The New Blackmore Vale Magazine - Issue 86

Edition 86

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

ARISE SIR MICHAEL IN THE SHORTS!

Friday, January 5, 2024

IN THIS ISSUE...

REV ON THE AIR! Vicar hosts Xmas radio special Page 3

35 YEARS’ HELP Alison marks care home long service Page 8

Michael Eavis leads New Year Honours FULL STORY: in the Vale and beyond...

PAGE 5

SCHOOL EFFORT Xander raises cash for important cause Page 12

HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01935 509057 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com

www.

.com

2

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

What’s inside this issue…

Announcements Antiques & Collectables Arts & Entertainment Church Equestrian Events Farming Field & Stream Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden

63-67 38-41 30-31 34 76 28 74-77 73 55-56 57-59 42-46

Items For Sale / Wanted

62

Letters

29

Local Services

47-54

Motoring

60-62

Pets

70-71

Politics

35-37

Property

78-79

Puzzles

32-33

Recruitment

72

Sport

68-69

Current and ex-firefighters at Blandford Fire station said goodbye to watch manager Phil Thomas on his retirement after 42 years service

Page 7

EDITORIAL Paul Jones - Editor in Chief We love hearing your news and views.

Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

ADVERTISING Debi Thorne Sales Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409

Lynsey Swaine Account Manager lynsey.swaine@blackmorevale.net 07714 289416

Jane Toomer Senior Account Manager Jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Rachelle Cooper Classified Adverts adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

ADDRESS: 3 Alfred's Way, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RU

ONLINE : www.blackmorevale.net

Judges take in dazzling displays of lights in Mere and West Knoyle Page 4

Diesel spill in crash on the A350 prompts emergency resurfacing work Page 6

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS: adverts@blackmorevale.net - 01963 400186

Editorial deadlines are the Wednesday the week before publication.

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

3

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Revved up for radio show!

A REV turned DJ for a special radio show broadcast on Christmas Day. The Rector of St John’s Church in Yeovil, Rev James Dudley-Smith, selected a selection of his favourite Christmas carols for a Radio Ninesprings Christmas Day special.

In the hour-long show, POLICE were called to reports James featured of a fight at a Blandford performances by the Choir restaurant at lunchtime in the of Kings College IF ORDERED IF ORDERED BY 5PM UPTO BY 5PM 20 MILES UPTO IF FROM ORDERED 20 MILES BA12 FROM BY6HB 5PM BA12 ON UPTO ALL 6HB 20 ITEMS ON MILES ALL OVER FROM ITEMS £200 BA12 OVER (IN STOCK 6HB £200ON (IN ITEMS ALL STOCK ITEMS ONLY) ITEMS OVER ONLY) £200 (IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY) run-up to Christmas.

Cambridge, Nat King Cole Officers were called to Simla and, surprisingly perhaps, a Christmas song by the great Rev Dudley-Smith with Radio Ninesprings station manager, Steve Haigh Tandoori, in West Street, HISENSE HISENSE HISENSE pictured above, at just after Bob Dylan.

LHD32D33TUK LHD32D33TUK noonLHD32D33TUK on Monday, December 18.

“I wanted the programme Station manager, Steve Haigh, said: 2 YEAR 2 YEAR 2 YEAR “Officers attended and to be a mix of contemporary and traditional carols “Christmas is the busiest time of the year in the WARRANTY WARRANTY WARRANTY carried out a search of the area and couldn’t leave out Dylan,” he said.

Church, and we are grateful to James for finding £179.99 £179.99 £179.99 for those involved,” a Dorset “I’ve been a lifelong fan and only recently the time to record this one-hour special of carols Police spokesperson said. discovered he recorded an album of Christmas for the enjoyment of our listeners.”

SIEMENS SIEMENS KG34NVW24GB “There were KG34NVW24GB no serious music in 2009.

‘My Favourite Christmas Carols’, with Rev SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG UE40J6300UE40J63005 YEAR 5 YEAR injuries reported.”

“He was UE40J630067 at the time, and although his voice James Dudley-Smith, was broadcast on Radio AKXXU40 AKXXU40 AKXXU40 WARRANTY WARRANTY Enquiries into the incident is not quite the same, there is stillCURVED something Ninesprings between 8am and 9am, and again CURVED CURVED £479.99 £479.99 are “continuing”, they added. magical about his singing.” between 7pm and 8pm on December 25. £429.99 £429.99 £429.99

B IN RO ’S IO K D S OC RA RT ST K BE INS OC RO ’SERT ST IO DOBS IN RA RIO’ D RA

Police called INTERNET INTERNET PRICES INTERNET PRICES ON YOUR ON PRICES YOUR HIGH ON HIGH STREET YOUR STREET HIGHto STREET restaurant

FREE FREE SAME SAME FREE DAY SAME DAY DELIVERY DELIVERY DAY DELIVERY

S

K

W

£

Come and see our Chapel Showroom, great deals every day, 100s of products in stock, for immediate delivery to your home!*

Jeans Electrical Chapel Showroom, Boar Street, Mere BA12 6DD and Salisbury Street, Mere BA12 6HB

Wishing a Happy New Year to all our customers, past, present & future!

01747 860215

BOSCHBOSCH

SMS50T02GB SMS50T02GB

2 YEAR 2 YEAR WARRANTY WARRANTY

£249.99 £249.99

www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

BOSCH ZANUSSI ZANUSSI

ZANUSSI

2 YEAR HEAT PUMP HEAT PUMP 3 Year WARRANTY TUMBLE TUMBLE Warranty DRYER DRYER £249.99

HEAT PUMP TUMBLE DRYER

£249

SMS50T02GB ZDH8333P ZDH8333P

SHARP

2T-C40FH2KL2AB £399.99 £399.99 40” Full HD LED Android Smart TV

SAVE £100!

£499 5 Year Warranty

BOSCH

WGG04409GB 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

£429

.99

3 Year Guarantee

DRYER SONY

CHAPEL CHAPEL SHOW SHOW ROOMROOM FANTASTICFANTASTIC STOCK STOCK

£1099 DRYER

C45CW C45CW XR55X90LU 55” 4K£149.99 UHD HDR£149.99 5 Year Google Smart TV Warranty

£399.99

COME COME SEE OURSEE OUR

WAS £599

WAS £1199 WHITEWHITE SAVE KNIGHT KNIGHT £100!

TUMBLE TUMBLE

ZDH8333P

WHITE SIEMENS SIEMENS KNIGHT WM12B180GB WM12B180GB

S

W

TUMBLE 5 YEAR 5 YEAR DRYER

WARRANTY WARRANTY C45CW

W

£379.99 £379.99 £149.99

£

COME SEE OUR

CHAPEL

WAS £299.99

SAVE SHOW £20! ROOM

£279.99

FANTASTIC STOCK

10 Year

Parts Warranty

WAS £1399.99

SAVE £400!

£549

£999.99

COOKERS COOKERS

2 Year WarrantyFROM FROM

NEFF BLOMBERG Chapel Showroom, Chapel Showroom, BoarHOTPOINT Street, Boar Mere.

Chapel Street, BA12 Showroom, Mere.

6DD, BA12Boar 6DD,Street, Mere. BA12 6DD,

LG

£129 £129

COOKE

2 Year Warranty FROM

£12

GSLV50PZXL also shop also at Salisbury shop atNSWE745CWSUK Street, Salisbury Mere.

Street, also BA12 shop Mere.

6HB atBA12 Salisbury 6HBS153HAX02G Street, Mere. BA12 6HB LTP18320W Integrated Full Size CASH & Frost 7kg 1400 Spin 8kg Heat Pump CASHFree & American Dishwasher 13 Place CARRY Style Fridge Freezer Washing Machine Tumble Dryer CARRY

01747 01747 860215 01747 860215 860215

CASH CARRY

Whilst available stock Whilst last.within Sold stockaslast. agent Sold of asfor anEuronics Whilst agent for Ltd. Euronics last.

Prices Sold Ltd. correct asby Prices an2pm, atagent time correct for of print.

Euronics at time - You of Ltd. print. won’t Prices -fiYou nd these won’t great at fifor nd time these products of print. great anywhere -products You won’t else! anywhere find these great anywhere else! *Same day delivery 20anmiles BA12 6HBstock when ordered while stocks last.

Sold ascorrect agent Euronics Ltd. Prices correct at else! time of products going to press.

4

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Lights fantastic for the festive season FOLK in Mere and West Knoyle put on spectacular lights shows in the run up to Christmas – and were judged on their efforts.

In the competition in Mere – where the criteria were creativity, effort and ‘wow factor’ – Billy and Amber Watson, of 26 Denes Avenue, came out on top.

Theirs was an ‘amazing effort’, said judges Nick and Debbie Beale.

Pat Adams, of 2 Denes Avenue, came second.

Nick and Debbie said the cost of electricity was having some effect on entries, but Denes Close was still spectacular.

They also praised Lambrook Cottage in Shaftesbury Road, which provided a ‘lovely range of lights’ going into Mere.

The winner in West Knoyle was Emma Wareham, of 4 Oderne, with Phil and Shirley Singer, of 2 Stoney Bridge, second. Special recognition went to Janet Howard (Dhuli Fou).

Parish council chairman Paul Yates presented a shield and prize for first place, and a prize to the second place winner.

Mere Town Council chairman John Jordan did the same for Mere.

Billy and Amber Watson, of 26 Denes Avenue, won Mere’s Christmas lights competition

Pat Adams of 2 Denes Avenue in Mere came second

Billy and Amber Watson

The winner in West Knoyle was Emma Wareham of 4 Oderne; and (right) Phil Singer and West Knoyle Parish Council chairman Paul Yates

PHOTOS: George Jeans

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

5

News

blackmorevale.net

Festival founder leads New Year Honours A KNIGHTHOOD for Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis leads the New Year Honours in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond - and could see the King debut on the Pyramid Stage!

The 88-year-old will now be Sir Michael after receiving the honour - an upgrade on the CBE he received in 2007 - for services to music and charity.

Sir Michael - the new Sir in shorts - said: “Emily came up with the official letter. I was really surprised to see it, actually. Why did they choose me I wonder?”

He added: “What can I say, really? I’ve done quite a lot of stuff in my life and I’ve always been fairly sure that I was doing the right thing.”

And is a royal appearance at Worthy Farm possible?

“Last time I met him (the King), I got a suit especially,” Sir Michael went on.

“And he said, ‘Why aren’t you wearing your shorts?’. But I think William might do the ceremony. He’s made a few mentions of wanting to come to the festival, so I’ll probably take a couple of tickets in my pocket.”

Other New Year Honours in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire include:

Knighthood Professor John Peter Iredale, of Somerset - Lately interim executive chair of the Medical Research Council for services to medical research OBE Janie Lorraine Frampton, of Blandford Forum - for services to equality for women in sport in the UK and abroad, pictured Marcus Edward Trescothick - Mental health ambassador, Professional Cricketers’ Association - for services to mental ill health Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) David Ian Whimpenny, of Salisbury - Lately board trustee, the Royal British Legion - for voluntary service MBE Samuel James Braddick, of Gillingham - For services to the community in Gillingham Penelope Jane Brown, of Salisbury - for services to charity and to the community in Salisbury Jennifer Sheridan Bryer, of Yeovil -

Teacher, Pony Club - for services to horse riding Harriet Hannah Laurie, of Dorchester founder of TheHorseCourse - for services to disadvantaged people in Dorset Richard John Linley, of Somerton, Somerset Lately senior inspector of courses, British Horseracing Authority - for services to horse racing Belinda Ann Winstone, of Salisbury team leader, Army Bereavement and Aftercare Services - for services to military families Alison Stephanie Buchanan, of Bovington - founder, The British Horse Society Changing Lives Awards and trustee, #WillDoes charity - for services to young people Stephen Michael Harrison, of South Petherton - for services to the church and to the community in South Petherton Hilary Mary Jenkins, of Salisbury - for services to the community in Wiltshire, particularly during Covid-19

SAVE UP TO 50% WINTER SALE

THROUGHOUT THE SHOWROOMS

NOW ON

www.davidphipp.co.uk Tel: 01202 897474 / 893377 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AL Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

P romise PRICE

WITHIN 50 MILES

117 REVIEWS

6

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Road repair after crash diesel spill AROUND 700 litres of diesel was spilled on to a major Dorset route after a crash.

The incident happened on the A350 between Iwerne Minster and Stourpaine at around 7pm on December 20.

Firefighters said an articulated lorry, involved in the incident with a car, had spilled the diesel on to the carriageway.

“The spill (was) quite significant, with lots of fuel across the road,” a Blandford Fire Station spokesperson said.

The road was closed in both directions while precautions were taken and the fuel cleared.

Meanwhile, Dorset Council then carried out emergency resurfacing work on the stretch.

A spokesperson said Highways workers “removed the contaminated road surface” and replaced it on Thursday (December 21), with the road re-opened on Thursday evening.

“The (crash), between a heavy goods vehicle and car, caused the HGV’s fuel tank to rupture, leaving 700 litres of diesel oil on the road surface,” they added.

“Emergency services, the Environment Agency and our Highways team attended the incident and the oil was quickly contained.

“However, the oil did cause some damage ot the carriageway surface, so we closed the road to enable emergency repairs to get the contaminated surface back to a usable condition.”

Family Advice Family Law Law Advice

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very We realise talking about divorce or separation personal and so we are offering appointments at our is very personal and so we are offering virtual offices.

For new clients seeking initial advice appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we FREE can be booked offer a a one offappointment FREE telephone appointment for on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm. initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm To book an appointment please call us To book anonappointment please call us on 01747 852377 01747 852377 Offices in Shaftesbury – Sturminster Newton – Gillingham

Age Concern North Dorset

(Sturminster Newton) Your local charity for all age-related information and advice

Befriending Welfare Advice Telephone Support Foot Clinic Balance Classes

01258 475582

Office open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.30 - 2.30. Answerphone Thursdays & Fridays info@acnorthdorset.org.uk | www.acnorthdorset.org.uk

Put the bins out!

Dorset Council has confirmed refuse collection days for the new year.

“Our rubbish and recycling collections will be different from your usual day of the week,” a spokesperson said. “Our collection days will return to normal from Monday, January 15.”

A calendar of usual days – and revised dates for bin collections has been published to help households plan.

Revised bin collection days in Dorset: Usual collection day

Revised collection day

Thursday, January 4

Saturday, January 6

Friday, January 5

Monday, January 8

Monday, January 8

Tuesday, January 9

Tuesday, January 9

Wednesday, January 10

Wednesday, January 10

Thursday, January 11

Thursday, January 11

Friday, January 12

Friday, January 12

Saturday, January 13

Collection days will return to normal from Monday, January 15.

No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday, January 8.

Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, when they are closed.

Meanwhile, households are being reminded of other changes to collections over Christmas.

“We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day,” the spokesperson added.

“Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person.”

Dorset Council does not collect Christmas trees of any kind with rubbish or recycling at the kerbside.

Teen killed in crash A TEENAGER sadly died after a crash near a west Dorset village on New Year’s Day. The 18-year-old, from Cornwall, was a passenger in a black Toyota Aygo which was involved in a crash with a silver Kia Sorrento and a black BMW on the A35 near Kingston Russell at around 1.34pm on Monday (January 1).

Dorset Police said he was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene and that his family had been notified.

Three others were also taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Road closures were put in place between Dorchester and Bridport while emergency services responded to the collision and an examination of the scene was carried out.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Police hunt Farewell to street gang firefighter Phil POLICE are hunting a gang who ‘slashed’ a man as he made his way down a Yeovil street.

The incident unfolded in Eastland Road at around 6.15pm on Tuesday, October 3.

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered three slash wounds in the incident, which didn’t require hospital treatment.

Avon & Somerset Police sad it believes the attackers mistook the victim for a man called ‘Jay’ – and when it became clear he was not who they thought he was, they ran away.

The offenders are described as: n A black man aged in his mid-20s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He wore a full black tracksuit with a hood and a dark bandana covering his face. He carried a Gucci bag which had a black strap. n A white man, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall and of large build. He wore a full red tracksuit and white shoes.

He also wore a dark bandana around his face. He had a scar under one of his eyes and tattoo on his neck, possibly of a dragon. n A white man, aged in his late teens or early 20s of slim build. He also wore a full tracksuit.

“As part of the investigation, officers have reviewed CCTV from the area and have also carried out house to house enquiries,” a police spokesperson said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises the description of any of the offenders, should contact police on 101 and give the reference 5223241297, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We’re also keen to identify the intended target of the assault – a man believed to be called ‘Jay’,” the spokesperson added.

“If you know who Jay is please also call 101.”

MORE than four decades of service in Blandford came to an end for one firefighter this week.

On Monday (December 18), watch manager Phil Thomas took part in his final drill night after 42 years serving at Blandford fire station.

Phil joined the fire service in 1981, aged 21, and has served the community ever since “providing impeccable fire cover”, a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson

said. “We would like to thank Phil for the commitment he has given and for the skills he has taught us. Finally a big thank you to the ex firefighters that have worked with Phil over his long career for coming to the station to celebrate Phil’s retirement.”

B O U R N E M O U T H

Exceptional Award-Winning Care ExceptionalPlatinum Platinum Award-Winning Care Standards Framework 20222022 GoldGold Standards Framework

Lasting companionship

Elegant interiors

LUXURY SENIOR LIVING Delicious food

7

Spacious en-suite rooms

A warm welcome awaits you at Glenhurst Manor

Call us today to arrange a viewing... a warm welcome awaits you.

01202 761175 www.glenhurstmanor.co.uk

8

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

Milestone anniversary

‘Dedicated’ and ‘positive’ housekeeper marks a whopping 35 years in her job at a Dorchester care home CARE home housekeeper Alison Cassidy, who works at Care South’s Maiden Castle House in Dorchester, has clocked up 35 years of service.

She started work at Maiden Castle House in Weymouth, when it was still part of Social Services, before its move to Dorchester in 2007.

Alison said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating 35 years with Care South. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of residents in our care.

“The support from my colleagues and the wonderful atmosphere at Maiden Castle House have made every day a joy.”

Ash Smith, home manager at Maiden Castle House, added: “Alison’s dedication and positive spirit have been a cornerstone of Maiden Castle House for over three decades.

“Her commitment to her role and the well-being of residents is truly commendable. We are proud to have her as part of the team and look forward to many more years of working together.”

Maiden Castle care home accommodates 66 residents.

Care South is a not-for-profit charity and provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

blackmorevale.net

Raise up your voices and sing

THE enthusiastic and friendly members of Durweston Choral Society would like to invite singers – and any would-be singers – to join them for rehearsals of Handel’s Messiah.

The performance will be held in Durweston parish church, St Nicholas (DT11 0QA), on March 23.

All are welcome for what will be a very special experience, with professional soloists and orchestra.

For more details email jgedcf@talktalk.net or call 07860 645073.

Sound of music IT was a full house at the Grove Building, Mere, for Start Christmas with Shreen Harmony and guests.

The community choir was joined by The Notables, and Mere Primary School choir.

Shreen Harmony sang the first verse of one carol in Japanese. A retiring collection was taken for Dorothy House Hospice.

Shreen Harmony was founded in 1998; it meets in the United Reform Church, Boar Street, Mere on Thursday Evenings during term time.

Reuse, recycle SAFETY matting from a children’s play area has been recycled to help people in muddy conditions.

The matting, from the recreation ground play area in Sturminster Newton, has been picked up for use in front of information boards in the town.

A Sturminster Newton Town Council spokesperson said: “Amazing job by our lovely Grounds Team.

“We’ve recycled some matting from the recreation ground, so it’s easier to read the Trailway Information Boards without needing wellies on.”

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Saddle up for charity Fancy a challenge? Entry is now open for a cycle challenge in aid of the air ambulance

REGISTRATION for a charity cycle taking in some of Somerset and Dorset’s most spectacular scenery is open.

The 2024 Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is set to hit the road on Saturday, May 18.

Cyclists can opt to take on one of two routes on the day – a 55-mile trek from Watchet Harbour in west Somerset to West Bay, Dorset, or an 11-mile route from the Royal Oak in Drimpton, also finishing at West Bay. The Watchet cycle gets underway at 10.30am, with the Drimpton leg starting at 2pm.

Organisers said the routes feature a mixture of quiet back roads, some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, along with handy refreshment points along the way, offering something for everyone.

There are only 600 places available for

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

the rides, with participants able to enter as an individual or as a team.

Anyone fortunate enough to gain a place is being asked to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager, said: “Next year’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge has moved back to its usual calendar spot in May and we really can’t wait to see everyone on the day.

“This will be our 13th year running this popular cycling event which brings people from across our two beautiful counties together, including patients who have experienced the work of our service first-hand, those who are cycling in memory of loved ones, or those who simply want to challenge themselves and support the charity in return.”

She added: “Last year, our crew were tasked to 2,424 incidents; as an air ambulance service, we’re the busiest we’ve ever been.

“With the number of missions increasing each year and our operational costs rising,

we really hope that those who are fortunate enough to gain a place will use this as an opportunity to raise as much as possible for our life-saving service.”

Entrance fees for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge are: • 11-mile route: Adults (£20) & Under 16′s (£10) • 55-mile route: Adults (£40) & Under 16′s (£20) For more information and to sign up for the 2024 Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, visit www.dsairambulance.org. uk/c2c.

“Your staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Current resident

Comfort & elegance

Loyal staff

Exceptional Care in Stunning Surroundings

Live life better... every day at Spetisbury Manor

9

Why not arrange a visit to see for yourself

Stunning views

Bright, airy spaces

01258 857378 | www.spetisburymanor.co.uk | info@spetisburymanor.co.uk

10

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Gardeners gearing up for open days A RECORD £3,403,960 was donated by the National Garden Scheme (NGS) to some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities in 2023 - and 2024 is set to be even bigger and better.

The NGS gives visitors unique, affordable access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the NGS has donated over £70 million to nursing and health charities in the nearly 100 years since it was founded. It is now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK, with beneficiaries including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

NGS chairman Rupert Tyler said: “As the nation’s health and social care system continues to battle with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and with deeply embedded systemic challenges, the contribution of the charities that we support has been increasingly vital. Their reach and

impact, in cancer and end of life care, in community health and nursing and in particular areas such as people living with Parkinson’s, is immense and we are proud to be a major long-term supporter of them all.”

The NGS is looking ahead to 2024 with hopes of opening over 3,500 gardens across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. It will also see the charity return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a show garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith and fully funded by Project Giving Back.

The NGS has one garden open in the Vale this winter. The Old Vicarage (East Orchard, Shaftesbury SP7 0BA) is a 1.7 acre and new 1.1 acre wildlife garden with

Created to be the heartbeat of your home BESPOKE FITTED

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS by

OF WESSEX

CALL

01258 480621 FOR A FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION

See our showroom at 10 Glenmore Business Pk Blandford DT11 7FP

www.kingshotts.net

...where quality comes built-in

hundreds of different snowdrops, crocus and many other bulbs and winter flowering shrubs. A stream meanders down to a pond and there are lovely reflections in the swimming pond, the first to be built in Dorset.

The new acre has been planted with several unusual trees. Grotto, old Victorian man pushing his lawn mower which his owner purchased brand new in 1866. Pond dipping, swing and other children’s attractions. Cakes including gluten free and vegans are also catered for. Not suitable for wheelchairs if very wet.

The garden is open: Friday 16 and Sunday 18 February (2pm–5pm).

Admission is £5, children free. Home-made teas can be taken in the garden but inside if very wet in winter. Visits also by arrangement January 2 to December 3.

To find your perfect garden, visit ngs.org. uk, download the National Garden Scheme app or purchase the National Garden Scheme’s Garden Visitor’s Handbook, which is published annually and available via ngs.org.uk/shop and at all good book retailers.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

R AT E D EXCELLENT

5 S TA R S

over 60

New chief medical officer for Somerset bed frames available

Wier BED SALE IS NOW ON

Mattresses

THE Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has a new chief medical by leading officer. brands Dr Melanie Iles has been appointed to the role,from starting £99.on April 1 next year, taking over from Dr Dan Meron.

She is currently NHS England’s national chief clinical information officer (CCIO), on an interim basis on secondment from her substantive role as NHS England’s medical director and CCIO for the East of England region.

Dr Iles said: “I am delighted to haveFamily been appointed as Chief A30Medical from Officer for Somerset FT. Sherborne “It will be a privilege to join the trust and work with the amazing A staff to deliver the trusts vision to improve the health and care outcomes for the people of Somerset and the benefits of the trust BUSINESS Generous merger.

EST 1965 savings on “I have big shoes to fill taking on this role from Dr Dan Meron who has done a fantastic job. d luxury “I am looking forward to3 rstarting in Aprilbeds and getting to know the people and the services they deliver. I have been fortunate to have a varied career and experience which I intend to put to good use for the benefit of the organisation.”

Peter Lewis, chief executive of Somerset FT, said: “I am very excited to welcome Melanie to Somerset in spring next year.

“She is a paediatrician by background and has worked as a medical director both at local level within a trust and at a regional level in a number of different parts of the country.

“Our trust is unique in England and provides acute, community, mental health and learning disability services, and primary care services via our subsidiary.

“We aim to support people to stay well, provide the best care and support, strengthen care and support in local communities, and reduce health inequalities.

“I am confident Melanie will support us to achieve this while at the same time supporting our colleagues within the trust to develop and continue to innovate.”

EXTRA SAVINGS ON TRUSTED BRANDS

Premium bed brands for all budgets

G E N E R AT I O N

01935 423596 w w w. t h e b e d s p e c i a l i s t . c o . u k 1 0 6 H u i s h , Y E OV I L , BA 2 0 1 AQ

11

12

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Xander’s effort to help in Gaza raises £300 for Save the Children A BLANDFORD youngster decided to take action after being touched by heartbreaking images of the conflict in the Middle East.

Xander Bagnall, a year 6 pupil at Milldown Academy, raised more than £300 in aid of Save the Children to help with amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The charity helps more than 45 million children across the world to gain access to the medicine, food, support, and education they need.

Xander’s parents said they were proud of their son’s determination to do something to help.

They said: “Xander has been incredibly moved by the events happening in Israel at the moment.

“He has been deeply concerned about the people who have been killed, injured, or forced out of their homes, including a family friend and his young family, who were forced to flee.

“He was desperate to raise funds for those affected so sought the support of school to make a difference.”

With an original fundraising target of £30, Xander said he was delighted to have raised so much more.

“I didn’t expect we would raise this much, so thank you to everyone for your donations and support, this will really help loads of children,” he said.

Headteacher at Milldown, James Law, added: “Our whole school curriculum seeks to encourage staff and pupils to commit to showing acts of kindness to others in a bid to help make significant improvements in the local community and beyond.

“I am not only impressed by Xander’s generosity and the commitment he has shown to this wonderful act of kindness, but I am also proud of his fellow pupils, their families, and others outside the school community who have supported him with the many donations received.”

EE te FR uo Q

LIZZIE PRICE SHADING SOLUTIONS

Blinds, Shutters, Awnings, and so much more.

024

ends 31/1/2

Call us on 07879 992000 www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk Covering Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire

20% OFF WINTER OFFER FROM LIZZIE PRICE SHADING SOLUTIONS AWNINGS, EXTERNAL BLINDS and PERGOLAS aren’t just for Summer, they’re for 365 days a year. Especially when they’re equipped with lighting, heating, and side screens in the case of our pergolas, creating a cosy and pleasant environment on the terrace that can be enjoyed, whatever the weather. To help you make the most of your outdoor space this Autumn/Winter we are offering our lowest prices of the year! And with our lead time of just 4 weeks, you can unlock your gardens true potential and start living the alfresco lifestyle right away.

If you want to order now for delivery in the New Year, that’s fine too, allowing you to benefit from this amazing offer and beat the New Year price increases. As long as installation is before Easter 2024, we will store your external shading system at no cost for you, ready to deliver and install when you are ready.

We have extended our offer of 20% off all our outdoor shading range.

To take advantage of this offer all orders must be placed before 31st January 2024.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

13

News

blackmorevale.net

Advertising Feature

Wishing you a warm welcome this new year at Fern Brook Lodge FERN BROOK LODGE, a Care South care home, will be warmly welcoming new residents this new year. The invitation is extended to friends, family and loved ones who wish to share in the Food, Fun and Friendship on offer in the bright and comfortable communal spaces with views over the beautiful gardens.

Fern Brook Lodge offers comfort, security, and peace of mind.

The home prides itself on providing hearty, nutritious meals, and a wealth of fun activities. The events and activities on offer are all designed to suit the residents’ interests and ensure that they can embrace their golden years.

Whether you’re looking for a short stay, a change of scenery to give you and your family members a break, or even a new home, Fern Brook Lodge offers it all.

For further information about Fern Brook Lodge call 01747 449812 or visit www.care-south.co.uk. Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

Recently, Fern Brook Lodge residents and staff had a lovely outing to a garden centre in Gillingham. As they wandered around Orchard Park, everyone was taken aback by the beautiful displays and the unique advice from the green-fingered staff members. The group then headed to the café and enjoyed a delectable lunch that included sandwiches, cakes, and delightful pastries.

Fern Brook Lodge offers residential, respite and dementia care in a safe, home-from-home environment. It has 75 welcoming bedrooms and benefits from an abundance of local shops, cafés, restaurants, and other facilities, allowing residents to continue doing what they love, whether that’s coffee with friends or enjoying time with visiting loved ones.

A Care South home for residential and dementia care

In the heart of your community

As voted for by residents in our care, their families and friends

9.9/10 – Dec 2023

9.9

is only one word to describe Fern Brook Lodge – “ There outstanding. Excellent food, spotlessly clean rooms and beautiful gardens.”

A real review taken from carehome.co.uk

Contact us today to see how we can help create a new home for you or a loved one

Care South is a not-for-profit charity. Registered Charity No. 1014697

20

23 20

Fern Brook Lodge | Fern Brook Lane | Gillingham | SP8 4QD

TOP

D AR AW

01747 449812 | care-south.co.uk

14

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

The ageing heating system at Westfield Academy has cost almost £170,000 in repairs in the last 18 months

School looks to install air source heat pumps A YEOVIL school has applied for permission to upgrade its heating system – after forking out about £170,000 on repairs.

Westfield Academy has applied to Somerset Council for permission to install 12 air source heat pump units at the Upper School site, in Stiby Road.

The plan would see a bin store converted to house the

units, while an electrical sub-station would be built on the site to accommodate the increased electrical demand.

“The project consists of a refurbishment of the original, life-expired and inefficient heating system within Block B at the academy,” the application said.

“The system has failed on a number of occasions, with

reactive repairs and flood damage costing almost £170,000 in the last 18 months.

“At 55 years old, the heating system is in desperate need of replacement and is well beyond its expected life.

“Inevitably, if no action is taken there will be further failures, likely resulting in the Academy closure.”

It said the new heating would be zero-carbon, providing a “reliable and future-proofed heating system”.

The new heating would save about 1,696 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime, the plan said, a reduction of 88% when compared to a new gas-fired boiler – cutting the school’s total carbon emissions by 39%.

Somerset Council planners will now consider the scheme.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 23/02420/FUL.

MASSIVE

60th year for floral group

THIS year promises to be a special one for Sturminster Newton Floral Group as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The September meeting will be a big event because of that, but the programme also includes flower arranging demonstrations and workshops where members get to try new ways with flowers.

The group changed the venue and time of its meetings last summer and now meets at the British Legion Hall, Marnhull, on the second Wednesday of each month at 2pm.

Members got the festive season under way at their December meeting by making table arrangements accompanied by Christmas treats and a raffle prize for everyone.

For more information, contact sandramilne22@gmail. com.

SALE

GENUINE REDUCTIONS NOW ON UP TO 50% OFF all Departments SALE

JEANS & TROUSER S

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

SALE SEASA

LT

50% OFF (Selected lines)

SALE KNITW EAR

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

SALE

SALE

SALE

50% OFF

25% OFF

WHITE STUFF

BRAS CASHMERE

(Selected lines)

(Selected lines)

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG Tel:01747 852444

SALE ONLINE

visit our website www.shirleyallum.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

A walk around...

Iwerne Minster START by visiting the church, which is usually open. It has a rectangular tower with a spire on top. It is getting on for 1,000 years old but will certainly have received some alterations during that time.

Head north to a junction where you turn right and head east up Tower Hill. It is rather steep but as you get near the top there are stupendous views over the Vale. After about a mile, when it has flattened out, you come to a crossroads at Hill Farm – I wonder how it got that name! Cross over and continue east for nearly half a mile until you come to woodland on your right.

Take the bridleway, part of the Wessex Ridgeway, heading south through the wood until, at the parish boundary, you join a footpath on your right heading west along the boundary. It

crosses the road and continues as the Ridgeway west between Rolf’s Wood and Preston Wood.

At the end of the woodland take a footpath on your right, heading north at first and then turns left, west, and heads steeply down the hill, then curves right and heads north back to the village, which you might like to explore as it has lots of old buildings, many built of the local stone.

The main road, the A350, heads north through the village and passes Clayesmore School, converted from a massive manor house. Also on the main road is the pub the Talbot Arms.

You will have walked about four miles, maybe more if you strayed off course to find some of the local geocaches.

Chris Slade Retired Dorset rights of way officer

15

Superb kitchens designed and installed for you.

Visit our showrooms to view our kitchen displays.

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476 Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL Warminster: 01985 219 200 5-6 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

16

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

New Year, New Bottom!

Pictures and text by George Jeans ON a damp but dry New Year’s Day 2024, 84 local walkers set out at 11am from Mere’s town clock. Their aim? To walk around Great Bottom, as is tradition.

Those who completed the nearly four-mile walk, some of which was uphill on extremely slippery ground, collected a “New Year New Bottom” badge and a tot.

With helpers, around 100 people were involved in the walk, which was organised and financed by The Mere Footpath Group.

The Group has benefited from a grant, gained in 2022 from Wiltshire Council’s South West Wiltshire Area Board. It was put to good use on this walk.

No competition was involved, however Cathy Walsh (pictured below) collected her “New Year New Bottom” badge first for the second year running.

TAILOR YOUR INSURANCE Insurance built for your needs Specialists in all commercial, agricultural and household insurances

Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

KHB for all your Horsebox Needs Experienced, friendly, professional

Please call Shelagh Lound on 01202 754985

Horsebox Sales/Self Drive Hire All Horsebox Repairs & Refurbs

Alan & Thomas, 16 Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham SP8 5FB

MOT Preparation New Ramps/Floors/Windows Accident Repairs & Insurance Work Parts for Commercial Vehicles Self Drive Hire of 3.5 Ton and 7.5 Ton 2 Horse with Full Living

07951 132463

Facebook.com/khbhorseboxes

Very Competitive Rates Flexible Working Hours

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

17

News

blackmorevale.net

your home from Care Rotary recognises Shield Costs & Inheritance Tax with HOPE’s efforts a Living Trust.

THIS year’s Shaftesbury Rotary Club Caldwell Award has been presented to HOPE (Helping Other People to Evolve) to recognise its work providing support through various projects, especially in relation to mental health.

HOPE runs a drop-in centre supporting people with mental health and wellbeing needs, and Shaftesbury Community Front Room, a safe space for those seeking support.

In addition, HOPE 2 Grow, for people in health and wellbeing recovery, offers gardening services to others in the community.

HOPE 2 Bake offers cookery courses that allow people to get together and

Genette Gale, community chair of Shaftesbury Rotary Club, awards this year’s Caldwell Award to Eileen Crew of HOPE

cook, and HOPE 2 Cycle repairs and recycles bikes to get them back on the road.

Shaftesbury Rotary Club wants to acknowledge HOPE’s work and feels the services it offers are vital for the local community.

Conservatories, Solid Solid Roofs, Roofs, Bi-Folds, Bi-Folds, Conservatories, Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering Guttering Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Soffit & Soffit & Guttering &Park Guttering Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Showroom in inSoffit Orchard Park Garden Centre, Showroom Orchard Garden Centre, Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Showroom in ParkPark Garden Centre, Showroom in Orchard Garden Centre, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Gillingham, SP8Orchard 5JG (Showroom by appointment appointment only) Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by only) Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm andappointment Saturday 9am-12pm Gillingham, SP8 5JG by only) only) Soffit & Guttering Gillingham, SP8(Showroom 5JG (Showroom by appointment Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and 9am-12pm Showroom inSaturday Soffit & Guttering Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Garden Saturday 9am-12pm Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm Telephone 01747 826888 Showroom in Telephone Orchard Centre, 01747 Showroom in Orchard Park 826888 Garden Centre, Orchard ParkPark Garden Centre, 01747 Telephone 01747 826888 only) www.valecraft.co.uk Gillingham, SP8Telephone 5JG (Showroom by826888 appointment www.valecraft.co.uk Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only) Gillingham SP8 5JG Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm www.valecraft.co.uk Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm www.valecraft.co.uk Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Telephone 01747 826888 Telephone 01747 826888 Tel: 01747 826888 www.valecraft.co.uk www.valecraft.co.uk

How a Living Trust protects your estate: 1. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs.

Thus, protecting your inheritance.

2. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from creditors, divorce & remarriage, and other potential claims, including care costs.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability.

By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Revocable Nature: One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Should you move home the trust stays in place and protects your new residence. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances.

Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home.

Tel 07832 331594, email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk.

WILL WRITING AND LEGACY PLANNING Protect your assets from care costs and inheritance tax SAVE ON THE COST OF HIGH STREET SOLICITORS

 Will writing  Lasting power of attorney  Property protection trusts  Fixed price on ALL products  Free home visits and consultations

07832 331594

🖥🖥🖥🖥 www.oakwoodwills.co.uk

18

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

‘Pearly Royalty’ help Home-Start SHOPPERS at Waitrose in Gillingham gave generously and posed for pictures when they met ‘Pearly Royalty’ in the run-up to Christmas.

The Pearly King of Harrow, David Hemsley, who now lives in Mere, and his daughter Sophie, the Pearly Princess of Tunbridge Wells, were collecting for Home-Start Blackmore Vale.

David’s grandmother originally came from Harrow, and Sophie inherited her title from her grandparents.

The pair continue the Pearly

tradition of carrying out charitable work and meet regularly with other Pearly Kings and Queens in Covent Garden in London.

Caroline Salt, a trustee of Home-Start Blackmore Vale, collected with them and together they coined in just over £560, which will help fund a

volunteer for a year.

Caroline would like to thank David and Sophie, everyone who donated and Waitrose Gillingham for allowing them to collect on a busy day.

Home-Start Blackmore Vale has helped almost 1,000 families over the last 12 years.

After completing their training, volunteers commit to two to three hours each week to work with a family.

They use their training and parenting experience to offer friendship, support and advice to help families find coping

mechanisms for the challenges of everyday family life.

This approach has been proven to help transform the lives of parents and their children.

Home-Start Blackmore Vale is looking to recruit new volunteers with parenting experience.

Anyone who would like to discuss family support or volunteering should visit www. homestartblackmorevale.org.uk, phone 01258 473038 or email office@homestartblackmore vale.org.uk.

Rotary’s Christmas gifts to good causes SHAFTESBURY Rotary Club made several donations to support those in need over Christmas.

Genette Gale, chair of Community and Vocational, visited Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury in the week leading up to Christmas to present 15 toiletry sets.

These were given to patients at the hospital.

The club also made £250 payments to Open House to support its Christmas Box appeal and to the local KidsOut Refuge Centre.

Shaftesbury Open House hosted its Christmas dinner and party before Christmas and the Christmas boxes were given to all those who attended.

KidsOut, in collaboration with Women’s Aid, partner charities and corporate supporters, works with children and thousands of others living with disadvantages.

Anyone who would like to know more or to get involved with Rotary, should contact hello@shaftesburyrotaryclub.org.

Join the journey to

brilliant broadband

Say hello to a connection you can depend on with ultrafast full fibre broadband.

Up to 900Mbps

From £29 a month

Local friendly support

Up to 11x faster than the UK average broadband speed.

Packages from just £29 per month with free installation.*

If you need us, speak to our friendly support team based in Dorset.

wessexinternet.com *Free installation. Subject to survey. We may apply for a government funded voucher on your behalf.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

19

News

blackmorevale.net

Complete care solutions

50% off

respite stays

Throughout January It’s easy to forget the importance of self-care and relaxation. This is especially true for those who provide care for their loved ones. At Bramley Care, we understand the value of taking a break and recharging your spirits. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our 50% off respite stays offer, a great opportunity to rediscover joy and peace.

A chance to reconnect with yourself Whether you’re a caregiver in need of some rest or an older person looking for a well-earned rest from the day-to-day chores and some like-minded company. Our respite/convulsant stays offer the perfect solution. With our current 50% off promotion, experiencing what Bramley Care can offer has never been more accessible.

A legacy of compassion and excellence Bramley Care is a beacon of compassion and excellence in senior care. With a legacy rooted in caring for older individuals, we have consistently provided top-notch services that prioritise the well-being, comfort, and happiness of our residents. Our three high-end private care homes; The Old Rectory in Stalbridge, Bramley House in Mere, and Millbrook House in Child Okeford, have become synonymous with quality care and a warm, welcoming environment.

Unparalleled comfort and care When you choose Bramley Care, you choose the best. Our elegant rooms and inviting common areas are designed to make you feel right at home. But what truly sets us apart is our dedicated and compassionate staff. They go above and beyond to ensure your stay is filled with comfort, companionship, support and everything that you need.

Your peace of mind is our top priority.

Booking is simple Taking advantage of our 50% off respite stays offer couldn’t be easier. Just contact Bramley Care on 01747 855844 and mention the “50% off respite stays” promotion. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will guide you through the booking process, making sure your needs are met every step of the way.

Limited availability We have limited respite stay slots available. So, if you’re considering a well-deserved break or if you’re a caregiver looking to provide your loved one with a well-earned rest, act fast. Our respite stays are a testament to our commitment to providing top-quality care. Book your 50% off respite stay today. Your well-being is our priority, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Minimum stay of one week, maximum stay of three weeks.

See our website for more information.

bramleycare.co.uk

01747 855844

Bramley House, Mere | Millbrook House, Child Okeford | The Old Rectory, Stalbridge | Bramley Home Care, Shaftesbury

20

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Felicity Griffiths, head of school at Sherborne Primary (far left) and executive headteacher Ian Bartle (front left) next to Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, with representatives of businesses who donated

School rallies community effort for families in need FAMILIES in need in the Sherborne area at Christmas received a helping hand after Sherborne Primary School rallied the local community.

Some 165 Christmas boxes were delivered to the families of children who receive free school meals at the school and Sherborne Abbey Primary

Oak Framing & Garden Rooms Garden Buildings Gates & Automation Timber Framed Extensions & New Builds Fencing & Landscaping Windows & Doors

School.

Families received a box of food from Hunt’s Foods Store, as well as toiletries, and an additional bag of food supplied

by Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

The family of every child that received a box was given a bag of presents given by the Hidden Needs Trust to ensure

they had something to open on Christmas Day. This was the fourth year Sherborne Primary had organised this project, but it was expanded this time to help families from Sherborne Abbey Primary.

In total the appeal raised nearly £12,000 in goods and

funds to help support families.

Donors met at the school to see the boxes before they were delivered, and they were joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.

Sherborne Primary’s PTA also stepped in to support vouchers organised by former Mayor of Sherborne David Birley worth £60 a family, which could be used at independent shops in Sherborne.

Ian Bartle, executive headteacher of both schools, speaking before the festive season, said: “This will mean so much to these families at Christmas, and would not have been possible without the generous donations from local businesses and the organisational skills of David Birley. “It has been wonderful to see so many people work together on this fantastic project and shows what a compassionate town we are so fortunate to live in.”

School staff volunteered to deliver the boxes after school in their own time.

Established in 1985 in the heart of Dorset in Dorchester we are proud to be a local truly family run business.

We specialise in timber construction, gates & fencing.

Offering a range of bespoke build services with in-house surveyors, designers, construction crews & carpenters.

Your local carpenter builders serving Dorchester and the surrounding four counties.

The Timber Yard is open for trade and retail customers for all your timber and construction needs Call 01300 345220 Pulham, Dorchester DT2 7DX

www.townsendtimber.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Work to bring full-fibre broadband to Vale villages continues RURAL Vale villages are set to get a broadband boost in the new year as work to bring full-fibre to rural Dorset continues this month.

Engineering work is getting underway to extend full-fibre broadband to more than 1,800 homes in Sturminster Marshall, Shillingstone, Okeford Fitzpaine and Child Okeford.

The work is part of a multi-million-pound infrastructure investment in the county by telecoms company Gigaclear.

Work in the villages is set for completion in the spring, with the first residents having access in February 2024.

Senior project manager, Glenn Ellis, said: “We’re

21

Gigaclear is bringing full-fibre broadband to homes in Sturminster Marshall, Shillingstone, Okeford Fitzpaine and Child Okeford

already extending our network to almost 2,000 homes in nearby Sturminster Newton and thousands more in Blandford Forum, and the current work will enable us to reach other rural communities in the county.

“We’ve already invested around £8 million to extend our network in rural Dorset and we shall continue to provide homeowners and businesses with the opportunity to benefit

from Gigaclear’s full fibre broadband, whether it’s to work from home, stream online entertainment, scroll or gameplay.”

During the engineering work, Gigaclear will be utilising existing Openreach ducts and poles wherever possible in order to minimise disruption.

For more information on the rollout, visit www.gigaclear. com.

E R B I F L L F U A D BA N D B RO L A N D E D HAS Bringing faster speeds to rural villages and towns.

Upgrade to 100% full fibre broadband and video call, browse, stream and game to your hearts content.

Choose your perfect broadband package at gigaclear.com or call 0370 224 8918 Gigaclear and the Gigaclear logo are UK registered trademarks of Gigaclear Limited.

22

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Youngsters get a chance to ‘Shine’ at Christmas ball SEVENTY young adults with Down’s syndrome or learning difficulties, and their families or carers, got suited and booted for the inaugural Shine 21 Christmas Fundraising Ball at Port Regis School.

Zoe Binns conceived the event to raise much-needed funds for the community group.

Shine 21 provides social situations for young adults to experience the independence their peers who go to university would normally have.

Zoe, whose son, Jake, 20, attends Foxes Academy in Minehead, says most charity groups focus on supporting younger children with needs

and the 16-plus age group is often forgotten.

Port Regis School gave its banquet hall for the event and up-and-coming photographer Ben Tettmar took professional portraits as party-goers entered the venue.

The ball included a formal three-course meal and entertainment from Caron Parry’s School of Dance.

Caron Parry’s two children, Adam and Megan Parry, provided a Strictly Dance show and then taught the young revellers how to waltz themselves.

Brook McCullough was responsible for co-ordinating the teenage volunteer helpers.

Trying to source appropriate young support staff to help young adults with learning delay is expensive and hard to find, disabling them further.

The proceeds from the ball will help fund such staffing, to provide more events in the future.

Zoe Binns wants young adults with Down’s syndrome or learning difficulties to feel

just like their peers and go to parties, festivals and holidays with friends rather than being

For all of life’s new beginnings Our experience, your future

www.battens.co.uk 0800 652 8373

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

dependent on their parents for these experiences.

Last summer Zoe got a group of eight young adults to go to Camp Bestival for the day.

Next year, she hopes to arrange for a group to go to the festival and camp overnight, providing an opportunity to experience freedom and build

23

self-reliance.

Shine 21 would like to thank all the sponsors who made the ball possible: B&K Bristol Properties LLP, Clinical Partners, Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, Johnson’s Stalbridge Linen and Port Regis School.

Donations to the community group – Shine 21 Dorset Down

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order Gillingham Showroom

01747 833 789 Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG Opening Hours Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm by appointment only.

Closed Saturday & Sunday. www.solsticekitchens.co.uk

24

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Stour floods

Plans for the New Year

The path down to the river walk towards Fiddleford

Pictures and text by Neil Henty

THE Stour has broken its banks at Sturminster Newton, with dramatic results.

These photos were taken at the bridge over the river on the trailway, some looking toward Fiddleford Mill and some looking the other way.

With Fiddleford Mill in the background, you can just see the line of the river bank

CERNE Sheep Group’s December meeting at The Fox Inn at Ansty hosted Barry Graham, chair of Dorset Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), who spoke about the organisation founded 50 years ago.

Members enjoyed Christmas supper and a raffle.

The next meeting, also the annual meeting – normally quite short – is at the same venue on Monday (January 8) at 7.30pm when Barry Graham will conclude his talk on the RBST. Subs will be due and they remain the same. Suggestions would be welcome for nominations, speakers and farm visits.

The speaker on Monday, February 12 (7.30pm) is James Cox, secretary of Dorset County Show.

New members are always welcome. For more info contact Jill Hole by phone (01929 459450) or email (jill_ hole@outlook.com).

In the opposite direction you can see submerged trees and fence lines

The New

www.beaminstersheds.co.uk

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

01308 861144 info@beaminstersheds.co.uk 32, North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DY

A family-run business established more than 29 years ago, offering a huge range of sheds and outbuildings, including:

Edition 66

RY FREE EVE

T FORTNIGH

3 Edition rch 17, 202 67 FORTNIGHT ay, MaEVERY FridFREE blackmo

revale.n

et

Edition 65

Friday, March 31, 2023 FREE EV ERY FO RTNIGHT New Blac kmore

VTahlee Nere The Newre Blackmo w Vale Blackmo Blackmo re Vale The New HOGG

ING THE LIMELIG HT

GO JOBS TO use As Almsho revealed decision Page 5

PHOTO COMP Send in your best snaps

7 MePage et Be

re Marsh Fa newest rec rm’s ruits Page 11

Bike Sheds, Dustbin Stores And Log Storage Sheds To Suit All Budgets & Uses, From Hobbies To Workshops Garages & Carports

SEAT! TAKE A chairs Mystery bury in Shaftes Page 7 woods

Beach Huts Field Shelters & Stables

Garden Gates

Summerhouses & Home Offices

Fencing

Playhouse

Bespoke Buildings

FREE local delivery & erection of garden buildings

SPRING CLEAN Cubs and scouts tidy village

Wonder DAYful Will

BIG ELSIE’S shers from wellwi of cards 103 Hundreds e resident turns orn as Sherb

Gillingham youngster nominated for Saward RET after raising more SITE SEC than £10,000 bridge ains for brainStal tumour 8 House rem charity uncovered

Page

Page 3

Page 9

TOP CHE

Blandfor F! d chippy among UK’s best

Page 6

WARM WELCO ME

Sturmins celebrat ter es new vicar

Page 6

POPPY PRIZE Frome students dig deep Page 19

!

ThinIn iaInsignia!

Think shutters? si shguntt k kThink ers? Thin 3 ers? ThUKin k Insignia 3utt sh k in h T !

UK UK

Page 7

Poultry Housing, Dog Houses, Kennels & Runs

Vale, Apri Frid ay, Apr l 14,il 2023 14, 20231

K WEE RY! VE DELI 671 ley Roa 01202 741 Insignia, 1-7 Ash

3

PROPER LADDER TY

Beeny’s barn plan resu s

bmitted ant Page 7 n with eleg latio insuor Light shade, privacy and insulation with elegant and WEEK e, privacy shu tters. nsive shutters. bespoke ! oke and adjustable our exte Light or shad WEEK DELIVERY quote. to see our Ligh stable besp Callto see or visit showroom RY! t or shad extensive ey and survour and adju visit our showroom us DELIVE e, and adju MADE02 bligatio ornto arrange3.00 a no-obligation pm survey and quote.privacy and a no-orange Call us or012arra 741671 nge 9.30am-MADE Call us or stable bespoke shuinsulation with to Sat | 5.00 01202 741671 | www.insigniashadeandshutter.co.uk ww pm, w.in Open visit Mon-Fri | eleg 9.30am-5.00pm, range or tters.

Sat rang 9.30am-3.00pmour show sign amant e) adea 9.30Insig ebasiash -FriDorset e or to arra nia, Insignia, room 1-7 Ashley Road, Hom Poole, E Mon BH14 9BS s &1-7 (opposite Johnndsh Lewis & Homebase) MAD Ash utte nge a no-o to see our exte ley Roa | Open John Lewi d, Poole, r.co.uk | Open bligation nsiv (opposite utter.co.uk Mon Dorset BH1 survey and e adeandsh Dorset BH14 9BS 4 9BS (opp -Fri 9.30am-5.00 signiash quote. pm, d, Poole, osite | www.in Sat 9.30 John Lewi am-3.00 s & Hom pm ebase)

Connecting you with local customers To advertise call: 01963 400186

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

25

News

blackmorevale.net

Belinda has reversed her diabetes after losing over 3 stone!

Belinda says…. I have always been a yo-yo dieter for at least 30 years, I lose 1-1.5 stone and then get fed up and put on more pounds than I’d lose. This time last year I decided I needed to do something about my weight as more and more was creeping on, I also got fed up with all the medication I was taking for various reasons, the biggest being diabetes my clothes were tight and I was always out of breath.

My friend Wendy and I decided to join Slimming world as I’d done it before and found it the easiest to get me head round, so we rang up Livewell Dorset for a 12 week referral and haven’t looked back since. Debbie at the Tuesday group is supportive and encouraging, it’s a lovely

Blandford Methodist Church Thursday 5.30pm, 7.30pm Tracey 0777 630 9982

Sturminster Newton The Exchange Monday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Gail 07748 643783

Blandford Corn Exchange Wednesday 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am, 5.30pm, 7pm Tracey 0777 630 9982

Blandford Corn Exchange Tuesday 6pm Debbie 07415 565 185

Shaftesbury Royal Chase Hotel Thursday 7.30am, 9am & 10.30am Jane 07525 157 302

Shaftesbury Royal Chase Hotel Thursday 6pm & 7.30pm Gail 07748 643 783

crown and we all help each other.

There is so much you can eat and so many recipes to follow! I have now lost 3 stone 3lb and the best thing is I have reversed my diabetes!! I’ve also come off all medication and I’ve gone down 3 dress sizes, I have much more energy and I do a lot of walking,

I enjoy what I eat and I will keep going.

Mere Lecture Halls, Salisbury Street, 7.30pm Sally 07429 360215 Sherborne Wednesday 9am Raleigh Hall Digby Road Sally 07973 665167 Gillingham Youth Community Centre Tuesday 9.30am & 11am Lorraine 07771 013728

Gillingham Gilligham Social Club Hardings Lane Tuesday 5.30pm, 7pm Jane 07525 157302 Wincanton Memorial Hall Wednesday 5.45pm, 7.30pm Debbie 07415 565185

Somerton Somerton Group The Club @ Somerton Gassons Lane Mondays 5.30pm & 7.15pm Shelley 07786011728

Yeovil Park House, 45 The Park (Opposite Sydney Gardens) Yeovil, BA20 1DF Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm, Wednesdays 3.30pm 5.30pm & 7pm Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Shelley 07786011728

Sherborne Raleigh Hall Digby Road Tuesday 5.30pm Sally 07973 665167 Puddletown Village Hall Thursday 7pm Julie 07871 821 928

26

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

Our Loose Canon

If you have the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the heart to understand, you will find Christ

by Canon Eric Woods SEVERAL of my friends have commented that my column on December 22 was “not very Christmassy”. They were quite right. It was the article I had meant to appear today. My mistake was to send two columns in quick succession – trying to be helpful! – and the later one was printed first.

Hey-ho. So here is a rewritten version of what should have appeared last time.

For over a quarter of a century, when I was Vicar of Sherborne Abbey, thousands of people would pour into that glorious building over Christmas to sing their carols and to hear again the timeless message of Christ’s birth.

If you think I am exaggerating, in 2019 we had a total of more than 2,500

attending one or other of the six services between the first Crib Service on Christmas Eve and Mattins on Christmas Day. Then came Covid, and lockdown, and Christmas 2020 was a no-go. 1n 2021/22 people’s nerve began to recover.

I hope 2023 numbers returned to 2019 levels.

So: why do so many people attend Christmas services, or wish they could?

Could part of it, I wonder, be a longing to escape for a moment from the stresses and tensions of everyday life, to lose oneself for a moment in the familiar Christmas story and the old carols? That would be so understandable.

But the problem is, it doesn’t

blackmorevale.net work. Christianity isn’t about escape, let alone escapism. It isn’t about swapping the uncertainties of life for a set of cast-iron religious certainties.

Our churches are not bolt-holes. All they can offer you is wonder – but in that wonder is our hope.

At Christmas we celebrate God’s taking the initiative in coming into history, into your story and mine.

St John, a semi-literate fisherman from Palestine, searched for a way to express it and in atrocious Greek – but with great insight – declared that the Word had become flesh and dwelt among us, and that everything depends on whether or not we can understand the significance of that life-changing event.

Another John, in the last book of the Bible, said that what had happened was that Christ now stands at the door of our hearts and longs to be

invited in – not as a temporary guest but to live forever with and in us, as friend and brother and Saviour.

We live in a world searching for certainties. Politicians give us pious platitudes and atheists their arid arguments. But I want people to enquire, and search – and see.

There is no sign in any church worth its salt demanding that you leave your brain at the door, any more than there is one offering you cheap grace or an easy solution to life’s problems.

But there is the promise that, if you have the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the heart to understand, you will find Christ.

And then in him you will find your burdens shared, your sorrows understood. Your regrets and your failures can be left behind, as you travel forward forgiven and free.

If you make a gift of yourself to Christ, he will make the gift of himself to you, and that is his promise. Draw near to him, and he will draw near to you. Happy new year!

MUDDY GOOD FUN!

The Dorset Mud Run is back for 2024! Sign up today and enjoy a special January offer - £35 per person with an extra 10% off for groups of 5 or more!

Tackle over 15 challenging but fun obstacles on the 6km run, winding through beautiful oak woodland, wading through ponds and getting very muddy, all while enjoying stunning views across the Dorset countryside.

Held at the Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton, the Dorset Mud Run is an experience full of laughter, fun and teamwork. Cheerful stewards will offer encouragement as you jump hurdles, swing over ditches, scramble up mud hills and crawl under cargo nets.

All participants receive a free beer and a Dorset Mud Run t-shirt as a welcome reward at the finishing line.

The Dorset Mud Run is held on Saturday 18th May 2024 at Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton.

Use offer code: BMV35 at the checkout. £35 pp.

Offer ends 2nd February 2024. For more information and to book your place visit: www.thedorsetmudrun.com or call 01963 23511.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Christmas toy appeal big hit with listeners THE Free Toys at Christmas Appeal on Radio Ninesprings, in partnership with Calis Media, received more than 600 toys to give to young people in hospitals, care facilities and those in less fortunate situations.

Listeners, businesses and sponsors of the radio station donated the gifts, which were sorted into ageappropriate categories and delivered around the Yeovil and South Somerset area to be handed out.

Steve Calis, from Calis Media, said: “It’s been an incredible year for giving and I still can’t quite believe how generous everyone has been.

“I was lucky enough to be on many of the deliveries this year and every

27

Steve Calis with some of the donated toys

beneficiary said what a difference receiving one of our toys had made to their Christmas.”

Radio Ninesprings station manager, Steve Haigh, said: “I want to say a big thank you to our listeners, local businesses and sponsors for their generosity – without their donations this campaign would never have been possible.”

Combining a personal service with competitive prices using quality products W indows Doors Conser vatories

Replacement roofs Fascia Soffits

Tel 01747 840885 or 0800 0833623 Website: pitmanwindows.com

HUGE SAVINGS

ACROSS ALL BRANDS

WINTER WITH OUR

SALE

FREE MATTRESS PROTECTOR + 1/2 PRICE HEAVEN LUXURY TOPPER *selected purchases

FREE SIZE UPGRADE

UP TO 50% OFF

SAVE AN EXTRA 10%

BEDSAREUZZZ.CO.UK

+ 2 FREE WOOL PILLOWS

DORCHESTER: 24 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1EZ | 01305 266535

T&C’s apply

28

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Events

blackmorevale.net

Artist pays unusual tribute to Dorset A WEST country artist – who illustrated the BBC Pointless book and frequently contributes to Private Eye – has unveiled his latest collection, featuring characters who pay an unusual tribute to Dorset.

Moose Allain, who boasts more than 135,000 followers on social media platform X – formerly Twitter – is releasing the next set of his Townsfolk series; original paintings of creatures he creates.

And the new roster includes residents with names such as Sturminster Newton, Fifehead Magdalen and Sandford Orcas.

After completing drawings for the Explodapedia series of children’s science books, Moose

said he had some free time in the run up to Christmas.

So, the 60-year-old started drawing brightly-coloured characters, and thought they deserved Victorian-sounding names.

“I started to play around with making them up, when I suddenly recalled the lovely place name Compton Pauncefoot, in Somerset, which felt just right,” he said.

“I started scouring the map for more of these ‘double barrel’ place names, and, of course, the place is rich with them.

“I sit with the character and the list and think, right, who do you look like? Of course, you’re a ‘Sturminster Newton’.

13/01/24- BACON BAP AND COFFEE/TEA fund raising event for CCLL Ukrainian Crisis Fund.

9.30am-12.30pm cheap sheet church hall, Sherborne.

JUMBLE SALE AT MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION. DT10 1HR on Saturday Jan 6th, Doors open 10:15am

SOMERSET VINTAGE & CLASSIC TRACTOR SHOW BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th January INDOOR STATIC TRACTOR SHOW

Special Feature: Allis Chalmers

Tractor, implement, trade stands, toys, models & books, etc.

AUCTION on Sat 27th by HJ Pugh & Co. RAISING MONEY for local charities Sat: 8:30am - 4pm & Sun: 9am - 3:30pm Contact: Mike 07976 535762 If an entry form is needed by post please ring Marcie Tel: 01747 822662

www.somersettractorsshow.com

SHILLINGSTONE ENGLISH BARN DANCE EVENINGS. The Portman Hall, Blandford Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SF 2/02, 1/03, 5/04 7:15pm for 7:30pm TEMPLECOMBE, MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT FAIR. 25th February 2024, 10am4pm, at the Village Hall, Readers, healers, sellers.

FREE entry, refreshments available. Enquiries Alison Loader. 07928 290216

hardly doing anything creative.

“I just couldn’t imagine doing that for the rest of my life.”

So, in consultation with wife, Karen, the couple decided to take the plunge and move west.

“Karen was incredibly supportive of me giving up my steady, well-paid job to spend all day doodling,” Moose went on.

Karen, also an artist who shares photographic content as @thebaronski on Instagram, now handles the business side of their art company, allowing Moose to do the “fun stuff”.

For more information on the Townsfolk series, visit worldofmoose.com or follow Moose on Twitter.

26 JANUARY – BLANDFORD & DISTRICT u3a.

2pm at Durweston Village Hall.

Dorset Police is giving a presentation on scams and fraud, which is to be followed by a talk by Robin Clarke on Madagascar.

For further information, please contact 01258 628079; https://u3asites.org.uk/blandford/home).

Choice of MKII and XK8 Convertible Covering 20 miles from Gillingham, fully insured.

anuary 2024 under our new enthusiastic Musical Director, Richard Nye

Why join our SATB choir?

Why joinGillingham, our SATBsinging choir?a wide range of choral music, some sacred re a long-established amateur choir, based in and some secular.

No auditions necessary…Make new friends... ngham, singing a wide range of choral music, some sacred and some secular.

Rehearsals MONDAY from: uditions necessary…Make new friends...

7:15pm - 9:00pm at Wyke Primary School Rehearsals MONDAY from: 7.15pm -9.00pm Deane Ave, Gillingham SP8 4SH Carole Brooks: 07572786416 at Wyke Primary School

Deane Ave, Gillingham SP8 4SH

“We called them Townsfolk because for me they are all the inhabitants of a fictional place and obviously their names are also towns.”

Being based in the Devon countryside is a far cry from Moose’s initial career path, in London.

In 2006, he gave up a successful architectural career in the capital to start an art business in Exeter.

He’d previously been involved in community consultation, writing reports for the King’s Cross and Olympic Park projects.

“I enjoyed my job up to a point,” he said. “But I ended up in a middle management role,

CLASSIC JAGS FOR HIRE

The choir begins its new term Monday, 8th January 2024 under our new enthusiastic Musical Director, Richard Nye. e choir begins its newNew term Monday, 8th are very welcome, in all voices. members

members are veryWe welcome, all voices are ainlong-established amateur choir, based in

Moose Allain, inset, with Sandford Orcas

Call Alistair for details 07717 112730

MAKING YOUR SPECIAL DAY EXTRA SPECIAL

8 ay, ic ond siast M u m es ter enth oic w ew ll v s n ur ne a t i n ns ro e, i egi unde in om rb ed elc hoi 2024 w c bas , y e y r r i h r T nua ve cho ur Ja are te

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024 blackmorevale.net

Farmers should clean the roads IN the Farming section – New Blackmore Vale, November 10 – Ruth Kimber said ‘Paul’ had slipped on cow muck in the yard and had an accident.

Perhaps farmers in general should clean the roads after they spill cow slurry, as they are going too fast and/or are too full, and it slops out of the trailer and tyres are caked in mud.

If they can clean the yard, perhaps they should think about cleaning the roads after they have finished for that day, but l don’t suppose they’re bothered if someone, either walking or in a vehicle, has an accident and all the inconvenience that will cause them.

It may take drivers a few weeks to get the vehicle sorted and their insurance will go up, probably through no fault of their own – or do farmers expect drivers to go slower than walking pace, as obviously accidents happen in that situation as well.

Claire Abel Sherborne

Road repairs won’t last

DEAR Chris Loder – it was encouraging to read about the funding for road repairs that should be coming to Dorset diverted from the HS2 budget.

Thank you for your efforts to secure this and all the hard work you do on our behalf.

From your experience in the real world when working on the farm and at South West Trains I hope you realise that unless radically different materials, methods of repair and contractors are employed, our roads will be in the same shocking state in a year, or even less, following any heavy rainfall.

All that hard won funding will go, literally, down our already clogged drains unless someone establishes a quality control for filling a hole in the road which is fit for purpose

– that is, does not sink in five minutes and lasts for several years.

What have we come to as a nation when we are unable to fill a hole in the road effectively?

Simon Jeans Sherborne

Road signs are plain ‘wokery’

YESTERDAY, driving along the Blandford bypass, I passed an official black and yellow sign put up by the town council which announced ‘Happy Yuletide’ celebrations.

Does the council not understand that this month we are not marking something called Yuletide but rather Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Has the council taken this extraordinary position because it is frightened of offending some who may not be Christians?

The Gurkhas in the town most certainly won’t take offence any more than will those of any other religion.

Agnostics and atheists by definition cannot be concerned.

I thought that we in the South-West had largely been spared this degree of pernicious ‘wokery’ but it seems not.

Peter Munro Stoke Trister, Wincanton

Lack of solar on new builds

TRAVELLING to London by train and driving around towns nearer to home, I have noticed the intense growth of housing estates around Andover, Basingstoke and Shaftesbury.

However, to my astonishment and concern, there appears to be a total absence of solar arrays of PV cells on any roofs.

How is it possible that this is not an obligation for ‘new builds’. Having just built our own house, I know there was a VAT-free concession for

conforming to ‘Green guidelines’.

Is it because the developers can reclaim the VAT anyway and so the extra cost of the PV is seemingly not justified?

Surely this should be a requirement.

Oliver Swann Wiltshire

Dire need for traffic lights

I WOULD like to add my comments to those of Jeremy Bloomfield – Letters, New Blackmore Vale, December 8.

I live in Stour Provost and agree with him with regard to the dire need for traffic lights at the junction of the B3092 and the A30 at East Stour.

Dorset Council should look again at the need for traffic lights at what is a very difficult and potentially dangerous junction.

Ruth Alexander Stour Provost

Troubled time for public services

29

Letters

While we can agree that those protesters were disgraceful, they were confined to that one weekend, whereas it is a fact, observable in the plentiful media coverage, that week after week after week the protests have been dominated by the far-left, as evidenced by the sea of Socialist Workers Party placards.

They have been joined by people holding up explicitly and often vilely anti-semitic propaganda, by useful idiots chanting the Hamas slogan ‘From the River to the Sea’, without even knowing what river and which sea is meant, and by ignorant protesters from the LGBT community.

Israel is the only fullyfunctioning democracy in the Middle East, and the only one where gay rights are protected – being gay is illegal in Gaza, and is punished by imprisonment and worse – so you don’t have to believe that Israel is always blameless to see that all this is very wrongheaded, to put it mildly.

Roger White Sherborne

I AM sure we are all grateful for North Dorset MP Simon Hoare’s pious platitudes – New Blackmore Vale, December 22.

Perhaps we would be more grateful if he could promise his constituents doctor’s appointments within a month, dentist visits within a year, trains that run reliably on time or at all and prices that aren’t driving ordinary folk to food banks.

Kevin Banks Blandford

Two magazines, Gaza protests and one super tree! the ‘far-left’ I THOUGHT you might like to GORDON Morris – Letters, New Blackmore Vale, December 22 – criticises Chris Loder MP for not specifically condemning far-right protesters at the Palestinian demonstrations over Remembrance weekend.

see this Christmas tree.

It is made with two old copies of the New Blackmore Vale magazine and a bit of patient page folding.

Heather Cox Via email

30

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

Miles mines life-changing experience for new show

by Lorraine Gibson SINCE his last tour at The London Palladium ended in 2017, Miles Jupp has never stopped.

He was in The Full Monty on Disney Plus, The Durrells and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? on ITV, and on many episodes of Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Have I Got News For You. Oh, and he also created an award-winning radio series, published a novel – but for Covid, would have played lead at the RSC – did a West End play and was the Emperor of Austria and Europe in a Ridley Scott film.

Yet one sunny day in the middle of all this, disaster struck, as Jupp suddenly

suffered a brain seizure.

This led to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato and a pressing need to undergo major neurosurgery.

The experience has left him with a story to tell and a few things he would like to share with the room.

Which is exactly what he’s doing in his new show, On I Bang. Expect a tale of surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners.

Miles Jupp is at the Tivoli theatre in Wimborne on Wednesday, January 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets from £25 are available from www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Miles Jupp is at the Tivoli in Wimborne

blackmorevale.net THE Project Dance Company is set to present a powerful love story at two village halls in Dorset.

Fragments, presented with the county’s touring arts charity, Artsreach, is described as being designed to touch the heart strings with impact and tenderness.

Artsreach director Kerry Bartlett said: “Fragments is such an intense and emotive piece which had me hanging on every movement when I first saw it performed.

“Whether you adore dance in all its forms or have never watched a dance theatre performance in your life, I’d urge you to see this powerful show.”

Fragments is at Buckland Newton village hall on Friday, January 19, and Drimpton village hall on Saturday, January 20, at 7.30pm.

Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli.

NAPOLEON (15)

A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE

SUPREME QUEEN

5th, 8th, 9th & 10th January 7.30pm Matinee 9th January 2.30pm Tickets adult evening: £8.00 Adult Matinee: £7.00 child under 16: £6.00

Saturday 6th January 7.30pm Tickets £30

Thursday 11th January 7.30pm Tickets £29

THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER (12A)

MILES JUPP: ON I BANG

THE GARY FLETCHER BAND

15th & 16th January 7.30pm Matinee 17th January 2pm Tickets adult evening: £8.00 Adult Matinee: £7.00 child under 16: £6.00

LAST SEAT

RAVE ON – THE ULTIMATE 50S & 60S EXPERIENCE

Friday 12th January 7.30pm Tickets £23

ELO EXPERIENCE

S REMAIN Wednesday 17th January 7.30pm Tickets £25

Thursday 18th January 7.30pm Tickets £20.50

Friday 19th January 7.30pm Tickets £28.50

LOS PACAMINOS FEATURING PAUL YOUNG Saturday 13th January 7.30pm Tickets £30

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’

The Shakin’ Stevens Story Saturday 20th January 7.30pm Tickets £25

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

31

Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

Tales of a travelling man THE man hailed as ‘British television’s most adventurous traveller’ is stopping off at Lighthouse Poole this spring as part of an extended UK tour.

Simon Reeve is best known for his travel documentaries which combine current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation.

His travels have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world.

After starting out as a newspaper post-boy, Simon went on to become an investigative journalist, then an author and highly regarded broadcaster.

He has made multiple award-winning television series, exploring destinations such as North America, South America, most recently, and Russia, The

Indian Ocean, the Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Australia.

He is also a Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author of multiple books including Journeys to Impossible Places, Step By Step: The Life In My Journeys and Tropic Of Capricorn.

Simon said: “The stage isn’t what you’d call my natural habitat, but I honestly grow to love it more with every single show we do.

“And that is really the message I’m sharing on this tour – it’s all about stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new adventures, turning left instead of right and discovering what is out there to be seen and experienced, whether we’re close to home or enjoying far-flung travels.

“We all need to be a bit more wild and get out into nature, for

MUSICIANS from the internationally renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) are set to bring concerts to rural locations across the south west as the popular BSO On Your Doorstep series returns this spring.

Nine of BSO’s principal string players will give a special matinee performance at Alderholt village hall on Saturday, January 13, at 2.30pm.

Music of Reflection, a programme of two halves, journeys through 450 years of music from J S Bach and Corelli to Arvo Part and Jessie Montgomery.

Nine of BSO’s wind and

brass players will give a special recital designed for families, new audiences and seasoned concert-goers at Lytchett Matravers village hall on Friday, February 2, at 7.30pm.

The Homelands recital will feature music ranging from the Upper West Side to deepest Somerset, travelling from New York with Bernstein, to Amelie’s Paris with Yann Tiersen and rural England with Vaughan Williams and The Wellerman.

The concerts are presented with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity, and for further information about both recitals plus box office information visit www.artsreach.co.uk.

Orchestra reaches out to rural Dorset

Simon Reeve’s documentaries combine current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation

our hearts, our heads, our wellbeing and our memories.

“I really hope the stories and advice I share on this tour inspire people to make new memories and have big adventures, wherever they are.”

To The Ends Of The Earth live stage show includes

behind-the-scenes footage, surprising and thrilling stories, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs.

Simon Reeve is at Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, May 23, with tickets available from https://nothird.co.uk/ live-shows/simon-reeve/

British Bluegrass UK BLUEGRASS band Old Baby Mackerel, who are performing at three village venues in Dorset this month, play traditional American songs with a twist of British wit.

Tales of whisky, railroads and heartbreak – and highenergy, foot-stomping tunes featuring banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and double bass will be on offer.

Old Baby Mackerel (pictured) feature some of the UK’s best Bluegrass musicians and in the last four years have featured regularly on BBC radio, including 6 Music with Cerys Matthews.

They have also played Glastonbury Festival twice and had headline slots at Purbeck and Priddy folk festivals, among others in the UK and continental Europe.

Old Baby Mackerel are visiting Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity.

They are at Hinton Martell village hall on Thursday, January 11; Portesham village hall on Friday, January 12; and Halstock village hall on Saturday, January 13, all at 7.30pm.

For more information and tickets visit www.artsreach.co. uk.

32

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024 BLACKMORE VALE

THE NEW

P3

MAGAZINE

Edition 86

Z 10

U1

Arrow words

1

Rule as monarch

Pull

Over-the-air internet (2-2)

Cook in oil

Proton donor

Judge

2

1

Nada

8

Website address (inits)

Low in pitch

Large Asian sheep

4

3

2

S1

4

3

6

7

5

6

7

9

8

10

5

9

11

10

12

11

12

Thrift

13 13 Takes too much medicine (abbr)

Silent movie actor, Harding

Nap

Following on behind (2,3)

1414

15 15

Golf-ball support

16 16

17 17

18 18

19

Chilled (2,3)

20 2021 21

Police officer

Dweeb

Rank above Communist‘constable’ style jacket (abbr)

Country pubs UK local transport authority (inits)

Crude

E1

Crossword

Pivotal

Hit the slopes?

L1

Z 10

US infantry (abbr) (1,2)

Mixture of smoke and fog

Wordsearch

Julia Roberts Films

DUPLICITY EAT PRAY LOVE GRAND CHAMPION HOOK MARY REILLY MIRROR MIRROR MONA LISA SMILE MYSTIC PIZZA

T L N E V E L E S N A E C O A

I T H E M E X I C A N E L T C

24

24

Across

Lego and Barbie

T V A L E N T I N E S D A Y N

23

Across 1 Beats on a serve (4) 1 Beats on a serve 4 Summation (8) (4) 4 Summation 8 In the end(8)(2,4) Male parent 8 In9the end (2,4) (6) 10 Untie (4) (6) 9 Male parent 11 Unusual (8) 10 Untie (4) 13 Normally 11 Unusual (8) (13) 16 Direct (13) encounter (3-2-3) 13 Normally 19 Centres of interest (4) 16 Direct encounter (3-2-3) 20 Self-assurance (6) 19 Centres of interest (4) 22 Month length in days? (6) 20 Self-assurance (6) 23 Become set in ice (6,2) 22 Month length in days? (6) 24 Effervescent water (4) 23 Become set in ice (6,2) 24 Effervescent water (4)

Paperfolding art

X Y H N O N N R O Y M T R I T B O U P I R C N M C R E A A I P A W H L C N A C P R S Y D U M T B N D E W R A A B E I R M O L D G H T V E M O F E I R B

23

22 22

N G H I K R Y P A O R I Z P O E Z R R H I E R X P T I C C T M L I Y R C T W O A S O R E Y M R W M A I E I N M L I L E P

L T O U E A T P R A Y L O V E

NOTTING HILL OCEAN’S ELEVEN OCEAN’S TWELVE PRETTY WOMAN RUNAWAY BRIDE THE MEXICAN THE PELICAN BRIEF VALENTINE’S DAY

L C Z R A P O E H R I Y I E H

I O I M A R Y R E I L L Y I T

Down 2Down Make a hasty escape (3,3,3) 23Make hasty escape (7) (3,3,3) Edibleafish or shellfish 34Edible fish or shellfish (7) Misbehave (3,2) In reality, whether 45Misbehave (3,2) right or not (2,5) up (5) 56InSum reality, whether right or not (2,5) Metal-bearing mineral (3) 67Sum up (5) 12 Assigned (9) mineral (3) 7 Metal-bearing 14Assigned Disturb (7)(9) 12 15Disturb Matters(7) (7) 14 17 Particular cut of loin steak (1-4) 15 Matters (7) 18 Clear your plate (3,2) 17 Particular cut of loin steak (1-4) 21 Apiece (3)

18 Clear your plate (3,2) 21 Apiece (3)

Sudoku

9 4 3

1 1 7 6 3

9

4 1 6 6 2 1 5

2 3 5 8 2

5 2 7

1 4 9 9 4 9 3 8

6

Brain chain 40

RESULT

÷10

+14

÷3

+50%

×8

33

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Z 10

U1

L1

Z 10

Jumbo sudoku 2 5

6 3

8

4 2 1 7

6

8 3 9

5 1

4

2 1

7 3

Edition 86

4

6

8

6

10

2

1

4

3

12 11

14

15 13

17

16

14

18

19

16

17

20 1

8

2

21 3

4

23

5

9

22 20

6

23

21

7

Across Do Down by old English 2 Acc 1 Outside broadcast 12 2 Accept, effe musicmaker (4) it’s said, work as an unintended (2-7) 3 Rot 4 Separateeffect new department producing reward 3 Rot close to rose and two trees (7) 4 Sto 4 Separate new department producing reward for investors?

(8) obs 8 Maintenance elevated part of old castle (6) 4 Store overlooking hospital showing for investors? (8) 13 14 (6) 9 Become less 15severe(5) 5 Wo about austere period (6) obscurity 8 Maintenance elevated part of castle 10 (6) Some idiot assailing Greek character 5 Wordy bishop with start of(4)oration in poe 9 Become less severe about austere period 6 Foo and in gaol possibly (8) poetry (7) 10 Some idiot assailing Greek character (4)11 Lout in house cap 13 Former President to give early indication of Killer Sudoku 6 Food outlet encapsulating hot Asian 115 Lout in house and in gaol possibly (8) 7 Wo messages by 16 Place numbers 19 rumour (4,9) 17 1 to 9 capital (5) 13 Former President to give early indication16of18 12 Job A burial place mob vandalized producing 7 Woman (3 messages by rumour (4,9)every once each into huge weapon (4,4)of habit in union undoubtedlyacc 12I Job in capital one 16 A burial place mob vandalized Old 19 Brother love candidate showing vivacity (4) upset, not14 row, column and producing accepting pressure (9) meat (6) huge weapon (4,4) out 20 Single male sadly rejected seasoned 20 22 21 3x3 box. (4) 15 Pro 22 A rug14 I replaced around books front ofwith theatre for Old religious London gallery, 19 Brother Ibold-lined love showing vivacity 17 Inte (6) No sadly didgitrejected may beseasoned meat instrument outlandish objects (7) 20 Single male (6) 18 Sta back artist in break at home (8) Problem with mistake?

Nonsense (7) 22 A rug I replaced around front of theatre 23 for Hold 15 repeated in any 21 Ma 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

Killer sudoku 9

16

17

13

15

14

18

15

23

14

13

instrument (6) 23 dash-lined cage, and 23 Hold back artist in break at home (8) all the digits in any 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

cage must add up to

17

12

15

11

14

13

20

4

15

10

Across the value shown in broadcast by old English 19 1 Outside 15 musicmaker that (4) cage.

4 Separate new department producing reward for investors? (8) 8 Maintenance elevated part of castle (6) 9 Become less severe about austere period (6) 10 Some idiot assailing Greek character (4) 26 11 Lout in house and in gaol possibly (8) 13 Former President to give early indication of messages by rumour (4,9) 16 A burial place mob vandalized producing huge weapon (4,4) 19 Brother I love showing vivacity (4) 20 Single male sadly rejected seasoned meat (6) 22 A rug I replaced around front of theatre for instrument (6) 23 Hold back artist in break at home (8) 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

Brain chain (hard version) 99

RESULT

×2/3

-50%

+7

×2/5

22

24

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as Across 10 broadcast by old English 11 1 Outside each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t musicmaker (4) cross the thick black lines.

14

18

3

7

28

5

9

11

4

9

8

2

10

6 5

7

9

7

3

1 5 9

5

8

1

9 2

7 2 5

7

4

13

5 4

3

5

9 5 2 1

1

2

8

1

5

2

8

8

MAGAZINE

1

8 4 7

8

3

6

3

6

7

6 9

2

9

3

S1

E1

Cryptic crossword 1

9 2

THE NEW

P3

BLACKMORE VALE

×2

17 Intended article to probe police (5) 24 18 Start say to enter place for refuse (5) 21 Mature lager essentially (3)

Down 2 Accept, it’s said, work as an unintended side effect (2-7) 3 Rot close to rose and two trees (7) 4 Store overlooking old hospital showing obscurity (5) 5 Wordy bishop with start of oration in poetry (7) 6 Food outlet encapsulating hot Asian capital (5) 7 Woman of habit in union undoubtedly (3) 12 Job candidate in capital upset, not one accepting pressure (9) 14 Old religious books with London gallery, outlandish objects (7) 15 Problem with mistake? Nonsense (7) 17 Intended article to probe police (5) 18 Start say to enter place for refuse (5) 21 Mature lager essentially (3)

For the solutions, turn to page 79

34

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Church • Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am.

BH21 5LZ. • Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – everyone is invited to Sunday services at 10.45am and to stay for refreshments. Thursdays – coffee and a chat from 10amnoon. Fridays – lunch club for the over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book. The church is anxious to offer help to all those in need – call church steward John Cornish on 07799 516735 or leave a message.

• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Taize service – half an hour of prayer, meditation and music on the second Sunday of the month at 6.30pm.

Everyone welcome.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: The first Mothers’ Union meeting of 2024 is on Friday, January 24, at 10am in the Griffiths Room. Visitors will celebrate by sharing in the Eucharist followed by the annual meeting. Everyone welcome.

• Gillingham Methodist Church: Sunday recitals 3pm (about one hour). Admission free, retiring collection. Superb two manual William Sweetland organ restored and enlarged in 2006/2009. Video screen. For details and updates visit the website at www.musicatgmc. org.uk or phone 07817 379006.

• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10.30am 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

blackmorevale.net Family Service.

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, January 7 – 10.45am Together Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Sunday, January 14 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at All Saints, Tarrant Keyneston. Sunday, January 21 – 9.30am Communion at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 9.30am Family Service at St Mary Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, January 28 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10-11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

• Lillington: All morning services at Lillington now begin at 9.30am.

• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm.

• 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

Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

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.

• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass times – Sacred Heart, Tisbury 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am.

• Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.

• Sherborne Quakers: Meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room, Digby Memorial Church Hall.

Everyone welcome.

• St Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham: Sunday, 11am.

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am.

Other services please visit the website at www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk • St John’s (CofE) Church, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.

• 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 Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.

• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second and fourth Sunday, 11am Holy Communion. Third Sunday, 6pm Evensong.

• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Sherborne Abbey: A new series of organ recitals will begin in January on Mondays at 1.30pm.

• Sherborne Abbey: Proposals to provide new toilet and vestry facilities, and improved

accessibility, at Sherborne Abbey are available to view on the abbey website and in The Lady Chapel. Feedback is welcomed on the plans either via www.sherborneabbey.com/ new facilities or in writing to the Parish Office.

• EZO appeal: Support the work of the Diocese of Ezo, South Sudan, by helping the 700 children of Masumbu School to build a kitchen, grow crops, install solar panels and provide school resources.

Donations by BACS to ‘Sherborne Deanery Synod A/C’ – sort code 60-19-12; a/c 97819735 – or cheque – payable to ‘Sherborne Deanery Synod A/C’ – sent to Ezo Link, Milton Brook, Corscombe, Dorset DT2 0NU. • Sherborne Abbey: Volunteer stewards are needed to help steward events/concerts in the abbey. Anyone interested should contact the parish office.

• Sherborne Community Larder: Held in the grounds of St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Close DT9 4DU every Friday 9.30-10.30am. The Larder is run by volunteers and facilitated by FareShare. It aims to help people make their money go further by reducing their shopping bills. Membership not more than £5 a week – members receive at least three times that value in food and sundries. To sign up – referral not needed nor is it means tested – visit on a Friday or request a form from FSSouthernCentral@fareshare. org.uk • Sherborne Abbey visitors: The abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturday 8am-5pm and on Sunday 11am-5pm. The abbey may close when private services are taking place.

• Sherborne Abbey Christingle: £643.55 is being sent to the Children’s Society – Abbey Primary School raised £315.69 and abbey’s Christingle service received donations of £327.86.

• Sherborne Abbey visiting hours: The abbey is open to visitors free of charge Monday to Saturday 8am–5pm and on Sunday 11am –5pm.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

35

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Christmas Eve and a long wait in A&E MY Christmas plans collapsed in the blink of an eye. At 6pm on Christmas Eve, as we were heading out to support a local hostelry, my partner Pam tripped and landed heavily on her left shoulder. We were visiting family in Somerset, and it turned out that the nearest x-ray facility was in the A&E department of the Royal United Hospitals in Bath.

We arrived there at 7pm to find the waiting area almost full, but nevertheless Pam was seen within 15 minutes. The need for an x-ray was confirmed, painkillers were issued, and we were ushered back to the waiting area to sit surrounded by fellow unfortunates who were limping, bleeding or being sick. Or all three.

At 8pm a nurse announced that the estimated waiting period was up to 10 hours, and anyone who felt able to was urged to go home and return the following morning, Christmas

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset Day. We opted to stay, as home in north Dorset was a long painful drive away.

Some people left, obviously

in pain and distress, but unable to face such long hours sitting in uncomfortable chairs. Pam was finally x-rayed in the early hours of the morning, and a broken arm bone was identified and dealt with.

It was while we were in the x-ray area that it became apparent why the wait for attention was so long. The A&E ward was full of sick and injured people, and the medical staff were all extremely busy.

They were deeply apologetic for the delay, and in return all we could do was thank them for working so hard through the night.

The need to invest in the NHS is clear to everyone who is unfortunate enough to have to call upon its services. The same goes for our social care system, where poor pay and conditions contribute to record low staffing levels with 150,000 vacancies.

Data published by NHS England shows that 10,000

healthy patients were forced to stay in hospital on Christmas Day, simply because of a lack of social care facilities that would otherwise have enabled them to be discharged. That’s 10,000 beds not available for sick and injured people.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement prioritised tax cuts over spending on health, and there is no secret in the Government’s creeping backdoor privatisation of the NHS with treatment increasingly outsourced to private providers.

We’re not far away from a general election, which is a chance for you to let prospective MPs know that health care is a major priority for all of us. Cuts to preventive and community care urgently need to be reversed. As Joni Mitchell once sang: “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. Let’s make sure we don’t lose our amazing NHS.

there, the end of 2023 brought two further indignities to endure.

One was the outrageous Liz Truss resignation honours comprising a ‘car crash cronies’ list of aides and Tory donors.

Sunak tried to smuggle it out at the same time as his New Year Honours List in an attempt to bury the bad news and avoid reminding us all of Liz’s disastrous 49 days in office, which led to a crashing of the British economy.

The second car crash was Laura Kuenssberg’s interview of Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman.

They finally came clean and admitted they had lied to the press over their control of the offshore trust that was the ultimate parent of PPE-Medpro.

As a member of the House of Lords, Lady Mone went on to claim that the treatment meted out to her and her husband was

equivalent to that of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug smuggler.

Perhaps the two are similar – there have been allegations of conspiracy to defraud, fraud by false representation, and bribery attached to the British couple since police started looking into abuse of the PPE procurement scheme in 2020.

What a country we live in, where the rich are so myopically entitled that they go on television and defend their lies on account of wanting to ‘protect their family from press attention’. The same family where the youngest daughter willingly appeared on Channel 4’s Born Famous.

This is Britain today. But the time for complaining is almost over. This year is the year for action. The ballot box fast approaches. Think about using your vote wisely – I hope for Starmer, and for Labour.

Time for complaining is almost over MAY I commence by wishing all readers a very happy new year from all at North Dorset Labour.

To all who despair of ever getting rid of the Tory Party from power, we can state with some confidence that your chance to do so will be in your hands this year.

At present it would appear the ‘Westminster Bubble’ is hardening towards May as Rishi Sunak’s preferred date for the general election. The Chancellor has announced a March budget, despite the last one only being in November. He’ll aim to trap Labour with a series of tax reductions funded by unimplementable cuts to the future funding of public services. Watch out for it.

One advantage of a May election would be the use of one date for all local and national elections at the one time, and the costs saved therein. Yet this

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour strategy may also cost the Tories a lot of seats at the Dorset Council elections, as more voters are driven to the joint polls.

However, before we get

36

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Good news on inflation and jobs I HOPE you had a safe, enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. Let me begin by wishing everyone across the North Dorset constituency a happy new year. I hope we all keep up whatever resolutions we may have made.

So we stand at the start of a new year with all of the expectations and feeling of newness and fresh opportunities that that brings. We know that at some point over the next 12 months there will be a general election. Let me confirm that I have been re-adopted as your Conservative candidate and will be standing for re-election.

Many of us will be hoping that 2024 feels better than 2023.

Recent and continued falls in inflation coupled to a reduction in National Insurance should make a difference to many.

Inflation coming down certainly eases pressures on interest rate increases and we must anticipate a holding of the rate for the next few months

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare followed by a reduction. An increase in economic security is good for everyone.

The employment market looks set to continue recent buoyancy and the ongoing reductions in youth unemployment is especially to be welcomed. Recently the Works & Pensions Secretary has reiterated, rightly, the overall benefits of being in work. It is unquestionably beneficial to one’s mental health

and feeling of self-worth. It benefits families, communities and local businesses.

We must also continue to deliver new housing opportunities to allow the next generation of local families to remain close to where they call home. Such inter-generational living provides stability as well as maintaining demand for school places – particularly important for our villages – as well as trade for local shops, pubs etc.

On the international stage, there is so much that needs resolving this year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must not become ‘yesterday’s story’. The horror on our doorstep continues and our resolve to support Ukraine to victory must continue unabated.

International collaboration on climate change and the challenges of massive movement of peoples must be non-fossil fuel turbo charged.

Neither are issues that can be

put on the back burner.

From my post bag, and from my own reflections, I know the real sense of despair that the situation between Israelis and Palestinians is causing. I perceive an evolution in the thinking of governments and I believe the brokering of a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes will gather speed. The role of the US is vital to this endeavour.

I know that there are many voluntary and membership groups across North Dorset doing phenomenal work. If you are planning your annual programme and would like to visit the House of Commons or possibly would like me to come and take your questions about life as an MP and Government Minister, I would be happy to do so. My talks are never party political, but more a ‘week in the life of’ type of thing. If you would like to arrange something, please email simon. hoare.mp@parliament.uk.

Reader’s picture

RED SKY AT NIGHT Robert Wellen, the churchwarden at St Andrew’s Parish Church, Fontmell Magna, took this photo of the church between Christmas and new year at sunset after a stormy day

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

37

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Tories have shameful record on NHS FIRSTLY, my best wishes for a very happy new year.

2023 was an exciting and memorable year for me, in which I had the honour of being elected as Member of Parliament for Somerton & Frome. I am immensely privileged to serve my community and will be working harder than ever in the new year to represent all my constituents in Parliament.

Since my election in July, I have dealt with more than 2,600 individual pieces of casework, many of them from constituents frustrated at being unable to access healthcare. The record of this Conservative government on the NHS is shameful, with far too many people struggling to get a GP or dentist appointment when they need one.

A recent poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the impacts of GP appointment shortages across the country, with millions

Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome Sarah Dyke turning to self-treatment, self-prescriptions and A&E departments in a desperate attempt to access care. The

Liberal Democrats are calling for a new legal right for patients to see a GP within seven days and have set out plans to recruit and retain 8,000 more GPs to deliver on it.

Throughout 2023 I held surgeries across the constituency, at which people were able to book a slot to discuss issues they were facing.

I’ll continue these sessions in the new year, so please look out for details on my website and social media channels.

Since being sworn in in September, I have spoken in 26 different parliamentary settings, including holding my own debate on Government support for rural communities. I want to ensure the specific issues faced by everyone living in rural areas continue to be raised in Parliament and I’m determined to hold the Government to account, to improve the lives of my constituents.

I have continued to highlight

poor public transport connections in Somerset and I will keep fighting for a new train station in the Somerton/ Langport area. I have also kickstarted a campaign aimed at improving the mental health of farmers, agricultural workers and vets, and I look forward to meeting the Minister for Mental Health in the coming months to discuss a way forward.

As we move into the new year I am energised and excited to continue to fight for a fair deal for Somerton & Frome and to ensure that the new constituency of Glastonbury & Somerton gets the representation it deserves. With a general election imminent, 2024 will be a critical year. Make sure you’re properly represented in Parliament by exercising your right to vote.

As always, if there’s anything you would like to raise with me, please write to me at sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk.

people of Sherborne and surrounding villages. But we’ve seen an incredible U-turn from them since then. They voted for the 180-acre solar farm at Stockbridge on the planning committee now being built – and it’s come to light before Christmas that Sherborne Liberals are supporting the enormous West of Sherborne development – 1,500-plus houses – as well as singling the dual carriageway on the approach to Sherborne.

Incredible.

The yellow leaflets don’t say these things and I just mention it so you can be better informed about some of these really important matters beforehand.

In recent weeks, a number of parents have got in touch with me, concerned about the teaching of gender identity in schools and the number of young children here in Dorset being referred to gender identity

clinics for treatment. I’m looking into this in detail and would be very pleased to hear from you if you have any direct experience, especially as a parent or teacher.

I am also looking closely at school funding. The Government sets aside considerable amounts of money for the education of our children, but some schools are not getting that money and I want to know why. So, likewise, if you have any insights to share, especially as a school governor or teacher, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

As always, I’d be most interested to know your views on this topic. You can contact me by email at hello@ chrisloder.co.uk and you can keep up to date with my latest news by visiting www. chrisloder.co.uk or write to me at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

Lib-Dems’ U-turn on countryside FIRST of all, I would like to wish you and your families and friends a very happy and prosperous 2024. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. I was organist at no fewer than three carol services and was so enthused to see so many people coming to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through the nativity – wonderfully performed by children and through listening to lessons and the singing of carols.

A week or so before Christmas, I marked the fourth anniversary of being your MP – assuming you live in West Dorset. But, of course, we know that 2024 is an election year where all my parliamentary colleagues and I will come back to you to request your mandate to be our parliamentary representatives again.

Over the years, for both general and local elections, I hold on to the leaflets of all the

Conservative MP for West Dorset Chris Loder candidates to keep an eye out for any divergence in commitments.

In 2017, the Liberal Democrats said they were the party of the countryside to the

38

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Antiques & Collectibles

blackmorevale.net

Acreman looks to Vintage bikes busy year ahead up for auction ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, would like to wish a happy new year to all its valued customers.

It is looking forward to a busy year ahead starting with a two-day auction on January 25-26.

Acreman also has specialist sales including: Modern & Fine Art, Thursday, February 22; Textile, Fashion & Apparel, Friday, April 19; Garden & Architectural, Thursday, May 30; Stamps & Coins, later in the year.

Catalogues and bidding are available through Easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com.

Acreman is now accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and is happy to advise prospective vendors about items they may be considering selling.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk or items can be taken in to Acreman’s premises – open Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm – to be assessed.

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections. It can offer advice and valuations to anyone downsizing or who needs to deal with a whole house and can arrange full house clearances.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign can contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 or email auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk.

Valuation days are held every Wednesday, 10am-4pm, at Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH.

THREE vintage motorcycles, with a combined age of over 300 years, are entered into the Charterhouse auction of vintage and classic motorcycles on Thursday, March 7, at Haynes Motor Museum.

“The West Country owner is thinning down his collection,” said Richard Bromell. “He has been an enthusiastic collector and keen VMCC member for many years.”

The eldest motorcycle is a 1918 Indian Powerplus at £30,000-£35,000, followed by a 1919 Humber 6hp estimated at £15,000-£20,000 and finally a 1921 Rover Imperial at £20,000-£22,000.

All the bikes are in mint condition and ready to ride.

This 1918 Indian Powerplus is estimated at £30,000-35,000

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for its specialist auctions of classic motorcycles and classic cars in March, with silver, jewellery and watches in February.

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via info@ charterhouse-auction.com.

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Thursday 25th January

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 26th January

March 5th &27th 6th November

1st February 28th October

7th6th March 5th & November

Specialist Free ValuationDays Days Specialist Valuation

Monday 12thBooks, Pictures,Maps Maps,&Books & Postcards Pictures, Postcards 8th

TuesdayJewellery, 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches9th & Clocks Silver & Watches

Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps Wednesday 14th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls10th & Toys Antique Ruby & Diamond brooch- Hammer £1,000

Catalogue available to view through thesaleroom.com & Easyliveauction.com We are now consigning items for our January auctions.

For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Chines Japanese Ceramics Thursday 15th & Medals, Militaria, Coins11th & Stamps Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls 12th

Friday 16th Asian Ceramics & Works of Art

Classic MotorcycleAuction Auction 7thOctober March Classic Motorcycle 28th ClassicCar CarAuction Auction 27th March Classic 11th November Further Beingaccepted Accepted FurtherEntries entriesNow now being

The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne DT9 3BS The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com r XXX DIBSUFSIPVTF BVDUJPO DPN

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024 blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

£62,500 price for Churchill statue THE curtain closed on Duke’s second century, with the conclusion of its most recent 200 Years sale, marking a major milestone in the auctioneer’s long and illustrious history.

The 200 Years auction, with titanic names such as Oscar Nemon, Jenny Montigny, TS Eliot, Paul de Lamerie, Thomas Hardy, TE Lawrence and more, served as both a triumphant finale and a forerunner to a new age for the auctioneers.

One highlight of the sale was a magnificent Oscar Nemon statue (pictured) depicting Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine Churchill, which sold for £62,500, including buyer’s premium.

The piece echoed a similar Duke’s sale earlier in the year – another statue of Churchill sculpted by the great Oscar

39

Antiques & Collectibles

To advertise your auction house in The New Blackmore Vale Magazine contact

Debi Thorne Sales Director

Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net Nemon, which sold for a gargantuan £260,000.

The next step in Duke’s long journey will begin in January 2024 with another major auction in Sporting & Natural History, flanked by Interiors and Avenue sales.

Duke’s is inviting entries for its January Sporting & Natural History auction – get in touch to organise a free and confidential valuation with one of its specialists either through enquiries@dukes-auctions.com or on 01305 265080.

JOHN WRIGHT BARKER (1864-1941)

‘Puppy Days’ oil on canvas 91cm x 120cm SOLD FOR £21,250

Opportunity to feature editorial to showcase your Auctions

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques & Collectables Sale 2024 Auctions: Avenue Auctions Interiors Sporting and Natural History Interiors Sandford Orcas

Sale Friday 9th and Saturday 10th February Viewing Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February.

16th January 25th January 15th February 29th February 6th March Cedric Lockwood Morris (1889-1982) - Study of Goldfinches Amongst Flowers - oil on board. Achieved £23,500 including premium.

Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, Duke’s Brewery Square Dorchester Dorset DT1 1GA

CONFIDENTIAL VALUATIONS Tel: 01305 265080 enquiries@dukes-auctions.com www.dukes-auctions.com

01747 855109

enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

40

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Antiques & Collectibles WANTED Classic Cars & Motorbikes. For private collection Call 07885 373113 or 01278 431244 Graham

PROOF 01963 400186

Contact us to advertise

The Giant

SHEPTON FLEA Market

BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET, BA4 6QN

SUNDAY JANUARY 21st PUBLIC ADMISSION

9:30AM - 4:00PM Admission £5.00 FREE PARKING

BOOKING & ENQUIRIES - 01278 784912

www.sheptonflea.com

info@sheptonflea.com

Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Clocks Unlimited

Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk

blackmorevale.net

Some of the most WORKS by some of the most famous names in art went under the hammer in 2023.

Picasso, Monet, Klimt; it reads like a who’s who of the art world - with prices to match.

Here are some of the notable pieces that were put up for sale in 2023 - and the prices they fetched: n Gustav Klimt: Dame mit Facher (Lady with a Fan) Still on the easel when Klimt passed away in 1918, the lady with a fan was billed as his final portrait when it went up for sale at Sotheby’s in London in June.

Estimated to go for around

£65 million, the hammer eventually came down at £85.3m. n Claude Monet: Le Bassin aux Nympheas

Next Sale Stamps, Books, Pictures & Prints, and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 27th January 2024 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

n Above top, Untitled by Mark Rothko; above, Murbau mit Kirche II

by Kandinsky; page right; bottom left, Picasso’s Femme a la Montre; bottom right, Monet’s Le Bassin aux Nympheas and top right; Klimt’s Dame mit Facher

A Chinese carved celadon jade archaistic ewer.

SOLD FOR £37,000 For free verbal valuations please contact Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com and South Kensington, London

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

41

Antiques & Collectibles

blackmorevale.net

expensive art pieces sold in 2023...

There was huge interest in the sale of a Monet at Christie’s, in New York, when this piece came up for sale in November.

With an estimate of $65m (around £50.8m), the hammer fell at $74m (£57.8m). n Mark Rothko: Untitled (Yellow Orange Yellow Light Orange) At nearly 7ft tall, this

dramatic work was owned by a number of prominent collectors before coming up for sale in November, again at Christie’s in New York, finally being sold for $46.4m (£36.2m). n Wassily Kandinsky: Murnau mit Kirche II (Murnau with Church II) Dubbed a “key masterwork”

by Sotheby’s in London when it came up for sale in March, the piece was estimated at around $45m (£35m), it sold for £37.2m.

lover, MarieTherese Walter, this work came up for sale at Sotheby’s in New York in November with an estimated value of a whopping $120m (£93.8m).

It sold for a final price of $139.4m (£109m).

n Pablo Picasso: Femme a la Montre A picture of Picasso’s

Holts Live Winter Auction Holts live winter auction, held in November brought the year’s calendar to a close in convincing style. With 90% of lots sold of particular interest was a J. & W. Tolley 10-bore ‘Giant Grip’ double-barrelled hammergun – a fine example of an interesting (if short lived) 1877 patent and a good representative of a period of gun making where innovative design was at its height it made a respectable mid-estimate hammer price of £1800.

A Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle, rare to be found in .22 short calibre captured the imagination of the crowd, far exceeding its £600-800 estimate to realise a hefty £1300 on the day. The first auction of 2024 is planned for March and consignments are being accepted already, with the next local valuation day at the NFU offices, Sturminster Newton on the 16th January.

For full list of venues please see the Holts website or to book an appointment contact David Thurgood by phone on 01297 306123 or by email at westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com.

HOLTS

Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns

FREE VALUATION DAY HOLTS Auctioneers are the leading specialists in fine modern and antique guns.

Tuesday 16th January NFU Mutual The Creamery, Station Road Sturminster Newton

Dorset, DT10 1BD

To book an appointment, arrange a free valuation or home visit please contact: David Thurgood - 01297 306123 westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com

www.holtsauctioneers.com

42

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

Poinsettias – go dark to see red

by Sally Gregson HOW many of us gardeners receive a gorgeous red poinsettia at Christmas? It looks so good and festive throughout the holiday season, and then it speaks to us of Christmas Past. So, we put it aside in the hope it will ‘flower’ next Christmas. But we don’t throw it on the compost heap.

Maybe we should.

It comes as no surprise that the poinsettia comes from Mexico. Its uninhibited jolliness seems typical of those happy, sunny climes. It’s as well to remember just how exotic Mexican Poinsettias are.

They like the warmth – a steady, constant temperature of 13˚-16˚c (55˚-60˚F) is ideal, and keep the plant out of direct sunlight. It’s a ‘jungle’ plant.

To encourage your poinsettia, which has done sterling service throughout the festive season, to ‘flower’ again the following year, however, is a little tricky. And poinsettias are unforgiving. It is a ‘short day’ plant. That is, it needs longer nights than days for a

Poinsettias require constant attention and are very unforgiving PHOTO: angelinaelv/Pixabay

minimum of two months. It will need to be shut in a consistently dark room from mid-September for 14 hours during every day. Then switch on the lights every evening for the remaining 10 hours. Or vice-versa.

But not a shaft of light must intrude during the dark time, and it’s important not to be late

to switch on the lights again either. Some growers unscrew the light bulbs so they don’t switch on the electric light without thinking. A short flash of light is enough to inhibit the plant.

Of course, the poinsettia will need watering regularly – the compost should be kept slightly moist. And watch out for any

pesky whitefly or aphids.

One can begin to see why poinsettias are mostly only grown on professionally. Not only do they require constant attention, but they are very unforgiving.

But it’s quite an achievement to watch as the bracts on your own poinsettia start to colour again. It’s worth a celebration.

Wonderful winter-flowering camellias

by Sally Gregson CAMELLIAS are among the most dramatic and sought-after shrubs for early spring, and in the mild climate and acidic soils of the far South-West, they are budding up for a glamorous show this season.

If you garden on alkaline soil, however, they need not be off limits. A large half-barrel filled with ericaceous compost and placed on a west-facing aspect, out of cold winds and sheltered from early morning sun, will provide a home for most camellias for many years.

Providing, that is, that the plant is fed and given a dose of Sequestrene – sequestered iron – every spring. In hard-water areas this makes up for watering it with limey tap water in the summer and enables it to take

up the nutrients from the soil.

Immediately after it has finished flowering for the first time, tip back the flowering shoots to promote good side growth. In subsequent years it is only necessary to prune the plant when it gets a bit gawky or leggy, or if it grows out of its barrel and has to be re-potted.

Top up the soil with ericaceous compost regularly and it will repay such consideration with glossy green leaves and perfect waxen flowers.

Some camellias flower earlier than the spring. One or two produce sumptuous flowers in December and early January.

The glorious Camellia sasanqua flowers well and happily in a large half-barrel of ericaceous compost. There’s a good pink variety, C. sasanqua ‘Plantation

Camellias grown in a half-barrel

Pink’, and a pretty red, single C. sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ whose flowers sport large golden centres.

In a half-barrel they are unlikely to get too big, but if

they need pruning, get out the secateurs when it has finished flowering. It will flower the following year from the growth it makes during the very early spring.

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

43

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net High quality, traditionally made furniture.

Residential and contract upholstery in the Dorset area since the 1980s.

Visit the Workshop & Showroom Unit 2b Sunrise Business Park, Blandford Forum Dorset, DT11 8ST Hours: 9am – 4:30pm Mon to Fri

ON ORDERS PLACED BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY WINTER OFFER 1 20% off wing chairs (not inc fabric/leather)

WINTER OFFER 2

Wing chair in selected plain, wool mix fabrics, only £995

01258 455397 office@minsterfurniture.co.uk www.minsterfurniture.co.uk

We are closed from 23rd December, reopening on 2nd January 2024

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotations amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: 01747 631471 www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: 07921 637227

Tree Tree Surgery.

Surgery. Reductions.

Reductions. Felling.

Felling.

Hedge Trimming.

Stump Grinding.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding.

Woodchip Woodchip supplies. supplies.

Family run business Family run business since since 1946 1946 Tel: 01963 250005 Tel: 01963 250005 Mobile: Mobile: 07976 07976 934 934 252 252 www.bandgdown.co.uk

44

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

Council cuts off bid to fell sycamore A BID to fell a mature sycamore in Wareham has been rejected.

An application by developers to fell the tree, in East Street, was refused by Dorset Council after objections from some residents.

The mature tree, which is protected by law, stands within the town centre’s conservation area.

There are few large trees in the area which heightens the tree’s importance, the council said.

The council’s tree team inspected the tree to assess the evidence and evaluate the public amenity issues.

“There is a cavity and decay within the tree, but the experts believe that felling is not necessary, and that more proportionate remedial works could be carried out,” a council spokesperson said.

“The tree team concluded the removal of the tree at this time is premature and will erode the distinct character and appearance of the area.”

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved

The landmark sycamore will not be felled

Experts in all aspects of • Hedge cutting services • Hedge reduction & removal • Hedge & tree planting Competitive pricing - fixed rate.

Based in Shillingstone, we cover all of Dorset, parts of Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

ESTABLISHED 1988

All aspects of Surfacing Roads Drives Footpaths Drop Kerbs Resin Bond Drives

Get in touch for a Free Quote, or to discuss.

LANDLINE: 01258 721552 | MOBILE: 07833 475565 Email: info@hambledons.co | Website: www.hambledons.co

HOUSE CLEARANCE Call for a free quote

Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com

01747 820234

The Depot, Longcross, Zeals BA12 6LJ info@cgtarmac.co.uk www.cgtarmac.co.uk

www.

.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474 DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

For all your fencing and decking needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

SELF DRIVE DIGGER and Dumper Hire 01258 861647

CURTAINS AND BLINDS MADE TO MEASURE Curtain alterations Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

TREEWISE Experts in all aspects of TREE SURGERY, HEDGECUTTING & STUMP REMOVAL

NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations.

Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

45

Windows, Fascias, Soffits, Gutters cleaned, Repairs, Free Estimates 07788-376752

Treecare Co. Tree Specialists

TREE STUMP REMOVAL Pruning, bracing, shaping.

Preservation of mature trees.

Hedge cutting. Trees supplied & planted.

Landscaping & maintenance.

Heavy duty winch hire available.

Tree Surgery BS.3998 Contractors to local authorities.

WOOD CHIPPINGS FOR SALE Free Quotes & Advice Tel/Fax: Shafts 853512 Mobile: 07831 262083 Established in 1976

At TreeCare we care...

JAMES AYRES DORSET TREE CARE Specialist Tree Workers All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned.

Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared.

Licensed waster carrier. Fully insured.

Tel: 01747 850129 Mob: 07951 284639

TOOLS / EVENT / SHOWROOM DB WOODWORKING TOOLS for used hand tools.

Showroom above Stalbridge Joinery 07739 416402

Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

Get in the Garden The latest gardening news, hints and tips, with Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group...

Sowing the seeds of hope!

NON-gardeners don’t think about their patch at all during the depths of the winter. I don’t know what else they get involved in but it’s not gardening!

Keen gardeners on the other hand are busy getting ready for the spring, which is the busiest time in their world.

Preparations may include tidying out the shed or cleaning down the greenhouse, washing the glass inside and out to get best light transmission and to get rid of the worst pests and fungal diseases.

It also probably involves selecting seeds for sowing for the coming year. It’s a great time for choosing seeds as the biggest range is available.

There is a huge movement for growing your own food.

Vegetable seed sales have been on the increase for many years after a long decline. There are a number of reasons for this trend; firstly, a desire to know where one’s food comes from and how it has been treated; secondly, the reduction of food miles, and thirdly, it’s also well known that home grown food tastes better.

But ultimately, I guess we love growing vegetables because it is really good fun.

There has been a huge effort put in by the plant breeders to develop varieties suited to the modern garden.

Many people grow in pots

on the patio, so mini vegetables are very popular.

You will also find many varieties listed as being naturally pest- or diseaseresistant, which assists greatly in limiting the use of chemicals or getting rid of them completely.

The biggest selection of seed potatoes is available in January too and whereas they don’t need to be planted until much later, it’s a great time to choose them.

If you are growing them in a pot on the patio, then select varieties that will quickly crop such as Rocket or perhaps a more delicate salad variety such as Charlotte.

Select a large pot of about 18 inches width and depth, or better still, a tailor-made potato planter and plant perhaps three tubers halfway down in a good quality multi compost.

They’ll need to be kept well-watered once they start to grow and regularly fed too with Boost. The results can be great.

Depending on variety and the time of year the tubers will be clean and easy to harvest after perhaps 12 to 15 weeks.

46

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Home & Garden WANTED Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975 ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

blackmorevale.net WELL ROTTED MANURE £60.00 a transit load.

Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502 2 INDUSTRIAL UNITS FOR RENT Approx 1800 sqft each 3 phase possible Melcombe Bingham 07725 910364

FOR COPPICING, PRUNING, woodland clearance, leaf blowing, hedge cutting, strimming etc. Call David the Electric Gardener on 07786 658708 LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Seed potatoes, Bare root hedging and fruit trees, Garlic, Autumn onion sets, Fruit Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Large selection of; stoneware, terracotta and glazed pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

LAWN MOWING AND HEDGE CUTTING SERVICES, Shaftesbury-Blandford & local villages.

Please call Trevor 07970 012130 MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5ton digger, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034 PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY. A Local Family Run Business, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com

OUTDOORS TREES R US

COUNTRY BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

Multi-Award Winning

TREE & STUMP

REMOVAL SERVICES

No More Stumps Ltd specializes in expert tree and stump removal services. Reclaim your space with our professional team today. Contact us for a free quote!

Call Now 07305 070870

Our 5

Promise!

Fully Insured Fully Qualified Smartly Dressed Site Left Clean Guarantee

www.nomorestumps.co.uk

(Established 1997)

Felling Section felling Pruning/shaping Hedge cutting Scrub clearance Stump grinding Planting £10M public liability insurance

Small and Large Loads Tel: 07973 871708 Evenings: 01935 825506 GOOD QUALITY DRIED BARN STORED WOOD FOR SALE

Also any garden clearance. For more information please contact Andy 07773 254174

LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £100 double load £160 dumpy bag £70 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081 SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £180 double load, £100 half load 01258 880892, 07980 036250

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

SEASONED LOGS DRY BARN

Tree Surgeons TREE WORK

classified@ blackmorevale.net

LOGS BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING - Your local mobile service 07760 469411

Rural, garden & agricultural itembought & sold

Book Online

Get your garden ready for spring. Trees, hedges, patios, turf & fencing call Peter 07976 667130

ASH DIE BACK SPECIALISTS LANDSCAPING

Fencing Patios Sleeper walls All hard landscaping

Vale Tree Surgeons Limited www.valetreesurgeons.com Tel: 01747 228484 Mob: 07770 833734

20 miles radius of Sherborne

Call Sherborne 01935 815534 WINDOWS RESTORATION OF YOUR WOODEN WINDOWS, DOORS AND SO MUCH MORE. Embrace the old don't buy new. Ask me first and see what I can do.

Tel: 01747 822537 Mob: 07554 654982

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

47

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings.

Repairs. Restoration.

01258 880301 SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS All aspects of building and plumbing catered for.

Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@ gmail.com

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

COLIN LEA CARPENTER / BUILDER No VAT - call 01747 590117 07708 467601

CHARLIE IVE BUILDING & CARPENTRY. Extensions, renovations, kitchens & bathrooms. 07388 441638.

Charliecarlyleive@gmail.com

B.LUCAS New build, refurbishment, restoration, extensions, garden buildings.

Free estimates.

Call Dom on 07399 649628 www.escape totheoffice .co.u k

General builder

25+ Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL

CALL NOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL QUOTATION

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

48

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

All aspects of traditional building work undertaken External & internal lime works Full restoration service for older & listed properties Bespoke extensions, disabled & granny annex conversions - from planning to completion Cob work - new & repairs Oak timber framing Project consultation service

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building Traditional Building Specialist inc All Building WorklAll aspects of Lime External and Internal Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

www.dorsetwood.co.uk

Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

djwelsh@btinternet.com

ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624 Free consultation

Limited Fully Insured, Free Survey Failed Double Glazed Units UPVC Windows and Doors Shower Screens, Balustrades T: 01747 631899 / 07708 180306 e: shaftesburyglass@gmail.com w: www.shaftesburyglass.co.uk

T F PLANT

Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied Dorset Lime Ltd Traditional builders specialising in older and listed properties Call Dave Welsh 07492181788 or 07838654468 www.dorsetlime.uk dorsetlime@gmail.com

Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

•Alterations •Renovations •Carpentry •Kitchen Fitting •Bathroom Fitting •Wall/Floor Tiling •Plastering •Hard Landscaping •Painting & Decorating •Plumbing •Electrical

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Architectural Services

01747 826107

TF Plant, 8 Brickfields Industrial Estate, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4JL

LTD

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected.

Small or large loads also bulk bag materials & small handy bags.

Muck-away service of inert materials Trusted family-run business, ring for enquiries

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

• Plant Hire • Groundwork’s • Drainage • Concreting • Landscaping • Driveways Wrightgroundworks@gmail.com Commercial, domestic & agriculture

General building Extensions/Renovations Loft conversions Oak frame buildings Groundwork/Landscaping All your property needs

www.amlcarpentrybuilding.co.uk Mobile: 07979 527379 email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

with

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

49

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL J.SHAW EXPERTS IN STONEWORK, BRICKWORK, RENDERING, PAVING & DRIVEWAYS AS WELL AS TIMBER BUILDINGS. ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING UNDERTAKEN. 07920 514403

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

GROUNDWORKS For all aspects of domestic outdoor improvements, site clearance, concrete breaking, extension footings, drive construction and resurfacing, concrete bases, drainage, landscaping and disposal of spoil. 1 metre wide mini digger and 6 tonne excavator with experienced operator. Established over 35 years.

For complete professional service and advice with a free no obligation quote, call Graeme Sheaf:

07968 968 869 Wincanton

Damp Control Timber Treatments Dry Rot Condensation Control 30-Year Bonded Guarantee

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382 Mobile: 07881 504426 Email: maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk

PROPERTY DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT/ refurbishment and renovation.

Call Tim 07793 837073

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

J&C Handyman Services

Plumbing Door hanging & skirting boards Painting & decorating Guttering and facia clearing Shed erecting & repairs and replacement Flat pack furniture Fencing Shelves & curtain rails Pointing etc...

No job too small. Please call with your requirements.

01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com

Building Construction Specialists

EV Car Installations

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered Sand Gravel Stone Cement Blocks etc Supplied Loose or in Big Bags Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

Competitive Rates 01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk

Home extensions | Barn Conversions Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes Project Management Established over 40 years Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280 E: andy@sandsltd.biz w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

50

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

CHIMNEYS B SNOOK CHIMNEYS Problem chimneys solved.

Brush and Vacuum. Also replace chimney pots and bird guards. Insurance cover £5 million. Donhead 01747 828904

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) CCTV

MARTIN SIMMONDS CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional 07368 250305, 01747 590799 STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer.

Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267 K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum APICS registered 01963 370038

01258 455251

Tel: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing.

01749 677440 - 07921 074602 solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

Specialist Wood Burner Installation Co. Building and plastering jobs undertaken all at affordable prices No chimney no problem Twin wall bespoke metal chimney systems Chimney stack rebuilds, repair, leak fix Relining flexible liner existing stove installations False fireplaces Professional and highly recommended company with 5-star reviews

Call now for a free survey and advice.

07521647885 WWW.STOVEANDCHIMNEYSOLUTIONS.COM

CLEANING

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

01963 400186

COMPUTERS & TECH DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

Joseph Crocker Computers Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices General computer and IT advice

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/ Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine To advertise in local services From Only

£55

call us on:

Tel: 01963 400186

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

51

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

COMPUTERS & TECH

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Get connected. Stay connected.

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

PROPER DOMESTICS APPLIANCE REPAIRS & INSTALLATION

01747 416059

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Call me now on 07805 783147 DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY LJB CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES. Extensions, loft conversion, garden make-over, office removals, rubbish clearance. Mere VAT registered.

07543 814320. ljbcarpentry@ qualityservice.com

Painting & Decorating Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

35 Years Experience FREE Estimates. No VAT

Call Richard on

Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

GARETH TANNER G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com COUNTRY CARPENTRY Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570 GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

www.properdomestics.com

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Office: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

To place a classified ad in the Local Services section email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Sectional Doors / Roller Doors / Up and Over Side Hinged / Personnel Doors Spares & Accessories Installation / Servicing Automation / 2 into 1 Conversions Insulated Garage Doors Call 01963 363782 or 01258 472830 www.dorsetgaragedoors.co.uk

52

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

Stonehenge Services 1/8:Layout 1

11/8/22

MOTORING SERVICES

15:15

Page 1

S TONEHENGE SERVICES

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

LTD

ELECTRIC MOTOR REWINDS AC, DC, Traction & EX Motors Generator Sales, Service & Repairs Pump & Gearbox Repairs Brook Motor & Control Gear Stockists

Unit 4 Faraday Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7NR

TEL 01722 414161

www. stonehengeservices.co.uk FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

MUSIC PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos.Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

PIANO, VIOLIN, THEORY TUITION at your home. Highly qualified teacher. Adults and children welcome.

Beginners to advanced.

Dr Thomas Gold 07917 835781 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

PEST CONTROL SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

ur

Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with.

All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken.

Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

Place yo

IFIED CLASS ADS

TODAY!

classified@blackmorevale.net

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services 24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

General Plumbing Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

Septic Tanks, Treatment Plants & Soakaways Problems with your sewage system?

Need to replace your septic tank?

LTD

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

FRANKS

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG MAINTENANCE GROUP •General Plumbing •Bathrooms Installations, •Landlord Certification servicing and •Solid Fuel Stove maintenance Installation and

Speak to your local experts 01747 823731 or 07970 484890

Established 1980

www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

53

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

BLANDFORD DRAINS

Book online: blackmorevale.net

D&T Plumbing and Heating

Family business Established 1996

Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

DRAIN UNBLOCKING CCTV SURVEYS SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

Services • Plumbing & Heating • Complete Bathrooms & Shower Rooms • Tiling • Mobility, Shower Rooms • Boilers Repair & Upgrades • All Gas Work Undertaken • ( Landlords & Safety Certification )

Please contact our friendly team today!

07507179205

01258 452500

OKEFORD HEATING LTD

• PROFESSIONAL • TRUSTED • RELIABLE • • OIL AND GAS HEATING INSTALLATIONS • • BOILER REPLACEMENT AND SERVICING • • LANDLORD’S GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATES • • BESPOKE PLUMBING AND BATHROOM DESIGN •

Shaftesbury 01747 812335 Mobile: 07971 865496 123456 128053

email: okefordheating@yahoo.co.uk

500285

REMOVALS / STORAGE

TrustScore 4.4

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot

Family Owned Business Est. 1973

British Association of Removers

Eco Friendly Removals

UK Removals

Storage

Country House Moves

All houses great and small! A worry-free service from planning, packing to completion.

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.

Get your free quote.

Blandford 01258 447005

Dorchester 01305 231267

Shaftesbury 01747 440426

Sherborne 01935 316221

Warminster 01925 984459

Wincanton 01963 34065

THE SOUTH WEST’S

LEADING REMOVAL SERVICE

www.armishaws.com

54

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ROOFING

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE Clive Smith Waste Transfer Note.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2020 09:33 Page 1

Clive Smith Ltd.

• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork

SKIP HIRE

Smiths Triangle, Fifehead, St Quinton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AW (Also disposal site) www.clivesmithskips.co.uk Email: clivesmithskips@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01258 860 166 Mobile: 07974 822243 Waste Carriers Number: CBDU112820 Permit Number: EPR/JB3101KP VAT Reg Number: 634 6316 44

PLEASE NOTE

Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

Tel: 07931 583614

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

Ticket No:

Date ________________ ALL AREAS COVERED ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OF SKIP PLEASE RING CUSTOMERS ORDERING VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRANSPORT AN OVERLOADED SKIP, THIS INCLUDES BOARDS TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD. THE DRIVER MAY REFUSE TO REMOVE AN OVERLOADED SKIP AND/OR AN EXTRA CHARGE WILL APPLY TO COVER COSTS.

• No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids

PLEASE NOTE

Based in Wincanton

SKIP HIRE

Waste Transfer Note

CLIVE SMITH (See Condition 17 overleaf).

Vehicle Registration

Driver

Customer

Address

ANYTIME

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Tom the Roofer

S.I.C Code: 38110

I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

Skip Size

Description

2 Yrd

Mixed Con, Brick

170107

4 Yrd

Concrete

170101

DELIVERY

6 Yrd

Soil & Stone

170504

8 Yrd

G Mixed Waste

170904

EXCHANGE

DATE

COLLECTION

By signing this form I confirm I have fulfilled my duty to apply the Waste Hierarchy as required by Regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

RUBBISH REMOVAL, house removal, license waste carrier, call Lee on: 07543 814320 PRINT NAME __________________________________ WHITE - OFFICE

SIGNATURE ________________________________

YELLOW - CUSTOMER

Contact us to advertise

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (SEE REVERSE)

01963 400186

Rob’s Clearance • • House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com

To place your display or classified advert in our Local Services section email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

• Recycling carried out • Good/interesting items bought for cash • Friendly and reliable

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com www.

.com

WINDOWS & DOORS BLACKMORE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Locally based company in Stalbridge with 25 years experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

55

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

by Barbara Cossins A GREAT big thank you to Dorset Council for its recent support. A motion was put forward and passed on Thursday, December 14, 2023, that shows its backing for Dorset farmers and food producers. It shows the support for our own industry and, equally importantly, for all other food sectors. It is so important to us in the farming, food and drink industry to have the council behind us in getting our voices heard everywhere.

Sadly, some councils in England have already chosen to drop meat and dairy from their agenda. For us, this means that the support from Dorset Council is even more wonderful, especially as Love Local Trust

enjoy that for your Sunday roast or slow-cooked casserole?

Dorset is a food county producing some of the best produce in the country and we should be celebrating that.

Yet again, it brings home the importance of eating British produce. We’re importing beef from countries like Brazil, that has been produced in important rainforest areas and then flown thousands of miles for us to eat, even though we have our own wonderful beef herds. This is total madness.

Documentaries like The Big British Beef Battle highlight the challenge of educating people about where their food comes from and how it is produced.

We need to keep on beating the UK food drum and eating locally and seasonally wherever possible. n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local, www. lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk; Rawston Farm Butchery www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; The Langton Arms www. thelangtonarms.co.uk.

‘Flying in beef from Brazil is total madness’

Local was founded right here in Dorset by farmers. As many of you know, it was created to promote food and farming across the UK and highlight the importance of supporting our own farmers and producers.

A label that can be trusted is like hearing a voice from the people who produce, grow or rear the product but the Channel 4 documentary The Big British Beef Battle, screened at the start of last month, was misleading, urging people to eat chicken instead of beef. As if eating beef is now the new ‘don’t smoke’ message – ridiculous! What the heck is wrong with these people?

In the UK we have many permanent pastures and our cattle have grazed them for

Cattle have grazed pastureland in the UK for centuries PHOTO: Hedy81

centuries. It’s quite simply the best farming practice you could ever hope for, and we do it on our own family farm in Tarrant Rawston.

We have many steep banks of permanent grassland and lush water meadows which cannot be used for anything else except being grazed by cattle or sheep.

This in turn keeps the pastures healthy and allows them to grow lots of wonderful wildflowers and be a natural habitat for butterflies, beetles, bees and other much-needed insects. In return for this, we produce the best beef you can find anywhere in the world.

Why would you not want to

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

PLOUGHMANSTON.COM 07783 009402

56

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

Top Christmas tipples revealed

Enford

Farm Shop Durweston DT11 0QW

Half a pig approx £130.

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.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

01258 450050

BAILEYS has been crowned the nation’s favourite festive tipple, with 47% of Brits naming it as their Christmas drink of choice.

The revelation came after a survey of more than 1,000 people by ice cream company LiQ, with Baileys beating the likes of prosecco, mulled wine and seasonal coffees to take the top spot.

The study also found Christmas pudding to be Brits’ festive dessert of choice, garnering 31% of votes.

And, not content with just enjoying the popular Irish cream brand as a drink, more than a quarter of respondents said they prefer Baileys infused cream as their Christmas pudding accompaniment of choice, second only to the traditional option of custard.

Jorgo Struyve, co-founder of LiQ, said: “Baileys has become synonymous with the festive season for many Brits in recent years, so it was not surprising it claimed the top spot.

“It’s become an iconic part of many people’s festive celebrations, whether they prefer to have it poured over some ice while sitting by the fire, a splash in their hot drink or drizzled over their Christmas pudding, there are so many ways to enjoy Baileys.”

The results of LiQ’s festive survey are also backed up by Google data which found that searches for Baileys recipes peak around the festive months, with 12,100 searches for Baileys recipes last December, compared to an average of 2,100 searches each month.

Happy New Year from... THE CLOCKSPIRE The Clockspire reopens on 10th January

Ready, ‘Set’, Go! Join us in January as we unveil a new set menu offering exceptional flavour and extraordinary value - and start the new year in style.

2 courses £22.00 • 3 courses £28.00

Time for tea?

Our Classic Afternoon Tea returns from 10th January with a selection of delightful finger sandwiches and sweet treats, served with your choice of loose-leaf tea - or a glass of something special if you fancy it!

Please note - The Clockspire will be closed from 1st January to 9th January for a New Year ‘glow-up’.

We will still be taking online bookings during this period, and look forward to welcoming guests again from Wednesday 10th January.

Afternoon Tea £30.00

2024 Scan me to find out more about The Clockspire

It’s an exciting new year ahead, so make sure you’re on our mailing list and be first to hear about forthcoming events and special offers from The Clockspire! Scan the QR code or visit our website to sign up.

01963 251458 • www.theclockspire.com Gainsborough, Milborne Port, Sherborne DT9 5BA

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

This Year, LiveWell Start your journey to a healthier you Make this your year, the year of a healthier you. Better health is in your hands – only you can make the changes that will change your life: losing weight, quitting smoking, becoming more active or drinking less alcohol. But did you know LiveWell Dorset can help? Make the most of this amazing

57

free service available to every Dorset adult.

Registering takes a couple of minutes and is the first step to becoming the healthiest version of you.

Having support to stay on track with your resolutions can make all the difference.

As weight loss client Fern found: “I began my

Advertisement Feature

coaching sessions in the New Year. Coming off the first call with my coach, Susan, I felt impassioned and motivated. I did not want to be a January statistic, one of those people who lost lots of weight in the New Year but then piled it back on, but the way Susan approached it, it seemed sustainable.”

Coaching is one of the most popular choices and involves six sessions with a behaviour change specialist to help you ditch old habits and form healthy new ones.

Alongside coaching there are kick-start weight loss programmes: free vouchers for local slimming groups or an app, stop smoking quit kits: nicotine replacement, and vape kits.

Once you sign up with LiveWell, an advisor will be in touch to talk to you about what you want to achieve and create an action plan to get you started.

58

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Beat the Christmas bulge: Goodoaks Homecare Introduce Ultra Compact, Zero Top tipsElectric for eating Emissions Vehicles better

capacity to deal with it all.

Also, most of us eat too much. Each meal should really be the size of our fist.

We eat too fast. Slowly chewing our food – eating

by Fiona Chapman mindfully – means that your Local Visiting and Live-in Homecare provider known as Urban Mobility Objects. The purpose health and the health of the environment with WHY is it that as you get older body has time to realise that it a pilot project to of the vehicles is to allow for carpooling, older vehicles emitting moresotoxic pollutants itGoodOaks is so easyhas to announced put on weight has just eaten produces the reduce local air pollution carbon into the air. Most is provided suburban and so incredibly hard toand lose it emissions support visits, client assessments and for right care hormone to tellinyou that again? you areshort full journeys and should stop. by electrifying its fleet of vehicles. use by their care teams. settings, often with in stop-start I know I will be waddling We also should not drink The company has invested in two ultra Air pollution from older and especially diesel traffic. GoodOaks has pledged to take measures around after wishing withglobal a meal – the best compact, zeroChristmas emission Citroen AMIs, also vehicles poses a real threat to both public to look after anything the local and community I had not had quite so many trick is to drink a pint of good and believe it is imperative to raise awareness mince pies and brandy butter, quality water about 20 minutes and encourage people to careIt about and rather dreading the long before eating. givesreducing that full their carbon footprint. lean months of January and feeling but has gone through Co Founder your Ben Ashton: “We take February to try and make sure I body enough notcaring to dilute do not have to buy a whole new for the planetyour verydigestive seriously juices. and we If areyou wardrobe. something cold when committed todrink continuously improving our Sugar is an absolute killer eating, it does further damage sustainability practices and seeking innovative – in every sense. It sits as a by cooling down the digestive ways to reduce our environmental impact. spare tyre around the tummy ‘fire’ so it cannot work as As part of this project, we are installing and too much causes insulin efficiently. electric chargingSo, points our offices.

Most of us eat too much and too fast PHOTO: Jerzy Górecki/Pixabay resistance and diabetes type 2.

I hadatbetter take my own We and aim to prove theto concept our office One day it will be classed like we need to be aware of. That is meat once or twice a week advice heart, in I know I will tobacco as a major contributor why it is so very important, if that should be grass-fed in and feel so much better, have our Bournemouth and Poole branch loads to deaths around the world. possible, to cook from scratch definitely not processed.before We rollingmore have more it outenergy across and our network.”

Most processed food has an and to eat organic fruit and have evolved over centuries, confidence in myself if I shed GoodOaks provide Live-in and Visiting enormous amount of sugar in it. vegetables that have not been slowly –the advent of fast, the Christmas bulge.

Homecare to clients in the comfort and We may think we are being sprayed with insecticides or pre-cooked food is really since n Fiona Chapman is a familiarity their own homes.

For more good about not eating chocolate, fertiliser. the Second World War and our ofnaturopathic herbalist (email information please call 01202 125882. but it is the hidden ingredients We should only be eating bodies just do not have the Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Advertising Feature

Live-in Care

you can rely on

Our local team of care professionals adapt and work to support you in your own home.

They can help with:

• Meal Preparation • Medication • Personal Care • Companionship • Help around the home • And much more…

To find out more call or visit:

01202 125882 enquiries@goodoakshomecare.co.uk goodoakshomecare.co.uk/bournemouth

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

59

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Resolutions that seamlessly blend into your routines are more likely to bring success IMAGES: KlausHausmann and USA-Reiseblogger/Pixabay

What’s good about realistic new year’s resolutions

by Alice Johnsen

AS we welcome in 2024 many of us will be following the perennial ritual of setting new year’s resolutions. Making an off-the-cuff declaration to run every day, ditch the fags or juice your way through January is as much a part of new year as Auld Lang Syne.

But, as we all know, a random resolution is unlikely to become a permanent part of our lives. New year’s resolutions are a bit of a laugh but they can also be a useful way of making that small change to your lives, a change for the better that can become a permanent habit. And that can be very worthwhile.

The value of crafting realistic resolutions lies not only in their achievability but in the positive ripple effect they can have on our wellbeing.

In a world where time is a precious commodity, setting realistic resolutions is key.

Rather than embarking on ambitious journeys that may prove unsustainable, consider resolutions that seamlessly blend into your routines. This pragmatic approach is more likely to bring success.

The trick is – keep it small, keep it simple. Small, manageable goals, whether in health, relationships, personal or professional development,

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

are more likely to withstand the test of time. These resolutions act as building blocks, gradually shaping a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. Like a pebble being thrown into water with the ripples reaching far and wide.

Rather than starting something completely new, can you use this opportunity to build on something? To push a good new(ish) habit to the next step? Building on the good things in your life from last year rather than reinventing the wheel.

If you are making changes or taking up something new – please don’t expect miracles. If

you fall at the first – or second – fence don’t see that as the end. Rather, see it as an opportunity to pick yourself up, dust yourself down and keep moving forward.

So if you are going for a dry January – not a suggestion, just an example! – and you slip up one Friday night, don’t think it’s all over and that you should give up. One step back can be followed by many steps forward.

The value of realistic new year’s resolutions lies in their inherent achievability, seamless integration into busy lives and maybe seeing them as a long-term thing, not an amusing distraction for the long dark days of January. Happy new year! n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne (07961 080513; alicejohnsen.co.uk).

SMART PHYSIO Treatment in your own home!

SMART PHYSIO

 Jacqueline

Bad back? Stiff neck?

Aching knee? Stiff Hip? Bad ankle? Shoulder pain?

07596 477222 help@physiocentre.co.uk for an appointment

60

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Motoring

blackmorevale.net

2023 SHERBORNE HISTORIC VEHICLE RALLY ROUND-UP With the 2024 classic car season just around the corner, it gives us an opportunity to look back at 2023 and the Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles Historic Vehicle Rally, which was held in the picturesque Sherborne School Courts on the 27th August.

Honorary Chairman Brian Chant reported that entries were to capacity and includes some stunning vehicles that rarely visit other events, including a rare 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (which won the Vintage Class) and a 1926 Rolls-Royce 20hp Park Ward Coupe, winner of the Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions Master Class trophy. Other notable prize winners at the event included a 1936 AC 16/66 which topped the Post Vintage Class, Post War honours went to a 1954 Bentley R-Type, the Classic 60s and 70s award went to an exquisite 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT and the Modern Thoroughbreds class was won by an Aston Martin DB9.

Motorcycle awards went to a fabulous 1938 Velocette KSS (the winner of the Post Vintage class), a 1959 Royal Enfield Bullet (winner of the Post War class), a 1969 BSA A75 and a 1974 Honda 500-4 (topping the Classic Sixties and Seventies classes respectively).

Enthusiast entrants enjoyed a morning jaunt through the Dorset countryside of some forty

miles of spectacular scenery. On their return to the Sherborne School Courts and with the public in attendance, the Sherborne Town Band entertained, as did a traditional fairground organ.

The Sherborne HVR Committee is grateful for the generosity of the Event Sponsors: Oakglen Wealth, Porter Dodson LLP, Buccaneer Motor Company, Hunts Foodservice, Brotherwood Automobility and Broadpeak Car Storage. This year, a record profit of £7600 was raised, of which £5000 was donated to the Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance, with the surplus used for Rotary charities.

So here’s to the 2024 Rotary Club of Sherborne

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk CAR SALES

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

2003 (03) Citroen C3 1.4 Desire 5dr. 72bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, short MOT, to be sold as spares or repairs ....SOLD 2021 (21) Fiat 500 Pop 1.0 Hybrid 3dr. 70bhp, petrol hybrid, 6 speed manual gearbox, self-charging petrol hybrid, 1 local owner & only 2,400 miles ...................................................................£9950 2021 (21) Fiat 500X 1.3T Lounge Automatic SUV 5dr. 148bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, cruise control, ½ leather, parking sensors, 12,300 miles ................................£16950 2018 (18) Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Nav 5dr.

100bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, 50+mpg, 88,800 miles ...............................£7950

Castles Historic Vehicle Rally, to be held on Sunday 25th August.

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2019 (19) Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 Elite Estate MPV 5dr.

82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, 51,900 miles ....................................£9650 2014 (64) Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6CDTi 2900 L2 H1 LWB Van. 115bhp, 6 speed manual gearbox, ply lined, only 49,000 miles, selling on behalf of a client .........................£8500+VAT = £10200 2014 (14) Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Match Edition 5dr. 60bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, upto 51mpg, 38,950 miles ......................................................SOLD

2018 (18) Ford C-Max 1.5TDCi Titanium Nav Automatic MPV Estate 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, heated front screen, 38,800 miles ..........................................................£11250 2018 (67) Ford Kuga 1.5T EcoBoost ST Line SUV 5dr. 150bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, ½ leather, parking sensors, auto parking system, reverse camera, cruise control, sat nav, 54,500 miles ...............................................................£13450 2015 (15) Kia Sportage 1.6GDi 2 SUV 5dr. 133bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, ½ leather, electric sunroof, 59,900 miles ..................£9250

CAR SALES WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES.

01747 854789

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

61

Motoring

blackmorevale.net

Most scrapped cars of 2023 revealed THE Ford Focus was the most scrapped car in 2023, according to new data.

A survey by car publication, Autocar, has revealed almost 800,000 vehcles were destroyed between January and October - a fall of some 60,000 on the previous year.

And the Focus was the most scrapped car model, with more than 42,000 being scrapped, closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa, which came in second and third place respectively.

The report also highlighted that twice as many cars and vans were registered in the UK when compared to the total that were scrapped during the same time period.

The top 10 most scrapped cars in 2023: Ford Focus – 42,639 Vauxhall Astra – 35,578 Vauxhall Corsa – 34,405 OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

BMW 3 Series – 13,642

Ford Fiesta – 32,935 Vauxhall Zafira – 26,898 Volkswagen Golf – 25,903 Renault Clio, below – 14,955 Ford Mondeo – 14,218 Volkswagen Polo – 13,722

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.

Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Book online: blackmorevale.net Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net Over Over Over 3030 30 years years years experience experience experience

Best Best Best prices prices prices paid paid paid please please please call: call: call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk

John’s Caravans

How to scrap a car in the UK Scrapping a car usually happens when it is written off, or is beynod repair.

In order to scrap a car in the UK, you will need to contact a licenced Authorised Treatment Facility – or ATF – that is registered with the Environment agency in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The next step is to get a quote. Then, you will need to book a time and date – as well as provide proof of ownership and the reasoning for scrapping the vehicle, using your V5C Form.

On the day, make sure that you have removed all personal items from the vehicle before handing over the keys.

You will receive a Certificate of Destruction which will need to be provided to the DVLA.

SUNRISE SERVICE & STORAGE FORMOT CARAVANS, CENTRE Book Online boats and cars at Enford Farm

near Blandford.

01258 450050 / 07704 813025

classified@ blackmorevale.net

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES SUNRISE HORSEBOXES SERVICE & INCLUDING AND MOTORHOMES MOT CENTRE SUNRISE SERVICE & Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from MOTS, small scratches to complete resprays, MOT CENTRE SERVICING AND REPAIRS insurance work ON ALL VEHICLES UP welcome.

TO 3.5 TONNES MOTS, SERVICING INCLUDING HORSEBOXES MOTS – class 4,5AND andREPAIRS 7 ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES ANDDiagnostics MOTORHOMES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, AND MOTORHOMES from small Air scratches to complete resprays, conditioning Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, insurance work welcome.

Valetsto complete resprays, from small scratches MOTS classwork 4,5 7 MOTs –– class 4, 5 and and 7 insurance welcome.

Courtesy Cars Diagnostics MOTS Air – class 4,5 and 7 Diagnostics Conditioning Collections a 5 mile radius Airwithin conditioning Diagnostics Courtesy Cars Air conditioning Valets Concessions forConcessions Pensioners, for Armed Forces Valets Courtesy Cars and Emergency Services Armed Forces and Emergency Services Courtesy Collections within a 5 Cars mile radius Collections within a 5 mile radius Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services and Emergency Services

Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs Please call

01747 853114 or 07546 548017

Keeping you on the move...

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST 15B Sunrise Business Higher Shaftesbury Road 15B Sunrise Business Park,Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 Tel: 01258 459798 Blandford DT11 8ST8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

62

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Motoring

blackmorevale.net

Government misses service station rapid charger target for 2023 THE Government has not hit its target of having six or more rapid or ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023, new research shows.

Just 46 (39%) of 119 motorway services reviewed by the RAC on Zapmap now have the target number of chargers above 50kW to serve the UK’s growing fleet of batteryelectric vehicles, which should have exceeded the 1m milestone by the end of 2023.

The number of rapid chargers has grown from just 27 (23%) at the end of April.

Since the end of spring a further 178 high-powered chargers have been installed at motorway services.

Positively, there are now more than 400 ultra-rapid chargers at services which means more than half (55%) can now offer some of the fastest possible charging speeds to drivers.

Only 18 service areas have no rapid charging above 50kW, but worryingly, four have no charging facilities whatsoever: Leicester Forest on both sides of the M1, Tebay South on the M6, and Barton Park on

the A1(M).

There are now nearly 700 (693) Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors – the most common charging connector – at the 101 services offering high-powered charging, an increase of 225, or 48%.

For the CHAdeMO connectors predominantly used by Nissan and Renault electrics cars, there are now almost 300 (282), up 32% compared to the end of April.

Seventy per cent of all highpower motorway charging is now ultra-rapid, reducing the time drivers need to spend ‘filling up’ significantly.

Encouragingly, there are now 14 services in England which have more than 12 such devices – up from only six in the spring.

The Moto-run services at Exeter on the M5 has the most high-powered chargers of all motorway services, with 24 devices.

Looking at all high-powered motorway chargers collectively, there are currently an average of five (4.9) devices at all 119 service areas in England – up from 3.4 at

the end of April.

The Government’s target of having at least six rapid chargers above 50kW by the end of 2023, with some having more than 12 is set out in its ‘Taking charge: the electric vehicle infrastructure strategy’ published on March 25, 2022.

Its intention was to accelerate the roll-out of high-powered chargers on the strategic road network through the £950m Rapid Charging Fund so that EV drivers have confidence in the ability to undertake longer journeys.

Items for sale CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

WANTED SCAFFOLDING POLES. Andy 07899 924845

FREE! up to £50

Classified Adverts

1 ad per contact number. Please limit to:

15 words or less

household items only classified@blackmorevale.net

WANTED

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS TASMANIAN PINE VGC ADJUSTABLE SHELVES with cupboards under 199cm x98x35 single or dbl unit £45 each.

Sturminster. 01258 628324 LADIES SHEEPSKIN COAT size 14/16 , 3/4 length v.g.c. - Baileys of Glastonbury. £35. Tel. 01985 844339 (Blandford) 60/70’S VINYL LP’s and singles, including Abba, P/Floyd, Orbison, McCartney, N/Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart. Tel: 07598-892824

FALCON INTERCEPTOR, 23” frame, 16 speed Shimano gears £20 Dinton, 07836 329441

FATHER AND SON STYLE chrome lamp vgc £20 01258 920692 WANTED SCAFFOLDING POLES. Andy 07899 924845 AIR COMPRESSOR HURRICANE 2156 SIP 240V/1250W. In good working order. £50 Tel 01258 721 601 (Blandford) 10 x 1000 PIECE JIGSAWS, various brands and themes. All complete £25.00 ono 01747 826085

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

WANTED All militaria bought British/Foreign Single items or collections Contact Tim on 07904 082997

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation.

Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

Classified advertising

place your ad today

email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

DEATHS

TERRY AND THERESA KENDALL,

CANON DICK HEATH REMI JONES

would like to wish family and friends a Very Happy New Year. We are sponsoring a guide dog puppy for the blind instead of sending Christmas cards this year.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is given that Dhurim Kalia has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence in respect of La Vita 43 East Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7DX for the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of Monday to Sunday 12:00 to 23:00.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: Licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours.

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 for the offence is unlimited.

DATE: 21/12/2023

DEATHS GORDON WILLIAM CRYER On 3rd December 2023, suddenly at home aged 81 years, of Tanyard Lane, Shaftesbury.

Devoted Husband to the late Ann, much loved Dad, Grandpa and a friend to many.

Funeral service takes place at St James Church, Shaftesbury on Thursday 11th January 2024 at 11:00am.

No flowers please but donations if desired for Dorset Wildlife Trust may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU Tel: 01747 853532

63

On November 22nd, 2023, Dick died peacefully at The Cedars Nursing Home, after a long illness.

His Funeral will take place in St. Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna on Saturday, 20th January 2024, at 12 noon followed by Burial in the churchyard.

No flowers please. Donations, in memory of a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, Priest and friend, would be gratefully received for Amnesty International UK, online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

POFFLEY Colin Froome (of Bruton) Passed away peacefully on 11th December 2023 aged 89 years. Loving husband of Terry, wonderful father to Barry, Sally and Richard, and much loved Grandad of William, Emma, Kit, Dan, Charlotte, Jemima and Victoria and GreatGrandad of Sofia.

The funeral service has taken place.

Donations in memory of Colin are invited for Mary’s Meals and also Diabetes UK and may be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

Please make cheques payable to the charity.

ROBERT POOL Died peacefully on 1st January 2024.

A much loved husband, stepfather and Grandad.

Private farewell.

To place an obituary or remembrance advertisement in

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine please call us on:

01963 400186 or email:

www.blackmorevale.net

64

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS ALLAN FRANKS

TALLON

On 21st December 2023, peacefully in Westminster Memorial Hospital aged 80 years, of Shaftesbury.

A much loved Husband to Jenny and a loving Dad and Grandad. He will be sorely missed by all family and friends.

Private cremation. A service to celebrate Allan’s life will be held at St James Church, Shaftesbury on Wednesday 17th January at 1.00pm.

No flowers please but donations, if desired, for the RNLI and Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532. Please make any cheques payable to the individual charity.

William Desmond John (Bill) aged 89years of Queen Camel, formerly of Sparkford. On 22nd December 2023, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 17th January at 12noon.

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Bill are being invited for the British Heart Foundation.

C/O Harold F,Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367

DAVID FARRIS on 22nd December 2023 peacefully in The Mellowes Care Home, Gillingham, aged 94 years, of Shaftesbury. Husband to the late Mary and a loving Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.

Funeral service takes place at St John’s Church, Enmore Green on Thursday 25th January at 11.00am followed by interment.

No flowers please but donations for St John’s Church may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or can be sent c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

Please make any cheques payable to Enmore Green Church

TREVOR SQUIRE On 20th December 2023, peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital with his family by his side, aged 74 years, of East Stour.

A much loved husband to Sheila, a loving Dad to Tracey and Dawn, Father in law to Simon and Grandad to Liam, Dylan, Polly and Bea. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral service takes place at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 23rd January at 12.00noon.

No flowers please. Donations to RSPB for the Prevention of Raptor Persecution. Donations may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or cheques may be sent c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532 Please make any cheques payable to Merefield & Henstridge Ltd.

SHAVE Stanley William, aged 96years of Wincanton.

On 17th December 2023, peacefully at Frome Community Hospital.

A dearly beloved husband of Ann, father of Stuart and Shaun, father-in-law of Caroline, brother, uncle and friend.

Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 10th January at 10.40.a.m.

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Stanley are being invited for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and The Stroke Assoiation. C/O Harold F.Miles, Funeral Directors, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 44036

PETER FOOT (of Mill Taxis) Peacefully on the 25th December 2023 at home in Sturminster Newton aged 77 years.

Precious Husband to Pauline. Dearly loved Dad to Carole, Margot & Cheryl. Much loved Grandad & Great Grandad.

Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Wednesday, 17th January at 11.30am.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

65

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

JOAN FITZGERALD Aged 59, passed suddenly but peacefully at home in Bourton on 16th December 2023. Dearly loved partner of Jason, Mum of Keiran and Sasha. Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday, 15th January at 10am.

Wear a splash of colour but no jeans please.

Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services.

Tel: 01747 833757

PETER DONALD CAPEL on 23rd December, 2023, peacefully at home aged 90 years, of Shaftesbury.

Much loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.

He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 24th January at 12.00noon.

No flowers please but donations for Marie Curie may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or can be sent c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Proudly serving your local community

01747 860 361

Water Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6DZ

Call us for immediate support, advice, or to find out more about our prepaid funeral plans.

We are here to help 24 hours a day. "

www.lchillandsonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

@

To place an obituary or remembrance advertisement in

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

please call us on

01963 400186 or www. blackmorevale.net

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

66

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

FUNERAL DIRECTORS H E L P I N G YO U E V E RY S T E P O F T H E WAY

Your Local Funeral Professionals • Unattended funerals starting from £995 • Tailored and unique Attended Funerals • Prepaid funeral plans also available

Classified advertising

place your ad today

A J Wakely AAJJJWakely& Wakely& Son A Sons Wakely& Sons A J Wakely& Sons AA JJ Wakely& Sons Wakely& Sons Independent email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family FuneralDirectors Directors Directors Directors Directors AA JJ Wakely& Wakely& Sons Sons Directors Directors Choice Hearsesavailable availableChoice including Land Rover Hearse Choice ofofHearses including our Land Rover Hearse ofour Hearses available includin

• Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none • Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse – 24 Hour Service –

– 24Hour Hour Service ––Land Rover Hearse Independent ChoiceIndependent of Hearses available including our 24 Service –– 24 Hour Service – – 24 Hour Serv Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse – 24 Hour Service – Family Family Funeral Funeral Wincanton Tel: 01963 Sherborne Tel: 0193531310 816817

BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494 Available 24 hours a day.

Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Sherborne Tel: Sherborne 01935 816817Tel: 01 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Directors Directors Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Tel: 01 Wincanton Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Pre-payment plans available Choice Choice ofof Hearses Hearses available available including including our our Land Land Rover Rover Hearse Hearse Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available Pre-payment plans Please contact Richard Wakely, or a–member of Service our dedicated –2424Hour Hour Service – – team for any advice or guidanc Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice g Pre-payment plans available Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of ourorde

Newell, Sherborne Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available – 24 Hour Service –Wincanton DT9 4EZ Pre-payment available Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of plans our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Tel: 01935 813479

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Sherborne Sherborne Tel: Tel:01935 01935816817 816817 Pre-payment Please contact plans Richardavailable Wakely, or a member Tel: ofTel: our dedicated team for any advice or gu Wincanton Wincanton 01963 01963 31310 31310

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or available guidance.

Pre-payment Pre-payment plans plans available

Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.

Please Please contact contact Richard Richard Wakely, Wakely, oror a member a member of of our our dedicated dedicated team team forfor any any advice advice oror guidance. guidance.

Unattended cremation?

Small or large gathering?

Modern celebration?

Family grave?

Lively wake? it’s your choice at

We’re there when you need us most

01202 630111 www.harbourview.co.uk Alternatively, please contact any office of Tapper Funeral Service

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

67

News

blackmorevale.net

Man, 32, is jailed for car theft and arson in Dorchester and west Dorset A 32-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for a number of offences in Dorchester and west Dorset - including stealing cars and arson.

Rickey Lee Thompson, pictured, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 22 after admitting two counts of aggravated theft of a motor vehicle, as well as charges of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, assault, theft of a motor vehicle and arson.

He was sentenced to six years in prison and disqualified from driving for five years, with the ban not due to commence until he is released from jail.

Thompson admitted, on Friday, March 31 last year, stealing a tractor from the Litton Cheney area, which was later found damaged in the area of Maiden Newton.

Then, on June 9, a Range Rover was stolen from the Nottington Lane area near Weymouth before it was found in Abbotsbury, having collided with a wall.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 5, a white Nissan e-NV200 van was stolen from the driveway of an address in Martinstown, near Dorchester. The victim saw his vehicle being driven off and went to stop it, but it made off, making slight contact with the

victim as it went past him that did not result in any serious injury. The van was found in Bridport on July 12.

The morning of July 6 saw a white tipper truck found on fire in Jubilee Close, Weymouth, and it was established the vehicle had been stolen from an address in the Burton Bradstock area.

Through joint work by the Rural Crime Team, neighbourhood policing teams and response officers, police were able to piece together evidence to link Thompson to the various offences and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

PC Glen Caddy, of Dorchester police, said: “Rickey Thompson is a prolific offender who showed no regard for other people’s property.

“We recognise the impact these kind of offences have on vehicle owners and I hope this case demonstrates that we will fully investigate reports of this nature and bring offenders to justice wherever possible.”

Support on offer to families in need FAMILIES in need of support can apply for supermarket vouchers now that a scheme has reopened for applications.

The fourth round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) started accepting applications from low-income households in the Dorset Council area on Wednesday (January 3).

The scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides support in the form of supermarket vouchers which are allocated by Citizens Advice on behalf of the council.

Vouchers will be issued to residents who meet the eligibility criteria within six to eight weeks.

Dorset Council households will be able to apply if they have: n An annual household net income of less than £30,000 and n Savings of less than £16,000 and n Not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last six

The Household Support Fund has opened for the latest round of applications with another round planned for February

months.

Calculations for the annual net income should not include Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit. Applications are limited to one per household.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time for all of us and it’s important to try and start the

new year off well.

“If you are currently struggling with the cost of living challenge, this initiative may help you as it offers supermarket vouchers to help with essentials.

“If you are applying in this window, please make sure you have not applied for a previous HSF payment since July 2023 as further vouchers cannot be issued and there are a very limited number of applications available for this window.

“If you do miss out on this window, another will open on Tuesday, February 6, at 10am.”

Residents should apply online, at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ household-support-fund. If you need help completing the form, contact Customer Services on 01305 221000 or visit a customer access point.

For further information on all the support available, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-ofliving-help.

68

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Sport

blackmorevale.net

Seven up for Pitman!

by Avril Lancaster Shaftesbury FC 8

defeat at Sherborne

(Pitman 13, 18, 32, 58, 75, 81, 85, Devlin 69) Christchurch FC 2 (Simpson 67, Derick 73) BRETT Pitman moved onto 40 goals for the season in all competitions with an incredible seven-goal haul in this win in the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division.

The Rockies put the disappointment of

FOOTBALLTown behind them to

end the year as league leaders.

Luke Holmes with two assists and Liam Farrugia helped Pitman, formerly of Ipswich Town and AFC Bournemouth, to a first-half hat trick and a 3-0 lead.

Cameron Beard and Aaron Roberts provided assists along with Steve Devlin and Holmes once again.

Devlin scored the fifth goal himself

when his GOLF windassisted WINCANTON Golf Club effort eludedresults.

Will Butler in the Christchurch goal.

Monthly Medal: 1 Trevor Christchurch the arrears to 4-1 Millsreduced nett 72 ocb, 2 Jim Phillips when Lyle Simpson from close nett 72; 3finished Chris Chapman nett range and Ewang 74. Derick made it 5-2.

ChristchurchSeniors forcedTurkey a few corners and Trot: 1 Philip Shiv Roushbainai crossbar with 18, Dewar hit 19,the 2 Simon Lenton Shane Murphy beaten.

3 John Wolstenholme 17.

Monthly Stableford: 1 Chris Chapman 39, 2 Jim Stephen 31, 3 Steven Ireland 29.

Mini Athletics launching for little ones IT’S fun, fast and physical – and now Mini Athletics is coming to Wincanton and Shaftesbury!

The popular children’s classes are aimed at getting children aged one to seven active and loving sport.

The winning formula of mixing imaginative play with burning energy has sold out classes across the country and even reached the USA and Dubai.

And now families in Wincanton and Shaftesbury can reap the benefits too, with classes launching in January.

Mini Athletics has been brought to the area by exSunday Mirror journalist Nicola Small.

The mum-of-two is passionate about getting children fit and active and was looking for a new challenge in her life.

She said: “Our sessions are friendly, fun and full of running, jumping and throwing – everything that kids love doing.

“We also have a big focus on imaginative play, with weekly themes such as pirates, unicorns and the ocean, to keep your little ones engaged.

“Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realise all the new skills they are picking

YOUTH SPORT up!

“And you’ll find it’s not just physical skills they learn at Mini Athletics, but also social, cognitive and listening skills too.

“I’m so excited to be part of something that has such a positive impact on children’s lives.

“I want to help give kids the best introduction to sport, instilling a passion for an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Nicola, 40, who has competed for Somerset in cross country running and has two girls aged four and two, added: “Parents love the classes as much as the little ones.

“There is so much fun and laughter – it’s great bonding time for you both.

“Plus, they will burn so much energy and go home exhausted, so the rest of the day will be a breeze for you!”

Classes in Shaftesbury will be held on Sunday mornings at Shaftesbury CofE Primary School, with four sessions for different age groups.

And classes in Wincanton will take place on Saturday mornings at North Cheriton village hall.

Mini Athletics sessions can also be booked by nurseries and schools, with free tasters

Nicola Small, who is bringing Mini Athletics to Wincanton and Shaftesbury, with her children Adeline, four, and Cleo, two.

available in January.

To make a booking, visit www.miniathletics.com/ mini-athletics-salisburywincanton-and-blandfordforum-summary/

n Contact Nicola at nsmall@ miniathletics.com or follow her on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=61553575652079 and Instagram at mini_athletics_

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Sport

blackmorevale.net

Wonderful world of weird winter sports

by Kye Harman

YOUR favourite sports team’s fixtures have been called off due to bad weather, there’s no Winter Olympics to get excited about and the kids have poo-pooed your idea of competitive snowman building…

Just where can you get your sports fix when freezing temperatures have decimated the snowy sporting landscape?

Don’t panic! Here’s a few of the weirdest winter sports you can surf the sports channels for, or maybe set up your own Blackmore Vale league? n Skijoring HORSES, snow, skis, mix them all together and you have skijoring (coming from the Norwegian for ‘ski driving’). It was once used by the Norwegian military as a means of getting men and messages across snowy distances. Riders stand on skis and are pulled behind horses.

It was even seen at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz. The sport became

69

popular in America in the 60s and the town of Whitefish Montana still holds the annual World Skijoring Championships. n Yukigassen PERHAPS no one is better at coming up with weird/crazy sports than the Japanese and with yukigassen they once again struck gold. Essentially the sport is formalised snowball fighting. With elements taken from paintball rules, teams of seven compete to ‘capture their opponents’ flag while not being hit and ‘taking out’ the other side. It became quite popular, annual tournaments are held in cities across the country and it has even been televised. n Snowball Jousting NOT to be outdone, the Brits have come up with their own fair share of barmy winter sports, our favourite was invented in Minehead in 2008 by two (presumably bored?) ice rink attendants. Snowball jousting is just like real jousting, except instead of two brave knights on horseback,

you have two hapless loons on ice skates. Starting at either end of the rink, they race towards each other and once within a set distance, launch snowballs, each direct hits scores a point. At the end of four passes, the player with the most points wins. n Shovel Racing THE ski resorts of New Mexico are thought to be the birthplace of shovel racing in the 1970s. Whether there was a shortage of sledges that year is unclear, but suddenly people were racing down slopes, sitting on their snow shovels. The sport hit dizzy heights in 1997 when it was included in the Winter X Games but was soon dropped for not being athletic enough (and possibly a little bit ridiculous). n Wok Racing MAYBE because bobsleighing isn’t already dangerous enough, in 2003 a German TV show came up with the idea of wok racing.

Men, on woks, racing down a bobsleigh run, dressed in

protective clothing. Incredibly wok racers can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour!

And you thought your take-away arrived quickly!! n Skibobbing THE idea of attaching skis to a bike was actually patented in 1892 and became a favourite winter child’s toy. In 1954, it was grown-ups who took the ‘skibob’ to new levels by making it competitive and the first international race was held.

Seven years later the Fédération Internationále de Skibob was formed and they’ve have been hosting the annual International Skibobbing World Championship since 1967. n Ski Kayaking EXACTLY what is says on the tin. If your local river has frozen over, simply take your kayak to the nearest hill or mountain and kayak down the snow. Like many situations where grown men are left on their own for too long, they got all competitive and ski kayaking events have been staged across the snowy peaks of the US since the 1990s – and yes, all male stereotypes have been upheld, most of these winter sports have been invented by men, I should know, I was one of those two bored ice rink attendants!

Large crowd for club’s gala

by Alan Morris WINCANTON Swimming Club held their annual Christmas Gala at Wincanton Leisure Centre.

Thirty-three swimmers took part in the event and were watched by a large crowd of parents and friends.

Emily Couzens, Eleanor Wagland, Sophie Johnson, Ralph Marsden, Isabelle Johnson, Hannah Maude, Nadia Bohdan and Toby Carey each won five gold medals.

Alice Appleby, Tom Couzens, Noah Abercrombie,

SWIMMING Abi Hills and Freddie George all won four gold medals.

The afternoon races were rounded off by the annual hat race won by Beatrice Parish.

A presentation ceremony followed the swimming when medals and cups were presented.

Cups went to: Most improved Girl, Sophie Johnson; Most improved Boy, Ralph Marston; Service to the Club, Kirsten Pike; Swimmer of the Year, Isabelle Johnson.

70

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Pets

blackmorevale.net

How to socialise your puppy and have a happy dog

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice JUST like human babies, puppies’ brains develop with time and are moulded by their experiences. Puppies grow more rapidly than babies and this narrows the window for new learning experiences.

From birth, puppies are learning. Initially this is entirely from their mother and their immediate surroundings. From three weeks of age their brains start to adapt to their experiences. Positive experiences such as handling and play help their brains develop.

Up to eight weeks of age they still benefit from the interaction with their mother and litter mates learning how to interact on a social level and feeling protected by their mother. They will develop more confidently if they experience a good and varied level of interaction while still with their

mother. Equally, anxious mothers are likely to lead to anxious puppies due to copied behaviours.

Puppies that do not have multiple experiences at this stage are likely to have ongoing issues with anxiety which makes it important to source your puppy from a pro-active breeder who actively encourages appropriate socialisation. Puppies re-homed before eight weeks of age are also more likely to struggle with confidence levels because they rely on their mother’s support until this stage.

From eight to 12 – or possibly 14 – weeks of age their brains are at the most open to new experiences and this is the optimum time to carry out positive socialisation. If a puppy hears a loud noise in a positive way during this stage, they are less likely to be scared by any kind of loud noise in the future. Equally, positive interactions with adults,

BUSYPETZ

EVERYTHING FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS Dog, cat and small animal food. Grain-free, vegetarian, frozen, gluten & sugar-free chews, natural treats. Soft toys, leather toys, leads & collars, coats, cool & heat pads, veterinary bedding, shampoo, towels...even microchipping!

Come and get your wild bird food for the winter.

COMPULSARY MICROCHIPPING for Cats & Dogs 2024 – book yours now - call or pop in store

Check-a-chip service is free

Early appropriate socialisation is essential to your puppy’s future behaviour and happiness PHOTO: Anja/Pixabay

children and dogs will help mould their future interactions and responses to all adults, children and dogs.

It is also worth noting that negative experiences during this time may cause a long-term negative association with similar situations in the future.

For instance, uncontrolled interaction with a boisterous child causing the puppy to be dropped may cause a long-term suspicion of children.

Most dogs with anxiety in new situations have simply lacked previous similar experiences enabling them to learn how to cope, rather than a negative association with that situation. The puppy’s brain has made some permanent changes after this ’window’ has passed and future experiences will have less effect on the brain’s development and the puppy’s future behaviour.

Unfortunately this period

occurs during the normal timing of the first vaccination course which can limit safe interaction within the wider environment.

Socialising within safe parameters is still very possible though by ensuring interactions with vaccinated dogs and having people visit your house and garden. Carrying your puppy to other areas where, for example, they can see and hear heavy traffic can help with safe socialisation.

There are further growth and development milestones which will also affect the puppy’s behaviour either temporarily or permanently and learnt behaviours and training may be affected at these times.

Early appropriate socialisation is essential to your puppy’s future behaviour and happiness, so any steps taken at this critical stage will help significantly with your longterm relationship with your dog.

CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home.

Jacqui on 07791198679

CAVAPOOCHON PUPPIES ready now. 07790 704653

C.B. Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/Wildlife Food, Feeders & Accessories Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB

01935 812107

MINI SMOOTH DACHSHUND 4 months old, 07707 646359 JACK RUSSELL X BORDER TERRIER PUPPIES ready new year, wormed, vet check and chipped Parents have excellent temperaments.

07969 869774

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm.

18 Broad Robin, Gillingham SP8 4PJ, opposite the Onestop Parking available. Email: enquiries@busypetz.co.uk Web: www.busypetz.co.uk Facebook: Busypetz Call: 01747 706152

To advertise in our pet section call 01963 400186

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Pets

blackmorevale.net

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

n Flump and Frosty (17 weeks). Two beautiful kittens looking for a patient home to call their own. n Bandit (three years). Still a little shy and will need time to settle, but a lovely boy. n Lollipop (11 years).

Looking for a rural home with no other pets where her diet can be controlled.

We also have kittens which will be needing homes in the coming weeks, please get in touch to register your interest.

Outdoors cats looking

71

for homes – farms, stables and so on. For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/ blandford.

LOST CATS If you have lost a cat please contact us via our website, by phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

FOUND CATS If you regularly see a cat in your garden or road that you do not think has a home, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

Building a stronger bond with your pet in 2024

by Raychel Hill SETTING some new year resolutions for your pet can lead to a stronger bond and a more harmonious relationship. Here are a few resolutions to consider for your companion in 2024.

Healthy habits: Just like humans, pets benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Make a resolution to ensure your pet receives a balanced diet, regular exercise and routine veterinary check-ups. Engaging in more interactive playtime, longer walks or introducing a new activity not only keeps your pet physically healthy, it also promotes mental stimulation.

Having fun with enrichment: Mental stimulation is essential for pets, preventing boredom, destructive behaviour and reduced anxiety. Challenge your pet’s mind by introducing new toys, puzzles or interactive games. Enriching your pet’s environment with novel experiences and activities helps keep their cognitive abilities sharp and even boosts their confidence.

Establish a consistent routine: Cats and dogs alike thrive on routine and predictability. Make it a resolution to establish and

maintain a consistent daily schedule for feeding, playtime and bedtime. A routine helps reduce stress and anxiety, helping your pet feel secure and content.

Practice makes perfect: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in shaping your pet’s behaviour. Set aside time each day for short training sessions, using treats, toys or praise to reward good behaviour.

It is also useful to look for and reward good behaviours that your companion offers without being cued. This not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also encourages desirable habits.

Safe space: Designate a cozy and comfortable space for your pet to relax and unwind.

This could be a special bed, a cozy corner or even a quiet room. Providing a stress-free zone allows your pet to retreat and recharge when needed and alleviate stress during noisy celebrations or unexpected situations. n Raychel Hill BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CCAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching; www. petpeevessomerset.co.uk

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

72

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Recruitment WANTED: HOUSEKEEPER. 21 hours a week. Family home near Tisbury. Generous terms.

References required . Please call 07768-863363

THE ARMISHAWS REMOVAL GROUP HAVE THE FOLLOWING VACANCY REMOVALS CORDINATOR IN OUR WINCANTON OFFICE The person we are seeking will have good communication skills, be computer literate, have a sense of humour and be able to work under pressure.

Please apply via email attaching a CV to pat@atmishaws.com Closing date for applications Friday the 12th January

blackmorevale.net/jobs HOUSEKEEPER WANTED for young family in beautiful Stour Provost house. 7 hours per week. Contact Hugo on 07540 165 078.

STRONG HELPERS? Storage moving project.

January - one week. Suit students. Text 07785 744755 HILLS BODY & MOT CENTRE SHERBORNE LEVEL 3 NVQ MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN & MOT TESTER REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE START RATES OF PAY FROM £16.00-£20.00PH CONTACT 01963 251221

NATIONAL TRUST LET ESTATE GENERAL TRADESPERSON. Kingston Lacy Estate, Wimborne. Full time, fixed term contract until August 2025. £26,000 per annum.

Working on the repair and maintenance of let estate properties. To apply visit nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and search IRC146468.

Applications open 8th January and close 21st January 2024 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

01963 400186

Contact us to advertise Electricians We currently have vacancies for Electricians and Approved Electricians.

You will be responsible for working on a variety of projects around the surrounding area, with opportunities to work across the country.

The ability to work as part of a team with a positive and flexible attitude is essential.

For more information, please visit our website;

The New

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP For jobseekers and employers

NOW ON Facebook

NOW HIRING!

SITUATIONS WANTED PRIVATE CARER AVAILABLE in Blandford Forum and surrounding areas 07342 752273

MERE SURGERY, WILTSHIRE DISPENSER Hours: 16 hours per week We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our dispensing team.

The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of all aspects of dispensing, stock control, ordering and re-stocking of the dispensary.

Ideally the candidate will hold an NVQ 2 Pharmacy Services qualification or equivalent and able to work the hours over 3 days. Flexibility for additional hours to cover holiday and other absences is essential. Training will be provided.

To see the job description and person specification please visit the vacancies section on www.meresurgery.co.uk To apply please send a CV and covering letter to: Michele Mason, Practice Manager, Mere Surgery, Dark Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DT or alternatively email: michelemason@nhs.net Telephone: 01747 860001

Applications to be received by: 19 January 2024

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

73

Field & Stream

blackmorevale.net

Memories of cold winters past

by AJ Selby “Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” John Boswell JANUARY again and I am hoping for an end to this relentless wet and gloom – I look forward to a week of dry, sunny – and probably frosty – weather. The back end of 2023 was one of the mildest and dullest that I can remember and I long for a spell of proper winter weather.

Having experienced a few hard winters in my lifetime, I have to confess that I do enjoy snowfall. I was just a boy in the Big Freeze of 1963, but can recall riding on a toboggan with my father on crisp snow, and again in about 1971, which I believe was a white Christmas.

The winter of 1978/79 was a hard one. I was working on the farm as a lad back then in the potato shed forking heaps of spuds onto the riddle; a contraption that carried the potatoes from one end via a metal grid like a cake cooling tray but larger. It shook and let the tiny ones fall through – these are the size for ‘seed’ potatoes – and then the remaining tubers were carried along a conveyor where human hands picked out misshapes, stones and green ones.

The spuds then fell into paper bags at the end where another worker would take the full bag off, weigh it and tie the top with a hand-held wire tie, and then stack it on a pallet. I was happy to keep forking the potatoes onto the riddle as it kept me warm in that cold, damp shed – the potato fork had about eight close tines with metal blobs on the points about the size of a child’s fingernail to avoid stabbing the tubers.

By the time the next bitter winter struck in 1981/82 I was managing a dairy herd and that

AJ Selby recalls the Big Freeze of 1963 and the bitter winters of 1978/79 and 1981/82 PHOTO: NickyPe/Pixabay

was the coldest weather I can ever recall. I lived in a small cottage with just two open fires for heating, so I was either comfortable and warm or freezing cold. The preChristmas snow was fun and unexpected but then the January blizzards came and subsequently the mercury plummeted and it became seriously cold. That year still holds the record low temperature for England, a teeth-chattering minus 26.1 degrees Celsius on the January 10, 1982.

I bought my spare bed down into the lounge and made up the fire before sleep but by the morning there was ice inside the window and on several days the water in the kettle had frozen solid. We spent most of the day thawing out water troughs for the stock and then meticulously draining the parlour so no ice could form and prevent milking.

In the middle of January, we lost power for three days and while a generator served the milking machine, it didn’t reach the cottages. Fortunately, the

local pub cooked on gas and it offered free hot soup for lunch for the locals until power was restored – such is the community spirit in times of adversity. The cold was relentless for a couple of weeks with the cherry tree in my front garden thick with ice, as was the iron railing fence.

We got used to the deep snow and cold after a while – ah, to be young and fit and resilient. As much as the snow, I also recall that it was a late spring that year.

In those days it was not unusual to run out of silage at the beginning of April and just turn the cows out, but in 1982 the ground was still cold, the grass hadn’t got going and the gateways were deep in mud. I can clearly remember fetching the cows in for milking in April in my great-coat and thick woolly hat and muttering out loud that it was never going to warm up.

We have had some cold spells in the 40 years since but nothing like that winter of intense cold and heavy snows.

If we do get a snowfall, I love

standing in a wood when the silence is almost deafening as it seems all nature waits for the blanket of virgin white to cover it. Once, about 30 years ago, I drove up from Milton Abbas towards Stur and as I got to the top of Bulbarrow I could see the snow coming towards me across the Vale. I stopped the car and got out, watching the spectacle in total silence, all sound being completely muffled and the whiteness slowly enveloping me.

I also recall some 20 years ago driving towards Kilmington early one evening as darkness fell and the snow coming down thickly but suddenly punctuated by lightning. I have never seen lightning in a snowstorm before or since, but I would love to see it again.

With our climate changing and the probability of hotter summers and wetter winters forthcoming, we may see fewer ‘traditional’ snowfalls than in the past, and for those of who enjoy the white stuff that will be very sad indeed.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

74

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Book online: blackmorevale.net

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING REPAIRS SERVICING info@dorsettractors.com

07590 116 017

Small Holding, Equine & Agricultural Contracting Services from Grass £55 management per hr

Hedge cutting

Direct drilling

Mini digger & driver hire

Water pumping Harvest help Complete hay service

from

£31

per acre from

£55

per hr from

£55

per hr from

£150

per acre

from

£47.95 per hr

Water pipe / Cable laying Chain harrowing Towing and transport

from

£50

per hr from

£55

per hr

Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

Mob: 07966 244536 Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

from

£13.38 per hr from

£3

per mile

Helping you get it done

T: 07776708092 e: info@aa-contractors.co.uk Web: aa-contractors.co.uk

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge

TOP PRICES PAID

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Stolen plant and machinery was found at farm

DOZENS of pieces of stolen farm plant and machinery were recovered when police rumbled a crime operation in Somerset.

Officers working as part of the Operation Remedy team – specialising in serial burglaries – found 20 pieces of stolen machinery and plant when they raided a farm in South Barrow, near Sparkford in October 2020.

Harry Hollowell, 25, of Jellicoe Road, Yeovil, and 23-year-old Vincent Bruce, of Bearley Lane, Tintinhull, have now been sentenced after admitting conspiracy to handle stolen goods.

The pair appeared at Bristol Crown Court on December 22 after the court was told they had been purchasing farm machinery stolen from farms in the Sedgemoor area of Somerset throughout 2020.

They also bought and sold stolen plant machinery which had been taken from building

sites in the Cardiff area that year, all of which caused significant financial losses to many farmers, landowners and small businesses.

Hollowell was sentenced to three years and two months imprisonment and Bruce to one year and four months. Bruce had his sentence suspended for two years.

Sentencing, HHJ McMillan said Hollowell had “played the leading role in a professional and sophisticated enterprise” and had profited from the loss and stress of people who were “almost like neighbours”.

A third man, 43-year-old Piotr Szor, from Reading, was sentenced at the same time as Hollowell and Bruce after pleading guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods for an unrelated incident.

The court heard how in October 2020, a tractor and telehandler worth around £80,000 were stolen from a

Harry Hollowell, Vincent Bruce and Piotr Szor PHOTO: Avon and Somerset Police

farm burglary in east Somerset.

Szor had organised for the machinery to be loaded onto a lorry bound for Poland.

However, officers intercepted the lorry, recovered the machinery, and arrested Szor for his involvement.

He was sentenced to one year imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Speaking following the sentence, Det Supt James Raphael said: “The theft of plant and agricultural machinery and tools have a detrimental impact on the farming community who work tirelessly to provide for our communities.

“The needless acts of Hollowell, Bruce and Szor has cost the victims hundreds of thousands of pounds in both materials and time.

“We are dedicated to supporting our rural communities and this case is a great example of the work

carried out by our Operation Remedy and Rural Affairs Unit, working in collaboration with our vehicle examiners.

“We hope it is reassuring to people in the rural community that action is being taken against criminals who steal the livelihoods of others.”

The theft of agricultural plant and machinery is a growing issue across the UK, he added, saying the expensive items are easy to sell for profit, so targeted by organised criminal groups.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, Mark Shelford, added: “This case serves as a stern reminder of the scale of rural crime, which is why as Police and Crime Commissioner, combating rural crime is one of my top priorities.

“These criminal activities have financial, time and emotional impacts on the farming community who work tirelessly to provide for our communities.

“I applaud the work done by Operation Remedy team in bringing these prolific offenders to justice and I encourage anyone affected by farm machinery theft to report it to the police.”

Conyers

Country Outfitters

BEEF GROUP MEETING

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D

New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs.

Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

How to keep your bull sound Focusing on: The anatomy and the reasons bulls go lame Conformation checking at pre purchase examinations The influence of rearing and nutrition on bull lameness Reducing the risk of lameness during the breeding season

Est

Cost: Free of charge Date: Tuesday 9th January 2024, 2-5 pm Locations: TBC - On farm meeting

1886

Refreshments provided. All beef suckler farmers are very welcome.

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

Please RSVP to the practice on 01258 472314, or get in touch for any other course interest.

friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

75

farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

01258 472314

76

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Farming TENDERS INVITED FOR GRASS KEEP NEAR WINCANTON. Available from April 2024 through to November 2024.

Six acres in two fields with water and fencing in situ.

Just off the Gillingham turning of the A303. Please email: stoketristerpc@gmail. com. The closing date for tenders is February 12th, 2024.

blackmorevale.net TRACTOR & HEDGECUTTER, 07711 980871 HEDGE LAYING & PLANTING, coppicing.

Experienced crew available call 07929 995747 SHEEP GRAZING WANTED - 10 miles of Henstridge.

07789 717534

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine 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

To place your classified adverts CLASSIFIEDS

ORGANIC HAYLAGE 5ft square bales delivery possible 07932-637103

QUALITY HAYLAGE, hay and straw.

3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales.

Collect or delivered.

Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293

2023 SMALL BALE MEADOW HAY Sedgehill Shaftesbury Quality hay from well managed low input grassland. Early June and second growth also diverse 80/20 wildflower meadow mix hay.

From £5.00

07973 318593

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Call callRachelle Lizzie 01963 400186

Join Synergy Farm Health for their next

LANTRA INTERMEDIATE HOOF TRIMMING COURSE

This course is aimed at individuals with some previous experience in foot trimming. The course covers anatomy of the cow’s foot and how lameness develops, aswell as correct foot trimming technique. The safe use of grinders will also be introduced. It includes two practical days on farm and a certificate of competence on completion.

£750 ex VAT

Equestrian

22nd-24th January 2024

Synergy Farm Health, Lower Coombe, near Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8RL

01935 83682 courses@SynergyFarmHealth.com

www.SynergyFarmHealth.com

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

Cattle Foot Trimming Courses From Synergy Farm Health Lameness continues to be a hot topic in the dairy industry as the health and welfare of the nation’s dairy cattle continues to be prioritised.

Synergy Farm Health are pleased to offer a number of different training courses to assist farmers and their staff with cattle footcare. We very much believe that we, as a leading farm animal veterinary practice, have a key role in helping to minimise lameness in our area of the South West.

We have three courses available to anybody wanting to trim cows feet. All courses now include a certificate of competence following a successful assessment at the end of each course. The use of mobility scoring also provides a great way of identifying these animals (if done appropriately), and we can train you to do this on your own farms.

Our next course in early 2024 is our Lantra approved Intermediate hoof trimming course, which is run over three days and led by experienced trainer and cattle vet Gareth Foden, who has a real passion for cow’s feet. This course is aimed at individuals with some experience in foot trimming as well as those requiring competency in routine hoof trimming.

It covers the anatomy of the cow’s foot and how lameness develops. The safe use of grinders will also be introduced in this course.

It includes two practical days on farm, with day one classroom based.

Our courses are open to all farmers, and their staff, in the locality – please contact our office on 01935 83682 and speak to our friendly office team for more details. Alternatively visit our website www.SynergyFarmHealth.com.

We are also happy to run bespoke training sessions for your farm staff on your own farm – contact us for further details.

………………………

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

77

Farming

SALE blackmorevale.net

Farm safety in winter, how Cornish Mutual can help

MONTH

While farm safety should always be a priority, winter weather conditions make it even more important to consider what you can do to stay safe on farm.

“Cold and icy conditions, as well as fewer hours of daylight, increase the risk of something going wrong,” says Dominic Jones, Cornish Mutual Loss Prevention Leader. “Taking time to consider what small changes you can make to keep yourself and your team safe is particularly important at this time of year.

“Around the farm, ice and mud create slippery and uneven ground making slips, trips and falls more likely. Stay safe by keeping all areas clean and tidy, cleaning up any spillages quickly. When it’s very icy, consider gritting or salting frequently used walkways.”

Lighting also helps: “Make sure buildings and walkways are well lit, with any blown bulbs replaced quickly – and safely. If you don’t have the right equipment to replace or maintain high level lighting, contact a professional contractor. The extra cost could save serious injury. Good lighting also helps improve farm security during dark winter months.”

“Farm vehicles are also a potential hazard in icy conditions. Check they are safe, roadworthy and right for the conditions every time you take them out.”

Cornish Mutual’s dedicated, in-house Farm Health and Safety Advisors can provide tailored support to ensure your farm is as safe as possible this winter.

To find out more visit https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/what-we-do/ health-and-safety/, email Lossprevention@cornishmutual.co.uk, call 01872 246175 or speak to your local Field Insurance Advisor.

…………………

0

th

SALE OF FAT C LICENS th P ………………………

Y………………………………………

27 SALE OF FAT C SALE …

EVERY P ………………………………………

FORTNIGHTLY Book online: blackmorevale.net Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY SALE OF FAT CATTLE, CULL COWS.

SALE OF FAT CATTLE, CULL COWS. DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. PRIME, CULL AND STORE SHEEP. PRIME, CULL AND STORE SHEEP.

Fair and consistent pricing

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

EVERY FRIDAY - SALE OF STORE CATTLE

…

EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE CATTLE

WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY SALE OF FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS – WEDNESDAY 6TH PIGS SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 17th JANUARY SALE OF REARED CALVESTH FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF REARED CALVES – WEDNESDAY 13 SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE MONDAY 22nd JANUARYSEPTEMBER th

…………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………

LICENSES MUST BE OBTAINED ONE WEEK BEFORE SALE ….

MONTHLY SALE TBCLASSES RESTRICED CATTLEPLEASE MONDAY 18th FOR ADVICE ONOF ALL OF STOCK CALL SEPTEMBER BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LICENSES MUST BE462288 OBTAINED ONE WEEK BEFORE TOM ROGERS 07384 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 SALE 985737 …………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………

MARK FERRETT 07702 264502 ….ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

SALE OF BREEDING & STORE SHEEP WEDNESDAY 20th

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB SEPTEMBER 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com

SHOW & SALE www.fromelivestock.com OF BLUE TEXEL & BELTEX WEDNESDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK

Insurance you can trust.

Call us on 01872 277151.

78

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

ST NE RU W CT IO N IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

H ◆A ◆M ◆B ◆L ◆E ◆D ◆O ◆N £1,250,000 Parbrook

£500,000 Maperton

A substantial Victorian school house set within 3.83 acres of gardens and paddock with far reaching countryside views. The versatile layout creates the potential for multi generational living with many highlights including a large farmhouse style kitchen with AGA, spacious dining room, huge drawing room and study/library. EPC Rating: G. Freehold.

An attractive three bedroom semi-detached cottage situated in the semi rural hamlet of Maperton. Comprising bright & airy sitting room with fireplace, stunning full height central hallway featuring galleried landing and fireplace, kitchen/diner, utility/boot room, cloakroom, extensive gravel parking, double car port, two workshops and delightful gardens. EPC Rating: E. Freehold.

WINCANTON

£410,000

An individual and deceptively spacious four bedroom detached bungalow which enjoys the benefit of a large landscaped garden. Characterful sitting room, separate dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite and useful attic room.

EPC Rating: D.

SOUTH CHERITON

£430,000

A substantial three bedroom detached bungalow situated in a small close in the sought after village of South Cheriton. Spacious sitting room with open fire, separate dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room, en-suite shower room, attractive landscaped garden and garage.

Thinking of moving?

ST NE RU W CT IO N

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

We have registered many buyers over the Christmas and New Year period looking to purchase a property in the early part of 2024.

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation.

£265,000 Wincanton

£125,000 Wincanton

Please call 01963 34000 An exceptional semi-detached bungalow An exceptional ground floor flat with a small to arrange an appointment tastefully updated with a lovely living room with private garden, car port, double bedroom with wood burner and patio door, modern kitchen, built-in wardrobes, open plan kitchen/living or email stylish shower room, two double bedrooms and room with a stylish fitted kitchen & integrated BRUTON £225,000 WINCANTON £226,500 wincanton a wonderful sunnyA aspect garden. appliances and newly fitted shower room. @hambledon.net spacious four bedroom terrace house situated within a short walk of An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with EPC Rating: E. Freehold. local schools. The property enjoys the benefit of a loft conversion creating

ST NE RU W CT IO N

EPC Rating: Leasehold. stunning far reaching views overC.Wincanton and countryside beyond.

Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

a master bedroom with dressing room/study and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

£595,000 Bayford WINCANTON

£145,000

£350,000 Bruton WINCANTON

£179,950

An impressive four detached house set back offsituated a pretty A on wonderful opportunity to purchase an individual bedroom Anbedroom attractive two bedroom mid terrace house in alane. small close A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house3 situated on detached a popular Extended and tastefully create sitting a splendid family homebathroom, bungalowresidential tucked away in a smallThe close withinis easy reachinofexcellent the town centre a maturerefurbished development.toSpacious room, kitchen/diner, development. property presented order and with spacious accommodation including a dining/family room opening to amenities.

Over the years the property has been extended and the layout easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting time buy.

EPC Rating: C. room,tofitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). the kitchen, utility/boot room, cloakroom, galleried landing, four double reconfigured provide flexible living accommodation which has a lovely EPCbetween Rating: D.the rooms. No onward chain. EPC Rating: C. Freehold. bedrooms, en-suite and delightful garden. EPC Rating: D. Freehold. smooth flow

Wincanton W I Wincanton NCANTON 01963 0Tel: 1 9(01963) 634000 3 3 434000 000

Shaftesbury

Ha mlet Lettings

Newton G I Gillingham LLINGHAM S H Shaftesbury AFTESBURY S T USturminster RMINSTER N EWTON 01747 851151 01963 34006 Tel: (01747) 824924 Tel: (01747) 851151 Tel: (01258) 472647 0174 7 8 2 4 9 2 4 0174 7 8 511 51 012 5 8 47 2 6 47

HM AM ED . N. ENTE T W WW WW. W H .A BBLL E DOONN WWW.HA MBLEDON.NET

New Blackmore Vale, January 5, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

Fall in first-time buyers THE number of people buying their first home fell to its lowest level in a decade in 2023, according to new figures.

Data from the Yorkshire Building Society said an estimated there were 290,000 first-time buyers in the year, which would represent a 20% drop on 2022 - the lowest since 2013, when the total was 260,000.

However, the decrease in first-time buyers was less severe than the decrease in the overall buyers, meaning the share of first-time buyers for the year rose slightly, to 54% of all purchaers, up from 53% in 2022.

The lender said a borrower earning the average UK income and buying a typical first-time buyer home with a 20% deposit would face mortgage payments

equivalent to 38% of their take-home pay. The long-term average is 30%.

Nationwide also said deposit requirements remained ‘prohibitively high’ for many, with a 20% deposit on a typical first-time buyer home being higher than a year’s average salary.

Ben Merritt, the Yorkshire’s director of mortgages, said: “First-time buyers are the lifeblood of the market and are still clearly keen to buy … The wider market relies on them, not least to support purchases higher up the chain.”

However, there is some hope for homebuyers, who endured a rollercoaster year in 2023, with many financial experts predicting cuts to interest rates this year, which could lower mortgage payments.

Puzzle solutions

Sudoko 6 4 8 7 9 2 1 5 3

9 3 5 8 4 1 6 2 7

2 7 1 6 5 3 8 4 9

8 9 7 3 6 5 2 1 4

1 5 4 9 2 7 3 8 6

3 2 6 1 8 4 9 7 5

7 8 2 5 3 9 4 6 1

4 1 3 2 7 6 5 9 8

5 6 9 4 1 8 7 3 2

Killer sudoku 28

6 2 1

15

7 8

12

3

11

14

5 4 7 2 1

20

1

13

8

6

7

14

18

4

9

1

3

17

1

9

4 5

8

9

15

6

14

9

9

5 6

8

2

3

7

5 3 8

13

2 7 4

2 6 4 5

4

3

15

9

16

3 9 4

14

2 5

15

7

17

4

1

5

3

9

8

23

6

13

3 4 9

1

5

5

19

15

1

6

26

10

8

2

8 7

2

8 6

5

7

9

3

7

6

4

2

1

Brain chain 40

4

18

6

9

72

Brain chain (hard) 99

66

33

40

16

32

79

PROPERTY TO LET OFFICE/STORAGE TO LET. From £24 p/w. Work units 1250 sq ft £55 p/w Tel: 07811 837061 SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817 BARN FOR STORAGE AVAILABLE TO RENT. Size 45ft x 75ft. Gillingham area. Tel: 07967SOUTH CHERITON Asking price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Morton New on 01747 824547 for more information

CLASSIFIED ADS

Place your ad today call

Phoenix Witt-Tower Rachelle Cooper Classified Ads

01963 400186

(from pages 32-33)

Edition 86

Jumbo sudoku

Cryptic crossword

1 4 7 8 3 2 6 8 4 9 3 9 4 7 9 6 4 2 5 1 3 7 8 7 5 2 6 8 4 1 1 7 2 9 3 5 1 9 1 6 5 2 5 6 6 8 6 8 2 5 2 3 8 6 3 3 2 9 3 9 8 3 1 9 5 8 1 5 1 4 9 7 4 2 16 4 7 7 5 24 7 2 4 9 7 7 4 5 9 1 6 7 5 4 8 3 6 7 8 6 3 5 2 3 8 9 2 9 6 1 3 4 8 1 6 3 4 8 5 6 1 7 3 2 8 7 1 8 1 5 9 5 2 6 9 9 2 4 7 9 4 7 3 6 7 3 5 8 2 6 4 9 2 4 7 3 1 4 8 4 1 1 5 3 2 8 5 8 3 1 9 6 8 1 2 3 9 1 6 5 7 6 3 6 4 9 9 7 2 5 4 8 9 8 7 2 7 2 4 5 1 2 6 3 1 5 8 9 3 5 3 4 2 7 6 4 7 4 9 5 8 1 2 1 8 7 3 5 5 6 6 9 6 9 8 2 3 4 7 1

O B O E D I V I D E N D Y Y E E E U U P K E E P R E L E N T R W T B H I O T A H O O L I G A N D S S P B U S H T E L E G R A P H C X U L A T O M B O M B B R I O E T E B C S A L A M I G U I T A R G N C I S N R E S T R A I N H A T E

5

Crossword

Arrow words

Wordsearch

A C E S A D D I T I O N U E C E O R A T L A S T F A T H E R A F U A A U N D O P E C U L I A R D O T L T R A D I T I O N A L L Y U R F O RESULT O N E T O O N E F O C I B U A A A A P L O M B T H I R T Y E N L U R E RESULT F R E E Z E U P S O D A

A R X E W I F I A R G A L Y N O S K I D I N N S P T E O R I L E W D

X Y H N O T T I N G H I L L I N N R O Y V L T K R Y P T C O M T R I T A N H A O R I O Z I B O U P I L E E Z P O E U R M R C N M C E V M Z R R H E A A R E A A I N E E I E R X A P R P A W H L T L X P T I C T O Y C N A C P I E I C T M L P E R R S Y D U N S C I Y R C R H E M T B N D E N A T W O A A R I E W R A A S A N S O R E Y I L B E I R M D E E Y M R W L Y L O L D G H A C L M A I E O I Y T V E M O Y O T I N M L V E I F E I R B N A C I L E P E H T

H N A C I D U R L L I D T E E N I C E C O P N S M O G G A M I T O Y S

BIG WINTER SALE HALF PRICE UNDERLAY*

SELECTED CARPETS REDUCED UP TO 20%

10% OFF ALL RUGS, 30% OFF CLEARANCE RUGS

ALL REMNANTS REDUCED BY AN ADDITIONAL 10%

NEW HARD FLOORING STUDIO UP TO 10% OFF SELECTED HARD FLOORING

Half price underlay refers to Prima 8mm * On selected products

FREE Planning & Estimating Service on all carpets & hard floors The Guild, King Street, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0RS Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm | Sun: 10:30am - 4:30pm

01722 742733 www.wiltoncarpets.co.uk

HEARING LOSS? EARACHE? BLOCKED EARS? EARWAX REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton Medical Centre Old Market Hill Sturminster Newton DT10 1QU

Check availability & book at: earwax.co.uk

Shaftesbury

Abbey View Medical Centre Shaftesbury SP7 8DH

0800 422 0156

info@earwax.co.uk