The New Blackmore Vale Magazine - Issue 87

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

Edition 87

Friday, January 19, 2024

The New Blackmore Vale www.blackmorevale.net

GAME FOR ANYTHING Youngsters tuck into wild meat meals as nursery adds game to the menu Page 9

SHOUT OUT if you think you’re loud enough; town looks for new crier Page 3

SWIM HERO Aquatic Harriet takes new role at local lido

GET INTO GEAR for the North Dorset Cycle Ride

Page 6

Page 23

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

What’s inside this issue…

Announcements Antiques & Collectables Arts & Entertainment Church Equestrian Events Farming Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Holiday Property To Let Home & Garden

64-68 38-41 28-29 30 78 27 76-79 56-57 58-61 80-86 42-47

Items For Sale / Wanted Letters Local Services Motoring Pets Politics Property Property To Let Puzzles Recruitment Sport

87 34-35 48-55 62-63 70-72 31-33 80-85 86 36-37 72-75 69

Shaftesbury Friday Bridge Club welcomes players new and experienced Page 6

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

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

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

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

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

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

Rachelle Cooper Classified Adverts adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

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

ONLINE : www.blackmorevale.net

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS: adverts@blackmorevale.net - 01963 400186

The Swans Trust celebrates the installation of life-saving defibrillators Page 13

Fire service issues safety advice after couple rescued from burning home in Vale village Page 18

Editorial deadlines are the Wednesday the week before publication.

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

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Oyez! Oyez! Could you be the next town crier?

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

WANNABE town criers in Dorchester will get the chance to shout Alistair himself took to about their suitability for the position during interviews. town streets to cry an The previous incumbent of the position in the town, Alistair advertisement for the job.

Chisholm, is standing Mr Chisholm has hung down – but will be up his bell after 27 years Alistair Chisholm has involved in finding his as Dorchester’s town crier, which saw him scoop 11 national titles. enjoyed 27 noisy years as successor.

His final cry, which took place at midnight on December 31, Dorchester’s town crier Dorchester Town 2023, went: Council is appealing for “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! people to apply for the For 27 years, I’ve been crying on the streets, role, with shortlisted But now I am retiring because I am wobbly on my feet, applicants then being It’s time to pass on this traditional role, IF ORDERED IF ORDERED BY 5PM UPTO BY 5PM 20 MILES UPTO IF FROM ORDERED 20 MILES BA12 FROM BY6HB 5PM ON UPTO ALL 6HB 20 ITEMS ON MILES OVER FROM ITEMS £200 BA12 OVER (IN STOCK £200ON (IN ITEMS ALL STOCK ITEMS ONLY) ITEMS OVER ONLY) £200 (IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY) asked to BA12 take part in ALL an To6HB someone new, who our town can extol, unusual selection process.

Someone who is proud of the town, and its folk, After applications Someone who can be serious, but also likes a joke, HISENSE HISENSE close on February 12, Man or woman, that matters not a jot,HISENSE LHD32D33TUK people shortlisted for the Just write to the LHD32D33TUK council and tell themLHD32D33TUK what you have got!

2 YEAR 2 YEAR 2 YEAR job will be “invited to God Save the King!”

WARRANTY WARRANTY WARRANTY perform in a nearby £179.99 public location before the For more£179.99 details £179.99 on the role, and to apply for the position, log on successor is chosen”, the to www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Cash-strapped council attempts to close £100m funding gap HOUSEHOLDS in Somerset could be faced with a 10% rise in their council tax to tackle a £100 million funding gap.

The increase is among “unprecedented” and “heartbreaking” proposals detailed by Somerset Council as it faces a huge funding shortfall for the 2024/25 financial year.

Plans were published ahead of a meeting of the council’s executive, and also include cuts to services – including the closure of five recycling sites – rises in parking charges and reviewing contracts and IT. Leader of the council, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), said the steps had to be considered after a financial emergency was declared last year, driven by “significant pressures” on social care and “broken” system for funding local government.

The authority’s ability to respond has been hampered by a historically low council tax rate – 49th lowest out of 63 for unitary councils – he added.

The proposals also include a plan to use reserves, significant savings, and the sale of council assets to set a balanced budget.

There are also options to spend less by reducing or

stopping discretionary services in order to protect its essential statutory services, which could include CCTV, public toilets, theatres, leisure services, visitor centres and closing five recycling sites.

“The funding model of local government is broken and our pleas for assistance have not yet been answered,” he added.

“Councils up and down the country are in a similar position and in Somerset we have been hit extra hard by cost inflation in care.

“This is what a financial emergency looks like. No decisions have been made, but all of these savings and the 10% council tax increase are unprecedented actions that have to be considered if we are to steer this authority through a period of extreme pressure.

“Officers have done as we asked and left no stone unturned. The result is a set of options, many of which are very unpalatable – some heartbreaking – that no one would want to take forward.

“Our Council Tax is one of the lowest among the unitary councils which have responsibility for care and we find ourselves having to

A walk around…

Turnworth

Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade TURNWORTH is a small village a few miles to the south west of Blandford. Start at the church, which is usually open and worth a visit. Then walk about a hundred yards up the road to join a bridleway on your left which leads westward up a wooded sunken track.

When you come to a crossways turn right, north east, along a bridleway which takes you down hill towards a farm. Then turn left, west north west, along a footpath that takes you uphill across several fields over the hill top then going steeply down to Home Farm.

Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), has described the system for funding local government at “broken”

consider putting it up by 10%.

That equates to an extra £3.15 per week for the average household to limit the impact on core services, many of which support the most vulnerable.”

Cllr Revans urged the public to take part in the council’s budget consultation, which runs until January 22 – the result of which will help influence councillors as they put the plan together.

In total, the executive meeting papers set out £35m of proposals.

Of those, £24m are new and will be referred to the council’s Resources Scrutiny Committee before any decisions are taken.

Further consultations will be carried out on specific proposals where necessary.

At the January 15 meeting, the executive asked Government for flexibility to increase council tax by more than the referendum limit to 10% (including the 2% social care precept).

This would generate an extra

£17.1m and raise the average band D Council Tax bill to £1,810 – still below the unitary average of £1,815.

Cllr Revans went on: “We understand the pressure on everyone’s household budgets and have recently taken steps to ensure that we have a Council Tax Reduction and Hardship scheme in place to protect the most vulnerable in our community from any increase.”

To balance the 2024/25 budget, the council also plans to use £36.8m of reserves.

The remaining gap of around £20m would need to be covered by asking Government for a ‘capitalisation direction’, allowing the council to borrow money or sell assets to fund day-to-day running costs.

As reserves and capital funds can only be used once, the council will need to reduce its future budget, with a transformation programme planned to reduce the size of the organisation and its staffing.

The path then goes north west, steeply uphill for half a mile passing Ewern Down Plantation until, at the top of the hill, you meet a bridleway that heads east across Ringmoor where there was an ancient settlement which has many earthen banks still visible. As the route goes downhill it leaves the downland and passes through woodland, eventually meeting a road.

Turn right and follow the road down the valley for half a mile through the village and back to your starting point. You’ll have walked about 4 miles and possibly found a couple of geocaches.

Mr Eugene Birchall / geograph.org.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Heritage heroes

at the National Trust gift shop in Lyme Regis.

Scott Welland, operations manager for North & West Dorset, says, “We care for some very important places for everyone to visit and enjoy. It is always an exciting time for us when we recruit for The National Trust is looking for new new volunteers and meet the people that will help us to share these volunteers to join its team in West Dorset stories and look after our visitors. If you love meeting people, are IF you love meeting people and are passionate about local history, passionate about local history or want to make some new friends, gardens and landscapes, being a volunteer with the National Trust please get in touch to find out more.” could be the change to make in 2024.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience and great way to support Why not become part of a team telling the the National Trust, while also spending time in stories of some of Dorset’s most famous people amazing places and making new friends. There and properties? is no minimum time expected, however roles The Trust is looking for house experience benefit from regular involvement (one shift a volunteers to welcome visitors at Clouds Hill, week, for example) and shifts usually last three the rural retreat of TE Lawrence (Lawrence of hours. All volunteers receive an induction to Arabia), and the homes of Dorset’s most their role, so they feel confident in what they’re famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy – being asked to do.

Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate.

If you are interested and would like to meet If you prefer being outdoors, a role as a the team in person to discuss further, they will welcome volunteer at Hardy Monument and be hosting an open morning at their regional Hive Beach might be right up your street. The office at Kingston Maurward College in the Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy will be Stinsford Building on Wednesday, January 24, opening regularly in 2024, giving visitors between 10am and 1pm. There will also be an access to the viewing point at the top of the open morning at the Lyme Regis shop on tower. Hive Beach in Burton Bradstock is on Wednesday, February 7, 11am – 1pm. the Jurassic Coast and welcomes thousands of Come and meet members of the team, who visitors each year. Volunteers at the beach help will be on hand to talk about what it’s like to A volunteer with to welcome visitors, manage the car park and volunteer for the National Trust. visitors at Clouds Hill support on site presentation.

For more information, email Scott at scott. ©National Trust Images Finally, there are opportunities to volunteer welland@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Friday bridge club Charge over burglary welcomes players FOUNDED 20 years ago by the late Peter Hicks, Shaftesbury Friday Bridge Club has always been extremely generous in charitable giving.

Over the past 10 years, the club has given more than £23,500 to local charities including the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare and the Royal British Legion The club was founded by Peter with the aim of starting players on their way to understanding the game of bridge. His widow, Betty Hicks, is the club’s current life president. Waitrose has generously sponsored an afternoon tea at the club.

The club meets every Friday afternoon at the RBL and welcomes any potential player who would like to learn the game in a friendly atmosphere.

Anyone interested should contact Bob Hurlow on 01258 821656, who will be pleased to arrange a game and a partner for the afternoon.

Michael Joseph, chairman of Shaftesbury Friday Bridge Club, pictured with club secretary Bob Hurlow

Family Advice Family Law Law Advice

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

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

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

A MAN has been charged with an alleged burglary at Shaftesbury Football Club.

It was reported that at around 1am on Friday, November 24 last year, entry was gained to the bar area at the Coppice Street ground and a number of bottles of alcohol stolen.

“Following enquiries by officers and a CCTV appeal, a 33-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested and has been charged with burglary,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

Aquatic Harriet takes on manager role at town lido THE woman known as Aquatic Harriet has taken to a new role like a duck to water…

Harriet Green, her real name, has been appointed as the new pool manager at Shaftesbury Lido.

A qualified swim instructor, cold-water and open-water coach, aquafit instructor and lifeguard, Harriet knows a thing or two about swimming and the water.

She set up her open-water coaching business two years ago, as well as founding the Couch to Bay Challenge in Weymouth.

“Harriet has been instrumental in the success of the recent cold-water swimming trial, providing her expert advice and guidance to swimmers, as well as being a welcoming and friendly face poolside,” said a lido spokesperson.

“She has proven to be a reassuring presence for our Lido users, especially those new to cold-water swimming.”

Harriet added: “I am passionate about my own swimming and am a strong advocate of open-water and cold-water swimming due to its positive health benefits, both mental and physical.

“My mission is to help get people swimming safely, confidently and competently, which includes educating children on drowning prevention.

“Above all, I believe everyone should have access to swimming.”

Harriet will be looking after cold-water swimmers at sessions every Saturday, along with pool attendants Alice and Adam.

Find out more at www.shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk/services/lido.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

Plans Food & drink festival submitted committee steps down for 5G mast at fire station A 5G mobile phone mast could be installed in Sherborne.

Telecommunications firm Cornerstone has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to replace equipment at Sherborne Fire Station, in Coldharbour Road.

The current 17-metre mast would be replaced with a 20m-high device, providing services including 5G to the town.

As well as the mast, the site would be home to six antennas, two other dishes and equipment.

The rollout of 5G technology has, in some areas, caused concern among residents and councils.

However, official guidance says development is safe.

“We recognise that the growth in mobile communication has led, in some cases, to public concern about perceived health effects of mobile technology, in particular about siting masts close to local amenities,” the application said.

“Quite naturally, the public seeks reassurance that masts are not in any way harmful or dangerous.”

It added: “Cornerstone ensure that our radio base stations are designed and built so that the public are not exposed to radio frequency fields above the guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

“In fact, radio base stations operate at low power and emit levels of radiofrequency fields many times lower than the ICNIRP general public guidelines.”

To find out more visit sherborne-tc.gov.uk.

THERE will be no Shaftesbury Food & Drink Festival in 2024, it has been announced.

The “small committee” behind the event, which took place in May last year, has stepped down.

“Sadly, after a tremendous food and drink festival in 2023, the small committee organising the event have decided to step down,” said Jenny Brown, from the festival.

“There will not be a Shaftesbury Food & Drink

News

Festival this year.”

She said the committee wanted to thank everyone who had supported the event.

“Donations from the profit achieved have been agreed and they are to Mosaic, Will Does, Shine 21 and Shaftesbury Scouts,” she added.

“This reflects the support the committee would like to give to children based charities in Dorset helping to secure the future generation.”

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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‘Sympathetic’ plans for historic listed building conversion approved Flats plan for former Prezzo in Blandford allowed after planning appeal

PLANS to convert a former Blandford restaurant into apartments have been approved after an appeal.

In June 2022, Dorset Council refused a bid by Steve Thorne to convert part of 43-43a East Street – formerly Prezzo and Jack Rabbits – into four flats, with a smaller shopfront.

However, the decision was taken to appeal, with inspector JP Sargent allowing the application in November.

The scheme would see part of the main building – including the grade II-listed frontage and outbuilding – as well as another ‘infill’ building to the rear, change use to residential, with the apartments developed.

“The application building is in part a grade II-listed building – the proposal relates to the modern, one-and-a-half-storey infill extension situated to the rear of the listed building, namely the conversion to residential,” the original application said.

“The proposal also relates to the conversion of the current kitchen and toilets with store over within the listed outbuilding into residential.”

It said a “smaller commercial floorspace” would be retained on An illustration of how the change of use would work

Picture: CL Planning/Dorset Council

The building, in East Street, Blandford, will be converted into four apartments.

Picture: Google

the ground floor fronting East Street, with no alterations planned to the flat at 43 East Street.

Dorset Council refused the application due to the loss of “retail floorspace in the primary shopping frontage of Blandford town centre”.

However, the planning inspector overruled the refusal, allowing the application.

“The main issue in this case is whether the loss of retail floorspace would harm the vitality and viability of the primary shopping frontage, given the development plan context,” they said.

The decision added: “The external and internal alterations arising because of this proposal are primarily to the modern element and, in my opinion, would not cause harm to the significance of either of these two listed buildings.

“Similarly, any alterations to their older parts would be sympathetic. As such, neither the significance nor the special architectural and historic interest of either would be harmed.”

Orchids on show FLOWER fanatics take note – Bournemouth Orchid Society’s show is back, and better than ever.

Bournemouth Orchid Society’s newly expanded orchid show will take place between 12 and 4.30pm on February 24 at The Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna, Bournemouth (BH21 3AP). Parking is on-site and free.

It has been redeveloped to provide much more interest throughout for all members of the family, regardless of their interest in orchids, or indeed their age!

In addition to thousands of colourful and intriguing orchids (including guest society displays), at this year’s show you’ll find even more parent/child craft and quiz

activities.

The show provides a friendly mixing place for orchid experts and novices alike, to socialise and ‘cross pollinate’ their knowledge and ideas.

Free advice is available, and there’s even a repotting service (from £2).

Orchids are not only beautiful; many employ cunning strategies to propagate. Intrigued? Visit the Learning Zone to find out more.

Shop til you drop with a huge range of quality orchids for sale, as well as personalised gifts, orchid sundries, bespoke hand-thrown pottery, artwork and jewellery, gift cards and books.

Show entry costs £4; under 18s go free

with a paying adult. The first 100 entrants will gain a 25% discount on their entry, so it pays to get in quick!

To find out more contact Chris Broomfield: chrisbroomfield@ntlworld. com, 07712479056; visit www. bournemouthorchidsociety.org.uk or find the Society on Facebook.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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blackmorevale.net

Game on the menu at nurseries across Dorset and Somerset YOUNGSTERS at nurseries in the Vale and across Dorset will soon be enjoying meats such as venison and pheasant in their weekly meals.

Tops Nurseries – which has venues in Gillingham, Christchurch, Corfe Mullen, Poole, Salisbury, Wareham, Wimborne, Yeovil and more – has signed a new deal with food firm Eat Wild to provide game for children’s meals.

The childcare firm has announced a new Game Menu, which they say will offer meals “designed to captivate young taste buds while providing unmatched nutrition”.

Across the company’s 32 sites, the children will be provided with wild meat meals twice within a three-week cycle – 3,000 meals per month.

Pete Ttofis, catering manager at Tops Day Nurseries, said: “Having worked in the hospitality industry for so long, I had

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always been aware of how delicious wild foods were, especially game.

“The variety and how natural it is always appealed to me as I knew it hadn’t been subjected to courses of intense growth hormones or antibiotic treatment and is left to roam freely eating natural foods within its natural environment, because after all, we are what we eat, right?”

The firm said research showed nutritional benefits of game, including less fat, as much protein and nutrients like vitamin B-12, iron and zinc, as typical household meats like beef, chicken, lamb, and pork.

Children have been getting to grips with the new menu, with game being incorporated into familiar dishes, such as venison bolognaise and garlic bread appearing on the winter menu.

Leon Challis-Davies, culinary director at Eat Wild, said: “There are lots of reasons

why getting wild and sustainable meat onto school menus is so important, I could talk about them for hours.

“First and foremost, though, it’s so important that we get the younger generation to eat more nutritional and vitamin-rich food to help them develop.

“Wild meat is not only healthier, but it’s also more sustainable than what we consume from our current meat-producing sector.

“It’s much more flavoursome too. For the countryside community in particular, this is a huge win, and we hope to take it to the next level and introduce wild meat into higher education and beyond.”

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Property hotspots THE best places to live in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset have been revealed in a new list.

Internet directory site, Muddy Stilettos, has unveiled its annual guide to south west hot spots.

In Dorset, which the guide describes as featuring “picture postcard villages and towns in the lush rolling hills”, the list is led

by Mudeford, with Westbourne, Sherborne and Wimborne also featuring.

Somerset, dubbed a “foodie heaven” by the guide, boasts “gorgeous houses and villages, cool towns, cutting-edge art” and more, it said, with Wells, Langport and Chew Magna on the list.

Meanwhile in Wiltshire, which features some “lovely towns and villages to move to”, the list is topped by Mere and Pewsey, as well as Lacock, Box and Bradford on Avon.

The full lists are…

Dorset

Mudeford Westbourne Sherborne Wimborne Studland

Somerset & Bristol: Wells Langport Chew Magna South Petherton Frome

Wiltshire

Clockwise from top left: Sherborne, Mere and Langport all made the lists

Mere Pewsey Lacock Box Corsham

Pictures: Google

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FILGroup news

IN early December FILGroup kicked off the festive season by hosting a Christmas dinner for members, their partners and friends. The hall looked very pretty in the candlelight as everyone enjoyed prosecco and canapés on arrival before sitting down to a delicious buffet. Proceeds from the bar went to The Trussell Trust.

For the first meeting of the new year, Catherine Potter (The Button Lady) spoke about how she began a business recycling buttons. Having inherited her grandmother’s button box, Catherine used the contents to make necklaces and bracelets which she sold at local markets. The contents of the original button box long gone, people now donate buttons to her and often ask her to make something in memory of a beloved relative.

FILGroup meets every second Thursday of the month in Fovant village hall. It offers guest speakers, craft workshops and friendly chat.

Email filgroup15@gmail.com.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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History centre closed until the end of the month

R AT E D EXCELLENT

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Archive enquires on hold for a couple of weeks THE Dorset history centre is closed for two weeks while “essential” work is carried out.

Dorset Council said the venue, in Bridport Road, Dorchester, will be closed to the public between January 15 and 29.

“Staff will be busy behind the scenes carrying out essential work to make access to the collections easier,” a spokesperson said.

The history centre is the archive service for the county, collecting, preserving and providing access to physical and digital archives. over 60 “They carry out conservation bed workframes on documents and support projects relating to history and heritage of the county,” the available spokesperson added.

“The documents stored include paper, parchment and printed documents as well as audio-visual material and digital records.

“All enquiries will be processed in the order they have been received as soon as possible after this closure period.”

For more details about The Dorset History Centre, its work, and collections, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/Dorset-historycentre.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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In search of a better life Do you know someone who left the Vale to farm in Alberta, Canada?

NEW lives in Canada are promised in these posters spotted by New Blackmore Vale reader Sheila Chapman on a visit there.

The adverts are for Sercombe & Hayes of South Street, Dorchester, which was acting as local agent for Canadian National Railways.

One of the posters said a farm in Canada offered “opportunities for your children, life in the open country and a home and success”.

It went on: “Learn how the Canadian National Railways Colonisation Service advises and places new settlers. An interesting booklet describing the Canadian National Railways Colonisation Service explains how. Ask for it.”

Sheila spotted the posters on a crosscountry rail journey in Canada last year in Jasper, Alberta, when her train pulled in for a refuelling stop.

She said: “The station buildings have heritage status and were prime examples of the 19th century architecture of the Canadian National Railway.

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“These images were on display in the main hall of the building, and it came as a great surprise to me when I read the address at the bottom of the posters.

“On return to the UK, I looked for these premises in Dorchester and found they are now occupied – ironically – by a travel firm!

“I then began to wonder if there are families in and around Dorchester who had ancestors and relatives who took up the challenge and went to Canada on this scheme, and if they are still in contact.”

Sheila says the homesteading scheme ran until 1988 in Alberta Province.

If you’d like to share your story with Sheila, please email her care of newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Lifesaving equipment within reach Defibrillators are now distributed about town thanks to work by the Swans Trust NEW sites are being sought for lifesaving defibrillator machines in Shaftesbury and the surrounding area.

The Swans Trust charity based in the town has been placing Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at locations in the area over the past year.

It buys the units and cabinets and asks the sites that host them to provide a power supply.

The sites also provide a regular update to the national central database – thecircuit.uk – that keeps a record of all locations and access codes of active units.

The Trust says units it has provided have already saved lives in the community but is looking for new sites and businesses to host more units and welcomes any proposals.

A spokesperson for the Trust added: “These units are costly and as we enter 2024, one new year resolution we’d ask politicians to embrace is a call in common with the British Heart Foundation, St John’s Ambulance and Red Cross, is that with immediate effect the VAT on these units is removed, to make them even more cost-effective for many others to install.

“The tax-take loss is negligible when one considers that it is estimated nationally 18,000 lives could be saved if these units were more widely available.”

Swans Trust chair Dr Richard Tippins with one of the Shaftesbury defibrillators

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Roads ruined by years of neglect THERE are calls for urgent action to tackle the state of roads through Tisbury and the Donheads after residents said potholes reached monumental proportions.

Richard Budden, the Lib Dem councillor for Tisbury and the Donheads, and the chairs of Donhead St Andrew and Donhead St Mary parish councils, are calling for urgent action to deal with what villagers are describing as the “appalling” state of roads through the area.

“The state of roads locally is simply atrocious,” said Cllr Budden.

At a meeting of the Local Area Board in November, Caroline Thomas, the councillor responsible for Wiltshire’s Highways and Transport, spoke of the county’s 2,750 miles of roads and how much money and effort the council puts into maintaining them.

Following the meeting, Cllr Budden sent her a detailed map marking 16 of the places in the Donheads, where the road surface has broken down, to stress the urgency of improvements to the road network in the area.

“Since then, the impact of winter weather and Storm Henk have only made matters worse,: said Cllr Budden.

“You cannot drive into or through either of the Donhead communities without coming across stretches where the surface is completely broken down. All I have heard from Caroline Thomas is that the council’s officers ‘will be in a position to reply in due course’ “This is simply unacceptable to the people who live here, with no facilities of their own, who must travel on these broken-down

roads every day to get to any and every service: shops, schools, doctors’ surgeries…

“They deserve the courtesy at least of a clear statement as to how long they will have to tolerate these awful conditions before they are put right.”

Simon Barkham, chair of John Feltham points out a stretch Donhead St Andrew parish of Lower Wincombe Lane in council, added: “These neglected Donhead St Mary that is the sole route to shops for local residents roads are adding an unnecessary stress to the lives of the residents.

They are dangerous, cause damage to vehicles and cycles and add to the risk of flooding.”

John Feltham, chair of Donhead St Mary parish council, said: “People are trying to use these roads on a daily basis, whether by car, cycle or walking to live their lives; to go to school, the doctors, or shopping. It has got to the stage where they have to choose the least potholed, least dangerous route to make their journey. This has come about from years of neglect and it has now reached the stage when major works are needed to make the roads passable and safe again.”

If you have any questions or would like to comment on the issues raised here, please write to Councillor Richard Budden, Chicksgrove Close, Chicksgrove Road, SP3 6LX; email dickbudden@gmail.com, or call 07944 640 900.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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A303 revamp update A NEW section of the A303 will open this month – as work on the delayed dualling project continues – but the route will be closed first.

National Highways has announced the next step in the project, between Sparkford and Ilchester, will see a new section of the eastbound carriageway open to drivers.

On Saturday, January 20, people travelling east and westbound between just east of Podimore roundabout and Steart Hill, will be using the new eastbound carriageway of the A303.

The traffic switch is to allow National Highways to carry out the next stage of work, and comes after a full closure of the A303 between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts from 9pm on Friday, January 19 to 6am on January 20.

After that, eastbound traffic on the A303 will travel from Podimore roundabout and follow traffic management on to the new eastbound carriageway of the A303.

Meanwhile, westbound traffic on the A303 will switch from the westbound carriageway at Steart Hill and run temporarily on the new eastbound

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facing delays of up to six months – opening in ‘Winter 2024/2025’.

Confirming the delay Siân Hopkins, senior project manager for National Highways, said: “Unfortunately, the scheme has been delayed, not only due to significant periods of bad weather, but also the discovery of protected species on the site.

“This has caused delays in site clearance, earthworks and other activities, over the past two years.

“We apologise for the delay but can reassure you we are working hard to open the road as quickly as possible.”

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carriageway of the A303.

Local traffic will have different entry and exit points to the A303.

The newly-built Steart Hill overbridge will be open, connecting the community of Downhead to villages south of the A303, while there will no longer be access on to or off of the A303 from Steart Hill.

“We understand roadworks and changes in road layout can be frustrating, so we’ve communicated the traffic switch well in advance to local communities and residents that are most impacted,” a National Highways spokesperson said.

“We’re making sure that access is maintained for residents and businesses, and we’ll be keeping people fully informed as we continue to progress with the scheme.”

The £150 million project to dual the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester has been beset by problems in recent months.

In September last year, your New Blackmore Vale exclusively revealed the scheme was facing long delays due to bad weather.

Then, the following month, National Highways confirmed the new route was

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Elderly couple rescued from fire at their home in Vale village AN elderly couple were rescued from a fire at their home on the morning of Thursday, January 11.

Four fire crews – including from Blandford and Dorchester – were sent to the blaze, on the ground floor of a house in Cheselbourne.

The couple were trapped in their firstfloor bedroom after the electrical fire broke out, a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“They were able to call 999 and were given fire survival guidance by the Fire Control call handler,” they went on.

“This included shutting themselves in their bedroom, blocking the gap below the door with a blanket, and having wet towels to hold over their faces to protect them from smoke.”

When they arrived, firefighters in breathing apparatus were able to fit the couple with fire escape hoods, which allowed them to be brought to safety through the house.

Station manager Paul Webber said: “Despite what must have been a terrifying experience, this couple did everything they were told to by our Control room.

“This kept them safe until they could be rescued. Fire escape hoods have only been in use for a few years, but they were a vital part of bringing these people to safety.”

DWFRS is urging people to think about

The couple were rescued from a house in Cheselbourne by fire crews

what they would do in the event of a fire.

Things to consider are: • Make sure all internal doors are closed when you go to bed.

• Always have a phone available on every level of your home. If the mobile phone signal isn’t very good, have an alternative way of raising the alarm, such as a landline.

• If it’s safe to do so, get out, stay out and call 999.

• If it’s not safe to leave, get everyone into a room away from the fire, ideally with a window that opens.

• Close the door, and put something across the bottom to keep smoke out.

• Have smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home and test them regularly.

More advice on bedtime routines, planning your escape and what to do in the event of a fire can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/ safety-at-home.

Picture: DWFRS

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Cash for cancer care THE Sherborne Marie Curie Fundraising group is celebrating after raising more than £224,000 in just over 11 years.

Since July 2012, the group has organised street collections, shop tins, plant sales, fair stalls, coffee and cake events, community breakfasts and much more.

All the money raised helps the Marie Curie charity to provide people living with a terminal illness the highest quality care in their homes.

“Some of our fundraisers have been part of the group since its beginning,” said Louise Boty, chair of Sherborne Marie Curie fundraising group. “Others are newly joined. All share in the desire to support the Marie Curie charity.

“This extraordinary total of more than £224,000 is due to the overwhelming generosity and loyalty from the people of Sherborne and the surrounding villages and hamlets. Come rain or shine, the good people of this community have always supported our mission and validated our belief that dignified end-of-life care is something we all support and wish for.”

For more information on the group

Members of the Sherborne Fundraising group outside the Abbey, (left to right): Julia Nutt, Pauline Wall, Cathryn Andrews, Sue Hawkett, Louise Boty, Kara Frampton and Gigi McCosker

please visit its Facebook page or call Pauline on 07773 561110.

Make do and mend at the Repair Cafe

THE Repair Café in Weymouth is the subject of a talk to Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild next month.

Fifty volunteers run the Repair Café with 30 attending each event, including 15 repairers who fix items visitors take along.

The talk will be given by Ros Dean and Judy Luffman – Ros, who founded the Repair Café in 2019,was an engineer/programmer and has worked on satellites for the European Space Agency.

The talk will follow a short business meeting at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury DT1 3DF on Monday, February 12, at 2pm.

Tea and coffee will be available, and visitors are welcome, entry £3.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

News

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Happy homes for hens

A New Year could mean a new life for ex-commercial hens

by Haidy Mansfield DO you have space in your heart and your life for some rescue hens?

I volunteer for a not-forprofit organisation Fresh Start for Hens and will be holding a rehoming event for excommercial hens on February 24 and March 23 just outside Sturminster Newton.

I am looking for people with a ‘passion for compassion’ to offer these girls a chance at a new life…

Commercially, all laying hens are slaughtered at the age of 72 weeks, when their egg production drops slightly. A laying hen can naturally live for many years but in commercial settings they are deemed ‘spent’ at a young age.

Fresh Start for Hens works closely with British farmers to secure a reprieve from slaughter

for hens from caged, barn and free-range systems.

The joy of offering hens the chance of a stress-free life is as much a benefit for the humans as the hens. Research supports the notion that caring for rescue animals improves mental and emotional wellness.

When looking to rehome some hens you’ll need to provide a run that’s secure enough to keep out predators and shelter your hens from the elements. It should have dry areas, perches and a dust bath.

Your hens will need somewhere cosy to sleep and lay eggs. For four hens, Fresh Start for Hens recommends a space 3m x 2m and high enough for you to stand up in. Enrichment is easy to provide: an old tyre filled with dry soil and wood ash makes a perfect a dust bath, pallets create different levels

and branches work as perches.

Fresh Start for Hens asks all rehomers to commit to providing vetinary care when required. We are blessed in Sturminster to have great vets who understand hens.

If you’d like to offer a home to some lovely ladies then you’ll need to first register your interest online at www.freshstartforhens. co.uk.

You’ll need to complete a short online form, submit a photograph of your coop and free-range area and agree to a minimum donation per hen. All donations enable the rehomings

Haidy with her clan!

from farm to you to take place.

I’m always happy to offer advice and chat to anyone about rescue hens, so do check out www.belleandfleur.org or send me a Facebook message.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Our loose Canon

Time to celebrate the conversion of Paul and stay open to your own potential for change…

by Canon Eric Woods MANY years ago, as an Oxford undergraduate, I took part in a “Mission” to Liverpool. What arrogance, you might say – a Mission to that great and deeply religious city? You could be right. It’s easy to be arrogant about everything and anything when you are 19.

Today I gladly confess my own teenage arrogance – though I made lasting friends with the kind working-class folk in Liverpool who put me up for a fortnight and accepted the difference in our accents and our backgrounds and our outlook on life. And one thing which I remember with a smile is the slogan on the side of all the buses in Liverpool as we Oxford students descended on their vibrant city: THIS IS CONVERSION WEEK. It was, of course, all about conversion to North Sea Gas. But the timing couldn’t have been better.

Next week we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul.

The key word is “conversion”. Paul was travelling as an envoy and agent of the High Priest to root out Christian influence in Damascus, and that great and dramatic meeting with and experience of Jesus which overtook him on the way is of such supreme importance that there are in fact three accounts of it in the

blackmorevale.net Acts of the Apostles. You could do worse than read all three.

In a sense, conversion is the wrong word for Paul’s experience on the Damascus road. He wasn’t “converted” from being an irreligious man to being a religious one. Nor was he converted from Judaism to Christianity: he didn’t see them as two separate creeds. Nevertheless, between Jerusalem and Damascus Paul had his beliefs, his opinions and his prejudices all turned inside-out. Before, he had thought Jesus merely a dead pretender; now he was convinced that Jesus was the living Lord, the centre of a new creation, a new world, the One who makes all things new. Before, the idea of a crucified Messiah had been an intolerable scandal to him, but now he was convinced that on the Cross the Son of God had sacrificed himself for us; that God had taken the initiative in Christ and with amazing generosity had accepted him, Paul, as an adopted son, just as he was, despite all his unworthiness – and without his having to sweat to get right with God by his own self-centred efforts. He had only to put his whole trust in what God had done for him in Christ, and to live out his life in thankfulness for that.

The most striking thing is the way in which God took a man of deep religious convictions and prejudices, and turned all those convictions and prejudices upside down. For that is something God often needs to do with each one of us. He requires us to surrender our most cherished beliefs, tastes and prejudices, our whole way of looking at the world, so that he can lead us into a fresh understanding of his way and his truth. Could next week be “Conversion Week” for you?

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Christmas tree collections raise £12,500 for hospice charity MORE than 1,250 real Christmas trees were collected as part of a charity fundraising effort – helping raise more than £12,500.

The trees were collected across Dorset as part of Weldmar Hospicecare’s Treecycle initiative.

Weldmar ran the scheme in partnership with the team at Trinity Street Christmas Trees, who coordinate the collections and logistics, recruit volunteers, and arrange for the trees to be chipped and recycled.

Fiona Hansford, Weldmar fundraising lead, said: “This year Treecycle has continued to grow and yet again we have collected more trees and raised more money than ever before – over £65,000 in total since the initiative began.

“This all goes directly towards the specialist care that we provide to adults in Dorset with a life limiting illness, and the support we give to their loved ones.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who makes Treecycle a success; Tamzin

and the team at Trinity Street Christmas Trees who do a brilliant job at arranging the collections and the support they have from their partners in sorting the logistics; the dedicated team of volunteers who travelled all across Dorset collecting trees, and of course everyone who made a booking to help us reach this total.”

The tree chippings will be turned into biomass fuel – a renewable energy source.

The charity also thanked Knighton Countryside Management for chipping the trees free of charge, Cokers Frome Farm for storing the trees and chippings, Dorset Vehicle Rentals for providing trucks for the weekend and volunteers on the collections.

Magna Housing, Pipefix Ltd, Wessex Grounds Services and Dorchester Plumbing Supplies all supplied volunteers and vehicles to be part of the collection team, and Beaminster Motors allowed use of its premises for storage.

Tamzin Hyde, from Trinity Street

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Just a few of the volunteers who collected and chipped more than 1,250 Christmas trees as part of Treecycle this January

Christmas Trees, said: “I have had the privilege of bringing our donkeys into the Inpatient Unit and have been able to see the work Weldmar do first-hand, and the incredible care and support they give to patients and their loved ones.

“It has also been lovely to meet and work with all the amazing volunteers who have helped us with the collections, some of them having helped in multiple years, it is really a great team effort and they all came back with a smile on their face.”

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

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

News

Art is a verb ARTIST Ali Mauger (right) is aiming to promote mental wellbeing through creativity in an exhibition at Guggleton Farm Arts, Stalbridge.

As well as showing her own work in the Art is a Verb exhibition, she has an ‘art wall’ where visitors can draw, and is running zine – small book – -making workshops.

Ali said: “The cold and dark months of winter can be difficult for some people and I wanted to offer something free and accessible to everyone, that might bring some comfort and perhaps an alternative perspective on self-care. “[I hope] the ‘well-being wall’ will be interesting and informative, as well as inspirational.

“I feel so passionate about the wonderfully beneficial effects that creativity can have on the human spirit that, if my exhibition touches just one person and inspires them to take positive action for themselves, it would make me really happy.”

Art is a Verb runs until Saturday, February 10, from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-3pm. The zine-making workshops are being held on Wednesdays – no need to book, just drop in.

JENNINGSBET

KINGWELL HURDLE DAY SATURDAY 17 FE BRUARY

BOOK NOW

blackmorevale.net

Back to the Beeb COMEDIAN Paul Kerensa will be journeying back to the 1920s and the beginnings of the BBC for a show coming to village halls around Dorset later this month.

Audiences can expect tales, clips and re-enactments of landmark moments, including the first BBC broadcast, the first children’s drama, sports commentary and more.

Audiences will meet the forgotten pioneers – the teacher who became the BBC’s first children’s presenter, the author who was the first sports reporter, the flying ace who became a much-loved radio ‘uncle’ – until he talked over the opera to narrate it, and received death threats!

Karensa has researched, written and performed the show, based on the podcast the British Broadcasting Century.

Karensa is a British Comedy Award-winning writer – Miranda, Not Going Out – and has written for television shows including Top Gear, TFI Friday and the Royal Variety Performance, and is a regular on BBC Radio 2’s Pause For Thought. He has also performed more than 3,000 stand-up gigs.

An Evening of (Very) Old Radio is presented with Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach.

It is at the village halls at Nether Compton on Thursday, January 25, at 7.30pm; West Stafford on Friday, January 26, at 7.30pm; Marnhull on Saturday, January 27, at 7.30pm; and Studland on Sunday, January 28, at 2.30pm. For tickets visit www.artsreach.co.uk.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

News

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01258 480621

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Care as unique as you are Enjoy peace of mind this year When considering care for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to find a place that values the unique person that you are – cared for by a well-trained team who understands your routines, knows your favourite foods and supports you to continue doing the things you love every single day.

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To find out how we can help, visit: barchester.com

Nursing care • Residential care • Dementia care • Respite care & short breaks

26

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

News

blackmorevale.net

Singers plan celebrations THE Warminster-based Athenaeum Singers, after a packed Christmas concert at Christ Church, are set to celebrate the music of Bob Chilcott (pictured below).

New singers are invited to join the group, following the resumption of rehearsals earlier this month under director of music, Thomas Mottershead, and preparations under way for a Come and Sing Day on Saturday, February 3, and a concert in March.

Both will feature Chilcott’s beautiful St John Passion.

The Come and Sing Day, also open to guest singers to join in, will be led by

Bob Chilcott, a composer who has established an outstanding reputation as a choral conductor and workshop leader. It will conclude with a run through with professional soloists.

Bob will also work with music students from Warminster School the previous afternoon and give the Thomas Arnold lecture in the evening. All events are at the Thomas Arnold Hall, Warminster School.

Bob Chilcott began his musical career as a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and went on to become an early member of The Kings Singers, who took their stunning choral arrangements to a wider audience.

His works are renowned worldwide.

The culmination of the Chilcott Fest is the Athenaeum Singers concert at the Minster Church of St Denys, Warminster, on March 23 where the St John Passion will be the main part of the programme.

Thomas Mottershead will conduct that evening, the 10th anniversary of St John’s Passion’s first performance in Wells Cathedral.

More details and tickets can be found online at www.athenaeumsingers.com.

Bikes at the ready!

CHARITABLE cyclists can get on their bikes for a good cause at a special event this spring.

The North Dorset Cycle Ride, organised by Shaftesbury Rotary Club, will take place on Sunday, May 19.

There’s the choice of 25-mile or 50-mile rides, and the Family Ride introduced in 2023 will also return.

Rides will finish on the iconic Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, with races starting from 8.30am on Park Walk.

Full details of the ride can be found at shaftesburyrotaryclub.org.

Driver’s miraculous escape from A303 crash A MAN in his 50s was taken to hospital after the car he was driving left a bridge on the A303 and plunged down a hill onto a road below.

But despite the dramatic incident, police said the Honda driver suffered what are thought to be “minor injuries”.

The crash happened on the A303 between Mere and Zeals at around 9am on Monday morning (January 15), with the car appearing to smash through a fence at a bridge near Wolverton.

Resident Philip Schofield took these pictures of the wreckage after the crash.

“At around 9am yesterday morning we responded following a single vehicle collision on the A303 near Mere,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson told your New Blackmore Vale.

“The driver, a man in his 50s, suffered what are thought to be minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.”

The car plunged down an embankment off the A303, right, onto the road below Pictures: Philip Schofield

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Events

blackmorevale.net

Ploughing up support for church at special service in Caundle Marsh A SPECIAL Plough Sunday Service took place in Caundle Marsh on Sunday (January 14).

The congregation gathered to sing traditional hymns and music from village songster Eric Upton, accompanied by visiting organist, Lizzy Dumas.

Jenny Nelson, Acting Curate, blessed the plough and the seed in the chilly January farmyard, where all assembled for part of the service.

The service was keenly supported by the Hiscock family, with Di providing bacon and sausage rolls and a variety of drinks, and James a duo of tractors, the plough, and a variety of animals for children to pet.

The rest of the PCC team, led by Lally Holme and Janet Cowan, turned their hands to engaging with parents and pupils from the village primary school.

Model farms were on display, complete with scale models of barns and dozens of authentic figures and animals, crafted by churchwarden, Edward Cowan, pursuing his enduring passion for metal-cast, hollow figures.

The service came after a successful tractor run in October.

TABLE TOP SALE, 27th JANUARY, Damerham Village Hall SP6 3HN, Sellers 10am £10 / Table, Buyers 11am £1, Refreshments, info@damerham.org

SHILLINGSTONE ENGLISH BARN DANCE EVENINGS. The Portman Hall, Blandford Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SF 1/03, 5/04 7:15PM for 7:30PM

26 JANUARY – BLANDFORD & DISTRICT U3A. 2 pm at Durweston Village Hall.

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

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

RNLI LIFEBOATS. Your invitation to join us for a Thanksgiving Sunday 10 March 2024 at 6pm Sherborne Abbey, Dorset. A special occasion to mark the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary. By kind permission of the Reverend Martin Lee Rector Sherborne Abbey.

CLASSIC JAGS FOR HIRE Choice of MKII and XK8 Convertible Covering 20 miles from Gillingham, fully insured.

Call Alistair for details 07717 112730

MAKING YOUR SPECIAL DAY EXTRA SPECIAL

Harriet Sandys CLOSING DOWN SALE 10% off all stock of beautiful Oriental carpets, runners and kilims from Persia and Afghanistan

Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th February 2024 2pm – 5pm Indian Kaftans, Kantha jackets, quilted bedspreads, cotton nightdresses, block print table cloths from Rajasthan, carved wood furniture from the North-West Frontier, silver and gold semi-precious stone earrings.

Also open by appointment Tel: 01749 890 582 The Barn at The Manor House, West Compton BA4 4PB Email: harrietsandys@freeolamail.com

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

Chance for budding authors ENTRIES to an exciting

ABBA’s music still popular 50 years on

THE 50th anniversary of ABBA’s win in the Eurovision song contest is celebrated in a tribute show at the Westlands Entertainments venue in Yeovil.

Thank ABBA for the Music includes all the hits: Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super

children’s literature competition are invited from Dorset residents.

Flash fiction, poetry and short stories relevant to the five to 12 year old age group can be submitted to The Paul Cave Prize for Children’s Literature, open until February 28.

Top prize is £75 and all

Trouper, Gimme! Gimme!

Gimme!, SOS, Voulez-Vous, Waterloo and many more.

The show is on Saturday, January 27, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available online at www.westlandsyeovil. co.uk.

STORYTELLERS Katy Cawkwell and Lucy Lill (pictured) are visiting Winterborne Stickland village hall to present their new show, Wild Visons, Untamed Myth, a helping of ancient myths that set women centre stage.

The show, presented by Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach, is on tomorrow (Saturday, January 20) at 7.30pm. For tickets, visit www.artsreach.co.uk or phone 01258 880920.

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

ELO EXPERIENCE

SOLD OUT Friday 19th January 7.30pm Tickets £28.50 BAND OF FRIENDS Thursday 25th January 7.30pm A Celebration Of The Music Of Rory Gallagher.

Featuring Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill Tickets £23

winners will receive a copy of The Paul Cave Prize for Children’s Literature 2024.

“The children’s book market is incredibly difficult to get into and unless you’re a celebrity or established in this field, it’s nigh on impossible to get your work published,” said Tim Saunders, who will be judging the prize with his wife, Caroline and children Henry, seven; Heidi, 10; and Harriett, 12.

“So this is a great opportunity for budding children’s authors.”

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

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’

THE SHAKIN’ STEVENS STORY Saturday 20th January 7.30pm Tickets £25

SMALL FAKERS – TRIBUTE TO THE SMALL FACES

Friday 26th January 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

BACK TO BACHARACH

Sunday 21st January 7.30pm Tickets £27.50

THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS – DRAG SHOW

*This show contains adult themes and strong language. Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday 27th January 7.30pm Tickets £21

SALTBURN (15) Mon 22nd January 7.30pm Matinee 24th January 2pm Adult: £8.00 evening/ £7.00 matinee Child under 16: £6.00

FERRARI (15) 29th & 30th January 7.30pm Matinees 31st January & 1st February 2pm Tickets £8.00 evening/£7.00 matinee/under 16 £6.00

JIM DAVIDSON: SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE!

OUT SOLD Wed 24th

January 7.30pm Tickets £27

CODE BREAKERS: THE STORY OF ENIGMA

Wednesday 31st January 7.30pm Tickets £22

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

You could take to the stage in arts centre’s summer show: Here’s how THE story of Kipps will be brought to the stage at Shaftesbury Arts Centre this summer.

The centre’s Music and Drama Group are staging Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical as their 2024 Summer Show.

“With the book originally by HG Wells, updated for the stage by Julian Fellows and rearranged by Cameron Macintosh, what could be more joyous?,” said a spokesperson.

“Kipps is an orphan working as a draper’s assistant in Folkestone for strict owner, Mr Shalford. Kipps is charming and hard working but also enjoys his fun and dreams of happiness with enough money to marry his childhood sweetheart Ann Pornick.

“When he unexpectedly comes into money, he attempts to better himself rather disastrously, meeting and falling for the well born Helen Walsingham. Between Ann and Helen, Arthur Kipps doesn’t know which way to turn.

“How will he find himself again after

such a confusing passage in his life?”

The cast will include Kipps himself, Ann Pornick, The Walsingham family of mother, brother James and Helen, Chitterlow – a thespian entrepreneur playwright, friends of Kipps, and various other smaller speaking parts.

The characters span different age ranges creating lots of opportunities for all those who would like to get involved.

In all there are 12 principal parts, 11 smaller speaking parts and a variety of chorus characters from the turn of the last century, both rich and poor. There are two parts for under 16s, – the young Kipps and Ann, who appear at the beginning of the

show.

There are no less than 25 musical numbers, lively dance routines and a riot of colourful costumes.

Musical numbers include ‘Half a Sixpence’, ‘Money to Burn’, ‘Pick Out a Simple Tune’, ‘If The Rain’s Got to Fall’ and the iconic ‘Flash Bang Wallop’.

If this sparks your interest, then come to the Interest Evening, see a clip of the show and talk to the director and musical director about participation, auditions and anything else you need to know. You might like to help with costumes, build and paint set, audition for a part or simply support by joining the front of house team.

If you are interested and want to know more, come and join us on February 5 at 7.30pm in the Rutter Room at the arts centre. If you can’t join us, but would like to know more, email stage@ shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk.

The show itself is in the second and third weeks of July and auditions will be in February.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

Everyone welcome.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Sherborne Snowdrop Service Remembrance & Thanksgiving Service, Friday, February 2, 11am. Everyone welcome. The Sherborne Book of Remembrance will be available, and the names of loved ones can be added to it at the end of the service. Refreshments available.

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

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

• Hinton Martell: Second

blackmorevale.net 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.

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, January 21 – 9.30am Communion at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 9.30am Family Service at St Mary Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton.

Sunday, January 28 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 11am Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10-11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB. • Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel.

Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel.

Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel.

Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP

SNOWDROP WEEKEND 10th 11th FEBRUARY ST GEORGE’S CHURCH DAMERHAM SP6 3HU 12 NOON TO 4PM. Come and see the carpet of Snowdrops growing in the Norman Churchyard. Homemade refreshments inside the Grade 1 listed Church plus other stalls. Disabled access,Toilet facilities off road parking.

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.

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

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

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

• St Leonard’s, Semley: Plough Sunday, January 21, 11am. Start the new year with time dedicated to the work of farmers, with a traditional blessing of the plough and local speaker. Mulled cider and nibbles after the service.

• St Mary’s, Donhead St Mary: January 28, 11am, A celebration of Candlemas, the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. A service for the youngest and the oldest, and everyone in between, with lights, music and communion.

• 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 Paul’s Church, Sherborne: Talk on Health & Social Care on Saturday, January 27, at 10.30am. Chris Cain will share his long experience and knowledge about how to navigate the health and social care systems. More details from Sue Hawkett on 07867 528053.

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

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

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

• Sherborne Abbey: Girls’ Choir Evensong, Thursday, January 25, at 5.30pm in the abbey. Everyone welcome to attend.

• Sherborne Abbey: Volunteer stewards are needed to help steward events/concerts in the abbey. Anyone interested should contact the parish office.

• Sherborne Community Larder: Held in the grounds of St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Close DT9 4DU every Friday 9.30-10.30am. The Larder is run by volunteers and facilitated by FareShare. It aims to help reduce shopping bills.

Membership not more than £5 a week – members receive at least three times that value in food and sundries. To sign up – referral not needed nor is it means tested – visit on a Friday or request a form from FSSouthernCentral@fareshare. org.uk • Sherborne Abbey: Organ recitals on Mondays at 1.30 pm, retiring collection, everyone welcome. January 22 – James Henderson, director of music, Sherborne Abbey; January 29 – Arthur Hope-Barton, organ scholar, Sherborne Abbey & School.

• Sherborne Abbey: Remembering the Fallen, a short service held on the third Friday of the month with the next one on January 19 at 11am.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

It’s time for action on flooding THIS week has been the first sitting week in Parliament of the new year, and I have been excited to get back into the chamber and speak up for Somerton & Frome.

Following devastating floods caused by Storm Henk, I took the first opportunity to press the Minister responsible for water and rural growth on steps the Government is taking to protect communities.

Somerset is facing the brunt of extreme weather events caused by climate change and the regularity of such events is increasing. I want to see provisions introduced to help communities create their own bespoke extreme weather resilience plans in identified catchment areas. I called for this in the House of Commons chamber earlier this week and have now submitted an Early Day Motion echoing this call.

Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome Sarah Dyke I will continue to demand adequate protections for Somerset and all who are affected by the devastating impact of flooding.

I also spoke in a debate on NHS dentistry earlier this week, highlighting the specific

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Politics

challenges people in rural areas face in accessing dental services. There are simply not enough NHS dentists in Somerset to provide the level of care people deserve.

We need to reform NHS dental contracts to incentivise dentists to provide NHS services, we need to increase the number of dentists we train every year and I want to see mobile dental hubs offering services in rural communities.

This way we can prevent the growing trend of DIY dentistry and help those suffering in pain with nowhere to go.

I also held a series of important meetings this week, including with the founder of Riverford Organic, Guy Singh-Watson, in which we spoke about the immense pressure farmers are under as a result of supermarket buying practices.

Almost half of British fruit and veg growers fear they could be out of business within the next 12 months, with 75% citing supermarket behaviour as a leading factor. We need fairness for our farmers who work hard to provide fresh and healthy food for the nation.

Finally, I have also been busy in Somerton & Frome and recently visited Thales UK in Templecombe. I was keen to visit its site and learn about the important work my constituents are contributing to the defence sector.

I also met with pharmacists in Bruton to hear about the challenges they are facing. I will continue to champion the importance of local pharmacies in our communities.

If you would like to get in touch with me you can do so by writing to me at sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk.

scandal is something that has sickened me since being in Parliament.

Here in West Dorset, one sub-postmaster suffered from this scandal – although they moved from Dorset shortly after I was elected. But that was one too many. Across the country many were falsely accused, some have died since – without getting their names cleared and it is one of the worst institutional scandals in my living memory.

The Mr Bates v The Post Office drama on ITV has put so much into clear focus when often we have heard or looked on this issue not fully understanding it. The CBE honour has been returned by the former chief executive. But I want to let you know that I will stop at nothing until we: 1 – Remove the appeals and recompense process from the Post Office itself; 2 – Get real and proper justice for everyone who has been affected by this;

and 3 – Get an answer out of the Leader of the Liberal Democrats as to why he took £275,000 from the Post Office’s legal firm, which was fighting the sub-postmasters.

Sir Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, was Post Office minister during this time and he should answer to parliament why he ignored the calls for help. It is also becoming clear that Sir Ed was recruited as a ‘consultant’ by the Post Office’s own lawyers. He was absent from parliament last week, but I hope we might hear more from the Liberal Democrats soon about his reasons for receiving £830 an hour from the Post Office lawyers – at the very same time that sub-postmasters looked to take legal action against the Post Office to clear their name in 2017.

As always, if you’d like to get in touch about the above or anything else, you can contact me at hello@chrisloder.co.uk.

‘Sickened ‘ by Post Office scandal ON Thursday last week, I visited Wessex Internet on site near Sherborne to learn about the work it is doing for rural communities. It’s fantastic to see first-hand the dedication and commitment Wessex Internet provides to ensure properties are connected to broadband.

The whole operation – from the groundwork to installation of cables – is incredible and very well organised. We’ve made huge strides forward in broadband connectivity over the last few years and Wessex internet is leading the way in terms of making good progress to connect those ‘not-spots’ or difficult to connect places.

The Post Offices locally is a backbone of our society. But my respect for the senior management of the post office, past and present, is quite different. I find them disingenuous to the extent that I called them out in the House of Commons in May last year – not just about the Horizon IT

Conservative MP for West Dorset Chris Loder system but their other behaviours as well, including their attempt to award enormous executive bonuses when many people deserving damages from the Horizon nightmare had not – and still have not – been paid.

And we have not even scratched the surface yet of their approach to minimal transaction fees paid to post offices.

The Post Office Horizon

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Tributes paid to ‘Mr Somerton’ ‘MR SOMERTON’ – Dean Ruddle – has died at the age of 59.

The Somerset Council member – the authority’s lead on adult social care – died earlier this month.

Known to his colleagues as ‘Mr Somerton’, Cllr Ruddle was elected to the former Somerset County Council in 2013 to represent the Somerton Division. He was re-elected to represent Somerton in 2017 and then again in 2022.

As well as being lead member for adult services at Somerset Council, he also served on the former county council as chair of the Audit Committee, and was also a member of its Regulation Committee and Scrutiny Committees.

He was chair of Somerton Town Council and a member of the council for more than 10 years, and had served on South Somerset District Council (SSDC), representing Wessex Ward.

While there, he served on Area North Committee and was vice-chair for the 2015/16 municipal year.

In February 2022 he also became a member of SSDC Regulation Committee.

Wife Rachael, on behalf of the Ruddle family, said: “We are distraught to say goodbye to our dearest Dean.

“He was the most caring husband, father and grandfather you could have ever wish for.

“Our family’s wellbeing was always his highest priority in life.

“He was such a kind-hearted man who wanted the best for everyone around him. This was shown through his relentless efforts and achievements in Somerton, surrounding areas and in Somerset as a whole.

“From the minute he woke up to the minute he went to sleep he did all he could to create a better life for all that surround him. His phone records would prove this statement scarily true.

“Even when times were hard,

his quick-witted personality and charming way lightened and managed each and every situation he was in.

“Dean’s unqualified love and beautiful heart leaves a memory that will live with us forever.

His legacy will live on through our family – his four children and his 14 grandchildren.”

The news came just days after the passing of former Glastonbury councillor and community stalwart, Alan Gloak MBE, who died on December 29.

Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, said: “Dean was a remarkable advocate for his community, a great colleague and a superb mate.

“He brought his business acumen to the role of lead member for adult social care since taking on that role in May 2023, but with it he has shown dedication and compassion to those residents of Somerset who are most in need of our support.

“I know we will all be devastated by this – colleagues,

staff, friends, communities – as the news sinks in of his loss.

“Somerset Council’s sincere sympathies go out to Rachael and all of Dean’s family as they struggle to cope with this shocking news.

“Rest in Peace Mr Somerton.

You will be so greatly missed.”

Cllr Mike Best, chair of Somerset Council, added: “Dean Ruddle’s passing is a huge loss to his family, friends, the local government family in Somerset and the wider community.

“He was such a dedicated and hard-working councillor and a great family man. We are all the poorer for his loss. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family at this very sad time.”

In July 2018, Cllr Ruddle hit the headlines when he resigned from the Conservative group at Somerset County Council amid concerns over the authority’s finances.

He rejoined the Tories in Somerset in February 2019.

allowed to build up more than £54 billion of borrowing which has been used, predominately, to fund dividends to their shareholders – many of whom are overseas. About 20% of our water bills goes on servicing that debt.

Beyond that, the managers and directors of the companies should be personally liable for the pollution by fining them and charging them with criminal misconduct.

Recently a consortium of end sewage pollution pressure groups and sporting organisations have drawn up their own manifesto for the forthcoming general election – this includes the following elements: • Enforce the law – the laws necessary are already there but the Government is not enforcing them.

• Stop pollution for profit – water companies’ first duty should be to the environment and not their shareholders.

• Take targeted action – to end untreated discharges affecting bathing waters by 2030 – Labour has already adopted this.

• Empower a nature-led approach – nature has huge potential to relieve the pressure on sewage systems but must be enabled to do so – often such measures can also reduce flood risk.

• Reveal the truth – be transparent about sewage pollution, so there is accurate, up-to-date information about the extent of the problem and its resolution without the need to drag such data out of the vested interest water companies and the complicit regulator and government.

State of our rivers a national scandal DO you think it’s right to allow raw sewage to be dumped into our rivers and beaches 800 times a day? Rishi Sunak and Simon Hoare do!

Under the Tories, raw sewage is being pumped 824 times a day into British waters. This is an environmental disgrace.

Every English river is in an unhealthy condition. In one year alone – 2020 – Wessex Water discharged untreated sewage to enter our rivers on 28,164 occasions.

Labour will end the Tory sewage scandal by introducing automatic fines for sewage dumping, mandatory monitoring of all sewage outlets and legally binding targets to clean up the water industry.

Many would believe that more should be done, including the renationalisation of this service which is vital for

Gerald Davies, on behalf of Dorset Labour everyone’s everyday living.

When the water companies were sold off by the Tories in 1989, the nine principal water companies were debt free, but since then they have been

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

33

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Post Office scandal: Lessons to learn SINCE my first election as your Member of Parliament in 2015 I have been aware of the terrible situation regarding the Post Office, the Horizon IT programme and the impact on postmasters and mistresses.

Constituents have been to see me to share their experience and the dreadful toll it has taken on them. This has been a live Parliamentary and political issue for a number of years. By the time I was elected, the alarm bells had been well and truly rung and I made several representations on behalf of constituents to Ministers.

I believe there are some key lessons which must be learned from this. The first is, and this seems strange in this social media and streamed services world in which we live, never underestimate the power of television broadcasting into the sitting rooms of the land to pack a punch, make a point and force people to sit up and take notice.

Television remains a strong

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare communication tool.

The second lesson is, and this is so important as we move into an AI dominated world, NEVER EVER EVER believe that IT programmes are infallible. They are not. It is basically the creation of man and man is a flawed species. The greatest part of the scandal is that Post Office bosses could not believe that their new shiny and expensive system could make a mistake. It was perfect and incapable of error. That was the error of the Post Office bosses. We must never forget that IT is our

servant. Woe betide it becomes our Orwellian master.

The third lesson is, listen to your workforce. It, with the benefit of commonsense hindsight, seems perverse that they were ignored given the number of instances of so-called false accounting and fraud supposed to be taking place. We have to ask how in the name of Heaven, did an organisation of the heritage and history as the Post Office, not say to itself: “Mmm, interesting. Hundreds of our people, who have worked with us for years without error or blemish, now seem to be defrauding us and are criminals.

We haven’t had any problems with them before until that new IT system we have brought in.

Old fashioned audits and inspection have not identified problems before. I wonder if there’s a fault with the IT system software???”. It really does beggar belief that no one appears to have asked that final question.

Perhaps it was a case of a

corporate Emperor’s New Clothes?

Perhaps the most important lesson is that Ministers should never take no for an answer. The current Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey’s errors of judgement have been compounded by his point-blank refusal to apologise to the post office workers for his lack of action. Anyone with an ounce of commonsense would get involved with an issue if lots of MPs are raising it with you.

MPs don’t trouble Ministers for the sake of it. Davey’s lack of response, his dismissal of requests for help from postmasters, adds insult to the injury. Regular readers will know I am not particularly politically tribal in these articles but Davey’s inaction and current reaction – go into hiding, pop out and then fail to say sorry – has made my blood boil as much as it has the hundreds of constituents who have contacted me to tell me how furious they are.

many people still need in-person services and are at risk of financial exclusion. As long as that is the case there will be a place for ATMs and banks with a physical presence on our high streets.

I am doing what I can to get something that looks like high street banking in Warminster and Westbury.

It’s hard to blame people for not trusting technology. The Horizon scandal and Fujitsu’s apparent complicity in the Post Office’s gross miscarriage of justice is making us more wary of the computer.

The first thing that needs doing is exonerating and compensating wrongly prosecuted sub-postmasters.

This has taken far too long and too many lives have been ruined.

I welcome government action taken this week on compensation and general

exoneration. I’d rather the odd wrong-un went unpunished than hundreds of innocent people are done in by big government or powerful organisations, as here.

Paula Vennells returning her CBE is, of course, appropriate, but it is just a small part of making this right. All those highly paid and pensioned folk who are responsible for this mess must be held to account.

However, calling for scalps – Sir Ed Davey’s stock-in-trade until the tables turned – is all very well, but what I really want is stronger procedures to prevent recurrences. How do we stop a big institution with deep pockets, arm in arm with a tech giant, turning feral? Alex Chalk’s rethink of rules for private prosecution by companies are a good start. Too many lives have been destroyed for serious justice reform not to be pursued. Never again.

Concerns over bank closure plans CASH is a thing of the past.

Right? Most of us have no problem paying our way with online transfers and contactless.

But 48% of the population is not comfortable with cashless banking. People who rarely use cash or can’t remember when they last wrote a cheque generally want to keep actual money as a payment option for emergencies, small payments, privacy and money management. Their concerns aren’t a knee-jerk opposition to change. There is a worry that forcing people to digital could lead to a loss of control over finances and spiralling debt.

So I’m unhappy about Lloyds’ plan to close its Warminster branch as part of a swathe of closures across the country. With this closure goes the town’s last bank, pushing residents not only into using cashless payments methods but

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison also forcing them to rely on telephone and digital banking.

Bank closures disproportionately impact more elderly people who, as a generalisation, are less agile online or able to travel further to bank.

The major banks have obvious incentives to close physical branches where there is less footfall and cashless transactions are popular. But

34

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Letters

blackmorevale.net

Vale Pantry helps 190-plus families THE Vale Pantry would like to thank everyone who has supported us over this last year.

Without help from our amazing community, we simply wouldn’t have been able to do what we do.

A few stats which I hope you may find of interest: In 2023 we provided almost 8,900 shops for families who were struggling. We were able to help just over 190 families back on their feet and to independence through a variety of measures, strategies and mentoring.

Our latest research shows that 58% of those families we help are now able to eat more fruit and vegetables, and 49% report eating less ultraprocessed food, while 88% say being a member of the Pantry has improved their mental

Booklets on town’s past

I WOULD like to congratulate Barry Brock for enabling the publication of informative booklets that throw light onto aspects of Sherborne’s past and to Sherborne Antiques Market for promoting them on behalf of the local museum.

In Sherborne at War Henry More remembers as a boy playing among a now

health and 67% their physical health.

We are still challenged by the growing number of people needing our help – currently we are helping about 370 families and we are at capacity.

With food costs having risen so sharply over the last year, coupled with the growing number of families needing help, our challenge continues – but this is a big thank you to each and every one who has donated money, food, their help and more – you are all super amazing!

2024 is an exciting year for us as we are gearing up to move into new larger premises so that we can expand the work we are doing – to that end, if you have a few hours and would like to volunteer with an incredible team of people, we’d love to

long forgotten derelict Spitfire factory on the outskirts of the town.

Riots and Reform by local historian John Spencer covers the riot in Sherborne in 1831 during the tumultuous times that led to the Reform Act of 1832, which introduced major changes to the electoral system of England and Wales.

Barbara Elsmore Sherborne

hear from you. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail!

A happy and healthy new year to all.

Carole Jones Carole@valepantry.co.uk, 07968 348481

Bus tickets and loss of service

I AM writing in response to Mike Keeting’s letter about buses – New Blackmore Vale, December 22.

When the number 57 was removed from service around Sherborne it was stated that it was because of lack of use.

In the six months before the service was removed, bus drivers did not give those with bus passes tickets, so I question how it was known how many people were using the bus. l have noticed again that tickets are not being issued, so once again our bus service could be in jeopardy.

The buses around Sherborne are not good. If they were cut back more, it would leave a lot of people without means to get to hospital appointments and visit Yeovil.

Not everyone in Sherborne can afford a car or taxis.

Why is Dorset Council not helping to keep us mobile? The villages are cut off and now the town is threatened. Dorchester has lots of buses, even on a Sunday.

Jackie Sinar Via email

Dogs are an easy target I SEE that Dorset Council is about to impose yet more restrictions on dogs via a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for 2024.

As a dog owner, I feel that we are an easy target for more restrictions, yet the real problem of litter, glass, used nappies and other general rubbish left on

Dorset beaches, which is a greater danger to everyone, is left alone.

As a Dorset resident and dog owner, I feel annoyed that I was not consulted on these changes and that the PSPO is being put in force after consulting just 4,221 people, that is 1.1% of Dorset residents.

Chris Crompton Verwood

Corporate social irresponsibility

THE article by Canon Eric Woods – New Blackmore Vale, December 22 – expresses the sentiments of so many people.

When we moved into Sherborne 12 years ago all the major banks had a presence in Cheap Street.

Now we have just Lloyds.

I look forward to meeting the Canon there, as I hope his added footfall will help keep it open.

The Canon is younger than I am – I opened an HSBC, the Midland, in those days – account, also at 18, 68 years ago.

The Sherborne branch of HSBC was the first, in Sherborne, to close. At that time, I opened an account with Lloyds, so hope it remains open before my life closes.

Internet banking is not for the elderly and infirm. Try using a keyboard when your fingers and hands are arthritic and your thinking is unclear because of silting up of the veins and arteries to the brain, let alone having to remember passwords etc.

The banks have discriminated against millions of their elderly and, in the majority of cases, most loyal customers. As the Canon says: “[The service] has presumably made more out of me than I have made out of it.”

What a blatant example of corporate social irresponsibility.

Jeremy Barber Sherborne

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Letters

blackmorevale.net FACTOID OF THE FORTNIGHT IF someone asked you what the national animal of England is, would you know?

Chances are, you might well remember it is the lion, thanks largely to the football mantra, ‘three lions on the shirt’.

However, if someone asked what the national animal of Scotland was, would you be so confident?

A bull, perhaps? Or a grouse? Well, in fact, it’s a unicorn.

Yes, the mythical, horned, horse-type animal is the emblematic creature of our cousins north of the border.

The National Trust of Scotland says unicorns are a symbol of ‘purity, innocence and power’ in Celtic mythology, as well as being ‘fiercely independent and famously difficult to capture’.

However, the Scots are not alone in boasting a non-

Banks and march of technology

CANON Eric Woods in his normally excellent ‘Our Loose Canon’ – New Blackmore Vale, December 22 – descends to little more than a rant on local bank closures.

In search of a little spiritual guidance, which he habitually provides so eloquently, there is absolutely nothing there.

And while we may agree and empathise with much of what he writes, the other side of the argument would suggest that banks cannot continue with loss-making overheads nationwide.

In a digital age, the cheque book is close to disappearing as we also approach a cashless society.

Like him, I have held an account from the day Westminster Bank merged with the National Provincial in 1970 to become ‘we all know what’ and bemoan the loss of convenience when yet another branch closes.

35

existent beast as their national animal.

Wales, of course, is represented by the dragon, which also never existed.

Some other interesting national animals include Canada, which has the beaver, while Norway is the moose, Italy is the Italian wolf and Ireland is the Irish hare.

Germany lauds the golden eagle, which it shares with the likes of Albania, Mexico and Kazakhstan.

The hole-in-the-wall bridges the gap, also the facility to take money in cash-back, but we have to move on.

The phone kiosk has been replaced by the mobile, the horse by the electric car, the postage stamp partly by e-mail – most of us accept the march of technology and not always for the better.

High street banks have gone the same way and, sadly, we must accede to the alternatives with, as ever, the elderly and those reliant on others’ help with transport the worst affected.

James Bass Salisbury

Lights could be removed

I TOTALLY agree with Jeremy Bloomfield on both his points – readers’ letters, New Blackmore Vale, December 8: the need for lights on the East Stour crossroads and that Dorset Council is not fit for purpose – neither is Gillingham Town

Council.

Perhaps to save money, some of the unnecessary lights that run from Aldi to the Wincanton road could be removed – eight in total – yet going from the lights at the Wincanton turning to Milton there are none.

These could then be re-sited on the East Stour crossroads.

We know that with climate change we are going to get more rain, which means more flooding all over Dorset, so I must congratulate the councils on the flood alleviation schemes over the county, which will pour more concrete into the ground for all the new housing developments.

I am sure this will sort the problem of flooding out.

Looking on the positive side, with the thousands of houses being built all over Dorset, and the millions of pounds in extra Council Tax revenue, I am sure

Lions’ Christmas thank you note

THROUGH the haze of getting ready for Christmas you may have noticed collectors with buckets and card readers from the Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) outside supermarkets and farm shops.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Blackmore Vale, BVLC will be able to put about £770 into its charity funds.

Local people have dug deep in times of hardship and been generous to a fault.

In return, BVLC promises it will distribute those pounds and pennies

we shall be having a reduction in our Council Tax bills.

Name and address supplied

Post Office scandal and MPs

MAY I suggest that our elected MPs, who every fortnight share platitudes in half a page of the New Blackmore Vale, instead devote the space to providing us all with an update on their personal contribution to resolving the Post Office scandal.

No doubt they are hoping we will all quickly forget about it so that we can concentrate on their election campaigning.

Well we won’t.

The victims need immediate exoneration followed swiftly by appropriate compensation.

S Richards Sturminster Newton

wisely to needy and deserving people and groups.

Our thanks to The Co-Op Sturminster Newton, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s in Sherborne, Morrisons in Wincanton, and The Udder Farm Shop, East Stour, for allowing us to camp out and their patrons for their generosity and goodwill.

BVLC is organising the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon on Sunday, February 4, at 11am at Bishop’s Caundle.

To sponsor or help visit www.bvlions.yolasite.com, or to take part see www.bvlhm. yolasite.com or runbritain. com/races.

Tim Otter Blackmore Vale Lions Club

36

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 BLACKMORE VALE

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Antiques & Collectibles

blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

Royal signatures up for auction ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding a two-day auction on Thursday and Friday, January 25-26.

Antiques & Collectables on the Thursday include a small collection of taxidermy birds, and a collection of Royal signatures including Diana, Princess of Wales, Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Edward VIII and Princess Anne and Mark Phillips.

A large fibreglass 2.2-metre shop display of a fibreglass red stiletto shoe is estimated at £200-£300.

The Jewellery, Silver & Watches auction on the Friday includes an unusual platinum, diamond and sapphire pin with a pearl tassel estimated at £800-£1,000 and a Georgian cameo panelled necklace in its original red leather fitted case

estimated at £200-£300.

The catalogue and bidding is available through Easylive auction.com and Thesaleroom. com.

Acreman is accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and is happy to advise on anything prospective vendors are considering for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk or items can be examined at the office, open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764.

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

The perfect present? The 18ct gold and diamond ring at coming up for sale with Charterhouse is estimated at £2,000-3,000

The perfect present?

A LARGE five-stone diamond ring in Charterhouse’s two-day auction of jewellery, silver and watches on Thursday an Friday, February 1-2, could make the perfect Valentine’s Day present.

“We are fortunate to see and sell a wonderful variety of jewellery and this ring is certainly one of the better ones I have seen recently,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

The design classic has five large diamonds in an 18ct gold

setting and is estimated to sell for £2,000-£3,000 in the auction.

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

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

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Thursday 25th January

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 26th January

27th March

1st February

7th March

Specialist Valuation Days

Antique platinum, diamond & sapphire set pin brooch Est. £800-1200

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

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

Chinese & Japanese Ceramics 22nd Jewellery, Silver & Watches 23rd Guitars, Violins & Musical Instruments 24th Pictures, Postcards, Maps & Books 25th Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls 26th

Classic Motorcycle Auction 7th March Classic Car Auction 27th March

Further Entries Now Being Accepted 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

Auction is a trip on the wild side A DORCHESTER auction will take bidders on an expedition into the natural world next month.

Sporting and Natural History returns to Duke’s on February 15, when the showroom will once again be transformed into an emporium of curiosities showcasing a collection of vintage firearms, rare fishing paraphernalia, taxidermy, sporting attire, and a variety of wonders from the animal kingdom.

The February auction will contain more from the esteemed single owner collection, as well as various other private collections from all around the country.

Advertiser’s announcement

Lots include a vintage fishing tackle collection, pictured above, featuring a rare and important salmon fly collection

by William Humble Ward.

The 100-plus flies carry a presale estimate of £5,000 to £10,000 and are contained in their original tin which displays the crest of The Earl of Dudley.

Last year’s Sporting and Natural History auctions were a resounding success, with over 80% of the lots sold.

Duke’s is now inviting final entries for the upcoming auction.

For confidential advice and a free appraisal, arrange an appointment at your convenience either on 01305

39

Antiques & Collectibles

Collection of Zippo lighters

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley ended 2023 with a successful three-day sale of almost 2,100 lots selling overestimate to buyers across the globe and a 92% sold rate.

The largest section was jewellery with more than 400 lots of fine pieces including rings, necklaces and bracelets which all sold well.

Clarke’s next sale on Friday and Saturday, February 9-10, includes a few single-owner collections, one being a collection of vintage Zippo petrol lighters, most in original packaging and unused, and all with affordable estimates ranging from £20-£40 to £100-£200.

A collection of militaria items is for sale, including a 19th century Marlin Firearms Company 1894 pattern .41

lever action rifle estimated at £1,400 to £1,600.

A group of Court medals awarded to LCPL Richards, Grenadier Guards, made up of Northern Ireland General Service medal, NATO Non Article 5 medal, the ESDP Operation Althea medal, Iraq medal, Afghanistan medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal, is estimated at £400-£600.

To arrange home visits or arrange valuations to value items for consignment into this or future sales, or for other valuation queries, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at Clarke’s main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9BU.

Clarke’s Auctions

Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Currency

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques & Collectables Sale

Last date for entries 28th February 2024

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

Already consigned ROLEX EXPLORER II GENTS WATCH £5,000 - £8,000

auction highlights

Auctions commence at 10.30am A full list of auctions and closing dates for entries can be found online

January

25th

Interiors

February

15th 29th

Sporting and Natural History Interiors

March

6th 29th

Sandford Orcas: Auction of the Contents Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Currency

April

24th 25th

The Spring Auction Art & Design post 1880

Duke’s Brewery Square Dorchester Dorset DT1 1GA

Find more information and a full list of auctions on our website

bid | view | buy online

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

An Indian wirework and textile panel depicting Krishna.

Sold for £4,200 hammer.

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

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park,

01747 855109

enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

40

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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

Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

Sun 28 Jan Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Clocks Unlimited

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

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

blackmorevale.net

Gorgeous garnet

By Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham GARNET is the birthstone for January but less is known about this vibrant gemstone than the more famous diamond, sapphire and emerald.

It is frequently confused with the more rare and expensive ruby, mainly because of the rich red hue, but the garnet has less inclusions – the little flaws created when the stone is forming – and has a more intense colour.

Red garnets are more common yet clear, peach, purple, green and even black examples can be found.

It is considered to represent love, passion and loyalty, balances energy and strengthens courage.

Traces of garnet have been found in Bronze Age jewellery and the Egyptians also favoured this vibrant gemstone in jewellery as a symbol of life.

The word garnet comes from the Latin ‘granatium’ which

means pomegranate – you can see why!

It is a relatively hard gemstone which lends itself well to jewellery design and everyday wear.

The Romans wore the garnet in jewellery as a display of status and wealth.

In the 19th century the use of garnet in jewellery became more popular and relatively affordable influenced by the Renaissance and being fashioned into pendants and earrings.

While the garnet features in new jewellery and is experiencing a bit of a comeback, it fell out of popularity after the 1920s and I always get really excited when I see some absolutely exquisite examples of rings, earrings and pendants dating from the turn of the 20th century when I am valuing jewellery collections.

If you’re looking for a good antique investment at a more affordable price than ruby, then give the garnet your consideration.

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

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph.

SOLD FOR £19,000 For free verbal valuations please contact Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com and South Kensington, London

RICH RED HUE Garnet is considered to represent love, passion and loyalty

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

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

41

Antiques & Collectibles

Continuing success for the Asian Art market We are not going anywhere but we’d like to thank our customers who have entrusted us with their items which have been consigned to us for sale over the last few years. We’ve sold some wonderful items and collections over these few years which have now been dispersed to keen buyers and collectors around the world. Pieces which have been sat in local Bath homes for numbers of years occasionally unbeknownst to the owner, their history or monetary value.

I’ve chosen a few sold items which I personally have an interest for and were consigned to us from local homes.

A PAIR OF CHINESE ZITAN HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIRS ‘QUANYI’, QING DYNASTY The Chinese name for this type of chair ‘Quanyi’ literally translates to ‘chair with a circular back’ or ‘circle chair’. The English name for this form however refers to the overall shape of the back and arm rests, which resembles a horseshoe.

These chairs were purchased in A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BALSAM PEAR BOWL, DAOGUANG MARK AND PERIOD (1821-1850)

It’s not too often a piece of Imperial Chinese porcelain comes to the market.

Chinese porcelain is split into categories. ‘Export ware’ porcelain which was produced for export to the west between the 16th and the 20th century. ‘People’s ware’ which was not intended for Imperial use but for the wider China population, and finally ‘Imperial ware’ specifically manufactured under the reign of the Chinese emperor for the Imperial household or palace use. This bowl could have well been used in the Imperial palace but was probably traded after the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911. This bowl was consigned to us this year and sold through us for £19,500 to a Chinese mainland collector.

Hong Kong in the 1970’s by a local family and went on to sell through us for £39,000 to the very welcome surprise of the vendor.

Chinese furniture prices vary dramatically based on the wood type used.

Certain varieties of hardwood such as ‘Zitan’ and ‘Huanghuali’ fetch the greatest prices compared to softwoods such as elm.

A CHINESE EMBROIDERED SILK BLUE-GROUND NINE DRAGON ROBE, QING DYNASTY.

We have consigned many Chinese textiles over the years from local Bath homes and surrounding areas. Chinese textiles are easy to fold up and pack into a suitcase and were often bought over by missionaries, military, doctors etc. who worked in the east from the early 20th century. By the end of the seventeenth century, the Qing court decided to re-design the dragon robes of the Ming dynasty and from the early eighteenth century, the Qing court has established a dragon robe with nine dragons, wherein four dragons would radiate from the neck on the chest, back and shoulders to symbolize the cardinal directions. This robe which sold for £8500 in 2021 is an example of this.

If you have any potential items at home which you’d like to learn more about, do feel free to contact us at Ma San Auction for a free valuation. Ma San Auction, 2 Princes Buildings, George St. 01225 318587. enquiries@masanauction.com.

42

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Home & Garden

Topiary can bring humour to garden

by Sally Gregson

IN a cultivated plot winter can seem a little anarchic with its wind-beaten plants waiting for the gardener to tidy them and set the garden to rights. An upright, well-manicured shrub that clearly bears evidence of clippers and secateurs becomes the centre of attention, a contrast to winter’s wild heart.

Only one or two evergreen plants can take tight pruning.

Yew – Taxus baccata – is perhaps the most suitable and

the best. It can take hard pruning in the autumn that will create a tight shape throughout the winter. It re-grows from the bare wood, unlike most conifers, and its root system is not too competitive for the surrounding plants. It prefers reasonably well-drained soils and puts up with shade or full sun.

The fairly slow growth of yews can be seen as a good quality when it comes to maintenance. It only needs

blackmorevale.net cutting once a year, unlike most other alternatives, with the possible exception of box – Buxus sempervirens. But, alas, box now has to withstand the depredations of Box Blight and Box Tree Caterpillar, both of which are devastating.

A good alternative to box is a form of evergreen euonymus, E. ‘Jean Hughes’. This variety is short, upright and thrives in shade or sun. It’s not quite as vigorous as box but if fed and watered during any summer dry spells for its first few years it will put on a sensible amount of growth. The plants may not be as cheap as box, but are easy to propagate from cuttings.

To see the ‘grain in the sand’,

the shape in the bush, is a useful skill. But there are wire-mesh forms to help with the initial cuts for those with less vision – and it does take vision.

And there are quicker alternatives, such as evergreen Lonicera nitida, but faster growers will need cutting and trimming several times a year if they are to be successful. The Japanese holly, Ilex crenata, is often recommended. But that is more expensive, and can be trickier to grow. It particularly dislikes heavy, wet soils.

Topiary may not be a low-maintenance option for a garden, but it does bring structure and often a sense of humour to a winter garden.

Oriental hellebores shine in winter

by Sally Gregson

IT’S at this time of year when the garden is seemingly at rest that some winter flowers are really getting going. Oriental

hellebores, in particular, choose the winter to shine. Over the years plant breeders have been selecting increasingly distinct, and very beautiful, coloured

flowers.

Twenty years ago gardeners and growers were excited by different shades of palest yellow and black. Now we can

select from strong goldenyellow forms with bright red-orange central stars or those whose nectaries – the true Continued on page 44

OFFER OF THE MONTH!!!

Free delivery on all everhot cookers ordered in January worth £420.00

Please visit our showroom to really appreciate these wonderful cookers.

To book an appointment, or require any further information contact us at 01747 811 141 ~ info@melburystone.co.uk West Melbury Farm, Shaftesbury, SP7 0LX

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

43

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

Welcome to Wooden Gate Makers!

BEAUTIFUL WOODEN GATES & GARAGE DOORS

Wooden Gate Makers supply a wide variety of styles in both hardwood and softwood from our workshop in Poole, Dorset.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE. 01202 670770

sales@woodengatemakers.co.uk Unit 1, Slader Business Park, Witney Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, BH17 0GP

www.woodengatemakers.co.uk

Multi-Award Winning

TREE & STUMP

REMOVAL SERVICES

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

Call Now 07305 070870

Our 5

Promise!

Fully Insured Fully Qualified Smartly Dressed Site Left Clean Guarantee

www.nomorestumps.co.uk

Tree Tree Surgery.

Surgery. Reductions.

Reductions. Felling.

Felling.

Hedge Trimming.

Stump Grinding.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding.

Woodchip Woodchip supplies. supplies.

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

44

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Home & Garden Continued from page 42 petals in the centre of a flower – are the colour of egg yolks. There are those bespattered with deep red spots that stain the centre of primrose-yellow flowers. And black-flowered forms that are made even more desirable by a subtle blue cast to the petals.

Double flowers abound.

Many have deeply muddled ‘petals’ in delicious shades of apricot and pink.

Others with blackberry-red pom-poms or sprinkled with raspberry spots.

And those with double white petals splashed with cherry-red. They are all great attention seekers.

The truly double flowers have convoluted nectaries amid single outer ‘petals’. The complicated structure of the flower is all the better to be admired and enjoyed when a finger is placed beneath its ‘chin’ and its ‘face’ is lifted up.

What a delight greets the

blackmorevale.net gardener. And at this time of year, every flower is worth a second look.

Oriental hellebores need very little maintenance once they have been planted in deep, rich soil in the shade. At the turn of the year, it is worth cutting off the old, over-wintered leaves to prevent the transference of black-spot and other fungal diseases from the old leaves to the new. This treatment makes the flower stems slightly shorter and thus prevents any wind damage in exposed positions.

But in my experience, it also thwarts those naughty little mice who hide beneath the old leaves, and the moment you have turned your back they nip off the flower-heads and leave them lying about. The mental vision of mice tossing the flowers to their loved ones brings a smile to the face. It’s almost worth the damage to the decapitated flowers.

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved ESTABLISHED 1988

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

Call for a free quote

01747 820234

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

HONDA HRD 536 21 inch cut VGC £525 07926 850778 CURTAINS AND BLINDS MADE TO MEASURE Curtain alterations Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

For all your fencing and decking needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

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

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

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

HASKELL FENCING All types of fencing supplied and fitted. We also have a mini-digger for hedge removal if required Blandford 07751 001515 DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •

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

Treecare Co. Tree Specialists

TREE STUMP REMOVAL Pruning, bracing, shaping.

Preservation of mature trees.

Hedge cutting. Trees supplied & planted.

Landscaping & maintenance.

Heavy duty winch hire available.

Tree Surgery BS.3998 Contractors to local authorities.

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

At TreeCare we care...

RE-UPHOLSTERY, LOOSE COVERS, Curtains and Dressmaking. Clothing repairs-new zips etc. Jan Nightingale 01258-454215 E; woolley.night2019@outlook.com LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Seed potatoes, Fruit Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Large selection of; stoneware, terracotta and glazed pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513 LES BENHAM Garden Property Maintenance All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net KING SIZE WOODEN BED frame with headboard.

Cream in colour. Excellent condition. Buyer to collect from Bradford Abbas. £99.

07850 277725

WOODBURNERS, NEW, USED, EX-DISPLAY. Discounted/bargain prices.

Wessex Wood Burners.

01747-853110

2 INDUSTRIAL UNITS FOR RENT Approx 1800 sqft each 3 phase possible Melcombe Bingham 07725 910364

WANTED Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

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

Please call Trevor 07970 012130

WELL ROTTED MANURE £60.00 a transit load.

Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY. A Local Family Run Business, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street Gillingham Dorset SP84AP All types of Flooring, Domestic and Commercial. Contact Chris.07885273470 Email husseyflooring @gmail.com

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5ton digger, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034

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

Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared.

Licensed waster carrier. Fully insured.

Tel: 01747 850129 Mob: 07951 284639

(Established 1997)

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

COUNTRY BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES

Rural, garden & agricultural itembought & sold

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301 OUTDOORS TREES R US

Book Online

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

classified@ blackmorevale.net

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

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net GOOD QUALITY DRIED BARN STORED WOOD FOR SALE Also any garden clearance. For more information please contact Andy 07773 254174

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS Small and Large Loads Tel: 07973 871708 Evenings: 01935 825506

SEASONED LOGS DRY BARN

Tree Surgeons TREE WORK

45

ASH DIE BACK SPECIALISTS LANDSCAPING

Fencing Patios Sleeper walls All hard landscaping

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

20 miles radius of Sherborne

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

Tel: 01747 822537 Mob: 07554 654982

46

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net Thank you for your continued support as Ben Johnson Garden Machinery was acquired by Tidbury Judd Ltd on 1st July 2023. Advertisement Feature

NOW is the best time to book in your

lawnmower, strimmer, hedge cutter, chain saw, winter service, as well as sharpening your hedge cutter blades and chainsaws.

In most cases your machine will be service/repaired or sharpened within 7 days.

20% discount when you present this advert by 19th February 2024.

Call us today, on 01747 851021 to book in or come and see us at our newly refurbished showroom.

Seasonal plants, Compost, Gifts & Lifestyle shop, + all your gardening essentials!

Ian Tidbury, Rob & Steve Judd, brother/brother in laws) purchased in the 30-year established local garden & arborist machinery sales, repair and service company. They are delighted to be working alongside Ben and the team as they further develop the business, ensuring you will still see familiar faces when you visit the recently refurbished showroom in Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury.

Ian said ‘We are eager to provide a range of New & refurbished equipment to suit all budgets alongside a prompt return for repairs and services to lawn mowers, hedge-trimmers, blowers, chainsaws etc. and of course, sharpening of blades. We continue to stock the Cub Cadet, Weibang, Echo, Ego, Stihl, Oregon and Cobra and have a great support from our suppliers. Many clients are already enjoying the flexibility of collection & delivery to their business or home and the extended opening hours 8-5pm Monday - Friday plus 8 midday Saturdays. Our expertise varies from business management to nearly 30 years of hands-on repairs from specialist tree surgeon petrol Stihl machines, ride on mowers to smaller battery tools, even a go-kart and quad bike repair now and again!

Lesley, Jonathan, Andy, Martin and Ben all remain working under the new TidburyJudd company name and while keeping a focus on the clients and their equipment as the primary priority we do have some fun too!

We would love to welcome more customers to the showroom to meet in person and talk about upcoming projects, machines that need a bit of attention and/or servicing and sharpening requirements. and are offering 20% discount for those bringing in a copy of this BVM article up to 17th February 2024 so they can be ready for the spring garden tasks with the machinery needed all in good working order.’

TidburyJudd Ltd can be contacted by calling in at Wincombe Business Park (adjacent to Johnsons Cleaners) or by telephone 01747 851021 or email tidburyjudd@gmail.com as well their website www.tidburyjudd.com and both Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Secret Garden Café

NEWLY REFURBISHED FOR 2024!

NEW MENU ALSO AVAILABLE NOW

Events on all year!

Half-Term crafts for children. Workshops & More!

Visit the ‘what’s on’ page on our website for details!

Find us near Mellowes Care Home, Common Mead Lane, Wyke, Gillingham, SP8 4RE 01747 822242 | www.thorngrovegardencentre.co.uk and follow us on social media

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

47

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net High quality, traditionally made furniture.

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

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

ON ORDERS PLACED BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY

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

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

.com

WINTER OFFER 1 20% off wing chairs (not inc fabric/leather)

WINTER OFFER 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@huntforestgroup

AUTHORISED DEALER

48

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

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

CALL NOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL QUOTATION

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

REPLACE FENCE PANELS AND REPAIRS. Due to storm weather. Tel 07716-207150

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076

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

Charliecarlyleive@gmail.com

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

Free estimates.

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

General builder

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

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

Book online: blackmorevale.net Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

49

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624 Free consultation

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

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

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

www.dorsetwood.co.uk

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

Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

djwelsh@btinternet.com

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

Dorset Lime Ltd Traditional builders specialising in older and listed properties Call Dave Welsh 07492181788 or 07838654468 www.dorsetlime.uk

Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

LTD

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP

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

dorsetlime@gmail.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

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

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

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

with

50

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL Book Online

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

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

classified@ blackmorevale.net

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

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

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

ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings.

Repairs. Restoration.

01258 880301

PROPERTY DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT/ refurbishment and renovation.

Call Tim 07793 837073

M&S CONTRACTORS. Purbeck stone masons.

Walling, extensions etc.

Carried out to high standards.

Tel: 07983-878110 or 07957-901137

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

Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com C.BRISTOW & SON PROPERTY CARE INTERIOR & EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS 30 Years Experience No Job Too Small 07539 497828/ 07931 907157 Cbristowsonspropertycare.co.uk

07968 968 869 Wincanton

J&C Handyman Services

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

No job too small. Please call with your requirements.

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

J.SHAW EXPERTS IN STONEWORK, BRICKWORK, RENDERING, PAVING & DRIVEWAYS AS WELL AS TIMBER BUILDINGS. ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING UNDERTAKEN. 07920 514403 KEVIN MITCHELL PROPERTY SERVICES Property maintenance, refurbishments, brickwork,stonework, carpentry, ceramic tiling, painting,decorating, City & Guilds qualified, free estimates, no VAT, Gillingham 01747 824664 or 07957882003 kevin.mitchell63@yahoo.co.uk

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

Now available... Rockery Stone

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

EV Car Installations

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

T F PLANT

Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied

Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected.

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

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

01747 826107

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

Building Construction Specialists

CHIMNEYS K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing.

01749 677440 - 07921 074602 solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

Home extensions | Barn Conversions Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes Project Management Established over 40 years Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280 E: andy@sandsltd.biz w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

From Only

£55

CARPETS JAYS CARPETS Specialist Wood Burner Installation Co.

JAYS CARPETS FREE ESTIMATES Open 7 days week Supply/fit Carpets Vinyls Underlay Gripper Doorbars Next Day Fitting Available

ur

Place yo

IFIED CLASS ADS

TODAY!

Professional with over 20 years experience.

www.jayscarpets.com 07790340846

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) CCTV

01258 455251

Tel: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

Building and plastering jobs undertaken all at affordable prices No chimney no problem Twin wall bespoke metal chimney systems Chimney stack rebuilds, repair, leak fix Relining flexible liner existing stove installations False fireplaces Professional and highly recommended company with 5-star reviews

classified@blackmorevale.net

CHIMNEYS MARTIN SIMMONDS CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional 07368 250305, 01747 590799

51

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer.

Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

B SNOOK CHIMNEYS Problem chimneys solved.

Brush and Vacuum. Also replace chimney pots and bird guards. Insurance cover £5 million. Donhead 01747 828904

Call now for a free survey and advice.

07521647885 WWW.STOVEANDCHIMNEYSOLUTIONS.COM

52

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

CLEANING

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED

01963 400186

COMPUTERS & TECH DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

Joseph Crocker Computers Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices General computer and IT advice

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/ Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713

Get connected. Stay connected.

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

COUNTRY CARPENTRY Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570 GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073

Painting & Decorating Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

35 Years Experience FREE Estimates. No VAT

Call Richard on

Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

GARETH TANNER G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com PHILIP STIRK Painting, Decorating & Property Maintenance Free Quotations/No VAT Tel. 01747 825725 or mob: 07984 524446 Email: philipstirk@btinternet.com LJB CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES. Extensions, loft conversion, garden make-over, office removals, rubbish clearance. Mere VAT registered.

07543 814320. ljbcarpentry@ qualityservice.com

LES BENHAM

Painting Services, Property Maintenance, Domestic/ Commercial Inside or Out, Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk /checkatrade

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

John Banham’s

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Call me now on 07805 783147

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Office: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

53

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

MUSIC

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

PROPER DOMESTICS APPLIANCE REPAIRS & INSTALLATION

PEST CONTROL Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos.Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with.

All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken.

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

01747 416059

www.properdomestics.com

Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

GENEALOGIST

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

GENEALOGIST SERVICES Seeking the roots of your family?

Experienced Genealogist now available to do the digging.

Call Tony 01425 838184 tony.green.agas@outlook.com

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

FOR WATER LEAKS, new services and drainage problems call REAL UTILITIES for a free quote 07824 859627

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

BLANDFORD DRAINS

D&T Plumbing and Heating

Family business Established 1996

Sectional Doors / Roller Doors / Up and Over Side Hinged / Personnel Doors Spares & Accessories Installation / Servicing Automation / 2 into 1 Conversions Insulated Garage Doors Call 01963 363782 or 01258 472830 www.dorsetgaragedoors.co.uk

MOTORING SERVICES

Stonehenge Services 1/8:Layout 1

11/8/22

15:15

Page 1

ELECTRIC MOTOR REWINDS AC, DC, Traction & EX Motors Generator Sales, Service & Repairs Pump & Gearbox Repairs Brook Motor & Control Gear Stockists

Unit 4 Faraday Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7NR

TEL 01722 414161

www. stonehengeservices.co.uk

SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

01258 452500

Classified advertising

place your ad today

email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

FRANKS

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG MAINTENANCE GROUP •General Plumbing •Bathrooms Installations, •Landlord Certification servicing and •Solid Fuel Stove maintenance Installation and

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

LTD

CCTV SURVEYS

LTD

S TONEHENGE SERVICES

Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

DRAIN UNBLOCKING

54

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE Book online: blackmorevale.net

Septic Tanks, Treatment Plants & Soakaways

FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services 24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

Problems with your sewage system?

Need to replace your septic tank?

Speak to your local experts 01747 823731 or 07970 484890

OKEFORD HEATING LTD

• PROFESSIONAL • TRUSTED • RELIABLE •

Established 1980

www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk

• OIL AND GAS HEATING INSTALLATIONS • • BOILER REPLACEMENT AND SERVICING • • LANDLORD’S GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATES • • BESPOKE PLUMBING AND BATHROOM DESIGN •

Shaftesbury 01747 812335 Mobile: 07971 865496 123456 128053

email: okefordheating@yahoo.co.uk

500285

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

General Plumbing Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

•Sinks • Toilets • Sewers • Downpipes • Installation of new drains • Manholes and gully’s • Repairs to existing drains • CCTV Surveys • HP Jetting • No dig Relining

Call David: 01747640188 07587238563

Services • Plumbing & Heating • Complete Bathrooms & Shower Rooms • Tiling • Mobility, Shower Rooms • Boilers Repair & Upgrades • All Gas Work Undertaken • ( Landlords & Safety Certification )

Please contact our friendly team today!

07507179205 ROOFING

VALESIDE ROOFING

All Aspects Of Roofing Undertaken Based in Wincanton Contact Chris Find us on Tel: 07931 583614 valesideroofing@hotmail.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ROOFING

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE Clive Smith Waste Transfer Note.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2020 09:33 Page 1

Clive Smith Ltd.

Book Online

SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE Waste Transfer Note

Smiths Triangle, Fifehead, St Quinton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AW (Also disposal site) www.clivesmithskips.co.uk Email: clivesmithskips@hotmail.co.uk

classified@ blackmorevale.net

Tel: 01258 860 166 Mobile: 07974 822243 Waste Carriers Number: CBDU112820 Permit Number: EPR/JB3101KP VAT Reg Number: 634 6316 44

Ticket No:

PLEASE NOTE

Date ________________ ALL AREAS COVERED ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OF SKIP PLEASE RING

Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

CUSTOMERS ORDERING VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRANSPORT AN OVERLOADED SKIP, THIS INCLUDES BOARDS TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD. THE DRIVER MAY REFUSE TO REMOVE AN OVERLOADED SKIP AND/OR AN EXTRA CHARGE WILL APPLY TO COVER COSTS.

• No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids

PLEASE NOTE

• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork

55

CLIVE SMITH Vehicle Registration Customer

(See Condition 17 overleaf).

Driver

Address

ANYTIME

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 S.I.C Code: 38110

Tom the Roofer I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

170101

DELIVERY

6 Yrd

Soil & Stone

170504

8 Yrd

G Mixed Waste

170904

EXCHANGE

WHITE - OFFICE

Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com

DATE

COLLECTION

SIGNATURE ________________________________

YELLOW - CUSTOMER

Contact us to advertise

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (SEE REVERSE)

01963 400186

Rob’s Clearance • • House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed

• Recycling carried out • Good/interesting items bought for cash • Friendly and reliable

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

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

TILING

Call: 07788 724616 or 01935 712046

170107

Concrete

PRINT NAME __________________________________

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD

Electrics Plumbing Painting/Decorating Tiling Email: Charles.white40@aol.co.uk

Mixed Con, Brick

4 Yrd

RUBBISH REMOVAL, house removal, license waste carrier, call Lee on: 07543 814320

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Inside/Outside work

Description

2 Yrd

By signing this form I confirm I have fulfilled my duty to apply the Waste Hierarchy as required by Regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

THE HANDYMAN

Skip Size

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Expand your customer base

call to advertise

01963 400186

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

.com

WINDOWS & DOORS BLACKMORE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Locally based company in Stalbridge with 25 years experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS

56

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

Destination: Laycock Cider Barn

Award-winning taste and local produce, hitting all the right notes...

Advertising feature

Situated in a classic Dorset barn at Church Farm, Purse Caundle, Angelo Ferrari’s Laycock Cider is going from strength to strength. From sowing the seed and producing award-winning cider, the Barn has turned into a destination.

Live music and events attract musicians and audiences from the surrounding areas for a super atmospheric evening.

Reasonably priced hot food is available along with a well-stocked bar. What is also great is that there is plenty of parking space.

Recently a café and well stocked farm shop has been added selling fresh local produce and a range of gifts, and hampers.

Why not come along have a fresh coffee with a slice of homemade cake before choosing your groceries!

And don’t forget our fabulous locally crafted Laycock Cider!

Lovingly grown and handcrafted Cider from Dorset, and so much more...

Multiple award-winning local ciders, vinegars & juices

Ciders available in bottle, bags and boxes and at our Barn Bar with hot food!

Plus now fresh local produce in our farm shop!

07730 452 426 shop@laycockcider.co.uk

Laycock Cider, Church Farm, Purse Caundle, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5DY

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

57

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

Liquidised burger no food for baby

by Barbara Cossins LET’S make 2024 the year we increase education for everyone, on how to eat healthily, seasonally, locally and keep to a sensible budget.

We need to keep sending the vital message out that eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for a long and happy life.

This is especially true for families with young children and, of course, the elderly, who always benefit from eating well.

Food full of real nutrients, from fresh, well-reared meat and fish, plenty of vegetables and fruit wherever possible, and nuts as a great extra.

It is staggering that in 2023, the number of children being treated for rickets significantly

increased. This is traditionally an ‘old’ illness, one caused by a lack of vitamin D from not receiving enough sunlight or eating sufficient calcium-rich foods.

I was talking to a nurse friend of mine last summer and she told me about a young mum weaning her child from milk onto solid foods. This young mum didn’t know how to cook and didn’t know where to start in feeding proper food to her infant.

Instead, she went to a fast-food chain, bought a burger, took it home, liquidised it and fed it to her baby. I am sure this has happened many times over, but ultra-processed foods are not what the next generation needs at the start of their young lives. n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local, www. lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk; Rawston Farm Butchery, www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; The Langton Arms, www. thelangtonarms.co.uk.

Enford

Farm Shop Durweston DT11 0QW

Half a pig approx £130.

Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more.

Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

01258 450050

Happy New Year from... THE CLOCKSPIRE The Clockspire reopens on 10th January

Ready, ‘Set’, Go! Join us in January as we unveil a new set menu offering exceptional flavour and extraordinary value - and start the new year in style.

2 courses £22.00 • 3 courses £28.00

Time for tea?

Our Classic Afternoon Tea returns from 10th January with a selection of delightful finger sandwiches and sweet treats, served with your choice of loose-leaf tea - or a glass of something special if you fancy it!

Please note - The Clockspire will be closed from 1st January to 9th January for a New Year ‘glow-up’.

We will still be taking online bookings during this period, and look forward to welcoming guests again from Wednesday 10th January.

Afternoon Tea £30.00

2024 Scan me to find out more about The Clockspire

It’s an exciting new year ahead, so make sure you’re on our mailing list and be first to hear about forthcoming events and special offers from The Clockspire! Scan the QR code or visit our website to sign up.

01963 251458 • www.theclockspire.com Gainsborough, Milborne Port, Sherborne DT9 5BA

58

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Why it’s right to sometimes say ‘no’

by Alice Johnsen

A CONVERSATION with a friend over the Christmas holidays got me thinking about the gap between what others want us to do and what we want to do with our lives and how that difference can create a difficulty in a professional or personal relationship.

That difficulty can cause other difficult feelings to ripple out. To feed guilt or knock down our confidence. To make us question how we are living our lives. Should we be doing the ‘thing’ our loved one, friend or colleague wants us to do?

Why do we not want to do it?

For the sake of clarity and example, let’s imagine someone wants us to take on an additional role, something voluntary for a local charity. In theory it’s a good idea and in theory you could fit it in but, but – it doesn’t sit right with you somehow, at this moment.

As I write I am reminded of how I help people struggling

with imposter syndrome. One of the key things we look at is the whole picture versus the iceberg. No-one sees the whole picture of us except perhaps ourselves.

So when we think other people are better prepared, more deserving, more capable, we must remind ourselves we do not know their whole story and we don’t really know how they feel when they look at us.

It’s the same with resisting the influence or encouragement of others to ‘get involved’ or ‘take on a new challenge’ when it doesn’t feel right. Only we know truly why it doesn’t feel right or why we want to say no.

I think this is particularly the case for women. Women find it difficult to turn things down, to say ‘no thanks, not for me at the moment’. Women also find it really hard to prioritise their needs or wants above their family’s.

Years of running family life around the children or, in many

Women find it difficult to turn things down, to say ‘no thanks, not for me at the moment’, says Alice Johnsen PHOTO: Adobe Stock

cases, fitting in around the needs of the main bread winner, makes putting themselves first feel awkward, selfish and wrong. If this sounds like something you go through, try asking yourself what example you set by not occasionally prioritising yourself.

So, as we step into 2024, maybe the thought I’m offering

Bitter-tasting mix can stop a cold in its tracks

by Fiona Chapman

LOTS of nasty colds were knocking around at Christmas and over new year. Everyone I have spoken to seems to have suffered. It is so horrible having a bad cold as you are expected to go on but can feel dreadful, as well as sad and depressed, wondering if you will ever feel happy and well again.

Of course, low mood is not helped by the incessant rain we have been having.

My mother is suffering. I had to remind her to take my cold mix, which, she says, is brilliant for stopping a cold in its tracks or, if it has got hold of you, mitigating it and recovering much quicker. All my family are made to drink it as soon as they start to sniffle.

Echinacea purpura is the

main ingredient, which is excellent at stimulating phagocytosis – the ingestion of foreign particles like bacteria, fungus or viruses. It increases white blood production, which will help to fight the infection.

Astragalus membranaceous is brilliant for immunity as it increases production of killer cells and antibodies, all extremely important for fighting off colds.

Thymus vulgaris – thyme – is antimicrobial and extremely

Echinacea is easy to buy in most health food shops and can help with a cold if you can’t find all of the herbs in Fiona Chapman’s mix PHOTO: Adobe Stock

good for the respiratory system, with the volatile oils being strongly antiseptic, which helps to stop infections getting past the mouth.

Inula helenium – the Elecampane – another herb that is antimicrobial and particularly good for the lungs.

Glycyrrhiza glabra – liquorice – is soothing to the respiratory tract. It also takes the herbs where they need to go and harmonises their effect.

Last, but not least, is an

is if we are honest with ourselves and true to what we feel is right for ourselves now, if we are acting with kindness and genuine ambition, we should stick to our guns and resist the distraction and encouragement of others when it does not feel right. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne (07961 080513; alicejohnsen.co.uk). extremely bitter herb, Andrographis paniculate, which is a very powerful immune herb and good in acute infections.

It is not a particularly pleasant-tasting mix – there is lots of complaining – with the Echinacea making the tongue fizz and the bitter Andrographis, but take 5ml every two hours in water and it can really help.

It is always better to stop, if you can, and have a hot bath, drink mint, elderflower and yarrow tea, go to bed and sweat the whole thing out. Drink lots of filtered water at room temperature and try not to eat too much, so the body can concentrate on fighting the cold and infection rather than digesting food.

If all these herbs are not easy to come by, just take Echinacea, 5ml every two hours – it is easy to buy in most health food shops. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist, email Pellyfiona@gmail.com.

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Meditations in nature: Counting the cost of what we have lost

by Susanna Curtin THE first snowdrops are in bloom, and the days are beginning to lengthen as the sun’s arc gently rises in the sky.

I should be feeling happy striding along this tree-lined path but, sadly, my joy of being out in this clear January air is blighted by the amount of rubbish in the verges made visible by winter’s lack of vegetation.

It seems that wherever us humans venture, we leave a disgusting trail of debris. There is discarded waste along our highways, in our waterways, on the beaches, in the oceans, on mountain tops, on farmland and in woodlands – practically everywhere I walk I encounter it.

Our society produces so much waste we can no longer manage its disposal. There is neither the human will nor the infrastructure, and plastics particularly are ubiquitous.

From their production to their disposal, plastics damage human, animal and plant health, and cause immense amounts of waste in our ecosystems. Every time someone drops a piece of plastic they are introducing highly toxic chemicals into the soils, then into our waterways

and then into the ocean.

Radiation from sunlight breaks this plastic down into microplastics, which then enter into plants, water, birds, fish and animals, some of which we ourselves consume.

In 2022, in the Netherlands, scientists detected microplastic pollution in 80% of human blood samples for the first time – their toxicity capable of damaging human cells. When will we as a species recognise that we are part of this ecosystem and whatever we do to the environment, we are ultimately doing to ourselves.

As I walk along this wellused and loved track, I find it hard to understand how anyone can just casually discard their rubbish, leaving it all to rot in an environment that we know is already at tipping point. Is it that they do not care, have they lost all hope, or are they just not interested or invested in nature and the wildlife that lives here, too? What is happening? I would dearly love to know.

Most people I encounter here in this Dorset town seem to like

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

the beauty of our countryside, yet few understand just how depleted it is. Yesterday, I read the UK State of Nature report for 2023, and it is sobering reading. This annual report is based on biodiversity data collected each year by leading conservation organisations and then compared to previous data collected over the last 50 years.

Analysts can then map the changes in abundance and distribution of species.

Sadly, it is a story of decline which concludes that the UK is now one of the most naturedepleted countries on Earth.

Does this matter? I think so.

Wild bird populations are a particularly useful barometer. Data presented by the RSPB for 2023 is equally discouraging – starlings down 82% since 1979, chaffinches reduced by 69%, the song thrush, one of our greatest songbirds, down 80%, and robins, traditionally a stronghold, reduced by 24%.

All told, they claim that we have lost 38 million birds from our skies in the last 60 years. As

a lifelong nature lover, I do not need data to tell me this.

Growing up I would see large flocks of lapwing, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch, bullfinch, linnets, starlings and corn buntings on our farmlands.

They were in abundance, but now when I venture out, I don’t expect to see anything. I do see birds, because I know where to look, but I still have to look closely to find them. Flocks are few and far between and the numbers in them only a fraction of what they once were. And I feel this loss, not just for me but for my first tiny granddaughter.

What planet will she and her children inherit?

Turning for home, I try and raise some optimism. I truly believe that nature can recover but it needs our help to do so.

Governments, politicians, industry, non-governmental organisations and each and every one of us may have to rethink the way we live and behave. A healthy environment is so important to our wellbeing, we simply cannot thrive without it. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).

SMART PHYSIO Treatment in your own home!

SMART PHYSIO

 Jacqueline

Bad back? Stiff neck?

Aching knee? Stiff Hip? Bad ankle? Shoulder pain?

07596 477222 help@physiocentre.co.uk for an appointment

C Q C - Care Quality Commission Registered

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.

59

Centre

60

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

This Year, LiveWell Start your journey to a healthier you Make this your year, the year of a healthier you. Better health is in your hands – only you can make the changes that will change your life: losing weight, quitting smoking, becoming more active or drinking less alcohol. But did you know LiveWell Dorset can help? Make the most of this amazing

free service available to every Dorset adult.

Registering takes a couple of minutes and is the first step to becoming the healthiest version of you.

Having support to stay on track with your resolutions can make all the difference.

As weight loss client Fern found: “I began my

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Coaching is one of the most popular choices and involves six sessions with a behaviour change specialist to help you ditch old habits and form healthy new ones.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

61

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net Advertising Feature

GoodOaks Homecare are finalists across four categories at the Home Care Awards 2024!

Local Visiting and Live-in homecare provider GoodOaks have made it through as finalists at the sought after Home Care Awards.

The annual awards set out to pursue examples of expertise in companies

providing homecare in the UK. The HCA looks to celebrate teams who are making a difference and raising standards across the board. GoodOaks entered the following categories and made it through to the final in each one!

Live-in Care Expertise Displaying how the service grew by 50% in one year, with record satisfaction scores and improved outcomes across the service.

Nutrition and Hydration Expertise - 2023 saw collaborations with universities on research projects and other groundbreaking projects to upskill the care sector.

Training and Development

Live-in Care

you can rely on

- Using their care expertise to deliver targeted learning to help people across the sector and those who are caring for a loved one with no experience in care.

Team Support Expertise - Their strategy is to focus on quality, rather than quantity, of locations, with fewer, larger, locations that we can support fully.

Director Ben Ashton commented “Being nominated across four categories is just brilliant - It reaffirms the immense impact of The GoodOaks Way and how we are striving to create the next generation of homecare provider built on partnership, innovation and a deeply held commitment to transform the lives of families across the UK.” GoodOaks provide Live-in and Visiting Homecare to clients in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. For more information please call 01202 125882.

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To find out more call or visit:

01202 125882 enquiries@goodoakshomecare.co.uk goodoakshomecare.co.uk/bournemouth

62

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Motoring

Electric cars £700 a year cheaper to run than petrol versions

DRIVING an electric car could save you around £700 a year, according to a new report.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) says drivers of the top 10-selling petrol cars of 2023 are paying hundreds more a year more to run their vehicles, compared to electric vehicle (EV) equivalents.

Further analysis of the top 10 selling EVs of 2023 showed drivers paid almost £1,300 a year less to run their vehicles than drivers of the equivalent petrol cars, the report added.

In total, more than 300,000 EVs were bought in the UK last

CAR SALES

year – with the number set to rise again in 2024.

And the ECIU’s data highlighted “over the course of their lifetimes, these EVs will generate a total of £5.6bn in savings for their owners, compared to their petrol equivalents”.

In comparison, petrol cars sold in 2023 will cost their owners an extra £7.6bn.

Colin Walker, transport analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “With drivers being hit by a £700 petrol premium, a switch to an EV will see a quick return on the investment made.

blackmorevale.net Electric vehicles can be less expensive to keep on the road, as well as being better for the environment

“Electric car sticker prices are falling, with analysts at Goldman Sachs expecting price parity to be reached by the middle of the decade.

“However, since less than 20% of car sales in the UK are for new vehicles, it’s the growth of the second-hand EV market that is critical if more families are to be able to access the cheaper driving than comes from EV ownership.

“With the ZEV mandate coming in to force next year, more new EVs will be sold which, in turn, will result in more EVs making their way on to the second-hand market in

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk

the years to come.”

Rod Dennis, from the RAC, said: “For many drivers, the idea of considering the total cost of running a car throughout its life, rather than just thinking about the up front cost, might seem like a strange concept, especially for the majority of people who acquire used rather than new cars.

“But as this study shows, when you do the sums, electric vehicles can be so much cheaper to keep on the road, and, of course, there’s also the huge environmental benefits of driving a car that has no tailpipe emissions.”

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2021 (21) Fiat 500X 1.3T Lounge Automatic SUV 5dr. 148bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, cruise control, ½ leather, parking sensors, 12,300 miles ..................................................................£16950 2018 (18) Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Nav 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front screen, hill start assist, 50+mpg, 88,800 miles ..........................£7950 2018 (18) Ford C-Max 1.5TDCi Titanium Nav Automatic MPV Estate 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, heated front screen, 38,800 miles ................£11250 2015 (15) Kia Sportage 1.6GDi 2 SUV 5dr. 133bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, ½ leather, electric sunroof, 59,900 miles ....................................................................£9250 2019 (19) Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 Elite Estate MPV 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, 51,900 miles ....................................................................................£9650 2014 (64) Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6CDTi 2900 L2 H1 LWB Van. 115bhp, 6 speed manual gearbox, ply lined, only 49,000 miles, selling on behalf of a client .............................................................................£8500+VAT = £10200 WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES. CAR SALES

01747 854789

MOT CENTRE

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net RANGE ROVER 2007 diesel, Non runner. Offers.

Tel 0790 161 5234

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

63

Motoring MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, SUNRISE HORSEBOXES SERVICE & INCLUDING boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford.

AND MOTORHOMES MOT CENTRE 01258 450050 / 07704 813025 SUNRISE SERVICE & Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from MOTS, small scratches to complete resprays, MOT CENTRE SERVICING AND REPAIRS UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.

Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Book online: blackmorevale.net Over Over Over 3030 30 years years years experience experience experience

insurance work ON ALL VEHICLES UP welcome.

TO 3.5 TONNES MOTS, INCLUDING HORSEBOXES MOTSSERVICING – class 4,5AND andREPAIRS 7 ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES AND MOTORHOMES Diagnostics INCLUDING HORSEBOXES Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, AND MOTORHOMES from small Air scratches to complete resprays, conditioning Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, insurance work welcome.

Valetsto complete resprays, from small scratches MOTS classwork 4,5 7 MOTs –– class 4, 5 and and 7 insurance welcome.

Courtesy Cars Diagnostics MOTS – class 4,5 and 7 Diagnostics Air Conditioning Collections a 5 mile radius Airwithin conditioning Diagnostics Courtesy Cars Air conditioning Valets Concessions forConcessions Pensioners, for Armed Forces Valets Courtesy Cars and Emergency Services Armed Forces and Emergency Services Courtesy Collections within a 5 Cars mile radius Collections within a 5 mile radius Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services and Emergency Services

Best Best Best prices prices prices paid paid paid please please please call: call: call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk

John’s Caravans

Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs Please call

01747 853114 or 07546 548017

Keeping you on the move...

Grow your business with

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST 15B Sunrise Business Higher Shaftesbury Road 15B Sunrise Business Park,Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 Tel: 01258 459798 Blandford DT11 8ST8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Peacemarsh Garage est. 1997

Peacemarsh, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HB www.peacemarshgarage.co.uk 2016 (16) RANGE ROVER EVOQUE HSE DYNAMIC 69K

£15,995

2013 (13) VW GOLF S TSI CONVERTIBLE 60K

£6,250

2010 (59) VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 ELITE 5DR 61K

£2,995

2010 (59) VW GOLF 1.4TSI 5DR

£3,595

ELECTRIC VEHICLES to discuss advertising in the magazine and online

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01963 400186

2021 (21) DS3 CROSSBACK ULTRA PRESTIGE 12K

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Servicing, Valets, MOTs, Bodywork Hankook & Laufenn Tyre Dealership, Competitive Rates

We don’t buy any car… but we might buy yours

01747 822307

64

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

PUBLIC NOTICES

THANK YOU

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

MYRA MULLINS

Trading as KM Construction (Dorset) Ltd of Hawthorne Cottage, Back street, East Stour, Gillingham, Dorset. SP8 5JY is applying for a licence to use Cowslip Farm, East Stour, SP8 5JW as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailer.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyments of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, s86 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors 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 Commissioner’s office.

Jackie, Nick and Rachel wish to thank all those who attended Mum’s funeral.

Also for the many cards, messages and donations.

LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

DEATHS

IN MEMORIAM Jane Christopher (nee King) It was on 24th January 2023, that the Lord took my Angel from me. She was the most wonderful wife to me, Ray, and special mum to Wendy her daughter, Grandmother to Christopher and Morgan, Jackie, Rob and Gavin and her friend Phil. Missed and loved by everyone that knew her.

Till we meet again my darling.

(Section 17 of the Act)

Name of applicant: Wiltshire Makers CIC Postal address of premises: Unit 45, Old George Mall, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2AF The application, if granted, is to enable the following licensable activities on the Premises Licence: Sale of alcohol (On/Off Sales) – Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 21:00 A copy of the application may be inspected by visiting https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-new-premisesapplications or by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk Any representations by a Responsible Authority/Interested Party or other persons must be received in writing within 28 days of this notice, by email to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or by writing to The Licensing Authority, Wiltshire Council, Public Protection, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. Date of Notice: 8 January 2024 End of Consultation: 5 February 2024 It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction of £5000

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Mr PAUL KIMBER trading as CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES LTD of MANOR FARM BUILDINGS POYNTINGTON, SHERBORNE, DORSET, DT9 HLF is applying to change an existing licence as follows To keep an extra 1 goods vehicles and 1 trailers at the operating centre at MANOR FARM BUILDINGS, POYNTINGTON, SHERBORNE DORSET, DT9 4LF Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) 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.

Representors 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 Commissioner’s office.

MEMORIAL OF TRICIA NEWELL Our beloved Mum passed away on November 19th 2023 In loving memory of her we are holding a memorial to celebrate her life.

Thursday 8th February, The Two Brewers Shaftesbury, 1pm For all those who knew and loved her please join us for a drink and a toast to Tricia. Layla and Laura

Adams, David ‘Chuffy’ of Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury passed away peacefully on Wednesday 27th December, aged 82 years. A dearly missed Husband.

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 24th January 2024 at 11:00am Enquiries to Co-Operative funeralcare, Warminster, Tel: 01985 220 105

RICHARD JOHN PUNTER (DICK) Dick of Hazelbury Bryan sadly passed away at home on 24th December 2023, aged 82 years. Loving Husband, Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad, Brother and Friend.

Funeral Service to take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 at 11.20am, all are welcome. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for Injured Jockey’s Fund and Dorset County Hospital Respiratory Unit, may be sent to Grassby and Close Funeral Services, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, Tel: 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

65

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS HASKELL Gerald Franklynn - ‘Frank’ Peacefully on 23rd December 2023 at Newstone House Care Home, aged 92 years, of Sturminster Newton.

Beloved Husband of Muriel. Much loved Dad of Michael, Malcolm, Bridget and Rachael.

Loving Grandad and Great Grandad. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Thursday 25th January at 11.00am.

No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Frank for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity can be sent c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge BA8 0RB Tel. 01963 362570

Graham Dyke Graham passed away peacefully on December 6th 2023 aged 79 years. Fondly remembered Husband, Father, Pa-Pa, Brother and friend. Thanksgiving service at St John the Baptist Church, Buckhorn Weston on Friday 26th January 2024 at 12noon. Donations in memory of Graham if desired, to “Memory Lane”, c/o The Balsam Centre in Wincanton.

Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

Email: office@peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

HARRIS John James Peacefully on 25th December 2023 at Newstone House Care Home, aged 96 years. Formerly of Grosvenor Road, Stalbridge.

Devoted husband of the late Rene and loving father of the late Steve. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 24th January at 10:00am. No flowers please. Donations if desired, for Macmillan Cancer Support can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity can be sent c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge BA8 0RB Tel. 01963 362570

SARAH THOMAS Died peacefully on 29th December 2023.

Formerly of Maiden Bradley, Penselwood and Zeals Rise.

Widow of Major Tim Thomas.

Funeral at 2pm Wednesday 14th February 2024 at the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Melor, Amesbury.

Refreshments afterwards at Wyndham Hall. All Welcome.

No flowers. Donations to The Woodland Trust and Maiden Bradley Church c/o Will Case & Partners, 31 Salisbury Street, Amesbury, SP4 7AW

PETER ROBERT GRAY SHAKERLEY Anne Charlotte (nee Brickell) On 4th January 2024, aged 77 years.

Dearly loved wife of the late John and cherished mum of Caroline, Nicola and Samantha. Much loved by Nev, Lee, Rob and her eight grandsons. Funeral service at Forest Parish Church, Guernsey on Thursday 1st February at 11am.

Relatives and friends kindly accept this intimation.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Anne may be sent to the PSPA (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association) www.pspassociation.org.uk

MEADEN DOROTHEA MAY (DORIS) Aged 98 years of Wincanton. Formerly of Castle Cary.

On 29th December 2023. Peacefully at Cary Brook.

A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Funeral Service at St Andrew’s Church, Ansford on Wednesday 24th January at 12noon, followed by private interment in Castle Cary Cemetery.

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Doris are being invited for Dementia UK and Cary Brook Comforts Fund. C/O Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367

Peter Passed away on the 21st December 2023.

Peter was much loved, and will be sadly missed by all.

Peter’s Funeral is taking place on the 26th January 2024 at St Michael’s Church, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6DS at 2pm.

Donations, if desired, to be made at the service, as Church donations. Any enquiries, please contact Bracher Brother’s Funeral Directors on 01747 822494

HUTCHINGS Christine (Chris)

Passed away peacefully on the 10th January 2024, aged 72 years at Dorset County Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Much loved wife of Tony, loving mum of Shaun, Kim, Bobby and Danny and a beloved daughter of Hazel.

She will be dearly missed by the grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brothers and sister and will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Funeral Service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 31st January at 11.20am.

Family flowers only please but donations, if desired, for Macmillan Cancer Support may be given at the Service, online at dorchesterfunerals.com or sent c/o Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors, Down House, Widcombe Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3BS.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS WEST Anthony James - ‘Tony’

BERRY Joyce

Peacefully on 2nd January 2024 in Yeovil District Hospital, aged 79 years, of Gillingham. Devoted and adored Husband of Meryl. Dearly loved Dad to Adrian and Suzanne, loving father-in-law to Bonnie and Lee. Much loved Grandad to Zac, Finlay, Dylan and Alfie. A gentle soul who will be dearly missed. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 23rd January at 10:00am.

No flowers please. Donations if desired, for Gillingham & District Angling Association can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity can be sent c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ. Tel. 01747 833757

Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on 24th December, 2023, aged 89 years.

Much loved wife to Leslie (Les).

She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael’s Church, Over Compton on Tuesday 30th January, 2024 at 11.30am.

Donations in memory of Joyce for Yeovil Hospital Charity may be sent c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. (Please make cheques payable to the charity)

SHEPPARD DOROTHY ENA Wife of the late Gerald Alfred Sheppard. passed away on Saturday 30th December 2023 at Salisbury Hospital, aged 88 years.

Funeral service will be held at Haycombe Crematorium on Monday 22nd January 2023 at 1.00pm.

Family flowers only.

Donations to The D&S Air ambulance and RNLI All enquires to: William Adlam Funeral Directors, 68a Locks Hill, Frome, BA11 1NH, Tel: 01373 452100

POFFLEY Colin Froome (of Bruton) Terry, Barry, Sally and Richard wish to thank those who attended Colin’s requiem funeral service on Thursday 4th January. We would also like to thank all those who have kindly donated in memory of Colin to Mary’s Meals and also Diabetes UK. It was truly comforting to receive so many cards and letters of sympathy and we are very grateful for those.

Donations may still be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

Please make cheques payable to the charity.

John Ballard On 4th January 2024 peacefully at home aged 80 years. Much loved husband, dad, grandad and great grandad.

He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral service will take place at Poole Crematorium on Friday 26th January at 1pm.

Family flowers only but donations to Brain Tumour Research can be made c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Directors, 28 East Street, Blandford, DT11 7DR. Tel 01258 453425

COTTON Stella Of Shaftesbury We are sad to announce the death of Stella Cotton, who passed away 31st December 2023, wife of the Late Nigel Cotton.

A funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Friday 26th January at 2pm for any friends to attend.

To make a donation to RNLI in memory of Stella please see her tribute page at https://stellacotton.muchloved.com/ or send a cheque made payable to: RNLI c/o Co-Operative Funeral care, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BS, Tel: 01747 858968

In loving memory of Brian Richard Ridout of Holwell, who peacefully passed away at Yeovil Hospital on January 5th, 2024 at the age of 86. Brian’s enduring love and wisdom left an indelible mark on the hearts of his children, Rupert and Tracey, grandchildren, brother, sister, nieces, nephew, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We take comfort knowing he will join his late wife, Helen. He will be dearly missed.

The funeral has already been held. If you’d like to make a donation to the British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK, please visit the Tributes & Donations page on https://www.peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk/.

TAYLOR Winifred Jean Known as Jean, formerly of Shaftesbury. Passed away peacefully at the Malthouse, Gillingham on 29th December 2023 aged 102.

A tremendous lady who will be greatly missed by her nephews David, Jonathan, Neil, Paul and all her family.

Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 30th January 2024 at 12:00 midday.

No flowers please. Donations, in Jean’s memory, for Cancer Research UK, can be made at the service, online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or by cheque, made payable to the charity may be sent c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ

67

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS Haynes Hylda Patricia Passed away peacefully on 1st January 2024, aged 91 years.

Beloved wife of the late John, a loving mother to Phillip and Cecilia, and devoted grandmother to Emma, Christoffer and Dominic She will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Hylda’s funeral service will take place at Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone on Tuesday 23rd January 2024, at 2.30pm, Followed by interment at St. Andrew’s Church, Okeford Fitzpaine.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for The Mare & Foal Sanctuary may be sent c/o Woods Funeral Services, 11a Icen Way, Dorchester. DT1 1EW, Telephone 01305 250425 www.woodsfuneralservices.co.uk

JOHN DRAKE Peacefully on 6th January 2024. John aged 81 years of Gillingham. Dearly loved Husband of June, much loved by all his family. Private funeral service. Donations if desired for Marie Curie (for the Dorset Nurses). C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Betty Ivy Tothill Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on 7th January 2024, aged 95.

Funeral service to be held at on Monday 29th January 12:00 at Salisbury Crematorium.

You are welcome to attend the service and there is no requirement to wear black.

Donations in memory of Betty are for Prostate Cancer UK, this is a charity that was very close to Betty and the family.

If you wish, please leave a donation at the retiring collection at the crematorium or send direct to the charity by using the charity’s website

Proudly serving your local community

01747 860 361

VIOLET MOWLEM ˈViˈ Peacefully on the 25th December 2023 at The Willows, Sherborne. Vi aged 93 years of Stalbridge.

A dearly loved Mum, Nan & Great Nan, and Sister. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday, 22nd January at 1.20pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Julia’s House. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

ELIZABETH SUSAN HOLDAWAY “SUE” Passed away peacefully in her sleep on 7th January aged 81 years. Dearly loved Wife of Reg, Mother to Andrew and Polly, beloved Granny of Thomas and Alice.

A service to celebrate Sue’s life to take place at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Gillingham on the 15th February 2024 at 2pm, followed by an interment at Gillingham Cemerery. Donations if desired towards Versus Arthritis via their website. Flowers if desired or any enquiries please contact Bracher Brothers on 01747 822494

Water Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6DZ

Call us for immediate support, advice, or to find out more about our prepaid funeral plans.

We are here to help 24 hours a day. "

www.lchillandsonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

@

68

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

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Sherborne Tel: Sherborne 01935 816817Tel: 01 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Directors Directors Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Tel: 01 Wincanton Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Pre-payment plans available Choice Choice ofof Hearses Hearses available available including including our our Land Land Rover Rover Hearse Hearse Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available Pre-payment plans Please contact Richard Wakely, or a–member of Service our dedicated –2424Hour Hour Service – – team for any advice or guidanc Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice g Pre-payment plans available Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of ourorde

Newell, Sherborne Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available – 24 Hour Service –Wincanton DT9 4EZ Pre-payment available Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of plans our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Tel: 01935 813479

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Sherborne Sherborne Tel: Tel:01935 01935816817 816817 Pre-payment Please contact plans Richardavailable Wakely, or a member Tel: ofTel: our dedicated team for any advice or gu Wincanton Wincanton 01963 01963 31310 31310

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or available guidance.

Pre-payment Pre-payment plans plans available

Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.

Please Please contact contact Richard Richard Wakely, Wakely, oror a member a member of of our our dedicated dedicated team team forfor any any advice advice oror guidance. guidance.

Lesley Shand, Blandford

Lesley Shand, Corfe Mullen

Ives & Shand, Parkstone

AE Jolliffe & Son, Ferndown

Personalise services in our own on-site ceremony room.

A purpose-built Ceremony Room for funeral services, providing a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Our Ceremony Room can be personalised to reflect the personality and interests of the deceased person, creating a meaningful and memorable farewell, such as: 40-80 PEOPLE

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LESLEYSHAND.CO.UK • 01258 453425

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

69

Sport

blackmorevale.net

Winning start to new year

by Andrew Wallace Clune n Southern Counties South NDRFC 1st XV 30 Swanage & Wareham 8 n Dorset & Wilts 1 South Wimborne 2nds 10 NDRFC 2nd XV 65 NORTH Dorset had to apply themselves for the full 80 minutes to beat Swanage & Wareham, who they hosted in the first match of the new year.

Tom Spinney opened North’s account, barging over for the first try of the match, which Tom Stewart converted.

Stewart extended the lead through a penalty, before Tom Hooper got in on the action and dived over on the back of a strong scrum.

Smart kicking from Robbie Sampson, Ryan Boardwell and Stewart kept North at the right end of the field, the home side going into half-time 15-0 ahead.

Swans started the second half in a flurry with fly-half Jamie Foskett keeping North pinned in their own quarter and dropping a field goal.

Winger Oliver Dillion stood up North’s outside backs to score in the corner and the home side found themselves suddenly under pressure.

Solid defence from Brandon

RUGBY Ward, Pearce Mercer and Spinney, along with hard running by Charlie Lacey and Will Johnson, saw North slowly regain control.

Johnson was held up after a well worked backline move but moments later a carbon copy of the move saw Ryan Boardwell cross the whitewash to give North breathing space.

The game was sealed when man of the match Izaak Romanillos stood up the full back and winger, then carried two over the line for a fantastic solo try to close out the game.

Meanwhile, the Badgers took on Wimborne away, and came home comfortable victors with tries going to Adam Trevis, Jaime Bettesworth, Tom Judd, Toby Davies and Ben Stokes, while Brad Bignell and Tom Ashfield scored two tries apiece.

Tom Rose’s defence in the centre of the park was stand-out, while fly-half Seb Titcombe controlled the game well in the middle.

Richard Miller, Bignell, Trevis and Stokes all had big games in the forward pack, while Tom Judd had a personal points haul of 25 with

conversions and tries. Jaime Bettesworth was man of the match. n Southern Counties South Walcot 1st XV 24 NDRFC 25 n Dorset & Wilts 1 South NDRFC 2nd 21 Bridport 1st XV 17 NORTH Dorset 1st XV travelled to Walcot for a nail-biting game, that saw the visitors cling to a one-point lead when the final whistle blew.

North started well, dominating possession and territory, and drew first blood through a Ryan Boardwell drop goal, before Walcot woke up and scored two tries through great running rugby in open play, both of which were converted.

North struck back just before half-time through a converted try by skipper Charlie Jobling.

Down by one point at half-time, tries to Adam Trevis and Tom Johnson were traded in the second-half with Walcot.

So in the last 90 seconds Walcot were down by six points, and kept attacking North’s line, eventually scoring out wide with no time left on the clock. An errant kick saw North scrape through for the victory.

Adam Trevis returned to the

Rockies share the spoils FOOTBALL

by Avril Lancaster Cowes Sports 2 Shaftesbury 2 Philips, Kelly (pen); Kellaway, Satterley A 75th minute penalty from Connor Kelly salvaged a point for in-form Cowes Sports at Westwood Park.

Goals from Louis Kellaway and Ben Satterley, either side of Fin Philips’ equalising goal for the Yachtsmen, had put the Rockies ahead.

Shaftesbury return to action at the Hythe Garage Stadium

fold for the 1st XV and his strong ball carrying was welcome.

Clever kicking from Boardwell and Tom Stewart saw North find much needed territory, while Brandon Ward tackled himself to a standstill.

Eric Munzero was man of the match for a tireless effort in the front row.

Slaughtergate also witnessed a dogged performance when the 2nd XV accounted for Bridport after finding themselves down by 17 points at half-time.

Coach Mark Poole provided some rousing words at the break, and the Badgers sparked to life, with tries to Brad Bignell, Josh Salisbury and Lewis Munster all being converted by Tom Judd.

The 2nd XV negotiated the last five minutes to keep out the visitors.

Tom Ashfield, who started his first game at full-back, was awarded man of the match. n FUN, friendship and exercise for all ages is promised with walking rugby at Amesbury RFC. New players are welcome and no experience is necessary phone Ros on 07908 675815 or Stuart on 07770 453121.

Swim Fit & Multi-Sport Swimming Club

Coached swimming sessions for junior swimmers with four split ability lanes for: • Swimming for fitness in a relaxed and friendly environment.

OR • Tailored sessions for competitive multi-sport swimmers who want to improve their technique, speed and endurance.

Monthly cost for:

1 session per week: £30 2 sessions per week: £52 3 sessions per week: £65

Session Times:

Monday: 6.45pm to 7.45pm Wednesday: 5.45pm to 7.15pm Friday: 6pm to 7pm

with a trip to Hythe & Dibden on Saturday.

AFC Stoneham made up ground with a 4-0 win at

Bournemouth, so managers Luke Burbidge and Jim Milligan will be looking for three points in Hampshire.

For further information, contact Darren White on Email: darrenwhite644@gmail.com/ Tel: 07778301817

Location: Leweston School, Sherborne DT9 6EN

70

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Pets

blackmorevale.net

RSPCA tips to keep animals safe in the cold ANIMAL welfare charity the RSPCA is urging people to help keep pets, livestock and wildlife happy and healthy this winter.

It has issued tips on everything from the dangers of

anti-freeze and rocksalt, to preventing poisonous gases building up in fish ponds.

Here are the RSPCA’s top tips: n KEEP a close eye on outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs

BUSYPETZ

EVERYTHING FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS Dog, cat and small animal food. Grain-free, vegetarian, frozen, gluten & sugar-free chews, natural treats. Soft toys, leather toys, leads & collars, coats, cool & heat pads, veterinary bedding, shampoo, towels...even microchipping!

Come and get your wild bird food for the winter.

COMPULSARY MICROCHIPPING for Cats & Dogs 2024 – book yours now - call or pop in store

Check-a-chip service is free

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm.

18 Broad Robin, Gillingham SP8 4PJ, opposite the Onestop Parking available. Email: enquiries@busypetz.co.uk Web: www.busypetz.co.uk Facebook: Busypetz Call: 01747 706152

Let us pamper your pet in our luxurious kennels and cattery.

All accommodation has central heating and double glazing to keep our guests confortable. Our dogs are exercised in secure gardens.

Open for boarding 7 days per week from 09.00 am See website for details of opening times.

Out for the Day? Try our day care from 07.30 am.

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KENNELS

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Why pay crazy major pet store prices for quality food?? Our Super Premium is only £40 for a 12kg bag!

Owners; Elaine & Ed Tilley Lattiford, Wincanton, BA9 8AF 0196332104 Email: merrymeet.kennels@btinternet.com Website:www.merrymeetkennels.co.uk

– if the temperature starts to drop below freezing, you may wish to move your bunny inside.

The RSPCA recommends guinea pigs are housed indoors when temperatures are below 15OC (59°F). If you do bring your pets indoors, they still need plenty of time and room to exercise safely. If you have to leave them outside, provide them with lots of extra bedding and make sure their home is protected from adverse weather with insulating but ventilating covers. n ENSURE cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn. You should also ensure the cat’s bedding or sleeping area is warm, dry and away from any draughts. n ANTI-FREEZE and rock salt – often used at this time of year – can be poisonous to pets, so keep any stored products out of their reach. If you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t, speak to your vet immediately. n IF you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking.

Make sure your dog can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily, and that the coat is a good and comfortable fit. n WHEN walking your dog in the dark, or riding your horse, wear reflective clothing and

think about reflective protection for your pet, too. n KEEP your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and make sure their paws don’t get impacted with snow. n IF you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops or runs, then you should protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of additional dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out. Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions, so ensure the birds always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring water does not freeze over. n NEVER house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution if housing them in conservatories. n KEEP bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water and keep feeders clean. n CAREFULLY check any wood or leaf piles for wild animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. If you find wild animals in hibernation, be sure to leave them be. n THE RSPCA advises against keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting their needs when is hard – and more so in very low temperatures. Owners should make sure their dogs have a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source.

CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home.

Jacqui on 07791198679

CAVAPOOCHON PUPPIES ready now. 07790 704653

C.B. Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food

MINI SMOOTH DACHSHUND 4 months old, 07707 646359 COCKER SPANIEL PUPPY. 8 months. Dog. Blue Roan.

Needs loving home. enquiries: 01202-715113

Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/Wildlife Food, Feeders & Accessories Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB

01935 812107

KC REG ENGLISH BULL TERRIERS. White, 3 bitches, 3 weeks old, ready for immediate release. Email: bigoldwessex@outlook.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

Indoor adventures for you and your dog

by Raychel Hill

n Lollipop (11 years). Looking for a rural home with no other pets where her diet can be controlled

n Olaf (five months). Looking for the right home with patience and love

n Bandit (three years). Still a little shy and will need time to settle, but a lovely boy

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 LOST CATS If you have lost a cat please 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.

FOUND CATS If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call. It may be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

RAINY days can put a damper on your outdoor plans with your canine companion. The pitterpatter of raindrops might have your dog looking out the window with longing, but fear not, there are plenty of ways to keep your furry friend mentally and physically engaged indoors. n Treasure hunts: Turn your home into an exciting treasure trove for your dog. Hide treats or their favourite toys in various rooms, and encourage your pup to use their nose to seek out these hidden gems. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate their mental faculties while providing hours of entertainment. Scent games can be great, too. n Puzzle toys: Invest in puzzle toys designed specifically for dogs. These interactive toys challenge your pup to figure out how to get the treats hidden inside. Not only do they keep your dog’s brain active, they also prevent boredom. For example, Lickimats, Kongs, Snuffle mats etc – always supervise your dog with enrichment toys. You can make your own DIY treat-dispensing toys using empty cardboard boxes, muffin tins, plastic milk bottles and towels/blankets.

71

Pets

n DIY obstacle course: Set up a mini obstacle course in your living room using household items like cushions, chairs and blankets. Guide your dog through tunnels, over obstacles and under makeshift hurdles.

This not only keeps them physically active but also reinforces obedience and agility. n Tricks: Rainy days are an excellent opportunity to teach your dog new tricks. Whether it’s mastering a high-five or rolling over, the mental stimulation and bonding time will be invaluable for both of you. n Brain-teasing games: Play brain games with your dog to challenge their intellect. Games like ‘Find the Treat Under the Cup’ or ‘Which Hand Holds the Treat?’ Engage their problemsolving skills and provide mental stimulation. n Tug-of-war: Play a safe game of tug-of-war with your dog using a rope or a Tug-E-Nuff toy. It’s a great way to exercise and bond with them. n Raychel Hill BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CCAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching; www. petpeevessomerset.co.uk.

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

72

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Pets

blackmorevale.net

24

SAT

Free new pet consultations**

Free consultations for wormer & flea treatments**

Home visits

ECG

Pet Health Club™ A money saving monthly plan for dogs, cats & rabbits

Blood Analysis

Veterinary prescriptions (consultation needed)

Ultrasound

Saturday morning consultations

Blood Pressure

Online Booking book appointments online any time

X-Ray

Emergency Cover provided

by Vets Now

Dental Offer* January & February

Cats £185 Dogs £240

Scan the QR code to register your pet

Recruitment Milborne Port Parish Council are seeking to recruit a part-time Facilities Manager/Officer for between 10 and 15 hours a week.

Primary focus will be upon day-to-day running of the Village Hall, responsibilities will include: • support for the Village Hall Committee to include calling of meetings and production of minutes • review of booking requests and liaison with users to confirm use • working with committee members with regard to the management and finances of the Village Hall • identification of opportunities for grants and provision of support in pursuit of these • participation in the Officer team of the Parish Council as needed and agreed This is a new post, suited to a community minded person and will definitely involve weekend work. Remuneration will be based upon Local Government scales, and dependent upon the agreed scope of responsibilities.

May include participation in the Council's pension plan.

Applications including a CV and a short summary of why you would be a good candidate for the position should be submitted prior to 5th February 2024. All enquiries should be addressed to the Milborne Port Parish Council Office at clerk@milbonreportpc.org.uk or Tel: 01963 251268

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED for young family in beautiful Stour Provost house. 7 hours per week. Contact Hugo on 07540 165 078.

HILLS BODY & MOT CENTRE SHERBORNE LEVEL 3 NVQ MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN & MOT TESTER REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE START RATES OF PAY FROM £16.00-£20.00PH CONTACT 01963 251221 GARDENER/GROUNDSMAN sought for large garden near Fifehead Neville. 2 days per week. Adaptable and cheerful person needed to restore a beautiful landscape to its original state and maintain it going forward. Please call 07785 972160

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

73

Recruitment

blackmorevale.net/jobs SKILLED MACHINE/SPRAY OPERATOR St Giles farms is a large arable farm in East Dorset.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, selfmotivated, flexible & willing to take on responsibility.

Main duty’s will be drilling cereal/cover crop with a New JD 6r250 on a sky drill. Spraying with a Chafer interceptor which is equip with PWM. PA 1+2 is essential along with full UK driver’s license. In return there will be a competitive salary in line with experience with the option of accommodation if required.

Please contact andy@stgilesdorset.com

BLACKMORE VALE

JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

Property Developments & Joinery W: builders-south-west.co.uk T: 01963824444 E: info@hhpltd.co.uk

GROUNDWORKER

Experienced. Full time employed position.

Weekly pay. Immediate start available.

Please apply through our Office

Property Developments & Joinery W: builders-south-west.co.uk E: info@hhpltd.co.uk

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Maternity leave cover. Fixed term contract (12 months, open for review at end).

Full time (Mon-Fri, 9-5). Computer literate. Good communication skills.

Working as part of a small team. Punctual & reliable.

General office duties (full job description available on request).

Based Wincanton.

For further information or to apply, please send e-mail/CV through to info@hhpltd.co.uk

Application closing date 5th February 2024

Looking for a new job in primary healthcare? Enjoy being part of a team? We are recrui�ng the following:

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Full �me/part �me will be considered To start as soon as possible

Are you looking to further your career as a pharmacy technician?

This is an interes�ng role that will involve working alongside clinicians to help pa�ents get maximum benefit from their medicines by improving prescribing processes, promo�ng repeat dispensing and online ordering, minimising clinical risk, and aiming to reduce wasted medicines.

The successful candidate must be a registered Pharmacy Technician and will be required to par�cipate in the Primary Care Pharmacy Educa�on Pathway (PCPEP).

Closing date: Friday, 9th February 2024 Interview date: Thursday, 22nd February 2024

CARE NAVIGATOR - 35 hours per week CARE NAVIGATOR SYSTEMS – 20 hours per week To start as soon as possible Working as a Care Navigator you will be part of our busy team providing professional customer care to our pa�ents. This is a pa�ent facing role and whilst previous experience is desirable, training will be provided. As a Systems Care Navigator, we will be looking for experience in using IT so�ware and admin processes. Hours will include an early morning start and a late finish plus one day off in the week.

Closing date: Friday, 9th February 2024 Interview date: To be decided.

Notes for Applicants: Please see our website for further details: Vacancies (gillinghamsurgery.co.uk) Candidates must complete an applica�on via the NHS jobs website: NHS Jobs C.V.s are not accepted.

74

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Recruitment OFFICE MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR PART-TIME (2 posts).

Home Worker/Job share opportunity. Small, friendly company seeks 2 self-motivated individuals for posts of Office Manager (12 hrs pw) or Administrator (8 –12 hrs pw).

Good communication and literacy skills essential.

Microsoft 365, SAGE or similar experience preferred. Renumeration £12 - £18 per hour dependent on role/experience. Email services@safsecon.co.uk with CV

blackmorevale.net/jobs MILLER FENCING LTD Metal parkland fencing installer required. Attention to detail necessary, no experience required. Full driving licence. Physical manual work. Full time. Employed or self employed.

Contact Ben 07879 992354 ben@millerfencing.co.uk

Omnis Mechanical Ltd

Small friendly manufacturing company in Semley, now recruiting for the following Full-time position

- Assembly Technician Will suit someone with an interest in electrical and mechanical assembly, needs a good eye for detail.

Enquiries & Applications - 01747 851060

Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School Independent andForm Day School NurseryBoarding Prep Senior Sixth Society of Heads/CISC /IAPS for The Pupils aged 4 -18 GSA/CISC

TEACHER OF FOOD AND NUTRITION PART-TIME

Driver Required Required September 2024

We are PART seeking TIME, a well-qualified dynamic teacher to TERMand TIME ONLY teach Food and Nutrition to KS2 and/or KS3. Experience of We are seeking to appoint a School Minibus Driver to teaching Food and Nutrition at GCSE or A-level willstart be at the end of August 2018. The role entails driving the an advantage, as will knowledge of the Leith’s Introductory School vehicles on designated routes collecting children in Certificate. the morning and dropping off in the afternoon at prearranged points. You will also assist with some basic This role is for approximately days perfleet. week The (14 hours per maintenance and cleaning 2 of the primary fortnight), the working of which is flexible as we operate qualities sought are a genuine commitment to the welfarea two-week timetable. and safety of young people. You must hold a valid PCV Manual, (D or D1) Licence.

Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Cleaner/Domestic Assistant Required for Immediate Start Full Time or Part Time Hours.

Term time only.

We seek a cheerful, energetic and hardworking individual to be part of the School’s cleaning team. Meals are provided during working hours.

For further details, please contact: Rupert Burnell-Nugent, Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves contact with children and is classed as “regulated activity” by the UK government.

As such, a number of mandated pre-employment checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken to ensure that the successful candidate is suitable for work with children. Additionally, suitability for work with children will be assessed by taking up appropriate references and at interview.

Finally, candidates should be aware that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

For further information and to download an application pack please visit Hours: 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 0630 to 0830 our website: https://www.leweston.co.uk/information/work-with-us

and 1730 to 1930 Term Time only. Rate of Pay: £9.69 per Closing hour plus holiday pay. date: Friday 26 January Interviews will be held: Week commencing Monday 5 February

Leweston is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all Denominations Leweston School Trust is a registered charity number 295175

Please send your CV with the names of two referees to the HR Manager, Leweston School Leweston, Sherborne, DT9 6EN or email: recruitment@leweston.dorset.sch.uk

SITUATIONS WANTED PRIVATE CARER AVAILABLE in Blandford Forum and surrounding areas 07342 752273

LIVE-IN COMPANION/ cook/driver available.

Part-time considered.

Tel: 07967-978558

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Recruitment

blackmorevale.net/jobs

BLACKMORE VALE

JOBS GROUP

75

NOW ON Facebook

CEMETERY GRASS & HEDGE CUTTING Contract to Tender The Churchyard & Cemetery of St John’s Church, Charlton/Ludwell Donhead St Mary Parish Council is interested to receive tenders for a 1 and 3 years contract to maintain this area inline with the current high standards.

Refences will also be required. Any enquires to: clerk@ donheadstmaryparishcouncil.org (best method) Tel: 07940 530090

We are seeking a highly organised and detail orientated individual to join our team.

MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE: Sales order processing Inputting of goods shipments Answering telephone queries Invoicing/Credit Control Taking card payments

A knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts is beneficial To apply please send your CV to sam@brightseeds.co.uk

TRACTOR DRIVER/GFW. WANTED between Wincanton & Bruton. On Dairy and Beef Farm.

Tel: 07812-009364

CLEANER WANTED, Holwell area. 6 hpw 07970 002491 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER VACANCY 16 hours per week – days to be agreed Salary £22,369 - £24,496 (FTE) (NALC SCP 7 – 12) Stalbridge Town Council is seeking to appoint a proactive customer facing Administration Officer for administrative and reception duties at the Town Council office.

The applicant must be able to deal with members of the public in a positive and polite manner. The applicant should enjoy working with a small team and will undertake a variety of tasks under the instruction of the Town Clerk and Councillors.

Full job description available on STC website.

If you would like to work with our friendly team please email your CV to; clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 26th January

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Full or Part Time £24,500 per annum (pro rata) Gillingham Working in a well-respected architectural and planning practice you will provide administrative support to the Partners and professional staff.

Duties will include: Working in reception and answering/transferring calls, transcribing emails and reports, collating and submitting applications and appeals on-line, monitoring the progress of applications on Council websites, producing invoices using time recording software and Microsoft Excel, supporting the Practice Manager and general administrative duties.

You will need to demonstrate a positive can-do attitude and experience of being a pro-active team player.

You will need to be flexible and prepared to work to deadlines when necessary.

You will have excellent IT, transcribing of audio dictation, communication and organisation skills and experience of working in a busy office environment.

If you believe you have the right aptitude for the job and would like to know more, then please contact Diccon Carpendale on 01747 823232. Applications should be submitted in writing (letter and CV) explaining your suitability for the role stating your preference for a full time or part time post, by email to blp@brimblelea.com no later than 31st January 2024.

76

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Farming

Looking forward to spring

By Martha Twist BVSc MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health AS springtime approaches, here at the practice we are already starting to see the first new lambs of the season.

Most sheep will naturally give birth as the days start to get longer, but many native breeds can cycle outside of the usual window, meaning lambing season can start as early as October in some flocks.

There’s nothing quite like seeing happy, thriving lambs skipping around in the fields as the days get longer and the sun begins makes its reappearance.

But to get to that stage, there’s a lot of work put in behind the scenes.

Farmers, smallholders, students, vets; everyone gets involved over the lambing season to help where they can.

Be that day or night, indoors or out!

Lambs, often arriving with several siblings in tow, have a particular talent for tying themselves in knots. You might be presented with three legs, a tail or perhaps a head and

someone else’s legs! It’s all possible and to be expected when there may be two, three (or even more) lambs all fighting for the exit. This can make a safe delivery about as easy as doing a jigsaw blindfolded.

Experienced shepherds are often experts in resolving mishaps like these. As well as resolving other issues in lambing ewes and newborns.

But we all have to start somewhere! For me, I found my lambing feet whilst on placement during university. I helped (and I’m sure at times hindered!) at several local flocks over the Easter holidays.

Now, years later, I try my best to pass on that knowledge to others.

Over recent years we have seen a big increase in both hobby and small breeding flocks. It is a pleasure to work with these flocks and see them develop over time.

Are you a budding shepherd, eager vet student, or perhaps returning to sheep work after a bit of time away? Come and improve your skills before a

busy Spring at one of our lambing courses in the New Year.

Our next lambing course

blackmorevale.net

will be held in March following our January course.

Please see our website for further details.

THE November 24, 2023, issue of the New Blackmore Vale carried an article for Friars Moor Livestock Health headlined ‘Counting Sheep! Why you should pregnancy scan your ewes’.

The article included an incompatible image of sheep chests being ultrasound scanned for a contagious lung tumour disease.

The article was also bylined ‘by Jo Child of Friars Moor Veterinary Health’ – this should have read ‘Friars Moor Livestock Health’.

The New Blackmore Vale would like to apologise for the errors and any embarrassment caused.

Conyers

Country Outfitters

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D

New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs.

Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est

1886

Friars Moor Livestock Health Closworth Branch, open now at Hamish’s café. 9am-3pm Monday-Friday.

Staffed branch with full pharmacy facility, run alongside our existing three branches.

friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

01258 472314

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Rainfall figures tell a tale

by Ruth Kimber

HAPPY and healthy new year! I hope you had a good Christmas – we did!

We record the rainfall for our own interest, and have done for years, carrying on from Jack, my father-in-law. This year we recorded 51.5 Inches (130.81cm). This is definitely the wettest year by far. Our average is in the mid 30 inches!

Consequently, the slurry and dirty water storage is really challenged, not just on our farm, but across the agricultural world. Road drains are blocked causing even more floods, silt, rubbish and natural debris like sticks and leaves block the inlets.

Several people I know do the community good deed of clearing the drains near them – quite simple often to shuffle away the debris onto a nearby

77

bank, with amazing effect.

Then, if we get a freeze, the roads or paths it is hoped will not be as lethal.

We have had to bring the last animals in, as they have become discontented with so much wet weather. Tom had the heifers freeze-branded in November to aid identification in the dairy herd. Then, when they calve for the first time, they will be given an electronic ear tag, so they can be fed and milk recorded automatically. They still all have individual names.

Mabel brought Princess, her shorthorn calf/heifer to see us – she leads her down the back private drive. She showed me her freeze brand, no 34. She has been mated with a shorthorn using sexed semen and after a positive PD – pregnancy diagnosis – is set to calve September 10, if all goes well. n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn; Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD Tel. 01963 33177; www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; opening times Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm Saturday 9.30am4.30pm.

Book online: blackmorevale.net

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING REPAIRS SERVICING info@dorsettractors.com

07590 116 017

Mob: 07966 244536 Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge

TOP PRICES PAID

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

SALE OF FAT C LICENS th P ………………………

Y………………………………………

27 SALE OF FAT C SALE …

EVERY P ………………………………………

FORTNIGHTLY …

EVERY 8 480401 SHOW FORTNIGHTLY 85737 FORTNIGHTLY 36863 ……………………………………

FORTNIGHTLY 78

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Farming

Book online: blackmorevale.net Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

blackmorevale.net

FOR SALE 5ft GRASS TOPPER. chain harrows roller £550.

Tel: 07768 014216

SHEEP GRAZING WANTED - 10 miles of Henstridge.

07789 717534

EVERY EVERY WEDNESDAY SALEWEDNESDAY OF FAT CATTLE, CULL COWS. DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES. STORE SHEEP. SALE OF FAT CATTLE, CULLPRIME, COWS.CULL DAIRYAND CATTLE & CALVES PRIME, CULL AND STORE SHEEP. EVERY FRIDAY - SALE OF STORE CATTLE

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

WEDNESDAY 24th JANUARY SALE OF PIGS …

WEDNESDAY 31st JANUARY SALE OF REARED CALVES

EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE CATTLE

FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS – WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER JANUARY WEDNESDAY 31stCALVES FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF REARED – WEDNESDAY 13TH Sale of 66 Crossbred spring calving Heifers SEPTEMBER Viz: 56 due from 1st March & 10 due from 1st May

…………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………

Home bred due to Pedigree Angus. Out wintered. ….

IBR, BVD naturally free. Lepto vacc as calves & Husvac th MONTHLY SALE OF TB RESTRICED CATTLE MONDAY 18 FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL SEPTEMBER BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LICENSES MUST BE OBTAINED ONE WEEK BEFORE SALE

TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 …………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………… ….

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices.

Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service.

We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628

or find us at

www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

WILTSHIRE HORN HOGGETTS, 5 Ewes, 2023 born, Had line for 20years.

Well grown, £100 ono.

Sharp: 01380-812661 HEDGE LAYING & PLANTING, coppicing.

Experienced crew available call 07929 995747

DAVIS FENCING LTD Agricultural, Equestrian & Forestry fencing Land clearance/Estate management.

07707 069096 davisfencingltd@gmail.com

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863 th

SALE OF BREEDING & STORE SHEEP WEDNESDAY 20

Frome Livestock Market,SEPTEMBER Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com th

SHOW & SALE www.fromelivestock.com OF BLUE TEXEL & BELTEX WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK

www.egcoles.com 01747 851344

BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288 ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 MARK FERRETT 07702 264502 ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863 Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB

01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com

JDG Structural Steel Ltd Steel frame buildings for agricultural, industrial and equestrian enterprises Pre-cast concrete wallings panels supplied and erected Roller shutter doors supplied and fitted All steel frames are designed, fabricated & erected to conform to current CE markings

Tel: 01747 811711 Mob: 07860 570258 Email: johnguttridge@aol.com Email: Info@jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk. www.jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk

Station Yard, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 8AN

HYDRAULIC HOSE SERVICE Hydraulic hoses, air brake fittings and quick release couplings in stock Contact us with your requirements for a price

Equestrian

HEDGE LAYING, Hedge planting, Experienced crew available call 07929 995747

SMALL BALE QUALITY 2023 hay. From £4.50 Fifehead Neville 07946-021242

ORGANIC HAYLAGE 5ft square bales delivery possible 07932-637103

2023 SMALL BALE MEADOW HAY

QUALITY HAYLAGE, hay and straw.

3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales.

Collect or delivered.

Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293

F

Sedgehill Shaftesbury Quality hay from well managed low input grassland. Early June and second growth also diverse 80/20 wildflower meadow mix hay.

From £5.00

07973 318593

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

79

Farming

blackmorevale.net

D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N SOLD

Dorset

SOLD

108 acres

119 acres

SOLD

Sussex

10 acres

SOLD

Hampshire

952 acres

Devon

SOLD

107 acres

Free Farm Valuation Week

SOLD

Somerset

Dorset

SOLD

5th - 9th February 2024 In 2023 we sold over 4,000 acres across 8 counties and we currently have over 2,000 farm and land buyers registered.

Our team are the best in their field at selling Farms, Estates, Land and Rural Property.

For a free, no obligation, market appraisal for sale purposes, call one of our specialist farm agents.

SOLD

210 acres

Jack Curnick-James Wiltshire 01380 710537

Devon

SSTC

51 acres

Ross Willmington Devon 01297 33122

Devon

Hampshire

15 acres

SOLD

Wiltshire

125 acres

SOLD

Dorset

389 acres

SOLD

38 acres

Somerset

Andrew Tuffin Lucy Carnell Head of Farm Agency Somerset 01258 472244 01935 382901

135 acres

Will Wallis Dorset 01305 236572

R E S I D E N T I A L | A G R I C U LT U R A L | C O M M E R C I A L

FFVW Ad 2023_196x264 Portrait.indd 1

03/01/2024 09:49:21

80

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

P R O P E R T Y A U C T I O N 2 2 F E B R U A R Y AT D I G B Y H A L L , S H E R B O R N E A N D V I A L I V E S T R E A M

Greenham, Wellington Guide £40,000

Wincanton

Guide £50,000

Milborne Port

Guide £125,000

Watergore

Guide £140,000

4.00 acres of Grade 2 level pasture land in a single enclosure, positioned in an accessible location. Freehold.

A one bedroom second floor flat requiring some updating in a Grade II Listed building. Central town location.

CTB A; Leasehold

A 3 bedroom cottage requiring renovation on the edge of a popular village close to local amenities. EPC G; CTB C; Freehold

A 2 double bedroom cottage with a sheltered courtyard style garden. Separate area with garage and potential driveway.

EPC F; CTB B; Freehold

Tiverton | 01884 218911

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Ilminster | 01460 200790

Ashton, Helston Guide £150,000 - £175,000 An end terrace 3 bedroom character cottage with scope for updating/extension (STPP/consents), garage, garden and parking. EPC E; CTB B; Freehold

Axminster | 01297 33122

Tiverton

Guide £250,000

Hampreston

Guide £175,000

Duloe, Nr Liskeard

Guide £195,000

Weymouth

Guide £205,000

A semi-detached 2 bedroom bungalow providing scope for renovation/ extension (STPP/consents) in a sought after location. EPC F; CTB B; Freehold

An end terrace 3 bedroom character cottage for improvement with a garden and garage in a popular village. EPC TBC; CTB B; Freehold

Two spacious freehold apartments for renovation and the freehold of the entire 9-flat block close to the town centre with some sea views. EPCs C & D; CTB A

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Axminster | 01297 33122

Poundbury | 01205 251154

Bridport

Guide £250,000

Charmouth

Guide £275,000

New Milton

Guide £295,000

Five parcels of pasture land extending to 27.47 acres with woodland, livestock building and collection yard close to Tiverton. Freehold

An income producing 3 storey high street Grade II Listed property with 1100sqft retail unit and 2 bedroom maisonette. Total income £22,140 pa.

CTB A; RV £13,250; Freehold

A detached 3 bedroom house requiring complete refurbishment with a large garden and off-road parking.

EPC D; CTB D; Freehold

A substantial extended 4 bedroom bungalow requiring modernisation with off-road parking and garden.

EPC D; CTB D; Freehold

Tiverton | 01884 218911

Dorchester Comm. | 01305 236237

Bridport | 01308 422092

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Corscombe

Guide £375,000

Beaminster

Guide £400,000

Gillingham

Guide £400,000

A 2 bedroom detached period cottage with a garden and paddock, in all about 0.41 acres. Rural location with stunning views. EPC G; CTB D; Freehold

A detached 4 bedroom property on a corner plot (0.2 acres) with panoramic views, close to local amenities.

EPC D; CTB E; Freehold

A detached industrial unit (6654 sq ft) with adjoining service yard on a prominent site suitable for a variety of commercial uses/trade counter.

EPC D; RV £21,250

Beaminster | 01308 863100

Beaminster | 01308 863100

Yeovil Commercial | 01935 423526

Now taking entries for our forthcoming auction on Thursday 21 March 2024 – please call Mark Lewis or Meredith Holmes 01258 473766

R E S I D E N T I A L | A G R I C U LT U R A L | C O M M E RC I A L

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N

Fontmell Magna Guide £315,000 A most charming brick and flint built semi detached 2 bedroom cottage on the outskirts of this sought after village. CTB C. Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sherborne Guide £795,000 An exquisite Georgian Grade II Listed 5 bedroom townhouse offering historic charm and modern comfort close to the heart of this market town. CTB F. Freehold Sherborne | 01935 814488

Okeford Fitzpaine Guide £279,000 A historic site in the village which was repurposed in the 1920s to create a comfortable double fronted 2 bedroom house.

CTB C. Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Marnhull

Stalbridge Guide £225,000 A character 2 bedroom house with large well proportioned rooms and off-road parking only a short walk from the town’s shops and facilities. CTB C. Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Shillingstone Guide £425,000 A well presented 3 double bedroom bungalow with flowing accommodation and a wood burner.

CTB D. Freehold Blandford | 01258 452670

Guide £595,000 An attractive Grade II Listed 3 bedroom house in the heart of the village within easy walking distance of local shops.

CTB F. Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

R E S I D E N T I A L | A G R I C U LT U R A L | C O M M E RC I A L

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82

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

ST NE RU W CT IO N IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

H ◆A ◆M ◆B ◆L ◆E ◆D ◆O ◆N £375,000 Wincanton

£260,000 Templecombe

A prominent High Street shop with generous living accommodation situated in the heart of Wincanton. This attractive Grade II Listed building is bursting with character and comprises: Large shop front, office, utility room, 2 workshops, studio, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms, 2 attic rooms and garden. EPC Rating: Exempt. Freehold.

A delightful 2 bedroom mid-terrace period cottage full of character situated within walking distance of a mainline train station. Charming living room with attractive fireplace, light and airy galley style kitchen, ground floor bathroom, spacious master bedroom with en-suite, fully boarded loft room with velux window, stunning garden. EPC Rating: F. Freehold.

WINCANTON

£410,000

An individual and deceptively spacious four bedroom detached bungalow which enjoys the benefit of a large landscaped garden. Characterful sitting room, separate dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite and useful attic room.

EPC Rating: D.

SOUTH CHERITON

£430,000

A substantial three bedroom detached bungalow situated in a small close in the sought after village of South Cheriton. Spacious sitting room with open fire, separate dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room, en-suite shower room, attractive landscaped garden and garage.

£300,000 Wincanton

ST NE RU W CT IO N

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in the local towns and villages.

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Thinking of moving?

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation.

£295,000 Wincanton

Please call 01963 34000 A 4 bedroom town house with versatile and A wonderful Grade II Listed period cottage to arrange an appointment spacious living accommodation. Kitchen/diner brimming with character. Sitting room with with French doors to rear garden, cloakroom, handsome inglenook fireplace, light and airy or email spacious sitting room, master bedroom with kitchen, cloakroom, 3 bedrooms, bath/shower BRUTON £225,000 WINCANTON £226,500 wincanton en-suite, garage and gardens.

Rating: D. house situated room and cottage garden.

EPC Rating:house Exempt. @hambledon.net A spacious fourEPC bedroom terrace within a short walk of An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached with Freehold. stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond.

Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

local schools. The property enjoys the benefit of a loft conversion creating a master bedroom with dressing room/study and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Freehold.

£315,000 Wincanton WINCANTON

£145,000

£360,000 Wincanton WINCANTON £179,950

A delightful detached 3 bedroom housemid located easy reach of close Exceptionally well two presented bedroom detached house on comprising An attractive two bedroom terracewithin house situated in a small on A spacious bedroom4 semi-detached house situated a popular local amenities. Spacious with integrated appliances, utilitybathroom, light andresidential airy sitting room withThe French doors to rearingarden, a mature kitchen/diner development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, development. property is presented excellentseparate order and room, sitting roomeasy withtopatio doors to rear garden, master bedroom with dining room, re-fitted shaker style kitchen, cloakroom, downstairs study, maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting buy.bathroom, EPC Rating: C. room, fittedwith kitchen, conservatory potential to extend (STPP). en-suite, modern time stylish garage and an attractive landscaped master bedroom stylish en-suite and shower room, attractive level EPCgarden Rating: D. garden. EPC Rating: C. Freehold. landscaped and garage. EPC Rating: B. Freehold.

Wincanton W I Wincanton NCANTON 01963 0Tel: 1 9(01963) 634000 3 3 434000 000

Shaftesbury

Ha mlet Lettings

Newton G I Gillingham LLINGHAM S H Shaftesbury AFTESBURY S T USturminster RMINSTER N EWTON 01747 851151 01963 34006 Tel: (01747) 824924 Tel: (01747) 851151 Tel: (01258) 472647 0174 7 8 2 4 9 2 4 0174 7 8 511 51 012 5 8 47 2 6 47

HM AM ED . N. ENTE T W WW WW. W H .A BBLL E DOONN WWW.HA MBLEDON.NET

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024 blackmorevale.net

83

Property

New phase unveiled at popular Knights Meadow development

Advertisement Feature

Tilia Homes Western has announced the eagerly anticipated release of the second phase of homes at its popular Knights Meadow development, in Templecombe. The collection of three, four - and five - bedroom homes, available in a selection of styles and sizes, are suitable for buyers at every stage of the property ladder.

Knights Meadow is close to local amenities, including schools, a main line train station, shops, and leisure facilities, and when complete will be a thriving community of 70 homes.

One of the new homes available is the 3 bedroom, Compton, which is in fact one of only four bungalows available on the whole development.

Emma Cotterill, Sales and Marketing Director for Tilia Homes Western, comments: “The first phase of Knights Meadow was very popular with house hunters

looking for the perfect blend of convenient, contemporary living. Its location makes it ideal for families and commuters alike, with schools and excellent transport links on its doorstep.

“What’s been sealing the deal for buyers is how much cheaper new-build homes are to heat thanks to the quality of the build and the modern materials and methods we adopt when building our homes, meaning you don’t have to miss out on the home of their dreams for the reality of hefty heating bills!

“We’re expecting these homes to be popular in Templecombe and so I would recommend anyone interested in the new phase of homes to head to our website and register their interest.”

To register your interest or to find out more about the homes available at Knights Meadow, call 01963 650 004 or visit www.tiliahomes.co.uk.

84

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

SOLD

blackmorevale.net

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SHERBORNE, DORSET

SUTTON WALDRON, DORSET

STURMINSTER MARSHALL, DORSET

GUIDE PRICE £1,600,000 GUIDE PRICE £895,000

GUIDE PRICE £595,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,175,000

PRICE GUIDE £1,100,000 GUIDE PRICE £800,000

STOWELL

SOLD

M I L B O R N E P O RT

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

S O U T H C A D B U RY

SOLD

STOURPAINE, DORSET

SHERBORNE, DORSET

ASHMORE, DORSET

GUIDE PRICE £795,000

GUIDE PRICE £330,000

GUIDE PRICE £750,000

BLACKFORD

SHERBORNE

GUIDE PRICE £850,000

SOLD

LEIGH, DORSET

MIDDLE COOMBE GUIDE PRICE £1,550,000 GUIDE PRICE £2,350,000

MUCHELNEY

GUIDE PRICE £485,000

SOLD

GUIDE PRICE £1,725,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

NORTH BREWHAM, SOMERSET

WOODVILLE GUIDE PRICE (TENDER) £350,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,550,000

SHERBORNE

SHAFTESBURY

BLANDFORD

01935 810141

01747 850858

01258 423002

SOLD

SOLD

PIMPERNE, DORSET

ASHMORE

GUIDE PRICE £560,000

GUIDE PRICE £995,000 Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

85

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SHERBORNE, DORSET

SUTTON WALDRON, DORSET

STURMINSTER MARSHALL, DORSET

GUIDE PRICE £1,600,000 GUIDE PRICE £935,000

GUIDE PRICE £595,000 GUIDE PRICE £750,000

PRICE GUIDE £1,100,000 GUIDE PRICE £695,000

P E N S E LW O O D

SOLD

GUTCH COMMON

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

F O R D S WAT E R , Z E A L S

SOLD

STOURPAINE, DORSET

SHERBORNE, DORSET

ASHMORE, DORSET

GUIDE PRICE £795,000

GUIDE PRICE £330,000

GUIDE PRICE £750,000

T U R N W O RT H

STURMINSTER MARSHALL

GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

SOLD

LEIGH, DORSET

B RYA N S T O N GUIDE PRICE £1,550,000

GUIDE PRICE £2,000,000

GUIDE PRICE £1,150,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

NORTH BREWHAM, SOMERSET

PIMPERNE GUIDE PRICE (TENDER) £350,000 GUIDE PRICE £550,000

SHERBORNE

SHAFTESBURY

BLANDFORD

01935 810141

01747 850858

01258 423002

SOLD

BLANDFORD FORUM GUIDE PRICE £635,000

SOLD

SOLD

PIMPERNE, DORSET

BLANDFORD FORUM

GUIDE PRICE £560,000

GUIDE PRICE £1,350,000

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

86

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Property

blackmorevale.net

PROPERTY TO LET 4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT, Yeovil. £1200 pcm (nosmoking) 07906 810191

COMMERCIAL UNITS AVAILABLE FOR RENT, High Lea, BH21 5AA. Charles Harper 01202 888661

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

COMFORTABLE & SPACIOUS 1 BED (UN)FURNISHED ANNEXE, DT11. £950 p.m inclusive bills; negotiable for caretaking/gardening. Min 1 year. Text 07764 941452

BARN FOR STORAGE AVAILABLE TO RENT. Size 45ft x 75ft. Gillingham area. Tel: 07967-641382

HOLIDAY PROPERTY TO LET

2 INDUSTRIAL UNITS FOR RENT Approx 1800 sqft each. 3 phase possible Melcombe Bingham. 07725 910364

SOUTH CHERITON Asking price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Morton New on 01747 824547 for more information

Puzzle solutions Sudoko 2 7 1 5 9 6 3 4 8

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Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

(from pages 36-37)

Edition 87

Jumbo sudoku

Cryptic crossword

2 6 1 9 5 4 3 7 4 1 3 7 1 8 9 8 1 4 3 9 6 8 5 7 6 2 6 9 5 5 5 4 3 1 7 3 2 6 9 7 5 2 8 2 2 3 7 4 7 3 3 9 5 9 6 8 7 3 2 8 1 4 4 1 4 7 6 1 2 6 9 8 5 2 68 1 2 3 5 75 9 4 1 6 3 5 6 4 9 2 1 8 5 3 8 7 4 2 4 8 4 6 5 8 9 6 1 9 1 9 2 4 9 7 2 8 9 6 3 7 5 2 3 6 6 8 3 9 4 7 1 1 7 1 5 6 8 4 7 2 7 8 2 4 9 7 1 1 6 2 3 5 3 9 6 2 5 3 4 9 3 5 3 8 4 8 4 7 9 5 1 7 2 3 9 1 8 3 5 6 2 5 8 4 1 1 7 6 5 8 3 5 7 4 2 6 4 9 6 7 3 1 8 2 2 9 41 4 9 6 7 59 7 4 8 9 1 7 6 8 6 3 5 3 5 1 8 1 2 2 5 2 8 9 7 6 3 4

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

8

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Brain chain 49

S/C COTTAGE. UNIQUE CHARM IN A SECRET VALLEY. Peace: no TV or internet.

Sleeps 5; wood burner, Unlimited logs; private garden with stream. Superb coastal, cliff, woodland walking within yards; two minutes by foot to rocky beach; sandy surfing beach is 10 minutes by car. Dogs welcome.

High: £1155 p/w; low £609p/w.

Weekend or short bookings fine. 01984 623122.

189

Crossword

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

E Y P E L A S W H

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

A L R T E O N C C U T U N I M F U N A I L E U R D U D S

R Z E M I F O G B S I N L A K E G

T K G B

C H U G H A S I A L E N D

New Blackmore Vale, January 19, 2024

Items for sale

blackmorevale.net

CLASSIFIED ADS 46CM CORDLESS SELF PROPELLED LAWNMOWER, 82V motor two batteries, collects, mulches, side discharge, VGC, £160 01963 363712 LEATHER LOUNGE SUITE, v.g.c. £140 Tel: 01963-440424 MOBILITY SCOOTER, TGA Minimo. fold-up for car boot use. excellent condition, good reason for selling. £300.

07799 616515 STROLLATOR DRIVE top of the range. brand new never used. £80.

07799 616515 PORTAKABIN FOR SALE. L 6m, H 2.1m, W 2.3m.

Wheels, and tow bar. Buyer to collect. 07977 778537

FREERIDER MOTOR SCOOTER 4 years old.

Excellent condition. £950 o.n.o 07871 191408 SONY BRAVIA 43” TV. Working order. £115 Tel: 07971-539029 TECHNICS HI-FI STACK system, tape, CD, tuner, amp & speakers. With instructions. excellent condition £150. Tel: 01935-813920 FOR SALE. LARGE TO SMALL PACKING BOXES. Large roll of bubble-wrap.

Fragile brown tape. (all new) £80. Tel: 01747-708257

VERY OLD CHAFF CUTTER. £50.

Tel: 01747-854651

AIR RIFLE HIGH POWERED , VGC £49.99 Call 07970 742471

MINKY WING 12m heated clothes airer October 2023 purchased, Argos code 707/6006, under guarantee and perfect condition. Used once. £50.00.

Tel.no. 07851 408667

FREE PIANO, good condition, needs tuning. Shaftesbury.

CHAINSAW SHARPENER ELECTRIC with set of new blades, works very well but no longer needed £15 Tel: 07891 987809 5 X DOUBLED SIDED SADDLE sheep hay racks, good condition not needed as reduced flock £15 each.

07977 342888

FREE! up to £50

WEIBANG VIRTUE 53 ssd LAWNMOWER with extra high lift blade. Original price £799, current price £899. In use for 4 seasons. Serviced annually. Excellent condition. £375 ono. Horsington.

01963 370235

HEAVY ¾ LENGTH AQUASCUTUM dark brown sheep skin coat £25 07860 969868

INFRARED HEAT LAMP, with bulb, suitable for chicks, puppies, reptiles. £10. Wyke Regis, 07931 745702.

LOVELY TERRACOTTA COLOURED three or four piece suite , good condition cash on collection. £50 no offers. Tel 01747 822422 (Gillingham)

ORPHAN LAMB BOTTLE rack with 4 bottles and teats surplus to need £35.

07977 342888

WOBBLE BOARD AS NEW £5. Teak tea trolley £30. Rucksacks £20. 07765 800413

FOR SALE A RALEIGH CYCLE 4 speed. Can be ridden by child or adult. 40pound or ono. 07828 632011

BOOKCASE SOLID PINE height 1mtr width 84cms depth 30cms. 3 shelves.

Excellent condition. Buyer collects. £30. 07874 266213 Blandford

MEDIUM DOG CRATE, grey, new bed. £25 ono. Medium Dog Pen, black, hardly used. £25 ono.

Mere 01747 860525

CYCLE FOR SALE. Child or adult.

Yeovil mobile 07828 632011.

40 pound or ono.

KNEELING CHAIR AND FRAME, For all embroiderers , handmade in wood, upholstered in Welsh tweed., £50 ono, Tel 01935 862500

PAIR OF COMFY ARMCHAIRS £55.00. Stow Row. Tel: 07973-503987. Photos available.

DRESSING TABLE WITH DRAWS stool and mirror 47” long 29”high. £20 Gillingham area. 07769 708992 WEDDING CAKE THREE TIER STAND takes 6” 8” 10” cakes swan design £10 Gillingham 07769 708992 PRETTY WHICKER CHAIR Lloyd loom type design £15 Gillingham area 07769 708992

CIRCULAR TILTING BATHROOM MIRROR. Good Quality, ex-condition, chrome fittings. £15 Mob: 07773-657363 EXTERNAL DOOR, WOODEN, half glazed, obscured glass. 2ft 6”. 3 hinges. Very sound. £15.

Tel: 07717-196840 BATHMASTER DELTIS BATH CHAIR with remote control, VGC £48, 01963 363712

Classified Adverts

1 ad per contact number. Please limit to:

15 words or less

household items only classified@blackmorevale.net

WANTED WANTED All militaria bought British/Foreign Single items or collections Contact Tim on 07904 082997

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

WELSH OAK ‘BALL AND RAIL’ back chair (Antique). £45.00 . Collect from Kington Magna. 01747-838882

87

TrustScore 4.4

Household Storage Safe. Secure. Simple.

60/70’s VINYL LP’S AND SINGLES, including Abba, P/Floyd, Orbison, McCartney, N/Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart. Tel: 07598-982824 DK.KNITTING 100gms@£1.50, Various Tapestry frames, 01935 816181 BABY BUGGY £20.00, 01935 816181 RIEKER LADIES KNEE HIGH BOOTS Size 36 Hardly Used £ 20 01747 822430 2 RATTAN CHAIRS - elegant, vg condition. Ideal conservatory/outside.

The pair: £20 Can send image Tel 01458 44 32 64

Book your free quote today.

Blandford 01258 447005

Dorchester 01305 231267

Shaftesbury 01747 440426

Sherborne 01935 316221

Warminster 01925 984459

Wincanton 01963 34065

www.armishaws.com

HEARING LOSS? EARACHE? BLOCKED EARS? EARWAX REMOVAL SPECIALISTS

Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton Medical Centre Old Market Hill Sturminster Newton DT10 1QU

Check availability & book at: earwax.co.uk

Shaftesbury

Abbey View Medical Centre Shaftesbury SP7 8DH

0800 422 0156

info@earwax.co.uk