A DAY centre in Blandford that was threatened with closure could now be saved after users’ passionate pleas.
The Blandford Connect Day Centre on Heddington Drive was one of six day centres in the county that was planned to close as Dorset Council looked to replace these with a ‘hub and spokes’ model.
Under the plans, centres in Sherborne, Shaftesbury and Blandford would have closed, with Stour Connect in Sturminster Newton becoming the hub for north Dorset.
The plans received intense backlash from users and their friends and families who said the day centre is vital to users wellbeing, with many unable or not likely to travel to Sturminster Newton – a roughly
nine-mile trip from Blandford.
Now, Dorset Council has said they have responded to feedback, and “crucially” they said they’ve heard more from people in their own words about how they use the centre.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We are working on new proposals, with other services potentially joining day centre use at Blandford Centre.
“We will be able to say more when we have the details more firmed up, but we are confident from our early discussions that there are options that we can make work.”
Dorset Council did not respond to questions about the other day centres affected by proposals in the county.
MP Simon Hoare (Conservatives/North Dorset) previously described the plans to close the day centres as “fundamentally wrong”.
2,700 people signed a petition to prevent the closure of the day centres in north Dorset.
Fresh air and great food at festival
THE Dorset Food & Arts Festival is set to celebrate the county’s finest food, drink, art and artisan talent in Poundbury.
The free-to-enter event, on the Great Field, on Saturday, August 2, 10am-4pm, will feature more than 65 stalls.
Festival coordinator, Caz Richards, said: “We love hosting this event at the Great Field.
“It’s about fresh air, great food and bringing people together.
“It’s shopping with heart, and a big win for supporting local.”
A lost tree in the landscape
by Niki Harper
FOUR years ago, I met a gardener who proudly told me they were growing black poplars from cuttings from a tree on the estate where they worked. I knew nothing of this tree. But, as I’d just volunteered to lead Trees for Wimborne, I thought I ought to try and find out what made a gardener looking after the national collection of oak trees talk about cuttings of an unheard-of tree.
Since then, I’ve come to realise that the native black poplar is a truly magnificent and undoubtedly Britain’s grandest native tree: its straight but leaning trunk often reaches 100 feet tall and can be six feet across, making it iconic in the landscape. On closer inspection, the trunk is thickly fissured and often covered with massive bosses and burrs. And, if this impact was not enough, the leaves shimmer in the breeze, creating a beautiful sound.
This is no garden or street specimen; rather, this titan of the tree world belongs next to rivers and streams, and in wetlands at the edges of rivers. I was fascinated and began to search around Wimborne for
these specimens. I asked all those naturalists who I thought would know, but I was met with either blank stares or sad nods. There were no black poplars in Wimborne.
Thinking naϊvely that I would just replant the river valley of Wimborne with this tree, I, along with Trees for Wimborne, set out to do this. It is an unfinished journey – and a much larger destination than I ever imagined. I have now met many interesting and dedicated people across the country who are all doing their bit to put these beleaguered trees back into the landscape and onto the environmental agenda.
Even so, the native black poplar remains the UK’s most endangered timber tree. Growing alongside willows, it would have once provided an incredibly rich habitat and a haven for insects, birds and mammals. But those riverine habitats have long gone –drained, farmed or developed.
In the Middle Ages, it was highly valued for its timber and its unique properties of fire resistance and flexibility. But times and requirements changed, and the American cottonwoods became the poplar of choice. The species then became almost solely dependent on human intervention for its continued survival – they were imported and grown in plantations across the wetter areas of the landscape.
And that is where we are today. It is now 150 years since black poplars were planted and, since they live for only 200 years or so, the clock is ticking; for many, time has run out and a valuable genetic resource has gone.
We are now recognising that losing one more tree species –and one that is so valuable –would be a terrible loss. Our landscape is poorer, and, from an environmental perspective, these trees are not just a rich habitat for an assortment of wildlife, but their rapidly growing dense wood is wonderful at sequestering carbon, while the roots can stabilise banks and prevent loss of soil – a feature of great importance in times of increased flooding.
From a stuttering beginning, Trees for Wimborne has now been building up a stock of trees, both male and female. Many will be ready to plant out this coming year. We have already provided some trees for planting in the Stour catchment, but we still have the ambition for this tree to be a familiar and prominent sight along the Stour, Allen and Tarrant rivers.
If you are a landowner (or know of one) who might be interested, please get in touch with treesforwimborne@gmail. com
Garden party
Photos and words by George Jeans, Mere A GARDEN party organised by Mere Surgery Patient Participation Group raised £1,271 for its defibrillator appeal. The weather held, musicians played, cream teas were served and visitors played croquet and boules.
Haynes Motor Museum to Host Inaugural John Haynes Classic Motor Show
Haynes Motor Museum is hosting the inaugural John Haynes Classic Motor Show on Sunday 7th September 2025. This new Somerset event will bring together the local community, families and enthusiasts for a day of automotive discovery and celebration.
The show marks 40 years since John Haynes OBE founded Haynes Motor Museum in July 1985. Set across five outdoor zones surrounding the Museum, it will feature displays, demonstrations, talks and activities, all paying tribute to John Haynes’ passion for the motor vehicle.
At the heart of the show is the Haynes Manual Display, featuring vehicles and their corresponding world-famous Haynes Workshop Manual. Personal connection stories will be displayed alongside the vehicles, offering a glimpse into the powerful and inspiring memories that Haynes Manuals have created over the decades.
Families can enjoy the Discovery Zone, packed with hands-on workshops, engaging demonstrations and interactive STEM activities designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Chris Scudds, CEO at Haynes Motor Museum, says, “This is going to be a very special day and quite rightly so, as it honours and celebrates John’s legacy and his passion for the motor vehicle.”
The Car and Motorcycle Club Zone will feature hundreds of veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. The Live Show Paddock will host captivating talks, lively debates and a special vehicle parade.
The Market will showcase a curated selection of locally sourced food, drink and crafts from talented regional artisans, alongside automotive exhibitor stands.
As an Arts Council England accredited Museum and charity, the John Haynes Classic is a fundraising event. Proceeds will support the Museum’s charitable aims: delivering learning activities, inspiring future generations and conserving its motoring heritage collection.
Tickets are available exclusively through the John Haynes Classic website. • Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH. For more information call 01963 440804 or visit www.johnhaynesclassic.co.uk .
Things to do with a Dorset Knob…
by Ian Gregory
THE ancient sport of Dorset Knob Throwing will make a welcome return to this year’s Cattistock Countryside Show.
Knob Throwing started in the early 2000s. Someone asked the question – how far can you throw a Dorset Knob Biscuit? Which, of course, begs the question: what is a Dorset Knob Biscuit?
Well, it’s a small, roundish, light but crispy bread roll and you can’t throw one very far!
The first Dorset Knob Throwing took place behind the pub in Cattistock near Dorchester.
It was deemed ‘good fun’, and we decided to do it again the following year. The number of Knob Throwers grew, and we threw in a bit of grub too. When it got too big for behind the pub, we moved to the Cattistock village play area. A move to the football pitch followed. It took on the grand title of The Dorset Knob Throwing and Frome Valley Food Festival.
This is fun, zany and quintessentially English event is always enormously good fun.
So what’s it all about? Essentially, participants throw Dorset Knob biscuits competitively to win prizes. Knob Throwing is the feature activity but is coupled with several seriously good fun Knob
Games such as Knob Painting, Splat the Knob, Knob or no Knob, Putt the Knob, Knob & Spoon Race, Guess the weight of the Big Knob, Knob Darts, Knob Pyramid and we even have a go at Pinning the Knob on the Cerne Abbas Giant!
It’s remarkable how many Knob games fertile minds can generate!
This year it’s on National Lazy Day (true story – August 10 in National Lazy Day) – so maybe we should dream up an Idle Knob game...
Alongside the Knob Games, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep visitors amused. Visitors can sample and purchase a fine range of local food and drink. Keepsakes, memorabilia and other goodies will abound, and for animal lovers there will be no shortage of activity.
The show, on Sunday, August 10, is held at Chilfrome just outside Cattistock.
It’s easy to get there: head for Cattistock and follow the signs to The Countryside Show. Proceeds will support the village of Cattistock and surrounding rural areas.
Find out more at www. dorsetknobthrowing.com or visit the Cattistock Village Facebook page.
Find out more about The Cattistock Countryside Show at www.cattistockshow.co.uk
Fond farewell
CAPTAIN Tim Lee RN (Retired), a resident of Stalbridge from 1983 to 2023, died peacefully at Kilfillan Nursing Home in Berkhamsted on July 2, at the age of 88, after a short battle with cancer.
A loving husband to Sue, and father to Peter and Simon, he was a larger-than-life character who embraced life and won people over with his gentlemanly charm, warmth and quiet strength.
His achievements were many; serving as a navigator on HMS Ark Royal and within the submarine service, commanding HMS Gurkha during the Cod Wars with Iceland, fundraising in the non-profit sector after leaving the Navy, and chairing the Dorset Opera Festival for a number of years.
Tim loved his time in Stalbridge, where he was involved with the Ring magazine, the Stalbridge History Society and where he played an instrumental role in saving the Stalbridge Library from closure.
Sue still lives in their retirement home in Berkhamsted, supported by carers due to her reasonably advanced Alzheimer’s.
Tim’s funeral will be held in Hertfordshire on July 29. Please contact his son Simon (stlee100@gmail.com or 07722 190267) if you would like more details.
Being healthy can be fun
Pictures
and words
by George Jeans, Mere
MERE Surgery hosted an information and experience day for adults wishing to find out more about fitness.
From chair yoga to Zumba, all activity levels were catered for. Colin Fricker kindly opened his home gym. Some events took place in the surgery garden.
Major milestone reached in Shillingstone Station project
VOLUNTEERS have reached a major milestone in their work to rebuild a section of railway in Dorset that was ripped up in the 1960s.
The final 400-metre-long rail extension has now been joined up to the existing track at Shillingstone Station, which means there is now 0.5 miles of track.
This will enable North Dorset Railway (NDR) to operate rides for visitors in the future – but volunteers said there is still “much work to be done” before its planned opening date of 2026.
The joining of the extension to the existing track was marked with the customary insertion of a ‘golden screw’ – a normal screw that was painted gold, unlike the original solid gold spike which joined the rails of America’s first transcontinental railroad which started the tradition.
An NDR spokesperson said: “Blessed with a dry spring, and now with the station in sight, there was no stopping the determined band of volunteers making up the ‘Permanent Way’ team, and the final sleepers were put in place, and rails cut to length, fitted and fixed last Saturday (June 28).
The project to join the tracks started four years ago when NDR was granted planning consent.
Work began in September 2021, but the first job was to divert the trailway, the public path that runs along most of the
length of the old railway between Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum, to a safer route alongside.
That was completed in the summer of 2022, allowing work to start at last on preparing the track bed.
It involved major earthmoving to shift a spoil heap at one end and rebuild an embankment at the other and was described as a “mammoth task”, as the reinstatement of the embankment alone used 2000 tonnes of material – and took two years.
Tracklaying started in November 2024 at the northern extension and worked back towards the station, with good progress made through the winter.
The linking bridge was stripped down to its original Victorian brickwork and checked, and by March 2025 the track crossed the bridge, about a third of the way.
The station closed in 1966 during the restructuring of the nationalised railways –but a group took on the lease in 2005 and began restoration works.
Work has seen platforms repaired, tracks re-laid and the station building restored.
Shillingstone Station has a railway museum and café and is open every Wednesday and weekend from 10am to 4pm, with free entry.
For more information about the project, visit www.northdorsetrailway.co.uk
The ‘golden screw’ being put in place
The rails being joined up
Working on the track
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A flourishing school community
CHARLTON Horethorne CE
Primary School is celebrating an outstanding report following its recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), which praised the school’s strong Christian vision, inclusive ethos, and commitment to pupil and staff wellbeing.
The report commended the school for “enabling pupils and adults to flourish and live life to the full”. The inspection found that the school provides “exceptional care” and places a high priority on the wellbeing of all members of its community.
The inspection noted that the school’s Christian values are embedded in daily life and contribute to a “very happy school where pupils learn and play together,” with incidents of poor behaviour being rare. Staff were recognised as deeply committed, and the strong sense
of inclusion means that all pupils – including those with special educational needs – are able to thrive.
Headteacher Sara Watkins said “We are absolutely delighted with the SIAMS report, which reflects the dedication and compassion of our entire school community.
Our vision of living and learning through friendship and faith guides everything we do, and we are incredibly proud that this has been recognised so clearly in the inspection.”
The report highlighted many areas of strength, including:
• A nurturing environment that prioritises mental health and emotional literacy.
• Inclusive classrooms where all children are encouraged to take responsibility and grow in confidence.
The school’s partnerships with families, the local church, and SAST (the Trust it is a member of) were also acknowledged as central to its success.
Sarah Willougby, who leads
SAST’s Flourishing Programme, added, “This SIAMS inspection truly celebrates what it means to be part of this strong church school community. Charlton Horethorne is a school that transforms lives through the exceptional care and aspirational curriculum for all pupils.”
All are invited to Fifeheads’ village fete and flower festival
A DORSET village is gearing up to welcome people to its fete and flower festival.
Held at All Saints Church and the village hall at Fifehead Neville from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Saturday, July 19, the event promises fun for all the family.
The day will feature teas, beer, a variety of homemade cakes, strawberries and cream – as well as a raffle, games, bric-a-brac and a wine raffle.
Entry is just £1.50 – cash only. Children get in free.
Support during sight loss is there if you need it
HAVE you ever considered what it would be like to lose your sight?
Although for most people sight loss is part of the ageing process (one in five people over 75 years old experience sight loss) for some it can happen overnight without any warning.
It’s a traumatic loss – suddenly you can no longer drive, read or recognise friends.
Fortunately, Somerset Sight is here to help with the emotional and practical difficulties that people face.
In addition to the 3,000 people in the county currently receiving support, 600 new people per year, recently diagnosed, come for help and are offered lifelong services to help them remain independent and continue to live life to the full.
If you know anyone with sight loss who needs additional help, you can call 01823 333818.
“It’s just lovely knowing there's help out there,” said one user. “You’re such a wonderful organisation. I’ve already got more confidence to go out on my own. I feel like a different person.”
Please support Somerset Sight by becoming a volunteer visitor, making a donation or leaving a gift in your will. To find out more, please call 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk
New ‘paradise’ to save bees
WORK is underway to create a nature-rich sanctuary for honey bees in Dorset.
The ambitious project will see a new centre created at Holloway Farm, near Blandford, that is designed to support bees and inform residents of their importance.
Bees have a crucial role in our ecosystem. Their importance is so key that the human population would not be able to survive without them.
These tiny insects work to pollinate our crops on a much larger scale than other pollinators.
To support their busy work, a new centre is being created at Holloway Farm in time for autumn that will serve as both a learning and community hub, offering training for new beekeepers and skill development for existing ones.
It will also function as an educational resource for schools and other visiting groups.
Dorset Council said the facility will become a “bee paradise” and will feature expansive fields filled with trees and nectar-rich shrubs, sustainably crafted hives, and a workspace dedicated to studying bee health and behaviour.
The project is being headed up by the North Dorset Beekeepers Association thanks to support from local residents, generous donations, and grants from the Capital Leverage Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund managed by Dorset Council.
Nearly £200,000 was raised to build the eco-friendly centre.
Robbie Baird, chair of trustees, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make our vision a reality. Our current site is difficult to access, and our workshops are held in a church hall, far from the hives.
“The new location at Holloway Farm, leased to us by Dorset Council for a peppercorn rent, provides ample space for both the new building and thriving bee colonies in the grounds, and will be accessible to all.”
The eco-friendly centre will include single-level access, parking for more than 20 cars, an education room, a honey bottling room, kitchen, and toilets with disabled facilities.
Councillor Ryan Hope, cabinet member for customer, culture and community engagement, said: “We are pleased to be
working with communities and partners to build a thriving, sustainable future while enhancing the natural environment that makes Dorset so special.
“Honeybees are crucial for food production and play a significant role in pollinating crops and supporting the wider environment.
“Without them, our food chain would be severely affected. It’s great to see such an important conservation project a step closer to completion.”
By planting bee-friendly flowers and buying local honey, everyone can contribute to bee conservation.
Find out more about bees and courses run by North Dorset Beekeepers at www. northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk
Council celebrates affordable homes
HUNDREDS of affordable homes have been delivered for Dorset residents in the last financial year, reports Dorset Council.
A total of 461 new affordable homes were built across Dorset during 2024/5. Of these, 57 were in Dorchester and 55 in Gillingham.
They include a range of different types, including rented and shared ownership as well as houses for local key workers.
Dorset Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, councillor Gill Taylor, said: “The pipeline of schemes coming forward remains positive, despite issues such as nutrient neutrality, build costs and labour shortages.
“While we’ve seen progress in recent years, we know the demand for affordable homes is high and innovative approaches are being considered, including best use of council-owned land.
“Providing high-quality, affordable housing remains one of our top priorities, and this will be evident in the emerging Local Plan.”
There are several rural affordable housing schemes currently coming to fruition within the next six months.
Under construction is Webbers Piece, Maiden Newton, a 14-home development of nine properties for affordable rent and five for shared ownership, being
delivered by Magna Housing.
This autumn, Churchill Fields, Winterborne Stickland, a selection of two and threebedroom shared ownership homes from Sovereign Network Group, should be completed.
Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) and Wyatt Homes are developing 24 properties at Fiddleford Ridge, Sturminster Newton, with 16 for affordable rent and eight for shared ownership. The homes will be a
mix of one-, two- and threebedroom flats, due for completion between August 2025 and January 2026.
Existing affordable rural housing schemes, delivered by housing associations in collaboration with Community Land Trusts (CLTs) can be found in Toller Porcorum, Bishops Caundle and Maiden Newton.
Local Housing Needs Surveys are being carried out with parish councils to help them determine what type and size of housing is needed.
Priority is given to applicants with a local connection. To access social and affordable housing to rent, residents must first join the Dorset Housing Register.
Future developments include a Community Land Trust (CLT) project in Dorchester with 20 one-bedroom flats on the Trinity Street tennis courts.
Police appeal on crop damage
POLICE are appealing for information over damage caused in a North Dorset field – by what appears to be a crop circle image of a spider. The criminal damage was discovered in a field at Cerne Abbas area, the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said.
PC Kate Schofield added: “This act of criminal damage has had a significant financial
impact on the farmer. I would ask anyone who may have information about the damage caused to please come forward and contact Dorset Police.”
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, or on 101, quoting incident number 55250100180, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Supermarket spot for Timpson’s?
SHERBORNE’S Sainsbury’s supermarket could soon see a new Timpson retail unit built in the car park.
The news comes after Sainsbury’s submitted plans to bring a small concession pod to its car park in Ludbourne
Timpsons is primarily a key-cutting service, but also offers dry cleaning, engraving and watch repair services. Similar concession pods are commonly seen at supermarkets across the country.
The plans would see four car parking spaces sacrificed to make way for the retail unit.
To view and comment on the plans, visit the planning section of Dorset Council’s website and search reference P/ FUL/2025/02943.
Do
Window into the secret world of bats
FIND out more about the world of bats at evening walks at Bere Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone.
Led by guest expert Mariko Whyte from the Dorset Bat Group, participants will get to use heterodyne bat detectors and learn lots of fascinating facts about these nocturnal creatures.
Discover Bats in Summer will take place on August 2 from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, while Discover Bats in Autumn will take place on September 13 from 7pm to 9pm.
The walks will explore a variety of habitats on the farm, which is owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, a national charity promoting nature-friendly farming.
Mariko, who has led several walks at Bere Marsh Farm, said the farm is fantastic for bats because of the wide variety of habitats, including the linear commuting route provided by the old railway line, the grazed
pastures, hedgerows, ponds and river, as well as the barns and farm buildings, which provide roosting sites for some species.
She said: “Soprano pipistrelles are particularly commonly seen on bat walks as they have a preference for sites near water, along with common pipistrelles.
Noctules, serotines, myotis and long-eared bats have also been also recorded, though are harder to spot!
“It’s especially lovely during bat walks to have the opportunity to walk along the Angela Hughes Nature Reserve which really shows how important even such narrow linear pockets of habitat are for providing a refuge and corridor for wildlife.”
£10 per adult, £3 per child or £5 for a CRT Friend or volunteer.
Local resident Lucy Hepworth, who took part in a previous bat walk at the farm, said: “It was a super evening. I
came along to gain an awareness of bats and it definitely ticked that box.
“It was well organised and the walk lead was so knowledgeable. I am going to use my newfound knowledge to aid my work in changing wormer practices on farms.”
Tickets for either event cost
The walk is suitable for children aged eight and above, who must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Please wear sturdy waterproof footwear and bring either a headband or handheld torch.
For more information about the events and to book tickets, visit www.thecrt.co.uk/Pages/ Events
all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables, we always allow up to 15 broken or slipped tiles. What this offer ensures is an overall roof clean and minor repairs, all gutters and downpipes will be cleaned once the job is finished.This service is from as little as £295 and will 100% prevent you from having large roof repairs or roof replacment.
Green space is a haven for the community
THE Rolt Millennium Green in Shaftesbury has feted its first quarter-century.
60 neighbours enjoyed picnics, music by Rhian and Mark, ice-cream, strawberries, fizz and bunting among the hollyhocks and orchard trees off St James Street.
Deputy mayor, Cllr Greg Williams, wielded ceremonial scissors to inaugurate a renewed viewing area.
He was assisted by Simon Hoare MP, successor of Robert Walter MP, who in 2000 formally opened the Green created thanks to the foresight of Paul Schilling and Richard Thomas at Swans Trust.
The much-loved haven has been entirely run by volunteers and funded by local contributions, with small grants from the town council.
A plaque was unveiled to thank everyone who funded renewal works – Shaftesbury
Simon Hoare MP, Chair of
RMG Trustees
Amber Harrison, Cllr
Greg Williams
www.theTruckleTruck.com
Charitable Trust; Swans Trust, which paid for the new fencing; property developer Martyn Evans; and Friends and Trustees of the Green.
A glass was also raised to recent donors – Penny Levinson gave a bench and Sara Westaway a weeping cherry.
Carnival: volunteers needed
CARNIVAL is coming to Mere on Saturday, September 13, with the return of some old favourites and many new attractions.
Applications for the roles of Carnival Princess and Prince will be open soon, with the competition winners and their retinue forming a key part of the evening’s procession.
Returning this year is the fun fair, thanks to the Mere Town Council and Charles Coles Funfairs. Rides, games and stalls will be open from Saturday afternoon through the evening.
A range of food stalls will add to those already part of Mere’s community.
Being part of the procession is open to any group or organisation whether on a float or walking, all in costume. There’s a plethora of prizes, for individuals and organisations.
A dedicated team of volunteers make Carnival happen. The crew needs more people in the area to give a few hours a month, working with members of the committee, until the event. If you can help you will be ensuring this year is a memorable, exciting and enjoyable event for all those taking part and the thousands of people who line Mere’s streets on the day.
Contact David Hytch, d.hytch@btinternet.com or Michel Rousseau, treasuruer@merecarnival.co.uk for more information or to discuss being a volunteer in support of a great community event.
Happy picnickers hope the Green will thrive for its next quarter-century.
Anyone who can lend a hand with keeping the space beautiful is invited to visit on a Wednesday or Friday morning and say ‘hello’ to any of the gardening team.
An entertaining evening with Tony Holt
TONY Holt enjoyed a distinguished and unusual career in the Royal Navy spanning over 30 years, including secondments to the Royal Australian Navy and the RAF. He served at sea in every type of ship as both a seaman officer and a Fleet Air Arm pilot.
This took him all over the world to over 100 countries and in every ocean and most seas.
He is a graduate of the Royal Navy Staff College and with an Honours degree from the Open University, and has held senior training and staff appointments, including the unique and historic appointment as Flag Lieutenant to the Admiralty Board working with senior Admirals and government ministers.
On retirement from the Royal Navy he followed a busy second career as CEO of the Naval and Military Club in Piccadilly and the Army and Navy Club in St James’s Square.
An accomplished public speaker and author of eight books, with a fund of stories and anecdotes at his fingertips, a highly entertaining evening is assured.
Tony will be at St Mary’s church, Charminster (1 West Hill, Dorchester DT2 9RD) on Saturday, July 19 at 7pm. Admission is free, with retiring collection for church funds. Light refreshments will be available.
Ice-cream was served from a cold-box loaned by
Hollyhocks bloom at the Green as it reaches its 25th Anniversary Picnickers at 25th Anniversary picnic
Get back to nature this summer
BERE Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone, is the venue for a series of nature-inspired events this summer.
The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) is running a free programme throughout August for individuals and families (children are welcome but must be with an adult), and a series of four expert-led workshops.
The free programme includes Drawing in Nature, Wednesdays, 10am-1pm; Reading in the Countryside, Thursdays, noon-2.30pm; and Nature Journalling, Fridays, 8.30am-noon.
The workshops are: Wildlife Filmmaker, Friday, August 1, 10am-1pm, with wildlife filmmaker Graham Hatherley and aimed at young people aged 12-16; Learning Together: What’s in the Water? Saturday, August 10, 10am-noon and
noon-2pm, with the CRT team and special guest Jane Adams, nature writer, academic and author; Wonderful Wool, Saturday, August 16, 10.30am12.30pm, with Jo Nash, of Dorset Wool, who will provide an introduction to natural dyeing using plants grown in her own garden; and Discovering Bats in Autumn, Saturday, September 13, 7pm-9pm, in which participants will explore the twilight world of bats with Mariko Whyte, from the Dorset Bat Group.
Charlotte Weatherley, farm estate and community officer at Bere Marsh Farm, said: “We’re really excited about the summer at Bere Marsh Farm.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to explore, learn and be inspired by nature.”
For more information, visit www.thecrt.co.uk/Pages/Events
Air ambulance fundraiser:
Go to jail and collect £800
TEMPORARY inmates of Shepton Mallet Prison have faced their fears in a fundraiser for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The participants were challenged to raise £800 in bail for the charity within 24 hours to secure their release.
They endured ghost tours, gruelling chores, escape rooms and spooky surprises tailored to each inmate’s fears and dislikes.
Posters of pigeons plastered the walls of an inmate claiming to ‘hate birds’ and a Drake hater
was subject to a special sound bath of Drake songs.
Inmates also had the pleasure of creating a painting without using their hands.
Together, the inmates raised more than £9,000 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The charity thanks the participants, sponsors and everyone who donated.
Special thanks go to its supporters, partners and volunteers, LFS, Carly Press and volunteer photographer, Will Badman.
New charity shop gets a warm welcome
A NEW charity shop was set to officially open its doors in Shaftesbury last Friday (July 11).
The Dorset Blind Association shop at 10 Bell Street has been warmly welcomed since its soft launch in April.
Shop manager, Melissa, is now appealing for volunteers to get involved.
“We’ve been so encouraged by the friendly welcome from customers in Shaftesbury,” she said.
“There’s a real community spirit here, and we’re proud to be part of it.
“We’re currently in real need of donations and always keen to welcome new volunteers.”
All money raised will go directly to supporting Dorset Blind Association’s vital services.
The charity’s community relations officer, Sam Baker, said the shop is a ‘huge step
forward’ in helping it continue its important work across North Dorset.
“Every bag of donated goods and every purchase helps us provide essential support to people living with serious sight loss across Dorset,” he said.
“Our shops are an important part of our service delivery, including a mini equipment and advice/resource centre making Dorset Blind Association even more accessible to the public.”
The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm, and features a wide range of pre-loved items, including clothing, books, homewares and accessories.
Donations of quality, saleable goods are very welcome and can be dropped off during opening hours.
Volunteers who could donate a few hours a week should go along to the shop to find out more.
Chocolate Day treat at care home
CARE home residents in Sherborne gorged on top-quality chocolate – with World Chocolate Day being the excuse.
Staff at Abbey View arranged for a special Wonka-like delivery of the finest chocs from master chocolatiers House of Dorchester.
Plenty of flavours were on offer for residents to tuck into on World Chocolate Day – including orange, caramelised biscuit, mint, cookies and cream, and raspberry.
we had such a great company so close to the home.
“They expressed a wish to visit the chocolate shop in the minibus, and we will look forward to fitting that in soon.
“The chocolates were so delicious but they didn’t last long.
“Next year’s World Chocolate Day is already in the diary.”
Resident, David Froud, said: “This is such a treat. I never knew there could be so many flavours of chocolate.”
Elena Barna, manager of the Colten Care home, said: “Many of the residents were unaware
World Chocolate Day is an annual celebration of chocolate, which some link with the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550.
PHOTOS: Will Badman
Cooking up a storm
HAYNES Motor
Museum’s first Cars
‘N’ Cracklin’ event is tonight (Friday July 18), from 6.30pm-9:30pm.
Held onsite at the Museum in Sparkford, Somerset (BA22 7LH), this new evening event invites car and motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy an exciting mix of standout vehicles, great food and live music.
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The Museum’s car park will be packed with a wide variety of eye-catching vehicles.
Guests can enjoy a slowroasted pork or vegetarian pulled jackfruit burger as part of their ticket entry.
Somerset’s talented Indie rock cover band, Microlight, will provide live music throughout the evening.
A retro-themed showdown in
the 80s and 90s-themed Museum Paddock features standout classics, from a Ford Escort RS Cosworth to an MG Maestro Turbo and a Mazda RX-7 FC. Attendees will cast their vote to decide the crowd favourite.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £9.50 for children aged 4 to 15. Children under 4 enter free (food not included).
For more information call 01963 440804 or visit haynesmuseum.org/ carsncracklin
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Could you pull a plane for charity?
FAMILIES charity Home-Start Wessex has launched an appeal for local people to help pull a plane and raise money to support its work with families in Dorset.
The charity is putting together a team of 20 to pull a Boeing 737 at this year's Dorset Plane Pull, the UK's only charity event of its kind.
Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under five when they are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits.
Dorset Plane Pull sees teams of 20 pull a Boeing 737 weighing 35,000kg a distance of 50 metres.
The event has raised more than £340,000 for charities since it was founded in 2009 with 5,980-plus ‘pullers’ from 299 teams picking up a rope and completing the challenge.
The quickest a team has completed the pull, according to the Dorset Plane Pull website, is 25.70 seconds.
This year's event is on Monday, August 25, and is hosted by European Skybus on the Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth Airport.
“The plane pull is a fantastic event to take part in and a massive achievement for anyone who completes it,” said Darren Lewis, community fundraising and events officer at Home-Start Wessex.
“In just one or two minutes of immense hard work, you could make a life-changing difference to local families.”
No specific training is required – ‘pullers’ just need to be fit and healthy, without any known heart problems, back issues or currently pregnant.
Darren added: “With more people in crisis, more families becoming homeless and more single parents than ever before, our service is in high demand.
“There are still hundreds of families we need to help. We know we can make a huge difference if we have enough funds to continue our work.”
Over the last year, Home-Start Wessex has transformed 1,682 lives, helping a record 501 families.
The charity covers the Dorchester, Bridport, the Purbecks, Swanage,
Weymouth, the whole of the BCP Council area, including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge and as far east as New Milton – an area with a population of more than 650,000, including many pockets of high-level deprivation.
Anyone interested in joining the challenge should get in touch with Darren at Home-Start Wessex at darren@ homestartwessex.org.uk
Honouring their sacrifice
THE trustees of the Fovant Badges Society welcomed more than 240 people to the annual Drumhead Service of Remembrance at West Barn Lodge, Fovant.
The service, held on Sunday, July 6, was led by the Venerable Alan Jeans, who came out of recent retirement to do so.
The service remembers the hundreds of thousands of people who served in the First World War.
Large numbers of soldiers passed through the training camps at Fovant – and carved the military badges seen on the downs today – but many never returned from the front lines.
And others that came to Fovant to be demobbed, including soldiers from Australia, contracted the flu virus and lie in nearby churchyards and cemeteries.
Guest speaker, renowned archaeologist Dr Phil Harding
DL, gave an insightful and moving account about his archaeological findings on the battlefield at Waterloo, which he linked to his grandfather’s experience in the Great War and his demob at Fovant Camp. Guests included representatives from the Royal Signals and Royal Wessex Yeomanry, and the Australian Army; local government; John Glen MP; the High Sheriff of Dorset, Callum Bremner;
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Mayors; and UK and Australian military-related charities.
The Tisbury Detachment of the Army Cadet Force directed traffic, welcomed, helped to seat and took food trays to those who attended, read the poem and helped clear up.
2nd Lt Sue Kilgour would encourage more ‘signing up’.
The standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and Tisbury Cadets provided a fitting backdrop to the service,
and Shaftesbury Silver Band, as has been the custom for many years, led the hymns and act of remembrance.
The Fovant Badges Society is grateful to Barney and Pippa Hitchings for allowing the use of West Barn Lodge, and the service and tea afterwards, still in sight of the Badges and in Fovant, were successful.
But the swallows and sparrows were missed this year as they usually sing along with the silver band and congregation when the service is at East Farm Barn.
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PHOTOS: Hayley Garner
Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and Tisbury Army Cadets
Lt Col Mick Henderson, Australian Army reading the lesson
Artwork allows us to feel like astronauts
A SENSE of how astronauts feel when they see the Earth from space is promised when a huge artwork comes to Sherborne Abbey.
Gaia, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, is a giant illuminated globe measuring seven metres across, printed with detailed imagery of the planet’s surface.
The artwork aims to recreate the ‘Overview Effect’ – the awe-inspiring feeling astronauts experience seeing the planet from above.
Gaia will be suspended inside the abbey from Friday, August 29 to Friday,
September 12.
The exhibition will feature information boards about the Earth’s past, present and future, and events under Gaia including talks for adults and children.
Sherborne Literary Society will host Booker prize-winning author Samantha Harvey on the opening night, August 29.
She will discuss her book Orbital, set over 24 hours aboard the International Space Station, each of the 16 chapters covering a single rotation around the Earth.
The internationally acclaimed OneOrchestra will give two performances of its Earth Music concert on Friday, September 5.
The 16-piece ensemble will reimagine music by composers such as Hans Zimmer and Max Richter, and Coldplay.
Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori will give a free-to-enter talk on ‘A Botanical Celebration of Sherborne Abbey’ on Thursday, September 4, at 7pm.
Steve Plant, from the UK Space Agency, will speak about the work of the agency and
Attending the show this year?
Come along on either Wednesday 13th or Thursday 14th August and visit us at
stand number D30, Avenue D for some light refreshments and an informal chat with one of our friendly advisers.*
how satellites help people in their day-today lives in another free talk on Tuesday, September 9, at 7pm.
For more information and to buy tickets for the evening with Samantha Harvey and OneOrchestra’s concerts, visit Sherborne Town Council’s website, www.sherborne-tc. gov.uk
Your
Way
School celebrates sporting milestones
A SHERBORNE school is celebrating a double achievement in sport and fitness.
The Gryphon School has been awarded the School Games Silver Mark Award, a national accolade that recognises a school’s dedication to delivering high-quality physical education and promoting competitive sport.
The school has also become an official CrossFit affiliate — one of only a small number of schools across the UK to gain this recognition.
With the support of a charitable donation from the Friends of Yeatman Hospital, the school has established the programme as a non-profit initiative, aimed at improving mental health and social connection through exercise.
Led by a Level 2 certified CrossFit coach and teacher at
the school, the programme includes weekly after-school sessions for boys (Tuesdays), girls (Thursdays), and staff (Wednesdays).
CrossFit is now also being introduced into the curriculum, and there are ambitions to eventually give students the opportunity to represent The Gryphon in CrossFit competitions.
Miles Fineman-Bulger, the programme lead said “CrossFit has had a tremendous positive impact on the mental and social health of our students and staff. It’s about more than fitness — it’s about building resilience, confidence, and community.”
Headteacher Jim Gower added “Together, these achievements demonstrate The Gryphon School’s holistic approach to education — one that places health, wellbeing, and opportunity at the heart of
school life. Whether through team sports, individual challenges, or inclusive fitness sessions, Gryphon students are being empowered to lead active and fulfilling lives both inside and outside the classroom”.
As part of this commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing, The Gryphon School also
welcomes pupils from Harbour Vale School into its fitness centre each week. During these sessions, Harbour Vale students learn how to use the gym equipment safely and effectively, while also developing valuable life skills such as perseverance, selfdiscipline, and motivation.
Thrills, spills and country skills
THE biggest weekend event in the county calendar is returning later this year with a whole host of events for all the family.
The action-packed celebration of country life, The Dorset County Show, opens its gates on September 6 for a two-day line-up of exciting attractions, both old and new.
More than 55,000 visitors are expected to descend on the show near Dorchester, which has celebrated the spirit of the county and the best rural traditions of Dorset since 1841.
Skilled motorbike stunt rider Paul Hannam is set to debut his stunt show where he will display some huge jumps, precision riding, roll stunts and above all, jaw-dropping skills.
stunts.
Eagle-eyed views may have already seen some of these incredible horses flash on screen in shows such as Poldark, Victoria or Peaky Blinders.
A new music stage has been created for this year’s show, which will showcase Dorset artist and will extend into the evening on the Saturday to create a festival feel.
Dorset County Show organiser, James Cox, said: “Atkinsons Action Horses were a highlight of 2024, we are simply thrilled to welcome them back for a second year!
“Ben Atkinson goes alongside exciting new features like the new stunt bikes and region’s finest livestock on display in competitive classes across cattle, sheep, pigs, goats – and for the second time, alpacas.
The impressive animal
food hall filled to the apex with treats – a fun dog show, free tomahawk throwing with Budden’s Activity Centre, a blacksmiths forge, a heavy horse village, milking demonstrations and much more.
Air Ambulance thanks charity runners
DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance’s (DSAA) has thanked runners and supporters after its fourth annual 5km Twilight Shift.
This year’s event held extra significance as DSAA celebrated 25 years of service, providing critical care to people across Dorset and Somerset.
The charity event saw challengers take on the 5km route around Henstridge Airfield, the DSAA’s operational base.
Many participants took part for personal reasons, in memory of loved ones, or even as a personal challenge for a good cause. DSAA’s Critical Care Doctor, Ian Mew, even took to the track dressed as the charity mascot, Dasher ( pictured).
Alana Hardy, DSAA’s Event Officer, said:“This year’s 5km Twilight Shift felt truly special, it was amazing to see so many people coming together, not just to raise funds, but to be part of something meaningful in our 25th Anniversary year. From first comers to seasoned fundraisers, everyone played a part in making it a night to remember, and we are so grateful to all those who joined us.”
Church tent
THE Church Tent at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show (August 13-14) will once again this year be offering refreshments and a place for visitors to rest their weary feet.
Volunteers from the churches of Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Stour Vale will run the tent and serve home-made cakes.
All money raised will benefit Dorset Historic Churches Trust, the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show’s Student Support Fund and rural chaplains in the Diocese of Salisbury.
Visitors will also be able to find out more about the work the rural chaplains do in the farming community.
DSAA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the evening a success, from those who registered and fundraised, to the volunteers and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the airfield.
The charity also expressed thanks to its valued event partners and sponsors, including Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse Café, HK Law, Events Crew, Life Support CPR, and DocBike.
School seeks sponsors for 24-hour lap-a-thon
TWO members of staff will be going the extra mile in a 24 hour lap-a-thon of the grounds at St George’s School in Bourton.
Mrs Crosse and Mr McCall hope to raise enough money from sponsorship to pay for a class set of iPads.
The event takes place from noon on Friday, September 26, to noon Saturday, September 27.
The lap-a-thon will end with a Colour Fun Run between 10am and noon on the Saturday.
Rocky's Pizzas will be serving up pizzas from noon on the Saturday and the Parents Teachers and Friends Association will be selling drinks and sweet treats.
To sponsor Mrs Crosse and Mr McCall, visit gofundme.com and search 24 hour Lap-a-thon.
Young entrepreneurs impress the Dragons
DRAGONS’ Den came to Bryanston School when the Design & Technology Department staged the finals of a competition in the last week of term.
The top eight pairs tried to convince a panel, like in the BBC television show, why they should take their idea to market.
Dragons – Mr Payne, Mrs Ings, Mrs Dales and Mr Jones – gave first place to Oz G and Penelope K-P with their 3D-printed, tailored Smart Rings that enable users to store an array of personal links and files, accessible via a contactless chip.
Second went to Edward H with his rotating pot plant, that enables any indoor plant to slowly spin to enable more vertical growth and distribution of light.
Third were Max M and Tom
W with their 3D-Printed Bryanston Fidget spinners, which will be offered as a small gift to all prospective parents and pupils.
Head of Design & Technology, Chris Mills, said: “It was wonderful to see so many impressive young entrepreneurs at the Dragons’ Den final this year, who presented clearly and responded well under questioning from our panel of Dragons.
Max, Tom, Ed, Oz and Penelope with Bryanston headteacher Richard Jones
at the heart of the School’s Entrepreneur & Innovation pillar.
“This open ended, problemsolving project for design and technologists in D (year 9), lies
“Well done especially to Max, Tom, Ed, Oz and Penelope for impressing the Dragons…we look forward to supporting them to take their ideas to market.”
Funding open for support networks
A NEW community-led initiative is launching in Dorset to strengthen local support for older people and help them stay active, independent, and connected.
The Dorset Thriving Communities Network is a new initiative to build stronger, more connected support for older people in Dorset.
As part of this initiative, Volunteer Centre Dorset (VCD) will be handing out around £132,000 in grant funding to small networks of community groups and charities.
welcomed the ground-breaking initiative.
He said:
The money will help these independent groups provide support and opportunities to Dorset’s older residents.
It’s intended that the network will include lunch clubs, arts classes, or warm spaces to encourage older people to stay independent and connected within their communities. Small grants will be provided for successful participating groups and charities.
Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care,
“This ‘proof of concept’ exercise holds the potential to develop a completely new method of funding our Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) core costs to create a truly engaged and resilient sector, able to provide long term health and wellbeing support as our older population grows.”
“We have listened carefully to feedback from the VCS and believe that the benefits of having strong and stable groups and charities will be an enabler for Dorset to be an Age Friendly County and for our
communities to thrive.”
Marie Waterman, Chief Executive of Volunteer Centre Dorset, added:
“We’re proud to be leading the first phase of the Thriving Communities Network in Dorset. This is about more than just funding – it’s about supporting the people and groups already making a difference in their neighbourhoods.
“By working together, we can create local networks that are responsive, resilient, and rooted in the strengths of each community. We’re excited to get started and help build a Dorset where older people are connected, supported, and able to live well in the places they call home.”
Dorset’s Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA) will undertake a review after the first year of the initiative, reporting to the Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board.
If you would like to register your interest in being involved in a Thriving Community Network, please email support@ volunteeringdorset.org.uk
Magical day for military families
MILITARY families from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School in Wincanton were treated to a truly memorable day out.
Stuart and Tessa Casely of the Ernest Cook Trust warmly welcomed the families to Gore Farm in Trent, near Sherborne.
The visit formed part of the school’s wider commitment to supporting its service community.
With over 20 military children on roll, Our Lady’s runs a dedicated group known as the Military Monday Club.
As well as offering half
termly activities just for the children, the school arranges termly events for the whole family and provides tailored support during periods of deployment or when families are new to the area.
At Gore Farm, families enjoyed a range of hands-on experiences including holding fluffy chicks, stroking friendly pigs, and cuddling lambs after watching them being bottle-fed. The children were particularly excited to meet some calves that had only arrived two days earlier and were already settling in well.
There was also plenty of time to explore the surrounding woodland. Children and their parents created nature crowns from leaves, flowers and grasses, and searched for minibeasts and signs of local wildlife, including deer, squirrels, tawny owls, foxes and rabbits.
The day was a wonderful opportunity for military families
Just the ticket for music fans –Glastonbury at the village hall
MUSIC fans enjoyed the Glastonbury Festival – at a distance – in a community event at Holton Village Hall.
‘Holtonbury’ was held on the Saturday of the festival with visitors enjoying television coverage from the Glastonbury event on a big screen.
Hopeville, from Frome, also visited to play a two-hour set, including 1970s, 80s and 90s US classics to suit all music tastes.
Somerset charities – Dorset and Somerset Animal Rescue and St Margaret’s Hospice raised more than £200.
A spokesperson for the committee said: “What a night Holtonbury 2025 was!
“It was the biggest and best yet, a wonderful music celebration and a great way to bring the community together.
The event was a sell-out, with 60 festival goers from Holton and beyond, including friends from as far as Essex.
A raffle in aid of two
‘ABBA
“Villagers of all ages came along, and the range of festival outfits was impressive, with ‘Sid Vicious’ among the winners!
“Thank you, Hopeville, for a fantastic set, and to everyone who came along and danced the
Mania’ takes over Fern Brook Lodge care home for a day
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Residents at Fern Brook Lodge enjoyed an ABBAthemed day of fun to celebrate the summer.
Staff at the care home in Gillingham dressed up in brightlycoloured outfits ready to host an ABBA quiz for the residents.
Later in the afternoon, the residents visited their new ‘pub’, The Tipsy Terrier, in the care home’s garden for a drink in the sunshine, while listening to singers performing a host of the group’s famous hits including Waterloo, Mamma Mia and SOS.
Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. The care home’s dedicated activities team runs a daily programme of events to encourage residents to socialise and make friends.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary cakes and hot drinks, while experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere at the home’s Welcome Wednesdays sessions which run from 2pm to 4pm each week.
Fern Brook Lodge also hosts Memory Café sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 11 am for people living with dementia and their carers. There is no need to book - just drop in on the day.
night away.”
‘Holtonbury’ was launched by a group of villagers frustrated at not being able to get tickets to the Glastonbury Festival.
The first event in 2023, with grass areas outside the hall for music and dancing, was a huge
It included prizes for best dressed festival goer, a ‘Holtonbury’ playlist for special requests and bring your own food and drink.
Glastonbury is having a fallow year in 2026, but Holtonbury will be back!
Birthday treats for Graham, 105
LARKS Leas Retirement Home, Blandford, resident Gordon celebrated his 105th birthday with his favourite lunch, fish and chips from the ‘chippie’, and a bottle of the best malt whiskey.
His party got under way with accordionist Andy Hague leading a sing-along.
After lunch, his family visited and opened a card from King and Queen with him.
Mayor of Blandford, Hugo
Mieville, also visited and gave Gordon a birthday card from the town council and the whiskey, Gordon’s favourite tipple and one of his tips for a long life.
The home highlighted Gordon’s army career for his last birthday, but this year touched on his ballroom dancing days as a semiprofessional.
Competitions took him and his wife far and wide, including the Blackpool Tower ballroom.
Panto casting
WINCANTON Amateur Dramatic Society is holding auditions for Mother Goose, its panto early next year, on Sunday, August 10, from 2pm at Wincanton Memorial Hall.
A read through of the panto will take place on Sunday, August 3, at 4pm, again at the memorial hall.
The show will be performed in school half-term on Friday and Saturday, February 20-21.
For more information, email wadsociety@aol.com, or find the group on Facebook.
An exciting and perilous journey
COLIN Fletcher’s book, The Lonely and the Brave, tells the tale of a family at sea.
Growing up in the Blackmore Vale, Colin – pictured –developed an interest in local history, sparked by a village schoolmaster.
At the age of 10, Colin became a boarder at Shaftesbury Grammar, but the fascination with an outdoor life drew him to renew his early life on the land.
Colin’s book takes readers on a perilous journey across the Southern Ocean, with Roger Dobinson and his family on a desperate quest for food and water. Landing on an almost deserted coastline they have the good fortune to find a river and an isolated settlement.
The author explains: “Writing
NETHERBURY Repair Cafe will be held for the last time next weekend before taking a summer break.
Repairers will be available to mend clothing, electrics, woodwork and metal work –supply any spare parts needed – and visitors can have their tools sharpened.
A vegan and vegetarianfriendly cafe will be offering home-made cakes, coffee and a range of Clipper teas.
The event is at Netherbury Village Hall on Sunday, July 27,
this book has, without doubt, been a labour of love. During a long life, mostly connected to farming in Ontario, Western Australia and Wiltshire, the fascination with history never faded. An understanding of recent centuries merely raised further questions of even earlier times; the succession of questions seemed to become one huge enquiry”.
The Lonely and the Brave can be purchased at https:// chalkstreambooks.com
Repair Cafe date Summer fair invite
MORE organisations are being invited to take part in Blandford’s first summer fair being held later this month.
Many groups, artists and entertainers have already stepped up to participate, but more are invited.
The event is on Monday, August 25, (Bank Holiday Monday) from 10am, on the
from 10am-noon.
For more information, phone Lisa Willis on 07870 950 666, email info@repaircafe netherbury.org or visit www. repaircafenetherbury.org. The Repair Cafe will not be running in August but is back on Sundays September 28, October 26 and November 30.
The Repair Café would welcome new volunteers –anyone who loves fixing things, baking or being part of a fun community event is invited to get in touch.
lower Marsh and Ham car park – Morrison’s – and the river bank next to it.
Fun for all the family will be on offer with two arenas, music, stage, stalls, fair and food.
Organisations interested in taking part should contact Colin Stevens on 07966 453348 or email colin.stevens44@gmail. com
Gordon with Mayor of Blandford, Hugo Mieville, and (inset) with his birthday card from the King and Queen
Oyez, oyez, oyez!
Town seeks a new crier
SHAFTEBSURY is looking for a new town crier.
The town council, which is advertising the position, says the crier plays a vital part in civic life, reading proclamations and opening events.
Town Mayor, Cllr Virginia Edwyn Jones, said: “This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about the town, confident in public and keen to take part in civic traditions that bring our community together.
“The town crier represents not just the voice of the town, but its spirit.”
The successful applicant will
wear full traditional livery, ring the ceremonial bell and open public announcements with the time-honoured cry, oyez, oyez, oyez!.
That is followed by the news or proclamation and concludes
with the words: “God save the King – May Shaftesbury Flourish!”.
The post is honorary, with a modest annual honorarium of £300 and pre-agreed expenses covered.
The town council will provide full ceremonial uniform and membership to the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers is funded as part of the role.
Duties include attending town events, making public announcements and supporting civic ceremonies.
Applicants should be comfortable speaking clearly in public, be personable and reliable, and have a genuine interest in local history and tradition.
Previous experience in public speaking or performance is welcomed but not essential.
Applications are open now and will close on Wednesday, July 23.
Holiday activity
SHAFTESBURY Library will be running children’s craft activities on Friday mornings in conjunction with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Children can make a paper butterfly, a cress head creature or a model birdhouse – and join in the reading challenge throughout the summer holidays.
All activities are suitable for children aged four-11 but youngsters under eight must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, phone Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
The sessions run from 11am-noon and booking is advisable via Eventbrite.
Our Loose Canon
by Canon Eric Woods
FRIDAY of this week, July 18, is a day on which the Church of England gives thanks for the life and work of Elizabeth Ferard. Elizabeth who? I can hear many good Anglicans asking. Only the first Deaconess in the Church of England!
It is clear from many ancient documents that deaconesses were a recognised order of ministry in the Early Church, but they died out as an authorised order in both the Catholic West and the Orthodox East after the turn of the first Christian millennium. In some parts of Christendom they had actually been ordained, though never had the same authority as their male counterparts, the deacons.
If you are getting confused, let me explain that the Orthodox, Roman and Anglican churches have three
Elizabeth Ferard, the first Deaconess in the Church of England
orders of ordained ministers: deacon, priest and bishop. From the Middle Ages, the diaconate was increasingly seen as a probationary period before priesting, but today’s priests and bishops need to remember – and sometimes need to be reminded – that they remain deacons. A ‘diakonos’ is one who serves, who ministers and who cares – often for the poor, the underprivileged, the sick and the bereaved. It was the Lutheran Church in Germany which in the early 19th century sought to revive the order of deaconess. So, when Elizabeth consulted her bishop, Archibald Tait of London, about offering herself for some kind of ministry in the Church, he sent her to stay
Andrew, based in some of London’s worst slums.
Eventually, however, the Church of England slowly came to the realisation that women should have the opportunity to explore their vocation to full diaconal ministry. Robert Runcie, as Archbishop of Canterbury, ordained the first women deacons in 1987. And it was not to be long before they could be ordained as priests, too (1994).
R
The Old Powerhouse, Bryanston, Blandford 10:30-15:30pm Ages 7+
with the deaconess community in Kaiserwerth, now part of Düsseldorf. Interestingly, both Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry, the prison reformer, had been there a few years earlier. When she returned to England, she stayed with the Anglican nuns at Ditchingham, a Norfolk village close to Bungay in Suffolk. She drew on both communities as she formulated plans to found a specifically deaconess order and on July 18, 1862, Bishop Tait licensed her as the Church’s first deaconess. She gathered around her a religious sisterhood of deaconesses, known as the Community of St
However, some women concluded that the diaconate was their particular vocation –and some men felt the same. So ‘distinctive deacons’ now minister in many parishes. They might be seen as boundary-crossers, looking ‘out’ from the church, asking how the church and the Christian faith can cross the boundary with the gospel to those who do not yet know Christ, and to those who are in need. Mostly, they do not wish to spend most of their ministry inside the church building. The distinctive diaconate is for those who are strongly drawn to the go-between ministry, bringing both the message of the gospel and the practical care that goes with it to the world.
Church’s history in the spotlight
THE History of St Simon and St Jude Church, Milton-on-Stour, will be the subject of a talk at the church by Sam Woodcock.
The event is on Friday, August 8, at 6.30pm for 7pm and will be followed by an optional walk around the village from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Sam has lived in the village most of his life, apart from 30 years as a teacher in London.
He has in-depth
knowledge of Milton and its church, and has seen many changes, including major reordering in 2017. His talk will take the audience from its origins in 1319 through to today. Everyone is welcome –admission is free of charge but donations in aid of the church would be welcome. Refreshments will be provided before the talk and after the walk, and parking is available in the school alongside.
Elizabeth Ferard
Mud kitchen fun for children
NURSERY
children in Gillingham have been having fun getting messy with a new mud kitchen.
Youngsters at St Mary the Virgin CE Primary School have been enjoying outdoor play thanks to the donation from Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties.
The mud kitchen encourages children to engage in imaginative and sensory play.
Childen are able to enhance their creativity and improve their problem-solving skills, all while promoting physical activity and overall wellbeing.
The housebuilder also donated £250 to the school, which will go towards a new outdoor shed.
Emma Board, deputy head at St Mary the Virgin, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Taylor Wimpey for their generous donation of a beautiful mud kitchen for our nursery children, as well as the funds to purchase a much-needed storage shed for our outdoor equipment.
“Your support has made a real difference in enhancing our outdoor learning environment. Thank you for helping our children play, explore and grow!”
The Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows
is organising the following social activities and everyone is welcome to join in.
A Monday afternoon of tabletop games at PIP Café
Poundbury 2pm-5pm. £5.00 for members £7.00 for non-members. Refreshments included. Come and play or learn to play: Scrabble; Rummikub; Bananagram; chess; backgammon; mah jong; canasta.
Dates include: 4th August, 1st September, 13th October, 10th November, 8th December, 13th January 2026 and 10th February 2026
Pizza Night
Sunday 17th August 7pm £15.00. Bar available. Dewflock Farm, Winterbourne Monkton, Dorchester, DT2 8NP
The Blue Pool & Nature Reserve Visit
Wednesday 17th September £16.00. Visit to The Blue Pool and nature reserve near Wareham to include refreshments. Meet at The Blue Pool at 10am.
Apple Picking
Apple picking at Lower Muckleford Farm, DT2 9SW. Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th October 10am start Ploughman’s lunch provided. This is a free event.
Please contact Rosemary Rogers rosemarywdt2@gmail.com or phone 07788436797 for more information
BLANDFORD RAILWAY CLUB, Open Day, Saturday 2nd August, 10-4.30 Scout Hut, Eagle House Gardens, Blandford. Admission Donation. Children FREE
GLENHOLME HERBS NGS OPEN GARDEN 26th and 27th July, 104pm, adults £5, children free. Beautiful garden. Tea/ coffee and cakes and large range of Herbs and Salvias for sale! Sandford Orcas, Sherborne, DT94GJ http:// www.glenholmeherbs.co.uk
JUMBLE SALE Sat 26 July 12-1.30pm Child Okeford Village Hall
LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull
Royal British Legion DT10 1HR on July 28th. Eyes down 7pm.
THE FORESTRY BAR PRESENTS PORLOCK BAND, When: 18th July from 7pm, Where: The Forestry bar, St Giles Estate, Wimborne St Giles, BH21 5ND, Food: Fish n Chips
THE HISTORY of St SIMON and St JUDE CHURCH, MILTON-on-STOUR
Friday 8th August 6.30 for 7.00p.m., a talk in church by Sam Woodcock, followed by an optional walk around the village 7.30 to 8.30 p.m.
Sam has lived in the village most of his life, apart from thirty years as a teacher in London. He has in-depth knowledge of Milton and its church and has seen many changes, including major re-ordering in 2017. His talk will take us from its origins in 1319 through to today. All welcome: admission is free but please help run our church by donating if you can. Refreshments provided before the talk and after the walk. Parking in School alongside.
PHOTO: Taylor Wimpey
White Elephant ~ The Two Hats Busking
Barbeque & Beer Tent plus Pen Teas!
EVENTCASH
Grand Draw ~ Bottle Tombola ~ Plants & Produce etc... Parking available. No dogs on field.
Proceeds to the Church and Pen Selwood Community Association
Please check final updates on www.penselwood.ning.com
The S
Exhibition
Open
SUMMER CONCERT BY THE NORTH DORSET A CAPELLA CHOIR, Including music by Handel, Purcell, Morley and Rachmaninov directed by James Crawshaw, on Wednesday 23rd July in St Eustace Church, Ibberton DT11 0EN @ 7 pm Free entry but a donation to the fabric fund would be gratefully received Drinks and food available at ‘The Ibberton’ afterwards. Please make a reservation beforehand to theibberton@ gmail.com
SHOWCASE 2025, Large Arts and Crafts exhibition, Friday 1st - Tuesday 5th August 2025, 10am -4pm, Purbeck School, Wareham, BH20 4PF
On Saturday the 2nd August from noon, Penselwood holds its 70th Anniversary Traditional Fete plus flower and produce show. There will be a toy stall, pre-loved clothing, ice cream stand and a book stall. Your 50p Grand Draw ticket could win you £250 or an annual membership to the Newt for two or many other great prizes.
There will be great bargains at the White Elephant with vintage glass, ornaments and a general rummaging
Oarea. There is live music from The Two Hats Busking Band, a flower produce and craft show, BBQ, Pen Pub tent and lovely teas in the Village Hall. Proceeds will go to St Michael’s Church and the Penselwood Community Association.
Only Assistance Dogs allowed on the Fete field and cash is preferred with limited card facilities.
www.penselwood.ning.com
ne of Sherborne’s most popular annual events, the Open Art Exhibition, returns to the Digby Hall from 19th to 27th July 2025. This long-standing Exhibition was relaunched in 2022 by the Sherborne Art Club, in partnership with Sherborne Arts, and has quickly established itself as a ‘not to be missed’ event in the town’s calendar.
Entry to our independently judged exhibition, which showcases the region’s enormous wealth and variety of artistic talent, is open to all artists, amateur and professional, emerging and established, giving quality and diversity to the Exhibition. Around 400 pictures and 3D artworks will be on display, and most will be for sale, along with unframed folios.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to offer a range of prizes, including, for the first time this year, one for young artists under 25. We will also be arranging additional fringe activities, such as art demonstrations and family events, during the week, and we will have a weekend café with teas/coffees and homemade cakes.
Last year we had more than 2,400 visitors and we look forward to welcoming as many, or even more, this year. Please come along to support the 250 or so talented artists taking part and maybe find an original work to take home with you.
The Sherborne Open Art Exhibition will be at the Digby Hall, Hound St., Sherborne DT9 3AA (next to the library) from 19th to 27th July 2025, 10am to 5pm each day (except 27th July, when it closes at 1pm). Admission is free.
Full details of the Exhibition, including the list of prizes, can be found on the Sherborne Arts website: https://sherbornearts.org/sherborne-open-art-exhibition/ and updates will be posted in our social media accounts: https://www.instagram. com/sherborneartclub/ https://www.facebook.com/SherborneArts
Fiona Sansom - Romano Peppers Moira Ladd - Hegderow Heaven
Great Dorset
Chilli Festival repeats the heat!
Great Dorset Chilli Festival repeats the heat!
E stablished in 2011, this 14th edition of the ever-popular chilli festival showcases artisan food from around Dorset, the West Country and beyond. Whether you love chilli or just can’t take the heat, with a total of over 125 tradestands there’s something for everyone at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival.
E stablished in 2011, this 14th edition of the ever-popular chilli festival showcases artisan food from around Dorset, the West Country and beyond. Whether you love chilli or just can’t take the heat, with a total of over 125 tradestands there’s something for everyone at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival.
There are chilli plant competitions, a chilli sauce competition, and of course the crowdpleasing chilli eating competitions. This year the chilli and curry cook-off competitions have seen more entries than ever before.
There are chilli plant competitions, a chilli sauce competition, and of course the crowdpleasing chilli eating competitions. This year the chilli and curry cook-off competitions have seen more entries than ever before.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Dorset chefs Mark Hartstone of La Fosse in Cranborne and Mat Follas MasterChef 2009 will be demonstrating recipes in the Talk Tent, and chilli plant growing expert Matt Simpson of Simpson’s Seeds will be sharing tips. Dr Tim Woodman returns this year to discuss the pioneering work exploring the medicinal benefits of capsaicin, the compound found in chillies that makes them ‘hot’.
Dorset chefs Mark Hartstone of La Fosse in Cranborne and Mat Follas MasterChef 2009 will be demonstrating recipes in the Talk Tent, and chilli plant growing expert Matt Simpson of Simpson’s Seeds will be sharing tips. Dr Tim Woodman returns this year to discuss the pioneering work exploring the medicinal benefits of capsaicin, the compound found in chillies that makes them ‘hot’.
Live music includes bands Sixteen String Jack, Old Baby Mackerel and festival favourites The Mother Ukers on the music stage, whilst up at the Cider Tent there’s stompin’ bluegrass from Big Joe Bone and well-known blues tracks from Rob Berry Blues. Putting smiles on faces with familiar Mexican tunes, Pablo returns with his roving 3-piece Mariachi band. Enjoy the music with some delicious international streetfood and a local cider, ale or a rum cocktail, or perhaps a glass of bubble tea or a Dorset-roasted coffee.
Live music includes bands Sixteen String Jack, Old Baby Mackerel and festival favourites The Mother Ukers on the music stage, whilst up at the Cider Tent there’s stompin’ bluegrass from Big Joe Bone and well-known blues tracks from Rob Berry Blues. Putting smiles on faces with familiar Mexican tunes, Pablo returns with his roving 3-piece Mariachi band. Enjoy the music with some delicious international streetfood and a local cider, ale or a rum cocktail, or perhaps a glass of bubble tea or a Dorset-roasted coffee.
Children under 11 years enter free of charge, and ticket prices for children aged 11-15 years remain unchanged since 2016 at just £2.50 for online tickets. Reduced price online tickets are selling fast at www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/tickets at £9.50 per adult until Tuesday 29th July. Full price tickets available at the gate.(£12 per adult).
Children under 11 years enter free of charge, and ticket prices for children aged 11-15 years remain unchanged since 2016 at just £2.50 for online tickets. Reduced price online tickets are selling fast at www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/tickets at £9.50 per adult until Tuesday 29th July. Full price tickets available at the gate.(£12 per adult).
Dates: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025 | Times: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Dates: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025 | Times: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Location: the beautiful Stock Gaylard deer park at Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG
Location: the beautiful Stock Gaylard deer park at Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG
Free parking | Dogs welcome | No camping
Free parking | Dogs welcome | No camping
BURTONS COMMUNITY ORCHARD, Shillingstone, DT11 0TX. Family Dog Show. Sunday 27th July, 11am sign in for 12noon start. 18 classes. £2 per class. Contact: 01258-860019
JOIN US FOR LUNCH, Sherborne Community Kitchen, only £7. Every Thursday and Friday at the Raleigh Hall. Doors open from 11.30 tea, coffee. Lunch served 12.30. To book: 07561-067381
Yarlington House Country Car Boot and Traditional Fair, BA9 8DY
In aid of Somerset Sight. Charity Number 1154472
Sunday 14th September 2025. 8.30am - 3pm
NEW: This year there will be family fun featuring traditional games and entertainments, classic cars, a dog show, food and stalls with unique bargains.
£5 entry including gardens Under 16s free
Contact 01823 333818 to book car boot pitch or entrance ticket, or scan QR code.
Arts
& Entertainment
Classic theatre with a picnic
THEATRE in the outdoors is coming to two stunning venues in Dorset when Chapterhouse Theatre Company visit.
The company, which has been touring for over 20 years, will present Jane Eyre at Athelhampton House at Puddletown, and Romeo and Juliet at Holme for Gardens, Wareham.
Chapterhouse will present Charlotte Brontë’s epic story of love and obsession in Jane Eyre
The audience will join young
governess Jane Eyre as she discovers the secrets of Thornfield Hall and its mysterious master, Mr Rochester.
The production brings the rugged moorland and tumbledown manor of Brontë’s masterpiece to life.
In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the principals fall suddenly and desperately in love despite their family’s enmity.
The tragedy that follows
threatens to destroy everything in its wake.
Different casts will present Jane Eyre at Athelhampton House and Romeo and Juliet at Holme for Gardens both on Saturday, August 2, at 7pm.
Audiences are welcome to relax with a picnic as they watch the productions unfold.
Tickets for all shows and more details of Chapterhouse’s summer tours can be found at www.chapterhouse.org
Accessible Shakespeare al fresco
TOURING company Miracle Theatre is set to bring open air performances of Twelfth Night to three venues in Dorset.
The production promises a fresh, bold and accessible take on the Shakespearean classic.
Twelfth Night tells the story of twins Sebastian and Viola, who are separated from one another by sea and storm.
Shipwrecked and without her brother for the first time, Viola finds herself washed up in Illyria, a playground for the hedonistic and lovesick elite.
What unravels next sends the story spinning into a tangle of
unrequited love, mistaken identities, hilarious awkwardness, cruelty and mischief.
Twelfth Night director, Sally Crooks, said: “Twelfth Night is a kind of party that revels in
high-spirited feasting and misrule that never fails to entertain.
“A delicious fusion of tomfoolery, cruelty, confusion and longing that is seriously funny.
“I’m thrilled to be working with this outrageously talented team of actors and makers to serve up a version that’s as lively, mischievous and stirring as the play deserves.”
A talented cast of actors includes long-time collaborators Daniel Richards, Sophie Dear and Benjamin Dyson, alongside Miracle newcomers Pip Cook
and Jowan Jacobs – who will be playing Malvolio, a role his father originally played in the 2002 production.
Twelfth Night tours to the grounds of Ibberton Village Hall on Thursday, July 31, at the iconic Kimmeridge Bay on Friday, August 1, and to Higher Orchard in Sandford Orcas on Saturday, August 2.
The play is staged with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity.
Tickets and details regarding gate opening times, barbecues and refreshments are available online at artsreach.co.uk.
Summer showcase for amateur artists
BEAUTIFUL paintings and ceramics by local amateur artists will be on show when Yeovil Art Group stages its summer exhibition at the Digby Memorial Hall in Sherborne.
Art demonstrations will also be on offer, along with original cards and good secondhand art materials, at the event on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27.
Yeovil Art Group was founded in 1947 by a local resident.
Today it is a friendly group of people of all ages, who live
in and around Yeovil.
Members meet every Monday afternoon at Birchfield
Community Centre to work on their own projects and enhance their skills with the aid of fellow artists.
They enjoy regular workshops, demonstrations and critiques by recognised west country artists, and summertime field trips to draw and paint outdoors in ‘plein air’ are popular.
Members can also exhibit and sell their works at several galleries – their exhibition at Ilminster Arts Centre in 2022 was described by its manager as ‘our best-selling exhibition yet’
and they were there again in 2024.
In the past they have also exhibited at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, public library and Innovation Centre.
Information will be available at the summer exhibition for anyone interested in joining the group.
The exhibition is open 10am-4pm and entry is free. Home-made refreshments will be available.
Further Information can be found at www.yeovilartgroup. com
Chapterhouse Theatre Company will perform Charlotte Brontë’s epic story of love and obsession, Jane Eyre, at Athelhampton House
Not Guilty, coloured pencil by Dora Carrington
Miracle Theatre’s Twelfth Night will be performed at three venues
Bluegrass comes with a Welsh twist
BLUEGRASS band, Taff Rapids, from Cardiff, are set to perform three gigs in Dorset with touring arts charity Artsreach.
The band brings a fresh perspective to the Bluegrass genre, infusing traditional American classics and captivating originals with Welsh-language elements.
Taff Rapids are made up of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb and Clem Saynor, who promise engaging live
SUNDAY
Times
bestselling author, Sophie Irwin, will launch her third Regency romance novel, How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days, at Castle Gardens in Sherborne.
performances, rich harmonies and instrumental mastery.
This year sees the release of their debut album, Blŵgras, and an extensive live schedule, including a return tour to Canada, alongside tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe.
Regular airtime on BBC Radio has solidified their reputation as a new force in Bluegrass.
Taff Rapids are at Milborne St Andrew Village Hall on Wednesday, July 23; Halstock
Sophie’s amusing historical novel sees Miss Lydia Hanworth pressured into accepting a proposal from the wealthy and titled Lord Ashford. She has 10 days to
Village Hall on Thursday, July 24, and East Stour Village Hall on Friday, July 25.
information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk
Star turn in a modern classic Sophie revisits the Regency romance
THE National Theatre’s triumphant march through its archive of NT Live recordings continues with a glorious blaze of a show in A Streetcar Named Desire. This 2014 revival of Tennessee Williams’ 1947 modern classic, starring Gillian Anderson, Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby, was a Young Vic production, and its film version is currently presented by National Theatre.
monologues for a competition.
So, the character has been in her DNA for years — and it shows. Especially when she turns up the heat. Her performance is a scorcher.
Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the story shows what happens when the apparently respectable former English teacher, Blanche, visits her sister, Stella, who is married to Stanley Kowalski, a working-class mechanic.
break off the engagement before it is publicly announced, aiming to avoid a disastrous marriage.
The Gardens Group is hosting the free of charge launch event in association with Winstone’s Books on Monday, July 28, at 6pm in The Butterfly House.
Tickets are available from Winstone’s Books in Cheap Street, Sherborne, and at Castle Gardens in New Road, Sherborne.
Doors open at 6pm and free refreshments will be provided by The Walled Garden Restaurant.
Sophie is the daughter of The Gardens Group’s owners, Mike and Louise Burks.
Anderson had wanted to play the central role of Blanche DuBois for decades, she says, ever since at the age of 16 she learned one of the character’s
A Streetcar Named Desire is screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Saturday, July 26 –tickets from the box office or the website.
Taff Rapids are playing three Dorset village halls
Gillian Anderson (centre) is in A Streetcar Named Desire with Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby being screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre
Sophie Irwin is launching How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days at Castle Gardens in Sherborne
One-man band on acoustic guitar
IAGO Banet, billed as the ‘Galician king of acoustic guitar’ is set to perform at Dorchester Arts.
The UK-based Spanish guitarist has appeared at festivals including Brecon Jazz, Hellys International Guitar Festival and Aberjazz.
Copyright BlackmoreVale
And he has performed with artists including Josh Smith (Joe Bonamassa), Mark Flanagan (Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra), Jack Broadbent and Clive Carroll.
Banet, who is currently touring his third album, Tres, has also featured on BBC Radio 2’s The Blues Show with Cerys Matthews and BBC Radio 3’s In Tune twice.
The one-man-band on an
acoustic guitar fuses styles, ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, country and Dixieland, to swing, pop and
Iago Banet is at Dorchester Arts on Thursday, July 24, at 7.30pm.
Summer holidays fun for children
FUN, affordable and creative ways to keep the children entertained over the summer holidays are on offer with Artsreach, Dorset’s rural arts charity.
Squashbox Theatre – left –are among them with a quirky and hilarious mix of puppets, natural history, facts and
comedy cabaret in The Sea Show, which visits village halls in Drimpton on July 24 and Cranborne on July 25.
Youngsters can celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs, and meet a whole cast of mischievous sea-squirts,
anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards!
For more information on Artsreach’s shows for youngsters this summer, including recommended ages, times, contact numbers and prices, see its Young People’s programme online at www. artsreach.co.uk.
folk.
Iago Banet is set to perform at Dorchester Arts
• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am.
• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – services at 10.45am. Thursdays – coffee and chat from 10am-noon. Fridays – lunch club for over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book.
• Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury: Sundays –services at 10.30am. Second Sunday of the month, All Age Service. Everyone welcome.
• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday Fellowship – weekly, 2.30pm-3.30pm, everyone welcome, term times only. Tuesday – Footprints, an activities playtime for preschool children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm, term times only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689 for more information.
• Castleton, Sherborne, St Mary Magdalene (DT9 3SA): First, third and fourth Sundays, Sung Mattins; second and fifth Sundays, Holy Communion. All services are BCP at 11.15am.
• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday. Sunday service at 10.30am. Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper. Taizé Service second Sunday each month at 6.30pm – half an hour of prayer, meditation and music; further details from vicarlesley@outlook.com Rendezvous Community Cuppa – third Monday each month, 10.30am-12.30pm; chat, ‘cuppa’ (£1) and cake (£2); support/ advice from local surgery, speak
to a pharmacist, blood pressure checks and Age UK will attend; all welcome; profits to Rendezvous.
• Cream teas by the river: Every Sunday in August, 2.30pm-4.30pm, Damerham Village Hall SP6 3HU. In aid of St George’s Church, Damerham. Bric-a-brac, home grown produce. Plenty of shade, inside if wet.
• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Sherborne Quakers – meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room.
• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.
• Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.
• Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.
• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm.
• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass – Sacred Heart, Tisbury, 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am.
• Sewing machine appeal: Sewing machines are wanted for Mothers’ Union members in Melanesia and Sudan. Contact Jo Higgs at musecretary@ sherborneabbey.com
• Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.
• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.
• Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel.
Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.
• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Mondays at 1.30 pm, free entry, retiring collection.
• Sherborne Abbey Remembering the Fallen: Short service on the third Friday of the month at 11am in the Lady Chapel.
• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.
• St James the Great, Longburton: Cream tea to celebrate St James on Saturday, July 26, 3pm-4.30pm. All donations for church funds.
• St John’s Church, Enmore Green: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.
• St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0AZ: Alternating first Sundays Mattins and Holy Communion, 11.15am. Everyone welcome.
• St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm.
• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion.
• St Mary & St Bartholomew’s Church, Cranborne: Book of Common Prayer Evensong with the Benefice Choir, first Sunday of the month at 6pm.
• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.
• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second Sunday, Holy Communion 11am; third Sunday, Evensong 6pm; fourth Sunday, Matins 11am.
• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, July 20: 9.30am –Communion and Baptism at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am – Family Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am – Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am –Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, July 27: 9.30am –Communion at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am – Morning Worship at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 11am – Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am – BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford. Sunday, August 3: 10.45am –Together Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary (outdoors if dry). Coffee and cake – Spetisbury, 10am11.30am, first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary, 10am11.30am, Wednesday, August 21. ‘Crafternoons’, 2pm-4pm, 1st Thursday of every month (£3 including refreshments). Coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre, 10.30am12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.
• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church BA22 7QB. Sundays, July 13, 20 and 27, 6pm – evening services. Sunday, August 3, 4pm – United ‘Sunday @ Four’ with tea. A warm friendly welcome to everyone. Contact Geoff. mead@yahoo.com or phone 01935 850838.
• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
Sudoku 3D puzzle
Cryptic crossword
Across
1 I smoke oddly as Arctic resident? (6)
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
Killer Sudoku Pro
4 Second character infused with energy making one afraid (6)
8 Work in place by yard (3)
9 I claim rep is wrong based on observation (9)
11 Charge for speed (4)
12 US actress with delicate requirement in the morning? (8)
15 Old boy before sitting has mania (9)
18 Name fine tidy ground (8)
Down
1 Trial independent men carried out for professional specialist (6)
2 Essential and effective action – it’s used types? (9)
3 Suitable food for a carnivore, we’re told
5 Man, 50, in charge of Russian alphabet
6 Sure foundation reported for enormous bird (3)
7 Expand article in Italy within appointed time (6)
19 Impediment making rough sound (4)
21 Same row lot endlessly excited making scientific regulation (6,3)
23 Northern party retracted sign of approval (3)
24 Head gets bent stripping off part of a flower (6)
25 Rank say acquired by doctor with case of evidence (6)
Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
10 Flare-ups I dissipated offering commendation? (9)
13 One secretly bringing in pieces? (9)
14 Waiter’s ordered close to table so to speak (2,2,4)
16 Piece on navigational aid – means of organizing a display? (6)
17 Span raised platform on ship (6)
20 Woman in support is affectedly pretty (4)
22 Hard work with time gone to produce commodity (3)
Essential and effective action – it’s used with types? (9) 3 Suitable food for a carnivore, we’re told (4)
Man, 50, in charge of Russian alphabet (8)
Sure foundation reported for enormous bird (3) 7 Expand article in Italy within appointed time (6)
Flare-ups I dissipated offering commendation? (9) 13 One secretly bringing in pieces? (9)
Waiter’s ordered close to table so to speak (2,2,4)
16 Piece on navigational aid – means of organizing a display? (6) 17 Span raised platform on ship (6) 20 Woman in support is affectedly pretty (4)
Hard work with time gone to produce commodity (3)
Lib Dems perform another U-turn
THE Letters page – New Blackmore Vale, July 4 – had an interesting contribution entitled ‘In defence of Lib Dems’. It was a eulogy of praise for the Lib Dem Administration of Dorset Council. I read it with interest. My late grandmother always told me ‘self praise is no recommendation’. So, the author of this Lib Dem praising letter? An elected Lib Dem councillor! Perhaps it was the author’s arrogance thinking that everyone would know him and make the connection of his position and political affiliation that led him to fail to declare his party loyalty and source of income. More likely, I believe it is the growing sense of embarrassment of having anything to do with our dysfunctional Lib Dem ‘run’ council?
My article, in the same edition, ended by wondering if there was to be another council U-turn on plans for booking a trip to the tip? The day before a belligerent statement had been issued by the council ‘leadership’ to say it was full
Conservative MP for North Dorset
Simon Hoare
steam ahead. Totally committed. Etc etc. Hey presto! A U-turn performed and the plans dropped for the vast majority, apart from, as far as North Dorset is concerned, Shaftesbury. This two-tier approach to tip use has gone down as well as Day8 Christmas turkey. Why should council tax payers in Shaftesbury and the surrounding villages have a system different to that available to others. A Conservative proposal that a public consultation should be undertaken before any changes
are introduced was vetoed by Lib Dem councillors. And, who was among them, only a Shaftesbury Lib Dem councillor who had gone on the media record to tell residents how concerned he was, how opposed he was etc. Again – because they did the same on night-time parking charges – when given the opportunity to vote to ask the public their views – they voted against and voted it down. Not very liberal. Not very democratic. Why are Dorset Lib Dems so fearful of Dorset residents? Is it that they fear those residents won’t tell councillors what they want to hear?
The situations facing Shaftesbury and Sturminster high schools has been causing deep unease among staff, parents and students. Proposals by the Trust have not been well received and do not appear to be particularly well thought out. First, I was told it was all about reducing the deficit. In another meeting that the proposals were nothing to do with the deficit. This week it is back to deficit
In praise of the village fete...
SUMMER is well and truly underway, and one of the best things about summer in West Dorset is the huge number of village fetes.
The other weekend my son and I set off on a fun day out starting at Broadmayne where I managed to win a coconut, my son got his first sugary treat of the day in the lucky dip in support of the primary school, and I spoke to a number of brilliant charities there raising money for noble causes. Including representatives of The Veterans Hub, a great community project that provides a safe location for veterans and their families to access peer-topeer support.
After which we went to Sherborne Pride. This was the
Lib Dem MP for West
Dorset
Edward Morello
second year Sherborne has held a Pride and once again the turnout was huge. Pageant
reduction as the principal driver. Such lack of clarity and consistency does not create an atmosphere of confidence. So, I found myself, for the first time ever, on the picket line joining pupils, members of the community and teachers to make visible opposition to the Trust’s plans. I remain implacably opposed to the idea of hybrid teaching – some pupils online and others in the classroom. I have sat in on such a lesson as I believe direct experience helps. The class was given by an incredibly impressive teacher, so no criticism there. While it was not as bad as I had feared, it was in no way good enough in my opinion to roll-out as a way of reducing teaching numbers. It is not too late for the Trust to pause, reflect and listen, and I hope it does. I do not say the following to be big headed, but when a Conservative MP joins the picket line an alarm bell should ring, very loudly, somewhere. For the sake of my young constituents, I hope the Trust hears it.
Gardens was packed and filled with love. Pride is incredibly important for inclusivity and representation, and my hat goes off to the organisers for pulling it off.
Next, we visited Cattistock village fete where the ‘human fruit machine’ was a firm favourite and I was yet again unsuccessful in the Dorset Knob mini-golf. I also got to speak with the Maiden Newton on-call firefighters about funding pressures and ongoing recruitment difficulties they face. I promised to raise with the Fire Chief at our next meeting.
We ended the day with a duck race at Frampton village fair, and after a long week in Parliament a bit of therapeutic plate smashing. There will be many more fetes and fairs over the summer. All organised by dedicated and hardworking volunteers. These selfless individuals are the hearts of our communities, keeping our wonderful villages and traditions alive. Far too often these events are raising money to plug holes in school, charity or parish council funding. Without the volunteers running them, the people attending them and the money they raise, so many groups would be far worse off. So, to all those involved last weekend, and to all those working hard in the weeks and months ahead to make a success of their fete or fair, a huge thank you on behalf of West Dorset!
Wealth taxes not the answer
WHAT a week – definitely a turning point for this Government. In a huge blow to Sir Keir’s authority, Labour MPs rejected his attempt to rein in welfare spending and opted instead for more taxes – details to be laid out by their now prisoner, Chancellor Reeves, in all their gory detail in the autumn.
Turns out Starmer’s attempt to purge Labour’s parliamentary party of Corbynites has failed. It’s back to the 70s. Keir’s unruly mob is baying for wealth taxes on those they perceive to be well off and ripe for the plucking.
What makes someone wealthy? Well, it’s a given that it always means having more money than oneself. It’s been suggested the Government’s gimlet eye might fix, for starters at least, on the fortunate, but relatively few, estates worth more than £10 million. The trouble is that once the principal of shaving off money from
Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire
assets is accepted, lowering thresholds and fiscal drag will pull more modest estates into the taxman’s slavering jaws. We’ve seen that with income tax bands – the higher rate was never meant to capture nurses and police officers.
Today’s £10 million is tomorrow’s five, two, then one million as cash-strapped
Chancellors struggle to deal with a UK living beyond its means. And that assumes well-to-do people hang around to be taxed. Disobligingly, these folk tend to be nimble, as we’ve seen over the last year, legging it to lower tax jurisdictions or altering their behaviour to reduce exposure to tax. That’s why wealth tax receipts tend to be small and why countries that have levied them soon ditch them.
To raise any meaningful sums a wealth tax would have to go far wider than tech bros, hedgies, the proprietors of landed estates and Premier League footballers. It would need to embrace those with far more modest estates. Moderate wealth is usually accumulated over a lifetime of hard graft and prudence. The deal is, as you lose youth, you gain a bit of money. I’d like that in reverse, please, but sadly the option isn’t on offer. Wealth taxes effectively become a levy on those from
middle age on. Younger people, strivers and entrepreneurs, tomorrow’s employers, the growth engines and drivers of our economy, watching all this will wonder why they should bother putting themselves out. But Labour backbenchers must be quieted. And for that Keir must throw them some red meat.
Amid all the heat and light of national politics, my focus has been local – pressing ministers on Wiltshire’s needs for a Westbury bypass, ensuring we get our new special school despite the Government’s announcement on changes to special needs provision and – of course – my ongoing campaign against waste incineration. Well done to all involved in the Mere Tower Project. The church tower is now secure as a beacon for miles around and the associated medieval day was a tremendous event with something for everyone. Absolutely brilliant.
Council house sales under fire
THE local authority has defended a controversial decision to sell two councilowned houses in Wiltshire.
The Liberal Democrat administration agreed to sell the vacant properties at 6a Kingsbury Square in Wilton and Lansdown in Barford St Martin at a cabinet meeting last week to raise money for its capital programme.
The former children’s centre in the grounds of Longleaze Primary School at Royal Wootton Bassett and a small strip of roadside land at Kington St Michael were also included in the disposals programme.
The council said the decision was taken as the properties would cost too much to bring up to standard, but the move was blasted by Conservative councillors.
Leader of the Conservatives at Wiltshire Council, Councillor Richard Clewer, said he believes the council is making a ‘huge error’.
“I’m really sad. It’s a serious retrograde step to see these disposals,” he said.
He added: “We don’t have enough council housing in villages, as it stands.
“I know how expensive they are, I know what the cost pressures are, but I also know how important it is to keep rural communities together and I think it is a massive retrograde step that we are now seeing a change in policy that is seeing two council house sites coming forward for disposal.”
Council leader, Cllr Ian Thorn, said Wiltshire Council is
aiming to raise £1 million from the sale of assets and that he is aware of ‘10s of millions of pounds’ that need to be spent on assets as part of the council’s estate.
Wiltshire councillor for Wilton, Quidhampton & Netherhampton, Cllr Pauline Church, said it was a ‘really bad decision’.
“We just don’t have enough homes in Wiltshire for the people that need them,” she said.
“In my mind, we should be building more council houses –not selling them.”
The council’s director of assets, James Barrah, told councillors the sales would be ‘exceptional’ and that it would not be a ‘large feature’ of the council’s activities.
He said the capital receipts
are ring-fenced and that those receipts are invested into new housing stock.
3,923 people are on the council housing register.
Cllr Helen Belcher, cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and assets, said both properties would require a “considerable amount of investment in order to bring them back up to lettable condition.”
In a statement, Cllr Belcher said the council is “committed to look to use the money to boost our housing supply in rural areas.”
She added that both properties would take a large amount to bring them back up to standard, as the house in Wilton has solid walls and is also a Continued on page 49
Dr Andrew Murrison
Politics
Welfare bill fails all round
LAST week, I stood up in the House of Commons to speak against the Government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Reform Bill.
This Bill has been an absolute shambles – rushed through without proper consultation with disabled people and repeatedly changed at the last minute. It’s left many in Yeovil feeling anxious and ignored.
While it’s welcome that some of the worst proposals have now been removed, the Government’s approach has been chaotic. There is still no full impact assessment, no real understanding of how the remaining changes will affect people, and serious concerns that those with conditions like Parkinson’s and MS could be excluded from the higher rate health element of Universal Credit.
One of my constituents, Noel, who lives with a degenerative condition, came into my office
almost daily in distress about the plans. He’s not alone. Many local residents have made it clear – these proposals are simply unfair.
Under the original version of the Bill, some people in Yeovil could have ended up homeless. The revised version is still deeply flawed. Worse still, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says the savings the Government promised – about £5.5 billion – are likely to vanish altogether. The costs of changes to Universal Credit will cancel them out. So, we are left with a Bill that causes real distress, offers no clear benefit and saves no money.
I’ve supported Liberal Democrat amendments and new clauses that would require
proper consultation, evidence and scrutiny before any changes come into force. At the very least, that’s what disabled people and their families deserve.
But in truth, this Bill should be withdrawn entirely. The Government must go back to the drawing board and start again – this time with disabled people at the heart of the process, not as an afterthought.
I will keep fighting for a fairer and more compassionate approach – one that supports people into meaningful work by tackling the real barriers, like long waits for healthcare, poor mental health provision and a broken social care system.
Disabled people in Yeovil, and across the country, deserve better than this.
Reforms shouldn’t hit vulnerable
WHILE many have been enjoying the glorious weather, I’ve been focused on the most vulnerable in Glastonbury and Somerton – unfortunately things are not rosy for far too many. As the Government has been formulating its Welfare Bill and Schools White Paper, I’ve been meeting residents, listening to their stories and responding to a deluge of emails, many of which are deeply troubling.
Constituents are increasingly worried about how the Government’s latest Welfare Bill will affect vulnerable individuals, especially those reliant on Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Recently, I spoke in Parliament about Jacqueline from Street, who shared with me her fears about losing her PIP. She told me that the loss of this vital support would leave her feeling desperate. Jacqueline’s story highlights the stark reality faced by so many – PIP isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. I also raised the case of Samantha,
from Langport, battling cancer and dealing with a burdensome PIP review process. Her 100-page evidence submission took six weeks to compile, and she is still waiting for a decision. At the last minute the Government succumbed to pressure from its own MPs and watered down many of the most unfair proposals. However, it should have scrapped this flawed legislation and worked cross-party to bring down the
welfare bill by getting more people into work and fixing our broken health and care systems.
Turning to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the challenges families face across Somerset are equally concerning. While the Government has listened to Liberal Democrat pressure, I continue to push them to match this recognition with sufficient funding for local authorities, to ensure every child in Somerset can access quality education.
In Parliament, I shared Ellie from Wincanton’s story – she lives with autism, ADHD and a learning disability which went undiagnosed during her early school years. I’m encouraged by initiatives such as the Best Start family hub expansion, aimed at improving early identification of SEND. However, without proper funding, these strategies will fail, repeating the mistakes of previous Conservative governments that severely undermined both SEND and
early years provision.
The systems for PIP and SEND access must be compassionate and effective. I continue to hear from constituents whose lives are impacted by a system that all too often leaves them feeling forgotten and unsupported.
The Liberal Democrats are clear – reforms must never come at the expense of our most vulnerable. We recently outlined five key principles aimed at genuine, cross-party reform of SEND provision, and we remain steadfastly committed to protecting those reliant on PIP. I will keep fighting tirelessly in Parliament to ensure the voices of those most in need are heard and supported.
As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk
Lib Dem MP for Yeovil
Adam Dance
Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke
New kids on ballot paper? We’ll see!
‘A WEEK is a long time in politics’ according to two-time Labour prime minister Harold Wilson. After the last few weeks we have all witnessed in parliament, I do not think anyone would argue with that!
I am writing this after returning from a stint in Westminster.
I was present at the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill (Welfare Reform) debates and votes, a very humbling PMQs, where a minister dared to show on camera that they are in fact a human being and not a robot, a resignation, a defection, a self-withdrawal of the whip, announcements that four new political parties are possibly on the cards and France’s President Macron delivered a great speech – in English!
Zarah Sultana MP resigned from the Labour Party and announced via social media her intention to join a group of
Council house sales
Continued from page 47
Grade 2 listed building.
“This is the right decision given that we want to be as responsible with public finances as possible,” she said.
“The decision to sell these properties was made after carefully considering all the options available. The process, which started before May, was thorough, and included detailed reports being presented to the housing board prior to being discussed at the cabinet meeting on July 8.
“The decision was unanimously supported by the housing board, which includes tenant representatives.
“We currently have around 5,300 council houses and since
Candice JohnsonCole, on behalf of Dorset Labour
some of the Independent MPs led by Jeremy Corbyn MP in forming a new political party –an alternative party, another choice for voters on the ballot box.
Sultana’s resignation came as no surprise to many. Politics
2018 we have provided more than 380 affordable homes, with more than 500 in the pipeline.
“In addition to these two properties, there are 33 more council houses in Barford St Martin and there are 233 more in Wilton.
“We have made a commitment to increase our housing stock significantly over the next four years, and this decision is part of our council house build programme which will see millions invested in building and acquiring new, energy and cost-efficient council homes.
“These disposals are considered exceptional due to their individual circumstances, and in no way signal any wider disposal programme at a larger volume.
“The sales will allow us to provide homes that are of a modern standard that are appropriate for our residents and invest in our maintenance programme, benefiting existing and future tenants.”
aside, purely on a Human Resources basis, can you imagine going into work every day and your colleagues blowing metaphoric raspberries at you every time you spoke up in a meeting or on the shop floor? I cannot imagine anyone’s soul being enriched by such an environment.
Starting a new democratic, constitutionally sound political party is no easy feat and it is for this reason the limited company model has been the preferred choice of the UK’s newest political parties – making them more businesses than membership-led political movements.
Breakaway political parties from the main three parties are yet to achieve long term success thus far. Will this new Labour breakaway party go the way of the SDP – good initial launch and impact, their political success fizzling out like a cheap firework, or the way of a
Change UK, the party formed in the pre-Keir Starmer leadership era?
Is it wrong of me to say I will be following the formation and progress of the new Sultana/Corbyn political venture with a keen political strategic eye – from the name, to the colours, to the policies, to the candidates?
I live for the political drama and even more so, a political challenge, but in my own backyard – not so much. I am slightly concerned, though, that another political party will move us further away from straightforward, clear-cut election results in the future –the 2026/27 local elections will be extremely interesting.
Dare I moot another scenario? A reconciliation? I would love to be around that table!
Phew! Allow me to catch my breath and recover. Vive le politique!
‘Muddled thinking’ on assisted death
MIKE Keatinge – New Blackmore Vale, June 20 –writes that ‘the old concept of the absolute sanctity of life has been compromised by medical science which can keep people alive beyond their natural term’.
And he argues that ‘assisted dying’ is a needful corrective to the unnatural power of modern medicine.
This seems to me to be muddled thinking.
One can be against the overextension of life by medicine, while also being against the killing off of the sick and elderly – ‘assisted suicide’.
This approach to death –letting nature run its course – is the traditional one, and, in fact, it is the only way of respecting what Mr Keatinge calls the ‘natural term’ of human life.
For if it is naturalness that one is looking for, then the overuse of medicine, which is about stretching life beyond its natural term, is hardly going to be solved by assisted suicide, which is about ending life before its natural term.
Mr Keatinge seems to want to correct the overreach of medicine by more overreach of medicine.
There is a deeper problem here.
Like the society in the novel Brave New World, our culture seems to want to pretend that we can make death nice.
But we can’t.
Death is always a dread, shuddersome thing.
If we try to bring it under our control, then it only becomes much more horrible – as in Canada, where traumatised veterans have been offered suicide rather than counselling, and in Belgium, where doctors have killed teenagers as a cure for their
chronic depression.
Mr Keating seems to sniff at the concept of the absolute sanctity of life because it is ‘old’.
But personally, I like old concepts, and I think there’s a reason why we’ve held on to this one for so long.
I fear we’ll soon regret throwing it away.
Peter Day-Milne Sherborne
Most elderly people enjoy their lives
I WAS rather disturbed by Mike Keatinge’s comments on assisted dying – New Blackmore Vale, June 20.
He wrote: “As one approaches the end of a long life, it is natural to put less value on preserving it.”
I totally disagree! We shouldn’t value people’s lives according to their age — all humans of any age have equal value.
He seems to think it would be a good thing to offer elderly people the option of ending their lives.
I think you would find that most elderly people – of which I am one – enjoy life and have no wish to end it or declare their ‘innings closed’.
I was particularly concerned by Mike Keatinge’s description of care homes as “warehouses for people who are simply waiting for the end”.
This is an insult to those who work in these homes, as well as the people they care for.
The only ‘fundamental rethink’ we need is to be reminded of the sanctity of all life – from conception to natural death.
Geoff Chapman, West Camel
Sorry steam loco was a no show MANY apologies that the Clan Line steam loco did not show up on the main line on July 9 as I promised in my article in the last edition of the New Blackmore Vale. Sadly, the trip was postponed after publication, possibly for commercial reasons or because the loco was not available.
It may also have been because of the heatwave, as cancellations are common in such conditions, for fear of the risk of a trackside fire caused by ash dropping from the boiler.
The good news is that an excursion is planned through the Blackmore Vale on Saturday, August 16, when A1 class Tornado is scheduled to haul the Atlantic Coast Express.
I shall provide further details and timings for the August 15 edition of the New Blackmore Vale
Apologies also that I mistyped General Steam Navigation’s number – it should have been 35011.
Mike Bignell Sherborne
Super afternoon with brass band
I HAD a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon listening to the Oddfellows Brass band playing in Stalbridge Hall.
They played a variety of music genres including television, film, musicals and more.
Most of the band came from Leicester and they travel all over the country entertaining all ages with their wonderful music.
Some local, guesting musicians joined the band.
The Phoenix branch of the ‘Oddfellows’ friendly society
arranged the event and Blackmore Vale U3A supplied the refreshments.
I would like to thank the organisers and the musicians for an enjoyable afternoon.
Elizabeth Wareham Via email
Guinea pig for recycling change
AS elected representatives for Shaftesbury and Gillingham we stand with our communities in condemning the way changes to how people use Household Recycling Centres have been handled by the Liberal Democrats at County Hall. They announced plans to introduce a booking scheme, with no public consultation and no answer to questions about increased flytipping, increased cost and the thin end of the wedge to introducing charges for this free service.
Following a massive public outcry they U-turned on their plans in the south of the county but booking is still to go ahead in Shaftesbury, as a guinea pig for a scheme which most residents think defies commonsense.
The whole sorry mess has shown a disregard for the views of residents, the police and MPs.
We are calling for the booking scheme in Shaftesbury to be shelved pending a full consultation, with facts to back up the case for the change.
We urge other Gillingham and Shaftesbury councillors to do the same.
Cllr Barry von Clemens (Gillingham); Cllr Val Pothecary (Gillingham); Cllr Belinda Ridout (Gillingham); Cllr Piers Brown (Shaftesbury); Cllr Virginia Edwyn-Jones (Shaftesbury) Via email
AN item of Royal provenance is on offer in Busby Auctioneers & Valuers latest Fine Art sale.
The Edwardian AustroHungarian 18ct two colour yellow and white gold mesh purse has a clasp set with two sapphire bullet cabochons and a frame set with 12 old cut diamonds.
The inside of the purse frame is engraved with the message: ‘Given to Minnie Lady Hindlip by King Edward VII Christmas 1909’.
Baroness Hindlip Georgina
Millicent Morewood Allsopp (1846-1939) married the businessman and Conservative politician Samuel Allsopp, 2nd Baron Hindlip in 1868.
Information is limited in relation to the connection between Minnie Hindlip and King Edward VII,but in his diary entry for August 10, 1891, the gossip Edward Hamilton provided a list of members of the Marlborough Set, which named Samuel Allsopp as part of Edward, Prince of Wales’ – later King Edward VII’s –illustrious social group.
The gold purse comes with its original red tooled leather presentation box from ‘J. Spitz Jeweller to His Majesty The King, Pilsen Marienbad’.
The item is estimated to fetch £13,000-£15,000 in the sale on Thursday, July 17.
Antiques & Collectibles
Costume jewellery proving popular
CLARKE’S Auctions in Gillingham has over eight years of experience in running an auction house and has built a reputation for knowledgeable service, transparent sales and outstanding results.
Its friendly, professional team understands the unique value and history of every item and treats each piece with the care and attention it deserves.
It makes the process simple and stress-free for anyone downsizing, settling an estate, looking to sell a single item or a whole collection.
The market is constantly evolving and demand for striking designer pieces and timeless antiques is growing.
The younger generation is leaning towards the minimalist look, while the older generation is downsizing and simplifying
its collections. Despite shifting trends, high-quality gold and fine jewellery remain in vogue, and costume jewellery has seen a surge in value and desirability, sometimes rivalling that of traditional gold and silver pieces.
So, if anyone has a bag of costume jewellery tucked away in a drawer or has old pieces they no longer wear, now may be the time to have them appraised.
Clarke’s is taking entries for its August Antiques & Collectibles sale and for enquiries about consignment, probate or insurance valuations, full or part house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.
Three sales in two days
ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers is holding a Garden & Architectural auction of 125 lots on Thursday, July 24, at 10am. Its general Antiques & Collectors Auction the same day, at noon, features midcentury furniture.
Other lots include a pair of Lucienne Day Calyx 1950s curtains for Heals estimated at £400-£600 and an original Klitz oil painting of the Horse Guards purchased from Liberty’s in the 1970s which could make £500-£800.
The oriental section features an impressive Chinese QuianLong red grounded eight-horse vase estimated at £500-£800.
The Jewellery, Silver & Watches auction on Friday, July 25, at 10am includes a 1.5ct solitaire diamond ring which
may make £3,000-£5,000, a large mid-century diamond cluster ring estimated at £3,000-£5,000 and a heavy 9ct fancy link chain weighing 90g (£2,000-£4,000).
A twin fusee Thomas Farr drop dial wall clock is also on offer estimated at £300-£400 and a twin fusee Sowter mahogany bracket clock (£800-£1,200).
Viewing is on Wednesday, July 23,10am-4pm
The catalogue and bidding are available online through easyliveauction.com and thesaleroom.com
Acreman holds valuation days at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH where prospective vendors can take in items for its specialists to evaluate. For more information, phone 01935 508764.
Cup is a winner at Charterhouse
A LARGE silver gilt trophy cup, from a client in London, features in Charterhouse’s specialist auction of silver and silver plate later this month.
“They say size matters, and this is certainly a whopping silver gilt trophy cup and cover, assayed in London in 1920,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.
The trophy cup was awarded to Sea Crag, winner of the Esher Cup in 1928, a few years after it was made.
The cup and cover, estimated at £2,500, is entered in Charterhouse’s summer three-day auction, with silver on Wednesday, July 30; jewellery and watches on Thursday, July 31; and antiques and interiors on Friday, August 1. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for the auction.
For help and advice, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse in Sherborne on 01935 812277 or email rb@ charterhouse-auction.com
Striking Greek craftsmanship
DUKE’S has been a beacon for discerning collectors for over two centuries, offering items that blend history, artistry and craftsmanship.
The upcoming Summer Interiors Auction on Thursday, July 31, features a curated selection of fine art, period furniture and decorative arts.
From classical paintings and miscellanea, to intricate porcelain and silverware, each piece tells its unique story and adds sophistication to any space.
striking example of ancient Greek craftsmanship.
Decorated on both sides, the vessel depicts Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, vegetation and ecstasy, accompanied by his satyr companion and tutor, Silenus, and two maenads.
A highlight of the auction is an Attic Black-Figured Terracotta Amphora –pictured.
Dating from the sixth to the third century BC, this exceptional amphora is a
Estimated at £2,000£3,000, the piece stands in magnificent distinction.
For those looking to enhance their surroundings with pieces of enduring beauty, this auction offers a chance to acquire items that will become cherished parts of their personal narratives.
As the gavel falls, it marks the continuation of these items’ journeys, carrying the echoes of history and the promise of future admiration.
23rd
Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 24th
Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls 25th Entries Now Being Accepted
Classic Motorcycle Auction 9th October Classic Car Auction 23rd October
Large silver gilt horse racing cup and cover being sold by Charterhouse valued at £2,500
Home & Garden
Dead-heading roses in the height of summer
by Sally Gregson
THE sun is at its zenith. The days are long. The evenings are light and warm. Roses fill the garden with scent. It’s time to get the chairs out around the garden table and indulge in a little hedonism. And it’s then that you notice the borders need weeding and the roses need dead-heading.
Refreshed with a glass of home-made lemonade, removing the spent rose flowers does not seem quite so bad. And it’s a job that is well worth undertaking on a warm evening with a pair of sharp secateurs in hand.
Dead-heading onceflowering shrub roses is best looked on as a form of pruning. The ‘old roses’ – those with romantic names like Rosa Belle
de Crecy, R. Nuits de Young, or R. Ispahan, can be cut back to an outward-facing bud lower down the stem, taking note of the eventual shape of the whole shrub. And once-flowering ramblers such as R. Goldfinch, R. Veilchenblau or R. Rambling Rector should really have the entire flowering stem cut right out. This sounds easy, but, as with all roses, the vicious prickles make it difficult. They will flower next season on the long new shoots made this summer, so it’s really a matter of cutting back the flowered shoots as much as possible. Modern roses such as the New English Roses, the traditional climbers and named roses that repeat flower, really do benefit from dead-heading. Thwarting their motherhood
results in the plant producing lots more flower-buds. Some have a rest from flowering after such radical treatment, but they will come back and flower again later in the summer. If you are considering ordering new roses for planting this winter, it would be well worth visiting gardens close by with a pencil and paper. Catalogue descriptions of unfamiliar roses often fail to
How to take pinks cuttings
by Sally Gregson
THIS year may be frighteningly parched and dry, but the sun has shone, the flowers have blown and everywhere has been alive with bees and butterflies. For the gardener who isn’t short of water, it has been quite spectacular.
Now that the calendar has gone past the mid-point of the year, it’s time to take advantage of summer’s bounty. If we get a cooler spell, perhaps with a little gentle rain, it’s time to take summer cuttings. Pinks are an easy favourite, and cuttings rooted now can be potted up before autumn and ready to plant out next spring. With a sharp knife or scissor-cut secateurs, cut off non-flowering shoots, about
10cm long, just below a node – that is the knobbly section of the stem. Remove the lowest leaves and the growing tip of the shoot. Then dip each in a little fresh hormone rooting powder. This is not essential for rooting pinks, in particular, but might help a little. Using a thin stick, make holes around the edge of a clean, shallow pot filled with a mixture of potting compost and sharp grit. The ‘cuttings compost’ should be more gritty than usual – pinks like a dry soil. But they will need watering in well to settle the compost around the cuttings. Label the pot with the name of the pink – they are indistinguishable once their flowers are gone – the number of cuttings taken and the date. Place the pot somewhere
note weak necks, disease resistance, or the lack of it, or flowers that ‘die badly’ – that is the dead, brown petals hang on to the flower head after they are over. It’s the sort of detail that becomes more important in future years. Then, re-enthused, you can put in an order for delivery from November.
‘Next year’ every gardener just knows, ‘will be wonderful’.
shaded and cool without enclosing it in a plastic bag. Keep an eye on the cuttings but try to resist pulling them to test for roots. Tidy away any dead ones and keep the pot watered. Once the roots start to appear through the drainage holes of the pot, the cuttings can be
tipped out and potted individually into small, 9cm pots, then watered, individually labelled and put somewhere sheltered, out of the direct sun. In winter, especially if it’s wet, keep the pots somewhere dry or under glass. They will be ready to plant out next spring.
Pinks like Dianthus plumarius like a dry soil
Dead-heading is a good job well done on a pleasant summer evening
Home & Garden
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Mobile: 07976 934 252
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THERE was a time when there weren’t any manufactured chemical treatments for pest and disease issues that we face from time to time in the garden. Then came the chemical pesticide revolution, which made control simple and involved reaching for the chemical cupboard to solve just about any problem that came up. Many of the non-chemical insecticide techniques were forgotten with only a few practising what became considered in some circles as the ‘dark arts’.
diseases – Peach Leaf Curl on peaches and the like would be an example. Draping mesh over a peach in winter will stop spores of the disease from getting to the tree to infect it. This was well understood by the Victorians who used to plant peaches against walls and would have a rolldown cover installed above for this purpose.
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Times are changing, though, for several reasons. Firstly, people care far more about what harmful chemicals are used in their gardens, and particularly in food production. Secondly, the range of manufactured chemicals available to the amateur gardener is on the decline. This is due to several factors, including safety considerations, but more so to the cost of bringing a pesticide to the retail market, which is expensive, with the returns not big enough for many of the large chemical manufacturers.
So, the dark arts are returning and, I jest, of course, these aren’t dark arts but often enlightened practices working with nature rather than battling against it. A number of techniques are being used, including a larger number of pest- and disease-resistant varieties being available from the seed companies. Take for example, carrot varieties such as Fly Away and Resistafly, which won’t be bothered significantly by carrot fly attack.
Clever low-tech devices such as a physical barrier, including horticultural fleece and Enviromesh, are also used. These materials are lightweight and are used to cover crops or plants without damaging their growth. The mesh is fine enough to allow the passage of air, but too small for a number of flying insect pests to penetrate, and so the crop is saved from attack. This can also be used to help control some fungal
Companion planting is also increasing in popularity. It can take a number of forms – sometimes it’s just physical protection that a low-growing plant can get from being planted below a taller neighbour. It also could be a shallow rooted plant benefiting from a deep rooted plant bringing nutrients closer to the soil surface. More often, it is the companion plant disguising the scent that a crop exudes, or even putting an insect pest off with a smell it just doesn’t like. A great example of this is the planting of French Marigolds among tomatoes to drive away whitefly. Companion planting also includes the positioning of companions such as poached egg plants to attract natural predator insects which then feed upon the pests on the plants you want to save.
Using nature, too, can come in the form of pheromone traps. These, in the UK, are available for helping protect apples against codling moth attack, plums from plum moth and leeks from leek moth damage. They work by attracting the male moth at the appropriate time to a sticky trap impregnated with the scent of the female moth. Here they get stuck, so stopping the next generation being born.
These are just the start of a wave of chemical-free controls. None will be the complete solution but then nor has chemical been and these methods are so much kinder to the environment – unless you are a pest, of course!
The latest gardening news, hints
with Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group
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Health & Wellbeing
Meditations in nature: Ode to a butterfly summer
by Susanna Curtin
FROM the Atlas Mountains in southern Morrocco to my local nature reserves here in north Dorset and Wiltshire, this summer has been delightfully punctuated with the delicate wings and challenge of butterfly watching.
The alpine meadows and the rocky slopes of the Atlas Mountains host a rich and diverse butterfly population. 66 species have been documented, and on my most recent trip in June, I saw 53 of them. My favourite perhaps were the gatherings of Amanda’s blues by the mountain streams and the stunning Cardinal Fritillaries, which are large, flouncy and easy to photograph.
Although I am now closer to home, I am experiencing the same joys, not of seeing new species but of reacquainting myself with some of Britain’s 57 resident butterflies plus the regular two migrant species of Painted Ladies and Clouded Yellows – both of which have already visited my garden this year.
Butterfly watching is a gentle yet deeply rewarding pursuit that blends the tranquillity of being in nature with the joy of discovering the beauty and behaviours of these enigmatic insects. Watching, recording and photographing them invites me to really slow down, to look closely and to reconnect with the rhythms of the countryside. In many ways it is easier, and more relaxing, than birdwatching, as once you know the foodplants and habitats that a species of butterfly likes, and the time of year the adults emerge, then you are almost guaranteed good sightings. That
is apart from one or two sly species, like the purple emperors, who love to cruise the canopies of the oaks and sallow, or the green hairstreaks that are small, fast, cryptic and very easily missed.
A butterfly walk is one of my favourite summer activities. I take a flask and some lunch, grab my camera and off I go. The sun must be shining to make it worthwhile, as butterflies are ectothermic –cold-blooded creatures that rely on external heat to raise their body temperatures and allow their bodies to function. Without the sun, their muscles are too sluggish to allow them to get airborne.
But, when they are in flight, it is like watching artwork in motion, their iridescent wings are brushstrokes of colour that light up and invade your consciousness. Some butterflies, like the Speckled Wood and Ringlet, have a slow and languid flight, and others, like the Silver-washed Fritillary and the Peacock are fast, powerful and erratic, darting quickly down the rides and through the vegetation.
Worldwide, there are between 17,000 and 19,000
species of butterfly – some with quite large ranges. I was amazed to see Red Admirals, Brimstones and Small Coppers in the Moroccan mountains. For some reason I just associated them with UK and northern Europe. In reality, it appears that we only have one butterfly that is considered endemic to the UK, that is native and found nowhere else, and that is the Scottish Mountain Ringlet – a butterfly I have yet to see but is on my list for the next time I visit the Cairngorms in the height of summer.
Butterflies are ubiquitous beings – it does not matter which country you are in – apart from Antarctica – there will be butterflies to enjoy. In some places I have visited, such as rural Croatia, the rainforest in Sumatra and the Whitsunday Islands, their high numbers have surprised me. Clouds of them have accompanied me on my travels, creating magic and memories I will never forget. I have even been swimming out
at sea and had Red Admirals and Small Whites glide past me only a foot above the water.
Now, as I walk slowly and quietly down the rides in my local nature reserve, Marbled Whites, Ringlets, Gatekeepers and Silver-washed Fritillaries glide past me. However, my highlight today are the numerous Purple Hairstreaks that decorate the oak trees and the alder buckthorn. I see them every year but, like all butterflies, they never cease to bring me joy. It is like reacquainting myself with old friends. The Purple Hairstreaks have a distinctive gliding flight interspersed with short bursts of flapping. When they land, they keep their wings tightly together, hiding the stunning purple hues of the females’ upper wing from view. One day I will eventually get that photograph with her wings wide open. Meanwhile, I will delight in the annual challenge! n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).
The ‘large, flouncy and easy to photograph’ Cardinal Fritillary
Purple Hairstreaks have a distinctive gliding flight interspersed with short bursts of flapping
Burdock good for skin and more
by Fiona Chapman
MY garden is just humming with insects, which is thrilling and means the wildflower patches are working and attracting lots of small creatures. I am also amazed how the birds know the time of year. Being a very light sleeper, the dawn chorus up to June 20-21 always wakes me and gives me huge pleasure listening to the cacophony of songs. After June 21 it stops – the birds just know we are on the other side of the solstice and heading towards winter – not to depress anyone.
Of course, the birds sing, but it is nothing like before the solstice.
I feel it is so important to listen and be in tune with what is going on around us and, wandering around my garden, I find I am overrun by burdock, and it is not just my garden –there is lots of it around.
Arctium lappa – burdock – is a liver and digestive herb that is also very good for the skin.
In western herbal medicine it could also be claimed to be an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with the stresses and
strains of life.
Burdock has a two-year lifecycle and when you see the plant with purple flowers and sticky burrs it means it is coming to the end of that life. In the west, we usually use the root, which needs to be harvested in the autumn after the first year of its life when the leaves are just a large rosette. It contains all sorts of minerals our body needs, including inulin, which means it can contribute to regulating blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It also has bitter properties which will stimulate the liver and pancreas to produce bile, which aids digesting our food and therefore helps with processing the toxins in our body.
The energy of summer
by Nicole Asghar
I ADORE summer and the poetry it inspires. There’s often a quiet simplicity to the words in poems about this powerful season, perhaps because the emotions it stirs are so immediate and visceral. We need only gentle imagery and simple words to evoke them. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 is an excellent example of this. Although written about a lover, I can see how it could depict the nostalgia we feel for summer itself.
In England, we often compare summers and complain of their fleeting nature, heat and unpredictability, just as Shakespeare mentions. Yet, we also greet it yearly with longing. We crave sunsets, lingering light, wildflowers and breezes. Summer offers a different kind of respite from that of ‘Wintering’ – instead of retreating in darkness, it invites us to rise, gather and rejuvenate under the sun’s energy with others. These are the days we come together.
We are social creatures but not designed for the constant noise of global news, non-stop connection and life behind screens. Burn-out peaks in
winter, but in summer, we live more lightly. We soothe ourselves with nature, in sunlit parks and gardens, on holidays, at the sea, in tents beneath stars. We remember that rest doesn’t always mean stillness – the energy that summer brings creates joy and ease in the doing.
The Solstice came and went on June 21, and we are now journeying towards darker months. For some, this brings a decline in energy and mental wellbeing. So, I invite you to savour what this season offers.
Let the sunlight soak into your skin, into each cell of your body, let nature steady your nervous system and allow warmth to seep into your bones. Let it flow through you like a poem—something tender and timeless. For as long as time permits, it can still give life to thee.
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed;
And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st,
Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time
The mucilaginous fibres will further absorb toxins from the gut and their mildly laxative effect helps with elimination. It has anti-viral properties and is used to treat both types of herpes, as well as shingles. It is also used for chronic inflammation, so arthritis, gout and skin problems. It is excellent for the immune system and inactivates potentially carcinogenic substances.
I feel I should be taking note of what my garden is trying to tell me and be guzzling burdock, either as a root –potentially in the winter – or as a rather pleasant-tasting but bitter tincture.
n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).
thou grow’st. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
William Shakespeare n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist and yoga teacher working with adults and children online and in Bournemouth and Poole. Find out more: www. ourluminousminds.com.
SMART
SMART PHYSIO
Food & Drink
Salmon a summer showstopper
THIS beautifully fragrant side of salmon, gently poached on the barbecue with lemon, herbs and a hint of lavender, makes a stunning centrepiece for summer gatherings.
Served cold with a creamy avocado and garlic sauce, it’s perfect alongside crisp salads and buttery new potatoes. Cold poached side of salmon with lavender, lemon and herb garnish
Salmon ethically sourced, check with your fishmonger
1 whole side of salmon – about 2.5lb-3lb/1.1kg-1.4kg – skin on, pin bones removed
1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for poaching aroma)
6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon pink or black peppercorn
Splash white wine (optional)
Cold water (enough to cover underside fish in the foil)
Avocado-garlic spooning sauce
2 ripe avocados
1 garlic clove, finely grated or mashed
Juice of 1/2
lemon
2 tablespoons
Lemon slices, edible lavender sprigs and fresh herbs
Instructions
Barbecue the salmon
Cross over two large pieces of tin foil, enough to make an ‘oven’ for the salmon. Lay on lemon slices, thyme, lavender, bay leaves, pink peppercorns. Place salmon on top, skin-side down.
Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
To garnish
Fresh watercress (1 large bunch, rinsed and dried)
Add wine or cold water to cover the underside of the fish, as this will ‘steam’ it on the barbecue. Make sure to tightly fold the edges of the foil but leave lots of space above the salmon to create an oven effect. Put the side of salmon on the barbecue or firepit.
After 10 minutes have a little peak and with the tip of a sharp knife see if the salmon flakes start to part. I like mine to be a little opaque and not
overcooked. If it’s still too raw, wrap it back up tightly to continue cooking through. Remove from the barbecue and allow to cool. Personally, I don’t like refrigerated salmon, so put in a cool place covered with clean tea towels to keep the pesky flies away while you make the sauce! Make the dip
In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt/mayo and seasoning. Blend until smooth. Add olive oil for desired consistency. Chill until needed. Serve and garnish
Arrange on a large serving platter.
Garnish with watercress around and under the salmon. Add fresh lemon slices, sprigs of lavender and extra herbs.
Serve cold with avocadogarlic dip, buttery new potatoes and a delicious green salad. n Annie des Forges, directorchef, The Table Bruton; Annie Austin, director-host and concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.
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Wine bar plans for former florist’s shop
A WINE bar could occupy a former florist’s premises in Gillingham if plans are approved.
The former Mayflowers shop in High Street is the latest building proposed for a wine bar/restaurant/deli/shop after plans to convert the former Scenes shop across the road were withdrawn when the sale fell through.
The applicant has proposed the same business for Mayflowers as it did for Scenes.
The plans would see no internal or external alterations – bar the replacement of the Mayflowers sign above the door and a new blackboard sign put in place to display specials.
The proposed business has
The
former Mayflowers store in Gillingham High Street
been described as a ‘relaxed continental style wine bar’ that would double up as a light breakfast/lunch spot with a limited deli offering.
The plans state that a maximum of 40 customers is expected at any one time, with the main seating area able to
seat up to 30 people.
“The business is intended to be quiet, calm and relaxing, typically playing gentle ambient music,” the plans said.
“The proposed change of use has been carefully considered to ensure minimal impact on the historic surrounding area, and no disruption to the existing character of the property.
“We believe the change will provide a beneficial
enhancement to the local community while maintaining compatibility with existing planning policies.”
Gillingham Town Council supported the plans when they were discussed at its planning committee meeting last month.
It said the new business would enhance the town centre economy, create new jobs and revitalise a vacant high street property.
Enford Farm Shop
Durweston DT11 0QW
Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more.
Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week.
Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm. 01258 450050 Chicken feeds etc available. Half a lamb £90 |
TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB
SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS
Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.
We are delighted that our renovation and expansion project has been well received by customers as have our food and beverage offerings. After a very long search, we now have a fully staffed kitchen and offer our full lunch and dinner menu every day from Tuesday lunch until Sunday lunch. We are closed after lunch on Sunday and all day Monday. We offer a wide range of beers, cider, wines and spirits as well as a range of non-alcoholic options.
A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere
The bar and snug have been refreshed but retain all the old features that made this cosy area so attractive. And, by popular demand, we have a new wood burning stove to provide atmosphere and warmth whenever needed! We have a completely new kitchen, beer cellar and new male, female and disabled washrooms. The old conservatory is now an insulated garden room and we have a new dining area which can accommodate a further twenty guests.
Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks
By experimenting with our menu and listening to our customers we have developed a popular menu ranging from light snacks to exciting specials and everything in-between. Please look at our menu and see if you can spot your favourite country pub meal. For Sunday lunch, in addition to our full menu, we offer a traditional roast with all the trimmings. Our range of drinks has evolved in response to customer demand and caters for all tastes. But most importantly we have built a wonderful team to look after you all and ensure a great experience at the Plough.
We hope to see you soon, Cheers, Peter & Karlene
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CRICKET SHIN PADS, Gunn & Moore Youth size. Excellent condition, very clean. Not used much. Also small size cricket gloves. Wincanton £25 ono 07815 516547
PAIR OF PATIO DOOR CURTAINS 84in drop x 102in wide, Cream with grey and pale green leaves. £45. 01963 364106
PARTY/EVENING SHOES as new two jewelled and sequined pairs one pink, one black with kitten heels leather lined size 5. £10 per pair. Tel. 07485 107859
CLASSIC GUITAR with case £30 07708-657901
BRASS FOUR BRANCH CHANDELIER with 2 matching wall lights £35. 07530-630663
HEAVY REPLICA PROVENCE, coal effect burner on casters, with concealed calor gas compartment. For same effect as real. £50. Tel: 07860-969868
TOSHIBA 32” SCREEN, HP ready. with matching Toshiba DV3 disk player, each with remote. £20. Tel: 07771-349263
A NEW SINGLE DIVAN BED, with mattress and matching headboard. £50. Tel: 07886-538350
ADMIRA ALMERIA 4/4 Spanish Classical Guitar, minor scuffs, plays perfect. Recently restrung. Ideal beginner/intermediate. £30 (£179 new). 07842 946993
MOTHERCARE BABYDEN
Complete with soft insert and wall fixing Can also be used as fire guard £25 Tel: 07483 242342
TYRE…nearly new. ALL TERRAIN. LI 235/70816. £25. 07785 534 524.
3 WHEEL WALKER AID, with bag. £15. Tel: 07833-641242.
TWELVE METAL-FRAMED
BANQUETING CHAIRS with red padded seats and backs £5001747 590809
LLAMA/ALPACA MANURE excess bags of manure (free to collect) phone 01725 552061
14” NEW RED PORTABLE BBQ £18. New Raclette party grill £20, 07769708992 Gillingham area.
WHEELCHAIR - DAYS LITE ESCAPE Lightweight foldable PURPLE wheelchair with small wheels. In a VGC £30 Tel: 07834 828018 (Shillingstone)
DOLLS HOUSE KIT in original box with full instructions, to include exquisite dolls furniture. £30. Tel: 01747-841206
HUSQVARNA ELECTRIC CHAINSAW with manual £45.00. 01935 475451
LARGE WOODEN TOOL BOX. 40”x14”x16”. £25. Tel: 01747-840835
FOR SALE. MORPHY
RICHARDS Breeze steam iron. As new, kept as spare £20 Ono. 07843 725938
CARAVAN AWNING breathable floor covering. 8ft x 18ft. Used once still in box, as new. £30. 01747-822345
BRABANTIA IRONING BOARD, family sized, excellent condition, can deliver if local to Dorchester £40 Tel 01305 849539
2 WHITE U.P.V.C. Double glazed windows 7’x4’’and 4’x3’6’’ 1 door 6ft x2’x10’’ Offers. 07557-787926 Henstridge
CRICKET PADS, GUN & MOORE, excellent condition, only worn couple times, size YOUTH. Also small gloves. £20 ono Wincanton. 07815 516547
PAVERS LADIES WHITE wedge heel sandles and blue slippers both new £5 each. 01963 364106
3ft MATTRESS PALE BLUE excellent condition, used once. £45. 01258-861368
TIMBALLOY LADDER, with ridge tile hooks, £40. Tel: 01458-272818
1962 OLD COUNTRY ROSE COFFEE SET. Excellent condition. £20 Tel. 01935 509227
ART TUTOR AND HORTICULTURE TUTOR both wanted for adult learner in North Wotton. Fees negotiable depending on experience. scardinaliatwork @gmail.com
PERSON REQUIRED TO HELP AS ASSISTANT
DAIRY-PERSON and for general farmwork. Factory Farm, SP8 5RS. Apply to P Wade 07792-537839 - No texting.
OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014
DEATHS
Robert John Griffin ‘Bobby’
Passed away peacefully at home on 27th June 2025 aged 80. A beloved brother, uncle and great uncle and a good friend to many. Will be very much missed and always loved. Funeral to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 29th July at 4.00pm.
Flowers are welcome but if you wish to donate in lieu, please forward a cheque made payable to Cats Protection sent to: C/O Stuart Foster Funeral Services Ltd 27 Market Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1HZ
BYRON DAVID BOWER
of Shaftesbury, Dorset
Byron died peacefully on 28 June, aged 51 years. Beloved son of Vincent & Turly, caring brother to Trent & Lauren, and devoted father to Isla. A celebration of Byron’s life for all that knew him at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 28 July at 1pm. Dress code: casual. No flowers, please. Reception afterwards to be confirmed.
Announcements
PUBLIC NOTICES
MARETH SUZETTE
Deceased
CHAVE
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 49 Crookhays, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8DX, who died on 04/04/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 19/09/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified Sarah Hawtree c/o Farnfields Solicitors, 4 Church Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JT Ref: SH 90812-1
LICENSING ACT 2003.
Application for a Premises Licence. Edmond Lee, SunM Chinese Restaurant, No. 1 The Showroom, Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Somerset BA4 6NA, has applied to Somerset Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol on the premises: Mon, Wed–Sun 12:00–22:30.
Any representations must be made in writing to Somerset Council, Licensing, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA6 3AR by 01 August 2025. Details at www.somerset.gov.uk or at the address above. It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.
MARTIN AND JUNE OF SHAFTESBURY CAR LINK WILL BE TAKING A SHORT BREAK ON FRIDAY 1st AUGUST 2025FRIDAY 8th AUGUST 2025
ALL COMMUNICATIONS INCLUDING TELEPHONE, EMAIL, TEXT AND WHATSAPP WILL THEREFORE BE UNANSWERED. ALL PRE-BOOKED JOURNEYS WILL BE FULFILLED.
URGENTLY WANTED.
Shaftesbury Car Link are needing a volunteer (or volunteers) to assist with running the scheme initially part-time but with a view to eventually taking over the scheme in its entirety as Martin and June intend to retire on or before the end of December 2026.
For further information or an informal chat please contact Martin and June on 07763 426664 or via email to shaftesburycarlink@gmail.com
LICENSING ACT 2003
APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE (Section 17 of the Act)
Name of Applicant: AMBER TAVERNS LTD Postal address of premises: COOPER & Co. SOCIAL TAP 40 BLUE BOAR ROW, SALIBURY. The application, if granted, is to enable the following licensable activities on the Premise Licence: To allow for regulated entertainment - DJ’s, Live Music, Recorded Music, Dance and anything of a similar nature: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 until 00:00, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 until 01:00. To allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol, on & off the premises- 10:00 until 00:00 Sundays to Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 until 01:00. To allow for non-standard timings New Years Evefrom the end of permitted hours New Years Eve to the commencement of permitted hours New Years Day: Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, the Thursday preceding Good Friday, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each Bank Holiday, St Georges, St Patrick’s and St Valentines day-An additional Hour. A copy of the application may be inspected by visiting https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-newpremisesapplications or by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk Any representations by a Responsible Authority/Interested Party or other persons must be received in writing within 28 days of this notice, by email to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or by writing to The Licensing Authority, Wiltshire Council, Public Protection, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. Date of Notice 09/07/2025
End of Consultation 06/08/2025
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, punishable on summary conviction with an unlimited fine.
IN MEMORIAM
LANGDON VERONICA HELEN
Birthday 25th July. Remembering you Veronica on your birthday, the eleventh since you were so suddenly taken from us. I still miss you as much as ever, and look forward to the day when we are together again. Your loving husband, Richard xxx
DEATHS
DONALD UPWARD (DON)
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on July 5th. Much loved Husband to Dot, Dad to Lynn, Grandad to Lee & Shelley and Great Grandad to Arthur, Olivia, Emilia-Rose, Louie & Lucy. Funeral Service to be held at the Cemetery Chapel, Blandford, on Thursday 31st July at 12.00 Donations if desired to British Heart Foundation. C/o Lesley Shand, Blandford.
DEATHS
DEREK PITMAN
The family of Derek Pitman would like to thank all those who kindly sent us cards, flowers and attended the funeral service for Derek at St Mary and St James Church, Hazelbury Bryan. Your love and support was greatly appreciated.
Captain Timothy Lee RN
died peacefully July 2nd, aged 88, after a short battle with cancer. Resident in Stalbridge for 40 years, he was a loving husband to Sue, and father to Peter and Simon. A larger than life character who embraced life with enthusiasm, drive and charm. Funeral and wake July 29th in Hemel Hempstead (contact stlee100@gmail.com for details). No flowers please but donations if desired to Alzheimer’s Society
MATTHEW RECORD (MATT)
Peacefully on 27th June 2025 at Musgrove Park Hospital, aged 36 years. Much loved Husband, Dad, Son and Brother who will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 21st July at midday. All welcome. Family flowers only, but donations in memory of Matt may be made to St Margaret’s Hospice c/o A.J Wakely & Sons, Yeovil. www.ajwakely.com
Ham, Andrew (Hammy)
passed away suddenly on the 15th June 2025. aged 62. A loved Husband, Son, Dad and Grandad who will be desperately missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service will be at West Wiltshire Crematorium on Wednesday 23rd of July at 3:00pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Dorothy House and sent via DJ Bewley, Manvers Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EH, 01225 353525. A splash of colour would be appreciated on the day (just like Hammy). x
PETER SMITH
Peacefully on 28th June 2025 at home in Gillingham, aged 72 years. Former proprietor of Smith’s Bakery in Gillingham. Much loved Husband of Claire. Dearly loved Dad of Matthew, Lesley and Daniel. Loving Grandad, Brother and Father-in-law. Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Gillingham on Thursday, 24th July at 1.00pm, followed by interment. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Peter for Stars Appeal can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Alternatively, cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757
Rachel Harris
Died peacefully at home in Silton on 10 July. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
JUDITH ANN WHITEHEAD (née HASKETT)
Died on 29th June 2025 aged 74 years. Loving wife of Roy, special sister, sister in law, aunt and friend to many. So sadly missed and will be forever in our hearts. Private cremation.
Please join us at The Royal Chase Hotel, Shaftesbury on Tuesday 22nd July at 12.30pm to share memories of Judy and to celebrate her life.
Any enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Shaftesbury. www.mhfd.co.uk Tel: 01747 853532
MITCHELL DEREK (MITCH)
Aged 78 years of Wincanton, On 7th July 2025, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved Huband, Father, Grand Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 22nd July at 12noon. Family flowers only please. Donation in memory of Mitch are being invited for Yeovil Hospital Charity, C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES, Tel: 01963-440367
MATTHEW HIBBERT
Suddenly at home aged 49 years. Loved and loving Father of Lilah and Clementine Sister of Tessa and Son of Carol and Martin. A Thanksgiving service for Matthew’s life will be held at St Mary’s Church, West Stour on Friday 1st August at 12 noon. Donations to Safe Passage may be made online at matthewhibbert.muchloved.com where further details may be found.
GARRETT
Margaret Emily
Passed away peacefully at home on 30th June 2025, aged 91 years, of Stalbridge. Formerly of Child Okeford. Devoted wife of the late John. Dearly loved Mum of Paul and Wendy. Loving Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister and friend. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday, 5th August at 10.40am. In memory of Margaret, please wear casual/colourful clothing. No flowers please. Donations if desired, for either Weldmar Hospicecare or Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Alternatively, cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570
Phylis Taylor Née Cooper
Peacefully on 5th July 2025. Phylis aged 93 Years, formerly of Holwell. Much loved Mother, Granny and Great Granny. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 6th August at 12.40pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Trust or St Lawrence Church, Folke. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP
IRENE WATSON
Peacefully on 1st July 2025 at Fern Brook Lodge Care Home in Gillingham, aged 88 years. Beloved wife of the late Algy. Dearly loved Mum of Stephen, Perry, Amanda and Andrew. Much loved Nana, Great-Nana and Auntie. Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday, 12th August at 1.00pm, Casual attire. No flowers please, donations if desired, in memory of Irene for BooBs can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
Alternatively, cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757
NORMA LE POIDEVIN
Peacefully on 23rd June 2025 at home in Kings Stag, aged 80 years. Much loved wife of Roger. Devoted Mother, Nana, Sister and friend to many. Funeral service at Sturminster Newton Methodist Church on Wednesday, 23rd July at 1.00pm, followed by interment. In memory of Norma, dress with a splash of colour. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, for either Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan or Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
Alternatively, cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570
BUCKLAND
Norman
of Sherborne, formerly of Evershot Peacefully at Abbey View, Sherborne on 12th July 2025 aged 90 years. Much loved husband to Valerie, loving dad to Michelle, Martin, Fiona and Karen, devoted grandad and great grandad, and a special friend to many.
A Service to Celebrate his life will be held at St Osmund’s Parish Church, Evershot on Friday 1st August, at 11.00am followed by interment. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Norman for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ or visit www.ajwakely.com. Please wear something colourful.
Perrott Robert (Bob) OBE
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 2nd July 2025, aged 91 years. Bob’s Funeral Service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 10:40 AM.. Family flowers only please, but if desired donations for Parkinsons UK may be made via retiring collection or sent C/O A J Wakely & Sons, The old Police Station, Carrington Way Wincanton 01963 31310.
FUNERAL
• Unattended funerals starting from £995
•
• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals
• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals
• Prepaid funeral plans also available
• Prepaid funeral plans also available
•
• Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none
A J Wakely& Sons
Recruitment
& Sons
A J Wakely& Sons
J Wakely
A J Wakely& Sons
A J Wakely& Sons
A J Wakely& Sons Independent
STRONG HELPERS/ STUDENTS NEEDED for short-term moving project. 07785-744755
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Family Funeral Directors
A J Wakely& Sons
A J Wakely& Sons
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
CHEERFUL ACTIVE PA/CARER wanted for Friday mornings. Extra shifts available if desired. 07790-524241
PART-TIME FARM WORKER (Mondays) on organic livestock & poultry farm. Contact Tom 07810 628504 or haddoncopsefarm@runbox.uk
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
RAGWORT PULLERS needed Higher Winterborne Houghton, Blandford. Hourly rates £12 depending on experience. Please call C Barnes 01258 881 693
– 24 Hour Service –
– 24 Hour Service –
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
– 24 Hour Service –
available including our Land Rover Hearse
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Tel: 01963 31310 Hour Service –
Pre-payment plans available
Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Pre-payment plans available
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Pre-payment plans available
GRASS CUTTING / OPEN SPACES, long-term management contracts being let by Milborne Port Parish Council. Full details visit http://www.milborneport-pc. gov.uk
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Pre-payment plans available
Pre-payment plans available
Pre-payment plans available
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Pre-payment plans available
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Pre-payment plans available
Pre-payment plans available
member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Recruitment
WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER
to join our team working on a prestigious 7 acre garden near Shaftesbury. Previous experience required and references. 07792-892999.
THE STUR OF THE MOMENT CAFE in Sturminster Newton require a Part Time Cook, to cover a couple of days a week including Sundays. More Details: 01258 473182
Property Developments& Joinery
Property Developments & Joinery
W: builders-south-west.co.uk
Small friendly manufacturing company in Semley, now recruiting for the following full-time position; -Welder Fabricator –
Experienced Welder Fabricator required for MIG and TIG welding & fabrication work.
Enquiries & Applications - 01747 851060
T: 01963824444
W: builders-south-west.co.uk
T: 01963824444
E: info@hhpltd.co.uk
E: info@hhpltd.co.uk
BENCH JOINER VACANCY
BENCH JOINER VACANCY
Experience in all aspects of traditional joinery & woodworking machinery. Ability to work alone & as a team. Full time, employed, weekly paid, workshop-based position (Wincanton)
Experiencein all aspects of traditionaljoinery & woodworking machinery. Abilitytoworkalone & as a team. Full time, employed, weekly paid, workshop-based position (Wincanton),
Please apply through our Office or Website
Please apply through ourOffice or Website
A Level Qualified Opportunities
System and Development Support Trainees for a North Dorset Electronics Company
Suitable for STEM and non-STEM recent graduates
Located in North Dorset
Full-time positions on initial 12 months fixed term contract
Apply in writing with CV and covering letter to sysdevgradsdorset@protonmail.com
The Old Rectory, Stalbridge Part time Care Assistant (nights)
Bramley House, Mere Part time Cook
For more information, please visit bramleycare.co.uk/job-vacancies-at-bramley-care
Bramley Home Care
Full and part time Home Care Assistants (Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Tisbury and Chalke Valley areas)
Bramley House, Mere | Millbrook House, Child Okeford | The Old Rectory, Stalbridge Bramley Home Care, Shaftesbury and Sherborne
Do you enjoy driving?
We’re recruiting for part-time School Minibus Drivers in your area
Could this be your ideal part-time job?
We’re seeking drivers for our school services starting in September. Choose between part-time, split-shift term-time vacancies, and casual/relief shifts in your area. No previous experience is required as comprehensive training is provided. You will need a D1 entitlement on your licence (check reverse of photocard) or a PSV entitlement.
Dorset Community Transport is a charity providing minibus services throughout Dorset. Join us to make a difference to people in your community.
To find out more or apply, visit ectcharity.bamboohr.com/jobs If you have questions, please call us on 01258 287 986.
Highways campaign targets tailgating
NATIONAL Highways has launched a new campaign to highlight the dangers of tailgating and encourage drivers to keep their distance.
New research shows most people feel anxious and uncomfortable if a stranger stands too closely beside them and many drivers say they experience the same feelings when someone tailgates them on the road.
Tailgating – when a driver doesn’t leave sufficient distance to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly –contributes to an average of 147 people being killed or seriously injured (KSI) each year.
Police captured this example of tailgating on a major A road
Despite the risks, a recent survey for National Highways found 43% of drivers admit to tailgating at least occasionally, while 60% say they feel anxious or stressed when others do it to them.
This mirrors similar feelings to when people feel their personal space is being invaded.
To tackle this, National Highways has launched the new safety campaign – Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back – urging drivers to
recognise the risks of close following and change their habits behind the wheel.
Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: “Tailgating isn’t just irritating – it’s intimidating and dangerous.
“Most people wouldn’t dream of standing right behind
someone in a queue or walking on their heels down the street, yet this is exactly what we see on our roads.
“We’re asking drivers to pause and see their actions from a different perspective. Keeping a safe distance is a small act of respect that saves lives.”
National Highways is urging drivers to leave at least a two-second gap on dry roads – a critical safety measure that should be doubled to four seconds if the road surface is wet.
Tailgating is against the law and can lead to fines and other penalties. It falls under the careless driving offence and can result in a £100 charge and three penalty points.
In the worst cases, tailgating can result in a driving ban or even a prison sentence if a serious collision occurs as a result.
To learn more about the campaign and how to keep a safe distance, visit the Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back webpage.
1.25 3-dr 2003, low mileage. MOT April 2026. £750. 01747-826921.
VOLKWAGON T4 CAMPER. 1993, Leisure drive conversion, some work needed for MOT. £2950 ono. More details. Tel: 01963-210342/ 07956-076202
FIAT PANDA 1.2L 2014. 54000 miles. £4,000. MOT April. Perfect for first time drivers and commuting. 07904-625480
OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects
Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul 07890 096907
Restoring the past for future generations
ADVERTISING FEATURE
HCClassics was founded in 2016 by classic car enthusiast and automotive designer Richard Carp, and is situated on an idyllic farm near Shaftesbury on the Dorset/Wiltshire border.
We aim to deliver complex restoration projects to the highest standards with our team of highly skilled craftsmen. We take pride in offering a ground up restoration service on your car and with our state of the art facilities we are set up to achieve this in a timely manner.
HC Classics offers a bespoke service tailored to you and your car’s specific needs. Each member of our team is passionate about classic cars and will treat yours with the same care and respect they would give their own.
We recognize that no two clients are the same. Our team work directly with you to ensure you get exactly what you want.
2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE S LIMITED CRD Mk.3/ WK (3.0L V6 turbo diesel). Dark blue with black leather interior (special edition). 138,000 miles. 4 new Goodyear tyres last summer (at a cost of £600). MOT until 21/ 11/ 25. Minor oil leak. SORN. Worth £1,800 but will take the bargain price of £1,000 cash. Marnhull. 07586-685490.
Feeling the heat: Keep calm and cool your dog
by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice
BEING aware of the heat with our dogs is essential to avoid potential problems. Even with precautions, problems can develop, and it is important to know how to react when heat stroke develops.
Dogs have limited ability to cool themselves. Their primary method is through panting, which works by evaporation of saliva. This method requires extra water intake to maintain moist saliva and a dehydrated dog will be less able to reduce its temperature. The rate of panting will increase in response to a higher body temperature. Other methods are to actively seek cooler places to lie down.
Dogs with short faces have less surface area for active cooling. They also have more soft tissue within their throats which can rapidly swell and
obstruct their airway in hot conditions or during rapid panting. Short-faced or BOAS – brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome-prone – dogs are at much higher risk of overheating compared to normal nosed dogs – four times more likely – and extra precautions should be taken.
If your dog is overheating, you should take immediate action to start active cooling while arranging a visit to an emergency vet. The current recommendations based on recent studies is to ‘cool first, travel second’. This should not delay transport to the vet and beware of incorrect advice suggested on the internet.
The Royal Veterinary College recommends moving the dog to somewhere shaded and well ventilated, offer water to drink but do not force them to drink, pour water over them which is cooler than they are and get veterinary advice. In
CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home.Jacqui 07791-198679
2 X TRI COLOURED JACK RUSSELL DOG PUPS. Vet checked, 1st vaccination, microchipped, tails not docked, can be seen with mum. Collection Wells, Somerset. *Discount if they both go together. £500 each. Tel: 07515 707671
otherwise healthy dogs cold water immersion is recommended for rapid cooling. Advice which is widely shared but has no benefit, is giving lemon juice orally which will actually increase the risk of your dog choking and not help with cooling. Ice cubes can be used to assist cooling if taken voluntarily, though do pose a possible risk of choking if swallowed whole. Wet towels placed over the dog can reduce evaporation and will warm up quickly. Pouring water on their coat while sat in front of a fan is a more effective option.
TEDDY BEAR POOCHON PUPS Ready 7th Aug Red girl also Apricot boy and girl available both parents can be seen. 07522-463444
TRICOLOUR PEMBROKE CORGI PUPPIES. Kennel club registered, fully health tested parents. Home raised and well socialised. Three little girls available now. Vaccinated, wormed and microchiped. 07484-679645
Assessing the severity of the overheating is important. It is best to get veterinary treatment as soon as possible in BOASprone dogs because they can rapidly deteriorate, whereas other breeds may only need veterinary advice or home cooling methods, as described above.
Preventing overheating in the first place is the ideal and avoiding walking in high temperatures will help this. But if the worse does happen, take immediate action to actively cool your dog and call the vet if they are at high risk.
KC FOX RED LABRADOR puppies. Ready 18th July. 07518-358303
BRITISH SHORT HAIRED KITTENS for sale 07799-296502 (Nr, Yeovil)
Short-faced dogs are at much higher risk of overheating compared to normal nosed dogs and extra precautions should be taken
MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes
n Jasper, 11, and Misty, 10, are a delightful pair. They have been with Cats Protection since last September and are desperate to get out of a pen and into a loving home together
n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/middorset
LOST CATS
If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost. For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.
FOUND CATS
If you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs. First, check if it is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary. Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media and community groups. Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring. For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.
How hot weather can affect your dog’s behaviour
by Raychel Curson
WHEN the temperature rises, you might notice your dog acting a little differently – and it’s not your imagination. Just like people, dogs are affected by heat, and it can lead to changes in both their physical comfort and behaviour. Understanding these changes can help you keep your dog safe and happy during the warmer months.
Reduced energy and activity
ONE of the most common changes is a noticeable drop in energy. Your usually playful dog might seem sluggish or uninterested in walks, games or other activities. This is your dog’s way of conserving energy and avoiding overheating. It’s important to respect these cues and avoid pushing your dog too hard in the heat.
Increased irritability
HEAT can make dogs grumpier than usual. Just like us, they can get uncomfortable, dehydrated or overstimulated when it’s too hot. This may result in signs of irritability, such as growling, avoiding interaction or being less tolerant of handling or other pets. Always give your dog space and avoid crowded or overly stimulating environments on hot days.
Changes in appetite
SOME dogs may eat less during hot weather. This can be perfectly normal as their metabolism slows down to help manage their body temperature. However, if a reduced appetite continues for more than a day or two, or is paired with other signs of illness, it’s a good idea to check with your vet.
Restlessness or panting at
night
WARM nights can disrupt your dog’s sleep. They may pace, pant excessively or struggle to get comfortable. Provide a cool sleeping area with good ventilation or a fan nearby to help them rest.
Seeking cool surfaces or hiding
YOU might find your dog lying on tile floors, in the bathroom, or under furniture. Dogs will naturally seek out cooler spots when they’re hot. Let them rest in these areas and avoid moving them unless necessary.
If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour, I am always here to help.
n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching (email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk).
n Cole, 17, bit of a character
n Mia, seven. Sweet shy girl
‘Goalfest’ in pre-season friendly
by Avril Lancaster Shaftesbury 3
Poole Town 6
THE Rockies and the Dolphins played out an entertaining pre-season game at Cockrams. Visiting managers Pat Suraci and Joe Lea’s side stepped on the gas after Harry Baker chipped Poole Town keeper Adam Parkes on 10 minutes to put Shaftesbury ahead.
Shaq Gwengwe showed his Premier Division pedigree when the former Dorchester Town forward nipped in to level four
minutes later and then headed the visitors 4-1 ahead on half-time.
In between, Charlie Davis and new signing from Swindon Supermarine, Henry Spalding, had eased Poole Town into a 3-1 lead.
Both sides made a host of changes, with the Poole Town players able to make use of the ice baths, showing the friendship that exists in nonleague.
36 holes in a day
by Nic Boyd
THE Wheathill Ladies Club Championship took place over 36 holes played in one day, with The Supporters competition, for ladies not able to complete two rounds, alongside.
The Ladies Club Champion for 2025, after a hot day on the course, was Kate Cleverley.
Freddie’s
by Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary DORCHESTER & District
Angling Society has held a coaching session at the club’s own lake in Broadmayne. Seven juniors fished in overcast conditions for some of the lake’s larger inhabitants.
The coaching team provided expert advice during guided fishing and taught the youngsters about how to properly look after any fish they catch.
Moss Jackson-Collis set up Jim Ward to reduce the arrears for the Rockies before Hill added a fifth for the visitors.
Then Jackson-Collis set up Jack Lovell to make it 5-3 just after the hour.
A triallist netted a sixth for Poole Town to finish a match in which both management teams got vital minutes in players’ legs. Rockies’ substitute keeper Tyler Roberts Disson made a superb stop to prevent a seventh goal after replacing Jonathan Hill.
n WINCANTON Golf Club results.
Seniors Monthly, July 1: 1
Pete Starkey nett 63; 2 Rick Graham nett 65; 3 John Wolstenholme nett 69 ocb; 4 Ray Phillips nett 69.
Seniors Monthly Medal Nine Hole, July 1: 1 Alan Rogers nett 34; 2 Mike Goodchild nett 35; 3 Keith Williams nett 37.
Seniors Monthly 9 Hole Stableford, July 8: 1 Anthony Garrett 18; 2 Malcolm Faulkner 16 ocb; 3 Reg Gazzard 16; 4 Mike Goodchild 16; 5 Geoff Lye 14; 6 David Hallett 13. Jigger Anniversary, July 12: 1 John Burns 39; 2 Tristan Sams 38 ocb; 3 Steven Ireland 38.
n SHERBORNE Golf Club
Sam Thorpe won the Mayfield Cup for best nett score and Nicky Wisniewski, the Mayfield Bronze for best nett score over 21.4 handicap.
Sue Rees won The Supporters Trophy and Karon Woodward the Gates Trophy for best nett score.
Seniors Roll Up Stableford, July 4: Winners: Kevin Francis/ Geoff Lye/Alan Rogers, 56 points.
Monthly Stableford, July 5: 1
Jim Phillips 41, 2 David Amann 38, 3 Richard Czemerda 36.
Seniors Monthly Stableford, July 8: 1 John Wolstenholme 41; 2 Simon Lenton 37 ocb; 3 Colin Jacobs 37.
Women’s June Stableford. Division 1: 1 Clare Woolley 37, 2 Catherine Bradford 35, 3 Kate Cornell 33.
Division 3: 1 Gillian McKnight 37, 2 Janet Dean 37, 3 Helena Peart 36.
monster on coaching day
Many of the juniors caught their new personal best fish, but top of the list on the day was Freddie Campbell, who caught a carp weighing 16lb 3oz. For more information about DDAS Juniors, go to www.ddasjuniors.co.uk, or contact the junior secretary at juniors.sec@d-das.com. For membership information, go to www.d-das.com.
Freddie Campbell with his 16lb 3oz carp –the smile says it all
Fans saw nine goals when the Rockies played Poole Town
Farming
More than burgers on the ‘barbie’
by Ruth Kimber
WE have just had a few days in Cornwall, staying in a B&B near Helston. It was beautiful weather, enabling us to enjoy gardens, coastal walks and visits to churches. The most striking thing as we travelled south, was how much greener it was down there. The fields and roadside verges were fresh and green. As we came home, we saw the first loads of this season’s barley straw on the road. Indeed, when we arrived home a load of bright yellow barley straw was waiting to be unloaded in the field behind our house. The prices will be eye wateringly high, as corn crops are patchy, some failing completely. The weather, with lack of rain at the right time, has severely affected growth.
England, bathed in sun, is truly beautiful and the holiday trade should benefit. Why go abroad with all the extra hassle of airports and so on?
The turkey poults are doing well and now are off heat, earlier than usual due to the outside higher temperatures.
The farm shop has been busy with a range of meats for barbecues. People are much more adventurous in what they cook – spatchcock chickens, whole legs of lamb with the bone removed, joints of beef and pork. Modern equipment allows for greater control of temperatures and so people can cook more than just sausages and burgers outside, although they are still favourites and we sell loads of them!
The farm and farm shop
complement each other, giving the farm a certain market for the produce and the shop a provenance with the stock, even if not all the meat is from our farm as we can’t always even out production. For example, some weeks the pigs haven’t grown enough, due to not always having enough slips – young ones – coming onto the farm in a regular pattern. It’s a bit like buses, not enough, then too many! However, we do have the ability to purchase locally produced meat. Lambs and pigs from local smallholders, giving them a route to market.
Our maize is growing slowly and the crop is fairly complete, but in need of a good drink. We seem to have missed the rain others locally have had. The
rain for June was only 1.78in, which was up on the last two years! Until recent years, there was always a good second cut silage crop, after grass for the dairy cows, but now feeding silage as a buffer to the dairy is common. The added costs are significant. Many dairy cows are housed all year, making their feed more controlled and yields greater. However, we do still let our cows graze on the pasture but need to complement the grass with silage.
On holiday we walked along the coast path, one of Britain’s many amenities. The path was clear of litter, had been trimmed to keep it passible, but sadly some dog walkers found it necessary to bag the dog poop and the hang it on a bush. Really!
‘Lambs biggest and best for years’
by Tria Stebbing
THE grass yield is so poor this year that many fellow smallholders are predicting a shortage of hay and straw this winter.
The plumes of heat that have been the typical weather pattern this summer have not done much for growing conditions.
because the grass is going over. A friend baled last week and instead of the usual 120 from the paddock estimated about 30. The grass is brown and baked beyond recognition. We are in
the fortunate position of having kept back some of last year’s bales, as we had a kind winter, but those that rely on a good quota are beginning to panic. Some are already feeding hay,
THURSDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2025 at 10.30am (Items to be delivered Wednesday 5th February between 9.00am-4.30pm) ENTRIES TO DATE: (2012, 6500 hrs) Claas Arion 630C TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 6150 TRACTOR; John Deere 2250 4WD TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 165 TRACTOR partly restored; (2007) Ifor Willams Tipping TRAILER; Tipping TRAILER; Bateson Tri-Axle 14’ Flatbed TRAILER c/w dropsides; 3 point linkage MUCKSPREADER; Fertilizer SPINNER; SIP 6 Rotor TEDDER; McConnell SUB SOILER; Hackett CHAIN HARROWS; 16ft CHAIN HARROWS; Small TOPPER; Fleming 8ft Ballast ROLLER; Small Ballast ROLLER; HD Muck GRAB; Big Bale SQUEEZE, like new; Loader BUCKET; Kidd PTO SAWBENCH; 6 Dumpy bags of LOGS; etc.
n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127
HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed
n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed
n CLOSED HERD for 13 years
NOVEMBER: Sat 7th
** Further Entries Accepted **
For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report.
Bateson Tri-Axle 14’ Flatbed c/w dropsides; 3 point linkage MUCKSPREADER SPINNER ; Hackett ; 16ft ; Small ; ; HD Muck ; Big Bale SQUEEZE, like new; Loader ** Further Entries Accepted ** A 10% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on s subject to a cap of £250 (+ VAT) per lot.
A 10% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on all lots subject to a cap of £250 (+ VAT) per lot.
For GDW Isaac & Son
Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others Dairy NOVEMBER: Sat 10am Saturday November 125
For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2: Saturday 7th November Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125
Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only.
PRIME CATTLE (52) Steers UTM av 352.2ppk to 397.5ppk (2x) & £2,467.43. Others 395.5ppk, 379.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,464.53, £2,420.78 & £2,415.24. Heifers UTM av 342.7ppk to 378.5ppk & £2,477.48. Others 363.5ppk, 357.5ppk & 349.5ppk. Others £2,299.71, £2,089.45 & £1,979.29. Heifers OTM av 274.5ppk to 274.5ppk & £1,825.43. Steers OTM av 319.5ppk to 319.5ppk & £2,354.72. BARREN COWS (39) Continental av 270.9ppk to 310.5ppk & £2,515.50. Native Beef av 238.2ppk to 286.5ppk & £2,127.00. Dairy av 199.6ppk to 258.5ppk & £1980.18. OVERAGE BULLS (3) av 266.2ppk to 273.5ppk & £3,076.88. FINISHED SHEEP (807) Lambs (793) av 341.11ppk to 386.0ppk & £200.00. Others 383.0ppk, 377.0ppk & 373.0ppk. Others £197.00, £193.00 (2x) & £191.50. Hoggs (14) av 271.07ppk to 294.00ppk & £194.00.
Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie
Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Approx 12.30pm Ring 1
Entries to date include:-
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle
The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.
Forthcoming Special Sales
comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming
NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th
NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th
Catalogue contains:-
Approx 12.30pm Ring 1
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5535
Returns for Monday 14th July 2025 Saturday 26th July
The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Special Catalogued Dispersal Sale of
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 25th January 2025
For an up-to-date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre
n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).
The dispersal sale of (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).
n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim
n 3 Bulls
144
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).
Sedgemoor Auction Centre Telephone: 01278 410250. Email:
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. Dispersal Sale of milking and being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).
on behalf of C Carter, Twyning Ash Farm, Dursley Removed to Sedgemoor Market for convenience of sale
Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am
Sale to commence at approx. 12.30pm Ring
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278
*Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie*
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24)
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24)
JULY
Telephone: 01278 410278
Telephone: 01278 410278
DAIRY CATTLE (75) Heifers to £3200. Others £2600 (3x). Cows to £3000. Others £2650. (986) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (712) Steers to £2470 (AA). Others £2320 (BRBX) £2300 (AA) & £2290 (2x BRBX). Heifers to £2100 (LIMX). Others £2000 (BRBX) £1970 (AA) & £1960 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (23) to £2340 (LIMX). STIRKS (274) Steers to £1400 (CHX). Others £1385 (CHX) £1210 (LIMX) & £1190 (AA). to £1370 (AA). Others £1235 (CHX) £1185 (B/SWISS) & £1180 (AA). CALVES (273) - Beef Bulls to £665 (BRBX). Others £590 (BRBX) £575 (AA) & £570 (BRBX). Heifers to £540 (AA). Others £535 (AA) £515 (BRBX) & £445 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £260. (3443) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2359) to £149. Others £145, £141 & £140. Overall Ave £102.04. CULL EWES & RAMS (909) Ewes to £218. Others £195 & £188. Rams to £215. Overall Ave £101.55. BREEDING EWES (25) to £180. Others £178. Overall Ave £148.58. COUPLES (56E & 72L) Doubles to £355 (£118.33/life). Singles to £275 (£137.50/life). Overall Ave £97.38/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (16) to £75. Overall Ave £43.38. GOATS (6) to £132. Overall Ave £105.67. (108) PIGS – STORE/FAT PIGS (60) to £175. BREEDERS (1) to £355. WEANERS (43) to £72. Overall Ave £46.19. CULL SOWS & BOARS (4+1) Sows to £60. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 27th January 2025 PRIME CATTLE (159) Steers UTM av 338.4ppk to 389.5ppk & £2,504.90. Others 384.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,487.74, £2,473.52 & £2,457.51. Heifers UTM av 338.2ppk to 388.5ppk & £2,374.68. Others 385.5ppk (2x) 374.5ppk & 368.5ppk (4x). Others £2,361.92, £2,339.98 & £2,333.14. Steers OTM av 267.5ppk to 329.5ppk & £2,102.40. Heifers OTM av 287.3ppk to 349.5ppk & £2,285.73. BARREN COWS (48) Continental av 177.5ppk to 225.5ppk & £1,558.21. Native Beef av 197.6ppk to 269.5ppk & £1,965.78. Dairy av 174.0ppk to 264.5ppk & £1,796.37. BULLS (3) av 153.5ppk to 171.5ppk & £1,529.78. FINISHED SHEEP (440) Hoggs av 321.70ppk to 336.0ppk & £188.00. Others 333.0ppk, 331.0ppk (2x) & 330.0ppk. Others £187.00, £182.00 & £180.00. (15) Lambs av 337.93ppk to 341.0ppk & £147.50. Others 329.0ppk & 321.0ppk. Others £126.00 & £112.00.
TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143
Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED***
Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm
n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He Sat 7th 11am Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** 19th 25th
• 49 Spring Calving Cows & 51 Calves – British Blue x Limousin Cows with Calves (11) Limousin x British Blue Cows with Calves (18) Hereford x Continental Cows with Calves (18) & Aberdeen Angus x Cows with Calves (2). Running with Limousin & Blue bulls from 17th June.
• 40 Autumn Calving Cows – British Blue x Limousin (8) Limousin x British Blue (12) Hereford x Continental (18) & Aberdeen Angus (2). Ran with Blue & Limousin bulls from mid-November to 1st January.
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020
Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED***
TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143 throughout the Nation
Forthcoming Special Sales
• High EBV bulls used. Share the farm with a pedigree high health herd. Johnes level 2 & BVD accredited.
Forthcoming Special Sales
For an up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre
Saturday 31st October 2020
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2
DAIRY CATTLE (73)
Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock to be booked in with the market office by 18th November. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm
Fri 27th
to £149. Others £145, £141 & £140. Overall Ave £102.04. Returns for Monday 27th January 2025 av 338.4ppk to 389.5ppk & £2,504.90. Others 384.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,487.74, £2,473.52 & £2,457.51. Heifers UTM av 338.2ppk to 388.5ppk & £2,374.68. Others 385.5ppk (2x) 374.5ppk & 368.5ppk (4x). Others £2,361.92, £2,339.98 & £2,333.14. Steers OTM av 267.5ppk to 329.5ppk & £2,102.40. Heifers OTM av 287.3ppk to 349.5ppk & £2,285.73. BARREN COWS (48) Continental av 177.5ppk to 225.5ppk & £1,558.21. Native Beef av 197.6ppk to 269.5ppk & £1,965.78. av 174.0ppk to 264.5ppk & £1,796.37. BULLS (3) av 153.5ppk to 171.5ppk & £1,529.78. FINISHED SHEEP (440) Hoggs av 321.70ppk to 336.0ppk & £188.00. Others 333.0ppk, 331.0ppk (2x) & 330.0ppk. Others £187.00, £182.00 & £180.00. (15) Lambs av 337.93ppk to 341.0ppk & £147.50. Others 329.0ppk & 321.0ppk. Others £126.00 & £112.00. 12pm du Maine.
AUGUST
Sat 8th
Sat 2nd
Thur 20th
Sat 9th
Sat 26th Wed 30th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Ring 2 Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market office by 23rd July.
Wed 26th
Tues 12th
DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.
Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of 300+ In Lamb Ewes 12pm Including a genuine flock reduction comprising 130 Suffolk Mule & Bleu du Maine.
Sat 28th
Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm
COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & Heifers
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2
Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2
Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Fodder The next online timed auction closes Thursday 20th February (all fodder that is located on farm for collection) Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Fodder The next online timed auction closes Thursday 20th February (all fodder that is located on farm for collection) Fodder The next live auction at the Market will be on Saturday 22nd February (fodder on the lorry/trailer to be delivered from the market). Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market office by 19th February. Sale commences 4.30pm. DEFRA general license required
Forthcoming
Forthcoming Fodder Sale
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 Mid-Summer Breeding Ewe and Ram Sale (Including MV sheep) Ewes 10am Rams 12pm - Please note change of date
NOVEMBER: Sat 21st
NOVEMBER: Sat 21st
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE The
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage
Farm safety in the spotlight on Farming Focus™
Tomark Farm Safety Week Cornish Mutual has revisited an earlier episode of its Farming Focus™ podcast featuring Devon-based farmer Fred Collins.
Fred suffered a life-changing injury when a jack failed while he was changing a tractor tyre, crushing his arm. Now back on the farm, the accident has led him to take a different approach to health and safety.
“The morning of the accident I was rushing around because time was short,” said Fred. “As a small farm I do as much as I can myself to keep costs down and because I was in a rush, I was cutting corners.
“Since the accident I’ve definitely slowed down, and now take time to think about a job before I do it. On the day of my accident, there was an axle stand just metres away. It could have prevented the tractor from slipping off the jack, but I was so focused on getting the job done quickly I didn’t think to use it.”
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of farm safety during this busy time of year: “Taking an extra minute to step back and think about what I’m doing ultimately means I’m now taking fewer risks and being much safer on farm.”
Hosted by farmer Peter Green, Farming Focus™ is soon returning for its fifth series, with more practical insights on the hot topics in agriculture. Each episode features respected farmers and industry experts, sharing advice and real-life experiences.
This series continues to explore the stories that matter to farmers in the South West with thought-provoking discussions and advice.
Listen to Fred’s story and the new weekly episodes at www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast – also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Quick release couplings
Pressure wash hoses + lances Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked
Variation of oils Mobile service available
LARGE EMDEN CROSS GOSLINGS. March hatched.
Tel: 01258-880509
We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk
EVERY WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SALES OF PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, STORE & CULL SHEEP ********************************************************************
EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE & BREEDING CATTLE ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 27th NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FATSTOCK SHOW CLASSES FOR HANDLED & UNHANDLED PRIME CATTLE. BARREN COWS. PRIME LAMBS. PRIME PIGS & CALVES FATSTOCK SHOW DINNER FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER
EVERY WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SALES OF PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, STORE & CULL SHEEP ******************************************************************** EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE & BREEDING CATTLE ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 4th DECEMBER SALE OF REARED CALVES ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 27th NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FATSTOCK SHOW CLASSES FOR HANDLED & UNHANDLED PRIME CATTLE. BARREN COWS. PRIME LAMBS. PRIME PIGS & CALVES FATSTOCK SHOW DINNER FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS ********************************************************************
MONDAY 16th DECEMBER SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 4th DECEMBER SALE OF REARED CALVES ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 23rd July Pigs
Sheep
SHEPHERD AVAILABLE, experienced and self employed. Seeking medium/ large flock. Full day to day care and management. Tel 07968-049218
CONCRETE GROOVING MOBILE GRAIN CRIMPING and dry rolling Service. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040
SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE / HIRE
Tel: 01258 472288 Mob: 07977 936109
New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks
3 ½ ACRES OF MOWING grass, make hay and take away. 07902-164110.
WANTED: LAND TO BUY in Dorset. To grow trees and shrubs. Tel: 07810-472347
RAGWORT PROBLEM? Black Grass problem? Solution Call: Simon 07929-995747
R&W FENCING. Agricultural paddock and stock. Also part time help required. 01258-88089207980-036250
place your
WANTED
WEDNESDAY 18th DECEMBER LAST MARKET BEFORE CHRISTMAS SALE FOR ALL SECTIONS INCLUDING REARED CALVES, PIGS & STORE CATTLE ********************************************************************
WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS ********************************************************************
MONDAY 16th DECEMBER SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE ********************************************************************
MONDAY 30th DECEMBER SALE FOR ALL SECTIONS EXCEPT PIGS ******************************************************************** FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL
WEDNESDAY 18th DECEMBER LAST MARKET BEFORE CHRISTMAS SALE FOR ALL SECTIONS INCLUDING REARED CALVES, PIGS & STORE CATTLE ********************************************************************
BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863
Dairy - 10 Freshly Calved Friesian Holstein 1st & 2nd Calved Heifers & Cows FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863
MONDAY 30th DECEMBER SALE FOR ALL SECTIONS EXCEPT PIGS ******************************************************************** FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL
BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863 Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373
Cows Cows Cows All Grades
Also, Bulls plus Organic Cattle Farm Assured or Non-Assured No V.A.N Number, No Problem! Payment on the day - Farm purchases Haulage Arranged
Brookfield Livestock Marketing Ltd 7 Days a week. Tel: 07811 381 159
Continued from page 85
This week we have taken this year’s lambs away from the ewes. Fortunately, we have access to a small paddock in a hamlet up the road, and holding it back for summer grazing has paid off. The lambs and the Dutch Spotted could not believe their luck at their new home. The ewes have stayed on the parched field, so we do not have issues with their milk drying up.
good life, well, better than usual.
Condition is important and this year’s lambs have been our best and biggest for some years, so they have earned a few treats. The lambs have also been ear-tagged as they are away from our field and this week will be registered with the society as pedigree. The required markings are brilliant this year – it has taken a few years of breeding to reach this standard, and we are proud of our achievement. Conformation is good, the backs are straight and the little white socks are spot on.
Ironically, that same Disney mismarked Princess, who by rights should not be allowed to breed if we listened to the experts, has this year thrown the best-looking, well-turnedout ram ever, for her. I am so pleased that my faith in her nature and looks has paid off.
Blackmore Vale Magazine in the Agricultural Auctions/Farming section edition. 2 columns x 10cm.
None of the lambs were seen drinking this week from a ewe, so we could move them on with minimal disruption. At 12-ish weeks old, the lambs are at a good age now and can all chew cud, so digesting solid feed and grass is not an issue. The ewes are now on the verge of poor condition, except for Clownie, my mismarked Disney princess, who, for whatever reason, despite having a huge ram lamb to feed, is fat. The milk yield for ewes that have twins peaks at five weeks old – it then starts to decline and by 12-14 weeks ewes produce very little milk and the lambs’ grass requirement is greater.
We will ensure that once the milk has dried up and the risks are gone, the ewes will be treated to some months of the
Nova, Nirvana and Neil, the bottle-fed lambs, have stayed behind with the ewes, as I am still travelling up to the field twice a day to check they are eating and drinking enough. They remain much smaller than their ewe-reared counterparts but are catching up fast and are real characters.
ANDREW LANE MRIC S FAAV
MAJOR
60 HEAD
Being the major portion of this showing winning –Pasture For Life certified flock on behalf of Rachel Hall
Comprising 25 breeding ewes, 17 ewe lambs, 12 ram lambs, 2 stock rams and 2 shearling rams. Lambs (March and early April born) will be sold off their dams.This lovely well bred flock of Dorset Downs are well recommended to perspective buyers.Sale features the 2023 Breed & Res Breed Champions at Melplash Show Female breeding lines from Hartmoor Hill, Calcot, Lydon Vale & Castle. Male breeding lines from Hartmoor Hill & Rampisham. Easy loading facilities,toileted & refreshments available. Payment in full on day of sale by cash or personal debit card. Purchases to be removed on day of sale unless prior arrangements made with Auctioneers. Viewing from 1pm on sale day. Catalogues online. NO ONLINE BIDDING. Further details from auctioneers.
Being the major portion of this showing winning –Pasture For Life certified flock on behalf of Rachel Hall Comprising 25 breeding ewes, 17 ewe lambs, 12 ram lambs, 2 stock rams and 2 shearling rams. Lambs (March and early April born) will be sold off their dams.This lovely well bred flock of Dorset Downs are well recommended to perspective buyers.Sale features the 2023 Breed & Res Breed Champions at Melplash Show. Female breeding lines from Hartmoor Hill, Calcot, Lydon Vale & Castle. Male breeding lines from Hartmoor Hill & Rampisham. Easy loading facilities,toileted & refreshments available. Payment in full on day of sale by cash or personal debit card. Purchases to be removed on day of sale unless prior arrangements made with Auctioneers. Viewing from 1pm on sale day. Catalogues online. NO ONLINE BIDDING. Further details from auctioneers.
Gutchpool Farm, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5QP Saturday 2nd August 2025 at 3pm
Gutchpool Farm, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5QP Saturday 2nd August 2025 at 3pm
Stourpaine
Bere Regis
PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM
PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025 2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE BH21 3AA & VIA LIVESTREAM
PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 24TH JULY 2025 AT 2:00PM AT DIGBY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL, DIGBY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DT9 3NL
Guide £60,000
Guide £25,000
A 0.13 acre (559 sqm.) parking area with a favourable pre-app response for a dwelling with parking and a garden. Freehold.
2.23 acres of diverse broadleaf woodland and pasture adjoining the River Stour, with single bank fishing rights, accessible by foot, bicycle and horseback. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
East Stoke
Queen Camel
Guide £95,000
13.02 acres of wetland and woodland, rich in biodiversity, in a secluded, peaceful area south of the River Frome. Freehold.
Guide £50,000
Level pasture land and a traditional stone building set in 2.15 acres on the outskirts of the village of Queen Camel. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
North Perrott Guide £45,000 3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Sixpenny Handley
Guide £150,000
Holt, Wimborne
Guide £80,000
Yeovil | 01935 432526
A detached barn of about 125 sqm. in just under 1.70 acres with off-road parking and paddock. Freehold.
An opportunity to purchase a parcel of permanent pasture in the village of Holt, extending to approximately 4.51 acres Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Wimborne | 01202 882103
Hammoon
Guide £250,000
Portesham, Dorchester
Guide £110,000
A peaceful, secluded bluebell wood set in an idyllic rural landscape.
About 26.31 acres. Freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Melplash
Dorchester
Guide £200,000
Guide £50,000
Witchampton Guide
£50,000
Yeovil
Bournemouth
Guide £125,000
Guide £200,000
Wimborne
Guide £225,000
Guide £150,000
A centrally located Grade II Listed property currently arranged as 3 x 1 bedroom flats and walled gardens, requiring modernisation throughout. CTBs A, EPC Exempt, Leasehold.
0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.
A former village hall with parking situated on the main road in the heart of the village. GIA 175 sqm. Freehold. RV TBA.
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Charlton Marshall
14.05 acres of agricultural land with outstanding views over Chesil and the Fleet to White Nothe and to Start Point. Freehold.
Pallington
Guide £300,000
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Wareham
23.55 acres of permanent pasture, with fishing rights along the River Stour, which borders the land. Freehold.
Guide £110,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Dorchester | 01305 236237
9.13 acres of freely draining land, predominantly comprising pasture with an element of woodland, located between Wareham and Wool. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Charlton, Marshall
Guide
Winterborne Zelston
Tarrant Rushton
Guide £250,000
Guide £185,000
A detached, extended 3 bedroom cottage for renovation, enjoying a rural position and delightful countryside views in 0.20 acres of gardens. CTB C, EPC G, Freehold.
A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for refurbishment with scope for extension and remodelling (STPP) in a convenient location on the A31. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Guide £350,000
38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.
Blandford Forum | 01258 452670
Blandford | 01258 452670
£225,000
23.55 acres of predominantly level lying, permanent pasture benefitting from fishing rights along the River Stour which abuts the east boundary. Freehold.
Motcombe
Wimborne | 01202 882103
Guide £295,000
Okeford Fitzpaine
Yarlington
Guide £295,000
Guide £250,000
Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000
Bradworthy, Devon
Guide £395,000
20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.
Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000
A charming semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage with a separate 1 bedroom, single storey annexe with off-road parking and gardens. CTBs C & A, EPCs D & B, Freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Traditional stone barn set in 5.97acres. Positioned in a private location with residential conversion opportunity (STPP & relevant consents). Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Tiverton | 01884 218911
Sutton Mandeville
A former primary school measuring over 6,300 sq. ft./585 sq. m. in grounds of 0.54 acres, providing development potential, subject to planning permission. EPC D, Freehold.
A semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage in 0.89 acres offering character and charm throughout and enjoying views over the surrounding landscape. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000
Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Guide £85,000
5.90 acres of productive agricultural land and woodland, in the heart of a popular village, with good highways access. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Sutton Mandeville, Wiltshire
Guide £775,000
Horton, Wimborne
Sandford Orcas
Chilcompton Guide £195,000
Guide £450,000
A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.
74.24 parcels of level and southfacing arable land, arranged in two parcels of 54 and 20 acres, with the added provision of a circa 1,200 sqft barn currently used for the storage of machinery. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Guide £400,000
A substantial bungalow requiring renovation, providing potential for extension or replacement, subject to PP, in a rural position enjoying grounds of 1.60 acres. Subject to an AOC. CTB E, EPC F, Freehold.
A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.
A 4 bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation throughout, with 0.62 acre grounds, multiple outbuildings and stunning views. Freehold. CTB-E; EPC-E.
Iliminster | 01460 200790
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Verwood Guide £125,000 1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.
A grand, 4 storey (including basement) mixed-use Victorian building occupying a prominent corner plot on Lansdowne Crescent. RV: £53,500, £8,300, CTB A, EPC TBC. Freehold.
A Grade II listed building offering several uses/options with planning permission and LB consent for conversion to residential. Freehold. EPC-D.
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Horton Heath
Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000
20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.
A charming 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with parking conveniently situated in the town centre, with parking. Leasehold. Service Charge £4,269 pa. G
Rent £30 pa. CTB-D; EPC-D.
A semi detached, extended 4 bedroom period property for complete renovation with a generous garden adjoining Ferndown Forest. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202843190
Sherborne Sherborne | 01935 814488
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Winterborne Houghton
Guide £190,000
Guide £275,000
Fifehead Magdalen
Milborne Port
Guide £250,000
Guide £200,000
A mid terrace 2 double bedroom property in need of renovation throughout, with an enclosed rear garden situated close to the town centre. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-D.
A partially renovated and extended 2 bedroom bungalow with potential for upwards extension, subject to planning permission. CTB C, EPC E, Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Dorchester Dorchester | 01305 261008
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
An attractive semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage for renovation with a generous garden situated in this much favoured North Dorset village. CTB E, EPC G, Freehold.
Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.
A charming 2 bedroom period cottage, situated at the end of a terrace in a quiet village location. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Guide £350,000
Corfe Castle
Henstridge
Fontmell Magna
Guide £300,000
Fiddleford
Guide £375,000
Guide £395,000
Shaftesbury Guide £95,000
A former doctor’s surgery in 0.58 acres with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling under application P/PACD/2024/02991/. RV: £5,100, EPC C, Freehold.
A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
A lofty workshop with large and level fenced outside space. 0.66 acre plot on the Marsh Lane Trading Estate. Freehold. RV Workshop-£9,600 Yard£12,000; EPC-C. Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A charming Grade II Listed3 bedroom
Milborne Port Guide £150,000
Bridgehampton
Guide £225,000-£250,000
Somerford Road, Christchurch
A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £500,000
A residential development site measuring 0.87 acres with full, detailed planning permission for 7 residential dwellings (planning ref: 20/01206/ FUL). Further 1.13 acre field included. Freehold. CTB-D; EPC-F.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.
A detached 3 bedroom character property in a village location with scope for improvement, sitting in a 0.66 acre plot less than 2 miles from Sturminster Newton. Freehold. CTB-F; EPC-F.
stone cottage for complete renovation, situated close to the centre of this highly sought-after village. CTB E, EPC Exempt, Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Chilthorne Domer
Guide £650,000
Guide £595,000
A site measuring 0.39 acres with full planning permission for an exclusive development of 9 x 2 bedroom apartments (8/22/0470/FUL), situated in the heart of Christchurch close to Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay. Potential for alternative schemes STPP. CIL: £98,735.93, Freehold.
Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.
A detached 6 bedroom farmhouse in need of renovation and a courtyard of traditional and modern farm buildings, situated in a rural location on a no through lane and boasting far reaching views. In all 1.82 acres. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Gillingham
Bere Regis
PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM
PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025 2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE BH21 3AA & VIA LIVESTREAM
Guide £60,000
Guide £10,000 96sqm of land with a building.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Lytchett Matravers
A 0.13 acre (559 sqm.) parking area with a favourable pre-app response for a dwelling with parking and a garden. Freehold.
Guide £20,000
A former water tower in 0.23 acres.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Avoncliffe, Bath
East Stoke
Guide £25,000 Former pumping station in 0.62 acres.
Guide £95,000
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Nether Compton
13.02 acres of wetland and woodland, rich in biodiversity, in a secluded, peaceful area south of the River Frome. Freehold.
Guide £25,000
North Perrott Guide £45,000
6.82 acres of mixed woodland.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Stoke Wake
Sixpenny Handley
Guide £150,000
Yeovil | 01935 432526
Guides £50,000 and £40,000 4.60 acres and 3.51 acres of pasture land.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
A detached barn of about 125 sqm. in just under 1.70 acres with off-road parking and paddock. Freehold.
Weymouth
Blandford | 01258 452670
Hammoon
A former pumping station with potential for a variety of uses.
Guide £250,000
Poundbury | 01305 251154
A peaceful, secluded bluebell wood set in an idyllic rural landscape.
Winterborne Steepleton
About 26.31 acres. Freehold.
Guide £120,000
Sturminster | 01258 473766
A linked barn with full planning permission.
Charlton Marshall
Poundbury | 01305 251154
Dorchester
Blandford
Guide £225,000
Guide £200,000
Witchampton Guide £50,000
Bournemouth
Dorchester
Guide £200,000
Guide £200,000
Verwood Guide £125,000
Wimborne
Swanage
Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000
A building plot with full planning permission for 2 x detached 4 bedroom dwellings, with off-road parking and gardens on the edge of the town. Freehold.
0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.
A centrally located Grade II Listed property currently arranged as 3 x 1 bedroom flats and walled gardens, requiring modernisation throughout. CTBs A, EPC Exempt, Leasehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Blandford | 01258 452670
Tarrant Rushton
Swanage
Guide £250,000
Guide £300,000
Pallington
Pen Selwood
Guides £175,000 and £25,000
23.55 acres of permanent pasture, with fishing rights along the River Stour, which borders the land. Freehold.
A former water pumping station in 0.44 acres with full PP and 0.29 acres of woodland available separately. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Poundbury | 01305 251154
Dorchester | 01305 236237
A detached, extended 3 bedroom cottage for renovation, enjoying a rural position and delightful countryside views in 0.20 acres of gardens. CTB C, EPC G, Freehold.
38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.
Guides below 2 x GF 2 bedroom flats (Guides £90,000) and 1 x FF 2 bedroom flat (Guide £85,000) all non-standard construction and in need of modernisation. All L/hold – 125 years. EPCs D. CTBs A.
Guide £350,000
Blandford Forum | 01258 452670
Wimborne 01202 843190
1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.
A well-proportioned office space with an NIA of 1,320sqft. (122.5sqm.) providing an excellent opportunity for refurbishment. Freehold.
A grand, 4 storey (including basement) mixed-use Victorian building occupying a prominent corner plot on Lansdowne Crescent. RV: £53,500, £8,300, CTB A, EPC TBC. Freehold.
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Weymouth
Motcombe
Dorchester
Guide £275,000
Guide £85,000
Okeford Fitzpaine
Guide £295,000
Guide £200,000
Swanage
Guide £295,000
A semi detached, extended 4 bedroom period property for complete renovation with a generous garden adjoining Ferndown Forest. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202843190 Guide £225,000
20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.
A Grade II Listed investment/ redevelopment opportunity comprising a retail unit and 4 x flats with a courtyard garden and parking, generating £36,000 per annum. Freehold. RV: £5,300. Flats
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £375,000
Guide £250,000
Guide £160,000
A Grade II Listed end of terrace property for renovation in the heart of Weymouth to restore an end of close to the beach and amenities. Freehold. EPC E. CTB B.
A partially renovated and extended 2 bedroom bungalow with potential for upwards extension, subject to planning permission. CTB C, EPC E, Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Poundbury | 01305 251154
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
An attractive semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage for renovation with a generous garden situated in this much favoured North Dorset village. CTB E, EPC G, Freehold.
A Grade II Listed double fronted 4 bedroom period house in the heart of the pretty town centre with 200ft rear garden, offering potential for improvement. Freehold. CTB C.
Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Fontmell Magna
Bournemouth
Guide £350,000
Colehill
Guide £395,000
Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000
20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.
Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000
A charming semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage with a separate 1 bedroom, single storey annexe with off-road parking and gardens. CTBs C & A, EPCs D & B, Freehold.
A spacious 2 bedroom bungalow requiring full modernisation, with front and rear gardens and a single garage located in a nearby block. Freehold. EPC E. CTB C.
A former primary school measuring over 6,300 sq. ft./585 sq. m. in grounds of 0.54 acres, providing development potential, subject to planning permission. EPC D, Freehold.
Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000
Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000
Sturminster | 01258 473766 Guide £295,000
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
A Grade II Listed character property with accommodation over three floors and a rear garden, situated just a short walk from the town centre’s amenities and the beach. Freehold. EPC E. CTB B.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Chilcompton Guide £195,000
Horton, Wimborne
Guide £450,000
A substantial bungalow requiring renovation,
A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.
Iliminster | 01460 200790
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Shaftesbury Guide £95,000
A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for modernisation with potential for extension or possible development (STPP). Garden and outbuilding. Freehold. EPC D. CTB B.
A former doctor’s surgery in 0.58 acres with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling under application P/PACD/2024/02991/. RV: £5,100, EPC C, Freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £295,000
A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
cottage for complete renovation,
close to the centre of this highly sought-after village. CTB E, EPC Exempt, Freehold.
Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Guide £225,000-£250,000
Somerford Road, Christchurch
Guide £650,000
A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670
A site measuring 0.39 acres with full planning permission for an exclusive development of 9 x 2 bedroom apartments (8/22/0470/FUL), situated in the heart of Christchurch close to Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay. Potential for alternative schemes STPP. CIL: £98,735.93, Freehold.
Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A period cottage in need of complete renovation, with full PP for an extension and to modify the access and create offroad parking. Enjoying a secluded position in 0.40 acres. Freehold. EPC G. CT Exempt. Winterborne Stickland Sherborne | 01935 814488
65.28 acres with an adaptable range of modern farm buildings, yard and PP to build a contemporary AOC farmhouse. Whole or four lots. Freehold.
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens,
surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside is a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and paddock, in total 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available.
A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside is a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and paddock, in total 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available.
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village
A substantial semi-detached house with a separate popular holiday let in the grounds. Offering plentiful accommodation and stunning views to the south and west. Freehold. CTB-D; EPC D&C.
facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.
Guide £525,000
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.
An extended and modernised period house combining character and charm with contemporary family living in a quiet location on a nothrough road with wonderful views, land and stables. In all about 2.40 acres. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold. Guide £1,150,000
An extended and modernised period house combining character and charm with contemporary family living in a quiet location on a nothrough road with wonderful views, land and stables. In all about 2.40 acres. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Holwell
Guide £650,000
A double fronted house with elegant reception rooms and an attractive, low maintenance courtyard garden, situated in a central village location. Freehold. CTB-E; EPC-F.
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated desirable
An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. CTB G, EPC B, Freehold.
An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. CTB G, EPC B, Freehold.
Shroton Guide £435,000
Shroton Guide £435,000 village. CTB D. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sherborne | 01935 814488
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Donhead St Mary
Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
A spacious 2/3 bed end of terrace cottage requiring renovation with a garage and garden. No onward chain. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Guide £800,000
Guide £265,000
A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation over three floors in a quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold.
A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation over three floors in a quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold. Guide £800,000
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sandley Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
OIEO £500,000
An elegant 4 bedroom detached house within an exclusive and highly sought-after development with double garage/studio. Freehold.
A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with wonderful far-reaching views and garden and grounds of one acre. CTB D, EPC F, Freehold.
OIEO £400,000
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
OIEO £400,000 the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Okeford Fitzpaine
Guide £220,000
Guide £775,000
A mid-terraced 2 bedroom house with enclosed rear and allocated parking. No onward chain. Freehold. CTB-B;
A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.
An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse with plenty of charm and original character features along with a 100’ garden in the heart of the village. CTB F, EPC Exempt, Freehold.
An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse with plenty of charm and original character features along with a 100’ garden in the heart of the village. CTB F, EPC
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Newton | 01258 473766
Marnhull
Nr
North Cheriton
Leigh OIEO £500,000
North Cheriton
Bedchester
North Cheriton OIEO £400,000 the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
Nr Sturminster
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on
Leigh
No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.
Okeford Fitzpaine
Exempt, Freehold.
A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with
Donhead St Mary
Gillingham
Gillingham
Sturminster
EPC- C.
Longburton
CTB-F; EPC-C.
Kington Magna
Hinton St Mary
Sturminster
Sturminster
Yeabridge
£800,000 Wincanton
An
£675,000 Bourton
£775,000 Wincanton
attractive former farmhouse set in grounds approaching 4 acres on the outskirts of Bourton within easy reach of excellent transport links. 3 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, attached 2 room outbuilding - both these rooms lend to additional living accommodation/annexe, subject to building regulations. Stable, parking for many vehicles. EPC Rating F. Freehold.
£425,000 South Cheriton
£259,000 Bourton
Tucked away in the corner of a small development, this impressive 3 bedroom detached bungalow is situated in one of the area’s most desirable villages. Large sitting/dining room, kitchen, utility room, en-suite shower room, car port & easy to maintain garden. EPC Rating D. Freehold.
Thinking of moving?
Thinking of Moving in 2025?
Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment. An impressive 4/5 bedroom split-level residence with a self-contained annexe. Far reaching countryside views, enviable position within a private cul-de-sac,
We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.
Summer has arrived and we still have many buyers looking to purchase a property in the local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.
Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net
£225,000 Wincanton
attached single garage. EPC Rating: C. Freehold.
spacious 2 bed semi-detached house on a mature residential road. Features a bright bayfronted lounge, full-width kitchen/diner, boot room, downstairs WC, and generous main bedroom. Some updating required providing great potential to add value. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.
£595,000 Castle Cary An
£420,000 Templecombe An impressive three double bedroom detached house offering spacious living accommodation (1422 sq ft) with potential to extend. Large sitting room with double doors opening to the dining room, cloakroom, en-suite shower room, delightful rear garden featuring a raised terrace with views, large single garage and driveway with turning area. EPC Rating D. Freehold.
GROUND FLOOR (675 square ft) of tradional Tythe Barn, suitable for office/studio/salon etc, £80 p/w. Tel: 07811-837061
SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 892476
Symonds & Sampson are delighted to report the successful sale of a 26.06 acre residential development site on the outskirts of Templecombe.
Working with Gleeson Land, the development scheme had been sensitively designed to provide not only housing, but also community facilities and open public space.
Edward Dyke, Partner at Symonds & Sampson, suggests that the position of the land, on the edge of the village, enables future residents to enjoy local amenities, good communications, and appreciate the surrounding Blackmore Vale countryside.
Multi-award-winning housebuilder Vistry Group will undertake the build, further demonstrating its commitment to delivering sustainable homes, communities and social value, leaving a lasting legacy of places people love.
For details of development sites available across the region, please click visit Symonds & Sampson’s website. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact experts offering an extensive range of planning, diversification options, and promotions, as well as building survey and design service, please contact Edward and colleagues at the Sturminster Newton office on 01258 472244.
