The Blackmore Vale Sep 20

The

Blackmore

Vale

A Vale as old as time... and a new local magazine that's a modern take on a timeless classic September '20

Bloomfield & Associates Ltd celebrates its 15th year in Shaftesbury high street, and has recently opened a satellite office in Frome. The company was founded

by Adam Bloomfield in 2005 following a move back to Dorset, after several years practising in London. Whilst we retain a large London and national client base our roots are firmly based in the Blackmore Vale.

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

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

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

Jo joined Bloomfield & Associates 6 years ago and heads up the The company is built around a highly Commercial and Specialist Finance qualified team of Independent role within the company, she also Advisers, who provide a wide range operates our Frome office. of bespoke services to Individuals, Businesses, Trustees and Charities.

Steve Napier has worked in financial services for 37 years Stuart Adams is our specialist holding a range of previous posts. adviser for Later Life planning and Steve specialises in Pensions and holds full member status of SOLLA Investments providing high level (Society of Later life Advisers). bespoke planning to our clients. He Stuart has helped many families has been with the company over 3 navigate care fee planning, whether years and is based in our this be generating income from Shaftesbury office. investments or gradually withdrawing the capital required During the lockdown we added from properties via Lifetime Matthew Isaacs to our team; mortgages and Equity Release.

Matthew has worked in financial

services for 21 years being an Independent Financial Adviser for 16 of those years. Matthew specialises in Investment and Retirement planning, Inheritance Tax and Trusts. Matthew also provides specialist trust investment advice to solicitors and trustees.

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

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

In a complex and opaque financial world, we offer clear face-to-face advice. If you would like to talk to us please get in touch, info@bloomfieldifa.com or call in and see us.

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Your Covid Thank yous

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Young Journalist Award with Alice Plunkett Sherborne Vineyards scoops Harper's Award Then & Now with Roger Guttridge

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Looking Back with Reg Guttridge

Meet Your Local - White Hart Alehouse Voice of the Blue Light Business News Tales from the Vale with Andy Palmer View from Westminster with Simon Hoare MP Rural Challenges with the CPRE Recipe - Plum Crumble The Arts A Vet's Voice

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Wild Corner with Brigit Strawbridge

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Announcements - Births, Deaths and In Memoriam WIN £42 Bakeware from Nordic Ware

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To wine or not to wine...

Situations Vacant Car. What's On Football Property

Welcome to The Blackmore Vale! And good luck to Laura and Courtenay Hitchcock with this first edition of their online successor to the sadly defunct BVM. When we moved to Mere from the New Forest, our new neighbours told us about the Blackmore Vale Magazine, where we would find everything we needed. I was working for one of the country’s great old paid-for local papers and wasn’t impressed by a free. But my children, who never read anything by either of us, loved it. From my daughter looking for tack, gymkhanas or anything horse-related to my son’s preoccupation with noisy punk or hardcore rock, from cars to logs to events, they found what they wanted in the BVM. I soon understood its unique appeal with its combination of community news, arts, features and those wonderful small ads. Before long I joined Alan and Ingrid Chalcraft, and later became editor, a role I held for 23 years. Readers called the BVM “the Bible” and often told me they “read it from cover to cover.”

I did not retire when I left the magazine – I carried on doing what I love. The BVM’s long-time arts correspondent, Gay Pirrie-Weir, and I run the Fine Times Recorder, www.theftr.co.uk, covering the arts, food, literature, travel and the environment and we write books – Deepest Dorset and Deepest Wiltshire.

The BVM was a legend, with its packed pages of arts coverage, reviews of everything from grand opera to village pantomimes, readers’ letters on every subject under the sun, planning reports, town and district council news – it was the country’s first local paper to highlight the risks of GM (genetic modification) technology. It was truly the voice of the Vale.

Those of us who worked for the BVM in its heyday are hugely proud of what we achieved. I am happy to give a warm welcome to the new Blackmore Vale.

Fanny Charles Letter From The Editor

*I was going to write the traditional 'letter from the editor' myself. But having Fanny Charles here on the front page feels so fitting, I shall wait til next month. And simply say...

Thank you - we hope we do you proud.

Laura - and Courtenay.

The pandemic presented a new and challenging way of working for the staff at Candlelight Care.

Carer Support Dorset gives thanks to Dorset’s unpaid carers Covid-19 has been an incredible struggle for us all and even more so for those that look after or support others in our community. We would like to thank all of the unpaid carers out there for their hard work, which often goes without being recognised.

We are also here to help. So if you are after further information on what support might be available to you then please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 0800 368 8349, email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk or via our website www.carersupportdorset.co.uk. We are able to provide information and guidance for your caring role, offer befriending services, training opportunities, access to the Dorset Carers Card giving you discounts across various local businesses and can refer you for a Care Act Carers Assessment should you require further support.

Many of the clients who they support are vulnerable and some had received the Government’s ‘shielding’ letter, so ensuring high levels of infection control was vital.

The measures taken included the early adoption of PPE - ensuring staff had sufficient supplies of it, knew when to use it and how often to change it, to prevent infection spread. There were even some local donations of it, with the Wimborne branch receiving free visors from Darren Burns of Blandford. The importance of hand washing when entering and leaving clients’ homes was reinforced, and Sherborne branch even set up a handsanitising station.

Office-based staff worked from home wherever possible, and interviews were held via Skype.

Paperwork was no longer sent by post and staff didn’t take clients out in their cars in order to maintain the 2-metre distancing rule. Throughout the pandemic Candlelight Care has kept up to date with Government guidance, to ensure they meet the regulations.

Staff training has continued with updates via distance learning, and staff inductions are now taking place over Microsoft Teams.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

LOOKING BACK As one door closes and another opens.

Roger Guttridge looks back on the Blackmore Vale Magazine’s early years Sipping a pint in his local one evening, session singer Alan Chalcraft had no idea he was about to make a lifechanging decision.

As they chatted in a Stalbridge pub, a fellow customer threw out a random offer.

‘Would you like to buy a magazine?’ he asked.

‘How much?’ said Alan. ‘£5,000,’ said the other man.

Alan promised to consult with his wife and return the next evening with a decision.

‘Offer him half,’ said Ingrid Chalcraft.

The £2,500 was accepted and the couple suddenly became owners of the Blackmore Vale Magazine.

The free distribution weekly was the humblest of outfits, launched six months earlier, printing just four pages a week and already on the point of collapse.

‘People said we were mad,’ Ingrid told me 15 years later. ‘We put out our first issue with no typing skills, no business experience, no knowledge of layout and having never written anything in our lives.’

Alan and Ingrid had previously made their living as session singers. Their voices can be heard on many hit songs and jingles from the ’60s and ’70s and they

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Alan and Ingrid Chalcraft with an early BVM

actually met while backing Engelbert Humperdink at London’s Talk of the Town.

They left London in 1976 for a quieter life in Dorset.

By 1978 they were almost broke – until that fateful pub meeting.

Despite having no publishing experience, they negotiated six weeks’ credit from the printer and set up an office under the stairs.

They used an electric typewriter to set the type and Letraset for headlines and display advertisements.

‘We had a telephone but it rang so infrequently that we did gardening between calls,’ said Alan.

But free newspapers were in the ascendant and interest steadily grew.

Then in 1979 came the break the Chalcrafts needed – a strike by the National Union of Journalists, which kept the Western Gazette off the streets for seven weeks.

Many advertisers transferred their business and the BVM jumped from 12 to 24 pages overnight.

By 1993, it boasted 112 pages and

THE BLACKMORE VALE £1m takeover bid from major newspaper group Trinity International.

When I dared, 27 years ago, to suggest to the Chalcrafts that they were about to become millionaires, they laughed off the suggestion, pointing out that they were only 70 per cent shareholders and that 40 per cent of what they received would go in tax.

That still left them with a few hundred grand, which seemed to me like a fair return on £2,500.

The rest, as they say, is history…

Roger Guttridge Issue number 11 featured Alan's front page lead about a Stalbridge cow giving birth – a story he described (with no lack of irony) as a 'BVM scoop'

Joe’s Black Cab Co has been established within the North Dorset area for over 10years providing a taxi service to the local community. We are a small family business, priding ourselves on excellent service and professional, reliable drivers. Our convenient location close to the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire borders means we can provide a quality service to all three counties and beyond.

We have vehicles that can accommodate 1-8 passengers subject to COVID regulations and our vehicles are fully insured, licensed and maintained to a high standard. We offer a huge range of special services to suit every occasion from wedding transport, executive private hire & business travel to school runs and customer’s individual needs.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week on all prebooked long-distance and local travel. Our phones are always open so feel free to call and discuss your requirements.

The Blackmore Vale

YOUNG JOURNALIST AWARD Competition to be one of our three Young Voices - be a regular contributor with a byline, and receive personal mentoring from Alice Plunkett, journalist and TV Presenter.

Of all the exciting things to have happened over the last few weeks (believe me there has been a LOT of excitement. Or terror. Either/or), this one is probably the most exciting of the excitements.

Breaking into journalism has always taken talent, tenacity and entrepreneurialism. But it just seems to get harder - young would-be journalists also face the challenge of trying to gain some experience in a diminishing local scene; exactly where, historically, most reporters got their first break.

It's tough standing out from the crowd when you all have the same cookie-cutter CV of qualifications.

smart young brain to drive their own business forwards. We've been there - we ARE here, and we want to help.

But not alone.

We're totally thrilled to be partnering with the amazing Alice Plunkett - journalist and TV presenter (plus the small matter of being the only woman to have ridden at both Badminton Horse Trials and over the Grand National course at Aintree).

This award is Alice's brainchild, and her help and personal mentoring are part of the prize.

"Young people in our rural county often find it difficult to find a platform - but they all have a voice, and unique experiences and perspectives which need to be heard. I'm really excited to be part of such an opportunity for them."

But Look! We're here! And as parents of four ourselves, we're acutely aware of how deeply important real life skills are as our young people head into We are looking for young Dorset adulthood. Whether it's for a Uni residents, 25 or under, who application, to place on a CV - or would like the opportunity to simply as the springboard for a write for The Blackmore Vale. In

addition to featuring through the coming year, they will also be mentored by Alice Fox-Pitt - in both their writing and their role as a journalist.

We want to give young people a unique chance to share their local news to the wider community with the help of an established local news outlet and professional journalist and broadcaster.

How to enter?

Simply report on an aspect of living in Dorset which is important to you.

You can write it, record it as a podcast, make a Vlog - we're a digital publication, so we can accommodate and and all media forms.

All entries will be judged on editorial merit – the strength of story, originality, and the personal story or background around it.

We will be looking for a range of diverse stories from across the county.

The three winners will each be invited to contribute features over the coming year with a highlighted byline, whilst enjoying regular collaborative Zoom sessions plus one-to-one mentoring sessions with Alice Plunkett.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Sherborne Indie Wine Merchant Scoops Top Harper's Award

changed our business model to adapt.

Harper’s were impressed with their ‘fierce social media campaigns’ Local Indie wine merchant Vineyards of Sherborne are and the live virtual celebrating this week - with just cause. The all-female team tastings on have not only been ranked in Harper’s Top 50 Indie Wine Instagram.

Merchants, but they're also, in true Top of the Pops style, Highest New Entry at No.19! indie wine merchant is the personal service and second-to-none knowledge of wine. As cheesy as it sounds, we see ourselves as ‘storytellers of wine’.

We obsessively source every product we stock ourselves, and do so in a ‘blind tasting’ fashion in order to remove preconceived ideas. The difference between Hannah Wilkins by locals shopping with us and a Wine Merchant Sadie large supermarket is Wilkins explained 'the In usual non-Covid the dialogue about the indie Harper’s list is a times, the vibrant bottle and the huge deal - it's an annual ‘hybrid shop’ offers an interesting range that award where you are extensive drink-in menu we have on our nominated by peers and themed pop-up shelves. That’s what within the wine trade foodie nights too. was rather terrifying only. You cannot apply about heading into to be part of the To be recognised by lockdown as a business nominations or pay a Harper’s this year, owner. How do we still fee. during a pandemic, was ‘reach out’ and tell the Which means that those "...quite frankly mindstory behind each ‘in the know’ have seen blowing" Sadie exclaims. bottle… something in us that "the charm of a great they feel we are doing "Being an indie right; it’s truly a allowed confidence booster. us flexibility; we Hannah opened Vineyards of Sherborne in 2005 and now stocks over 1000 wines, including weird and wonderful grapes and rare, fine wines. You may also have heard of G (their own gin) dubbed The Vineyards of Sherborne Team Julia, Sadie & Nici ‘Sherborne Gin’

Sadie explains "The live tastings took on a life of their own! We hosted winemakers from across the world (something that we wouldn’t be able to do in usual times so frequently) and we even made it into national newspapers. Our tastings reached up to 900 viewers.

"We also ran themed wine cases, & mystery selections to our newsletter subscribers, continuing to tell the stories from our shelves.

This, combined with a new collection and nationwide delivery service meant that we could still be there for those who needed.

Harper’s said Vineyards of Sherborne are a

‘small business where you get a lot of bang for your buck.’

"We are absolutely delighted. And yes; before you ask, lots of fizz was consumed to celebrate!"

You can order by email shop@vineyardsofsher­ borne.co.uk Or call (Tues, Thurs, Fri,

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Retired Gillingham gym teacher, Rosie Thompson celebrated Battle of Britain Day on September 15th this year by flying a converted World War 2 Spitfire over the Isle of Wight.

‘It was to celebrate my retirement,’ said Rosie, adding the experience was the dream of a lifetime. The 30 minute flight had a pilot, but novice Rosie took the joystick once the famous plane was airborne.

‘Everything that all the wonderful young lads who fought this plane in the war says about it is true,’ Rosie says, ‘it just flies itself. It is the perfect aeroplane.’

Rosie, 60, has already completed a parachute jump, skydived with the Red Devils, enjoyed a wingwalk and has experienced what she calls the ‘Vomit Comet’, a flight in the States where she experienced extreme speeds and

Expansion for Dorset County Hospital

zero gravity.

How did she get to the States?

She flew to New York on Concorde.

‘Nothing compares to the Spitfire and the sound of that old Merlin engine which saved us from Nazi Germany,’ she says. ‘It was very emotional.’

Rosie smiles at the memories of the highly-skilled WWII girls of the Air Transport Service who used to fly combat planes, bombers and fighters, from the factories to the RAF airfields to

Andy Palmer

Rosie Thompson in the Spitfire

men.

spokesperson.

‘We are also working in partnership to develop the Great news for Dorset. The much-loved Dorchester County land we own on the site of the former Damers School and Hospital (DCH) is planning to the current Trust expand the Emergency Headquarters to raise income Department and Intensive to contribute to the cost of the Care Unit (ICU), as part of a clinical facilities building work. long-term project to meet ’ requirements outlined by Dorset’s Clinical Services The development of the Review.

Damers/Trust HQ land could include a mix of health and ‘In order to free up space on care related facilities and the hospital site for the housing.​ development of clinical facilities, we will be building a multi-storey car park to improve parking for patients, visitors and staff,’ says a

be met by hundreds of young men.

Rosie says a favourite anecdote goes as follows: one ATS pilot’s mother asked her if her work was dangerous.

‘Only once you landed, mum,’ she replied.

With fond memories of her 32 years of teaching, Rosie joked, ‘it was wonderful, although there were only a few pupils who I’d have like in the gunsights of that wonderful plane. ‘

One Dorset resident admitted to DCH recently with lifethreatening symptoms (pre-

Covid), and who spent time in ICU said ‘The care I received, from making the 999 call, to the paramedics and then the staff at the ICU was exceptional. It was world class. I was told I was minutes from death, but was able to leave the same day.

‘While the care was superb, the internal space was cramped, so these plans are what all Dorset residents should welcome.’

Full details from their website

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Support the Village Bikes!

A group of friends due to participate in a charity cycle for Julia’s House this month.

The ride has obviously been cancelled due to the pandemic, but the friends decided to go ahead with our own route of 50 miles to raise money for the same charity.

Winterborne Houghton, enjoy getting together for weekly cycle rides for fun and fitness.

They're certainly not expert cyclists, and have a varying level of fitness and experience Jules has competed on numerous occasions, Fran, Lesley, Lynne and Lyn (who is unable to join this ride) are all declared as 'extremely competent' and Claire and Tracie are enthusiastic beginners.

The ladies feel strongly that simply having a life threatening / life limiting illness as an adult is devastating. Only able to imagine the emotional and practical support a family will need when their child is desperately ill, the friends, calling themselves ‘The Village Bikes’, are keen to help Julia’s House continue their essential work with donations from their cycle ride on Sunday 11th October.

You can show your support of The Village Bikes through their JustGiving page here.

The group, all from Winterborne Stickland and

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Classic & vintage style motorcycles unite for men's health with a sponsored ride through Salisbury.

Every year, Paul Eaton from Marnhull, joins with fellow bike enthusiasts to raise money for Men's health charities.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is an international event, and across the globe motorcyclists meet on the last Sunday in September, dressed in their stylish best and riding classic, special build and custom motorcycles.

Raising around £7m every year, the dapper bike enthusiasts help to fund projects fighting male suicide and research into prostate cancer.

It is a unique event, with cyclists across the

globe riding as dawn breaks.

Paul is joining the carefully distanced gathering in Salisbury with almost 40 other riders who have registered for their solo ride.

They will meet at Wilton House and then follow a route around Salisbury.

If you'd like to support Paul, who will be riding his Ducati 750sie Custom, you can find his donations page here.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Then... with Roger Guttridge It’s been home to a pump, a horse trough, market stalls and parked cars, but now the roadside spot at Sturminster Newton’s Market Cross has begun a new incarnation.

It’s latest life as a street café began in June in response to the government’s lockdown call to encourage the takeaway food and drink trade.

It now looks likely to stay that way providing the town council agrees to manage it.

In the old picture, dating from the early 1900s, a boy with a toy rifle stands to attention before the pump as a camera-shy dog looks the other way.

The location caught the eye of royal surgeon-cum-travel writer Sir Frederick Treves when he passed through Sturminster in 1906.

‘In the centre of the town,’ he

wrote with his usual caustic humour, ‘is the semblance of a square to which all roads lead.

‘Here an officious gas standard carrying aloft the latest pattern of lamp, the stump of an ancient stone cross, and the town pump.

‘The latter is of wood, is small, black and vixenish. On it is a notice spitefully warning the passer-by that he will be prosecuted if he does it hurt and adding further that no children must use the exclusive structure.

‘There is a sourness in this, for all children delight to play with pumps.’

Treves failed to add that the

steps of the cross have been worn down by generations of Sturminster bottoms, including mine.

Behind the stump, alone on its island, is Market House, then home to draper and costumier C S Hender and for much of the 20th century to fellow draper Alex J Hicks.

The White Hart to the left has changed little in a century and carries the date 1708, suggesting that it survived the fire that swept through the town centre in 1729.

A few years after Treves’ visit, the pump gave way to an ornamental drinking fountain and horse trough erected in memory of long-serving GP Dr John Comyns Leach, who died in 1907, and his surgeon son E Comyns Leach, who died in Sierra Leone aged 33 in 1902.

The trough later became a flower box until demolished when a motorist lost control in 2018.

Council staff salvaged the pieces and there are plans to re-erect it.

Roger Guttridge

and Now...

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Meet Your Local: The White Hart Alehouse, Sturminster Newton Our local pubs are deeply embedded within our communities, and often play an essential role as a vital social hub. But now more than ever they are struggling and under threat: British pubs are dying. In 2001, the UK counted 52,500 pubs. In 2018, that figure stood at 38,815. Now the fall-out from coronavirus will likely devastate the industry further as pubs struggle to reopen safely and generate enough income to survive.

So every month we'd like you to meet your local - the faces and stories behind the pub sign. We're kicking things off with the new owners of the White Hart Alehouse in Stur; purely because they've been lockdown heroes in the town, and they deserve it. - Laura.

The White Hart is run by Matt Clark & Sammy Glover, who took over the long-empty building early this year.

The White Hart, Sturminster Newton

How did you two meet?

Matt and I met two and a half years ago. I had just arrived from New Zealand to start the obligatory tour of Europe.

Three days after I landed in the UK, Bang! I met Matt.

He owned a pub in the village where I was working. When we’d knock off work on a Sunday night we would always be at Matt’s place having our after-work chillout.

Who made the first move?

Well, Matt of course! What man wouldn’t? I’m sure he agrees with that!

landlord and secured the lease agreement.

How do you work as a couple?

Matt is the brains and face of the operation. He’s constantly on the go, working on how we can keep going forward.

Why move to Stur?

I implement those ideas and We loved where we were and the keep Matt’s head from exploding. friendships and family we had in He is a complete workaholic. He the village, but Matt had been tied to a brewery for the past 10 years thinks about business from the minute he wakes up to the and felt that it was the right time minute he falls asleep, so making to move into a free house. sure he keeps some form of So the hunt began and shortly after (found on Gum-tree) was the balance and healthy routine is almost a full time job for me.

312 year-old White Hart Hotel in It’s a solid team effort every Sturminster Newton. One of the single day and that is what I think fantastic coaching inns of old bonds us so strongly. Matt comes England. Pure history. with an enormous amount of He travelled down to take a look. experience under his belt. His The very next day he called the

grandparents owned pubs, which led to his mother owning pubs while his dad served 30 years in the Royal Marines. Even at an early age Matt was on track to follow in his dad’s footsteps but a back injury put stop to that so a quick change of paths lead to him running his first pub by the age of 18 near Richmond.

Landlords Sammy & Matt

THE BLACKMORE VALE blossom over time and know that they started at The White Hart.

Inside the bar in the White Hart

What part of the pub is your absolute favourite?

Where's your favourite local place to go when you get some time off?

We like to go out for a meal or even just a drink, and when you see us out you will also see our three beagles (we’re a package deal) so it’s important to us that we find somewhere dog-friendly.

You’ll generally find us at The Ship Inn, West Stour. The food’s excellent, the garden is great. It’s another free house, so it’s lovely see someone operating in the way we do and being so successful.

Tell us about lockdown – why did you start food deliveries in Stur We knew lock-down was coming.

Great timing – we’d just secured a second pub in Blandford (Kings Arms Alehouse) and our opening night was supposed to be the Saturday night that they shut us down.

Big problem.

But Matt said, ‘Big opportunity’.

Stur had been so welcoming to us pre-Covid that we wanted to be able to give something back and show the town how much we truly appreciate their support.

Hence the idea of grocery deliveries was born. For us there was no money to be made from it, that wasn’t the point. We felt if we were in a position where we had access to the items that people were struggling to get from

supermarkets then we could do a great service for the people of this town.

All good people pull together in such times. You Brits call it the Blitz Spirit!

What was the biggest challenge in getting ready for reopening?

We had to work really hard to build customers’ confidence to trust that our business was safe enough to visit.

We converted the car park into an outdoor garden pretty early on. Matt worked so hard making it ultra Covid-proof, with ordering new garden furniture and spacing it all to meet the regulations.

Which bit are you most proud of?

By making the pub the kind of place you can come for a drink or a meal by yourself and walk out with a new bunch of friends.

People feel comfortable enough to strike up conversations with perfect strangers. It’s heartwarming to see those friendships

Maybe the open fire with our great Chesterfields elegantly placed in front. There are quite a few historic feature which makes the building interesting, for example throughout all the old ceiling beams you’ll find hundreds of old coins that have been slotted in the cracks, and a few of the upstairs rooms have signatures carved in the window frames.

How have the locals reacted?

They’ve been fantastic. We came here to run a business, and now it’s our home and we’re surrounded by loyal friends.

What’s on at the moment?

We have extended the 'eat out to help out' for all of September in our own way.

Monday to Wednesday evening we are offering 25% off food and drink (non-alcoholic) for the first 20 people that book on the day.

We're also currently offering a £5 lunch menu.

The White Hart Alehouse are on Facebook here or call 01258 472558

The COVID-secure beer garden where once there was a car park for the White Hart

Nominate your own local for next month - send an email to editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Voice of the Blue Light: Inspector Simon Perry Monthly news from different voices within the North Dorset Police Team.

As the local Neighbourhood Inspector I have geographical responsibility for Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) in North Dorset (and East Dorset).

Firstly it’s great to welcome the BVM back in its new format!

In the mid 90s I worked as a special constable in Sherborne, alongside the then editor! So it’s fantastic to see that it continues to be part of the fabric of our local community.

Within North Dorset I have teams based at Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Stur Newton and Blandford.

These comprise of a mixture of Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers.

(PCSO) This has been a particularly challenging year in terms of COVID. Our traditional ways of contacting and engaging with the Public such as face to face meetings, local surgeries and drop in’s at local shops and services has sadly been put on hold.

Inspector Simon Perry

Much like the BVM we have taken to greater use of online engagement to provide news, crime updates and advice and at the end of this newsletter will be links to our online sites.

COVID has seen a change in the type of Crimes reported to us.

Fortunately dwelling burglaries have fallen sharply - however when they do occur we prioritise and investigate as this recent court result shows - Man jailed for burglaries .

What we have sadly seen is an increase in the targeting of more elderly residents. One example is a “courier scam”: This involved a phone call from someone pretending to be from the Police.

The caller appeared to know some personal information about the victim - states they are the Police and advises the Victim to withdraw money to “transfer” into an account. The offender would then dispatch a courier to collect the money.

North Dorset Police

Please be aware that the Police will NEVER • Contact you to ask for your bank details • Ask you to transfer money out of your account for fraud reasons • Ask to withdraw cash to hand over for safe keeping • Send someone to your home to collect Cash, PINS or cards.

Rogue traders have also targeted the area – please never deal with unannounced door step traders.

Look to friends and family for recommendations, and support local traders. If someone is “passing through” and completes poor work for a high fee how will you get them back??

Stay safe.

Inspector 1656 Simon Perry

North Dorset Police

North Dorset Police

Seen running through Kings Stag on the 13th; Marshall compound traction engine No. 68632 'Ben Lomond' (KE 2361).

Built in 1915, and appears to be run

by M. Farwell & Sons, Stourpaine.

Image courtesy of Steve Tarrant Chequered Flag Services

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Friends of Stour Connect are a registered charity in Sturminster Newton and have been a major part of the Covid 19 Action Group in Sturminster Newton and the emergency response across North Dorset.

We welcome The Blackmore Vale!

Our services have either continued throughout the emergency, or are starting to re open in a safe, fully risk assessed way Our Community Café, and the newly re branded Twice but Nice, our Charity shop are both open Tuesday to Thursday between 9am and 2pm.

The Community Café provides a social meeting place with a simple hot and cold snack style menus and great cakes (made on the premises).

If you have donations, then please consider Twice but Nice.

We also provide a bespoke cushion and bag making service.

Life is for Living (our Dementia project) continues to operate but is mainly now an on line/ phone service providing activities and support for people with dementia and their carers Mens Shed Stour re opened in early August and continues to provide a place for people to meet, make friendships, share experience, and learn new woodworking skills.

The Shed is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

It operates a £5 per year

membership scheme, with no other charges. The Shed is not only for men, it is for anyone 18 plus and offers a repair service on wooden items.

Meals on Wheels, our hot food delivery service, has seen increases in food deliveries. As a new service you can now order a full meal (main and dessert) to eat-in at our Community Café.

Orders accepted up to 10am for same day.

The Community Car Scheme that we manage is starting to see an increase in the numbers of bookings. A huge thanks must go to Nordcat who have assisted us during the emergency. If you want to assist with this scheme, so important for people who need to attend medical appointments, but have no transport we would welcome your call.

Our newest project is Connect to Employment. This scheme has been in the making for 18/24 months and will provide people with additional needs, a scheme that enables them to gain employability skills, qualifications and the potential to find employment with support.

This scheme starts on 1st October 2020 and is FREE to participants.

We are also able to provide participants with transport or transport costs if necessary.

For information on any of the above, please contact Andy or Sheryn on 01258 471359 or 07849618522

BUSINESS NEWS

with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

More than 1,100 businesses register interest as applications open for £550k of recovery grants Could your business be eligible for a nonrepayable grant of up to £5,000?

More than 1,100 businesses have already registered their interest in the grant.

Just under £550,000 is available to distribute to Dorset-based Dorset Growth Hub has eligible, opened up applications SME businesses trading in for the Dorset SME the tourism sector as well as the wider economy.

Recovery Grant. implementing new technology, improving use of outdoor space, with awnings and heating, and also consulting and accessing expert advice on management, legal and HR.

The grant follows the government announcement that a share of £30m is to be distributed to each Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The sum includes a £10m Kickstarting Tourism Package for small businesses in the tourism sector and a further £20m funding to help smaller businesses recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The guidelines on the Dorset Growth Hub web page also point out what the grant can’t be spent on such as PPE and ‘business as usual’ items.

Nick Gregory, Operations Director, Dorset Growth Hub, said: “With over 1,100 businesses registering their interest in these grants, we are expecting a huge number of applications to flood in over the next few weeks.

Eligible businesses can now apply for £1,000 to £3,000 – or £5,000 in exceptional circumstances – via the Dorset Growth Hub website.

The non-repayable grants are funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Grants will be spent on projects to aid job safeguarding and business survival, such as improving websites,

“We have employed three new members of staff – two part-time consultants and a full time administrator – to deal with the influx of applications and enquiries.

“They will be doing their best to reply to businesses as soon as they can, process applications efficiently and give a decision on whether

they have been successful.

“We are hoping to do this in a two week turnaround, but this is dependent on the number of applications we receive in the first instance.

“Please bear with us, we really want to get this money to the businesses in need.”

Businesses considering applying should read the full guidance to determine eligibility along with the project in mind.

The business must have been impacted by Covid-19 and applicants will be asked to outline how the grant will help the business recover.

Questions on the grant should be directed to enquiries@dorsetgrowthhub. co.uk

Nick Gregory

Three new members of staff – two consultants and a full-time administrator – have been recruited to deal with the expected influx of applications and enquiries.

4 Andrew Diprose is the Founder and Editor of Dorset Biz News, Dorset's No.1 business website

with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

BUSINESS NEWS

a number of businesses to ensure the categories cover the full range of local services.

“The awards will be free to enter and simple to enter.

“The entry form will be available online and will take no more than ten Marketing West, the Dorset events, minutes to complete. promotions and marketing company, has “We are planning a announced the launch of the Sherborne launch event in October years of experience of and the awards Business Awards. organising business lunchtime ceremony at conferences and awards. the end of February.

He said: “I first had the “Both events will be idea about a year ago, held at Leweston but it had to be put on School on the edge of hold. However, it didn’t Sherborne, while the go away. awards event will also “Sherborne is fiercely have live streaming. proud of its range of “Entry forms will be independent businesses available from early and rightly so.

November.

The awards are the “Two business contacts “I believe we now need in the area suggested I to be positive to get brainchild of Marketing look again. business moving again West director Nigel “The idea is to use the and hope that these Reeve, who runs a series awards to promote the awards will contribute of Sherborne area range of local in a small way.” networking breakfasts businesses. and online events.

“The award ceremony The businessman, who has enjoyed a high-flying will be a celebration of local business, not an career in marketing and the media, has had many excuse for a party.

“We have consulted with Nigel Reeve

Plans to launch Sherborne Business

Marketing West is also Declan Curry planning a breakfast seminar (plus live streaming) on Thursday, November 5.

Called ‘Relight the Flame – get business moving again’, it will be held at Minterne House between Dorchester and Sherborne.

The speakers will be business journalist Declan Curry, entrepreneur Sir Rob McCabe, and Brendan Rendall, talking about the art of positive thinking.

All three will be at the venue face to face.

A new business has launched providing companies with outsourced safety, quality and engineering management solutions.

Blandford-based A3C Management has extensive experience across a variety of sectors, nuclear, construction, military, aviation, shipping, local government and education sectors.

Simon Jubb, Director and Founder, said: “We pride ourselves on providing solutions that integrate into your business.

“Our core values are integrity, honesty and transparency in everything we do.

“If a process is not right, we will say so and together we will work to create a better, more logical and efficient system for you.”

Simon has more than 30 years’ experience in health, safety, engineering and quality management.

Simon Jubb

Launch of new business providing bespoke solutions He said: “What makes us different is that we don’t want to create something bespoke for your company that will then require a lot of tweaking and cost to maintain.

“We want to give your company something you can use and run, without the constant need for upgrades.

“A key part of any work we do is to consult with your employees – they are after all the hub of your company.”

To find out more visit www.a3c. co.uk or email enquiries@a3c.co. uk.

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THE BLACKMORE VALE

Simple Steps To Taking Your Small Business Online.

Joanne Dewberry is an Author, Sage Business Expert and multi award-winning, 30-something coffee lover who lives in rural Dorset with her long-suffering partner and three children. When she isn’t writing or networking she is partial to a bag of crisps and a crime drama.

Check out Joanne’s new book “Networking A Successful Small Business” which can be purchased via Amazon Joanne will be sharing her expertise with us every month, offering simple, easy tips and advice aimed at small local businesses looking to grow in an everchanging modern marketplace.

Yikes! Hasn’t 2020 been a bit unprecedented?

Coronavirus and lockdown made us think about our small business in ways we probably haven’t EVER considered in the past when we are busy working in our business. We had to work out how to stay safe, whilst still delivering great services and products without being able to leave our house. Come September whilst things are easing with many industries trading face to face again there has been a huge shift within your target audience’s shopping and leisure habits. Your small business needs to follow and adapt to this change.

3 Easy Ways To Get Digital Today.

1. Networking:

2. Facebook Live:

3. Digital Advertising:

The most important aspect for me during Coronavirus has been “networking” I even published a book about it! OK so going out to large group formal meetings are still few and far between but there are TONNES of other ways to keep connecting and building relationships with other business owners, potential customers/ clients and a larger audience.

Make time weekly to chat online with others within your network, brainstorm and check-in. Utilise private Facebook groups, Twitter chats or forums. Pick up the phone, most of us will use our phones to do a vast majority of our business, but how often do you actually call someone and just catch up with a real person?

It’s not surprising that this feature has become a huge tool with just about everyone conducting their lives online.

Dorset business, Made By Me Craft Parties started doing free craft-alongs using recycling from around the home aided by her two children. During lockdown, the popularity of these grew to over 24.4k views. Alexia was able to build trust and likeability, enabling her to then sell her products. Moving her business to an online shop not only opened up a new audience but stopped her from drowning in a pile-up of stock from cancelled parties and most important of all continued to generate an income.

Fewer people are picking up traditional print publications, instead choosing to opt for digital magazines delivered straight to their inbox (*cough* - Ed), providing the reader with the best of the local community and the longevity of digital rather than being recycled by mistake. We have a programmed impulse to take action with digital communication, that you don’t get with print. When you read something online you are more compelled to share, engage or bookmark but also it’s always to hand right there on your phone.

Small businesses are able to track conversions, traffic and convert leads easier and clearer than with print advertising.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Tales From The Vale

by Andy Palmer.

Local Andy grew up in Stalbridge, went to school in Stur (very good academically), and the Grammar in Weymouth (surprisingly lax) and then university (piece of cake), working in the South East before winding his way back to Dorset.

"Wouldn’t say I was the best guitar teacher in the village but I’m certainly in the Top One."

A criminal thought

or were fans of the 1960s TV programme The Avengers, whose beautiful star Diana Driving through Blandford I Rigg (who played Emma Peel) was always intrigued to see a road named Peel Close. I take has just died. Then it struck me that as the police station is a keen interest in street there, it’s obviously named names. One can usually date after Robert Peel, founder of when they were named, eg Mafeking Close was during the the police. It took me about three years to Boer War, Albert Road was named after the Prince Regent, make this connection, so it would appear that if I joined and Total Cock-up Street the police my promotion as a obviously is named in honour detective would not be swift. of Matt Hancock’s handling of the coronavirus. Or the Education Secretary’s mastery However, I did think the name over exam results. Or the Tory of the street lacked a certain connection with modern secretary of state Chris Grayling, who during the Brexit society and the language our rogue elements use. Perhaps talks gave a shipping contract the name Peel Close is too to a business which had no ships and no experience of sea aggressively authoritative, too fuddy-duddy, maybe it would freight. Thank God most alienate criminals and give senior civil servants are Firsts them issues with self-esteem. from Oxford or Cambridge.

All very worrying.

What a wreck we’d be without them. My solution would be to I suggested it be re-named clear out the effete elite overmore appropriately, ‘You’re educated and replace them with practically-minded Dorset Bang to Rights My Son Road’ or ‘Leave it ‘aht guv’nor I ain’t farmers. If you can keep a done Nuthin Street’. farm going, you can do anything.

But my wife came up with, yes, So, Peel Close. I thought the you’ve guessed it, ‘Letsby naming committee of the council either really liked fruit, Avenue’.

Please write to me via the magazine if you’ve got a better suggestion or with street names that are curious.

My wife has a way with words, and it’s not always the right way. Her ability to mix metaphors is legendary. Over media speculation of Harry and self-effacing, modest Meghan she said 'the press are giving them enough rope for them to dig their own grave.’

She then paused and said, ‘that doesn’t sound right’.

‘It was perfect,’ I told her, after I’d stopped laughing, and had phoned my brother to pass on this gem. We do this often. For example, when Tim found that his wife, Ali, genuinely thought the Battle of Trafalgar was fought in London’s Trafalgar Square (this woman went to university and was a teacher!)

No, I’m not making that up, I don’t have to. There’s enough amusement in every day life.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Milk Vending Machines are popping up all over the Blackmore Vale and it’s surprising what you can buy from them.

Do you know where your milk comes from? Most of us pick up a bottle from a shop without a second thought but the milk may have been transported hundreds of miles. But here in North Dorset we're seeing a slow transformation, particularly since the lockdown. Over the last few months milk vending machines have popped up all over the Blackmore Vale and are serving the community with quality dairy produce on a 24 hour basis.

So what’s the difference between milk from a local vending machine compared to a supermarket brand?

Food miles for a start! At Woodbridge Farm near Sturminster Newton the cows are literally within sight of the machine, and the machines from Dorset Dairy Co are within a five mile radius of the herd at Stalbridge.

But the main difference is the milk in a local vending machine is unhomogenised. Fresh milk is collected from the milking parlour and poured into a vat where it is heated to 65 degrees.

The taste of the raw milk is preserved, more nutrients are retained and the shelf life

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Exciting Times In Hardy's 'Vale of Little Dairies'

Dorset Dairy Co's machine outside Harts of Stur.

extended. Once the milk is cooled it is poured into a vending machine for sale. The milk in a vending machine is fresher, and on sale within a day of production.

Milk vending machines allow for social distancing, automatically

machines require the exact amount so do take change!).

Customers can buy refillable bottles, avoiding single use plastic. And of course all money goes straight back to the farmer, supporting the local economy.

Dan Miller, a third generation farmer from Dorset Dairy Co installed his machines ten months ago and saw them increase in popularity during the Coronavirus lockdown.

“It’s a great way to sell milk to the public and avoids using lots of plastic. I love when I’m filling the machines up and people ask me lots of questions”

cleaning after each use. Payment The milk vending machine at Calf at(some Madjeston Farm Woodbridge Farm arrived as is by card or cash

THE BLACKMORE VALE The milk vending machine at Woodbridge Farm arrived as lockdown occurred and cheese production stopped. The owners used it alongside their pop up shop giving them an opportunity to engage more with the public.

“People tell us it tastes like the milk they remember from their childhood,” Emily the owner explained.

Outside Harts in Sturminster Newton local resident John Beresford was filling up milk bottles. He has been using the service since it was installed and likes the product.

“It was a great excuse to get out during the lockdown.”

The machines sell a

diverse range of produce from milkshakes to cream (I'll be honest, the honeycomb ice cream at Madjeston, made from the Ayrshire herd’s milk, was impossible to resist!).

At Woodbridge Farm, cheese fans can buy Blue Vinny seven days a week, as well as home-made rice pudding and eggs.

next in a milk vending machine near you, so take a look when you are passing, and support the local farming economy.

Rachael Rowe www.rachaelrowe.com

Woodbridge Farm, home of Dorset Blue Vinny Who knows what might pop up

THE BLACKMORE VALE

View from Westminster

by SIMON HOARE MP

Could I first congratulate those who have worked so hard to make this ‘virtual’ BVM a reality. Rural North Dorset needs its local news and this new magazine will help to provide it. I wish it the very best of luck for its future.

I was delighted when Laura, as editor, asked me to contribute a monthly column. Whether her readers are as delighted we shall wait and see!

We are all familiar with the phrase ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Covid has certainly been, and is being, a cloud hanging over our communities. While we should be relieved that the rates of infection, hospitalisation and death have been extremely low across Dorset we must not let up our guard as Covid continues to hover.

So, what is the silver lining in the Covid cloud? I would suggest that it is volunteering. We all know that there is a strong, ancient strand of self-sufficiency about rural living. Village and market town dwellers have a determination to get things done locally. We are inclined to roll up our sleeves and get on with things. Vulnerable, shielding and many elderly residents of our far flung villages and towns have, in very great part, survived because their local community put out a call for volunteers and they rallied to the colours in significant number. Often anchored and coordinated by the town and parish

councils or by Dorset Council, food has been delivered, medicines collected, welfare checked upon and support given.

In politics I often think that we should take note of the headlines that don’t have to appear – one such is ‘Mrs X left alone for weeks during Covid’ or worse ‘Mr Y died as a result of no help during Covid’. Of course, for many it has been a huge challenge and the impacts on physical and mental health are probably incalculable and yet to be fully felt. But, I think we can say that without volunteers the situation would have been a whole lot worse.

For what it is worth, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank all of those who have given of their time and energies to support those of our neighbours most in need.

As your MP I often hear from voluntary organisations that their cohort of volunteers is dwindling, often due to age or health issues.

They worry as to whether their organisation will continue after they hang up their boots; that there is no one to pass the baton.

There will be many people who have volunteered for the first time during Covid because it was an emergency and it was all hands to the pump. Just as a dog is not just for Christmas, so volunteering isn’t just for emergencies. I have spoken to many people who tell me they have found the experience extremely rewarding and a way of really integrating with their communities.

So, my prayer is that those who have found volunteering for the first time have been bitten by the bug and look to continue playing their part. I would encourage local organisations to harness those new volunteers, welcome them, encourage them and get them involved. Our communities will be stronger and our local organisations will have new blood to carry them forward.

THE BLACKMORE VALE

Government’s Planning Reforms Will Have Devastating Effect on Dorset

excessive housing and the threat to Dorset’s precious environment, and the singular failure to provide genuinely affordable and social housing which our young families need!

Rupert Hardy, Chairman, North Dorset CPRE

Our monthly Rural Challenges column from the CPRE - this month Chairman Rupert Hardy discusses the impact of a recent Planning White Paper on Dorset's rural communities.

Last month the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, threatened to unleash dramatic changes to the planning system in a White Paper. 'White Paper' may sound innocuous, but this would have a devastating effect on Dorset communities and countryside. There's much to commend in ambitions to reform what many regard as a convoluted and “outdated” planning system, and clearly there are some good ideas in it. However government calls for deregulation of the planning system would be very damaging as locally-led development offers the best outcomes for people

and nature. It can ensure that the right development is in the right place, and create places where people actually want to live. The reforms will only serve to undermine local voices, by preventing communities from managing their own neighbourhoods.

Excessive Housing Threat Dorset CPRE commissioned an independent report which was published recently that heavily criticised the government’s Standard Housing Method for assessing local housing need.

The government used 2014 household

projections rather than more recent projections suggesting lower housing needs.

Local Plan Housing Targets for Rural Dorset (DC) are currently an annual average of 1,390 dwellings; the government’s target is 1,827 homes using 2014 household projections.

The White Paper adds new criteria to boost national housebuilding from 270,000 to 337,000 homes every year, while in Rural Dorset it is likely to rise by a further 15% or so well over 2,000 dwellings according to Lichfields, the planning consultancy. This is based on an algorithm which is attracting increasing criticism (as have most government algorithms this year!).

Many Tory MPs are expressing concern that planning reforms would destroy leafy suburbia and create the slums of the future. Is a U-turn imminent on this and the Planning White Paper?

In the meantime tell your local Dorset MP what you think about

Our key concerns are: • The proposed planning reforms will result in unwarranted overdevelopment in Dorset, with significantly higher housing numbers than are needed.

• There would be a significant loss of local democracy and a further reduction of the public involvement in the planning process Dorset Council (DC) must Stand up for Dorset and its residents rather than give in to demands from Westminster.

• The proposals do not guarantee adequate protection for the precious Dorset environment.

• The reforms would reduce the amount of affordable housing.

• Attempts to address the climate emergency are pitiful, with the government’s aim to deliver carbon neutral homes only by

TASTY PLUM CRUMBLE

by Heather Brown

As the nights draw in and the weather starts to get a little cooler, there is nothing more comforting than a homemade plum crumble, with its soft, baked fruit topped with a crispy and sweet crumble topping. Our beautiful English plums are in season from August to November and you can currently find locally grown plums in your local farm shops and greengrocers.

If you are looking for something slightly different to serve with your crumble then maybe try Dorset Dairy Co’s Cultured Cream. Taking the cream from their own semi-skimmed milk, they take the milk through a natural fermentation process to produce a thick, spoonable and slightly tangy cream. A spoonful of this next to your warm plum crumble would be work well with the sweetness of the crumble and sharpness of the fruit and a tasty alternative to double cream or custard.

You can find Dorset Dairy Co products in stockists across Dorset.

(Serves 4) Ingredients: • 100g soft butter • 100g plain flour • 100g oats • 100g demerara sugar • 1 large punnet of fresh plums • 175g of maple syrup • 1-2tbsp balsamic vinegar • 3 heaped tsp corn flour • pinch of salt

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

• Cut the plums in half and lay them into an overproof dish, skins down.

• In a measuring jug, mix together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt and corn flour until there are no lumps from the cornflour.

• Pour over the plums and make sure they are evenly coated, squashing them into the liquid slightly.

• In a bowl, with your hands, rub together the butter, the flour and the oats until you get a soft, crumbly mix.

• Place this mixture over the fruit, leaving a border around the edge so the fruit bubbles up the sides in the oven. Then sprinkle over the sugar.

• Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the top is a light brown and the fruit is bubbling.

Heather Brown is a food writer and home economist with a passion for Dorset’s brilliant foodie scene. Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed which helps to champion Dorset’s food and drink businesses, as well as working with clients to recipe test, write food based copy, help foodie businesses with their online presence and make food for digital content.

IG: @dorsetfoodiefeed

THE BLACKMORE VALE

The Cygnet Art Gallery, Shaftesbury

by Edwina Baines

Our Arts Correspondent Edwina will be bringing us the latest from the fresh and exciting Arts scene in North Dorset. Galleries, exhibitions, new artists and established names - she''ll be sharing them all with us. This month she visited the Cygnet Gallery just off Shaftesbury High Street. things ‘eco-friendly,' and a Printer's Shop soon to be opened.

And, nestled in the heart of Swans' Yard is the tranquil, hidden gem: The Cygnet Art Gallery .

A graceful Swan gliding slowly over a river is the archetypal image of elegance in motion; however, hidden beneath the water’s surface is powerful activity, making this an ideal metaphor for not only Swans Yard, where units are offered to encourage first-time local businesses, but also unique artisan shops like The Cygnet Gallery. No wonder this area is known as the creative heart of Shaftesbury.

Swans Trust, a Community Development Charity, was set up 25 years ago to develop and promote Community facilities in

2

Eleven years ago, the Gallery began with only 12 artists; it was the combined vision of Dave Martin, an Award winning photographer, the artist Des Alner and ceramicist Richard Lonnon. Still run as a Cooperative, it has since grown to the vibrant place it is now with almost thirty artists. By giving them vital gallery space, it continues to give local artists and crafts people (whose work has previously remained hidden from public view) the opportunity to share their expertise and Shaftesbury; and it rates Swans excellence. The Higher Green Yard as one of their main Farm Unit within the Gallery is achievements. Situated in an especially keen on promoting historic area of the beautiful hill- young and inexperienced top town, the Yard is named after artists. Many acclaimed artists a notable Coaching Inn that once who have now moved on to stood on the site. It was a place greater things in the Art World full of activity where travellers first ‘spread their wings’ at the stopped on their journeys for Cygnet, whilst some have stayed refreshment and rest, and where and others have indeed returned. locals met to exchange news and views. This hubbub of chatter Art Galleries can be and laughter is still more or less intimidating places to enter but the same today - for this pleasant here there is a friendly welcome open space includes not only to be had, and someone on hand shops but a bustling cafe, “The to answer queries. Each artist Ugly Duckling” with sheltered rents a outdoor seating, a Garden unit, changing their displays Centre, a Dressmaker's Studio, 'Coconut and Cotton' for all

THE BLACKMORE VALE

“As long as I can paint, I am on the Path to understanding what ‘it’ is all about.”

(P Wolff)

regularly so there is always something new and inspirational; and each does a shift in the gallery.

clay’ jewellery, for much of the work exhibited is inspired by the natural world of the Blackmore Vale, the Jurassic coast and Dorset landscape. Indeed, it There is an eclectic and would have been easy to start my imaginative display of work to Christmas Shopping - but I would be seen, from fine art to silver- have had to keep my favourite smithing, glass work to textiles, pieces! I contented myself by photography to ceramics, browsing through the racks of calligraphy to sculpture, unframed artwork, shelves of leather work to wood-turning. various giftware items and purchasing unique, individuallyPrices are very reasonable: rents designed greetings cards. The are subsidised by the Trust, and artists were eager to get back so artists (and therefore after ‘lockdown’ (all Government customers!) do not have to pay Health Guidelines are in place); the usual Gallery commission. and many are exhibiting exciting On entering this Art Gallery, I was new artwork created during this immediately drawn to the ‘silver time.

Swans Yard is very easy to find: it’s just off the High Street opposite Boots the Chemist. So if you are seeking something that will give lasting pleasure, or looking for a gift - or if you merely want to browse amid such vibrant talent, a visit to The Cygnet Gallery is a must.

As one of the artists said to me: “Artists often live a lonely life.

The Cygnet has introduced me to so many wonderful people l would never have known.

This on its own is priceless.”

At the moment there are three units available to rent in Swan's Yard: if you’re interested, please contact Cali Norton (cali@thedorsetretreat. co.uk) 3

THE BLACKMORE VALE

passion and a huge part of my life, but I needed an income so throughout my working career have managed to balance both a 39-hour week and to continue my art wherever possible.

painting scenes of holiday memories that my customers have photographed and their favourite views so they can have a personal painting of their own to display and About Beth: cherish.

I am a self-taught This year I took the I am an animal lover artist living in plunge to become a (if I could, I would Blandford St. Mary, full time artist and have many pets, all with the natural ability although it’s a risk I types and sizes!). I to draw and paint. believe it is one worth started painting my I realised early on how taking. friends pets and the much I enjoyed I enjoy long walks and enjoyment I felt painting and took spend time when they saw the courses with the photographing the end result led me to support of night landscapes I wish to take it to the next school for a time to use as reference in stage. I have made gain perspective and my art. I create photo new friends through proportion and have realism landscapes, the commissioned developed my own using traditional portraits of cherished style over the years. methods and the beloved pets past finest materials. I take and present. I take Art has always been a great pleasure in pride in each

painting and capture the realism and character and have bought happiness to many owners.

Taking Commissions ​ Plan ahead now and your Christmas gift to a loved one this year could be truly unique!

Commissioned work is priced individually, each piece being unique to you.

​

From £120.00 painted in oil on board 30 x 30cm unframed.

THE BLACKMORE VALE Are you a local artist keen to share some news or a new piece of work? We'd love to feature you!

Send it to us on editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk

Artist Snippets

"I am thrilled to have been selected by the Association of Metal Clay Artists Worldwide (AMCAW) to be included in their calendar of exceptional work for 2021.

My piece ‘By the Light of the Moon’ was inspired by the stunning Pink Moon we had in April.

Fiona Ingram Jewellery

"I have just published a blog piece about how I was originally inspired to paint Blue Elephants, and how after 20+ years I've found myself starting to paint them again. There aren't any blue elephants in the actual gallery at the moment - they all sell before I get a chance to get them there!"

Liz Shewan

"The Light Returns: Walking every day in the Dorset countryside in the strange Spring of this year, I watched blossom and brightly coloured flowers returning. It gave me such hope. Sunlight filtering through canopies of leaves conveyed new strong Universal energy; here is the gateway, the portal of change we must walk through out into the Sunlight - if we are to embrace this Brave New World."

Cali Norton

THE BLACKMORE VALE Meet your Local

What's Happening With Live Performances THEATRE, arts centre and cinema managements and village hall volunteers across the area are doing their best to open up for audiences again, always with one ear for a plan-changing proclamation from Downing Street.

while it would be foolish to let our guard down, a chance to see theatre and hear music performed live is a welcome addition an existence in lockdown. Just as long as there are not more than six of you!

The best laid plans, as Burns knew, “Gang aft agley” but if we are spared the Covid spikes we can look forward to a programme of films in October from Moviola at local village halls, at Poole’s Lighthouse, Westlands in Yeovil (where social distancing is no problem) and at Wimborne Tivoli.

Locally, there is doom and gloom from some venues, and ambitious ideas from others.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing Fortunately for those of us who from 30th September at Poole live in the south west, the spread Lighthouse, where there will also of Coronavirus has stayed well be comedy nights outside and below the national average and indoors.

Gay Pirrie-Weir

Bath Theatre Royal starts a season of three plays with Betrayal on 14th October, in preparation for the traditional pantomime.

Yeovil Octagon has also announced that it will stage a pantomime for Christmas.

Artsreach, Dorset’s rural touring arts charity, has a limited programme including visits from Living Spit with its own version of SIX! Always book, always check before you head out and follow instructions.

An updated diary of live events can be found on the Fine Times Recorder website www.theftr.co.uk

THE BLACKMORE VALE

A Vet's Voice: We Need To Talk About Puppies...

by Lynn Broom BVSc MRCVS.

Lynn will be sharing the benefit of her twenty year experience as practicing vet.

Lynn's with the Longmead Veterinary Practice in Shaftesbury.

Everybody loves a puppy (well nearly everybody !) Cute little balls of fluff which love cuddles, playing and sleeping. Who wouldn’t want one?

choice available - simply

initially, but it doesn’t mean they

(*cue gratuitious puppy pics -> - Ed)

But puppies are more complicated than this. They need good food, house training, socialisation, daily exercise and regular veterinary care. If we ignore any of these areas then we may cause lifelong health or behavioural issues.

And puppies grow in to dogs and generally live for 12-16 years. Can you provide a home for their whole life?

choose one which is nutritionally complete.

Regular exercise will encourage healthy growth, opportunities to ‘Lucy’s Law’ came into effect in meet other dogs and people and keep your puppy’s mind April, meaning that anyone occupied. wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy Your new puppy will need regular vaccination & worming; your vet direct from a breeder, or will be more than happy to consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. Licensed advise you on any issues. Pet insurance can help cover for dog breeders are required to unforeseen injuries or illness. show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of Breeding from your own bitch birth.

Puppies are very open - the more may sound exciting but it’s definitely worth looking at the positive experiences they bigger picture. There are many encounter, the happier they will puppies up for sale every year. be as adults. Dogs that have not been appropriately socialised are Most get homes initially but, sadly, an unacceptably high often fearful of new experiences number subsequently need as adults which can cause new homes and many of these ongoing anxiety. end up in rehoming centres through no fault of their own.

A balanced diet is essential for good development. There's lots of You may home your puppies

have a home for life.

Thanks to a surge in popularity during lockdown, the price of puppies is currently very high, and breeding puppies may seem like a good way to earn some extra money. But responsible breeders will ensure their dogs have had appropriate tests prior to mating, and ensure they have no known genetic defects.

Your bitch may need veterinary intervention such as a caesarean, and puppies are required to be microchipped by law.

If you are considering getting a puppy research the breed, the breeder AND the puppy’s requirements and ongoing costs.

If you are thinking of breeding from your own bitch consider whether it is appropriate and whether you can deal with all the possible issues that could occur.

Asia

Blake

Nala

Looking for a home...

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, now in its 55th year, care for over 1,200 animals each year across Dorset and Devon and rely solely on donations.

The charity has seen more pets coming in after being initially bought online, which means that the owners aren’t fully prepared for the pets’ needs. Problems arise when the ‘seller’ can’t provide or chooses not to pass on the relevant health and behavioural information in order to gain financially.

Taking on a pet, which later presents with minor behaviour and health issues leaves owners unprepared and unable to deal with them. This often leads to having to find yet another home for their new pet. People frequently say that taking an animal into rescue is the last resort but approaching a rescue centre first means that the pet will suffer less stress and upheaval overall.

Rehoming a pet from MGAR means you are assured that it

will have had health and behaviour assessments. Any preexisting medical problems will be identified and treatment arranged before the pet is matched to their forever family.

Blake, Asia and Nala above are all looking for their forever homes. To find out more about them just click their pictures.

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Have You Seen This Bee?

We're thrilled to announce our wildlife columnist

Brigit Strawbridge Naturalist, wildlife gardener, well-known British environmentalist and bee advocate.

With temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees in some parts of Dorset this week, it’s hard to believe Summer is nearly over and Autumn is on its way. But leaves are already turning, swallows are heading south, and, though their very existence is unknown to most of us - Ivy Bees are on the wing. Ivy bees (Colletes hederae) are relative newcomers to the British Isles. First seen in Dorset in 2001, this solitary bee species has rapidly made itself at home, with sightings, last year, as far north as Cumbria. Ivy bees are solitary ground nesting bees, each female digging her own nest and providing for her own young.

image: Brigit Strawbridge

Unlike honeybees and bumblebees there are no ‘queens’ amongst solitary bee species - only males and females.

So what do Ivy bees look like, and where are you likely to find them? Well, the first place to look is, as their name suggests, on flowering Ivy. This plant is a rich source of pollen and nectar for many of our insects, and essential to the success of the Ivy bee, which looks similar to a honeybee (though slightly smaller) with a hairy, orangeybrown thorax, and distinct black and yellow stripes on its abdomen.

The other place you are likely to

Brigit's beautiful book 'Dancing with Bees' is now out in paperback, but there are a few signed hardbacks left! Unlike the paperbacks, they have beautiful colour end papers by John Walters.

Click here to order one direct from Brigit on her web site.

notice these bees, is where they have established large aggregations (clusters of hundreds, sometimes thousands of individual nests) in lawns, cliffs, and south-facing banks made up of loose, sandy soil.

They are especially active during September when the males give the appearance of a ‘swarm’ as they buzz around nesting sites searching for females.

The good news is that the males do not possess a sting, and to be stung by a female you’d have to pick her up and squeeze her, which clearly you would not do!

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Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan is three years old this month, and has cared for over 350 sick or injured hedgehogs.

Hedgehog Rescue: 'smelly and grumpy'

"Most of our rescues come from Sturminster Newton where there is a thriving community of hedgehogs. This Spring we released over 53 hedgehogs back into the wild.

Most had been brought to us as late autumn juveniles that were too small to survive hibernation we cared for them until the spring when they were returned to their original area.

Through the summer we have had 23 babies weighing under 65 grams. Babies need 2 hourly feeds which is exhausting but extremely rewarding.

Some of our successes can be viewed on our Facebook page (do go and follow, Jeanette provides wonderful regular updates, and everyone's feed needs a little more hedgehog in it, yes? - Ed) The Wombles were three little babies who were admitted from Sturminster having been found without a mother during building works. As they grew they quickly became popular little characters

Image: Laura Hitchcock | this baby hedgehog was found in our garden, and cared for by Jeanette at Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan

who love to come out of their nests during the day to see who is about.

Most people are ready and willing to rescue a hedgehog but please do ensure they get immediate attention. One hedgehog was brought to us three days after it was found - it had a strimmer wound to its head, back and face, and needed immediate care. From January to May we had 12 hedgehogs admitted that had an incident with either a strimmer or lawn mower; all had to be euthanised.

Please be careful as you garden!

They may look cute, but hedgehogs are very smelly and grumpy! They are not the easiest creatures to care for and being nocturnal means most of their problems manifest at night. us. If you find a hog, please do call us straight away - a sick hog needs specialist care.

We have an area in our garden we have called “Sanctuary” where all the hedgehogs that can never be released back

into the wild live. We have four blind hogs (Boris, Horace, Miss Tiggy and Flash), a three legged boy called Pookie, and Buttons who had a fractured skull and needs constant care.

We are always searching for enclosed gardens where one of the disabled hedgehogs can live out the rest of their days. If you have a garden where a hedgehog could not escape we would be very interested to hear from you!

We are Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan - and we desperately need your support.

If you are able to donate, then please visit the Rescue's donations page here.

Alternatively, the Rescue has an Amazon Wishlist - you can simply purchase something from their shopping list, and it will be delivered directly to them.

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Dorset Dream Becomes Reality for UK's Pioneering Conservation Charity The long cherished Dorset Dream of pioneering conservation farmer Robin Page this month becomes reality as the Countryside Restoration Trust completes the most significant purchase in its 30 year history of wildlife friendly farming.

Bere Marsh Farm on the banks of the idyllic River Stour at Shillingstone is set to become a national showcase for its holistic fusion of sustainable, traditional farming methods, habitat restoration and a dedicated education programme focused around the importance of food provenance.

Its idyllic 92 acres of wetland, grassland and woodland, rich in butterflies, birds, wildflowers and rare mammals make it the perfect setting to commemorate the Trust’s co-founder and Dorset conservation icon, artist Gordon Beningfield.

‘It is the perfect place for us where we can bring together, everything we believe in, whilst remembering Gordon and his devotion to the countryside. It represents our vision and why he and I decided to found the Trust all those years ago.

We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us to shape it into the showcase for our work and our vision but it’s a challenge we have long wanted,’ said Robin Page, Executive Chairman of the Countryside Restoration Trust.

The cornerstone of the CRT’s

All these key elements of the CRT’s programme will be brought together at Bere Marsh Farm under the supervision and direction of Estate Manager, Elaine Spencer White, an agricultural consultant and specialist marketeer who is also a Trustee of the CRT.

‘Our long term intention is to turn the farm into an education and visitor centre – to re-attach visitors, as well as ourselves, to philosophy is that both the land, to our native wildlife traditional and innovative and where our food comes from. farming methods can be made to This will be where we work profitably and sustainably demonstrate everything that he together in conjunction with the Trust stands for.’ Robin protection and restoration of continues. wildlife habitats and precious eco-systems.

To this end the intention is to In all, it has 15 properties introduce a small herd of milking throughout the UK ranging from cows, free range hens, a small dairy and arable farms to sheep, flock of sheep, an orchard and a rare breeds and woodland nursery. It is even hoped to centres. Running in harmony produce bread at the farm from with these sites is the curriculum wheat grown in the fields of based MOSAIC education other CRT farms as well as beer programme for children at a and cider from CRT barley and network of nearby primary apples. schools highlighting where food comes from, the value of its sustainable production alongside wild flora and fauna and how they can play their part in

connecting with Nature and the wild world.

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Things to do this month: • Divide your herbaceous perennials this will help keep

In The Garden: September from Kelsi-Dean Buck

September is here and there is plenty to be done in the garden while you’re outside enjoying the last of the year’s warmth.

Harvesting crops will keep you busy this month and there’s plenty of work to do tidying and maintaining plants and equipment.

them healthy and vigorous year after year and will help multiply your stock.

• Net ponds now before the autumn leaf fall gets underway to help reduce the amount of debris getting in your ponds.

• Clean out your cold frames and greenhouse ahead of autumn sowing and growing.

• Plant spring flowering bulbs now such as daffodils and hyacinths for glorious colour next year!

• Keep dead heading - prolong those roses & penstemons • Feed hanging baskets & containers to help keep them going to the frost.

• Prune any late-summer flowering shrubs such as helianthemums (rock roses) • Prune climbing & rambling roses once they’ve finished flowering • Keep camellias & rhododendrons well watered to ensure that next year's buds develop well.

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Stalbridge Residents Have Gone Wild

The Stalbridge Go Wild team in action

If you've driven through Stalbridge recently, you've probably seen the 'mess' of the roadside verge.

Local Caressence Roden explains what's going on: We are a group of local residents who just love wildflowers and all they bring with them. That includes helping pollinators survive, encouraging birds and wildlife and easing our carbon footprint.

It’s surely a win win situation as we are sowing in public spaces so that everyone can enjoy them. We have a couple of road verges in the town, a central green area and under two of the Stalbridge signs as you drive out of the town. We hope that as our beds become even more successful, we will extend into other verges but for now, we have enough on our plates!

The idea came to us about a year ago and our Town Council decided they liked the idea and gave us some funding to start out.

Having never done anything like it before, we knew we would have to learn as we went along….and we have!

We had some real success with the seeds planted under the road

signs and one of the verges and that was because they went into bare soil. The seeds that we sowed onto grass areas, even though we had mowed, scarified and raked, didn’t fair so well.

So as autumn is the perfect sowing season for wildflower seeds, we hired a turf cutter, got some strong Wild Helpers onboard and got to work.

trying to care for our own local environment, so UK seeds felt the right way to go.

We love to have other Stalbridge groups onboard with us and have Stalbridge Creative making knitted bees on stilts to hover amongst the wildflowers, The Gugg continues to help us in many ways and before lockdown we had planned to include our We had 9 volunteers turn up on a primary school in many of the sunny Saturday morning as once activities. Even so, the children the turf had been cut, it had to be were able to pick up the turned over and raked to get rid ingredients needed to make seed of the odd large stone and grass bombs, so all wasn’t lost. tuft. We sowed the seeds and Please wish us well for next now we hope for a damp autumn year….and look out for with an occasional frost to help wildflowers as you drive around them germinate.

Stalbridge next year.

The seeds we are using are UK seeds, authentically sourced, so that we can encourage and support the local wildlife. Seeds from abroad are often very pretty and cheaper but we are really Video: Local volunteer Kenny with the turf cutter

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To wine or not to wine: that should never be the question!

Sadie Wilkins is a Wine Merchant from Vineyards of Sherborne, the award-winning Indie right here in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. We're thrilled to have her on board, teaching me us all a little more about one of our favourite (and baffling) drinks.

Buying wine should be just as enjoyable as drinking wine, right?

So why is it that the whole process of purchasing a bottle of vino can evoke the same feeling as walking into an English classroom and seeing the word ‘Shakespeare’ on the whiteboard?

Well, The Bard and wine do share something in common - other than the copious amounts of alcoholic references within his text, and the fact that both are ‘essential’ parts of life - they also share a stigma which is attached to them. A certain outdated aura of elitism…

Oh, and if you are happy with the price!

Ironically, a ‘specialist’ wine shop As an indie wine merchant, we is the very place that you should often hear the words ‘I’m no shop in if you feel uncomfortable expert, but I know what I like’ buying wine. We tread very uttered as some sort of an excuse lightly when using the word for having even stepped through ‘specialist’ and bubble wrap it in our doors. This is something that, inverted commas, as the very over the last 15 years, we have word itself has been known to worked extremely hard as a feed into the wine trade stigma. business to breakdown. The But that’s what we are… we know simple fact is: wine is for our stuff about the lovely juice everyone. Everybody can enjoy a that makes it onto our shelves. great bottle of wine regardless of We tailor the level of detail or prior knowledge. The only thing technical info you want, based on you ever truly really do need to you. If you want a wine to go know as a consumer of wine (or with a mid-week fish and chip food for that matter), is dinner, or a bottle of red from a whether you enjoy it or not. quirky wine region, we can

accommodate it

and work with the budget you tell us.

Sometimes, the lure of picking up a bottle ‘that looks alright,’ based on a label and price in a supermarket, is appealing for some. However, you could be setting yourself up for a mass produced, disappointing glass that doesn’t suit the occasion and therefore wastes your pennies.

Let your local wine merchant guide you instead. They are passionate about wine and will make sure you get a quality bottle of what you are looking for - at a budget to suit!

Sadie Wilkins - Wine Merchant

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£30 watercolour sells for £4,600 in Shaftesbury A mysterious Indian miniature portrait drew unexpected interest against an estimate of just £30-50 at Clarke’s.

Spotted inside a job lot of 50 consignments, the little watercolour was picked out to sell individually.

"Estimating value was tricky" said Richard Clarke, owner of Clarke's Auctions in Semley "the only clue we had was the text on the back, but that was in Sanskrit - tricky to just tap into Google Translate!"

Richard Clarke

Catalogued as ‘Indian school’, the miniature portrait (11 x 15cm) was described as a ‘Mogul portrait of Raja Raj Singh of Guler’, who reigned over the small state in the lower Himalayas in modern-day Himachal Pradesh from 1675-95.

"And that's where the online interest came from" continued Richard "it wasn't the artist, but the subject."

Another, slightly larger depiction of the same Raja can be seen in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The Shaftesbury picture, though smaller, has far greater vibrancy.

Mogul portrait of Raja Raj Singh of Guler’

they fell in love; it's no harder than doing the weekly shop, much more exciting, and definitely more interesting.

Richard had to switch models We would normally expect when coronavirus hit - and says around five hundred online the move to online-only sales has bidders, and in our last sale we left him inundated. had over a thousand!"

"Perhaps it's because auction rooms have been seen as Clarke's have a Classic Vehicle intimidating - but everyone's & Automobile sale on October comfortable with shopping 10th. They are open for online. It appears once the viewings, but all bidding is general public found the online online. See how by clicking auction sites during lockdown, here.

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Famous French cattle at home in the Blackmore Vale SHARP-eyed walkers or motorists on the C13 Shaftesbury to Blandford road may have spotted some handsome, light tan cattle grazing in the fields overlooking the Blackmore Vale.

They are Aubracs, a famous French regional breed originating on the windswept hills of the Massif Central. More than 30 years ago, while he was working at the Lyon Opera, the international conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner heard about the cattle. After driving up to their bleak homeland of rocks and streams he fell in love with them, and some years later he imported the first of what is now a 200-strong herd to his organic Gore Farm south of Shaftesbury.

Aubracs are dual-purpose cattle, reared for their milk – they are excellent mothers and their milk makes an outstanding French regional cheese – and their meat.

Top French chefs regularly select Aubrac beef on their menus for its marbling and succulence.

There is currently a rare opportunity local people to buy

some of this remarkable beef from Gore Farm, and to try John Eliot’s new home-grown traditional local apple juice, which is hand-pressed by Nigel Spring.

For more information email gorefarmgoods@gmail.com

THE CLASSIFIEDS To be honest - we're happy any of you found us for the first issue. And to answer your question yes we do! Just email Courtenay on advertising@theblackmorevale.co.uk or do it online here.

HOME AND FURNITURE

AGRICULTURAL

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Good / interesting items purchased for cash. Friendly and reliable.

TEL: 01747 839751 or 07956 414896.

Ridley Rappa in 3 reel sets; 3 x 500 metres polywire,3x400 metres polywire, 5x400 metres wire. To include reel posts, end/corner posts (mostly wooden), intermediate stakes ( 1 per 10 metres). Ridley Rappa wheelbarrow. Mole Electric fencer no; D1000. Askerswell.

ENQUIRIES - 07709 271077.

Wanted good hardback books and collections. Also china, collectables, vintage and interesting salvage and clearance items. Cash paid.

Please call Jack on 07542389447

OUT OF DOORS LOGS FOR SALE! £145 for a double load £85 for a half load Telephone – 07980 036250 / 01258 880892

TOOLS Wanted! Dave buys all types of tools: useable/collectable Telephone 01935 428975

R & W Services All Types of Fencing Hay & Haylage and Agricultural Contracting Call 07980 036250 / 01258 880892

www.jackshouseclearance.co.uk

ELECTRICALS

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Old Places, New Adventures

By Paul Birbeck, Blue Badge Tour Guide.

Why bother using a qualified local guide? After all, anyone can create their own self-guided route, and follow a map or guidebook.

In my view (obviously!) there are a number of advantages to a guided tour.

Paul gave me a quick Vale quiz - I only know ONE of these. Can you do better?

Answers revealed next month; and NO GOOGLING! - Ed Things to look out for as we explore the Vale:

• Walk up the cobbled

For new visitors to an area, having a guide simply saves time. Most visitors have limited time to explore, so there is an obvious advantage to having an expert with local knowledge. Using a tour guide when we go on holiday is something many of us choose. But what about using one locally?

More than ever this year, local people have been reviewing their lifestyle and many have seen the benefits of exploring their locality and discovering the rich and varied features that make their area interesting and unique.

Particularly important to Sherborne Walks is helping to support local

businesses to sustain a vibrant community by promoting local produce, venues and activities.

No matter how much we love buildings and views, it’s a fact that people connect with people.

years wrote “It is a vale whose acquaintance is best made by viewing it from the hills that surround it... The atmosphere beneath is languorous, and its so tinged with azure that what artists call the middle distance We're incredibly lucky to partakes also of that live here - the Blackmore view, while the horizon Vale is a fascinating beyond is of deepest area. To quote Geoffrey ultramarine. ….. Such is Clark & W. Harding the Vale of Blackmoor.”

Thompson (1935) ‘There (Tess of the is a quality in the D’Urbervilles, 1891) landscape of the Blackmore Vale that I'm keen to share some captivates the senses...” ideas and tours in the Actuaklly my favourite coming months which Vale description comes visitors and locals alike from Thomas Hardy, the will find interesting.

Dorset author who lived There’s plenty of time in the Vale for several to explore the Vale!

road where a famous advert was shot by a young up-and-coming director called Ridley Scott, who later went on to helm masterpieces like "Alien", "Bladerunner", "The Martian" and "Gladiator".

• Explore the fascinating history of the Dorset town which was put up for sale in 1918.

• Find the home of the famous Dorset dialect poet William Barnes and visit the church porch where there are C17th scratch marks and graffiti known as apotropaic symbols.

• Discover the location of the oldest post box in England.

• Visit the site where 3 Anglo-Saxon kings are buried and Alfred the Great is said to have been partly scholared.

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Get High on Harmony Everyone loves to sing. It’s a natural joy and there’s a reason why you feel good doing it – singing with others in harmony releases all the right chemicals, the endorphins, in your brain – and they’re the ‘feel good’ chemical.

You literally get high on harmony.

And there’s a choir revolution going on, thanks to the lovely Gareth Malone and his widely popular skill in gently encouraging often lonely and worried women and men of all ages to join and love being in a choir.

‘People who’ve never considered joining a choir are now coming forward in droves,’ says Gareth, a boyish 44. ‘It’s not just about the music, it’s about laughter and people supporting each other – and choirs laugh a lot’.

Co-founder of Marnhull Community Choir, Cali Norton, says, ‘When I heard there was to be group of Marnhull carol singers in December 2018, to

Each issue we’ll cover a different local choir, and we’re starting with the fabulous Marnhull Community Choir, which has enjoyed two years of song and socializing - and their future’s bright.

But why are they so popular?

Andy Palmer

raise funds for Atul’s (our local village shop owner who was running that year in London Marathon) charity, I rang Rosie Gall to ask if I could join.

Sessions for those who are nervous about singing in public, and they’re always fun,’ she says .

‘Don’t think you’re the only one who wants to join but is shy.’

‘I asked her how many were in the group. Rosie said if you join, we’ll have doubled in size.

There’ll be two of us.’

The choir’s repertoire includes traditional folk songs such as Scarborough Fair, songs from musicals such as West Side Story, bits of jazz and they’re introducing old classics such as The Elephant Song by Flanders and Swan.

Two years later, the choir is thriving. As well as running hugely popular Singing Workshops, they’ve performed at local festivals and concerts.

‘We’re a friendly group and welcome new singers, all ages,’ says Cali.

‘We run hugely popular Taster

Marnhull Community Choir Rehearsals are currently held via Zoom, and the choir is welcoming new members.

Wednesdays 6.30pm-7.30pm Contact: chris@christine-drake.com

‘Newcomers are placed next to very friendly and supportive experienced singers who are understanding, and we’re used to helping shy or nervous singers,’ says experienced choir leader Katie Smith.

Are you part of a local community choir?

Would you like to tell everyone about your amazing choir leader, or share your choir's story? Do email Laura on editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk

Did you know?

The deep breathing needed to sing draws more oxygen into the blood. Singing is scientifically recognized as an aerobic activity and a natural stress-reducer and can have the most dramatically positive effect on people’s lives. A study of more than 600 British choral singers found that singing plays a central role in their psychological health.

Katie Smith, Choir Leader, Marnhull

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Announcements

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Eileen (AKA Penny) Margaret White of Templecombe, Somerset 92 years Her sons, John and Robert, are heartbroken to announce their mother’s death in her bungalow on 2nd September 2020.

Originally from South London, Penny & the late Fred moved to Templecombe in the mid 70s when Penny took a position as a primary school teacher at Stalbridge Primary School.

Up until recently she was a regular Saturday morning shopper at Dikes, Stalbridge where she often ran into ex pupils of hers. Penny was a caring, compassionate person full of life and enthusiasm, always ready to help everyone.

She will be missed so much by Robert & Gill, John & Helen, Justine, Ellen, June, Martin, Julie, Bernadette and all her friends who meant so much to her.

The cremation will be held on Monday 21st September (restricted numbers). No flowers, donations to The Woodland Trust via Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Henstridge 01963 362570.

WIN a £42 Nordic Ware Harvest Leaves Bundt Pan Celebrate those gorgeous Autumn days – and wow your family and friends – by turning out a super bake using this Nordic Ware Harvest Leaves specialist Bundt® pan!

Available from Harts of Stur, the Harvest Leaves pan is one of several seasonal shapes from Nordic Ware who have been producing specialist cast aluminium bakeware in the USA since 1946!

We’re thrilled to have Harts of Stur here. teamed up with Nordic Ware to give away a Harvest Leaves Bundt® pan worth £41.95!

Simply click the widget over there and you'll be taken to the website where you can enter in a few clicks.

You can see the full range of specialist Nordic Ware bakeware – from Disney Frozen 2 licensed tins and accessories to cute little ‘cakelet’ pans – on

THE BLACKMORE VALE Meditech is a well established supplier to the NHS Supply Chain, delivering medical products to UK Hospitals, clinics and care facilities. Meditech products are 90% UK manufactured, providing Breathing System Devices and surgical consumables. All Meditech products carry the CE mark and conform to all the regulatory requirements.

Due to our established relationship with the NHS we are continually offering assistance during this ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and have been working 24/7 for many months. We are listed as a pandemic supplier for oxygen therapy already with NHS. We are looking for keen individuals to help us maintain supply and demand. We need Production staff with the following qualities, Full Training will be given.

• Attention to detail • Ability to work well with others.

• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

• Flexible Contact Julie - julie@meditechsystems.co.uk Meditech Systems Limited, Shaftesbury Tel: +44 (0) 1747 821546 https://www.

The Blackmore Vale

The Blackmore Vale

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We are flexible and dedicated and ready to support you from CV writing to interview tips.

Swann Recruitment 01258 458695

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CAR FOR SALE

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Got an event coming up in October? Our next publication date is the 9th, submission deadline midday on the 5th of October.

The Blandford & District branch of the editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk University of the Third Age regrets

What's On

that it is CANCELLING the Open Meeting on 25 September.

We hope to resume our Open Meetings in January 2021, but please check our website: www. blandfordu3a.co.uk for up-to-date news.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is Back!

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is reopening with three screenings of ‘feelgood’ movie, Military Wives.

This film is the joyful story of a group of women who form the Military Wives Choir. Directed by Oscar Nominee Peter Cattaneo it is a story of friendship, humour and courage.

The Box Office is not open, so please book online where possible. If you prefer to discuss your booking by phone please send an email to tickets@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk, giving your name, telephone number and the number of tickets you require, and we call you to make the booking.

Performances on Saturday 26 September at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Sunday 27th at 2.30pm Adults £7, Under 18s £5, Members £6.

Alfred 'King of Wessex' Wessex Tale Tellers.

Like the Bards of old, who wove tapestries in the mind from words riding on the sound of harp strings, Taprisha and Wendy….”The Wessex Tale Tellers” will take you back to a time of drama, intrigue and great upheaval right here in the green hills of Wessex. Sit back and enjoy a tale well told.

Tickets £12 socially distanced event 19.30 The Exchange 16th October book online.

The Marnhull Food Heroes Drive-in Picnic is on Saturday 26 September from 1pm-6pm at the Recreation Ground.

We will have local suppliers offering a range of food for people to order in advance, or just turn up and enjoy as a picnic on the Rec, or take away and eat at home.

As well as The Box Pizza, The Happy Meat Company selling hog roast baps and Hotch Potch Savoury Pies, we are excited to be introducing two new vendors, including Arctic Cow with its fresh rolled ice cream and The Truckle Truck offering a range of cheeses to take home, as well as Raclette (melted cheese over potatoes with charcuterie and pickles) – how tasty does that sound?

Natirally all Covid precautions will be in place - pre-registration will help with Track & Trace, so please email chris@christine-drake.com if you intend to come along.

THE BLACKMORE VALE At TREASURES FROM THE SILK ROAD you will find exotic textiles, jewellery and accessories.

Anne Hildyard’s first contact with the embroideries and weavings of Central Asia was made during overland travels through these countries in 1992. Subsequent visits to Istanbul each year, meeting with dealers in the bazaars, who, in the tradition of the Silk Road traders, specialise in the textiles of Uzbekistan and surrounding countries, and adding to the variety of ‘treasures’ from the traditional work of Turkey, has filled the showroom with colour and texture - an explosion of creative talent, old and new, from far and wide.

Anne was in Turkey at the beginning of the year, and so now, as all selling events have been since been cancelled, the showroom is fully stocked.

She is now welcoming visitors at the beginning of each month up until Christmas. Shopping may not be high on our list of priorities these days, but a visit to the showroom might make an enjoyable outing - as well as possibly helping with ideas for presents.

You are welcome to email Anne anne@treasuresfromthesilkroad.co.uk, or call 01258 817518 with enquiries. And do check the Instagram account for some beautiful images.

Tractor run in aid of the Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance.

Meet for 10am - run starts at 11.15am. £10 Per Person for the Run Only (includes a Tea/Coffee and a Bacon/Sausage Roll!)

The run itself will be approximately 25/30miles around the lovely Dorset countryside, with a half way point for us to stop at.

We will aim to return to the sports club at around 3.30pm - bar will be open from 3pm.

There will be a BBQ from 4pm until late, and live Music 5pm - 8pm from Jordan Lindsay.

For those that dont wish to join the run, please do come along and enjoy the afternoon. If you have a classic vehicle please bring that on down in the afternoon and enjoy the evening entertainment.

Steam vehicles, Military , Classic Cars , Motorcycles, Lorrys and others, are all welcome to come to turn up.

Please state if you are attending, as this will help with numbers for food in the morning.

Yetminster Community Sports Club Contact Matthew 07535774281

THE BLACKMORE VALE The Gillingham Craft Fair, with Riversmeet Leisure Centre, are holding their annual Magic of Christmas Food and Craft Fair on Sunday 29th November from 10.30 to 4.00, The event, now in its 7th year, attracts visitors from Gillingham and the surrounding towns and villages.

Visitors come to purchase high quality handmade items from sellers from the local area, listen to local choirs and visit Father Christmas; the past two years we have also had a children’s play area.

Sadly, due to covid, this year’s event is on the slightly smaller scale. We will, however, still have over 50 stalls selling a wide range of products, from art, jewellery, homeware, candles and cakes.

The stalls will be set out in the sports hall which benefits from a fresh air ventilation system, there will be a one way in and out system and hand sanitizers stations are placed at every doorway. There will also be a one way system in place once inside the hall.

Entry to this event is free.

So please make a note in your diaries and come along and see for yourself.

Please help us raise money for our village hall.

The Covid pandemic has resulted in very little rent for the hall since March, and we are in the midst of refurbishing the kitchen. We need to get this job done now, so that we are fully operational when things go back to some sort of normal.

We have published a competition in our local magazine the Fippenny News, but it would be great to widen this everyone!

There is a cash prize for two winners amounting to half of the money raised. So the more entries there are the bigger the prize.

You can enter via email and pay the entry fee of £5 by PayPal. sfinklaire@gmail.com

THE BLACKMORE VALE

The monthly Sturminster Newton Car and Bike Enthusiasts meeting was held on 5th September.

This event has gradually grown over the two years it has been running. It started with between 8 and 10 cars and bikes, but over 30 owners came to Sturminster Newton with their vehicles.

It’s a challenge running an event like this safely in the current COVID environment. We ran this event mostly on the main car park, given the growing numbers, with kind permission of Dorset Council. We were limited to 30 attendees in a cordoned area to meet government restrictions. Another 10 owners visited the town and parked in the rest of the car park. We strictly followed Social Distancing and had a track and trace process in place to minimise risk.

Not only was it was one of the best events we've had so far; the variety of vehicles was the best so far too. The atmosphere was really friendly and enjoyable. As well as being interesting for the attendees, it met our objective to bring more people into the town to help our local businesses.

We had vehicles from the 1920s up to the latest.

We had a wonderful completely renovated Imprezza, a rare 412 Ferrari, a very rare Citroen SM, Oxford, Laguna and beautiful Jaguars, Alvis and several MGs. There were too many stunning and interesting vehicles to mention here, but it was certainly a car and bike enthusiasts's dream!!

The latest government laws regarding the size of outdoor gathering means we may not be able to run in October - it's usually run on the first Saturday every month.

images courtesy of Steve Tarrant

THE BLACKMORE VALE Walters chip made it 5-0 at half time. The visitors didn’t let off with two goal lead but Jordan Dycer another very early goal in halved the deficit before Mason got the second half from Walters, his second to equalise. Donhead again curling it into the corner continued to have opportunities halting any hope of a Rovers until Dycer got his second to give comeback. Davis then beat two TG the three points. The Donhead men & the keeper to continue the goals came via Adam Hoskins, Joe onslaught. Walters added his 4th, Paterson & Dale Hofmann. picking the ball up in his own half, beating 4 men then rounding the A well fought evenly balanced keeper making it 8 & Dave Deane match in the hot sunshine with a finished off the United scoring lack of substitutes proved a stamping his mark on the match challenge for the Colts on their with a tidy finish from 10 yards.

BVFL debut. Unfortunately it wasn’t The Rovers consolation came via a result to remember as they fell to Joe Peters. a 4-2 defeat against the Hornets.

Colts goals came via Lewis Sarel & Josh Terry while Ollie Gittins scored all four of the Hornet’s goals.

BLACKMORE VALE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Football in the Vale is back! For first time since the 15th March competitive football returned to the playing fields across the district under the new COVID-19 procedures, ensuring everyone’s safety involved. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this coming season, the A rocky start gave TGR the League Committee will advantage against the Comets scoring the first goal through Alan predominantly Tallis who converted from a corner. Comets bounced back with concentrate on the equaliser coming from a 30yard league format while only an free kick courtesy of Jordan Lynk. RESULTS, Sunday, adding cup competition Shortly after Jordan Hunt rose BS Division 1: fixtures where logistically above the opposition to head in for Kellaway AFC Blandford 8 Bradford Abbas the Comets from a corner to put efficient. the boys in blue on the upper foot. 1,

Donhead Barbarians 3 Team Brilliant footwork and a finish Kicking it off were the 2018 League across goal from Larry Taylor put Gryphon 4, Champions AFC Blandford United Hazelbury Hornets 4 Bruton the Comets further ahead going who hosted 2019 League into half time. The second half was United Colts 2, Champions Bradford Abbas. The South Cheriton Comets 4 TGR 1, a much harder battle with TGR Abbas started the brighter of the battling to get back into the match. Sturminster Rovers 1 Wincanton two until the 35th minute when A goal line scramble finished with United 9.

Blandford broke the deadlock.

Sam Smith poking in a forth to After that the Abbas tired allowing ensure the win & a solid start for FIXTURES, Sunday, Blandford to take control of which the Comets second season in they happily scored a flurry of existence.

Kellaway BS Division 1: goals. The Abbas player’s head AFC Blandford United v Hazelbury dropped which then resulted in a Finally, last season’s high flying Hornets, heavy score line of 8-1. The Abbas Wincanton United continued Bradford Abbas v Sturminster goal came via Calum Loveday. where they left off with an emphatic 9-1 victory over TG Skipper Dom Mason put his Sturminster Rovers. A very early side ahead from the spot before Iwan Walters goal from a very tight Barbarians equalised to end the angle set the tone for United with a half 1-1. Donhead then took a Patrick Golden lob & Nick Hewlett free kick added 2 in quick succession. A very cheeky bit of skill and nutmeg from Walters got him space to cross to Kieran Davis who headed home before a

Expert help on common legal issues from the team at Porter Dodson LLP. This week: Conveyancing.

Time for a new start?

You’ve accepted an offer on your home, seen your dream property... It’s all coming together with a second viewing booked for this Saturday! You’re already mentally picking out curtains and paint colours.

However, there is a lot of work to be done before you pick paint! As your conveyancer we ensure you're totally confident in signing the paperwork and handing over your deposit.

Once we have received your instructions, we send the land registry title plan for you to review and crucially confirm that boundaries are accurate. We will then raise legal enquiries on the land registry title with the seller’s solicitors, checking all of the relevant rights of access are included and that there are no onerous obligations you have to comply with.

We will also review information provided by the seller, raising additional enquiries such as energy performance certificate, relevant planning permissions, septic tank or drainage, Japanese knotweed, tree preservation orders and even what, if any, items are included owith the purchase!

We also order searches on the property, including the local authority and water search.

If the property is leasehold there are additional checks, such as ground rent and service charge payments, and lease provisions.

We view the process as collaborative, report to you at each step so that any issues can be dealt instantly.

Your role is to feed back to us from your inspections of the property plus updates on mortgage application and providing a copy of your survey.

Selling? It's the same on the other side of the fence we'll answer the buyer’s solicitor’s questions and supply them with as much information as possible for their clients.

Not at that stage yet but considering it?

When thinking of putting your property on the market, it is useful to call and have a chat at the initial stage, ensuring the process runs smoothly. We can review the deeds you have and work through any potential concerns with you in advance so that when you do secure a buyer, all you will need to worry about is choosing the all-important paint colours!

Jenny Cottrell

THE BLACKMORE VALE The Blackmore Vale

THE BLACKMORE VALE

The UK property market has enjoyed a mini boom since reopening after the lockdown and the government’s stamp duty cut could result in more people moving home over the next few months.

Property markets have reopened, meaning estate agents are conducting inperson house viewings again and buyers are able to move home once more.

The cut in stamp duty is designed to reignite the property market in the wake of COVID-19, although there were signs that the wheels were already beginning to turn.

The welcome move by the Chancellor was the scrapping of stamp duty on house purchases of up to £500,000 until 31 March 2021. Previously, stamp duty kicked in at £125,000 (or £300,000 for first-time buyers), meaning people moving home can save thousands of pounds in tax. The change will also help people buying properties costing more than £500,000; as stamp duty is tiered, they will pay nothing on the first £500,000. Normal rates then apply on anything above that.

If you’re buying an investment property or second home, you’ll still need to pay the 3% stamp duty surcharge, but this will be

on the new temporary rates – so you could still make big savings.

There’s a great deal of optimism around the property market at the moment. Experts believe the market (and house price growth) could slow down once the government’s coronavirus financial support schemes and the stamp duty cut come to an end. Halifax says the housing market will eventually feel the effects of the economic downturn, with ‘greater downward pressure on house prices in the medium-term’.

Nationwide says the winding down of government support schemes could ‘dampen housing activity’. Rightmove says the market is likely to continue performing well in the shortterm, but buyers and sellers ‘need to be mindful of the wider economic concerns’.

It is this concern around downward pressure on house prices that is causing Lenders to be very cautious. Those hoping to buy a house with a smaller deposit have very few Lenders

available to them, making it very difficult for first time buyers.

The majority of the High Street Lenders now requiring a minimum of 15% deposit. Even when a lender makes a smaller deposit mortgage available, it is often only available for 24 or 48 hours. So, whilst there is much to be positive about, the mortgage market remains very challenging for those with smaller deposits.

Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayment on your mortgage. The value of tax benefits described depend on your individual circumstances. Tax rules can change.

Joanne Betts is an independent mortgage broker at Bloomfield & Associates Ltd based in Shaftesbury and Frome jo@bloomfieldifa.com

Remember - just click the properties to view the house! - Ed

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