The BV May 25

DORSET

LEARNING ON THE STUD

No big news at Glanvilles Stud. I just wanted another opportunity to share this whiskery velvet nose. The lesson in equine pregnancy and labour is genuinely fascinating, however

60

LOCAL HISTORY

American tanks, fire watchers and 50 tons of tomatoes – Wimborne’s wartime years. Plus postcards from Bere Regis and Dewlish

EQUESTRIAN

Jackie Potts Supergroom, Jess Rimmer took Chateau Rimmer to Norfolk and Chris Wald has 100 stalls to pressurewash. Also foals.

Spring is my favourite. No contest. There’s a particular moment – somewhere around mid-April – when Dorset just ... exhales. The hedgerows start frothing white with blackthorn, and then burst into green like someone flicked a switch.

Bluebells flash their electric blue in every patch of woodland and roadside copse, while swathes of wild garlic carpets shady lanes in a lush, smelly haze of white. The fields of oilseed rape seem to hum with sunshine and the kind of scent that makes your head spin if you drive through with the windows down.

The mud finally retreats. The long socks go back in the drawer. And suddenly those deliciously long evenings stretch out ahead, filled with the promise of barbecues, last-minute beach trips and Saturdays that don’t require seventeen layers It’s not just the weather. Spring makes everything feel lighter –conversations, to-do lists, even the news (just a

28 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

OK. Fine. We give in. We added an extra page.

smidge). It’s like the year’s turned a corner and remembered how to be hopeful again. So if you’re feeling a bit more buoyant than of late, a bit more inclined to dawdle on a dog walk, pull over for a photo of lambs in a field, go wild and sleep with the window wide open ... you’re not alone. Spring’s doing what spring always does: reminding us to look up, breathe in and say yes to things again.

And honestly, doesn’t this feel far more like the real new year? I said back in January that we shouldn’t force grand resolutions into the middle of midwinter – a season that’s really about rest, not reinvention. Spring, though? Spring is (quite literally) made for turning over new leaves. Now’s the time to start things. I swear there’s energy in all that fresh air. And if, like me, you’re itching to get out and about again (we finally ARE! The knee is healing – walks are officially back on the weekend plans!), the county’s show calendar kicks off this weekend with the Spring Show near Dorchester (see p.19).

We’ll be there (that’s us, top left) –do say hello if you spot us!

The purpose-built Blandford Day Care Centre is declared too large, with poor public transport access, despite the bus stop at the front entrance

by Rachael Rowe

Does Dorset Council want to close its adult day centres –and

if so, why?

Dorset’s new adult day care plans could see centre closures – critics say proposals ignore facilities, users’ needs and rural transport challenges

Dorset Council, created in 2019 as a Conservative led authority and under Liberal Democrat control since the May 2024 election, has outlined proposals for major changes to the way it intends to provide day care for vulnerable residents across the county.

A consultation document issued on 11th March outlined the ‘hub and spoke’ schemes proposed, and gave interested parties 90 days, until 9th June, to make their views known. The issues facing users and their carers, across the five areas of the county, are varied and complex. Six hundred people in Dorset use the adult day care services every day, and just over 300 of them are placed with Care Dorset, the council’s ‘trading partner.’

and again in 2023, and asked for a wider choice of local activities and more flexible options, including activities in the evenings and at weekends. It continues: ‘We propose to introduce hubs across the county, where people can go to access information, make connections to everything that is going on in their local area and take part in some activities.’

Blandford’s centre has a garden, café and a bus stop outside – none mentioned in the council’s consultation

Currently in North Dorset, four day centres provide adult services to 68 residents. Of these, 21 visit the Blandford area centre, six attend Sherborne, five attend Shaftesbury and 34 attend Sturminster Newton.

Hub proposal

The consultation document explains that the users of the day care centres and their carers were asked about their experiences in 2021

But critics of the new scheme fear that the cash-strapped council is really proposing the closure of centres and the removal of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Rob Mariner, a full-time defence industry worker whose wife has early-onset dementia and attends the Blandford centre twice a week, welcomes the respite from worry that he relies on while she is being cared for. Moving her care to Sturminster would be an hour’s round trip, eating into his work time. Rob has started a petition against the closure of the existing centres.

A parent who has taken many months persuading her adult son to attend the centre at Blandford fears he will not be willing to go to a ‘new’ centre at Sturminster.

They and other carers criticise the consultation document for omitting mention of important and

well-used facilities, like the garden and cafe at the current Blandford centre, which is the most modern, was purpose built and has a bus stop right outside, meaning that public transport is not an issue.

The council document says that more than half of the people who attend day opportunities have their service delivered by Care Dorset in councilowned buildings, which are large and in need of updating. The proposals for the new hubs, and their spokes, are outlined in the document, but critics question the huge disparity in the numbers of people using the service between the various towns in North Dorset.

• If you want to have your say over the Dorset Council proposals, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/better-days

• Dorset Council invites the public to attend two online events via Teams to share their thoughts on the proposal: 15th May at 6pm here 4th June at 6pm here

• Rob Mariner’s petition to stop the closure of day centres in North Dorset is at Change.org

Rob Mariner and his wife Mary, who has early onset dementia, rely on the Blandford Day Centre

Tickets FAST!

by Laura Miller

Dorset’s angry pom-pom who stole 100,000 hearts

There’s always that one person, isn’t there? The one that stops to move an earthworm from the pavement. The one whose dog isn’t picture perfect, and has breath that could strip paint at ten paces. The one who goes to the shop for dog food and returns with two fancy rats, returned to the shop for being ‘a bit bitey’ (just me?). I long ago accepted and embraced the fact that I am, in fact, that person.

I’ve fostered a parrot with an ASBO, taken in a tortoise found loitering roadside and I’ve successfully rehabilitated a seagull with a broken wing – of course his name was Steven. And I’ve long loved corvids.

Norse myths and witchy tales aside, they’re incredible creatures and their intelligence is fascinating. Similar in many ways to parrots, but without the ‘look at me, I’m a beautiful, needy dilettante’ attitude. They belong, of course, in the wild, flying free: I would never even hope to have one as a pet. How could you? They’re iconic wild birds, and should always be afforded the respect to remain so.

Enter Lazlo

Beware ex-husbands bearing gifts. Mine turned up last weekend with a tiny baby crow, found on the ground at a local Dorset campsite, and watched for several hours by a lovely couple from Belgium. His sibling didn’t make it, and at dusk the couple carefully scooped him up and took him to the campsite bar, where the exhusband said ‘I know someone who might help…’. My teenager and I are mid binge-watch of What We Do In The Shadows, so the small bird was duly named Lazlo and installed in a spare budgie cage. Naturally, I crocheted him a little nest, and the feeding schedule commenced.

Lazlo proved to be an engaging little chap. Not afraid to shout for his supper and not averse to a cuddle. I sought advice from wild bird rescues (overrun with fledglings this time of year) and the consensus was that I’d hand rear him with a view to a gradual garden release once he was fully grown and much stronger.

I was preparing his breakfast when he lurched out of his little nest towards the kitchen sink. To hand was a fetching Portmeirion flowerpot and I plopped him into it to prevent any free-diving into the washing up. He looked so ludicrous I took a short video – which I then stuck on TikTok under the username @shoutylazlo. The video (above)

showed him with his little velvet head stuck out of the pot, looking exceptionally grumpy, and emitting a loud RAAAWK when the promised breakfast took too long to materialise.

I have not TikTokked before. I use other social media for work and to post my many and varied craft failures: TikTok has always seemed to me the scrolling-pit from which I would not return. I was right. Within 24 hours, Lazlo’s video had more than 100,000 views. People all over the world were heavily invested in this small bird’s story.

Comments like ‘Lazlo is me at breakfast time’, ‘Lazlo in The Pot of Shame is giving me LIFE’ and ‘I hope one day I get an Angry Pom-Pom like this’ came pouring in. ‘The time-out pot. He is FURIOUS!’

So far, so much fun – the only time I’ve gone viral before was moaning about people leaving litter on a beach. For whatever reason this little fellow had captured the attention of the Algorithm Gods, and I could see a social media career ahead of him. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. Lazlo died after three days with me. I don’t know why – he seemed fine on his last feed – but the odds of survival for wild baby birds are slim. Should I even have taken him in? He may never have lived his fullest, wildest life after being raised in captivity, but doesn’t every little life deserve a chance?

A sad ending then. But maybe not ...

Many TikTokkers commented that they’d donate to their local rescue in Lazlo’s name. And when Lazlo appeared on editor Laura’s TikTok, she recognised the mad bird rescuer lady, and asked me to write this, so I can share some info on what to do if you ever find a wild baby bird.

The simple answer is leave them, usually.

What to do

Fledglings spend time on the ground – closely watched by their parents – as part of their development. The exception is if they’re injured or if the parents don’t return. You can carefully examine a small bird and then return it whence it came: it is a myth that parent birds reject babies that have been touched by humans.

Caring for a corvid isn’t for the faint-hearted (chopped raw baby mice, anyone?) and nine times out of ten you should contact your local wild bird rescue charity who will always help and advise. It’s not like Disney, they probably won’t grow up to be your magic familiar. And they frequently die, which is horribly upsetting.

But this one little bird made a significant impact on an awful lot of people – me especially. I’m now in touch with country-wide corvid rescues to see how I can help and get more involved.

So well done, Lazlo, you angry little pom-pom. Raaawk in peace.

Lazlo, still grumpy: this time about being in a budgie bath

by Andrew Livingston

Power from the ground up

Brain’s Farm near Wincanton is producing biomethane and preparing to supply digestate back to farms, completing a truly circular energy cycle

It is predicted that, by 2030, more than ten per cent of the gas that we use in the UK could be biomethane – a renewable energy that is created by anaerobic digesters (AD). The figures, suggested by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, state that with new efficiency improvements, 8 billion cubic metres of the gas could be used in our homes.

One local contributor to the uplift in biomethane gas is the newly-converted Brain’s Farm near Wincanton. Planning permission was granted in 2017 for the site of the once-productive dairy farm to transition to renewable gas production. The plant is currently in the commissioning and ramping-up stage – meaning that while not yet at full production, the plant is operational.

James Lloyd, founder of BioWatt, the company that oversees the operation of the site, explained more about the project to The BV: ‘We are producing gas, but currently everything is in the performance testing phase. So, we’re going through all the equipment that has been installed as part of the construction project.’

A virtuous contributor

AD plants work by creating two products by digesting organic matter – biogas (used for heating or electricity) and digestate (the leftover solids and liquids in the tanks that is nutrient-rich and makes a great organic fertiliser).

At Brain’s Farm, as it is still early days, there is currently no digestate being produced. ‘It’s a two-tank process,’ said James. ’The first tank is

fed, and in doing so it flows into the second tank. So, the second tank is now coming up to being at its operating level. Once it reaches that, then we’ll start to commission and performance test the digestate separation, and then we’ll be into producing digestate.’

Once that digestate is being produced, it will go back to the farmers who have contracts to grow feedstock for the plant – it will be spread across the fields to help improve the harvest for the following year’s feedstock.

‘We’ve had a lot of interest in taking the digestate – there’s a history of AD plants in the area, so the actual use of digestate and its benefits seems to be quite well known. As a result, we’ve had quite a bit of contact with local farmers inquiring as to whether it is available. Obviously, at this stage, the first digestate produced will be connected to those farmers who are growing for us.’

Digestate is a popular commodity. It’s cheaper than traditional fertiliser, but, more importantly, it removes the need for the creation of synthetic fertilisers, which are energy-intensive to create and rely on fossil fuels.

For now, the AD plant will only be fed on locallygrown crops, but soon it will be able to create biogas from other agriculture byproducts.

‘Right now we’re just commissioning on crop [products],’ says James. ‘The main reason being it’s a very safe way of starting the plant up.

There’s no variability, so we’re not worried about contamination. When you’re testing everything, you take a variable out of the risk metric. So if you’re

The anbaerobic digester under construction at Brains Farm near Wincanton

not worried about your feedstock, you can focus entirely on testing the equipment.

‘We are waiting for our environmental permit. As soon as we’ve got that, we’ll be allowed to take manures as feedstock.

‘Crops give you the best consistency of gas fuel from AD. But if you’re assuming the purpose of AD is to be a virtuous contributor to renewable energy at the lowest possible carbon cost, then what you should be processing are byproducts that haven’t got any other use ... so, things like manures, straws and other agricultural byproducts.’

Objection

Even though Brain’s Farm is good for the environment, creates jobs for the local economy and revenue for local farmers, the AD came amid some concern from the residents of the area.

In 2017, Wincanton Town Council initially recommended the application be rejected, citing increased traffic and the ‘inappropriate development in the flood plain’. Local farmers believed that it would increase the cost of agricultural land to rent, making it harder for new farmers to acquire land and join the industry.

That same year, Horsington Parish Council ejected to the proposal on the grounds it was too large and inappropriate for the location and that it would have a visual impact on the rural landscape.

The communities of Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna (BWKM) were so concerned about the potential traffic impacts of the AD plant on their small country villages that they formed a community action group. Chairman of the BWKM Community Action Group, John Grant told The BV BioWatt had been very open: ‘I can’t say that we’ve always agreed about everything, but they’ve been very open to dialogue, and once discussions have taken place, we’ve made progress on our concerns. ‘What they’ve explained to us is that there will be some periods over this year when there will be [crop] deliveries taking place. That’s the period when, if there were going to be any traffic problems, these would occur.’

The collaboration between the action group and BioWatt led Somerset Council to approve a

vehicle routing and signage strategy (VRSS) which means only farmers based in Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna are permitted to drive through those villages to the AD plant. The road signage directs all other AD traffic to the A303 via Wincanton. James Lloyd told the BV how the plant was to manage the traffic going in and out of the site at busy periods: ‘I think the fear of these things is considerably greater than the reality. We did a full harvest last year for grass, whole crop and maize – 13,000 tons of crop delivered to the site. And we had one errant driver.’

Harvest signs

‘I think, generally speaking, people have got a high degree of concern locally because of the general tractor use in the area. But actually, when you compare it to the number of vehicles already on the road, it will barely register. If we didn’t publish the harvest, there’s a fair chance people wouldn’t even notice.

‘We have created what we hope is a strong system to ensure the drivers all stick to the VRSS. Before harvest gets under way, we have an induction with all the drivers where we explain the importance of sticking to the prescribed routes. Each tractor and trailer is awarded a Harvest Sign, similar to a licence badge, which sits on the tractor and they hand back at the end of harvest. If someone rings with a complaint, we can know who the driver of that tractor and trailer is: next time they come onto the site, we’ll explain what’s happened and give them a warning. Second warning, they’ll be asked to stop for the day, and they’ll be fully re-inducted. And then, if there’s a third warning, it’s a case of “You have obviously chosen to disregard rules”, in which case we won’t be allowing them back on site.’

Brain’s Farm harvest sign

by Courtenay Hitchcock

A box of cod that once cost £150 now approaches £300

All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Chippies caught between a cod and a hard place

Battered but not beaten – Sturminster Fish Bar’s owners on loyalty, resilience and why they’re determined to stay part of the town’s story

As highlighted by a recent Daily Mail article, Britain’s fish and chip shops are facing unprecedented pressures. Costs have soared, customer spending has dropped, and the industry – long a cornerstone of British culture – is under threat. Here in North Dorset, the story is no different. At Sturminster Newton’s much-loved Sturminster Fish Bar, owners Lee and Yoyo are doing everything they can to keep serving the town without passing spiralling costs onto their customers.

Lee and Yoyo, who moved to the UK from Malaysia more than 20 years ago, have run the Sturminster Fish Bar for nearly eight years. With two young children and deep roots in the town, they are fiercely committed to their community – but they are also facing the toughest trading conditions they have ever known.

‘It’s getting harder every year,’ Lee says. ‘Everything we buy – fish, potatoes, oil – it’s all gone up so much. But we can’t just raise our prices to match. People don’t have the money anymore.’

The numbers are stark. In the past year, the price of a 25kg bag of potatoes – the bedrock of any chip shop – has leapt from £5 to as high as £30 at its peak. Although costs have stabilised slightly, they remain three times higher than they were just two years ago.

Fish prices tell a similar story. A box of cod that once cost £150 now approaches £300.

Walking the tightrope

‘Unitl recently we offered a large cod and three sizes of chips,’ Lee says. ‘But it’s too expensive now. We’re focusing on regular portions, trying to keep it affordable for families.’

It’s a balancing act – one which Lee and Yoyo approach with the needs of their customers front of mind. Rather than drastically raising menu

prices, they have chosen to adapt portion sizes and quietly adjust the offering, hoping that by making smaller changes, customers will continue to support them without feeling priced out.

‘We could have put prices up by two or three pounds on everything,’ Lee says. ‘But then people might stop coming. We don’t want that. We want to be fair to everyone.’

One such change is that Lee will no longer serve standard or large portions of chips. It’s not a decision Lee has taken lightly. ‘Often, people order one large chips and share it between three people,’

he says. ‘But I’m already taking a loss on the fish – I can’t afford to lose out on the chips as well.’

By limiting portions to a small – still generous, but only enough for one – Lee hopes customers will each buy what they need, allowing the Fish Bar to cover its costs without sharp price rises. ‘If everyone just buys their own, it spreads the cost fairly. We’re trying to keep things going without hurting anyone’s pocket too much.’

The impact of inflation is not just on supplies. Rising wages – including the recent mandatory increases to the minimum wage – add further strain. ‘Our wage bill went up by more than £100 a week,’ Lee says. ‘At the same time, customers are spending less. They still come, but instead of a big order, maybe it’s just a couple of portions now.’

This experience echoes the national trend. Chip shops across the country are finding that although footfall remains steady, average customer spend has dropped significantly. Household budgets are stretched tighter than ever in 2025, and what was once seen as a cheap treat has become a considered expense.

More than a chip shop

It’s a particularly bitter blow for shops like Sturminster Fish Bar, which have become key parts of their community. As well as serving food, Lee and Yoyo provide vital first jobs for many young people in the town – currently the couple employ five teenagers and young adults who might otherwise struggle to find work locally.

‘There aren’t many jobs for young people here,

In the past year, the price of a 25kg bag of potatoes – the bedrock of any chip shop – has leapt from £5 to as high as £30 at its peak

especially after school hours,’ Lee says. ‘We try to give them a start, to help them learn to work. It’s an important skill.’

But with margins squeezed ever tighter, even these opportunities could be at risk if the situation does not improve. Lee has had to think hard about how to keep the doors open without making cuts that

would hurt either his customers or his staff.

‘I just want to be fair,’ he says. ‘If everyone shares a little bit – smaller portions, small changes – then nobody has to carry all the burden alone.’

It’s an attitude that has earned Sturminster Fish Bar loyal customers over the years. The quality of their food – consistently praised online and among locals – is matched by the warmth of their service. Despite winning accolades like Best Fish and Chip Shop in Dorset in customer polls, Lee and Yoyo have never sought awards or national recognition. Their focus has always been on looking after their customers – and their staff.

‘I think of them like family,’ Lee says of his young employees. ‘We sit down together, talk together, have staff outings. I want them to feel they belong, not just that they’re working for me.’

Part of the town

It’s a philosophy that has become increasingly rare in a tough business climate. Many fish and chip shops around the country have already closed their doors, unable to weather the triple blow of rising costs, falling customer spend and labour pressures. Lee hopes to avoid becoming another casualty. He’s kept prices as low as possible, and made those careful tweaks to his menu, all designed to make a fish and chip meal remain an affordable treat rather than a luxury.

‘After COVID, everything changed,’ he says. ‘People don’t have the spare money they used to. When you’ve paid your bills, your mortgage, there’s not much left. We understand that.’

Yet amid the challenges, there is quiet pride. ‘We love it here,’ says Yoyo. ‘The town, the people – this is home.’

If communities across Dorset want to keep their local chip shops alive, supporting them through tough times may be more vital than ever. As Lee puts it: ‘We’re not thinking about making big money. We’re just thinking about staying here, being part of the town.’

• Sturminster Fish Bar is open Tues to Saturday, 12-2pm and 5-9pm – 01258 472491 49 Bridge St, Sturminster Newton DT10 1BZ

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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 ...

Tick-box planning won’t build a future

The email from the developer was intimidating, to say the least.

When it popped into my inbox, I thought there might be an opportunity to have a discussion about the possible new (huge) development in my own small parish. However, the applicants were emboldened, having just been to a forum for developers organised by Dorset Council. So emboldened that they sent me the Powerpoint presentation to peruse, saying they would be back with their plans and bulldozers. It wasn’t an if but a when

It’s about what’s missing

So emboldened that they sent me the Powerpoint presentation to peruse, saying they would be back with their plans and bulldozers

Naturally, I was curious to see what Dorset Council had been discussing with developers, especially now there is a virtual doubling of the housing targets in the county. At first, when I read the presentations, there was nothing I didn’t know already ... the targets, the need for affordable housing, sustainable developments and so on. There’s also a council design review team which

will look at the plans with developers – and naturally there is absolutely no mention of parish or town council involvement in that discussion. While there was a lot of information about biodiversity, the active transport links section made me smile. I already have questionnaires from developers asking what type of trees I’d like planting on the new development in my village. I’m not interested in whether I’ll have Himalayan birch or maple trees decorating footpaths. I am far more concerned about the local primary schools that are already over-subscribed for September with no visible strategy to sort out placements for new children. Then there’s the main road into the village where the tarmac has buckled as it hasn’t been maintained for more than 25 years: now it’s a trip hazard for older people as well as a nasty surprise for boy racers. The pavements – where they exist – cannot be used by wheelchair users or prams.

And that’s when it hit me.

I was looking through this presentation, hunting for what were effectively snippets of gossip I wasn’t aware of – but actually, the headline news wasn’t there at all. Despite being fundamental – critical – both infrastructure and population trends were entirely ignored.

A golden opportunity

If I ruled the world of planning and had most of Dorset’s developers in one room, I wouldn’t just talk about housing targets and planning processes. What an opportunity to speak to the people who build homes about the type of housing we really need – and the infrastructure necessary to make it happen. With the volume of housing demanded, Dorset needs to ensure we get the right kind of quality development for the current and future population. However ... in Dorset Council’s presentation there was nothing about the population trends in the county, or the infrastructure needed to support an increase in people. We really need to integrate these elements into planning to get the right type of housing. If you have ever argued with developers about the need for bungalows, you’ll have an inkling of what’s on my mind.

Take one example: Dorset has a much higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over than the national average (Dorset is officially the oldest area of the UK, with 4.27 per cent of the population aged over 85 – a staggering 85 per cent more than the UK average across local authorities). In the next five to ten years, more than half the population of Dorset will be over 60. With the adult social care budget already eclipsing all other aspects of the council funding, right now there’s a golden opportunity to commission adaptable housing, smart use of technology and artificial intelligence that helps keep older people and those with disabilities safe and independent in their own homes. Instead, we are destined for an endless monotony of cheap two-up-two-down terraced monstrosities or luxury homes that no one local can afford. The council seems to pander to developers, when what we should be doing is setting out what we need (and not just hedgehog and lizard houses).

Meaningful joined-up planning

Why couldn’t that meeting be a demand from the council to get some of this infrastructure in place before building begins? Improvements are desperately needed to the A357, and to narrow roads in the towns. Just look at how long it can take to cross Sturminster Newton Bridge or go through Blandford town centre on a Saturday. We

I’m so very tired of hearing about promises for attenuation ponds and allotments

need innovative solutions to manage the amount of traffic, and we also need improvements in the public transport network. Many key workers – the ones who need social and affordable housing –work shifts. If you live in a rural village in North Dorset, where new housing is rapidly expanding, there is no public transport at weekends or evenings. If you can’t afford a car, you can’t get to work. Naturally, the council wants greener ways of travelling ... but not in North Dorset it seems.

There is a huge disparity between what developers ‘think’ we need as infrastructure, and what the local population actually needs.

I’m so very tired of hearing about promises for attenuation ponds and allotments.

What I want to see is a primary health care service that is properly funded and staffed, so it can do what it is meant to do: keep people healthy instead of surviving on crisis management. When people with mental health problems are shipped into social housing in rural villages there is often no local support network for them.

And with so much more housing, why are there still so few opportunities for business development units and local job creation? This should surely be increasing?

Above all, I’d like to see meaningful integration between planning, developers, public health, and transport, so we get support services and infrastructure that we really need in North Dorset – something far beyond the council’s tick-box targets for housing.

Spring’s big weekend is back!

Back for its second year, the Dorset Spring Show is quickly establishing itself as a springtime favourite. Organised by the experienced team behind the Dorset County Show, this year promises even more attractions, entertainment and rural fun. With a new home on a working farm offering sweeping countryside views and extra space to explore, the 2025 event is shaping up to be bigger, busier – and even better. More than 10,000 visitors are expected on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May at the new Birch Lane Showground near Puddletown.

They’re coming for the packed programme of events, local food and drink, artisan shopping and good old-fashioned rural entertainment. With the sun forecast to shine and the new showground’s panoramic Dorset views providing a stunning backdrop, it promises to be an unmissable weekend for the whole family.

A weekend of country fun

The entertainment line-up reads like a perfect family day out.

Titan the Robot – the 8ft-tall, talking, joke-cracking, crowdpleasing giant – is coming to Dorset as the headline act. Equal parts street theatre and special effects show, Titan’s act combines voice, music and motion in a way that has delighted audiences from Glastonbury Festival to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whether dancing, singing or gently mocking the crowd, Titan brings something completely unexpected to a rural show In the main arenas, you can see

the unmissable Heavy Horse Logging demonstrations, the adorable chaos of Shetland Pony Racing, and the delightfully bonkers Dog Parkour.

The freestyle BMX stunt team –sponsored by The BV – returns by popular demand to deliver heart-stopping aerial tricks, while for a slower pace, visitors can hop aboard a nostalgic steam engine trailer ride or get up close with vintage tractors and working farm displays. Of course, no Dorset show would be complete without a nod to our feathered friends.

The Poultry Tent, with its extraordinary array of breeds, promises to be a colourful and noisy highlight.

Show organiser James Cox summed up the excitement: ‘The team have worked incredibly hard to make the Spring Show even better. The new site, on a working farm, captures the spirit of spring perfectly. With such great weather forecast, it’s going to be the perfect weekend!’

Eat, drink and shop

Foodies are in for a treat, with the largest food hall yet

showcasing a mouthwatering range of local produce, street food and award-winning craft drinks. From hand-crafted cider and honey to sizzling artisan street food, the show’s passionate support for local producers shines through at every turn. There’s plenty of space to unwind too. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the live music, and perhaps enjoy a pint from one of the many local brewers And with more than 150 stalls dotted across the site, there’s plenty to browse – from home and garden essentials to rural crafts and countryside clothing.

Easy to find, hard to leave

Set just five miles from Dorchester, the new showground at Birch Lane is a picturesque working farm with easy access and ample free parking. A free shuttle bus service will run from Dorchester and Poundbury across the weekend, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a local beer or cider without worrying about the drive home.

Gates open from 9.30am to 5pm each day, and advance tickets are still available via the show’s

website. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and check the timetables to make the most of the busy show schedule.

Plan Your Visit

• See the full show guide here

• Birch Lane Showground, Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LN

• 9.30am to 5pm both days

• Free parking and free shuttle buses from both Dorchester and Poundbury

• Adults £16, children £2.50, family £35. Available online and at the gate – advance prices end 2nd May

• dorsetspringshow.co.uk

The Malthouse Care Home Bay Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4EW

Our friendly team truly care for your family like they would their own - providing compassion, respect, and dignity.

With a deep commitment to meeting residents’ individual needs, whether it’s residential or respite care, The Malthouse is your perfect choice.

We currently have vacancies for permanent and respite stays. Call us today to book a viewing and to meet our team.

Call us on 01747 448580 for a reassuring chat with one of our advisors. healthcarehome.co.uk

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.

That’s not a lion, it’s a Lexus

Ah, the sweet sound of spring in North Dorset: birdsong, lambs bleating, engines revving ... and my horse doing the fancy sideways samba because someone’s decided to pass us at 40mph while checking their phone. Here’s the thing: riding on the road isn’t some whimsical nod to countryside nostalgia – it’s often a frustrating necessity. Have you seen the state of our bridleway network? It’s like someone spilled a bag of spaghetti on a map and called it a plan. Disjointed, patchy, and often impassable. My idea of a relaxing hack does not, in fact, include having my horse figure out how to get all four of his legs over a new stile in the middle of what was once a bridleway. We’re all forced to hit the tarmac at some point. So yes, we share the road –but what we don’t share is your steel cage of protection. It’s really not tricky, though we’ve all met drivers who can’t seem to figure out what to do. When a driver slowly creeps up behind us for what feels like a mile, it’s not calming. It’s weird.

beeping. I’m not waving at you to say hi – I’m asking you not to send my horse into orbit. That cheery honk might as well be an air raid siren as far as he’s concerned.

Also, while we’re at it (I’m on a roll now – this column is very cathartic): revving your engine to show off your car’s horsepower?

He’s too busy trying not to die of fright while you overtake within licking distance

My horse thinks you’re either a lion or a lunatic –and neither is particularly welcome mid-hack.

And don’t even think about

Cute. My actual horse remains unimpressed. He’s too busy trying not to die of fright while you overtake within licking distance. It’s not rocket science: pass wide (a car’s width if possible) and slow (as if you’re near a primary school – because you are, metaphorically).

Oh, and maybe give a wave

back when I thank you. It’s not just good manners, it’s a nod to the fact we’re all trying to survive the same stretch of rural tarmac.

I imagine cyclists feel much the same. They too are soft targets in a world of high hedges, deep pot holes, blind corners and impatient drivers. Next time you pass one of us, remember: we’re not ‘traffic’ – we’re people. And some of us are sitting on half a ton of nervous energy with a mind of its own and a strong dislike of surprises. Plus hooves. So next time you see a rider–or anyone soft-shelled and road-bound – resist the urge to test your reflexes or your engine. Just pass wide, pass slow, and carry on. Because trust me: your patience is far more impressive than your exhaust note.

Hedge Cutting/shaping

•Hedge cutting services

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• Large or small loads welcome.

•Collection service, or have us mulch it at your property.

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• Based in Shillingstone, we cover all of Dorset, and surrounds.

Celebrate the music of Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Beatles’ George Harrison. Also the collective genius that was The Traveling Wilburys W H A T ' S O N @ T

INTIMATE EVENING - MARTIN FRY

SAT 7TH JUNE

Martin Fry – A Lexicon of Life A Look At Life And A Look Of Love An intimate evening of music and conversation with ABC’s Martin Fry. That’s the Look, the Look of Love!

FLEETWOOD UNCHAINED

TRAVELING WILBURYS EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY 17TH MAY

FRIDAY 20TH JUNE

Delivering a faithful and unforgettable live experience that captures the essence of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary sound, with timeless hits, from the early blues-infused Peter Green classics to the poprock anthems that made them international superstars

THE HISTORY OF ROCK

SATURDAY 12TH JULY

THE HISTORY OF ROCK is back and bigger than ever taking you on a thrilling ride through the history of rock – but this time, turning the spotlight on Led Zeppelin. A must see for any fan of ROCK!

SAT 10TH MAY

Community rallies for former Navy engineer living with MND

‘United for Jon’ fundraising night set for 31st May, as friends and neighbours step up to raise support for Gillingham dad Jon Over

Friends and neighbours across North Dorset and Somerset are coming together this month to support Jon Over, a former Royal Navy engineer and father-of-two who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

During his 23-year service in the Royal Navy, Jon was primarily based at Yeovilton air station, serving with 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons. He began by maintaining Lynx helicopters and later worked on the Wildcat. Before leaving the Navy as a chief petty officer, he was a staunch fundraiser and key member of many Fleet Air Arm and Navy sports teams, including rugby, tennis, cricket, golf and athletics.

‘Jon’s someone who has always been willing to give back,’ said his friend, Chief Petty Officer Dan ‘Whisky’ Walker. Jon and his family had only just moved into their dream home in Gillingham when they received the devastating diagnosis. With a prognosis of just one to three years, friends are rallying to raise funds that will allow Jon to create precious memories with his wife, Marie, and their two daughters – and help safeguard their family home.

A team effort

Jon’s supporters are running the Brighton Marathon, climbing Lake District peaks, attempting a cross-Channel swim and organising a golf day – all to top up the fund that has already

raised more than £17,000 via a JustGiving page created by Jon’s close friend, Daniel: ‘I’ve had the privilege of calling Jon my friend for almost 20 years. He’s truly selfless, and has done so much for others – he’s kind, compassionate, and always there when you need him.’

The Fleet Air Arm community at Yeovilton has also rallied to support Jon, with various fundraising initiatives underway. Jon’s football friends, Adam Vincent and Greg Hissey, have also organised a charity fundraising night, United for Jon, at Wincanton Sports Ground on Saturday 31st May. ‘Jon’s known for his kindness and unwavering support for others,’ says Greg. ‘He and Marie recently moved into their dream home in Gillingham and are now faced with potentially losing it – which we want to help prevent. The fundraising night

will include a DJ, dancing, raffle, silent auction*, and a pizza van for hungry revellers. With no cure for MND, the community’s support is making a very real difference. Every ticket sold and every donation made helps ease the burden for a family facing the unthinkable.

• United for Jon Dress to impress! (over 18s only) Wincanton Sports Ground

Saturday 31st May 7pm to 11.30pm Tickets are £22.38 (including a welcome drink) available via Eventbrite.

• If you can help with donations of raffle and auction prizes, please contact Greg on hissey9@hotmail.com

• You can donate to the JustGiving page for Jon here

Jon Over with his wife Marie and their two daughters

Hayley’s marathon effort boosts Sturfit fund

Sturfit gym instructor Hayley Goddard has raised more than £2,000 for the Sturminster Newton community leisure centre after completing this year’s London Marathon.

Hayley, who lives in Henstridge with her partner and two daughters, joined Sturfit in 2022 and says working there has shown her just how vital the facility is for the local community.

‘We’re a little isolated here in rural North Dorset,’ she says. ‘Without good public transport links, facilities like Sturfit are hugely important for providing opportunities in sport, leisure and fitness and also a community and social hub.’

Hayley, who had only ‘dabbled’ in running before, took on the challenge to help Sturfit put on more activities and reach even more people.

Sturfit Centre Manager Roger Teasdale says:

‘Hayley’s fundraising page has already topped £2,099, beating our £2,000 target – and there are still collection pots and pledges to come in.’

Sturfit secured a coveted place in the London Marathon through the small charities ballot, but unfortunately missed out for 2026.

• Find out more about Sturfit and its work at sturfit.org

The Last Thursday Lunch Club

A new monthly book event is launching in Blandford – and it promises to be as entertaining as it is delicious. The Last Thursday Lunch Club will take

place, unsurprisingly, on the last Thursday of each month, bringing acclaimed authors to town for lunchtime talks about their latest books.

The inaugural event takes place on Thursday 29th May at The Stour Inn, Blandford St Mary, with a buffet lunch and first drink included, all in support of the fundraising efforts for St Mary’s Church. The aim? To help preserve the beautiful but beleaguered building – and stop the clatter of dying boilers and tumbling masonry.

The guest speaker is Tim Spicer, discussing his bestselling biography A Suspicion of Spies, which charts the extraordinary life of Biffy Dunderdale – a suave, daring spymaster whose reallife exploits helped inspire Ian Fleming’s James Bond. From

sinking German ships at just 17 to a lifetime of “licensed thuggery” in British intelligence, Biffy’s story promises to be anything but dull.

Tickets are £20 (plus booking fee) and include lunch, a drink, the talk and a book signing.

Doors open at 12.30pm, the talk begins at 1.45pm, and the event ends at 3pm.

With plans already in motion for future events, and a return of the Blandford Literary Festival this November, it’s clear that Blandford’s literary scene is getting lively once again.

• Book your ticket via Eventbrite, and follow The Last Thursday Lunch Club on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated.

Behind the music: inside a Monday night with the Gillingham Singers

It’s easy to sit in a pew on concert night, glass of wine in hand, and let the music wash over you. But behind every polished performance lie weeks of unseen preparation, laughter, effort – and a lot of sheet music. Richard Nye, a Dorset-based composer whose works have been performed internationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, is choirmaster of the Gillingham Singers. Here, he lifts the curtain on a typical rehearsal, as the choir prepares for a spring concert of choral favourites and looks ahead to a world première:

As the car pulls up at Wyke Primary School in Gillingham, we can already see chairs being set up in the hall. The weekly practice begins in 15 minutes, so there is plenty of time to get things ready ... or so I thought. My daughter Rosie picks up the extension lead for the piano, my wife Heather carries the water bottles, and I carry the music stand. We all have our own bags full of sheet music. As we enter the hall, there are the usual cheery greetings as chairs continue to be arranged. The choir secretary, Carole, shares some updates for our forthcoming concert, including the good news that tickets are now being snapped up. Hilary, the choir chair, rearranges a seat before coming to check that all is well – something she does every week. This evening we end up talking about logistics and how we are going to fit a string group in front of the choir for our next concert. We both very much like the name the new string group have chosen, and now it’s just about making sure plans are in place so that everything goes smoothly on the day. Before I realise it, the clock is showing 7:13pm – we have a tight schedule and need to start singing at 7:15!

Rehearsal drills

Our rehearsal is a busy one. After a warmup, which includes stretches and breathing exercises, we run through a pre-planned practice

programme. Each week I email the choir with a list of the music we’ll tackle the following week, accompanied by any notes and links to suitable recordings. This regular contact allows members the opportunity to practise at home, and the choir have embraced this approach. It makes such a positive difference.

Warm-up over, we begin the practice. Music at the start may be pieces that require some attention from the previous week. A tricky section may need looking at again, or it might be that we all just need to feel we’ve now ‘got it’. We then move on to some challenging works – and those are the tricky moments. Stopping for regular water breaks and a breather, we move forward.

David, the choir’s wonderful accompanist, moves from keyboard to the choir’s bass section as we go from piece to piece. The Spring Concert has quite a few unaccompanied pieces this year, and David

is a very welcome vocal addition as we run through a madrigal, followed by David Ogden’s wonderful setting of Were You There?

The choir are providing all the soloists for this concert, which means we can rehearse complete sections, fine-tuning entries and making sure the balance works for everyone.

Our busy practice ends with a warm-down (singing something short that we know as a complete ‘performance’) before tidying the chairs away again and locking up.

Long in the planning

The week’s rehearsal might be over, but work for the choir continues. The following day the committee meets. This group of members works hard behind the scenes: organising and running fundraising events, planning future concerts, and ensuring that funds are directed to keep the choir running as it should. The Spring Concert in May was planned last year, and as MD I share thoughts on how it might look. Then, with the help of everyone on the committee, we start to build a picture that everyone can see. We are very excited to be including a string ensemble this time, which will accompany us as we sing Fauré’s beautiful and well-loved Requiem. The vocal solos in this work are well within the reach of our singers, and we have some lovely voices in the choir – those moments will be very special.

This planning and support includes everything from organising the music to running the website and social media – and it’s essential, as we are already thinking ahead.

In November, the choir will be giving the world première of Stars by Stephen Deutsch. This work for spoken voice, choir and electronics has been composed especially for the Gillingham Singers by Stephen, an American composer living in Dorset, who frequently collaborated with the playwright Peter Barnes, in addition to writing scores for the BBC. This concert will take some planning, and the committee are already working on the venue and logistics.

One thing that often comes to mind after a busy practice is how many people have been involved in making it all happen. It’s not just the singing that is very much a team effort. Everyone has a part to play – it would not be a choir without each person being present and contributing – and for me, it’s why choral music-making is such a joy.

• The Spring Concert by the Gillingham Singers is on Saturday May 17th at Motcombe Church. ‘Earlybird’ tickets are £10 (£12 on the door) and include a glass of wine. For tickets please contact Carole on 07572 786416

• More details can be found at the choir website: gillingham-singers.org

• Stephen Deutsch’s website can be found at stephen-deutsch.com

From Mere to Lviv: two men, one pick up truck and 1,300 miles

Two old friends with deep local ties and long-standing military service are once again stepping up to help those in need. Michael Tulloch from Mere and Jeremy Moger from Hazelbury Bryan –who first met at Naval College before both joined the Army – are heading to Ukraine this spring in support of the charity Pickups 4 Peace.

Mike says: ‘Jeremy and I had heard a couple of talks given by people who have taken part in the Pickups for Peace (P4P) programme, and with a connection to a Ukrainian refugee, we were inspired to do something to try to to help.’

The small charity was established in 2023 with the aim of providing equipment and humanitarian support to Ukraine in the form of much needed 4x4 pickup trucks loaded with medical and other essential supplies. As of February 2025, P4P has delivered 525 vehicles fully loaded with vital equipment.

The second-hand pickup trucks packed with essential supplies are delivered directly to the Ukrainian Army. Once handed over, the vehicles are used to

transport vital equipment to the front line and to carry wounded soldiers back for medical treatment.

Michael and Jeremy have been working hard to raise funds to buy a Ford Ranger and ensure it is fully loaded with urgentlyneeded supplies, including generators, medical kits, spare tyres, engine oil, tools and ratchet straps.

The five-day, 1,300-mile journey to Ukraine will take them from Dorset through France nd Germany – with a pause to visit Colditz Castle, the Second World War prisoner of war camp which they’ll be driving right past – before continuing through Poland to their final destination in Lviv.

They friends have been well supported by local businesses, saying much of what they are taking has been kindly donated by local firms including Martin Richards Agricultural Engineers, C J Cox Ltd, Kings Stag Garage, Harts of Stur, R F Stratton & Co, Crockers Ltd, Hillbrush of Mere, Jeans Electrical, TJS Services Centre Ltd and Gillingham Tyre Services. Michael and Jeremy are also hugely grateful for the individual, personal donations that have helped make the purchase possible – and are hoping that with continued support they may be able to fund and deliver a second vehicle later this year.

• To donate, visit the OPs for Peace JustGiving page

£200,000 Youth Grant open for Dorset Organisations

Voluntary and community organisations across Dorset can now apply for a share of Dorset Council’s £200,000 Youth Grant, supporting projects that deliver activities for young people. Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available for projects that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes: providing positive activities (especially for vulnerable young people) and improving wellbeing

across the Dorset Council area. Applications are open until 28th May, with successful bids to be announced on 23rd July.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: ‘We’re excited to see new ideas that promote young people’s wellbeing, inclusion and empowerment. Young people will also help assess applications –their voice is key to the decisionmaking process.’

Last year’s recipients included STEPS Club for Young People, whose grant supported a youth music project, and Relationships Wessex, who offered affordable early intervention counselling.

• Full criteria and application details are available at: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ dorset-council-youth-fundgrant-criteria

Michael Tulloch (rt) and Jeremy Moger with their Pickups4Peace Ford Ranger

LLTL says ‘see you at the Spring Show!’

We’ve had a lot of fun getting ready for the Dorset Spring Show on 3rd and 4th May, and I’m thrilled to share that Love Local Trust Local will be taking part in a big way this year. Some of our brilliant local producers will be giving short presentations and talks on both days of the show – join us at 12.30pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday in the Demonstration Marquee, near the local food producer stands. We’ll be sharing stories behind the produce, offering tastings, and – we hope – giving you something meaningful to take away, whether that’s a new favourite product or a fresh understanding of why buying British and local really does matter. We’re so proud of the incredible line-up of producers joining us:

• Peter Morgan from The Book and Bucket Cheese Company

• Rachael Perrett from Meggy Moo’s Dairy

• Katie Cooper from South Paddocks

• Karl and Chrissie Regler from From Dorset With Love

• Claire King from The Nutrition Advisory Team

• and myself, Barbara Cossins, founder of the Love Local Trust Local food label, Rawston Farm Butchery and Shop, and The Langton Arms. Together, we’ll be showcasing what local food really means – and why it’s vital to support it. A heartfelt thank you goes to Blanchards Bailey Solicitors for supporting and sponsoring our producers to deliver this important demonstration.

Do come and say hello – taste, learn, and support your local food heroes.

In other news:

The upcoming important dates for your diaries are:

8th May – Claire King with James Cossins and Jon Sloper will be at an event on the importance of eating local, healthy food organised by BCP in Bournemouth. See Love Local Trust Local social media for more information. 8th June – Open Farm Sunday, we will be at Down Barn Farm, DT11 8SH.

Friday Lunchtime Recitals

1.45pm, Cheap Street Church (unless otherwise stated)

FREE ADMISSION ALL WELCOME

2nd May Chamber Music ensembles (Sherborne Abbey Festival 1.30pm, Sherborne Abbey)

9th May Woodwind and Brass

16th May Strings and Percussion

23rd May Instrumental and Vocal Soloists

6th June Pianists

13th June The Choral Scholars

Tindall Recital Series

Seth Nordin – Trombone

Semra Kurutac – Piano

Thursday 22nd May, 7.30pm

Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne Boys

An evening of music by British and American composers, including:

Sonata for Trombone Derek Bourgeois

Fantasy for Trombone Malcolm Arnold

Thoughts of Love Arthur Pryor

Old American Songs Aaron Copland

Tickets £12.50 (to include a glass of wine)

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

Friday 16th May

Programme

All day Spinning & carding demonstrations with the Textile/Wool Group from The Gugg - Free

All day Lace making demonstrations with Stour Lace Makers - Free

10.30am- 11am - Talk - The History of Lace & How it Has Been Recyled Throughout Fashion - Stour Lacemakers - Free

10.30am-12.30pm Dorset Button Workshop with Anna McDowell - £20 Learn the art of creating traditional Dorset buttons.

12pm-1.30pm PANEL: Make Do With What You Have - Free Hosted by Sara Arnold of Fashion Act Now with; Amelia Twine of Sustainable Fashion Week, Alice Nicholl of The Swish Shop , Claire Leach who is researching the home sewing community and Jennifer Morisetti of Hawkers Re-Creatives

2pm-5pm Drop in mending & felt bead making with Hawkers Re-Creatives - £5

2.30pm-4.30pm Make a top/jacket from a tablecloth with Laura Basevi - £20 with own fabric or £25 if supplied

Saturday 17th May

All day Spinning & Carding Demonstrations with the Textile/Wool Group from The Gugg - Free

All day Lace making demonstrations with Stour Lace Makers - Free

10am-2pm Nettle Fibre Demonstrations with Beekay Makes - Free

10.30am-3pm Drop in mending & felt bead making with Hawkers Re-Creatives - £5

11am-12.30pm Dr Kirsten Scott & Emma D’Arcey, of Instituto Marangoni, present their latest work; Making Sense, an exhibition of practice-based research - Free

1pm-3pm Crochet Workshop; The Corner to Corner Blanket Stitch with Kit & Kaboodle - £15

2pm-4pm PANEL: Local Fibres - Free Hosted by Zoe Gilbertson of Liflad CIC with; Brigitte Kaltenbacher, Nettle & flax weaver & Rachel Hall, farmer & former knitwear designer of Gutchpool Farm

Cheers to 11 years – The Exchange’s Real Ale & Cider Festival is back

Sturminster Newton’s much-loved Real Ale & Cider Festival returns for its 11th year from 31st May to 2nd June – and organisers at The Exchange promise that 2025 is shaping up to be their biggest and best yet.

Held as part of Sturminster’s Big Weekend, the festival is a celebration of great beer and brilliant music. With free entry all weekend, it’s one of the town’s liveliest events – and a vital fundraiser for The Exchange, a registered charity that receives no external funding.

Festivalgoers can look forward to an outstanding selection of real ales, ciders and perries from breweries including Sixpenny, Hop Back, Cerne Abbas, Hattie Brown’s, Wriggle Valley and Dynamite, with more still to be announced. New for 2025 is a dedicated gin bar – perfect for those seeking a different kind of tipple. There’s also a full weekend of live music, starting with The Leggomen on Friday night. Saturday’s headliners are the ever-popular Wonky Donkeys, with support from Theya, and Sunday features performances from Pete Robson and Murphy’s Lore Trio. Festival food will be provided by Gia’s wood-fired pizza, serving fresh, hot food on Saturday and Sunday.

Sponsor a barrel!

As well as being a fantastic community event, the festival plays a vital role in supporting The Exchange. To help keep the venue thriving, local businesses and individuals are invited to support the event through sponsorship:

• Barrel sponsorship – £80 (branding, beer guide mention and website listing)

• Cider box sponsorship – £60 (branding and online/printed recognition)

• Gin bar sponsorship – bespoke packages available

Sturminster Newton Economic Development Coordinator, Jacqui Wragg, says: ‘This festival brings the whole community together. It’s a wonderful weekend of music, food and drink – and it’s a vital part of keeping The Exchange running. We’d love to see even more local businesses get involved this year.’

Raise a glass to a great weekend – and to keeping The Exchange at the heart of Sturminster Newton.

• To sponsor or find out more, call 01258 475137.

More fun for less as Wimborne’s Family Fest returns

Family Fest is back – and this year promises more fun, longer hours and lower ticket prices. Returning to The Meadows just over Julian’s Bridge, the awardwinning Wimborne festival runs from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June, with live music and entertainment continuing until 9pm on Friday and Saturday for the first time.

In a bid to keep the event affordable, ticket prices have been reduced: standard children’s entry is now £5 and adults £8. Founder Rob Batson said: ‘With the current economic climate, we’ve cut costs to ensure even more families can join us. All activities – except inflatables and fairground rides – are included in the ticket price, so there are no hidden extras.’ Headline acts include Rudimentalists, the UK’s top Rudimental tribute band (Friday), and 80s/90s party favourites Yazadi (Saturday). There’s a new Bournemouth One lounge with street food and a bar, hosted

by Bournemouth’s newest radio station. There’s thrilling BMX bike shows and traditional fun with Punch & Judy and magic shows, plus festival shopping with food, gifts and artisan products from across Dorset on offer with a special focus on supporting the county’s small business traders. The festival continues to support The Cherry Tree Nursery, which offers rehabilitation through horticulture: it has so far donated £4,000 to the nursery in Bournemouth. Sited on 12 acres

of working farmland, Family Fest offers on-site camping as well as shuttle bus services from Wimborne Square and also from Blandford.

Run voluntarily by Rob Batson and a small team, with 15 volunteers across the weekend, the festival expects more than 3,000 visitors. Supported by Wimborne BID, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and good old-fashioned family fun.

• Find out more at ffdorset.co.uk

Sunshine and Smiles at Shaftesbury’s Family Fun Run

A glorious sunny Sunday brought out runners, families and spectators for Shaftesbury Rotary’s second Family Fun Run – and what a brilliant morning it was. With around 150 entries, runners chose between 5km and 10km routes, both finishing with the famous climb up Gold Hill. The course, entirely within Shaftesbury, took participants along some of the town’s lesserknown but scenic streets, offering a fresh view of this beautiful town. A highlight for many was the Jelly Baby station at Bimport, cheerfully manned by Abbey Primary School RotaKids George, Iris, Lily and Sophia – who heroically resisted the temptation to snack!

Shaftesbury Primary RotaKids

Sanya, Poppy, Verity and Jack were stationed at the finish line, proudly handing out medals. Both enthusiastic RotaKid teams were invaluable, helping to make the event a success.

Proceeds will go to Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, and Rotary extends thanks to returning sponsors Bloomfield Associates Ltd, as well as BAD (Brave and Determined) for running the coffee trailer.

• shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

• date for the diary: North Dorset Cycle Ride on 18th May – those completing two events qualify for a special Triathlon medal. Fingers crossed for more sunshine!

Dorset bursts into colour with a trio of spring art events

This May, Dorset throws open the doors to its creative heart with three major open art exhibitions, offering a rare opportunity to explore local studios, meet artists, and immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspire their work.

The season begins with the inaugural exhibition from the newly formed Dorset Artists Guild, who will showcase their Spring/Summer Exhibition at Church House in Wimborne from 6th to 15th May. Bringing together the work of ten highly regarded Dorset-based artists, the exhibition features everything from evocative landscapes to abstract mixed media, wildlife portraiture and ceramics. Highlights include seascapes by Cathy Veale, dynamic wildlife by Cliff Towler, and moody, atmospheric works from Ian Hargreaves. With free entry and art available to purchase, it’s a perfect stop for art lovers in the heart of Dorset. Later in the month, the Open For Art Trail returns from 17th May to 1st June, spanning Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Poundbury. With more than 60 artists showing work across 27 venues –from home studios to galleries and community spaces – visitors can enjoy painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, glass, ceramics and more. Organised by Artwey CIC, the trail runs biennially and is designed to be as welcoming and accessible as possible, with a printed guide suggesting trail routes, public transport links and refreshment stops. Look out for the group exhibition ‘Poundbury Unwrapped’ at Jubilee Hall for a snapshot of the wider trail.

Running alongside Open For Art is the ever-popular Wylye Valley Art Trail, celebrating its 21st year. From 17th to 26th May, more than 70 venues open their doors across Wiltshire, Somerset and West Dorset, featuring more than 300 painters,

printmakers, sculptors, potters, jewellers, textile and wood artists. One of the largest and most diverse open studio events in the South West, the trail invites visitors to experience art in its natural setting – whether that’s a converted barn, a garden studio or a historic village hall. Many venues offer refreshments and demonstrations, making it a relaxed, engaging day out.

May in Dorset

All three events are free to attend and welcome visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a casual browser, a serious collector, or simply looking for a creative family day out, May in Dorset offers a unique chance to step behind the scenes of the region’s thriving art scene and take home a piece of it.

Find out more:

• wvat.co.uk

• artwey.com/openforartdorset

• dorsetartistsguild.co.uk

Cathy Veale’s White Cliffs can be seen in the Dorset Artists Guild summer exhibition

Laura Rich’s contemporary landscape paintings are featured in the Wylye Valley Art Trail

Hilly Longman, chair of Artwey CIC

New book captures Stalbridge’s historic sale a century on

In September 1918, just two months before the end of the First World War, Lord Stalbridge placed his entire estate under the hammer. Homes, farms, cottages, businesses and fields across Stalbridge

and Stalbridge Weston were sold off in individual lots. For the first time, many local residents had the chance to own their homes – though for others it meant losing the properties rented by their families for generations.

A century later, Stalbridge History Society marked the centenary of the sale with a hugely successful exhibition. Now, following further years of dedicated research, they have created a lasting legacy: a new book titled ‘Stalbridge Sold – A Town Under the Hammer’.

The book offers more than 340 pages of a richly illustrated, in-depth account of life in the area before, during and after the dramatic 1918 sale. It includes stories of local families – many with descendants still living in the town – alongside newly-sourced information gleaned from the 1921 Census, the Stalbridge Archive and the Dorset History Centre.

The book will be officially launched with a new exhibition at Stalbridge Hall on 13th to 15th June, including a mini Family and Local History Fair on the Saturday. One not to miss!

The first print run has already sold out. To order a copy – £20 for the softcover and £35 for the hardback – please email your name, address, and the number of copies required to stalbridgehistory@gmail.com.

Royal Bath & West has a packed May half-term line-up

The Royal Bath & West Show returns from 29th to 31st May 2025, promising three days of countryside celebration, family fun, and live entertainment at the iconic Shepton Mallet showground.

This year’s main ring entertainment features the thrilling Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, delivering high-speed stunts and precision riding. Foodies can explore the Regional Food & Drink Pavilion, showcasing the best producers from across the South West, while live demos in The Great British Kitchen will feature guest chefs including George Egg – Snack Hacker, Big Nath’s BBQ, Andy Clarke and James Strawbridge.

On Friday 30th May, Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper will be on site, meeting visitors, joining the Somerset Young Farmers and holding a Q&A session. The Pilton Tent, sponsored by Glastonbury Festival, brings evening entertainment to the show on Thursday and Friday, with live music and local cider on tap.

Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy top-level livestock and equine competitions, the British Cider

Championships, floral art, bees & honey and sheep shearing contests. The much-loved Bark & West returns for dog lovers, along with growing displays in the Horticultural Village.

Families will find plenty of free hands-on activities too – from wood carving to STEM fun in the Discover the Future zone, plus farming education in Lakeside Farm.

• For more details and tickets: bathandwest.com

Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@BVmagazine.co.uk. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

On The green farming dream lies in tatters (The BV, Apr 25)

George Hosford has put into words what so many of us in farming have been quietly shouting into the void. His piece was honest, measured, and devastatingly accurate.

As someone who has spent the last five years painstakingly shifting our family farm towards regenerative practices – inspired and supported in no small part by the promises of SFI – I feel utterly betrayed. Like George, we’d been navigating the maze of applications, jumping through the ever-changing hoops with genuine belief that we were contributing to something bigger: food, yes, but also biodiversity, soil health, water quality.

To have the rug pulled so abruptly is not just financially destabilising, it’s demoralising. DEFRA has crushed momentum and killed trust. Farmers like George – and those of us following his lead – aren’t asking for handouts. We’re asking for the stability and clarity to do what the government itself encouraged. Name and address supplied

I would like to thank George Hosford for his characteristically articulate and painfully necessary column in last month’s issue. I’ve farmed in Dorset for nearly 50 years, and I’ve rarely seen a policy decision as short-sighted and ill-conceived as the abrupt shutdown of the SFI offer.

The government claims to support ‘public money for public goods’ – yet the moment it begins to work in practice, they abandon it. Farmers are not fools. We understand change takes time. But to promote a scheme, persuade us to adapt our methods, and then pull support with no warning? That’s not just incompetent – it’s a betrayal. George speaks for a whole generation of thoughtful, forward-looking farmers who care deeply about both their land and their legacy. The tragedy is, this government clearly does not. MC, by email

On Stranded: Dorset is one of the worst in the country (The BV, Apr 25)

I love living here in North Dorset, but having moved from a town within the M25 20 years ago I

have always been astonished at the lack of public transport. My children have both passed their driving test now as we see this as the only way for them to access most job opportunities – but this is not always possible, and young people can’t always afford this, or to run a car. If you can just about afford this it still reduces your take home pay, having to pay out for a car you can barely afford and keep on the road plus the insurance and petrol, which further cuts into the young people’s ability to ever live independently and have a life. Many years ago I did not have a car and I found that the buses were at the wrong time or not at all – they did not seem to cater to anyone who has a job, just for people who are retired and can go out at any time. I found that I could not take my children where they needed to be or get to appointments and finally I had to get a car again. As always I am angry about the government not looking to the future and investing in people, as they should: they would then reap the rewards later, instead it is all ‘what can I get now’.

Lynn Close

Buses are needed for the young people here but also the elderly who may not feel comfortable driving anymore. Having a robust public transport system means a more connected county, more jobs, more business for towns.. the positives are overwhelming.

Su Naz Geyik

Human ingenuity

Surely a civilised society should be capable of meeting human needs while also protecting the environment for future generations – with the right blend of ingenuity and commitment.

Barbara Humphreys, Shaftesbury

On the White Hart Link

I couldn’t agree more with Judith K’s comments on the White Hart Link. Like her, I was excited at the idea of a proper long-distance trail for North Dorset, but when I looked closer, I couldn’t believe what it manages to miss.

Stalbridge and Blandford are crying out for visitors to enjoy their town centres, yet the trail skirts round them. And to leave out the hill forts –

some of the most iconic features of our landscape – is just baffling. It feels like such a wasted opportunity. A trail like this should celebrate the heart and history of North Dorset, not bypass it. I realise it’s a tricky job to create such a route, and impossible to please everyoine, but I really hope the route can be revisited and improved in the future.

Roger S, Stalbridge

Happy 100th Jim

(‘Be nice to people – it’s infectious ’ The BV, April)

What a joy it was to read about Jim Freer. What a life – full of courage, humour, wisdom and warmth. If I can be even half as sharp, thoughtful and kindhearted at 100, I’ll count myself lucky.

Liz Hartley, The Tarrants

Jim sounds like the kind of man we all wish lived next door. Modest, funny and still curious at 100 –a proper example of a life well lived.

I hope when I hit a century, I’m listening to Chopin and making the young ones laugh too.

Frank Mitchell, Blandford

On The Tack Room

I just wanted to say how good your equestrian coverage is. Jess Rimmer’s eventing yard diary is unmissable – full of humour, honesty and the glorious chaos of real horse life.

I’m not a mad racing fan, but I tuned into Chris Wald’s column simply because it was about horses… and now I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll admit it’s far more interesting than I expected – insightful and very readable.

The feature on farrier Abby Bunyard last month was excellent – beautifully written and so interesting. And while I’m at it, a special thank you to Courtenay for the photography. His images never fail to make me stop and linger – please do let him know how much they’re appreciated. What was wonderful is that all of this came to me on the back of the new Tack Room newsletter, which led me to The BV. We’ve long been missing proper equestrian coverage in Dorset – you’ve absolutely nailed it. More please.

Jane Arliss, nr Sherborne

(The BV Tack Room is our exclusive, monthly round-up of the equestrian stories. We know you’re busy (horses don’t muck out themselves), so we’ve made it easy – just the horse bits, straight to your inbox, once a month. Sign up here - it’s FREE!)

Providing direction, through every step of your journey.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your property, our expertise extends beyond the legal to making your move as smooth as possible. By working with us, you can be confident that whatever decisions you make, they’ll be based on sound legal advice that’s in your best interest.

Quick Crossword

As always, just click to complete on your tablet, computer or phoneor there’s a download ‘PDF’ option if you prefer pen and paper.

Jigsaw April blackthorn – just click to complete!

Stunt spectaculars to headline at Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Two days of epic action await visitors to the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show this summer, as the main ring welcomes two new acts blending medieval and modern horsepower.

Appearing in Dorset for the first time, The Knights of Albion will bring an unforgettable live-action jousting tournament to Turnpike Showground on 13th and 14th August. Renowned as one of the UK’s top theatrical equestrian displays, the team brings amazing jousting displays, original storylines and movie-quality armour paired with vibrant costumes. Tom Armstrong-Frost who runs the spectacular in between working in TV and film as a stunt rider said, ‘Our performances feature

professional stunt riders, jousters, acrobats, musicians and performers, all accompanied by our stunning trick-trained horses.

‘There’s lots of opportunities for the public to get involved, cheer on their favourite knight and even meet the heroes and villains of the plot with their trusty steeds afterwards.’

Headline Tigers

Sharing the main arena spotlight will be the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team – an inspiring group of young riders aged just five to sixteen. From formation riding and high-speed chicanes to fire jumps, their fearless display of balance, bravery and skill is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Show organiser Cat Harris says: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing these two incredible acts to the main ring this year. Their energy and skill are sure to be highlights for all ages.’

The show raises funds for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, supporting the local farming community. While the livestock, pristine rows of tractors and huge farm machinery signal it is very much still an agricultural show, there’s something for everyone at the G&S Show –even those who have never set a wellied foot in a farmyard. Livestock parades, agricultural exhibits, vintage cars, steam engines, equestrian events, live music, a funfair and countryside displays.

• Early bird one day tickets:

Adults £19 | Kids £3 | Family £43

Under 5s FREE

Two-day tickets also available

• gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

Abbey104 Album of the Month: Confessions of Mr. Nowhere

Palace Winter

Palace Winter, the electro-indie, Australian/Danish duo of Carl Coleman and Caspar Hesselager, have bubbled under the radar since they released their excellent (but largely ignored) debut LP Waiting for the World to Turn almost ten years ago. But they’re still yet to break through in a scene crammed full of synth-heavy, mid-tempo guitar pop.

While that is unlikely to change with the release of their fourth LP Confessions of Mr. Nowhere, there’s still plenty here to love.

On first listen there is little evidence of real deviation from the band’s signature sound. The album is, like its predecessors, awash with keyboards, guitar arpeggios and lush harmonies. But on closer listening, there are signs of subtle evolution to be found. On the single Does That Include Television? the synths give way to a distorted Rhodes piano for a surprisingly groovy breakdown. Inget Val features a spoken word/rap backing vocal which, while not exactly groundbreaking, does serve as a welcome counterpoint to Coleman’s mid-range vocals.

Telepathic turns a riff which could easily have come from a 1980’s video game into an essential anchor for an otherwise-listless musing (“If you could only ease my mind, ‘cause we’re only wasting time, we can leave it all behind”)

Overall, the arrangements and production feel denser, tighter and less riff-driven than on

previous efforts. And while this is most evident on chugging opening track Mr. Nowhere (a bouncy, Ian-Brown-meets-late-period-Supergrass foot tapper), this album confirms that Palace Winter are consistently at their best when they slow things down. Just Slide, perfectly positioned in the middle of the tracklist (and reminiscent of two of the band’s previous high water marks, 2015’s Woke in the Night, The Phone Was Ringing and 2016’s What Happened) brings the heart which is absent elsewhere on the record (“Always running to a negative space…. If you break, you buy”). Another rock-solid effort from an underappreciated gem of a band. 3.5/5 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 local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues. In the postbag this month:

What even is my tax code?

Q:I received a letter from HMRC about my tax code but I am not sure it is correct. What can I do?

A: Your tax code is issued by HMRC and is used by your employer or pension provider to work out how much tax to deduct from the payments they make to you. Codes for the 2025/26 tax year are currently being issued – you should always review your tax code to ensure the tax is deducted accurately. If you have more than one source of income, you should check that the tax code for each job or pension is accurate. The following are common areas that mean your tax code may be more complex:

• Taxable state benefits include the state pension

• Other employments or other pensions

• Underpayments of tax from previous years

• Work expenses

Where do I find my tax code?

• On HMRC’s website by signing up to view your Personal Tax Account here

• On letters or emails from HMRC

• On your payslips from April 2025

• By contacting HMRC

What does my tax code mean?

Your tax code is made up of both numbers and letters. The HMRC website explains what your tax code means here and there is also a helpful YouTube video from HMRC below. In certain circumstances, you may be on

an emergency tax code. This is explained in further detail at this HMRC link.

In addition to sending a tax code for the beginning of the tax year, HMRC may update your tax code part way through the year if they are informed of a change in your circumstances. It is important to keep HMRC informed of changes that may impact your tax position so that they can adjust your tax code. You can see how to do this here.

What if my tax code is incorrect?

If HMRC do not have accurate information about your income, you may be issued with an incorrect tax code. This link covers how to contact HMRC to update your tax code.

• This Q&A was compiled in collaboration with Tax Aid.

The five-year return policy

Calls for political change can be seductive, says Simon Hoare MP, but without proper scrutiny, we can risk years of buyers remorse

As a society we are becoming increasingly impatient (my wife has literally just walked in and commented that I have always been impatient and she did not see how I could become even more so ... but I shall leave that there). Hot meals and groceries to the door. Next day delivery. Click and collect. All have contributed to creating what is being called the Amazon Prime syndrome. At the click of a button we can purchase items and have them in our hands within a few hours. Don’t like what we chose? Wasn’t quite what it said on the tin? Easy. Send it back and full refund is received. We then simply click and repeat.

Our electoral cycles are not so simple: buyer’s remorse takes four or five years to get a refund.

I know it’s so

Last May, Dorset’s Liberal Democrats urged a change from Conservative Council control. The Conservative administration had not done anything wrong but my Party had been running the show for while and people wanted a change. In much the same way that people change a household appliance of hairstyle – ‘nothing wrong with it per se, I just wanted a change’. In July of last year Labour told the country it was time for a change, and that only Labour could deliver that change. The country agreed and gave both Sir Keir a thumping majority and my party a massive kicking. We believe that washing machines live longer with Calgon because, with cheery confidence that does not encourage questioning for proof, they tell us that it does. I have never compared the time of a Kwik Fit fitter to a non-Kwik Fit fitter but I know, because they tell me, that they do indeed fit quicker. The word change has become the political version of ‘new and improved’ or ‘whiter than white’. The electorate have defined, erroneously, that change is only capable of being a positive thing. But anyone who has sung the hymn Abide With Me will know that ‘change and decay in all

around I see’ is not an ode to joy. Change can, of course, mean progressing from the status quo: but it can also mean regressing. The negative effects of change are never entered into the voter’s calculation. They should be. Recipients of PIP do not see the Government’s changes as being positive. Farmers are not positive about the devastating changes of the Family Farm Tax, or the abrupt end of the the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Businesses of all types and sizes are seeing tax and National Insurances changes which are hostile to business. The national economy is undergoing a change – but in the wrong direction. Pensioners do not like the change brought about by the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. A growing economy changed to a shrinking one. I could go on but you will have got my drift.

change has become the political version

of ‘new and improved’

Locally, I know people did not expect a change in Council leadership to lead to the spectre of night time car parking charges, Adult Day Centre closures or council tax increases. All change from the previous administration ... but in the right direction? Constituents tell me not.

I tend to agree.

So, what is the key lesson we should learn? Change can be good, but it can also be bad: looking forwards but also dragging backwards. When we politicians promise change, it is usually because we have sniffed the air and determine that there is an electoral appetite for it. We then owe it to the electorate to spell out what we want to change, why we want to change it, what we will change it to and how we will do it. If politicians don’t proactively offer up these things, then the voters need to drag it out of us. Buyer’s remorse for five years will be tedious. As the voiceover perpetually advises: always read the label.

Sea levels still don’t do politics

Here’s one to give climate deniers a laugh, and get them triumphantly exclaiming that they knew all along it was rubbish.

Brace yourself. It’s been calculated that global warming could make Europe colder. What did I tell you? Hilarious!

But hang on a moment ... before anyone laughs themselves too silly it’s worth asking how a northern ice age could be one of the consequences of global warming?

I’ve written previously about the increasingly rapid melting of the Greenland ice cap, and how it contains enough water to raise sea levels by seven metres. However, the melt-water pouring off the island is also having another negative effect on the oceans.

For centuries northern Europe’s climate has been generally mild, thanks to warm surface waters from the tropics being carried towards us by currents like the Gulf Stream. Collectively, these currents are known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and the system is estimated to distribute an amount of heat equivalent to the energy flowing through one million power stations.

Unfortunately, the cold meltwater pouring off the Greenland ice cap is now slowing down the warm water flow: past collapses of the AMOC have been associated with ice ages in the northern hemisphere and increased warming in the south. I take no pleasure in sharing alarming climate and environmental reports in my articles. I totally understand why some people can’t bear to think about it all: Even I have to switch off every now and again and for a precious period of time act as if it’s all going to be fine.

But burying our heads in the sand is not a constructive response to the existential threats we face. Polling shows that a majority of Britons now accept that the climate is changing due to human activity, and my hope in writing as I do is to help motivate everyone to take whatever actions they can to turn things around before it’s too late. The sooner we shift the world economy away from climate-warming fossil fuels and environmental destruction, the better our chances of building a future worth living for.

Burying our heads in the sand is not a constructive response

Ken Huggins North Dorset Green Party

Under (water) pressure

As part of my volunteer Water Guardian duties, last weekend Mrs Jackson and I took part in the national Water Blitz citizen science survey of the nation’s water bodies. Our test kits were issued by Dorset Wildlife Trust and we measured nitrate and phosphate levels in the stretch of the Stour I patrol in Gillingham. I hope to see the full picture across the country very soon, but the single measurement we took by the railway bridge near the sewage treatment works showed high levels of nitrate and moderate levels of phosphate. Taken at that location, after a few dry days, these levels are likely to come from

agriculture and sewage treatment. The shame is that I expected these sorts of readings: such is the state of our general expectations of our rivers these days.

Last week there was a well-meaning summit of water industry players who discussed how to restore river health and increase customer trust. In the same week the water industry lobby organisation, Water UK, issued a statement on the same subject of restoring trust. The main recommendations of both were to expose data to greater scrutiny and set up yet another body to independently measure sewage overflows into our rivers and seas.

I suspect that we have long held the view that water companies marking their own homework using dubious data has generally been a bad idea, proven by the many scandals of sewage dumping, dry pumping and poor corporate behaviour. There

is work here to restore trust, but it’s much more likely to come from rigorous, joined up oversight and transparency by a rigorous and joined up independent regulatory system.

The Labour government tasked Jon Cunliffe to lead the Independent Water Commission to review and recommend the way forward for regulating the industry: he will report in June this year, but the National Audit Office (NAO) submitted their homework on this subject ahead of time on 24th April. The resulting report pointed to a range of problems.

Water companies marking their own homework has generally been a bad idea

The Environment Agency issues regulations and targets for rivers and water bodies – but takes no account of the costs and impact on customers. OFWAT regulates water companies individually – but no one is taking a national view of water supply, or of sewerage assets.

Given that there are more than 30 massive schemes to be delivered in the next ten years for new reservoirs and strategic water transfer schemes, costing tens of billions of pounds, someone needs to look at that big picture and make sure we – and the environment – get good value. While regulators are under the microscope elsewhere for being too strong and standing in the way of growth, the water industry regulators badly need a shakeup. They are not nearly strong enough. Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for this for years, and we want to see OFWAT replaced by a Clean Water Authority that also deals with the wider regulatory problems above. Now at last it seems that change may be coming. Water pressure works.

Listening, learning and delivering

I hope you had a wonderful Easter. We didn’t quite get the glorious sunshine I might have hoped for, but at least it didn’t rain the whole time! Bradpole put together an Easter egg trail for the kids, which was great fun, despite the drizzle, and Cerne Abbas did a brilliant job with an Easter egg hunt on the school playing field despite the mud. The sun did at least shine on the Lyme Regis Easter Bonnet Parade, and I was proud to wear a hat fashioned by my extremely talented wife. There was a huge turnout, both in participants and spectators, and I was hugely impressed by the amazing millinery on display from people of all ages. I also nipped in to the Dorset Food and Drink Festival at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, which had so many of our amazing local producers displaying.

In other news ...

well as visiting residents in Sherborne to hear their views on what improvements they would like to see in the town.

I also had the opportunity to meet with the English Heritage team responsible for looking after Sherborne Old Castle. We discussed their plans to move to a ‘free to visit’ model, and increase opening times. However this will be reliant on them being able to recruit local volunteers. If it is something you might be interested in getting involved with, please get in touch with them.

On planning

We must build good, sustainable and genuinely affordable homes

The Housing Minister, Baroness Taylor, visited Poundbury last week, and I joined the estate team and representatives from the Duchy to discuss responsible house building. With Labour’s 1.5 million housing target and Dorset earmarked for a significant increase, it is incredibly important that where we do build new houses we build good, sustainable, environmentally friendly, attractive – and, above all, genuinely affordable homes. It is also vital that any development comes with the necessary infrastructure (GPs, schools, dentists) and doesn’t just increase the burden of Dorset’s already-stretched services.

With fast approaching local elections across the border in Devon, I spent some time supporting LibDem candidates in Sidmouth at the weekend, as

Edward

Morello MP for West Dorset

Gary Jackson North Dorset Liberal Democrats

Good news for Sturminster Newton – the town is thriving!

Empty shops are filling up fast: the town welcomes Smiley Miley – offering dog accessories, treats and other pet merchandise – who are moving from their space in 1855 into a shop of their own, taking over the former Agnes and Vera premises. A warm welcome too to The Dressing Room, selling vintage and designer ladies’ clothing at the top of Station Road. Bank House Bistro has changed hands and become The Indian House, while Mumbai Bay is set to reopen as Tandoor Cottage on 6th May – good luck to both ventures. The Dorset Blind Association has moved into Church Street and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile, the Friends of Blandford Hospital have refurbished their shop and are open for business again. While some complain about a town filled with charity shops, better those than empty windows – and charity shops offer plenty of benefits, from supporting local causes to encouraging social connection and offering affordable, sustainable shopping.

Stur’s own community shops

The Emporium is currently looking for more volunteers, particularly for The Marketplace (the furniture store). The Marketplace is open whenever The Emporium is open, but its own volunteers are currently only there on Mondays and occasional

Staff from The Emporium pop in when they can – but more help is needed to keep the doors open so visitors can browse the beautiful furniture inside. If you can spare a few hours a week, pop into The Emporium, The Boutique or

Saturdays.

No you can’t spread it on your toast - it’s a Spoons Flavoured Butter candle – a new maker in 1855

Sturfit’s winning Easter window display

1855, or email Cheryl on 1855stur@gmail.com

We’ve also welcomed new traders this month to the ever-changing 1855, joining more than 100 already trading there. And at long last, we’re stocking gift wrap too!

If that’s still not enough shopping for you, the Craft Market returns monthly from 3rd May at The Exchange, organised by Liz Whittingham.

Congratulations!

A bumper round of congratulations this month:

• To The Boxing Club and The Football Club for their recent successes – long may they continue!

• To SturFit, whose exercising bunnies display won the most votes in the Easter Window competition.

• And to The Vale Family Hub for a strong and successful first month – though it has been sadly overshadowed by the death of key staff member Paige Hancock, aged just 24. Our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.

Car & Bike Meet

The Car and Bike enthusiasts return to the Rec on 3rd May, moving from their smaller winter home in the car park. They had a fantastic selection of vehicles at the last one with a record attendance of more than 230 vehicles, including a Lamborghini Countach, several cars from the 70s and 80s, several stunning Porsches, E-Types, MGs and

several American cars. Just a reminder that there’s no need to book, no charge and parking in the rest of the town is free for the day!

Keep an eye out too for our visitors from Montebourg, arriving that weekend as part of the town’s Twinning link with France – a very warm welcome to them.

The photo competition

The Sturminster Newton contribution to the North Dorset Photo Exhibition opens at The Exchange on 9th May for a fortnight. Local photographers will be showcasing what they love about our area, with public votes deciding the best three images from under-18s and over-18s. The winners will join the Professional photographers category winners and feature in a joint exhibition with the other North Dorset market towns later in June, also at The Exchange. The overall winners will be decided by renowned landscape photographer and local resident Charlie Waite. The aim? To build a collection of images that promote North Dorset to a wider tourist audience.

Stur LitFest

And looking ahead to June (6th–15th), the Literary Festival is shaping up to be our best yet with soem terrific talks lined up. Tickets are on sale now –and they’re flying out, so don’t delay or you might miss out on listening to your favourite author! You can find the full list of events and book tickets at sturlitfest.com, or grab a brochure around the town. Tickets are also available in 1855 (You can see a quick LitFest round up in April’s BV here - Ed).

Shanty seaweed vodka – another new maker in 1855

The wrong place

As solar farms creep across our farmland, CPRE’s Rupert Hardy asks why rooftop panels are still overlooked in the rush to meet clean energy targets

In December, Ed Miliband published his Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, aiming to switch the UK to 95 per cent clean energy by the end of the decade. The government has rightly prioritised wind power to meet the majority of our renewable needs, with solar playing a lesser role given its lower efficiency. However, much of Miliband’s plan relies on heroically optimistic assumptions, already labelled unachievable by energy consultants such as Cornwall Insight. Few believe the Action Plan will lower energy prices any time soon.

A rethink on banning new oil and gas licences in the North Sea might help ease reliance on

expensive, insecure imports during the transition. Meanwhile, the mountain of Grid upgrades needed looks insuperable – and will be costly.

Dorset already has one of the highest numbers of approved solar farms in England

Many ask why Britain, in the current economy, has set some of the most ambitious clean energy targets in Europe. The countryside will bear the brunt of this drive. More greenfield solar farms are being rushed through, alongside new pylons.

The view south over the prospective solar farm to Duncliffe Wood. Image: Rupert Hardy

Solar farm at sunrise in the English countryside. Image: Shutterstock

Dorset already has one of the highest numbers of approved solar farms in England, despite the industrial scars they leave on landscapes vital to tourism. We may avoid the mega-solar farms and new pylons now threatening East Anglia, and the proposed offshore Portwind development can thankfully connect relatively easily to the Chickerell substation.

But more large-scale solar farms are still planned – particularly in North Dorset.

Pending planning battles

Last year, a 64-acre solar farm was proposed south of Motcombe, set to impact local residents. More concerning, however, was a plan to build a giant, highly visible solar farm across 400 acres of good arable land in the historic Yeo Valley between Bradford Abbas and Thornford.

Tower, in east Dorset, will be considered at planning hearings in early May. Both would be sited on good arable land and risk harm to protected landscapes, heritage sites, and community amenity. Dorset Council faces considerable pressure to approve them – the outcome will be telling.

Token actions

The CPRE has long argued that rooftop solar, not greenfield development, offers the real solution. In Dorset, more than 90 per cent of roofs still lack panels. University College London research shows rooftop solar alone could meet much of the UK’s solar target, with a 117GW potential compared to the government’s 45 to 47GW target by 2030. Public support for rooftop installation is strong, particularly across car parks, warehouses, schools and public buildings. Rooftop solar would also reduce strain on the Grid by generating energy closer to where it is consumed.

University College London research shows rooftop solar alone could meet much of the UK’s solar target

This year, a 156-acre solar farm is being proposed north of iconic Duncliffe Wood, straddling the A30 west of Shaftesbury. The site, on some of Dorset’s best and most versatile land, would be highly visible given the contours, and sits adjacent to the ancient woodland which is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. With around 25,000 annual visitors to Duncliffe Wood, many of whom are there specifcally for its rural tranquility, one hopes there will be strong and vocal opposition.

There are important heritage assets nearby too, and the cumulative impact of multiple solar sites must not be ignored. Small, well-screened solar farms on low-quality land have a place. Vast industrial-scale developments do not.

Two major solar farm proposals near Horton

Yet government action remains tokenistic. Great British Energy’s £180m pledge to fit panels to just 400 public buildings barely scratches the surface. CPRE continues to champion the Sunshine Bill, which would mandate solar panels on all new homes, but progress has been slow. Locally, initiatives like Sustainable Swanage’s community energy projects show what can be achieved, but these are hampered by pitifully small subsidies.

Dorset Council could have strengthened energy standards in new developments – as Cornwall has done – but progress has been tied up in the delayed Local Plan.

Protect what matters

There is only one conclusion: solar farms must be better located, focusing on less sensitive sites. Rooftop solar must be prioritised. Dorset’s beautiful countryside needs protecting.

Straw bale house under construction in East Coker, Somerset

All images: Huff and Puff Construction Ltd

by Tracie Beardsley

Big bad wolf proof

Tracie Beardsley meets sustainable builder Phil Christopher, championing a straw home revolution and defying the big bad wolf!

It would have been a very different ending to the classic fairy story of the three little pigs building their houses of straw, sticks and bricks if Phil Christopher had lent a hand.

Phil is founder of the brilliantly named Huff and Puff Construction, specialising in sustainable straw buildings that could easily withstand the lung capacity of any big bad wolf hoping to ‘blow your house down’.

Challenging common misconceptions about straw houses, Phil is proving they’re strong, wellinsulated and environmentally responsible. Straw buildings last for hundreds of years, are warmer in winter, cooler in summer and more fire retardant than many modern builds.

According to Phil, they’re also ‘inherently simple’ to build ‘without breaking the bank’. He manufactures the Huff Puff House, a straw bale building kit to the self-build market. ‘People can achieve their self-build dream with our eco-friendly and energy-efficient houses. We can help with design, planning, building control, training and construction if needed.’

Phil’s journey from software development to natural building is inspiring. Talking to me wearing his trademark company t-shirt – sporting those three porky pigs – he explains how he took the step from full time employment in IT project management at Bournemouth University to launching Huff and Puff Construction in 2013: ‘Construction project management isn’t actually so very different,’ he says. A keen handyman, he spent 18 months learning everything he could, from dry stone walling to electrics, hurdle making to sustainable building techniques.

‘It’s always been my ambition to do something to help the environment, not make it worse,’ he says. ’It stems from a desire to live lightly and promote materials that work with nature rather than against it. I’ve always been into natural history and as a young boy I became increasingly concerned about human impact.’

His ‘micro company’ – it’s just him and a freelance architect – operates out of his hometown of Wareham. There are no lmits on straw buildings - they are as flexible as any build: ‘you could

Phil Christopher took the step from full time employment in IT at Bournemouth University to launching Huff and Puff Construction in 2013

The rear of the completed straw bale house in East Coker,

create a straw build skyscraper if you wanted to,’ says Phil.

‘The construction’s not actually all that different from normal housebuilding: there are several ways to build with straw bales. They can be used for load bearing structures, infill for timber framed buildings, structural insulated panels (SIPs), retrofitted to existing structures, or combined with other methods.’

The self-build sector is less than ten per cent of the massive house building market in the UK, and Phil’s straw bale building kit is a tiny fraction of that percentage. Yet the Huff and Puff portfolio boasts notable projects: just one year in, Phil was commissioned to build an art cabin roundhouse for Sherborne’s Youth and Community Centre. ‘At times I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew, but I sought advice from the best in the business with incredible results,’ says Phil. ‘It was great working with young people in Sherborne to create artistic works for the building.’ Hastings Country Park Visitor Centre followed – the flagship straw-bale build was part of a European initiative ‘Up Straw’ to encourage more straw-built public buildings.

Closer to home, Phil’s built an impressive barn in Motcombe, an idyllic straw house in Milton Abbas and plenty of garden rooms and cabins. All of them encompass the German Passivhaus construction approach, focusing on reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Self build costs for a straw bale house are broadly comparable to a similar-quality new house, but Phil points out that the payback from a Passivhaus is swift, with heating bills of perhaps £100 a year.

‘Plus, straw is accessible as a material – many self-builders save on contractor costs just by doing more themselves,’

Construction of the Bale House at Hastings Country Park

Notching bales, also at The Bale House

Lime render application at East Coker

Phil is hands-on in the business, constructing buildings alongside an array of skilled tradespeople from across the country. ‘With a decade of projects from Dorset to Scotland, I’ve amassed a UK-wide little black book of construction and craftspeople.’

Phil believes personal ownership

The real big bad wolf is the huge building company, building thousands of sub-standard houses and then disappearing without facing any consequences

and real community engagement are the building blocks missing from modern-day. The real life big bad wolf for him is the huge building company, swooping in, building thousands of substandard houses with multiple snagging issues and then disappearing without facing any consequences:

‘It’s not just the cost to the environment: it’s the cost to the community,’ he says. ‘These big builders don’t use local tradesmen. They don’t engage existing residents. The crisis is shocking. Skilled tradespeople contracted to big building companies are forced to do sub-standard work in a bullying culture. I’ve run self-help courses – there’s a worrying rise in mental health issues in the construction industry.

‘Modern cement is an ongoing disaster. Globally, cement production accounts for five to ten per cent of manmade CO2 emissions. We use lime render for external surfaces, and internally a clay plaster – the rest is just wood and straw. In the UK, we have so much surplus straw we could build at least half

a million houses annually. And, like trees, straw captures carbon as it grows. However, unlike trees, straw grows every year! Lock that straw up in a building for 200 plus years and it’s a massive contribution to carbon capture, without any complicated technology.’

Book by Phil’s bedside?

Patrick O Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series – 21 sea novels set during the Napoleonic wars, many set locally. Great escapism.

A-list dinner party guests?

Thomas Hardy – I’m fascinated with him as a human being. And poet William Barnes: he knew Hardy and I’d love to understand what they spoke about.

Author Mary Shelley, the founder of science fiction of which I am a big fan.

Eddie Izzard. I’m doing a masters in comedy writing so would love to pick his brains. I want to write a sitcom about Wareham in the Viking days!

• huffpuff.me

Phil is very hands-on in the business

Bloxworth

This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent from Bere Regis 40 years apart – the first in 1911, and the second was sent in 1952.

Sent on 13th November 1952 to British Columbia – I suspect they’d disapprove of the Bere Regis traffic in 2025!: Hope you are having a nice birthday. A lovely day here & you are in my thoughts so much. Went to church ... & again later, it is so nice he’s here for Easter (?) & for your birthday. Such a tremendous lot of traffic through here these days & such a noise!! Hope you are all well - Love to all D. 13-4-52 BR

This card was sent to Mrs Wilding on 17th April, 1911, and the writer appears to have had problems with their pen: it’s quite the puzzle to read (Postcard presented upside down so you can have a go yourself!): Dearest F, Many thanks for letter & Easter card. All news when I come, will be early next week & then can tell you all. Charlie has been ill I think its a bit of congestion of the lungs ... hope soon ... ... right, I may hope. I can (swing him drone?!) has 32 . ... her office on? Much love to all, just dinner time. G... you dear. Hope you all all well. Helen Dell

The British Restaurant served wholesome and inexpensive meals without using up precious family rations. Run by the council, with five staff and meals served by voluntary helpers from Wimborne’s women’s organisations. One of the young council staff delivered supplies each day from the council offices. The staff are pictured outside at the end of the war, with the councillors sitting in the front. The shop had been Woodrow’s ironmonger’s before the war and became Topp & Bollen’s after the war.

Wimborne at War: Life on the Home Front

American tanks, fire watchers and 50 tons of tomatoes – Wimborne’s wartime years shaped the town’s landscape and community

During the Second World War, East Dorset found itself quietly on the front lines. From the Fire Watchers to the Women’s Land Army, local people played their

part in the war effort, while unfamiliar faces — Allied troops and prisoners of war — became a common sight in the fields and lanes around Wimborne.

The town itself escaped the worst of the Blitz, suffering only minor damage during an air raid on the night of 9th September 1940, when a flurry of incendiary bombs set fire to a cottage roof on Leigh Road. The wider Wimborne and Cranborne district was not so fortunate, with very few villages escaping damage. Only two fatal casualties occurred – one at Corfe Mullen, where a woman lost her life when her bungalow was destroyed by a high explosive bomb, and similarly at Verwood, where a young boy was killed.

Fourteen explosives were dropped at Corfe Mullen on May 24th 1942 – three houses were very seriously damaged and 70 slightly damaged. Colehill was

German prisoners of war help local men to fell trees at Gussage All Saints during World War Two.

subject to two attacks, the worst of which was on January 9th, 1941 when, at Leigh Common on the outskirts of Wimborne, many incendiaries fell and a thatched cottage was burnt out – and that adjoining practically gutted. Eight days later, high explosive bombs damaged three houses and killed a pony near Greenhill, making a huge crater in the middle of the road. Over the course of the war, approximately 240 high explosive bombs and 8,500 incendiaries were dropped over the district.

Despite the dangers, there was a strong spirit of resilience. Local efforts included the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) teams and the Home Guard, captured in some of the photographs from the time. The town’s Mother’s Union also played its part, hosting sewing parties to make clothing, bedding and essential supplies for servicemen and bombed-out families.

The town took part in National Savings Warship Week, a national campaign encouraging

Wimborne Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens taking part in the 1941 parade for National Savings Warship Week, led by Bill Tapper’s father who was head Air Raid Warden. He is flanked by Mr Stewart and Mr Greaves, respectively the Urban District and Rural District ARP officers

Pamphill Mothers’ Union sewing party at Pamphill Parish Hall, making pyjamas for the troops.

communities to ‘adopt’ Royal Navy vessels by raising funds. In 1941, Wimborne adopted HMS Challenger. Local schools, churches and charities knitted gloves, socks and balaclavas for the crew, and children sent

letters and cards to the sailors. When possible, officers and men from the adopted ship would visit the local community. To celebrate their visits, parades would often be organised in their honour.

American forces had arrived in Dorset in significant numbers by 1943, with camps and hospitals springing up across the countryside. One of the largest was the 106th American Army Hospital at Kingston Lacy. In

Three American soldiers cycling down the High St in Wimborne

1944, in preparation for D-Day, American artillery and tanks were stationed on Jenny Down and in the grounds of Beaucroft House, while troops set up camp in Highland Road Meanwhile, everyday life carried on as best it could.

On the eastern edges of Colehill and Leigh Common, several acres of greenhouses of Leigh

Vineries – already known for their prolific tomato production – became part of the wartime agricultural effort. Land Girls were stationed there to help maintain the vital food supply, with some 50 tons of tomatoes grown per acre in 1943. Today, the glasshouses are long gone, replaced by housing, but their story is another reminder

of how Dorset’s landscape adapted during the war.

• To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Museum of East Dorset’s temporary exhibition Wimborne at War is situated in the Voices Gallery and can be viewed until late August. The exhibition is included with normal museum entry.

Women’s Land Army at Leigh Vineries. They called themselves “The gang” and are pictured outside the tomato houses

Barbara and Rosemary in Women’s Land Army uniform

THEN AND NOW

We love pairing a vintage postcard with a photograph taken in the same spot today. This month Barry has selected Dewlish

The street is still entirely recognisable, though the brick and flint house beyond the crossroads on the left has had a definite roof change at some point.

Barely recognisable now: a bridge crosses what was once a ford through Devil’s Brook, and the thatched buildings to the right have both long gone.

In the stable, not the spotlight

Jackie Potts on the quiet graft, deep knowledge and sheer love of horses that built one of Britain’s most respected grooming careers

Not many people can say they’ve spent more than three decades at the very top of their game. Fewer still would say it wasn’t even the plan. But Jackie Potts never needed a grand ambition – just a pony, a yard and the simple joy of being around horses. ‘I was ten,’ she says. ‘A friend at school wanted to go to the local riding school, and she wanted someone to go with her. I’d never even thought about riding a pony before. Our family was not at all horsey. But I went along ... She didn’t like it, and I never stopped!’

As a teenager Jackie started working three evenings a week for 50p a night: ‘Big money then! I’d work the weekend, and would run around for five hours with ponies just to get a free ride at the end of the day.

I love the horses for themselves –it’s never just been about riding them

‘I just liked being with them. I did compete a bit, I rode whatever horses were going spare where I was working or riding – I could ride, and I had a nice feel. But nowadays, a lot of people think they’re going to be a rider ... and they’re not good enough. They don’t have the backup,

they don’t have the horses or the sponsorship. And I think the sooner you realise what your category is, where you might do better, then the happier you are in your life as well. I thought, “what an opportunity if I can just get to ride nice horses!” I used to watch showjumping lots on the television, see them coming out of the arena, and I always wanted to be the person with the horse – I love the horses, for themselves, it’s never just about riding them.’

Jackie didn’t begin full-time equine career until she was 25. Before that there was office work (‘hated it’) and studying part-time to get her BHS AI and Stable Managers certificates –driving an hour and a half each way to practice her teaching, and teaching evenings and weekends for free just to gain experience.

Eventually she announced to her mother that she was done: ‘When I was 25, I came home from work one day and said to my mother, “I hate it there. I’ve got some savings, I’m leaving for the Yorkshire

Jackie Potts at home on the Fox-Pitt yard in Dorset Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Riding Centre to train for my Intermediate.”

‘I said goodbye to a regular wage and all that sort of business ... but it was the best thing I ever did.

‘I didn’t even take the exam in the end – I realised I didn’t know enough. Instead I spent time on all sorts of yards, picking up experience. Then I broke my leg while I was working at Di Lampard’s yard – she’s now Performance Manager for British Showjumping. It was a bad break, and I was out of action for a year. After that I went to do a BUNAC summer camp in America. They asked me to return to run the riding programme the following year, so I was just working for an agency, going to a few different yards to fill in time, and I ended up at William Fox-Pitt’s. He was 23, and he had one horse – he’d maybe won an OI, he’d been around Badminton once ...

Now, people might say, “Oh, I’m going to go and work for William Fox-Pitt, how exciting!” but it was just him back then. I stayed because I liked it: I was only meant to be there a week.’

That was 32 years ago.

The big moments, and the little ones

Jackie’s CV reads like a wish list for anyone in equestrian sport. Six Olympics. European and World Championships. The biggest horses, the biggest names. But the milestones that really matter to her are different.

‘It’s brilliant to go to the World Championships, and the Europeans ... the Olympics never compares, it is just that bit different, it’s extra special.

‘But it’s also brilliant when ... for example, Moon Man: we’d had him since he was five and I loved him. When he went to Badminton, it was like my child doing Badminton! And it’s not always the horses that win and do well – sometimes it’s the horses that have simply got a kind heart, and put everything into it. I’m quite a soft one for that. I’m always for the underdog.’

And then there are the golden moments, the flashes of joy that slip through an ordinary day and remind you what a life with horses can be.

‘There’s one that I always remember – William couldn’t get back in time once, and Tamarillo needed cantering. It was 6 o’clock on a Sunday evening, the sun was setting, and I was cantering along on this horse that was like driving a Porsche. I just thought – I’m getting paid to do this. This is my job. Those small moments make up as much of the highlights as anything else.’

with some horses than others, but I’ve always tried to work out what makes them tick: what they like and what they don’t like. When they understand that, and they realise you’re trying to work with them, they’re so much easier to handle, it makes my life a lot easier.

Sometimes it’s not about the horses that win –it’s the ones with a kind heart who try everything

‘I can walk past a box and I only have to glance. I can tell instantly if that horse is okay – if it’s happy, or if it’s not feeling quite right that day. Working with Kazu (Japan’s Kazuma Tomoto), he had a really funny horse. He was one that you just had to work around, and when you did, he would try his best for you. Yet there’d still be a day I’d say, “oh, it’s one of those days today, and we just need to be careful”. But the fact that you knew that, and he knew that you gave him that little bit of rope, then he would try his hardest not to be crazy.’

Knowing your horses

‘I have always tried to make sure that the horses become my friends. You will always get on better

People outside the sport often see the big competitions and think it’s all glamour and highadrenaline moments on a big yard – but what’s the reality of daily life like behind the scenes?

‘Well, hard work, really, isn’t it? I think people come

Jackie with Tamarillo at the 2004 Athens Olympics

into the industry thinking it could be nine to five, that somebody else will take over ... they don’t. And I spent a lot of my life sitting around waiting. It’s a hard, physical job. Why am I stil here? It’s quite odd, isn’t it? Probably only because I’ve got no friends! But I really do love it. I suppose I’m a bit of a goody two shoes, I’ve always wanted to do my best. But I’ve always wanted everyone to be able to do their best and to have the knowledge too – a lot of things are missed or not done because people just don’t know nowadays. You don’t have the riding schools, and everybody’s got a horse box, so you don’t have that mixing the way you used to, which means ideas aren’t thrown around.

Old-school horsemanship

yard, and they will message me any time of the day, whether I’m working or not. And it doesn’t matter if you think it’s a silly question. You can only learn. I’ve only learned by things going wrong or by asking – you only learn when things go wrong, you don’t learn anything when everything goes right.’

You only learn when things go wrong – you don’t learn anything when everything goes right

She won’t call herself a ‘super groom’, though many others do. But what Jackie does is far beyond brushing coats and packing kits.

‘I wish I’d charged a pound for every time somebody’s asked me what studs we’re going to use, I’d be rich by now! Over all the years, people would come to me and say, “what are you going to do about this?” Or “can you just come and feel my horses legs?” And I would always share my knowledge, because I want the horses to be looked after. And if they don’t know, I’d rather they’d come and ask. I’m always saying this to the guys on the

Ask Jackie about horsemanship and she’ll tell you it’s not something you find in a book.

‘It’s about the eye. About using your gut. Colleges and science do a great job, but I can watch a horse walk past and say that one’s bang on and ready for an event – or that something’s not right. It’s like the way feeding has become so scientific now: you measure them, and you do X times by this, and poundage that, and the other ... we just feed by scoop, and they get a half or a one. And if they’re fat, they get a bit less. And if they’re thin, they get a bit more ...

‘I think a lot of people nowadays are afraid of using their gut instinct: sometimes it isn’t what’s written in a book. It’s what you feel is right, and it takes time to get to know your horse.’

Jackie says the key is to always be consistent – same routine, same handling, same quiet presence: ‘You never move the goal posts. Don’t change the rules one day to the next, and let them push you over, or stand on your feet. Say the same thing to them all the time, because they love routine, and they love to know what you’re going to say next. Always lead them the same way, always tack them up the same way. It’s especially important with the nervy horses and the ones that are very insecure.

‘We had a horse whisperer here a few times, and Tamarillo was very quirky and very nervy. She said, “he looks on you as his security blanket”. Because I’m the one who tells him he can’t do this, that and the other – which he absolutely knows he shouldn’t be doing anyway! But if you’re consistent, he knows where he stands.

‘I mean, I’ve handled stallions. I groomed Chilli Morning, and I’m a midget! I’ve got no strength in me at all. While he was very well behaved, he was still a stallion: I’ve seen him misbehave with other people that are far bigger than me. But I had that relationship with him, we had mutual respect, and he would automatically do what I said.

‘In return, I never groomed him in his stable, because that was his territory. He was always groomed in the cross ties, as I told him how lovely he was ... but it was always the same. If I ever led him anywhere, he always had a head collar on and a bridle on top. I never took that chance – you can’t decide one day that you can’t be bothered.’

Jackie with Chilli Morning at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Wanting it

It’s clear that one of Jackie’s greatest strengths is her ability to observe, to notice the one small thing that makes all the difference – and to earn absolute trust from both horse and rider.

‘I think if you’re observant, and you see the horses and you’re noticing them, then that’s where your rider trusts you. There’s a story I often share about being at Badminton one year, when I had a girl helping me. She legged William up onto the horse, but as he came past me he asked me to check his girth. The girl said “I checked it! It was fine!” but she wasn’t me. I’ve been there every time for William. You really do become their security blanket. You’ve set them off thousands of times, told them “watch that,” or “I’ll fix this,” and they trust you completely.’

Though she doesn’t do so much of the physical work now, Jackie’s still based at the yard, living on site, checking things after hours because ‘I want to know it’s right and it’s finished.

‘You do slightly sacrifice your friends and relationships if you’re going to groom at the highest level. You have to say, “that’s what I want.” To do it at that level, in a yard going full blast, you couldn’t do it part time. I didn’t want to.’

She might not be in the thick of it like she used to be, but she’s still doing what she loves – still plaiting, still prepping, still quietly running one of the most respected yards in the country.

‘I don’t ride now. I haven’t ridden for a while. I’ve got a bit old and creaky, and to be honest, I quite like staying on the ground.

People still say my plaits are perfect. To be honest, they’re not as good as they used to be! But I hear “I could never plait like that” – well no, obviously. Nor could I at first! I remember I was at Chris Hewlett’s, many years ago, and I plaited a horse that was going to the Royal International. The

In Tokyo with Tachoma D’Horset ‘a lovely mare Kazuma Tomoto evented when he was based in Dorset’

groom said to me “that’s great that you’ve tried to do that, but I’m really sorry, I’m going to have to redo them.”

I was devastated! But rather than just accept I couldn’t, I did two plaits every day when I finished work. I was determined to get it right. Every night, no matter how long my day had been. That’s how you get better. You’ve got to want it.’

Jackie’s always passed on her knowledge freely – on the yard, through mentoring young grooms like Jess Rimmer, and now through her work with the British Grooms Association, the International Grooms Association and the FEI too – fighting for better support, better conditions, and a proper voice in the sport.

‘At Badminton this year I’ll be going around the stables to encourage people to join – when they’ve got a voice, then you can be heard. We can effect real change on the ground at events.

‘I mean, you’ll always get the riders that will try and work their groom to death and not be very nice. But do you know what? Don’t work for them. There’s plenty of jobs out there – go to somebody where you are going to learn. Make it a career, recognise that it’s a good thing to do. Nowadays, there are so few people that just want to work with horses, it is actually a groom’s market.’

Top tip for horse owners?

‘Just get to know your horse. Treat them as individuals. Learn what they like and don’t like. And don’t move the goalposts. That’s how they learn to trust you.’

Jackie at the 2012 London Olympics with Lionheart in Greenwich Rio Olympics

After a long season, it’s vital for the horses to have the opportunity relax – to go back to ‘being horses’, and part of a herd. All images © Courtenay Hitchcock

School’s out for summer

With 68 wins and a personal best for Joe, it’s finally turnout time at the Tizzard Yard – and the spring pressure-washing begins ...

The 2024/25 Jumps season draws to a close at the end of April, and we’ll look back on it as a successful and hugely enjoyable one. With 68 winners and an 18 per cent strike rate, it marks a personal best for Joe since taking over the licence in 2022. We managed to finish the season with a bang – our last three runners, at Taunton and Warwick, all won. A notable performance among these came from an exciting four-year-old called Bob Bishop who, on only his second career start, ran out an impressive winner of the bumper at Taunton. He is a close relative of one of the yard’s old

The nutrients from the spring grass play an important role in their growth and development, particularly the younger horses.

Bob Bishop, on only his second career start, ran out an impressive winner of the bumper at Taunton. He is a close relative of one of the yard’s old superstars, Cue Card, and is named after the late Bob Bishop, who was married to Cue Card’s owner Jean Bishop

superstars, Cue Card, and is named after the late Bob Bishop, who was married to Cue Card’s owner Jean Bishop.

Champion Freddie

Joe’s nephew Freddie Gingell was crowned the Champion Conditional Jockey this season: what a fantastic achievement at the age of 18. Only his boss, Paul Nicholls, has given Freddie more winners than us this season: we are proud to have played our part in his victory.

Holiday horses

The beginning of May is the time when the majority of our horses are turned out in the field for a well-earned summer break. A few go back to their owners, but most stay on site and they will come back in to training in the second week of July. After a long season, it’s vital for the horses to relax out in the fields – to go back to simply ‘being

horses’ and part of a herd. The nutrients from the spring grass play an important role in their growth and development, particularly the younger horses. However, this does not mean that there is a shortage of human work to do around the place! There will be around ten horses staying in training for summer jump racing, and we may have the odd runner on the flat as well. On top of this we have the next batch of Colin’s homebreds to break in – this year four two-year-olds – and whatever store horses (three-year-olds) Joe buys at the sales, which we also break in at the yard. Besides the young horses, there is also the annual spring clean to be getting on with: more than 100 stables need pressure washing and painting in preparation for the horses coming back in in July. Staff also take their holiday during May and June – we operate on a skeleton staff basis for two months. It is a nice time of year without the intensity of mid-season, but busy nonetheless!

Chateau Rimmer hits the road

From Chateau Rimmer to soggy Chard, it’s been quite a month for Jess Rimmer, with laughs, qualifiers and falling in love with a little Ippo

April has been a really busy, fun month for Team Rimmer. We’ve been out every weekend and have been driving all over the place, which I absolutely love - helped by the fact I don’t yet have my HGV licence so I am able to catch up on some extra ‘admin’ *cough* sleep! As I’m writing this I think we’re somewhere on the M1, on our way to Osberton International (sorry mum, I’m being terrible company!).

I quite enjoy the Passenger Princess lifestyle, but at the start of the month I had to dust off my driving boots and take the little 3.5T lorry up to Norfolk to compete at Burnham Market International horse trials. Mum was coaching in a South West U18 camp that weekend, but Basil needed to run in the 3*S to pick up another qualification for our summer plans. So Adela and I rammed just about enough kit to last us through an apocalypse into our little silver box, and off we set!

We ended up having the most hilarious week. Chateau Rimmer, as we called it, was quite a sight to behold – possibly only beaten by the sight of us trying to put it all together! Whose idea was it to send two girls in their early 20s to Norfolk without adult supervision?

Lots of laughs aside, we worked really hard and Basil performed superbly, adding another double clear to the cards.

Jess Rimmer and Jimmy at Cirencester

Luxury eventing in Chateau Rimmer

Jess always goes hacking before each training session – it’s not only a physically important warm up but also gives the horse time to mentally relax into their ride, as well as providing some variety in their daily routine Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

In addition to Burnham Market, we’ve also been to Larkhill, Chard and Cirencester Park. At Larkhill Jimmy picked up 7th place in the Novice – as enthusiastic as ever – and Max (Mr. Mister) absolutely flew round Cirencester Park: he’s improving all the time.

Lovely Ippo

And then there was Chard. I was looking forward to it, being one of our most local events where they put in a huge amount of effort to host us all.

POOR Chard – it’s barely rained all month, and the one day we are at their BE event the conditions were absolutely awful. I mean, dripping-wetunderwear-within-half-an-hour awful. Yuck!

At Chard, I had a new ride - Ippon, known to his friends as Ippo (yes, like Hippo without the H!). And he is just the happiest, perkiest little horse who always has a smile on his face. Ippo, would you like to go out in the horizontal rain to do a dressage test at Chard? “Ooh! Yes please!”… Ippo, would you like to jump in it too? “Ooh! Yes, yes I would please!”… and how about some Cross Country? “THAT’S THE BEST PART!”. His enthusiasm is totally endearing, and he is such a pleasure to work with – the only thing I have to do is remind him to stop trying quite so hard, and to just take a breath (I don’t know if I should say this, but if he was a human I’d tell him to sit down and have a cigarette…). Considering it was our first competition together, he listened to me beautifully and finished in 3rd

place following a 28 dressage, double clear. I’m only temporarily in the saddle while his owner, Emily, focuses on her A-Levels, but I’m so enjoying him and looking forward to getting stuck in over the next couple of months (sorry, Emily, you’re gonna have to fight to get this one back!)

Give me a happy worker

While getting to know a new horse, whether with the short or the long term in mind, it’s so important to take time to understand them as an individual, their attitude to work and to really figure out what makes them tick. Talking from a dressage perspective, all the horses have a slightly different outlook on their work and it’s our responsibility to learn what works best for them. Our horses always go hacking before each training session, which is not only physically important to loosen up their muscles but also gives them a mental break, time to relax into their ride and gives them some variety in their daily routine. Once we’ve been hacking, we are so lucky to have a choice as to where we ride next: the outdoor school – brilliant to really get stuck into exercises or for when the ground is too soft/firm on the grass – or the indoor, which is brilliant for arena work and also has mirrors to check our position/ how the horse looks. And we also have the top field, which is fantastic as it allows the horse to gain confidence on grass, simulating a competition environment without the added excitement! Ippo, being the happy horse that he is, absolutely

Jess and Max (Mr Mister) at Cirencester

Jess and Ippo – riding the centre line is vital to practice, says Jess, because it is the first and last impression of each and every test Images: Courtenay Hitchcock

loves schooling, regardless of location. I chose to take him in the field this week, to run through a few basic test movements. Emily rides him exceptionally well on the flat and produces a lovely test, so I need to practice with him to learn all the buttons she has so excellently taught him. His eager attitude makes this easy to do, too, since I can repeat the same exercises a few times and all he does is improve. Some horses can start to predict the exercises and overthink, and some go the other way, getting bored and adding their own moves, freestyle. It’s so nice to ride a “worker” like Ippo, who just concentrates and tries hard! The trouble (or the beauty?!) with dressage is that it will never be perfect, and there will always be room for improvement. While I’m on my warm-up hack I like to think through where each horse is at with their training, and set a few adaptable goals for the session ahead. Ippo achieved all of his goals during this ride, and I think both he and I enjoyed it! Next stop for Ippo is Aston, where he runs in the Novice alongside Basil in the Intermediate. Max and Jimmy are competing at Tweseldown next Sunday, and Max hopefully makes his International debut at the end of the month! Fingers crossed this sunshine keeps up – although the ground could do with a bit of rain, and my shoulders maybe need a bit more sun cream…

It’s all about growth

From follicle measurements to inspecting a placenta, BTEC students got stuck into the science and reality of foaling season at TGS this month

At last, the weather’s warming up, the grass is growing – and so is this year’s foal crop. But while we focus on nurturing the racehorses of the future, the Thoroughbred industry must also turn its attention to the next generation of human talent. Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation has its twoyear Flying Start scholarship, encouraging young people to study all aspects of the racing and breeding industry, offering placements with studs, auction houses, trainers and racecourses in Europe, the USA and Australia. The British Horseracing Authority also has its graduate programme, similar

to Darley but UK-based. And here at TGS we had a slightly more modest, but equally important, visit by four BTEC Equine Management students from Leweston School.

A 9.30am arrival fitted well with the morning’s scanning, and while stud vet Paul Legerton was setting up, Doug quizzed our young visitors as to what their reasons were for doing an equine course. The prize for best answer? “To make a change from farming!”

It was then into the front paddock for a brief introduction to correction of conformational faults in young foals. We then moved to the stocks to view

the vet scanning the mares. Questions came thick and fast, starting with ‘Why do you put your arm in the mare’s rectum?’…. (terminology was quickly corrected from ‘bum’ when their teacher suggested that they think back to their anatomy lessons!).

Paul explained that the uterus and ovaries lie just below the colon, and so this is the only way, due to sheer volume of an adult mare, to get the ultrasound probe close enough to obtain an image. Luckily one mare was coming into season, so the students could see both the characteristic spoked wheel pattern of the

uterine oedema (thickening of the womb lining) and a ripening follicle. Paul explained how he measures this diameter and that most mares ovulate when the follicle has grown to around 4cm. The next question was, “Why are you getting them pregnant again so soon?”

Doug explained that with a gestation of around 11 months you need to cover again as soon as possible to have the foals born early the following year –

as we said last month, the goal is to have a foal born as soon as possible after 1st January. Doug naturally took full advantage of having some free labour, and gave the students valuable experience by asking them to lead mares to and from the stocks.

Equine labour

Then on to the cute bit: the students were introduced to a Golden Horn colt, born just after

midnight that same morning. Once the aahs had died down, Doug was bombarded with questions about the foaling process. Conveniently he had a video of a foaling taken earlier in the season, so his descriptive powers weren’t overly taxed! Next, they asked how you know when a mare is going to foal. Doug explained that there is a large range in a “normal” gestation between 320 and 370 days. Therefore, we rely on

Doug giving the students a brief introduction to the correction of conformational faults in young foals

physical signs in the mare. First of all, the udder swells, called ‘bagging up’ and the students were able to see an example of this on one of the mares currently waiting to foal. He explained that this is the point when a mare is moved to one of the 11 camera-monitored boxes, allowing the team to keep a close eye on her during our round-the-clock foaling vigils at this time of year.

The next stage is ‘waxing’, when a waxy discharge begins to build up on the mare’s teats.

The final stage is watching for the restless behaviour which is typical of a mare about to foal: we watch her pacing her stable on the cameras.

The morning wrapped up with Doug showing the students how to inspect a placenta, using the one from that morning’s foaling. A Thoroughbred foal’s placenta is roughly 5kg in weight and it is important to be sure that the placenta is complete and that none has been retained in the mare, which may cause infection if left untreated.

The student’s course manager said the students had had a

brilliant visit, and that they had told her all about the visit in great detail on their return to school. Let’s hope that their

thirst for knowledge continues to grow – and that they all get A*s in their equine reproduction modules at the end of the year!

In the stocks, students watched stud vet Paul Legerton scan the mares while he explained what they were seeing and what he was doing

Image: Lucy Procter

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

Crops in, cows out – just add water

With rainfall low and food security a priority, Dorset farmers push back on proposals to reduce farmland in favour of trees and stewardship

It has been a busy couple of months at Rawston Farm with all the spring barley and beans now drilled, with only the forage maize still to be sown (this should be completed by the time you read this!). All this is very different to last year, where crops had to be sown far later due to the wet weather. In March and April this year we have had less than 2 inches (50 mm) of rainfall: last year we had received almot 8 inches (200mm) by now. Of course, if we don’t get further rainfall soon the crop yields will be reduced ... Our grassland is only just keeping up with the demand from our dairy cows, who are now grazing night and day. Grass silaging is just around the corner – again, yields will be reduced for next winter without some decent rainfall soon. But there is still a long way to go!

An idealistic future

I recently attended a meeting organised by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) – a group of Farmers and Landowners met to discuss the Land Use Consultation Document (LUCD) put out by the government. The aim of it, I think, was to look forward as to the possible use of land in this country. From a farmer’s perspective, I obviously firmly believe our primary aim should be to feed the nation. In a world facing increasing uncertainty, food security has never been more important.We should not be relying on imports to keep the population fed. I appreciate that we cannot produce some fruit and vegetables, but we should not be completely reliant on those. The proposal in the LUCD was that ten per cent of productive farmland should be planted with trees, and a further ten per cent converted into land managed under environmental stewardship. Our group felt this would have a considerable impact on the country’s food production, and that this conversion would make many farms unviable. There was also a suggestion in the LUCD that farmers should produce ‘more food from less inputs and become more efficient’: this is difficult for producers to take on board when we are already embracing technology, and we certainly have no influence on the weather that we receive! There was a valuable debate, followed

by a draft response outlining that many of the proposals simply aren’t achievable. And all of this came before we even reached the question of how many houses Dorset should build – a county that already seems to be expanding rapidly on the edges of every town.

Rawston hedgerows

This will have a considerable impact on the country’s food production

We have recently been engaging the Great Big Dorset Hedge: this involves volunteers coming out to survey our hedges. Under the guidance of John Calder, the volunteers are mapping the condition of our hedges and determining what future management practices are needed. This could be filling gaps with more hedging, cutting more (or less) frequently or maybe allowing the hedge to grow by incremental trimming each year. We are awaiting the results and are ready to carry out any recommendations. Well done to John for getting this underway – though with Dorset’s famous hedges, I am not sure how long it will take to complete the county!

At the time of writing we are undergoing another TB test – fingers’ crossed we can have a clear test.

May in the garden

Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with wings outstreached, resting on a verbena bonariensis flower

With butterfly numbers falling, Pete Harcom explains how we can all help pollinators thrive by rethinking lawns, flowers and our love of tidy gardens

May is finally here – and this year how about we all do some gardening for wildlife ... and in particular, for our butterflies?

They are beautiful, of course, and they are also an important part of the UK’s wildlife – but our butterflies are swiftly disappearing. They are highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and play crucial roles in the food chain, as well as being pollinators of plants. The UK now has 59 species of butterflies, with five species having become extinct in the last 150 years.

The 2022 report on the state of the UK’s butterflies revealed the alarming news that 80 per cent of butterfly species in the UK have decreased in either abundance, distribution or both since 1976. Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern: butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis. Perhaps we should consider stopping using weed killers and pesticides?

The RHS provides some really good advice on which plants are good for our pollinators, including butterflies, on its website here. They particularly like buddleia, sedum, hebe, wild marjoram, common knapweed, red Valerian, nettles, holly, hops and verbena bonariensis.

The Woodland Trust suggests that if we want to help pollinators, we should avoid plants with double or multi–petalled flowers: pollinators find them difficult

to access. The flowers also often lack nectar and pollen. Roses and dahlias are often bred to have double flowers, but there are plenty of beautiful single–flowered varieties to grow instead.

Your new meadow

Another thing particularly appropriate this month is participating in the Plantlife charity ‘No Mow May’ idea. Maybe expand it into further months of the year: let go of that perfect lawn idea, and instead mow pathways through your new mini meadow? Leave the lawn to produce wildflowers, as these will provide nectar for our insects, butterflies and moths. If your lawn is near a hedge or fence, insects tend to use longer grasses near hedges or fence lines for shelter. These un–mown areas provide valuable habitat for pollinators, insects, butterflies and moths, just when they are hatching or coming out of hibernation. And they in turn are a food source for birds, bats and other wildlife.

Of course, an actual wildflower meadow won’t appear from just not mowing the lawn, but it is surprising just how many flowers do appear … daisies and clover will be first, then dandelions, buttercups, yarrow ... primroses and violets may also appear. When you decide to start mowing the lawn again, mow it on the high setting on the mower first and then gradually cut it shorter over the ensuing weeks. If you sometimes leave the lawn clippings on the lawn, they will rot down and fertilise the sward.

Barry Cuff’s allotment

April diary

April is one of our busiest months on the allotment as we get ready for the main growing season. A lot of the jobs rely on favourable weather – so we are hoping for equal amounts of rain and sun!

Weather

The first part of the month was dry, continuing on from a very dry March. Then some much-needed rain came on 18th and 22nd/23rd. We had some cold nights with a touch of frost on 8th and 17th, and we enjoyed a mix of very sunny and very dull days.

Ground preparation

The soil became much easier to dig and till after the rain on the 18th, and an absolute pleasure to prepare after the 0.3 inches on the 23rd!

Outdoor sowings

We planted two lines of Palace parsnip with four to six seeds per station. These will be thinned down to two when they’re ready. Also sowed some part lines of Moulin Rouge beetroot and Early Nantes carrot.

Outdoor planting

Planted one row of Red Drumhead red cabbage, four rows of Bonus onions (from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug), a part row of Red Baron onions also from plugs. Another part row of remaining onions was close-planted, as these are to be used as spring onions

Onions are planted out from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug

In the greenhouse

Celery, celeriac, Brussels sprouts, lettuce and parsley were all sown in plugs or pots, and we have put all our tomatoes and sweet peppers into large pots. We keep a close watch on the weather forecast at this time of year – a frost could do damage even under glass.

On the plot

We have been digging as required. The garlic is looking exceptionally good, and the broad beans started to flower on the 15th.

Potatoes

Red Drumhead red cabbage has been planted out All images: Barry Cuff

Regular readers will know we grow a lot of potatoes! This year we have six varieties, plus short rows of three new varieties we are trialling. We started planting in late March and finished on 22nd April, working as the land became available. Early planting means we quite often harvest early and miss the blight, but we do have to check the forecast for frosts. All the early planted rows have been earthed up*.

Fruit

There are masses of flowers on the gooseberries and currants, and the strawberries started to flower on the 21st. A lot of new growth on the raspberries.

Fresh food

We harvested the last of the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli and leeks.

Salads

We are enjoying mizuna from the plot as well as lettuce, mixed mustard leaves and pea shoots from the greenhouse, plus the forced chicons.

Next month will be the main sowing month of the year!

*where soil is mounded around the base of potato plants as they grow. This process protects the plants from frost, prevents tubers from turning green due to sunlight, and encourages more potato growth.

Take a Hike: The quiet oft-missed landscape around Dewlish | 7.3 miles

When we visited Dewlish to capture the ‘now’ shots for this month’s Then & Now feature, we were so struck by the quiet peace of the surrounding countryside that we decided to return for this month’s hike, plotting a route that cuts through the Dorset National Landscape around the village. Halfway between Dorchester and Blandford, Dewlish sits comfortably in the valley through which the Devil’s Brook runs.

The landscape here is just as folded as the rest of rural Dorset – like someone crumpled up the tablecloth – but the hills are neither as steep as those in the west of the county, nor as high as those in the north or south, making this a lovely, not-too-taxing afternoon’s hike.

At the start point, there is a wide verge with space for two or three cars (please do take care not to block any gates). Failing that, you can park in the

village itself and join the route on Pound Lane. The vast majority of the route follows bridleways, and navigation is very straightforward – much of it along ancient green lanes. A field or two had been planted without a clear path visible; we simply kept an eye on the app and stuck carefully to the route. Unusually for us, there is a fairly lengthy road section: however, it’s a very quiet lane, and we only saw one car.

As you walk along Pound Lane at the back of Dewlish on the final mile of the route, you come to a junction of field entrances and tracks. A bridlepath is off to your right (not yours), a footpath to the left (also not yours) and you are faced with two potential tracks: take the right hand one, going straight on (we had to duck under a rope) and NOT the one that veers left and down towards the river!

See all previouslypublished 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.

A year in wild moments

From bluebells to beeches, Jane Adams explains how simple nature journaling can reconnect us to the quiet magic unfolding on our doorstep

Do you ever wish you could remember when you last heard a cuckoo? Or the exact date the bluebells bloomed last year?

For years, I scribbled these things down on scraps of paper and stuffed them into drawers, thinking I would remember.

Obviously, I never did.

Then I discovered nature journaling.

The best thing about nature journaling is that you don’t need any special skills. It’s not about what you know, it’s about what you notice. It gives you a reason to slow your thoughts and pay close attention to the world around you – something so many of us struggle to do as we bustle through our busy lives.

By noting things down, you begin to notice small things. The way a wild bluebell droops to one side. Its subtle, sweet smell. How ridiculously green the leaves of beech trees are when they first emerge.

Over days, months and years, small observations grow into a record of something bigger.

Don’t worry, just begin

How you choose to journal is up to you.

Some people like to write things down or take photographs, others make sketches or audio recordings. The beauty is there is no right or wrong way: it’s whatever will fit into your life.

How to start a nature journal:

• Pen and paper: Any notebook will do - small is good (especially if you’re journaling outside and want to pop it in your pocket!). Watercolour sketchbooks are great if you’re drawing (you could also sketch from photos once at home, if that’s easier).

• Digital tools: Try the free Encounter app developed by nature writer Melissa Harrison, as a digital alternative. You can log what you see on your phone, as well as where you saw it and when, and add photos. It also includes helpful daily posts on seasonal nature to spot, and tips on nature journaling. encounter-nature.com

• Suggestions of what to journal: time, date, is it cold or hot, windy or calm ... describe, draw or photograph what you notice. Get close up and use your senses. If it’s an insect or flower, what could it be? Take a guess if you don’t know. How do you feel? Are you stressed after a bad day, or calmed by being outside?

It’s probably worth mentioning that nature journaling isn’t a new, trendy fad, people have been doing it for millennia. The naturalist Rev. Gilbert White was keeping a record of nature on his Hampshire patch back in the 1700s. The Natural History of Selborne, his published journal, is still a top seller. But you don’t need to be a monied vicar to have a go: just arm yourself with a cheap notebook, or a free nature journaling app on your phone, and you can start straight away.

Journal about a place you know well, somewhere you visit regularly. This could be your garden, a balcony, a nearby park, maybe a favourite footpath or green space. Be sure to concentrate on and record the small things. Crouch down and look at a tiny flower (the flowers of Germander speedwell –like tiny blue jewels – are a highlight at this time of year), or study some Lilliputian lichen on top of a fence post.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you’re looking at (though you could try to identify it when you get home) because identification isn’t the point. It’s about your connection to nature and to the seasons. It’s about knowing that the cuckoo sang on 1st of May last year, that a blackbird nested in your garden in 2019 and that you found a slow worm in the compost heap in 2015. It’s a comforting confirmation of nature’s resilience and determination, even amidst the ever-present challenges of climate change.

It’s also an important reminder that we’re part of something bigger, something still unfolding –and those tiny, seemingly insignificant things that connect us to the natural world really do matter.

The tiny flowers of Germander speedwell are worth crouching down for at this time of year

Say NO to chemical pest control

Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteer Mitch Perkins explains why we should put the pesticides down and go chemical-free in our gardens this spring

I don’t usually use four-letter words in my writing, but here’s one for you – pest. I know, you’re immediately thinking, “Ah yes, those irritating creatures that feast on the plants I’ve so carefully nurtured!” And you wouldn’t be wrong – but I’d like to offer another view.

It’s a personal bugbear of mine (excuse the pun) to call ant creature a ‘pest’ – it suggests the only measure of value lies in how much of a nuisance it is to us, and that it should automatically be eliminated if it is unwelcome.

The magnificent leopard slug is naturally carnivorous: it’ll happily munch its fellow gastropods

As a keen gardener and allotment holder, I completely understand the heartbreak when prized blooms or lovingly grown vegetables suffer a serious nibbling. But it’s vital to recognise that many of the species we label as ‘pests’ are actually integral to the wider garden ecosystem – often providing food for other creatures or playing crucial ecological roles.

Fake news

Take codling moth caterpillars, for example – they are a real challenge in orchards and gardens alike with their apple-burrowing habit. However,

bats feed on the adult moths, offering welcome, natural protection. Similarly, those winter moth caterpillars responsible for tattered leaves on ornamental and fruit trees are an important food source for many nesting birds. Resorting to pesticides might seem like a quick fix, but it comes at a cost: reducing food for wildlife, disturbing the delicate balance between predator and prey, and causing long-term environmental harm. Some creatures, like slugs, are simply victimes of fake news. Of the 44 slug species found in the UK, only nine are serious plant nibblers. I can already hear you shouting, “Yes, but those

Blue tit with caterpillar © Gillian Lloyd

Violet ground beetle © Frank Porch

nine are all in my garden!” But many slugs – and snails – are essential decomposers, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil. And then there’s the magnificent leopard slug – a naturally carnivorous ‘slug predator’, it’ll happily munch its fellow gastropods.

A little light housekeeping

That’s not to say we should abandon our gardens to the wild entirely – a little thoughtful management is often needed. But chemical controls are rarely necessary. Pesticides often affect non-target species – we’re all now familiar with the devastating impact neonicotinoids have had on bees. Herbicides, too, can seep into the soil, disrupting worms, fungi and other vital microorganisms – the building blocks and unsung heroes of a healthy garden.

There are plenty of more wildlife-friendly options for managing unwanted guests: physical barriers, companion planting and encouraging natural predators will go a long way. Log piles, for example, offer a haven for beetles, spiders and centipedes, while areas of longer grass provide cover for slow worms, frogs and hedgehogs – all of which are enthusiastic slug-snackers. In the end, perhaps we can all afford to be a little more forgiving of the odd nibbled leaf. A healthy plant can withstand a bit of grazing – and without using pesticides you’ll be welcoming in ladybirds, lacewing larvae, hoverfly grubs, ground beetles, spiders – and consequently blue tits and hedgehogs – and you’ll have an army of aphids, caterpillars and slug munchers. Look after your soil, and in return, your garden, allotment or

shared green space will reward you with the buzzing, humming, flourishing life of a truly diverse ecosystem – nourishment not just for the environment, but for the soul, too.

• For more ideas, I highly recommend visiting dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Common carder bee on garden lawn

© Nick Upton

Synchronicity

Wobbly run

Julie Frampton

Jim Champion

Always snack time Becki Cooke

Gorse dawn Hang Ross

Trawler gulls

Aaron whiteaway

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

Home time

Paul Dyer

The hunt Aaron whiteaway

Nose Ian Nelson

Mayfly lunch

Mike Howson

Whitethroat

Henry Wincewicz

Damp blossom

Mark Churchill

Blue sunrise Hang Ross

Blossom

Jeff Withers

Wyke hare Karyn Cuglietta

The tree Simon Lewis

Hoppit

Marco Atraca

This month my recipe is actually a traditional bake made in the standard way, rather than my crazy version of it (makes a nice change, I know!). I personally think it is wonderful just as it is and rather a forgotten gem of a cake. When I used to make cakes to sell, this one was always a crowd pleaser – it’s a lovely, nostalgic cake for so many people. Perfect in the afternoon sunshine with a hot cup of tea. The most difficult bit of this bake is actually prepping the pan to section off the four sponges: but its worth the extra time for such a tasty end result! – Heather

Ingredients Traditional Battenberg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180º fan/gas 6.

2. In a 22cm x 33cm (9”x13”) baking tin, line the bottom completely with greaseproof paper. Then take extra greaseproof paper and fold so that the pan is sectioned into four strips (see picture below right).

3. In a stand mixer (or with an electric whisk or with a wooden spoon), beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla in a bowl really well. The mixture will become light and fluffy, and the colour will turn pale. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well between each egg. If the mixture curdles slightly, add one spoonful of the flour and continue to beat well.

4. Slowly stir in the flour. Take care not to beat hard and knock out all of the air that you just worked into the mix!

5. Carefully spoon half of the mixture into two of the strips in the tin and spread out evenly.

6. Add a tiny amount of pink food colouring to the remaining mixture and stir through so the mixture is pink in colour. Carefully spoon this pink mixture into the two remaining strips and spread out evenly.

7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the sponge is cooked (firm and springy to the touch). Take out of the oven and leave to cool completely.

8. Remove the cakes from the tin and peel off the paper. Trim the sponges until they are roughly

• 225g / 8oz butter

• 225g / 8oz sugar

• 4 eggs

• 225g / 8oz self raising flour

• Pink food colouring

• Jam (traditionally apricot but any jam will do – I used raspberry)

• 500g marzipan

the same shape. Although traditionally this cake is square, they don’t have to be square if they all bake to a naturally more rectangular shape (as mine did) – they just have to be the same size as each other. Spread a thin layer of jam along all the long sides of the sponges and stack them together into a cube (see finished picture for what I mean here).

9. Dust your work surface with a little icing sugar and roll out the marzipan so that it will go around the cake. Carefully drape it around the cake and neaten the edges. Cut the ends off the cake to finish so that the checkerboard effect is revealed (as a kid, those end off cut pieces were my favourite bit!).

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.

Images © Heather Brown

by Karen Geary,

Ditch the miracle diets

Expert Karen Geary’s round-up of popular weight-loss approaches –with straight-talking pros, cons and why habits always beat hacks

The sun’s out, you ate too many Easter eggs, and you wouldn’t mind losing a few pounds before summer ... But when the media is full of miracle fixes and conflicting advice is everywhere (we’re looking at you, TikTok), how do you know where to start?

My advice? Choose something you can stick with for at least eight weeks. You’re ideally looking for something that becomes a lifestyle shift, not just a quick fix. Scroll to the end for my top tips, but first, here’s a breakdown of popular diets:

Calorie Controlled

low-nutrient foods.

Quality matters, not just quantity.

Weight Watchers / Slimming World

What it is: There are a number of commercial group programmes available, all using a similar system of points or ‘free foods’, with weekly weigh-ins and community support. What it’s great for: Ideal if you like structure and accountability. The social aspect helps many stay motivated.

Choose something you can stick with for at least eight weeks

What it is: The classic ‘eat less than you burn’ approach. You track everything you eat, often using apps, to stay within a daily calorie target. What it’s great for: It’s flexible – no foods are off-limits as long as you stay within your calories. It’s evidence-based and works if you’re consistent.

Watch outs: It can become tedious, and it’s easy to under-eat or choose low-calorie but

Watch outs: You won’t learn much about nutrition itself, and some plans encourage highly processed ‘diet’ foods over whole foods.

Fasting (in all forms)

What it is: From 16:8 intermittent fasting to 5:2, Fast 800 or alternate-day fasting, the approach is the same. You simply limit when or how often you allow yourself to eat.

What it’s great for: Reduces mindless eating and can naturally lower calorie intake.

Emerging research links fasting to cellular

repair (autophagy) and metabolic health.

Watch outs: It’s not magic – if you overeat in your eating window, results stall. It’s not ideal if you have blood sugar issues, high stress or a history of disordered eating.

Modified Mediterranean

What it is: A plant-forward diet with healthy fats (like olive oil), fish, whole grains, and moderate portions of dairy and meat. What it’s great for: Supports heart health and gut microbiome diversity thanks to fibre-rich, polyphenol-packed foods. It’s also sustainable and flexible.

Watch outs: Portion control still matters for weight loss. It’s easy to overdo bread, pasta and wine if you’re not mindful.

Nordic

What it is: Similar to Mediterranean but suited to northern climates – think root veg, berries, oily fish and whole grains like rye and barley. What it’s great for: Seasonal, local eating with a focus on nutrient density and gut-friendly fibres. Great for sustainability, metabolic health, and supporting a healthy microbiome. Watch outs: It can be higher in carbs. Like all diets, successful weight loss depends on portions and balance.

Low Carb

What it is: Reduces carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and sugar in favour of protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. What it’s great for: Helps stabilise blood sugar, control appetite and often leads to quick initial weight loss.

Watch outs: It’s not a free pass to eat unlimited cheese and bacon! Focus on lean proteins and plenty of veg for fibre.

Ketogenic

Healthy bodies are built on habits, not hacks

What it is: A stricter form of low carb – typically under 20-50g of carbs daily – pushing your body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel. High fat, moderate protein. What it’s great for: Can lead to rapid fat loss and reduced hunger. It’s also being explored for effects on mental clarity, mood support, and conditions like chronic fatigue and

My top tips (whatever diet you choose):

• Don’t skimp on sleep – a tired brain craves sugar.

• Walk everywhere – daily movement matters more than gym sessions alone.

• Drink your water – daily, aim for 35ml per kg bodyweight (around two litres).

• Stick to three meals a day – try to avoid grazing.

• Protein with every meal – aim for palmsized portions.

• Half your plate = veggies – more plants, means fewer processed carbs.

• Aim for 30g fibre daily – it keeps you full and supports gut health.

• Ditch the snacks – especially those sneaky late-night ones.

• Limit alcohol – it’s just empty calories and disrupts fat metabolism.

• Be boring – consistency beats variety when dieting (I have Greek yogurt and apple every day!).

• No food three to four hours before bed – you’ll have better sleep and digestion.

• Enjoy a treat meal once a week – but skip that ‘cheat day’ mindset.

neurological health.

Watch outs: It’s hard to sustain, socially restrictive and can lead to nutrient gaps if not well-planned. Not ideal for everyone, especially long-term, without supervision.

Low Fat

What it is: Limits dietary fat, focusing on lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

What it’s great for: Encourages plant-based, lower-calorie meals. Still effective for weight loss when based on whole foods.

Watch outs: Healthy fats are essential! Avoid the ultra-processed low-fat products which are packed with sugar.

Finally ... There’s no one-size-fits-all magic wand. The best diet is just the one you can stick to, that nourishes you, fits your lifestyle and doesn’t make you miserable.

Start simple, stay consistent and remember –healthy bodies are built on habits, not hacks.

Net Zero progress needs greater urgency

Over recent months, Dorset Chamber has been gathering insights from more than 140 local businesses, large and small, to understand their progress towards Net Zero. The findings make for thought-provoking reading. Encouragingly, half of Dorset businesses report a solid grasp of Net Zero targets. Three quarters have started planning their transition. Yet, despite this, almost two thirds still haven’t measured their carbon footprint – a figure unchanged from our first survey two years ago. Without stronger regulation or attractive incentives, it seems many businesses will struggle to move Net Zero higher up their list of priorities.

Free training

When it comes to the skills needed to deliver on Net Zero ambitions, the picture is mixed. Only around a third of businesses feel their teams currently have the knowledge required, with no improvement since 2023. Unsurprisingly, larger firms or those working directly in green sectors have a clearer understanding, often helped by

hiring specialist expertise. But among most business leaders, there remains uncertainty about the specific skills needed. Although specific training uptake remains low, a third of respondents said they would be interested in participating – particularly where funded opportunities are available. It’s heartening to see that local support does exist. Both BCP Council and Dorset Council offer free short courses and events to support Net Zero and ESG planning. In addition, Low Carbon Dorset provides free energy-saving advice alongside grant funding for emission reduction projects.

Without stronger regulation or incentives, many businesses will struggle to prioritise Net Zero

The education sector is also playing its part. Training on sustainability has already reached more than 100 tutors and education staff locally, helping embed green knowledge into mainstream courses. Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Poole College, alongside Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, are now offering green skills training in construction and engineering, supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund. April 2025

will see the opening of Bournemouth and Poole College’s new Green Skills Centre for Building Services, further strengthening the county’s green credentials. On the financial side, half of businesses now feel more prepared to invest in reducing their carbon footprint – a small but important improvement. However, many smaller enterprises still feel they face a steeper challenge. The momentum towards Net Zero is evident, but it’s clear that more support, clear guidance and sustained investment will be needed if Dorset’s business community is to deliver real change. by Ian Girling

• To explore the full survey findings and the support available, visit: dorsetchamber.co.uk/lsip/findings.

Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber

A good old fashioned Hustle

The Hustle Networking Group, launched in December by Amelia Johnson and Roanna Warren, has quickly gained momentum within the North Dorset business community.

The monthly meetings, currently held at Hinton Workspace near Sturminster Newton, offer a relaxed opportunity for local professionals, freelancers and business owners to connect.

Attendance has remained at near capacity since the first meeting, says Amelia: ‘We have a good balance between regular attendees and new faces, and there’s a broad mix of sectors including entrepreneurs, industry specialists and business owners. We want to help local business people in North Dorset build strong relationships with one another, to create a supportive community. By fostering genuine connections, the group helps members learn from each other: we encourage and refer business to each other, and ultimately work together to grow and succeed as a collective.‘

‘Every Hustle meeting feels a little different,’ says Roanna. ‘But there’s always time for coffee, conversation – and breakfast! – as much as for sharing ideas and learning something new.

‘Sessions loosely follow a structure of relaxed networking, short introductions or thought exercises and a guest talk. The aim is always the same: to keep things informal and lively but genuinely useful. Recently we paired everyone up and we had to introduce each other. It was a fun challenge and sparked some brilliant intros.’

Guest speakers have become a regular feature, providing practical advice on areas such as a recnt one on the use of social media, where Charlotte Strong recently shared a talk packed full of practical tips and real-world experience. Dorset Business Mentors joined another session, contributing to discussions and offering mentoring support.

Moving forwards

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: one attendee describing the February event said:

‘Well—wow! That really was a Hustling Hustle! Uplifting chats, new contacts, marvellous mentors! Thank you so much. I really enjoyed it.’

Another added, ‘I’ve never found another networking group so genuinely supportive. The friendships and connections made here extend far beyond the monthly meetings. It’s a genuinely sociable and welcoming community.’

Future speakers include Roanna Warren and Bexi Harris on digital marketing and branding (May), artist Katie Scorgie on developing a creative career (June), and Liz McCormick on accountancy for small businesses (July).

Organisers have also announced plans to introduce Zoom sessions, evening meetings and informal walk-and-talk events during the summer.

• For more information, or to book a place at an upcoming session, contact the organisers via the Hustle LinkedIn group, Roanna on Roanna.warren@ hotmail.com or Amelia on amelia@ameliajohnson.com

Q u e e r t h i n g s h a p p e n

i n t h e g a r d e n i n M a y .

L i t t l e f a c e s f o r g o t t e n

t o a p p e a r , a n d p l a n t s

t h o u g h t t o b e d e a d

s u d d e n l y w a v e a g r e e n

h a n d t o c o n f o u n d y o u .

– Elizabeth von Arnim

G O T S

O M E N E W S ?

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N e x t P u b l i c a t i o n D a t e :

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a l w a y s t h e F r i d a y p r i o r t o p u b l i s h i n g