Welcome to Tamsin Doar, our new roving horse reporter, who this month has gone the extra mile. Literally. Jess is now ranking events by their lunch offer, the Tizzards are on summer break, and Doug Procter was left home alone. TWICE.
FRONT COVER: Busy beaver in the Stour, by Gary Jacobs
THE LAST CUT FOR LOCAL MEAT
When small abattoirs close, farmers lose options, stressed animals travel miles and rare breeds, food miles and the ability to sell truly local meat are all threatened
LOCAL HISTORY
Shroton Fair, Yeovil Junction (back when it was in Dorset) and Wimborne teens in the 60s
22
DORSET INSIDER
Our secret parish councillor is back – and this month they’re thinking that Dorset Council really needs to get out more
There is a new cat in the Hitchcock household. It’s taken us a long time to get here. After we lost Pog we weren’t sure we could do it again. We live almost on a bend of a B-road that likes to pretend it’s an A-road at rush hour. On the other side: open fields. The siren call of hunting grounds. We couldn’t risk it.
I imagined an elderly retiree who’d potter from sunbeam to lap. But the daughter, who took many, many months to rebuild herself after losing her heart cat, couldn’t face falling in love with a cat she might lose all over again in a year or two. Also: no black cats (we’ve had two) and no tuxedos (C’s irrational). And the cat obviously needed to be not too old, but old enough to have road sense, but not, you know, old-old. Picky? Us?
After months of rejecting hundreds of rescue cats (feeling like the actual worst humans in the world), there he was: Bentley. Seven years old. Found abandoned with infected
26
COMMUNITY NEWS AND WHAT’S ON
It’s all here – the news snippets, the letters, the what’s ons, the politics and the puzzles
102
READERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY
Apparently once our page count for the photography goes up, it doesn’t come back down. Eight pages.
teeth. Last known address: near a dual carriageway. Missing four teeth, dribbles when he purrs, desperately needs a safe place to become unafraid again.
We drove to Bath “just to look”. C rolled his eyes and reminded me to pick up a litter tray on the way home.
Bentley spent most of the first few weeks under the daughter’s bed – on it when she’s in it. He does not like shoes. Or people on the stairs. Or being downstairs. Or the office (upstairs). Or being carried. Or touched. Or breakfast being late. He does like Dreamies. And Lick-e-Lix. And the daughter. He’s now started venturing out, bustling through the house like an anxious middle manager with a clipboard. We ache to scoop up his big, chunky, frightened body with its boxer-glove paws. But for now, the smallest of strokes is all he can manage – unless you’re the daughter, obviously. Someone, somewhere, has hurt him. So we wait. We let him come to us. And that’s absolutely OK. However long it takes.
by Rachael Rowe
Labour pains for rural communities
A sudden Yeovil maternity shutdown sparked concern for rural mothers and highlights deeper NHS staffing, planning and leadership failures
On 19th May, Yeovil Hospital temporarily closed its inpatient maternity services, including its special care baby unit. The hospital is mainly used by South Somerset residents, but a quarter of their patients come from North Dorset. With the closure of a critical service, what happens now for the affected rural communities?
What happened at Yeovil?
In January 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected the acute paediatric service (the care of children and young people) and issued a Section 29 safety warning notice, calling for significant improvements. In addition, the hospital currently has high levels of sickness among senior paediatricians (the doctors specialising in children’s care) at Yeovil, which has caused big gaps in the medical rota.
Senior paediatricians from Musgrove Park Hospital are supporting the service at Yeovil, to ensure that paediatric inpatient and outpatient services remain open for those who need them. However, the special care baby unit (SCBU) could not be supported in the same way, and had to be temporarily closed on safety grounds.
The consequences of this action directly impacted the Yeovil Hospital inpatient maternity service because they now cannot care for any newborns who require care in a special care baby unit, or safely provide care during labour and birth at the Yeovil Maternity Unit.
Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, secured a Commons Debate on 3rd June and outlined some of the challenges faced by staff on the Yeovil site: “The hospital trust’s leadership team says that high levels of sickness among senior hospital staff caused gaps in the rota, but I have been informed
that those staff are off sick because of workrelated stress, reportedly caused by a lack of support, a toxic work culture and bullying from management. That is not good enough. Clinicians have been working desperately hard to provide quality care and have been trying to work alongside management to improve the service, but they have found management unsupportive. It seems that the real issue is about management and about supporting and retaining staff.’
(you can watch the debate on ParliamentLive, or read the full transcript of the debate on Hansard)
Are there alternatives for expectant mums?
‘ ... a lack of support, a toxic work culture and bullying from management’
Although outpatient services remain in Yeovil, for those women planning to give birth and needing inpatient services, the options are Dorchester, Taunton, Bath or Salisbury. Naturally, the short notice has created anxiety with families and the wider community.
The number of births at Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit is between 1,100 and 1,200 per year. The average occupancy rate of SCBU at Yeovil is 31%, with the average occupancy rate for the neonatal unit at Taunton at 60%. Those 1,200 births will now have to be absorbed elsewhere. Dorchester sees a similar number, averaging around 100 a month. A spokesperson said: ‘Dorset County Hospital is working closely with healthcare partners in Somerset to ensure that all women and birthing people can have the best experience of using our services. We are working to ensure we have the capacity to support all current and new service users’ needs. It is not anticipated that there will be any impact on current service users who are under the care of the maternity and neonatal team at Dorset County Hospital.’
Performance
The CQC inspected Yeovil Hospital in 2023, and published a report in May 2024, in which maternity services at Yeovil were described as ‘inadequate’. Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton was also listed
as inadequate. Although Somerset NHS Foundation Trust stated these ratings were unrelated to the 2025 Section 29 notice, there have been concerns about staffing and safety for some time. Dorset County Hospital also received a grading of ‘Requires Improvement’ when they were inspected. A spokesperson said: ‘Following the CQC inspection of maternity services in June 2023, Dorset County Hospital took immediate action to address the issues raised. Specialist advisors worked alongside our maternity team with a detailed improvement plan to take action on all the areas identified to ensure our service users get the high quality and safe services they rightly expect. While reporting some concerns following the inspection at the time, inspectors also praised staff for their levels of care, being focused on the needs of women receiving care, and for engaging well with women and people using the service. They found that women felt well cared for. A follow-up inspection report will be published in due course.’ One important measure in newborn care is the ATAIN score, which tracks how well full-term babies (born at or after 37 weeks) are kept out of SCBUs. The ATAIN programme works to reduce avoidable harm that might lead to these admissions, helping improve outcomes for babies, mothers and families – with lower scores showing better results. Dorset County Hospital has significantly improved its ATAIN score: ‘During 2024/25, our admission rate for term babies into the neonatal service was less than the national standard (no more than 5%). We are proud of this achievement – our priority is to ensure babies remain with their parents for their care, regardless of where that happens.’
Both the special care baby units at Taunton and Yeovil have similar ATAIN scores at 4.5%, and below the national average, which reflects positively on quality care from clinicians.
Why Wincanton matters
When services are moved, journey times are measured to assess the impact. Some people
benefit, while others are inevitably left in a rural desert of services. When the travel times from Wincanton to Taunton, Bath and Dorchester are mapped, a car journey takes a minimum of 50 minutes – on a good day. That’s a long time if you are in labour. There’s a similar situation with Henstridge and Castle Cary. A journey that once took 25 to 30 minutes to Yeovil is now significantly longer – even on a good day. Public transport is virtually non-existent ... and babies don’t wait for rural bus timetables.
The area around Wincanton and Castle Cary is overflowing with planning applications – meaning more people moving to the area, and an increased demand on critical services. Surely this should mean that core services should be available to meet housing need?
Adam Dance is worried: ‘I’m deeply concerned that local families have lost access to maternity care close to home, and that the decision was made with very little notice or consultation. The short timeframe caused real distress for expectant parents and staff alike, and I believe it could have been handled far more transparently.
‘The issues highlighted by the CQC were serious and needed to be addressed, but the Trust had several months between the inspection and the announcement to properly engage with
staff, stakeholders and the public. That didn’t happen. We should expect better planning and communication when it comes to something as critical as maternity care. More broadly, years of under-investment in workforce planning and training across the NHS have left services stretched to breaking point. This closure is a symptom of a wider system in crisis, and I’ll keep working to make sure our area is not left behind in finding a sustainable solution.’
However, the situation at Yeovil is a creeping crisis in critical public services across the South West and nationally. Why are some departments just one consultant’s retirement away from collapse, and often teeter on the edge if specialist staff are sick? The wider issue here is a profound lack of recruitment and retention, and, critically, succession planning. Staff also deserve working conditions that do not see them lurch from crisis to crisis on a daily basis. The entire situation points to a need for positive working cultures and for meaningful investment in infrastructure. Somerset and North Dorset deserve better – at the very least, some strategic planning so that people can access the very best healthcare when they are at their most vulnerable.
Information about the maternity services in Yeovil can be found on the Trust website here.
by Rachael Rowe
The last cut for local meat
When small abattoirs close, farmers lose options, animals travel miles and rare breeds, food miles and the ability to sell truly local meat are all threatened
When you throw some sausages or a steak on the barbecue, how much thought do you give to where the meat came from?
Small abattoirs are critical to the UK’s food security and farming industry, yet they are in crisis. When the last abattoir on the Isle of Wight closed earlier this year, it sent shock waves through the meat industry and created a significant logistics challenge for food producers, particularly in Southern England. North Dorset seemed miles away, but in fact the impact is being felt across the Blackmore Vale. So concerned was Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, that she led a Backbench Business Debate in Parliament urging the Government to act to save the UK’s small abattoir sector from collapse. Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Dyke demanded that the Government recognise the position of small abattoirs as a critical part of local food infrastructure. She also highlighted the impact that the alarming rate of closures is having on farming businesses and local food supply chains. ‘Small abattoirs are facing immense financial pressure and are operating under a regulatory system that is deaf to the realities smaller premises face,’ she said. ‘These businesses are the backbone of our local food infrastructure, yet many are being pushed to the brink.’
Daniel Zeichner, confirmed that the Government was looking at support for these businesses. But is it too little and too late? Small abattoirs across the country are quietly closing their doors, hit by an ageing workforce, higher costs, and complex regulations. Even Jeremy Clarkson has noticed – in the latest season of Clarkson’s Farm he discovers that his local small abattoir has closed, forcing him and neighbouring farmers to collectively hire transport and send stressed animals further afield, adding pressure to already-stretched slaughterhouses.
What do these people do if they don’t have a small abattoir
within reach?
Several MPs, particularly those from farming communities, welcomed the debate on small abattoirs, and the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs,
Gaps in the map
Gavin Keen is the manager at Blackmore Vale Butchery in Henstridge and has worked in the meat industry since the age of 16. He recently researched the state of the abattoir industry in the South West.
‘It was an easy exercise,’ he said. ‘I had a map of the South West and marked all the abattoirs.
There’s a gaping hole in the A303 corridor. Two of the large businesses I thought were operating are no longer. With those closures, and the Isle of Wight gone, all the work goes to Holnest now – and there simply isn’t enough spare capacity.
‘Whenever there’s funding to improve things, it’s often distributed by the wrong people who don’t understand what’s involved. The Isle of Wight is a huge missed opportunity.’
Farmers and particularly those with rare and smaller breeds are heavily dependent on smaller abattoirs – and Gavin says it goes beyond just basic capacity:
‘Farmers need small abattoirs – lots of them have breeds that don’t go into the commercial market. Some farmers have Dexter cattle, for example, for the beef quality and also because they’re quite docile to handle. But they are small in size, and a commercial abattoir won’t take them – they are set up to take larger animals. So what do these people do if they don’t have a small abattoir within reach?
We provide a butchery service for local farmers so they can sell
Sarah Dyke in the House of Commons
their meat. But if there are no small abattoirs, this will inevitably affect the local meat supply.’
With them every step
Lillie Smith and her husband Morgan raise rare Oxford Sandy and Black pigs at Ham Farm near Shillingstone. She told The BV that the fate of small abattoirs was a subject they had been discussing just recently: ‘As small scale producers, we pride ourselves on being with our animals every step of the way. Most people appreciate the benefits of local produce and traceability, but it’s more than that. If we didn’t have a local abbatoir – we use C&S Meats in Holnest – we wouldn’t be able to complete that cycle of local produce. We cannot fill a lorry to travel hours to a commercial abbatoir, nor can we sell pork on that scale!
‘If we didn’t have access to the abattoir, we would have to drastically reduce our herd. We are currently supporting a pedigree rare breed with seven sows and three boars – but that is symbiotic with the ability to produce local pork.
‘Environmentally, you cannot beat the minimal food miles of local produce – but that is completely lost if animals have to travel hours to be processed and then shipped again to producers.
‘Local abattoirs are an integral part of each area’s food production and they are so often overlooked – their place in our community would be quickly noticed if you couldn’t purchase local meat. Producers just wouldn’t have the ability to finish and sell locally.
operator served more than 2,000 customers in February alone, but struggles due to limited staff and space – and red tape from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Local abattoirs provide the consumer with options – without them, producers simply couldn’t sell locally.
‘The current FSA regulatory model penalises small processors,’ she said. ‘Having a local network of abattoirs is crucial for farmers, allowing them to add value to their product and access alternative routes to market.’
Local abattoirs provide the consumer with options. You have the choice to buy in a supermarket, but also to buy produce from local farms. And as farmers, we are able to finish and sell our produce direct, locally.’
One rule for one
Sarah Dyke described a recent visit to an abattoir in Sussex, now so oversubscribed that farmers travel from Essex to use it. The
Gavin Keen agrees. ‘The rules set by the FSA are a challenge to small abattoirs,’ he says. ‘They are the same for large commercial and small abattoirs. Not all the regulations are needed in a small abattoir and that affects the business. If there were different levels that would really help. However, I should point out that there is only one standard for managing the livestock, regardless of the abattoir size – and that is to always respect the animal.’
Gavin’s research also confirms that small abattoir owners were getting older, with many working beyond retirement age and with no succession planning. He knows of one still working at the age of 77. ‘Younger people need to be educated at grass roots level on meat and how it’s supplied. And it’s really difficult getting someone into the industry. I have a young lad now who wants to do an apprenticeship, but I can’t get the support and there’s nobody here to do all the supervision.’
While 93 per cent of meat in Britain is slaughtered in large abattoirs, it’s the smaller ones that protect local food security, rare breeds and farm-to-fork traceability. If they go, we risk losing far more than local sausages.
• You can buy Lillie’s pork and bacon products at Enford Farm Shop
One of Lillie Smith’s Oxford Sandy and Black sows. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
by Rachael Rowe
From holy row to holy wow
From
conflict to coffee and conversation – the Dorset church
that made peace, lost its pews, gained a loo ... and found its future
Five years ago, Okeford Fitzpaine hit the headlines and the international press descended on North Dorset, fascinated by stories of angry villagers up in arms over pews being removed from their local church. The dispute fractured relationships in the village and was deeply upsetting for many people. However, today, St Andrew’s in Okeford Fitzpaine is celebrating a new community space, including a modern servery and an accessible loo.
Why churches need to change
In the last ten years, more than 3,500 churches have closed in England according to the National Churches Trust.
More than 900 places of worship are on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk register. Church congregations are falling and the historic nature of church buildings means their maintenance is both complex and highly expensive.
‘If anyone had told me this would take ten years, I’d have run in the other direction’
For an older population, and people with complex health needs, simply getting in and out of narrow pews can also be a challenge. There are also people with medical conditions who want to come to church but are concerned at the lack of loos. Finally, most rural areas rely on clergy who cover several parishes so they do not necessarily live in the parish. There is often nowhere for them to make a coffee or use a toilet – working conditions that would not be acceptable for a basic factory, for example. With rising maintenance costs, churches also need flexibility to remain financially viable. There was significant scepticism over removing the church pews, creating wide and vocal conflict within the Okeford Fitzpaine community, particularly over the perceived communication about the change. However, once the TV cameras left, the community was gradually able to focus on achieving the desired improvements, including gaining grants and hiring the expert contractors required to progress and complete the work. The project threw up some nasty surprises along the way, including a rotten floor
The new pew-less St Andrews in Okeford Fitzpaine Image: Derek Day
Angry villagers mounted the Save Our Pews campaign from Okeford Fitzpaine in 2020
which could have collapsed at any moment. Work also revealed dangerous electrical wiring that needed to be replaced before it caused a fire –again adding significantly to the overall cost. Parishioner Dilys Gartside was instrumental in managing the project from the start: ‘If anyone had told me this would take ten years, I would have turned around and run in the other direction. At the time, Reverend Lydia Cook was sent to the parish with the remit to lead on this project and to prevent the church from closing. She faced a lot of opposition. We had financial difficulties ... but to do nothing wasn’t an option. ‘It took us three and a half years to get a faculty. That’s the Church of England planning permission equivalent, except that it’s nowhere near as easy as getting planning permission for your local council. During the pandemic we were ordered to stop, as all the churches closed, and then later that year we finally started on the nave. We supported work by selling some of the pews, many of which are still in the village, and we focused on areas which would make the church viable – the servery and loo.’
A place of peace
On 9th May 2025, when parishioners gathered in St Andrew’s Church to experience the new space created by the re-ordering and removal of pews there were gasps of delight. As people sipped a drink and chatted, one thing became instantly clear: whereas visitors previously used the pews and stood in aisles, today the new flexible area meant that conversation was easier, and people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility were not confined to the back of the church, and were instead able to integrate with everyone else. Curious guests peeked in at the new loo – some wondering exactly how soundproof it was! Keith Loveless, a ‘non-resident looking in’, was the architect who designed the new space. When
he arrived in the village, there was still significant conflict, but he refused to get involved, focusing solely on the design and project. His main challenge was the time it took for plans to be agreed by the various committees in the Diocese.
‘It threw up a lot of issues. I got involved in the history of the church and did a pew report, one on the state of the floor, and a font report. Today, seeing it in use ... this is just great. It’s all about people. That’s what means a lot to me. We don’t do these things for the sake of doing it. This building is a vehicle for the people of the parish, and on that journey of change the design should help them use the building more.’
The work is not finished yet. There are plans to reposition the font in the baptistery area. Lessons around inclusive communication that came from the unwanted and intense media scrutiny were clearly taken to heart in the village, What was once a subscription-only, church-led magazine has been transformed into a true community publication, now funded by the parish council and delivered free to every household in Okeford Fitzpaine.
The Rev Andrew Gubbins, who joined etc Okeford benefice in 2023, led three cheers for the project team: ‘We are thankful for the teamwork, which has come together and overcome some pretty stormy moments along the way! We have rebuilt a place of peace and hospitality and service for the village. The best example we have this year was when the village surprised the church and came forward suggesting a Christmas fundraiser, asking if they could use our church. Churches think they spend their time rolling the ball uphill to get things done, and actually, I think we learned a lesson there.
‘It shows the imagination, the creativity, the energy – it was a remarkable evening.
‘Transformation is possible – and the softly, softly approach works.’
The new servery at St Andrews
Keith Loveless, left, the architect and Graham Colls, who worked on the project
Tickets FAST!
by Laura Hitchcock
A song for the stones of Mere
From weathervanes to war letters and worn stone steps, Richard Nye’s Windelstán gives Mere’s ancient church tower its own haunting voice
‘Composing music isn’t straightforward for me. It’s more of a compulsion,’ says Richard Nye, Sturminster Newton resident and Mere’s Composer in Residence. ‘And this project was quite a challenge – I was very aware I needed to get it absolutely right.’
In 2023, a £247,843 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant – along with local donations and other support – enabled the Friends of St Michael’s Church in Mere to restore St Michael the Archangels iconic tower (one of the highest towers in Wiltshire, besides Salisbury Cathedral) and launch ‘The Tower Stories’ project. Designed to bring the tower’s rich history to life, the yearlong community initiative explored the stories of the stonemasons, gilders, bell ringers, and townspeople who shaped its past.
At its creative heart were two residencies: Jane Borodale as Writer in Residence, and Richard Nye, whose evocative new composition, Windelstán (Old English for a tower with a winding staircase) captures the spirit of the town in music.
Dorset composer Richard Nye is Composer in Residence at Mere
The tower’s bell mechanism works like a giant music box, with pegs on a wheel directing the beel chimes
‘I was intrigued – you don’t often get a brief like this,’ Richard says. ‘The committee were fairly open as to what they wanted, but they knew they were after something lasting: “an anthem for Mere”. That became my focus.
‘The first time I went up Castle Hill, once the site of the castle, the sun was shining and the view over Mere and the countryside beyond was just incredible. In that moment, something clicked – I connected with the whole process for the first time. I could see the church tower, and the loose folk tune I’d been toying with since the interview started to take shape. I imagined travelling musicians playing in that very spot, with music, storytelling and entertainment filling the air. It just felt right.’
As Richard worked on the music, the project itself grew. Mere’s Medieval Festival of Fun, planned for the weekend of 21st June to celebrate the tower restoration, was to be the first performance, and being in the open air it needed more than just piano or a small group of instruments: ‘That was the point where I felt I could really go to town on it – and suddenly it seemed to come together.
‘I wanted the tower to have a personality – an ancient and knowing presence. It’s entirely possible that parts of the church have stood for almost a thousand years, watching the town grow and change. That sense of timelessness became the heart of the piece – the tower as a silent witness to generations passing below.’
Finding the sound
Richard decided to use the tower’s own ‘voice’ – sounds recorded within it – as an instrument to create the music: ‘I didn’t want them to be obvious, apart from the church bells, which I incorporated of course. Kit, the church warden, stopped the clock for me to do that – I’m quite proud I actually made time stand still in Mere! I absolutely adored that day of recording the bells. ‘But I was looking more for the unexpected. For example, I recorded the steps of the spiral stone stair: they’ve got wood over them because they’re worn now, and each one makes an interesting
The tower’s spiral staircase has been covered in wooden steps – which Richard ran up at 115bpm
sound. I recorded myself going up at 115 beats per minute – I wanted to get a rhythm, and because each step’s sound is different, I couldn’t just step on one, and keep looping it. So I ran, all the way to the bell ringing room, holding on to a visual metronome and my handheld recorder for grim death. I do not recommend it: and I don’t ever wish to do it again. My poor kneecaps!
‘I recorded keys in doors – in Windelstán, you can hear the unlocking of the church tower with its huge original key. Another great sound is the door of the bell ringing room closing – I lowered the pitch so it drones, like the low hum of a bagpipe. It’s brilliant, not at all what you’d expect.
‘Using a bit of cardboard, I played various cogs on the ancient clock mechanism. I wanted to get something from each room, and also, importantly, something from the very top of the tower. The issue is I’m quite frightened of heights, and also slightly claustrophobic, and I was on my own...
I’d forgotten that a spiral staircase narrows as it goes up, so when I finally got to the top I was feeling so anxious I just wasn’t going to open the door! But then I remembered the damaged
weathervanes stored above the north entrance. They’d been removed after damage to the church pinnacles (possibly by lightening), and preserved. Safely indoors, I ran my fingers across the cut-out initials of previous churchwardens – it made an amazing sound. At the start of the piece, through headphones, you can hear that sound moving from one ear to the other – that’s me, running my finger along the weathervanes. The weathervanes became my sound from the top of the tower.’
Lyrics from the past
While looking for the voices he wanted to hear within the lyrics, Richard spoke to locals about their memories of the tower and spent time in the archives: ‘I spent a morning going through hundreds of images in Mere Museum’s photo archive. And the parish magazines – they’re an incredible record. My dad’s a clergyman, and his letters were always quite personal – I wondered if Mere’s vicars were the same, and they really were. I was drawn into the letters from 1910 and 1911, when the bells were taken out and recast. One vicar apparently thanked everyone during a service, but in the next issue, he offered a fulsome thanks to one particular lady – I imagine he’d forgotten to mention her and could just see her collaring him after the service!
‘The First World War letters… I got completely pulled into them. I just sat there reading and
The
In 1911 the bells were rung in their original frame for the last time – the new frame was not anchored to the tower wall, due to concern the eight bells would bring the tower down
reading. It was a very peculiar feeling. That’s what led to the soloist’s line in Windelstán: I imagined someone far from home, on a battlefield, remembering the tower, singing back to the stones. That melody comes back to them.’
Ultimately, Richard hopes Mere residents will enjoy the echoes of their home, and that those who don’t know Mere might be intrigued enough to visit: ‘Go up Castle Hill, go into the church, hear the bells. The tower tours are open – people can see what I saw, hear what I recorded. Like most people, I’d only ever driven through the town before. But that newness actually helped – it gave me fresh eyes. The place had such a profound impact. When I got back from the interview –regardless of whether I’d got the job – I started just putting little notes onto manuscript paper that came to my head just from being there. Some of those were in the final piece.’
You can listen to Windelstán sung, with all choral parts sung by Richard, on the previous page. The first live performance, complete with full choir, will be on 21st June at Mere’s Medieval Festival of Fun – a free event in the town where Richard will lead Mere School, Shreen Harmony and The Tower Stories People’s Choir. If you’d like to join in, rehearsals are open to all – no experience needed, just attend on June 2nd, 4th, 17th or 18th at 7pm in St Michael’s.
• For more details of the project, plus details of events, please see thetowerstories.co.uk
parish magazine archive has been bound and is stored in the church above the weathervanes - the ones Richard ‘played’
by Rachael Rowe
The ladies who brought back the Bard
A North Dorset countess helped rescue Shakespeare’s bawdy brilliance from censorship, and is finally getting the credit ... 300 years overdue
A new book on The Shakespeare Ladies Club shines a spotlight on an 18th century woman from North Dorset who influenced a nation’s love of literature.
Today, Shakespeare features in school curriculums and re-ignites memories for all those who swotted for English exams. However, the plays we all studied at school are remarkably different to those people would have watched in the 1720s. During the early 18th century, Shakespeare’s work had largely been sanitised, thanks to a post-Puritan drive to rid the theatres of immorality. Cancel culture, 18th century style. London theatres favoured other plays and Italian operas, and the Bard was on his way to being forgotten. When four ladies started reading Shakespeare’s plays in the 1730s they realised that what they were reading was not the same as the drama they had seen on the stage. The original prose and bawdy remarks that added character and richness to the plays had been removed. Incensed, the ladies began a campaign to restore the content and increase the popularity of Shakespeare.
The Shakespeare Ladies Club
Susanna Ashley-Cooper, the fourth Countess of Shaftesbury from Wimborne St Giles, led the
group. The other three ladies were Elizabeth Boyd, Mary Cowper and Mary Montagu.
Susanna Noel was just fourteen when she married into the Ashley-Cooper family.
Authors Christine and Jonathan Hainsworth reflected on where she got her love for the arts at such a young age:
Cancel culture, 18th century style – the Bard was on his way to being forgotten
‘Susanna Ashley-Cooper was 14 when she married the 4th Earl of Shaftesbury, who was the same age. We found multiple sources to suggest that the pair wanted to get married, that their marriage was loving and also a remarkable marriage of equals. Susanna had been educated under the direction of her highly intelligent mother, the dowager Countess of Gainsborough, and all of her siblings displayed a love of learning, theatre and music.
‘We believe that we are the first to connect a previously unknown story – Shakespeare and his troupe of players performed at a private stately home in Rutland in the late 1500s: the performance was at the ancestral family home of Susanna Noel, later 4th Countess of Shaftesbury who would found the Shakespeare Ladies Club.
‘We believe that a love and appreciation of Shakespeare was a family tradition over many generations of the Noel family.’
Christine and Jonathan are from Adelaide in Australia, and were fascinated by the story around the Shakespeare Ladies Club.
‘We were looking for a topic for a new book and reading widely about Shakespeare: we were interested in learning how and when Shakespeare became ‘famous’ and considered the best writer of the English language. We were intrigued by a couple of academics who had written about these obscure, influential women. We wondered if a book had ever been devoted to the Shakespeare Ladies Club – and
Jonathan and Christine Hainsworth
none had. We decided to shift our focus onto these women, and what they had done for Shakespeare, to see if we could uncover any further information.
‘With previous books we have travelled to the UK and France to conduct research while also using digital archives. We found that much could be found for this book by reading books and papers, but since the restrictions of COVID we knew that that most archives, libraries and record offices have done a wonderful job digitising sources, or at least describing items they hold in their archives. This allowed us to work with archivists to have items copied and sent to us to read. This is not always a successful process, but we were fortunate, particularly with some collections. The Norfolk Record Office proved a jackpot of important poems and letters from Mary Cowper, one of the Shakespeare Ladies. We suspect the bundle of papers had remained undisturbed for hundreds of years.’
Using their influence in society, the ladies campaigned to get Shakespeare restored to the London stage in its original uncut format. Their impact, however, was much broader reaching, particularly among women. At the time, women had an inferior status in society and were not expected to lobby for change at all.
‘We now understand the impact of the Shakespeare Ladies Club in ‘rescuing’ Shakespeare’s original plays, making them popular and particularly attractive to women theatre-goers. It is possible to mount an argument that Susanna’s campaign from 1736 was, in fact, the missing link between the early 1700s when Shakespeare’s plays were considered too bawdy to perform without censorship and alteration, and 1800 when he was seen as a literary god.
‘A critical and admirable aspect of the original Shakespeare Ladies Club is that, far from being sheltered prudes, they were worldly-wise. They embraced realistic dramatisations of people and their passions. We think Susanna opened the door for women to embrace and enjoy Shakespeare’s bawdy and insightful characters and dialogue – on stage or page – free from shame or sexist restrictions.
They weren’t sheltered prudes –they were worldlywise women who embraced realistic drama and human passion
‘Shakespeare reading clubs, particularly for women, became an enjoyable and empowering trend and could only have been seen as respectable, educative and fun because of the groundwork laid by Susanna and the Shakespeare Ladies Club.
‘This shift helped normalise women reading about human relationships and private lives, paving the way for the novel to become an enduring form of entertainment.’
Shakespeare in the Abbey
Susanna Ashley-Cooper also led the campaign to get a memorial to William Shakespeare erected in Westminster Abbey, where it remains today. In 1740, it was not legal for women to campaign, so the Shakespeare Ladies Club had to rely on men to work on their behalf, including David Garrick the actor, playwright and theatre manager. However, the men took the credit for the achievement. That acknowledgement has never been
challenged ... until now.
Christine and Jonathan have worked to petition Westminster Abbey: ‘Having written the book, we felt that, armed with knowledge, we should inform Westminster Abbey of the true story behind the statue’s accreditation to a group of men rather than the Shakespeare Ladies Club.
‘We were fortunate to have Professor Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, and Genevieve Kirk, a North American academic – both had written on the Shakespeare Ladies Club –agree to join us to petition the Abbey.
‘In effect we compiled a document of evidence in order for the Abbey professors to consider our claim that the ‘Ladies’ were the driving force behind public awareness, fundraising and arranging the commission of the Shakespeare monument.
‘We found the Poet’s Corner managers to be openminded, and more than happy to correct this historical oversight, which they have now agreed to do. After nearly 300 years, Susanna and her club members will finally be credited.’
The Shakespeare Ladies Club is published on 15th June, and the authors will be giving talks in Sturminster Newton on 10th June, as well as in Stratford Upon Avon. Christine and Jonathan will be visiting Dorset for the first time: ‘We have always wanted to visit Dorset, says Jonathan. ‘Sturminster Newton Literary Festival provides us with the perfect opportunity to do so. We’re both voracious readers,
The Shakespeare Memorial, Westminster Abbey – nearly 300 years on, the Ladies Club will finally be credited as its driving force
and for Christine, Dorset stirs a longing for Enid Blyton childhood adventures with the Famous Five or Secret Seven.
Of course, the inspiration of Thomas Hardy cannot be overstated, especially on a reader who wold like to be a writer.’
Thanks to Christine and Jonathan Hainsworth’s research, Susanna AshleyCooper is finally gaining the recognition she deserves. In a county steeped in literary tradition, it is fitting that North Dorset can now also lay claim to one of the most influential women behind
Shakespeare’s revival – a campaigner who quietly shaped the nation’s love for the Bard, and helped ensure his place at the heart of English culture.
• The Shakespeare Ladies Club: The Forgotten Women Who Rescued the Bawdy Bard will be published on 15th June
• See Christine and Jonathan in conversation on 10th June at The Exchange, 6.30pm. Tickets £10 Sturminster LitFest
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The Dorset Insider is a no-holds-barred column pulling back the curtain on local affairs with sharp insight, unfiltered honesty and the occasional raised eyebrow. Written by a seasoned parish councillor who prefers to remain anonymous (for obvious reasons), it cuts through the noise to expose the frustrations of grassroots politics, and say what others won’t. Rest assured, their identity is known – and trusted – by the editorial team. Expect opinion, candour and a healthy dose of exasperation ...
Dorset Council needs to get out more
It started with an email from Dorset Council. I read the details while sipping my coffee, and I felt my spelling eye focussing on two words that had been misspelt. Irritating at the best of times, but I was saddened to see two of our North Dorset towns spelt Shaftsbury and Sherbourne. And by the council of all people – those who produce our road signs and policies. It’s not difficult! If a satnav can spell the towns in North Dorset correctly, why can’t their own council? Then, while perusing social media, I chanced across a post from Visit Dorset promoting ‘all the events in May’. If you weren’t already aware of what’s happening in the Blackmore Vale when you read it, you would be forgiven for thinking that North Dorset is an events desert – and incredibly boring. The only thing mentioned (deservedly so) was Sherborne Country Fair (and at least Visit Dorset got the spelling correct ...) But where was the Three Okefords Rally? Where was the cheese racing in Shaftesbury and the Byzant Ceremony? It was such a missed opportunity to promote the county in an equitable manner. The towns in the north have lots of rural and independent businesses that would benefit from the kind of trade seen in coastal resorts. Sighing, I moved on ... only to read about the new bus routes in Dorset. Touted as ‘connecting
the local towns’ there is a massive focus on coastal areas and Dorchester. Yes, there is a bus connecting Gillingham and Sturminster Newton, but Blandford appears to be missing entirely. Why haven’t we got more ambitious plans connecting the north with the centre? Anyone looking at some of these policy decisions would think that Dorset’s most northerly point was Cerne Abbas!
Welcome to the Jurassic Coast!
Visit Dorset seems to think Gillingham only offers a cycle ride
We are all accustomed to seeing the ‘Welcome to the Jurassic Coast’ signs as we enter the county north of Shaftesbury ... and for some people that’s the only part of Dorset that matters. However, there is so much more to this county: some people need to get out more and share the love. Town councils give money to Visit Dorset each year in order to promote their areas and bring in business. But go to the ‘ Visit Shaftesbury and Gillingham’ page of Visit Dorset, and find ... things to do in Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. The only thing for visitors to do in Gillingham is a cycle ride? While none of us want to experience the likes of Canford Bottom on a weekend in July, so many of North Dorset’s rural villages would benefit from extra visitors enjoying the local walking (and subsequent food and drink stops), visiting
vineyards, stocking up on goodies from farm shops and exploring niche museums. Many of our local attractions are run by volunteers and exist on a shoestring budget. A few more visitors would make a big difference to Shillingstone Station, the Blandford Fashion Museum, Gold Hill Museum, the Dark Skies of Cranborne Chase ... and more.
If you read Visit Dorset’s list of things to do on a bank holiday, though, everything appears focused on Durdle Door and Weymouth. What we really need is a sign off the A303 that says ‘Welcome to the Blackmore Vale’ instead of directing everyone straight through to the coast. If people think there’s something worth stopping for, maybe they’ll actually ... stop?
A new way?
With North Dorset’s villages now firmly in Dorset Council’s sights as part of its Local Plan for housing, it really would be a good opportunity for some people from the council to get out and about, familiarise themselves with the road signs, the names and spelling of the towns, and actually experience the dearth of infrastructure. In that way, not only would they view this unspoilt corner of Dorset and see what a magnificent part
of the world we live in, but a drive on our country roads in winter might convince them that more infrastructure is actually needed to support all those new houses.
I met a councillor from the coastal regions recently who was extremely keen to leave North Dorset in daylight – he was terrified of ending up in a pothole or (worse still) experiencing driving with the lack of street lights. I so enjoyed keeping him talking as the light faded ...
We also need local jobs to support all these new builds, and tourism would be a simple way of creating rural employment. North Dorset has a huge foodie scene, with an enviable focus on provenance. Dorset’s not just about upmarket Jurassic Coast restaurants. We have amazing cheese producers, fantastic pubs, and some of the best butchers and growers around. All of that needs a fairer share of focus when it comes to tourism development if North Dorset is to truly thrive – especially in the current climate. So, Dorset Council, take a detour from the Jurassic Coast and come inland. The Blackmore Vale may not have cliffs and seagulls, but it’s still part of Dorset. And unless Dorset Council starts planning for its specific rural needs, it risks leaving half of Dorset behind.
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The Grumbler – the open opinion column in The BV. It’s a space for anyone to share their thoughts freely. While the editor will need to know the identity of contributors, all pieces will be published anonymously. With just a few basic guidelines to ensure legality, safety and respect, this is an open forum for honest and unfiltered views. Got something you need to get off your chest? Send it to editor@bvmagazine.co.uk. The Grumbler column is here for you: go on, say it. We dare you.
What she said next shocked no one
When did we stop letting things be surprises? These days, it feels like every “big announcement” is ruined before it even happens – not by leaks or whistle-blowers, but by the news itself. I saw a headline the other day: “What to expect in the King’s Speech.” Well, if you’re telling me what’s in it before it’s been given, it’s hardly a surprise, is it?
This isn’t just a one-off. It’s everywhere. The Budget used to be kept under wraps – now we get a full breakdown on Tuesday, days before the Chancellor opens his briefcase. Even Glastonbury can’t resist. Remember when the “surprise act” really was a surprise? Now it’s all over Twitter a fortnight early, discussed on podcasts and debated on breakfast telly. By the time they hit the stage, the only ones who didn’t know were the sheep in the next field and the bloke selling falafel who’s been off-grid since March. It’s like the news has turned into a never-ending trailer for the actual event – except we’re told everything in advance, and then still expected to act surprised when it finally happens.
And it’s exhausting. I don’t know about you, but I remember when Mum and Dad would stay up for the Nine O’Clock News. One half-hour, proper grown-up news, then off to bed. Job done. Now it’s non-stop rolling updates, special editions, “breaking” stories that aren’t actually breaking. You can’t move for headlines, and most of them are just noise. It’s no wonder people are switching off. We’re so overloaded nothing sticks. It’s all just background hum.
If everything is treated like big news, then nothing really is
And don’t get me startedon the clickbait used by most media outlets – all those daft headlines like “You won’t believe what happened next” (I can’t be bothered to find out, but I probably would) or “What she did next left everyone shocked.” It probably didn’t, it’s usually something incredibly boring. But the barrage is constant, and it’s
shaped a whole generation. Our teens, the labelled Gen Z, have grown up with this stuff. No wonder they’re so deeply cynical. They’ve been fed a diet of nonsense and overhyped fluff since they could tap a screen But they’re not ignoring the news – far from it. In my broad experience they’re more informed and aware than previous generations were at their age. They’re just weary of being manipulated by it.
It’s not just irritating – it’s a problem. If everything is treated like big news, then nothing really is.
When something genuinely important does happen, half of us are too burnt out to care. So here’s a mad idea: let surprises be surprises. Give us the news when it’s actually news, not days ahead with a constant runing commentary. Maybe then we’ll start paying attention again.
This is not your village fête pottery tent
Raku flames, wheel-throwing and sculptural centrepieces – Potfest South West is a must for collectors, creatives and curious visitors alike
From 4th to 6th July, Turnpike Showground near Shaftesbury plays host once again to Potfest South West – a major event in the UK’s ceramic calendar. More than just a marketplace, it’s a chance to explore the breadth and depth of modern ceramic artistry, meet the makers behind the work, and experience the dynamic processes that bring clay to life.
Now in its fourth year, the South West show is the youngest in the Potfest family – but has quickly become a favourite. With its spacious countryside setting, laid-back atmosphere and exceptionally high standard of exhibitors, the event draws collectors, interior designers, architects, gallerists and curious visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for the perfect mug or a sculptural centrepiece for your home or garden, this is the place to find it.
Meet the makers
One of the unique pleasures of Potfest is the opportunity to engage directly with almost 100 exhibiting potters – each selected
for originality, craftsmanship and professional practice. It’s a rare chance to talk about form, glaze, technique and inspiration with the person who created the piece. The work spans everything from finely thrown domestic
ware to large-scale sculpture, delicate jewellery to conceptual installations. Every item is hand made – often one of a kind – and most artists are happy to take commissions or discuss their wider body of work.
Jeremy James’ Reader and Cat
In addition to the exhibitors’ stands, live demonstrations run throughout the weekend. These free sessions offer insights into the craft: try your hand at wheelthrowing slab-building, slip decoration and glazing. Whether you’re a potter yourself or simply curious about how raw clay is transformed into functional or sculptural objects, this is a fascinating chance to learn from highly skilled, professional makers.
The
drama of Raku
Adding a theatrical edge to the event is the hugely popular Raku firing display – a traditional Japanese technique that embraces unpredictability and heat. Watching the process unfold is unmissable: pots are removed from a red-hot kiln and placed in sawdust or combustible materials, where they smoke and cool to reveal iridescent, crackled or metallic finishes. It’s a fiery, smoky spectacle that never fails to draw a crowd – and a reminder of the elemental nature of ceramics.
Not just collectors
While Potfest South West is a serious event for collectors and curators, it’s also enjoyed by anyone with an interest in handmade craft or art or contemporary design. Families
are welcome, there’s food and drink on site, and the open rural setting gives space for children to roam and visitors to linger. Many makers exhibit work suitable for outdoor display, and garden ceramics are a growing highlight of the show.
Why Potfest matters
Potfest South West reflects a growing appreciation for ceramics as both an artistic medium and a sustainable, tactile alternative to mass production. Buying directly from makers supports independent businesses, reduces wasteful shipping, and offers genuine transparency in how objects are made. It’s also immensely
rewarding – you’ll leave with something not just beautiful, but very personal.
Whether you’re adding to a collection, hunting for a thoughtful gift, or simply looking for a day out with substance, Potfest South West delivers. It’s three days of clay, creativity and conversation – and a rare window into one of the UK’s most vibrant creative communities.
• Potfest South West runs from 4th to 6th July at Turnpike Showground, near Shaftesbury. Adults £6.50, under 16s go free.
Visit potfest.co.uk for tickets and to preview the full list of exhibiting potters.
Browsers enjoying Sarah Sullivan’s Serenity Heads
Jana Griffiths Ceramics
by Fanny Charles
Ballet Under the Stars
A romantic 17th century walled garden near Tisbury hosts the annual celebration known as the “Glyndebourne of dance”
One of the hidden delights of south west Wiltshire, the walled garden at Hatch House near Tisbury, has a starring role every July in an event that has become a hugely anticipated date in the summer social calendar, particularly for lovers of classical and contemporary ballet and dance. The garden of Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold’s beautiful old stone house is a glorious setting for three evenings of exciting dance, performed by some of the world’s leading dancers and complemented by fine dining. It is little surprise that over its 15 year history, Ballet Under the Stars has become known as “the Glyndebourne of dance.” This year it runs from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July.
Founder-director Matt Brady created a unique formula in 2010, when he first brought world-class dance to this rural corner of Wiltshire. While offering guests the glamour and panache of international
dancers in an intimate setting, the evening also included a gourmet dinner – a feature that is unique to Hatch (patrons at most country house opera seasons bring picnics or enjoy a separately-billed dinner at an onsite restaurants).
Over the three nights, principal dancers and rising stars from some of the greatest ballet companies in the world, perform on a stage set in the romantic 17th century walled Dutch garden.
Bahamian guests
This year, the performance programme will, as always, take place in three 30-minute sections, between courses of
gourmet dining with paired wines. The walled garden is covered by a bespoke roof to create a dinner theatre, allowing the audience to enjoy the mixed bill of classical, neo-classical and contemporary dance, come rain or shine. Post show, guests are invited to continue their evening with cocktails and dancing in the Café Folle cocktail bar late into the summer’s night.
In March, Matt Brady took his ballet creation to the Bahamas for the second time, and in an exciting programme for this year’s local audience, he is bringing two of the Bahamian dancers to Hatch – the celebrated Courtney Celeste Fox and Vernal Adderley.
A stellar cast
Four principal dancers from two of the most prestigious British ballet companies, English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet, will be performing under the stars at Hatch – Lauren Cuthbertson, guest principal with the Royal Ballet, makes a long-awaited return, partnered this year by Gareth Haw, an
ENB principal, making his Hatch debut; Sarah Lamb and William Bracewell, both Royal Ballet principals, are also making their Ballet Under the Stars debut.
Lauren Cuthbertson studied at The Royal Ballet School before graduating into the company in 2002, becoming a principal in 2008. In 2022 she performed in the Platinum Party celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II. She is vice president of the British Ballet Organisation and Patron of London Children’s Ballet and the National Youth Ballet.
Gareth Haw trained at both the lower and upper schools of The Royal Ballet. He joined ENB in 2023 and was promoted to principal last year.
American dancer Sarah Lamb joined the Royal Ballet as a soloist in 2004, and was promoted to principal in 2006. Her repertoire includes leading roles in ballets by Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, August Bournonville, Kenneth MacMillan, Alastair Marriott, Jerome Robbins, John Cranko and Liam Scarlett. William Bracewell, like Gareth, is a Welsh dancer.
From the age of 11 he trained at The Royal Ballet School and joined the Royal Ballet as a soloist in 2017, and has been a principal since 2022. The 2025 line-up is completed by Hatch audience favourite, Xander Paris.
The 2025 premiere
Every year, through the Dicky Buckle Fund, a charity created by Matt to support young dancers and choreographers to bring new works to the stage, a new work is premiered at Hatch. This year, two young, talented dancers, Faye Stoeser and Hannah Ekholm of Ekleido, will perform Clinquant, the work they have created and choreographed, supported by the charity. Ekleido’s distinctive choreographic voice combines contemporary dance with street dance style including voguing, threading and bonebreaking.
• Ballet Under the Stars is at Hatch House on 25th, 26th and 27th July. Tickets start at £195: coventgardendance.com
The South Coast’s favourite car show just shifted up a gear
Classic & Supercar Sunday is back – and 2025 promises the biggest and boldest show yet!
Now held at the spectacular Canford School near Wimborne, this year’s event brings more space, more horsepower, and more family-friendly fun than ever before.
Since its grassroots beginnings in 2022, the show has grown rapidly. ‘Canford represents a huge step forward,’ says Zander Miller, Director of Aperta Events. ‘It gives us the scale and facilities to take things to the next level –
we’re turning into ultimate car event of the summer.’
Expect hundreds of dream machines, live entertainment and plenty of surprises throughout the day. Canford’s iconic sunken lawn will showcase a curated display of exceptional vehicles, from rare classics to headturning supercars – all set against a stunning historic backdrop.
What’s new in 2025
– Street food village: gourmet burgers, artisan coffee, cocktails and local favourites
– Bigger Family Zone: more room, more activities, all-day entertainment – Mini Rovers: the electric Land Rovers return. Still FREE for kids, complete with driver’s licence – Live rock band: keeping the energy high all day.
Headline sponsor Daizun Investments returns in 2025, backing Aperta’s mission to create standout experiences. ‘We’re car enthusiasts ourselves,’ says CEO David Rogers. ‘This event brings people together to celebrate some of the world’s most iconic cars. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable day.’
Got Something in the Garage?
Do you own something special?
A rare classic, a beautiful restoration or a head-turning supercar? Apply now to exhibit and share your pride and joy.
• TICKETS ON SALE NOW –early booking is advised. Sunday 24th August, 10am to 4pm £19 adult/£10 over 5s/£45 family. Canford School, BH21 3AD apertaevents.com
Dorset Golf Captains retain Six-County title
Dorset Golf Captains have successfully retained the SixCounty Golf Captains Trophy for 2025, edging out Gloucestershire by just two Stableford points in a tightly-fought contest.
The event, held on Monday 19th May at the Dorset Golf & Country Club, saw teams of six pairs from each of the six counties compete in a four-ball better ball Stableford format. The five best scores contributed to each team’s total. Final scores: Dorset 210, Gloucester 208, Wiltshire 202, Devon 190, Somerset 183, and Cornwall 173.
Captained by John Skinner (Yeovil), the Dorset side included players from across the county: Gary Edwardes (Bridport), Phil Purvis (Broadstone), Charles Foster & Hugh Lawes (Came Down), Peter Foster, Gordon Mutton, Ray Pugh & Steve Walton (Dorset G&CC), Peter Brickell (Highcliffe), Nigel Mobbs (Sherborne) and Simon Etherington (Weymouth).
Top pair of the day was Charles Foster and Nigel Mobbs, who
posted a superb 47 points in changing conditions.
Originally launched in 2013 as the West of England Championship at Saunton Golf Club, the competition was paused due to COVID. Saunton later donated the trophy to the counties to continue the event under its new name – the SixCounty Captains competition – and rotating hosting duties alphabetically among the counties. Dorset won last year’s event at Stover GC.
Dorset Golf Captains, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, welcome all club captains from any golf club affiliated with the Dorset County Golf Union.
In addition to matches across southern and central England, the group organises several internal events and supports junior development through the Colin Chataway Trophy – an initiative that once included future British Open Champion Georgia Hall.
Sun shines on the 2025 North Dorset Cycle Ride
The North Dorset Cycle Ride once again enjoyed fantastic weather on 18th May, with 110 cyclists taking part in one of the three scenic routes. Riders tackled the familiar 25and 50-mile road routes, and also a new 22-mile gravel ride. The 50-mile route included the leg-burning Zig Zag Hill, Broadchalke and the Fonthill Estate, offering plenty of challenges and sweeping views. The Gravel Crunch led cyclists past Wardour Castle and through Semley – and all routes concluded with a triumphant climb up Shaftesbury’s iconic cobbles on Gold Hill, cheered on
by a supportive and enthusiastic crowd at the top.
The Family Fun Ride returned bigger and better, with cycling tests and activities at Shaftesbury Primary School for both children and adults. Prostate Cancer UK was this year’s chosen charity, with strong community support for a cause that now affects one in eight men across the UK. Cyclists were welcomed at the finish with hot food courtesy of Paul Whiteman and team, and refreshments provided by BADco (Brave and Determined). Shaftesbury Rotary Club extends its heartfelt thanks to all
volunteers, schools, supporters and local businesses who all helped make the event such a memorable success.
L-R: Hugh Lawes (Came Down), Gordon Mutton,Steve Walton and Ray Pugh (all Dorset G&CC), Simon Etherington (Weymouth), Phil Purvis (Broadstone), Peter Brickell (Highcliffe), Dorset Captain John Skinner with Trophy (Yeovil), Charles Foster (Came Down), Gary Edwardes (Bridport), Peter Foster (Dorset G&CC), Nigel Mobbs (Sherborne), Dorset President David Kimberley.
An open letter from Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club
By Shaun Weeks, Founder and Head Coach
You may have seen us on social media – we’re the smalltown boxing club that keeps punching above its weight. At Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club, we’ve produced multiple national and European champions. And now we’re proud to say we’ve coached a world champion: Ruby “The Pocket Rocket” White, who first stepped into our gym as a shy seven-year-old.
But while the headlines might be about medals, our real work happens every night of the week – with more than 200 young people from the local area. Many are struggling in school, facing difficult circumstances, or just in need of a positive place to be. We give them that place.
The challenge grows Boxing builds more than fitness. It creates confidence. It channels aggression. It teaches discipline and respect. Most importantly, it gives young people a safe, structured
space to grow – a community, surrounded by coaches who care. All of us are volunteers: between us, we give more than 200 hours of our time each week, entirely unpaid. As we grow, so do the demands – and travel costs, our biggest expense, are spiralling.
Competing across the UK and Europe isn’t just about medals: it’s how we give our young athletes the experience and exposure they need to thrive. But without financial support, we simply can’t keep opening these doors.We’re reaching out
to local businesses and people to ask can you help?
We’ve put together a set of sponsorship packages which start at just £30 a month – or if you’d prefer to make a oneoff contribution, no matter how big or small, every penny really does make a difference. Your support doesn’t just back champions – it helps shape young lives.
Please feel free to get in touch for a chat on 07817 243101 or sturabc@aol.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this - Shaun
SNABC’s 2024-25 season:
• 180 Competitive bouts
• 22 Skills bouts
• 17 Box Cup Champions
• 12 Western Counties Champions
• 3 Boxers on the England Pathway
• 3 National Runners-up
• 2 National Champions
• 1 Tri Nations Runner-up
• 1 Tri Nations Champion
• 1 European Champion
• 1 World Champion
“Not a bad effort for a club in Rural Dorset” - Shaun Weeks
In March the club was awarded the Most Outstanding Community Support Award in the Sturminster Newton business awards
Dorchester, Dorset
Kingston Maurward British Eventing Horse Trials
kindly sponsored by Andrews Plant Hire kindly sponsored by Andrews Plant Hire
Spectators welcome
A fun day out for all the family!
G ates open 09:00, £5 per car
exciting equestrian sport
beautiful parkland setting
food & drink outlets
trade stands
ice cream bar
Over £58,000 Raised by Young Triathletes at Bryanston
More than 780 pupils from 30 local schools gathered at Bryanston for the second year running to take part in the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon – the UK’s largest fundraising event for children. Swimming, cycling and running, the young athletes collectively covered over 1,700km – the distance from Blandford to Valencia – and raised more
than £58,000 for youth charity Restless Development as well as more than 30 other charities chosen by participating schools. Top fundraisers of the day were The Olive Green team from Port Regis School, who raised £1,550. Asked why they took part, they simply said: ‘To help people who don’t have as much of a chance in life.’
The Bryanston event is part of a
12-race national series organised by Restless Development, aiming to raise £1.2 million this summer. Last year, the global youth charity supported more than 288,000 young people leading change in their communities. Thanks to sponsors Knight Frank and Neilson Beach Clubs, every penny raised goes directly to the chosen charity, supporting grassroots initiatives both in the UK and internationally. More than 2,000 people attended the event, which brought together pupils, families, local businesses and volunteers. Bryanston’s Head, Richard Jones, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome everyone for a brilliant day of sport and community spirit. To see so many young people engaged, active and doing good at the same time is exactly the kind of event we love to support.’
Cerne Abbas set to bloom again for its 49th Open Gardens weekend
Cerne Abbas is well known for its giant, its Abbey site ... and for being one of the prettiest villages in Dorset. Since 1974, its annual Open Gardens event has invited the public into a number of its private gardens to raise money for local charities: Now in its 49th year, the 2025 event will raise funds for both The Dorset Wildlife Trust and Cerne Valley Cricket Club.
This year, some 25 private gardens – ranging from compact courtyards to sweeping plots – will be open around the village, with many owners on hand to chat and answer questions. Most gardens are dog-friendly (on leads), and several offer wheelchair access. All are within easy reach of a free car park (DT2 7JF), opening from 1pm. Refreshments – including the much-loved homemade cakes – will be served in the vicarage garden, while a popular plant stall in the village square opens at 1pm. Local pubs and the village shop also provide food and drink options. Recently featured on Channel 5’s Dorset: Country & Coast, this is a perfect summer outing for plant-lovers and garden inspiration seekers alike. Gardens are open 2pm to 6pm each day, and entry is by map, available on the day from the car park
or village square: £8 for one day or £10 for both (children under 16 go free).
Full details of the event at: cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk
Dorset paramedic tackles extreme new challenge for charity
This June, Dorset paramedic George Bell-Starr will attempt a never-beforecompleted endurance challenge.
George, from Weymouth, is taking on the Tri-Lake Swim, a gruelling test of physical and mental resilience that will see him swim 1,000 metres in the highest lakes of England, Scotland, and Wales.
But that’s only part of the journey – each lake requires a demanding hike to reach, with the full challenge covering nearly 26 miles on foot and over 3,000 metres of elevation gain. He aims to complete the entire effort in under 30 hours.
‘I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself physically,’ he said. ‘In the past, I’ve swum 500km in 365 days and cycled from Aberdeen to Weymouth on a stationary bike while working on a ship. I love swimming, and after seeing friends take on the Three Peaks Challenge, I started wondering if I could blend the two. A quick evening of Googling showed no one had ever done this, and so the challenge was born.’
While the swim itself is headline-grabbing, George says the real test lies in the long, punishing hikes to reach each remote lake – and in contending with extreme conditions: ‘I anticipate that the lakes will be much colder than the sea, possibly as low as six or seven degrees! The other challenge will be the dark: I expect that the English lake swim will take place in the dark, so my support crew will have to keep an eye on my small, reflective safety buoy to keep me safe.’
George’s chosen charities – Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), The Duckling Pre-School, and Cancer Research UK – will spur him on through the long hours and cold water: ‘As a paramedic I’ve seen first-hand the critical role the air ambulance plays across the region. The fact that DSAA is totally funded by charity donations makes it even more important that I raise as much as I can.’
He also hopes his efforts might inspire others to take on their own challenge – no matter how big or small.
‘Go for it! Just do it. Try not to over think it, as sometimes you can get in your head and start doubting yourself. I truly believe that anyone can achieve anything.’
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receives no direct government funding and relies entirely on public support. Each mission costs around £3,500 to fly.
• You can support George and donate to the Tri-Lake Swim challenge here: justgiving.com/page/trilakesswim1
George Bell-Starr Image: Sam Carden, Climb South West
JAMIE AND THE FALCONS
SAT 26TH JULY
The popular ultimate party band return with Jamie Moses, playing a selection of Los Pacaminos, pop, rock, soul and other classic hits
THE
THE NEW JERSEY BOYS
SATURDAY 21ST JUNE
With all the hits from the Four Seasons, the show also includes tributes to other legendary performers such as Showaddywaddy, Freddie Mercury and Tina Turner
JERRY LEE LEWIS SONGBOOK
SAT 9 AUGUST TH
Peter Gill and his band perform all the great rock n roll hits that Jerry Lee is famous for such as: Great Balls Of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin, Breathless, High School Confidential, Be Bop A Lula, Wild One, Roll Over Beethoven, Johnny B Goode, Good Golly Miss Molly plus a host of many others
MUD
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST TH FRI 8 AUGUST TH JOHN CLEESE
Today, the band has two surviving original members, ROB DAVIS and RAY STILES Mud still create an element of fun in their shows, and the set consists of all the hits. Book your tickets now!
Brass brilliance comes to Stalbridge
A spirited summer afternoon of live music awaits as the 28-piece Oddfellows Brass band returns to Dorset for the first time since 2016. Hosted by the Phoenix Oddfellows, the concert will take place at Stalbridge Hall on Sunday 29th June at 3pm (doors open 2.15pm), in support of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
Formed in 1981 and sponsored by the national Oddfellows Society, the Leicestershire-based band brings together talented musicians of all ages.
Many original members still perform, including founder Rob Boulter, who will be taking the stage once again. With a lively, crowd-pleasing repertoire spanning opera, stage and screen classics, and traditional brass favourites, the twohour show (with interval) promises something for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned fan or simply curious.
The band last performed in the area at Blandford’s Corn Exchange to an enthusiastic reception. ‘If you’ve never been to a brass concert before, our show is a great place to start,’ says Rob. ‘There’s nothing better than seeing audiences singing and dancing along.’
Refreshments will be provided by Blackmore Vale u3a, with a raffle on the day in aid of the Air Ambulance.
Tickets are £10 and available from Williams Florists (Station Road, Stalbridge), The Swan (High Street), or by contacting Judy on 07984 170571 or on judy.penfold@oddfellows.co.uk.
• Find out more about the Phoenix Oddfellows and their community work at oddfellows.co.uk, or explore the band’s history and music at oddfellowsbrass.co.uk.
Latin America, a choral feast and party the night away at The Exchange
Quimantu is an iconic Anglo-Chilean band performing with charangos, zamponas, quenas, bombos, violins, violas and cellos. In a unique Artsreach community project, Quimantu has been working with Dorset choirs and the Alkyona Quartet to perform Miso de los Mineros – The Miners Mass. This powerful piece fuses British choral tradition with Latin American roots, composed by Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, who fled Chile’s Pinochet dictatorship 50 years ago and made the UK home. The Surtierra Tour concludes at 3pm on Sunday 15th June at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, where Quimantu will be joined by up to 100 singers from Palida Choir, Shaftesbury School Choir and Dorchester’s Cloud 9 Chorus: each choir will perform from their own repertoire too. In July, The Exchange welcomes back the Aber Valley Male Voice Choir, performing at 2pm on July 26th. Aber Valley are one of Wales’ most successful and popular male voice choirs, singing music that ranges through classic rock, West End hits, famous operetta pieces and, of course, traditional Welsh hymns. They love what they do, are passionate about singing, and enjoy having a great time!
The next day, Sunday 27th July at 6pm, The Exchange welcomes ROKiT Choir, presenting
Legends. ROKiT is the largest independent choir in the area, featuring more than 80 singers from Gillingham, Blandford, Wincanton and more, and this spectacular performance will celebrate the greatest pop and rock icons of all time. There will be a guest appearance by Nathaniel Morrison, straight from London’s West End, with credits in shows like Sister Act, Moulin Rouge and Choir of Man. Come along and sing along!
And to demonstrate the versatility of The Exchange, on the Saturday night, between Aber Valley and ROKiT, you can catch a return performance by Jamie and The Falcons. …. ‘the ultimate party band’ - Brian May (Queen).
• stur-exchange.co.uk/whats-on
ROKiT Choir
Respite breaks – a holiday with all the bespoke care you need
If you’re feeling in need of a holiday – or want to give your regular carer a break – but are worried about how your care needs will be met, a respite break could be the perfect solution. A respite break is a temporary stay in a residential care home, complete with expert, tailored care. Suitable for those who currently receive support at home with daily tasks, have nursing care to support with a long-term or complex medical condition, live with dementia, are recovering from illness or injury, or are just planning for the future, a respite break ensures that your care requirements are taken care of, so that you can focus on enjoying the change of scenery!
Pick your holiday...
Once you have established that your chosen care provider can meet your individual care needs, you are free to choose your respite break as you would choose a holiday anywhere else! Think about the location of the residential or nursing care home – are you looking for a summer holiday near the sea, a chance to rest, reset and get away from it all in the countryside, or perhaps
you fancy the hustle and bustle of a town or city break?
Do you prefer a contemporary setting with modern interiors, or somewhere more traditional which feels homely?
Also consider what activities and hobbies you enjoy – you will have full access to all of the entertainment, activities and facilities on offer at your chosen care home, so have a think about how you would like to spend your time. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new friends and discover new interests.
Like an all-inclusive holiday, respite stays include your accommodation, all of your meals, housekeeping and activities – with the added bonus of specialist care tailored to your individual requirements. Respite breaks at our care homes have been described as ‘like being on a cruise – without leaving port’, and we can see why!
For some, short term respite care provides a well-deserved break for themselves and their carers. For others, it provides a great opportunity to experience life in a care home before making a permanent move.
Whether you stay for a few days or a few weeks, you and your loved ones can relax, knowing your needs are taken care of.
• To discuss your care needs, check availability and book your respite break at one of Somerset Care’s care homes across Somerset and Devon, please call 0800 817 4925 or visit somersetcare.co.uk/ respite today.
We look forward to helping you to discover your perfect respite break getaway.
Sausages and stories with LLTL
The demonstration and presentation at the Dorset Spring Show has to be described as a complete success again this year. On both days we had a full house, with lots of people enjoying the tastings and talks by all the wonderful producers: South Paddocks Ltd (rare breed pork), The Book and Bucket Cheese Company (cheese), From Dorset With Love (jams, chutney and condiments), Meggy Moos Dairy (milk, cream and butter), and Rawston Farm Butchery (meat). It was great to see so many people genuinely interested in what we all had to say. Rachel from Meggy Moo’s brought some lovely double cream and we got everybody making butter, tasting Rachel’s milk and delicious home-made butter.
Peter Morgan from Book and Bucket showcased his smoked halloumi and curd cream cheeses: he paired the halloumi with a sweet chilli jam by From Dorset With Love, and their lemon curd was mixed with Peter’s curd cheese for an easy cheesecake idea.
I wanted to show people the difference between natural hog sausage skins versus the collagen bovine man-made ones - and also how easy it is to make meals with sausage meat, minced beef or a mix of both beef and pork. We also discussed food prices and why it matters to check labels for the true origin of what we’re eating.
Claire King from the Nutrition Advisory Team (NAT) joined us, talking about the importance of the nutritional value of food and about getting
food education back into all schools. Bec Hill, a farmer from Winterborne Keyneston and a Dorset County Show committee member was our main anchor and support for the two days – her knowledge of food and farming was very important. We made a great team, really working together to showcase Dorset produce. Thank you to all of you for making it such a success – and a big shout out to our sponsors Blanchard Baileys solicitors who made it possible.
Visit the farm
Our next event is Open Farm Sunday on 8th June – farmsunday.org, Dorset has just four Open Farm Sunday participants this year, and Rawston Farm stands out as the county’s only full-scale working farm opening its gates to the public. If you’re curious to see a true commercial mixed farm in action, with dairy cows, arable land and livestock raised for food production, Rawston Farm is the place to visit. It’s a rare chance to explore a real working farm and chat with the people who run it – not just about the animals in the fields, but about food production, sustainability, and the everyday realities of farming in 2025. We look forward to seeing you there.
• Join us for a FREE expert-led workshop on what the latest tax reforms really mean – and how to plan ahead: Wednesday 11th June, 7pm at The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton
Letters to the Editor
Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@BVmagazine.co.uk.
When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.
On Mr Farage’s 10m migrants
I’ve been astonished recently by the number of people insisting that “millions of illegal immigrants” are responsible for breaking the NHS and the country. This myth seems to be gaining traction online, fuelled by Nigel Farage claiming there have been “over ten million illegal immigrants” in the UK over the last few years. Well now.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the entire UK population is currently 69.14 million. That includes legal immigration and all UK births – with British births making up the vast majority of population growth. The total population increase over the last decade has been about three million. Even if all of that increase had come from immigration (which it hasn’t), we’re still nowhere near ten million.
As for “illegal immigrants”, or more properly “irregular arrivals” – the government’s own data shows that in 2024, just 38,784 people arrived via small boats* across the Channel. That’s 0.056% of the UK population. To put it another way, at that rate, it would take nearly 1,800 years for those arrivals to equal the size of the current British population. For context, around 68,000 people die from heart attacks in the UK each year. So let’s be very clear: “illegal immigration” is not causing a population explosion. It is not swamping public services. It is not bankrupting the NHS.
What is happening is far more familiar – a politician is using fear and misinformation to build a platform. Mr Farage is far from the first to do so, but history tells us this tactic has very dark consequences when left unchallenged. We desperately need honest conversations about migration, housing, the NHS and the future of rural communities. But we also need to base those conversations on facts, not fantasy. *source on gov.uk
Edward J, Gillingham
On the closure of the day centres
As a mother to an adult son with additional needs, I read your article on the proposed closure of Dorset’s day centres with a heavy heart – and rising fury.
These centres aren’t just buildings. They’re
lifelines. They provide safety, structure and familiarity for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. My son doesn’t need a pop-up session in a library or a ‘social’ in a pub. He needs a consistent space with trained staff who understand him – somewhere he belongs.
MP Simon Hoare hit the nail on the head: this proposal shows no understanding of the geography of North Dorset, or of the people it’s supposed to serve. Closing these centres will isolate users and heap more pressure on already stretched families.
This isn’t “modernising” care – it’s stripping it away. Dorset Council must think again.
Helen C, near Blandford
On the death of Philip Charlesworth
I was heartbroken and furious to read about Philip Charlesworth.
When a man is driven to take his own life because he fears what the government might do about a tax, something has gone badly wrong. This isn’t just a tragedy – it’s a disgrace.
People in offices talk about “tax efficiency” and “tapering reliefs” like they’re playing a game. On the ground, this is real life. Most farmers are land rich, cash poor – we can’t just sell a field to pay a bill without wrecking the whole farm.
The counter argument seems to basically be: “Why shouldn’t farmers pay tax? Nurses and dentists do.” But that misses the point entirely. Farming relies on owning and passing down enough land to keep a business viable. If you’re forced to sell it off, you may no longer have a working farm at all.
Most farmers aren’t making big profits. Spreading inheritance tax over ten years still isn’t possible if there’s no spare cash. Nurses and doctors (and we’re grateful for every one of them) don’t need to pass down land in order to do their jobs. Their wealth usually comes from salaries, pensions, rising house prices. Compare that with running a farm is like comparing chalk with cheese.
Jane S, by email
On the Dorset Insider (Tick-box Planning, The BV, May 2025) I don’t live in Dorset but the same applies to Somerset. Where is the ‘joined up thinking’, the
‘holistic approach’ and all the other buzzwords that amounted to nothing but suggest an approach that is definitely needed if these are to be sustainable communities? And don’t get me started on the house design. Ruled by greed.
Marcia Parkinson, Facebook
Hugely considered and truthful prose and a reflection on what many people also think. How sad that the author deems it important to remain anonymous - He/She deserves respect - certainly has mine!
Kit Williams, Facebook
It’s not just Dorset. We were told by our Town Council in Somerset that developments can’t be objected to on the grounds of lack of local infrastructure. It’s a fundamental flaw in UK planning and absolutely ridiculous!
Holly Phillips, Facebook
No doubt replicated across the whole of the South West. Developer-led housing rather than local needs-led housing, with no genuine effort to build what we need, at prices we can afford. Sadly we live in a world where profits override everything, and communities and the environment are given little or no consideration as the balance sheet is all that matters.
Our planning rules and the lack of any meaningful enforcement allow developers to bend the rules to suit themselves and on the whole the public sit and watch quietly as the West Country is destroyed.
Julie Chant
On Volunteering
I retired at the age of 70, and it only seemed right and proper with all this free time that I was going to have that I actually did some volunteering. Little did I know that free time during retirement is a fallacy – for some strange reason you seem to be busier than when you were at work. I’m three years in now and still trying to work out why. I tried volunteering for several charities around North Dorset, but for one reason or another, they didn’t suit me. I eventually realised it was because I’d had a lifetime of attending a certain place at a certain time: I resented doing that once I was retired! Finally I tried hospital driving for The Friends of Blandford Hospital. I would really recommend it as a form of volunteering –you choose the jobs you accept, and you get to meet some really interesting people. So if you’re interested, give the friends of Blandford Hospital a call on 01258 450095.
Nigel Barrow, via email
Need some legal advice?
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Whether you’re a private individual or a commercial business, we provide the clarity you need.
Talk to us: info@porterdodson.co.uk 01305 262525
Upcoming events.
WALKING IN MEMPHIS WITH ELVIS
A talk by author Lorraine Gibson
14
TARRANT GUNVILLE CHURCH FETE
all the usual fun of a country fete
14
A SELECTION OF EVENTS FROM OUR WHAT’S ON CALENDAR FOR JUNE
A FEW CRUSTED CHARACTERS
New Hardy Players bring Thomas Hardy’s famous series of short stories to Maumbury Rings
WINCANTON CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENT A SUMMER SOIRÉE
Songs , Sonnets, Duo’s, solos and more!
BANDS FOR BRAVERY MUSIC & FAMILY FESTIVAL
Three days of live music, delicious food, traders & more
20 JUN 26-29 JUN 4-6 JUL 28 JUN 21 JUN 20-22 JUN
FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT a thirty-minute Arogramme of music for trombone
WIMBORNE COMMUNITY CENTRE ARTISAN MAKERS MARKET
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT GUIDED WALK
Join the rangers of Avon Heath for an enchanting evening meander
PHOTOGRAPHY AND DIGITAL ART EXHIBITION
Reflections of Nature exhibition from two talented local artists
the very best music, arts, crafts, food and drink from around the world 8
Handmade beautiful art and craftwork for sale
SEMLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Discover What’s On across Dorset – for locals and visitors alike. From car boot sales to comedy nights, fun runs to village fetes, our calendar has the what, when, where, how much – even how long it’ll take you to get there. Got an event? Add it – it’s quick, easy, and FREE.
Abbey104 Album of the Month: Butter Miracle: The Complete Sweets! Counting Crows
It’s easy to overlook how consistently brilliant Counting Crows have been across their career. Aside from their breakthrough, ubiquitous 1993 hit single Mr. Jones, their two biggest hits have been wholly unrepresentative novelty singles: one a saccharine soundtrack effort for a Shrek movie (Accidentally In Love) and the other an illadvised, hip-hop inspired reading of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi. A cursory glance at the title and artwork of their latest LP is enough to deter all but the most ardent fans from venturing further. But push past these missteps, and the rewards are great. Counting Crows – one of the most underrated and under-appreciated bands of the last 30 years – have delivered their best work since 2002’s Hard Candy, with a record that pairs five brand-new songs on side one with the 2021 E.P. Butter Miracle: Suite One on side two. The frequent callbacks to American states and female protagonists, a consistent feature of singer Adam Duritz’s lyrics, remain, but there are also fresh ideas to explore. On bluesy opening number With Love, From A-Z, Duritz sends a love letter from the road which feels as honest and heartfelt as anything he’s written (‘I may leave you a lot, but I won’t leave you alone, …these words are the essence of me’) On Boxcars, an urgent, grungy powerhouse with a chorus reminiscent of early Foo Fighters, he laments a disenchanted, disconnected
generation (‘Mom and Dad and a couple of kids staring at the screen, makes it easier on you, makes it easier on me’)
But the highlight here is the beatles-esque, instant pop classic Under The Aurora. While lines like ‘I wanna believe in something’ feel tired for a band who proclaimed ‘I don’t believe in anything’ over 30 years ago, the chorus refrain of a songwriter finding his place in the world (‘Where is there a place for me among the millions, humming and humming and humming away’) finds them at their best: poignant, yearning, and catchy as hell. By some kind of miracle, they’ve hit the sweet spot yet again. – 4.5/5 stars
• Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
Matthew Ambrose, DJ at Abbey104
A
Is my PIP about to be cut?
Q:My mum has been claiming Personal Independence Payment for three years and I claim carers’ allowance so I can help her. We’be been told that PIP is going to be cut very soon and we are worried about how we are going to cope without that money coming in. What should we do?
A:We realise that recent announcements have caused a lot of concern to people claiming PIP – and to those who care for them. However, it is worth noting that no changes have yet been made.
The changes are being proposed via a Green Paper entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working. A Green Paper is a government consultation document that outlines proposed policies or legislation, and seeks feedback from the public and other stakeholders before the government makes a final decision. It’s essentially a way to gauge public opinion and gather input on different policy options.
The consultation
There is a consultation running now on the proposed changes. The consultation, which runs until 30 June, sets out plans and proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support
The government says it is “keen to hear views from a wide group of people, in particular disabled people and people with health conditions” and that it is “committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people and people with health conditions at the heart of everything [it does].”
A description of the consultation and details of the consultation events are here and links to the Green Paper itself and the consultation questions are here and here There is both an audio and a BSL version. There are 20 consultation questions and also the opportunity for a free text reply.
If you would like to add your voice and comment on the proposed changes, you should respond to the consultation (and yes, unfortunately, it will take a couple of hours) and also contact your MP to express your views.
Finally, if you have been considering applying for PIP and would like to do so before any future changes are implemented, the details on how to do so are on the Citizens Advice website.
The return of the builder with pride
Trade needs balance and housebuilding needs vision – Simon Hoare MP reflects on broken supply chains and hopes for a rural development revival
With new deals signed with the United States and India and the timetabled review of our Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, trade deals have been much in the news recently. We very rarely give any thought to how we trade: we just have an expectation that what we want will somehow be available either in store or online. President Trump’s spate of tariff madness has, if nothing else, shown the importance of trade policy to all of our lives and livelihoods. The disruption to supply chains occasioned by COVID and then Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea have played their part in highlighting the fragility of our supply chains, and how dependent we have become upon them. Free trade is always to be championed, providing, as it does, open access to customers and markets – lifting people out of poverty and improving the lot of our fellow man. ‘Free trade’ does not mean ‘laissez faire trade’. Any relationship needs to be buttressed by checks and balances – whether that is quota or regulatory alignment on issues such as animal welfare or use of slave labour. Free trade is not free trade when the playing field is uneven.
Where are our housebuilders
Development – and developers – have got themselves a bad name. Communities are suspicious as to motive and outcome. Many feel disenfranchised within a process that is detailed, legal and technical. The large volume housebuilders have dominated the market in recent years, and not always to the good. Design and layout of schemes lacks any local vernacular character. Too many estates look as if they could be in ‘anytown’. Providing a roof over a person’s head is of course important per se, but it can do, and should be, so much more. Developments should shape place, add amenity, create community and assist social mobility. They can and should be places of quality and beauty. I have become even more convinced about the need for the volume builders to improve as I am now dealing with three developments across North Dorset where the developer simply has not done what they said they would do, causing anxiety and irritation to those who have spent
Too many estates look as if they could be in ‘anytown’
considerable sums to purchase their homes. One of the problems in delivering this has been the near absence of the small to medium sized housebuilder – the companies that delivered small schemes amounting to probably no more than 60 units a year. They employed local people. They forged a mutually beneficial relationship with councils. They understood what the local market needed. Moreover, they understood local design, history and materials. They delivered developments that often melded into the existing landscape rather than standing out like a sore thumb. They took pride in their work because they lived within the areas in which they were building. They wanted to leave a legacy.
The biggest source of their demise was the great Crash of 2008, when banking nearly fell over and the appetite to lend to the small scale, often highly leveraged developer went the way of the dinosaurs. Well! Good news appears to be on the way. A recent government announcement has recognised the importance of this sector as a pivotal way of delivering new homes at pace. Because they are smaller developments, they can be fitted into infill or small sites, rather than requiring field after field, thereby making them far more agile in meeting the needs of Neighbourhood Plans. Big policy changes are proposed in order to make securing planning permission easier and more streamlined. I am confident that, if we get this initiative right, we could see a renaissance in local housebuilding across the UK. I believe that this will be welcomed in many, if not all, rural communities, where the need for organic but smaller scale development is evident. With additional competition, it may also force the volume housebuilders to sharpen their pencils when it comes to design, layout and materials etc.
Is a golden age of sensitive, quality residential development within touching distance? I certainly hope so.
Progress, not Populism
Brexit still bites as Jackson challenges Labour’s caution and slams Conservative legacy of decline, delays and dark-room populist fantasies
Conservatives managed our decline for the last ten years and people were finally fed up of it, nationally and locally. People wanted change and they voted for it in 2024, relegating the source of their pain to the role of noisy and frustrated spectators. We also now face the headwinds created in the wider world by bad actors like Presidents Putin, Xi and Trump, compounding the homespun decisions and actions of the last ten years.
Greatest of these homegrown headwinds is Brexit. There were many good reasons to dislike the EU and to have voted to leave but there were no excuses for leaving in the shocking way we did. With no planning and with political posturing overriding good sense, we agreed almost the very hardest Brexit deal possible. North Dorset’s current MP wrote last month about buyer’s remorse, but in the realm of Brexit there is little realistic chance of sending anything back to the shop anytime soon – and his party was the shopkeeper of our current pain. Unless something changes, our economic fortunes will continue to be held back by that deal.
So, the way forward must be to negotiate, and we have started to see the very early glimmers of what cooperation can achieve. Through the very modest improvements negotiated last month, the UK and EU laid down the absolute basics of a useful deal – a micro-deal. It should help our farmers a bit, companies with European supply chains too, and it might just re-ignite the enthusiasm of small companies to start exporting again.
As a bonus, perhaps there will also soon be a deal to allow young people to travel and work. Probably the most important result, though, was to establish a new willingness and practical process for future negotiations. Let’s be honest with ourselves: Brexit is not done, and it never will be. The nearest market is always the most important market, so we will always be negotiating with the EU in some way. We need to get used to the give-and-take of negotiation ... which brings me to another harsh reality. While the micro-trade deal is a win for pragmatism, it stands in stark contrast to the desires of Conservative and Reform populists. Populists
are less concerned by evidence, facts and stable judgement. Populists think in terms of ‘them and us’. Populists are comfortable with confrontation and uncomfortable with consensus.
How many populists does it take to change a lightbulb?
None. They’re too busy moaning about the dark
For populists, the micro-deal was a treacherous sell-out, but I have a question: how many populists does it take to change a lightbulb?
None. They’re all too busy sitting in the dark, listening to Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage moaning about how bad it is.
There will be little real world progress if the fantasists get back into power.
Spoiler alert: Liberal Democrats want to go further and be bolder in our relationship with the EU. The quickest path to a stronger economy is to improve our deals with the EU. The UK has much to offer and a huge amount to gain. Our nearterm recommendations include creating a bespoke customs deal with the EU that really gets the economy going. Come on Labour, what are you afraid of?
Gary Jackson North Dorset Liberal Democrats
A summer of events and new faces in Sturminster Newton
There’s a buzz in town this June – and plenty of news around both Stur’s thriving independent shops and also upcoming events. Firstly, congratulations to local couple Tim and Claire Downer who have just opened Smiley Myley, the luxury dog accessories boutique in the former Agnes & Vera premises. A familiar face in 1855, they’re the first trader to ‘graduate’ from the Emporium to a bricks and mortar high street shop. Their move then creates space for new local producers to join the 1855 community – and the latest arrivals are an impressive bunch:
• Spoons of Dorset Butter: Small-batch, hand-churned flavoured butter range
• South Paddocks: Pork pies, scotch eggs and scratchings from their own herd just three miles away
• Pressed on the Hill: Dried flowers, presses and botanical art
• Shanty Spirit: Rum and vodka from Poole, infused with seaweed and botanicals
• Saddle Stop: Flavoured gins
• Earth-Light: Foraged botanical candles
• Del’s Creative H-art: Animal-themed artwork
• Hannah Shelbourne Designs: Handpainted lampshades and cards
• Mima Natural Colour: Naturally dyed textiles
• Karen Bush Pottery: Handthrown ceramics from her Wimborne studio You can meet many of them during 1855’s monthly Meet the Traders & Tastings morning – always held on the first Saturday of the month.
Events in June
Sturminster Newton’s cultural calendar is also looking lively. SturLitFest (6th to 14th June) is packed with events for all ages – and believe it or not, it’s not just about books. The North Dorset Photo Exhibition (21st June to 4th July) opens at The Exchange, displaying the top-voted images from the biggest towns across the region.
As part of their Railway 200 campaign, the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership are giving away free postcards in local shops throughout June – each one showcasing stops along the old Somerset & Dorset Railway line.
Looking ahead, on the 5th to 13th July, local artists will once again be exhibiting around town for Sturminster Newton Arts Week. The Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meet returns to the Rec on the first Saturday morning of every month, 9am to 12pm, the same day as Liz’s Craft Fair in the Emporium Atrium – with free parking all day, courtesy of SturAction. And finally – a gentle plea. These fantastic community events don’t run themselves. If you would like to get involved, email Jacqui at SturBiz18@gmail.com – your skills (and friendship) will be very welcome.
by Tracie Beardsley
Stephen Toop working on his hives in the Tarrant Valley All images: Courtenay Hitchock
In the company of bees
From CPR on the kitchen floor to spinning honey in a shed, Stephen Toop found peace, healing and purpose in beekeeping on a Dorset farm
Exuding the ruddy glow of someone who spends his days outdoors, Stephen Toop sits at a small kitchen table in his cosy farmworker’s cottage.
It was in this very kitchen that a near-death experience changed his life – for the better.
A dairy hand since leaving school – his dream job since childhood –Stephen collapsed at home on a break between milkings. His quickthinking wife Dawn performed CPR, bringing him back to life.
That moment was a turning point: Stephen needed something calmer, where he could be alone. No mobile phone and away from the pressures of modernday farming. Most of us would likely opt for yoga, but Stephen chose to surround himself with thousands of bees!
Manor Farm, with around 80,000 bees per hive, Stephen has found his sanctuary.
‘I’ve always been fascinated by bees. I’m dyslexic and struggled at school, but a brilliant teacher, Mr Spring – to whom I’m forever grateful – introduced me to environmental studies. The school kept ducks, chickens and bees, and I was able to learn in a practical way which suited me much better.’
‘I chill and chat with my bees –they tune into me, and I tune into them.’
Initially, Stephen invested in two garden hives, plus a hot tub as a thank you to Dawn for saving him. Unfortunately, the bees also enjoyed using the tub for water, leading to a stung Dawn!
‘I chill and chat with my bees,’ he says. ‘They tune into me, and I tune into them. There’s a real connection. The level of their buzzing tells me whether to leave them alone.’
Now running 45 hives across Tarrant Monkton’s
After chatting with farm bosses James and Barbara Cossins, Stephen was loaned field corners for his expanding hives. He joined a local beekeeping club, gained a first qualification and was allowed to take Saturdays off from his farmwork from May to August to continue his studies.
The bees now play a valuable role on the farm. During what’s known as ‘the spring flow’, they
Stephen Toop, who came to beekeeping while searching for a calm, stress-free occupation after a near-death experience
Stephen Toop looks after more than 3.5million bees, with 45 hives scattered throughout the Tarrant Valley in field margins and unproductive farm corners
are moved around the fields to pollinate crops. ‘They work in tandem with the farm,’ explains Stephen. ‘Once the oil seed rape is finished, I move them to pollinate the beans.’
In the ten years Stephen has been taking hives to the fields, there’s been a significant increase in crop yields. The farm is also experimenting with different grass seeds – chicory, cornflower, red clover and white clover provide bee treats and enhance biodiversity.
The farm has turned areas of unproductive ground into nectar strips for the bees. Barren earth has been transformed into a honeybee highway of wildflowers where bees can rest and refuel.
The smallest livestock
Though beekeeping started as an escape, it’s now Stephen’s second career. His day starts at 3am with the cows, and then he tends his bees between milking sessions. ‘They’re livestock, not just insects you leave in a garden. They must be checked every seven days for diseases and overcrowding, which could lead to swarming.’
In the evenings, his cottage has become a base for a microbusiness, producing delicious
honey and its by-products. Dawn creates beautiful honey wax melts and candles at the kitchen table. Meanwhile Stephen cracks on with the sticky task of spinning hundreds of pounds of honey in a processing unit in his garden shed.
With real North Dorset provenance, their award-winning Tarrant Valley Honey is sold a few miles away at Rawston Farm Shop and features in dishes at the farm-owned Langton Arms pub. Due to demand for his honey, a website is coming soon.
‘It’s pure goodness in a jar,’ says Stephen. Some customers swear by its medicinal properties, often using it on ulcers and eczema.
Stephen discovered the healing effects himself when honey he was spinning inadvertently soaked into his chest – and soothed his own eczema.
All profits are reinvested into bee care: ‘My ethos isn’t about how much honey I produce. It’s all about caring for the bees.’
Stephen is in the throes of setting up a local beekeeping social club, and has recently hosted his first beekeeping experience.
‘I’m aiming them at anyone who would like to understand more about bees and bee-keeping. We open up the hives and people get a chance to build their own honey-spinning frames.’
Are all the stings worth it?
‘If I get stung it’s my own fault for rushing or not concentrating. You can’t hurry bees – that’s what I love about them.
‘Plus, the bonus is a sting is the cheapest and best of all Botox!’
• Join Stephen for A Bee Experience on 6th July at Rawston Farm, Tarrant Rawston – 2pm, £60 per person (£100 per couple). Protective equipment will be provided and afternoon tea is also included. To book, call 07488 311024 or email stephentoop@sky.com
With barbecue season in full swing, this month I thought I’d suggest some tips on making a great salad. I’ve also included an example of a salad I’ve made using the tips below – Heather
Making a great salad
The key for any good salad is to layer the salad with flavours and textures. If you try and hit the main areas mentioned below, it will transform your average, lettuce-heavy, empty-flavoured dish to a delicious and complex accompaniment that will stand up to the strong flavours on the barbecue.
• Creamy/fatty
This is usually in the form of a dressing, but it could be avocado too. Cheese can also help here.
• Bitter
Usually some fresh rocket leaves or kale helps, you don’t need too much of this.
• Sharp
A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or perhaps some pomegranate seeds or orange pieces. You can also include pickled items here too, like pickled radishes or onion.
• Tangy
Use some feta cheese or sour cream/yoghurt in the dressing
• Crunchy
Add some croutons, carrots, sweetcorn or
roasted nuts (a lovely sprinkle of hazelnuts or cashews really help make a salad sing)
• Salty/Umami
Consider sardines or tuna, soy sauce, or even roasted tomato halves
• Sweet
This might be chopped dates or roasted sweet potato. You can also try some fruit: peaches often work well
• Fresh
This is your traditional salad ingredients –your chosen lettuce (whether that’s iceberg, Romaine or Little Gem), cucumber, bell peppers and peas.
• Earthy
Roasted vegetables, especially root vegetables, work well. A traditional UK option is beetroot, but be adventurous by trying other root veg like carrots.
• Grains/pasta/beans/pulses can make up the base of the salad: do experiment with options that have a flavour of their own, such as cooked lentils or wild rice.
Heather’s salad for barbecue
No need for measurements here because it’s a very relaxed dish –just use roughly equal amounts of the above ingredients.
• Cucumber
• Sweet peppers
• Rocket leaves
• Dates
Method Ingredients
• Pomegranate seeds
• Cashews
• Feta cheese
• Sweet potato
Peel, chop and roast the sweet potato in a little oil in a hot oven, probably 180º fan, for about 25 minutes until soft but still holding shape.
Roast the cashews for a couple of minutes in a hot dry pan until golden, just to enhance the flavour. Then it’s just chop everything up and mix in a big bowl until you are happy. You could also add wild rice if wanted to make it more substantial.
I added the feta cheese for both the creaminess and the tang!
Heather Brown is a special officer for the Guild of Food Writers and has worked in the food industry for 20 years. She is a food writer and photographer, offering one-to-one help to local businesses for content and websites.
Expert Karen Geary’s quick guide to the most common therapeutic diets, designed to support your health, not just your waistline
We often think of diets as a way to lose a few pounds before summer, but some diets serve a far more important role – supporting chronic health conditions. From gut health to autoimmune disease, therapeutic diets aren’t about trends or quick fixes. They are targeted nutritional approaches designed to reduce symptoms, manage conditions and, in some cases, improve long-term health outcomes. But here’s the key difference: many therapeutic diets are not meant to be followed forever. They often involve elimination phases, careful reintroductions, or a specific nutrient focus – and using them without personalised guidance can do more harm than good. This is where professional support, such as a registered nutritional therapist or dietitian, becomes essential, especially when dealing with complex issues such as gut health, thyroid conditions, certain cancers or autoimmune disease. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common therapeutic diets and when they might be appropriate:
Gluten-free
What it is: A diet that eliminates all gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye). Essential for those with coeliac disease and often adopted by people with autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, due to potential gluten sensitivity. Some people also choose to eliminate gluten “mimics” such as corn, oats and even dairy, as these can crossreact in sensitive individuals.
What it’s great for: Managing coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and may help reduce inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disorders. Watch outs: It’s not inherently healthier or designed for weight loss. Many gluten-free packaged foods are highly processed.
Low FODMAP
What it is: A short-term elimination diet that reduces fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols), which can trigger bloating, pain and IBS symptoms. It is designed to be followed in phases, with gradual reintroduction. What it’s great for: Clinically proven to reduce symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and some functional gut disorders, eg bloating and diarrhoea, where no ‘disease’ is identified but symptoms persist. Watch outs: It’s restrictive and not designed for long-term use. Without proper reintroduction, it can negatively impact gut microbiome diversity. Best followed with professional guidance to ensure gut health is supported throughout.
Ketogenic
What it is: A very low-carb, high-fat diet that switches the body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Originally developed for epilepsy management, it now has broader therapeutic applications.
Therapeutic diets aren’t about losing a few pounds, trends or quick fixes
What it’s great for: Neurological conditions like epilepsy and cognitive decline, managing chronic fatigue, blood sugar regulation and as adjunct support in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. It is also showing promise for supporting mental health and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD. Early research suggests that by providing ketones as an alternative energy source for the brain, keto may help stabilise mood, focus and cognitive performance. Watch outs: Can be nutrient-poor if not carefully planned. Long-term keto may not suit everyone and should be monitored.
Focus on whole, naturally gluten-free foods and seek testing before self-diagnosing gluten intolerance or removing entire food groups unnecessarily.
Modified Mediterranean
What it is: A diet rich in olive oil, fish, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, with minimal
processed foods and moderate dairy, meat and wine. The Med diet is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
What it’s great for: Supporting cardiovascular health, managing type 2 diabetes and blood sugar balance, reducing risk of cognitive decline and lowering overall inflammation. It also promotes gut microbiome diversity thanks to its fibre and polyphenol content.
Watch outs: While flexible and sustainable, weight management still requires attention to portion sizes – especially with breads, pasta and wine. It’s a lifestyle, not a prescriptive “plan”, so some people need guidance to avoid slipping into too many refined carbs.
Anti-inflammatory diet
on nutrient-dense meats, fish, vegetables (except nightshades) and healthy fats. After a period of elimination, foods are carefully reintroduced.
What it’s great for: Individuals with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis who are looking to identify food triggers, reduce symptoms and support gut healing.
These diets are powerful tools designed to manage specific health conditions
What it is: Less a formal diet, more a way of eating focused on reducing inflammatory triggers –emphasising colourful vegetables, omega-3-rich foods (like oily fish and flaxseed), nuts, seeds, herbs and spices (like turmeric), while limiting processed foods, sugar, refined carbs and trans fats. What it’s great for: Managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, skin issues (eczema, psoriasis), cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions and as supportive care alongside cancer treatment. Its focus on low glycaemic index (GI) foods, antioxidants and moderate healthy fats makes it a strong foundation for reducing systemic inflammation.
Watch outs: It can feel vague without professional input, as there’s no strict rulebook. Some people focus too much on “superfoods” without addressing hidden inflammatory triggers like stress, poor sleep, or food sensitivities.
DASH
(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
What it is: Originally developed to lower blood pressure, DASH focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy, while reducing sodium, red meat and processed foods. What it’s great for: Clinically proven to reduce high blood pressure, support heart health and lower risk of stroke and kidney disease. It’s a balanced, sustainable approach for anyone managing cardiovascular risk factors.
Watch outs: Some versions still promote low-fat dairy and higher carbohydrate intake, which may not suit everyone, especially those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Sodium reduction should also be personalised – not everyone benefits from ultra-low salt diets.
Autoimmune protocol (AIP) / modified paleo
What it is: An elimination diet designed to reduce potential dietary triggers of autoimmune flare-ups. It removes grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds and processed foods, focusing
Watch outs: It’s highly restrictive in the elimination phase and not intended as a permanent diet. Without guidance, it can lead to nutritional gaps or an overly fearful relationship with food. Functional testing and personalised reintroduction phases are key to making it effective and sustainable.
Plant-based / whole food plant-based (WFPB)
What it is: A diet centred around unprocessed plant foods – vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds – while minimising or excluding animal products and processed foods.
What it’s great for: Supporting cardiovascular health, type 2 diabetes management, kidney health and reducing cancer risk. Rich in fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients, it’s known for its role in chronic disease prevention.
Watch outs: Going plant-based doesn’t automatically mean healthy – ultra-processed vegan foods are still processed. Nutrients like B12, iron, omega-3 and zinc may require careful planning or supplementation.
A final note
These diets are powerful tools designed to manage or support specific health conditions – not trends to follow blindly. Many involve elimination phases, reintroductions, or nutrient focus that require expertise to get right. Used incorrectly, they can lead to nutritional gaps or make symptoms worse. If you’re considering a therapeutic diet, especially for gut health, autoimmune conditions, or chronic disease, work with a qualified professional to personalise the approach – and remember, food is just one part of the bigger picture.
Shroton
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent from Shroton – or Iwerne Courtney. The village delights in its two names - the Domesday Book lists a manor of Werne, and by 1244 it is Yuern Curtenay. It appears as Schyreuetone in 1337.
The postcard of Main Street was sent in August 1906 to Lewisham: presumably JW had been sent to Dorset to convalesce:
I have been very busy trying to discover mushrooms for a little feed for Pa & me – but alas! In rain. Shall try again however so please be ready to cook for us on Friday evening. Had tea yesterday up on the hills. The weather is lovely & I look better already. Aunt h sends you her love. JW
In 1261 Shroton received a grant from Henry III for an annual fairs and a weekly market. The autumn fair continued into the 1960s and used to be one of the main Dorset events of the year. It was held under Hambledon Hill, on the field now called the Fair Field, and is said to be the inspiration for the opening scenes of the hiring fair in Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge – as well as the sale of horses, cattle and all manner of produce there was a hiring fair, and also entertainments such as roundabouts, swings, shooting galleries, fortune tellers and jugglers.
The image was taken in 1911, and the card sent from Shroton Post Office to Appin in Argyllshire: Shroton Dearest Brother. Thank you so much for sweet p.card although rather wild looking, I don’t think I should care to live there. We are beginning to look forward so much to your holiday, Hope you are keeping well, am sorry to say Bob has a bad cold on his chest again, have had to keep him in since Wednesday. Best love from us all, your affectionate Alice.
Growing up
American tanks, fire watchers and 50 tons of tomatoes – Wimborne’s wartime years shaped the town’s landscape and community
Growing up has always been a balancing act between structure and freedom, expectation and imagination. But the nature of childhood – how it’s spent, what’s valued, and when independence begins – has shifted dramatically over the past two centuries. For most of the 19th century, childhood in East Dorset was short and often harsh. Many children worked from an early age, especially in rural families where an extra pair of hands in the fields mattered more than classroom attendance. Education, if it happened at all, was patchy – a luxury for wealthier households, a charitable provision for everyone else. Formal schooling gradually became more widespread after the 1870s. By the early 20th century, most children were in
Playing conkers in the QE School playground in 1955
1st Wimborne Scouts in the 1950s, delivering logs to Wimborne old folk in Burt’s lorry. Photo taken at the bottom of St John’s Hill by Harleston Villas.
school until the age of 14. Lessons focused on the basics – reading, writing, arithmetic – alongside moral instruction and, for girls, domestic skills like sewing. It was education with a purpose: not to broaden horizons, but to prepare children for work.
The Second World War brought disruption but also reform. From the 1940s onwards, the idea of education as a right – not a privilege – began to take hold.
The school leaving age rose, and new opportunities opened up. Secondary schools expanded, and by the 1960s, further education and training were within reach for many more teenagers.
The way we play
But childhood isn’t just about classrooms. The way children spent their free time also changed. Earlier generations had little leisure and fewer possessions. Entertainment was self-made: seasonal games, exploring the countryside, or helping out at home. By the 1950s and 60s, consumer culture had taken hold. Comics, pop records, and branded toys shaped a new kind of childhood – still rooted
1960s Youth Club, upstairs in the Church House
A children’s party in Wimborne’s Congregational Hall in 1962
in the local, but increasingly influenced by national trends. Youth organisations, from Scouts and Guides to church groups and sports clubs, offered structure and purpose. They helped young people develop confidence, skills and friendships – and were often the first taste of independence beyond the family.
Today, childhood looks different again. Longer, in many ways –more education, later starts to working life. There’s less freedom to roam, but more support and safety. Digital life often replaces much of the outdoor play that once defined every childhood in rural areas.
Old photographs quietly remind us how much remains familiar, however. Fashions and hairstyles may change, but the energy, curiosity, pride and moments of mischief all feel instantly recognisable. Time moves on, but the look in their eyes tells a story universally understood.
QE
After
Ferndown Zoo was run by Mrs Sadler from her house in Ringwood Road, now called the Old Stile House.
several animals escaped, the zoo had to close in 1955
Scouts on Poole Station, leaving for the 1957 World Jamboree in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield
David Hart in the 1960s, with the salmon he caught on the Stour near White Mill Bridge
We love pairing a vintage postcard with a photograph taken in the same spot today. Alongside the postcards, we feature a newspaper article from the same time and place – a little glimpse of life when the card was posted.
BRIDPORT NEWS
SHERBORNE
POLICE COURT, MARCH 14th, 1902
A YOUNG GIRL WEARY OF LIFE ALLEGED
On the 6th inst., at the Sherborne Police Court, Rebecca Anne King, 16 years of age, daughter of Henry King, of Bradford Abbas, was charged with attempting to commit suicide on the Monday previous in Bradford Hollow. Henry King, labourer, said prisoner was his daughter, and was 16 years of age. She had not been living at home lately—not for the last three
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
years. She had been at the Rev. Mr. Locke’s home for about two years, at Misterton. Witness saw her last on Monday morning near Bradford. He wished her good morning. No other words passed between them, She went towards Yeovil. He was surprised to hear afterwards that she had been stay ing at Bradford Abbas. He knew she had left Mr. Locke’s home and gone into
is remarkably
service in Yeovil. He thought she was still in service. He did not notice anything peculiar about her when they met. He did not know why she left home at 13 to go to the Rev. Mr. Locke’s home. He had nothing to do with her leaving. Witness had other children at home by another wife, aged 3,9, 12, and 14 respectively. On Monday he received a message at about 4.40 p.m., and in consequence he went to Bradford Hollow, and looked for his daughter, but could not find her. He was by himself. He went back into Bradford, and from what he there heard he proceeded to the other Hollow. He found his daughter in a dry ditch lying down. She was unconscious. He could get no answer from her whatever. He pulled her out of the ditch on to the bank, where she commenced vomiting. Her clothes were not disarranged, and she had her hat on. Witness ordered a trap, and with the assistance of George Chainey, the driver, he carried his daughter to the vehlcle, and they drove to his house. He telegraphed for Dr. Colmer, of Yeovil, who came in about an hour.
Bradford Abbas, with a new war memorial on the left
The scene
unchanged a century later. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
Yeovil Junction was within Dorset until 1991. Taken in 1918, it was a major railway hub connecting Yeovil Town with the main line to Taunton and Salisbury, with two platforms serving three tracks
The police also came that night, and took her in custody the following day. George Jeanes, a keeper of Mr. Clayton’s, at Bradford Abbas, said he was in the Hollow between three and four when he saw something lying on the ground. He found it was the prisoner. He tried to rouse her, but he failed. He put her inside the ditch for care, and then went up the road, He met his niece, who came with him to see if she could recognise the girl. He despatched his niece to tell Mr. King, he himself going home. In about an hour he returned, and found that her father had gone to fetch her. Dr. Colmer said he received the telegram about 7.45, and immediately went over to Bradford. He found the girl on the couch downstairs, She was in a semi-conscious condition. The pupils of her eyes were slightly dilated. There was a whitish vomit on her cape. There were no signs of irritation on her throat or lips, and no particular odour from her mouth. There were no signs of violence. Her pockets were searched, and several notes found, addressed to a young man at Yeovil and to her relations. In one of these, read by the Clerk, the girl said “I have been loneiy since my mother died.”—The doctor, continuing
In 2025 the Yeovil Railway Centre, a small railway museum, is in the G.W.R. transfer shed built in the 1860s and the S.R. turntable has been restored to working order for the servicing of steam locomotives
his evidence, said the girl told him nothing, but he concluded she had taken something. There was nothing to lead him to a conclusion as to what it was. The vomit had not yet been analysed. He made a superficial examination of the girl, and came to the conclusion that she was not enciente. P.C. Ford detailed his visit to the King’s house. After the girl had taken some tea, she became fairly sensible, and said she took 3d of gin and 2d of carbolised oil on Sunday. She further stated she had thrown the bottle away in the hollow, but though he had searched
he could not find it. Prisoner, on being charged, said she had nothing to say.—The Bench committed her for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.
*At the Quarter Sessions in the April, Rebecca was indicted for taking a quantity of carbolised oil, with intent to kill herself, but the Grand Jury found No Bill – they did not believe there was sufficient evidence, and essentially, refused to accuse her of wrongdoing.
In the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, on the Painted Hall’s west wall you can see George I with his extensive family: on the lower right hand side Thornhill cheekily included a self portrait
Dorset’s greatest painter?
CPRE’s Rupert Hardy looks at how James Thornhill brought the baroque to Britain: from Greenwich and St Paul’s to Sherborne’s staircase
The recent restoration of Sherborne House in Dorset has refocused attention on arguably the county’s greatest painter. James Thornhill was an eighteenth-century painter of historical subjects, working in the Italian baroque tradition. He is best known for his spectacular mural paintings in the Painted Hall at the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and various stately homes – including Sherborne House, now known as The Sherborne.
Born in Melcombe Regis (now part of Weymouth), Thornhill faced challenges early in life. His father absconded shortly after his birth, and he was taken in by his great-uncle, the distinguished physician Thomas Sydenham of Wynford Eagle. It was Sydenham who provided the funds for Thornhill’s artistic training, arranging an apprenticeship to fellow Dorset man – and distant cousin – Thomas Highmore. The apprenticeship began in 1689 and lasted until 1696. Thornhill later worked under the Italian artist Antonio Verrio at Hampton Court, refining his skills in the grand baroque style. His breakthrough came in 1704 with a commission at Stoke Court in
James Thornhill’s self portrait on the Painted Hall’s west wall
Herefordshire, which led to work at Chatsworth and Blenheim – and ultimately his great public commissions at Greenwich and St Paul’s. Thornhill’s key advantage? He was English and Protestant – unlike most of his competitors, who were Catholic Italians and Frenchmen.
The Painted Hall at Greenwich
Often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel, the Painted Hall is Thornhill’s masterpiece. Its allegorical wall and ceiling decorations celebrate the Protestant succession from William and Mary to George I, glorifying political stability, commercial prosperity and naval power. It took 19 years to complete. On the west wall you can see George I with his extensive family: but on the right hand side the artist cheekily managed to include a portrait of himself close to the monarch (see opposite).
In 1715, he was commissioned to paint the dome of St Paul’s with ten scenes from the life of St Paul. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Tenison, reportedly said: ‘I am no judge of painting, but on two articles I think I may insist: first that the painter employed be a Protestant, and secondly that he be an Englishman.’
Thornhill nearly died while working on the dome: stepping too far back on the platform suspended from the dome, he was saved by his assistant pulling him back from a certainly fatal fall. These works cemented his reputation as the foremost figurative artist of his generation, and he became George I‘s court history painter, being knighted soon after – the first English painter to receive that honour.
Hogarth and Thornhill’s daughter
Mural paintings played a vital role in British art history. They allowed patrons to express political ideals, dynastic ambitions, and philosophical messages – particularly in Whig country houses of the late seventeenth century.
Thornhill established a drawing school in Covent Garden, where William Hogarth studied – and fell for Thornhill’s daughter, Jane. Thornhill disapproved, seeing Hogarth’s low birth and and
keenness to paint ordinary people in the street as unsuitable. The couple eloped, and the need to earn money spurred Hogarth to paint The Harlot’s Progress series. Lady Thornhill urged her daughter to leave the newly finished pictures where her father might find them, and when Thornhill saw them he said: ‘Very well, the man who can furnish representations like these can also maintain a wife without a portion.’
Sherborne and
Beyond
At the height of his career, Thornhill was commissioned by Henry Portman, builder of Sherborne House, to decorate the grand staircase of the Palladian-style mansion. The resulting mural depicts a dramatic scene from Ovid’s Metamorphoses – the Calydonian Boar Hunt. In the myth, the goddess Diana, slighted by King Oeneus’s failure to honour her, sends a monstrous boar to ravage Calydon. His son Meleager leads the hunt, joined by the famed huntress Atalanta. Though Meleager kills the beast, Atalanta draws first blood, and he duly awards her the boar’s head and pelt. His uncles, outraged that a mere woman should receive the prize, seize it from her – and Meleager, in fury, kills them both. Thornhill also painted locally at Down House and Eastbury Park (both now lost), Charborough Park, and created a reredos for St Mary’s Church in Weymouth. He illustrated books, undertook some architectural work, and repurchased his family’s estate in Stalbridge, rebuilding Thornhill House. From 1722 to 1734, he served as MP for Weymouth and Wyke Regis, and later helped repaint the Houses of Parliament – assisted by his son-in-law Hogarth.
Thornhill was, undeniably, a Dorset success story. One well worth remembering.
Meleager
presenting Atalanta with the boar’s head - James Thornhill’s panel on The Sherborne’s grand staircase
Sowing the cover crop seed at Traveller’s Rest
Inconclusive is not a diagnosis
Triplets, toast-hungry sheep and maddeningly meaningless TB test results – George Hosford on the exasperating limbo that farmers face
Below is a shot of the long walk home for our huge flock, after shearing on a Sunday morning. We were very keen to get the 11 ewes clipped, seeing as the weather at this point was seriously warming up, and lambing just around the corner. It seems to happen every year: the first ewe lambs the day after shearing. Sure enough, the next morning Conker popped out her three lambs. Triplets are always tricky to rear, as three onto two
All images: George Hosford The long walk back from shearing for Traveller’s Rest’s hobby flock
(teats) just doesn’t go, and the stronger two will always pinch most of the milk to the detriment of the third. So after the colostrum had been shared, the prettiest one was taken away to be pampered with four feeds a day. We saw three more ewes lamb in the next two days: at time of writing the score is eight ewe lambs and one boy.
For the more professionally minded reader currently cocking a sneer at our miniscule flock, I should point out that, after decades of trying to find a way to make a profit out of sheep farming – and failing over and over again – our sheep enterprise was long ago relegated to hobby status. The only reason for their presence on the farm now is as entertainment and teaching aids for our school visitors. Being tame, it is very easy to take a class of thirty children into the field where the greedy sheep will promptly get up close in search of toast. It is a fair enough transaction –some crunchy food in exchange for top quality entertainment. The children can feel the wool, discuss the chewing of cud and talk about the lambs. Some even get hugged.
Inconclusive nonsense
The handsome beasties pictured opposite have had to be isolated from the rest of our herd, being the unfortunate recipients of an ‘inconclusive’ test result at our TB test at the end of March. This is a serious blow: we now have to be closed until we test clear.
The category ‘inconclusive reactor’ (IR) seems to me to be utterly useless. Either our animals have been exposed to the TB organism ... or they have not. As I understand it, having spoken to many vets, an animal reacts to the TB test vaccine if it has been exposed to TB. Full stop.
However DEFRA, through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), deems that the reaction lump has to be above a certain size in mm in order to be classified as a reactor. In other words, so that they will take it away and compensate the farmer for the loss of the animal.
However, between ‘reactor’ and ‘clear’ there is this murky category of ‘inconclusive’, which has its own unique set of associated rules. An inconclusive has to be isolated from the rest of the herd until it can be tested again – it gets a second chance 60 days later. If it is inconclusive again, it becomes a full reactor and will be taken by APHA. If clear, it can return to the herd – but it will never lose the label that says it was once an inconclusive, and its presence in the herd prevents the farmer from reaching CHKS status for the herd (entitling him or her to extend the period between regular TB tests from six months to one year, which is hugely helpful).
The only way to get out of this situation is therefore to dispose of the animal as soon as possible. It can legally go for slaughter, but if it’s a beef animal it may not be fit (big enough) – meaning the farmer inevitably loses out, receiving a lower price than if
they’d been able to keep it until fully grown. Things are more complicated for dairy farmers: the IR cow may be carrying a calf, forcing a difficult decision – whether to keep her until the calf is born, or sell her quickly to reduce the risk of spreading infection to the rest of the herd.
It’s not all badgers
Underpinning all this frustration is the very poor standard of the test used for regular TB testing, which relies on the measuring of lumps.
The TB skin test is the common name for the Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin (SICCT) test. This skin test is regarded as the definitive indicator of infection by the bacterium that causes TB in cattle – Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). It is the required test in the EU, and has proved to be a reliable tool worldwide.
The category ‘inconclusive reactor’ seems to me to be utterly useless
Two types of tuberculin, one made from killed Mycobacterium bovis and the other from killed Mycobacterium avium, (a birdrelated bacteria) are injected into the skin on the side of the neck, approximately three inches apart. The animal is then examined three days
later: if the bovine lump is larger than the bird lump, then it has reacted. The reason for the bird-related vaccine is to account for background levels of infection in the local environment: it is the difference in the size of the two lumps which is the all-important factor.
It’s worth recalling the TB cull, which controversially involved capturing and dispatching badgers – a known vector of bovine TB. In Dorset, the five- to seven-year cull periods across various parts of the county led to a reduction in new TB outbreaks of over 50 per cent. This has taught us two main things: firstly that reducing badger numbers can reduce TB in cattle, and secondly, that reducing badger numbers will never eradicate TB. It could only ever be one of a number of tools in the box, and only of any justifiable use if we are a great deal more rigorous in removing TB from cattle herds than we are currently.
After many years of TB levels rapidly expanding, it
is now everywhere, deeply embedded. And all too often, with current testing methods, it is lying undetected and infectious in many herds. It is utterly depressing, with insufficient vigour being put into properly dealing with the problem. A number of things are needed:
• Better testing
• Better on-farm hygiene, keeping cows and badgers apart, and more rigorous health screening of cattle.
• A TB vaccine, which can be distinguished from actual TB in animals
• An acknowledgement that TB is in the wild deer population and action on this, too
• Allow for badger culling in areas where TB seems endemic.
I know of one large dairy farm where any animals that show the slightest reaction to the skin test are taken out: a zero tolerance policy. There is a lot to commend this approach: it seems costly to the farmer initially, but in the long term it is probably the cheapest and most effective solution.
Useless bees
At the end of April Will sowed the spring section of our cover crop seed supply for next season. Alongside the lovely bright turnip plot he has sown buckwheat, spring vetch, daikon radish and camelina. On the far side of the turnips is a lively plot of winter vetch, and beyond that, over the hedge, is a patch of winter-sown phacelia, which is fully in flower, making us very popular with the bees which have just arrived on the farm from the cherry fields of Kent: we now have around 40 hives in different locations across the farm.
Robert Hogben, from Dorchester, has been bringing his bees here for many years, and around 20 hives live on the farm all year round. Robert was keen that the new bees are close to the beans this year, but after careful observation, I doubt the value to the farmer of bees in the bean crop. I have watched as they stick their proboscis through the side of the flower tube, directly into the drops of nectar, rather than fight their way into the flower from the top – therefore they do not collect any pollen with which to fertilise the next flower they visit ... do not pass go, and do not collect £200.
There could be a risk that the drilled hole would actually cause the flower to abort, though I don’t have the heart to mention this to Robert. I would however be very grateful to anyone who could shed some (scientifically rigorous) light on this.
• Follow George and his updates from Traveller’s Rest Farm on his blog viewfromthehill.org.uk
The bees seem to access the bean flower nectar through the side of the flower tube
Nature recovery by 2030? Fat chance
Chaotic policy and
chronic underfunding
–
Dorset NFU’s Tim
Gelfs calls time on the empty rhetoric behind the Government’s green aims
There are two phrases that spring to mind over the government’s ambition of 30 per cent nature recovery by 2030 – fat chance and no chance! Despite Dorset Council’s early efforts, it seems that with every new move on rural policy, the government hammers yet another nail into the coffin of nature recovery. And now even housing policy seems set to sideline nature in pursuit of yet another unachievable target. It’s very easy for governments to come out with big headline statements, sounding great on the day ... but generally there seems to be no plan or idea of how to get there.
So what’s going wrong with the UK’s nature? The natural world has been in steady decline for many decades – responsible for it are some agricultural practices, industry, loss of habitat by development and river pollution (mainly from our archaic and underfunded water industry). Sadly, the government’s ambition – admirable though it is – has been completely undermined by bad policy and lack of funding. When the policy was announced, the NFU estimated it would need a
budget of more than £4 billion to succeed. Yet we remain stuck at £2.4 billion – unchanged for nearly a decade and actually shrinking in real terms year after year.
An optimistic start
We now have the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) which has taken over from the European Basic Payment Scheme – as Michael Gove said, ‘Public Money for Public Good!’
‘Exactly which bit of any of that isn’t good for the public?
*sidenote, that statement really gets my goat! It has always been ‘public money for public good’. When the Common Agricultural Policy was launched, it was all about providing enough food. Then it moved on to providing affordable (cheap) food. Now it’s moving to providing food while looking after the environment and nature ... so exactly which bit of any of that isn’t good for the public?
Anyway. Within ELMS we now have the Sustainable Farming Incentive – SFI. This was supposed to take over from all the environmental schemes that had gone before, changing management
policy on farming to make food production more sustainable, better for the soils and the wider environment and therefore, for the UK’s nature. Nobody expected it to work first time out, but with industry input there was a decent scheme that we could mould over the coming years for the benefit of all. Although farmer’s were initially fearful the new government would take us in a different direction, we were assured that they weren’t going to reinvent the wheel. How wrong could we be?
On the face of it, in the Budget we kept the commitment of £5 billion over the next two years (the government says it is more, but the extra is a clawback from the year before).
The biggest problem was the drastic overhaul of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), which saw payments slashed and the scheme set to end abruptly this year. Unsurprisingly, this triggered a surge in applications to the new SFI, as farmers scrambled to replace lost income. I attended a meeting on the SFI in early February, and it was already clear that the sums didn’t add up – there simply wasn’t enough money in the pot to support all the agreements.
So the scheme’s closure came as no surprise. What was shocking was the way it was handled. Barely a minute’s notice, though the Government must have known for weeks (months?), that this was coming.
And then they had the audacity to call it a success. Should they have come to the industry sooner, rather than put their proverbial head in the sand? Damn right they should have!
They seem to have forgotten that they are there to serve. They have let the industry down and lost the trust of so many. Farmers who are coming out of old schemes or have new schemes planned for this autumn now have no idea which way to go.
Do they turn all the good they have done over the last ten, sometimes 20 years back into intensive food production, at the expense of all we have been trying to achieve?
It’s been nothing short of a disaster – for farmers, for nature and for the environment. I know many farmers who are rightly proud of what they’ve achieved. The last thing they want is to see all that progress unravel. A wildflower field margin in full bloom, alive with bees and butterflies, should be something we build on – not retreat from.
The treasury look set to slash our budget in the spending review this month ... you have to ask where the confidence or direction is coming from?
It’s time for the Government to wake up and grasp the nettle – either admit they are falling short and manage accordingly, or else get the cheque book out, consult with industry and COMMIT!
The one where she said yes anyway
From dodgy tractor skills to a spitting alpaca, Andrew Livingston’s love story proves Abbotsbury swans aren’t the only ones who mate for life
May and June were always my favourite time of year as a child. No, not because it meant the summer holidays were around the corner (although that did help). It was always at this time that we would make our annual family pilgrimage to the Abbotsbury Swannery
If you haven’t ever been – and you don’t have an aversion to a slightly aggressive avian species –then you must go this year! The cygnets will be hatching now and can be seen in the nests with their parents.
Interesting fact for you: swans find their soulmate and will mate with them for life. It’s quite romantic really. Amazing to think now that when I visited as a child I would have seen the same swans each year, having babies with the same partner. It’s a tenuous link, but as I write this, in eight days I will be settling down with my very own swan soulmate. I am getting married!
Slightly scary, slightly expensive ... but ultimately it’s very exciting.
We’ve already had two little cygnets of our own –which for me is quite handy. If the female swans fail to procreate they will bin off their not-actuallya-soulmate-after-all for a new partner that can get the deed done!
My soon-to-be wife, Ellie, is also from farming stock. It wasn’t part of the criteria when searching for a partner, but ultimately it did help. Working nine to five is a rarity in agriculture, and a 12hour day is often a requirement of the role, so an understanding partner is a must. For us, the hours are often made worse by then having to spend an extra two hours after work looking for our spaniel Wilf (every reader’s favourite) in the neighbouring farms, because he has done another runner.
The soon-to-be Livingstons: Andrew and Ellie have two ‘cygnets’, Martha and Charlie
With Ellie being of agri-stock, I thought I’d woo her by bringing her to the farm on one of our first dates. Unfortunately, my abysmal tractor driving was not that impressive and when she began to laugh at me I thought I was in trouble.
I had to do something fast to save the future I had mapped out for us in my head. I was desperate. I’m not proud of what I did, but in rural communities, it’s hard to find a partner. Needs must.
I parked up the tractor and walked her across the fields to show her the cattle – or at least that’s what she thought ...
As we stood in the end paddock the herd saw us and came bounding over with excitement.
She liked the Aberdeen Angus, and the beautiful view of the Dorset coastline in the distance did me no harm either. But then, from behind the black beauties, came a terrifying monster.
Dishevelled, unkempt and spitting with rage … and Ellie’s first meet with our old pal Peppa the Alpaca. Furious that we had approached his girls, he spat a cocktail of grass and phlegm in our direction, snarling his two buck teeth.
Ellie looked frightened. My plan was working. Proudly (and bravely, I need to point out), I stood alongside the scraggy monster-beast. With both of us in her view, I broke a small, hopeful smile. She looked us up and down, sighed, shrugged her shoulders and blatantly thought to herself: “I guess it could be worse.”
Six years later, Ellie will now become Mrs It-CouldBe-Worse. Thankfully for me, she forgot she could do better … much better.
The
Voice of the Allotment
May diary
Barry
Cuff takes
a look
back at
what
happened on
his
Sturminster Newton plot last month
May is our busiest month on the allotment, and even more so this year due to the lack of rain between 24th April and 20th May. Young plants and seedlings needed watering daily, some twice daily. Our potatoes, a thirsty crop, were given 20 to 30 litres of water per row every 3-4 days. Our strawberry plants (laden with flowers) were watered every three days as they started to produce fruit. Our skulkers* produced poorly due to the lack of rain: normally they provide us with a few meals before lifting the new crop.
1st – Sowed the first batch of Swift sweetcorn in pots. Tied in broad beans, strawed and netted the strawberry patch. Strimmed the hedgebank. Pumped water for the site.
2nd – Sowed Crown Prince squash, Butterfly squash, Defender courgette, Gergana cucumber and gherkin in pots. Harvested our Jazzy potatoes: grown in a large potato pot in the greenhouse – excellent yield from one spud. Our first new potatoes were as good as any Jersey Royal. Also harvested mixed salad leaves and pea shoots.
Henbane: ‘a fascinating and poisonous plant’ Historically, henbane was used, in combination with other plants, as an anaesthetic potion, and for its psychoactive properties
4th – Sowed Early Nantes carrots. Put fleece over the potatoes due to possible ground frost.
5th – Sowed Moonlight runner beans and Safari French beans in large pots. Sowed the second batch of Swift sweetcorn in pots. Erected cane wigwam and planted out sweet peas against the canes. Put cloches over the first line of peas. Pumped water for the site.
6th – Harvested the first of our spring onions.
7th – Dug a few skulkers (poor due to lack of rain). Sowed the second line of Hurst Greenshaft peas. Pumped water for the site.
8th – Attended the funeral of an old friend and long-time fellow allotmenteer.
9th – Removed fleece from potatoes. Sowed the third line of Hurst Greenshaft peas. Pumped water for the site.
10th – Sowed Moulin Rouge beetroot and some more Early Nantes carrots.
11th – Lost our celeriac seedlings (damped off?**). Cut chicons. Pumped water for the site.
‘Our first new potatoes were as good as any Jersey Royal.’ All images: Barry Cuff
13th – Sowed the fourth line of Hurst Greenshaft peas. Sowed Cylindra beetroot and mixed radish direct. Sowed Cendis cauliflower in a plug tray. Planted out a block of Little Gem lettuce. Bought 18 Prinz celeriac in plug trays to replace those lost to damping off.
Pumped water for the site.
14th – Fed strawberries and put a second string around the broad beans. Sowed a third batch of Swift sweetcorn due to the poor germination we had from the earlier batches.
Pumped water for the site.
15th – Weed parsnip rows.
16th – Sowed part lines of mangetout and snap peas. Watered remaining skulkers, and sowed Ironman calabrese in a plug tray.
Pumped water for the site.
17th – Picked the first of this year’s strawberries.
18th – Pumped water for the site. Bee plants in full flower (verbascum, Sweet William and Bastard balm).
19th – Erected runner bean canes. Pumped water for the site.
20th – Picked strawberries. Handweeded parsnip, onions, beetroot and carrot beds. Pinched out tops of Witkiem Manita broad beans.
21st – RAIN!
22nd – Sowed Early Nantes carrots. Planted out three Henbane which we raised
from seed in the border – it’s a fascinating and poisonous plant from the tomato family.
23rd – Put net cloches over pea rows. Sowed a plug tray of Little Gem lettuce (by sowing once a month, we maintain a continuous supply). Pinched out tops of Masterpiece Green Longpod broad beans. Removed three garlic plants (white rot). Harvested spring onions, and used the last of the 2024 onions.
24th – Planted out Moonlight runner beans. Sowed Witloof chicory and coriander direct.
25th – Pumped water for the site.
26th – Strawberries in full swing: picked four punnets.
27th – Erected cane wigwam for Grandpa Ott Ipomoea climber. Pumped water for the site. Fed
greenhouse tomatoes. Planted out Grandpa Ott.
28th – Erected wire and posts for the first line of peas, plus black cotton and bird scarers to deter pigeons. Picked five punnets of strawberries. Harvested spring onions.
29th – Picked the first broad beans and a bunch of sweet peas. 30th – Planted out Safari French beans and extra Moonlight runner beans.
Pumped water for the site.
*Skulkers – a Dorset term for ‘volunteer’ potatoes which were accidentally left in the ground the previous year. ** Damping-off is a fungal disease that affects seedlings, causing them to collapse and die
How d’you like them beans?
Barry picked at least nine punnets of strawberries during May
June in the garden
Pete Harcom looks at how to save water, keep pollinators happy and tackle weeds, without reaching for the sprinkler or scalping your lawn
now need attention!
Remove weeds as soon as you spot them, and make sure to dig out the roots. Don’t be too brutal though – daisies can look very attractive in a lawn, and they are a great plant for attracting pollinators as the flowers are full of pollen and nectar.
Maybe think about just mowing a pathway through the lawn and leaving other areas to grow long? This will provide food for pollinators and shelter for other wildlife. The warm weather and the lack of rain we have had are a rmeinder that we need to evaluate how we’re conserving water. Here are just a few tips for saving water in the garden:
1. Collect rainwater in butts, barrels, old sinks and baths and use it to water plants and top up ponds (making sure that wildlife can get out of any container used to collect water if there’s a chance they can fall in). There are water butts that can be connected to your roof downpipes via a diverter – these are a great way to collect
2. Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening: this is when evaporation is at its lowest and the plants will benefit most. But be mindful that slugs and snails will also thank you for the evening moisture!
3. Mulch or add bark to your flower beds and veg patches – this really helps to reduce evaporation. Mulching plays a key role in both retaining moisture in the soil and providing nutrients, and will also introduce organic matter to the soil, enhancing its structure and its capacity to hold water.
4. Let your lawn go brown, it helps it to build up resistance – it will spring back to green after it rains! In hotter weather, let the lawn grow a little longer, as it helps keep the moisture in the soil.
5. Try not to use a sprinkler – it can use up to 1,000 litres an hour. Spot watering at the base of plants is much more efficient than spraying large areas: fit a trigger nozzle to your hosepipe to halve water use and direct the water to where you need it.
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Take a Hike: Beautiful North DorsetPulham via Holwell| 8 miles
See all previously-published Dorset Walks on the website here. You can also find every route we’ve walked (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on OutdoorActive here (just zoom in/out on the map) – all include a downloadable gpx file.
This is a gorgeous, easy-going circular walk: there’s almost no hills to climb, but the pay off is a LOT of the famous Dorset hedges – be ready for plenty of wobbly stile scrambling!
This was a really lovely walk through the quiet, unvisited but footpath-strewn farmland at the heart of rural North Dorset - outside of the villages you probably won’t see a soul.
Parking is easy in the village hall car park in Pulham (handily placed opposite the Halsey Arms for a celebratory pint when you finish), and also goes via Round Chimneys farm shop & cafe if you need a mid-way refreshments break!
You’ll need your phone out frequently – I ended up checking the route field by field – but the footpaths are nearly all exactly where they should be. Judging by the plentiful marsh grass, a lot of the
fields looked like they would be marshy for a lot of the year: I’d suggest this as a dry spring/summer walk only unless you have really good footwear and don’t mind boggy ground.
Watch out for electric fences - there were quite a few, and one was right inside a gate which we didn’t see until one of us was zapped.
With a taut fence and no handle provided we had to drop and roll to cross it (and the same on the opposite side of the field).
All bridges were intact and sturdy, and the nettle growth at this time of year inevitably required some beating work to reach a couple of stiles. But every time we approached a hedge or field corner thinking the footpath had vanished it magically appeared as we got closer – trust the map, look up and enjoy your exploring!
by Jane Adams
Summer’s best-dressed power couple
Muscle-bound, shiny and flaunting it – meet the beetle, strutting through Dorset gardens in metallic green lycra like a six-legged bodybuilder
Picture, if you will, Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, gatecrashing a quiet Dorset garden party wearing tight, bright metallic green lycra. Sounds unlikely, I know.
Yet that very specimen – muscular, shiny and dressed to impress – is likely roaming your flower beds right now.
Meet the male thick-legged flower beetle. With bulging back legs and a metallic suit he struts across flowers like a mini bodybuilder, showing off his impressive quads to any nearby females. She’s less about muscle, more about poise: think skinny-legged supermodel rather than gym-honed athlete.
Both sport dazzling emerald-green outfits, making them quite literally summer’s most glamorous couple.
They aren’t exactly newcomers to Dorset, but before the 1990s, you’d have struggled to find them. Since then their species has spread across southern England and Wales, even reaching as far north as the Scottish Borders. Now, from May to August, you could find them anywhere with flowers, though oxeye daisies, cow parsley and buttercups are some of their favourites. And they don’t just look good - they’re also excellent pollinators as they traipse and fly between summer blooms in search of pollen.
But here’s the twist: you won’t find their youngsters trailing behind them. In fact, they won’t ever meet their offspring. The females lay eggs in the hollow stems of plants such as teasel or wild carrot, and, once hatched, their larvae develop and stay hidden before pupating and emerging next spring as adults –long after their parents have gone.
• Eats: pollen and nectar – they are excellent pollinators
• Colour: metallic green or bronze
• Size: 6-11 mm long
• When: May to August, especially on sunny warm days
• Larvae: live in the dead stems of plants like teasel and wild carrot
If you’d like to tempt some into your garden, it’s quite simple. Instead of cutting them back, leave any dead, hollow stemmed plants in the autumn. By leaving them standing until spring, you’ll provide the thick-legged flower beetle larvae – and many other insects – with a safe winter haven.
Female thick-legged beetle, Oedemera nobilis, sitting on a yellow tansy fower,
conservation officer Hamish Murray wants us all to reconsider our opinion of the UK’s ‘stinging pests’
If there was a popularity ranking for insects, wasps would probably occupy the bottom spot. However, the vast majority of the more than 7,000 species of wasp found in Britain are completely harmless to humans and, in most cases, highly beneficial as effective pollinators and predators of pests. Even the handful of species considered as ‘stinging pests’ are an important part of the overall ecosystem.
Firstly, not everything that looks like a wasp is, in fact, a wasp. Many other insects – including moths, sawflies and hoverflies – have evolved colours and markings that resemble wasps. This is known as Batesian mimicry, a strategy in which a harmless species gains protection by resembling an unpalatable or harmful species. Yellow-legged clearwing moth and figwort sawfly are two examples of wasp imitators. Wasps are a fascinating group of insects that exhibit an enormous variety of colour, shape and lifestyle. Here are just a few of the many species to be seen in Dorset:
Heath potter wasp
and suitable soil from which the female can construct a nest (pot), in which she lays a single egg. The pot will be provisioned with several moth caterpillars to feed the developing wasp larva before it is sealed. Each female will construct around 25 pots, usually attached to gorse or heather plants.
The heath potter wasp builds tiny clay pots on heather or gorse
The distinctive shape of the wasp’s abdomen makes identification relatively easy.
Purbeck mason wasp
Found only on a few heathland sites in Purbeck, this attractive wasp is one of the UK’s rarest insects. The Purbeck mason wasp frequents areas of open ground which have a nearby source of clay and water for nest building.
A plentiful supply of bell heather is also required –it provides a source of nectar for the adult wasps and is also the chosen food of the heath button moth caterpillar which, in turn, is the sole food of the mason wasp larva.
Ichneumon wasp
This scarce solitary wasp can be found on heathland sites where there is a supply of water
The ichneumon wasps are a huge family, comprising more than 2,500 parasitoid insects in the UK alone. They vary enormously in size,
shape and colour but are generally narrow-waisted insects with extended antennae and long female ovipositors. Identification of species is often very difficult in the field and, despite many species being large and colourful, ichneumon wasps still tend to be the subject of specialist study.
Purseweb spider wasp
There are 44 species of spider-hunting wasps in Britain. As their name suggests, they specialise in catching and paralysing spiders to feed their young. The purseweb spider is the only known prey of the purseweb spider wasp. Both species are designated as Nationally Scarce and found mainly in southern England, including along the Dorset coast where it has a particular liking for wild carrot.
Beewolf
This large and impressive solitary wasp was once considered an extreme rarity in Britain, but since the 1980s there has been a huge expansion of its range and it is now a familiar sight among Dorset’s heathland fauna. The female beewolf captures honeybees and carries them under her body back to the nest burrow to feed the developing young.
Broad-banded digger wasp
There are 120 species of British digger wasp and many of these have the same black and yellow colouration, which can make identification extremely difficult. The broad-banded digger wasp is a rare species which preys on small bugs such as froghoppers. It has characteristic broad bands on the abdomen and extensive yellow face markings.
Hairy sand wasp
One of four species of British sand wasp, the female hairy sand wasp overwinters as an adult and emerges on warm days in March, long before the other three species make an appearance. The wasp’s nest burrow is provisioned with a single large caterpillar to provide food for the larva. Despite being designated as Nationally Scarce, hairy sand wasps can be found over much of Dorset’s heathland and are often seen feeding on fleabane and other nectar-rich flowers.
Javelin wasp
With its ridiculously long, white-tipped ovipositor, clubbed hind legs and strange posture, this is certainly a distinctive insect. The ovipositor is, in fact, a very effect tool for laying eggs in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. Javelin wasps occur over much of Dorset, sometimes appearing in gardens.
• dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Broad-banded digger wasp
Purbeck mason wasp
Ichneumon wasp
Beewolf carrying a honey bee back to feed her young
Javelin wasp
Purseweb spider wasp
Hairy sand wasp
Curious Andrew Burge
Rising damp Guy Belbin
Garden visit
Kate Fry
Just stopping for a sec... Henry Wincewicz
We welcome photography submissions from readers – the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. Our cover shot is always selected from our submissions pile. If you’d like to join in, please share it in The BV community Facebook Group or simply email it to us on photos@bvmagazine.co.uk
Let battle comence
Mark Churchill Light
Paul Waterkeyn
Swarm
Gary Rawlins
Nicky Newman
Warren Port
Tracy Whincup
Good evening!
Ian Nelson
Liquid sunshine
Hang Ross
Fresh as Helen Moore
Poser
Mike Howson
Endurance ... and other life lessons
From jelly babies to chestnut chaos – Tamsin Doar discovers endurance riding with The Sass Queen and Sam Mowatt of The Piddle Ride
With the days growing longer and the weather warming up, many of us horse fanatics are looking forward to filling our time with equestrian escapades. My fiery welsh cob, aptly nicknamed The Sass Queen, is always up for a challenge. She loves tackling everything head on – including the world, her dinner, my pleas to ‘just slow down a bit’ – so we’re always looking for something new and exciting to try. Having previously crewed for riders at The Golden Horseshoe (the UK’s oldest competitive endurance ride), we thought we might try our hand (and hoof)
at endurance riding. And who better to ask for top tips than Sam Mowatt, organiser of the Piddle National Ride. Sam has been involved in endurance for more than 20 years: ‘I really love the sense of community and camaraderie. Going to events feels like coming home.’
She tackles everything head on – the world, her dinner, my pleas to ‘just slow down a bit’ ...
This is something that really struck me when I crewed, too – just how friendly and welcoming everyone was, taking me under their wing whenever I looked a bit clueless.
As an endurance novice I only knew I had to be at certain points around the ride to help those I was supporting (sloshing
horses with water and lobbing jelly babies at riders brought me a big thumbs up).
Endurance riding
Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that tests the stamina, training, and partnership between horse and rider over long distances. Unlike traditional show disciplines, endurance riding focuses on navigating varied terrain –perhaps forest tracks, open moorland or coastal paths – within a set time frame, all while prioritising the horse’s welfare. At Graded (affiliated) rides there are pre- and postride vet inspections. Pre-ride, your steed gets a once-over, has their heart rate taken (it needs to be 64bpm or under), and then trots up to prove they’re moving
Tamsin and The Sass Queen
freely. There’s also a quick hoof MOT just before you present to the vet – courtesy of the on-site farrier – checking that the feet and whatever’s on them are up to scratch for the distance ahead. Shoes, boots or bare feet – it’s all allowed, as long as the horse is comfortable and the kit’s up to the job.
I can only be grateful that they don’t evaluate the runners –there’s no way I’d trot up sound! Riders then have 30 minutes to start their ride, and throughout the route there are specific points where your crew – often a helpful friend or long-suffering partner – can meet you to help keep both horse and rider hydrated and fuelled. Longer routes include another mid-way vet check.
When you pass the finishing line you have 30 minutes to cool off and present for the final vetting. Grades are awarded based on speed and final heart rate: fit horses who complete at good speeds and have low heart rates at the final vetting will be rewarded with higher grades. Competitions are typically divided into three categories: Pleasure Rides (PRs): Noncompetitive rides, usually up to 34km. They offer a relaxed opportunity to enjoy time with your horse and friends. When held alongside Graded or Competitive Endurance Rides, horses are trotted up before
and after the ride. Horses must be at least four years old, and the completion speed should be between 8 to 12km/h.
Graded Endurance Rides (GERs): These rides range from 20 to 160km and require the horse to pass a veterinary check before and after the ride. Longer distances are split into loops, with additional vet checks between loops. Horses are graded based on their speed and heart rate, with awards given accordingly.
You can stay at whatever level suits you, for as long as you like
or more. All competitors start together, and the first horse to cross the finish line, having passed all vet checks, is the winner. Minimum speed is 10km/h, with no maximum speed. While pure and part-bred Arabs dominate the longer distances of endurance, any fit and healthy horse can compete easily up to 65km and beyond.
Spare keys
Competitive Endurance Rides (CERs): These are for advanced horse and rider combinations, covering distances of 80km
‘There’s something for everyone in endurance,’ says Sam. ‘You can set your own personal goals at each level, and the beauty of it is there’s no rigid ladder you have to climb like in other affiliated disciplines. You can stay at whatever level suits you, for as long as you like.’
She also stresses how crucial a good crew is: ‘Without one, you’re basically riding solo. And my top tip is that most of us use big laundry detergent bottles for sloshing – they’re ideal.’
If The Sass Queen and I hope to dip our toe into the endurance waters we’re going to have to put some extra washes on: who knew it could take so long to go through one bottle?!
The Piddle Ride 2024 Image: Wessex Endurance
The Piddle Ride 2024 Image: Wessex Endurance
And Sam’s final nugget of advice? ‘Always bring a spare set of car keys. It’s shockingly easy (and common) to lock yours in the car – trust me ...’
I’ve also learnt over the years to leave whatever you require for your post-competition routine in your trailer. A friend once finished her ride, hot, tired and with the clock ticking to get her horse cooled and vetted – only to discover her crew (along with the car, and all her kit) were still down the local pub, basking in the sunshine over a wellearned pint. Glorious weather for spectators: less so when you’re trying to sponge down a steaming horse with nothing but your sleeve...
The Piddle National Ride will be held this year on 28th and 29th June. ‘Like all events it can feel a monumental effort to organise,’ says Sam. ‘It just wouldn’t be possible without the kind help of volunteers, which is actually a great way to get involved with endurance even if you’re not riding. Whether it’s manning road-crossings to vet writing, it takes a small army for each ride. All volunteers are supplied with refreshments, though!’
I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m easily sold if I’m provided with food! ‘We also try to curate relationships with local landowners,’ she says. ‘And with permission, we team up with the Trail Riders Fellowship to check parts of the routes beforehand.’
So if riding something with a penchant for polos isn’t your thing, and you prefer to stick to two wheels, there really is something for everyone! ‘It’s not just about the ride days,’ says Sam. ‘We also get stuck into path-clearing when hedgerows and foliage start taking over. It helps keep the bridleways clear – not just for us, but for the whole local equestrian community. Where we can, we really try to give something back to the area. That local connection matters. Competitors come from near and far, and that footfall genuinely supports local businesses. Thanks to our sponsors – Equine Products UK,
Jackson-Stops Estate Agents and CJ Equine Services – we’re able to cover event costs and still make a donation to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. It’s a real community effort.’ Thankfully, The Sass Queen has never launched me skyward with quite enough drama to warrant an airlift. But joking aside, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a vital service –and let’s be honest, equestrians probably account for more than our fair share of callouts. It’s a cause close to the saddle for many of us.
The Piddle Ride sounds like something that is right up our street, so if you happen to come across a chestnut blur rampaging around the countryside, refusing to yield to any of her rider’s requests, you’ll know that The Sass Queen is in full-training mode. I can only say watch this space – maybe we’ll even be able to provide a post-ride write up on our next adventure.
• Details of the Piddle Ride can be found on EnduranceGB. co.uk The deadline to sign up is midnight 23rd June.
Cheeky Max snorts happily through Bicton while Jess packs snacks and nerves for her U25 championship 4* debut with Basil at Bramham
May was really jam-packed: we had our first three-day-event as well as some event preparations, building up for an exciting June. As I write this we are trucking up to Bramham (Mum’s driving, I’m passenger-princessing) with Basil, The Spice Merchant, where I will be competing for the first time in the national U25 Championship 4*s. Eek!
We had a fab week at Bicton at the end of May, where Max made his International threeday-event debut in the 2*L. Having shown the ground jury his best dragon snorts at the first horse presentation, he kept his head down (literally ...) for the duration of his dressage to sit in the middle of the field heading into cross country day. Which is easier said than done when you enjoy observing the fashion choices of all the spectators. And the neighbouring horses. And the riders. Ooh, a tent! MAX! CONCENTRATE!
With the dressage behind us, I thought he might be surprised by Bicton’s hilly 8.5 minute cross country (most tracks are between five and six minutes long). It’s the biggest physical question we’ve asked of him yet, but he whizzed home clear inside the time – maintaining his usual cheeky grin throughout as he climbed into the top 20. Showjumping on the final day for the first time is always a bit of a question for the horse – will they tear around the showjumping as if they’re still going across country, taking poles with them as they go? Will the testing track have taken all the spring out of their stride, resulting in a slightly “flat tyre” feeling? Or will they come out with a spring in their step, a spook and a dragon snort (hmm… I wonder). Fortunately, he impressed us all with the latter, jumping a lovely clear round to finish in 13th place out of more than 60.
I look pretty now, though?
Do
Ippo bath day ...
I couldn’t be more pleased with how he dug deep for me all week, proving himself as a real three-day event horse!
Following Bicton, Max has been enjoying a mini-break in the field (not the Bahamas. I wish.) to allow him time to recover and soak in all he learned before we build up to our June events. Next up for him and Jimmy will be Farley Hall, before we gear up to one of our favourite local events, the BE at Kingston Maurward at the end of June.
A clever cross country
We’re frequent visitors to Kingston Maurward – mum regularly teaches clinics there, and for those of you who can remember all the way back to our December article, Henry and I rode there as part of the Harry Meade demo evening (the one with the fence of doom!). Their
inaugural BE event last year was fantastic – it was well presented, with an impressive atmosphere and excellent hospitality. Luckily, I’d finished riding before I tucked into the tremendous food spread (Ok – I seriously need to stop ranking events based on their lunch selections…)
Food aside, I’m really looking forward to taking both Max and Jimmy around Kingston Maurward’s cleverly designed cross country track.
Showjumping in front of the impressive main house is great fun (and it makes the riders feel super important), but nothing beats the feel of a “proper” cross country course.
Last year we ran through the valley, where they made the most of the natural undulations and asked lots of educational questions on the course. I’m eager to see how they’ve
designed the Novice track this year – and I’d better be on my A-game, since Max’s owners (Peter and Suzanne Andrews of Andrews Plant Hire) are actually the title sponsors of the event. Last year they were driven around the whole course behind me and Max ... no pressure! Whatever the results on the day, we are excited to participate in an event which is so welcoming for riders, sponsors, owners and spectators. Come along if you’re local (or not!) – you can watch Max and Jimmy doing their “thing” in the flesh (alongside some Olympians and 5* riders, but who gives a monkeys about them, eh?). Right – I’d better go: mum/taxi-driver/article-prooflistener is requesting snacks. Hey, wait a minut. Maybe that’s where I get it from! See you on the other side.
No lions were harmed in the making of this safari ...
From racing clubs to Pony Club safaris, it’s been tours with tea and snoozy foals (and sausage rolls) for Doug Procter, with one final foal to come
You’re probably expecting to read that May was notable for a lack of both rain and grass growth ... which it certainly was to begin with, but at TGS our grazing woes have been eclipsed by two visits. The first of these was from the Colin Tizzard Racing Club. It coincided with Lucy disappearing to Cornwall to run the 44 miles of coastal path, from Lizard Point to Land’s End, leaving me (Doug) home alone to host our guests.
Luckily, the rain – which had finally arrived a few days prior to the visit – had abated by the time the 25 racing club members arrived and tucked into tea, coffee, cake and biscuits laid on by one of our TGS team members, Clare.
Duly fortified, the visit began with a tour of the barns as I pointed out our eleven foaling stables covered by the cameras that we watch at night during the foaling season, and the veterinary area with stocks, which ensure that our vet, Paul Legerton, can safely scan the mares without the danger of being kicked.
The Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Pony Club Safari!
The Colin Tizzard Racing Club enjoyed a family morning meeting the foals. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Grace and the first foal she has helped deliver. Image: Lucy Procter
Doug explaining the breeding of the mares and foals and which stallions the mares had visited this year to the Colin Tizzard Racing Club. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Then the main event ... meeting the foals. As we all walked up the stud, past each paddock, I explained the breeding of the mares and foals and which stallions the mares had visited this year. We ended up in one of our largest fields, Oaktree. It’s ideal for foals with its thick hedges and mature trees providing shelter from both inclement weather and unduly hot sun.
Some of the foals were lying down half-way across the field, so I took the youngest visitors for some close-up, snoozy-foal interaction. Meanwhile, the
remaining mares and foals went over to investigate the rest of the visitors by the gate, calmly wandering among them. The enjoyable morning was rounded off with yet more tea and cake! Our thanks to Simon Gillet of the racing club for arranging the visit.
The safari
The next visit was far more daunting … The Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Pony Club Foal Safari! This was a visit that had originally been initiated several years ago when Lucy was DC of the branch. Once again I was
home alone: this time Lucy was taking a mare to be covered by a stallion called Cracksman – a successful son of the great Frankel, standing in Newmarket at the Darley-owned Dalham Hall Stud.
I knew Tea and cake were not on the agenda for these particular visitors, so it was straight into the barns where I was kept busy answering questions – from both parents and children –about all aspects of breeding and foaling.
Finally we were on to the really exciting bit they had all come for – the Safari!
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Once all the Pony Clubbers had been loaded into the back of two pick-ups (think sardines and tins), our son Will and I drove the trucks up the track. Again I provided my commentary on the mares and foals in each paddock as we went, but the best bit was obviously saved for our arrival at Oaktree again.
We drove right in among the mares and foals who, having apparently read the ‘be nice and cuddly’ memo, all quickly came over to say hello.
While the youngest children stayed safely in the back of the pick-ups, others jumped out to get up close to the foals – most of whom were already as tall, if not taller, than their ponies at home. The foals all behaved impeccably: they were very calm and friendly, with only the odd nibble at a sleeve.
Finally, it was back to the front paddock for a picnic: I’m happy to report my quality control duties on the sausage rolls were taken very seriously. Our dogs also thoroughly enjoyed the picnic, opting for smiling cutely at the children, with varying degrees of success!
Lucy arrived back with the mare and her foal just in time to show the Pony Clubbers the lorry camera: the foal was flat out, fast asleep on the thick straw-
bedded floor, with the mare standing protectively over him. Then it was ice-cream all round –Lucy had definitely arrived home at exactly the right moment!
Grace’s foal
Our last resident mare has foaled, and she obliged with a daytime foaling. Spotted in the field early enough, by eagleeyed TGS team member Grace, we were able to bring her into a stable to foal and Grace was able to help with her first foaling. We’re very aware who is Grace’s favourite foal of the season! However, sleepless nights are still the order of the day as we have just had a sports horse, a non-Thoroughbred, mare arrive for foaling, so the cameras are going to stay on at night, with Doug sitting up watching, for another week. Or two ... or three ... depending on how long before this last mare of our 2025 season decides to give birth.
The mares and foals had read the ‘be nice and cuddly’ memo for the Pony Club visit
The foals are probably already taller than some of the ponies the children ride
Mind the (digital) gap
Employers report worrying gaps in core digital skills – unexpectedly, even in
under 24s, nearly half are unable to complete core
We recently held an event, The Dorset People Festival, aimed at bringing businesses and training organisations together to help fill the skills gap that many employers report when recruiting staff.
Quite surprisingly, one of the major issues that came out was the digital skills gap that employers are reporting as a real issue within businesses. We invited an organisation along to the event called Future.now and they spoke of the research they have been doing on the size and impact of the digital skills gap. Our Local Skills Improvement Plan, reviewing the skills needs of business, has also identified this as an issue.
Essential skills
There are 20 core digital skills tasks that government and industry consider essential over five different core areas: communicating, handling content and information, transacting, problem solving and being safe
and legal online. The skills gaps they report are concerning and also evident across all sectors.
They report that the construction industry has the lowest levels of Essential Digital Skills, with only 35% of people within construction able to do all 20 core tasks.
Far more suprisingly, 20% of people working in the tech sector don’t have all 20 tasks.
We might presume that this is much less of an issue for younger people that have grown up in this digital age – but almost half of them (48% of 18 to 24 year olds) are unable to do all tasks. Unsurprisingly, it is much more of an issue for the over 65s: 71% in this age bracket are unable to complete all 20 core tasks.
Only 35% of construction workers can complete all 20 essential digital tasks
Not just work
As technology becomes ever more embedded in our daily lives, the need to bridge the digital skills gap has never been more urgent. A growing number of organisations
tasks
are stepping up to meet this challenge. Educational providers are weaving digital literacy into their core curriculum, recognising it as a fundamental life skill. Local authorities are launching targeted initiatives to support digital inclusion, helping individuals across all age groups gain the confidence and capability to navigate an increasingly online world. The economic impact of digital exclusion is substantial – but there is also the need to help people outside of the workplace improve their digital skills in order to live their daily lives. This is becoming an increasing issue that we must address.
Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber
Tincknell Fuels Gillingham Named UKIFDA Depot of the Year 2025
Tincknell Fuels’ Gillingham depot has been honoured with the prestigious Depot of the Year 2025 award by the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA). This national recognition celebrates excellence in operational performance, customer service, and community engagement within the fuel distribution industry.
The award is the result of the dedication and hard work of the Gillingham team, as well as the unwavering support from their loyal customer base across Dorset. The Tincknell Group is a fourth generation family run business which was established in Wells in 1925 by Robert Tincknell to meet the needs of the local farming community
for general blacksmithing and ironmongery products: Robert’s grandson Philip Tincknellis current chairman, and his children Robert and Diana are directors – the firm continues to play a vital role in ensuring reliable fuel supply to homes and businesses. Being acknowledged by
UKIFDA places the Gillingham depot among the top in the UK and Ireland, highlighting its commitment to industry standards and customer satisfaction. This accolade not only brings pride to the local community but also reinforces the importance of dependable fuel services in the area.
Dorset Vineyard Takes Gold at Prestigious International Wine Awards
Bride Valley Vineyard in Litton Cheney has scooped a coveted Gold Medal at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, for its sparkling Bride Valley Brut Reserve 2018.
Scoring an impressive 96 points, the Dorset wine matched the
winning Champagne from France’s Piper-Heidsieck, and came within one point of the competition’s top sparkling wine. Described by judges as a “gastronomic wine, opening with a plush bouquet of orchard fruits and a gentle nuttiness … vibrant citrus and green apple
with brioche”. The Brut Reserve is made from 65% pinot noir and 35% chardonnay, with five years of bottle ageing.
Only two per cent of wines entered receive a Gold Medal, making Bride Valley’s win all the more significant. The vineyard also earned Silver medals for its Dorset Crémant and Blanc de Blancs 2018.
‘To receive such an accolade from a very tough panel of judges ... the results are proof that English Sparkling is now recognised internationally as superior quality on-par with the top Champagne houses.,’ said Nikki Gallagher, Commercial Director.
• Vineyard tours and tastings run every Saturday until September. For details see bridevalleyvineyard.com
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