The BV, Nov 21

NEVER PRINTED - YOUR GREEN CHOICE

November ‘21

ISSN 2634-8810

From the heart of the Blackmore Vale.

POLITICS

Good People in this issue

TIM Medhurst

For being ridiculously nice, and for managing to make me laugh out loud with possibly the least amount of words ever submitted for a Random19.

SIMON HOARE who needs to NOT make national news 36hrs before we publish in future

Craig WHARTON & Phil TRAVES EBONI McCann

It's the start of a beautiful friendship. With doughnuts.

For standing up and being heard. Also - Gillingham Town FC and Bridport FC for your unwavering solidarity

Rachael ROWE

Who had to learn football. And hates it when there's no answer as much as I do.

ANDY PALMER It was a lonely week, and who knows how many typos there'll be. I missed you. Hurry up and get better.

Roger GUTTRIDGE For an inspiring woman driver. I love her.

TRACIE Beardsley

Just for managing this month. Gold star. Now do go have a lie down.

SOUL ICON what do you mean horses can't read?

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Front cover: Gold Hill by Meyrick Griffith-Jones

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POLITICS

3

INDEX

These are clickable short cuts: just click the number to jump to the page

4

24

A Country Living - Nigel Hewish

46

Animals

84

Art with Edwina Baines

58

Book Corner

97

Business News

64

Charity pages

92

Citizen's Advice Q&A

111

Deaths

35

Equestrian

94

Family Law

39

Farming

66

Food & Drink

87

Health

112

Jobs

18

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

6

News

82

Night Sky

52

Out of Doors

78

Photography

23

Politics - Simon Hoare MP

118

Property

91

Puzzles

16

Random 19 - Timothy Medhurst

32

Rural Matters - CPRE

59

School News

50

Take a Hike

20

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

28

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

105

What's on

44

Wildlife - with Jane Adams

Having spoken last month about the horrible feeling of ‘overwhelm’, I was touched by all the messages not only of concern (I’m honestly fine, but thank you) but also of absolute understanding. It appears I struck a chord; and I am not alone in feeling the weight of the world in recent months.

This month has been better - not least because we finally managed to leave the county and whisked the teens away to the wilds of the Lake District where we hiked for more miles than teenagers deem appropriate or acceptable, dodged the rainy days, and ate long happy noisy meals together. There was no work, no email, no business talk. There was a lot of fun, a lot of peace, a lot of conversation - and also a lot of uphill. The Lake District is steep.

It was a grey, damp, too-short week. And it was wonderful.

I am a firm believer in the importance of the ‘do nothing’ school of self-help. Our society as a whole is geared towards doing, and action. We feel guilty for doing ‘nothing’.

And yet there are countless studies which show that time off, rest and noodling inactivity are the very best way to be more productive and creative.

JP Morgan firmly believed that he “could do a year’s work in nine months—but not in twelve months.” Without three months of rest, in other words, he wouldn’t be able to do what he did during the rest of the year.

So next time you reply ‘nothing’ when someone asks what you’re doing, don’t then say yes when they follow up with ‘in that case, can you just...’.

No. You can’t. Because you’re already busy doing something. You’re doing nothing.

Time off is important. Stopping is important.

Doing nothing is not only okay, but important.

Sometimes it’s good to remember that.

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POLITICS

5

by Laura Hitchcock

NEWS

The Dorset MP who voted with his conscience This week North Dorset MP Simon Hoare was one of just 13 Conservative MPs to defy three-line whip in Commons vote on Leadsom Amendment.

This week Conservative MPs were under a three-line whip - a strict instruction to attend and ‘vote according to the party’s position’ - to vote for an amendment to reform the Commons Standards System. It was a move triggered by the findings of a Parliamentary Standards investigation into Conservative MP* Owen Paterson.

MPs were expecting on Wednesday afternoon to approve a six-week ban from Parliament for the North Shropshire MP, after the investigation found he had lobbied on behalf of two companies for which he was a paid consultant, paying him over £100,000 a year.

The Leadsom Amendment to the motion for Paterson’s suspension, which the government whipped its MPs to support, instead voted to set up a new committee to investigate the standards regime and the specifics of the case: pausing the suspension of Owen Paterson and effectively overthrowing the findings of a Parliamentary Standards Investigation.

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Rebelling rebellion I’ve seen. One agonised Of the 357 Conservative MPs colleague showed me his social voting, only 13 defied the media feed directly after the vote party whip to vote No to the – he had obeyed the whip in the amendment; one of them was vote, but with an exceptionally North Dorset MP Simon Hoare. I heavy heart. In return he was spoke to Simon the receiving a steady morning after the “in 1997, at virtually stream of vile every door I vote to understand abuse. why he chose to knocked on, I was “I cut my teeth breach the threefighting my first asked ‘how many election on South line whip and brown envelopes Wales in 1997. At instead apparently vote with his virtually every door have you had? conscience. Just How much are you I knocked on I was before we spoke the asked ‘how many earning out of this?” news broke that the brown envelopes government had have you had? How announced a U-turn on the vote much are you earning out of after facing the public’s fury. this?’.

“The U-turn felt inevitable” said This week I was terrified that we Simon “I feel as though the were returning to those terrible government were blindsided by perceptions of ‘Tory Sleaze’ which the public reaction. The feeling so many of us have fought for the was that this was simply a last twenty years.

‘Westminster Bubble’ issue – no “The fact is the Standards one seemed to expect the instant Committee is working. Rules backlash that ensued. were breached, and so they At the vote yesterday I have investigated, and then sanctions never known the Commons like were enforced. With this it, even during the Brexit debates Leadsom Amendment we were and votes. It’s the biggest in danger of slipping into a tiger

by Laura Hitchcock trap of our own digging, making up rules as we went along. The simple facts are that if the report had exonerated Owen then there would have been no amendment.

If the report had been against an MP from any other party, there would have been no amendment.

If the sanctions had been below the trigger for a recall, there would have been no amendment.

These are politics that are not to my taste.

It’s not brave Combining the no votes with the abstainers, the government’s majority was reduced to just 18 - a further 97 Conservative MPs abstained from voting.

I wondered if the abstainers simply weren’t as brave as Simon in defying the whip – which he immediately refuted.

“It’s not about bravery. Nobody goes against a three-line whip lightly and abstention absolutely does count. To vote against your own party is the nuclear option

NEWS

“If the report had exonerated Owen then there would have been no amendment.

If the report had been against an MP from any other party, there would have been no amendment.

If the sanctions had been below the trigger for a recall, there would have been no amendment.

These are politics that are not to my taste” – an abstention is the seminuclear, if you like. It is the same message, and a huge number of my colleagues took a stand yesterday. But no one did so with a glad heart.

Simon repeated that his decision to defy the whip was not brave and certainly not grandstanding.

“Nine times out of ten I vote with the government. I would love it to be ten out of ten – I am not a rebel by instinct. My rubric is that my constituents are decent people, and they want their MP to use his judgement, not just follow where told. I want to be able to

look in the mirror and say ‘above all I tried to do the right thing’. I owe it to the people who voted for me, and who placed their trust in me to do just that.

“There is no handbook to being an MP, no ‘ten steps to getting it right’. We all carve out our own way. I will always support the government when they are right, but when I feel they are wrong I will say so. That is the job of an independently minded backbencher.

*At time of writing Owen Paterson was an MP; he has now resigned.

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by Rachael Rowe

NEWS

Kicking out racism in football has missed the grassroots

“It came out of nowhere.”

Eboni McCann in action image © Phil Standfield

Gillingham Town midfielder Eboni McCann reported he was racially abused by a spectator during a match against Bridport on October 9; Gillingham walked off the pitch in support of McCann and the game was abandoned, but the Dorset FA later charged the club with misconduct.

Talented midfielder Eboni McCann recalled his experience at the recent match where a spectator suddenly made a racist remark during the game.

Gillingham Town walked off the pitch and were later charged with a £150 fine for abandonment.

The Bridport players also walked off in solidarity and the referee, who heard the insult, abandoned the match.

The fan was identified, removed from the ground and banned for life. Dorset Police say an investigation is ongoing after a 74-year-old man attended a voluntary interview.

Until I spoke to Eboni I had naively made an assumption that 8

this type of incident just wouldn’t happen at a local game; certainly not in Dorset. But how wrong I was. Eboni explained how it made him feel.

“Mostly I felt just shock and disbelief. And I was angry. It just came out of nowhere. I went over to speak to the person and he just thought he was allowed to say what he liked.”

Speaking to Sky Sports News about the abuse, Eboni said: “The referee was giving a player a yellow card at the time it happened, so I went over to the referee and said ‘this spectator’s just said this’ and he replied ‘I’ve heard it’. I then went to the guy who said it ‘you can’t say that’

and he just replied ‘yes I can’.

“He was so brazen about it, no remorse.”

Long lasting effects of racism It may have just been a remark but the damage that racism can do is well documented. Racism has physical and psychological effects on people that can be damaging. It might be ‘just one comment’ but it can lead on to other problems such as children copying adults, bolder antisocial behaviour and more.

Standing up to racism A lot has already been done in football to stand up to racism, but there is clearly still a long

by Rachael Rowe way to go. Eboni highlighted an issue that is very relevant to places like Dorset where there are lots of grassroots level clubs.

“I feel a lot has been done in the top tiers of football. There is face recognition at matches, and an established process of bans for example. In the lower leagues and at grassroots level, not enough has been done. No one has really challenged racism here. I hope the focus will soon be on the lower level leagues.”

NEWS Eboni McCann image © Phil Standfield

Signalling There’s also a perception of inconsistency between the leagues on racism. Eboni continued: “There are mixed messages with the FA as well. During the Euros, England could walk off the pitch.

But when Gillingham walked off they were fined.”

A spokesperson from Dorset FA outlined the rules when players walk off the pitch. “If an England player was racially abused and the team walked off they are still charged with abandonment. It’s the same for everyone.”

Education is not just for done to raise awareness there.” schools A glance at the education I was curious to know what resources on the Kick It Out can be done to stamp out website revealed some excellent racism in the modern game, material for schools and colleges. and approached both Dorset There is, however, nothing Race Equality Council and specifically aimed at the more the FA-funded Kick It Out, mature generation who have ‘football’s equality and inclusion grown up in an environment organisation’ for comment. where some TV Neither responded.

“There are mixed shows and other Eboni gave me areas of popular some insight into messages from his thoughts: the FA. During the culture broadcast in the 1960’s and “To be fair, there Euros, England 70’s would not be is a lot more could walk off the acceptable today. awareness, which is good. In schools pitch. But when The man found of racist there is a lot of Gillingham walked guilty abuse towards education now into racism awareness. off they were fined” three black England footballers But, some people and some of the older generation in the Euro 2020 finals was a 54 year old. That’s not to say have grown up with some of this that everyone in the older behaviour. More needs to be

demographic is racist - far from it. Most people know that racist behaviour is unacceptable in today’s society; but perhaps more needs to be done to raise awareness in places that have not previously been an area of focus.

And all of us have a duty to stand up and call out racism.

•

•

•

UEFA’s new three step rule:

The referee halts play and an announcement is made over the PA system, demanding that the behaviour stop immediately.

If the abuse continues once play restarts, the official will suspend the match for a “reasonable period of time”, while both teams will return to the dressing rooms.

The third and final step sees the referee abandon the match entirely.

9

NEWS

by Laura Hitchcock Antiques dealer Craig Wharton and former Duke’s Fine Art auctioneer and furniture restorer Phil Traves in front of the new Sherborne Antiques Market. Note Dr Frasier Crane far right. Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

The changing face (and windows) of an antiques market.

“We’ve been in trouble” admits Craig Wharton as he shows me the broad window displays of the new Sherborne Antiques Market on Cheap Street.

“But that’s the point. It needs to intrigue you, excite you, or shock you” Sherborne’s former Edinburgh Woollen Mill finally re-opened its doors this summer, reborn as an antiques market under the experienced and talented eyes of dealer Craig Wharton and Phil Traves, formerly Duke’s Toy Expert who ran Duke’s General Saleroom.

The two men had a long-held ambition to open their own antiques market, combining their long years of knowledge and expertise to create the perfect location for vintage shopping.

When Edinburgh Woollen Mill closed its doors early in 2021, the pair decided it was too good an opportunity to miss; a complicated series of events followed to track down the owner of the property, and persuade her they were the right business to take on the lease.

Thankfully they succeeded, and Sherborne Antiques Market 10

opened its doors this summer.

“It almost didn’t - 24 hours before we opened there was an apparently blocked drain right under the front of the shop. We thought the floor would need to be dug up.” said Phil “In the end it was fine – but it was a stressful start. What was wonderful, however, was how everyone reacted. It felt like a disaster, but all the dealers simply said ‘we’re here to help, what do you need?’.

It was amazing” It’s never gin o’clock That unexpected spirit of cheerful community infuses the entire building – those stunning and witty window displays may lure shoppers through the door, but it is the atmosphere of fun, the genuinely warm welcome, the disarming comfort and of course the fascinating contents that keep people inside, exploring

ever deeper.

The shop floor is divided up into ‘rooms’, each filled by an independent dealer. Along with the standard legal requirements such as PAT testing and no pre1947 ivory (how do they date ivory, I wondered? “the style, the patina, the colour… it’s where experience tells. And if it feels wrong, we refuse it”), there are some basic house rules: • no Harry Potter boxes • no fake vintage ‘gin o’clock’ signs • kitsch is fun, but tacky is bad What happens to any ‘tacky’ that might make it to a dealer’s shelves?

“We remove it!” came the swift reply.

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Craig and Phil are always keen to place something eye-catching in the windows image © Courtenay Hitchcock

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by Laura Hitchcock

Every corner is filled with something interesting, beautiful or quirky Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

dealer is 21year old Tom Hurst, an a serious antiques shop – filled expert in African Art, and Country with expensive, precious items House items. where a casual browser may be “We’ve created an eclectic mix” afraid to loiter and explore. explained Craig “Every dealer And you’d be right – Sherborne decorates their own space, but it Antiques Market is filled with all works together so well.” serious antiques. But it’s also Elegant furniture is laid out in filled with items for every pocket, minimalist fashion on beautiful and every style. Thanks to their flooring, while another space is rigorous accessibility testing (“a billowing with the colours and friend in a wheelchair and her textures of vintage assistance dog “...42 traders displaying soft furnishings. came shopping antiques within the Harshly lit cabinets before we opened, and we market, including three of Saxon and made sure she TV experts - Timothy Roman coins sit adjacent to the could access Medhurst (Antiques soft pastoral everywhere”), Road Trip), Paul scenes of local the space is uncluttered Atterbury (Antiques painter James Budden. and airy, with Roadshow) and Debbie Phil said “What’s a surprising Serpell (Dickinson’s terrific is that atmosphere that the dealers are seems to invite Real Deal)” already starting you to slow your to work with each other – one pace, to idle, to chat, and to sit furniture dealer has offered his on the strategically welcoming wall space to an art dealer. The furniture. vintage clothing dealers don’t compete - instead they have Eclectic collaboration opted to be side-by-side to create There are currently 42 traders a personality-filled corner that displaying antiques within the complements each other. It’s market, including three TV working better than we could experts - Timothy Medhurst have dreamed.”

(Antiques Road Trip), Paul Atterbury (Antiques Roadshow) Dr Frasier Crane and Debbie Serpell (Dickinson’s When asked what is their current Real Deal). Breaking yet another favourite item in the market, misconception, the youngest The vintage clothing on display is always worth spending some time with. Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

The shop extends far further back than would appear from the door.

12 Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

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both looked around uncertainly.

Craig said “the trouble is, there’s so many things – but they all move on so fast! Oh, it has to be Dr Frasier Crane – he’s a crested stuffed South African Crane. We both adore him. And the pair of William Yeoward lamps – I’m surprised they’re still here. We have them at £1,600 for the pair - in London they’d be more than that each.”

The two experts are clearly enjoying their new venture, and are brimming with plans. Phil said: “we’re not going down the obvious ‘coffee stop’ route – Sherborne has so many fabulous independent coffee shops, we’d rather offer our customers a voucher to pop into one of them.

We do have a huge, untapped upstairs space – it’s so useful. It needs a lot of work, but one of our plans for next year is to run courses; from pottery to furniture restoring.”

Those window displays In just a few months the Sherborne Antiques Market

Sherborne Antiques Market is laid out in a series of ‘rooms’ - spaces stocked by independent sellers.

Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

has established an enviable reputation for its window displays, making the most of the huge double-fronted shop display. From a life-sized Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in front of a wryly-placed antlered stag head to ‘live windows’ with gogo dancers launching the new Jo Burt Album, the windows have quickly become a talking point,

and a staple of Sherborne’s Cheap Street experience – and are clearly doing their job to intrigue, excite or shock the passersby into walking through the door.

Sherborne Antiques Market is open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday 10 till 5, Sundays 11 till 4.

Market Sundays 10 till 4.

Phone: 01935 713760

Auctioneer and furniture restorer Phil Traves (left)previously ran Duke’s General Saleroom and was their Toy Expert. Craig Wharton is an experienced antiques dealer.

Evie simply enjoys having her picture taken.

13 Image © Courtenay Hitchcock

COMMUNITY

Fighting for our footpaths

by Tracie Beardsley This was one of countless footpaths we have encountered this year - it goes directly ahead.

Usually this requires sourcing a hefty branch and simply beating our way through, dealing with the stings, the scratches, the hard work and the inevitable delay this entails - Ed

Our daily dog walks have become jungle expeditions as we hack back bully-boy brambles.

My husband looks more like county. Generally, in the north Indiana Jones than a suburban west of Dorset and on Portland, dog walker, always armed with footpaths are predominant, secateurs to remove unruly whereas in the centre of the undergrowth or to rescue my county bridleways are prevalent. hair from a tangle of overgrown Footpaths require more thorns. What I’d regarded as maintenance, not least because just an irritating inconvenience of the path ‘furniture’ such as became much more alarming stiles.” when a lovely blind chap we Founded in 1935, the Ramblers know had his cheek slashed Association, has been at the open by head-height brambles forefront of protecting rights of overhanging the way. Its aim is “Dorset’s rights of main footpath to protect and into town. His way network is huge - improve paths, trusty guide dog 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 both by practical had no chance work on the bridleways and 37 of alerting him ground and byways, nearly 3,000 through law. to that. Who is responsible?

A network of miles in length” Currently, Dorset volunteer path County Council is conducting its maintenance teams and Rambler statutory 10-year review of the footpath officers go out in all Rights of Way Improvement Plant weathers to keep paths clear, (RoWIP) with the public recently install way markers and replace invited to share concerns. The stiles. Working with landowners plan sets out management and and local authorities, they development of an improved prioritise paths most in need of right of way and greenspace work. They help claim new paths network for the next ten years. for walkers and many volunteers Dorset’s rights of way network campaign on a local level. is huge - 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways, nearly Reporting issues 3,000 miles in length.

Jan Wardell: “The best way to A new RoWIP will be drafted in ensure that public rights of way 2022 with public consultation are kept open is to use them – on the new plan held between this helps keep down up-growth March and June 2022. on paths. Also be sure to report Rights of Way improvement plan any problems encountered to - Dorset Council Dorset Council.”

Visit http://www.dorset-ramblers.

Path protection org.uk/rights-of-way/ on how to Jan Wardell is the Dorset Area report path problems to Dorset Footpath Secretary for Dorset Council.

Ramblers, which has over 1,400 Jill Crouch, Engineer, Highways members. She welcomes the Dorset Council advised: consultation. She said: “There is “Most Parish and Town Councils a mixed picture of the state of have a portfolio holder or a public rights of way across the Rights of Way Liaison Officer to 14

whom footpath issues can be reported. You can also use the online service which only takes a couple of minutes and has an interactive map.”

See this facility here https:// mapping.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ rightsofway/reportproblem/ Footpaths through farmland are trickier. Jan Wardell explains: “A perennial problem is ‘ploughing and cropping’. If you’ve ever tried to cross a field of maize through Always free - subscribe

by Tracie Beardsley

When a footpath is defined across a crop correctly, it becomes a joy to walk on image - Laura Hitchcock

which the public right of way has you’re following a marked right not been re-instated, then you’ll of way, bear in mind that this know what I mean!” doesn’t necessarily grant you David George, from the South access to the land around it, so if West National Farmers Union you stray off the path or let your told us: “Farmers recognise the dog run free then technically this importance of the public rights could be trespass. Take care to of way network, especially now stick to the path; you won’t make when people need yourself popular “If you’re following to take extra care by trampling over of their physical a right of way that crops. We urge and mental health. people to follow goes across the It’s a landowner’s The Countryside middle of a field then responsibility to Code.” you’re entitled to keep rights of way unobstructed and continue along it” If you’re planning available for use a walk and are as well as making sure gates and unsure about accessibility, the stiles are in good working order.” Ramblers Organisation has lots He added: “If you’re following of useful hints and explains on a right of way that goes across the different types of rights of the middle of a field then you’re way including off the path in entitled to continue along it. If areas known as ‘open access’.

Leaving a path through maize is essential - fun and otherwordly when it’s correct, and a miserable battle when it’s not. Image - Laura Hitchcock

As to the secateurs scenario?

The Ramblers Association advises that if you come across a blocked path you’re allowed to cut back as much overgrowth as you need to get by but make sure you’re definitely on a right of way.

I’ll let Indiana know!

What are a landowners responsibilities?

Every walker knows that brambles and nettles soon shoot away in summer if it’s not a well-trodden path, and most are happy to accomodate a little undergrowth. But how much is reasonable for you to be expected to deal with?

Farmers or landowners are required: • to keep rights of way open and useable; this includes providing and maintaining stiles and gates and making sure they are safe and easy to use.

• to cut vegetation that could obstruct the route (at least 3m is required for bridleways and 1.5m for footpaths unless they are crossing a field).

• Paths that run on the field edge must not be cultivated, and cross-field paths must be reinstated correctly after field operations.

You can see the full list here.

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THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS

The Random 19 with antiques expert and television presenter Timothy Medhurst

Timothy Medhurst

When nine year old Tim Medhurst’s grandmother showed him a Victorian Crown coin she kept in a little music box, a lifelong passion was born.

As well as being a familiar face (and the youngest-ever expert) on BBC One’s Antiques Road Trip, Tim runs Timothy Medhurst Coins and Antiquities, and also offers an Auctioneering Service for charity events, Fine Art, Antique, and General Auctions. He has worked for two leading auction houses, developing two successful coin departments from scratch.

What really excites Tim is the fascinating history and stories connected to the coins, antiquities and antiques he handles every day.

“Coins are one of the closest objects linked to social history; something in all people’s pockets, in all periods of time. Imagine the stories they hold and the hands they have passed through. They are wonderful pieces of history in the palm of your hand.”

1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the loose North Dorset area, not us!)?

I am lucky enough to live and work in this beautiful part of the country.

4. It’s Friday night - you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do?

2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car?

I have become a fan of Country music in the last few years - admittedly though it was probably a Taylor Swift song that got me singing.

(What happens if your work is also your hobby?)

3. What was the last movie you watched?

Would you recommend it?

I am more of a series watcher these days. The Last Kingdom on Netflix is quite something. I have always been fascinated with the Saxon Period, and this series brought it to life for me. I am sure it’s embellished but thoroughly exciting! Highly recommended.

16

er...

5. Who’s your celebrity crush?

Marion Cotillard.

Marion Cotillard - the French actor is Tim Medhurst’s celebrity crush.

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6. What would you like to tell 15yr old you?

Keep on loving and researching antiques and coins, it will pay off!

THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS ? Phil Tim Medhurst with co-presenter, ‘the great Serrell’, whilst filming Antiques Road Trip image: Tim Medhurst

7. If you were sent to an island for a year and could only bring three things, what would you bring

(the island is already equipped with a magical power source and a laptop)?

• • •

Wife (brownie points) a book on Anglo Saxon Sceatta coins. It’s bound to be quite a read a Bear Grylls manual

8. The best crisps flavour?

Salt and vinegar by Two Farmers; delicious and most importantly plastic free!

9. And the best biscuit for dunking?

You know the thick chunky chocolate-covered sortof hexagonal Fox’s ones with a hole on the middle in a Christmas mixed tin?

Those.

10. What book did you read last year that stayed with you?

Wilding by Isabella Tree. It’s the story of a pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex, using free-roaming grazing animals. It’s a must-read, giving an optimistic view of what’s possible if we re-think how we work with nature, giving it a chance and working with it again.

11. What’s your secret superpower?

Telling the age of a book by its smell.

I am a bit out of practice, but it is true.

12. What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Bread that you can slice yourself into nice thick slices.

Having the choice of politely thin or a comforting thick doorstop depending on the mood is important.

13. Your favourite quote? Movie, book or inspirational - we won’t judge.

Ernest Hemingway: “The earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

14. What’s your most annoying trait?

I probably have many, you may have to ask my wife.

15. Chip Shop Chips or Home Baked Cake?

Chips, with lots of salt of course. I am a savoury kind of man!

16. What shop can you not pass without going in?

Other than every other antique shop in the country?

Sherborne Antiques Market on Cheap Street.

Our good friends Phil and Craig have opened the Market this year and it is full of lovely old things. (did you see our interview with Phil and Craig on p.10?)

17. Your top three most-visited, favourite websites (excluding social media & BBC News!)?

• www.timothymedhurst.co.uk/ (sorry, unashamed plug) (I mean, it’s literally in your intro... Ed) • Google (to fact check my wife) • The Antiques Trade Gazette www.antiquestradegazette.com 17. What in life is frankly a mystery to you?

The need for so much waste.

19. You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do?

Ban unnecessary mass production, including single use plastics.

17

LOOKING BACK

by Roger Guttridge

Dorset’s first woman driver

She was Dorset’s first woman driver, and she documented her motoring adventures in a diary written almost 120 years ago. Roger Guttridge shares the story of Mary Farquharson.

Puncture repairs during the journey to Dublin

The diary – hand-written ‘I believe she was not only the and unpublished – describes first woman driver in Dorset the eventful travels of Mary but in the south of England and Farquharson, wife of village possibly the whole country,’ her squire Henry, of Eastbury House, son, Peter, told me in 1991, when Tarrant Gunville. he was 80.

During her first year on the road in 1902-03, her 10-horsepower A wedding in Oxford Panhard-Levassor took the Mary’s first diary entry on July 1, ambitious motorist as far afield 1902, describes a trip to Oxford as Oxford, London, Lincoln and for a wedding the following day.

Dublin.

‘Marcia and I were “...five men But it was never ready to start at 10 arrived and plain-sailing. o’clock,’ she writes. lowered the car ‘We waited an hour Punctures and down the hill on a and then found out breakdowns punctuated every rope... we having the pump would not trip and Mary’s been five hours work, so Black was mechanic, whom wired for. doing 10 miles” ‘We eventually she refers to only as ‘Black’, was required started at 2 o’clock to follow on his motorbike to and met Black on his bicycle. We deal with any problems. then stopped for the pump to be 18

done.’

The travellers resumed their journey only to hit trouble again as they approached Melbury Abbas: their brakes weren’t working.

Wisely, they decided not to proceed down the steep hill into the village and sent to Shaftesbury for help.

Two hours later, five men arrived and lowered the car down the hill on a rope.

Mary writes: ‘We went on to Shaftesbury and stopped one hour there while the brakes were seen to. It was 7 o’clock when we left there, we having been five hours doing 10 miles.’

At Salisbury the 1901 Panhard had a puncture and the novelty of a car undergoing roadside repairs attracted a crowd of

get in touch with Roger: roger.guttridge@btinternet.com

LOOKING BACK

by Roger Guttridge curious onlookers.

When the roofless vehicle finally left the cathedral city at 9pm, it was ‘quite dark and pouring with rain’.

Mary and Marcia reached Andover at 10.45 and stopped for some supper and a change of clothes, but at 11pm were ‘turned out (closing time) having only had a few mouthfuls’.

The diary goes on: ‘Andover to Newbury in pitch darkness, and we did not know the way, was not a very enjoyable ride.

‘The brakes are again not acting, and we came to some steep hills, and once the car got out of control.

‘We occasionally woke up a cottage to inquire the way. We reached Newbury at 2.30 and were stopped by a policeman, who wished to take our names, as we had only one lamp burning, the other having just given out.’

They managed to give the officer the slip by driving off when he popped into a hotel to write down their names.

What was left of the night was spent at another hotel but by 6am they were off again.

Two miles from Oxford the countershaft bracket broke, forcing the travellers to abandon the Panhard in a barn and complete the journey in a

The Daimler luggage car leaves Eastbury House for Dublin with Black the mechanic at the wheel

The Farquharson family in their 1901 Panhard-Levassor

hansom cab.

They reached the wedding venue with barely an hour to spare.

Horse not required A week later, during a trip to Maidenhead, the brakes failed again – this time on a hill marked ‘Dangerous’.

‘The car was fast getting out of control,’ says Mary, who was with husband Henry and Black.

To avert disaster, they ran the car into a bank, where it became firmly stuck.

‘We enlisted some haymakers, who lent us a horse to endeavour to extricate the car,’ writes Mary.

‘The horse proved utterly useless and did more harm than good, as it only proceeded to kick.

‘The men then managed to pull it out themselves and with great difficulty we got down the hill and pushed the car into Romsey, with both tyres badly punctured.’

Returning from a trip to Lincoln, the car collided with a horse and dogcart driven by a small boy.

The Panhard’s hubcap was bent but Mary fails to tell us what happened to the boy and his horse and cart.

Thrill seeker Mary’s most ambitious journey during her first year as a motorist took her to the famous Gordon Bennett motor race near Dublin in 1903.

On this occasion Black was required to leave early in the slower 1898 Daimler luggage car.

They crossed the Irish Sea from Anglesey with more than 50 other cars on what must have been one of the world’s first car ferries.

Mary, whose husband held the dubious honour of being the first driving to crash a racing car at Brooklands, noted of the Dublin event: ‘To see the cars thunder by was most thrilling, the speed being terrific.’

19

by Andy Palmer

TALES FROM THE VALE

The Enigma Machine, used to decode enemy messages during WWII. Probably not used for The Mates Test.

Tales From The Vale with Andy Palmer Coffee and punctures Great new coffee house in King’s Stag attached to the Green Man pub with an attractive almost Scandi-minimally-decorated interior.

I was going to say that the outstanding feature is the enormous map of Dorset, dating from 1890 which covers an entire wall. It must be 20 x 8 feet couldn’t keep my eyes off it as I sipped my Flat White (not entirely sure what a Flat White is).

But it’s not the café’s finest feature: the outstanding attraction is Catherine, the charmingly bespectacled manager who is warm, welcoming and efficient, as are her staff, Jade and Kim. The coffee is excellent and the baguettes and pastries, made in the pub’s kitchen, look enticing.

But among the goodies on sale is something I’ve never seen in any other coffee house, and it’s probably not made in the kitchen; puncture repair kits for cyclists.

‘We’re in the middle of a hugely popular cycling area,’ Catherine explains. It makes perfect sense.

There’s been real thought behind 20

this new business – well worth a visit.

The wiser sex My mate James near Okeford Fitzpaine has got a new girlfriend, Sophie.

This, in itself, does not come as a surprise as he’s mailed with similar news many times.

‘Come over for a coffee and meet her,’ he suggested. This is Man Speak for: could you check whether A - She is the most gorgeous, charming, elegant, witty woman in the world B - I’ve made a disastrous mistake And he generally wants an opinion within 10 minutes of me meeting the new girlfriend.

Now, this could be a little tricky, me blurting out a decision about the lady while she is actually with us so, we’ve developed a totally foolproof and brilliant formula for me stating whether it’s answer A or B. If it’s answer A, after 10 minutes I’ll take a big swig of coffee and say, ‘A bloody good brew that’ or similar, but the first letter of the sentence is an ‘A.’

And if it’s answer B I’ll say, ‘By ‘eck, James, that’s good coffee.’

Clever stuff, you’ll agree: and as hard to fathom as Germany’s ‘impenetrable’ code during WWII. So, I went over and after 10 minutes I put my empty coffee mug down and said, with particular emphasis, ‘A bloody good coffee that.’

Sophie immediately laughed and said, ‘I’ve passed the mate test, then.’

James and I were astonished.

‘Oh God,’ Sophie said, highly amused at our embarrassment, and not in the slightest put out, ‘women do it all the time. The only difference is that we’re just that bit more subtle about it.’

James, suddenly remembering ‘a coffee’ a week earlier with Sophie’s mate, said, ‘did you do that with me when Anne came over?’

‘Didn’t you know?’ Sophie asked with incredulity.

James and I were too discombobulated to ask how women organise their mate tests (full report next issue, as they’re coming over for supper).

We should have learnt from history: the German code was Always free - subscribe

by Andy Palmer broken early in the war and they had no idea. Germany was astonished when the fact was announced in 1974. The Germans should have got an all-women team to devise their code - we’d still be working on it.

A bridge too far Big mistake in the original version of the previous mag about Lt Salkeld who won a Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny (as it’s called if you’re a Brit) or (if you’re Indian) the First War of Independence. One man’s rebel is another man’s freedom fighter.

I told the Editor, Laura, that there was a mistake. She reminded me that I wrote the article, so that’s enough on that subject!

But it leads me to…

The proud ‘Coward’ …a great obituary many years back in The Times. A big cheese in the City had an excellent war record as he received two (bloody two!) Victoria Crosses.

We know how grudgingly these prized medals for the highest, almost insane, levels of bravery in the face of an enemy, are awarded.

His elder brother also fought in the war. And he did very well. Yet, his nickname in the City was ‘The Coward.’

It says a lot about English humour that he didn’t mind this epithet.

He was given his nickname because during the war he only got one Victoria Cross!

Chutzpah There’s a definition of chutzpah: it’s when having been convicted of murdering your mother and father, you apply to the court for clemency because you’ve recently been orphaned.

Sometimes chutzpah is funny, sometimes it ain’t.

‘Mike,’ a DFL (Down From London) booked a pub restaurant

TALES FROM THE VALE table for four on a Saturday evening – prime 8pm slot at the pub’s busiest evening.

In the meantime he read a review of another place and booked a table there, without cancelling his first choice.

It is courteous, and in diners’ own interests, to arrive at the booked time. But times are hard, and the first restaurant kept the table until 8.30 before releasing it – too late, and they lost four covers.

You don’t need to be a genius to understand that hospitality operates not just on a knifeedge, but on fork and spoonedges, too. ‘Mike’ didn’t like the second restaurant, so next time the selfish DFL booked his first option again. And the idiot did it in his own name. The proprietor told ‘Mike’ exactly what he thought of him. Good for the boss. The customer is not always right.

Lockdown inanity We’re fortunate in that our garden (I prefer to think of it not so much as ‘woefully neglected’, but ‘natural and organic’) we enjoy a lot of bird life.

At one time during what many refer to as the ‘summer’ (playing fast and wild with the English language) we had three young wrens who would caper excitedly just outside the French windows.

You’ve got to give names to regularly-visiting birds. We called them René and Renata, but struggled for a third wren-based moniker, until a lightning strike of pure brilliance came to me – Renoir.

So that’s what we called them, until another appeared for a few days, the three Rs seemed to accept her (or him) and then he (or her) vanished. So we refer to it as Renegade (Kae’s idea).

For a week or two we had a tiny robin - Robbie was too dull. I suggested that our new friend was too small really to be called a robin, he was more a robinette.

This may or may not be Second Lieutenant Pigeon

Kae immediately said, ‘we’ll call her (or him) Tap.’ Well, that threw me so she explained the French for a water tap is ‘robinet.’

Continuing our inanity, we needed names for the pigeons: again, always seeking originality, ‘Pidgie’ simply wouldn’t do.

Our first pigeon we named him Walter (after an old actor, think he was in the Archers c.1873).

For our second, we went for Lieutenant Pigeon (there was an amusing band in the 70s called this which issued a bizarre song called ‘Mouldy Old Dough’ that inexplicably went quite high in the charts. If you want a real laugh YouTube Stevie Riks impersonating Freddie Mercury singing this song (no need to Google, I did it for you. There’s three minutes I’ll never get back - Ed.).

And we needed a name for our other pigeon. Obviously he was soon Second Lieutenant Pigeon.

Then in late summer came the crows: the first was, of course, named Russell. The second was Sheryl (we sort of think Sheryl Crow is an American singer but can’t be bothered to Google her in case she isn’t).

Then we just gave up.

21

POLITICS

On the murder of David Amess

by Simon Hoare MP I welcomed the shock, horror and outrage that greeted the vicious murder of my colleague David Amess.

The response of the public highlighted that, thank God, such events are very few and far between in our national life.

Their very rarity ensures that they stand out. We have not become accustomed to them.

The senselessness of his death acts as a prompt for us to all to reaffirm our expectations of decency, courtesy and respect.

It allows us to remind ourselves that these are the golden threads that bind us together – a virtually universally shared set of values all based on a broadly similar moral and ethical compass.

His dying will have some meaning if it acts as a spur to all us to reaffirm, loudly and proudly, those shared values.

Messages of support Like many, if not most, of my Parliamentary colleagues from across the Parties, I have received many kind messages of support, thanks and human kindness from across the political spectrum of North Dorset and indeed further afield.

Let me share an example – “it is so incomprehensible when a tragedy like this happens.

We also wanted Simon and his colleagues to know how grateful we are that there are people willing to represent the people 22

of our country and fight to keep our democracy. We send you all our love and prayers. God Bless.”

And another sent from my friend and Labour opponent at the last two elections Pat Osborne – “Shocking sickening events today Simon. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your colleague. I hope you’re OK. Please stay safe.”

Strangely, (or perhaps not) when those with actively different political views take the time and

care to send a message it doubly warms the heart.

All those messages cheered and provided succour in a bleak time. I doubt that anyone who did write will have known how much all of us have appreciated those messages of simple, unvarnished humanity. Thank you.

As I write we do not know the answer as to why David Amess was killed. We do know,

Sir David Amess 1952 – 2021

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POLITICS however, that it shines a light on lessons needed to be learned by us all. We politicos need less populist dogma driving a wedge between people, and more respectful debate designed to bind together and heal. The country needs to learn that we politicians are not saints.

We can get it wrong, fail and annoy. When we do it must be called out and appropriate sanctions taken. However, the vile tsunami of social media that pours continually from keyboards must stop. The anonymity of social media has made it anti-social media. I know I’ve typed a few things in the past that should have been phrased differently. Have been less dogmatic. Let’s remind ourselves we can disagree without being disagreeable.

Many of us use metaphor, irony, sarcasm and robust language knowing we do not mean the words literally. We presume that our readers, listeners, followers

will understand this. However, we make an error when we presume that everyone else will ‘get it’. The disturbed mind, the troubled soul, often needs little to break it and impel it to acts of ill and evil.

There is too much ‘type and press send’. An email address, Twitter handle or social media account does not create a cloak of anonymity. It does not absolve one of responsibility for one’s words. “...hoped I would die It harms. It in anguish with my hurts. It invokes My own story I remember children surrounding anxiety and receiving, shortly me helpless and then fear. It creates after my first an imbalance of burn in hell’s fire” entitlement – I election in 2015, an absolutely can say what I abhorrent email. The author want (says the writer) but woe hoped I would die in anguish betide if my MP/Councillor/ with my children surrounding official fights fire with fire. me helpless and then burn in So, as we come to terms with hell’s fire (you will get the drift). the murder of a decent public I contacted the sender to ask servant, husband and father these questions in relation to his killed solely because he was a message: would he have said it public servant, let us try to find face to face; would he have said a way as a country to cherish it a telephone call; would he and use our freedom of thought have put it in a letter? I asked and speech but in ways that him to reread what he had sent don’t lead to hate, violence and me. He was appalled. He cried. potential loss of life. I remain He apologised. We then had of the view that we can. I only a perfectly civil conversation. hope that we do.

23

A COUNTRY LIVING

by Tracie Beardsley

The role model in the garden Nigel Hewish, Head Gardener at Kingston Maurward, is responsible for over 2,000 trees, acres of lawn running to a five acre Georgian lake, three large ornamental gardens including an Elizabethan walled garden, a kilometre of formal hedging, huge herbaceous borders and two National Plant Collections.

Nigel Hewish curates one of only four National Collections of salvias, and of just three National Collections of penstemon in the Kingston Maurward Gardens.

Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

24

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by Tracie Beardsley Nigel Hewish has done five hours of his working day - and it’s only 10am. Responsible for over 2000 trees, acres of lawn, three large ornamental gardens, a kilometre of formal hedging, huge herbaceous borders and two National Plant Collections, it’s no surprise this man is up with the lark!

Added to his challenge is managing all this around numerous events; no-one wants a noisy mower disrupting their marriage ceremony!

Nigel is Head Gardener at Dorchester’s renowned Kingston Maurward, a land-based college and events venue; he’s been tending this stunning landscape for 30 years.

Early beginninngs His love of gardening was inspired by his father, a trained forester and groundsman gardener. Nigel recalls: “We’d go for a picnic and as soon as the Thermos was empty, Dad would fill it with seeds and saplings, keeping them fresh to grow on at home.”

Starting as an apprentice gardener at Millfield School in Street, where he hails from, Nigel studied horticulture at Cannington (now part of Bridgewater College), returning to Millfield to take charge of its glasshouses. Before moving to Dorset, he was Head Gardener at the 12th century Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire.

A living classroom As he shows me round Kingston Maurward, it’s an historical trip through garden fashions.

Kingston Maurward Gardens are laid out in the Jardin Anglais style popularised by Capability Brown in the 18th Century, with a matrix of themed small gardens, lakeside walks and a walled garden. The front of the 18th century manor house has a sweeping Georgian-inspired landscape spotted with elegant

A COUNTRY LIVING The grounds of Kingston Maurward were laid out in the 18th century in the style of Capability Brown, but most of the grade II listed gardens date from the early 20th century, having been established by the last private owners of the estate, Sir Cecil and Lady Hanbury. Nigel Hewish has been at Kingston Maurward since the early 1990s and has overseen the gradual restoration of the Hanburys’ vision, working mainly from old photographs in the absence of original plans.

Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

trees. Back lawns tumble down classroom,” explains Nigel. “It’s a to a 5-acre Georgian lake. To the brilliant resource for students to side is a stunning Elizabethan learn practical skills. We involve walled garden which sits happily them in projects and offer work alongside twentieth experience. Visit “This disarming any garden in century “garden man is a rooms.”

Dorset and you’re With a nod to likely to find walking plant royalty, the Crown encyclopaedia and someone who Garden has hedges studied at Kingston a role model for cleverly shaped Maurward. Two trainee gardeners” of my team of five like crown points, with diamond gardeners were gaps revealing beautiful vistas. apprentices. They’ve both got In another garden room a degrees in other subjects but say temple stands proud, the that horticultural training is much pillars and floor a four-year harder.” collaboration by stonemason Long Latin names roll off his students from Weymouth tongue and his skill in identifying college and the striking cupola hundreds of plants is evident. created by Kingston Maurward’s This disarming man is a walking blacksmiths. plant encyclopaedia and a role “The gardens are a living model for trainee gardeners.

25

by Tracie Beardsley

A COUNTRY LIVING He’s living proof that life in horticulture can mean a successful and rewarding career.

In Nigel’s case – a house on the estate is part of the package too.

When asked what he least likes about his job, he struggles for an answer. After a long pause, he settles for paperwork.

“I’m not a great one for being sat in the office doing admin. It’s ok if it’s plant records but I’m not so keen on doing finances.”

Penstemons and Salvias Nigel’s proudest achievement is curating the stunning National Collections of Salvias and Penstemons – two of his favourite flowers.

These elegant herbaceous plants not only look beautiful and flower through the summer, but also attract pollinators and wildlife. The National Collections are preserving endangered heritage species - at Kingston Maurward there are Even with a huge workload, Nigel found time to support the college’s show garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show 2019 which gained a coveted silver gilt medal. He was responsible for growing and presenting some of the plants, which needed to be perfect for the eagle-eyed RHS judges. The college is planning to enter again in 2022.

And Nigel carries on learning.

“Nature still astounds me. Every day there’s a plant that surprises me – even after 30 years.’’

Kingston Maurward Gardens open 10-4pm daily.

Group garden tours can be arranged. Tel: 01305 215000.

Kingston Maurward College offers horticultural, agricultural, arboriculture, conservation and farming courses plus many more. New for 2022 are Business Studies and Travel and Tourism in response to industry demand.

26

“Every day there’s a plant that surprises me – even after 30 years.’’

Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Nigel’s Quick Fire Round: 1. Tool you can’t live without?

In my pocket is a folding Silky pruning saw. Its blade is only six inches but it can cut branches six inches thick. Expensive but invaluable! We trial equipment for Which? Gardening magazine and the cheaper models are rarely as good.

2. Best gardens to visit in Dorset?

Abbotsbury with its tropical feel. The spring display at Minterne Gardens is magnificent too.

3. What book is on your beside table?

None – I fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow. When I get a chance, I’m reading ‘A Trillion Trees – a way to reforest the world.’ My books are always about nature, conservation or trees.

4. Top tip?

Be patient. Not everything comes up as quickly or as easily at it seems on gardening programmes.

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THEN AND NOW

by Roger Guttridge

Child Okeford Co-op - 100 years on One of the commercial stories of the 20th century centres on the gradual decline of the village and corner shop as supermarkets took over in the post-war decades and grew ever larger.

Today’s Bartley House near the as the Co-op Stores manager. corner of Upper Street and The The shop was now prosperous Hollow at Child Okeford was once enough to have its own a thriving village shop, known as telephone number: ‘Child the Child Okeford and Iwerne Okeford 8’.

Minster Co-operative Stores.

‘Child Okeford 1’ belonged to It opened as a store in 1883 Bertie Diffey, whose grocer’s following an shop doubled as “once a thriving earlier spell as a the post office. coffee tavern. village shop, the Child As post offices The 1911 census telephones Okeford and Iwerne and names 29-yearwere run by old Ernest William Minster Co-operative the same Ainsworth as Stores. It opened as a organisation, the secretary and GPO, village post store in 1883” manager of the offices usually Co-operative had the first Society. phone in their communities and His wife, Violet, 24, and shop shared both line and number assistant John Ryall, 20, also lived with the call-box outside. at the address.

This was the case for my maternal grandparents, Jim and Calling number eight Jane Ridout, at nearby Fiddleford By 1931, Kelly’s Directory of Post Office, whose number in Dorset was listing Arthur Moore my childhood was ‘Sturminster 28

Newton 65’.

Other traders in Child Okeford in 1931 included • grocer James Woolfrey • butcher Robert Turner • baker Arthur Fox • Miss Bessie Adams, who kept refreshment rooms • saddler and harness maker Ernest Cuttle • boot maker Arthur Hart • beer retailer Robert Hart • publican Mrs B M Pride at the Baker’s Arms • the Woolfrey Brothers, blacksmiths.

The older picture, from the Barry Cuff Collection and David Burnett’s book Lost Dorset: The Villages and Countryside, shows the Co-operative Stores in about 1920.

The Co-op delivery truck’s registration number is FX 7427.

FX was allocated to the county

by Roger Guttridge

THEN AND NOW

in the early 1900s to replace BF which, as I explained in this column two issues ago, caused offence to some, who thought it implied that Dorset motorists were ‘bloody fools’.

Barry Cuff tells me FX was chosen because those in authority considered it impossible to misinterpret.

The picture features an impressive line-up of eight Coop staff. Products advertised on the windows include Empire Lamp Oil; biscuits, teas, coffee and cocoas; and several forms of Pelaw Polish, Pelaw being the brand name for the Co-op’s own range of polishes.

The prominent former store is now a private house tucked away behind hedges.

The verandah is long gone as are the shop windows to the left, replaced by a brick extension.

But the house is eminently recognisable and the original porch roof survives together with its ironwork.

FREE ADMISSION ALL ARE WELCOME

Friday Lunchtime Recitals 1.45PM CHEAP STREET CHURCH

(unless otherwise stated)

17th September Meet the Music Staff 24th September Instrumental Solos 1st October Brass Recital 8th October Woodwind Recital I 15th October Strings Recital 5th November Pianists’ Recital I 12th November Singers’ Recital 19th November Jazz Recital 26th November Woodwind Recital II 3rd December Pianists’ Recital II 10th December “Mince Pies“ Chamber Music Recital

29

by Paul Birbeck

COMMUNITY

The tensions behind the ‘pretty’ façade of Dorset’s villages

Yetminster is in the Sunday Times’ Top 50 Villages, but not everyone is happy about newcomers pushing-up house prices, says Paul Birbeck Yetminster High Street in 1957 image: the Barry Cuff Collection

The Sunday Times recently ranked Yetminster 26th in its list of ‘The UK’s Top 50 villages.’

The citation reads ‘This is a village that offers more than olde worlde charm, fresh eggs sold by the gate and a plum position on the River Wriggle surrounded by the fertile farmland of west Dorset.

It has a well-regarded primary school, a shop, a pub and the delightful Old School Gallery café.

There’s even a railway connection on the Bristol to Weymouth line.’

And the adulation for the village is not new. Its ‘unique features’ were concisely described by Frederick Treves in his 1906 30

Highways and Byways of Dorset, in which he described Yetminster as ‘…a picturesque townlet, full of quaint old houses and venerable thatched cottages. The dates on the buildings belong mostly to early part of seventeenth century. In the main street is an old thatched inn, as well as many houses in ancient stone with stone mullioned windows and fine gables. Many of the houses are covered by creepers, and none seems to lack a garden or orchard. Yetminster is probably the most consistent old-world village or townlet in the county, for modern buildings it has few examples.’

Sounds idyllic? Not everyone

thinks so. As with any community, evolution benefits some but not everyone.

The 20th century saw the village undergo significant social and economic transformation.

The traditional self-sufficient agricultural community that remained largely unchanged for centuries was to be transformed by modernity.

Between the 1870s and early 1900s the combination of cheap, imported food products, poor harvests and cattle disease in the vital dairy herds caused 20% of Dorset farmers to give up their farms. The traditional activities of cider making, leather production and the making of Always free - subscribe

COMMUNITY Dorset cheeses like Blue Vinney, were abandoned as farmers concentrated on sending milk to large urban markets.

Only the wealthy benefited The introduction of piped water and electricity supply meant the old wells and water mills were abandoned and the introduction of new farm machinery encouraged large-scale farming, benefitting only the wealthy landowners.

By the 1960s changes in farming practice and government subsidies meant that chalk areas became productive for arable farming and intensive sheep production.

The historical advantage of clay vales across the Blackmore Vale was reversed. Today, farming in the village of Yetminster is by just three or four farmers.

The pattern of village life has changed. Fine old farm houses remain, but not as working farms. However, not everything

was lost. The village hall acts as the hub for a lot of clubs and activity, and the Community Sports Club hosts football, tennis, croquet and informal recreation.

Booming property prices have benefitted many in the village but not everyone.

The local White Hart pub has been a victim of the pandemic as the leaseholders moved out when trade declined. In the 1990s ex-landlady Carol Bayfield remembers, ‘We used to open the doors and everyone would pile in, there were a lot of thirsty farmers in those days.’ As for today, she adds, ‘there is a real community feel but there have been changes.’

Second home tension A number of new housing developments have been added around the village. Second home ownership has increased and the recent influx of people from beyond the area can create a feeling of ‘us and them’ between

locals and newcomers.

Carol continued ‘There’s a large population of older people in bungalows in the side streets. There’s also a new estate by the school, which not everyone is happy about, but it’s brought in a lot of new life. It’s been a really positive move for the village.’

Like all Dorset villages, without new residents - communities can struggle.

The most hotly-debated political issues today include the lack of a bus service which makes it difficult for some residents to get into towns. And there is the inevitable problem for young, first time house hunters and lower income families who struggle to find appropriate affordable accommodation.

Paul offers a popular guided village tour of key locations and explains the fascinating history.

Details of the next walks on www.sherbornewalks.co.uk.

Volunteer Drivers Needed Enjoy driving? Enjoy meeting people?

Have some spare time?

Why not join Gillingham Area Car Link?

Our drivers take people living in Gillingham and the SP8 area who have no transport to hospitals and other necessary appointments.

If you live in SP8 and need help with travel, ring

07599 311443.

Leave a message and one of our friendly co-ordinators will call you back.

Due to the heavy demand for our services, we are urgently trying to recruit extra drivers. Might you be interested?

We pay 45p/mile expenses, and you decide what journeys you will undertake and how often you are available.

If you are aged under 80, own a car, and are interested, please call Philip on 01747 824645 or email: walkerphilsu@gmail.com. Further information is also available on our website: www.gillinghamcarlink.org.uk Gillingham Area Car Link Scheme, registered charity no 1138732

31

RURAL MATTERS - monthly column from the CPRE

Meteor sighting in Dorset The Blackmore Vale’s dark skies mean we may witness some rare events - one such event happened in the late evening of Sunday 5th September.

At that time, an all-sky camera was taking longexposure panoramic views of the sky so as to capture images of meteors and other lights as they passed by above Bagber Common. My colleague, John Savage, set up the camera at his home there so that he could record the comings and goings in the sky throughout the night, every clear night.

At 10.47pm he happened to be outside when an incredibly bright meteor, known to astronomers as a ‘Fireball’, momentarily lit up the sky, almost turning night into day.

In John’s words his camera didn’t do justice to what he experienced personally – “the fireball streaked, fairly sedately for a meteor, across the sky just above the south“...the fireball southwest horizon. streaked, fairly It was very bright, lighting up the sky, sedately for a and seemed, midmeteor, across the trajectory, to explode sky... and seemed, in silence.” In the image you can see an mid-trajectory, to enlarged portion of explode in silence” the all-sky photo he captured, depicting the bright streak just below the Milky Way. Small piece of asteroid travelling at 48,000 mph.

The spectacle was actually caused by a small piece of an asteroid or comet travelling at high speed as it entered the atmosphere about 240 miles away over Brittany in France, heading in the direction of Cornwall. Probably the size of a large stone weighing around 40 kilograms, the explosion was provoked by the heat and pressure that was generated inside the object when it hit the atmosphere at a speed of 48,000 mph.

The fireball was filmed by several webcams as it lit up the sky including one at the brightly illuminated Southampton Docks - see the video bottom left.

More videos can be found on the International Meteor Organisation’s website.

So next time when you are out and about after dark, be watchful of what’s happening overhead.

You never know what you might see – possibly an Unidentified Flying Object - but most likely a fast moving meteor or fireball!

Dr Richard Miles Dark Skies Adviser Dorset CPRE

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POLITICS

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by Sara Greenwood

EQUESTRIAN

Sara’s three-step ‘Good Coach Guide’ Riding is a constant learning curve and at some point most of us reach for the help and support of a coach. But how do you go about choosing the right one for you?

Now, with the winter approaching and summer competitions finishing, the horses may be having a break before begining their preparations for next year. It’s a good time to pause and think about your coach - or to find yourself one. But where to start?

1 - Check the qualifications Any coach should have some sort of qualification, usually through the British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools, UK Coaching or The Pony Club to name a few.

Any of these societies require the coach to have a Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) check, a Safeguarding Certificate and a First Aid Certificate all completed or updated every 3 years.

Almost as important is the Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses being done regularly. The BHS require 6hrs every year, The Pony Club require attendance at a CPD every 2 years. This is to show that the Coach is keeping up to date with modern and new ideas in the industry.

During Covid there have been many online courses of great interest, which has been a saving on travel time!

There are also courses on a variety of subjects including working with riders with autism and disabilities.

If you’re hoping to compete in a specific discipline, British Dressage (BD), British Eventing (BE) and British Showjumping (BS) all have coaching development and grading programmes to ensure their coaches have the highest standards of professionalism.

2 - what’s your style?

Would you prefer to join a group, or have private sessions? There are benefits to both - group sessions take the pressure off, are a great environment for both you and your horse and allow you to watch and learn from others.

Individual training sessions are often more intense and really good for working on specific areas. Private sessions allow the coach to work on a weakness in a highly individual, targeted way.

3 - Find the right coach for you The most important thing is that the coach suits the rider and the horse, making training fun as well as informative, regardless of whether it is for competition.

There should becomes a bond between coach and rider, with the coach leading the rider to become confident and independent.

Together the coach and rider should be looking for tiny attainable tickable targets.

Many riders have no intention of competing but love training to improve their riding and their horse. Many riders are competitive, but still need to learn the basics.

Think of building a house. Each brick is a tiny target, and when you have built your house you reach your main goal. But if you missed a brick or two, the house will fall down - and in the same vein the rider missing a few ‘bricks’ will have a problem later.

Please choose an accredited coach, and enjoy riding your horse.

Sara Greenwood BHS AI, UKCC L2 PC Area 14 Centre Co-ordinator PC Assessor E-AH test RDA Coach 35

EQUESTRIAN

Lucy Procter, co-owner of the Glanvilles Stud, shares a diary of life on a Thoroughbred stud.

This month - double breeding and almost a hat trick.

Stud Life

October was quite the month for the Glanvilles Stud; storms submerged the fields, but out of the yard there were successes at the track and a new French arrival, as Lucy shares.

Despite the October storms briefly submerging some of our fields - much to the enjoyment of the foals (see image above!), the worst of the water has now drained off our land and the mares and foals are all still living out 24/7. They are protected from the excesses of the weather by our thick hedges, though a few of the mares with skin sensitive to prolonged drenching, are rugged at night.

Out on the racecourse It’s just as well that the majority are living out and the stud is still relatively quiet, as things have been pretty busy on the racecourse recently and we have managed to get away and enjoy a few days out racing.

Since the end of September, our homebred flat filly, Beryl Burton, has run three times. She has achieved a win, a third and a fourth place. Her overall performance has improved with every run, and she has now been sold to her trainer, John Berry in Newmarket, for another owner in his yard.

Not to be outdone, our homebred gelding, Soul Icon, made his handicap debut at Huntingdon on 5th October; a winning one.

He followed this up two weeks later with a win at Exeter and then again, a week later, he just missed out on getting his hat trick by a neck at Taunton.

From left - Kieran Burke (trainer), Soul Icon, Isabelle Whitty, Doug Procter, Freddie Procter, Lucy Procter

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Soul Icon has gone up over a stone in the handicap in just three weeks. This means his mark, which is used by the handicapper to allot weight to horses in handicap races, has gone up.

If a horse is deemed to have run its most recent race better than previous runs, its mark increases.

A horse with a higher mark, say 110, would carry 12lb more than a horse of 98, the object being to give every horse an equal chance of winning. If a horse runs badly in a race, then the handicap mark can be reduced with the same aim of levelling out the racing field.

A family win Particularly exciting for Doug and I was the fact that our eldest son Freddie rode Soul Icon in all three races, with the Huntingdon triumph being his first winner ‘under rules’ (professional racing as opposed to amateur Point-to-Point racing). As if that wasn’t pleasing enough, our daughter Alice had backed Soul Icon, pretrained him and taught him to jump at home. And a cherry on top, Soul Icon is the first horse we have bred out of a mare that raced in the stud colours.

Back at the stud A well-bred filly purchased online from France, eventually made it across the water at the beginning of the month to be prepped and sold on at the December Mare Sale at Tattersalls in Newmarket.

Straight out of a flat racing yard, she was a slight little thing when she arrived, but is already, twoweeks on, beginning to put weight on nicely and has settled down to long days out at grass with a steady, elderly broodmare as her companion.

With two homebred winners this month, one of them ridden by a homebred jockey, everyone at The Glanvilles Stud has been given a little boost. and a timely reminder of why we pour our heart and soul into breeding and raising racehorses.

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Soul Icon at Exeter racecourse in October, being ridden by Freddie Procter image © Matthew Webb

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EQUESTRIAN

Advertorial

Point to Point returns to Badbury Rings in November After nearly two years kicking our heels with no Point to Points it’s finally time to pull on your wellies, don coats and jumpers and head up to Badbury Rings for the first Race Day since 2019.

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

It’s a super family day you can enjoy a picnic in the fresh air, purchase a variety of food and drinks from the stalls or stroll around the trade stands in the Seasonal marquee selling many great locallyproduced gifts and products.

There is no better location than the historic Badbury Rings - an Iron Age Hillfort between Wimborne and Blandford - where from the top you have sweeping views out across Dorset. The course at Badbury Rings is rectangular and undulating with an amazing view of the four fences home straight, so you can watch the horses battle it out to the winning line. An amazing way to watch horses who love what they do speeding across the line to applause.

The Event gates open at 10am, and the first event is the Family Dog Racing at 10.30pm. The Race Card sports six races, starting at noon and running until after 3pm. We have many generous sponsors, and one race is in memory of local jockey Richard Miller who loved racing and winning on the chalk downs of Badbury Rings. The going is currently described as good to soft and the bookies and big screen are there to help bring an extra flutter of excitement to your Day Out! Experience all this and more at the Portman Point to Point on Sunday the 7th

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November, Badbury Rings, Dorset, DT11 9JL. Tickets can be bought online here or on the day for cash on the gate, £10 per person (not by the car, as per Covid guidance).

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In association with VOICE OF A FARMER

Buckling down for winter

by James Cossins, a fifth generation farmer in the Tarrant Valley.

Rolling winter-sown wheat at Rawston Farm in the early 1970’s Image: James Cossins (James - why does this tractor look like some tank tracks were bolted onto a Landrover? Ed)

October was a good month for farmers but there’s important work to be done for next year - and our children’s future, argues James Cossins.

The autumn planting programme has progressed well in October with some clement weather in the middle of the month. Maize harvesting has also been completed with a wheat crop to be sown as soon as conditions allow.

Our cattle are gradually being brought into their winter quarters which will mean extra work for us but at least, at the moment, we have a plentiful supply of winter feed and straw.

A few of our cattle will be outwintered on forage crops, straw and baled silage on fields which are free-draining and have hedges for shelter. Let’s hope the winter is not too severe!

Rocketing fuel costs One of the major topics in the news has been the rapid price increase in the cost of fuel especially gas.

The knock-on effect to farmers and growers that use inorganic fertiliser made from gas is that not only is it in short supply but it’s now at record price levels.

Many growers may think it is not economical to apply the

fertiliser or may reduce the There are many phrases being amount applied which will lead bandied about at the moment; to lower yields. net zero, sustainability, carbon We purchased some at £250capture, natural capital, £300 per ton in the summer and regenerative farming and it is now being sequestration to name a “We purchased quoted at £600few. £700 per ton. some at £250- Agriculture can play its We do have £300 per ton in part in trying to correct some in the perceived problem, the summer and but we need guidance store from it is now being from the government the forward buying, but not quoted at £600- and scientists - of a enough to see £700 per ton” practical and workable us through next nature - to achieve the year. We will have to calculate magical net zero. the economics of how much to The National Farmers Union has apply compared to the loss in pledged to achieve this by 2040. yield.

We need incentives and joinedWith prices of oilseeds and up thinking now in order to start wheat looking good for next the process. year it could be difficult Our milk purchaser Arla has calculation to make. Being a already set up a climate check mixed farm we do produce a lot programme which we are all of farmyard manure which we involved with, which measures use as fertiliser on the spring the efficiency of the farm and sown crops but we will still need identifies where improvements to buy some in. can be made.

Without engagement from all We need leadership countries, especially the large Another hot topic talked about developed ones, what we do in daily in the news is the debate this country will have a relatively on Climate Change. minor effect on climate change.

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A greener future for agriculture?

With landmark global announcements protecting forests, acceleration of green technologies and methane pledges this UN Climate Change conference is focusing on the shift from ambition to action.

COP26 is rightly dominating the headlines at this moment.

Pre-COP26 70% of the world’s economy was covered by a net zero target and with Australis and India laying out their targets in Glasgow, it is a vital step in limiting global warming.

So how about our industry?

There is plenty in the press about agriculture’s impact but let’s look a bit closer. NFU President Minette Batters set a target for the British farming industry to become net zero by 2040, this is our contribution towards the UK’s ambition of net zero for 2050. Agriculture is uniquely placed to be part of the solution, as both an emissions source and sink. As farmers, we can protect and enhance the carbon reserves already in our soils and vegetation, by modifying some farm practices and better managing out hedgerows and trees.

“...at the same time as reducing our impact on the climate, we must not reduce our ability to feed the UK with high quality, affordable British food”

The view across Hilton Bottom towards Lower Ansty image: Laura Hitchcock

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In addition to these ‘naturebased’ climate solutions, we can help to capture more carbon by growing the raw materials for bioenergy alongside our food production.

That food production element mustn’t be forgotten: because at the same time as reducing our impact on the climate, we should not reduce our capacity to feed UK consumers with high quality, affordable British food.

Nor should we achieve our climate change ambitions by exporting UK production - or

FARMING their farming system and still dairy herds being trialled through make a huge difference. the University of Nottingham; For example, when arable watch this space to see what our greenhouse gas emissions farmers grow cover our iconic Blackmore to other countries. “there is crops after harvest, or Vale dairy herds will So, there is no single answer to often more be munching on in the chop their straw rather this climate problem; agriculture happening future! than bale it, these has to manage a real balancing actions capture carbon, around you As you walk the act. draw it down and lock footpaths across tackling it into the soil at the Dorset farmland, How much of an impact is our climate change same time as improving there is often more food production having on the than you might soil nutrients and happening around you climate anyway? biodiversity – a simple first realise” tackling climate change There is much talk about than you might first reducing your red meat intake to and easy win!

Grassland management is at the realise.

Farmers are showing help climate change. But British heart of any livestock farmer’s how they are adapting their cattle and sheep only account for plans.

Allowing species of deeper businesses to reduce agricultural 5.7% of the UK’s greenhouse gas rooting rye grass and clover emissions and capture and store emissions, and greenhouse gas to flourish helps improve soil more carbon on farmland, all emissions from UK beef are less health and increases nutrient while providing climate-friendly, than half the global average. We cycling, fixing nitrogen in the nutritious and affordable food also mustn’t forget the role that soil and reducing the need for for people at home and abroad. our livestock play in maintaining artificial fertiliser use.

This will wildlife habitats, soil quality also help improve the health Louise Stratton and the beautiful landscapes and productivity of a herd by NFU Dorset County Adviser we treasure, both here in North reducing the worm burden.

Dorset and further afield.

With rotational grazing There are several “British cattle regimes, the cattle activities that would graze a small area for and sheep make more of an impact than reducing only account a short period of time and then move on, meat and dairy – green for 5.7% allowing the grass a energy, or driving a of the UK’s chance to replenish more efficient car for greenhouse and put sufficient example, especially as 27% of UK greenhouse gas emissions” energy back into the roots. This can improve gas emissions comes the soil organic matter and from transport. biodiversity.

But with every farm being Regenerative farming different, even to their We have always known this neighbours, its important each would not be an easy task but farmer choose options and as I work across the County farming practices that suit their it has been incredible to see own system. Herbal leys for the innovative and diverse example do need planting every range of measures farmers few years so there is a cost have employed to make their implication. Making changes to businesses more sustainable.

Regenerative farming has been in a farming system takes time; soil the headlines within our industry biology takes time to make up any difference from removing for some time; the over-arching principle is working hand in hand chemical inputs. with the environment and that starts with the soil, all whilst producing high quality food.

I see many farmers embracing this approach, but it is important to remember that a farmer can make just one change within

Making changes to get to net zero is a journey.

Finally, with the COP26 methane pledge in mind, there is a seaweed food supplement to reduce methane emissions from

Dorset’s iconic rolling farmland is already the scene of a considered indistry move towards tackling climate change image: Laura Hitchcock

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FARM TALES

by Andrew Livingston

Ever since Brexit was confirmed, Britain has been slowly careering toward a meaty iceberg, ominously bobbing in the sea. The Government, for now, has managed to avert a meat crisis - but your Sunday roasts aren’t safe yet, says Andrew Livingston.

If you hadn’t heard, the current crisis involved pigs - and the lack of people able and willing to kill, cut and process the animals for them to be available on our shelves for consumption.

In a Post-Brexit world, all the skilled workers that usually perform this work are of European nationalities and unable to work here.

Backlogged Pigs The Government knew this was an issue and last month created 5,500 working visas for the poultry sector to try to save Christmas.

Pigs meanwhile were ignored, and left to sit on farms without the skilled workers to kill them.

This led to a backlog of 150,000 pigs that we close to being slaughtered on-farm - meaning that their meat would be unable to go into the food sector.

Worryingly, the Government’s stance was that it would hopefully solve itself and British workers would fill the position (even though it takes 18 months to train to take on one of these positions).

The Government’s attitude was typified by Boris Johnson in an interview when he stated that “culled pigs would have died anyway” - completely missing the reason farmers nurture and grow their animals.

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The solution sees prices rise Since then, 800 six-month visas have been granted to clear the backlog of pigs needing to be killed - but this issue will not go away.

After this six months is up European workers will be required again - the British public frankly don’t have the desire to complete this skilled work. One food processing plant put leaflets through the doors of their local town advertising working opportunities in their business - 15,000 leaflets generated three phone calls and no interviews.

And it’s not just butchers that are needed. In the summer, workers are needed to pick fruit, veg and flowers in the fields. Vast sums of money can be earned per hour by picking - however you are paid by the amount you pick, rather than time spent in the fields. This incentivises fast, hard workers. During the ‘Pick for Britain’ campaign last summer, farmers were having to top up wages for local workers to meet the minimum wages.

It’s not a new issue - in 2018 when talking to the Independent, Stephanie Maurel, the chief executive of Concordia, a recruitment company that supplies workers to about 200 British farms, said they had

virtually zero Brits apply.

“We’ve had two applications out of 10,000,” she says. “It’s statistically quite damning.”

When asked why this was, she suggest early hours, long days, physical toll, seasonality, lack of affordable transport, “and, quite simply, the farms aren’t in places with high levels of unemployment.”

The Government has called on the agricultural sector to make its jobs more appealing to the public. Undoubtedly this will happen with increased wages, but higher wages will only inflate the cost of the food or reduce the price paid to the farmer (the middle man never takes the brunt), heightening the want for cheaper foreign imports on our shelves.

Crisis averted - for now Covid taught us that we need to be self-sufficient at feeding the nation - food security. We must move forward from cheap foreign imports to feed our population and begin to back British farming.

The British Titanic is slowly turning and looking like it’ll survive this winter with the help of European workers.

Unfortunately, if attitudes don’t begin to change then all we are doing is moving deck chairs.

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Both images - the pigs on Westleaze Farm.

POLITICS

by Andrew Livingston

Here comes Trouble

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by Jane Adams

WILDLIFE By our new wildlife guest columnist, Jane Adams - Naturalist. bTB Badger Vaccinator.

Nature writer.

Photographer. Bee Watcher.

Experience a different walk What would happen if we stopped watching wildlife and sensed it in other ways? In this month’s nature column, Jane Adams goes on a sensory walk at dusk.

What smells and sounds did you notice the last time you went for a walk? Did you make a point of touching a leaf or paying attention to the breeze on your face?

It’s amazing how easy it is to let your sense of sight dominate the way you perceive nature.

I often find myself describing an interesting plant or bird I’ve seen to my husband, but can’t for the life of me remember when I last told him about a scent or texture.

So, this month I’m on a mission (you’re welcome to join me).

I’m going to take more notice of my other senses, and to help me I’ve started walking in the nearby woods at dusk.

screeched overhead. But the more I do it, the more I love it.

The other evening I sat under a favourite oak and, having scooped up a handful of fallen leaves, I started to run my fingers over their surface. Some crumbled, but others were covered in circular lumps about the size of a small flat pea. This oakleaf braille was spangle galls; knobbly hard protection for eggs laid earlier in the year by tiny wasps that develop into larva inside the galls, falling to the ground with the leaves in autumn. The larvae continue to

develop through the winter, and emerge as adults in the spring.

Later, the scent of a fox that must have passed by just minutes before stopped me in my tracks. Breathing in its heady musk, I could imagine the animal’s steady gaze and alert ears, its russet coat and thick bushy brush.

I’m not suggesting an evening walk is right, or even possible, for everyone, but even if it isn’t, give your eyes a rest and think about appreciating nature with your less used, but nonetheless important, senses.

Spangle galls There’s no getting away from it, walking in the woods after sunset can feel a bit spooky.

It took me a while to calm my nerves, tune in to the scuttling and scrabbling of the unseen wood mice, and not jump out of my skin when a tawny owl 44

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POLITICS “I coulde never learne an Englishe name for it. The Duche men call it in Netherlande, spilboome, that is, spindel tree, because they use to make spindels of it in that countrey, and me thynke it maye be so well named in English seying we have no other name. … I know no good propertie that this tree hath, saving only it is good to make spindels and brid of cages ” [bird cages].

William Turner’s ‘Newe Herball’, 1551

Dorset’s winter hedgerows If you’re taking a stroll through the country lanes of the Blackmore Vale this winter, here are just a few of the hedgerow plant species you might spot. Hedgerows provide an often diverse range of trees and shrubs, making them a thriving habitat for all sorts of wildlife. At this time of year, berries are particularly tempting to birds, but not all berries are safe for them (or humans) to eat.

Hawthorn Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyny) is one of the staple shrubs found in our autumn and winter hedgerows, producing deep red fruits resembling very small apples, called ‘haws’. These fruits are enjoyed by many birds including hawfinches, thrushes, fieldfares and redwings, as well as a range of small mammals.

Waxwings will also enjoy any haws that are left on the tree in December or January. Common hawthorn is also a rich habitat for all kinds of wildlife beyond birds, from hawthorn shield

Culpepper the herbalist said “briony” were “furiously martial plants”, imbued with the warlike spirit of orange twinkling Mars in the night sky

Thomas the Rhymer, the thirteenth century Scottish mystic and poet met the Faery Queen by a hawthorn from which a cuckoo was calling. She led him into the Faery Underworld for a brief sojourn. Upon reemerging into the world of mortals he found he had been absent for seven years.

bugs, to wood mice and slow worms that shelter in the thorny thickets.

Spindle One of the most striking, vibrant berries you can spot in early winter can be found on this small hedgerow and woodland tree. The berries that appear on spindle (Euonymus europaeus) are bright pink with bright orange seeds inside; they may look exotic, but this is a native plant in Britain. The berries are toxic to humans, but enjoyed by a range of wildlife including mice, foxes and birds such as house sparrows.

Spindle is an ancient woodland indicator; its presence in woodland settings may mean you are in a particularly special habitat. Ancient woodlands are woods that have continuously been on the same site since 1600 or before, creating a specific

ecosystem with a host of plants and animals. One such woodland can be found at Hibbitts Woods, a Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Yeovil.

Black Bryony Take a look at an autumn or winter hedgerow and you might see stems of bright red berries climbing up the trees and shrubs. This may well be black bryony (Tamus communis), our only native member of the yam family. Despite this, it is a poisonous plant. Its leaves are glossy and heart-shaped, and in summer it flowers with yellowgreen, six-petalled blooms.

Despite their names and similar hedgerow climbing habits, white bryony (Bryonia dioica) is not a relative of black bryony. The poisonous berries are not of much value to wildlife, though the summer flowers are visited by pollinators.

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VET

Pets and fireworks – how to keep yours happy on Bonfire Night For many of us, Bonfire Night is a high point of the year, with lots of socialising, weird hot picnics in the dark and of course. But the noise, excitement and beauty of the fireworks can be traumatic for pets. Is there anything you can you do to help? Mandy Walters, Small Animal Practice Manager & Head Nurse at Damory Vets has a few suggestions...

Animals of course have very acute hearing - loud bangs from fireworks can genuinely scare your pets, even cause pain in their ears. Here’s our best tips to reduce and relieve their anxiety: Keep your dogs and cats inside If you are a dog owner, make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day so you don’t have to take them out when fireworks are being let off.

Make sure that they have a safe space they can hide in and feel comfortable. Closing windows and doors will block out some of the noise, and if you have a cat flap, make sure you lock it or block it off to make sure a cat 46

can’t make a dashing escape.

Ambient noise You can also block out some of the noise from the fireworks by turning on the TV or radio (not too loudly). Classical music has been found to have a relaxing effect on animals, with many kennels and rehoming centres using the power of classical music to help keep animals calm. For the last three years, ClassicFM has played a ‘PetSounds’ programme for Bonfire Night.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets Smaller animals are easily

frightened - we suggest that hutches/cages and enclosures are bought into a quiet room indoors if possible, or inside a garage or shed. If you aren’t able to do this, you should turn the hutch/cage or enclosure around so it is facing a wall or fence.

Putting in extra bedding can help your pet to feel a bit safer.

Extra help You can also get some aids from your local veterinary practice to help calm pets, such as sprays and diffusers which can be purchased over the counter.

Prescription drugs can also be used, although these would need to be dispensed by a vet.

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ADVERTORIAL

Branscombe: pampering pets for nearly 50 years Animal boarding has been operating on the current site in Stour Row, just outside Shaftesbury, for almost half a century Branscombe Kennels and Cattery consistently offers high levels of care for the four-legged members of the family.

We offer a year-round boarding service for dogs and cats for when you are not able to be there yourself. From single days and weekends to longer stays, we strive to accommodate all requests, and pride ourselves on the level of care we offer. Our facilities are maintained to a high standard, and all dogs are walked around our beautiful field twice a day, weather permitting. We employ wellqualified and experienced staff, and all of them are working towards additional higher-level qualifications.

Grooming We are also able to offer a highly competitive dog grooming service in our newly refurbished grooming salon. Dogs can be groomed while they stay with us to save you another journey, or can be booked in independently to be pampered whenever they need it. We also offer wash and dry and nail clipping services.

Agility for hire Our secure exercise and agility arena is now available for hire.

The arena is fenced on all sides, has a selection of dog agility equipment and can be hired for 1/2 hour, 1 hour or longer times by arrangement. Currently it is available for bookings starting at 10am in the morning, and, as we have installed floodlights, is also now available into the evening with the last booking at 7pm.

We are now also able to offer supervised sessions in the arena as part of your dog’s stay.

All the extras We also have an area where we sell the food brands that we use on a daily basis for our guests, as well as a good selection of great value raw meats and toys.

We are constantly striving to improve our service.

This year we are making significant upgrade; our cattery is undergoing a major refurbishment that will see much of the building upgraded, as well as new heating and lighting systems. We are also installing new heating and lighting in the kennels ready for the winter.

If you would like to book a visit or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01747 838323.

You can also visit our website at www.branscombekennels.co.uk, or contact us using Facebook.

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RESCUE ANIMALS

All looking for their forever homes...

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POLITICS

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POLITICS

Delcombe Wood to Cothayes Drove 7 miles

An easy-to-navigate simple route, and under seven miles making it a nice couple of hour’s hike. Though with a stiff climb to finish (whichever way you walk it - you’re starting at the top of a hill!) it’s not quite as swift as you may expect. No doubt lovely views and definitely some glorious woodland - though you can see we did it on a very wet October day with more mud than scenic vistas!

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.

The final hill climb up Bulbarrow Hill into the clouds.

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CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE, OR SCAN THE QR

The ancient holloway at the bottom of Green Hill.

Pretty Hilton Church is worth stepping into for a few minutes The long straight track with the final climb back up to the top of Bulbarrow - I suspect on another day there’ll be amazing views from this spot!

The short sharp uphill through the trees from Hilton is guaranteed to get the blood pumping - and the lungs gasping!

We accidentally created this route on a gloomy, overcast October day which quickly turned to torrential downpour. We swiftly re-assessed our planned 11 miles, mapping a shortcut which ended up being a happy accident by finding a lovely new route which we intend to revisit when the sun is shining!

The final hill climb up Bulbarrow Hill was inevitable, seeing as we parked at the top, but it wasn‘t too horrific, and the lane made it feel comparably easy after the mud we’d had!

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FLOWERS

How to be blooming gorgeous!

Charlotte Tombs, an experienced Dorset flower farmer at Northcombe Flowers in Sturminster Marshall, shares her growing year and seasonal thoughts with us.

Autumn gardening is all about planning and protecting plants in order for them to give joy and excitement next year, says Charlotte Tombs It may surprise some people to learn that Autumn is a busy time of year for a flower farmer.

One of the most important aspects about growing flowers from seed is that we have to look forward into the following year and this obviously means planning ahead.

Like so many other businesses we keep our eyes focused on the latest wedding, fashion and colour trends. It is our job to to see what highly fashionable ‘society’ florists are using in their wedding florals and what the predicted new trends, colours and ideas will be as these will quickly make their way down to us in Dorset.

We need to be ready as no one is going to want last year’s fashions!

Planting now This week I have been busy planting my biennials which I sowed back in June. Normally around Midsummers’ Day is as good time as any but not if there is a heat wave forecast. You don’t “I’ve also been busy presoaking and planting up my ranunculus and anemones corms. Ranunculus are beautiful flowers with layer upon layer of petals that rather remind me of a ballerina’s tutu.

What is fantastic about them is that they have a great vase life, and continue to grow and bloom in the vase.

Tulips also continue to grow in the vase - you can find when you arrange tulips that a few days later you’re thinking they’ve put on a few centimetres in the water and grown at a funny angle.”

52

want to fry those seedlings. ‘the mouth’ opens and it looks Right now the soil is still warm just like a dragon). Larkspur is enough so it’s an ideal time another one to sow now. to plant the well-established These can all be over-wintered in biennial seedlings. You won’t see a cold greenhouse, sweet peas much leaf growth throughout can be kept in a cold frame or the winter months but the roots just under the eaves of a house will be growing, working deep or perhaps even under a garden down into the soil. table outside just to keep the Come the spring “...what new worst of the weather when the weather them. These trends, colours off improves and it’s stalwarts of your and ideas warmer they will cutting garden will put already have a head ‘society’ florists down a great network start and will be are using will of roots over the cold much quicker to winter months. Some quickly make reward you with of them such as the their way down cornflowers are quite an explosion of gorgeous blooms. to us in Dorset.” frost-tolerant and you can plant them pretty Pretty petals much at the end of Early autumn is also an February or the beginning of ideal time to get ahead with March. I do this with my sweet sowings of hardy annuals such peas as well but I do have a bit as calendula, cornflowers, of horticultural fleece at the sweet peas and antirrhinum ready just in case they need an (commonly known as extra layer if it’s going to be very snapdragons - those wonderful frosty or windy and, of course, flowers of one’s youth that we must protect against biting you squeeze the flower and rain.

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ADVERTORIAL

Is it really the season?

Cyclamen, Wreath Making workshops, Gifts for loved ones, and of course, the trees… yes, it’s all on our minds.

Cohle said that ‘Time is a flat circle’ (it’s actually Nietzsche’s doctrine of eternal recurrence - that everything repeats itself and that what happened before is bound to happen again), and the festive season approaches at speeds which feel like they’re faster than ever each year. Last month we talked about the joys that Autumn brings and it hardly feels like we’ve had much time to savour it!

A festive normality It’s important to savour those good moments, and we also previously touched upon a sense of ‘normal’ really feeling like it had returned. The news on tv may imply some possibly difficult times ahead this winter, but our determination to press on safely,

and with prosperity, has not waned. We know how important the festive season is to so many people, and how even a humble fir tree in the corner of the living room can bring a sense of togetherness and warmth at the coldest time of year.

To some, of course, the end of the year doesn’t mean a great deal – it’s just another month on the calendar, and it’s other times of the year where they celebrate their own traditions. The diversity in our culture is something which makes a community so valuable.

We can all gain knowledge and perspective from each other that enriches our own personal lives.

If you’re not getting festive soon, we still remain a community garden centre, and we welcome everyone through our gates with

experts on hand to provide you inspiration for your seasonal gardening.

‘Bah Humbug’ is a phrase that even many of our staff may utter, but we promise you, it’s all in good spirits! There’s an authenticity you’ll find at Thorngrove all year round.

We’ll of course be on hand for many of your festive essentials this November and December, so please consider adding Thorngrove on your shopping destination to find something special this Christmas. There will be plenty of treats in the café too, so bring a friend, and savour that moment.

Let’s enjoy the togetherness we have right now, because as far as we’re concerned, it’s never felt more appreciated. Ho Ho Ho!

53

In association with OUT OF DOORS

The voice of the allotment with Barry Cuff

Barry Cuff ’s squash harvest: two Crown Prince plants produced four very large fruits.

One plant of Butterfly produced two very large butternut squash. Also harvested were Honeyboat, Sweet Dumpling and Walnut.

The key to plentiful vegetables from your garden are top quality seeds and the best varieties. Barry Cuff spills the beans.

Our plot continued supplying us best variety. They are an early with fresh produce throughout variety with a smooth skin and October. shallow crown.

Sunny and mild weather ensured We cut the last of our Fargo that many vegetables carried on cauliflower early in the month growing. But as heavy rain was and await Cendis which will forecast early last month we be ready from mid November decided to harvest our winter onwards. Ironman calabrese squashes before the deluge. has done exceptionally well, Most of the green material had providing smaller individual died back making them easy to spears once the main head had find as the patch had been like a been harvested. jungle previously.

It has been a bad year for White The two Crown Prince plants butterflies and on more than produced four very large fruits. one occasion despite careful One plant of Butterfly produced checking the odd caterpillar has two very large butternut squash. turned up on the dinner plate!

Also harvested were Honeyboat, The last of the courgettes and Sweet Dumpling and Walnut.

French beans were picked on These varieties will keep in store the 16th. through the autumn and winter.

We started digging a few leeks Another variety (Waltham) failed mid-month as we have four to produce any mature fruits. rows which will see us through Once again we dug carrots, beetroot and radish as required. the winter.

Because of the We never store “on more than one sunny days the carrots and occasion, despite self-sown Marvelbeetroot as we careful checking, of-Peru (Mirabilis believe they keep better in the the odd caterpillar jalapa) continued to flower. We ground despite a has turned up on are not quite little slug damage. the dinner plate!” sure how this plant arrived on Hello Mr Chips our allotment and we allow a Our first parsnips were made few to flower and seed each into tasty chips. Over the last few years we have grown Palace year as it’s an interesting plant with marbled, striped and biwhich we consider to be the 54

coloured flowers.

We have ordered manure for the whole site and expect nine trailer loads to arrive in November. Some busy spade work to look forward to.

As we belong to the South West Counties Allotment Association we get a 50% discount on seeds from both Kings and Suttons.

Our order was posted a week ago and we expect to receive them anytime now. Both companies supply top quality seed.

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by Pete Harcom Head Gardener at Sherton Abbas Gardening

Garden jobs for November Here are this month’s jobs from Sherborne gardener Pete Harcom for you to get on and do in the garden before the Christmas rush!

• Clear up for the winter!

Clear faded and dying annual climbers such as sweet peas from their supports.

Clear up fallen leaves and put them in plastic bags or in a heap to rot down as leaf mould ( may take a year or so) and then can be used as a mulch.

• Watch the compost heap Keep on top of the creation of the compost heap by turning it regularly. Keep it moist, and mix well with shredded paper. Nettles and some weeds can be composted (if the heap gets heated well), but do not compost ‘difficult’ weeds such as bindweed, ground elder or docks.

• Mind your beds When clearing up flower beds try to keep off of wet soil to avoid compacting the soil - use wooden boards to spread your weight.

• Birds enjoy your seedheads It is a good idea to leave your plants with attractive seed heads, such as Rudbeckia, Sea Holly (Eryngium), Teasels, Love in a Mist, any ornamental grasses etc. as these provide valuable food for birds in the winter months and can be used in flower arrangements. Cut down the old seed-heads in Spring, when the new growth appears.

• Last chance for bulbs There is still time to plant spring bulbs and bare rooted trees and shrubs before the colder weather.

• Winter mulch Cover and protect agapanthus plants with mulch or garden compost. Straw can also be used for protecting half hardy plants. Alpines planted in the garden can have a gravel mulch, or if they are in containers will benefit from covering with straw or bring them into the greenhouse for the winter.

• Look after your acers Acers are a particularly good show this time of year with their autumn colours. Japanese maples are acers, and they can be either planted in the ground or in pots now. They will benefit from being placed in sheltered semi shady spots in the garden.

• Time to sow Sowing seeds in a cold greenhouse is a nice job to do this time of year. Some of the favourite seeds

to sow now are Sweet Peas, Ajuga Reptans (really good for ground cover), Cornflowers, Astrantias, Corydalis Solida and Allium Sphaerocephalon.

Eryngiums (Sea Holly) are particularly attractive and can be sown now in a cold greenhouse. They can take a while to germinate, but they are worth it and they are attractive for bees.

After all that is done, have a cuppa tea and browse through your seed and garden catalogues and plan for next year!

Pete 55

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BOOK CORNER

Voice of the Books Sherborne’s independent bookshop Winstone’s has won the ‘British Book Awards South West Bookseller of the Year’ four times and was winner of the ‘Independent Bookseller of the Year’ national award in 2016. Owner Wayne Winstone is one of the three judges for this year’s Costa Prize for Fiction. This year Wayne was selected as one of the top 100 people in the Book Trade’s Most Influential Figures listing.

Join us for a talk and signing with historian and author Saul David on the 23rd November. His fascinating new book ‘SBS: Silent Warriors’ tells the incredible story of the Special Boat Service and the work they have done to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

- including Operation Frankton, the daredevil attempt by the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ to paddle up the Garonne river and sink Axis ships in Bordeaux harbour - were some of the most audacious and legendary of the war.

Paddling flimsy canoes, and armed only with knives, pistols and a few sub-machine guns, this handful of brave and determined men operated deep behind enemy lines in the full knowledge that if caught they might be executed. Many were. Yet their many improbable achievements - destroying enemy ships and infrastructure, landing secret agents, tying up enemy forces, spreading fear and uncertainty, and, most importantly, “Paddling flimsy preparing the canoes, and armed ground for D-Day only with knives, - helped to make an Allied victory pistols and a few possible. sub-machine guns” Written with the full cooperation of the modern SBS - the first time this ultra-secretive unit has given its seal of approval to any book - and exclusive access to its archives, SBS: Silent Warriors allows Britain’s original special forces to emerge from the shadows and take their proper and deserved place in our island story.

Britain’s SBS - or Special Boat Service - was the world’s first maritime special operations unit.

Founded in the dark days of 1940, it started as a small and inexperienced outfit that leaned heavily on volunteers’ raw courage and boyish enthusiasm. It went on to change the course of the Second World War - and has served as a model for special forces ever since.

The fledgling unit’s first mission was a daring beach reconnaissance of Rhodes in the spring of 1941. Over the next four years, the SBS and its affiliates would carry out many more spectacular operations in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Channel and the Far East. These missions 58

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘A terrific book ... It really is one of the most enjoyable histories I’ve read in many a year’ JAMES HOLLAND ‘An absolute must-read if you are a fan of derringdo and Andy McNab. I am going to be telling everyone to buy it’ ROB RINDER

We very much look forward to welcoming you to this compelling talk by an accomplished historian. Tickets are £2, including a glass of wine. The event will be at Winstone’s bookshop, Sherborne.

Book tickets online by clicking here.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Sherborne’s Ted has successful summer

Congratulations to Fifth Former at Sherborne School, Ted Hunt for having come to the end of a highly successful career with his two 13.2 ponies.

Ted took on a new project during lockdown 2020 a complete novice 14.2 pony who he successfully partnered to second place in the 2020/21 British Show Jumping Southwest League, and qualified for the British Show Jumping National Championships this summer, where they achieved second place in the Discovery class. They then went on to win the Newcomers at Aintree International. Ted’s aim now is to qualify for the Nationals at this level next year, as well as the Scope Festival and Bluechip Championships.

Soldiers’ Support with Lateral Flow Tests

Blandford Camp must be congratulated for their exceptional support during September in helping Blandford School with lateral flow testing of students. Mrs Sally Wilson, Headteacher, said “I’m delighted not only with their support of this initiative but also the ongoing partnership work between the Camp and The Blandford School.

Over the course of two days, Signallers volunteered to help the school with the testing of students.

Their assistance in undertaking this vital work in support of keeping our community safe helped us to ensure a smooth start of term for all. It was a delight to work so closely with the Signallers.

Headteacher is appointed for Dorset Council’s SEND school in Shaftesbury Katie Charles has been appointed as the Headteacher of Dorset Council’s new school for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Katie has worked as a professional scientist before a career in education, with experience of both mainstream and special education.

Katie is looking forward to welcoming the students. She said: “Our new school is part of a family of amazing special schools in Dorset and I look forward to joining them in providing even more high quality education provision to meet growing needs.”

The new school is a central

part of the Dorset Centre of Excellence project on the former St Mary’s School site in Shaftesbury. It will open in 2022, with an initially small cohort of children, which will grow to around 280 students over the next five years.

The Dorset Centre of Excellence will also offer training and courses, making use of stateof-the-art facilities, including provision for arts, culture, music and sport.

The school will be recruiting staff as it grows. Jobs will be advertised on the Dorset Council Jobs website in the coming weeks.

Dorset Council took the step of

securing the extensive site to meet the growing need for more high-quality special education provision. The new school is part of the council’s wider £37.5 million plan to improve the lives of Dorset children with SEND. 59

SCHOOL NEWS

Sturminster Newton High School win the Surfers Against Sewage competition Sturminster Newton High School are extremely pleased to have won the Surfers Against Sewage WUKA competition. Entering the competition prompted students to talk about the impact of the school on the environment and what the school could do to improve. Staff and Students were excited by winning the competition - not only for the fantastic prize their menstruating students will be receiving, but also because it has led to the revival of the school’s Eco Group.

Sturminster Newton High School have not had an Eco group for a couple of years now, as the lead teacher retired and COVID disrupted school life. Although changes were made around the school to become more environmentally friendly (no more laminating of resources, recycling stationery, crisp packets, milk bottle lids, no more plastic cutlery being used in the canteen...) the momentum certainly had slowed down.

When the opportunity to enter the competition arose, quite a few of the school’s students

and staff were excited by the idea of potentially receiving a pair of period pants, an ecofriendly reusable sanitary product (currently taxed at 20% as a ‘non-essential’, something both students and staff felt strongly about).

Plastic Free School The school are looking forward to working towards becoming a Plastic Free School and are feeling energised about facing the challenges ahead. Emily van de Geer, Surfers Against Sewage, said “We were so impressed with all the entries but our winners, Sturminster Newton High School, put together 2 incredibly strong letters to government on removing the tax from period pants and on the amount of single-use plastics in schools across the UK. We particularly

Cheselbourne Village School launch the new ‘Elmer exhibition’ at the Dorset County Museum.

On Thursday 14th October, the Cheselbourne Village School and Preschool trip opened the newly refurbished section of one of the most prestigious museums in Dorset.

The new Headteacher, Mr C. Perry, received the unique invite that was just too good to turn down. The children had an amazing time experiencing how David Mckee came up with 60

loved the pupil’s incredibly powerful poem and we hope they recognise just how powerful their voices are in helping to drive this necessary change.”

This competition has opened up a discussion within the school about their role within the environment, as well as discussions about periods and sanitary products. These are all topics the staff and students feel open discussions about are important to have.

his very first ideas and how the illustrations were so key to his thoughts. They designed their own Elmer characters in the form of a mosaic and even got to meet ‘Elmer’.

Mr Perry said “We inspire our children to experience a love of lifetime learning and believe that all our experiences achieve this.

Being a small rural school is so special and always has a lovely family atmosphere, but it’s really important that the pupils have opportunities to ‘get out and about’ to help them to learn in different ways” Discover the Colourful World of David McKee Exhibition is at Dorset Museum 13th October to the 9th January

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ADVERTORIAL

Farmer Palmer’s BIGGEST Christmas event ever!

A wonderful winter wonderland of entertainment for little ones.

The whole farm gets a fabulous festive makeover by the top team of Elves, and right in the middle of the park the enchanted ‘Christmas Experience Barn’ takes centre stage.

Meet Mrs Claus, the snow fairy, donkeys and the main man in red, the one and only, Mr Farmer Christmas. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few extra surprises!

Come and enjoy a truly magical atmosphere at Dorset’s number one attraction for children aged 0-8years.

The ‘Farmer Christmas Experience’ is running 11th–23rd December, with additional Twilight Events from 20th–23rd (see ad below for further details).

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is open Wednesday to Sunday in November and the first week of December, then seven days a week until the 23rd. There are adorable animals to meet each day, bouncy bumpy tractor rides, buckets full of indoor and outdoor play and a warm welcome from the friendliest team in Dorset. The Hen House

restaurant serves delicious homecooking, with the most tempting cakes and biscuits! Breakfast, lunch and roast dinners with all the trimmings served on Sundays.

All visits to Farmer Palmer’s MUST be pre-booked online; book early to avoid disappointment.

Safety and comfort are always a priority, and in the event of a lockdown all pre-booked tickets will be refunded.

Please check out our latest news for everything Farmer Palmer’s this festive season.

We can’t wait to see ‘ewe’!

FULL DETAILS

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TWILIGHT EVENT

Simply book your admission and ADD-ON a Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket for each child who’d like to meet ‘the man in red’ 11 th – 23 rd December inclusive

Experience the farm park under the twinkling Christmas lights 20 th- 23 rd December (23 rd SOLD OUT)

tickets from bookings.farmerpalmers.co.uk

tickets from shop.farmerpalmers.co.uk/

www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

email. shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU - 01202 622022

61

SCHOOL NEWS

Election Fever at Shaftesbury Primary School Shaftesbury Primary went to the polls on Thursday 21 October to elect this year’s School Prime Minister. Children and staff cast their ballots for the four Year 6 candidates standing to lead the School Council – a pupil group which contributes to important decisions across the school.

In the run up to election day, the candidates and their campaign teams gave speeches to every class and put posters around the school, making their case for leadership. With a very high turnout, Sophie (6 Apple) won a tightly contested election with 30% of the overall vote.

Ava (6 Apple), Rudy (6 Juniper)

and Tobias (6 Juniper) provided hot competition and gave a very good account of themselves.

Shaftesbury Primary is extremely proud of its four young leaders

for putting themselves forward and generating such democratic fervour within the school! Well done, and good luck to Sophie in her important new role.

13yr old Gryphon student Ben volunteered for 50 hours and raised over £1,000 for Wildlife Rescue Ben Molineux has been fundraising as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

He has been collecting donated items and selling them at Car Boot Sales, as well as collecting donations from the local community. The Bronze awrd volunteering requirement is for one hour per week for three months (12 hours in total); Ben managed over 50 hours between July and October.

He set up a JustGiving account with an initial target of £250.

After an appeal on social media for items to sell, Ben spent time collecting, sorting, and selling them to raise much needed funds. He also handmade popular dog toys by upcycling fleece blankets and created bags of dog biscuits, hay, straw, and bird seed to sell. He created several upcycled bird feeders, using unwanted ceramic items, to sell locally.

The total on Ben’s Just giving account is currently £1092.78.

Ben has decided to continue fundraising and being an advocate for Secret World 62

Wildlife Rescue. He has set up a permanent information point and collection tin in his local village café.

Ben successfully completed a Wildlife First Aid course during September, in a step towards become a wildlife first responder when he turns 18. During half-term Ben met with the fundraising manager and a team of volunteer wildlife keepers. He spent some time with the Birds of Prey and resident wildlife, followed by a tour of the Newly Built Wildlife Hospital at their East Huntspill site. Secret World rewarded Ben with a Hedgehog Adoption to say thank you for his sterling efforts in fundraising.

This Duke of Edinburgh challenge has sparked an enthusiasm for fundraising and for supporting our native species of wildlife in Britain. Ben hopes to continue helping animals in need, whilst also developing community awareness of the charity and it’s aims.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a Somerset-based rescue centre for orphaned and injured British wildlife.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Wimborne St Giles First School in a Variety Show in aid of Red Cross’ Afghanistan Appeal Children from Wimborne St Giles First School took part in a Variety Performance at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne in aid of the Red Cross’ Afghanistan Appeal.

Due to decades of conflict, years of extreme drought, and weeks of heavy fighting, 18 million people in Afghanistan need urgent humanitarian help. With the youngest on stage just four years old, the children performed the songs ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to a packed audience, including family and friends. Mrs Hill, Headteacher said “The children sang so beautifully and with such confidence - we couldn’t be

prouder of them all. We always tell the children that they can make a difference in the world, no matter how young they are and this was such a wonderful opportunity for them to help raise money for such a brilliant cause.”

To find out more about the Red

Cross’ Afghanistan Appeal please click here The school warmly welcomes families looking for a school place for September 2022. To book a tour, or find out more about the school, please contact 01725 517347 or visit www.

wimbornestgiles.dsat.org.uk

Lost at the End of the World book illustrated by Sandroyd children

An illustrated children’s book, ‘Lost at the End of the World’ by local teacher Rupert Attlee has been illustrated by Sandroyd children. Appealing to 9-13 year olds and inspired by real-life adventures, it tells the story of four children, who are shipwrecked while going round Cape Horn.

Clinging to a life-raft, they are swept onto the shores of Patagonia, one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.

But they soon find they are not alone… The reader then travels in their footsteps as they come face to face with extraordinary animals and landscapes, and experiences their journey of survival, selfdiscovery and ultimately friendship.

“Patagonia is a place dreams are made of – magical, mythical and at times just plain weird,” says author, Rupert Attlee. “While it is perhaps a place you would not wish to be lost in, I cannot think of a better backdrop for a children’s book.

The adventures of the children mirror are own, when we also found ourselves Lost at the End of the World.

Rupert is an English teacher and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also the author of ‘The Trail to Titicaca’ which was long-listed for the Thomas Cook Travel Book of the Year and became a recommended GCSE English literature text.

“It has been a real team effort” said Rupert “The

book features illustrations by 19 talented young artists from Sandroyd School, and my pupils have also been a constant inspiration and sounding board.”

The book was published in October and is available at all indy bookshops, or Waterstones.

63

In association with

CHARITY PAGES

Teddy20 is a charity based in Blandford Forum which provides emotional and financial support to children and young people suffering and undergoing treatment for cancer.

In 2009 cricket lover and local businessman Owen Newton wanted to raise awareness of the childhood cancer his youngest son was suffering from. Not just awareness - he wanted to raise money to give something back to the organisations that had helped his son Ted and the whole family.

With a history as a cricket coach he decided to call upon the cricketing community of Blandford to join in a 20-20 cricket match, to raise muchneeded money for CLIC Sargent (a charity that supports children living with cancer), Kingfisher Ward (Dorchester), Piam Brown Ward (Southampton) and Bone Cancer Research.

Owen and his family were overwhelmed when the event raised £10,000 - and even more surprised when people began 64

enquiring if Teddy20 was to become an annual event.

From then Teddy20 has grown bigger and better, raising more money from organising other events such as balls, challenges and music festivals.

The pandemic for the families with kids on chemotherapy COVID-19 saw us all slowing down and staying home.

Doing our bit to stay safe.

Imagine, then, having a child on chemotherapy whose immune system is completely compromised?

“When our Son, Ted, was going through treatment it was tough on the rest of the family too.” shared Teddy20 founder Owen “We couldn’t welcome people into our home without prior arrangement after asking the

seemingly-normal (to us) ‘do you have a cough, cold, sore throat?’.

Throw a pandemic on top and I can only imagine the heightened anxiety for these families.”

More work than ever Childhood cancer didn’t go away during the pandemic. Behind the scenes Teddy20 were busy supporting families. They sent out more grants than ever to ease financial worry - sadly there were funeral grants too.

Ted’s Shack (the charity’s respite holiday home) opened later than normal in June and although having a much quieter season than usual were still able to provide numerous free holidays to families who badly needed a break from the hospital regime.

Several families booked but had to cancel due to illness - the Always free - subscribe

Ward Goodman specialises in the charity, community and not for profit sector.

Ward Goodman has a dedicated team of accounting and auditing professionals delivering a comprehensive range of services to registered charities, community groups and not for profit organisations. The team are trained specifically to carry out charity accounting, auditing and reporting and to communicate effectively with Trustees, management and volunteers. Contact the team today for a free consultation.

charity will try and rebook them at a later time. It’s so important to everyone at Teddy20 for these children who endure the most invasive and painful treatments to have something nice to look forward to.

“Ted’s Shack is run entirely by volunteers,” explained Owen “we’re very luck to have trusted friends who give up their time to help keep the Shack in pristine condition.

“All efforts are now focussed on much-needed fundraising taking an opportunity to thank the many people who do the challenges for us: Craig Rees ran the London Marathon for Teddy20. We helped his nephew Luke when he was going through cancer treatment. Happy to say he is doing very well and enjoying a normal life.

On the 23rd October at the Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford Teddy20 had two fully booked sessions of arts, crafts and games - not to mention Mr. Bear, the tombola, the Mummy and of course the cakes (see picture opposite page). The children were dressed up in some amazing Halloween outfits, from Demons to Ghostbusters, Wonder Woman to Wednesday Addams, they certainly looked the part. It was a great day for all and most importantly lots

The Teddy Rocks Crew at the Pimperne Tractor Pull

of money and awareness was raised. Teddy20 would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who turned up to party, including all of the Teddy20 helpers before, during and after.

On the same cold October day a team of 21 hardy souls from local S.O.U.L Kickboxing club took on the RocketRace - a freezing, muddy, wet, gruelling 10km obstacle course at Toomer Farm in Henstridge.

They worked as a team across the three hours it took to complete the course, and together raised over £1,000 for Teddy20.

On the 24th October Teddy20 took part in a Tractor Pull at Lukins Gym in Pimperne. Teams of six had to pull an eight ton tractor across 50 metres as fast as they could for their chosen

The S.O.U.L Kickboxers who raised over £1,000 for Teddy20 celebrate crossing the finish line

charity. It was a fantastic turn out and we have to give a big shout out to the Blandford Fire Station, Teddy Rocks Crew, Rob n Tug and Camel Tow, all of which entered teams to raise money for Teddy20 and absolutely smashed it. We might not have won but it was a wonderful day that brought lots of people together and just when we thought it couldn’t get any better the winning team decided to split the figure between all three charities.

What’s next?

As always, the Teddy20 Santa sleigh will be visiting locations in and around Blandford. For a small cost children can sit on the sleigh, meet Santa and receive a gift. Keep an eye out for the locations and dates - www. teddy20.org.

Finally, after what will be a three year absence, Teddy20 are excited to announce that Teddy Rocks returns to Charisworth Farm from 29th April until 1st May 2022. Further details and ticket information from www. teddyrocks.co.uk A last word from Owen Newton: “We are always so touched and grateful for the support we receive from the local area; without you we couldn’t support the families who need us most.”

65

by Heather Brown

FOOD & DRINK Who doesn’t love a One Dish Wonder, full of local produce? This sausage bake has even won over my fussiest child, who now ranks this dish as one of his favourites.

Do of course try and source your sausages from a local butcher - if you don’t normally use your butcher, then sausages are a great way to start (and don’t forget the nations best sausages are made in Ludwell, just outside Shaftesbury).

I have also made this with an abundance of other local ingredients, including the delicious Olivero Olive Oil (a family business with olives grown in Italy and oil bottled in Dorset), From Dorset with Love Fig Vinegar in place of Balsamic, a local honey and Dorset Sea Salt Co Garlic infused salt. Each local ingredient adds a little something extra to the flavour and its great knowing that it’s been made with care and so close to home.

Heather

PS - don’t forget to start thinking about your Christmas cake this month. You can see my own foolproof recipe featured in last December’s issue here - it reliably gives that delicious deep Christmassy flavour whether you make it two months or two days before Christmas.

Autumnal Sausage Bake Ingredients (feeds 4)

• • • • •

8 sausages small potatoes cherry tomatoes (cut in half) onions (cut into large chunks) plus any other veg you would like to add (peppers, carrots, parsnips etc) cut into 1-inch ish pieces.

• Balsamic Vinegar • Honey

Method • Pre-heat the oven to 180º fan/gas 6.

• In a large oven dish, drizzle in some oil and sprinkle in some salt.

• Cut the potatoes into 1inch-ish cubes (you can peel if you wish but you don’t need to) and place into the oil and salt, loosely stirring through. You can also add any root vegetables here like carrots and parsnips (I do peel the root vegetables).

• Pop into the oven for 20 minutes.

• Once the potatoes have had a little time, remove the tray from the oven and add in the sausages, cherry tomatoes and onions (as well as any other veg you haven’t already added (peppers etc).

• Drizzle over a little honey and balsamic vinegar (if you only have set honey, simply warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds).

• Stir the whole lot together carefully.

• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove and stir carefully again.

• Bake for another 20 minutes (or until the sausages are cooked and the potatoes are soft).

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POLITICS

Heather Brown is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and a home economist with a passion for Dorset’s brilliant foodie scene.

Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed, championing Dorset’s food and drink businesses, as well as working with food industry clients.

Autumnal Sausage Bake image: Heather Brown

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MEET YOUR LOCAL

by Laura Hitchcock

Meet Your Local: The Queen’s Arms at Corton Denham This month we’ve been chatting to Doune, who runs the Queen’s Arms in the village of Corton Denham, just three miles north of Sherborne, with a focus is on good food and a comfortable night’s sleep in one of their ten refurbished rooms.

How did you end up at The Queen’s Arms?

We have lived in Corton Denham for 14 years, and the Queen’s Arms was always our local. We always dreamed of owning it one day but never imagined we actually would do. When it came up for sale it was too good an opportunity to miss. We finbally signed the contract in July 2020, just as the first lockdown lifted.

Thankfully the previous owners stayed on to help show us the ropes until December, and then in January we shut and carried out a refurbishment ready to open early July 2021.

It’s been a rollercoaster year!

former air hostess and is utterly charming and wonderful.

We have lovely Fred who is a tree-surgeon by day and glamorous bar man by night (his parents have been regulars of the pub for years). The rest of the team are sparky, bright young adults who are eager to learn.

Is there a pub pet?

Yes - our dog Aggie (see Aggie with the family below).

She has roamed the pub for years begging for scraps! She’s getting on a bit now so likes to lie by the fire.

The previous owners bought Aggie’s puppy, so her daughter was a real pub dog too.

How big is your team?

We have a new manager, as I knew I’d be unable to do it with 3 small children. He prefers to be low key, but he’s in charge of the day-to-day running and comes with a wealth of experience. He is ably assisted by Danny who is in charge of front of house, and who has a welcome smile for everyone. Kyle the former owner’s son has stayed on to help with the transition, and we also have Cathy who is a 68

Doune Mackenzie-Francis with her husband and three children. Doune trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland and worked as a private chef before becoming Marketing and PR manager at Leiths School of Food and Wine.

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MEET YOUR LOCAL

The Queen’s Arms has three inside dining areas. Dining is a relaxed and informal affair in the main pub space (pictured here) and the Long Dining Room (next page).

For those looking to celebrate an occasion, the private dining room can accommodate up to fourteen guests.

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

We love the walk along Corton Denham ridge, looking out over the Somerset levels. We can walk along the ridge from our house straight to the pub, so it’s a great commute to work. My favourite hill is Parrok hill, with the 7 trees on the top, which can be seen from miles around, I love it so much I’ve put in our logo. I also love going to Sherbone and looking at antiques that may work for the pub, which we are adding to all the time.

There is also so much creative talent in the area, I love Circus, and Caroline Nicholls, and I’m excited to see that the former masterchef winner, Matt Follas has moved to Sherborne; he’s on my list to sample his lovely food!

What’s been your biggest challenge since taking over?

It’s hard to not include covid as it has defined the whole purchasing

and opening of the pub. We faced a second and third lockdown after purchasing, and the impact on getting supplies to build, decorate and furnish the pub and the delays with planning permission because there was no one in the office had their effect.

The challenges haven’t stopped now we’ve opened; the knock-on effects from fuel and suppliers, to staffing post furlough/covid on hospitality have been huge, and something we didn’t anticipate or appreciate fully.

The are five en-suite bedrooms in the main part of the pub, and three in the Coach House situated across the terrace. The Queens Arms also offers 4 Queen’s Court, a two-bedroomed private cottage.

What are you most proud of so far?

The overall look of the pub. It’s been a labour of love, and the bit I was most involved in. We’ve still got lots of bits to add, but I love that the vision has materialised in to a reality.

We have added a ‘Pub-hub’ - the building to the right of the piub where there is a coffee bar and I hope to build this up so that we will have bread, newspapers and a few items for sale which will be useful for the village, as there is no village shop.

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FOOD AND DRINK

What part of the building is your absolute favourite?

The Long Dining Room features some of the beautiful ceiling wreaths Doune had designed by Lunaria in Bruton.

There are lots of parts of the pub I love; I dreamt of having the flower wreaths and now they are hung they are just as I imagined them – they are beautiful and make a real impact when you walk in. They were made by the skillful hands of Deborah Bain of Lunaria in Bruton.

I also love the arched windows in the coach house - they let in so much light.

Which meal is your most popular? What do people drive from afar to come specifically to you for?

Our most popular dish is our Jalapeno chicken. The chicken is crispy and light with a real kick from the jalapeno sauce, chilis and spring onions on top, it works for children too (when we take the sauce off - then it’s a bit like KFC but a 100 times better!).

Our pork belly on the Sunday lunch menu is a huge hit, and we had some amazing sirloin steaks from the butcher Walter Rose in Wincanton, everyone who tried one said how good they were.

Tell us about any of your really local suppliers?

Our favourite and most local suppliers are The Story Pig at Sandford Orcas, the next village on from us. They have lovely

Doune Mackenzie-Francis

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Tamworth pigs and we use their produce as much as possible, from their sausages to their chops.

What’s next?

We do have big plans for the horizon - my background is cookery and I hope to build a cookery school that is linked to the pub. The idea would be people could stay in the rooms and do a class in the morning then have the afternoon to relax.

I also want to develop the back garden so we can grow more of our own produce.

We are planning a big New Year celebration, tickets are almost sold out but there are a few left. We’ll also be doing amazing

brunches over the festive period, on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day: think Bloody Mary’s, pub classics, bacon rolls and much more after a hearty walk across Corton Denham ridge.

The Queen’s Arms are open Wednesday to Sunday 8am – 11pm. Food is served 12 - 3.00 pm and 6.00 – 9.30pm (9pm on a Sunday). For the month of November they are closed for lunch Wednesday to Friday, but are offering bar snacks.

To book a table or room at The Queens Arms call 01963 220317 or click here: www.thequeensarms.com/ Always free - subscribe

by Simon Vernon

FOOD & DRINK

Notes From An Epicurean: A winter’s truffle We are now fully into the autumn/winter truffle season - my July column discussed summer truffles it is only fair we look at the winter varieties.

The black varieties at this time of year have a much stronger flavour but look the same as their summer cousins. There are two main varieties; Tuber Uncinatum or Burgundy truffle, and Tuber Melanosporum, usually known as Périgord truffle. More expensive than summer truffles, they are best eaten raw or added at the end of the cooking process so as not to lose too much of the incredible flavour.

The truffle price The Burgundy truffle is milder in flavour than the Périgord, and cheaper at about £850-£900 per Kg - about £40 a truffle.

The Périgord truffle comes into season slightly later than the Burgundy, and you can expect to pay £1,500 per Kg or more, depending on availability. That is about £50 per truffle; but a little does go a long way.

Tuber Magnatum Truffle oil warning The king of all truffles is the One interesting thing to White truffle or Alba truffle, remember; truffle oil does not Tuber Magnatum, found in Italy contain truffle. (pictured above).

Originally of “...one of the These are one of course it was most expensive truffle-infused the most expensive foodstuffs on the olive oil, but foodstuffs on the planet, currently planet, at more invariably modern priced at more than than £2,500 per truffle oils are now £2,500 per Kilo. just oil flavoured kilo - and will with a synthetic One white truffle will only be edible for chemical that therefore cost you about £100 - and will about one week” mimics the truffle only be edible for aroma. about one week; after that they go squishy and are unusable.

Storage They should only be eaten Another thing to remember raw - just freshly grated over when storing your truffle, keep scrambled eggs or pasta. them wrapped in paper tissue in the refrigerator, never store on Record truffle rice as this will draw the flavour The largest white truffle from the truffle. discovered so far was found in My personal source of all things December 2014 weighing in at truffle is The Truffle Hunter, 1.786Kg and sold at Sotheby’s, based in Gloucestershire.

New York for $61,250 (£39,154) www.trufflehunter.co.uk.

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POLITICS

Blanchards Bailey are a Dorset based law firm specialising in commercial and private law.

Recognised by the Legal 500 as one of the top firms in the south west.

In association with

The judging has begun Whilst some of the judging teams for the Love Local, Trust Local Awards have been out aorund the county visiting the finalist food and drink producers, others let the food come to them...

Last year’s winners Meggy Moos Dairy have returned this year as judges, ansd have been visiting entrants for the Dairy category: “We have spent the last week visiting the entrants for this years Dairy category.

It has been such an interesting week - we had six very different businesses to visit, some were producing the same product but all with a different approach.

What was strikingly consistent across them all not only the love and care for their livestock, but also for their customers and for the communities in which they operate.

We were impressed by their passion and enthusiasm for what they do, their drive to produce the very best product they can and the time they are prepared to invest in talking to customers and helping to educate them on why buying local, seasonal or British is so important.

A huge thank you, well done and good luck from us to all this years entrants. You really are demonstrating why loving local is best.”

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As well as the judge’s location visits, all judges and sponsors met during October for an evening of tasting of the finalist products for the 2021 Love Local Trust Local Food and Drink

Awards.

Upon arrival the entries were arrayed by category (cheese, meat, dairy, bakery, preserves, etc.), and each tasting judge sampled every product.

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Forms were available to complete for each category, and judges were expected to note down their favourite, their second choice, and the reasons for those choices, before handing their completed forms to the head category judge and moving to the next category.

Once most of the judging was completed, everyone enjoyed a sociable meal together which was finished by the all important ice cream tasting.

Blanchards Bailey are a Dorset POLITICS based law firm renowned for their personal expertise, excellent client service and active role in local communities.

Tickets are now on sale for the awards ceremony on the 30th November - find out more at www.lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk 73

By Rachael Rowe

FOOD AND DRINK

Top local food gifts for Christmas that you can send by post!

It’s that time of year when you’re probably wondering what to get friends and family, the difficult to buy for, or the far-away loved ones. We’ve found a range of North Dorset foodie gifts that can all be mailed (most direct from the producer to save you a job) and will undoubtedly be welcome. Take a look at our top picks for the festive season.

What Better Than a Wedge of Dorset Blue Vinny Last year I sent a box of Blue Vinny to my sister. It was a hit (and didn’t last long). Dorset Blue have a lovely Blue Vinny Gift Box (£20.50, see opposite page) that they mail out across the country. It’s just the thing to spruce up a cheeseboard and... well - you can never have too much Blue Vinny.

Letterbox Sized Charcuterie Hampers A selection of Dorset Real Cure Charcuterie will go down a treat at any festive meal. There’s a great selection of gifts to choose from with a decent shelf life.

They even have letterbox-sized gift packs (£32, see image below) that are ideal for posting.

The Real Cure’s letterbox-sized hamper of charcuterie 74

EXCLUSIVE: We’re the first to see the Canned Gritchie Brewing Co beer and official Gritchie t shirt gift set.

Greetings from Gritchie Brew The Ashmore based Gritchie Brewing Company, owned by Guy Ritchie, produces beer made

from their local barley. If you haven’t tasted a pint yet, you are in for a treat. Their online shop has a range of gift packs; (see above) EXCLUSIVE preview of the canned beer and Gritchie t shirts coming this month. What’s not to like?

Send a Selection of Dorset Goodies Sometimes there are so many Dorset food treats to choose from that you can’t quite make up your mind. That’s where Winterborne Whitechurch-based Cherry Picked Hampers comes in.

Their range of Dorset food is presented in a beautiful hamper (see the ‘Christmas Feast’ hamper, £96, on opposite page) and mailed to the recipient.

Treat your loved ones with any of the hampers in the range.

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By Rachael Rowe

Dorset Blue Vinny’s Gift Box

FOOD AND DRINK

Solkiki’s multi-award-winning chocolate makes a wonderful gift.

Tea in a Tin Are you shopping for someone with special dietary requirements? Holwell-based Honeybuns specialises in gorgeous gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly cakes. Treat someone with a Tea Party in a Tin (£22, below left), or one of the famous Honeybuns cookbooks.

Say it With Olives A North Dorset favourite, Olives Et Al have a tempting range of olives and other snacks that are perfect at a party. Their Everything But the Turkey Hamper is just the gift to get friends and family celebrating over the festive season. And there’s always room for one more olive.

A Foraging Taster Course Local award-winning chef Mat Follas runs a half day workshop highlighting edible plants in the Dorset countryside - and the difference between what can be nibbled and what will kill you. I have been on one of Mat’s courses, and trust me, you will never look at a hedge the same way again.

Your morning forage is followed by a three course lunch at his restaurant Brambles in Sherborne.

Check out the special £70 deal on foraging courses here - a voucher is a great gift.

Support a Local Pub or Restaurant Several pubs and restaurants in the Blackmore Vale do gift vouchers which can be spent on a meal, a stay, or a drink in the bar. Some of the best include The Fontmell in Fontmell Magna, The Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury, and Plumber Manor at Sturminster Newton - or browse Meet Your Local.

Olives et Al’s ‘Everything but the Turkey’ hamper

Mail a bar - or two...

Sherborne-based Solkiki make some of the best quality organic vegan bars of chocolate in Britain.

They source from small producers and create delicious award winning bars of chocolate which are perfect for posting to someone (from £8, image top right). Choose from their best selling Gran Nativo or a selection of bars here.

Honeybuns’ ‘Tea Party In A Tin’ is a gorgeous gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly gift (and just as good for the gluten and dairy eaters!)

Cherry Picked Hamper’s ‘Christmas Feast’

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By Heather Brown

FOOD AND DRINK

It is hard to stay away from the constant news that our supplies might run low this Christmas.

A brutal combination of the Pandemic and Brexit has caused a string of issues in the run up to Christmas including a shortage of workers available to help and a reduction in the number of drivers to help haul the products.

Supermarket chains are already encouraging consumers to plan ahead, and fear that the shelves may be empty come December.

A different story It is quite a different picture however, when you speak directly to our army of small local producers and farmers.

Dorset has at least three large turkey farms, and I spoke to Chilcott Turkeys near Dorchester to find out how their 2021 season looked. They rear free range turkeys using traditional methods, and they have reared their usual numbers this year, fulfilling their regular butcher orders as well as direct orders from customers.

They opened their order books

two weeks earlier than usual and demand is already high. Their advice to customers is if you already know the size of turkey you’ll need, go ahead and order now via their website.

That has been the advice from many local businesses I spoke to.

James Sealey from the Jurassic Coast Farm Shop: “We have secured plenty of turkeys from our local farmers; customers shouldn’t feel panicked. If everyone purchases from their local butchers and farm shops then there shouldn’t be any problems, as most suppliers will take pre-orders to guarantee a turkey for the festive table. Supermarkets may struggle to cope with their much larger volumes as there will almost definitely be staff shortages when processing the turkeys on the large scale production systems.

To pre-order your Christmas Turkey and all the trimmings from us, just visit jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk” Not just turkey The same goes for our award winning Vineyards in Dorset too.

The growing conditions in Dorset are similar to some of the best wine regions in the world and our wines have recently been winning some of the world’s top accolades. If you are looking to source some special wines for your Christmas table then do find your local vineyard or your local independent wine shop to grab a great tasting bottle or two.

It’s a community Our local producers, suppliers, growers and farmers have been working hard throughout another difficult year to continue to create their beautiful product for our kitchens and dining tables.

Many of them also work together to limit the supply chain even

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further. Peter Morgan from The Book & Bucket Cheese Company sources his sheep and cow’s milk directly from local farms, and has worked closely with both his suppliers and his wholesale customers throughout the pandemic. It has helped him keep an abundance of cheese on the shelves.

Peter says “This year as a whole has been very challenging in relation to buying milk, cultures and packaging. The key thing has been sourcing as much locally as we can, and working directly with the farmers. We supply many local retail outlets in Dorset, and work directly with a huge amount of local chefs who contact us to develop menus based around our cheese.”

Many local businesses have already opened their order books for Christmas. If you would like to shop locally for your festive feasting this year, then here are some resources to help: •

•

•

Dorset Foodie Feed has a list of local farms across Dorset who offer services to order direct, as well as a directory of over 650 local businesses (you can find your local wine shop or vineyard too). https:// dorset.foodiefeed.co.uk/ buy-local-meat/ Your local farm shop will probably have a special Christmas selection so you can not only order your meat, but also the trimmings too.

Your local shops - the butcher, greengrocer, bakery etc. Many will already have an order book open for all your Christmas goods, from Christmas cakes to your roasting potatoes.

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By Heather Brown

FOOD AND DRINK

Shopping local could save your bacon (and turkey) this Christmas

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Rutting Stag at Melbury Park - Paul Dibben Robin sprucing up for winter - Rebecca Cooke

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty morning at Badbury Rings Graham Pengelly

We welcome photography submissions from readers - the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. Our cover shot is usually selected from our submissions pile each month.

If you’d like to join in, please either use #BVPhoto and tag us on Instagram (@ theblackmorevale), share it in our Facebook Group, or simply email it to photos@ theblackmorevale.co.uk.

When the River Lydden burst its banks - Steve Tarrant

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Steam train coming in to Gillingham - Phil Cutler

Deadman’s fingers on a dead Oak tree - Marilyn Peddle Autumn colours at Kingston Lacy House - Chris Robinson

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Anya the Gloucester Old Spot Rob Hannam

Pack Monday Fair - Thorlak Hallett

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NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH

by Rob Nolan

Stuck in a Bubble

Find RPN Photography on Facebook here

As it starts to get colder and autumn sets in, we astrophotographers get ready to embrace the damp dark nights and the prospect of being sat outside - shivering - whilst others are cozy by the roaring fire!

The targets that got me hooked on this hobby are also now just starting to reappear in the night sky; the Rosette Nebula, the Horsehead and flame, and the instantly recognisable Orion Nebula also make themselves visible.

I shall be waiting excitedly, with greater knowledge and gear than last year, to hopefully obtain better images!

The image this month is of the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635).

The Bubble is created by the stellar wind from a massive, hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star, named SAO 20575. The nebula is near a giant molecular cloud which contains the expansion of the bubble nebula, while itself being excited by the hot central star, causing it to glow.

What I find incredible about

photographing these different objects is that they are all so completely and wildly unique, even the elements that make them. I find it so completely fascinating. This image was taken using a Skywatcher 200 PDS Newtonian Reflector Telescope and dedicated Cooled Astro Camera with around 6 hours of total integration time during September.

The Night Sky, November - what to see this month: I really enjoy this time of year and the celestial events on display, including an abundance of meteor showers and great views of the Milky Way as it continues to dominate the clear crisp skies throughout November, even though the galactic core is no longer visible.

Grab a set of binoculars or a small telescope and take a look at the distant clusters of stars and fuzzy gases that make up our cosmic backyard.

Perseus It’s also a great time to view Perseus, one of the most beloved constellations in the northern skies, packed with celestial gems to observe. Legend has it that Perseus slew Medusa, the Gorgon. The brightest star in the

constellation is Mirfak (‘elbow’ in Arabic) - it is 510 light years away and 5,000 times more bright than our own sun.

Uranus If you find yourself in a dark sky location on a clear night, you may stand a chance of spotting Uranus, the most distant planet we can observe with the unaided eye; it just so happens to appear closest to Earth on the 5th November (remember remember!). Uranus was first discovered by William Herschel in 1781. Discovering this planet doubled the size of our known solar system at the time. At four times the diameter of Earth, with 27 moons, faint narrow rings and seemingly orbiting the sun on its side, Uranus is a rather interesting planet.

Planet watching On the 7th November, you’ll see the narrow crescent Moon to the right of Venus - look low in the south west at twilight.

Mercury passes Mars in the dawn twilight on the 10th November at 6:30am. Planet watchers can also observe the Moon below Saturn, with Jupiter to the left earlier in the night.

Meteor shower The 17th and 18th November sees the peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower. Sadly though, a nearly full moon will make this spectacle less impressive this year. Look to the constellation Leo in the south eastern skies to see the meteors left in the wake of Comet Tempel-Tuttle.

Beware! Shopping tip for those considering a gift of a telescope: As Christmas fast approaches, you may be tempted to buy a telescope for a loved one to start them off on their own amazing astronomy journey. Beware!

Sellers on many selling platforms will often advertise small unbranded telescopes that boast huge magnification potentials.

These telescopes blow up an 82

image to magnifications that the lens or mirror simply doesn’t have the ability to resolve, so all you will see is a bigger disappointing blur. This, sadly, is where many start and end their astronomy journey due to unrealistic expectation of cheaper unbranded telescopes.

The maximum magnification a

telescope can actually provide is twice the diameter of the lens or mirror in millimeters. So if a seller is advertising a 75mm diameter telescope, beware of claims of a magnification greater than 150 times. Do speak to a local authorised Astronomy dealer for the right equipment.

Happy shopping!

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ART

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

Tanya Hinton is often known as ‘the bird lady’

In the Studio with Nick Andrew and Tanya Hinton Nick and Tanya’s new exhibition ‘A Walk into Paradise’ explores the exuberant and opulent, including tropical birds and landscapes.

“Each picture told a story; mysterious often to my undeveloped understanding and imperfect feelings, yet ever profoundly interesting…” wrote Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre.

The phrase ‘every picture tells a story’ pertains to particularly significant images, revealing or suggestive of real or imaginary events; it perfectly describes the work in Nick and Tanya’s new exhibition ‘A Walk into Paradise’.

It explores the exuberant and opulent, including tropical birds and landscapes - not only from within walking distance of their watermill studio at Bull Mill Arts, Crockerton but also from endangered rainforests and West 84

Country gardens.

“We want it to be warming, inviting and eye catching when it’s cold and dark outside everyone has been through difficult times,” remarked Tanya.

Founded by Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath, (who sadly died in April 2020), Bull Mill Arts - on the upper reaches of the River Wylye - has been a vibrant centre for visual arts for over four decades.

A local paradise Nick’s cottage is close to the abundant river banks full of life; he feels privileged to walk into this quiet and secluded paradise on a regular basis and

see kingfishers, herons and little egrets. “I observe the changes from day to day and season to season. I find it constantly compelling and am attracted in particular by the abstract qualities in the landscape”.

The recent paintings and drawings for this current exhibition are glowing with tropical colours in “a magical, wild place with views out to the surrounding hills,” evoking fond memories not only of his mother’s gardens but also of her textiles and embroideries.

The inspiration has emanated from a commission and recent visits to the secret Burrow Farm Gardens near Axminster.

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Nick Andrew works in plein air; “I don’t want the painting to be static.

I want to keep the idea of the landscape being alive and the viewer’s eye moving around and being drawn in.” image: Edwina Baines

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ART

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

“I work in bursts of activity and move from one painting to another. I love the natural world, particularly transitory aspects of light and colour. I don’t want the painting to be static. I want to keep the idea of the landscape being alive and the viewer’s eye moving around and being drawn in. I draw in plein air and I like to get out into the landscape with a sketchbook and take photographs. I think it’s only when you’re out there drawing that you truly absorb everything around you - but the paintings may take weeks to complete.

I paint in acrylic but use oil to bring out certain elements. For me it’s also about movement and that’s why I always return to the paintings to keep them fresh.”

The bird lady In contrast, Tanya creates unique wildlife paintings on found, discarded or donated weathered pieces of wood. Each with their own unique story, some portions are hundreds of years old. The piece may have flaky paint and be in need of sanding - but it still retains its original colours.

Fragments have come from ancient doors, items of furniture and even an old wooden body board! Tanya has painted terns on this because of their association with the sea.

The paintings often glow with the addition of gold leaf: “I do get rather addicted to gold leaf,” joked Tanya. “The wood presents a ready-made original landscape, sky-scape or perhaps it resembles reflected water. All I need to do then is paint what I feel is appropriate for the wood grain and find the right bird or animal for the habitat. I chose the exotic parrots and parakeets I am painting for the exhibition for their colours: they are extraordinarily bright. I would also like to raise awareness of endangered species, damage 86

Tanya Hinton creates unique wildlife paintings on found, discarded or donated weathered pieces of wood - some portions are hundreds of years old. image Edwina Baines.

to their rainforest habitat and the book will be donated to the illegal transportation - I have Wessex Rivers Trust. been known as the ‘bird lady’!

Nick is also looking forward to I used to own a a Salisbury-based “...he would project planned for parrot which sat on walk down my the new year called my shoulder whilst I painted; he would walk arm and seize “Spire”. “I love the down my arm and the paintbrush idea that you catch seize the paintbrush glimpses of the because he got because he got Cathedral spire from jealous. I love birds, so many places.” jealous” they are so quirky and There is also an have immense characters.” eclectic Christmas show coming up at the start of December, with Collaborations all of the artists at Bull Mill Arts.

Additionally, on sale at the “It’s like Aladdin’s Cave,” says exhibition will be copies of ‘The Nick. “I do all my Christmas Winter Visitor’ - a joint project shopping there!” added Tanya. and “such fun to do”, remarked Both are very excited about their Tanya. It is a children’s story, ‘Walk into Paradise’ exhibition written and designed by Nick, which runs at Shaftesbury Arts which follows three swans on Centre from 10th to the 16th their winter’s journey along a November; we could all do with chalk stream. Tanya has created some light and colour during the enchanting illustrations with these dark months. beautiful paintings on reclaimed www.nickandrew.co.uk wood. A proportion of sales from tanyahinton.co.uk Always free - subscribe

HEALTH

Move your Mind!

Dorset Mind launch their new ‘Move Your Mind’ wellbeing initiative for January, following on from last year’s successful £6,000 fundraiser Last Autumn, local mental health charity, Dorset Mind, launched their ‘Move Your Mind’ initiative, with the aim of inspiring everyone to get moving to help get through the traditionally daunting period after Christmas and plan a positive start to the new year.

A range of online classes and activities were offered that helped encourage people to improve their wellbeing, by getting active for at least 30 minutes, EVERY day, throughout the month.

Move it in January The theme this year is ‘Move your body, to free your mind’ – emphasizing the positive benefits of regular physical movement to our collective mental health and wellbeing.

Restrictions permitting, the charity aims to run walks in person every weekend at various locations in Dorset as part of their January timetable.

Did you know that regular exercise has a direct impact on mental health?

It can help manage anxiety, stress and intrusive thoughts by releasing cortisol which

helps manage stress. It’s also known to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression. Importantly, by concentrating on your body and movement, that act gives your brain something else to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy.

Togetherness We also witnessed a continued sense of community last year as people pulled together through the pandemic and emerged from multiple lockdowns. It’s this togetherness that ‘Move Your Mind’ hopes to continue by encouraging people to sign up together and help each other through the notoriously tough first month of the year.

‘Move Your Mind’ proved to be a huge success in 2021 – and has raised over £6,000 to help fund the charity’s 1-2-1 and group support across Dorset. As last year, it’s FREE to take part, with the opportunity to donate or fundraise a minimum of £31 that’s just £1 for every day in January. As a non-profit, don’t forget all donations go towards helping the charity support local people in need.

How to join in Registration opens midNovember 2021, and the charity invites everyone across the county to join in. It’s open to individuals, teams, schools and businesses and people can get active in any way they want. This makes it suitable for anyone who wants to plan their positive start to the year with a change in their usual routine - or with a bigger challenge for themselves or a team.

You’ll find a registration form and extra resources to download at https://dorsetmind.uk/moveyour-mind/ Participants are encouraged to share their stories, efforts and progress online, by tagging the dedicated Instagram account - @move_your_mind_dorset.

This will also help encourage a supportive online community and inspire other people to take part.

To help encourage participants, Dorset Mind is appealing to local businesses to help sponsor the campaign. If your organisation wishes to help support the charity, please email Hannah Garrett at fundraising@dorsetmind.uk 87

HEALTH

by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

Your winter wellness checklist

Much has been written this year about keeping our immune systems in good condition, and it is something I’m asked about regularly in clinic.

Even if your immune system is compromised there are things you can do as a self-help measure.

Look after your Gut It is said that 80% of our immune system resides in the cells that line our gut. This means we need to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep our immune systems humming along. Rich in vitamins and minerals, choose whatever fruit and veg is in season and organic if possible.

Fill half of your plate with vegetables or fruit and try to ‘Eat the Rainbow’ - each colour brings its own benefits and the wider the diversity, the better for your gut bugs.

recommend is barely enough to maintain current levels.

In studies, vitamin D deficient individuals were found to be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection compared to vitamin D sufficient patients.

An optimum level of vitamin D is between 75nmol/L and 100nmol/L. You can get an athome test for £29 https://www. vitamindtest.org.uk/ and you can calculate how much you may need here. You can read more about the importance of vitamin D in an article I wrote last year here.

Get your vitamin D levels checked Along with good gut health, vitamin D is the cornerstone of a strong immune system. During a UK winter, there is simply not enough sunshine to make vitamin D through the skin (how we normally obtain vitamin D, though we can get a small amount through certain foods).

This means that we should all supplement through the winter.

This is also recommended by the NHS, although the amount they

Sleep Disordered sleep promotes inflammation, and healthy sleep supports an anti-viral immune response. As part of your wind down routine, deploy the twohour rule for healthy sleep: • Leave two hours between eating and drinking before bed • Leave a two-hour gap before intense exercise and bed • No devices two hours before bed and start to reduce your exposure to light.

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Stress Stress chemistry is inherently inflammatory. Cortisol is released in response to stress and it has an immune suppressive action. We all have stress in our lives, some of it useful, but we can certainly help ourselves by: • switching off the news and limiting social media.

• Take time to relax and laugh • Find one thing a day that brings you joy.

Reduce things that may depress your immune system Sugar, refined processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes all rob the body of nutrients, create inflammation, damage your gut and give you nothing in return.

Exercise Inactivity is associated with a higher incidence of infection, slower recovery and poor antibody response. Try to get outdoors in the fresh air, even if just for a daily walk. Be aware that excessive exercise can lower immunity, so be sure to find balance.

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by Mel Mitchell Mel Mitchell is a personal trainer, group exercise instructor & sports massage therapist based in Sturminster Newton.

HEALTH

Keep it all moving Simple mobility is a really important aspect of being healthy - but it is an area often neglected in a regular exercise routine.

I am definitely guilty of not giving mobility exercises the attention they deserve - and I 100% feel the benefits when I do! I would be the first to admit that it is often not until I have a stiff back that I realise I should incorporate a bit of mobility into my routine!

A full range of motion Maintaining a full range of motion is important for so many reasons. Firstly, good mobility decreases your chance of injury. Any restricted movement in a joint can cause dysfunction, which in turn could lead to injury.

Having good mobility also gives us the potential to become stronger in the full range of motion.

For example, if you have limited mobility within a squat, you will become strong but only within that limited motion, rather than in the full range of movement.

Working on good mobility first will then allow you to train and strengthen through all phases of the squat.

Quick and efficient The beauty of mobility exercises is that they are

time efficient and easy to do. Even as little as 5-10 minutes per day can be massively beneficial, and will be enough to see real progress.

Plus mobility exercises can be done almost anywhere - most can be done using just bodyweight or minimal equipment.

Cat Cow One of my favourite mobility exercises is known as a spinal roll down (see video left), which I find massively beneficial for my back. Not only does it release tension but it also increases mobility in the back, neck and legs and leaves you feeling inches taller (which is always a bonus when you feel a little vertically challenged!). Spinal roll down is an easy exercise - simply rolling down, vertebrae by vertebrae, letting the head and arms hang.

Another great exercise is known as the cat/cow (see video above) which helps relieve stiffness in the hip, back, shoulders and neck. This is performed on all fours, moving the spine from an arched position, lowering the belly button toward the ground, to rounding the back toward the ceiling.

Always happy to answer your questions - send them to me on melmitchellmassage@gmail.com

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Coffee | Lunch | Events

at The Raleigh Hall

Enjoy Great Food And support the most vulnerable in Sherborne

£6 for a 2 course sit down lunch at the Raleigh Hall, Sherborne “Enjoy great food and build important social connections” Support your local charity and help the vulnerable in Sherborne and the surrounding villages. For every 4 people who pay £6 for a freshly cooked, 2 course meal prepared by our professional chef, your contribution will pay for 1 vulnerable person to share the same social experience.

EVERY FRIDAY : Doors open at 11:30am, Lunch served at 12:30pm.

Please book your lunch by calling our reservation volunteers on 07561 067381 between 9:00am and 12:30pm weekdays Teas, Coffees & Cake available for a small additional fee www.sherborne.kitchen

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.

Lest we forget.

Just click the picture to complete the jigsaw

(you can choose a different number of pieces - make it harder or easier, it’s up to you!).

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A CITIZEN’S ADVICE

How will I cope with my bills?

A local expert from Citizen’s Advice answers a question from the public.

This Month: How to cope with the rising energy bills.

Q: My energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard that energy prices are set to rise further and I’m not sure I can afford it. What help can I get?

What changes can I make around the house to help reduce my outgoings this winter?”

A: The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it is causing people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t that many good deals out there. However there are still ways you can keep your bills down.

Small Things Everyday changes can help, such as making sure that electronic devices such as games consoles are switched off and not left on standby, washing clothes at a lower temperature and only filling the kettle with the water you need. Turning down your thermostat by one degree and spending a minute less in the shower can save you £££ on your energy (and water) bills.

The government’s Simple Energy Advice website has lots of similar tips.

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Through the roof for the Warm Home Discount, You’re right in another way about which cuts £140 per year from bills going through the roof - and your energy bills. Check the the walls and windows too. If government website to find out if you can afford it, one way of you are eligible to apply. cutting costs long“Turning down Support fund term is to invest in your thermostat coming good insulation. If you are renting, by one degree and The government you could ask your spending a minute recently announced landlord to do a £500m fund to less in the shower support households this. You can get can save you £££” this winter. The more information from Healthy fund is going to be Homes Dorset. You may also be distributed locally via Dorset able to get help with the costs Council but at time of writing of insulation via the Energy there is no specific detail about Company Obligation scheme. eligibility or the application Contact your energy supplier for process so keep a look out for more information. announcements about how this Depending on your financial might help you. situation, there may be some You can always call the national support available for helping Citizens Advice consumer helpline to pay your energy bills. For on 0808 223 1133 for free advice example, if you claim pension about energy costs or contact credit or other means-tested Citizens Advice in Dorset on benefits, you may be eligible 0800 144 88 48.

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Life’s complicated.

Instructing a solicitor shouldn’t be

We’re all about listening, understanding and advising Whatever you require, we will advise you with clarity and efficiency, offer value for money and an unparalleled level of legal advice.

Contact Karen Watts in our Bridport office on 01308 555639 to discuss your matrimonial and family matters.

We can also help with: • Wills and LPAs

• Employment law

• Conveyancing

• Dispute resolution

• Trusts

• Commercial property

• Funding care

• Corporate commercial

info@porterdodson.co.uk www.porterdodson.co.uk

FAMILY LAW Expert help on common domestic legal issues from the team at Porter Dodson LLP.

This month: What is TOLATA? Marriage is certainly on the decline; data from the office for national statistics shows that the latest marriage rates are the lowest on record.

Couples no longer consider it necessary to marry before they have children or buy property together; but what happens to jointly owned property in the event couples who are not married separate?

Most people in this situation are surprised to find out that the legislation in England and Wales which governs this situation is completely unrelated to Family Law, and they are not protected by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

The issue between the separating couple would essentially be a dispute over property ownership; and, therefore, the legislation that assists is the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (also known as TOLATA).

What is TOLATA? TOLATA gives Courts certain powers to resolve disputes about the ownership of property (or land).

Who can make an application?

An application is usually made by: • A person who is a co-owner; 94

or • A person who has a beneficial interest in a property.

In addition, there are other parties that can make an application, such as a personal representative of a beneficiary; a trustee in bankruptcy; a judgement creditor with a charging order secured against the property; or a receiver; however, these are less common.

When can a TOLATA claim be issued?

A TOLATA claim can be issued: • To determine whether jointly owned property should be sold; • To determine the respective shares that each co-owner is entitled to; • To determine whether a party has a beneficial interest in the property, usually where that party’s name is not on the legal title and the legal owner is disputing the claim; • To determine whether property subject to a trust of land, should be sold on the application of a creditor

or a beneficiary such as a parent/grandparent seeking to recover their financial interest in the property.

The Court is asked to determine who are the legal and beneficial owners of a property, and in what proportions.

Limitations TOLATA limits a court to deciding on co-ownership of property. It does not give the court the power to: • vary that co-ownership; • adjust the proportions that each person owns; • order that one party sells or transfers their share of the property to the other; • order one trustee to do something that they are not permitted to do under the terms of the trust; or • order that one party compulsory purchases the interest of the other party.

If you require any assistance in relation to jointly owned property, contact Karen Watts on karen.watts@porterdodson.co.uk or 01308 555639.

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POLITICS

FAMILY LAW

What should I consider before making valuable gifts to my children?

Adam Scott from leading law firm Trethowans is being asked this question more and more, and it is not a straightforward one to answer.

Can you afford to make the gift?

The first thing to remember is not to forget about yourself.

We are all living longer and before making any substantial gift it is important that you have enough set aside to cover any eventualities that life may throw at you. Sit down and make a budget, setting out all your annual expenses and your anticipated income; both now and in the future. Add a contingency and then ask can I really afford to make this gift?

Why are you making the gift?

There are of course any number of reasons that you may be considering gifting to your children, but I have outlined the two most common legal ones: Gifting to save inheritance tax (IHT) Before making a gift with a view to saving IHT it is vital that you obtain professional advice. You need to be prepared that having made the gift you will not have the use of that asset anymore.

This is very straightforward if you are gifting away ‘cash’ but when gifting property, perhaps an investment property or a holiday home, you must be satisfied that you cannot freely benefit from that property any longer. If you do, this will be classed as ‘a gift with reservation of benefit’ and

for IHT purposes you will still be treated as owning the property and the value of it will form part of your estate when you die.

However, once the gift has been made and assuming that you do not reserve any benefit in it, the asset will ‘fall out’ of your estate for IHT purposes after seven years.

When making a gift to save IHT it is also important to consider how you are going to make the gift; will it be an outright gift to a child?

What if they become bankrupt or get divorced?

What if they squander that asset?

Are they old enough to hold such an asset?

In these circumstances you may consider transferring the asset into trust. The advantage of using a trust rather than making an outright gift is that it is the trustees who control and own the asset and the trustees decide when the beneficiaries can utilise it. Importantly, you can be one of those trustees and therefore retain control. Trusts are often seen as being overly complicated but with the correct advice from an appropriate professional this need not be the case.

Gifting for capital protection This is a very complex and controversial area, and there are many organisations that advertise products that promise

protection against care home fees. But the simple fact is that no one can make such a promise, and you should be very careful when considering instructing an organisation who does. This is because the law states that if you deliberately deprive yourself of assets - which you would be by making a gift - with a view to avoiding the payment of care fees, then that gift can be declared void. When a financial assessment is carried out the asset which you have gifted would still be considered yours.

That does not mean that there is not a place for making gifts, whether directly or in to trust, for the purposes of capital preservation but you need to be very clear on the reasons for doing this and your advisor should carefully discuss the options with you and the consequences of each of those options to enable you to make an informed decision.

Gifting assets, for whatever reason, is an important part of family and wealth planning and along with making wills and lasting powers of attorney should be considered early on and reviewed regularly.

The involvement of a suitably qualified and experienced professional will greatly assist in ensuring that you select the most suitable option for yourself and your family.

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FAMILY LAW

Will rising food and energy prices coupled with the end of the £20 Universal Credit boost lead to greater debt for those on low incomes?

Battens Solicitors Debt Recovery Manager Angela Loveless has some timely advice: Rising food and energy prices, the end of Furlough and the cut to the £20 Universal Credit payment will put many households under severe financial pressure this winter.

Incomes have been hard hit since the beginning of the pandemic.

For those in full time employment there was a fall in salary of 19% and for part time workers the fall was 35%. This meant that over a fifth of UK adults were unable to afford or pay for essential household items such as food, heating and lighting, as well as struggling to pay their mortgage or rent.

October also saw the withdrawal of the £20 a week increase to Universal Credit. 5.8 million people who had received UC will now see their incomes fall by £1,000 per year. This combined with increasing gas, fuel and food prices could push an estimated

third of households into debt.

your creditors to see what they can do to help you – they have a The debt trap duty to listen and are required to Many families turn to payday work with individuals to reach an loan companies to survive, amicable solution. paying an extortionate amount of If the household debt is interest on their “...incomes fall by completely out borrowings. of control, with £1,000 per year...

Interest-free creditors not willing combined with offers on credit to work with you, cards seem increasing energy and you may consider appealing, but if for a Debt food prices could push applying the borrowing is Relief Order, setting an estimated third of up an Individual not paid in full by the end of the households into debt” Voluntary agreed period Arrangement then interest will be applied, or petitioning for your own resulting in mounting debt. bankruptcy. These steps may ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ deals also sound extreme and are not for exacerbate the problem. everyone. There are pros and cons attached to these 3 options Debt help and those need to be looked at Before taking out credit, do your carefully before you take any research. And ask yourself: do I action. really need this item?

For further information contact If it is an essential need, then angela.loveless@battens.co.uk or before borrowing, speak to all of call 01305 216221

Solicitors

For your business, family and future Expert legal advice in the heart of The Blackmore Vale 0800 652 8373 enquiries@battens.co.uk www.battens.co.uk Agriculture • Corporate Law • Media & IP • Residential & Commercial Property • Construction Debt Recovery • Dispute Resolution • Employment • Family Law • Immigration • Landlord & Tenant Medical Negligence • Personal Injury • Planning • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Probate • Wills & Trusts

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Yeovil | Sherborne | Castle Cary Dorchester | Wareham | Bath | London

BUSINESS NEWS

Gloom to the left, worry to the right...

It’s been a difficult time over the last couple of months; and there are still many challenges facing both consumers and businesses as we emerge from the pandemic, reflects Dorset Chamber’s CEO Ian Girling The last thing we needed as we return to normality was the fuel shortage, brought about by distribution problems due to a shortage of HGV drivers and then compounded by the panic buying that ensued.

This situation was inevitable as soon as the transport minister Grant Shapps appeared on television to say “there is no need to panic buy” which I think was probably the worst thing he could have said; the impact of this was immediate with scenes reminiscent of the fuel crisis so many of us will remember, some 21 years ago.

We are also now facing the unprecedented situation of second hand cars increasing in price due to a shortage in new cars, caused by post-lockdown demand and a shortage of semiconductors. Autotrader are reporting that used car prices have increased an incredible 24% in the last 12 months, pushing the price of some used cars above the price of a new vehicle.

It sometimes feels like we’ve entered the twilight zone.

Energy struggles Both shortages of materials and rising prices continue to be a challenge for both consumers

and businesses. It’s certainly a very difficult to recruit and this problem for the construction rises to an incredible 92% in industry with huge increases in hospitality. In the third quarter, the costs of materials such as job vacancies here in Dorset timber, and rising energy costs reached highs not seen since forcing up the 2013 with 22,804 “...a quote can onlyvacancies – a 35% costs of cement and bricks. Many hold for a week increase on prebuilding firms have at most given the pandemic level told me this is a (January to March continuing rise in major challenge, 2020), over 60% prices” and now a quote up on same period can only hold last year and 40% for a week at most given the up on 2019. This is the last thing continuing rise in prices. We are business needs as we try to realso seeing rocketing steel prices. open the economy.

The energy crisis is also a big concern for us as consumers and A way forward businesses, and these continued As I write this, it all seems a price rises will lead to further bit gloomy; and frankly we’ve challenges in the economy. all had enough of bad news. I The inflation we are seeing will haven’t even mentioned Brexit... place financial pressure on us However as we look forward it’s as consumers as the true value absolutely vital we see strong of our £ diminishes. This in turn leadership in Westminster and will place wage pressure on Whitehall. We need a very clear businesses, another hurdle to forward path for our economy – overcome for many after the and I don’t think this is evident pandemic. at the moment. Nationally we are calling on Government for a Recruitment woes clear road map for the recovery Businesses across most sectors of our economy and it’s vital are also facing huge challenges the Government focus on these around recruitment. A recent issues that are affecting us all. national survey reported that on average 77% of firms looking for new people are finding it 97

POLITICS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Seventh year running for local law firm in the Legal 500.

Blandford law firm Blanchards Bailey LLP has had its place among the elite firms in the South West confirmed for the seventh successive year by the Legal 500, the UK’ independent guide to legal firms and solicitors.

The 2022 edition of The Legal 500 has endorsed the firm in six different practice areas, with 11 individual lawyers receiving recommendations and mentions.

Blanchards Bailey has been listed in six categories: • Agriculture & Estates; • Commercial Litigation – Dorset, Devon and Cornwall; • Contentious Trusts & Probate; • Employment – Dorset, Devon and Cornwall; • Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate • Family.

In addition to the practice accolades, eleven members of the team were all individually

recommended for their work.

Blanchards Bailey Managing Partner Paul Dunlop said: “A huge thank you to our valued clients who took the trouble to participate in the Legal 500 interview process and agreed to be named – a sure sign of their confidence in the firm.

“As a result we have been ranked alongside or above some much larger South West law firms.

“The client’s feedback shows clearly our professionalism, exceptional expertise, clear communication skills and supportive nature.”

Alan Horne, Blanchards Bailey Partner and former CEO of the

firm felt that the local community was a source of their own and their client’s ongoing success: “We are proud to primarily employ local people and serve individual clients and businesses in the Dorset community.

“The fact that we are thriving is indicative that many local businesses are also serving their communities and surviving these challenging times through a combination of customer service, loyal clients and the sheer will to succeed.”

Blanchards Bailey are headquartered in Blandford with offices in Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Weymouth.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Local optician brings new independent practice to Sherborne Grace Haine Eyecare is set to open this month on Cheap Street Grace Haine Eyecare 2 is the second practice for much-loved local optician Grace Haine, who currently runs a successful practice in Stalbridge. The Sherborne practice is due to officially open on Friday 26th November 2021.

Taking over a vacant property next to the Post Office, Grace and her team have been busy preparing the practice to welcome new patients. Using the latest technology, eye exams will be offered for all ages, and patients will also be able to choose new eyewear from a wide range of frames and lenses.

Expansion plans Grace opened her first practice in Stalbridge in 2012, and the practice has an excellent reputation for its personal,

friendly service and high-quality care. Grace decided Sherborne was the ideal location for a second premises.

“I am so excited, and already feel so welcomed by the community,” said Grace Haine, Owner and Dispensing Optician at Grace Haine Eyecare. “It has been an incredibly challenging time for the High Street, not least for independent businesses, and we are delighted to be refreshing

a vacant property in such a beautiful location.”

Grace Haine Eyecare is an independent Opticians with a team of experienced, qualified and friendly staff.

The practice offers the Eyeplan eye care scheme to make the highest quality eye care more accessible. For more information, please visit www.gracehaineeyecare.co.uk.

Shaftesbury Bell Street Supermarket to become a Morrisons Daily Local employment The owners of the former Co-op and Budgens supermarket building Elite Garages have signed a franchise arrangement with Morrisons, the national supermarket chain; the building has been empty since its closure in 2017.

Richard Whittemore’s family business purchased the store in 2021, and his daughter Kelsie, who represents the third generation of the family business, is excited at the prospect of bringing a fresh convenience store back to Shaftesbury.

The new Morrisons store will form part of the large building; an Elite Garages workshop will 100

also be on site.

Alongside their national supermarket chain, Morrisons also has a wholesale business which allows companies like the Whittemore’s to run their own ‘Morrisons Daily’ franchise.

The store will stock Morrisons products, alongside a range of local products.

Paul Foster, Wholesale Manager at Morrisons, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Richard and the team to bring a Morrisons Daily to Shaftesbury.

Customers will also be able to buy everyday essentials and food-to-go items from Morrisons wide range of own brand products. ”

opportunities

The Whittemore’s are running ‘Recruitment Open Days’ on Friday 5th November (10am-8pm) and Saturday 6th November (10am-6pm).

They will be discussing the vacancies available, answering any questions, chatting about the roles etc.

The business is hoping to recruit 30 new employees for the site, and the recruitment open days will be covering both the Morrisons Daily vacancies and the Elite Garages workshop vacancies.

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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BUSINESS NEWS

New England IPA is first beer in new Small Batch Series from Hall & Woodhouse Independent family brewer Hall & Woodhouse is launching a New England IPA (NEIPA) as the first beer in its new ‘Small Batch Series’ of limited edition bottled beers The new Small Batch Series NEIPA is an unfiltered 5.5% ABV beer with notes of pineapple, mango and a hint of tangerine. It is Hall & Woodhouse’s first hazy beer; brewed with oats and wheat to provide a milky opaqueness. Three hops have been chosen -El Dorado, Citra and Mosaic - for their powerful aromas.

Drinks Marketing Manager Matt Woodhouse said: “The Small Batch Series is an exciting development in our beer offering. Small Batch Series is a new name from Hall & Woodhouse, but it comes with the centuries of brewing heritage and focus on brewing top-quality beers with the finest ingredients, that have always underpinned our Badger Beers.”

The NEIPA is the latest beer in Hall & Woodhouse’s programme, following in the wake of the fruity

passionfruit and mango IPA Fropical Ferret, and Twice Tangled, the modern revisit on the 1980s Tangle Foot original. Milk Made is another new product, a milk stout with delicious layers of chocolate, vanilla and coconut.

The Small Batch Series beers will be brewed at Hall & Woodhouse’s state-of-the-art brewery in Blandford. The local family brewer plans to release more beers under the range several times a year, with runs limited to around 2,000 cases, available exclusively through the Badger Direct online store, or at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery Shop in Blandford.

UK’s first fully electric hearse now available for eco-friendly Dorset funerals The emission-free electric vehicle will be recharged by the co-op using renewable electricity Called the Wisper, the black Teslabased hearse will enable families to say goodbye to their loved ones in a more environmentally responsible way.

The entirely silent hearse is zeroemission 19ft long, and has a 220-mile single-charge range.

It will operate across almost all 60 funeral branches run

by Southern Co-op, including those in Gillingham, Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury.

Steve Pearce, Southern Co-op’s Chief Operating Officer for End of Life Services, said: “This day has been a long time coming with delays caused by the pandemic and waiting for it to be approved for use on the UK’s roads. We hope this will offer people an elegant alternative which echoes

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The Wisper, the black Tesla-based hearse, is joined in the Southern Co-op fleet by two new hybrid Mercedes E-Class Limousines and two new converted E class Mercedes hybrid hearses

a traditional appearance. It will also compliment an existing range of other eco-friendly products we offer as we all work together to tackle climate change and make a difference to our environment.”

As well as the hearse, Southern Co-op is also the first funeral

business in the UK to take delivery of two new hybrid Mercedes E-Class Limousines and two new converted E class Mercedes hybrid hearses.

These models offer the ability to run the vehicles in full electric mode for an entirely silent funeral procession.

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STURBIZ

POLITICS

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

This fake Henri Matisse watercolour by famous art forger Elmyr de Hory was donated to the Emproium and goes under the Hammer at Charterhouse Auctions on 5th November

Famous Matisse Fake to be auctioned This month the Emporium received a donated fake Henri Matisse, by famous art forger Elmyr de Hory.

His was a fascinating tale; the eldest son of Hungarian landed gentry, World War II stripped him of everything but his genius at imitating Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Renoir, and other great painters of the 20th century. After enjoying the fruits of his fakes in a lavish party

lifestyle, in 1967 he confided to a neighbour at his villa in celebritystudded Ibiza that his precious post-Impressionist masterpiece collection were all fakes, forged by his own hand. And more than a thousand had gone to public museums and private collections - including fifty paintings ‘by Matisse, Modigliani and Picasso’ to the Texas oil mogul Algur Hurtle Meadows for his Dallas mansion.

Elmyr de Hory fakes are now very collectible, and this 75cm watercolour is estimated at £200£300 in the sale by Charterhouse Antiques on 5th November (lot 868).

“We at the Emporium would like to thank our generous donor and especially Richard Bromell and his team at Charterhouse for supporting us over the last few years, their advice and expertise has been invaluable to us.”

Gentlemen now have their very own boutique inside The Emporium, with a separate preloved clothes shop called Dapper Chaps, complete with changing room. The former Community Chest pre-loved ladies clothing shop has been redecorated and is now known as The Boutique.

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STURMINSTER NEWTON

Successful Sturbiz Job Fair

Sturminster Newton’s first Job Fair was a success last month, with over 30 attending employers and organisations.

The first SturBiz Job Fair was held last month and declared a great success.

SturBiz,the Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce, swiftly reacted when its members raised concerns over local recruitment.

Within five weeks a Job Fair event was launched to attract potential employees and also volunteers at The Exchange.

Over 30 exhibitors jumped at the opportunity to take part and were rewarded not only by meeting a number of jobseekers, but also forging new relationships with other businesses. At Sturbiz’ invitation, North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare, was able to learn, first hand, about some of the issues (and successes) from these local

businesses and organisations.

So what next?

SturBiz already has plans underway for a second Jobs Fair in 2022 - not only to assist current job seekers and local employers, but also to help our local school leavers and others seeking careers. If you’re a

Christmas is coming to Stur For more information and regular updates click here

27th November • 10 a.m. onwards, Craft Market at The Exchange • Anonymous Travelling Market with a range of goods • Late morning and early afternoon, school choir outside Poets Corner Café • Rudolf and his Reindeers cycling from Stur to Shillingstone and back. All cyclists welcome • Father Christmas will be in the White Hart Stable Yard to meet children during the afternoon • 4.30 p.m. Lantern Parade from The Exchange to the Market Place • 5.00 p.m. Christmas Tree Lights Switch on in the Market place by Paul Young and Jamie Moses of Los Pacaminos, helped by Father Christmas. Los Pacominos are appearing at The Exchange that evening.

• Afterwards – music and carols in the Market Place.

• Free parking all day.

December • From 1st December keep your eyes open for Christmas Angels appearing around town - for

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•

• •

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local organisation or employer who would be interested in participating then please do get in touch. in particular we are keen to discuss potential apprenticeship opportunities in the local area. Initially, please email Jacqui Wragg on sturbiz18@gmail.com

you to take home to keep, give a name to, and if you like, bring to the Christingle Service at St. Mary’s Church, 4.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve afternoon.

The Car and Bike enthusiasts will be meeting as usual in the Station Road Car Park on Saturday 6th November and 4th December (weather permitting) – bring your pride and joy or just come to admire.

4th December is also Small Business Saturday so shop local and look out for special offers.

(Free parking) And from 4th December to 18th December take part in the SturShops Quiz to win a hamper – pick up a form from The Emporium, the Exchange, Holebrooks Fine Foods or Hansons 10th and 11th December “Christmas at the Opera” raising money for The Exchange and the Pantry Join the Santa Stride on 12th December along the Trailway.

19th December St Mary’s Church Carol Service 23rd December 5.00 p.m. Carols in the Railway Gardens 24th December St. Mary’s Church Christmas Eve First Mass of Christmas – 11.15 p.m.

Christmas Day at St Mary’s Church Holy Communion 10.00 a.m.

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WHAT’S ON

St Gregory's PTFA present...

Visiting Artists’

Tindall Recital Series

Quiz and curry night Saturday 27th November Marnhull village hall £12.50 pp 7pm

at the Music School, Sherborne School

Tim Dickinson Bass-Baritone Duncan Honeybourne Piano Thursday 18th November 2021, 7.30pm A recital of 20th century festive British songs and piano music including: IRELAND The Holy Boy BRITTEN Corpus Christi Carol HEAD The Little Road to Bethlehem WILLIAMSON A Christmas Carol WARLOCK Bethlehem Down; The Frostbound Wood; Balulalow GURNEY Carol of the Skiddaw Yowes

PRICE includes a free raffle ticket!

Meat and vegetarian option

Amazing raffle prizes to be won!!

Teams of UP TO 6 FOR TICKETS PLEASE CALL/TEXT bETHAN: 07912555366

GUESTSTARRING SIMON HOARE MP AS OUR QUIZ MASTER

or email ptfastgregs@gmail.com

CASH BAR

Tickets £12.50 | 01935 812249 | tickets@sherborne.org

One man KING LEAR coming to LIGHTHOUSE STUDIO, Poole 'Oddbodies’ one man King Lear is something of a miniature masterpiece... a brilliantly entertaining, and frequently astonishing evening. A tour de force of physical theatre...' @Christopher James, Poet Armed with only a drum, a guitar, a knife and a chair, this inventive, irreverent and highly accessible one-man adaptation is presented to you from the point of view of LEAR’s long suffering and ever-loyal fool.

The bastard Edmund, haughty Goneril, poor deluded Gloucester, oily Oswald, sweet Cordelia, mad Tom – all the characters from this sad and sorry tale brought to glorious life in a fast paced, funny, poignant and ultimately heartbreaking production.

Adapted & performed by Paul Morel and directed by John Mowat with all of Oddbodies’ trademark physical ingenuity and visual flair, this is an unmissable reworking of one of Shakespeare’s most brilliant plays.

First seen at the 2019 Brighton Fringe Festival, this highly acclaimed production was touring the UK and Europe when Covid struck. Oddbodies is thrilled to be back on the road at last for an Autumn tour with shows in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Lancs, Glos, Landinam in Wales and Galashiels and Dumfries in Scotland.

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8pm, Thurs 18th November

Lighthouse Studio

21 Kingland Road POOLE BH15 1UG www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Box Office : 0161 912 5616 For further info contact ODDBODIES: e: oddbodies@me.com t: 01822 820553 m: 07973 162087 www.oddbodies.com

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WHAT’S ON

New shows at Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Julian Richards presents the world premiere of ‘Shaftesbury Abbey – The Movie’

Digging, Dirt, Drama and Discoveries – all will be revealed! The film explores King Alfred’s founding of Shaftesbury’s Saxon Burgh and the history of the Abbey; then follows the story of the SAVED project from geophysical survey to the 2019 season of excavation carried out by local schoolchildren and teams of volunteer archaeologists.

After the screening there will be time for chat and questions.

Tickets: £12 Adults, £10 FoSA and Students, Bar open from 6.30pm Friday 19th November at 17:00 and at 19:30

LOCAL

FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL SAT 11 DEC Quedam Shopping Centre 10 - 4 Supported by:

The Unravelling Wilburys Return to Shaftesbury

The Unravelling Wilburys are the ‘complete package’ with a great combination of brilliant musicianship and tongue in cheek humour. The band play their songs in their familiar country-rock style while stealing a few choice numbers from those famous five icons, Messrs Orbison, Harrison, Dylan, Petty and Lynne. An experience is not to be missed.

Saturday 13 November 7.30 pm Tickets: £18 Under 18s £16

50 PRODUCERS STREET FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT WWW.EATFESTIVALS.ORG

www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk 107

WHAT’S ON

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles, gets a brilliantly farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s acclaimed production.

World-renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr Watson are asked to unravel the mystery surrounding the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville.

With rumours of a cursed giant hound loose on the moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir.

A hit in the West End, this ingenious adaptation combines an exhilarating collision of farce, invention and wonderfully comic performances to offer a brand-new twist on the greatest detective story of all time. A whodunnit for all ages.

Salisbury Playhouse Monday 15 - Saturday 20 November

A story of return, reconciliation and rehearsals with mum “My voice cracked on the high note. I saw my Nan wince. The blood rushed to my cheeks – and a century’s lineage lay shattered on the floor.”

From kitchen-table cast lists to singalong rehearsals in the car, performer, storyteller and standup comedian Hannah Maxwell grew up immersed in the family passion for amateur theatre.

Now she’s putting on a show about it. Amateur dramatics.

The hidden history of many a performance artist. From four generations of leading ladies comes one queer Londoner, sharing a story of return and reconciliation – with her hometown, cultural inheritance 108

and secret love of musical theatre. Her debut show, ‘I, AmDram’ has charmed audiences across the UK and Australia, with five-star reviews Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019 and Adelaide Fringe 2020. Now, this November

Hannah heads to Dorset for two performances as part of the Artsreach autumn programme.

Hannah Maxwell will perform live in Piddlentrenthide and Broadoak on the 10-11 November respectively.

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Enter BLACKMOREVALE21 at: funeralcare.co.uk/funeralplans or take this coupon along to your local funeralcare home. *Terms & Conditions: The voucher may only be redeemed against eligible Southern Co-op funeral plans costing £3,000 or more and will be deducted off the cost at time of sale. The voucher has no cash value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotion. For full terms and conditions visit: funeralcare.co.uk/ funeralplanterms, request a copy from any Southern Co-op funeralcare home or by calling 0800 008 6878. This voucher is valid until 31/12/2021.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting, we help you open the next chapter of your life.

With discerning service, intimate local knowledge and over 100 years of bringing the best of the UK to the world; your future is in safe hands.

Salisbury office 01722 568382 struttandparker.com

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Stoford, Salisbury Guide price £1,250,000 FOR SALE

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Wilton, Salisbury Guide price £285,000 FOR SALE

All the questions you always wanted to ask an estate agent...

For this month’s property column Brad and Susie from Meyers are answering their most frequently asked questions (in no particular order!):

1. When is the best time to sell a property?

Conventional wisdom tells us that the best time to sell a property is in the Spring - mostly because the longer and warmer days help set the scene for a prospective buyer after a dark grey winter.

According to Rightmove, houses put on the market in March took the least days to sell (an average of 57 days). However, there are good activity levels in the housing market all year round.

Ultimately, the right time to sell is when you are ready to move.

2. Do you charge to visit my property?

No. As part of our free, no obligation service we will visit your property and provide you with an expert valuation of your home together with any advice you require. Our fees for selling your home are competitive and will be discussed with you before proceeding.

3. How can I best prepare my property for sale?

The best and most cost-effective ways to prepare your property 120

for sale are to clean thoroughly, de-clutter, deal with any odours, go neutral with your wall colours and ensure the front of the property and garden are well presented.

This list is not exhaustive; however we provide a free copy of our Seller’s Guide on request which is full of lots of hints and tips.

4. Am I required to have a ‘For Sale’ sign outside my property?

No, you are not required to do so. However, they help to advertise your home and we often see sales encouraged by the presence of a board!

5. How long does it take for my property to go to market once I invite you to proceed?

We go entirely at your pace.

Provided we are able to arrange a convenient time with you to send in our professional photographer, we have taken properties to market between 24 to 48 hours following instruction and your approval of property particulars.

6. What about a floor plan?

An accurate and professional floor plan is very important to a buyer. We provide this as part of our service, and our plans also include the gross interior floor space and measurements of each room.

7. Why should we use Meyers over another local or online agent?

Standing out from the crowd of similar properties is vital when you are selling your home and it is equally as important you choose an agent that stands out from the crowded, hardsell, jargon-filled world of many estate agencies.

Our philosophy is simple. We are friendly, experienced, determined, great value and completely focussed on you.

Please do get in touch for any property advice or a free expert valuation on your home: Brad at Shaftesbury – 01747 352077 Susie at Blandford – 01258 690553 Always free - subscribe

POLITICS

£145,000 North Fields, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2 bedroom Flat for sale

£399,950 Plantagenet Way Gillingham SP8 4 bed detached house for sale

£650,000 Clenston Road, Blandford Forum 4 bed detached house for sale

£595,000 Wimborne Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 9HL 4 bedroom house for sale 121

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PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:

Next Publication Date:

3rd December

Submission Deadline:

29th November

Next Publication Dates:

14th January 4th February Further forwards - publication always first Friday of the month.

Copy booking deadline always the Friday prior to publishing

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Watching the red kites wheeling over the Cranborne Chase Image: Laura Hitchcock

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