

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All of these thrived throughout the month and will continue to do so unless we get some very hard weather. One of the best Winter radishes which keeps well in the ground is Red Moon and its sister variety Blue Moon, both very colourful on the plate.

Looking back on 2020 we think it was one of the best growing years with no really dry months and above average rainfall. The wettest months were February and December, the driest May and July.

Each year there are a few varieties that do not perform well. This year it was Snow March cauliflower which should have been ready to cut in the Spring.

Our plants all headed in December, most being lost to the wet weather as they produced little leaf protection. Our December variety was Cendis

with Barry Cuff

producing large protected heads, the largest weighing 3.7 Kg enough for quite a few meals.

The year saw little damage from Leek Moth and Swede Midge, while the caterpillars of the Cabbage White Butterfly were still active mid month. We are lucky not to have club root on the plot, but do lose a small number of onions from White Rot despite a six year rotation.

All of the fallow ground has received manure and we have our new seeds. Our potatoes will be bought next month.

We look forward to a new growing season. The first crop to be sown will be broad beans in February. With possible worries over food supplies in the future an allotment ensures fresh vegetables and fruit throughout the year. Waiting lists for plots are growing as many now wish to ‘grow your own’.

Garden Jobs for January 2021 is here and so let’s look forward… and following on with my Percy Thrower reference from last month;

‘Now’s the Time... To Consider, Plan and Prepare’ CONSIDER: the environmental benefits of gardening.

Reduce your use of peat based composts. The effects of extraction of peat from lowlands peat bogs in the UK has reduced peat bogs to less than 10% of their original size. This is irreparable, as peatlands take thousands of years to form.

The Gardens Group - (Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury) are actively pursuing the idea and indeed are reducing the amount

OUT OF DOORS from Pete - Head Gardener at Sherton Abbas Gardening

of peat they use in their garden centres. Peat free and loam based composts are available, and advice can be obtained from garden centre staff.

Consider the soil in your garden soil testing can help, particularly if you have moved to a new garden or have just taken on an allotment. This can avoid years of disappointing results. The Testwest Soil Test Kit is one, or the Mooncity 3-in-1 soil tester is very easy to use. Again, speak to your local garden centre staff for advice.

PLAN: How about planning for an environmentally friendly garden?

Consider native plantings, allow an area of garden to ‘go native’ to attract wildlife eg. put up bird boxes, hedgehog homes, or maybe a butterfly house - (The Woodland Trust has more information on this here).

‘Now’s the Time’ to order your seed catalogues.

• Review what worked well in your garden last year (and what didn’t go well) and perhaps make a new plan of action.

Also plan your vegetable plot rotations for the new season.

PREPARE • Clear up and clean the greenhouse, consider a sulphur fumigate the greenhouse, wash all pots and the greenhouse glass (carefully) and perhaps

consider installing automatic automatic vent openers, installing guttering and a water butt to conserve water.

• Pot up pelargonium cuttings and plant up overwintered dahlia tubers in a cold greenhouse. If you do not have a greenhouse, how about using cloches to warm up an area of soil to prepare for sowing early seeds?

• Clean all gardening tools and sharpen secateurs and shears.

Some of the jobs that can be done this month are: Sow Sweet Peas, Begonias, Pelargoniums, Basil, Dahlias - a heated propagator will help with the seed sowing and germination temperature requirements.

Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch.

Prune Apple and Pear trees, start forcing Rhubarb, Plant Roses and bare rooted trees and shrubs if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Now’s the Time to… look forward… to a better year in 2021.

Pete

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POLITICS

Flowers in January

How about scouring the hedgerows and your garden for any interesting bits to make some floral decorations?

Some Beech twigs are still clinging onto their auburn leaves, teasels and rose hips are plentiful, as are fronds of grass heads, such as Pampas, if you are lucky enough to have some in your garden.

I made a winter wreath whilst walking Tizzy my little white lurcher the other day. I simply twisted whips of twig together to form a circle and started adding in any interesting bits I found as I went.

The result is rather wild and woolly, but adorns my front door replacing the traditional foliage Christmas wreath, reflecting the season and my mood!

This time of year is my least favourite; the festivities of Christmas have receded, the decorations are down and yet we are still left with short grey days and nothing of interest to fill them.

So, a project is what you need!

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Bring a bit of nature inside by treating yourself to some flowering bulbs, I’ve got some Amaryllis and Hyacinth in pots and I’m enjoying wafts of scent from the latter each time I pass by.

Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and I’d suggest going for something scented such as Paper Whites, Hyacinths or Bridal Crown Narcissi, although I can never resist Muscari - the strange, bobbly, Grape Hyacinths on their slender stems.

Buy some ‘in the green’ i.e. already planted and shooting, for immediate gratification, as well as some in packets which you can plant up and bring on inside the house on a warm windowsill.

Have fun and try planting some bulbs in quirky containers such as an old teapot; I often scour charity shops for such things!

Do remember to put grit in the bottom for drainage.

Group an odd number of bulbs together and position the bulbs with the top half above the level of the compost for best effect. (this can be safely done when growing inside, but not advisable in the garden).

I often add a little bit of moss to cover the compost. The bulbs will need support as they grow, particularly Hyacinths with their large heavy heads; you can use short canes, one positioned by each bulb and tie a ribbon about two thirds of the way up around the whole lot.

Or for a more natural look, push twigs (any variety will do) in amongst the bulbs when you plant them, to the height they will grow when mature and they will support the foliage and flower heads.

The second option has the advantage of being cost free and looks more wintery, reminiscent of skeletal trees.

Oonagh Langrishe The English Florist www.theenglishflorist.co.uk

BOOK CORNER POLITICS

Voice of the Books The Other Bennet Sister

by Janice Hadlow £8.99 I thought an uplifting feel good read of sheer entertainment would be a good recommendation for a January in lockdown; for fans of Pride and Prejudice this book will delight.

Mary is the middle of the five Bennet girls and the plainest of them all, so what hope does she have? Prim and pious, with no redeeming features, she is unloved and seemingly unlovable.

An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp

Exe Men- The Extraordinary Rise of Exeter Chiefs by ROBERT KITSON £17.99 I was puzzling over a selection that would take readers minds off the current pandemic situation - and thought that one of the best stories in British team sport over the past decade might just be the thing.

How, exactly, did an unfashionable team from Devon emerge from obscurity to conquer the summit of English rugby? What makes them tick?

What are their secrets?

Exe Men is a compelling tale of regional pride, fierce rural identity, larger-than-life local

tongue; little in common with her siblings - is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance?

Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourne, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins. But she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all. Simultaneously a wonderfully warm homage to Jane Austen and a delightful new story in its own right, Janice Hadlow’s The Other Bennet Sister is, at its heart, a life-affirming tale of a young woman finding her place in the world.

Witty and uplifting, it will make

heroes, remarkable characters, epic resilience, big city snobbery, geographical separation, steepling ambition and personal sacrifice which will strike a chord with anyone who enjoys a classic underdog story.

This is not just any old rugby book, it is the inside story of how a small-town club from the edge of nowhere became every neutral’s favourite team.

‘A beautifully-written, amusing and insightful book’ - Donald McRae ‘A quite brilliant combination of great story and great storyteller’ Tom English, BBC Sport

Wayne

CLOSED FOR BROWSING, OPEN FOR BUSINESS We are temporarily closed for browsing but remain here for all your book-ish needs. Please contact us by phone, email or order online - the books can be picked up from kerbside (nearest car park) or posting at cost. Stay well, stay well-read.

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POLITICS

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POLITICS Everyone? Meet Edwin. image: Rachael Rowe

No Kidding We Should Taste More Goat.

By Rachael Rowe

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FOOD & DRINK

January is a time when people look to healthier lifestyles and apart from ‘Dry January’ or ‘Veganuary’, there’s a real opportunity to integrate foods into our diets that are less calorific and have health boosting properties. And that’s when I discovered the benefits of goats - seeing as it’s a Capricorn month.

For some reason, Dorset is a popular place for goats, with around 8300 animals in the county. They make up just over a third of the South West’s population and 10 per cent of the national stock. And that means there are lots of opportunities to sample some local produce.

If you are like me and first tasted some unappetising samples of goat meat on a Greek holiday, you are in for a treat. The Boer goats at New Barn Farm at Knowlton are bred specifically for their meat. Owner, Louisa Matthews describes them as the “Aberdeen Angus of the goat world.” For those looking to improve their new year diets, goat has less fat and cholesterol than other red meats and

shop

contains more iron. There are also fewer calories in goat meat.

And if you are environmentally conscious, goats produce less methane per kilo of body weight than cows.

sells fresh meat as well as other local foods and gifts (and a chance to see the goats in person). Hand crafted goats milk soaps are another Dorset product by Maycottage.

There are 100 or so goats at New Barn Farm and judging by the smile on Edwin the buck’s face from his pen shared with five females, there will be a few more soon. Several kids were born during the Christmas holidays, given festive names, and were happily playing in the barn.

You can also buy fresh goat meat online via their farm website – worth noting during lockdown.

Louisa and her family decided to focus on goats “because with ten acres there is a limit to what is possible, and there are a lot of health benefits from goat.”

The farm is unusually located within Knowlton Henge, an ancient settlement site, and the family have plans to expand to include a cafe later this year.

The on- site Goat Shack

So for a first timer cooking goat, what’s the best way to do it?

Louisa advises: “You can cook a shoulder or leg of goat like you would lamb but because it has less fat you need to cook it at a lower temperature and slower.

We also have burgers and sausages as well as diced meats and chops.”

And after sampling some of the goat meat for supper, I can recommend it as a high quality healthier choice of food from Dorset. www.newbarnfarmdorset.co.uk/ Rachael Rowe is a freelance food, health and travel writer in North Dorset. Her portfolio is at www.rachaelrowe.com

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POLITICS FOOD & DRINK

Drink Local

by Simon Vernon

A new year and a new lockdown; dry January probably is not at the top of most people’s agenda for 2021!

That said, have you considered the alternative healthy drink, Brod® Kvas? It’s brewed under franchise by Jonathann Cocogne in Yeovil, a Frenchman who is deeply passionate about his product

If you’re hunting for where the wine usually sits, I know you’ll join me in sending Sadie our warmest thoughts; we hope she’ll back with us very soon. Meantime, Simon has stepped into the local drinks market for you... Ed

therefore great for the gut.

The range consists of the original rye plus flavoured options, all made from 100% natural ingredients, very refreshing and a wonderful alternative to alcohol.

It can be found locally in Ceres health food shop in Yeovil. It is

raw, live, unpasteurised, naturally sparkling and packed full of lactobacillus cultures. A new drink which is rapidly gaining in popularity, look for it in the chiller. For more information check out the website www. thekvascompany.com

This range of soft drinks is an alternative to kombucha, fermented tea; Kvas is an ancient drink first brewed about 5000 years ago, made with bread, sugar and water using a lactic acid fermentation process. The alcohol content is extremely low, about 1.5%, and so is considered a soft drink, a probiotic and

Sherborne, www.mureliqueurs. com.

This range of liqueurs started with Blackberry, a Great Taste award winner, and is expanding, with four flavours currently.

Personally I love the Marmalade whisky, made with Seville oranges, a wonderful orange flavour combined with warm whisky, great over ice.

I was introduced to Mat Folass by Carl, the producer of Viper Gin, www.viperspirit. co.uk, the excellent local gin made in Cerne Abbas.

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Mat, you may remember, won MasterChef in 2009; a Kiwi who has made his home in Dorset. He recently opened his new restaurant Bramble, in Sherborne, and as a man of many talents, he also created a range of fruit liqueurs under the name Mûre which is moving production to a new home in

Wonderful products made locally and worth searching out, Brod Kvas and Mûre, great alternatives to try and during this difficult time and always great to support local.

Cheers!!

Notes From An Epicurean I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas albeit slightly different to what we are used to.

Now our thoughts turn to 2021.

Epiphany has already passed so the Galette de Rois (King Tart) will have been eaten - this was originally a French tradition which has now spread to other countries, eaten around 6th January, a flat tart of puff pastry with a layer of frangipane inside.

Like our tradition of having a sixpence in the plum pudding, Galette de Rois usually contained a fève (broad bean) hidden inside. These days the fève is usually a trinket, and it celebrates the arrival of the three Kings in Bethlehem.

January is often a time for healthier eating, a great excuse, especially with our lockdown, to indulge in some caviar, one of the ultimate luxury foods, high in protein, vitamin D, B12, and essential minerals.

Caviar was originally only eaten by royalty and in the finest households, but during the nineteenth century the price was lower due to America having a large stock of native sturgeon, the fish that produce the eggs.

During that period, it was so plentiful in America that they gave it away free in some of their bars to encourage people to drink more due to its salty flavour.

Unfortunately, that did not last as the Sturgeon were overfished and virtually wiped out - most was shipped to Europe to be sold at a much higher price. Caviar is now all farmed as stocks of wild sturgeon have been depleted to such an extent that there is a worldwide ban.

Kings Fine Food have a wide range of farmed caviar for those wishing to try some; do not forget metal taints the delicate flavour of the eggs, so a non-metallic spoon such as mother of pearl should be used.

Eaten it on its own to savour the flavour, or it can be eaten with boiled eggs, blinis, sour cream,

FOOD & DRINK

or red onion.

January also means it is “Veganuary” time again, one month of trying a vegan diet.

Once considered difficult, it is now relatively easy with so many meat alternatives.

With the success of “Veganuary”, the livestock industry in the UK is fighting back with “Reganuary” (Regenerative Agriculture January!), a campaign to promote traditional livestock farming methods which aims to increase biodiversity, enrich soil, and improve the ecosystem.

As an ex-livestock farmer, I have my own views on this, but I suggest researching on the internet to decide for yourselves which diet is better for the planet.

Happy New Year - hopefully it brings more varied menus to everyone’s table!

Simon Vernon Food consultant & Great Taste Awards Judge

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POLITICS BUSINESS NEWS

with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

OnBuy.com, described as the world’s fastest-growing marketplace, has become a Premier Business Partner with Dorset Chamber.

OnBuy says the decision marks its commitment to the county ahead of a worldwide scale-up.

As well as cementing its roots in the region, the move also demonstrates support for the regional business community, alongside its commitment to local recruitment.

OnBuy has also announced it is to invest £10m in Dorset.

The business has held talks with BCP Council about finding a new HQ as it continues to add to its 60+ staff.

The expanding eCommerce company, founded in 2016, has seen dramatic growth in the past year.

Sales grew 870 percent from November 2019 to November 2020 and have shot from a rate of £24m to over £170m in one year.

The marketplace’s sales are forecast to hit £2bn before the end of 2023.

OnBuy says it’s on a mission to revolutionise the eCommerce sector by providing a fair, transparent and ethical marketplace, benefiting both buyers and sellers.

Cas Paton, CEO and winner of Just Entrepreneurs’ Founder of the Year Award 2020, said: “OnBuy has gone from strength to strength in the last four years and after a record-breaking 2020, we’re going to grow even faster in 2021.

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“We’ve set our sights on achieving unicorn status and we’re going to achieve that from our HQ right here in Dorset.

“Reaching unicorn status is about establishing the credibility of our vision worldwide, and I’m looking forward to taking our ethical eCommerce ecosystem to the world stage.

“We’ll be doubling our Dorsetbased team within the next two years. The county has huge potential - I want to put Dorset on the world stage for tech.

“Forget Silicon Valley, it’s all about Silicon Beach now, and OnBuy will be Dorset’s first unicorn tech company.

“I’m glad to be working with Dorset Chamber to help realise these ambitions for the area and am looking forward to connecting with more Dorset businesses through the network.”

OnBuy is embarking on a worldwide scale-up into over 140 countries by the end of 2023, starting with 42 initial sites early

this year. To support its growth, OnBuy is continually recruiting within the region for a variety of roles.

Ian Girling, Chief Executive, Dorset Chamber, said: “OnBuy is one of the most exciting, fastestgrowing businesses in the county and we’re pleased to be able to support the company in realising its ambitions.

“Businesses like OnBuy help to keep Dorset on the map for business and entrepreneurialism so that we can continue to attract great talent and encourage more ambitious founders, like Cas, to start their businesses in the county.”

Along with OnBuy’s unprecedented growth, its seller base has increased by ten per cent every month over the last three consecutive months, with more than 600 new sellers joining in November alone.

OnBuy has also recently been named eCommerce Company of the Year in the 2020 UK Tech Business Awards.

BUSINESS NEWS

Thousands of residents, schools and businesses are being given a helping hand with their internet bills during the national lockdown.

Wessex Internet, the Blandford-based internet provider, is doubling the data availability for its existing customers on limited data tariffs during January and February free of charge.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director, said: “This is a tough time of year for everybody.

“Due to the increasing number of people working from home, children who are home schooling, people who are shielding and businesses that are operating under difficult conditions it is anticipated that more data will be used during this period.

Wessex Internet is contacting existing customers who are on limited data tariffs individually to

inform them of the good news.

Wessex Internet is an independent ISP (internet service provider) that uses its proprietary fibre network to deliver ultrafast broadband to Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and beyond.

The company delivers ultrafast internet to thousands of customers whose copper to fibre upgrade was deemed uncommercial by the rest of the telecoms industry.

The network consists of more than 150 wireless masts and over 1,500km (932 miles) of fibre delivering ultrafast fibre and wireless coverage to more than 3,500 customers across Dorset, South Wiltshire, South Somerset and parts of Hampshire.

and Spa, with access to lovely country walks and a large private garden, is ideal for dogs.

“We would not dream of staying in a hotel that would not welcome us with Monty, our Chihuahua.”

General Managers, said: “Seeing both the owners and dogs enjoying the hotel and gardens is such a pleasure for us.

“Dogs have always played a very important part in the lives of our owners, The Tollman family.

“As General Managers we are also the proud owners of a very friendly Jackadach called Rodney, so it is brilliant to have dogs around us every day at work.”

Hector Gibson Fleming – Wessex Internet

Two Dorset hotels have scooped top prizes in PetsPyjamas’ 2020 DogFriendly Travel Awards.

The Eastbury Hotel and Spa in Sherborne was the Best in Show winner while Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant in Evershot received the Best For Pets Perks award.

They were among 11 locations in the UK recognised in the awards staged by dog-friendly holiday company PetsPyjamas.

The Eastbury Hotel and Spa impressed PetsPyjamas judges, and received its ‘Best in Show’ title.

Peter and Lana de Savary, Owners of The Eastbury Hotel and Spa said: “The Eastbury Hotel

Grade II listed Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant received the ‘Best for Pet Perks’ award thanks to its dog-friendly rooms, including a dog bed; ‘woof’ towels and a ‘dog in room’ door hanger so staff can ready themselves to welcome a four-legged friend.

There’s also a dog wash station to rinse pups after walks and a dogs menu.

Alex and Jack Mackenzie,

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BUSINESS NEWS

New Category - and Last call for entries A new category has been added to Sherborne Business Awards The organisers of the Sherborne Business Awards have announced that a new category has been added to recognise businesses that have helped their teams cope during the uncertainty caused by the Covid issues.

The Mental Health Awareness award has been added and is now open for entries.

Said Nigel Reeve of the organisers of the awards Marketing West: ‘We are delighted with the response to date, but we still encourage as many businesses

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as possible to enter. including the new category. The impact of the Covid crisis on mental health across all of us cannot be underestimated, so we are delighted to add this category even at this late stage.”

Entries for the Sherborne Business Awards close on Monday, 25th January 2021. All businesses in the Sherborne area are invited to enter using the simple online form on the awards website: www.sherbornebusinessawards. co.uk.

The categories are: •

• • • • • • • •

It’s free to enter and there’s a category to suit every business.

• • • •

Nigel finished “The more businesses that enter the better so we can use the awards to promote the fantastic range of local businesses.”

• •

Best Community Support (seen to be supporting other businesses or people during the recent issues) Best Customer/Client Service Arts, Crafts and Artisans Best Use of Digital Green Business of the Year New Business of the Year Health, Beauty and Fitness Mental Wellbeing and Awareness Independent Business of the Year Retail Business of the Year Service Provider of the Year Cafe /Pub of the Year Rising Star of the Year (1625 year old either starting out in business or working within a business) Business Leader of the Year Overall Winner

Exhibition: Richard Hoare ‘Alchemy of Light’

ART

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

The medieval Tithe Barn at Messums Gallery and Arts Centre in Tisbury is reputed to be the largest of its type in England.

This impressive building is now open as an Arts Centre and cultural institution for the South West of England.

Originally built as a storage barn for the Abbess of Shaftesbury and owned by Shaftesbury Abbey until the Dissolution, in recent years the barn, set in the beautiful landscape of Fonthill Estate, has been extensively restored to its former glory.

Incongruously, it was a dark, rain-sodden morning when I visited Richard Hoare’s exhibition entitled an ‘The Alchemy of Light’; but despite the dank weather outside, golden light emanated from his paintings.

Richard lives in Shaftesbury, and his main focus is the Fonthill landscape, with its central lake surrounded by a myriad of caves and bridged by a weir.

The bewitching effects of light on these is beautifully captured

by Richard at different times of day and year: the lime greens of Spring contrast with the rich browns and ochres of Autumn; tumultuous skies roll with huge, powerful grey clouds while tantalising glimpses of blue pierce through the trees.

Other paintings in this exhibition include the hills and woody thickets of Berwick St John, Dinton Park, East Knoyle and Horse Hill – an Iron Age tumulus hill near Shaftesbury.

I started by asking Richard about

the origins of the exhibition’s title ‘The Alchemy of Light’. He sees alchemy as the dance of matter and energy from one state into a higher form - a seemingly magical process of transformation. It is also an explanation for the mystery of how paint can be transformed in a light filled picture.

“The way I work is intuitive. All the work in the exhibition has been generated from a spark.

When I see something I’m drawn to - usually it is trees, the lake, an island or mountain – an archetypal subject or perhaps just one tree in the landscape - I feel a tug at the heart and I respond to this through the ‘gesture’ of painting.

My work is the response to that initial impact witnessed in and from nature.”

Richard went on to explain how he communes with nature to

capture her essence by feeling a calmness in the presence of the beauty of the place. Rather than paint literally the appearance of the landscape, he tries to paint what he sees behind the surface, and that is something which cannot be described in words.

“I’m painting the tree as it resonates with life in that moment, not what it just looks like. The painting comes from that moment of being as completely present as possible.

“All good journeys contain some revelation about oneself, or the place one visits. A pilgrimage or journey from looking to seeing is a good allegory in my experience, for this life as a painter.”

Richard’s two-year residency in Japan, his stay in Ireland and his walks along the pilgrim routes of England, France, Spain and Turkey have amplified his love

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of nature and his work is always moving forward and evolving to reflect this journey both inner and outer.

“The constant behind everything is the Sun and the light it emits.

The pursuit of this light has of course been the destination and inspiration for many painters”.

A book, The Way of the Watercourse by Alan Watts has been an inspiration too. Watts demonstrates how the ancient and timeless Chinese wisdom of Tao promotes the idea of following a life lived according to the natural world and goes against our goal-oriented ideas by allowing time to quiet our minds and observe the world rather than imposing ourselves on it.

Richard explained that his mentor at Canterbury College of Art, Dennis Creffield, was also hugely influential in his journey as an artist and those intense classes are experiences to which he still refers.

We carried on our conversation

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ART

with a discussion about the inspiration Richard draws from nature.

“What is the heartbeat, where does the spark come from? My working life is guided on the law of three: time, energy and inspiration. Time is a fixed quantity. Then there is the energy we have…I’m energised through my work. The energy as a quantity is more elastic than time. I don’t believe that inspiration is just by chance.

There is a way of creating and working where inspiration will be there and this third element is unlimited by any dimension.

If I orchestrate the time and the energy elements correctly, inspiration always arrives.

But at the same time this process must never be taken for granted.

I am energised through my work and that has sustained me and made things possible. Over the years, where things have been tough, whenever I go back to my easel nature rushes towards me with its generosity. This working relationship between the three parts is beyond understanding but it can be experienced. My work is born out of this experience and maintaining of the gaze on to the natural world. I have found that love, light and inspiration

are interchangeable words for the same thing. The fulcrum of that is the experience of painting or the journey as a painter, as a pilgrim in the broadest sense.”

Richard constantly strives to reach the light through his painting. He moves with the work from the landscape and then back to his studio many times before the work is finished.

He captures the mesmerising effects of water at different times of day and season.

“When you look at water on the surface you can look through all the layers to another reality that is as present as the subject reflected. This fascinates me. I love painting in winter because it is pregnant with all the colour of Summer. My experience of light is often its healing, curative quality.”

As for the future, Richard is planning to spend some days walking and drawing at Knepp Castle Estate, the pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex, where freeroaming grazing animals have created new habitats for wildlife and are documented in Isabella Tree’s fascinating book Wilding… another Pilgrimage.

BEAUTY

New Year skincare made easy - and nowhere near as expensive as you’d think (I’m such a believer in doing it for nothing!).

This January we need to find some cheer (and perhaps the leftover Christmas wine!). It’s important to look after your skin and make sure you find and then flaunt that gorgeous glow.

But it’s not about a hugely time consuming and costly skincare routine involving twelve different bottles.

Because the basics are so very simple: Make sure you daily drink an

extra 2 glasses of water on top of your usual quota. This will ensure your body throws out any skin dulling toxins and therefore keep you hydrated which is important for slowing the aging process. Water costs nothing and is so beneficial!

Try and eat more fresh fruit and veg to enhance skin health.

The leafy greens, red beetroots and clementines are super for a radiant complexion.

Sleep well. Our body repairs itself by regenerating new cells whist sleeping, enhancing your inner and outer natural glow Exercise as much as you can, it

improves circulation, oxygenating those cells in mind and body, encompassing all the above and giving you a more relaxed air.

Finally; try and relax (I know... but do try) - there’s nothing worse than stress to ravage your skin and dull a complexion.

Here to answer any questions on Caro1@me.com and if you get engaged do visit the Amazing Face website for all your bridal hair and makeup needs.

Stay safe, and see you next month.

Caroline x

Great skincare products you should be using in your 2021 routine: • Facial oils - a one stop solution to a multitude of problems they nourish, hydrate and moisturise and some cleanse too.

• Face masks - plenty to choose from for deep cleaning and drawing out toxins and impurities.

• Serums - (my personal favourite product) can target any problems you have and they work fast, giving instant lift and radiance, use before moisturiser to actively reduce fine lines and tiredness or fatigued skin.

• Moisturiser - mix with a facial oil to get maximum benefit.

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ADVERTORIAL

HEALTH

How to manage aches and pains through winter Did Santa bring you more than you bargained for this Christmas?

Winter months can aggravate pre-existing joint or muscle pain and reduced activity during this period can increase stiffness. To help keep you well during winter lockdown, here are our top tips on how to manage aches and pains.

Keep moving Staying active is important as it increases blood flow through your body, which can help ward off stiffness and pain. If going out is difficult during lockdown, carve out some time in your day to do gentle stretches at home. This will not only increase blood flow but will give you time to relax and readjust your pace for the rest of the day.

Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet Including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet can help reduce pain in joints and muscles. Opt for foods like ginger, oily fish, berries and leafy greens in your diet.

Turmeric or ginger supplements can also help.

Stay hydrated Perhaps surprisingly, it’s actually easier to lose body fluids during colder months!

When you’re dehydrated, your body prioritises blood flow to vital organs instead of extremities, such as your fingers and toes.

This can increase stiffness or pain in these areas. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to support your body, water is best.

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Book a check up with a Chiropractor Are you experiencing musculoskeletal aches and pains? You needn’t suffer in silence. Over the past few months our practitioners have noticed an increase in patients suffering with stress related conditions and pain through reduced activity; so, to help keep people well through lockdown, we’re offering new patients their initial consultation for just £13.50! That’s a saving of £31 - one pound for every year we’ve been serving our community.

To find out more and book your consultation, visit chiropracticcareclinics.co.uk.

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Sturminster Bridge. Mist and Frost on New Years Eve - Meyrick Griffith-Jones

December Mist Through the Vale by Pat Catley

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Photographer’s note: NEW YEAR, NEW HOPE: The evening sun offers some hope for a brighter 2021. The photograph was taken near woodlands on the edge of Cranborne Chasee. It reminds us how lucky we are to live in this beautiful area, although lockdown restrictions mean that many of us will have to wait until we can get out and explore again.

Frosty Conditions at King’s Stag, 9th January - Steve Tarrant

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RURAL MATTERS

Locking Down and Looking Up Not only does the Campaign to Protect Rural England concern itself about countryside and the communities who live there but is also involved in helping to preserve the quality of the night sky over Dorset and other parts of our country.

With the current lockdown, people are confined to their own home and will no doubt be spending rather too much time gazing at various screens.

An alternative, if the skies happen to be clear one evening, is to wrap up warm, step outside into the garden and have a good look at what can be seen in the sky.

Now that the Christmas lights are safely stowed away for another year, you should have a good opportunity to observe a dark night sky, weather permitting.

A pair of binoculars or small telescope and guidebook will

help you identify anything of a celestial nature.

Most nights a planet is visible, recognisable in being bright but not twinkling like a star. Since planets wander across the sky, they sometimes appear close together as happened with the Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn that took place in midDecember. Good views were to be had from Stourton Caundle and other parts of the Blackmore Vale on Sunday 20th. Earlier, the crescent moon also shared the spectacle in a triple conjunction as shown in the image below taken by Michael Mattiazzo, an astronomer friend.

Other times when the moon is absent, a myriad of stars can be seen and what you might easily mistake for a cloud is in fact the faint glow of the Milky Way, our galaxy of stars seen edge-on, stretching across the sky.

Do wear sensible clothes and boots to stay warm, and find a convenient easy chair. Remain outside for at least 10-15 minutes so your

eyes become properly ‘dark adapted’.

I can guarantee that you will also witness the occasional ‘star’ moving silently across the blackness: one of many ‘manmade’ satellites launched into space and orbiting the earth.

You might also catch a view of a shooting star or meteor.

So let’s all be mindful of the natural spectacle visible from our doorstep every clear night.

If you have to have a security light, make sure it’s of the motion-sensitive variety that switches the light on only when necessary. To preserve our view of the heavens will require future housing developments to have ‘full-cut-off’ street lighting so no light is directed into the sky. A curfew time may also be adopted after which streetlights are automatically switched off to save energy and to avoid light pollution thereby protecting the natural environment.

Dr Richard Miles Dark Skies Adviser Dorset CPRE

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

JIGSAW

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

To complete the jigsaw simply click the image and the interactive jigsaw will pop up.

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POLITICS WHAT’S ON

The Panto’s Not On. OH YES IT IS! It’s January! It’s dark!

It’s cold! Christmas is over and we’re all in tiers! We’re bored!

We’re miserable! We want some laughs!

WE WANT A PANTOMIME! Of course you do. It’s that time of year. It’s only natural!

But the theatres are all closed.

The seats are empty. The lights are off. The magic has gone… or has it?

This January, families will be able to enjoy Somerset’s own virtual panto from the comfort of their own homes.

Theatre makers in Somerset have come together to create the perfect solution for panto in a pandemic – each scene of ‘In Search of Cinderella’ has been filmed at a well-known theatre or arts centre to create an online performance.

As well as telling the traditional Cinderella story on the stages of Somerset’s well-known venues, In Search of Cinderella takes the audience to the cafes, bars and front-of-house areas of the theatres to see The Prince’s quest for the foot that fits the glass slipper.

Written and produced in

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association with Somerset Film

by Richard Crowe, who said: “We’re creating something special with and for the people of Somerset. This is an opportunity to join across the county and celebrate what we’ve got and who we are. This story belongs to us – Somerset is Cinderella. We’re the county people drive through without stopping, and we’re the county that punches above its weight.

“As well as giving audiences a good time, we’re promoting our county’s theatres and arts centres at this difficult time. Everyone is welcome to watch the online performance for free – have a chuckle and a singalong on us! But if you can, the producers are asking for donations (whatever you feel it’s worth) that will go directly to help participating venues recover from the coronavirus crisis and help keep theatre live in Somerset.”

The participating venues are: Strode Theatre, Taunton Brewhouse, The Regal Theatre

Minehead, Bridgwater Arts Centre, The David Hall South Petherton, and the performance will end with the Prince and Cinders’ wedding at Glastonbury Abbey.

Children at Butleigh C of E Primary School have recorded their ‘It’s behind you’ moments which will be included in the performance.

The project is funded by Arts Council England, Somerset West & Taunton Council, the BARN initiative (via Take Art) and by the people of Somerset and further afield, through a fundraiser.

In Search of Cinderella premieres online at 6pm on Wednesday 20 January.

Information about the performance and competitions will be available at insearchofcinderella.com.

Blandford & District u3a invites you to join them for a talk on Zoom on 29 January at 14.30. No charge.

Rosemary Legrand will be speaking on the gardens in the Bay of Naples area.

For further information, please phone 01258 455081.

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FAMILY FINANCE FEATURE

Dealing With Debt Whilst most of our Family Finance special is about sensibly planning for the future, there are of course many people who are battling the swirling panic of debt right now. So we spoke to the experts at Citzens Advice, who’ve created a brilliant guide as to what you can do today:

If you’re struggling to repay money you owe, there are actions you can take.

Making a list of your debts Collect together all the information about your debts, such as contracts, bills and statements. Your debts might include: • rent arrears • council tax arrears • energy or water bills • benefit overpayments • credit cards • Next write down the details of each debt: • who you owe the money to this is your ‘creditor’ • when you first missed a payment • how much you owe • your account or reference number • what the creditor has done so far to get the money back Try not to worry when you see all your debts written down - the important thing is that you're sorting them out.

Don’t ignore your creditors It’s important to read letters from your creditors so you know what they’re going to do. They are less likely to take action if you get in touch with them. Be brave and open the envelope.

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Priority and non priority debts Debts are usually split into two categories; priority and non priority. The action a creditor can take depends on the type of money that’s owed.

A debt is a priority debt if the creditor can take particularly serious action, such as taking possession of your home, disconnecting essential services or having you sent to prison.

These are usually the debts you should deal with first: rent/ mortgage arrears, council tax arrears and fuel arrears.

If your debt is old and you think it might be statute barred or soon will be, don’t write to your creditor but seek advice instead.

Non-priority debts (eg credit card debts, mobile phone debts) generally have less serious consequences. Creditors can get a County Court Judgment (CCJ) that orders you to pay.

Seek further advice If you’re feeling overwhelmed or if there is an emergency (eg bailiffs are coming round, you're being evicted for rent or mortgage arrears, you're being taken to court or your gas or electricity company is threatening to cut you off), you should seek free, impartial debt advice. Start by contacting Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 or Stepchange on 0800 138 1111.

What to say to your creditors You should usually try to contact your creditors. Tell them you’re trying to deal with your debts.

Ask them to: • confirm the details of your debts • stop chasing you for payments while you work out what you need to do • stop adding interest and charges so the debt doesn’t get any bigger It’s usually better to write or send an email, so you have a record of what they say.

Next steps Don’t worry if you don’t know how to deal with the debts on your list. If you make a plan and stick to it, any debt problem can be managed.

Income Maximisation Check to see if you can increase your income. You can do a benefit check online at Entitled To.

Rachel Rogers and Keith Greening Central Dorset Citizens Advice

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FAMILY FINANCE FEATURE

A note from your Local Insurance Broker…

What is insurance?

A simple definition is ‘The contributions of many to pay for the misfortunes of the few’.

Those collecting the contributions are the insurers or ‘underwriters’ (usually insurance companies or Lloyd’s Syndicates) and the ‘unfortunate few’ are their policyholders.

The insurance covers provided are set out in a Policy document which tends to be a ‘one size fits all’ printed wording to which a Schedule, specific to the individual ‘risk’ is attached.

To be sure of what is, or is not covered, it is important to read the whole wording (‘perlege verba’ – try Googling this!) and check name, address, property insured or vehicle, sums insured etc.

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It will also point out any special terms or conditions which apply to the cover provided such as ‘Protected No Claim Discount’, a warranty regarding security devices, who may drive the vehicle or the application of Excesses to the cover (the amount a Policyholder must contribute in the event of a claim) etc.

An insurance Policy is distributed or ‘sold’ in a number of ways.

If you buy it directly from an insurer it is down to the Policyholder to ensure that the whole document reflects their requirements. This becomes even more important when buying online as the responsibility, again, is principally yours to make sure it is correct.

If bought from an Insurance Broker, it is the duty of the Broker to ensure that a) the insurer being recommended is sound and b) that the policy accurately provides the cover required at an appropriate price which represents good value thus treating the customer fairly.

Please remember, you are not buying a piece of paper or a document on a screen. You are buying a promise to pay when something goes wrong.

Don’t wait until after the event to find out.

Summers... here for you whatever the season! https://summersinsurance.co.uk

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FAMILY FINANCE FEATURE POLITICS

A pandemic financial plan for all the family Ensure a safe financial future for yourself, your parents and your children during the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the ‘sandwich generation’ - individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s who are bringing up their own children while also providing care for their parents - face increased financial strain in the best of times.

Pulled in different directions, they are also trying to save for their own retirement during a critical period in their working life.

In the current coronavirus crisis, the sandwich generation is facing additional challenges, with the pandemic impacting jobs, businesses, schools and home life.

It’s the perfect storm of financial, emotional and time pressure.

You might be in a senior role at work and have to juggle management responsibilities with the challenge of working from home. Or you might have been furloughed from your current role and face the prospect of a cut in income.

Added to this, there are concerns about the performance of your

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pension and other investments given recent stock market falls.

So, amid this perfect storm, what can members of the sandwich generation do?

A financial adviser can help to work out your priorities and put a plan in place to build wealth for the future. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to support your parents and your children – while also taking care of yourself.

How to help your parents Whether your ageing parents live with you, by themselves or in a care home, this is an anxious time. And while money is never an easy topic to talk about, having a conversation will allow you to plan for this period of uncertainty more effectively.

Do you have a clear understanding of your parents’ assets, income sources, living expenses and debts? Do they have life insurance or longterm care insurance? Are they claiming all the benefits they are entitled to?

Involving a financial adviser at

this point can remove emotion from the equation and restrict the discussion to the facts and figures – for example, if you need to adjust your financial plan due to a change in circumstances caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Talk to your parents about financial scams in order to help prevent them from falling victim to online or telephone fraud. Keep in regular contact (via phone or digitally) and make sure they’re aware that you’re happy to discuss any money concerns that they may have.

And though it is a difficult subject, it’s important to check that your parents’ affairs are in order. Will creation and legacy planning will be front of mind for many people during this time of uncertainty, and it’s worth taking a look to make sure everything is up to date.

Also note whether they’ve specified who can legally take control of their finances should they become unable to make decisions on their own.

How to help your children Whether your children are younger and home from school, older and back living at home

FAMILY FINANCE FEATURE after their university has closed, or they have been laid off from their job, they will likely need increased emotional – and possibly financial – support.

Thinking about money as a family, rather than each generation trying to manage alone, is a great place to start, and has the added benefit of introducing younger generations to financial planning.

Ask yourself: what are you currently paying for childcare or schooling? Are you saving for a child’s education, or to help with a first-home purchase? Are loans and gifts to your children being structured in the most flexible or tax-efficient way?

The impact of the coronavirus may change the answers to these questions, and a financial adviser can help you identify what to prioritise and how to adapt to current circumstances if needed – while still saving for the future.

Pensions and Junior ISAs are great opportunities to give children a financial head start, and it’s worth contributing even

in times of volatility. In the Budget in March, the annual allowance for a Junior ISA was more than doubled to £9,000. A parent or guardian must set up the Junior ISA, but anyone can pay into it, and there is no tax to pay on any income or gains.

Even small contributions into a child or young person’s pension can make a big difference over the long term.

How to help yourself Remember, to continue caring for your children and your parents, you need to take care of yourself.

It can be tempting to try to predict the future, or react to events as they happen.

Talking to a financial adviser can help you make a financial plan in a calm, rational way, rather than reacting to news stories or your own emotions.

Putting the right plan in place will allow greater opportunities to build wealth over time – fulfilling your retirement plans while still supporting other generations.

If you can, continue contributing to your own pension and savings. Sacrificing saving today could result in financial strain tomorrow.

In addition, life insurance and financial protection are relevant now more than ever – we may not like to think about death, serious illness and long-term sickness, but they’re especially important if others rely on you financially.

Use your time in lockdown to give your budget a spring clean. Are there monthly costs that you could eliminate or reduce? Are you using available tax breaks? You may even find there is an opportunity to make the most of a fall in share prices and invest for the future.

When markets have dropped, it can be a good time to save and invest. It may seem counterintuitive, but you are buying cheap stocks.

Look after you and yours. If you have any questions or concerns about intergenerational financial planning, ask a financial adviser. They’re there to help.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Samantha Thorpe Wealth Management on 07860355547 or email sam.thorpe@sjpp. co.uk.

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FAMILY FINANCE FEATURE POLITICS

Self Employed?

The SEISS has been extended Whilst there are many subjects with regard to family finances and planning that are relevant right now, this one I feel is the most critical due to the deadline to claim being 29th January.

HM Treasury has published a further Treasury Direction made under the Coronavirus Act 2020, ss. 71 and 76, which modifies and extends the effect of the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

The Direction mainly deals with the expansion of the SEISS from 1 November 2020 to 29 January 2021, officially referred to as the SEISS Grant Extension 3 (SEISS 3).

The self-employed will receive 80% of average trading profits for November, December and January. This will mean a maximum grant for the three months of ÂŁ7,500 made available to those who meet the eligibility requirements.

The claim window for applying for the grant opened on 30 November 2020 and closes on 29 January 2021.

To be eligible for an SEISS 3 payment, self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, must meet the following criteria in relation to a trade:

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1. The business of which has suffered reduced activity, capacity or demand in that period from that which could reasonably have been expected but for the adverse effect on the business of coronavirus or coronavirus disease, and 2. which the claimant reasonably believes will suffer a significant reduction in trading profits for a relevant basis period from that which would otherwise have reasonably been expected as a result of that reduced activity, capacity or demand.

Claimants must also have been previously eligible for the SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they do not have to have claimed the previous grants).

An additional second grant will be made available from 1 February 2021 to 30 April 2021.

The level of this second grant amount is subject to review and will be set in due course.

Here’s a gratuitous happy cat because Finance Planning can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.

FAMILY LAW POLITICS

Battens Solicitors

COVID-19 – Family Matters, how have things changed?

COVID19 and the lockdowns have left many people feeling adrift in their relationships and have sadly led to an increase of incidents of domestic violence. The good news is that we are still able to help you with any and all family matters during this time and have dedicated practitioners working within the team.

You may wish to undertake mediation in the first instance to see if matters can be agreed between you and your spouse or partner.

Mediators are still working and this can be done remotely via Zoom.

Thanks to the technology we now have, the same benefits of mediation such as separate rooms, individual or joint mediation, or family mediation can be accessed without putting yourself at risk. There are some circumstances in which mediation is not suitable; however, attending mediation can help keep the relationship more amicable. A less contentious divorce or separation can be much easier in situations where there are children, for example. Mediation is a voluntary process and neither party can be forced to attend. However, mediation is usually a mandatory step before any Court proceedings can be issued. We can advise you fully in respect of mediation and its appropriateness.

The main difference to how proceedings are now managed is the use of remote Court hearings. The Court is providing both telephone and video link hearings. Usually you would have to attend court in person alongside your solicitor and the other parties. However, during the pandemic, Courts are now using the BT MeetMe telephone conference service, Microsoft Teams, Skype and other video conferencing software. These new methods of conducting Hearings are easy to use and do not require additional software aside from a smart phone for video conferences or any phone number for BT MeetMe. At the outset of the Court Hearing you will be reminded that recording the Hearing is a criminal offence and that it is essential you are alone in a private location for the duration of the call. Once this formality has been covered, the process is the same as in pre-COVID times, and your solicitor can represent you.

If mediation is not suitable, or fails, we are now taking instruction mainly via telephone or remotely for example via Zoom. We can arrange a telephone call or virtual meeting whenever is convenient for you and give you the necessary advice.

There is currently a backlog in Court cases due to the increased demand and staff absence. However, Courts are still running and dealing with as much as they can manage but there are delays in getting Court Hearings and paperwork being dealt with by the Court. Whilst this may mean any proceedings take a little longer than usual, we are still able to offer the full range of assistance and services as we could at any other time.

All documents and bundles for filing with the Court are now often being filed electronically. This prevents multiple people handling documents.

We may therefore be sending you more emails with documents to be electronically approved. We will take your email address at the outset to ensure we can send everything we need to you promptly and safely.

If you need any assistance in relation to any family matter please be confident that our team can assist you fully – the processes may be slightly different in these difficult times – however we can still progress matters on your behalf. Contact Hollie Knapman on 01935 846255 or hollie.knapman@battens.co.uk

enquiries@battens.co.uk www.battens.co.uk Offices in: Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

0800 652 8373

Solicitors

Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work

Start off the new year with your legal matters in order Agricultural Matters • Business Services • Commercial Property Construction • Debt Recovery • Dispute Resolution Employment • Family Matters • Immigration • Landlord & Tenant Lasting Powers of Attorney • Matrimonial • Moving Home Medical Negligence • Personal Injury • Planning • Probate • Tax Planning Wills, Trusts, Estates

Contact us today to speak to our expert team enquiries@battens.co.uk 0800 652 8373

www.battens.co.uk Offices in Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

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