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KING Arthur’s School, Wincanton, student Ellie Bealing has been named Young Person of the Year at the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.
The year 11 student was recognised for
Commons this year, highlighting the disparity of experience between young people in Somerset versus other, less rural areas, linked to available opportunities and transport links.”
YEAR 6 children at Wyke Primary School in Gillingham enjoyed a week of delicious breakfasts during SATs week.
Headteacher, Ed Birkett, said: “We are all very proud of our year 6s and their brilliant attitude to their SATs tests.
“Each and every one of them has worked their socks off and we can’t praise them enough for their mature and resilient attitude.”
Mr Birkett added: “Our year 6 staff kindly provided a breakfast on each day of the tests to give the children a chance to relax together and feel ready for the day to come.
“I am grateful to all our caring and nurturing staff who consistently go above and beyond for the children in our care.”
CELEBRATE Dorset’s flora and fauna in a weekend of family fun in our great outdoors.
Dorset’s third annual Wilding Weekend will be held at Hooke Farm near Beaminster (DT8 3NZ) on June 15-16, from 10.30am4.30pm.
The farm boasts a wild garden to explore, wildflower meadows, a cascade of ponds, insect homes and a medieval-style marshland walkway.
There will be talks, tours, stalls and delicious food and drink. The Wilding Weekend will not only be celebrating Dorset’s nature, but also supporting conservation charities too. The open weekend runs in conjunction with the National Garden Scheme (NGS) – and their charities will receive the proceeds from the entrance fee. All other proceeds will be split between Butterfly Conservation, The Bumblebee Trust and Dorset Mammals Group.
Admission is £8 for adults and £4 for children. Find out more at www.juliahailes.com/wilding-weekend-june-2024
AGE Concern is set to launch a new balance class at the Sturfit Gym in Sturminster Newton.
The new class is planned for Tuesdays from June 25 between 11-11.30am. A qualified trainer will help participants to improve their balance, strength and stability.
Early booking is advised – call Age Concern on 01258 475582.
IMPROVE your well-being and learn something along the way with a guided walk around Dorchester.
A new series of walks around the town promises to get you in touch with our fabulous – and often-overlooked – trees.
Walking guide Julie Lonnen is passionate and knowledgeable.
“During the first lockdown, I was lucky enough to have access to a courtyard overlooked by a tree,” said Julie. “That spring, as I watched its very strange purplish flowers emerge, followed later by slender leaves, I was ashamed to realise I didn’t even know what it was. That tree turned out to be an ash, our third most common tree and one that is quite easy to identify all year round due to its distinctive black buds.
“Since then I have been patiently on the tree trail. As a
keen walker, I assumed I took notice of my environment, but when you start looking at trees, you realise you weren’t paying attention at all! And intentionally looking is really rewarding.
“At times, the rewards are quick; some trees are easy to spot. Others will require you to
return in different seasons to either confirm what you thought, or to make you think again.
“Visiting trees throughout the year also gives you a real appreciation of the seasons. Certainly I hadn’t realised how early in the year some trees get to work: by mid-March hazel,
yew, birch, alder, willow and poplar will all be displaying flowers of some kind.”
And that feeling of wellbeing? Scientists have shown that being within the forest lowers our blood pressure.
“Being in town needn’t stop you,” said Julie. “We are blessed with various green spaces and urban planting which will suffice for most people starting out. Even the most unpromising hedge may turn out to harbour blackthorn, hawthorn and field maple.”
Looking to kick-start your tree identification skills?
Dorchester Tree Walk runs every Wednesday in June, July and August, 6pm to 7.30pm, from outside the Colliton Club, Colliton Walk, Dorchester. Cost £7.50. More information from treewalksindorset@gmail.com or Facebook page Tree Walks in Dorset.
THREE firefighters based at Shaftesbury Fire Station have between them given an incredible 100 years of on-call fire cover to the townsfolk of Shaftesbury and surrounding area.
Firefighter Dave Foster, now semi-retired, is into his 33rd year of service, crew manager Ian Mutton, an HGV mechanic, has chalked up 36 years, and firefighter Chris Mullens, who works as police staff, is into his 31st year.
Shaftesbury Fire Station averages around 350 “shouts” a year, so juggling full-time work, fire service and family life can be challenging for the on-call firefighters. However, the rewards of the role make it all worthwhile.
On-call firefighters are paid professionals, who give between 90 and 120 hours a week. Instead of being based at the station, they each carry a pager, which fire control uses to alert them if they are needed for an incident.
Out of on-call hours, they can turn their pager off and enjoy some downtime, enabling a good balance between working, being on call and family time.
Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter at their local fire station should visit Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue’s website www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters
A WOMAN was seriously injured after a crash involving a gas tanker near Dorchester.
The incident, on the A35 Dorchester Bypass near the Stinsford Roundabout, happened at just after 2.45pm on June 2.
It involved a silver Mazda Bongo camper van and a white DAF gas tanker. The driver of the Mazda – a woman in her 50s – was freed from the vehicle by emergency services and taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.
Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond and for an examination of the scene, police said, and were cleared at around 6.30pm.
Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this collision.
“I am keen to hear from any witnesses, or anyone who may have captured any relevant dashcam footage, who have not already spoken to police.”
Contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, by email to scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240082402.
Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously via Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
A DRIVER was rescued from an overturned car after crashing into a river near Sherborne.
The dramatic incident happened at the junction of West Mill Lane and the A352 on Thursday morning – with the car ending up on its roof as water from the River Yeo started getting in.
“Upon arrival at the scene, we found that two members of the public had assisted the driver to get out of the vehicle by breaking a window as water started entering the vehicle from the River Yeo,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.
“Other emergency services responded very quickly, and fortunately the driver of the vehicle was unhurt.”
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TWO women died in a three-vehicle crash on the A361 near Frome on the afternoon of May 30.
Emergency services were called to Marston Road at around 3.10pm after a crash involving a silver Ford, black Land Rover and a lorry.
“The driver and passenger of the Ford were both sadly pronounced deceased at the scene,” an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said.
“The women’s next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them. They are being supported by a specially-trained family liaison officer.
“One occupant of the Land Rover was taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”
The A361 was closed until around midnight while investigation work was carried out and the road cleared.
Anyone who witnessed what happened, or may have relevant dashcam footage, should contact police on 101 and quote reference number 5224139063.
The incident comes after a number of serious crashes on the A361 around Frome, which has prompted calls for changes to the route from residents.
A TEENAGER was arrested after a stolen tractor failed to stop for police and drove dangerously on rural roads.
The incident unfolded at around 11.40pm on May 26, when police were called about a yellow JCB Fastrac tractor with a trailer that had been stolen from the Martinstown area.
The vehicle was seen driving on the A37 north of Dorchester before travelling on rural roads in the Dorchester and Piddle Valley area.
“It was reported that the vehicle failed to
A MINI overturned and hit a tree after leaving the A303 at Tisbury – but the driver left the scene.
The crash happened on the westbound junction carriageway near Chicklade some time between 7am and 7.30am on May 28.
The red Mini was empty when emergency services arrived, said PC Daniel Laurie, from the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Unit.
“This collision caused significant damage and we have concerns about the driver’s welfare, who was not at the scene when we arrived,” he said.
“From the damage to the vehicle we are concerned that they will need medical attention.
“We have made a number of enquiries including checks with local hospitals and would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can help with police enquiries, or was involved in the crash, should call police on 101, quoting reference number 54240061637.
stop for police on several occasions and continued travelling along roads in the Dorchester area overnight,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.
The tractor was eventually stopped in the area of Bradford Peverell at around 7.45am on Monday morning, and a teenage boy was arrested in connection with the incident.
Superintendent Gavin House, of Dorset Police, said: “Officers responded swiftly to this incident and worked overnight to ensure any reported risks to other road users
were minimised and the incident was brought to a safe conclusion.
“I would appeal to any witnesses, and particularly anyone who has captured relevant dashcam footage, to please contact Dorset Police.”
Dorset Police can be reached via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:599.
Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk. org, or by calling 0800 555 111.
SHERBORNE is calling on a history of cultural endeavours in a bid to secure a prestigious honour.
The town is bidding to become Dorset’s County of Culture recipient for 2025.
Arts Development Company bestows the title each year, with the recipient town, village or hamlet, becoming a creative hub for the county.
While the town council will look to allocate funding towards the initiative, other funding sources will need to be found to support the bid.
However, if successful, Sherborne could benefit from up to £30,000 of funding.
Steve Shield, town clerk at STC, said: “I am delighted that Sherborne has reached the final stage of this amazing opportunity for the town and we have until the June 26 to shape a strong application to be considered.
“Becoming County of Culture 2025 would provide a fantastic opportunity for
our fabulous community to deliver a host of cultural activities and projects in some wonderful settings across our historic market town.”
Mayor of Sherborne, Cllr Robin Legg, added: “Sherborne has a long history of cultural and artistic endeavours.
“The Victorian dramatist William Macready founded a Literary Institute at which his friend Charles Dickens gave readings for people of the town.
“Later, The Sherborne Pageant of 1905 at Sherborne Old Castle drew huge crowds and special trains were laid on to what was recognised as the first people’s pageant in England.
“Today, Sherborne has a wide variety of societies and organisations offering music and literary festivals, lectures by eminent
A BRONZE Age axe head and sword found in Dorset field is set to go on display in the county after it was bought by a museum.
The items were among a find by amateur detectorist, 60-year-old John Belgrave, in Stalbridge during a meet in 2020, after he said he became separated from the group.
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery has since raised £17,000 to buy the horde – which included a decorative arm bangle as well as the axe and sword.
A museum spokesperson said: “The rapier is very unusual indeed. Not only was it apparently deliberately broken in three pieces and buried, but the hilt is shaped to mimic a wooden handle.
“Only two remotely similar (and incomplete) examples could be identified in Britain.
“It does however have some similarities with the solid-cast hilts of Nordic rapiers from Scandinavia.
“What’s it doing in Dorset in the 13th century BCE? Again, this hoard has huge potential for display, but also future research which will enable us to continue to flesh out the story of our Dorset forebears.”
The museum is hoping to put the items on display and ensure they are preserved for future generations.
historians, as well as a thriving arts and drama scene.
“Now with the opening of The Sherborne as an arts venue the town is well placed to lead the County of Culture bid in 2025.”
For more information on the County of Culture scheme, log on to www. theartsdevelopmentcompany.org.uk/ whats-happening/county-of-culture
A BESTSELLING author is set to regale Sherborne with tales of daring deeds from his latest book.
Damien Lewis, Sunday Times bestseller and author of SAS Great Escapes, is talking about his third book in the series on June 14 at Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, hosted by the Sherborne Literary Society
Following the success of his first two books in the series, Lewis brings to life unknown SAS escape stories shared with him by families, based on information gathered from diaries, letters, photos, and other memorabilia. Chapters on war heroes such as Alfred Parker, Anthony Hough, Harold ‘Tanky’ Challenor and Oswald Cary-Elwes, delve deeply into the exceptional courage of SAS members, their endurance deep behind enemy lines, and frequent idiocy of their own high command as they were left to brave it alone.
He worked as a war and conflict reporter for the word’s major broadcasters, reporting from across Africa, South America, the Middle and Far East, giving him exceptional insight into complex military operations.
Guy Ritchie’s new film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, starring Henry Cavill, is based on Lewis’s books.
Tickets (£10 for members and £12 for non-members) can be bought from www.sherborneliterarysociety.com or from Winstone’s Books in Cheap Street.
For more information on this talk and the Sherborne Literary Society, including becoming a member, visit www. sherborneliterarysociety.com or call Helen Brown on 07515 554549.
A REGENERATIVE farming documentary and Q&A session will take centre stage at SEED Hub this summer.
As part of an exciting line-up of events taking place at Lynne Franks’ SEED Hub in Wincanton, the highly-acclaimed British documentary film Six Inches of Soil will be screened at a special event on Wednesday, June 12, at SEED Hub, Market Square, Wincanton from 7pm.
The film follows the inspiring story of young British farmers standing up to the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food.
Six Inches of Soil chronicles three farmers during the first year of their regenerative journey. As the trio strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they’re joined by experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet.
Following the screening, audience members are invited to take part in a Q&A with a panel of regenerative farming experts, including Giacomo and Matteo
Grasso, co-founders of the pioneering regenerative farming project, Higher Farm near Castle Cary, together with Marcus Fergusson, cofounder of the organic Feltham’s Farm in Horsington.
Lynne Franks said, “We’re incredibly excited to host a screening of Six Inches of Soil here in Wincanton as part of the dynamic and eclectic programme of events and workshops taking place at the SEED Hub this summer.
“In addition to this exclusive screening, in June we’re offering a confidence and self-esteem workshop; a series of qi jong sessions; our regular open mic evening, plus the return of our highly popular women’s gathering supper, while opening our doors every weekday to members of the unique SEED Hub Club Women’s’ Coworking and Networking space.”
“The screening of Six Inches of Soil on
June 12 will not only be an amazing event but one which resonates powerfully with the core ethos of SEED – Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics – a fitting alliance to what the SEED Hub is all about.”
Tickets cost £14.50 per person and include a light pizza supper plus Q&A with a panel of experts. Drinks will be available at the bar.
Copies of Six Inches of Soil: the Book will be available to purchase at the event. To book tickets, visit www.seedhub.uk/ sixinchesofsoil
DORCHESTER Walking Festival is declared a resounding success!
The Festival was an epic week of walks appealing to all ages, interests and walking abilities. Dorchester Town Council put together a programme of 45 guided walks that took place over nine days during National Walking Month.
Over 400 walkers enjoyed walks led by knowledgeable and experienced guides and walk leaders.
Local history loomed large in many walks. These included
following the route of Dorchester’s Roman Aqueduct, a grand tour of Dorchester’s Victorian buildings, and a walk that visited the sites associated
with crime and punishment: hearing stories of those unfortunate to find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Other popular walks included visiting Roman and Tudor history hidden in the woods of Athelhampton House; a Tour of Poundbury led by Simon Conibear, Estates Director for Poundbury for two decades; a scenic walk across the Dorchester Water Meadows along the Frome Flood Plain; and a walk that gave insight into identifying some of the key urban trees in the town.
Thomas Hardy featured in many of the themed walks.
Mark Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society led a popular walk around Hardy’s Casterbridge and Durnover, reciting poetry and prose of this great writer.
TE Lawrence was also featured in a guided walk around Moreton visiting key areas linked with his life.
For the more intrepid, many participants took part in the Festival’s 50km challenge, raising over £350 for the Dorchester County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.
Circular challenge walks of between 12-18km took
participants out of the town to discover the Cerne and Piddle Valleys to the north, the coast at Ringstead, Hardy’s Monument and Abbotsbury to the west and Milton Abbas and Bulbarrow Hill to the east.
“I very much enjoyed taking part in three challenge walks,” said Val Sewry from Weymouth. “The walk leaders were extremely knowledgeable about local history and led the walks in an understated way. I look forward to doing more
walks next year!”
In support of our railways, the Festival included two walks by train – one from Moreton using the South Western Railways and another from Maiden Newton that used a Great Western Railways service. Both these walks were extremely popular and opened walker’s eyes to using train travel more often.
The Festival culminated in Beating the Bounds, organised by Matilda Manley, the town’s tourism development officer.
re-enactors, musicians, storytellers and Morris dancers. The Beating of the Bounds is an ancient tradition where congregations would walk around the boundaries of each parish on Ascension Day. It was the fitting end to celebrate a fantastic week of walking!
In his acceptance speech last night, Robin Potter, the newly elected Mayor for Dorchester Town Council said, “The Walking Festival makes a great addition to Dorchester’s offer to residents and visitors.”
Having taken part in some walks himself, he was keen to add his thanks to the organisers
and to the individual walk leaders who proved so knowledgeable and entertaining.
“I learnt new things on the walks,” he added, “Including a tunnel under the by-pass that I didn’t know about. Also discovering the names of beer sizes from the Barley Mow song. I am already looking forward to next year!”
A NEW service has launched across Somerset to help patients unable to leave home get vital injections to relieve tight muscles.
Many patients whose muscles stiffen or tighten often need to visit the hospital for regular botulinum toxin injections.
It affects patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological or brain conditions, as well as those who’ve had a stroke.
The botulinum toxin injections are given under the guidance of an ultrasound at the acute stroke units at Musgrove Park or Yeovil District hospitals, and in an outpatient setting at Dene Barton and South Petherton community hospitals.
Patients who are housebound or struggle to travel to a hospital can find it impossible to get their injections, sadly leading to their condition deteriorating.
This has all changed thanks to an incredible donation by the South Petherton Hospital League of Friends, who’ve purchased a portable ultrasound machine that can be used at both the South Petherton and Williton community hospital stroke rehabilitation units, and even more
importantly, in a patient’s home.
Jo Moore, a practitioner in Somerset FT’s spasticity team and physiotherapy lead for its stroke early supportive discharge team, explains how the Friends donation has transformed care for patients in the community.
“Thanks to this amazing donation we’ve been able to extend our outpatient clinic provision and provide a domiciliary option to care homes and patient homes.
“The main benefit from having this equipment is that we can now provide this service in patients’ homes, which is particularly useful for our patient group who are generally heavily dependent on others or disabled, so accessing outpatient clinics is a real challenge for them.
“Now we can take the portable ultrasound with us to a patient’s home setting, giving them the same level and quality of service as they’d get in hospital, ensuring that the injection goes into the right muscles.
“It’s incredible that we can now provide this equity of access and it has made a significant difference to this group of
patients.
“A huge thank you to the South Petherton Hospital League of Friends and its supporters for donating this money – it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Dr Paull Robathan, chair of the South Petherton Community Hospital League of Friends, says: “We’re delighted that the portable ultrasound has already made such a meaningful difference to patients, and allowed Jo Moore and her colleagues to expand their vital therapy to the homebound community of patients.”
THIS Sunday, June 9, two of the great historic houses in Abbotsbury, the Old Gatehouse and the Manor House, together with two commercial gardens and one historic tea-room, will all open their gardens to visitors from midday
until 5pm. Money raised from entry (£5 per adult, under-16s free) will benefit the charity Friends of St Nicholas.
As well as the extensive gardens, in their prime, visitors will be able to enjoy craft stalls, plant sales, and refreshments including tea, cake and Pimms.
Over 20 invited local prestigious artists will be positioned across the five gardens, painting ‘en plain air’ for the entertainment of the visitors.
At 4pm, artists will down brushes and take their completed work to the Great Medieval (Tithe) Barn, known locally as The Abbey Barn.
From 4.30pm until 7pm, an evening reception at the barn gives visitors the chance to take in the art, enjoy a glass of bubbly, a finger buffet and live music, while rubbing shoulders with the artists and
judges and watching the final stages of the judging process. Entry to the Barn is £10 per adult, £5 for 5 to 15 year olds. There will be a cash bar available.
Visitors will be able to place a sealed bid for their favourite piece of art during the course of the day. Bids close at 6pm.
From 7pm-9pm, the neighbouring Cherries restaurant will be offering a Summer Supper to all those who wish to remain behind to enjoy the atmosphere and continue to discuss the art with fellow guests, artists and Judges. Cost £18 per person booking is advised.
Pictures by Tor (Sparkle Owl) and text by Sue Jeans BROWNIES and Guides learned the downward dog, cat pose, cow pose and snake pose when Yoga with Claire visited them at the Grove Building, Mere. They also learned about meditation and breathing techniques, including lion breathing, which everyone enjoyed.
Text and photo by George Jeans, Mere
THE Mere Brainwave charity shop at the Waltons Building in North Street, Mere, has completed a two-week refurbishment.
The charity now has an attractive, fresh and light space that many locals and visitors enjoy browsing.
To join the team of helpers – behind the scenes, on the counter or with community fundraising events – or if you have items to donate, contact the Retail Centre on 01278 429089 or email retail@brainwave.org.uk.
Visitors from all over Dorset are attracted to the charming but vibrant town of Beaminster as the 27th Beaminster Festival of the Arts buzzes with music, art, theatre and literature during the last 2 weeks of June.
With an emphasis on top quality classical music, international stars are invited and we are delighted to welcome Mishka Rushdie Momen, piano, playing Schubert, Schumann and Mendelssohn.
Mathilde Milwidsky, violin, is a Classic FM Rising Star and with Richard Uttley, piano, their recital includes the Franck Sonata in A Major. The organ appears twice this year, a recital by Jeremiah Stephenson and also an exciting concert ranging from Bach (Toccata and Fugue in D minor) to Gershwin with Matilda Lloyd, trumpet and Richard Gowers, organ and piano. The brilliant young French horn player, Ben Goldscheider will play together with Callum Smart, violin and Richard Uttley, piano, Mozart, Fauré and Brahms. Another trio comprises violin, cello and guitar with Lizzie Ball, Guy Johnson and Morgan Szymanski, with a wonderfully eclectic programme of well known classics. There is lighter music from the Wiggin Wass Duo, harp and saxophone, and Bone-afide, an amazing virtuosic trombone quartet, whose programme includes the William Tell overture and several jazz arrangements. There is more jazz from Tim Kliphuis
as his trio presents its own take on Pictures at an Exhibition. Literary events take place in the afternoons, and include Bridport Prize winner Fiona Williams, Linda Rowland talking about Hardy Amies, Rob Hutton and his book The Illusionist, and Lev Parakian. Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee give a performance of tales from India bursting with humour ritual and playful energy.
Our annual al fresco theatre performance will take place in the glorious grounds of Beaminster Manor. Rain or Shine Theatre Company present The Importance of being Earnest and you are welcome to bring picnics beforehand.
Bringing the Fab Four back into our lives, we have the Liverpool Beatles playing all those songs of your misspent youth, at Beaminster School on 29 May.
Most events take place in the beautiful St Mary’s Church, Beaminster.
Artistic Director, Lois Pearson says ‘Visitors are coming from further and further afield and are assured of a warm welcome.’
Full details and tickets from www.beaminsterfestival.com and TicketSource 0333 666 3366
Pictures and text by George Jeans, Mere MEMBERS of Castle Hill Quilters showcased their work at an open day at the Grove Building, Mere, with all proceeds going to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Members demonstrated traditional and contemporary quilting techniques and their work was available to purchase.
THERE will be an afternoon tea on Saturday, June 29, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at St John’s Church Hall, Enmore Green, in celebration of those residents reaching the grand age of 90.
Anyone who would like to attend, please contact Jo Churchill on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen. co.uk. Tables for between four and six people can be reserved in advance. Teas cost £6 per person.
AN updated version of the Wild Guide to South West England is published this month.
The book covers wild swimming in rivers, waterfall and lakes, lost ruins and ancient forests and secret meadows.
CERNE Sheep Group is planning a farm walk at Manor Farm, Swyre (DT2 9DN) on Monday, June 10, at 7pm.
The Yeates family have the largest flock of Dorset sheep in the county.
The venue is between the phone box and church in Swyre.
A visit to Charlotte Luthers’ farm in the Tarrant Valley to see her Herdwick sheep is planned for Monday, July 8, at 7pm.
Everyone is also welcome at the Luccombe Hub open day on Saturday, June 22.
AGE Concern North Dorset in Sturminster Newton has a new member of staff with Tracy West taking on the role of office and services support manager.
Tracy lives close to Sturminster Newton and is bringing lots of skills to the role.
The charity is now open every weekday from 9.30am-1.30pm. Visitors are welcome to pop in for a cup of coffee and meet Tracy.
It also has information about the best viewpoints and lookouts, lesser-known sacred sites and hillforts, and best slow food producers.
The original award-winning guide was published in 2013.
The second edition, out on Thursday, June 20, includes 250 new places and features 370 wild swims and hidden beaches, 410 lost ruins, caves, crags, forests and meadows, plus 450 places to eat or sleep.
Dianne Cooper, chair of Age Concern, said the charity was sad to lose Gina Nelson, who worked for the it for seven years.
She had supported the charity through many changes over the years and especially the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gina has moved away from the area and wants to have more time to enjoy other interests.
All Age Concern’s services will continue as before:
• Befriending – DBS-checked and trained volunteers can visit people in their home.
• Welfare – the charity’s volunteer can help with Attendance Allowance claims.
• Telephone support service –age-related enquiries answered.
• Fortnightly foot clinic run by a foot health specialist.
• Weekly balance classes held at Sturfit gym with a qualified trainer. A further class is starting in June.
• Community outreach worker – Age Concern can attend events to talk about its services and how it can help.
See Age Concern’s website for more information, www.acnorthdorset.org.uk or phone 01258 475582.
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Considering the need for kindness, and the true expression of Christian love by
Canon Eric WoodsWITH the General Election pending, I have been thinking about Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset. Sandra and I now live in the North Dorset constituency, but I have known Chris since he was eleven. He and I both started at Sherborne’s Gryphon School in 1993 – I as an ex-officio Governor and he as a new boy. Once he had left school and begun his railway career, we stayed in touch and he would sometimes come for a G&T, to chew-over things that concerned him. I was particularly touched by the tribute he paid to me in the House of Commons in his maiden speech. I am glad to call him a friend (even though we don’t always agree with one another!).
It is good, really good, to feel appreciated, and when it happens I am always reminded of the Apostle Barnabas – whose Feast is celebrated next Tuesday, 11 June. He was a colleague and companion of St Paul, and was born on Cyprus and died there. His parents had named him Joseph. “Barnabas” was the name the other apostles gave him, and in Acts [4.36] we learn that it means “son of encouragement”.
in putting other people down, constantly carping and criticising and passing unkind judgement (we are going to hear a lot of that in the coming weeks!). The best – perhaps the only – antidote is a loving, kind, affirming word: a word of encouragement and appreciation. It costs nothing. It is an act of love. Yet how seldom we offer it.
When Jesus told his disciples to love one another, he did not mean that they should love in a vague, generalised sort of way. He meant that they should use their imaginations actively to love and care for one another. Christian love has to be expressed in thoroughly practical, concrete, tangible ways, or else it is not love at all.
That was something discovered during the Second World War by a leading psychiatrist, Donald Winnicott. He was one of a group of experts gathered to discuss the future of the children of war-stricken Europe. He was asked particularly to suggest the appropriate psychological response to the needs of children who had been traumatised by the war. He replied simply, “Give them food.”
In other words, what impressed people about Barnabas was that he encouraged them. Encouragement is one of the most precious things we can give to others. The world is full of those who rejoice
An official quickly interrupted. “No, no. We don’t mean physical things. We mean the right psychological approach.” But Dr Winnicott replied again, “Give them food.” He saw that the giving of food at that particular moment would not only be catering for the children’s physical needs, but for their psychological needs too. Giving food would say more clearly than anything else that the victors in the war cared for the vanquished, the hurt and the hungry. Winnicott saw that unless love expresses itself in tangible, practical, physical ways, it is not love at all. He was right.
There’s still time to get your tickets for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe. Children up to the age of 15 go free and adult tickets are £15 up until midnight on Friday 7th June and £17 after that, online or at the show gate.
The weekend promises to be packed with wonderful activities with family at the heart of this wonderful rural event. Kids and adults will love star stunt clown Dingle Fingle who gets up to all sorts of incredible antics with his sidekick Slippery Sid. There’s free tractor and trailer rides and the brilliant’ Have a Go’ marquee where you can try your hand at needlefelting, sandart, pottery painting and why not make a coin pendant to take home as a memento of your day out?
The Show also offers the chance to get up close to lots of wonderful animals. Head to the Farmyard area to see rare breed goats, cute chicks and friendly sheep. At the Heavy Horse village, see stunning Shire horses and watch plaiting demonstrations. Horse fans will also love the amazing dancing ponies which combine circus and dressage skills. And which pig will you be honking for as Joseph’s Amazing
Racing Pigs compete to be the porcine champion? Dog lovers will enjoy the gun dog demonstrations and there’s a fun dog show and agility class so bring your own four-legged friends to join in the fun.
The jam-packed programme of events includes gardening talks and demonstrations, a photographic talk by worldrenowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite and thrilling demonstrations by the famous Dorset Axemen. To help keep costs down, there are special Eat for a Fiver promotions at some of the catering stands. And for that festival vibe, you can enjoy free live music throughout the day from local bands.
AUTHOR Alison Slack, from Sherborne, is breaking into the world of adult fiction after writing three children’s books.
Alison, 48, wrote The Scritch Barnacles, and Skylark and the Dragon as Gigga Black and has now written Eternal Fire as Katie Whitlock.
The latest book is a 21st century dare-doing swashbuckling romance set in northern France, Switzerland, Qatar and London, and Broughton, a fictional town not dissimilar to Sherborne, in 2022
It features a pair of lovers who rescue the female protagonist’s kidnapped brother in Switzerland and are instructed by an excabinet minister to steal Picasso artworks.
The couple end up in Qatar with the Crown Prince of Dubai during the Men’s football World Cup and a heist ensues to claim back a world-renowned pink diamond.
Alison said: “This is my first adult novel, and it’s been an absolute joy writing it, and I’d like to thank my close friends and family for their unwavering support during the whole of 2023 and early 2024.
“Also thank you to the mystery man who the character Josh is loosely based on, who wishes to remain anonymous!”
The book is for sale through WH Smith, Waterstones, Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and Austin Macauley Publishers and Winstone’s bookshops in Dorset.
PHOTOS: Tor Sparkle Owl TEXT: Sue Jeans YOUNGSTERS from Mere Girl Guiding tuned out in numbers to welcome special visitors Allan Gates and Kayleigh from Mere Down Falconry.
The falcon experts flew an eagle owl, barn owls and a kestrel.
It was also a special evening for Brownie Amelia who made her Brownie promise and was the first Brownie to be presented with her Fluffy Owls 30-year challenge badge.
FONTMELL Magna parish has been named the Historic Church Fundraiser of the Year.
Dorset Historic Churches Trust has awarded the Morshead Trophy for the best fundraising parish of the year to St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.
Parishoners raised over £2,500 in the Ride+Stride sponsored event in 2023.
The trophy was presented by the Chairman of the Trust, David Grant, to the parish organiser, David Fangen, in a ceremony in St Andrew’s Church in the presence of the churchwarden, Robert Wellen, and other parishioners.
Mr Grant congratulated all those involved in the fundraising for the Trust which took place on the second Saturday in September, as it
does each year.
“A village of Fontmell’s size,” he commented, “has really punched above it weight to raise as much as it has.”
Mr Fangen responded that it is a pleasure to be able to achieve this much for such a good cause. “We enjoy the riding and striding and feel we are making a contribution to the cause in this way,” he added.
Parish teams in all parts of the county took part in the event and raised a grand total of nearly £100,000 in the event.
The cash raised is awarded in grants to churches all over Dorset which are in need of help with restoration or building work. As each church must raise its own funds, these grants can be decisive in getting repairs carried out.
The event was held in the
church and was attended by members and supporters from many parts of Dorset who were able to participate in refreshments kindly prepared
The Ride+Stride will take place on Saturday, September 14, this year. To get involved seek out your Parish Organisers or visit dhct.org.uk and follow
GET some exercise, have fun and find out more about where you live – that’s the message from Gillingham Medical Practice after the relaunch of an orienteering trail in the town.
Mayor of Gillingham, Cllr Barry von Clemens, and clinical director at the medical practice, Dr Kathryn Mounde, relaunched the trail at the start of last month.
Wimborne Orienteering Club, which originally designed the course on behalf of Public Health Dorset, supported the event.
The trail, one of at least 17 permanent orienteering trails in Dorset, starts at the library, ideally sited near the railway station, public car parking, a supermarket and cafe.
Anyone who wants to try it out just needs suitable footwear and a mobile phone to download the free Map Run App. Dr Mounde said: “Gillingham Medical Practice is very proud to be part of the orienteering project in Gillingham.
“Orienteering is a good example of fun activity that promotes the benefits of outdoor exercise for everyone.”
Cllr von Clemens said: “The trail crosses some of Gillingham’s fabulous open spaces, away from the built environment and only accessible by foot.
“The open spaces are vital to help our community maintain good mental and physical wellbeing.”
Orienteering can be adapted to the participant’s skill and physical ability and can help prevent age-related cognitive decline in spatial navigation and memory.
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ST GREGORY’S School in Marnhull is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and its pre-school, The Jungle Hut, its 30th anniversary, with a fun day tomorrow (Saturday, June 8).
Greg’s Jungle Fun Day, on the school field from noon-11pm, includes stalls, outside vendors, bar, barbecue, bouncy castles and face painting.
Year 6 pupils will be taking part in the Fiver Challenge, becoming young apprentices and attempting to grow £5 by investing in items to sell at the event.
A dog show gets underway at 2pm, with registration from noon, and Tom & The Clementynes and Connor Smith will be providing live music.
In the run up to the fun day, the Bishop of Salisbury visited the school to open a new spiritual garden, and open afternoons
historical items including day books dating back to the Victorian times, which recorded the daily events at the school.
Everyone is welcome; tickets are £5 adults and children free are available at
gregs-jungle-fun-day or on the gate.
CJ Fry has provided sponsorship to help make the event a success – any other local companies which would like to sponsor should email St Gregory’s School Office at
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care have stepped in to provide one of their patients with an unforgettable steam train day experience, in collaboration with Swanage Railway and Corfe Model Village. Gordon, 97, has nurtured a lifelong passion for trains and locomotives, a love kindled by his train driver father. As a boy of 10, Gordon would often sneak on to trains, riding on the footplate with his father and father-on-law. These cherished memories have stayed with him throughout his life. Gordon moved to Swanage 12 years ago, having fallen in love with the seaside town during a holiday organised by his son following the passing of his beloved wife, Peggie, in 2012. In those days, Gordon enjoyed an active lifestyle, exploring the town, travelling to see trains, and living independently.
However, an accident 3 years ago dramatically altered Gordon’s life. He fell and broke his hip, becoming housebound and experiencing profound loneliness. Reflecting on this challenging period, Gordon shared, “The last time I tried to leave the house, my whole body was shaking and trembling, I couldn’t control it and I ended up in hospital, it was really scary.” For the past 3 years, Gordon has only left his house for hospital visits or to attend Lewis-Manning’s Day Hospice. His condition recently deteriorated, preventing him from even travelling to the Day Hospice. Consequently, the dedicated team at Lewis-Manning now visit him regularly at home to provide care and support his wellbeing.
In a heart-warming effort to lift Gordon’s spirits and give him something special to look forward to, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care arranged an unforgettable day out on the Swanage Railway steam train line.The hospice team reached out to Swanage Railway who generously provided tickets for Gordon and Lewis-Manning nurses, Ellie and Paula, to ride the train through the spectacular Purbeck scenery.
Gordon was greeted by the enthusiastic team at Swanage Railway and was thrilled to see the unique Victorian London and Southwestern Railway T3 class steam locomotive No. 563 arrive. Gordon revelled in taking photographs from the window, enjoying the breath-taking countryside views. The journey included a stop at Corfe and the Model Village attraction where he was warmly welcomed back by staff after a long absence. The staff remembered Gordon fondly, reminiscing about his previous visits. Gordon, Ellie, and Paula savoured tea and cake in the beautiful café grounds before exploring the model village.
Reflecting on the day, Gordon expressed his gratitude saying, “Thank you so much to Lewis-Manning. It’s my first day out in 3 years. This is the best day I have had in years! I can’t believe the experience that I’ve had and I was so wonderfully looked after and supported by the nurses, Ellie and Paula, without them I wouldn’t have been able to leave my home.”
Purbeck Nurse Ellie Suthers said, “This special and unique outing highlights Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for their patients, ensuring they experience joy and fulfilment. The collaboration with Swanage Railway and the Model Village showcases the profound impact of community support in helping to make dreams come true. A huge thank you to everyone for helping to make Gordon’s dream possible, it was a real joy to spend the time with him and witness his delight.”
Swanage Railway Trust chairman Frank Roberts said: “We were delighted to welcome 97-year old Gordon, and his Lewis-Manning nurses, to the Swanage Railway. It was lovely to see that Gordon had not lost his great love of, and enthusiasm for, steam trains. Sharing the enjoyment of the Swanage Railway - which has been rebuilt from nothing since 1976 by dedicated volunteers - is what our work is all about.”
“Organisations like Lewis-Manning Hospice Care carry out vital and wonderful work,” added Frank who has been a dedicated Swanage Railway volunteer for 40 years.:
For more information about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and their services, www.lewis-manning.org.uk
To register, please visit: www.lewis-manning.org.uk/challenges
MEMBERS of Blackmore Vale Lions Club have presented £1,500 of the money they raised through a half-marathon earlier this year to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The air ambulance’s helicopter, ‘Peggy’, and fast response vehicles are based at Henstridge airfield.
Blackmore Vale Lions Club president, Peter Oswick, said: “Many of us have reason to be grateful to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance or know someone who is.
“We are immensely proud and possessive of what the charity and Peggy the helicopter represents and do for us and visitors to our counties.
“Raising this money has been a task Lions and our supporters have willingly undertaken. Thank you to the whole air ambulance team.”
Emma Jones, fundraising manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We are so grateful for the wonderful support shown by the Blackmore Vale Lions Club.
“Nominating us as one of their amazing charities is a very special gift to the charity.
“With no direct funding from government or the National Lottery, we rely on donations just like this, to enable us to carry on our lifesaving work.
“Each mission we are tasked to costs around £3,500, so these funds will go a significant way in helping us to save a person’s life. Thank you so much from us all.”
The Blackmore Vale Half Marathon and Fun Run was held in February and attracted
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more than 370 participants.
It collected more than £7,000 from entry fees, refreshment sales and donations, and after paying the bills, raised more than £5,000 for Lions Club charities.
The club would like to thank the all the runners and supporters, most from Dorset and Somerset, but others from as far afield as Yorkshire, Northumbria, Worcestershire, Bristol, Hampshire, Devon and London.
Next year’s Blackmore Vale HalfMarathon is on Sunday, February 2.
Having relocated to the West Country a couple of months ago to join family, husband and wife team Nigel and Helen are bringing with them a unique offering for “All your garden water needs”
Established in the ‘home counties’ as Surrey Pools and Water, we are establishing another arm as Somerset Garden Water to serve the West Country.
A family run business, SPW (Surrey) will remain headed by the couple’s daughter and son in law, whilst bringing Nigel’s extensive experience within the domestic and commercial water industry to the South West.
Nigel is a member of ISPE the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers and also a qualified electrician - offering a complete package.
As a small family run concern we offer tailored and bespoke solutions for all your garden water requirements.
Working on small or larger projects, we can assist the client direct or integrate with landscapers, architects and gardeners where needed.
With our extensive in house knowledge we are able to work with both Natural and Traditional swimming pools.
• Hot Tub & Swimming Pool
• Water Features/ Fountains
• Irrigation installation and maintenance
• Chemical Control
• Supply and installation filtration.
• Heat Pumps
• Lining Systems
• Coping Stones
• Pool Covers and Electrics
• All aspects of tiling
• Qualified Electrician
• Plumbing
• Checkatrade Approved - SPW
• Introductory Offer - Swimming Pool Spring Commission £ 119.00 including Chemicals**
• Hot Tub Commission - £ 89.00 including Chemicals
• **This offer is based on the first visit onlyany further visits for higher maintenance start ups will be charged at a normal service rate plus chemicals as required**
THE Blandford School is celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ rating following an inspection by schools watchdog, Ofsted.
Five inspectors judged the school to be ‘Good’ in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and Sixth Form provision –after their visit in April.
Their report highlighted the school’s commitment to delivering “the same highquality education to all students” underpinned by its core values of REAP – Respect, Effort, Attitude and Perseverance.
“High expectations for students’ behaviour”, the fostering of “positive relationships”, with “staff knowing students well”, and “taking bullying seriously”, as
well as “calm, orderly classrooms” are all highlighted in the report.
Inspectors said: “Students are safe…and know who to talk to if they need help or guidance,” they are “accepting of difference” and “derogatory language is not tolerated.”
Ofsted described the school as “tenacious” in accessing additional support for children and “safeguarding is effective”.
Inspectors described the curriculum as “broad and ambitious” and “well designed”, and teachers had “strong subject knowledge”. The personal development programme was judged to be “carefully considered”.
Inspectors were pleased the school offers lots of clubs and activities at lunchtime and after school.
Inspectors also commended the comprehensive reading
programme which meant “students’ reading ability improves”, resulting in impressive outcomes at GCSE and in the sixth form.
“Students with SEND are very well supported in the school,” the report said, and “strong pastoral support” was noted with leaders assessed as working “to overcome any challenges that students face”.
Sixth Form staff were congratulated for offering bespoke support to students during their time at the school and in planning their futures.
Headteacher, Sally Wilson, said: “I am thrilled Ofsted have judged us to be a “Good” school – this outcome reflects a significant, whole team effort to ensure the education of children in the Blandford area is “Good.”
Chair of governors, James Vaughan, said: “The Governing
Board at The Blandford School are absolutely delighted with the recent OFSTED inspection report, which graded the school as “Good” in every category and therefore deservedly graded the school as “Good” overall.
“Whilst there is always more to do in school improvement, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sally Wilson, her leadership team and all the fantastic teachers and staff at the school for their focus, hard work and determination over the last few years.
“Improvement and success do not happen by chance, and they work tirelessly, every day, to ensure the children and young people at our school have every opportunity to thrive.”
To read the full report, visit https://blandfordschool.org.uk/ ofsted-inspection-april-23rdand-24th-2024
FRED Swift, the Wiltshire Beeman, returned to FILGroup for a second talk on all things bees.
Once again he had plenty to say about his love affair with bees and their importance to the planet.
Fred’s hobby has grown, and he now has a team to look after the bee products while he tends to the hives.
Sadly, this year he lost 74 out of his 800 hives due to storms and rain. The continual wet weather has made the foraging bees slow to get going and so they have missed the best of the rape crop.
Fred explained that bee keepers are now trying to include more black British bees in their hives rather than the yellow European bees, because they are more weather tolerant.
As well as predators like foxes and badgers, bee keepers now also have to worry about the Asian hornet. It arrived in France in 2005 in a box of ceramics and is now making its way across the channel. Asian hornets can destroy a bee hive in a week. They are very distinctive, with an orange band and yellow legs. It is vital to report any sightings either to Fred Swift or another beekeeper, or direct to the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat by downloading their app.
Fred kindly donated one of his products for the raffle, the proceeds of which will go towards the RNLI, FILGroup’s charity for the year.
FILGroup meets once a month in Fovant village hall. For further information please email filgroup15@gmail.com
MEDICAL herbalist Julie Wood is set to lead a series of workshops at Shaftesbury Abbey.
The first, The Nun’s Garden, is tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) and will focus on the herb collection, and enable participants to create their own “healing garden”.
Julie has been helping the gardening team create an expanding collection of medieval herbs at the abbey since 2001.
For more information, visit www.shaftesburyabbey.org.uk/events
The Old Brewery Café in Gillingham has once again opened its doors for evening dinner.
Locally supplied food and drinks. Now open for Dinner on Fridays & Saturdays 5pm- 10:30pm Please visit our website to view our menu!
20% OFF YOUR BILL!
Excluding drinks for the evenings from 5-10pm. Please bring in the original copy of this voucher to be able to claim this discount.
They are open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-10:00pm with food served until 8:30pm with some exceptional dishes including Sirloin Steak, Hunters Chicken, Gammon Steak, Chicken Linguini along with some of their daytime favourites. All using locally sourced produce and ingredients, local beers and cider and wines coming from Yapp Brothers. Not only is it the perfect place to eat but also to sit and unwind.
Originally built in early 1800’s for Matthews & Co Brewery the building has an amazing stone structure. The upstairs balcony leads through to the Chedington Suite followed by the Matthews Room. These provided excellent conference facilities for up to 60 people or a small meeting room for 10.
The restaurant itself is light and airy thanks to the double height ceilings. The beautiful well maintained gardens with well stocked fish ponds makes a tranquil haven for alfresco dining both during the day and in the evening. It also has a newly extended large car park at the rear.
Formerly a Motorbike dealership the new owners ‘Chedington Court Estates’ have carried on the theme. Dr Guy being a bike enthusiast has a wonderful collection of rare and distinguished bikes on display, which change regularly.
Having won the Taste of Dorset Awards in 2018 and The Dorset Concierge Café, Pub and Casual Dining Award in 2023, The Old Brewery can cater for all your needs. Recent events have included private functions, wakes, sit down formal dinners for 80 people and parties with live bands and a dance floor!
For more information or to book an event or table please telephone 01747 442164.
Let your romantic journey start here… This beautiful
smaller intimate events. It is lit by crystal chandeliers and filled with natural light from the gardens.
The Morning Room is perfect for more intimate affairs and seats up to 60 guests. The suites and unique lounges are full of charm and character leading out into enchanting, tranquil outdoor spaces. Outdoor Ceremonies available.
At night, the Manor transforms into a magical setting where you can celebrate with your family and friends until late! And, as the Manor is exclusive, you will have full use of 15 spacious boutique style bedrooms for your wedding party along with a bridal dressing room –
Holbrook Manor & Spa is a beautiful Georgian Country House Wedding Venue set in 20 acres of Somerset countryside. Private tours available, contact us for an appointment.
Wedding Open Day Sunday 29th September, 11am-4pm
The Annual North Dorset Cycle Ride was fabulous fun says organiser, Shaftesbury Rotary Club.
The Ride, which took place on May 19, was blessed with perfect biking weather.
The 160 riders tackling the 50-mile route set off from Park Walk at 8.30am, with the 25-milers following suite at 9.30am and those doing the family ride at 10.30am.
The first rider to the top of Gold Hill in the 50-mile ride made it back in just 2.5 hours.
This year Shaftesbury Primary School was the venue for the family ride skills tests.
Nearly 70 riders, young and old, took part in tests run by Shaftesbury Rotarians, supported by the RotaKids from Shaftesbury Primary and Abbey Primary.
The Ride was raising funds for local and national causes including the HOPE charity.
Organisers would like to extend a big thank you to BV Dairy for all their help with refreshments at the family ride and their very kind sponsorship, as well as to all the other local businesses that supported the event.
If you want to know more or to get involved with Rotary, please email hello@ shaftesburyrotaryclub.org
AN event this June aims to educate drivers to help keep roads safe for carriage drivers, horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians.
Pass Wide and Slow, in Marnhull on Saturday, June 22, highlights the highway code’s rules around consideration for other road users.
The code states that car drivers must “Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles… Always pass wide and slowly… slow down to a maximum of 10 mph. Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at least two metres of space.”
“Whether you’re behind the wheel or in a saddle, it’s all about mutual respect,” say organisers. “Think of it as a dance: it takes two to tango, but in this case, it’s you and half a ton of equine doing the waltz!
“A little patience and understanding can go a long way in keeping our equine friends safe and stress-free. Let’s make the roads safer for everyone, one hoof (and wheel) at a time.”
Those taking part in Pass and Slow will set off from Church Farm (DT10 1LN) at 11am and travel about three miles. Refreshments will be available at the Crown.
Find out more on the Marnhull Horse Riders or PWAS group Facebook page (North Dorset PWAS – Ride 80, Marnhull) or contact 07711 089403, rosiegall1@gmail.com
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THE co-founder of a Dorset community choir had a great day out at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrating the creative industries.
Noeline Young was representing Rising Voices Wessex, whose members are cancer survivors or people who have cared for others with the disease, along with her daughter, Hannah.
Both Noeline, an original trustee of the charity and soon to be elected chair of trustees, and Hannah have had cancer.
Rising Voices Wessex was formed 11 years ago with the aim of linking music and health.
Noeline said: “We saw the King, Queen and Prince Edward, and a variety of guests from the creative industries, including television, such as the presenters Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, the comedian Lenny Henry, and the actor David Harewood.
“It was a wonderful experience, and I took lots of pictures of guests, the tea and the wonderful gardens, which have been
shared to our members and supporters via Facebook.”
She added: “The whole choir was extremely surprised and honoured to be invited to attend the garden party.
“We were nominated by UK Music, the umbrella organisation representing the production side of the UK’s commercial music industry.
“We recently made contact with UK Music and are planning to do some exciting work with them to raise the profile of singing for people affected by cancer in the future.”
Rising Voices Wessex performs regularly at events across Dorset. This year’s summer concert with afternoon tea is at Merley House in Poole on Sunday, August 11, at 4pm.
Noeline and Hannah Young represented Rising Voices Wessex at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrating the creative industries
Anyone who has experience of cancer, either personally or who has supported a loved one, can join the choir which rehearses at St John’s Church, Ashley Road, Parkstone (BH14 0AA) on Tuesdays from 6.45-9pm. Prospective members do not need to audition or read music.
The choir can also be contacted by phoning 07500 676083 or, to find out more, visit www.risingvoices.org.uk
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TAKE a wander around beautiful gardens, open as part of the National Garden Scheme, and pick up planting inspiration and top tips for your own slice of paradise.
Bembury Lane, Thornford DT9 6QF
This large, peaceful garden features lawns and herbaceous borders informally planted with interesting perennials around unusual trees, shrubs and roses. There’s a vast collection of clematis, a pretty woodland walk, wildflower corner, lily pond, oak circle, box topiary, clipped hornbeam around kitchen garden and plenty of places to sit and reflect.
Open Sunday 30 June and Wednesday July 3 (2pm-6pm). Admission £8, children free.
Litton Cheney DT2 9AH
Steep paths lead to four acres of natural woodland with many springs, streams and two pools – one a natural swimming pool planted with native plants. Formal front garden, designed by Arne Maynard, with pleached crabtree border, topiary and soft planting including tulips, peonies, roses and verbascums. Walled garden with informal planting, kitchen garden, orchard and 350 rose bushes for a cut flower business.
Open Sunday July 7 (11am-5pm). Admission £7, children free.
Cranborne BH21 5PP
A beautiful and historic garden laid out in the 17th century by John Tradescant, comprising several elegant areas surrounded by walls and yew hedges. Many interesting plants, with fine trees and avenues, topiary, viewpoints, garden sculptures and deeply planted borders. Mostly wheelchair accessible.
Open Saturday July 6 (9.30am-5pm).
Admission £6.50, children £1. Broomhill
Rampisham DT2 0PT
A former farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in two acres. Clipped box, island beds and borders planted with shrubs, roses, grasses, masses of unusual perennials and choice annuals. Lawns and paths lead to a less formal area with large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas, bog garden, late summer border. Orchard and vegetable garden. Gravel entrance, the rest is grass, some gentle slopes.
Open Sunday July 14 (2pm-5pm).
Admission £5, children free. Hilltop
Woodville, Stour Provost SP8 5LY
Summer at Hilltop is a gorgeous riot of colour and scent, the old, thatched cottage barely visible among the flowers. Unusual annuals and perennials grow alongside the traditional and familiar, boldly combining to make a spectacular display, which attracts an abundance of wildlife. Always something new – the unique, gothic garden loo is a great success.
Open July 20 and 21, 27 and 28 (2pm6pm). Admission £4, children free.
Blackmarsh Farm, Dodds Cross DT9 4JX
Over 200 colourful and productive flower beds showcase a sophisticated selection of cut flowers and foliage. The flower farm supplies florists and the public for weddings, events and occasions throughout the seasons. Traditional garden favourites, including delphiniums, larkspur, foxgloves, scabious and dahlias grow alongside more unusual perennials, foliage plants and grasses, creating a stunning and unique display. A warm welcome and generous advice on creating your own cut flower garden is offered. Easy access from a gravel car park and wide grass pathways make it suitable for wheelchairs.
Open Sunday July 28 (1pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free.
Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental hand-knotted carpet trade.
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Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, he and his son Koroush continue to carve a new path for the industry.
Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. As an authoritative figure within the industry, Masoud is often invited to share his expertise and insider knowledge with media outlets such as the BBC to discuss the ever-changing market. He also advises auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value Persian rugs and carpets.
But we would be remise to say that is all we do, we carry out general carpet repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.
Our team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers, based in our London Warehouse, carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.
We invite you to explore our exhibition in the beautiful Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset.
Friday 7th to Sunday 9th of June 2024
Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily
Purchase from a large selection of hand woven Persian carpets, runners & kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces from internationally renowned Persian carpet specialist Masoud Mazaheri’s latest buying trip.
Persian food will be served daily with all proceeds raised being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the signed Milton Abbas Road. Ample parking is available and Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.
As we look ahead to the warmer months, we’ll soon be turning our attention to our gardens and the prospect of spending more time outdoors.
As we look ahead to the warmer months, we’ll soon be turning our attention to our gardens and the prospect of spending more time outdoors.
Whether that’s simply relaxing or entertaining friends and family, our gardens are a focal point, particularly in the Spring and Summer months. What better way to make the most of your time outdoors, than by creating an outdoor living environment with Broadview thanks to their louvred roof pergola systems and garden awnings.
Whether that’s simply relaxing or entertaining friends and family, our gardens are a focal point, particularly in the Spring and Summer months.
What better way to make the most of your time outdoors, than by creating an outdoor living environment with Broadview thanks to their louvred roof pergola systems and garden awnings.
With one of the largest ranges of outdoor living systems in the South and manufactured by the Belgium based industry leading brand Brustor, every system from Broadview can be custom designed to fit your property.
Outdoor pergolas with rotating and retracting roofs operated by remote or app control, along with weatherproof side screens and heaters can effectively create an extra indoor room, outdoors!
Alongside of this, it’s not just the structure alone that Broadview can provide. Their specialist design-team work alongside a wide range of suppliers across the South who offer outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, fire pits and garden landscaping– all of which can help to create a stunning outdoor living environment that can be used all year round.
With one of the largest ranges of outdoor living systems in the South and manufactured by the Belgium based industry leading brand Brustor, every system from Broadview can be custom designed to fit your property. Outdoor pergolas with rotating and retracting roofs operated by remote or app control, along with weatherproof side screens and heaters can effectively create an extra indoor room, outdoors!
Alongside of this, it’s not just the structure alone that Broadview can provide. Their specialist design-team work alongside a wide range of suppliers across the South who offer outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, fire pits and garden landscaping– all of which can help to create a stunning outdoor living environment that can be used all year round.
No more leaving guests outside to entertain themselves while you nip back into the kitchen to prepare the next course or organise the next round of drinks, with an outdoor kitchen positioned within your new outdoor structure, you really can make the most of entertaining this year. What’s more, thanks to either sliding glass walls or integrated screens, the structure can be completely enclosed and with the great addition of heating and lighting, it can be used in all twelve months of the year. As the temperature drops, simply slide the glass shut and you can create a cosy and sheltered area within your garden, protected from the elements. Or, in warmer weather, all you need to do to make the most of the sunshine is
No more leaving guests outside to entertain themselves while you nip back into the kitchen to prepare the next course or organise the next round of drinks, with an outdoor kitchen positioned within your new outdoor structure, you really can make the most of entertaining this year. What’s more, thanks to either sliding glass walls or integrated screens, the structure can be completely enclosed and with the great addition of heating and lighting, it can be used in all twelve months of the year. As the temperature drops, simply slide the glass shut and you can create a cosy and sheltered area within your garden, protected from the elements. Or, in warmer weather, all you need to do to make the most of the sunshine is
open the roof and side screens for the perfect al-fresco space. As well as their range of pergolas, Broadview also offer fully cassetted retractable awnings that can be installed to your property for added shade.
open the roof and side screens for the perfect al-fresco space. As well as their range of pergolas, Broadview also offer fully cassetted retractable awnings that can be installed to your property for added shade.
Broadview has an extensive range of awning models to choose from, each with their own features and all can be operated by either Somfy remote control or a manual crank handle.
Broadview has an extensive range of awning models to choose from, each with their own features and all can be operated by either Somfy remote control or a manual crank handle.
Made with a beautifully crafted aluminium frame of superior quality and a weather-resistant fabric cover, the awnings provide stylish shading for your sunny patio. Available in any RAL colour and with the addition of LEDs and heating, Broadview has the perfect solution for you.
Made with a beautifully crafted aluminium frame of superior quality and a weather-resistant fabric cover, the awnings provide stylish shading for your sunny patio. Available in any RAL colour and with the addition of LEDs and heating, Broadview has the perfect solution for you.
And it’s not just Broadview’s range of outdoor shading solutions that can offer shield from the Summer’s sun and glare; they have an innovative range of internal window coverings from motorised blinds to plantation shutters and also specialise in solutions for large-shaped windows including apex and gable end windows, to roof lanterns.
And it’s not just Broadview’s range of outdoor shading solutions that can offer shield from the Summer’s sun and glare; they have an innovative range of internal window coverings from motorised blinds to plantation shutters and also specialise in solutions for large-shaped windows including apex and gable end windows, to roof lanterns.
Many homeowners think that their complex shaped windows prevent them from being covered with a blind, but worry not, you can still enjoy the beauty of an apex window with the coverage of a seamlessly fitted shade.
Available in an endless range of colours and materials, along with robust, colour matching hardware and cutting-edge technology, Broadview’s bespoke blinds will allow ample natural light to flood into your home but offer shade when you need it. Now is the perfect time to give your indoor and outdoor space a makeover. Broadview Shading Solutions, a family run business based in Dorset, are celebrating 55 years in business this year.
Their expert team specialises in helping you to create the perfect shading solution for your home, from concept to completion. Contact our team today 01202 679012 or visit their website: www.broadview.co.uk
Many homeowners think that their complex shaped windows prevent them from being covered with a blind, but worry not, you can still enjoy the beauty of an apex window with the coverage of a seamlessly fitted shade. Available in an endless range of colours and materials, along with robust, colour matching hardware and cutting-edge technology, Broadview’s bespoke blinds will allow ample natural light to flood into your home but offer shade when you need it. Now is the perfect time to give your indoor and outdoor space a makeover. Broadview Shading Solutions, a family run business based in Dorset, are celebrating 55 years in business this year.
Their expert team specialises in helping you to create the perfect shading solution for your home, from concept to completion. Contact our team today 01202 679012 or visit their website: www.broadview.co.uk
GOLFERS are celebrating after their latest fundraising drive took their total over the years to nearly £33,000.
Wyke Amateur Golf Society (WAGS) raised £2,500 last year through various charitable competitions. Members voted to split it equally between BooBs, based in Shaftesbury, and Mindful, which covers north Dorset.
Breast cancer awareness charity BooBs (www.bbca.org.uk) provides financial and emotional support to women, men and their families who have been or are going through treatment.
Mindful (www.mindfulmemorycafes.com) supports people living with dementia or memory loss in North Dorset. It hosts regular cafes in Gillingham and Stalbridge, featuring quizzes and games, musical entertainment and visits from pets.
A DOG show and summer fete on June 15 will raise awareness of and money for a local not-for-profit that supports people struggling with their mental health.
Horserenity will be opening the gates of Kites Farm, Blandford Forum (DT11 7TD) from 10.30am-3.30pm on Saturday, June 15, for a fun family dog show and fete,
All dogs have the change to win a prize for best dressed, waggiest tail, best trick, most agile, ability to eat a sausage off a string, and ‘most take homeable’.
Come and meet Horserenity’s herd of therapy horses, including the noble competition horse Texas Jackpot, the 38-year-old matriarch Poppy, little Peter pony and Dude the cob, who would win the prize for the longest moustache. The fete organisers promise games, prizes, food and drink, local craft and gift stalls, as well as a hands-on, live equine physiotherapy demonstration by RW Physio.
Local dance school, Starlight Dance Academy, will be putting on a show.
Horserenity offers support to people of any age living with mental health issues, from anxiety to dementia. Being around the horses in a safe environment can bring calm, confidence and a deeper understanding. Find out more at
Bramley Care are thrilled to announce the creation of a new dementia care wing at Bramley House. The wing, named Garden View, is designed to cater for residents with advanced stage dementia. This significant development enables Bramley Care to provide comprehensive age-related care, ranging from home care services to full 24-hour dementia care. Garden View is separate from our existing facility and, importantly, will have no impact
on our current residential services at Bramley House. With this addition Bramley Care Group now offers a full spectrum of age-related care services with: Bramley Home Care supporting clients to remain living independently in their own homes. Residential care at Millbrook House, Child Okeford: An elegant Georgian residence. The Old Rectory, Stalbridge, a former rectory dating back to 1699. And Bramley House, also a tastefully converted former rectory in the picturesque village of Mere. All our homes are set in acres of beautiful gardens.
Bramley Care are commitment to continuing to provide exceptional care. This new wing represents a significant milestone in our mission to support and
enhance the lives of our residents.
For more information, please contact Paula Stone; email paulas@bramleycare.com, telephone 01747 860192
Caring for you and your home
Do you feel that you need some support with personal care or just some help with day-to-day living? Our dedicated team of caregivers provide a professional, reliable service tailored to meet your needs.
Personal care
Companionship
Housework
Preparing meals Shopping Support with medication Dressing Driving to appointments Visits from as little as a 10 minute pop in to full end of life care support and night shifts.
Get in touch and see what we can do for you and find out how we can make things that little bit easier.
Client testimonial
Bramley Home Care team and the carers with whom I have had the pleasure of meeting have impressed me and my late wife hugely. Their unfailing cheerfulness and professionalism are remarkable and outstanding. I cannot imagine a higher standard of home care by any other organisation than Bramley Home Care. N P April 2024
FRAUDSTERS who targeted elderly people in Dorset and conned them out of thousands of pounds have been jailed.
Danny Ngo, 28, and Dervill Rickman, 27, both of London, were sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on May 31 after admitting conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.
Ngo was jailed for four years and Rickman was sentenced to 32 months in prison.
A third defendant, Raquel Viamonte, 24, and also from London, will appear at the same court to be sentenced on July 12.
The charge related to a series of courier fraud offences committed between 21 April 2020 and 5 June 2020 involving 11 different victims.
The offending involved the defendants phoning their victims on a landline number, advising they had an issue with their internet connectivity and
were due compensation.
The victims, who were all elderly and vulnerable, were then invited to download an application, which gave the defendants remote access to their home computers.
The defendants then tricked the victims into thinking they had been paid too much compensation and persuaded them to attend their banks to withdraw cash, which was then either collected by a courier or posted to an address.
The matter was first reported to Dorset Police on 5 May 2020
A WOMAN was punched in the head a number of times during an attack at the Asda car park in Yeovil.
The incident happened at the site, off Preston Road, at around 5pm on Thursday, April 4.
A man – described as white, in his 20s, with short dark blond hair, slim and about 5ft 10in – is reported to have assaulted the victim after an incident when they were both driving.
“We understand he punched the woman in the head on a number of occasions, before leaving the scene in a black or
dark blue Volkswagen Golf,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.
“The woman was treated for concussion at Yeovil District Hospital and also sustained bruising.”
A 26-year-old man attended a voluntary police interview in connection with police enquiries last month.
Police want to hear from anyone they have not yet spoken to, who may have information regarding the incident, on 101, quoting reference number 5224086105.
and enquiries revealed three victims in Dorset, who had paid a total of more than £18,000 to the offenders.
Detective constable Tom Norman, of BCP CID, said:
“These defendants were involved in a significant conspiracy to defraud elderly and vulnerable victims in various areas around the country.
“We have led on this extensive investigation to compile evidence of their offending and ultimately hold them accountable for their
actions.
“We will continue to do all we can to protect vulnerable victims from fraudsters and will take robust action against those committing offences.”
Further victims were also identified in the Devon and Cornwall area, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire and Nottinghamshire.
The total loss to all the victims involved was more than £67,000.
Following enquiries, a series of warrants were executed in London on 3 June 2020, which led to Ngo and Rickman being arrested.
They were released under investigation and Viamonte was subsequently interviewed by officers after evidence was found linking her to the conspiracy.
All three were subsequently charged in connection with the series.
A GARDEN party raised more than £800 for the Poppy Appeal, despite the worst the British weather could muster!
More than 60 guests braved the thunder, lightning and heavy rain on May 18 for the Wincanton and District Royal British Legion second annual Poppy Appeal garden party fundraiser, held in David and Kate Kenyon’s delightful walled garden.
Somerset RBL Membership Engagement Officer Kate Hurley presented certificates of appreciation from the RBL to Dawn Old, Poppy Appeal organiser for Wincanton, and her mother Georgina.
The total raised for the 2023 Poppy Appeal in Wincanton is fast approaching £20,000 – testament to Dawn and Georgina’s hard work and dedication.
TABLE TOP SALE 22nd June
DAMERHAM HALL SP6 3HN
Sellers from 10.£10 / table
Buyers £1 from 11am Refreshments
EVENTS are happening across Somerset this Unpaid Carers’ Week – June 10-16.
This yearly celebration of unpaid carers highlight the challenges faced by carers, and recognises the outstanding contribution that carers make to their families, friends and communities throughout the UK.
Anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a mental or physical illness, a disability, an addiction, or requires additional support as they age, is a carer.
Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on the carer’s life, both day-to-day and long term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school, and work.
Those stepping up to the role may be unaware they’ve become a carer, as the transition from short-term help to long-term care can be subtle.
Another aim of carers Week is to help people recognise they’ve become an unpaid carer, signpost what help is available, and encourage them to ask for help when they
ROCK N ROLL IS BACK. Tuesday, 18th June, 2pm-4pm. Vicarage School Room, Queen Street, Gillingham. Refreshments & Raffle.
June 22 (12-3pm) at Gussage House
need it.
The chances are, most people will become a carer or require care at some point in their life. In the UK, roughly 9% of the population (around 5.7 million people) are carers.
The charity Wincanton Cares supports older people in the town.
It organises regular events to show its appreciation for those caring in our community.
On Tuesday, June 11, at the River Cale Café there’s a drop-in carers’ support group from 2-4pm.
And in a special event on Thursday, June 13, at Number Sixteen, High Street the coffee will be on Wincanton Cares! Carers’ crafting sessions will be going on throughout the week. Look out for the posters around town or visit https:// wincantoncares.org to find out more. You can also search for Wincanton Cares on Facebook.
SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM
Friday 14th & Sat 15th, 22nd, & 29th June 9 - 4.30pm
Shaftesbury Town Hall
Lots of lovely items for sale under one roof.
Supporting Weldmar Hospice and Dorset Somerset Air Ambulance FREE ENTRY
Fete Saturday 15th June, 2pm Upton Lucy SP7 0HP FREE ENTRY BUT DONATIONS WELCOMED
-Bottle Tombola -Teas & Cakes -Plants -Berwick Boutique -Bric a Brac -Made in Berwick -Shaftesbury Silver Band -Silent Auction -Fun Dog Show -Pimms Bar -Traditional Games -Books -Steam Engine -Horse & Cart Carriage Rides
EXHIBITION AND SALE OF PAINTINGS
Maiden Newton Village Hall
Friday 21st June 5pm til 9pm Saturday 22nd June 10am til 4pm Free entry Tombola and refreshments.
ZEALS OPEN GARDEN WEEKEND
13 gardens in and around Zeals to visit over 29th & 30th June (noon-5pm). Arts and crafts and classic cars on display. Refreshments, accessible facilities and parking available. Tickets £6 (accompanied children free) from Zeals Village Hall BA12 6NA
CLAY SHOOT In aid of Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust Sunday 7th July at 10am Lower Farm, Plush, DT2 7RQ
Enquiries: 01300 348788 www.ducksdrakescancertrust.org.uk
STONE CARVING COURSE 17- 21 June. All ages, newcomers, old hands. See https://www.stone-carving.co.uk
LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull
Royal British Legion on Monday 24th June Eyes down 7pm
WINCANTON YFC CHARITY
CLAY SHOOT, Nr Wincanton, BA9 8EW, Sunday 16th June 11am, Last entry 2:30pm
STOUR PROVOST OPEN GARDENS (SP8 5RZ)
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
June 2pm - 5pm Stalls and refreshments Adults £6.00, under 12 free.
WILLOW WEAVING WORKSHOPS. Garden Trug Day, 12th June, 10-4pm. Plant support morning, 13th June, 10-1pm. Shaftesbury area. Please call Cath. 07919-385854
CABINET MAKERS WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE
Donations to prostate cancer. June 15th, 11:00 – 15:00, Wood, Tools, Books, etc, Unit 6 Sherborne business centre, Sherborne, DT9 3DP
COFFEE MORNING, Marsh Farm, Ibberton. Saturday 15th June, 10.30-12pm Raffle, Bring & Buy, variety of stalls, DT11-0EJ in aid of Woolland Church.
JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull
Royal British Legion DT101HR on Saturday June 15th. Doors open at 10:15am
TODBER, EXHIBITION FROM ROMAN TIMES to Treacle Mines to present day. Incorporating Todber Memories. St Andrews Church, Todber. 14th & 15th June. 10am-5pm. Refreshments available. FREE entry. Donations welcome in aid of Church Funds. 16th June 3.30, Thanks Giving Service.
Please enter on our website
CLOSING DATE: 31st
A YOUNG woman’s remains found in the fields of rural Dorset, with no explanation of how – or why – she died.
It’s the setting of a case befitting the likes of television’s Silent Witness or Waking The Dead.
The only problem is, the death occurred some 2,000 years ago, in the Iron Age, leaving our detectives with little to go on…
Archaeologists have been investigating the cause of death for the young woman, whose remains were found in Winterborne Kingston, and have come up with a theory of the case, which is more sinister than any television show.
However, experts from Bournemouth University believe she could have been murdered as a human sacrifice. Their analysis suggests she was in her late 20s when she died and had lived a physically demanding and hardworking life.
They also found that she suffered damage to one of her ribs, possibly inflicted through violence, weeks before she was killed by a stab wound to her neck.
The combination of factors in their study, which have now been published in the Antiquities Journal, suggest this is rare physical evidence that human sacrifice took place in Iron Age Britain.
Students have been excavating prehistoric settlements in Winterborne Kingston for 15 years, since prehistoric settlements were first discovered in the area.
“In the other burials we have found, the deceased people appear to have been carefully positioned in the pit and treated with respect, but this poor woman hasn’t,” said Dr Martin Smith, associate professor in forensic and biological
significant degeneration and arthritic change for her young age, and she also had damage to some of the discs between her vertebrae, indicating a life of hard work.
She also had well developed and rugged muscle attachments, another sign of a rigorous and continuous physical activity.
The experts also studied isotopes in her teeth, which showed she originated from more than 20 miles from the settlement site.
“All the significant facts we have found such as the problems with her spine, her tough working life, the major injury to her rib, the fact she could have come from elsewhere and the way she was buried could be explained away in isolation,” Dr Smith said.
“But when you put them all together with her deposition face down on a platform of animal bone, the most plausible conclusion is that she has been the victim of a ritual killing.
“And, of course, we found a large cut mark on her neck which could be the smoking gun.”
anthropology at Bournemouth University.
“We have also previously found ceramic pots and remains of joints of meat next to human remains, which we believe are offerings for the afterlife.
“This was nothing like that. The young woman was found lying face down on top of a strange, deliberately constructed crescent-shaped arrangement of animal bone at the bottom of a pit, so it looks like she was killed as part of an offering.”
By studying the bones, the archaeologists have been able to discover more information about the victim’s life and tell some of her story.
Her spine showed signs of
Dr Smith said as well as providing evidence of human sacrifice, being able to understand the life of the Iron Age woman has been important, with the lady’s remains helping us understand more about less-fortunate members of society in the past.
“The burials that get the most attention tend to be those of higher status, privileged people,” Dr Smith said.
“However, being able to humanise the story of this woman’s life has given us a valuable glimpse into the other side of Iron Age society.
“Behind every ancient burial we find is someone’s story waiting to be told.”
INTELLIGENT comedy is on offer at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil next week with Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
The pair are taking their new show, We are Not a Robot, on a nationwide tour – their first in a decade.
Punt and Dennis emerged from the iconic ’90s series The Mary Whitehouse Experience before going onto their first television venture, The Imaginatively Titled Punt and Dennis
Hugh Dennis is probably best known for the popular sitcom Outnumbered, but recently
appeared in C4’s psychological thriller, The Couple Next Door.
Other parts include the bank manager in Fleabag and Toby in Not Going Out.
Steve Punt is a much in demand writer, presenter, script editor and voice over artist.
He presents the quiz show 3rd degree on BBC Radio 4 as well as Punt PI, using his sleuthing skills to explore unsolved cases across the UK.
His television writing credits include The Rory Bremner Show, Horrible Histories and Would I Lie to You?
On their return to the stage,
they will be showcasing classic sketches, improvisation and new material.
Punt and Dennis are at the Westlands Entertainments
Venue on Thursday, June 13 – for tickets visit www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk or phone 01935 422884.
COMIC open air theatre is coming to Winterborne Stickland Sports & Social Club next weekend with A Murder in the Garden.
Calf 2 Cow Productions is promising a fresh take on the legendary detective duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.
After a body is mysteriously found lying in the middle of Landsdown
Manor Gardens, the police call on Sherlock Holmes and persuade him to take on his toughest case to date.
The nation’s top detective, with his loyal assistant Watson, battles through baddies and villains to discover who is behind the murder.
full of slapstick and multirolling – and is pumped full of live music and rock ’n’ roll!
This outrageous comedy is
Sherlock and Watson: A Murder in the Garden is presented with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity, in the grounds of Winterborne Stickland Sports and Social Club on Sunday, June 16, at
6pm.
A barbecue and bar will be available after the gates open at 4.30pm and visitors should take cushions and camping chairs. The show is suitable for ages 12-plus.
Tickets and further information are available from 01258 881329, in person from Winterborne Stickland Social Club or online at www. artsreach.co.uk.
THE Festival Players are bringing an open air production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest to Shaftesbury Abbey Museum later this month.
The all-male professional touring company is known for its energetic, accessible and boisterous performances.
In Shakespeare’s final great poetic comedy, the exiled Duke Prospero conjures a tempestuous storm to lure his enemies to a strange and mysterious island.
The Tempest is a colourful
and fascinating tale of intrigue, magic and humour for all the family.
The production is on Saturday, June 22, at 7pm and tickets priced £17 adults, £15 FoSA, £10 children – 16 and under – are available through the abbey shop on 01747 852910 or email office@ shaftesburyabbey.org.uk
Gates open at 6pm for picnics and members of the audience should take their own low-backed camping chair or rug.
A FREE day of music and entertainment for adults and children is on offer at Petherton Folk Fest next weekend.
Pete Wheeler, chair of the Folk Fest committee until last year, has agreed to perform the opening ceremony.
Local trio Arquebus will begin the day’s entertainment on Saturday, June 15, in Market Square at 10am.
And the well-known Dambuskers will complete events in The Square at 5.30pm. The Dambuskers will then perform in The Brewer’s Arms, closing the festival with a late evening performance.
Among many other performers are Oconee Bell, Owl in the Sun, Rachel
THE Athenaeum Singers are heading off on their European Travels in a concert featuring a wide selection of music from around Europe at Christ Church, Warminster. The programme, compiled by The Singers’ multi-talented
director of music, Thomas Mottershead, features some of the most-loved pieces of sacred music ever written, including songs by composers Tomás Luis de Victoria, Henry Purcell, WA Mozart and Gabriél Faure. Accompanist, Dr Douglas
Hill, ThunderBridge Blue Grass, The Merchant Men, Enigma Border Morris, Blackrock Irish Dancers and No Mean Feet.
Anyone interested in volunteering on the day should contact the committee chair, Ian Falconer, on 07469 708534, or via email
Stevens, will be performing two pieces in the concert by Adolf Gutmann and Frédéric Chopin.
The concert is on Saturday, June 15, at 7pm and it is hoped to offer drinks and canapés on the lawns at Christ Church after the music, if the weather is good enough.
Tickets – £15, under-18s free – are available on The Singers’ website, www. athenaeumsingers.com.
at pethertonfolkfestival@gmail. com. Prospective volunteers can also make contact through the website at www. pethertonfolkfest.org.uk, where more information about the event can be found.
In addition to Market Square, entertainment will be staged in five other venues, as well as the
ELTON John tribute act Charles Duke, who is performing in Shaftesbury next weekend, was told nine years ago, as a teenager, he may not have long to live.
Charles was born with cystic fibrosis and learnt at the age of 19 he would need a double lung transplant within three years or may not survive any longer. He had a transplant in May 2018, and after just 16 days in hospital recovering, was sent home.
He launched his Elton John tribute show, Are You Ready for Love: The Story of Elton John, in June 2022 and has given 120 performances since then.
He has played at the London O2, the prestigious Mandela Club in Singapore, on board the Marella Voyager as it made a trans-Atlantic crossing and an acoustic set at the Shard in
ART inspired by Dazzle Ships in the First World War is going on show at Nick Butcher’s studio in Donhead St Andrew next weekend.
The striking vessels were painted in different colours in contrasting geometric patterns such as stripes, zigzags and curves.
The aim was not to conceal the ships but to make them difficult to target by making it hard to estimate their size, speed, direction and range.
Dazzle-painted ships have inspired marine artists and painters ever since they appeared in 1917.
And they have fascinated Nick since he wrote his dissertation on them at university in 1984 while studying Design.
London.
Now he is setting off on the road visiting theatres up and down the UK, including Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Saturday, June 15.
Charles said: “While I was awaiting the transplant, it was the dream of performing for a living that kept me going.
“I wasn’t so much bothered about dying than worried I might never live!
“Having gone through everything I’ve been through, I know how hard life can be.
“So, it’s a real privilege to be able to travel around the country taking people away from whatever is going on in their lives for two hours and hopefully putting a smile on their faces.”
Tickets for the Shaftesbury show are available at www. readyforloveshow.com
“I have been drawn to painting them both as realistic representations and as inspiration for more abstracted works with a more contemporary expression.
“One of these pieces has been shortlisted for the Royal Academy Summer show this year.”
He said: “Now, nearly 40 years later and after many years of painting artworks inspired by these ships, I have finally decided to put on an exhibition to share my passion with others.
The exhibition features more than 60 paintings, models and sculptures, and explains what dazzle ships were and why they were developed.
The exhibition is at Nick’s studio at Hunterston, Barkers Hill, Donhead St Andrew (SP7 9EB) on Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, from 10am-5pm.
Parking is available at Donhead St Andrew 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 services at 10.45am and to stay for refreshments. Thursdays – coffee and a chat from 10am-noon. 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.
• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2-3.45pm. Look for the table with the yellow sign, stay for five minutes or longer if you enjoy chatting!
• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Sherborne School Friday lunchtime recitals: June 7, Pianists; June 14, The Choral Scholars. Both at 1.45pm. Free admission (unless otherwise stated).
• Cheap Street church hall, Sherborne: Dorset Youth for Christ ‘Youth Hangout’, a space for young people aged six-11 in Sherborne to connect with others their age, play games and explore the Christian faith. Every second Sunday of the month, 6.30-7.30pm.
• Digby Memorial Church Hall: The next Mothers’ Union meeting is on Friday, June 28, at 10am for 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. Music with poetry written by Sue Bradshaw. Everyone welcome.
• Digby Memorial church hall: The Friends of Sherborne Abbey invite visitors to afternoon tea on Thursday, June 20, at 3.30pm. Proper ‘English’ tea with sandwiches, scones, cakes etc accompanied by a ‘Pump Room’ pianist on the piano. Evensong will be held in the abbey at 5.30pm sung by the choir of St Mary’s, Litton Cheney, directed by Paul Cheater. For catering purposes,
RSVP to Joanna in the parish office – Joanna.sams@ sherborneabbey.com – by Monday, June 17. Donations from Friends’ members on the day requested to cover costs –non-Friends £10.
• ECO seminar: Arocha, the charity that runs the ECO Church Awards, is running a series of free webinars in June. For the full list, visit www. arocha.org.uk/events.
• 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 Family Service.
• Longburton Village Cafe: Held in the village church of St James, the cafe provides tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £2. Tuesdays, June 18, 10.30am-noon.
• Motcombe Methodist Church 1774-2024: Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, 10am4pm. View the floral displays and find out about the church’s history in words and pictures while enjoying a hot or cold drink and snack. Sunday, June 23, anniversary service at 10.30am led by Revd Rachel Borgars, acting chair of Southampton District. Bring and share lunch for anyone who would find it difficult to get back in time for the afternoon celebration. 3.30pm Songs of Praise led by Revd Lin Francis followed by a cream tea.
• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, June 9 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at St Mary’s Church Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, June 16 – 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 All Saints Church Tarrant Keynston. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10am–11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am–11.30am June 20; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am–12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. Every Thursday, Morning Prayer by Zoom, 9am – contact Jane Griffin for more information.
• 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 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. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599.
• Sherborne Abbey flower team: Anyone interested in joining the team to arrange flowers in the abbey about once a month, should contact Barbara Fifield on 01935 813869 or email bafifield@hotmail.com
• St Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham: Sunday, 11am.
• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.
• St John’s Church, Enmore Green: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.
• St John’s, Charlton: Environment Day Service on Sunday, June 9, 11am. Mark World Environment Day with music, prayers and words to inspire and encourage.
• St Luke’s Church, West Orchard (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0LJ: Monthly services, June 9 and August 11, Morning Worship 11,15am. July 14 and September 8, Holy Communion 11.15am. Prayer and fellowship in the village church – everyone welcome. Enquiries, phone 01747 812365.
• St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm.
• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion.
• St 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.
MY wife has lymphoma and is receiving chemotherapy under the care of Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.
Chemotherapy has compromised my wife’s immune system and she has to carry a Neutropenic Sepsis Alert Card.
In the event of my wife becoming unwell, we have to present this card to a hospital, so the hospital is aware of the situation.
The card provides information on the treatment that should be started immediately and states: “Do not wait for blood results or medical assessment”.
Recently, my wife became unwell with a raised temperature and rigors.
I phoned Musgrove Park Hospital and was advised to get her to Yeovil District Hospital A&E quickly, as her health was deteriorating rapidly.
Musgrove Park phoned Yeovil District Hospital to let it know we were on our way.
My wife is disabled and is a Blue Badge holder. We parked outside A&E on double yellow lines where I had difficulty getting my wife into her wheelchair, but with the blue badge displayed, I quickly got her into A&E.
We presented the “Alert” card and within minutes my wife had been triaged and moved to a cubicle where the hospital commenced treatment.
Subsequently, my wife was admitted as an inpatient for four days.
Having taken my wife to A&E, I remained with her for about 15 minutes and then left to move the car, only to find that I had been given a parking ticket on the grounds I had parked in an area designated as “No loading at any time”.
I lodged an appeal, but this was rejected by Somerset Council on the grounds that I should not have parked in a designated no loading area.
I have two comments: I trust
the adjudicator at County Hall is never put into a similar position, and, given the circumstances, where time was of the essence, I would do exactly the same again. I have paid the fine!
The NHS has come in for a lot of criticism recently but, from our experience, we cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional treatment we have received from Yeovil District Hospital and from Musgrove Park, Beacon Centre.
Peter Watson SherborneCOLIN Winder – New Blackmore Vale, Letters, May 10 – says that voting should be compulsory, as “our ancestors fought and died for their freedom and right to express their voting preferences”.
Correct. They also fought for us to have freedom of choice whether to vote or not.
As someone who no longer votes, he may like to consider why people do not bother to vote before forcing them to make a decision.
Perhaps when we have politicians across all the parties who put the electorate before their own wishes.
When they understand the hardship some face, instead of just paying lip service.
When they have had to manage a household on minimum income and pay their bills out of their own pocket and not just as a stunt on television.
When they stop lying to the electorate and then get all their cronies to cover up for their indefensible actions.
When they can be seen to act for the greater good, and not try to con the public that is what they were doing.
When they provide independent accountability for all their expenses, instead of sticking their respective heads in the public trough.
Then, when the sensible public can see it is worth voting, because it will actually make a difference, instead of “shuffling chairs on the Titanic”.
You will get me and others to the polling stations.
Politicians of all parties, take note.
Tony Lemon GillinghamWITH an election coming in the next few weeks, I have a valuable vote to cast in North Dorset but who will get it?
I will vote for the candidate that I see out in the constituency talking to voters and listening to concerns, the candidate who I think will be best for the constituency and its constituents, and the candidate who will make themselves heard in the House of Commons.
I will vote for the candidate who shares my concerns about the state of the world, the present unrest throughout it, and Britain’s defence and security.
So often we go into an election and I see names on the ballot paper and wonder why I never saw them out and about talking to voters.
Nick Smith Via emailWHAT a contrast in the New Blackmore Vale’s May 24 edition between the gracious letter from Carole Jones and the sour-grapery of Simon Hoare’s column.
He writes disparagingly of supposed alliances between people and parties with much in common.
He, on the other hand, represents a many-headed Hydra of a party, an unstable spectrum from the wringing wet to creatures of the night.
The presence of a Reform
candidate in the forthcoming vote in North Dorset adds a piquancy, too, with the potential for a properly unholy alliance or a fight in a phone-box.
Time will show us which… As to his other comments about the change of control in Dorchester, I reckon North Dorset is now in safer hands.
Gone will be the smoke and mirrors of the Tory power brokers and in will come people who do fairness and who bring the multiplier of an increasingly powerful regional voice.
Reasons to be cheerful.
Mike Chapman Bourton
ON the tragic Gaza issue, we seem once again to be in a situation where no one will look at an exit strategy and a long-term solution.
Palestinians will not accept that they have to live for ever under Israeil domination, so we have to accept the need for a Palestinian State.
But neither will Israel accept a neighbour which can become a constant security threat, so the present Palestinian Authority is not a viable contender to govern such a state.
The only long-term solution is to form a Palestinian state under an international administration for a minimum of 10 years.
It will need a police force with the capability and willingness to disarm both Hamas and the militant Israeli settlers, so as to keep the peace. This solution could allow passions to calm down and economic development to create a viable state.
This surely is what the United Nations is for. But does the international community have the courage to take such a radical step? What other options do we have?
Mike Keatinge Sherborne
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
Across
1 French novelist recalled hint in enclosure for play? (7)
5 Some group reprimanded for homework (4)
10 Upset bird fluttering around boss, mostly (7)
11 Very intelligent person gets support at home (5)
12 Difficulty about extremes of day in pastoral poem (5)
Down
2 Test a soprano maybe (5)
3 Insincere person adorning type of bus (6-6)
4 Independent writer carrying athletic vest drink (6)
6 Feel strongly about India amid terrible zeal
7 Long for portion of soup in eatery (4)
8 Get side panicky and most nervous (7)
(6)
13 Show vocal disapproval of soldier with energy in dance (6)
15 Regular day set for swimming (6)
17 Large dish for all to see among wooden articles (6)
9 Unlimited zone bringing up valuable stuff minimum temperature (8,4)
Large dish for all to see among wooden articles (6)
14 Delight titled English actress first off with worker (7)
Sound resounding again in
19 Sound resounding again in three choirs (2-4)
20 Hide in hole electrical connection (5)
23 Origin, we’re told, in course (5)
24 Provide too many staff in rickety Rome van (7)
25 Competitive former Irish footballer by the sound of it (4)
26 Fall into ruin – as a snooker player by table might do? (2,2,3)
Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
16 Carry out economy in middle of week in of former partner (7)
18 Florid rubbish largely supported by two counties (6)
21 Amorous man more excited when holding Oscar (5)
22 Flag I removed close to park in long journey (4)
LAST month’s auction at Acreman St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, saw competitive bidding, especially in the Garden & Architectural section.
The star lot was a Thomas Jeckyll Aesthetic Movement cast iron bench sold for £7,500 hammer.
A large Italian terracotta figure of a woman holding a basket of flowers also sold well at £2,400 hammer and an impressive pair of Victorian cast iron urns at £1,500.
In the General Antiques & Collectors section, an antique museum bust of a male made £490 hammer and a collection of James Bond gum cards £360 hammer with a job lot of gum cards £240 hammer.
In the Jewellery section, amber beads sold well with a
cherry amber necklace making £490 and a butterscotch amber necklace £210.
Some £3,300 was achieved on behalf of the Yeovil Hospital New Breast Cancer Unit.
Acreman’s General Antiques & Collectors Auction is on June 27 and Jewellery, Silver & Watches Auction on June 28 with viewing on Wednesday, June 26, 10am-4pm.
The catalogue and bidding are available through Easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com and Auctionet.com for timed auctions.
Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764, or email auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk
A GREAT selection of convertible cars is being sold in Charterhouse’s classic car auction being held at Haynes Motor Museum on Thursday, June 27.
“While I have to admit it has been a wet start to the year, I do have a feeling summer is here and we have been instructed to auction some dead gorgeous droptop cars perfect for summer motoring and picnics,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.
The auction features convertible cars from Ford, Buick, Porsche, Darracq, Triumph, Jaguar, MG, Lagonda, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Lotus and other marques. Convertible cars range from no reserve pre-war MGs to a Lagonda Rapier at £30,000£35,000 (pictured).
All lots and live internet bidding are available at www. charterhouse-auction.com.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this classic car auction at Haynes and its busy programme of specialist auctions with MidCentury & Decorative Arts on July 4 and Pictures, Maps & Books on July 5.
Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, phone 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction.com.
UPCOMING at Duke’s Auctioneers is the Fine Jewellery, Watches, Accessories, Wines and Spirits auction.
The auction, on Wednesday, June 12, offers a curated collection of exceptional variety, including treasures for long-time jewellery collectors and first-time buyers alike.
The five pillars of the auction, jewellery, watches, accessories, wines and spirits, are each marked by pieces of high quality and exceptional beauty.
A highlight in the jewellery section is a Cartier Lakarda Panthere ring in 18ct white gold, designed as a stylised coiled panther.
It has eyes set with pear cut emeralds reposed above the nose set with carved onyx, the
This Cartier Lakarda Panethère ring – lot 67 – is estimated at £4,500–£6,500
piece emanating beauty and ferocity, glistening in untarnished majesty. It is estimated between £4,500-£,6,500.
More jewellery, watches, accessories, wines and spirits in the upcoming auction can be found on Duke’s website at dukes-auctions.com
CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley is holding its June Antiques & Collectibles sale, with more than 700 lots of interesting items, this Saturday.
The jewellery section includes a pretty 18ct gold three-stone sapphire and diamond ring estimated at £300-£500, a beautiful 18ct woven link bracelet estimated at £800-£1,000 and an 18ct white Art Deco square set ruby and diamond ring estimated at £200-£400.
The furniture section includes an early 20th century copper and leather adjustable club fender, an ornate Victorian burr walnut piano top Davenport, a pair of Art Deco-inspired leather tub chairs and a pair of mid-century leather and steel cantilever chairs, along with antique
dining tables, chests of drawers, bedside cabinets and chairs.
Clarke’s new premises at the Old Glove Factory in Gillingham town centre is taking shape and the auction house is aiming to hold its August sale there.
The Old Glove Factory is over four times larger than its current property.
Clarke’s is also preparing for its Autumn Classic Vehicles and Automobilia sale – phone Matthew Whitney to discuss entries into this sale.
For consignment into future sales or for valuation, house clearance or other queries, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9BU.
WANTED Classic Cars & Motorbikes. For private collection Call 07885 373113 or 01278 431244 Graham WANTED Coins and Coin Collections Call Nick 07754058850 / trimoneta@hotmail.com WANTED ALL MILITARIA BOUGHT British/Foreign. Single items or collections Contact Tim on 07904 082997
WANTED Books, collectables and bric-a-brac. Call Jack: 07542 389447
Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk
& Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration
Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales
Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk
Nex t Sale
For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website Saturday 15th June Jewellery, Watches & Silver; 20th Century Pictures & Decorative Arts; and Antique Furniture & Objects.
THE Fine Asian Art auction at Dore & Rees’s salerooms on May 20 achieved some strong results with competitive bidding from clients around the world.
Highlights included a rare underglaze blue and copper-red Star God and Deer lantern vase from the collection of the late George Withers sold for £227,000 and a fine bronze figure of Manjushri with a Yongle, which made £221,000 – sold prices include fees.
Collectors with an interest in motoring will find bountiful choice in the June 11 Automobilia auction.
A car mascot of ‘Chrysis’ by Rene Lalique makes a striking lead lot, offered at an estimate of £900-£1,200, and a model of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record-breaking Bluebird car is offered at an estimate of
£700-£800.
The motoring theme continues on June 22 in the Classic Cars auction with marquee viewing at the Market Yard car park in Frome, next to the Cheese and Grain, from 10am on Friday, June 21.
The Curated Interiors auction on July 3 includes the collection of the late Mrs Henry T. Ford II, featuring contents from her Turville Grange and Eaton Square residences.
Dore & Rees can carry out valuation appointments at its salerooms in Frome or at prospective vendors’ homes.
To arrange a free appointment, phone 01373 462257 or email enquiries@ doreandrees.com.
For details of upcoming auctions, visit www. doreandrees.com.
AUCTION: Tuesday 11 June 10:30am VIEWING: Monday 10 June 10:00am – 4:00pm
AUCTION: Saturday 22 June 2:00pm VIEWING: Friday 21 June 10:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday 22 June 9:00am – 1:00pm
“WHEN is a geranium not a geranium? When it’s a pelargonium”. So runs the old quip. And it is true to say that this 18th century muddle over botanical naming still causes confusion today.
When pelargoniums started to arrive from South Africa in the early 18th century it was proposed that they be given a different generic name from geranium. Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, however thought different, and classified them both as ‘Geraniums’. Throughout the following century or so many more pelargonium species were introduced and new startling colours were bred into the flowers and foliage. Pelargoniums were the plants of
the moment and were fixed in people’s minds as ‘geraniums’. There was little the botanists could do about separating the genera. Popular opinion had
is perhaps the month when every gardener would like everything to pause – the sun is hot, the garden is at a high point and labour’s fruits are visible.
All the spring planting has melded together to make a whole, the weeds are still suppressed by mulch, and rows of young vegetables are ready for the picking. In the borders, the Oriental poppies are sloughing off their bristly carapaces and unfolding their petals like crumpled silk handkerchiefs.
However, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to hide their remains once that flowering is over and the plant is cut down. In the past it was recommended to plant a later flowering perennial in the middle of a group of three oriental poppies, but in practice this presents a few problems. Quite often all that poppy foliage hid huge slugs and snails that would chomp their wicked way through the piggy in the middle, or, after two or three years, the poppies
won. At least for a century or two.
In the meantime, our native cranesbill – Geranium pratense – grew with abandon along the roadside verges throughout June and July, and its soft blue flowers once inhabited the old meadows alongside cowslips, vetch and ladies bedstraw. The Elizabethan herbalist, John Gerard, and in the 17th century, John Parkinson, both grew the white form of G. pratense and the delightfully splashed and striped G. pratense ‘Striatum’. And they are widely naturalised in the United States where they were undoubtedly taken by the early colonists.
The ‘bloody cranesbill’, G.sanguineum with its low mounds of bright magenta flowers, was commonly used as
a wound herb to staunch the flow of blood from “ruptures or burstings”.
Over the centuries other geranium species have been introduced from North America, the Himalayas, Armenia and the Caucasus, and all have been crossed, bred and selected to provide 21st century gardeners with increasing numbers of geranium cultivars – amenable plants that cover the ground with good foliage and lots of flower.
But it’s Geranium ‘Rozanne’, with its non-stop, white-hearted soft blue flowers that has won modern gardeners’ hearts. In 2013 the Royal Horticultural Society named it as the ‘Plant of the Century’, for its easy, floriferous habit. It’s a winner in any garden.
themselves would elbow the other plant out altogether.
It is probably better to plant Oriental poppies singly, alongside something equally bossy, such as Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ that will interweave and flower at the same time, or the later flowering Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, that seems to withstand slugs and poppy foliage. Or try associating them with grasses – a nostalgic echo of poppy-strewn cornfields. If we have a modicum of rain, now is a good time to propagate oriental poppies. With a garden fork, lift the whole clump, young leaves and all. Separate out the different shoots and cut back their top growth by a half. Replant a sizeable chunk of the remaining poppy. It will be dying back anyway during the end of the summer.
Insert the divisions into individual pots of well-drained potting compost, cover the tops with a layer of grit and water them. Label each pot with the name and date for future information.
Then place the pots under the greenhouse bench, or in a cold frame, and keep them watered.
They should have rooted within a few weeks and be ready to plant out by next spring.
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HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street,Gillingham,Dorset SP84AP Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com
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LAWN MOWING AND HEDGE CUTTING SERVICES,
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Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted. Gates made to measure.
Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332
Summer has finally arrived and at Lizzie Price
Shading Solutions we can enhance your outdoor living areas with glass or polycarbonate roofed Verandas as well as folding arm motorised or manual Awnings.
They offer shaded areas on patios or to shade the sun’s rays from entering your home, substantially reducing solar gain. External roller blinds provide protection from the sun’s rays and are one of the most effective way of reducing solar gain into your home. Ideal on large windows and doors. Our huge range of internal blinds to provide shade, privacy, and blackout to your rooms.
We offer a complete professional service from our home visit to installation of your new Blinds, Plantation Shutters, Awnings, Verandas and so much more....
Visit our web site for more details by scanning the QR code or www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk
For site survey and no obligation quotation contact us on enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879
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.
call David: 07786-658708
Curtain alterations
Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680
MOWING, STRIMMING, Hedge Cutting, Chain-sawing and general garden/estate maintenance. Call David: 07786-658708
£60.00 a transit
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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
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Kingsmere
Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Blackmore Vale Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.
Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.
Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.
We
We
We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic contemporary driveways.
We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.
Services offered include:
Services offered include:
We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways and specialise in fully SUDS permeable drainage surfaces.
Services offered include:
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•
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A FAMILY-run business set up during the Covid lockdown has gone from strength to strength - firmly rooted in the community.
The Conygar Timber Company, based in Okeford Fitzpaine, was set up by Dominic Ellis and Anna Maria when the self-employed pair found themselves facing a lack of work as the country closed down.
Utilising nearby woodland, they began offering sawn timber which was in short supply due to lockdown and transport delays brought about by Brexit and the Covid crisis.
From setting up in a bid to make ends meet, they have now gone on to develop a thriving, growing company working to
provide local timber in a sustainable manner.
And not only has the business grown - but the family has too.
“We started out of necessity,” Dominic said. “We were losing our income and expecting a baby, so it was a real moment.”
But since starting the business, the pair have not only welcomed Okely into the world, but also his younger brother, Woody.
They have also moved into a larger yard and teamed up with other local timber firms to harvest and supply a range of woods, including Dominic’s preferred timber, Douglas fir.
And on June 15 and 16, the firm’s base will be opened up for a special Yard Sale, offering
a host of timber for sale to visitors for projects ranging from small pieces to large installations.
As well as the sale, the pair hope to have some milling
demonstrations taking place, with sausage baps on offer from Anna’s catering trailer on site.
For more information on Conyger - and the Yard Salecall Dominic on 01258 920133.
B COOK PLASTERING SERVICES
Call today for a free no obligation quote. 07490 302657
ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301
HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076
KBB KITCHEN FITTER, all aspects of kitchen fitting undertaken. 30 years experience, free estimates given. Tel: 01963 364550 or 0789 0841827
Tel: 01747 590584
Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382
Mobile: 07881 504426
Email: maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk
K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP
Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038
Smokin Nicely
STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING
HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267
NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues
Extremely clean service
Fully insured (£5m)
C himney Sw eeps CCTV
Tel: 01258 455251 smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely co.uk
MARTIN SIMMONDS
CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional07368 250305, 01747 590799
Accredited installers of Wood burning & Multi fuel stoves, Chimney liners, twin wall flues, fireplace conversions, replacement hearths, chimney restoration & rebuilding, dealing with water ingress, cowlings, bird guards. Fully Insured, long term established. 01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk
Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.
Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com
COMPUTERS & TECH
LOCAL EX BT OPENREACH ENGINEER solves Wifi connection and phone problems. Professional, fully insured, 30 years experience. DBS certified. Adrian 07799 105008 COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570
GARETH TANNER
G.O.T. DECORATING
City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com
SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073 COUNTRY CARPENTRY
Painting & Decorating
Local Quality Painter & Decorator.
35 Years Experience
FREE Estimates. No VAT Call Richard on Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627
‘Your home in
and
M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07534952486 / 01305-849380
LJB CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES. Extensions, loft conversion, garden make-over, office removals, rubbish clearance. Mere VAT registered. 07543 814320. ljbcar@mail.com
BRAND NEW 14 RUNG
ADJUSTABLE roof ladder. £180 ono. 07805-685533
PRAM/PUSHCHAIR/CARSEAT.
(3in1) Mint Green, lovely condition. £150.00 Tel: 01722744287 ( Barford St Martin)
RYOBI BATTERY MOWER and Strimmer. with charger & battery. Approx. 18months old. £120. Tel: 07821-299139
RALEIGH 18” FRAME. Electric charger. Saddle bag. In good working order. £1,200.00 Tel: 07943-634911
POP-UP GAZEBO. with side covers, large. £60.00 Tel: 01722-744287
DeWALT DW706E compound chopsaw and stand. 305mm blade. £450 ono. Tel: 07762-597018
RANGE MASTER 90. Dual Fuel Cooker. Matching extractor canope. Black/chrome. Ex.condition. £400 ovno. Dark granite worktops, various sizes. offers. Tel: 01935-389811
LOGIC FLAIL MOWER £1,500 ono: Paddock Topper £600 ono: Fleming 2 prong Bale Spike £250 ono Tel: 01747 870247
CHANDELLIER BLACK GLASS
5 lights french style beautiful crystals very smart £50 bargain 07899-691847
MOTOR CADY BATTERY charger £35 ono – 01935-476815
BOSCH 14 INCH MAINS
ELECTRIC mower & B&Q 12 inch push mower. Free to collect from Yeovil. Phone 07931-459082
HOZELOCK SERINGA SPRAYER
unused £15. Wolf Garten Multi change moss removal rake (without handle) vgc £20, 07543-679877 Blandford area
3x 12BORE CARTRIDGE BELTS. 2x 12bore Gun Slips. £30.00 Tel: 07536-183064
STANDARD INTERNAL DOOR. 15paynes £30.00 Tel: 07791-847767
THIS ENGLAND magazines from 1982 -2023. 204 copies in perfect condition. Can deliver locally. Offers please. Tel: 07469-996211
BRASS ELEPHANTS (2) 6-7 cm high £8 each 01935873441
ROCKING HORSE. Black & White fluffy. Mamas & papas. Suit 2-6yrs. As new. Cash. £45. Tel: 07787-371823
BiOrb 30lt FISH TANK with all accessories (pump & light etc) £50 Good condition (Yeovil) Tel 07563 105 836
LARGE ELECTRIC LARDER FRIDGE. Old, but still works efficiently. Sensible Offer. 01747 861254
ACRYLIC PAINTS, painting equipment including an easel, and new canvas boards still in packaging for sale. Owner has given up trying to find time to paint so would rather someone else could make use of them. £50. Telephone: ?????
TWO LARGE IRON WALL BASKETS, black. Collect only. 01747 823943 (Wyke) £30
GARDENER’S KNEELER & STOOL. Unused and in original box. £10. Please Tel: 07731 843743.
BEAN STICK BUNDLES - 9-10
Sicks per bundle, £3.00 per bundle, 5 Bundles Available, Gillingham 01747-825790
BROWN/BLACK GRANITE WORKTOP 600mm x 2m, complete with ceramic hob, buyer to collect Templecombe - £50 Tel: 07771 852764
PETROL LAWN MOWER. Used. Been serviced. £50 ono. Tel:01935-813967
GOLD CURTAINS WITH GREYISH PATTERN 2 x 138ins w x 86ins h Blackout lining. Handmade £50, 01747 837944
PAPER SHREDDER, good condition £15 01963-31930
KITCHEN UNIT DOORS. Various sizes. Door handles and soft closure hinges. £50. Tel: 01935-389811
SELECTION OF GUN DOG TRAINING dummies some not used .£45. 00 tel 01985-845211
SOLID PINE CHEST OF DRAWERS. £40. Tel: 07860-969868
A SET OF 4 HENSELITE BOWLS, size 5, in a box. £30. 07707-596857
CAR BOOTERS BARGAIN
6 boxes of assorted good bric-a-brac with 3 paste tables £30 the lot –01747 823945
SATELLITE DISH, VISION PLUS. With stand, cables, remote and Digibox. £30 07773 477432
TWO LARGE IRON WALL BASKETS, black. Collect only. 01747 823943 (Wyke) £30
ELECTRIC CABLE 1.00mm approx 21m. 6.00mm10m approx £20 . Tel 01963-824376
WELDER - oil cooled, Heavy Duty, A/C Mains, 200 Amp max load, Used £30. Contact: 01963 362278
ALPACA FLEECES, white and fawn, £15 each. 07519-388978/9
ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMER 63cm blade gwo 25£ 01258 453710
PHILIPS DELIZIA HR2303 Electric Ice cream/sorbet maker, 0.8 litre, in excellent condition, complete with instructions/recipe booklet and box £22 Tel:07891 987809
200 PLUS 6” RECLAIMED SQUARE quarry tiles. Largely terracotta colour.£30 Near Sturmister Newton. 07717 787937
GARDEN HAMMOCK with metal stand and bag.Excellent condition £45 07707 112910
MOTORHOME ACCESSORIES.
Russell Hobbs travel steam iron. £10. Russell Hobbs travel kettle, 0.85lt capacity. £10, Both in good condition. 07790 409015
GLASS DISPLAY CABINET, 3 shelves, mirror back, working light. 163cm x 40cm x 35cm. £50 ono 01747 824482
SHIMANO BEASTMASTER 7000 XSA reel (boxed) - £45 Tel: 07774373007 - Sturminster.
NYLON ROPE suitable anchoring, mooring. 50 metres 16mm NEW 38 metres 12mm £50. 01258-830332
SONY PMC107L mini stereo hifi, great condition, radio, cd, cassettenew belts just fitted to cassette. £30 Tel 01747 858369
GOLF TRAVEL BAG very good condition used only once £20 07974 001591. Sherborne
10 x 1000 PIECE JIGSAWS. Various makes/themes £25.00. Gillingham location. Tel: 07842 120313
PRINT OF DESERT ORCHID/ YAHOO in the 1989 gold cup, plus photo of Shergar £20 and £15. Tony: 07598-982824
METAL SHED. 6x4. Apex roof. Sliding doors. Dismantled. Tel: 01963-251138. Danny
FREESTANDING TOWEL RAIL. Edwardian style. Wooden, painted pale green. £35 07770 941622 (Mere area)
MOTORHOME ACCESSORIES. Correlle 12pc dinner set includes 4 stoneware mugs. Lightweight, chip resistant. As new. £40 07973 470557
LAMINATED FLOORING, NEW In Packaging , Red Alder, Scratch and Impact Resistant, 8mmx186mm1285mm 8of=1.9sqmtrs £14 Gillingham 01747-824 240
AIR RIFLES AND AIR PISTOLS wanted, by very keen collector. Any make or model. Any condition. Tel: 07970-742741
OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014
SUMMER has – officially –arrived and with it barbecue season.
However, “green” campaigning group Litter Free Dorset is urging barbecue lovers to ditch the disposable variety and opt for a picnic instead. It says disposable barbecues pose a fire risk if not disposed of correctly.
In May 2020, barbecues led to an area equivalent to more than 200 football pitches in Wareham Forest being torched. The group also says disposable barbecues contribute to the growing pile of waste sent to incinerators.
Avoiding using them is a simple way for people to reduce their carbon footprint.
Disposable barbecues are also difficult to recycle being made up of a foil tray, charcoal
briquettes, lighter fluid paper, metal grill sheet, colour paper sheet, cardboard tray and soft plastic packaging.
Litter Free Dorset is urging supermarkets to remove disposable barbecues from their shelves, alongside national campaigns such as Keep Britain Tidy.
A spokesperson said: “If you see a store selling disposable barbecues, download the campaign letter from our website, www.litterfreedorset. co.uk
“Engage in a friendly chat with the shop manager — they may not have realised how much damage one disposable barbecue can cause.”
Litter Free Dorset can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at @LitterFreeDorset
Durweston DT 11 0QW
Half a pig approx £130.
Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, f ruit, veg, f ree range eggs and lots more.
Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in f resh that week.
Chicken feeds etc available.
Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.
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
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
THE end of May and the beginning of June is one of the most satisfying times of the year for a nature lover. The leaves on the trees are a vibrant green, there are swathes of wildflowers that brighten up the hedgerows, and the countryside is sweet with birdsong. Everywhere you look there is new life.
Woodlands, ponds and meadows are all important habitats for this early summer bonanza. But after the bluebells and garlic of May’s woodlands and field margins, it is the buttercup meadows that now capture our hearts. Not only are they immensely beautiful to walk through, they are essential to our ecosystem and provide a home to a wide range of wildlife, particularly our pollinating insects, birds, amphibians and small mammals, and they urgently need protecting.
Meadows are defined by Plantlife as “a field where grasses and wildflowers are allowed to grow until they are cut for hay”. Traditionally, flower meadows were cut once a year in late July or August once they had set seed. They provided fodder for farm animals and were grazed from
September. Meadows are not as central to agriculture as they once were, but they are nonetheless vital in many other ways. These magnificent wildflower micro-cities are an important and declining habitat that when allowed to flourish not only benefit wildlife, they benefit us, too.
Wildflower meadows are another tool in combatting climate change. Through photosynthesis, they can store 30% more carbon than a grass field and can slow down water-run-off and flooding. Sadly, since the 1930s, over 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost. This equates to 7.5 million acres that are now intensely managed, regularly ploughed, sown and strewn with herbicides and pesticides. In the 1930s, a square metre of these
once meadowlands would consist of at least 30 plant species, now you would be lucky to find six. Wildflowers lure the butterflies and offer us their beauty and diversity. They also attract insects which in turn provide food for other wildlife, particularly birds, bats and amphibians.
In the last 20 years, there has been a lot of scientific research and recognition that experiencing nature is good for us. Meadows, however small, or urban, provide us with a breathing space. They divert our attention from the mundane by their colour, and the movement and sounds of butterflies, crickets and bees – just looking at a wildlife meadow for six seconds can reduce your blood pressure, stress hormones and negative emotions.
The small meadow near me has, unfortunately, been cut early this year due to an abundance of meadow sweet which the farmer wants eradicated. Although it is surrounded by housing and an industrial estate, and sits amid human activity, it is a haven for wildlife. Somehow, that makes cutting the meadow even sadder. It was looking resplendent with its tall meadow buttercups that painted the field in the brightest of yellows.
Walking past the empty meadow today, I recall a recent trip to record the butterflies of the Velebit mountains in Croatia. Having never visited before, I was astonished by the wildflower meadows and the abundance of life they contained. These were like our meadows of yesteryear – simply brimming and buzzing with life. I wonder if we can ever get them back.
To try and help our wildflowers and pollinators, Plantlife developed the ‘No Mow May’ movement, encouraging us all to let our lawns and verges grow in May, so that flowers and insects can get a head start rather than subject them to the blades of modern machinery. Sometimes it is hard to let go of the controls, but then leaving nature to do its “thing” can bring immense pleasure.
n Dr Susie Curtin, email curtin. susanna@gmail.com.
A GRANT of more than £45,000 will see a sensory courtyard garden created at Dorset County Hospital (DCH). The hospital, in Dorchester, has been handed £45,204 from the Greener Communities Fund after an application by the sustainability team.
It will see a disused courtyard opposite Special Care Dentistry transformed into a sensory courtyard garden for patients, staff and visitors.
Bev Lagden, sustainability manager at DCH, said: “We are
delighted to receive this funding. It will allow us to transform a neglected courtyard into a beautiful tranquil space, so that people can take a break and spend some time in a peaceful garden that stimulates their senses.”
The trust will now work with local organisations Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester Men’s Shed and Little Green Change on the planting plan for the garden, which will also include new doors, while the ground will be made level for
disabled access.
Jo Howarth, director of nursing at DCH, said: “Whether you’re a patient, staff member or visiting a loved one, it’s important to be able to step away from the busy, and sometimes overwhelming, hospital environment and take a moment.
“We also know that nature can have a positive impact has on people’s physical and mental health and aid recovery, so we’re looking forward to creating this new space.”
Teddy Reynolds, a horticulture student at Kingston Maurward College and part of the project team, added: “It gives me the unique opportunity to be part of a professional design project.
“I am getting an insight into how a project is run and all the processes that are involved to develop and execute a complete garden design. It enables me to give something back to the local community.”
The garden is set to open later this year.
Local Visiting and Live-in homecare provider GoodOaks, has scooped double honours at the Dorset Care Awards! The awards, a first for the Dorset Care Association, set out to showcase the best in care in the region, celebrating extraordinary achievements within the sector.
terms of impact - They have offset over 453 tonnes of CO2 to date, and another 200 tonnes due to be offset in 2024.
Co-Founder of GoodOaks Ben Ashton commented: “Winning these awards is a testament to our
planet. This recognition fuels our passion to continue pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and together, we will continue to shape a brighter future for our sector by Fiona
ChapmanOVER the last few weeks, I have been visiting the spectacular bluebell woods near my home.
As well as being nominated as finalists in categories including Nutrition & Hydration, Innovation in Social Care and Support Worker of the Year, they went on to win the Excellence in Social Care Training and the Sustainability & Environmental award.
must be dry, so about 11am on a sunny day is a perfect time for picking. Any moisture and they will rot.
Pick hawthorn tops and flowers just as they are opening. Hawthorn, or crateagus, is for the heart, making it beat strongly by strengthening the heart muscles. This helps with circulation and regulating blood pressure.
The Excellence in Social Care Training was awarded for showcasing the value they place in the training and development of their teams. It reflected how their training makes a huge impact in the lives of their clients, by raising the standard of care across the sector.
This is something I always do at this time of year. I feel I need to pay homage to nature and how amazing she is – the colours of the beach leaves as they emerge, a verdant lime green with the purple – they are definitely purple – carpets of bluebells, interspersed with delicate white stitchwort and wood anemone – and the moss this year is quite extraordinarily abundant.
The various shades of green and the spring birdsong is good for the soul and makes it a joy to be alive.
Once dried, they can be used as a tea, or they can be put in a Kilner jar – fill the flowers to the top and then pour brandy into the jar to cover every flower to make the beginning of your own tincture.
The Sustainability & Environmental award reflects their Carbon Neutral status and how passionate they are to make change. GoodOaks believe that everyone needs to do as much as they can for our future generations. In
If it ever dries up, and apparently it looks like it might, it is a time to be harvesting some of the spring blossoms. It
In the autumn you strain out the flowering tops and add the berries, which are excellent antioxidants to make a cholesterol lowering, heart tonic.
Elder flowers, sambucus
nigra, are another flower that should be picked soon. Shake them well to get rid of all the hiding insects! They can be dried to make a delicious calming tea for allergies and nasal congestion. The flowers are also used as a diaphoretic –making you sweat – together with mint and yarrow to bring a fever to a head. A steaming cup of tea, warm bed with a hot water bottle and a good sweat sees off lots of viruses and will aid a speedy recovery. As an
alternative, they too can be steeped in brandy until the autumn when the berries are added to make a strong, immune-boosting, cold-busting tonic.
I am going to have to remember to take my clippers and a bag to harvest where I find, always making sure not to take too much from any one area.
n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com)
WITHOUT knowing it, many of us allow fear to dictate our actions and thoughts on a daily basis. The desire to keep safe and out of danger is an important mechanism that is wired within us for good reason, but there are many moments when it seems to run out of control.
Yes, we live in a sometimes rather scary world which can feel overwhelming, and the need to shield and protect ourselves from it is understandable, but have we lost touch with when to really listen to it and when to push it to one side?
What is interesting, is that fear and excitement have a similar frequency. They both get the heart beating, but one makes you step back and the other makes you step forward.
We all know that feeling when something comes our way and a decision is needed. The mind, which is extremely powerful, kicks in and thinks of all the reasons we shouldn’t do it and why it wouldn’t make sense and how it might go
BELINDA ROBERTS RCST
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPIST
Craniosacral Therapy is a deeply restorative form of treatment for the body, mind and soul.
www.belinda-roberts.co.uk 07702 681264
wrong, but the heart lights up and a smile begins to form and we want to step forward. Sadly, so often, certainly for me, we step back. We sink back into safety and feel deflated. Sound familiar?
So why is it that so much of the time we step back? Could it be that we don’t trust that it will be okay, that we will be exposed and vulnerable, not accepted?
Do we not trust that we will be caught when we jump? When I
PROFILING BED WITH MATTRESS £250 plus wheelchair £75. Both excellent condition. Wincanton area. 07809-765330
LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF with karate New classes at Five Rivers on Sunday 3.30 to 4.30. for men women and children from 8 years old. For more details 07557532676
look back at all the times when I have jumped, there hasn’t been one when I’ve fallen and wasn’t caught. It has always moved me on in an enriching way, instead of that awful feeling of being stuck and powerless.
I believe, as human beings, we intrinsically know what we need, if only we could just listen a bit more, and yes, it can be confusing working out what we really shouldn’t do and when we are just being fearful. But, if we can begin to get into the habit of at least noticing when we are allowing fear to rule and recognising the smile and urge to jump with excitement, it can allow us to begin to get on top of the fear and gain the courage to jump when we want to.
Sometimes it can help, when faced with a decision or opportunity, to try to take the
rational thoughts out and just observe what the body is doing and what it feels like. Does it make you feel excited and alive or does it make you feel bored and stuck?
Like anything you want to change or improve, it takes time, but the rewards are so wonderful when you begin to listen to the excitement and not the fear, and how life begins to open up in such unexpected ways.
So, when the heart patters and you want to step forward, but the fear kicks in, what will you choose?
n Daisy Campbell is a certified health coach. For gentle guidance and help to make changes, phone 07740 864 616 or email daisydundas@yahoo. com.
in your own home! Bad back? Stiff neck? Aching knee? Stiff Hip? Bad ankle? Shoulder pain?
Bodyshop
Bodyshop
Collections
2018 (68) Dacia Duster 1.5DCi Nav + SUV 5dr 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, big boot, sat nav, parking camera & sensors, cruise control, upto 60mpg, 39,900 miles £9250
2015 (65) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium Nav SUV 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, big boot, sat nav, parking sensors, reverse camera, auto parking system, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, partial leather, 78,800 miles £8250
2018 (18) Hyundai Kona 1.0T-GDi Premium 5dr 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav,
2011 (61) Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180 1.7 Avantgarde SE Automatic 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, parking camera, auto lights & cruise control, parking sensors, 93,500 miles £4650
2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, 63,600 miles...................................... £7650
2015 (15) Ford Transit Connect 1.6TDCi T200 Trend Van. 95bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, bulkhead, 3 seats, side door, heated front screen, hill start assist, 78,900 miles…………………….....….....................£7000 + VAT= £8400
1997 (P) Land Rover Defender 90 2.5TDi Hard Top 3dr 111bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, well kept vehicle with MOT until February 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 246,800 miles.................... £9000
2017 (17) Nissan Juke 1.2DIG-T N-Connecta SUV 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, parking camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, 49,500 miles £8750
road tax & upto 65mpg economy, only 29,900 miles £5850
Consigned to Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions’ specialist sale on the 20th June is a Fiat 1100 Millicento from 1954 and assembled in Bombay (now Mumbai), which came into the ownership of Julia Moore, a British expat living in India in the 1990s.
It was used as a daily runabout until 2000, when Mrs Moore returned to the UK with her husband. Of course, the Fiat came too but not in a container; with a trusted co-pilot as far as Istanbul, Mrs Moore drove the motor car back to Lincolnshire overland in an epic journey which included a near miss with an elephant, a broken oil pipe in Iran, a fuel tank replacement in Turkey, a dynamo repair in Romania and a extraordinary adventure spanned ten countries and two months and was well documented in the UK press as well as in India. Mrs Moore is in the midst of penning her soon-to-be-published memoir of the journey but in the meantime, the extensive history comes with copies of the numerous newspaper and motoring press columns At the opposite end of the motoring spectrum, DVCA is 100/4 BN1. An original right hand drive export (to Australia) model, the 100/4 was successfully used for competition in its heyday and also travelled through Australia and then moved to New Zealand, which is where the current custodian, a Navy helicopter pilot, purchased the sporting car in repatriated to the UK in 1993 and has remained in the same ownership ever since. Also with an extensive history, the exciting sports car is not to be missed!
Also consigned is a rare Humber Vogue that was driven by David Suchet in a programme on Agatha Christie in 2013, two Austin Sevens - a Chummy and an RN De Luxe Saloon, a Morgan 4/4 Runabout, a rare manual Daimler V8 250 Saloon and much more. DVCA’s 20 June auction will be
held in association with Busby Auctioneers at North Mills, Bridport, DT6 3BE. Bidding will telephone or by commission. For more information on the sale, please contact Brian Chant on 01963 363353 or email info@dvca.co.uk
A WOMAN was seriously injured after a crash involving a gas tanker near Dorchester.
The incident, on the A35 Dorchester Bypass near the Stinsford Roundabout, happened at just after 2.45pm on Sunday (June 2).
It involved a silver Mazda Bongo camper van and a white DAF gas tanker.
The driver of the Mazda – a woman in her 50s – was freed from the vehicle by emergency services and taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.
Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond and for an examination of the scene, police said, and were cleared at around 6.30pm.
Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of
the Wiltshire Police Roads Policing Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this collision.
“There were a number of motorists in the area at the time and I am keen to hear from any witnesses, or anyone who may have captured any relevant dashcam footage, who have not already spoken to police.
“I appreciate this collision resulted in the closure of a main route for a period of time and I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during these closures, which were vital to enable us to respond to and investigate this incident.”
Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, by email to scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240082402.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously via Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
MITSUBISHI L200 BARBARIAN, automatic 64plate, 55k miles, high-speck, MOT Feb25 £14k 07399-873604
HONDA BLACKBIRD, 2005, 1 owner from new, Blue, only 12k mileage, new MOT, excellent condition. £4250. Tel: 01747-853812
CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME STORAGE in Child Okeford. CaSSOA Gold Award. Gated site. 24hr access. 01258 861100.
SUZUKI SWIFT. 1l, 4dr. MOT till Nov 2024. Tidy condition. £500 ono. Tel: 01258-820699
FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258
complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577 OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907
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.
MARTIN AND JUNE OF SHAFTESBURY CAR LINK WILL BE TAKING A SHORT BREAK FROM SATURDAY 22nd June 2023 TO SUNDAY 30th June 2024
THE TELEPHONE LINE DURING THIS PERIOD WILL THEREFORE BE CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY 1st July 2024
ALL PRE-BOOKED JOURNEYS WILL BE FULFILLED ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT MAY BE AVAILABLE VIA
DORSET PATIENT TRANSPORT ALTERNATIVE BUREAU ON 0300 777 5555 OR NHS HOSPITAL TRANSPORT ON 01278 727457
The Trust makes a limited number of modest grants to assist students about to undertake University or vocational courses. Those eligible are students or former students of The Blandford School or those primarily resident in the North Dorset area. Anyone wishing to apply this year must submit his/her application no later than 20 July 2024. For further information and an application form apply to The Secretary, MAEF, Blanchards Bailey LLP, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9LQ or email val.dear@blanchardsbailey.co.uk
Name: Glenn Arnold, Trading as :Jack Ryan Transport Ltd
Of: 37, Dean Lane, Sixpenny Handley, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5PA. Is Applying for a licence to use: Humbys Farm, Sixpenny Handley, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5NW. As an Operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailer. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representations must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commission’s office.
from Mere, passed peacefully at home in Cheshire on Saturday 18th May aged 96,much loved Mum of Jan and Judith. A celebration of Mums life to be arranged later in Mere
Died peacefully at home in Bryanston on 2nd May 2024 aged 92. Luciana was mum to four children and nanny to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She will be loved and missed every day.
Luciana worked as a gifted seamstress in Blandford for many years and attended St Cecilia’s Catholic Church. Luciana’s funeral service will be at St Cecilia’s 10:00am on 12th June 2024. No flowers please but plants for her beloved garden welcome. All enquiries c/o Colin J Close Funeral Services Tel: 01258 453133
June of Stalbridge, passed away peacefully in Dorset County Hospital on 2nd May 2024, aged 77 years. Much love mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, who will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 11th June at 1.20pm. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired, for Dorset Blind Association may be sent to Grassby & Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, Tel: 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk
Aged 82 years of Hadspen. On 22nd May 2024, peacefully at his home. Stanley will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral Service at Mendip Crematorium on Wednesday 12th June at 2:30pm. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Stanley are being invited for The Injured Jockeys Fund or Battersea Dogs Home. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.
Passed away peacefully at The Hayes Sherborne on 25th May 2024 aged 90 years.
Loving mum, devoted grandmother and great grandmother and friend to many.
Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 13th June at 11.20am. Family flowers only but donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
Passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on 13th May 2024 aged 75 years
A dearly loved wife of John, loving mum to Emily-Jane and Julie-Anne, Mother-in-Law to Neil and Paul, caring Grandma to Sam and Will and a loyal friend to many. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Funeral to be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 14th June at 9am.
Please wear something colourful to celebrate her life.
Family flowers only. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Christine to Stars Appeal or the Stroke Association please visit her tribute site at: https://christine-bell-1949-2024.muchloved.com
of Cerne Abbas, passed away peacefully at home on 26th May 2024, aged 82 years. Dear brother of June Dewland of Portland, Doreen Trim, much loved uncle, great uncle and great great uncle. He will be sadly missed.
Tom’s funeral service will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas, on Friday 21st June 2024 at 12noon.
Family flowers only please. Donations for British Heart Foundation and Cerne Abbas School May be sent c/o Woods and Tapper Funeral Service, 6 Albert Road, Dorchester. DT1 1SF or online at www.woodsfuneralservices.co.uk Telephone 01305 250425
Aged 85years of Ansford. On 20th May 2024, peacefully at Wincanton Community Hospital. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Thanksgiving Service at All Saint’s Church, Castle Cary on Friday 21st June at 12noon. Donations in memory of Maureen are being invited for the Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital, Cary Comedians Carnival Club and St Andrew’s Church, Ansford. C/O Harold F.Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367
Peacefully on 1st June with his loving wife by his side. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 21st June, at 4:00pm
Wakely
To work in our office at Alweston commencing September 2024.
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Family Funeral Directors
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Hours are 25 per week, preferably between 9am and 2pm.
Full range of office duties including accounts, payroll, ordering, answering the phone, greeting visitors and dealing with correspondence.
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Service –available including our Land Rover Hearse
Experience/working knowledge of Xero, Dext & BrightPay desireable.
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Pre-payment plans available
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Tel: 01935 816817
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Pre-payment plans available
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
For further details and an application form please contact:
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –
Pre-payment plans available
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Pre-payment plans available
Tel: 01963 31310
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Pre-payment plans available
Pre-payment plans available
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817
contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Pre-payment plans available
Jan Lawes, F Cuff & Sons Ltd, The Joinery Works, Alweston, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5HS Tel: 01963 23219 info@fcuffandsons.co.uk
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310
Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310
contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.
Please
Please
We require Full time Semi-Skilled Commercial Vehicle Body Builders to work on large ongoing Van contract
Knowledge of working with commercial vehicle bodies would be an advantage but not necessary as full training will be provided
The ability to problem solve, work to completion deadlines and within a team, while maintaining a high standard of build quality is a key attribute within the role.
Full UK Driving licence required
Friendly working environment
Benefits:
• Good rates of pay
• Company Pension Scheme
• Travel pay, starting from 5 mile radius,
• Weekly Attendance payment of £10 for 40 hours attended
Wessex Vehicle Services Ltd, Compton Mills SP3 5DW Commercial Body Builders All to start after Probationary period complete
Schedule:
•
We’re looking for staff to join our friendly changeover cleaning team for the summer season.
Hours: Mon and Fri 9am – 3pm
Mid June – End of August including bank holidays £12-£13ph (plus £20 extra for bank holidays)
Stock Gaylard Estate, DT10 2BG Contact: 01963 23511 or office@stockgaylard.com
OPPORTUNITY FOR TELE-HANDLER DRIVER.
In Salisbury area, for harvest, July-September. Must have driving license. Experience an advantage for loading straw bales. Tel: 07836-515276
CARER/PA NEEDED for capable woman in Wheelchair as one of a friendly team. Character more important than qualifications! (non-smoker essential) Hours to suit. 07790-524241
RETIRED COUPLE.
Room to spare, for a little help around the house. Plenty of spare time. No costs for lodgings. All included. Tel: 01747-822338
Gillingham area
CARPENTER REQUIRED for work on park homes. Please call 07971271458 for more information.
PAINTER AND DECORATOR required for work on park homes. Please call 07971-271458 for more information
GARDENER REQUIRED
two days a week in Spetisbury. Please call 07971-271458 for more details
LORRY DRIVER wanted for local collections and deliveries. ADR licence holder preferred. Negotiable hours, competitive pay. Contact: rhianna@recyclify.co.uk 07896-219409 for details.
We are looking for skilled landscapers and general labourers to join our team. A good knowledge of hard and soft landscaping along with a can do attitude required, drivers preferred but not essential. Long term positions within an establish local company. Previous applicants need not reapply. 07792892999
info@greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk
We are recruiting for staff to join our Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Warminster offices.
Warminster Office
• Private Client Lawyer & Team Leader (8+ years PQE)
• Private Client Trust & Tax Accounts
Executive
• Family Lawyer Shaftesbury Office
• Private Client Lawyer (8+ years PQE) Gillingham Office
• Private Client Lawyer (1-3 years PQE)
For more details go to our website www.farnfields.com Email: HR@farnfields.com
GP SURGERY LOOKING FOR A DISPENSER/ ADMIN assistant due to staff retirement, IT skills required but training can be given. 25hrs over 4 day, please contact Georgia at Silton Surgery 01747 840226 or email silton.surgery@nhs.net closing date: 21/06/24
On a private golf course Near Wincanton For a full job description please contact Mr Richard Worrall on richardworrall81@gmail.com Tel: 07786 383478
Full time Dental Nurse wanted to join our friendly team at The Bruton Dental Practice. Competitive rates of pay. Contact Alison on 01749812461 or alison@brutondental.co.uk for further details.
ORIENTED CLEANER to join our team in a private household near Blandford. This is a great opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work and enjoys creating a clean and welcoming environment.
Valid driver’s license is a must. Monday to Friday 9am-12pm. Please call 07425161688
2 weeks work from 1st JULY, Working in DT11 Area. £12/hr pay. Call/message Tim on 07766906046
We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team.
Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail. We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.
If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk
35 hours p/w. £12 p/h. Simply Health scheme available.
Please email wendy.bonner@forwardtrust.org.uk or call 01747 832030 to discuss.
HOME HELP / PA REQUIRED DT10/11
Tuesdays 10-12, Thursdays 10-12, N/S, own transport, refs, DBS.
£15 per hour. PHONE only 10-12am 07990 759 838
To work in our office at Alweston commencing September 2024.
Hours are 25 per week, preferably between 9am and 2pm.
Full range of office duties including accounts, payroll, ordering, answering the phone, greeting visitors and dealing with correspondence.
Experience/working knowledge of Xero, Dext & BrightPay desireable.
For further details and an application form please contact:
Jan Lawes, F Cuff & Sons Ltd, The Joinery Works, Alweston, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5HS Tel: 01963 23219 info@fcuffandsons.co.uk
The Red House, Woodrow, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2AH
We are looking for an experienced groundworker/ drainage engineer to join our company. You will be responsible for excavations and repairs and installations of drainage systems.
Experience and driving license essential £13-£18 p/h depending on experience
We are looking for a drainage engineer with jetting experience, job involves jetting and unblocking of drainage, using CCTV equipment and occasionally repairs.
Experience and driving license essential £13-£18 p/h depending on experience
We are looking for an Office administrator to carry out several duties including taking enquiries, producing job tickets, organising work and invoicingaccounting knowledge will be helpful.
Experience and driving license essential £13-£15 p/h depending on experience
Email: enquiries@affordabledrainage.co.uk Telephone: 01258 817599
MAMMARY tumours are abnormal overgrowths of mammary tissue. In many animals this tissue extends from the armpit area to between the back legs.
Tumours can be benign, malignant or a mixture of both. Tumours develop under the influence of oestrogen. Bitches spayed before their first season have no risk of developing these tumours. The risk gradually increases until the bitch is two years old and spaying after this age will have no effect on whether these tumours develop or not in the future.
Benign tumours are typically small hard lumps within the mammary tissue when first noticed. They tend to be slow growing and don’t spread to other organs. They can grow large and may eventually ulcerate, allowing secondary infections and significant pain.
Malignant tumours tend to grow rapidly and can spread to
other organs – metastasis –within the body, typically the lungs and liver. Because it is not easy to tell which tumours are benign and which are malignant, and because mixed tumours can contain both types of tumour, it is always recommended to remove them as soon as they are found to reduce the risk of metastatic spread.
Histopathology – lab investigation – is available to assess the type of tumour after removal which will provide information as to likely future consequences. It is important to realise, however, that future tumours may not be the same as
FOX RED LABRADOR PUPPIES. Pure home-bred. KC reg. Excellent pedigree. Ideal pet or working gun dog. FTC in lineage. Ready early July. Contact either 07773 254174 or 07545 379439
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.
Friday 9am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm. oad Robin, Gillingham SP8 4PJ, opposite the Onestop ailable. Email: enquiries@busypetz.co.uk .busypetz.co.uk Facebook: Busypetz
COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING for Cats & Dogs 2024 – book yours now - call or pop in store Check-a-chip service is free Call: 01747 706152
Mammary tumours can be benign, malignant or a mixture of both
strip.
It is also important to realise that, even after tumour removal, any remaining mammary tissue can develop further tumours and surgical options can include a ‘mammary strip’ to remove the whole length of mammary tissue on that side. This involves a long incision and, where both sides are to be removed, this procedure is usually ‘staged’ to allow one side to heal before repeating the procedure on the other side.
any previously removed tumours and benign, malignant and mixed tumours can occur at the same time in the same dog. Entire females tend to get more rapid growth of tumours around their season due to the surge in oestrogen production. Spaying is beneficial to slow future growth of new tumours but will not prevent them developing.
Surgical options include removing the mass itself only, removing the affected ‘gland and associated glands –different mammary glands share lymphatic and blood supplies with certain adjacent glands which may increase spread of tumour cells to neighbouring glands – or doing a mammary
CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home. Jacqui 07791 198679
BEAUTIFUL DACHSHUND PUPPIES long haired and short prices vary ready to go now 07871 573845
SPRINGERS SPANIEL DOG PUPS. B&W and L&W Kennel club registered Quality pups from strong working lines. Micro chipped Wormed First vaccination Contact - 07872-067973
Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife
Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories
Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107
Where malignancy is suspected or confirmed, assessment of potential metasases is available. This can include chest x-rays – as the lungs are the most common place for these tumours to spread to – but may involve full assessment of the chest and abdomen with a CT scan, particularly after histopathology has confirmed malignancy in order to plan for potential future treatment.
The sooner you take action for any form of mammary mass the more you reduce the risk of future problems. Please discuss any concerns you may have with your veterinary surgeon and they will be happy to advise you.
MINIATURE DACHSHUND PUPPIES for sale. Black & Tan & Brown. Tel: 07725-910364 THE WOOF PACK DOG walking, Call 07523-349419
BLACK LABRADOR PUPPIES. K/C registered. Well-bred in a loving family home. Used to other dogs and children. Near Shaftesbury 07816-328535
DORSET JACK RUSSELL TERRIER PUPS
Foxwarren lines . Full of countryside character , legally docked & dew claws. Vet checked microchipped and ready for their next adventure. Brought up in a busy farmhouse with other animals and children. DOB 8.4.24 Contact 07786-858535
GORGEOUS WHIPPET PUPPIES, blues and fawns. Available from 22nd June. Email steph.rennie@gmail.com
a little overweight
n Polly (14 years old). Looking for retirement home, a few health issues which are being managed
n Cindy (nine years old). Ginger and white, very sweet friendly girl with health issues, not on medication
We also have kittens which will be looking for homes in the coming weeks, please get in touch to register your interest. Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc. For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website,www.cats.org.uk/ blandford
If you have lost a cat, contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.
If you regularly see a cat in your garden or in your road that you don’t think has an owner, please call us – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.
CAT owners are being warned that under new rules they could face fines of hundreds of pounds if they do not quickly get their pets microchipped.
All cats in England, from Monday (June 10), must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they reach 20 weeks old.
The legislation gives local authorities the power to confiscate cats and microchip them, before returning them to the owner and handing them the bill.
CatsMatter, the feline road traffic accident focus group, says recent reports suggest that 25% of cats – almost three million animals – are currently not microchipped.
Once the new law comes into force, owners found without their cat microchipped will have just 21 days to have one implanted.
After the 21 days, owners may then face a fine of up to £500.
A spokesperson said: “For veterinary practices, animal welfare organisations and local councils, it can be incredibly challenging to reunite unchipped pet cats with their
owner if they are missing or have been stolen.
“Microchipping is an inexpensive procedure, and is fairly simple and quick to do.
It can save owners the heartache of never getting their cat back, or never having closure should the worst happen, and could save a cat’s life.
“Sadly, we see it all the time where road accident victims end up being euthanised with simple cuts and bruises, simply because no owner could be located via a microchip.”
The microchip is generally around the size of a grain of rice and is painlessly inserted under the skin.
It has a unique serial number that the keeper needs to register on a database and when a cat is found, it can be read with a scanner.
The keeper can then be identified on a database so the pet can quickly be reunited with them.
The spokesperson added: “We urge all cat owners who have not yet microchipped their cat to make an appointment at their local vets or with their nearest registered implanter.”
For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)
THE Royal Navy Athletics Association (RNAA) is inviting entries for the Heron HalfMarathon 2024, taking place at the end of the month.
The Heron Half Marathon is a relaunch of a previous event, last run in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fast and flat route caters
for all running abilities, from the seasoned club runner to starter runners.
It starts and finishes at RNAS Yeovilton (BA22 8HT) and takes runners out onto the quiet country roads around the air
station for 13.1 miles.
The event, on Sunday, June 30, is officially licensed by England Athletics (EA) and the route is accurately measured.
It is in aid of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, which provides support to serving and
former members of the Naval Service and their families.
Entries are available for £36, EA affiliated entry; £38, unaffiliated entry; available through Results Base at www. https://resultsbase.net/ event/6948. Entries are open until Sunday, June 16.
Anyone who would like to volunteer at the event, or sponsor it, should email rnheronhalfmarathon@gmail. com or visit Instragram at @ theheronhalf or Facebook at The Heron Half Marathon
YOUNG Jack Copp smashed Dorchester & District Angling Society’s (DDAS) junior match record during a points match held at Todber Manor.
Copp’s weight of 260lb 13oz at Homeground Lake eclipsed Jack Cryer’s previous record of 200lb 7oz at the same venue.
Warm sunshine bathed the young anglers in a special match that was split into two halves.
The first half was feeder only and in the second the anglers used only float fishing techniques.
Copp, who was thought to be a little behind the leader, Austin Scott-Kennedy, in the first phase, came back to blitz the rest of the field in the second phase thanks to his excellent pole-fishing skills.
Scott-Kennedy had to settle for runner’s-up spot with 189lb 10oz, with third going to former record holder, Jack Cryer, with 160lb 2oz.
For more information about DDAS Juniors, go to www. ddasjuniors.co.uk or contact juniors.sec@d-das.com
For fishery information, go to www.todbermanor.co.uk or find them on Facebook.
DDAS junior secretary DORCHESTER & District
Angling Society Juniors have again been lucky to spend a day with Maver-sponsored angler Callum Dicks at Revels.
The 2008 junior world champion treated the youngsters to a great display of his angling skills and imparted some of his vast knowledge to eager ears.
Callum spoke to the juniors about the importance of bait preparation, keeping rigs simple
and efficient handling of a pole at short and longer lengths.
After a fascinating tutorial that captivated the young anglers, they were allowed back to their own equipment to put what they had learned into practice.
Callum worked hard alongside the regular team of coaches to deliver another day of coaching that will be hard to forget.
The cherry on top of the cake was lots of freebies sent by Maver UK and a flypast by the Red Arrows!
Individual coaching information with Callum Dicks can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
For information about DDAS Juniors, visit www.ddasjuniors. co.uk or email juniors.sec@ddas.com. For information about Revels Fishery, visit Facebook.
THE Wessex Ridgeway relay race, organised by Dorset Doddlers running club, saw the members of 14 teams run 100km from Tollard Royal to Uplyme.
The route closely follows the ancient Wessex Ridgeway Trail through some of Dorset’s most stunning scenery.
South Molton Stallions have made the race their own over the last few years, winning the title each year since 2017, and 2024 proved no different with their team of four crossing the line in 8 hours 35 minutes.
In a close second were Wimborne AC Wacers in a time of 8h 46m, with the third Men’s team, Egdon Heath Harriers, home in 8h 50m.
Three ladies teams competed and the title went to Disoriented Divas, crossing the line in 11h 34m. Second place went to the Blue Tits in 13h 23m and third to Gillingham Trotters Dolls.
The three Dorset Doddlers teams also compete for the Chris Cussen Challenge Shield in memory of the long-time
The first Doddlers team to cross the line and therefore add their name to the shield were
results and further information on the Wessex Ridgeway Relay Race can be found at www.wessexridgeway. co.uk/index.php
SHERBORNE Golf Club would like to congratulate Matt Sandy on his victory in the Sherborne Salver, winning the event for another year.
Matt shot an impressive five under par score to achieve the lowest total of 139 for the two rounds, three shots better than his closest rival.
KNIGHTON Heath Golf Club raised thousands of pounds when it organised and hosted a charity golf day in aid of Forest Holme Hospice, based in Poole.
Some 34 teams took part in the event which raised £6,182 and ended in a 19th hole celebration featuring prize giving, auctions and a raffle. Knighton Heath’s general manager, Kevin Eden, and functions & events coordinator, Denise Bennett, then both visited the hospice, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, to present a cheque to
corporate and community fundraiser, Kirsty Perks.
The money will be put towards enhancing Forest Holme’s provision of palliative and end-of life-care and support across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.
Kirsty said: “We want to say a huge thanks to Sean Keen, club captain, and Grace Burke, ladies club captain, for choosing Forest Holme as their charity, as well as to the sponsors, players and the incredible staff and
volunteers whose hard work made this fantastic donation possible.
“Knighton Heath Golf Club are already in the planning stages for next year’s event.”
“But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun.” The Beatles. THE weather continues to challenge us, but there are days and nights to savour, and June offers a big benefit to our more northerly location in relation to a lot of Europe – late summer evenings.
I do love those late sunsets when you can sit outside and enjoy a glass until the stars start twinkling and only the occasional cry of a night bird drifts in on the warm air.
We don’t get many nights in the year to sit or walk without wrapping up, so I enjoy each and every one. It’s a time to talk, to relax, to clear the mind and to drink in the heady scents of whatever plants that you have that give off evening perfume.
I grow night-scented stocks in pots every year and place them by the back door – their scent is the most wonderful of
all flowers for me.
And then there is evening primrose and honeysuckle and jasmine and a few others. The act of stopping and drawing in that strong draught is in itself a cathartic experience – you are totally focused on the scent and it can take you to another time or place, and nothing else in the world matters at that moment.
Now that the may blossom is over and the tiny green haws are starting to develop, we move to the hanging chandeliers of the elderflower whose creamy white umbels also carry their own special, if slightly sickly, scent. It’s a beautiful sight to see an elder tree festooned with blossom and amateur winemakers will soon be looking to ferment and bottle elderflower ‘champagne’. Well-made, it is the most superior of all homemade wines.
The other benefit of these evening flowers is the vast
number of different species of moth that rely on them for their nectar, and in turn offer a pollination service. I am pretty good at my butterfly identification but no expert on some of the beautiful and exotically named moths that can be seen at night.
I know my cinnabar – a stunning small, red daytime moth whose caterpillars feed on groundsel – and the poplar hawkmoth – grey – and the elephant hawkmoth – pink and a yellow/brown – and the brown and white garden tiger, but not many more.
Years ago I went out one late, warm summer’s evening with an expert who had a lamp and a net and we caught many species – immediately released again once recorded – and I learnt a lot that night. I still have my notes and he identified the Heart and Dart, the Large Yellow Underwing, the Magpie moth, the Vapourer and the Common
Quaker, among others.
Moths often get overlooked – some of the bigger ones make people jump and, of course, those found indoors are usually after your carpets or your clothes. It’s time to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
My red letter day in May was hearing a cuckoo for the first time for over five years from my house, followed a week later by scaring one that was drinking from a puddle in a local back lane. As I approached in my car it took off and, if you have seen cuckoos on the wing, you will know that its outline and flight pattern are unique.
Along with hearing and seeing the cuckoo, I have noticed a lot of blackcaps this spring – that is to say, I have heard a lot of blackcaps – and seen quite a few. The downside is that I have yet to hear or see a willow warbler or a spotted flycatcher. Last summer I wrote about the little wildlife haven that is ‘Frog Hollow’, and I was delighted to hear and watch the song thrush that serenaded me from the tallest branch back again this year.
The countryside is in its finest green regalia at present and each time I crest a hill or cross a river I try and stop and just take it all in. If I am out in the car I have a pair of binoculars that give me an even better view – I can home in on some river birds or watch whatever is going on in the air.
The red kites still make me stop and admire their forked tails and arched flight, and it never ceases to amaze me how meek the mighty buzzard is when chased by one or two carrion crows. You would think that it would easily fob off a couple of corvids but they dive-bomb the larger bird with impunity and chase it away.
I have said it before and I will say it again – there is a lot to see and enjoy out there, but don’t walk too fast – stop and look and listen and you will be the better for the experience.
WAS that summer? I know us farming people go on about it, but conditions this year are really difficult to manage.
It is June, and although the grass is growing, it is debateable whether the tractor will make it out of the barn without causing damage to the ground by embedding itself in the mud. We baled the second week of June last year in hot, dusty conditions. Mind you, we were lucky to choose that particular window, because there was not another one.
We bale small bale hay. Bales that are small enough to go on a wheelbarrow to move and to give complete to the cows and sheep. They can be easily stacked and moved as required and are easy to sell on if we do not use them all.
When starting out in the smallholding world, I did not appreciate the different types of bale or the different sizes. We fall under the umbrella of meadow hay with some buttercups, red clover and Timothy grass. Not so suitable for the horses, but fine for our animals.
We might be looking at
haylage this year. The difference between them is the way in which the grass is conserved. Hay is cut when the grass is mature and left to dry out in the field before being baled. If it is stored with any moisture content, it will go mouldy and be unsuitable to feed.
Haylage is cut earlier and is left to wilt for less time before being baled and wrapped in layers of plastic. As it is wrapped, it is less likely to go mouldy, as the oxygen cannot get to it. It may be false economy, though, as you need to feed more haylage by weight than hay to provide the same amount of dry matter.
Hay is more likely to make you sneeze and carries more mould spores and bacteria, so again not so good for horses. It can be introduced to the animals straight away, as it has been baled when dry. We do not use ours to feed in the summer as there is plenty of grass about. Haylage will take about another six weeks to ferment.
Like everything, it will all depend on the weather. If it were up to the cows and sheep,
STACKED UP
The difference between hay and haylage is the way in which the grass is conserved
they would prefer the small bale hay, the cows more so. Currently the cows cannot get enough of the wild garlic,a natural fly repellent maybe?
We are planning to shear the sheep next week – they need to be dry. We have had several
requests for the fleece once it is off, as it makes a great barrier around plants to deter snails and slugs, as well as providing natural nutrients.
We really have everything crossed that this summer takes a turn for the better sooner rather than later.
GARDENERS, farmers and walkers have been asked to keep a lookout for Asian hornets, which experts fear are starting to become established in the UK.
A new Government heatmap shows that while the majority of sightings have been in the Kent area, the invasive species has also been detected in Dorset and West Hampshire.
Unlike the European Hornet, which grows up to 35mm long and is harmless to bees, the Asian variety systematically destroys hives and can kill up to 40 bees a minute.
So far in 2024, there have been no confirmed sightings in Dorset.
However, the county saw two nests destroyed in Christchurch and a further two in the New Forest in 2019, and two nests were discovered in Portland last year.
Asian hornets are mainly black, smaller than European hornets and have a distinct yellow band near their sting, as well as legs that look as if they have been dipped in yellow paint.
To help people distinguish between the harmless European
variety, the Government has a new app, Asian Hornet Watch, for spotting and reporting,
The Asian hornet can kill up to 40 bees a minute, destroying hives
which can be downloaded from the Apple and Android app stores.
OH dear, I’m still talking about the weather! Our hopes of having the first cut silage all done have only partially materialised – we still have 80 acres left to cut.
The cows were so discontent that Tom decided to bring them back in, day and night. They would go to the fields, have a quick graze, then head off back to the farm. They were treading the land, spoiling the turf and damaging any potential regrowth of the grass plants.
Tom had to make the difficult choice between bringing them back in and opening up the silage we made for the September calvers or leave them out being thoroughly miserable. In fact, the cows are very happy to be in!
It is hoped the rain will stop – the sun and wind will do their repairing thing on the land and all will be well again. The land is so sodden and tender, making silage will be a challenge. Many stories are doing the rounds among farmers and contractors, of tractors stuck and even a forager having to be pulled out! We have had wet seasons in the
past and survived.
Thankfully our maize that was planted a week or two ago is all up and looking promising. The marriage of grass silage and maize silage is a winner for us as dairy farmers – if one of the crops is disappointing then more than often the other is good. Let’s hope maize will be our saviour on the winter feed front. The quality of winter rations determines not only milk yield and quality but, more importantly, herd health.
On a different note, we have seen two hedgehogs in our garden, attracted no doubt by the quantity of slugs and snails which are having a field day on any young plants we put out.
The three areas of wildflowers we replanted this year on the farm have all germinated well and with luck will produce lots of nectar for the bees and insects and, later, seeds for the birds.
Having said that, our hedges are bursting with good things for wildlife, making corridors connecting farms and, in our case, the woods beyond. We have a small population of muntjac deer, which is bad news
for the trees we planted in the autumn, together with grey squirrels, both introduced species, making it difficult for the establishment of plantations.
In our case, we plant single trees in odd corners and gaps in hedges, with limited success. We will try more again this autumn.
The wet weather has brought on blow flies, and with the warmer days, maggots have already attacked sheep. The shearing process is hampered by wet weather – the fleece has to be dry to shear successfully. A shorn sheep is so much less susceptible to fly strike.
On that happy note, I’m looking out of my office window to yet another grey wet
day, but being ever optimistic that this may be the last wet day for a while.
Farmers of all sorts are so reliant on the weather – our friends in France are going through the same, with cold, wet conditions.
n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn. Linley Farm, Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD. Phone: 01963 33177. www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk.
Opening times Tuesday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm; Saturday 9.30am4.30pm. Advance notice – a car boot sale at Kimbers Farm Shop will be held in aid of MIND on Sunday, June 23, set up 8.30am, open 10am-1pm.
THE Government has listened to the NFU’s call for greater government support to help more farm businesses recover after relentless heavy rain and devastating flooding across the country.
It comes after the wettest 18 months since 1836 which have left vast swathes of agricultural land saturated and, in many cases, still under water.
Many arable farmers have been unable to plant crops and have lost those that were in the ground, while livestock farmers have endured an incredibly difficult lambing season.
With farm business planning needing long-term stability, many farms will be dealing with the impacts for months and even years to come.
A recent NFU survey highlighted the toll this has taken on farm business confidence, which has hit an all-time low across England and Wales.
The Government has now taken on board more of the NFU’s asks which will help
QUALITY ALPACAS
WHITE AND FAWN £850+ serious buyers loving homes 07519-388978/9
more farmers and growers get the support they need to recover and rebuild. These include:
n Measures to improve on farm cashflow, with the second instalment (50%) of delinked payments moving forward to September rather than December, and reaffirmation that members will receive the first instalment (50%) in August.
n Widening the scope of the Farm Recovery Fund to offer support to farms which have been damaged due to extreme rainfall as well as river breaches.
In a post on X, Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay has also said the NFU’s proposals for governmentbacked loans merit detailed consideration.
These loans would help with cashflow, support farm business resilience and bolster longerterm investment across UK farming.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “After months of discussions, it’s really good
news that the Government has listened to our calls for additional financial support for farm businesses.
“Against the backdrop of some of the most challenging commercial and weather conditions in living memory, which has resulted in plummeting business confidence, these measures will provide some critical relief to many member businesses which have been facing a very uncertain future because of exceptional cashflow pressures.
“I’m particularly pleased that the Secretary of State is supporting serious consideration of our proposed loans.
“While we understand any
decision will be delayed due to the general election, we will continue to work with the future government on this proposal as we know how beneficial it would be in stabilising cashflow, building resilience and enabling investment, all of which are crucial to our national food security.
“The measures announced today will not solve all the issues we’re facing on farm, but I am confident they will go some way to lifting some of the immediate strain on family farms and help farmers and growers to get back to doing what they do best – producing high quality, sustainable food for the British people.”
Our new course will give a complete introduction to all aspects central to the successful running of a dairy herd The course will consist of seven modules over seven weeks, each focusing on a new topic: farm walk, lameness and mobility scoring, calving, youngstock, common conditions, mastitis and nutrition and sustainability Each 2 5h session will be run on farm and include a mixture of theory and practical elements
Cost: £420 (Limited spaces available)
Time: Every Wednesday from 11:00-13:30 from 26/06/2024 until 07/08/2024
Locations: TBC
The course is kindly subsidised by the following sponsors:
add yourself to our interest list please call the farm office on 01258472314
HELP WANTED ON SMALLHOLDING NEAR MERE 2 OR 3 HOURS DAILY , MONDAY – FRIDAY. SOME WEEKENDS BY NEGOTIATION. EXPERIENCE AN ADVANTAGE, BUT NOT NECESSARY. TRAINING WILL BE GIVEN IF NEEDED. GENERAL FARM WORK. SHEEP, CHICKENS, HORSES. 07767 827132
EVERY WEDNESDAY SALE OF PRIME C ATTLE, CULL COWS
DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES PRIME, CULL AND STORE SHEEP
EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE CATTLE
WEDNESDAY 12th JUNE FORTNIGHTLY SAALE OF PIGS
WEDNESDAY 19th JUNE FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF REARED CALVES
MONDAY 17th JUNE S SALE OF TB RESTRICED CATTLE FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL
BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288
TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 C LIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863
Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com
HAYMAKING SERVICE. Small & Large Bales. Tel: 01258-880892/07980-036250
MUCK HEAPS REMOVED 07977 561860
2 STABLES PLUS 2 ACRE FIELD. For rent. (2/3 further stables and acreage available) Hazelbury Bryan on secure farm. Water & electric available. £200pcm Tel: 07734-059190
R&W FENCING SERVICES Agricultural, paddock and stock. Tel: 01258-880892 or 07980-036250
GFS JUMP SADDLE, 17.5” MW. Great condition. £850 07399-873604
CHESTNUT TB MARE
15.2h. 14years. seeking new home. offers. Tel: 07811-837061
Place your classified advert today
QUALITY HAYLAGE, HAY. All June made. 3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales. Collect or delivered. Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293
Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Air brake fittings Hose clamps Hydraulic Hoses
Quick release couplings
Pressure wash hoses + lances
Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Variation of oils
Mobile service available
CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE.
Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040
1 PEDIGREE POLL DORSET SHEARLING. 2 non-pedigree Poll Dorset Shearlings. Tel: 07816-291103
EXPERIENCED RELIEF MILKER. Days available. Tel: 07813-264247
CLAMPED SILAGE FOR SALE 100 ton approx grass 100 ton wholecrop. 01747826379 (Hall - Gillingham)
ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND TOPPING. Tel: 01747-855198
HAYLAGE, 64x Quality Meadow Grass Large Bales (4ft) £40 per bale. Tel: 01747-853811
TRACTOR FOR SALE. 1963 FORDSON, Super Major plus Sky-High loader and blade V5. Dressed in tatty working clothes. Mechanically very sound. Ready to work. £3500. Tel: 01747-812421
SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE
Tel: 01258 472288 Mob: 07977 936109
New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box
FLEMMING PADDOCK TOPPER.
4ft3 wide with PTO. gwo. collect. East Knoyle. £400.00 Tel: 07958-292898
BEEKEEPER Lionel Horler, from Castle Cary, has been awarded the West Country Honey Farm Award, presented annually to a beekeeper who has made an outstanding contribution to beekeeping in Somerset.
Lionel, originally from Devon, has been keeping bees for nearly 50 years and has been running beginners’ courses in Somerset since 2014.
Ken Jeanes, chair of the South East Somerset branch of the British Beekeepers Association, said: “Lionel has inspired many ‘newbies’ to start their beekeeping journey and has always been there to help and offer advice.”
Lionel has appeared on
television, as a mentor for Sarah Beeny in Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country and was seen in the television series collecting a swarm to introduce into her hive.
Lionel plays an active role in swarm collection locally.
He always uses the time spent with the person who has called him to teach them about bees.
For many years he has played a major role in organising the beekeeping stand at the Bath and West Show and is, said Mr Jeanes, “an excellent ambassador for the association with his incredible depth of knowledge and understanding of bees, and his quiet manner, engaging with everyone.”
Lionel’s most recent contribution to the area’s beekeeping community has been the formation of the apiary at Hook Valley Solar Park on the outskirts of Wincanton. A muddy disused corner of the site has been turned into the thriving apiary, with 12 colonies and a storage shed with room
for people to meet inside.
Mr Jeanes added: “Thanks to Lionel’s unstinting support, hard work and encouragement, the apiary now provides the perfect opportunity for all members, at all levels of experience, to learn and experiment with different methods of beekeeping and types of hives.”
ON-FARM MACHINERY AUCTION
STANDING STRAW AUCTION
Thursday 13 th June at 11.00am
Hordle Manor Farm, Milford-on-Sea, SO41 0NW
Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm Bindon & Pinhay
Dispersal of Tractor, Pivot Steer Handler, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment
The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset 830ac of Standing Straw
• 461ac Wheat
• 237ac Winter Barley
• 132ac Oats
Including: Massey Ferguson 5465 (06), JCB TM270 Pivot Steer (02), Knight Mounted Sprayer 15m, Kuhn MDS 19.1 Fertiliser Spreader, Kverneland LD84 4f Rev. Plough, Major GDX-HD Topper, Kverneland Taarup 3128 Mower Conditioner, Volac Swath Conditioner, Claas Rollant 46 Round Baler, Orsi Alpinist 470SX Hedge Cutter, Shelbourne 2000 Dung Spreader, Chilton 1500gln Vacuum Tanker, Warwick 8t Grain Trailer, Philip Rees Welding 25’ Bale Trailer, Browns 2-Leg Subsoiler, Kongskilde Delta 3m Cultivator, Moore 3m Trailed Uni-Drill, Ifor Williams 10’ Livestock Box, IAE Chieftain Cattle Crush, 4t & 10t Bulk Bins, Workshop Items, etc
Friday 30th June at 12 noon Durweston
Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset
6,220 acres of Standing Straw
• 2,442ac Wheat
Introduced: Massey Ferguson 1540 4wd Tractor, Toyota Hilux 2.4 D single-cab (18), Warwick 3t Tipping Trailer, Lely Splendimo 280MC Mower Conditioner.
• 2,006ac Winter Barley
• 1,557ac Spring Barley
Friday 7th July at 12 noon
The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, Dorset 1298 acres of Standing Straw
On behalf of Cobb Cows Ltd (Having ceased Milk Production) Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909/07817 517467
• 599ac Wheat
• 281ac Winter Barley
• 119ac Spring Barley
• 229ac Oats
• 70ac Oil Seed Rape
Godmanstone
Guide: £1,750,000
A desirable residential and equestrian holding with a Grade II listed fourbedroom house, annexe, outbuildings, stables, and outdoor riding arena extending to 26.20 acres (11.32 ha). CTB F. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Leigh
Guide £1,100,000
An impressive four/five-bedroom detached home, with accompanying annexe, set in a beautiful village location, enjoying a 1.37 acre plot.
CTB G. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Wonston
Guide £840,000
A detached period house and converted former barn now offering spacious and flexible accommodation of over 3000 sq ft with outbuildings and land. In all 4.22 acres. CTB F. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Cerne Abbas
Guide: £1,375,000
An adaptable smallholding of 88 acres in an elevated position in the Dorset Downs. Three/four-bedroom dwelling for modernisation with potential, a 4-bay barn and pastureland. Available in 2 lots. CTB E. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Guide £1,100,000
An extended, detached and beautifully presented single storey dwelling with a range of stables, buildings and manege set in about 3.5 acres on the edge of the village. CTB D. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
North Cheriton
Guide £465,000
A charming three-bedroom period property set on an idyllic country lane in North Cheriton. The property offers character features throughout, with views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB D. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Cashmoor Guide £30,000
An attractive parcel of pasture land measuring 1.70 acres (0.68 acres) with chalk stream frontage on the edge of the hamlet. Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Butterleigh Guide £475,000
Approximately 56.99 acres of well managed pasture land and amenity woodland. Freehold.
Tiverton | 01884 218911
Somerton Guide £195,000
A detached 3-bedroom, 2-reception cottage for modernisation together with a garage and parking. CTB: C. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Shaftesbury Guide £250,000
A semi-detached bungalow of non-standard construction for improvement with a lovely garden a short level walk from the centre of town. CTB: D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Limington Guide £40,000
2.30 acres (0.93 hectares) of pasture land with a pond set in a single enclosure situated in the village of Limington. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Bournemouth Guide £65,000
A 1-bedroom ground floor flat close to West Cliff, let on AST at £9,120 pa. LH - 113 years remaining. S Charge - £1,668.12 pa. G Rent£195 pa.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Piddlehinton Guide £200,000
A 3-bedroom end of terrace cottage with a large garden (0.26 of an acre) and scope to extend (STPP). CTB: C. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Dorchester Guide £250,000
A Grade II Listed 4 bedroom townhouse requiring modernisation throughout, situated in the heart of the town with a walled rear garden. CTB: C. Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 261008
East Orchard Guide £210,000 22.38 acres (9.06 ha) of level pasture land with mains water and good access. Freehold. For Sale in two lots.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Henstridge Guide £125,000 A semi-detached 3 bedroom property of nonstandard construction with a generous garden offering re-development potential (STPP).
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Bothenhampton Guide £225,000
A delightful 2-bedroom period cottage in good order throughout with a lovely garden. CTB: B. Freehold.
Bridport | 01308 422092
Sturminster Newton Guide £275,000
A 3-bedroom semi-detached Edwardian property requiring updating with scope for extension (STPP). Close to the town centre with a large garden. CTB: C. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Blandford Forum Guide
£100,000
An exciting re-development comprising a Grade II Listed former retail unit with full planning permission and Listed Building consent to convert to residential. Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Bournemouth Guide £325,000
A freehold block of five apartments, all let on ASTs and producing £40,860 per annum in a convenient location close to the town centre. All flats CTB A. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Guide £475,000
A detached period cottage requiring renovation and improvement, with useful outbuildings, garden and a small paddock in a delightful rural setting. In all about 0.90 acre. CTB: F.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Guide £695,000
A substantial detached 5-6 bedroom 17th century property with a Victorian extension, gardens and a paddock amounting to 5.17 acres (2.09 hectares). Enjoys rural views over surrounding countryside. CTB: A.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Ilton Guide £395,000
A detached period cottage set in 1.04 acres with selection of outbuildings, offering scope for refurbishment /redevelopment. CTB: D. Freehold.
Ilminster | 01460 200790
Nether Compton Guide £400,000
A detached, thatched cottage retaining character features throughout and a 1.765 acre plot. CTB: F. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Poundbury Guide
£450,000*
An income producing office investment property producing £35,000 pa on a long lease to a charity. Leasehold – (228 years unexpired at a peppercorn rent). (*Plus VAT)
Dorchester | 01305 261008
East Orchard Guide
£475,000
A detached 3-bedroom bungalow for renovation/replacement (STPP) with outbuildings and about 17 acres. For sale in two lots. CTB: A. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
AN energy-efficient home built entirely off-site before being dropped on to a plot has been installed in Wiltshire.
The home, a two-bedroom bungalow, has been craned into a site in Durrington as part of a new push to build affordable homes using modern methods of construction.
Wiltshire Council worked with contractors Rollalong and Fisher and Dean to install the bungalow, which is now available for social rent.
The council is currently developing further sites at Corsley Heath and Rowde using this construction method.
Using the modern methods, the bungalow has been built to a high standard, achieving an energy performance certificate of A.
As well as two bedrooms, it boasts a spacious fitted kitchen,
patio doors and off-road parking for two cars at the front of the property, complete with an EV charging point.
The council hopes the
All houses great and small! A worry-free service from planning, packing to completion.
method will form a key part of its bid to provide 1,000 affordable homes over the next decade.
Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet
member for housing, said: “This new accessible bungalow built using modern methods of construction, the first of many, is a demonstration of the innovative approach we’re taking to provide affordable housing for all Wiltshire residents who need it as part of our wider vision for 1,000 affordable homes across the county.
“The development is part of our council house build programme, which will see over £200 million invested in building new, energy efficient council homes up to 2030.
“We will also make substantial investment on improving existing council homes to ensure they achieve a minimum energy performance rating of B.
“This property, like many others, will exceed this goal achieving a performance rating of A.
“Affordable housing is a key aim of our business plan, and this scheme is a clear example of the work we’re doing to make that a reality.”
24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.
LEARS FARM HOUSE, TAUNTON - LOT 1
A well positioned attached thatched dwelling in need of updating and modernisation, together with a range of outbuildings and adjoining pasture situated within the Blackdown Hills. In all about 15.64 acres (6.33 Ha).
Auction Guide: £575,000 | Honiton Office: 01404 46222 | residential.honiton@gth.net
LAND OFF A361 WEST LYNG
Four adjoining parcels of gently sloping pasture land in one lot, extending to 10.38 acres, with direct access off the A361 at West Lyng.
Auction Guide: £90,000
Sedgemoor Office: 01270 410250 paul.ashton@gth.net
Auction Guide: £140,000
Office: 01305 268786 residential.dorchester@gth.net
CASTLE HILL HOUSE, AXMINSTER
The ground floor of this beautiful Grade II Listed building. The building was previously used as an auditorium; but was considered suitable for conversion.
Auction Guide: £110,000
Honiton Office: 01404 46222 residential.honiton@gth.net
11 HAMMET STREET, TAUNTON
An office building occupying a central position within Taunton’s town centre. This mid-terraced Grade II* Listed Georgian building is arranged over ground, first and second floors.
Auction Guide: £175,000
Taunton Office: 01823 334455
zack.dennington@gth.net
joseph.hughes@gth.net
Situated to the west of Lot 1 this comprises a ring fence parcel of gently sloping traditional pasture with frontage onto the River Culm. To the south of the river is an attractive area of woodland extending to about 1.79 acres. In total, lot 2 extends to about 30.35 acres.
Auction Guide: £225,000 | Honiton Office: 01404 46222 | residential.honiton@gth.net
CHATSWORTH COTTAGE, TAUNTON A charming period cottage now in need of updating, set within large private gardens, enjoying river frontage and views of the Somerset Levels
Auction Guide: £300,000 Taunton Office: 01823 277121 residential.taunton@gth.net
Auction
Taunton
HILL VIEW, STATHE, BRIDGWATER A generous detached 4 bed home in need of renovation set in a 0.25 acre plot, with outbuildings, ample off road parking and huge potential.
Auction Guide: £290,000 Langport Office: 01458 250589 residential.langport@gth.net
UNIT 12, HOLYROOD STREET, CHARD
A 3 storey building suitable for a variety of uses
(Subject to planning and the necessary consents) and occupying a prominent town centre location.
Auction Guide: £50,000
Chard Office: 01460 238382
residential.chard@gth.net
Having enjoyed a busy spring we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase in the summer months within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net £265,000 Wincanton
NEAR KINGS STAG. DOUBLE ROOM, own shower, shared kitchen, quiet comfortable bungalow, garden & parking. £600pcm. Tel: 07760-584389
SPACE TO LET IN A TYTHE BARN. office/salon/storage. Tel: 07811-837061
SMALL 1-BED HOUSE IN CENTRAL Castle Cary. CH, U/F, rent £675 pcm. Tel: 01749 813001
TO-LET. MIDDLEMARSH, SHERBORNE - 4bed-on-suite, detached house, off road parking, rural setting, possible long-term let, £2300 pcm. References required. 07973-403969
STUNNING RURAL LODGE TO RENT, nr Shaftesbury, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, £1500 per month plus bills. More details: mvwinery.co.uk/ cedar-holiday-lodge-to-rent/ Call Clare 01747 854206
SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMODATION
on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817
INDUSTRIAL UNITS TO LET 1455-2183 sqft. 3 Phase. Child Okeford. 07806616607
STORAGE/WORKSHOP AVAILABLE.
Container self-storage. Indoor caravan storage. Workshop space. Varied sizes from 1,400 - 22,000 sqft at Stoke Wake, DT11. 01258 881660 – wallis@crockersfarm.com Crockers Farm Secure Storage
ONE BEDROOMED GROUND FLOOR FLAT available at our Barnes Homes site
Trustees are looking to appoint a single person or couple (aged 50+) who is/are of good character and have strong links with Blandford or immediate area. Applicants must be of limited income, be non-smokers and able to live independently. No pets are allowed. There is no parking on site.
Initial enquiries may be made by calling the Clerk to the Trustees on 01258 451810.
Trustees look forward to receiving your written expression of interest giving details of your current residency, personal circumstances, and reasons for applying.
By post to: - The Clerk, Blandford Forum Almshouse Charity, Barnes Homes, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HU.
By Email to: - clerkbfc@googlemail.com
The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists Finalist in the 2023
An opera in four seasons | Composer: Paul Carr Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00
Marking 100 years since the composer’s death…
Giacomo Puccini 22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00
The Golden Anniversary Friday 26 July at 19:00
Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum Box Office: dorsetopera.com | 07570 366 186