The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Edition 32

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

The New Blackmore Vale Friday, December 10, 2021

HAVE A GANDER! Octagon unveils corker of a show to raise spirits: P85

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01258 472132

01747 250010

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What’s inside this week Announcements 42-45 Arts & Entertainments 83-85 Antiques & Collectibles 77-79 Business 86-88 Church 76-77 Education 37 Events 8-10 Equestrian 102 Farming 103-108 Field And Stream 102 Food & Drink 46-50 Health & Wellbeing 68-71 History 34-35 Home & Gardens 56-61 Items For Sale 40 Letters 54-55 Local Services 61-67 Motoring 80-82 MPs /Politics 51-53 Pets 74-75 Property 109-111 Public Notices 42 Puzzles 72-73, 108 Recruitment 89-97 Sport 98-101

n TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET: Vale couple win national award for their wicker coffins: P26-27 n GREAT GOAL: Pupils organise hockey fundraiser in memory of much-loved teacher: P12-13

Lloyd Armishaw

Publisher

Miranda Robertson

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

Editor newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186 Debi Thorne

Advertising sales manager

Sue Kennington

Account manager sue.kennington@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289403

Karen Bate

Lorraine Drake

News editor

Distributor

karen.bate@ blackmorevale.net

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

debi.thorne@icloud.com Tel: 07714 289409

Contact Us Advertising: adverts@blackmorevale.net Editorial: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Sport: sport@blackmorevale.net Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net, 01963 400186 or online at blackmorevale.net

DEADLINES 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.

The New Blackmore Vale Our Christmas Advertising deadlines New Blackmore Vale, edition of 24th December, booking and copy deadline is Monday 13th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising New Stour and Avon, edition of 31st December, booking and copy deadline is Friday 17th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising

The New Stour & Avon

Reach more than 85,000 people with an ad in the New Blackmore Vale, and make 2022 the year your marketing really works hard for you. Advertise in this space for 26 editions and take advantage of special rates for block bookings.

Call Debi on 07714 289409

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Town council to take over estate homes

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

It has come as a huge relief to many people in Shaftesbury, that Mampitts Green on the Maltings Estate will be transferred by Persimmon Homes to the town council.

And the public consultation on how to best use this land has reached the end, with the responses being collated and reviewed.

Shaftesbury Town Council wants this facility to be developed by the community for the community, and so an advisory committee was set up, with a group of residents who meet up each month.

The aim is to create a community facility which meets the expectations of residents yet is realistic, sustainable and achievable.

The advisory committee make recommendations to Shaftesbury Town Council on all aspects of this project including the land use.

Along with householders being asked for their feedback on a consultation leaflet, which was delivered in November, a pop-up meeting was held on the green for locals to attend and make their views and ideas known.

Cllr Piers Brown, the lead member for Mampitts Green, said: “For this new community facility to be a success it needs to be designed by the community and for the community.

“Once we have considered the feedback from this initial consultation will be reconsulting on a detailed proposal to best meet the needs of the whole community.”

Deputy town clerk and projects manager Brie Logan said: “The Mampitts Green consultation ended on November 28 and I am in the process of compiling the responses. This is a consultation that was sent to all Shaftesbury residents as we encouraged the whole community to have their say.”

Sturminster Newton High School students thoroughly enjoyed raising money for Children In Need. Fundraisers including a personal assistant sixth form auction, a cake and sweet sale, non-uniform day and the ever popular throw a sponge at a teacher and jail and bail (which sees teachers being covered in things such as flour and honey, drinking mystery drinks and having cold water thrown on them), raised over £800.

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Villagers gather to learn of multi-agency

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Worried residents who were blighted by flooding of ‘biblical proportions’ twice in October, packed Motcombe Memorial Hall to lodge their concerns, share their experiences and navigate a way forward with representatives from Dorset Council, Motcombe Parish Council and the Environment Agency at a drop-in meeting on December 2.

The flooding alleviation scheme, built during the 1990s, was overwhelmed twice when unparalleled rainfall hit the village on October 20 and again on October 31 – leaving residents battling with the worst flooding they had experienced in decades.

As scores of homes were filling up with water, villagers were forced to take shelter in the Memorial Hall on October 31, including secretary of Motcombe Memorial Hall, Carol Saumarez, who came

home that night to find her driveway knee-deep in water and gallons of flood water inside.

Carol and her husband James won’t be able to return to their home until well into the New Year.

Talking to This is Alfred, Carol said: “We are here to see what is going to happen to all the water that is flowing down the hills and around the vales and ending up down here.

There is a lot of building going on and there aren’t enough dew ponds or reservoirs created to take the rainwater which is going to come into our house otherwise.”

Other residents say the drains, which were ‘full to capacity’ during Storm Aurore with manhole covers ‘popping’ up, needed to remain clear to give the water somewhere to escape.

During the flooding, the new 1.3km road being built in Gillingham as the main artery for 941 new homes disappeared under water,

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reigniting debate over building on flood plains.

One farmer, who did not wish to be named, told the New Blackmore Vale that building on flood plains ‘was the single, most ill-thought out scheme’ which would create more flooding.

And on the Motcombe Facebook page, Mike Smith said: “I came away from the meeting wondering what it had actually achieved. Extremely sorry for anyone who is not able to spend Christmas at home. Apparently new house building in Shaftesbury is not to blame!”

Motcombe councillor Peter Mouncey said: “Villagers had the opportunity to discuss indepth all aspects of the recent flooding incidents in the village with the two teams of experts. Using large scale maps, villagers were able to see clearly where the risk areas are, and obtain advice on how best to try and ensure properties could be protected against any similar future

events.

“The whole session was very professionally managed, and we look forward to receiving more information on the causes, and how these might be mitigated, once the two agencies have completed their reports. The parish council will be discussing what role we can play to help the village be prepared for any future events, bearing in mind the likely impact of climate change, once we have seen what the two agencies recommend.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “In support of the local community and affected residents, the Environment Agency, together with Dorset Council and Motcombe Parish Council welcomed residents to attend a flood drop-in meeting at the Memorial Hall to gather and share information and photos of the event.

“The session was welcomed by the community with over 35 residents in attendance

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flood plan where they also had the opportunity to speak to a property flood resilience expert and understand the different ways they could prepare for any future similar weather events.

“The parish council are keen to set up a flood warden group and any volunteers are asked to contact the parish clerk in the first instance or the Environment Agency Flood Resilience Team at floodwessex@environmentagency.gov.uk.”

A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Dorset Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority is currently working in partnership with the Environment Agency during the flood recovery phase. This involves data gathering, identifying any ‘quick wins’ to reduce the risk of flooding and undertaking flood investigations at property/community level.”

To report flooding in Dorset go to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ reportflooding.

Santa has taken a welldeserved break to open the new Henstridge Play Area.

More than 60 local children and their families met the VIP guest as he opened the refurbished play area and were finally allowed to use the new exciting range of play equipment.

The project, spearheaded

by Henstridge Parish Council, is supported with grant funding from Viridor Credits and local company AJN Steelstock.

Remaining funds came from Henstridge Parish Council and Section106 funding.

The new play area was designed by HAGS and features modern equipment such as the Loly Climber (the only one in the south west) Zingo Roko Mini Seesaw and new swing sets, with coloured wetpour surfacing, funky bins and new safety fencing. Ken Courtenay, chairman of the parish council, said: “The parish council is extremely proud of this project.

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2020 We have recently been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Santa opens new play area “The clerk and chairman of the Open Spaces Committee worked hard during the pandemic to bring it to fruition. The play area features a host of new equipment to be inclusive to all and will be enjoyed by

children for many years to come. The new play area is a great asset to our award winning recreation ground which also boasts a skate park, BMX pump track, green gym and multi-use games area.”

“The staff here are quite simply wonderful, they can’t do enough for you. The food is excellent with plenty of variety and my quality of life has improved since moving here.

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Question Time: MP Andrew Murrison He turned 60 this year and has five daughters, but Dr Andrew Murrison shows no sign of flagging.

Andrew is MP for South West Wiltshire, a post he has held since 2010, though he has been an MP since 2001.

Andrew was born in 1961 in Colchester.

He studied at Cambridge, and served for 18 years as a Medical Officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander.

In 2003 he was recalled to serve in Iraq.

Married to Jenny, Andrew lives near Warminster.

Here he answers a few of our questions... n Tell us a little bit about your childhood.

I grew up in Harwich, a seaport that encouraged a lifelong love of the sea.

n Andrew Murrison today and, right, on duty in Iraq n What is your earliest memory?

Age three years 10 months when my mother came home with my new brother Richard, now an Admiral, realising life would never be quite the same!

n What was your favourite childhood book?

I found a well-worn stash of Ladybird books when clearing out recently – my introduction to reading and maybe the genesis of my own writing.

n What were you like at school?

Swotty, well behaved, probably quite dull. n When and why did you decide you wanted to be an MP?

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opens up on his busy life and career n Where is your most favourite place in the world?

And why?

Well obviously I’m going to say my constituency.

n At his desk in Whitehall and right, a roving surgery at Tollard Royal Early teens but I wanted to do a ‘proper job’ too. I went to medical school, then joined the Navy as a Medical Officer. n What did it mean to you to serve in Iraq?

I opposed the Iraq war so getting called up to serve there was a bit of an irony.

The war was ill conceived and we are still living with the consequences.

Professionally it was very rewarding and added

n What is your greatest achievement in government and in other walks of life?

Far too soon to tell but work on the Armed Forces Covenant and military healthcare, leading on the UK commemoration of the Great War centenary for eight years and chairing the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee just after Brexit whilst Stormont was in abeyance.

credibility to my efforts politically when I got back home.

n What’s it like being a father to five daughters?

It’s like being Mr Bennett in Pride and Prejudice.

n How did you celebrate your 60th birthday this year?

I ignored it.

n What would you like as your epitaph?

‘At least he tried.’

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EVENTS GUIDE n Shaftesbury Library will be holding its last Children’s Christmas Activity on Saturday, December 11.

There are two sessions, one from 10.30 to 11am and the other from 11.30am to 12pm.

Places are limited so booking is essential. The children will be invited to create festive characters out of kitchen roll tubes. Creativity is the name of this game, no formula, just imagination!

Book a place on 01747 852256. n Sherborne Mothers’ Union is holding a carol service on Friday, December 10 at 10am in The Abbey. n The Santa Stride starts at the new crossing gates at the start of the Trailway in Sturminster Newton on Sunday, December 12, with all proceeds going to the air ambulance.

Runners are invited at 9.30am and everyone else (walkers and strollers) 11am.

The complete course is set out for seven miles however convenient turning points are indicated at the two, three and four-mile points.

Adults £5, children (6-12) £2.50, children under six free.

Includes Santa suits and free festive refreshments.

To register go to stursantastride.co.uk.

n St Peter & St Paul Wincanton is holding a Christmas coffee morning on Saturday, December 11 from 10am-12pm in the Parish Church.

There will be gifts, cakes, books, raffle and a Christmas hamper raffle and a performance on the handbells

by Wincantata.

Everyone is welcome.

n Shaftesbury Remembers, the Gold Hill Museum community project, is holding a Reminiscence Afternoon at Shaftesbury Library on Monday, December 13 from 2.30pm3.30pm.

Please book in advance on 01747 852256 or shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcoun cil.gov.uk.

This is a chance to find out about the way in which Christmas was celebrated in the past and share memories of the festive season.

Tea and cakes will be served.

n Donhead St Andrew Gourmet Christmas Raffle will be held on December 11 between 11am and 1pm.

Villagers have donated delicious delicacies to be raffled in the church. The donations include wine, chocolates, donations from local shops and typical Christmas fayre including Christmas cakes, to be displayed in hampers.

This is a resurrection of an old, annual event which this year will be held in the newly refurbished church.

All the proceeds will go to the

Alzheimer’s Society.

Tickets will be available at the door price £1 and the results will be announced at 12.30pm. n A small group of volunteers are leading walks around Shaftesbury for everyone to turn up and keep active, meet new people and socialise.

There is no need to book, just turn up a few minutes before the walk starts and you are promised a warm welcome ... whatever the weather !

All walks are free and are led by friendly trained walk leaders and typically end with optional refreshments. Well behaved dogs are more than welcome but please keep them on a lead unless the walk leader says it’s OK to let them off.

For details email Andrew at semsedgefootpathrep@uwclub. net n Come and join the Marlowe’s Makes Imagiplay in Gillingham for a magical 90

Shop Local for Christmas

The work of our local producers and craftspeople is not stuck somewhere in a container and our traders are doing their utmost to meet your needs.

As Christmas is galloping towards us do not forget our two Community shops turning your no longer wanted goods into good things for our town The Boutique to buy your Christmas glamorous clothes, for yourself and your children The Emporium for toys, quirky gifts and Gentlemen - Remember The Dapper Chaps boutique, everything you need for your Christmas out昀ts,

Christmas events in Stur. In December 10th and 11th December “Christmas at the Opera” raising money for The Exchange and the Pantry Join Rotary’s Santa Stride on the morning of the 12th December along the Trailway.

St Mary’s Church Carol Service on 19th December .

23rd December 5.00 p.m. - Carols in the Railway Gardens St. Mary’s Church Christmas Eve First Mass of Christmas – 11.15 p.m.

Christmas Day at St Mary’s Church Holy Communion 10.00 a.m.

27th December FREE PARKING for you to come into Stur and shop in the sales…..

And 昀nally, 1st January The Classic Cars (and other vehicles) Run., sponsored by Harts to raise funds for the Air Ambulance assembling in Station Road Car Park from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.

Come and revisit the history of road transport.

For more information and regular updates visit https://sturminster-newton.org.uk/event/ sturminster-newton-christmas-lights-switch-on-and-much-more/

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To advertise call 01963 400186 minute event on December 19 at 9.30am-11am and 11.30am1pm.

With photo opportunities, a disco, live singing and games, the sessions will be thrilling. n People in Gillingham are being invited to apply for a free meal on Christmas Day, cooked fresh and delivered hot, with a pudding. The Gillingham Community Christmas Meal is available to anyone of any age – families, individuals and couples – and also includes a drink. It is not means tested, either.7 All the ingredients are donated and volunteers cook and distribute the food.

Email gillinghamchristmas meal@ gmail.com or find ‘The Gillingham Community Christmas Meal’ on Facebook. n Gillingham Kids Clothes Exchange is being held on Monday, December 13 between 9.30am and 11am at Gillingham Methodist Church.

Please come and browse and take what you need!

Mere Art Group held an exhibition, which was well attended.

Picture: George Jeans

Mere clockmaker Mark Dunham held an open view in his cottage to showcase his many unique and technically ‘excellent’ furniture and clocks.

n Cerne Sheep Group’s November meeting was a fascinating visit to the wool processing plant at Rampisham Hill Farm and a view of some of their pedigree Dorset Down flo

FATHER CHRISTMAS will be attending the CHRISTMAS FAYRE, Sunday 12th December 12 to 4pm at the Portman Hall, Shillingstone. Crafts. Gifts.

Games. Raffle and lots more.

Info tel 07791 503589

THE BELL STREET JAZZ BAND are playing at The Half Moon, Shaftesbury on Friday 21st January Between 7pm And 9pm Come And Enjoy Some Trad Jazz!

Free Entry Call 07886 434802

SHAFTESBURY ORCHESTRA plays Mozart, Haydn and Saint-Saens at Town Hall, Shaftesbury, 3pm Sunday 12 December ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FAIR at Stourhead. Two day event. Friday 10th December -1pm till late & Saturday 11th - 11am till late. Good mix and dealers offering all sorts of different ideas for Christmas gifts!

Spread Eagle courtyard, Stourton. BA12 6QE Facebook: Stourhead Antique & Vintage Fair Tel: 07934 057877

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Tel: 01747 826888 www.valecraft.co.uk

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EVENTS GUIDE

To advertise call 01963 400186

Young mum saves village’s festive fayre A young mum of two small children was so disappointed that the village she lives in was not holding a Christmas fayre this year she has organised one herself.

Ever since she was a small girl, Jasmine Young has enjoyed visiting the annual fayres held at the Portman Hall in Shillingstone.

She hoped to introduce her children to Father Christmas at the fayre this year, but sadly the pre-school, the local school and the Portman Hall committee had decided against holding the annual event due to covid.

After an appeal on Shillingstone’s Facebook page Jasmine managed to organise one herself, with help and support flooding in within 48 hours.

She got sponsorship from Acorn Builders, and raffle

refreshments and of course a visit from Father Christmas himself and his elves.

Two local charities to benefit from the proceeds – Stour Valley Dog Rescue and Friends of North Dorset Women’s Refuge.

For information call 01258 861345 or 07791 503589.

prizes donated from numerous local businesses and this Sunday (12th) the fayre will be held from noon until 4pm.

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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

There will be something for everyone including crafts, Christmas wreaths, gifts, raffles, stalls, games,

n Stepping Stones Preschool in Sturminster Newton will be replacing some of its play equipment after a donation from the town’s The Original Factory Shop. Manager Theresa handed over the funds after the pre-school was voted for by followers on the store’s Facebook page. Val from Stepping Stones, which is run by a committee of parents, said: “We are extremely grateful. This will allow us to replace some much playedwith equipment.”

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blackmorevale.net Sherborne Town Football Club superfan Colin Goodland has published a book on the history of the club, filled with great photos.

The 360-page tome, Magpies to Zebras, is available in time for Christmas for the Zebras supporter in your life.

Colin said: “When the second national covid lockdown began on September 5, 2020 with the likelihood of another disrupted football season I decided to chart the history of our club.

“I love history and wanted to fill the void left by my lack of involvement in football. I also felt time was running out as we had lost a few key members of the committee through bereavement who worked extremely hard behind the scenes.

“I often looked at the old team photographs in the clubhouse and wondered who were these guys were and what part did they play in our club’s history? It also dawned on me that we are just tenants at the club waiting for the next lodgers to move in.

“I discovered a rich history of the club. The club has had some really lean times where the very existence of the club was in danger many times. There are no guarantees in a football club, the club’s future is dependent on people, people who strive to improve and maintain and to do their bit not for the glory but for the football club’s future.”

The origins of Sherborne Town Football Club lie in young boys watching the “posh” scholars playing the fledgling game of football on the lush pitch at Sherborne Boys’ school.

Colin said: “You can imagine the local boys watching through the metal railings at this new game.

The Guppy, Seymour and Ridout boys – all long established Sherborne families who shaped the club over 133 years. The archive newspaper reports tell the story of the struggles, achievements, triumphs and tragedies of Sherborne Town football club.”

Originally nicknamed the Magpies because of their distinctive black and white strip Sherborne Town played their first match under association

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 11 The team in the 60s

Zebras’ history is revealed in fascinating book by superfan rules at the Terrace ground on Saturday, January 7, 1888 against the Volunteers army unit, losing 4-0. Two brothers, Herbert and Walter Seymour played for the Town that day and became the catalyst for football in Sherborne for the next 50 years.

Colin added: “The book covers not only the highs of winning trophies and cups but also the

lows suffered by the club, for example the tragic death of the charismatic team captain Harry Ireland.

“I uncovered the plot to obtain the services of the only player or manager in the history of the club who was given a contract of £4 per week in 1962.”

Colin covers the most successful teams in the club’s history led by managers Martyn Starnes, Kevin

Leigh and Jamie Manley.

There are stories of some unusual events at the club, like the day Chris Martin from Coldplay visited Raleigh Grove.

And a team who still wear Sherborne Town`s old kit on an island in the middle of the Pacific.

The book will be available on match days at the club or email colingoodland@live.co.uk.

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Let’s stick together! Molly and Lucy’s

By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Two dynamic sixth formers from Bruton School for Girls organised a 12-hour ‘Hockathon’ to raise money for the Cure CJD Campaign in memory of a beloved teacher who lost her life to this crippling disease last year.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal condition that affects the brain. It causes brain damage that worsens rapidly over time. There is no cure for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and no vaccine.

Molly and Lucy were so saddened by the loss of their languages teacher Isabelle Oram, they vowed to pay tribute to her and organised the event, which raised £1,281 for the Cure for CJD Campaign, which saw the

JOLLY HOCKEY STICKS: Molly and Lucy, and, right some of their pals and some of the players in their onesies at Bruton School for Girls Pictures: BEN TAYLOR

ball rolling for 12 hours non-stop as staff vs pupils, different age groups and members of the public played a host of exciting matches throughout the day.

And the fun continued into the night with a Hidden Pizza Van and music before

culminating in a sensational firework display.

Molly and Lucy said: “We’ve found that, when talking about the disease, very few people, if any at all, have any knowledge of it. Because of this, we want to raise awareness and,

ultimately, raise funds that would go towards finding a cure for this awful degenerative brain disorder.

“Our teacher died just before Christmas last year and, because of various lockdowns and other restrictions, we haven’t been

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Hockathon nets £1,281 to battle CJD

able to come together as a community to remember her until now. She always loved getting involved with school events and was the embodiment of community spirit. It is with this in mind that we organised the Hockathon, to carry this on

a year after her passing.”

Xavière Harvey, Head of Sixth Form, Careers and Languages said: “This time last year, one of our most dedicated teachers fell ill with CJD and it was devastating to see how quickly she lost her

cognitive ability and capacity for human interaction. This very cruel disease stripped a very talented linguist, speaking four languages fluently, from the ability to communicate in any language, in a matter of

Christmas at DESIGNER

weeks and her tragic loss in the Christmas holidays was a shock to us all.

“Coming to terms with what happened was all the more difficult as a community in lockdown. One year on, the girls’ spirit to overcome adversity is unabated, however, and their determination to raise funds to combat this dreadful disease remarkable. We want to thank the members of our community who have already given so generously towards this most worthy cause – the Cure CJD Campaign – and will be commemorating more formally in school with a tree-planting ceremony in early December.” n For more information about this devastating disease go to curecjd.org brutonschool.co.uk

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Revised housing? That’s another storey

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A change from single to twostorey dwellings on the southern section of the Littledown housing scheme in Shaftesbury has been approved by planners who encountered a lot of concern about the impact of the raised height on neighbouring bungalows on Homefields.

Members of the Northern Planning committee were told by Hannah Knowles, for applicants Redrow Homes, they had attempted without success to engage with Shaftesbury Town Council, which had objected to the revised plans but was not represented at the meeting.

Senior planning officer Verity Murphy said that site was within the AONB and bordered by ancient woodland, but part of a larger site for which 170 dwellings had been approved

BUNGALOW PLEA: Councillor Val Pothecary

in outline, with houses currently under construction to the north.

She said there was no policy requirement for bungalows on this part of the site, on which the applicants wanted to build a further two affordable homes for shared ownership.

The houses now proposed, similar to those being constructed to the north, were at least 17 metres from those in Homefields, and angled away from them to avoid overlooking.

Councillor Tim Cook

proposed refusal, saying the views of the Cranborne Chase AONB that there was no evidence of need for twostorey homes which would change the relationship with the public parkland beyond should be given considerable weight, as should those of the town council in relation to the Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan, which said that proposals should respect neighbouring developments.

“We were all satisfied when bungalows were proposed, and I am not satisfied that they are trying to change it,” he said.

But his only support came from Councillor Val Pothecary, who agreed the AONB comments should be given consideration, suggesting the two-storey buildings might be more clearly seen from a distance on the escarpment, and that some should remain bungalows.

Councillor Belinda Ridout said she too was not happy about the scheme being brought back to them, but could see no significant reasons to refuse.

“I’m not sure of the impact of views into the escarpment because of the wooded areas,” she said.

Planning manager Hannah Smith said the outline approval for the whole site had obligations and conditions to ensure that trees within the site were maintained because landscaping was key to the development. She pointed out that the outline approval had in any case given permission in principle for up to one-and-a-half-storey homes.

Councillors Carole Jones and Jon Andrews felt refusal would not be defendable at appeal, and the committee voted in favour by eight votes to two, with one abstention.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Let the magic of Christmas at Harts cast a spell on you The magic of Christmas has been well and truly cast at Harts, the family-owned department store in Sturminster Newton. With the big day getting ever nearer, the store is in full festive-mode and well worth a visit to take the stress out of your Christmas shopping.

Gifts Galore The store is packed full of fantastic gift ideas for the home and garden – from mixers and toasters to pizza ovens and coffee machines. A large clothing department stocks ladies’, men’s and children’s fashions from leading brands such as Joules, Seasalt, Brakeburn, Thought, Buff, Heavenly Feet and Pachamama.

Accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves and socks all make wonderful presents. Harts also stock everything you need for festive baking, cooking and entertaining – from glasses and cutlery to baking trays and

spatulas, and they also sell vouchers if you can’t decide!

Christmas Trees and Decorations If your decorations are starting to look a little droopy or you are looking to add some extra sparkle around the home, make sure you visit their garden department which is brimming with decorations, indoor and outdoor lighting, trimmings and wreaths. A great range of

artificial trees are on display or alternatively a variety of real trees and potted trees are available (while stocks last).

In-Store Product Demonstrations Back by popular demand are their in-store product demonstrations. Each event is a great way to check out some great gift ideas and see them in action, with knowledgeable brand representatives on hand to

answer your questions. On Saturday, December 11 Magimix and Sage are in-store demonstrating their food processors and coffee machines respectively, followed on Saturday, December 18 by KitchenAid (food mixers) and Dualit (kettles and toasters).

Look out for special in-store on the day only offers and promotions on selected products from the featured brands.

The Coffee Loft If all that shopping gets a bit too much, take time out in the Coffee Loft and enjoy something delicious from the festive menu. The Coffee Loft also sells gift vouchers and Christmas hampers – perfect gifts for those ‘difficult to buy for’ people!

Visit the store on Station Road 8am to 5.30pm weekdays and 8am to 4.30pm on Saturdaysor go to hartsofstur.com or follow them on social media.

blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

The New Blackmore Vale Our Christmas Advertising deadlines New Blackmore Vale, edition of 24th December, booking and copy deadline is Monday 13th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising New Stour and Avon, edition of 31st December, booking and copy deadline is Friday 17th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising

The New Stour & Avon Family Advice Family Law Law Advice

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Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my ohm: Singer Paul turns on lights Music legend Paul Young welcomed residents from a Dorset care home for a town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

One of the UK’s best loved vocalists, Paul was the star guest as Sturminster Newton celebrated the start of advent with its annual community get-together.

The fun took place around a main Christmas tree and decorations sponsored this year

by Colten Care’s Newstone House.

Two residents, Pat Steer and Gerald Blackburn, accompanied by the home’s Companionship

LIGHT DUTIES: Paul Young turns on the festive lights

Team Leader Karlene Duffy, braved the cold to attend and were thrilled to be part of the event and to meet Paul.

Together they joined a lantern parade in the town centre with local families and school children.

Gerald said: “What a wonderful evening to

see all the families enjoy themselves and celebrate the start of Christmas.”

Pat said: “I was a little chilly but it was worth it to join in and see all the wonderful lights and smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Paul Young’s top ten hits in the 1980s included Wherever I Lay My Hat, Every Time You Go Away and Everything Must Change.

He still tours and records with his TexMex-influenced band Los Pacaminos which he formed in 1993 and who played at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on the night of the lights switch-on.

Physio Vanessa retires after 23 years’ service The rehab team at Westminster Memorial Hospital (WMH) have bid a sad goodbye to a much valued member of staff.

Integrated Community Rehabilitation Team (ICRT) Team Lead Vanessa White retired on Wednesday after 23 years at the Shaftesbury hospital.

Vanessa trained as a physiotherapist in London in the mid 1980s. She began her physio career working in Beckenham Hospital and then The Brook.

She moved to Dorset with her family and started working at Westminster Memorial Hospital in 1998 in the physiotherapy department.

Over time Vanessa saw the formation of the ICRT and she took over the team lead position in 2009.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “Vanessa has worked with many of the local population both on the ward and in the community.

“She has tirelessly continued to

FAREWELL: Vanessa White is retiring after 23 years at Warminster Memorial Hospital

make service improvements as the demand for community services has developed and increased.

“Her wealth of knowledge will be a great loss to staff at WMH and throughout the trust.

“She will be greatly missed by all who work at WMH, especially her team of therapists, rehabilitation assistants and health and social care co coordinators who she has always patiently supported.

“She has earned a well-deserved break from work; however with three grandsons and a puppy she is unlikely to have much time to rest!”

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 19

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Advertisement

COHABITATION AND PROPERTY Margaret Baker, Partner / Head of Litigation and Family Law Unmarried couples have no automatic right to make a financial claim against each other.

When a cohabiting couple split up, disputes can arise such as whether a property should be sold, who should pay the mortgage and what share each party is entitled to.

Must we sell?

You could agree that the person remaining will buy out the other party, otherwise the property will need to be sold.

If one party refuses, then the other party can ask the court to make an order for sale.

What am I entitled to?

There is no right to ask for a larger share of the sale proceeds because one party is in a financially weaker position.

The split of the sale proceeds depends on the way in which the property is held. If it is owned as tenants in common, then each party will own a specified share. If the property is held as joint tenants, you can assume that the proceeds of the sale will be split equally.

I paid more when we bought.

If you paid more initially , you are likely to want to claim a larger share of the sale proceeds. The court cannot vary the way in which a property is held.

Under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, also referred to as ToLATA, the court can make decisions as to who has the right to occupy the property and the extent of each party’s ownership. It can also order that the property be sold.

A ToLATA claim is complicated and it is recommended to try to resolve matters by negotiation or possibly by alternative dispute resolution or mediation.

The Court may be unwilling to order a sale of the property where there are children remaining in the home with one parent.

That parent may be able to stay in the home with the children until the youngest child is 18. This can apply even if the property is owned by the parent who has left. In that case advice from a solicitor would be essential.

Contact our family law solicitors Our family law team can advise on property rights and options of unmarried couples. Where necessary, we will represent you to obtain an order for sale.

Call us on 01202 421 111 (Bournemouth), 01460 279 100 (Crewkerne) or 01202 725 400 (Poole) or email us and we will call you back.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

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Knitting WI ladies sew busy Shillingstone WI has spent two years knitting poppies to display behind the memorial over Remembrance week.

This year a sewing party got them ready to hang and they shone in the sunshine behind the war memorial.

The WI has also joined the

National two weeks of campaigning to Stop Violence against Women by hanging a white ribbon for each WI member on the tree planted by the WI to commemorate the Millennium on the outskirts of the village.

WHITE RIBBON: Acting chairman Mary Crab and members Vicky Thomas, Di Howlett and Laurel Hewson

Professor enthralls church on the history of the Suffragettes

Professor Karen Hunt of Keele University gave a talk at the Congregational Church to Stalbridge History Society entitled Women’s Suffrage in Dorset – the Forgotten Stories. It was well attended and listened to with rapt interest. Members learned that purple stood for loyalty and dignity, white for purity and green for hope, these being the colours of the suffragette movement.

They also learned much about the involvement in the movement of our area of the Blackmore Vale, especially that of Mary Lowndes, daughter of the vicar of Sturminster Newton and a stained-glass artist who designed and produced the many posters and banners used on the suffragettes’ Pre-Christmas Opening Times Sunday 19th 10am–2pm Mon 20th–Thurs 23rd 9.30am–5.30pm Christmas Eve 9am–3pm

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marches. In Sherborne upper-class ladies warmly supported the suffragette movement.

The speaker brought with her an example of a banner used in West Dorset at suffragette rallies, though sadly we were unable to find any that related to North Dorset. The congregation heard about implacable and wellorganised anti-suffragette movements and of Members of Parliament bitterly opposed to votes for women.

The meeting concluded with a lively question time and encouragement from Professor Hunt never to give up on local historical research, since there is a lot of important information out there just waiting to be found.

Lise Charmel ‘Aloe Green’ available from

Böschen Lingerie, Shaftesbury

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 21

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Assisted dying reform group pushing for change in law in UK Brave supporters of assisted dying reform battled through a blizzard to learn more about My Death, My Decision and how it is working to achieve a more compassionate law.

What came out of the discussion was that all Wessex MPs are against reform and in favour of the status quo - despite one British person a week– being forced to travel to Switzerland for an

assisted death as the only way to end their extreme suffering and 88% of the British public wanting the law to change.

My Death, My Decision is asking Parliament to look at the evidence from around the world, including Canada, Germany, Spain, and now, on these shores, Jersey. There is plenty of evidence that it’s possible to permit

medical assistance to die for the terminally ill and those suffering form incurable conditions without damaging the doctor/patient relationship or exploiting the vulnerable. I understand people’s fears and concerns, but let’s base our law on facts, not fears.

Claire Macdonald My Death, My Decision.

Bank in fraud alert as police hold man

GOOD WORK: Sophie Batchelor, Connie Reeves, Eleanor Wagland, Mollie Gulliver and Ava Broom

Brownies’ cakes raise £102 Brownies from Mere raised £102 for Children in Need with the help of Julie Gulliver who organised a Cake Stall on Mere Town Clock Tower Island.

Lots of fun was had as the Brownies sold scores of delicious goodies to generous folk.

Police and bank staff acted swiftly to save a customer being defrauded in Shaftesbury.

Barclays staff called North Dorset Police when they spotted a potentially vulnerable customer trying to make a large withdrawal, accompanied by someone they suspected was not a relative or friend.

The alert system, known as a banking protocol agreement, sparked a quick response and response and NPT officers attended the bank.

They spoke to the customer, who was from the area, and arrested a man on suspicion of fraud.

A spokesman said: “In order to safeguard the elderly and/or vulnerable if a person tries to withdraw a large amount of money for no apparent or suspicious reason or is accompanied by someone who is clearly not a friend or relative, the bank will contact us via 999.

“We will attend, and treat these calls very seriously.”

Christmas and New Year recycling and rubbish With Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day all falling on the weekend this year, your recycling and rubbish collections over the festive period will be on your usual day of the week.

Refer to your calendar or visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ check-your-bin-day to check your collection days.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

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‘Unreasonable’ authority to pick up costs of homes plea Full costs have been awarded against Dorset Council by a planning inspector in relation to an appeal against the council’s failure to determine and application for four homes on land at Thatchways in Blandford Road, Iwerne Minster, which has in the last two years been the subject of six applications and four other appeals.

Inspector Robert Parker allowed the appeal by Quest Estates (UK) Ltd saying the council had been unreasonable in withholding permission for a scheme which met concerns about bedroom numbers from the inspector in one of the earlier appeals, and in raising concerns on character and appearance which had already been rejected in another.

A proposal for three houses on the site was approved in 2019, but since then five

other application have been refused by the planning authority, one for a single dwelling on an adjacent site which was allowed on appeal and three for three and four dwellings which were dismissed.

Mr Parker found that the council, which had failed to determine the application within the permitted timescale, had behaved unreasonably in delaying development which should clearly be allowed, leading to the appellant incurring unnecessary expense in preparing for the appeal.

He accepted the appellant’s argument that the revised application, in which the four homes were of similar size but remodelled to provide three instead of four bedrooms and of a lesser floor space than those in the approved scheme for three homes, would mean they were more affordable.

FACTORY GLOVE SALE NOW ON December 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm, Friday & Saturday: 9am-1pm Buckingham Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QE Tel 01747 822629 Limited car parking available For bespoke orders and more of our range please visit our website

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 23

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Your chance to help Vale Pantry help

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The Vale Pantry is helping to put a smile on people’s faces this Christmas with hampers for struggling families.

They are asking for donations to pay for the £20 hampers, which they will distribute to the 200 families they help throughout the year.

Already they have secured several donations, including £300 from the New Blackmore Vale and a further £500 from the NBV’s owners, the Armishaw family.

The Vale Pantry is a social supermarket, which was launched late last year, that helps families or individuals who struggle financially and who face food insecurity.

It is based in Sturminster Newton but open to anyone living in North Dorset. The scheme runs entirely with volunteers and relies on the goodwill of the local

HAPPY HAMPERS: The team at The Vale Pantry welcome your donations for the Christmas appeal

community and businesses to fund the food.

Unlike a food bank, those who use the Pantry pay a small membership fee on each visit and then choose the food they would like. The range includes a whole range of fresh meats, poultry, dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables plus shelves full of family staples. The average shop carried out tends to be worth about £40 or more so is a tremendous

help and an absolute life saver to so many families.

The pantry operates a Red, Green or Free scheme – Red items tend to be the more expensive items such as meats and each member can choose three. Green items are tins, packets etc, and members can choose any 12 items. Free items include fruit ands vegetables, bread, sanitary products, nappies and formula (when available).

In addition to providing food, volunteers can help in a number of ways to help address the underlying issues of food poverty. They can signpost people to an advisor with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau within 48 hours and they will be able to help with benefits, debt, legal queries and much more. To donate, call Kim on 07939 224572 or Carole on 07968 348481 or email Contactthevalepantry @gmail.com.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 ADVERTISEMENT FEELIN’ HOT, HOT, HOT: FEATURE Sample the delicious Boniti are incredibly excited to things you can make in an announce that they will be Everhot range at a special hosting an Everhot Open Event event at Boniti in Shaftesbury at their Shaftesbury Showroom on Thursday, January 20 from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

They will be joined by chef David Pengelly, who will demonstrate all of his range cooking expertise and guide you through all aspects of cooking on an Everhot range cooker. It’s an amazing opportunity to see their 120i and 100i models be put through their paces and get to sample the delicious results. Any questions you have about the cooker will be answered by one of their dedicated Everhot team.

Boniti have been offering Everhots to their clients for over ten years and can give you insight on what it’s like living with one of these fantastic cookers. Their director Simon is an Everhot owner himself and is incredibly passionate about the fantastic cooking capability an Everhot possesses.

The Everhot is designed to remain switched on, and up to temperature 24 hours a day, providing controllable cooking capacity and background warmth to suit the time of year.

Even the hardiest souls find themselves being drawn to it.

Despite its additional control, it remains at heart a traditional range, radiating gentle heat through the kitchen, with ovens that bake, roast and cook to perfection. The full width grill in the top oven is another great feature you won’t find in many other comparable ranges! All Everhots run on either one or two 13 amp plugs, meaning that there is no need for hardwiring upon installation. Unlike similar range cookers, there is also no need for a flue or even concrete base. All Everhot range cookers have cast iron hotplates. Some coming from under the glass top. Everhot will do it for you. models have either an additional Like any traditional heat storage Everhots are easy to install, and cast iron simmer plate or an range, the Everhot will gently if you ever decide to move induction hob. warm your kitchen, but its ECO home, then Everhot offer a Induction hobs are incredibly control will allow you to transport service to bring your customise how much heat is oven to your new home for you! efficient and hence cheaper to being emitted at any given time. Delivery is available throughout run compared to gas or ceramic With timer functions to send the UK and Europe. hobs. They work by heating up your oven into ‘sleep’ mode, you If you’re still not convinced, the metal pan rather than the don’t need to worry about come and see for yourself at the cooking surface, and this is changing settings, as your Boniti Shaftesbury Everhot achieved via a magnetic field

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Food and warmth at open event Open Event on January 20 from 10.30am until 2pm. It’s well worth the trip to see just how flexible a modern range cooker can be! For more information and to book your space, please call 01747 811141. Boniti will have an exclusive open event offer available to anyone who wishes to purchase after attending the demonstration.

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 25

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Join us for our Everhot Open Event !

Boniti are thrilled to be hosting an Everhot Open Event with live cookery from chef David Pengelly.

This is perfect for anyone considering purchasing an Everhot, you’ll see the cooker put through its paces and get to sample the results. It’s well worth the trip to see just how flexible a modern range cooker can be.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Weave an alternative way of sending

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A Stour Row couple who offer a gorgeous, holistic service to people mourning a loved one have won a major award.

Cath Abbott, 56, of Cradle to Grave, set out to create a natural and sustainable alternative to the conventional wooden box when she started weaving burial baskets in 2005.

Sixteen years later, and now joined by husband Tosh, 62, they have won Coffin Supplier of the Year at the AGFD (Association of Green Funeral Directors) Funeral Awards. The award will sit next to their previous award, won in 2015.

Their extraordinary service includes not only lovely, natural caskets made of willow – the relatives and friends of the deceased can also get involved in making them, from grandparents to grandchildren.

During the making of the caskets, it is a time for loved ones to talk about their loss and weave a little bit of their feelings into the finished product.

“It’s such a good thing to do,” says Cath. “It really helps the family. They all go away feeling a bit lighter.”

People can even weave their own coffins – a rigger for Iron Maiden, Goaty, recently brought three of his best friends along to weave his coffin, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The whole site is off-grid, relying on sustainable energy. The couple have plans to live on the land, as so much time goes into managing the willow crop and experimenting with different varieties and colours.

Cath said: “I’ve always wanted to work from home, and have always done a lot of farm work and had a

n Tosh, Luke, Goaty and Danny weaving Goaty's coffin and, right, Cath on another basket

n Cath with a collection of reeds ready for weaving and, right, a selection of woven baskets

n A Viking ship on a coffin, gathering the reeds and, right, a coffin decorated with dragonflies

passion for growing things. I wanted to grow something I could sell, so I started making baskets and a lot of people asked me about coffins. It took me a couple of years to find the right person, but then I found master basket maker Terry Bensley from Great Yarmouth, who taught me in his garden shed.”

The Abbots are blissfully content with their alternative lifestyle. Cath said: “We are a bit different. I used to be a punk as a teenager, and then went travelling for a long time. Tosh has always been a biker. He’s such a good influence on the business and has made things happen.

“We both came up with the idea for a three-foot Viking

ship complete with shields and personalised sail, which holds someone’s ashes, which we love. They can then be set alight on water such as a lake, large pond or calm sea or burnt on a funeral pyre.

“Although some are ordered within the UK, most are currently mailed overseas to USA, Norway and Finland.

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your loved ones on their final journey

n Tosh and Cath Abbott with the Viking ship and, below, a pet basket and butcher’s bike basket

“It’s the perfect way to leave the planet. The idea just kind of evolved – it took few years to get it right. It’s a lovely thing.”

The coffins start at about £600, which is a snip compared to some of the more traditional options.

Cath said: “Everything about funerals are so expensive and people are in

a vulnerable position anyway so we try to keep cost down as much as we can.”

The pair’s two-and-a-half acres, which they bought in 2018, are home to new varieties of willow each year, as they see which grow best and work best in weaving.

Cath added: “The whole

thing’s just evolved. That’s what’s happened throughout my life – things have just happened.

“The last big thing is getting planning to live on this land, and starting our cut flowers too. We have a donkey and 20 rescue chickens and the idea is to live completely sustainably there – at the moment we live in a rented

house in Marnhull.”

The pair recently added an irrigation pond, to feed the water-hungry willows, and all power is provided by solar.

She said: “The aim would be to be all off grid and really green. It couldn’t be a more perfect example of a sustainable business.

“Our neighbours are fantastic, we get on with them all really well.”

People are welcome to visit the site, and there will be open days next year, where you can find out about all aspects of the business, see their award and meet the livestock.

Cath said: “It was a real honour to be selected out for this award. We are passionate about what we do and it’s a privilege to be making our willow coffins (burial baskets as we call them) for people’s loved ones. Each coffin is individually made for the departed; it is their final resting bed that we are making, so it needs to be special.”

Cath and Tosh also offer one and two-day basket making and willow weaving workshops, and they offer other willow items such as Christmas willow light up angels, log baskets, garden obelisks, shopping baskets, shoulder baskets, fishing baskets, foraging baskets, shopping trolleys, back packs and re-enactment baskets. They also repair tired pre-loved baskets that you feel you don’t want to part with just yet. You can also purchase willow cuttings to start your own willow beds. n Facebook: cradle to grave n Instagram: cradletogravecoffins n 07919 385854 n cradletograve willowcoffins.co.uk n ladycaffryn @yahoo.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

TEAM EFFORT: Gillingham Post Office ladies with Michael Dooley, Dorset High Sheriff

blackmorevale.net

Post office staff now all more aware of dementia difficulties For the first time since the beginning of lockdown in 2020, members of the public, staff from Gillingham High Street Post Office, members of the Gillingham Evening WI, who also hosted the evening, and a very special guest, Michael Dooley, the High Sheriff of Dorset, attended a Dementia Awareness Session presented

by Hilary Drake and Anne Kings, both Dementia Friends Champions.

Anne said: “It was such a lovely relaxed evening, and such a joy to be able to start giving face to face sessions once again. Lockdown has certainly been a very difficult time for those living with dementia, and also their loved ones and carers, so it’s even more important now

that we recognise the importance of understanding more about this disease.

“It’s only by attending a face to face dementia awareness session that people and businesses really do get to understand about dementia.

“It’s from this point they are able to put small changes in place, to allow people living with any form of dementia, to carry on and live as normally as possible, and continue to enjoy the community which they have most likely lived in for a very long time.”

Michael Dooley closed the evening by thanking everyone, and making a point of thanking Gillingham for the part they are playing in helping to make Dorset a Dementia Friendly County.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 29

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Elderly’s new day centre of attention After spending the best part of two years indoors with little outlet to meet others, the elderly and vulnerable in Queen Camel have been thrown a social lifeline now a new day centre has opened in the village.

Husband and wife team Steffan and Ewelina decided to expand their domiciliary care business, SilverStars Care, earlier this year and opened The Old School Day Centre to give those who need care a vital social outlet.

The centre, in the heart of Queen Camel, has opened its doors to those in need of constant care, which in turn provides much-needed respite for a loved one or carer.

Day centre members are able to take part in a range of activities, including baking, crafting and quizzes

SOCIAL LIFELINE: Enjoying the facilties and company at The Old School Day Centre at Queen Camel

and are given a two-course, home cooked meal at lunchtime and of course tea and biscuits throughout the day.

Some 12 members of staff work at the centre, with at least three professionally trained and experienced always on site.

After trialling the past few months, the idea started to look just as good as it did on

paper, with great reviews from staff, loved ones and attendees.

Tanya, who works in the SilverStars office, said: “After visiting the day centre for the time last week, I was blown away by the professionalism of the carers, the enthusiasm of the elders and not to mention the impressive variety of food!”

The centre currently runs on Wednesday and Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm but it is hoped will open on Mondays soon.

Ewelina said: “We’re really looking forward to watching The Old School Day Centre be successful in bringing respite and social time for many years to come.” n facebook.com/ OldSchoolQueenCamel

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Mayor Ann Hall, right, at the Read Easy meeting

Volunteers sign up to help reading group A group of volunteers who help adults to read held a successful open evening in Sherborne – with five potential new recruits.

Read Easy Blackmore Vale North is a local group of a national charity Read Easy, which gives free, oneto-one coaching to adults who struggle to read.

Ten years ago, a national survey discovered that one in seven adults struggle to

read, and Read Easy UK started in.

The BV group has spread from its early days in Gillingham and Shaftesbury to include Mere, Wincanton, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton.

The Sherborne open evening was attended by the Mayor Ann Hall, Read Easy’s local team, a few local coaches, and many interested visitors wanting to find out more.

Alistair Sims who runs Books on the Hill in Clevedon spoke about his own journey with dyslexia and described his publishing enterprise producing books specifically published to be more accessible for people with dyslexia.

n If you know any adult (over 18) who struggles to read, they can ring Judy on 07440 745933 or Jenny on 07748 977330.

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order Gillingham Showroom

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

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

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

Our Loose Canon...

blackmorevale.net

with Canon Eric Woods DL

Managing decline is pure humbug It must have been about 15 years ago that I received a telephone call from the Bishop of a large rural diocese, on the opposite side of the country. He was enquiring if I would like to join his senior staff as one of his two archdeacons.

Now, I must confess that, after over 40 years of ordained ministry, I have never really understood what archdeacons do, or why they do it. It is a promotion of sorts, with an increased stipend and the rather amazing title of ‘The Venerable’. As someone who never wanted to be other than a parish priest, working with people in my parish, I simply couldn’t conceive of leaving them to become a kind of middle manager. However, the diocese in question was where my family came from, where

some of my relatives still live, and which I have always enjoyed as a holiday destination. So I played for time. I asked the Bishop if he would send me the paperwork.

It duly arrived. Masses of it. I read the first sentence of the covering letter: “The Archdeacon of W will work with the Bishop of X, the Suffragan Bishop of Y and the Archdeacon of Z in managing the decline of the Church in the Diocese.”

That did it. Straight into the recycling bin it all went. I have never worked in a declining church in my life, and I certainly wasn’t going to spend the final chapter of my ministry managing ‘decline’.

That all came back to me recently when I read of a speech given by the new Archbishop of York, Stephen

Cottrell, to the General Synod of the Church of England.

Whilst expressing his confidence that the CofE, after 70 years of decline, will grow again, he told the Synod “Even if it doesn’t … let our death be a grand operatic death. Let it be something fantastic. Let’s not crawl into a corner.”

Now, I wasn’t there, but I do not begin to understand what he was talking about. The Archbishop is someone who, as Bishop of Chelmsford, ordered massive redundancies in his parochial clergy in order to balance the books. “Doing a Chelmsford” has entered the vocabulary of the CofE, even in a piercing novel about a fictional diocese written by the wife of a serving diocesan bishop. It means cutting the parish clergy who are the

Church’s keyworkers whilst expanding the managers and middle managers who are supposed to ‘manage the decline’. It is humbug. The parishes – the backbone of the Church of England – are now regarded as little more than the milch-cows providing through the Diocesan Share a crippling tax which allows the centre to experiment with more and more alternative models which are simply failing to deliver new worshippers.

We need to return to our roots and do what we do best: faithful prayer, faithful worship, and faithful pastoral care. I am grateful that, in ‘retirement’, I am allowed to assist with just that. No gimmicks, no trendiness. Just faithfulness to the Gospel.

And it works!

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 31

blackmorevale.net

Photographer Brian’s a cereal spiller Wincanton Camera Club’s first competition of the season saw images by Jim Eastaugh and Meyrick Griffith-Jones scoring 19 out of 20 and Brian Stubbs’ image of milk being poured on to cornflakes scored a maximum 20.

The club has recently enjoyed talks by Paul Harris (Brief Encounters) and Colin Harrison (Creative Flower Photography).

The club also took part in the inter-club Sherborne Bradford Abbas Shield competition with the theme White on White.

When the judge interpreted this quite literally as images having no colour they lost out but, even so, David Foster gained 18/20 for his image and both Paul Dyer and Michael Anthony scored 19/20 for their images.

Members then met in Chase Woods, Sixpenny Handley, to photograph the woodlands before manning a stand at Morrisons in Wincanton to display some of their photos.

Members have gained more success in national and iInternational photographic salons.

Paul Dyer had an image accepted into the Frome National Salon of Photography and Meryick Griffith-Jones had both a commended image and a Judge’s Selection first

TOP OF THE MORNING: Brian Stubbs’s photograph of milk being poured on cornflakes and, right, an autumnal scene in Chase Wood, Sixpenny Handley

place. Brian Stubbs had an image accepted into the Smethwick International Photography Salon.

At their last meeting Andrew Dibben of AJ’s photographic store in Bruton talked members

through some of his product range and explained the benefits of proper lighting, lighting modifiers, stands and much more.

To join the friendly club, whatever the level of your photography, email

chairman Tony Cole, chairman@wincanton cameraclub.co.uk or secretary Lachlan Fraser, secretary@wincanton cameraclub.co.uk n wincantoncameraclub. co.uk

MP calls for improvements to supply of booster vaccines West Dorset MP Chris Loder has urged the Government to improve the supply of booster vaccines in West Dorset to make sure all people who are eligible have the chance to get a vital third jab.

He asked the Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup: “Almost a third of constituents in West Dorset are over the age of 65. While

I welcome very much the Secretary of State’s announcement this week that he is rolling out the booster to those over the age of 40, I am afraid that, in the county town of Dorchester and the second town of Bridport particularly, it is still very difficult for the elderly to receive their vaccine boosters.

“Will my hon. Friend help

urgently with sorting this issue by arranging walk-in centres so that we might address it rapidly?”

This follows on from Chris’ question to the Secretary of State for Health, Sajid Javid, last week, pressing the same point and highlighting to him the lack of provision for people in Dorset, and the long distances some people are forced to travel.

Mr Loder added: “We were top of the league table for the first and second vaccines and it is really important that the local people can access the vaccine booster, especially older people or those at risk.

“That is difficult for some in West Dorset without travelling far away and it is absolutely imperative that this is fixed.”

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

n Louis Bunce’s float for the 1906 Tercentenary in Blandford

n Long Street, Sherborne, in the late 19th century and, right, High Street, Stalbridge in 1888. One of the two Glyde brothers, owners of the best-stocked grocery shop in town, outside the shop

n The Stalbridge Post Office staff with their van, some time during the reign of Edward VII

Rediscovering the lost towns of Dorset A fantastically evocative book, crammed with old photos and stories about Dorset towns, has been published by New Blackmore Vale contributor David Burnett.

The 220-page Lost Dorset The Towns is a beast of a

tome, full to the brim with fascinating information – the perfect gift for Dorset lovers at £20.

There are pages on everywhere from Beaminster to Wimborne, offering well over 20 historic images for each.

David runs the Dovecote Press in Wimborne, and he has spent years researching for his series of books on Dorset.

His newest book is one of a series, and features the collected postcards of Barry Cuff, who has collated more

than 10,000 postcards of Dorset during a 50-year ‘addiction’.

The pair have created a treasure of a book for anyone who loves the county. It’s available at all your usual bookshops and online.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 33

n John Farris’s Belle Vue Iron Works in Bleke Street, Shaftesbury and, inset, David Burnett’s book Lost Dorset The Towns

n The Market Place in Blandford in 1905. Arthur Conyers poses at the wheel of his red Humbrette two-seater and, right, the bridge at Sturminster Newton, seen from the footpath in 1907. The late medieval bridge was widened in 1820. It’s still a bit of a squeeze

n Children pose for the camera on market day in Sturminster Newton in about 1910

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

History

For whom the bell tolls: The tough life Tragedy and hard times dogged the life of a much-loved village vicar. From the bankruptcy of his parents to a battle with malaria, life wasn’t easy. But his death, caused by a church bell in front of a party of schoolchildren, in St Andrew’s Church in Okeford Fitzpaine, was perhaps one of the most extraordinary tales of all. ROBERT WELLAN tells his story...

The Reverend William Russell Ware Mortimer, WRWM, was born in Bristol in 1889 to William Henry and Edith Mortimer, who were married in 1886 in Bedminster. The couple had four children, Gladys, WRWM, Dorothy and Sydney.

It was during this time the family tanning business was in trouble.

William was subject to a Receiving Order in 1897 and in 1898, a series of notices appeared regarding bankruptcy proceedings. By 1901, William was living in Bath, separated from his family, and is described as ‘living on own means’.

He died in 1902.

Our man, WRWM, had been taken in by the wider Mortimer family and at age 22, he was single and a Clerk in a Wholesale Stationers’ In 1912, WRWM began theological training at St Boniface Mission College in Warminster.

A natural sportsman, WRWM represented the college in cricket and football.

In 1916 WRWM was ordained a priest. In 1919 he married farmer’s daughter Stella Tansley and the couple travelled to British Guiana, modern day Guyana, for five years where WRWM was on missionary training and in 1924, their first child, Mary.

The couple both suffered ill health abroad, and were reported to have succumbed to malaria.

Later it was reported that “ill health compelled him [WRWM] to return to

TRAGEDY: A report on the death is featured in The Ringing World from August 1957 and, below, St Boniface Mission College in Worchester and, right, a note to the vestry

England”. A second child, a son, Roger was born in 1932.

In 1944 WRWM became the Rector at Okeford Fitzpaine and former parishioners remember the couple fondly.

Sunday School pupil Helen Sherwood said: “I remember my parents telling me that when my sister was born

Rev Mortimer visited. He sat in the front room talking to mum, and was given a cup of tea and offered a biscuit, to which he replied ‘I won’t have one now, but I will take several for later’ and proceeded to fill his trouser pockets’.

Greta Fudge and her late

husband, Joe, were the last couple that WRWM married in May 1957. Greta lives in Marnhull and said: “WRWM was a lovely man, a bit scruffy and his wife was a nice lady, who taught me the piano.”

On Sunday, July 21, 1957, tragedy struck when WRWM

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 35

blackmorevale.net

History

and tragic death of a Dorset clergyman hold of something to pull himself out and pulled the bell over.”

Helen Sherwood said: “I was five at the time the Rev Mortimer had his accident. I was in the church when the accident happened but not in the bell tower, we were ushered out and I went home.”

Okeford Fitzpaine bell ringer Robert Corben, who was nine at the time of the tragedy, recalls that the true purpose of the visit was not to see the bells as such, but to show the children the view from the top of the tower. He remembers ‘running home and hiding in his bedroom’.

At the first meeting of the PCC after the tragedy ‘grave concern was expressed at the condition of the staircase and entrance into the belfry.’

After considerable discussion ‘it was resolved that a suitable scheme for its improvement [be explored and] as a temporary safeguard that locks be fitted to the doors of the Ringing Chamber and the Belfry’.

WRWM’s widow, Stella, died in 1976 and is buried in Bristol. Their son, Roger, said from a difficult start in life, WRWM led a ‘good life’. Supported by his wife, he touched and affected many others for good through his Christian ministry both at home and abroad.

“His life deserves to be remembered and not just for the manner of its end.”

HAPPY COUPLE The Rev Mortimer and his wife Stella, his inquest featured in the Daily Mirror of Jully 23, 1957. Below: The couple’s headstone and, right, bellringer Ben Ridout

was killed by the bell in his own church as he was taking a party of children to the tower to show them the view.

The Coroner’s Inquest report stated: “A verdict of accidental death was returned on the Rev. William Russell Ware Mortimer who

was killed by a bell the previous Sunday afternoon when he was showing a party of school children round the ringing chamber of his church.”

The Coroner said: “A clergyman being killed in this manner in his own church, after taking a service

there, is quite beyond the understanding of the human mind.”

Mr. Benjamin Ridout, captain of the bellringers said he did not think the accident could have occurred through some fault in the mechanism. He said: “I think, perhaps, he caught

n Learn more at an online talk on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 7.30pm.

To register visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lifeand-death-of-a-dorset-clerg yman-the-reverend-williammortimer-tickets-187531691 337

36

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

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Advertising feature

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 37

blackmorevale.net

Education

School proud of inspection Archbishop Wake CE Primary School in Blandford Forum are celebrating a successful SIAMs inspection from the Church of England.

All Church of England schools are routinely inspected through the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMs) and Archbishop Wake’s took place just before half-term.

The school has been judged to be ‘Good’ overall and provision in RE and collective worship both ‘Good’ as well.

The report says: “The school’s uplifting Christian vision runs like a golden thread through every aspect of school life. As a result, parents trust school staff and greatly value the

GOOD WORK: Pupils at Archbishop Wake in Blandford

pastoral care and practical assistance on offer. Pupils experience school as a place of calmness, security and happiness, increasing their resilience and selfconfidence.”

Headteacher Daniel Carter said: “This report provides

SO KIND: Children at St Nicholas in Child Okeford

Pupils’ lesson in kindness Children at St Nicholas Primary School in Child Okeford have been remembering and thinking of others. To celebrate the Harvest Festival children brought in food and hygiene items to donate to the local food bank.

Children made poppy wreaths to lay at the memorial in Child Okeford during the Remembrance Service. The school councillors and Acers class walked to the memorial and took part in the service with

representatives from the school council laying wreaths to represent the young people of Child Okeford, Manston and Hammoon.

Later in the month the school took part in Odd Socks Day, which is part of AntiBullying Week.

And children raised £121.10 for this year’s BBC Children in Need. Children came to school dressed in sparkling fancy dress and Pudsey outfits in their very own Strictly Sparkle.

the validation of the amazing work that everyone contributes to the school. The pupils are an incredible group of children to work with and they make the school the place it is. I feel very proud and privileged to be a part.”

Word mightier than the pen Pupils at Yewstock School in Stur put down their pens to take part in No Pens Day Wednesday; a national speaking and listening event organised by I CAN children’s communication charity.

Some 160 pupils experienced a day of learning through speaking and listening or communication devices, rather than writing.

Head teacher Clive Padgett said: “We believe speech, language and communication skills underpin everything and directly affect our pupils’ life chances and for this reason we have been delighted to take part. We have seen pupils and teaching staff taking part in storytelling using our narrative approach of who, where, when and what happened.”

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

A good sign at Old Ship The painted Old Ship sign which hangs outside the popular Mere pub has been reinstated thanks to a collaboration between Mere Town Council, fabricator Jeffery Paul and roofer Dan Weeks.

Historic England suggest the sign and ornate bracket is the work of Kingston Avery, the clock maker and blacksmith who lived at Mere between 1730 and 1763.

The painted sign of the Old Ship, which has survived since the mid-18th century, is small compared with the elaborate supporting bracket, which incorporates a golden coronet with fleur-de-lis, an ornate bunch of grapes, flowers and leaves. There is also the head which depicts a sea-like creature with a spring-like body.

TREE-MENDOUS: The Christmas tree at Barchester’s Trinity Manor

Care home gives festive tree a new home Care home residents are enjoying a smashing Christmas tree this year – thanks to Sherborne Sunday Markets organiser Jules Bradburn.

Jules had a big tree growing in her garden, which she offered to Barchester’s Trinity Manor care home.

Jules also helped organise the home’s recent Christmas Fayre.

Home services advisor Rebekah Goddard, activities co-ordinator Joe Stratford, deputy manager Paul Pippard and three residents went along to watch Jules’ husband cut it

down.

Paul said: “Everyone shouted, ‘Timber!’ as it fell to the ground. The best bit was watching on as Rebekah tried to squeeze what turned out to be a nine foot tree (not the six foot we had been led to believe) into the boot of her car!”

CPRE urging opposition to Local Plan

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

CPRE, the Countryside Charity, is urging Dorset Council to acknowledge ‘overwhelming public opposition’ to the Local Plan, which they claim will change the county’s unique landscape forever.

Some 56% of Dorset is designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and much of the housing proposed in the draft Dorset Local Plan will be built either in or very close to AONB land – changing forever the county’s unique landscape and rich biodiversity.

Research carried out by

CPRE reveals that housing that has been approved in AONBs nationally since 2017/18, is overwhelmingly for large executive homes, with only 16% allocated as affordable housing.

And CPRE claims Dorset Council is one of the main authorities regularly surrendering green fields as opposed to brownfield sites.

Rupert Hardy, chairman of North Dorset CPRE, said: “Dorset Council admits that the public interest test used to justify the release of AONB for major development is necessary to meet its excess housing target and Cllr David Walsh concedes it is ‘likely’ that protected areas will be

affected by development.

“This means that town and parish councils who believe themselves protected from development are enjoying a false sense of security.

Town and parish councils who responded to the draft Dorset Local Plan, represent 287,000 voters.

“Of these, 88 per cent do not agree with the plan, which proposes just over 4,500 homes in or within 250m of an AONB. “Dorset CPRE now calls for Dorset Council to acknowledge the overwhelming public opposition to the Local Plan and to accept that its findings put at risk the special areas of Dorset’s countryside.

“Accordingly, we believe it is now timely to revisit the whole plan, especially in the light of recent statements by Michael Gove, who clearly signalled a shift towards greater recognition of AONBs as meriting special consideration in future development plans.”

Natural England has criticised parts of the plan.

With reference to development at Blandford Forum, it states: “The scale and location of the development will inevitably result in residual adverse impacts on the Cranborne Chase AONB.” Dorset Council was approached for comment.

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 39

blackmorevale.net

SPARKLING: Enjoying the Newstone House dance afternoon are residents, from left: Joyce Ware, Rita Clay, Linda Porter and Doreen Webb. Behind them are, left and right, Companionship Team members Sam Hurst and Kate Seck. Left: Don Skilling dances with Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy. and, right, Doreen Webb with Sam Hurst, Companionship Team member

It’s a 10! Strictly fans out on the floor A pair of lifelong dance fans enjoyed a chance to trip the light fantastic once again thanks to staff at their Dorset care home.

Residents Doreen Webb and Don Skilling enjoyed an afternoon on the ‘dance floor’ at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.

Knowing both of them have an interest in dancing, team members transformed the

dining room into a Strictlystyle ballroom complete with lights, sparkle and smart speaker.

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy said: “Don was a ballroom instructor at his father’s dance school in Blackpool while Doreen also has a passion for ballroom.

“She loves all things Strictly and used to dance

regularly with friends and family.

“She asked recently if she could go to a dance. We wanted to make that wish come true for both by holding a special afternoon in recognition of their love for sparkles and beautiful dance moves.

“It was amazing. Don took great delight in showing us what to do. He certainly let

us know if we put a foot out of place. Everyone loved it.”

Doreen said afterwards: “I had a wonderful day. I laughed, danced and enjoyed an afternoon with everyone. I will never forget it. Thank you!”

Don said: “I just went with it and the moves came back to me straight away. It was wonderful to dance again.”

Wish you were here: Postcards reveal pilgrims’ progress Historian Helen Baggott gave an illustrated talk on The Mayflower Connection to members of the Blackmore Vale Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society at their recent meeting at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

Helen enjoys collecting postcards and researching the families involved – of both the sender and of the recipient. By using the route of the Mayflower ship from Leiden to America as a skeleton,

Helen had found postcards related to various ports of call.

The postcards were sent 90 years ago and, as well as providing ‘then and now’ photos of various postcard scenes, there was some fascinating insight into bygone lives – including several links to the original pilgrims who travelled out to America on The Mayflower!

The Blackmore Vale Family History Group is a friendly group which meets monthly at The Exchange with a variety

of talks and presentations, mostly with an historical connection.

Members are always happy to assist people getting started on your own family tree or to advise on your research if you reach a ‘brick wall’.

The group will be meeting again in February 2022.

For more information email blackmorevalegroup@gmail.com or contact Felicity Harrison on 01258 472942.

40

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Items for sale Bib and Brace Stihl chainsaw forestry safety clothing size large.

Unwanted present still in original packaging unused bargain at £49. 100% perfect 07999 450348.

Small dk oak kneehole desk 9 drawers 122cmw 74cmh £40. Cream chest 3 drawers 78cmw 74cm t £35 07971 902353.

Folding table tennis table, 9ft x 5ft. £50 Buyer collects from Sherborne. 07890 451996.

Fireplace hamper £20 (it's full of goodies): fire-rope, stove-thermometer, Glasscleaner, fire-cement and lots more. 07393 573241 (Wincanton-area).

Skamolex (stove bricks); Fire-boards £15 High density or medium £10, (Wincanton area); great for fire-bricks or heatshielding. (Edges not-perfect). 07393 573241.

Royal Doulton Greenbriar dinner and tea service. 68 pieces including coffee pot.

£35. 01258 821301.

Premier aerobed £45, rucksacks: Berghaus Vercors 30 £25, Osprey daylite £20, itluggage bag £20, dry sac £10 vgc 01747 825127.

Dusty pink two-seater sofa bed 50ono 07710 226286.

Drapers sheepskin gents slippers dark brown size 10 Never worn boxed £28 01258 861032.

Parker Knoll 3 seater sofa, Oakley Water Green. Very comfortable, good condition, stainproofed. £50. 01935 872459.

Medium sized, pair of beige upholstered arm chairs, good condition, free to collect 07555 524290.

Flymo Lawnrake Compact. £30. 07580 510021.

Oak writing bureau. £50.

07580 510021.

Smart kitchen chairs x 4 £50 – 01258 458484.

Men’s evening suit, waist 36”, very good condition £20 01202 677607.

Best Prices Paid for Scrap Gold in Dorset

Quantity of willow wood from pruned tree. £20.

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3 very pretty female black baby guinea pigs. £10 each or £20 for all three. Ready now. Call Vanessa Parkinson on 01963 210210.

Kids Pedal Pals Galaxia Bike 14 inch wheel size, excellent condition, with new stabilisers. £50 Bruton 07707 845732.

Free clean double bed 01963 32855.

Stereo set with jpw speakers in working order rather dusty been well loved in good condition. £45ono.

Cameron 07549 112851.

RAV 10' POWER HARROW & an 8' BALLAST ROLLER & PTO saw bench & Kuhn primor straw handler & Bateman crush Tel 01749 850274 500 CHELMER RED IMPERIAL SIZE BRICKS on pallets 07717 379680 HONDA 2 WATER PUMP with hoses £35. Scroll saw 11" throat £20 01258 880964 (Milton Abbas)

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ZEST STARLIGHT ARCH 1.34m x 0.72m x 2.23m unused (wrong size) £100 ono. Buyer to collect. Tel. 01935 872353 BARGAIN BUY. Wedding stock for sale only £600.00 Ono. Genuine reason for quick sale. Please contact 07887 684256 or 07900 620185 3 DOG CAGES, bike Rollercone quantum, car fridge, large new lamp. 01747838142d DISCOUNT AIR GUNS, new & used, spares, repairs, tuning, sights and night vision.

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OLD TOOLS WANTED FOR CASH. BEST PRICE IN UK. VINTAGE,COLLECTABLE & GOOD USED TOOLS, boyshilltoolsandtreen.co.uk Tel 07977298834 danletts51@gmail.com

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Freeads up to £50: classified@ blackmorevale.net

Spate of Dorset trailer thefts Three Ifor Wiliams trailers have been stolen in the last month in Dorset.

The latest, a twin axle trailer, was stolen from Pimperne overnight on November 30.

Police advise taking pictures of your trailer and any identifiable markings along

with the serial number in case it’s ever recovered.

They also advise using trailer wheel and hitch locks, and to block the trailer in if possible. Anyone with information about the theft can contact police quoting occurrence 55210193333.

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 41

blackmorevale.net

Market shuts after 53 years

Friends of hospital branch out with a tree Matron Alison Low has planted the first of a series of trees at the Yeatman Hospital as part of the Friends 70th anniversary year.

The tree was planted to acknowledge and thank Mike and Louise Burks of Castle Gardens for their generosity by hosting the anniversary birthday reception in July this year.

David Hayes, chairman of the Friends thanked Mike and Louise for their hospitality and presented a certificate of the occasion.

ACE OF SPADES: Mike and Louise Burks, David Hayes and Matron Ali Low

Gillingham Country Market has been axed after 53 years.

The committee recently took the decision to announce the closure of the weekly market with immediate effect.

A spokesman said: “This was a very difficult choice for all concerned as the market had run continuously since 1968, providing a valuable service to the local community.

“Sadly a lack of producers combined with the disruption caused by covid meant that we were no longer able to offer our usual wide range of high quality home-produced goods.

“The committee would like to take this opportunity to express our grateful thanks to all our faithful producers, helpers and customers for their unwavering loyalty

Solar farm go-ahead despite objections

By Nicci Brown Plans for a giant solar farm in the middle of a cherished rural Blackmore Vale landscape have been given the green light by Dorset councillors despite a recommendation for refusal by planning officers.

The application by Voltalia for land at Higher Stockbridge Farm, three miles to the south of Sherborne and about five miles south east of Yeovil, has been under discussion for over two years.

The site covering 80 hectares (197 acres) – around 1.4 kilometres long – had been slimmed down by 20 per cent from the original proposal on which the renewable energy company first consulted in 2019 and which attracted nearly 370 opposing representations.

The revised application was referred to Dorset Council’s strategic planning committee, on the basis of the significant scale of the application and the clear

level of public interest in the decision, and committee members had held a site visit a week before the day of the meeting.

The renewable energy scheme of ground mounted photovoltaic solar arrays has a maximum export capacity of 35MW, equating to the generation of clean renewable energy for approximately 10,605 homes and anticipated CO2 displacement of around 11,610 tonnes a year.

Officers considered that the public benefits of the development were not sufficient to outweigh the cumulative harm caused by its industrial character and scale which would be visually intrusive to the character of the valued landscape, the setting of heritage assets and their relationship with the rural landscape. But the harm to the significance of heritage assets was described as ‘less than substantial’, and the landscape, although highly representative and of high

conservation and recreational value, was not rare within Dorset or nationally.

The Natural Environment Team considered that the measures proposed would ensure the development would avoid detrimental impacts and result in an overall net gain for biodiversity.

Representations against the scheme were heard Cam Vale Parish Council and from individual Michael Gates, Richard Pinney and Mark Ashley-Miller, who described the proposal as ‘trashing the beautiful local environment’.

But Peter Roberts supported the ‘international battle to safeguard the world for future generations’, and speakers for the applicant described it as a project of strategic importance for Dorset.

The scheme was described

by Councillor David Tooke, member for Cranborne and Alderholt, as being ‘balanced on a knife-edge’ between opposing harmful impacts

and responding to the climate emergency declared at the council’s first ever meeting.

Chairman Robin Cook said they had to weigh their duty to protect the heritage of Dorset, not just buildings but the countryside as a whole which is “quintessentially Dorset”, against the important need for renewable energy.

Councillor Belinda Ridout (Gillingham) proposed acceptance of the officers’ recommended refusal, and was seconded by local ward member Councillor Mary Penfold, but it was defeated by six votes to two.

The committee voted by the same margin to support Bridport councillor Kelvin Clayton’s counter-proposal for approval, seconded by Councillor Tooke, on the grounds that the public benefits identified with regard to most planning issues far outweighed the ‘less than substantial harm’ to the landscape and heritage assets.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

Light fantastic

Christmas came early to Blandford town centre with the installation of the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

Column lights and small Christmas trees have created a festive atmosphere and the tree in the Market Place was formally lit when Father Christmas arrived, leading the children’s lantern parade.

The forecast rain held off while the hundreds of children and parents in the parade gathered for community carol singing in the Market Place led from the church lawn by the Decibelles

choir from Winterborne Kingston, accompanied by the Stour Valley Band.

Father Christmas greeted children in his grotto in the

Corn Exchange, and there were market stalls and fairground rides in the Market Place, West Street and Salisbury Street and festive entertainment, with a laser light show replacing the fireworks of previous years.

The Dorset Rural Music School presented a farewell concert for their retiring director Richard Hall on Saturday evening, and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir presented A Baroque Christmas in the Corn Exchange on Sunday.

The Woodhouse Gardens are again decorated and lit in the early evening following the success of last year’s festive display which added a welcome

blackmorevale.net splash of colour to lockdown.

The Lions’ Christmas Fair, usually held on the Saturday after tree lighting at the beginning of December, will this year be opening in the Corn Exchange at 9.30am on Saturday, December 11.

News that the scaffolding will not be erected in and around the Parish Church until the new year at the start of the next phase of its restoration has meant that the Civic Carol Service with Town Mayor Lee Hitchings, originally scheduled for Blandford Evangelical Church, can go ahead there on Wednesday, December 15.

Announcements PUBLIC NOTICES JEAN LANG TODD COTTAM (Deceased) Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the above named, late of 13 Spillers House, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset , SP7 8EP , who died on 22/09/2021, are required to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned on or before 11/02/2022, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice.

Farnfields LLP, 4 Church Lane, Shaftesbury Dorset, SP7 8JT

GEORGE ZYGMUNT KORAB-BRZOZOWSKI (Deceased) Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the above named, late of Church Farm Cottage High Street Ashmore Salisbury, SP5 5AE, who died on 29/10/2021, are required to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned on or before 11/02/2022, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice.

RUTTERS SOLICITORS, Rutters 2 Bimport Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8AY

THANK YOU

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

The family of the late

KATHLEEN CHARLOTTE NORMAN

MIKE & SHIRLEY HENSTRIDGE

Would like to thank Kaye at Colin Close for all her help and Anita for the lovely service.Thank you to Florabunda for the beautiful flowers.

Also the many condolence cards,and donations totalling £270 for Julia’s House

would like to wish all friends & neighbours a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

DEATHS DONALD CHARLES BLAGDEN (Deceased) Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the above named, late of Mead House, St James Common, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0JA, who died on 24/02/2021, are required to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned on or before 11/02/2022, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice.

Farnfields Solicitors, 4 Church Lane Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8JT

ALFORD DAVID of Gillingham (formerly of Motcombe) peacefully passed away aged 79 at Salisbury District Hospital.

A much loved husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at Salisbury Crematorium, at 2pm on Thursday 16th December.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of David are invited for The Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital and may be sent C/O Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QL. Tel: 01747 822494

IN MEMORIAM ALFRED ROBERTS 13.12.2020 Much loved and missed husband and dad. Always in our thoughts. Love Marjorie and Linda.

BIRTHDAY NICK CHAVE Happy 88th Birthday Darling on 18th December & many more from all the family

ARTHUR JOHN PIKE "JOHN" On 2nd December 2021 peacefully in The Cedar's Nursing Home, Shaftesbury aged 93 years of Gillingham (formerly of Twyford). Much loved husband to Audrey, dad to Carole and Denise, also a loving grandfather and great grandfather who will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 21st December at 1pm.

No flowers please but donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 43

blackmorevale.net

Announcements DEATHS LOUISE ELLEN STANLEY On the 9th November 2021 in Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth aged 60 years of Tisbury (formerly of Donhead St Mary). Funeral service takes place at Donhead St Mary Church on Thursday 16th December at 11am, followed by interment. No flowers please but donations if desired to Diabetes UK may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

GAIL CANDY NÉE MACDOUGALL Peacefully on 29th November 2021 at Dorset County Hospital aged 85 years.

Beloved wife of Marcus, mother of Miriam, Rosalyn, Ralph and Laurence.

Funeral service will take place at St Nicholas Church, Manston on Monday, 13th December at 12 noon.

Family flowers only but donations if desired for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust may be sent c/o Grassby & Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton DT10 1BB or online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

ROSE JEAN ELSIE Aged 96 years of Wincanton. On 23rd November 2021, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Funeral service at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wincanton on Thursday, 16th December at 12 noon, followed by interment in the cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Jean are being invited for St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wincanton. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

KEITH MALCOLM HASKETT 7/8/1945-29/11/2021 A much loved father, brother and uncle passed away peacefully on 29th November A kind, generous man with a great sense of humour who will be greatly missed by all who knew him Keith’s funeral service will be held at 2pm on 17th December at Poole Crematorium All who knew him welcome Donations ,in lieu of flowers , if desired to Cancer Research UK

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

– 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Announcements DEATHS ARTHUR JOHN PIKE "JOHN" On 2nd December 2021 peacefully in The Cedar's Nursing Home, Shaftesbury aged 93 years of Gillingham (formerly of Twyford).

Much loved husband to Audrey, dad to Carole and Denise, also a loving grandfather and great grandfather who will be sadly missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 21st December at 1pm. No flowers please but donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

WHITE LESLIE CLIFFORD Of Milborne St. Andrew passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on the 2nd of December 2021 aged 82 years. A much loved husband of the late Beryl, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle.

Funeral to be held at Poole Crematorium on Dec 22nd at 11am.

Family flowers only, donations if wished for Fortunes well Cancer Trust may be made by visiting www.grassbyfuneral.co.uk or c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester DT1 1TW

JONATHAN WHITE 23/11/55-27/11/21 Much loved husband, father, son & friend, sadly passed away peacefully at home on 27th November 2021.

His funeral service will be held at 12.30pm on 10th December at Poole Crematorium.

Donations, if desired, in memory of Jonathan to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

LYNDSEY DENISE BUDDEN Passed away peacefully at home on 17th November, aged 65 years.

A much loved wife, mother and grandmother who will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

Funeral service has taken place.

Donations may be sent direct to Donkey's & Shetlands Last Home, High Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QT. Or Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset. SP8 4QL.

TONI MILLER Peacefully on the 14th November 2021 at Blandford Community Hospital. Antoni Francis aged 96 years of Fifehead Neville. A dearly loved dad and grandad. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday, 13th December at 12.40pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

GAPPER RAYMOND ALEC Peacefully on the 26th November, age 93 years.

A dearly loved brother, uncle, and friend.

Funeral service will take place at St Nicholas Church, Nether Compton on Tuesday 14th December at 2pm.

No flowers please, but donations if desired maybe sent C/O www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk Or left in the collection tube on the day.

ANN CHRISTY Died suddenly at home on 11 November. Beloved partner of Sandra for 38 years, dearest friend of Sylvia for 56 years.

NANCY ROBERTS (NEE TALBOT) of West Orchard formerly of Margaret Marsh, passed away at home aged 85 on 18th November after a short illness.

Beloved wife of Alan, loving mother to Sandra, Andrew and Lucy, adored grandmother to Charlotte, Rachel, Amelia, Elsbeth, William and Eleanor, cherished mother-in-law to Martin, Julie and Andy and a wonderful friend to many.

Funeral service to take place on Tuesday 14th December at 2.30pm at Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6AN. Donations if desired to Alzheimer’s Research UK via www.harbourview.co.uk.

PAM HILLIER Of Gillingham passed away peacefully on the 23rd November 2021.

A much loved mum, nan and sister. Service only to be held at St Mary’s Church, Gillingham on the 21st December 2021 at 2pm. The family request bright colours to be worn rather than black, in celebration of Pam’s life. Family flowers only.

To make an online donation in memory of Pam please visit her tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations Or send cheque made payable to Cancer Research UK or, Alzheimer’s Society c/o Co-operative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QT

CONNIE READ Peacefully on the 25th November 2021 at The Old Vicarage, Leigh aged 92 years. Much loved Mum, Gran & Great Gran. Funeral service at St Andrew’s Church, Leigh on Tuesday, 15th December at 11am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for St Andrew’s Church Fabric Fund. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

LES WOODS Peacefully at home on the 24th November 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Les aged 71 years of Sturminster Newton. Dearly loved husband, dad and grandad. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton on Thursday, 16th December at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 45

blackmorevale.net

Announcements TO PLACE A NOTICE CALL 01963 400186 OR EMAIL adverts@blackmorevale.net

PETER JACKSON FUNERAL SERVICES Independent Family Owned and Run Funeral Directors Private Chapels of Rest • 24 Hour Service • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans

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office@peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk www.peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

Family Run Caring & E cient • Private Chapels of Rest Personal Day & Night Service “Golden Charter” Pre-paid Funeral Plans available Memorials in Stone Marble & Granite, etc.

Shaftesbury (01747) 853532 imere昀eld@aol.com Gillingham (01747) 835335 www.mhfd.co.uk “Ridgemount”, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

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BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Available 24 hours a day.

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Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, SP7 8BS 01747 858968

STURMINSTER NEWTON 4 Market House, Station Road, DT10 1FG 01258 472073

funeralcare.co.uk

46

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

Undercover Diner: The Newt needs no introduction, I am sure.

And I could not even begin to give the place the introduction it deserves as it is truly an amazing place to visit.

I was thrilled when I discovered that I was being treated to lunch at the Garden Cafe based at The Newt for my birthday (I’d only previously sampled the hot chocolates around the fire pit and the cakes and sparkling apple juice in the French style courtyard – just a sample of what was to come).

After being seated next to the large windows in the light and airy restaurant overlooking the gardens, we were presented with complimentary bottled water, sample glasses of cider made on site as well as a plate of the most sumptuous bread, butter and a mozzarella cream cheese in oil.

Already I was blown away by the quality of the food. Washed down with a chilled glass of wine, I was really settling into this experience.

Opting for a two-course meal from the vegetable-led menu (£25 per person plus £7.50 extra for meat), I feasted on

The Garden Café at The Newt

a very generous bowl of sweetcorn risotto with belly of pork. It was exquisite.

The pork almost melted in my mouth it was so tender and the crackling was cooked to perfection. Now here is the detail as to why service is so good. The waiting staff were so attentive. When

we only received one portion of pork rather than the two we ordered the missing portion swiftly arrived with a complimentary serving of venison in addition, which was the alternative meat dish. Not many restaurants would give you extra food on top of the complimentary food received – you really are treated to an incredible and generous experience. The food is as fresh as it can get as the fruit and vegetables come from the orchards and gardens which can be seen from the café.

Pudding for me was a poached apple in custard with prunes and hazelnuts.

Utterly divine. Turned out there was just enough room for pudding and I can inform you that I did not need to eat for nearly 24 hours after this meal!

I should also mention, you will need to purchase a day ticket or annual pass to the gardens should you wish to visit for lunch. If you are local, it is certainly worth getting an annual pass due to the number of experiences you can gain from visiting the Newt over the space of a year.

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 47

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

Youth’s no bar to success for landlord

By Miranda Robertson A young former prison officer has gone from one success behind bars to another behind a bar.

Scott Rock is just 26 years old, but he’s always wanted to run his own bar.

Armed with nothing more than online research and tutorial videos, he grabbed the opportunity to lease premises in Queen Street in Gillingham and turn it into the kind of place he would like to frequent.

Now Rocky’s Bar is gaining a firm following, with its special cocktails and frequent entertainment.

Scott, who was an officer at HMP Guys Marsh for three years, said: “It’s going really well. We’re getting a good reputation – people always come back for a second visit, which is good.

“We’ve got two pool teams and run tournaments, and we

done in the industry so far, but I’ve always wanted to do run my business.

“I just wanted it to be a nicer venue than the average pub, with the focus on cocktails. I did a lot of research and watching online video tutorials to get the cocktail menu right.”

Rocky’s is open from 5pm11pm Mon-Fri, 12pm-11pm on Saturdays and 12pm-8pm on Sundays.

Find Rocky’s Bar on Facebook for more information.

Pictured: Scott at a games night and inset, some of the cocktails

run poker tournaments too.

We also have live music twice a month and we run regular quizzes.”

Rocky’s opened in August this year and has five staff.

Scott would like to do food,

if he can find a suitable chef.

He added: “I worked for a couple of months at the Red Lion, but that’s all I’ve

Gustosa! New Italian deli opens to tickle your tastebuds

A little bit of Italy has come to Yeovil town centre in the form of a new Italian delicatessen.

Tramonti deli on Westminster Street next to the Nat West Bank is named after town on the Amalfi coast where the shop owner, Francesco Fierro lived before moving to Yeovil.

All the products in Tramonti are sourced from Italy and include a variety of meats, pastas, quality olive oils and plenty of sweet and savoury snacks.

The new delicatessen was officially opened by Yeovil Mayor, Councillor Evie Potts-Jones.

Pictured: Francesco Fierro and Yeovil Mayor Councillor Evie Potts-Jones

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A pair of entrepreneurs near Shaftesbury have launched a business selling delicious snacks and drinks that don’t cost the earth.

Jim Chetwode and Rupert Brown decided in January to start selling environmentally friendly foods. But it wasn’t until October they were able to launch The Ethical Trader (theethicaltrader.co.uk).

Jim, who lives in Child Okeford, has been compiling a suppliers list to make any self-respecting environmentalist salivate.

Products include a number of micro-businesses producing small scale products, plus their largest supplier Deliciously Ella, who supplies a range of vegan, healthy snacks.

Jim said: “The green thing was an important factor in setting up The Ethical Trader. COP26 was coming up when we launched, and the time was right to try to get people to enjoy good food which is better for the planet.

“We wanted to promote some funky small brands and drag the dinosaurs kicking and screaming into the digital age.”

Jim and Rupert’s background is in E-commerce. They have helped people build websites and run a few of their own – the biggest is an online pet shop (dogsdogsdogs.co.uk).

Jim said: “Lockdown forced

GOOD FOOD: Rupert Brown and Jim Chetwode of Ethical Trader and, above, one of their Ethical Trader boxes

The only way is ethics for foodie entrepreneurs us to start again. We were selling trade stands for shows and overnight all of them cancelled.

“We launched a website where anyone within ten miles of Shaftesbury could use it to sell their products –

we didn’t do it for profit so there was only a tiny charge.

Jim has long wanted to start up an environmentally friendly business, having flown over Borneo and seeing the destruction of the rainforest and seen beaches littered with waste.

His new venture is gaining traction thanks to plenty of social media activity and – now that it’s allowed – fairs.

One of his favourite products is Tony Chocolonely.

Jim said: “People are so badly paid in the cocoa supply chain. This chocolate is cut up into weird shapes to show inequality in the supply chain. It’s delicious chocolate – our advent calendars are sold out.”

“Deliciously Ella is our biggest brand. She is leading the way in vegan cooking and has loads of snacks.

Quite a healthy thing and environmentally friendly, and a lot of it is gluten free.”

The pair are based in Berwick St Leonard and offer a range of snacks and drinks, plus monthly subscription boxes.

Go to theethicaltrader.co.uk for more details.

Giles entertains for full moon St. Mary’s Church in Winterborne Zelston celebrated the Beaver Full Moon with a visit from Olives Et Al chairman and founder Giles Henschel, pictured, for a talk and taste at the village hall. The hall was filled with laughter as Giles, an exceptional raconteur, recounted many stories and

explained how the full moon affects the quality of the olives and oil.

Churchwarden Della Jones MBE said: “The hall was packed with the majority of the quests from outside the village, and everyone had a thoroughly good evening raising £153.00 for church funds.”

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 49

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Mince Pies

As mentioned in last issue’s recipe for homemade mincemeat, mince pies are an essential part of Christmas.

The mincemeat and pastry are of equal importance. and nothing beats homemade in both departments. The pastry should be extra buttery, short and rich: like shortbread, in fact, and filled with fresh, fruity, mincemeat enhanced with a decent amount of alcohol.

Obviously, you must eat one for every day of the Twelve Days of Christmas (beginning on Christmas Day) for maximum luck in the coming year as the old saying advises.

Why not get a head start and ‘test’ one (or two) as soon as you’ve finished baking? As all cooks know, testing is SO important!

A food processor makes delicious short pastry but make by hand if you prefer.

Makes 12 180g plain flour 120g cold salted butter, diced 25g caster sugar, plus extra

for finishing 1 tablespoon cold water Plus: 12 generous teaspoons mincemeat You will need 2 fluted cutters: a 7½ cm and a 6 cm and a greased 12 cup tart tin Preheat oven to 180C (fan ovens) gas mark 6 or equivalent Whizz the flour and butter into fine crumbs. Add the sugar, whizz briefly, add the water. Whizz until large clumps form. Remove

Mum’s Kitchen...

Chestnut, Mushroom and Red Wine en Croute This makes an ideal vegetarian Christmas Day main course as it goes so well with the traditional roast potatoes and vegetables usually served with Christmas dinner.

Serves 4-6.

Ingredients: 25g/1oz butter 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 50g/2oz button mushrooms, sliced 75ml/3 fl oz red wine 180g pack of cooked

chestnuts, mashed or whizzed up in the processer 75g/3oz wholemeal breadcrumbs 450g/1lb puff pastry – ready rolled is a nice easy option Method: Preheat the oven to 230C/210C fan.

Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan.

Add the onions and fry until soft but not browned.

Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for a further 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and let it bubble away

immediately from the processor and bring together gently with your hands into a ball.

Roll the pastry out ½ cm thick on a lightly floured board. Cut out 12 large and 12 smaller rounds.

Press the larger rounds gently into the tin and spoon in the mincemeat. Firm the lids gently into place. Use any offcuts for decorative holly leaves and berries, stars and so on. Little sugar craft cutters are perfect for this.

Brush the pies lightly with water, sprinkle with sugar and make holes in the lids.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until pale golden. Remove from tin and cool on a wire rack: store in an airtight tin. n MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/MrsSimkinsCooks info@MrsSimkins.co.uk

with Diana Holman

for a minute or two until most of the liquid has gone.

Remove from the heat and stir in the chestnuts, breadcrumbs and salt and

pepper to taste.

Butter and sprinkle with flour an oblong pie dish and line with pastry. Spoon in prepared filling and use more pastry to cover.

Brush with beaten egg.

Put into the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200C/180C fan and bake for a further 20-25 minutes.

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

A perfect nutritious side for your Christmas dinner Rebecca Vincent is a nutritionist working in Wincanton and Yeovil

As we are all getting excited for the wide array of delicious food available to us during the festive season, remember there is some lovely produce available to offer some nutritious sides to complement our delectable feasts!

Celery is so frequently considered a stringy weightloss food with little flavour, affectionately called ‘rabbit food’.

However, it actually has a lot to offer us, and when roasted

Enford

Farm Shop Durweston DT11 0QW

meat Now taking turkey andas! orders for Christm 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.

Fresh 昀sh van in the car park Wednesdays 9.30am-2pm Half a pig approx £120 Chicken feeds etc available Open Wednesdays to Saturday 8.30am-4pm.

Outside shop with self service for essentials 8am-8pm open daily

01258 450050

in this recipe has a lovely, sweet flavour that will convert even the most staunch celery haters. Celery is not only low in calories but rich in fibre, and a great source of vitamins C, B6, B1 and B12, potassium, folic acid, and calcium. Celery contains a plethora of antioxidants including coumaric acid, apigenin, tannins, and kaempferol.

Chestnuts are a traditional staple for the festive season, they contain less protein and fat, and more fibre, than traditional nuts and are actually considered more of a fruit. They are one of the few nuts to contain good levels of vitamin C, and they have good levels of manganese, molybdenum, magnesium, and copper, as well as the vitamins B1, B2, B6, and folic acid. Chestnuts are also good sources of the antioxidant carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, meaning this dish really helps hit the antioxidant variety jackpot.

Roasted chestnuts and celery (serves 2-4)

4 sticks of celery 50g cooked chestnuts (or cook them from fresh yourself) 1 garlic clove (finely grated) Leaves from a couple of sprigs of thyme Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil Pinch of salt and pepper Heat the oven to 180 degrees.

Optional extras: sliced red onion, sage, rosemary Wash the stalks of celery and cut into lengths about 2-3cm long, pop them in a baking dish adding the extra virgin olive oil, garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.

Roughly chop the cooked chestnuts and sprinkle over the celery.

Pop in the oven for around 20 minutes until the celery is just soft.

A lovely addition to any roast, and really good in bubble and squeak the next day, enjoy!

Rebecca Vincent BSc (Hons) BANT registered nutritionist 07515 019430 rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

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We must care enough to protect our planet from harm The word ‘culture’ gets bandied about and we can lose sight of its importance.

It can be seen as a soggy concept about which few care.

Like it or not, organisations do have prevailing cultures, often set from the top, which embody their values and principles: ‘how things get done around here’.

The culture of an organisation can be the core of its strength or, sometimes, its downfall. A strong, principled culture is what makes scientists get things right in the face of commercial pressures. It is what enables businesses to balance the interests of shareholders, customers, employees and local communities. It is what inspires the best politicians in properly safeguarding the nation’s future rather than playing to the gallery.

Much of COP26 revolved around ‘culture’ as the interwoven social, political and economic driver of decisionmaking. It has certainly shown

Mike Chapman, on behalf of Vale-based Lib Dems a need for a significant change in the habits, behaviours and outlooks of billions of people.

Climate change challenges us.

Do we care enough to pay the upfront costs of switching from fossil fuels to clean energy? Do we care enough about faraway countries to contribute to their necessary transformations?

Does our culture lead us to collaborate globally or find reasons to prioritise national self-interest?

Change starts at home. Our environment, here, is a treasure: the Jurassic Coast, the carved, curved hills of Hardy Country, the Wiltshire Downs, the Blackmore Vale itself to say nothing of the young otter I saw last week playing in a pristine upper stream. These things come together to remind us of cause and effect, of how connected things are, of how valuable are simple things: new birth, clean water, fine views and the happiness and friendships they can bring.

‘Less is More’ as a three-word tag line.

Feet firmly back on the ground, there are practical things to do.

Our water: whether there is legislation or not, each community across the Vale should be alert to every sewage spill and call it out, loudly. We, individually, should not even put a kitchen towel down the loo, let alone plasticised wipes.

Housing: it is unforgiveable now to build houses with a substantial carbon footprint that will require retrofitting with

low-carbon technology or in climate-vulnerable places that require massive engineering inputs to make them safe. It is as unforgiveable to contemplate new developments without the integration of employment, public transport, services and amenities that create properly sustainable communities. ‘Market forces will provide’ is the mantra of the planners. The nation has destroyed much of its industrial heritage and capability through this doctrine. Driven by market forces alone we would still have lead in paint and worse.

Market forces deliver lowest cost solutions unless a government intervenes to insist on quality. Governments must regulate for the future good.

So, as our Local Plan processes go through their further consulting motions across the Vale, there is a need to pressure decision-makers to future-proof our communities. Another three-worder, then: ‘Must Do Better’.

Goodwill doesn’t stretch to government Tis the season of goodwill, but as we take stock at the end of the year, goodwill to the government is in short supply.

Indeed, we’ve all endured a short supply of stock in the supermarkets and on the forecourts. Meanwhile inflation – some global, yes, but much self-inflicted – and tax rises look set to gnaw away at the money in our pockets.

I’m sure goodwill to the government is lacking in our local MPs too – even if they can’t admit it. They promoted an ‘oven ready’ solution to the social care crisis, only for us to discover it will still force hundreds of those on the lowest incomes to sell their homes. Hardly the spirit

Greg Williams, of Dorset Labour of the season… We can only hope that, like Ebenezer Scrooge, they will awaken with a change of heart once the bill returns from the Lords. We shall see.

My hopes aren’t high though.

You just get the sense it’s one

rule for them, one rule for the rest of us. People where I live in Shaftesbury were aghast at the Tories’ brazen attempt to let Owen Paterson off the hook when he was caught taking corporate cash to influence government procurement processes. Even though the member for North Dorset voted against the government, it’s a pity for him that the stench of sleaze lingers on.

Speaking of bungs, perhaps as a Christmas present, our MPs could get Blackmore Vale some of that ‘levelling up’ cash their newer colleagues in the north have got? One thing’s clear folks – you have to vote Labour for decades and then vote Tory for the first time to get your

pork-barrel money. We’ve been doing it wrong here!

On behalf of the local Labour party, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

I know many of our members are paying special attention to those in their villages who are facing Christmas alone for the first time because of covid. Just a friendly face at the window and the offer of something like a warm Christmas pudding in a tupperware can make a huge difference.

So while goodwill may be hard to come by in Westminster this Christmas, let’s all take a moment to think of those near to us – who we may not be close to – but could do with a little help.

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MPs’ round-up

The ups and downs of misreading the public mood You’ll remember the fascinating story of King George III, who suffered from quite extreme mental disorders towards the end of his life, his eldest son acting as Prince Regent to keep the show on the road. His favourite son, however, was his second son, the Duke of York, Prince Frederick. Without wanting to detain you with more details, they say that this was the Grand Old Duke of York about whom you will have heard.

Yes, he was the one who marched them up to the top of the hill only to then march them back down. Over the past few weeks in Westminster, the lyrics to this nursery rhyme have sprung to mind.

It’s been something of a bruising few weeks in SW1. First the terrible murder of my good friend and colleague Sir David Amess as he went about helping his constituents, which sent shockwaves across the Parliamentary Estate and has

Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton changed forever the security measures for MPs in our constituencies.

Then the misunderstandings and misinformation about the sewage portion of the Environment Bill, which led to innumerable accusations to MPs and the inevitable tumult of sewage-related bon mots.

But, and here’s where the Duke of York comes in, when it came to the Owen Paterson debacle, things really took off.

Let’s face it, the whipping system in Parliament is somewhat archaic. And when a

three-line whip is issued by any party, the assumption is that the troops will fall in line, march up that hill behind their party, and firmly grasp the higher ground. I myself may have voted a considerable number of times against three-line whips, but this is a little unusual. Holding your own party to account or seeking to express an independent view isn’t a common expectation when it comes to votes.

When I originally saw the Government amendment to the debate on the conduct of Owen Paterson, it seemed to me to represent something of a compromise. A rebuke, but also an acknowledgement that there’s much to improve in the system. I indicated to the Government I would support such an approach.

But as the debate unfolded and following the vote, I realised that we were on the wrong side of the argument. That I had misread not only the mood of the House but that of the

country. And that the Government had erred. This, the Government itself accepted the following day, and withdrew its amendment, withdrew its conflation of the conduct of one Member with the system under which such conduct is assessed, and U-turned. But this, of course, left the troops having not gained any higher ground, but rather having had attacks from all sides for first marching up and then marching back down that metaphorical hill.

Perhaps it wasn’t Prince Frederick who, during the Flanders campaign towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars, drove his forces forward before quickly retreating. And if it was, I’m sure he had just cause.

Similarly, I’m sure that recent events in Westminster have a ready explanation. But I do hope those in a position of control reach deep into their childhood and take note of the far-sighted rhymes of their youth.

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MPs’ round-up

Poor ministers, trying to second guess this virus Pity ministers trying to second guess a far more nimble virus adversary. We know that modelling is fallible from what happened last year. Lacking reliable prognosticators there’s a temptation to over engineering our defences.

Unfortunately closing things down involves a heavy price in terms of the economy, liberty and livelihood. Even the most economically illiterate and those who are comfortable with government diktat can surely see the cost of that in things like children’s education, mental health and healthcare foregone. Hence the delicate balance and why I’m – generally – supportive of those tasked with making the tough choices.

As I write it seems to me that the omicron variant will spread fast with its speed

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison reduced a bit by cancelling some foreign travel, allowing time to get booster shots in arms. I can’t see from the crude figures published for Southern Africa that it’s any more lethal, however, and the hunch (we can’t say more than that right now) appears to be that jabs and the new

drugs coming on line to treat people will be effective, but we don’t know how effective.

Still, we should know well before Christmas as lab results come through and are reconciled with real world data.

I’ve been doing quite a lot in the House on covid since it’s today’s big issue. However, I hope I haven’t been too much of a one-trick pony. On Tuesday I sponsored an adjournment debate to encourage ministers to include offenders’ families under the definition of victim of crime. The sins of the fathers shouldn’t be visited on the sons, daughters, spouses, second cousins twice removed or anyone else other than the perpetrator.

Yet I have heard of families that have been destroyed by the attitude taken towards families, particularly when

the crime in question is of a stigmatising nature.

Put yourself in the position of an innocent whose partner unknown to you has been involved in something unpleasant. At three in the morning comes the knock on the door. As your partner is dragged off and detectives ransack your home and personal possessions looking for evidence your world falls apart. The least you should be able to expect is courtesy, respect and sympathy from the statutory authorities and a recognition that you are a victim, not the cause, of crime. I regret that when families left bereft and in dire straits by crime they had no hand in look around for a bit of help, support and common kindness there just isn’t any.

All they see is the stony face of the criminal justice system.

We can do better than that.

I’m committed to improving booster availability I would like to let you know firstly, that my absolute priority at the moment is to make sure that our vaccine booster jabs are available to those who need them and want them. In rural West Dorset there has been some difficulty in some getting boosters.

I continue to make these representations to the NHS and to the minister. If you’re in my constituency and are having difficulty with your booster, please let me know. n I was also pleased to welcome Farming, Fisheries and Food Minister Victoria Prentis to West Dorset last week.

We met up with fishermen from across the West Dorset Coast in West Bay and I also convened a summit of farmers from across all sectors in Puddletown to discuss key factors with the

It was excellent to have the Minister with us to learn more about the issues facing both of these industries, and wonderful to show off what West Dorset has to offer in terms of the fantastic facilities in West Bay, and the combined agricultural knowledge of our farmers.

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder farming industry and new environmental initiatives.

We also discussed other supply chain and resource issues, emerging policy and their key part in protecting and enhancing our environment.

We were able to have a lot of important discussions that will help some of our key industries in West Dorset.

n This week, the Government has announced an important clampdown on County Lines drug dealing as part of its Drug Strategy – and it is about time! £145m will go to tackling it.

You may remember I wrote about this back in the summer, because I was getting concerned about it, particularly for our market towns – and following on from that, the railway police did a considerable operation which lead to thousands of pounds worth of drugs seized in Weymouth and

Dorchester. n Last week in the House of Commons I also asked ministers from the Department for Communities to keep Dorset on the agenda for levelling up.

I want to see our great county benefitting from all of the opportunities available, and so I am continuing to make sure it is in the minds of ministers to give Dorset its fair share. n On Saturday evening, the annual Cerne Abbas Christmas fair took place, as well as the Sherborne Festive Shopping Day on Sunday.

Both were great events – very enjoyable.

They are two of the wonderful events that make Christmas so special here in West Dorset with many more over the coming weeks.

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Letters

We have been frightened, bullied, lied to, Twenty months ago I made a plea in this magazine for calm in the face of the growing pandemic.

Unfortunately the opposite happened: panic took over, the medical treatment of millions postponed; millions more put under virtual house arrest, new dress code imposed, injections given before the cautionary leaflet issued, digital tracking system at an estimated £37 billion; and threats of dismissal of NHS staff who question any of the policies.

This menagerie of policies outflanks the drama at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. If King Canute’s advisors are now seen to be laughable, the present group of Members at The Party make them seen to possess Herculean brain power, even if they forgot to check the tide time tables.

The present university-based advisors wrongly predicted both cattle and human deaths from foot and mouth disease and CJD, which led to the slaughter of about 7 million cattle with the one, and a gigantic fear factor with the other: let us not forget the details. Half a million deaths forecast from CJD turned out to be fewer than 200. The detailed mathematical modelling of foot and mouth was severely criticised in a research paper co-authored by three Veterinary Surgeons in the journal Epizootics.

I did not reply to your correspondent who thought that I was wrong to speak of Bug Mania. I waited until this cruel experiment without an experimental design had run its course long enough to show people that our freedom has been taken away, discussion about the English way of life banned and tax-payers’ money squandered on a breathtaking scale. What has happened to the spirit of independence

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures .co.uk

that has long made England so respected in the past? It has been frightened, bullied, lied to, and if the truth be known, laughed at. Children and the elderly have been caught in the crossfire: their voices stymied. Come on England, learn to say: “No thank you.” Recently more than 10,000 medical workers have signed a declaration calling to be allowed to fulfil the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath.

The years 1957 and 1968 saw the Asian and Hong Kong flu pandemics, the latter lasting for about three years. In both cases there was no shutdown. With the current shutdown the consequences are a huge rise in marital breakdown, depression, debt, domestic violence, and increased drug taking and untreated illness.

Globally the death rate looks directly proportional to wealth, so that the USA it is 0.24% of the total population, UK 0.2% while Egypt and the whole of

Africa 0.01%. Since 1968 total death rates have fallen while the global population has more than doubled.

During the 1968 pandemic up to about 4 million people died so the current number of just over 5 million is less than might be expected based on population change and lower overall death rates.

However, for the UK the death rate from the bug has increased by a factor of over 3, not by an expected factor of less than unity when population change and lower overall mortality are taken into account. It is tempting to suggest that the harmful effects of affluence have tragically become apparent: I have recently found a significant positive correlation between real income and death rates based on a sample of 51 countries.

In contrast Sweden and seven States in America which stayed ‘open’ have had lower death rates than others who have taken ‘control’ measures. In 1973 a

paper was published in the journal Phytopathology which showed that potato blight spores were carried across the Atlantic Ocean on the jetstream of the upper atmosphere. The bug which has caused so much fear cannot be seen heard or knowingly touched, whose ancestors may go back almost to the beginning of time. They know all the tricks and a few more that no computer model can simulate.

A sincere apology and great effort to help those millions to recover themselves socially, emotionally and economically is now overdue. It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.

Dr Colin Clark n I am extremely concerned by signs of corruption and cronyism (‘sleaze’) within the current government over recent weeks and months. I simply don’t believe these issues exist in a bubble.

When politicians openly and knowingly fail their constituents, this is a symptom of something far more rotten at the heart of our political system. I’ve been following Best for Britain’s work on the Government’s antidemocratic agenda. Several bills are passing through parliament at the moment which threaten to undermine our democracy.

The Elections Bill will remove the independence of the Electoral Commission and undermine its ability to monitor elections. Other bills, such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the Judicial Review and Courts Bill all take power out of the hands of ordinary people and our democratic institutions and concentrate it in the hands of the Government.

The fact that this Government is so happy to take liberties with public trust is, I fear, a sad sign

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Letters

left with depression, debt and dependency that this Government is already preparing for a future where it cannot be held accountable. If other readers have similar concerns I would urge them to become involved by following such organisations as The Good Law Project, Best for Britain and Remove This Tory Government, all of which are non-party political but try to promote honest government in different ways.

Tony Troughton-Smith Stalbridge n I do so love reading the MPs’ round up in the New Blackmore Vale magazine. The latest article by Andrew Murrison is a fine example of The Conservative Party’s use of disinformation. He says he abstained on the Owen Paterson measures proposed due to the compassion he felt for the loss of his wife. The reason for Rose Paterson’s death was because she became embroiled in a planning row alongside housing secretary Robert Jenrick, who had asked his department to reexamine an application by the Jockey Club for 300-plus homes and a hotel at Sandown Park, after it had been unanimously rejected by Surrey councillors the same year. This was in itself a fine example of why voters were so angry about the government’s handling of a lobbying scandal. And whilst I commend Mr Murrison for his 2nd job it is a bit of an irony that he opposed the Iraq War in 2003 but didn’t vote against it.

Mark Holderness, Charlton n Just because Mr Fisher’s experience of Brexit is one thing does not make it the same experience for everyone else. It’s a bit like Nadine Dorries’ recent claim that Caroline Nokes could not have been groped by Mr Johnson Sr. because it never happened to her. I have to say that from a manufacturing perspective the labour shortages and the supply chain problems

Yesterday’s Vale: David Burnett is the author of LOST DORSET: The Villages & Countryside, whose companion volume, LOST DORSET: The Towns, published last month.

Bagber, looking west along what is now the A357. The birthplace of the Dorset dialect poet William Barnes (1801-1886) was a hamlet of cob and thatch with a few newer brick houses when this photograph was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Despite the enclosure of Bagber are very much associated with Brexit. So too the added costs of exporting to customers in the EU which is time consuming and erodes margins so unnecessarily.

I used to export orders to the ROI every week but since January of this year this part of my business has simply vanished because it is too costly and bureaucratic for everyone involved. The UK manufacturing sector is worth about £358 billion p/a but I’m not sure how that compares to the maze design sector.

Nevertheless, I’m pleased it is going so well for him and I always look forward to the prospect of seeing new jobs created in North Dorset.

Meanwhile the manufacturing sector is suffering its worst downturn for over 30 years but as our European competitors emerge from the covid downturn we remain hampered by the appalling

Common in the 1830s, with the loss of the commoners’ rights, it was still occupied by farm workers, dairymen and graziers. The two cottages on the left were built in 1872, but only the further one still stands, with the date and initials of its owner picked out in bricks on the gable end.

Brexit deal which was hurried through to ‘Get Brexit Done’ by an arbitrary deadline.

Consequently, we are all forced to live (work and travel) in the Brexit slow lane and there are still more post Brexit requirements looming for us in January 2022.

I do enjoy reading Mr Fisher’s column from time to time, but he should desist from gaslighting us as we get enough of this sort of nonsense direct from ministers.

Charles Ellis Blandford Forum n Something has changed at the New Blackmore Vale and its not for the best. The last two editions have been printed on very different paper; not only is it a heavier grade, but it is very much coarser.

In the past I have been able to rely on the BVM to provide warm, absorbent nesting

material for the hedgehogs that I rescue. Every day I shred several copies, which I get from villagers once they have read them. The hogs soon nest down in their fresh paper which more economical than other materials, but now – no way , it is thrown out of the nest! I now have to rely on the leftovers of the national press – the hogs are very discerning.

I have little doubt that this added weight is also a burden to all the distributors. What a pity someone didn’t consider the consequences of the change.

Why the change? You have lost your credentials. The BVM is now only good for recycling?

Tony Gibb We will be back to our old ways from this edition! The problem lay in a paper supply issue at the printers. Ed

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Gardening...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

Microclimate tips to keep houseplants Compared with outdoor plants, houseplants are generally rather short lived. This is because they must tolerate environments suited to humans and are at the mercy of people to tend them, so I am delighted to hear stories about long-lived houseplants. As a young child, I recall visiting my grandparents and uncle in Marnhull. Despite my single digit age, I vividly recall seeing pots of maidenhair fern growing in their living room.

Fast forward 45 years and I’m visiting uncle Bob in Sturminster Newton. My eye immediately focused on maidenhair ferns dotted around his living room. I told Bob of my recollections as a child and was told with a smile: ‘… these are the same plants’ as I had seen, thus making them at the very least over half a century old. This was quite astonishing to hear. I have heard of long-lived houseplants, but these are often confined to slow growing cacti and succulents tolerant of some occasional neglect, but not ferns. Especially not the maidenhair fern, which is best described as fickle with a tendency to last months in the home rather than years. Bob, however, was an excellent gardener, working for most of

and noticed the fern’s pot sat in a glazed container and that the water level was almost to the top of the pot. The plant was growing with its roots totally immersed in water. I’ve not heard about this hydroponic method of growing them, but I immediately recalled instances where I had seen them growing in the wild. One such was in the United Arab Emirates, where they inhabited desert wadis on rocks within waterfalls. Therefore, in effect Bob was recreating the wet root conditions these plants experience in nature. By providing this microclimate, Bob insured there was sufficient and constant humidity around the fronds and alleviated the main cause of this ferns demise - a dry BORN SURVIVOR: The maidenhair fern in UAE

his life for the Pit-Rivers family in Hinton St Mary. I asked Bob for some top tips for looking after this usually challenging houseplant. He said: ‘Always position plants away from direct sunlight, keep them well watered and clean up any dead fronds in spring as new ones emerge’.

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Free quote on viewing We offer a range of property clearance services with a reliable and efficient clearance service that takes the stress out of house clearance, downsizing, decluttering, or clearing unwanted items or rubbish.

We will clear everything from single items to whole house contents.

We clear houses, garages, and gardens as well as general rubbish clearance. We have a hoarding expert who can assist in decluttering and clearance of hoarded properties. On occasion we do buy items or can advise if these should go to auction.

Where our waste goes

We try and recycle as much as we can however some of the items cleared are not reusable. In these circumstances our clearance waste is split into categories of household waste, wood, rubble, metals, and hazardous waste such as old refrigeration units, paint and mattresses.

We use 35yard containers for household waste, wood and metals, with most of our waste going to Canford Recycling centre, near Wimborne or Dorset Waste Partnership.

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 Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Contact Chris: 07580 193 352 or Kim: 07467 070 960 Email: mnclearance@live.co.uk www.maidennewtonclearance.co.uk Fully Licensed & Insured Waste Carriers License no: CDBU204730

Wilton Flooring

RUG SALE NOW ON 10% OFF ALL RUGS CLEARANCE RUGSUP TO 30% OFF IN STOCK NOW

Tel: 01722 742 733

FREE Estimates & Free Local Delivery on all carpets & hard floors

The Guild, Wilton Shopping Village, King Street, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 ORS Monday-Saturday: 9.30-5.30, Sunday: 10.30-4.30 www.wiltoncarpets.co.uk

Don’t forget to bring in your sizes for an instant quote

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Home & Garden

TRADITIONAL & MODERN

UPHOLSTERY TEL: 07968 983176

EMAIL: JAK.KIFF@HOTMAIL.COM

GIBSON AND RADFORD RESTORATIONS: Est 1976 T: 01963 370471 M: 07802823123 jake@gibsonandradford.co.uk www.gibsonandradford.co.uk

All Size Skips Available Full muckaway service available, small or large loads inc grab lorries Tipping facilities at our premises Sand, gravel & top soil supplied Loose or in Bulk Bags

SK I

PH

IR E

FOREVER-GREEN LANDSCAPES. All aspects of landscaping fencing and garden maintenance.

Call Matt 0788 5 586716 or 01747 825134

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS: £150 double load, £85 half load.

01258 880892 / 07980 036250

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING mobile log splitting and chipping service 07760 469411

A A FRAMPTON, seasoned hardwood logs, full load, 2.2 cu metres, £135, half load, £80. Dumpy Bags £55,Call 07860 242485, 01747 826408

GARDEN RESCUE TEL 01747 821 726

CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186/

Local Services

Rob’s Clearance

HOU HOUSE CLEAR CL ARAN ANCE CE Plus; Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

T F PLANT

Trade and DIY welcome Ring for enquiries

Gillingham 01747 826107 Trusted family run business

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

House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed Recycling carried out Good/interesting items bought for cash Friendly and reliable

01747 839751 07956 414896

or

Serving the West Country for 40 years SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE The same team are still providing Pete White’s friendly service

Clive Smith Ltd.

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE SKIP HIRE AREAS COVERED ALLALL AREAS COVERED ALL SIZE OF SKIP ALL SIZE OF SKIPAVAILABLE AVAILABLE PLEASE RING PLEASE RING

CLIVE SMITH CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME ANYTIME

01963 370924 email: orders@wessexwaste.co.uk

01258 166 01258860 860 166 or or 07974 07974 822 822 243243

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Local Services GARDENING & LANDSCAPING (see also Home & Garden) For all your fencing and decking needs

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved ESTABLISHED 1988

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

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

Call for a free quote 01747 820234 The Depot, Longcross, Warminster BA12 6LJ

info@cgtarmac.co.uk

www.cgtarmac.co.uk

FENCING AND REPAIRS, No VAT, Call Dave Whitehand on 07549 151799

(Established 1997)

T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080 enquiries@spectrumpestcontrol.co.uk

Forest View Tree & Garden Services t 25 years’ experience

t Registered waste carrier t Free estimates t All areas covered t No job too small

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

Tel: 01747 228484 Mob: 07770 833734 www.valetreesurgeons.com Vale Tree Surgeons Limited, Gillingham SP8 4LX

Rodents, insects and all other pests humanely dealt with.

Bees re-homed if possible.

Quali昀ed and Experienced Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association

TREE & GARDEN SERVICES 07435 220238/ 01258 858888 Fully insured quality service provided

forestview01@aol.com

Professional and experienced tree surgery and landscaping services to residential and commercial customers. We also offer a range of equipment for hire.

Available 24/7 Free quotations Fully qualified team Full public liability insurance Safe Contractor Approved

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

07831 091239

Tree Surgeons

PEST REMOVAL

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

R&W FENCING SERVICES: All types of fencing, agriculture and domestic. 01258 880892 / 07980 036250 ALL IRONWORK Handrails, gates, railings, repairs., restoration.

01258 880301

TREE AND GARDEN SERVICES Pruning & felling all types of tree, hedge, shrubs & garden work call Gary 07768 253142

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

Crown Garden Care

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

Lawn Service, Fencing, Hedges, Tree Work etc.

All Garden Maintenance Services Domestic & Commercial.

Fully Insured & Reliable.

A30 CHRISTMAS TREES Calves Lane Shaftesbury SP7 8QP - Tel 07709 642200 available now

Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921

STORAGE SHIPPING CONTAINERS (20ft X 8ft ) available for storage at the Milborne Business Centre, Milborne St Andrew for £100 + VAT pcm. 24 -hour access.

Phone: 07879 427808 or 07733 061659 Email: sales@camelco.org.uk’

TOOLS & DIY SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE, 01258 861647 WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

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Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

Specialists in all external and internal lime work.

Lime crete flooring.

All aspects of traditional building.

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

Quantity Surveying

Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

Estimating Surveying Building Dispute Resolution

01749 813625

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

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP

www.dorsetwood.co.uk Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

djwelsh@btinternet.com

Free estimates for all electrical work, no VAT North Dorset location, will travel.

Call Alan Brown, C&G 2330, 2391,2382 on 01258 446258 or 07976 630 904 Email: alan@acbelectricals.org.uk

www.ACBElectricals.org.uk

!"# #$ % $%! & ' $#( Development appraisals Planning applications Appeals Planning drawings Advice

B.LUCAS General builder

Installations, servicing and maintenance

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG •General Plumbing •Bathrooms •Landlord Certification •Solid Fuel Stove Installation and Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com

LTD

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham Of昀ce: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 e: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

Architectural Services

DORSET LIME

Building Construction Specialists

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

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

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

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

J & C Handyman Services Plumbing Painting & decorating Shed erecting & repairs Flat pack furniture Shelves & curtain rails

No job too small Please call with your requirements 01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Providing reputable electrical services for over 30 years.

From an extra socket to a complete rewire, Budget to high end jobs. Testing & certification. Fusebox upgrades. Electric heating solutions. Smart home controls. Garden lighting & much more.

Prompt service at reasonable rates - No VAT

Call Alan 8am - 8pm on 07388 696 147 Email : alanaac@me.com Website : alancollinsltd.co.uk

Door hanging & skirting boards Guttering and facia clearing and replacement Fencing Pointing etc...

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. 07970 437786 swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com ELECTRICIAN: Small jobs to full rewires. Fusebox Upgrades. Testing & Certification. Prompt, quality service at reasonable rates (no VAT). Call Alan 8am-8pm 07388696147. Email alanaac@me.com DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE: CALL 07714 289409

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

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Local Services PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

CHIMNEYS

D&T Plumbing and Heating

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps Chimneys and Flues professionally swept. Extremely clean service. Keeping Dorset’s chimneys smokin’ nicely.

Tel: 01258 455251 Email: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

COLIN THE CHIMNEY SWEEP: Call anytime for a quote. Certificates available upon request. Fully insured.

01963 458199/07889 597741.

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls . 07932 655267

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

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696 B SNOOK CHIMNEY SWEEP brush vaccum*, problem chimneys*, replace new bird guards (also Chimney pots*) Insurance cover 5 million* Est 50 years Donhead 01747 828904*

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP: Brush & vacuum.

APICS registered,.

01963 370038

Phoenix Chimneys & Property Maintenance Clive Young carries out Chimney Sweeping Solid Fuel Stove Servicing & Repairs All Chimney Work Birdguards & Cowls Repointing & Leadwork

Call 01258 455947

CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

01258 446186 07973 183658

www.quinnsheating.com

• Natural Gas, LPG and Oil • Central Heating and Power Flushing • Condensing and Combination Boilers • Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling • All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge Sinks

01747 640188 07587 238563

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS 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

SOUTHERN TILING Kitchens and Bathrooms Private and Commercial Tiling undertaken Email: Charles.white40@aol.co.uk Mobile: 07788 724616

solidfuelinstallations ltd.co.uk

DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR DISPLAY ADS: 07714 289409/ debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

If Carlsberg did adverts... they’d do New Blackmore Vale adverts. Book yours on 07714 289409 (display) or 01963 400186 (classifieds) APPLIANCES

Jeans

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens etc, Call Darren or Jason 07979 976514

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Electrical

www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

Jeans of Mere, offer appliance repairs on most brands with fixed labour repair charges (parts on top)

Call 01747 860215

PROPER DOMESTICS APPLIANCE REPAIRS & INSTALLATION

01747 416059

www.properdomestics.com

HAVE AERIAL PHOTOS/VIDEOS TAKEN of your commercial/residential properties for websites/ family /friends using DJI’s latest equipment.

Call David 07786 658708

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Local Services LOGS

Barn Stored Seasoned Firewood £70 per bag Free delivery, any area Contact Phil 07903 535 745 TECH DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

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

LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £90, double load £150, dumpy bag £60. All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

TAXIS

JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE 07495 922821 Comfortable, spacious and clean estate cars.

For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work.

Distance no object, day trips and special occasions.

Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

5 star Google rating. JUST ASK! www.jasminecarsdorset.co.uk jasmine.cars@btinternet.com

ROOFING

Tom the Roofer Based in Wincanton

Tel: 07931 583614 valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

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

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

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

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

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

TRADITIONAL BUILDING SPECIALISING IN STRUCTURAL WORKS AND FINE FINISHING

• • • • • • • • • •

Lime Works Masonry and Cob Plastering and Brickworks Façade Cleaning and Paint Removal - Thermatech Oak Framing Roofing including Thatching and Stone Roof Tiling Sash Refurbishment and Joinery Workshop Stone and Wood Flooring Decorating and Interior Finishing Kitchen, Bathroom and Bespoke Fittings

CONSERVATION AND REPAIR OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Tel: 01747 832386 enquiry@stswithun.com | www.stswithun.com

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Local Services

ASA architects Architecture . Masterplanning . Conservation

CO NS FR UL EE TA TI O N

New Build • Extensions • Conversions • Listed Buildings • Refurbishment All Drawing Work For: Planning Applications • Building Control • Construction

Tel: 07770 421624 Email: andystrange@btinternet.com • www.asa-architect.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK Custom made or restored in numerous finishes and metals

- Balustrades - Canopies & Pergola's - Estate Ironworks - Furniture & Ornaments - Handrails - Orangeries & Glass houses - Railing & Fencing - Staircases - Steelworks & Fabrications - Windows & Doors

REQUEST A QUOTE: WWW.NEWTONFORGE.CO.UK/REQUEST-QUOTE 01258 472407 | MAIL@NEWTONFORGE.CO.UK UNIT 20C, BUTTS POND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, STURMINSTER NEWTON, DT10 1AZ

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Local Services COMPUTERS AND TECH

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

OAK DIGITAL SOLUTIONS: Help and training for all your home technology. Marnhull & all surrounding areas. Call Chris on 07758 032062, oakdigitalsolutions@gmail.com oakdigitalsolutions.co.uk COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS: Purchase advice, virus removal, new PC setup/ installation, internet connection, upgrades, computer/software tuition. Call Gregg on 01963 370713

PAINTING & DECORATING

LES BENHAM: Painting services, property maintenance, domestic/ commercial, inside or out. Fully insured/free quotes. 01258 458849/ 07788 907343. lesbenham@ yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

Local, Quality Painter & Decorator 35 Years Experience Free Quotes • No VAT Call Richard on

Home: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825 512 627 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

AERIALS & Satellite Direct Repairs & Installations - 7 days per week No VAT - Prompt & Friendly Service

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION: 01935 389655 - ahiahel@live.com

TOM MOSS Mob: 07931 727 961 Email: tommoss50@aol.com

Vale Computers Your local computer specialist Any computer related problem fixed: Blank screen, slow computer, upgrades, virus removal, broadband setup and data recovery.

Fixed charge repairs – no call out charge.

New and second-hand computers for sale.

MS CompTIA+ certified engineers.

Ring 01258 880442 Email: Valecomputers.2006@btinternet.com Open Hours: Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm Sat: 9.00am to 1.00pm

MUSIC PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos.

Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194

LOCKSMITHS & DOORS

Quantum Locksmiths •24 Hour Call Out •UPVC Repairs •Key Cutting •Lock Changes •DBS Checked •No VAT Call: 07900-196427 01258 721236 Email: info@quantumlocksmiths.co.uk

Get connected. Stay connected.

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram Laptop Tablet Smartphone desktop PC

• 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

COLIN LEA: CARPENTER/ BUILDER. No VAT call 01747 590117 or 07708 467601

Follow us on

Follow us on

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

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Health & Wellbeing

HANDCRAFTED CRYSTAL HEALING JEWELLERY AND CRYSTALS

Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne.

07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Made with love for your Wellbeing For Men & Women OPEN: Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm 57A High Street, Wincanton BA9 9JZ www.joodaboo.com Bespoke Commissions contact 07956 24 547 or julia@joodaboo.com

01258 450019 14 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR

Quality Care Guaranteed Now Accepting New Patients Google

Reviews

0% 昀nance & monthly payment options available

www.national.dental

SOMERSET EAR WAX CLINIC • • • •

Ear wax removal by irrigation Ear check prior to Audiology Fully trained and experienced nurse Home visits can be arranged for the housebound Sister Teresa Munro RGN 07962 106 045 / teresamunro@hotmail.co.uk Horizon Suite Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, Frome BA11 2FH

Age Concern North Dorset (Sturminster Newton) Your local charity for all age-related information and advice t Befriending t Welfare Advice t Telephone Support t Foot Clinic

01258 475582 Office open 10am - 2pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday info@acnorthdorset.org.uk | www.acnorthdorset.org.uk

Putting life in boxes If you are familiar with my coaching at all you will have heard me go on about compartmentalising many times. It’s a brilliant tool used to reduce stress, boost focus and increase productivity. All good so far.

For those who haven’t heard of it, I will try to summarise. Imagine a grid (or draw a grid on a piece of A4) and put different parts of your life into each box. Draw as many boxes as you want.

Then pick one box and just concentrate on what is there – nothing from the other boxes.

Finish that task then move to the next box. (That is a very quick description so if you would like to go through that in greater detail in relation to your life, please go to my website below to book a call.)

But it occurred to me earlier this week compart-mentalising is not always a good thing. Because the thickest walls or com-partments can leak. I’m talking about emotions, reactions.

We can compartmentalise our actions but not our feelings. The human mind just doesn’t operate that tidily (and a good thing too or it would be a very dull world).

So if one compartment - or part - of your life is causing you stress, chances are it will, at some point, seep into other parts of your life.

You know how it is when you are tired,

overwhelmed, sleeping badly, worried about your job or a child?

It starts to affect how you react to the people around you and events in totally different parts of your life.

We just cannot shut off strong feelings, however much we would like to. That’s why we all need to look after ourselves, to take stress and anxiety just a bit seriously. If you feel something in your life is causing everything else to feel challenging, take action. Address the situation if you can by having that difficult conversation, making a tough decision or considering how you can delegate something. Or seek external support.

None of those steps will be easy. I admire all my clients for taking the step in talking to me – it cannot be easy to start with.

But once you have taken the decision to make changes or seek help, you have done the hard part.

From then on you are not battling a situation alone.

Whatever you do, done early and promptly will mean the rest of your compartments remain water tight.

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF therapist in Gillingham Bio resonance scan & treatments, Clinical reflexology & baby/toddler reflexology

T: 01747 826931

yvonne@intelligenthealthclinic.co.uk Making Life More Comfortable!

EMMA HOWE. CLAIRVOYANT. Est. 25 years, indepth personal & telephone readings.

Call 07881 088664

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Health & Wellbeing

A walk around...

PULHAM This is a walk of a little over five miles, mainly on Tarmac.

Park in the village and head north-east along the road going gently downhill between banks and ditches typical of the area.

After a mile and a half you’ll see a sign ‘King’s Stag’. The sign is in Pulham! A little way beyond the sign is the parish boundary where you’ll find a gate on your right giving access to a footpath heading south across fields and skirting Ranksborough Gorse, a wood.

After half a mile you’ll join a road at East Pulham. Turn

right and head north-west.

After a while you’ll pass under a tree with lots of bunches of mistletoe growing on it. It might be a good idea to do this walk around Christmas time, taking the right person with you.

When you reach the B3143, turn left and retrace your steps heading south-west for half a mile until you come to a left turn to join a cul de sac leading south to Grange Farm where the road becomes a bridleway continuing south south east along field edges.

Some of the gates have chains which are difficult and time consuming to undo so, if you’re impatient and athletic, you might prefer to climb over them.

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade access to the churchyard. The church is worth a visit and has some lovely stained glass.

Return to the road and carry on until you rejoin the B3143 where you turn left, passing (or entering) the Halsey Arms back to your car.

When you’ve negotiated the farmyard at Glebe Farm you join a lane leading south west to a T junction where you turn right and head uphill to the north west. After nearly half a mile you’ll find a footpath on your right giving

WOULD LIKE TO MEET MARTIN 63, meet lady 5070. Gillingham, Sturminster Newton, Sherborne, Yeovil, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Blandford or nearby. 01258 472910

Protect yourself with this fiery (and a bit stinky) brew With winter comes nasty colds and flu.

The best thing that you can do is to keep yourself as healthy, fit and strong as possible so you can see these bugs off.

Eat well, lots of vegetables, preferably seasonal which at the moment includes wonderful leeks, celeriac, beetroot, carrots and parsnips as well as the start of the brussel sprouts.

A rainbow of vegetables that will give you all the nutrients your body needs.

Get outside every day and have a walk, preferably getting your heart rate going and breathing deeply to get oxygen down to the bottom of your lungs, keeping your airways open and strong.

Sleep with a window open and in a cooler room and what I think is important is allow yourself to take it easy – naturally we would all want to hibernate in the winter and fighting this, I find, pretty exhausting.

To help protect yourselves from the dreaded lurgies, you

can make what is called ‘fire cider’ or ‘plague tonic’, which will discourage any bugs lurking around, particularly in the upper respiratory tract. (It might also kill off any amorous feelings from your partner… but if you both take it; you can be pungent together!)

You need equal parts in weight of garlic cloves, cayenne pods (chilli), ginger root, onion bulb and horseradish root.

These all need chopping up finely and putting in a jar which you then fill to the top

antimicrobials. You can discard the soaked herbs.

At the faintest hint of a tickle at the back of your nose or throat, or if you have come into contact with someone sniffing away; take a teaspoon of this several times a day.

If you find it a bit potent then pop it in a bit of warm water to dilute it down a bit.

This is for short term use: It is warming, it will stimulate your circulation and might make you sweat, which is always a good way of getting rid of toxins.

I am having a problem getting horseradish root so will make it without, but if anyone knows where to get some, please let me know. n pellyfiona@gmail.com

with organic apple cider vinegar (with mother).

Screw the lid on tight and give it a good shake every day for two weeks.

After the allotted time, strain the liquid off and put it in a dark glass bottle with the date and Fire Cider clearly marked and store it in the fridge.

It will keep for a good long time as the Fiona Chapman is garlic and studying naturopathy onion are and herbal medicine at seriously strong the College of Naturopathic Medicine

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The two faces of shame – healthy and toxic Healthy shame is an emotional signal that we have made and will make mistakes.

Healthy shame gives us permission to be human.

Mistakes are part of our human nature from which we learn.

Embarrassment and guilt is a recognition of our limitations as human beings; hence it’s okay to mess up and get it wrong.

Toxic shame however does not recognise limitations and the compulsion is to be perfect in what we say, do and feel; whatever the cost.

A toxic shame person has an uncaring relationship with themselves.

It’s experienced as ‘I am a flawed, useless, defective person.’ Toxic shame is no longer an emotional signal to our limits; instead it becomes a state of being, a core identity and a sense of worthlessness.

Guilt is usually defined by an action; whereas shame is a

feeling that can eat away at you from the inside.

A shame-based person will guard against exposing the core of who they are to others.

In toxic shame the self becomes an object of its own contempt that cannot be trusted.

It’s paradoxical and selfgenerating, leading to shame about shame.

Toxic shame is the feeling of

being alone and isolated.

Often people will readily admit guilt, hurt or fear before they will admit shame.

We avoid facing our own shame by using behaviours such as perfectionism, striving for control and power, patronising, care taking and rescuing (helping other people), anger and rage (aggression, hostility, threats, violence), envy and jealousy, criticism and blame, indifference, judging and moralising, people pleasing and being nice, contempt for others and being resentful.

To heal toxic shame, we must come out of hiding; because as long as our shame is hidden there is nothing we can do about it.

In order to heal it we must embrace it.

There are no shortcuts and all avoidances like denial and selfanaesthetisation are ineffectual in the long term.

I have had clients that have carried shame for many years about certain things; never even telling their nearest and dearest The tendency to avoid emotional suffering is often the primary cause for much of our physical and mental illness.

In the case of shame, the more we hide it the worse it gets.

We need to change our shame from being internalised to externalising it – and this can seem an incredibly scary thing to do.

Healing the shame that binds us is simple but difficult.

Coming out of hiding means honestly sharing our feelings.

We need a witness to our shaming experiences.

To unburden yourself of your toxic shame is can be such a relief and incredibly healing. n David Stanton is a Senior Counsellor/Psychotherapist living and working in the Vale.

Appointments: 07584 711488

Shop local and support small businesses this Christmas 100% natural skincare, lovingly handmade in Motcombe, Dorset with profits funding tree planting in the Blackmore Vale dmade in Do n a

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New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 71

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Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Rooks twisting and tumbling in the wind Wild winds accompany me this morning along the ride. The air is clear and crisp and the horizons are sharp in the bright autumn sunshine. The height of autumn is now upon us and each passing day sees the trees shed another layer of clothing. As my feet kick up the carpet of leaves, I look over the adjacent farmland where the last of the harvest has left the fields stubbled and brown. Here I can see a hundred or more dark shapes energetically pecking at the earth. They are rooks, one of my favourite flocks of autumn and winter.

Rooks belong to the corvid family that includes jackdaws, crows, magpies, jays, choughs and ravens. They are large birds that have a distinctive bare, grey patch at the base of their bills and shaggy thigh feathers that look

like baggy shorts. Although rooks first appear as black, they are in fact the most beautiful oily, iridescent purple, bronze and green.

Being perceived as similar in nature, rooks and crows are often used interchangeably in literature and folklore. For example, Macbeth warns of nightfall when the “crow makes wing to the rooky wood”, and the saying “as the crow flies” derives from the rooks’ long and direct flight to their rookery. In contrast to rooks, crows have a solitary or

paired existence, hence the country adage that “a crow in a crowd is a rook and a rook on its own is a crow”.

The raucous, complex social communities of rooks has given rise to the many collective nouns for them such as a ‘parliament’, a ‘storytelling’, a ‘building’ or a ‘clamour’; the former being their tendency to hold court and chastise the wrongdoers in their rookery for stealing twigs from their neighbours.

Today, however, in this blustery wind, it is their aerial displays

that captivate me. I can’t think of any other land bird that plays in the wind the way that rooks do.

Twisting and tumbling with their lifelong partners towards the ground, then scooping skywards at breakneck speed. After their airborne antics they return to the bare fields to feast on the invertebrates. Until that is, one takes to the air again and suddenly they are all up and the sky is momentarily punctuated with noisy black silhouettes, chortling and jostling for position. As I leave them to their business, I ponder how easy it is to take familiar birds for granted; that is until you consider how empty our countryside would be without them.

Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@ gmail.com

Make a difference and make us dance!

ROCKOUT WORKOUT

By Victoria Brunton of Kunewyk natural skincare

There is a saying among small businesses, that ‘every time someone places an order, we do a little dance’. As a small business owner, I can confirm it’s true and I personally dance!

We put so much love, care and thought into every item that we make and sell. They are our ‘babies’. Our spare time is spent creating, dreaming up products with you in mind. For many of us, our small business is the only way we are able to make an income.

We have thought up our products and created a business through a talent or as for me, a salve to help with my son’s eczema and a realisation that I could help others with dry skin issues.

This is why, a few weeks before Christmas, I plead with you to shop local, support small businesses and support our dreams. Only by you supporting our businesses, can you keep our dreams alive. Think of all the big branded stores – the people at the top don’t feel joy and pride with your purchases. They are thinking of their profits and would happily

stamp us out. Whereas we think about how you will feel opening your package. For local traders, smile as your purchase is handed over and your presence in their shop, is so important.

It is heartbreaking seeing our local shops quiet just a few weeks before Christmas. Before you go online, have you visited all the small shops to see what they can offer you? More than ever, our high streets need your support.

And I’m sure you’ll find a hot mince pie to devour midway.

If you would rather do your shopping online, that’s fine but have you shopped on Etsy? Full of marvellous unique treasures, handmade by small businesses with added options to personalise your gifts. Most of us have panic shopped on Amazon, but think twice next time. It’s time to stop buying plastic, meaningless gifts from overseas. Great Britain has so much to offer you.

Thanks to my lovely customers who have supported my venture and I love hearing from you! You are incredible. Remember – shop local, support small businesses and keep your high streets alive.

We need you.

Come join the

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Puzzles Arrow words Glide over snow

Crossword

Recede

Sweet for sucking

Welsh river

1

Worship

2

3

5

4

6

7

8 Semantic markers

9

Siren

Taunt

Ant’s partner

Microsoft’s web portal (inits)

Interstitials

10

11

12 13

Options

14 Gnawing mammal

Maybe

16

15

Mid-month day

17 18

19

20

Trite

21 Dove sound

Nephew’s sister

Public bathing beach

Group

22

An American

Show

24 All __ _ day’s work (2,1)

Takes a seat

The Web

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 22 23 24 25

Karate level

Ordinary people

Wordsearch Double K Words

I O R R P K U E K U T Y P A K

U K U E S T I K K A O C N E O

E P R P K K K D N K K O E H A

O K K E D P O N D O K K I E O

BAKKIE BOOKKEEPER CHUKKA DEKKO HOKKU JACKKNIFE LEKKER LOCK-KEEPER

23

K L C E P K K S H I K K E R H

K K P K H E K R H H K R E O C

T O A K J A E L K O O R O E A

R E F O K A K K E K R K K H K

E A A O P F C K K K A R K R K

K P E B K R P K U C K K L U U

K K U A K O R R K S O E K J H

PONDOKKIE PUKKA QUOKKA SHIKKER SUKKAH TIKKA TREKKED YAKKA

E A K K O U Q E O N K L R A C

D K K U K K B K H A I K H A Y

O S A K P A F O A U L F K K U

I R E K R P E I K K A B E U K

25

Across Less reputable (7) Pasty-faced (4) Brought on (7) Bucolic (5) Old Ottoman title (5) Overwhelms (6) Plea (6) Emerged (6) Smallest values (6) Related to sea-based military (5) Taken in (5) Bringing up (7) Bound labourer (4) Defensive error? (3,4)

2 3 4 6 7 8 10 13 15 17 20 21

Down Camouflages (5) An official statement (11) Least young (6) Screenplays (7) Quick, sharp bark (4) Show (7) Modifying the position of (11) Comparison (7) On-screen cursor (7) Bone filling (6) ‘There you go!’ (5) Taught alongside birds? (4)

Sudoku

2 4 1 9

6 6

7 6

8 6

1 1

7 5 6

8 2 1 1

9 3

5

3 7

2

9

For the solutions turn to page 108

4 2 1 8

Brain chain 36

-50%

+44

-14

×1/4

-25%

RESULT

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Puzzles (for cleverclogs)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

3

5

9

7 6 4 1

4

3

2

2 5

7

7

8

5 2 4

20+

6 3

5 6

3 8

1

12

14

13

3

5 7

9 8 1

1

4 5

16

8 9

15+

6÷

3

504×

48×

15+

1008×

12+

9÷

14+

12+

4÷

72×

12+

72×

2

25+

252×

2

60×

5

Brain chain (Hard version) 32

+55

÷3

18

17

20

19

22

21

23

4

6

15

24

9

13+

1

7

6

6 1

180×

1

6

11

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines.

Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

864×

5

9

10

5

8

7

1

9

2

4

1 2

9 7

4

4

8

8 3

6 2

8

5

4

3

3

2

4

9

5

9 4

1

2

3

1

1

6

2

+130

-7

÷4

Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

RESULT

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

Across 1 Eccentric came in place for film buffs (6) 5 Run over pair of firms in a colourful style (6) 8 Put burden on independent source of rides? (4) 9 Political group in part of a musical work (8) 10 Mentor that’s set off British comedian (6) 11 Brazil includes this e-commerce company (6) 12 Some man tenders stake (4) 14 First trophy recalled (3) 15 Punkish figure irritated hotel (4) 16 More substantial politician taken into real ground (6) 18 Home by French river reportedly? That’s crazy (6) 20 Councillor, one I rate possibly for standards for judging (8) 22 Unattractive guy looking unkempt about 50 (4) 23 A long-running US TV series about Frenchman nearly (6) 24 Type of maid, affectedly pretty by Northern yard (6) 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 15 17 19 21

Down Angry judge following first sign of illegality (5) Lie? Step that’s improvised in letter (7) A cross and church shown in carpet (9) Turn priest (3) Order missing last two characters and punctuation mark (5) Devise study on Colorado and Connecticut (7) Place kept by captain at work for candidate for post? (9) Rule man formulated for figure (7) Guest is uneasy about act of courtesy? (7) Release game after permission (3,2) Synthetic material only manufactured by Norway (5) Half-hearted start? That’s nonsense (3)

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Pets LOST AND FOUND AND REHOMING Blandford & Sturminster Newton Branch Cats Protection Cats looking for new homes: Milly (11) tabby/white timid fluffy girl looking for quiet home with no children Pepper (1) tortie sweet but very lively girl looking for home in safe location with no small children Arthur & Merlin (7mth) tabby brothers looking to home together Our lost & found cats These are the most recent cats that have been lost or found please check out our Facebook page or give us a call.

Lost Cats: Shaftesbury - Ginger tabby boy since 21/11 Found cats: If you are regularly seeing a cat in your

Merlin & Arthur

Pepper

Milly

garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner please give us a call it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

Salisbury Rd / Damory Garage area of Blandford black unneutered boy.

We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7, BH21 and now also in SP8 call 01258 268695

Tel 01258 858644 blandford.cats.org.uk

BLANDFORD & STURMINSTER 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: www.blandford.cats.org.uk Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

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

BEHAVIOUR TIPS Tip#5 What’s in a name? Dogs have no concept of names. Just like any other word or cue we use with our dogs, to him a ‘name’ is just a sound that he has learned to recognise as having a specific meaning. What that meaning is, and whether it is positive or negative is entirely up to the owner. Your dog’s name is basically a means of getting his attention onto you briefly so you can then ask him to do something else (for which he may earn a possible reward). This is actually one of the easiest, but most important ‘cues’ we can teach our dogs.

After all, if you can’t get his attention reliably when you call his name, you have little chance of him responding to more complex requests – not least because he may not even know you are talking to him! Practice calling your dog’s name in many different situations and - when he makes eye contact – throw him a low-value reward.

Never, ever allow anyone to use his name as a reprimand or a nag, or to repeat it endlessly for no positive purpose – or your dog may quickly learn that his “name” is best ignored!.

Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) Full Member APBC & APDT (881) 07951 985193 help@helentaylordorset.co.uk (incoming) or help@dorsetdogbehaviour.co.uk (outgoing) helentaylordorset.co.uk Helping your best friend to be even better...

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Pets

Ask the vet...

with Lynn Broom

Albi’s Poor Life Decision Albi had recently moved to his new house with his owners.

Being an inquisitive three-month-old border collie puppy he thought he’d investigate his new garden. He found a length of knotted string and, in a moment of madness, he decided to swallow it. It was quite a long piece of string and... it had a long nail attached to the end of it.

By late evening his owners realised that something was seriously wrong. Albi was normally the life and soul of the party and loved his food. But that night he was quiet, didn’t want to eat and was vomiting repeatedly.

On presentation Albi still wagged his tail because of his friendly nature but it was clear that he was unwell. On palpation his stomach had a number of large hard lumps present.

This turned out to be multiple knots of intestine which were being concertinaed by the string pulling tight. An X-ray revealed the abnormal gut and the nail.

It was clear that he needed surgery right away.

On anaesthetising him the string was found looped around the base of his tongue. This was effectively anchoring it and, as it was drawn through the gut by peristalsis, it was acting like a cheese cutter on the wall of the full length of his gut. This would rapidly destroy the gut wall and allow gut contents to leak in to his abdomen causing fatal peritonitis.

The string was so knotted up it was stuck within the lining of the gut and could only be removed in short lengths.

He needed seven incisions in to his gut from his stomach through to his colon.

Luckily no leakage of gut contents had yet occurred and the intestines still looked healthy but gut surgery has a significant risk of complications.

We kept a close eye on him all night and kept him topped up with lots of pain relief. Even after this all this he wagged his tail and enjoyed all the attention. He started eating the following day and went home shortly afterwards but became unwell again and we realised that he needed further surgery. A small area of his gut had died off and had to be removed.

Incredibly he was eating well the day after his second surgery. He continued to make slow progress. Each day we

2 GREEN MALE BUDGIES. about 2 years old. Wanted female spangle budgie.

07902 815851 BLACK LAB BOY PUPPIES, 2 only.

Kennel Club registered, parents working gun dog pedigrees, mother family pet, father Drakeshead stud dog.

Both parents good hips, eyes, clear of hereditary conditions. Microchipped, 1st vaccination, health checked.

Ready for new homes from Mon 13th December (8 weeks).

YORKIEPOO PUPPIES for sale Tel 07734 447833 ready Christmas week, loving families only BEAUTIFUL KC REG LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES. Good pedigree.

2 yellow boys, 1 black boy, 1 yellow girl. Microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and ready 20th December. Puppy pack, well socialised £1800 per puppy. Call 07717 216794. View with Mum in family home.

CANARIES £12 each (13 for sale) 01963548563

worried that he was developing peritonitis because his damaged gut was very inflamed but his enthusiasm for life was evident in his fighting spirit and his love of food. He loved his regular cuddles with all the staff (vets, nurses and receptionists) Eventually 10 days after the original surgery and 5 days after his second surgery he was well enough to go home and went on to make a full recovery.

Albi is now fully grown and still loves life. He is still adventurous and mischievous and still loves his food but (so far) has decided against eating anything as unsuitable as string !

Our patients and their owners often make a big impression on us and we can dwell on those who don’t make it despite our best efforts, but dogs like Albi and his lovely owners make it all worthwhile.

KITTENS FOR SALE, very friendly, well handled £50 each & male guinea pigs at £10 & females at £20 Tel 01963 458199 DOBERMANN PUPPIES. 1 girl, 1 boy. 1st vaccination and microchipped, can be seen with mum at home. £1,300 each. 07896 173336 PUPPY CLASSES, beginners, home visits, behavioural consultations. Qualified, vetrecommended behaviourist, Helen Taylor, CCAB, Member APBC/APDT (881). helentaylordorset.co.uk 07951 985193.

F1 COCKAPOO PUPPIES gold and blacks,dogs and bitches,ready from 4/1/2022.

Phone 07976904175 KCREG BLACK LABRADOR PUPPIES. Ready 22nd December. Brought up in family home. Please call 07512 079972.

GORGEOUS COCKAPOO PUPPIES FOR SALE Ready 12/12/21 Please call for more details 07949 212210 LURCHER PUPS Smith coated both parents can be seen microchipped and fleaed Sturminster Newton £350 07710 795806.

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Church

The signs are all there if we look around Vicar in the Vale By the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice

Every year about this time my sisters and I were given a new Advent calendar. It was usually a beautiful picture and each day we would open a little door, behind which was a Bible verse, part of the Christmas story, or a churchy picture. One year there were chocolates. Each door we opened was a sign Christmas was getting closer. We were counting down the days. That’s what Advent was about.

Then life got real and Advent changed. It was no longer a countdown. Instead it began to describe the reality of my life and world. The gospel texts about the destruction of the temple, war, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and betrayals took on new and often very

Church services Shaftesbury Team Ministry Sunday, December 12 9.30am, St Peter’s, Parish Communion 9.30am, Motcombe, Parish Communion 11.15am, West Orchard, Morning Worship 11.15am, Melbury Abbas, Matins 6pm, St James’, Pilgrim Service Thursday, December 16 6pm, Carol Service at Motcombe Sunday, December 19 9.30am St Peter’s, Parish Communion 9.30am, St James’, Parish Communion 11.15am, Compton Abbas, Parish Communion 3.30pm, Enmore Green, carols 4pm, Margaret Marsh, carols 6pm, St Peter’s, carols 6pm, Motcombe, Evening Worship 6.30pm, Melbury Abbas, carols Tuesday, December 21 7pm, Carol Service at St James’ office@ShaftesburyCofE.org.uk

personal meanings. Advent became a season of change, letting go, and a future not yet clear. All the signs were there.

It might have been that night I sat alone in my office, with the lights off, tears running down my face, wondering how my life got to that point. I had everything I wanted and wanted nothing I had. I had done all the right things and yet everything felt wrong. “There will be signs,” Jesus said.

It might have been reading the headlines and feeling like my prayers are unable to keep up with the pain of the world.

“There will be signs,” Jesus said.

It might have been waking up each morning and wondering, What’s next? Where? When?

“There will be signs,” Jesus said.

What are your Advent stories?

I sometimes wish Advent was as simple and easy as opening a little door on the calendar, eating a piece of chocolate, and knowing that Christmas is one day closer. But it’s not. You and I both know the world is not that simple and life is not that easy.

Maybe that’s why on the First Sunday of Advent, we always hear a gospel text that seems to describe the end of the world and its signs. This is not just a story about Jesus and his disciples. This is your story and my story. Today the Church declares it to be the good news of Christ.

“There will be signs,” Jesus said.

More than ever our world needs to see the signs. The longer I live, the more I realise how necessary those signs are. Every Advent story is accompanied by signs. Jesus says if we look we’ll see the signs everywhere; in the sun, the moon, the stars; in the distress among earth’s nations; and in the roaring of the sea and its waves. I can see them today in the pictures of refugees and in the world’s violence. I’ve no doubt you’ve seen the signs too.

They’re everywhere. They are, however, too easily and quickly misunderstood and misused.

“There will be signs” are words of hope and reassurance but far too often they are heard as words of warning and threat.

Jesus does not ask us to predict the future. He never says these are the signs that the end of the world has come. Instead, he says that when we see the signs we are to stand up, raise our heads, and know help is on the way.

So, what if began to read and understand the signs? What would we see? What would it mean?

It would mean the kingdom of God is near and we are entering a new season. We would see new life and new growth. We would produce new fruit. We could open the doors of our life with new courage and confidence. We could look on the world with a new sense of compassion and hope. We would be strengthened to do the work God has given us to do.

Yes, the Advent seasons of our lives can be long, difficult, and painful. But we never face those seasons without the signs of hope and reassurance, signs that point to the one who is coming.

/ 01747 853060 Benefice of Hazelbury Bryan and the Hillside Parishes Saturday, December 11 6pm, Ibberton, Carols by Candlelight Sunday, December 12 10.30am, Mappowder, Morning Praise 6.30pm, Hazelbury Bryan Carol Service 6.30pm, Woolland, carols Sunday, December 19 10.30am, Hazelbury Bryan Family Worship 3pm, Belchalwell, carols 6.30pm, Fifehead Neville, carols Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends). We meet for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, SP7 8BB. All are welcome.

Blandford Methodist Church You are warmly invited to our Sunday Services starting at 10.45am The over 60s are also invited to our lunch club on Tuesdays and Fridays at £4 per person. Please request your reservation by phone.

Everyone is welcome to our

coffee morning for refreshments on Thursdays from 10am till noon. We are anxious to offer help to those in need. Please leave your message on the phone and we will return your call within 24 hours.

John Cornish, Steward 07799 516 735 Catholic services Marnhull and Gillingham Services at the Catholic churches of Our Lady’s Mill Lane Marnhull and St Benedict’s Gillingham Sunday, December 12, 9.30 and 6pm Mass Thursday, December 16, 3pm School carols and Blessing of Crib Sunday, December 19 9.30 and 6pm Mass.

St Mary’s, Stalbridge Please join us for any of the following services: Sunday, December 12 Carols with Evensong at 4pm Sunday, December 19 Morning Worship at 10am facebook.com/StalbridgeChurch The Lower Stour Benefice and Langton Long (achurchnearyou.com)

Everyone welcome.

Sunday, December 12 9.30am Blandford St Mary Communion 11am Tarrant Rushton Christingle 3pm Langton Long carols Lower Stour Benefice Blandford St Mary Parish Church Sunday, December 12 9.30am – Communion Tuesday, December 21 6.30pm - Carols by Candlelight Charlton Marshall Parish Church Wednesday, December 15 – Christmas Concert Sunday, December 19 9.30am – Family Crib Service Spetisbury Parish Church Sunday, December 19 4pm – Carols by Candlelight Charlton Marshall Parish Church Wednesday, December 15 – Christmas Concert Sunday, December 19 9.30am Family Crib Service Spetisbury Parish Church Sunday, December 19 4pm – Carols by Candlelight

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Antiques & Collectibles Church services Sherborne Abbey Friday, December 10 10am, Mothers’ Union Carol Service.

2pm, Sherborne Prep School Carol Service.

Saturday, December 11 11am, Sherborne Girls’ School Carol Service, 2.30pm, Sherborne School Carol Service.

Sunday, December 12 2.45pm, Dorset Freemasons’ Carol Service 5pm, Christingle Service.

Monday, December 13 7.30pm, Christmas Concert.

Tuesday, December 14 7pm, Gryphon School Carol Service.

Wednesday, December 15 1.30pm, Band of the Rifles Regiment Concert.

Thursday, December 16 2pm, Sherborne Abbey Primary School Carol Service.

7pm, A Quieter Christmas.

Friday, December 17 11am, Remembering the Fallen 5pm, Choral Evensong – Sherborne Singers.

Saturday, December 18 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, Shoppers’ Carol Services.

Sunday, December 19 5pm, Abbey Festival of Lessons and Carols.

St Paul’s Sunday, December 19 10.30am, All Age Nativity Service Lillington Sunday, December 19, 6pm, Carol Service Longburton Sunday, December 19 6pm, Carol Service.

Militaria auction made even more special by venue Duke’s inaugural Militaria Auction in association with The Tank Museum was a huge success.

Attendance was at capacity for the duration of the day and lots soared past estimates with visitors getting involved in the competitive bidding atmosphere.

The highlight lot of the day was a collection of exceptional CGC group of eight which reached a final price of £156,000. This medal group was awarded to Corporal, later Colour Sergeant, AJ Stevens of the Royal Irish Regiment for his outstanding bravery in the field.

A flintlock holster pistol

by Wogdon of London saw competitive bidding both in the

room and online and shot to a final price of £3,640.

Head of militaria and sporting goods at Duke’s Julian Smith said: “Having the auction at The Tank Museum was a great day out. Viewing the lots alongside such historic tanks and armory was made it even more special. A career highlight was auctioning in front of the actual Fury tank!

We are excited for this partnership to continue into the future.”

For confidential, free valuations please contact Julian at julian.smith@dukesauction.com or for general valuation enquiries call 01305 265080 or email enquiries@dukesauctions.com.

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

Clocks Unlimited

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

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

SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER 2021 Jewellery & Silver, 20th Century Pictures & Decorative Arts, and Antique Furniture & Objects Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN www.semleyauctioneers.com 01747 855 122

SP Restoration Antique restorers cabinet makers veneering wood turning leather inserts Unit 1 Manor Farm, Fifield Bavant, Broadchalke, Wiltshire, SP5 5HT 01722 780 584 sean@sprestoration.co.uk www.sprestoration.co.uk

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Antiques & Collectibles

Over 1,500 lots in three-day sale

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques & Collectibles Next sale Thursday 30th and Friday 31st December 2021 Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

A Cartier 18ct gold leopard brooch with diamond and ruby set eyes. Sold for £750 An Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettleenamel Business Park plaque depicting a lady. Sold for £1,350 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk

With over 1,500 lots already consigned for their Christmas sale, Clarke’s Auctions are now planning to hold their sale over a three-day period starting Wednesday, December 29 at 10am and finishing on Friday, December 31.

It is looking to be a fine sale with something for everyone ranging from an ancient Egyptian (circa 1000bc) carved carnelian and gold necklace to 20th century design pieces. There is a privately entered consignment of Middle Eastern jewellery including gifts to the vendor from Sheik Zayed, an 18ct gold diamond solitaire ring of approx 1 carat and a very pretty 19th century Italian red coral earrings and brooch set. There is also an 18ct gold Longines wristwatch with an estimate of £800-£1,200, a collection of Regency period ivory, gold and

enamel snuff boxes and a family militaria group to include the Military Cross and letters from the war.

Within the furniture section they are offering a group of mid-20th century design Ladderax modular shelving units, two 19th century apothecary banks of drawers, a marquetry inlaid ladies bureau, two Ercol hanging wall shelves and a 19th century French kingwood and inlaid Secretaire Abattant with marble top and ormolu mounts and this carries an estimate of £200£400.

To arrange any home visits or to arrange valuations to value items for consignment into future sales, or for any probate or insurance valuation queries, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Semley, Dorset.

ANTIQUE AND MODERN CLOCK REPAIRS. Free pickup and delivery, 45 years’ experience. 01935 477582

Free Valuations, Shaftesbury Office

Antoine Bouvard (1870-1956) - RIO DELLA CROCE, VENICE - oil on canvas.

SOLD for £13,000 t Entries invited for our forthcoming Specialist sales t Catalogues available online t Full calendar of Specialist sales One of two similar 19th century mirrors in the manner of William Kent.

SOLD for £37,500

March 3rd

January 6th

March 9th

Free Valuation Days Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards 13th StudioOffice Pottery & Art Glass 14th Free Valuations, Shaftesbury Mid-Century Ceramics & Furniture 15th Silver, Jewellery & Watches 16th Dinky Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys 17th A fine diamond ribbon brooch

Classic & Vintage Cars 3rd March SOLD for £8,200Classic & Vintage Motorcycles 9th March

Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9AN t Entries invited for our 01747 855 122 www.semleyauctioneers.com forthcoming Specialist Offices in Dorset, Wiltshire and London sales t Catalogues available

Further Entries Now Being Accepted The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

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Antiques & Collectibles

Still time to consign!

At Acreman St Antiques Auction in Sherborne we are gearing up for our December sale of approximately 800 lots which will take place on Wednesday, December 29, with viewing on Tuesday 28th 10am5pm. This will include around 350 lots of jewellery, silver and watches with over 40 lots being sold on

behalf of the Yeovil Hospital New Breast Cancer Unit Appeal which we have been supporting over the past two years and raised over £55,000 on their behalf. Also on offer will be a collection of studio pottery, musical instruments, paintings and prints, mid 20th century furniture, including Ladderax along with many other items of interest.

We are still happy to accept items for our December auction. if you would like to enter anything or need advice or a valuation please contact Gill Norman either by phone 07809 333577 / 01935 508764 or email auction@acremanstreetantiques.co. uk We can also arrange a complete house clearance service if required.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

GOOD CONDITION VINYL RECORDS WANTED. Larger collections preferred. No classical please, cash paid 07831 266478.

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION SHERBORNE

General Antiques Auction Wednesday 29th December 10am Viewing Tuesday 28th 9am-5pm online through easyliveauction.com

We are now taking in for our next auction For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Forthcoming Auction

INTERIORS Including:

Furniture, ceramics, silver, jewellery, paintings, posters and more.

A timed online only auction, closing on 15 December.

Catalogue online at www.doreandrees.com

Dore & Rees, Auction Salerooms, Vicarage Street, Frome BA11 1PU

01373 462 257 doreandrees.com

Highlight Upcoming Auctions All auctions commence at 10.30am

January

27th

Winter Fine Art

February

24th

Interiors

March

17th

Sporting: A single owner collection

April

29th

(Inviting entries until 10th December) (Inviting entries until 4th February)

Art & Design post 1880 (Inviting entries until 18th March)

Find all upcoming auctions on our website Duke’s Brewery Square Dorchester Dorset DT1 1GA

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

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Motors

Vehicle preparation key as the big freeze gets underway It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. And hopefully this year, more of us will be seeing family and meeting friends.

Whether you’re making a local journey or travelling further afield, make sure you adjust your driving to the conditions and your car is winter ready.

While we may all be hoping for a white Christmas, nine out of 10 accidents occur in the rain.

The following advice is offered UNWANTED VEHICLES BOUGHT FOR CASH ● Mot failures ● Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ● End of life scrap vehicles ● Minimum of £150 paid for complete vehicles.

Call Ryan on 07474737577 FIAT PANDA: 2007 1100cc Black 5 Door Hatchback MOT end Feb 82K. very reliable ideal first car. £550 01747 812364 MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

by the Met office ‘If it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’. Plan your journey and try and stick to main routes, especially if it is snowing. Leave extra time and let someone know what time you expect to arrive.

Make sure you have everything you will need in your car in case you are delayed or breakdown.

Warm clothes, boots and a torch, and don’t forget to charge your

mobile phone. It’s also a good idea to have some food and drink (non-alcoholic of course).

Traci from Sunrise Service and MOT Centre in Blandford offered the following advice: Tyres: Make sure they are safe – they have enough tread, they are at the correct pressure Screen Wash: Ensure it’s topped up, and at the correct dilution to prevent it from freezing. It is especially important when the

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS WANTED pre 1990s. Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/transfer. Please phone Paul 07890 096907 STORAGE for caravans, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

gritter lorries are out to keep your windscreen clean.

General maintenance: Check anti-freeze, inspect all your lights and make sure they are clean and working, check your oil and top up if necessary.

Given the recent battering we’ve had both Storms Arwen and Barra, whether it’s a white Christmas or a damp one, be prepared, drive carefully and have a safe and joyful time.

John’s Caravans Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs Please call

01747 853114 07546 548017

or

Keeping you on the move...

2002 LANDROVER FREELANDER. New MOT 150,000 miles. £970 ono. Call 07928 455761

Over 30 years experience

WANTED - ALL TYPES OF CAR TRAILERS, livestock, box, flat, tipper etc.

07736 871092

Best prices paid please call:

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

BROADPEAK Car Storage South-West England Passionate Meticulous Straightforward

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7 MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7 Diagnostics Diagnostics Air Conditioning Valets Air conditioning Courtesy Cars Valets Collections within a 5-mile radius Courtesy Cars Concessions for Pensioners, Collections within a 5 mile radius Armed Forces and Emergency Services Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services We require the following staff:

VEHICLE TECHNICIAN/ MOT TESTER 15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Secure, dehumidi昀ed and dust controlled 25 minutes west of stonehenge along the A303

Broadpeak.co.uk

01747 840 666

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 81

Motoring

CAR SERVICE COMING UP? All Makes Servicing Free vehicle health checks MOT Tests £39 Air-Con Servicing Tyres and Exhausts Brakes and Clutches Batteries Suspension Cambelts and Water Pumps ODIS VW Audi Diagnostics Generic Diagnostics (most makes)

Cann Common, Shaftesbury SP7 0EB

To book your service please call

01747 855247 or email sales@melburymotorcompany.co.uk

DORSET’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICE Full dealer service for all makes of commercial vehicle Brake testing Tachograph service MOT preparation etc.

ETS TRUCK&VAN Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, Dorset DT11 7FB Email: blandford@etstrucks.co.uk

Tel: 01258 480404

6 Witney Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0GH Tel: 01202 669339 Email: service@etstrucks.co.uk

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Motoring

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk

CAR SALES

018 (68) Ford EcoSport 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, partial leather, parking sensors & reversing camera, sat nav, auto activation lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, bluetooth, speed sign recognition, multi award winning engine, 28,100 miles ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................£14850 2015 (15) Ford EcoSport 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, leather seats, high seating, tip & tumble rear seats, parking sensors, cruise control, auto activation lights & wipers, bluetooth, multi award winning engine, 53,900 miles ..........................................£8350 2013 (13) Mini Hatch 1.6 Cooper Sport Chili 3dr. 122bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, air conditioning, alloy wheels, auto activation lights & wipers, hill start assist, bluetooth, 92,100 miles ........................................................................................................................................................................£6250 2017 (17) Toyota Auris 1.6D-4D Design 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 65mpg, reversing camera, panoramic roof with electric blind, auto activation lights wipers & auto main beam, speed sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, bluetooth, cruise control, pre-collision assist, 16,800 miles ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................£11450 2015 (15) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv SUV 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, large boot, parking sensors, auto activation lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, bluetooth, 57,900 miles ..................................................................................................................................£8450

COMMERCIAL'S 2016 (16) Ford Ranger 3.2TDCi Limited Double Cab 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 200bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, rear canopy, leather, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth, switchable 2 / 4 wheel drive, high & low ratios, hill descent control, auto lights & wipers, heated front screen, NO VAT to pay, 68,300 miles..............................................................................................................................................................................£19500 2003 (53) Toyota Hilux 2.5D-4D 270 VX Double Cab 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, high & low ratios, switchable 2 & 4 wheel drive, canopy, MOT - July 22, Cambelt replaced at 88k, clearance vehicle, starts & drives fine but has rusty bumpers & a few other minor rusty bits, NO VAT to pay, 109,500 miles.....................................................................................................................................................................................................£4500

WANTED

WANTED

We buy cars for cash so if you have something to sell, give us a call, we pay good prices & consider most vehicles.

We are looking for 1970's, 80's & 90's Ford's that we can bring back to life, please call with any information.

RIVERSIDE

Garage & MOT Centre MOT testing Service Tyres Batteries Welding Diagnostics Air Con General motor repairs Loan cars or collection & delivery Approved fitting partners of blackcircle.com & mytyres.com

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

01722 790287

email riversidegarage@outlook.com www.riversidegarage.org

RIVERSIDE

Service Station Photo by Maria Lin Kim rensburg on Unsplash

Esso fuel, lottery, milk, bread, chilled & frozen food, sandwiches, hot food, Calor Gas, coal, logs, newspapers and magazines, mobile phone top up, fruit & veg, jet wash & vaccuum, plus many in-store promotions...

Open Monday to Friday, 6am to 9pm Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 7am to 9pm

01722 790858 Warminster Rd, Stapleford, Salisbury SP3 4LT

Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash

2015 (15) Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 1.6TDi Highline C20 LWB Van. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, full bulkhead, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, air con, alloy wheels, bluetooth, cambelt kit replaced, very clean & tidy van with NO VAT to pay, 49,600 miles .....................................£14500

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Arts & Entertainment n Vivamente Voices have recently resumed their weekly rehearsals and are excited to be preparing for their first concert in two years.

They are continuing to support Dorset children’s bereavement charity MOSAIC who will benefit from their forthcoming Christmas Concert at St Nicholas’ Church, Corfe Mullen, on Saturday, December 11 at 7.30pm. They are joined by a guest ensemble from the Verwood Concert Brass.

Tickets £10 from vivamentevoices@gmail.com.

Spoonfeds cause a stir Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Music and Drama Group is delighted to present The Spoonfeds’ Christmas Pudding, a selection of Christmas songs and carols, together with some festive sing-along numbers, all performed in the Spoonfeds’ unmistakable a cappella style.

The bar will be open and mulled cider and mince pies on offer.

To enter into the spirit of the

occasion, audience members are requested to wear something ‘Christmassy’ perhaps a Santa hat or a Christmas jumper.

Attendees are invited to take donations to Shaftesbury Arts Centre during the evening.

Saturday, December 11 at 7.30pm.

Entry is free but tickets must be purchased from shaftesburyarts centre.org.uk or 01747 854321.

Illuminate

Handmade for Christmas

Open daily 9.30am – 4.30pm until New Year’s Eve (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

A glorious collection of unique and beautiful handmade gifts from local makers, designers and artists Visit us or shop online...

The Workhouse Chapel Bath Road Sturminster Newton Dorset DT10 1DS www.workhousechapel.co.uk

at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens this December

Book online at

abbotsburygardens.co.uk

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Arts & Entertainment

Joyful and triumphant: Singers in concert THE TH

EXCHANGE

Live a more eventful life

Friday 21st January

My Mountain Life

by Simon Yates 7:30pm Tickets £16/£15

––––––––

The Ridgway Singers are holding a series of Christmas Concerts, starting this weekend.

A joyous blend of West Gallery Carols, songs, music and readings is promised at Stalbridge Village Hall this Saturday at 4pm and at Alderhot Village Hall this

Sunday at 3.30pm.

Tickets (£10 and £5 for under 18s) are selling fast and venue capacity is limited to allow social distancing, so book now at artsreach.co.uk.

If you miss these dates they are holding further concerts on Sunday, December 19 at 7pm at

St Swithun’s Church in Bridport (DT6 5DU, 01305 852826) and on Wednesday, December 22 at 7pm at the Dorford Centre, in Dorchester (DT1 1RR, 01305 852826). Seasonal refreshments will be available at all performances.

Saturday 22nd January

Greatest Songs of the Movies 7:30pm Tickets £17/£16

–––––––– Thursday 27th January

Touching the Void (15) 7pm Tickets £5

–––––––– Saturday 29th January

Radio GaGa 7:30pm Tickets £21.50 ––––––––

01258 475137

info@stur-exchange.co.uk Find us on Facebook

www.stur-exchange.co.uk

Mere Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) returned to the stage for four half-hour plays in memory of members Peggy Jukes, Melody Parfitt and Bill Pike Pictures: George Jeans

In accordance with the Government’s advice to businesses, we would encourage customers to continue to wear a face covering to reduce the risk both to themselves and to others and respectfully request that customers continue to use the hand sanitisers provided, and to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app.

BLUES BAND:

Bye Bye Blues Band (Farewell Tour)

SLEEPING BEAUTY 17th December to 2nd January

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

(various times)

Tickets Adults £17.50 U16s £14 1 in 10 free available via Box Office

Saturday 11th December 8:00pm, Tickets £37.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

BLAKE IN CONCERT

Thursday 13th January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Plus Adults only (age 16+) performances on 30th Dec, 1st & 3rd Jan 7.30pm (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Thursday 6th January 7.30pm Tickets £28

MOTHERING SUNDAY (15) 7th, 10th, 11th & 12th January 7.30pm Matinee 13th January 1pm Tickets Adult: £8 eves Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

MONEY FOR NOTHING “Undoubtedly the best Dire Straits tribute in Europe”

Saturday 8th January 7.30pm Tickets £20

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

KEEPING BAD COMPANY

FROM GOLD TO RIO

The best of Free & Bad Company

Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran

THE FRENCH DISPATCH (15)

ADULT PANTO: LITTLE RED RIDING…!

Friday 14th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Saturday 15th January 7.30pm Tickets £21 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

17th & 18th January 7.30pm Matinee 18th January 2pm Tickets Adult: £8 eve Matinee: £7 U16s: £6 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Suitable for ages 16+

Wednesday 19th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

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Arts & Entertainment

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

It’s back! Panto has landed at the Octagon for 2021 and it’s fabulous.

Hilarious, engaging, glittering and everything a panto should be – Mother Goose is a triumph.

My son Robert and I often go to three or four pantos each year, so we are veterans of the peculiarly British festive production.

The Octagon is always the best.

I think the Yeovil magic lies in employing a cast of panto enthusiasts – no one from Neighbours, just solid panto professionals.

Each year I see Robert getting a different layer of the jokes, as it’s so finely crafted to appeal to all ages.

This year he is 13 and the baddie revving himself up and pinging bullets from his groin rendered my boy helpless with mirth.

The annual tenuously linked routine where the Glasgow dame (Gordon Cooper) and westcountry principal boy (Jack Glanville) pull things out of a handcart kept us laughing and if you’ve been to enough Octagon pantos (which the whole audience evidently had) you know the ghost routine well enough to sing along with gusto – we did.

The songs and the dancing were a tonic after a covidmuted panto last year, as was Mother Goose’s increasingly outrageous wardrobe.

Gordon’s audience victim this year was a brave chap called Darren, who one has to hope isn’t too scarred by the experience. Chortle...

Special mention to the ‘statue’ with the multiple fig leaves for keeping his cool while Billy Goose went foraging, Fairy Goodfeather (Lizzie Frances) for retaining her poise while

There’s a goose loose aboot this hoose, and it’s hilarious

OH YES IT IS: Scenes from Mother Goose at the Octogon in Yeovil

Pictures: LEN COPLAND

dangling from the rafters and ‘Uncle Bill’ in the orchestra pit, who contributed to the comedy as well as providing the sounds.

I sat next to South Somerset councillor Mike Best, who explained what’s soon to happen to the Octagon – a

£23m rebuild which will sadly close the theatre for about 18 months, but result in a magnificent set of facilities. The crew at the Octagon are so worth it – they do a fantastic job, and will continue to do so with facilities able to host major West End productions, too.

Until that time, the Octagon has a plethora of amazing shows scheduled, from musicals and comedy to acclaimed tribute bands and plays for all ages.

Mother Goose is on until January 2. n Go to octagontheatre.co.uk to book.

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Business

Blandford firm collects Christmas gifts Following on from the success of last year’s Christmas shoebox appeal, Total Energy Services along with some much-appreciated supporters have managed to fill 50 shoe boxes.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of the Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian International Relief Organisation. Shoeboxes are filled with small toys and useful items which are shipped to children around the world affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, famine, and disease.

Total would like to say a huge heart-warming thank you to all those who very kindly donated.

This included a vast collection of beautiful hand knitted scarves, hats, gloves, jumpers,

and knitted toys as well as bought items such as socks, flannels, school supplies, toys and much more.

A spokesman said: “We were truly touched by the amount of donations we received this year together with our own contribution of essential supplies we were able to bring joy to so many children in need.

“We can only imagine this becoming more successful each year as awareness spreads.

“So again, a huge thank you.”

The shoeboxes are shipped to over 100 countries across the world. Inside each of the shoeboxes they have placed a barcode and by February they will be told where the shoe boxes went.

Since 1993 nearly 200 million children have received a shoebox in over 170 countries around the world.

Holly Lamb, of Total Energy Services said: “This year we were delighted to be able to pack and send off 50 shoeboxes. It would not of been possible without the generosity of the local community and it brings us immense pleasure to be able to spread a little joy this Christmas. Especially to those in less fortunate circumstances.”

Get involved!

If you would like to get involved in the 2022 appeal or find out more information you can either contact Holly: holly@totalenergy.co.uk or call 01258 472132.

Businesses mark anniversary REMOVALS & STORAGE

ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES Its not the size that matters it’s the way you move it!

Armishaws operate a 昀eet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company.

With prices ranging from £300 for a local move our services are tailored to meet your needs.

Blandford (01258) 453898

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Wincanton (01963) 34065

Manufacturing and engineering businesses in Yeovil, South Somerset and West Dorset marked two years of a Yeovil Chamber initiative with a networking event M-Hub held the event at the new aerospace facility in Yeovil, iAero – a purposebuilt 2,398 m2 research, design and innovation facility, with canapes and talks. The event was extremely well attended with presentations from; n Neil Discombe, Garador on M-Hub and the last two years n Paul Hickson, Strategic Commissioning Manager for Somerset County Council talking about the new iAero

facility n David Ralph CEO of LEP, about the winder reginal manufacturing perspective n Nick Whitney from Leonardo about supply chain and Leonardo’s new logistics centre n Nick Golding, Director od SWMAS about the support that is available for NetZero M-Hub is now looking forward to the 2022 calendar of tours and networking events, the first of which is being hosted by Gooch & Housego PLC in Ilminster in February.

If you are interested in attending or becoming involved email mhub@yeovilchamber.org.

Looking for a mortgage adviser?

First time buyer or just want the best rate?

We are whole of market advisers.

Alice Knipe

CeMAP

Mortgage and Protection Adviser

M: 07394 945021 E: alice@fivefinancial.co.uk W: fivefinancial.co.uk

FIVE

Financial MORTGAGES

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with dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Protect your family from Inheritance Tax... ...We’re Here to Help The amount families paying Inheritance Tax is predicted to rise, largely as a result of soaring house prices.

The treasury is set to collect £7.6 billion a year from Inheritance Tax revenue by 2026/27 compared to £5.1 billion in 2019/20. (Source: Office for Budget Responsibility, Oct 2021.)

Peter Harding Wealth Management with over 25 year’s experience has a team of advisers, across Dorset and surrounding counties, to help you protect your legacy.

Contact us today for an initial, no obligation consultation: Tel: 01757 855554 Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Call in: Have a coffee and a chat at one of our offices in Shaftesbury, Sherborne or Canford Cliffs... we would be delighted to see you.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and Partner Practice are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd

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Business

blackmorevale.net

with dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Celebrate and protect our Commonwealth

By Adrian Fisher MBE Wednesday, December 1 2021 will remain one of the most memorable days of my life.

It was the day Marie and I went to Windsor Castle, and I received an MBE from the Princess Royal for services to International Trade and to the Creative Industries.

The honours system is a celebration of all that is best about our country, and of thousands of people each year whose individual lives have made a difference.

There are seventy investitures each year; I was one of sixty-nine recipients that day, drawn from all walks of life. There was the fire and rescue area manager who handled the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury; a Jewish Priest who has taken

HONOURED: Princess Anne presents Adrian with his MBE

many groups to Poland to visit Nazi concentration camps, with profoundly lifechanging effects on each person; a Muslim police sergeant who had pioneered improved community relations in Birmingham; a head teacher from Northern

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Ireland teaching pupils from both sides of the sectarian divide. The singer Tommy Steele was one of three to be knighted. Every recipient and their guest were fascinating to meet; many were wives or husbands, sharing the occasion and richly deserving to be there.

In the Grand Reception Room, a band was playing all afternoon. When it was my turn, I was ushered in and announced by name. I walked forward and nodded my head. Princess Anne placed the MBE insignia on my lapel, and then we spoke informally for about four minutes. She was genuinely interested when I described the international opportunities in the Creative industries for our young people. She was immensely gracious. Marie was able to watch from about five paces away, across the room.

The Order of the British Empire challenges the direction of our national destiny. The insignia is inscribed “‘For God and for Empire’. It is paradoxical that Britain is ranked one of the least religious countries in the world, with an Empire that became a Commonwealth in the 1960s.

Even that Commonwealth is being eroded, with The Prince of Wales abroad .last

week attending the transition of Barbados into a republic, and China actively providing loans there.

China is specifically targeting Commonwealth countries, where their debt entrapment activities are on a scale three times greater than towards non-Commonwealth nations.

Gaining no benefit, Sri Lanka lost a piece of its territory to become a strategic Chinese naval base, having been sold a seaport on unrepayable terms. We must respond through trade and strengthening our bonds; our values are immensely more attractive.

This is the challenge that Britain faces.

We need our institutions to celebrate what is finest in our nation, and our resolve to strengthen worldwide our cultural, kinship and livelihood ties, especially with Commonwealth countries. Our nation is headed by a family.

There is a palpable sense of duty, service and unflinching loyalty among its active senior members of Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William as they represent the Queen.

We were not there as tourists; this was Windsor Castle at work, performing its role in the life of the nation.

Every member of staff welcomed us warmly and expressed their congratulations.

I was there on merit; Princess Anne was also there on merit, having competed in the Olympic Games, and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for her lifelong work with Save the Children.

On that day at Windsor Castle, she was in every sense one of us.

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Recruitment

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QP

https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,760 on roll including 370 in the Sixth Form

SENIOR I.T. TECHNICIAN (full-time) £22,183 – £25,991 per annum depending upon experience Required to start as soon as possible, an IT Technician to join the team providing crucial IT support, maintenance and development planning across our large, vibrant and supportive school. We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced person who has plenty of IT knowledge and is comfortable with a variety of hardware and software to ensure the smooth running of our IT systems and services. This role is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of tasks alongside general IT support for students and staff. This could include areas such as hardware maintenance, network management, website development, software deployment and audio-visual support.

The successful candidate will also understand the need to continually develop and update their knowledge and skills.

Gillingham is an ambitious and happy school which offers excellent resources, outstanding facilities and a special ethos both amongst students and staff. Closing date 4th January 2022.

Please apply on line via the school web-site (https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk).

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions.

We look forward to receiving an application from you.

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QP

https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,760 on roll including 370 in the Sixth Form

FRONTLINE I.T. TECHNICIAN (full-time) £19,698 – £20,903 per annum depending upon experience Required to start as soon as possible, a Frontline IT Technician to join the team providing crucial IT support and maintenance across our large, vibrant and supportive school. We are seeking an enthusiastic, person who has a keen interest in IT and is looking to gain experience with a variety of hardware and software to ensure the smooth running of our IT systems and services. This role is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and training in a wide variety of tasks alongside general IT support for students and staff. This could include areas such as hardware maintenance, network management, website development, software deployment and audio-visual support.

Whilst no technical qualifications will be required these will be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be passionate about IT and be looking to learn and develop within this sector.

Gillingham is an ambitious and happy school which offers excellent resources, outstanding facilities and a special ethos both amongst students and staff. Closing date 4th January 2022.

Please apply on line via the school web-site (https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk).

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions.

We look forward to receiving an application from you.

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Recruitment

New Blackmore Vale helps smash target

By Miranda Robertson A woman who started a personal care business from her home in Shillingstone just two months ago has already achieved what she set out to do in a year – thanks to a small ad in the New Blackmore Vale.

Paula Saunders launched Pristine Care after years of experience working for social services and in private homes and palliative care.

She offers all aspects of personal care to people in their own homes, helping with everything from showering to dog walking.

Her first ad in this magazine, a simple business card size ad designed by our team, netted her an £80,000 a year contract. Her second netted her a £140,000 a year contract. She is getting enquiries every day.

PRISTINE CARE AND DOMESTIC SERVICES

All aspects of personal care, hourly, days/nights Medication administration, nails cut, showering and bathing GP/Hospital appointments Meals cooked, cleaning, ironing, shopping, gardening, carpet cleaning and dog walking Paula Saunders – Manager Mobile: 07512 733 215 Business: 01258 721826 paulapenhills@gmail.com

SUCCESS: The ad that won Paula’s new personal care company large contracts

She said: “Having my own business is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

“I wanted it done holistically – and I’ve got the right people around me, the right area and the right clients.

We’ve got the right ideas and the right way of doing things.”

She added: “Thanks to my

advertisement in the magazine I’ve achieved what I wanted to in a year in two months. It’s never going to be a big business, just a really excellent service.

“We’ve already got a reputation for having a gentle touch and can support on an emotional side as well as the practical.”

Pristine covers a 20-mile radius of Shillingstone.

Paula added: “The feedback from my ad has just been amazing – I had another call today, one yesterday and the day before. It’s really, really fantastic, really helped my business.

“It’s fabulous being able to specialise in that field and put a nice team together for that person.

“I trust my team implicitly – they are people we know and trust and I know they’re going to do a brilliant job.

Paula Saunders – Manager Mobile: 07512 733 215 Business: 01258 721826 paulapenhills@gmail.com For expert advice and help planning your recruitment campaign, caqll The New Blackmore Vale’s advertising manager Debi Thorne on 07714 289409.

Great staff read the NBVM! Call 01963 400186 to advertise TIPPER DRIVER Permanent position Please call for details 07837470258 Looking for LABOURERS ASAP with some experience on building sites, for long term contracts.

CSCS card is required, Work involves working away.

For more information contact Wayne Gillam 07836 383066 STALBRIDGE AND MARNHULL VETS requires someone bright and cheerful for the role of TRAINEE RECEPTIONIST, animal care assistant and cleaner. 4 days a week. Experience with dogs and cats (and humans) preferred. Further details at www.smvets.co.uk.

Send letter and CV to info@smvets.co.uk

Looking for a TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE AND EXPERIENCED COOK to come in and cook 3 evening meals per week / clear up for older couple. Preferably MON/WED/FRI. Hours would be around 4-8pm. Based in Horsington Village. Please email hello@thenoggcottages.com to arrange online interview.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED HOUSEKEEPER wanted to run a beautiful house for an elderly couple near Sherborne. Tasks include cleaning, cooking, tidying, running errands, laundry, ironing, changing beds.

Experience necessary, references, clean driving licence. Must be discreet and kind, with attention to detail and initiative. 15-20 hours/week Ring 07429117479

Handicapped artist needs DAY HELP details 01747 229893 MILKING ASSISTANTS Full and part-time staff required, milking sheep weekdays and weekends 4am and 2pm daily, all shifts on a rota with full training provided. Looking for a new challenge then please send CV or covering letter to vanessa@orchidmeadow.com RECEPTIONIST REQUIRED Friendly and professional receptionist required at our smaller complementary health clinic near Shaftesbury, on Mondays and Wednesdays, and for occasional cover on other days. Computer literacy essential. For further details, please contact Margo Liddle margoliddle@glencairnhouse .co.uk or 01935 817442

DRIVERS WANTED full & part-time, car provided, paid holidays, pension scheme, further details 07813 209841 GENERAL ASSISTANT To join small friendly team supporting 15 elderly residents in our sheltered house in Shaftesbury. We are an independent charity managed by trustees.

Duties include cleaning, laundry, preparing meals, but not personal care. Support offered, training given.

Enhanced DBS check required.

30 hours per week, currently @ £9.30 per hour, to include some early evenings and weekends.

For enquiries/application form/ visit please contact Rachel Maskell 01747 854922 info@pepperellbv.org.uk

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Recruitment Join our family We are looking for committed, enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our progressive family business in a variety of roles. We offer excellent rates of pay, plentiful overtime available, an extensive benefits package including: 28 days annual leave pro rata, annual bonus, incremental annual leave allowance, pension scheme with 5% employer contribution and a gift of cheese for Christmas. There are opportunities for career progression and development.

We are seeking applications for the following full time, permanent positions: Production Operatives at our Cheese Dairy producing bulk Cheddar cheese and food ingredients in Wyke Champflower, Bruton.

BA10 0PU. 39 hours a week working a shift pattern of 06:00 – 16:00 and 16:00 – 02:00 4 days per week on a 6-day rota (includes Saturday working). Good opportunities to progress for the right candidates.

Multi Skilled Operatives at our Cheddar Cheese Packing plant in Wincanton BA9 9DT. This role manages the cutting and packing of cheese using modern, intelligent and technological production lines in a food environment. Working hours are a rotating shift pattern night/late/early, Monday to Friday.

For further information or to apply, please email us – jobs@wykefarms.com Wyke Farms is a family-run cheese business based in the heart of the Somerset cheddar-making region.

The Clothier’s have been making Cheddar to the same prize-winning recipe since 1861. Today, Wyke Farms is one of the largest independent cheese makers in the UK producing over 16,000 tonnes of cheddar per year all powered by 100% renewable energy. The products are sold throughout the UK and to 160 countries around the world. wykefarms.com

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Recruitment

We need carers like never before

Complete care solutions

the streets to clap for care assistants, even though they had to work continuously throughout the pandemic providing professional care to vulnerable people, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Fortunately, this lack of recognition is gradually changing.

People are realising the importance of care workers, even the Government is accepting that without the support of care providers such as Bramley Care, the NHS will struggle to free up beds and the most vulnerable members in society will suffer unnecessary hardship. The job of a care worker is not just a job it is a career. And it is a profession that we in society should recognise as important.

The shortage of care workers has helped to bring the sector into the limelight and raise the profile of care workers. It has also pushed up the wages that a care worker can expect to earn. A full-time carer at Bramley Care with a Level 3 care qualification earns £22,880 per annum (more if the additional weekend rates are included).

Of course, pay, although very important, is not the only thing that makes a satisfying job. Being part of a team that provides such vital support to those vulnerable people in our community (and therewith also to the wider community) is equally as important. The bond that develops between the carer and the cared for is such that our carers feel huge satisfaction when they have been able to make a difference in that person’s life.

There has never been a time that carers have been more needed than the present. At Bramley Care we are at the forefront of providing community care and although we always manage to provide the excellent quality care that our customers expect from us, daily we experience the effects of having to say no to many people who so need us.

If, after reading this you feel that you are able to offer your help, even if it is just for a few hours per week or just one or two shifts in one of our care homes, or, that you considering a career change, we would love to hear from you. The pay at, £11.00 per hour is good and full support and training is a definite as is the team spirt and the satisfaction that comes with doing such an important job.

We are offering anyone who starts a permanent job of 20 hours or more with us a one-off £500 starting bonus.

01747 855844

Richard Wagner Director

The effects of the pandemic continue to affect us all. Our NHS is operating close to breaking point, ambulances are queuing outside hospitals for hours waiting to deliver patients into A&E and many older people are stuck in hospital because there is simply no places in care homes or community care at home available to look after them when they leave hospital care.

One reason behind this is that care providers are struggling to recruit.

This affects those people in our community who are the most vulnerable and in greater need of our support. They need support from care providers such as Bramley Care to either return from hospital (and free up a much-needed bed) or enable them to continue living in their own homes. Bramley Care, as a small family run care provider, receives scores of requests for care each month, many of which have to be turned away due to the current lack of available care workers. The reason for the shortage of care workers maybe due to the effects of Brexit, the fear of working in care during the pandemic or simply that the pandemic has caused a huge back log of work not only for care but in every area of our economy.

Whatever the reason one thing remains, it is those of us who are the least able to cope who are suffering the most. Additional to this, if we can provide the care people need to leave hospital as soon as possible, or avoid hospital admission in the first place, we can also alleviate some of the pressure on the NHS which will eventually benefit us all.

In the past many care workers may not have received the acknowledgement that they deserved. For instance; in the early stages of the pandemic no one thought of standing in

bramleycare.co.uk

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Recruitment

Together we care A

s the Manager of Bramley Homecare, I do my very best to ensure, however short staffed we are, that clients’ visits are not cancelled. Our ethos is to care for our clients, no matter the obstacles we encounter. In my position as manager I am considered the “last man standing” and I will administer care if there is no one else to go. Just lately, that has been more frequently the case. I have been to visit many different people and it has been an absolute pleasure. After spending a lot of time in the office it is so heart warming to see the difference we make to people’s life.

What seems small to us can mean a lot to those who are not able to manage without our support. We do not do the job for gratitude, but it is nearly always given and makes such a difference when you are working hard to meet deadlines.

Listening to how our clients talk about our carers, with genuine affection and appreciation. This really bought it home to me what a worthwhile job we are doing and this gives us such a boost to know our work does not go unnoticed.

A

fter 20 years of working for a local council in senior management I would never have considered a position in care, until I met my new partner Richard, Director of Bramley Care. As a family run business, upon witnessing the current crisis created by the shortage of care staff, I decided to give care a go. After my first day I came home and cried on the phone to my mum, meeting vulnerable people who rely on the vital help from a care visitor was truly emotional. With training and support, I started to realise that my hands are capable of a loving touch to help, my words offer support, and my own smile is contagious and makes smiles!

The Home Care Team are absolutely fantastic, they are a family in their own right, they are not only there for the vulnerable that they visit but they are there for each other too. 24/7 there is always help for each other at the end of the phone. With their support, I am now happily making home visits and making a difference to people lives. The satisfaction that this brings is unbelievable. These people, they need and deserve care for the things that I/we take for granted. But if there is not enough care staff available then what happens?

Complete care solutions

We are recruiting We pay our carers up to £14 per hour Specialists in providing bespoke, professional care for older people Flexible shifts Plus Full training * Transport to work* welc o bonu me Possible accommodation* s!

20% overtime enhancement *

plus

0 £50 e bonus! *

welcom

£50 0

Join our team and, as a thank you for joining us, you will receive a £500 welcome bonus*

We want to provide the very highest standard of care to all our clients, and to do that, we want to recruit and retain the very best.

*Terms and conditions apply

We would love to hear from you

bramleycare.co.uk 01747 855844

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Recruitment

N PE Y O DA elow

e se

General Assembly Metal Shop Store Operatives/Machine Operatives Welder Paint Sprayer SMT Production Line Operative

b

JOB VACANCIES LGV Driver

Human Resources Advisor CIPD qualified level 5 with industry experience Receptionist Accounts Assistant Facilities, Quality Health & Safety Administrator Internal Sales Co – coordinator Embedded Software Engineer Specification Manager External Sales covering South Wales,Herefordshire & Worcester Specification Manager External Sales covering West Midlands, Warwickshire & Staffordshire Specification Manager External Sales covering Cornwall, Devon & TA postcode

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY Friday 7th January 9.30am until 4.00 open to candidates to drop in our visitor centre to discuss any vacancies we have available at the time.

We will be following government guide lines and mask wearing will be needed.

If we can encourage people to register but not essential to attend the open day by emailing the humanresources@dextragroup.co.uk

Tel: 01747 858100 Fax: 01747 858114 Email: HumanResources@dextragroup.co.uk Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4PX www.dextragroup.co.uk

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Recruitment

ADMISSIONS ADMINISTRATOR £21,930 per annum FTE Flexible working available

We have an exciting opportunity for a personable and committed Admissions Administrator to join the Admissions department and support its aim to provide the highest quality service to prospective parents and pupils. The appointee will be a main point of contact from first enquiry through to enrolment to Bryanston and Bryanston Knighton House School, and will deal with incoming calls and correspondence, whilst assisting with parent visits.

No two days are ever the same in this interesting and varied role which would ideally suit someone with strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, a good working knowledge of IT, particularly using Word and Excel, and a desire to deliver exceptional customer service.

Bryanston offers a competitive remuneration package in a fantastic working environment for the right candidate.

We are open to a range of flexible working options such as full-time, part-time and job share arrangements.

For further information and to apply, please visit www.bryanston.co.uk/employment Closing date: Sunday, 2 January 2022 Bryanston is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Rushmore is a diverse rural estate situated in the Cranborne Chase centred around the small village of Tollard Royal. We are seeking a Gardens Manager to work between our Larmer Tree Gardens and King John’s House to ensure the gardens are kept to the best possible standard. It will be a hands on role leading by example, requiring hard work and the ability to organise and plan works within a small team. Horticultural knowledge is essential as is a proven track record of managing others.

Salary dependant on experience.

Please send your CV and covering letter to enquiries@rushmoreuk.com

St Denis Lodge in Shaftesbury is a privately run care home for 21 residents.

They are looking for kind and compassionate Care Assistants to help bring joy and laughter to their lives, whilst providing a high standard of care, which can be hard work but also very rewarding. Various hours available.

Please ring for more information 01747 854596 or email: Info@stdenislodge.co.uk

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Recruitment EXPERIENCED ADMIN/OFFICE MANAGER WANTED at Jackson-Stops, Sherborne. 01935 810 141 / sherborne@jacksonstops.co.uk

Great staff read the NBVM! Call 01963 400186 to advertise your vacancy

THE COFFEE HUB GROUP is looking for multiple people to join their award winning team.

Current roles available include: Production & Dispatch Operative Stock Control & Warehouse Supervisor Sales Office Administration Assistant Please email your CV to: enquiries@coffeehubgroup.c om

Five Bees Limited linda@michaelbromfield.com

Executive Assistant and Property Manager This is a position that offers a variety of tasks and invites applicants who can offer a variety of skills including IT, sound administration, strong self-management, flexibility and long term vision and commitment.

Sherborne, Dorset based.

Salary range £23000 - £30000.

For full Job Description please email linda@michaelbromfield.com

Wessex Vehicle Services Ltd Compton Mills SP3 5DW Commercial Body Builders Fancy a change? If you can work with your hands, read a tape measure come and visit us.

In House Training will be provided for the ideal candidate.

We require Full time Skilled & Semi-Skilled Commercial Vehicle Body Builders Knowledge of working with commercial vehicle bodies would be an advantage but not essential.

The ability to problem solve, work to completion deadlines, within a team, while maintaining a high standard of build quality are key attributes within the role.

You must be able to work on your own and as part of a team and communicate well with others.

Full UK Driving license required.

Friendly working environment, company pension scheme after probationary period.

Good rates of pay.

Please contact Nigel Mustill for more information on 01722 714545 or send CV to nigel@wessexvehicles.co.uk Reference ID: WVS-03

Assistant Administrator for Executive PA and Property Manager Challenging and interesting position with a variety of tasks. Keyboard, IT and Computer skills essential.

Sherborne based. Salary £16000 -20000.

For Job Description please email linda@michaelbromfield.com

We are looking for an experienced

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/OFFICE MANAGER The role includes: PA to the Director Raising and sending invoices to customers Liaise with customers and suppliers Organisa琀on and the running of the o ce General O ce Admin Adhoc projects O ce calendar Skills & Experience Required: Flexible can do a tude Good communicator Organisa琀onal and priori琀sa琀on skills Competent user of Microso昀 o ce and con昀dent to use new IT Experience with Sage 200 and overseas transac琀ons an advantage. Hours can be 昀exible to suit. The role is in a modern o ce located in Henstridge and is an exci琀ng opportunity for the right candidate. We o昀er a compe琀琀ve salary based on skills, quali昀ca琀ons and experience.

Please contact 01963 363653 or send your CV to mail@kedgeworth.com

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 97

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Recruitment Flexible part-琀me posi琀on available for an organised, outgoing individual The Fonthill Estate is looking for an energe琀c person with excellent communica琀on and organisa琀onal skills who would be able to dedicate 16-20 hours per week to the promo琀on and sales of our venues for weddings and events.

We can be 昀exible o昀ering home or o ce working but the right person would need to liaise closely with the Estate o ce on a regular basis.

The posi琀on will involve some weekend and evening working, to meet couples on site and to handle enquiries promptly. There is the opportunity for the right candidate to take on our marke琀ng and social media campaign and to grow the role.

Compe琀琀ve hourly rate.

Driving licence & own car essen琀al.

All enquiries please email vm@fonthill.co.uk with CV.

Based in Wincanton, we have the following vacancies:

NIGHTS WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE We are looking for a keen, hard-working person to prepare orders for loading onto vans and assisting in the warehouse with associated tasks.

The position involves some work in fridges and freezer as well as an ambient warehouse.

Sunday – Friday Appx 20 hours per week.

FULL TIME WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR The position involves assisting in the warehouse with unloading deliveries and associated tasks.

Working in an ambient warehouse, plus some work in fridges and freezer.

Forklift licence would be beneficial.

Monday – Saturday Appx 40 hours per week.

To apply please email your CV

careers@finefoodco.co.uk

REMOVALS & STORAGE

THE ARMISHAWS REMOVAL GROUP HAVE AN IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR AN

Assistant Transport Manager To join our busy head office.

Duties would include customs, bookings and general operational paperwork, dealing with customers and staff.

Needs good general knowledge of the transport industry, a transport CPC would be an advantage.

Must have a positive and good humoured personality.

Role is located at our Wincanton head office.

Please send CV and covering letter to Lloyd@armishaws.com

Situations wanted Looking for a job? Tell employers what you do with an ad in the NBVM: 01963 400186 PRIVATE CARERS AVAILABLE for DAY and NIGHT care.

Dbs, insured and references.

Please contact 07792063215

PRISTINE CARE AND DOMESTIC SERVICES

All aspects of personal care, hourly, days/nights Medication administration, nails cut, showering and bathing GP/Hospital appointments Meals cooked, cleaning, ironing, shopping, gardening, carpet cleaning and dog walking Paula Saunders – Manager Mobile: 07512 733 215 Business: 01258 721826 paulapenhills@gmail.com

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Sport Premier Division Dorchester Cricket Club claimed the 2021 Dorset Cricket Board Premier Division after a nail-biting end to the season.

Shane Watson from sponsors The Dorset Funeral Plan presented the trophy that they retained after winning it in 2019 – pre-covid.

On the last Saturday of the season, without a game, Dorchester had to wait until on other matches before they knew they’d won.

Runners-up Poole Town for the fifth time over the last six seasons were helped by bowler Joey Wormington, the division’s leading wicket taker. The DACO Fair Play Award in the Premier League went to Sherborne.

Division 1 Moving up to the Premier League after a number of successful seasons are Division 1 champions Puddletown.

The team contained the division’s three leading wicket takers; Rob Snow, Ryan Norman and Adam Weir. Swanage took the runner-up spot. The DACO Fair Play Award went to Marnhull.

Division 2 Blandford who took the title in most competitive league with only 32 points separating third and tenth, Poole Town Seconds took the runners-up spot.

Division 3 The only team to go unbeaten this season were Chalke Valley Division 3 winners.

Runners-up were Charlton Down who possessed the division’s leading wicket taker in Matt Stevens.

CHAMPIONS: Shane Watson of The Dorset Funeral Plan Presents James Dunham, Jamie Barrett and Mark Derrien of Dorchester with the Premier League Championship

Dorchester claim Premier crown in nail-biting finish Division 4

Cattistock and Symene took the title with 13 wins.

Runners-up were Bere Regis IIs. Division 5 East & South The youngsters of Winton 3s battled through the season to take the title with Dylan Lyons, Caitlin Chissell and Liam Crutchley all making more than 300 runs.

Runners-up were Marnhull Secondss who fought off a youthful Wimborne 4s for the spot.

Division 5 North & West Bradford Abbas bounced straight back after relegation in 2019.

Runners-up were Blandford IIs who suffered only two reverses.

Special Awards n Sherborne’s Josh Lawrence one Player of the Season with 727 runs at an average of 121.17. n The Under 18 performance of the season went to Wimborne’s Lewis Freak for his knock of 203no against Cattistock and Symene. n Groundsman of the year Colin Randall of Wimborne created a pitch that has led to the county side returning to Dorset to play their home games. n The Club of the Season award went to Chalke Valley for accumulating the highest points total in the leagues, winning the Dorset T20 cup and getting to the last eight in the national competition.

Nick Douch from Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral

sport@blackmorevale.net

Directors, Dorset Funeral Plan said: “After last year’s interrupted season because of covid it was great to get back to some proper cricket.

It was reassuring to see so many youngsters coming through and doing well.

Sponsoring the leagues for more than 15 years has given us a great profile and we’ve seen wonderful improvement in so many of the county’s grounds.”

John Ridout, chairman of Wimborne CC and treasurer of the league, said: “I must congratulate Dorchester on winning the Premier League – and on Poole for coming runners-up again. There were some great games this season and despite rain affecting games in May all the leagues were competitive. We now look ahead to 2022 and begin preparing for the next season.”

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Sport

Marshall John honoured for service Yeovil Golf Club Captain Paul Kitto held a small ceremony on the first tee of the club’s Old Course to mark the 25th anniversary of club member John Arnold taking up the position of course marshall.

During that time John has seen many changes to the clubhouse, course and cembership, helping to keep the play on both the Old and Newton courses flowing during the busy times when he is on duty.

He has also provided a welcome to the numerous visiting parties and societies who have played at Yeovil; many returning on an annual basis to receive another warm welcome from John as he ensured that the first tee was available as per their booking. In doing so he has welcomed people from as far away as Australia and the USA, as well as celebrities such as English cricketer Sir Ian Botham.

In reflecting on his twentyfive years as course marshall, 80-year-old John was extremely surprised

CONGRATULATIONS: John Arnold, left, receives his gift from Yeovil Golf Club captain Paul Kitto

and delighted when he turned up for duty on the day of his 25th anniversary to find the captain, club manager and his supporting course rangers waiting to present him with

an engraved whisky decanter, whisky glasses, and a bottle of whisky.

Captain Paul Kitto said, “It was a pleasure to present John with his engraved mementos as he has been

Ace in the hole! Mark’s joy with his shot of a lifteime Some people play golf for over forty or even fifty years and never achieve a hole in one. Not so Yeovil’s fiftyyear old Mark Smith, who achieved the acclaimed landmark after only playing the game for five years.

For holes-in-one to be officially recognised they must be validated by another playing member which proved no problem for Mark as one of his playing partners

in the in-house “Slashers” Golf Society was Paul Kitto, the Yeovil GC captain.

Mark’s perfect pitch occurred on the par three 10th hole on the club’s Old Course. After repairing his pitch mark, Smith strolled to the back of the green where he thought his shot had been heading.

One of his partners suggested he look in the hole and to everyone’s delight he found WHAT A SHOT: Mark Smith he’d hit the shot of a lifetime. on the 10th at Yeovil

sport@blackmorevale.net

the welcoming face of Yeovil Golf Club to so many visitors over the year and members have been so appreciative of his role in helping things go smoothly at busy times”.

Wincanton Golf Club Results – November/December Canadian Greensomes: November 21 Winners - Joe Atkins/Rab Clyde 47 Seniors Monthly Medal: November 23 Pete Anyan nett 69 John Morgan nett 72 Richard Strong nett 73 Seniors 3 Club: November 30 1. John Morgan 34 2. Brian White 31 3. Chris Dibben 30 Turkey Trot: December 4 Richard Ward 37 Ed Gale 36 David Cartwright 30

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Sport Gillingham AA Third Winter Championship match. (20 pegs) River Stour from Trill to Catholics, 28.11.21

ALL SMILES: Some of the 400-plus entrants for the Dorset Doddlers’ Stickler event

Runners braving elements to take on the infamous Stickler The Stickler 2021 It has been a strange couple of years for the Dorset Doddlers with many races being cancelled throughout the country.

However, the Doddlers were determined to stage the ever-popular Stickler, and even the terrible storms and flooding the day before could not stop the race this year and more than 400 hardy runners lined up at the start line to take on the 10.1-mile course.

Starting in Shillingstone, the runners take on the 1500ft of hills beginning with the infamous Stickle Path up to Okeford Beacon before climbing the ancient hill forts of Hod and Hambledon Hills.

This year also saw the added obstacle of crossing a flooded river bridge.

This year’s winner was

WADING IN: Runners getting wet on the Stickler course

Jacek Cieluszecki of Bournmeouth AC in a time of 1h04m46s.

First lady over the line was Molly Rasch in 1h19m48s.

Second and third males were Christopher Peck (1h06m42s) and Tristan

Cooper (1h07m27s).

Second and third ladies were Jenny Lee Marshall (1h22m47s) and Tracy Cook (1h25m23s).

The winning Female Team was the Dorset Doddlers consisting of Tracy Cook, Sharon Hutchings and Rachel Harrison. First Male Team was won by the Littledown Harriers (Mark Packer, Paolo De Luca and Paul Turle).

The Dorset Doddlers would like to thank all the runners who braved the weather, all the marshals and everyone who help behind the scenes.

The race directors would also like to mention Telesoft, CC Moore and Honeybuns who made very generous donations to make the race a success. n For more details on the Stickler or the Dorset Doddlers please see dorsetdoddlers.co.uk

sport@blackmorevale.net

The third winter championship was fished on a very low and clear river and competitors feared the worst.

In the event the river fished better than expected with match secretary Dave Sealey taking the win with an impressive bag of 13-15 from peg 50, the swimming pool.

Dave caught Roach, Dace & chublets on maggots over hemp on the stickfloat before adding some small chub on punch on the breadfeeder.

Runner-up was Adie West who drew 51 and caught 4 chub & some bits on the straight lead and bread to weigh 11-04.

3rd: Pete Edwards- 10-04 4th: Rob Manns- 9-04 5th:Jason Mills- 9-01 6th: Kev Harvey- 5-02.

The next match is on the 12th December 12. Book in with Dave on (01747)823159.

The following week, the 19th, is the Christmas match.

Angling Trust Upper Thames Winter League Round 6 . K & A Canal on Marlboro water (48 pegs) 28.11.21 The sixth round of the upper Thames winter league was fished on the K & A Canal on Marlboros water from Milkhouse to Brimslade.

Winner on the day was Kev Bennett (PI Thatchers) who drew the first peg at Brimslade and had a fantastic weight of 27.15, consisting of Perch, Roach, Hybrids to 3lb and Bream to 2.5lb all caught over worms and casters on redworms, maggots and casters at 9m down the track.

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Sport a 31.10. Completing a 72hour session, caught 3 fish, including a new pb at 28.7.

Lee Rimmer brought in a carp at 24.04lb, 20lb and Ashley Bristow landed 35.6lb, 13lb, 23lb and 26.6lb Paddock Katy Gamble fished paddock lake and caught 2 carp, the biggest was a 22lb 08 common. n Ashley Bristow with his 35lb carp and, right, Chris Martin, the November 17 match winner

n Lee Rimmer with his 24.04lb carp and, right, Pete Upperton, the November 20 match winner

It’s a busy time for anglers Runner up was Dan McDonald (Sensas Devizes) who drew next peg to Kev at Brimslade and caught mainly hybrids to 3lb with a few Perch on chopped worm to weigh 22-12.

3rd: Troy Weaver (DGL)13-12 4th: Mike Berntsen (Garbolino Blackmore Vale)10-14 5th: Gary Townsend (Sensas Lobbys)- 8-15 6th: Mark Brush (DGL)- 615 On the team front Garbolino Blackmore Vale took the match with 37 points from PI Thatchers on 35 and Sensas Devizes on 30.

4th: Daiwa Gordon League29 5th: Matrix Talismen- 19 6th: Sensas Lobbys- 15 This means that PI Thatchers have won the league for the first time with 15 points from DGL in second with 17 and Garbolino Blackmore

vale in third with 19 points.

4th: Sensas Devizes-21 5th: Matrix Talismen- 25 6th: Sensas Lobbys- 29 Thanks to all the clubs who provided water and to those that run the matches and pegged out.

Sturminster and Hinton Angling Assoc.

The second Winter Points Match took place at Colber on Sunday November 28 2021 when eight anglers took part.

It was a bright, cold and frosty morning which did not bode well for the day’s fishing but everyone caught and it turned out much better than expected.

Top weight of 8lbs 14 ozs came from the second swim above the old railway bridge where Dennis Corry had roach to over a pound on maggot and pinkie.

Jeff Sibley was second in the

next downstream peg where he had 8lbs 7 ozs of perch and some roach on worm, maggot and pinkie. Third place went to Simon Dennis, between the bridges, again with a mixed bag of perch and roach to total 8-1. It was all very tight at the top.

The next match will be the Annual Christmas Match at Revels fishery on Sunday, December 12.

Willow Bank Koko Kolev landed a 28.5lb carp on a 24-hour session, Liam Oldcroft caught a 23lb 12oz. Carl Pumfrey and Matt put in 48hrs on Willow Bank and landing an impressive 23.14lb common carp and 18lb mirror carp.

Big Hayes Andrew Batchelor landed a 31.2lb carp and Shaun Davis a 31.11lb carp. Scooby Steve landed 3 carp 25.6, 27.4 and

sport@blackmorevale.net

Wadmill Bradley Smith landed 4 carp up to 17lb on a 48-hour session. Rory Pickford fished for 2 days 1 night, which resulted in 18 carp including 2 20’s up to 23lb 8oz, while Jordan Ashman landed a 19.8lb carp and 25.2lb mirror carp.

Big & Little Hayes Pairs Match A tough but very close first qualifier in the Todber Big Hayes and Little Hayes £10,000 pairs competition.

21 carp were caught across the two lakes over the weekend with the biggest coming from Big Hayes weighing 28lb 15oz. It was extremely close on Big Hayes with 21lb 15oz securing second which meant all anglers on the lake were well within a chance of grabbing a qualifying spot throughout the match. Little Hayes was very close too with three pairs battling it out for the top two spots right till the end. There was just over 1lb between second and third.

Big Hayes 1st: Dean Clark & Asa Wyatt 47lb 3oz (Peg 10) 2nd: Joe Phillips & Ryan Phillips 21lb 15oz (Peg 1) Little Hayes 1st: Dan Trowbridge & Jack Bailey 58lb 2oz (Peg 15) 2nd: Martin Noble & Perry Webb 46lb 12oz (Peg 19).

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Field & Stream

Lunar doing well after a worrying start to life THE FIELD with Tria Stebbing Bloody Sheep Two weeks ago, I wrote that we were checking the Poll Dorsets’ every few hours as we had bought them in lamb.

On Monday evening, having chucked them back out in the field as no lambs had arrived, we fed them, one stayed right away from the food and away from the rest. It became clear that she was in early labour, and as the light was fading and it was getting very cold, we decided to put them back inside. Sensing a warmer place, they climbed on board the sheep trailer with no fuss. Just over an hour later, and in the warm, Lunar arrived, a huge lamb, from, ironically the one ewe that we thought was not yet due. We had to work on her to get her to take her first breath as although she had arrived easily, she was lazy.

After an anxious few minutes, she got up to look for milk, her legs looking stupidly long. It is an anxious few hours waiting for mum to accept the lamb and let it drink. The colostrum is so important for the lamb as it contains many

nutrients as well as protein and fat and is only produced for the first 24 hours, after that milk comes in. Mum continued to lick Lunar for several hours to clean her off and for the mum/lamb bonding to take place, and it was fascinating to hear her ‘talk’ to her lamb whilst doing this. For a first-time mum she has done well, Lunar is thriving, and at a week old is nibbling hay and gaining some weight. Lunar

now taking great delight in hopping and skipping around the shelter. The other ewes are bagged up and enormous and cannot work out why we turn up at odd hours of the day shining a torch at them.

It is a waiting game.

The rest are still out grazing as the grass has some life left in it yet. They are making a good job of cleaning up after the horses as are less picky as to what they chew on.

Humphrey has come out of

the paddock and has hung up his raddle for this season. We had him in for exactly two weeks so can safely say we know when to expect the Zwartbles lambs next April.

The jobs in the field are stacking up and the enthusiasm to go and sort them fading which each freezing day. The field shelter has had a coat of preservative, the hay is stacked, and the new barn stood up to the strong winds last week. The grass in the field has come back well after baling and there is enough there for when the sheep return after Christmas.

There is an amazing array of berries in the hedgerow which might mean that it is going to stay cold, for now I for one am glad to see the back of the mud.

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Farming G R E E N S L A D E TAY L O R H U N T

Forthcoming Dairy Sale Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net DEC Thurs 16th ONLINE TIMED AUCTION at https://gth.auctionmarts. com. The Christmas Spotlight Sale of Pedigree Holstein, Brown Swiss, Jersey & Ayrshire Dairy Cattle with outstanding potential.

Forthcoming Deadstock Sale WONHAM BARTON BAMPTON, TIVERTON, DEVON, EX16 9JZ Friday 17th December at 11.30am The Dispersal Sale of 3 Tractors, Land Rover Defender, Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment, Household Furniture & Effects (00) JD 6210 4WD TRACTOR; (90) JD 2650 4WD TRACTOR; (73) International 474 2WD TRACTOR; (87) Land Rover Defender 110 Single PICK UP; (02) Mailleux CF150 Dung GRAB; Browns SB2 Flat 8 GRAB; Loader BUCKET; Amazone N1209 ZA-OC Fert SPREADER; (06) JD 324 Mower CONDITIONER; (09) Krone Swadro 42/13 Single Rotor RAKE; (09) Muthing MUL280 Flail TOPPER; West 1300 Dual SPREADER; HAYBOB; Livestock TRAILER; Single Axle Timber Tipping TRAILER; 8’ Ballast ROLLER; 12’ IW Livestock TRAILER; PTO Driven SAWBENCH; Corkscrew PTO Log SPLITTER; Transportable Prattley Sheep RACE & HANDLING SYSTEM; Karcher HD1000 WS Pressure WASHER & Antique & Farmhouse FURNITURE & EFFECTS; etc. Full listing on www.gth.net

For Mr C Williams A 10% plus VAT Buyers Premium is charged on all lots, subject to a cap of £250 plus VAT per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number.

Payment by cash and debit card only. **Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie**

Forthcoming Fodder Sale SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Saturday 18th December at 1.00pm Collective Fodder Auction Entries to include: Hay 180 Conv & 60 Round at Bristol; 200 Round at Burnham on Sea; 33 Round at Highbridge; 130 Quad & 50 Round at Langport Silage 320 Tonnes at Highbridge; 30 Round at Williton Straw 50 Round at Bristol; 435 Conv at Langport; 64 Square at Taunton Plus trailer/lorry loads of Straw and Hay to be delivered ** Further entries invited **

Sedgemoor Auction Centre North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 6520 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 4th December 2021 DAIRY CATTLE (106) Heifers to £2020. Others £1960. Cows to £2150.

Others £1920. (1031) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD

STORES (592) Steers to £1590 (LIMX). Others £1495 (SIMX) £1475 (CHX) & £1470 (LIMX). Heifers to £1345 (LIMX). Others £1275 (BRBX) £1265 (SIMX) & £1190 (BRBX). GRAZING COWS (11) to £1050 (BRBX). Others £1020 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (82) to £2300 for a Chx stock bull (03.20). £1800 for Hex Cow (09.16) & her AA bull calf (03.21). STIRKS (355) Steers to £1065 (LIMX). Others £1045 (CHX) £1020 (2x CHX) & £995 (CHX). Heifers to £1080 (CHX). Others £895 (CHX) £855 (CHX) & £745 (BRBX). CALVES (411) - Beef Bulls to £438 (BRBX). Others £402 (CHX) £395 (BRBX) & £390 (BRBX). Heifers to £440 (BRBX). Others £335 (LIMX) £315 (BRBX) & £290 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £118. (3498) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2533) to £142.

Others £135 & £132. Overall Ave £98.88. CULL EWES & RAMS (832) Ewes to £180.50. Others £157 & £150. Overall Ave £87.07. GOATS (21) to £99. BREEDING EWES (112) to £185 (2x). (130) PIGS – Cull Trade to £24. Boars to £42. Weaners to £70. Store Pigs to £142.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs

Returns for Monday 6th December 2021 PRIME CATTLE (106) Steers UTM av 224.9ppk to 294.5ppk & £1,928.98. Others 287.5ppk, 281.5ppk & 274.5ppk. Others £1,902.21, £1,848.63 & £1,750.93. Heifers UTM av 245.1ppk to 545.5ppk and £2,999.98. Others 370.4ppk, 349.5ppk & 339.5ppk. Others £2,193.17, £2,102.31 & £2,016.62. BARREN COWS (77) Continental av 153.0ppk to 199.5ppk and £1,785.53. Native Beef av 129.7ppk to 155.5ppk and £1,193.98. Dairy av 110.6ppk to 147.5ppk and £1,347.50. FINISHED SHEEP (1129) Lamb ave 295.92ppk to 581.0ppk and £250.00. Others 461.0ppk, 380.0ppk & 378.0ppk. Others £212, £170 (2x) & £162.

CARCASES (19) to £270. Ave £167.81. PIGS (13) Pietrain stores to £220. Others £160.

Forthcoming Special Sales For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auctioncentre DEC Wed 15th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market of昀ce by ath December. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or CSC. TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale commences 4.30pm Sat 18th Fodder 1pm Sat 18th Special Catalogued Sale of Clean Plucked Christmas Poultry 11am Fri 24th Christmas Eve – Market Of昀ce Closed Sat 25th Christmas Day – No Market – Market Of昀ce Closed Mon 27th Christmas Bank Holiday – No Market – Market Of昀ce Closed Entries for the following day’s combined market to Robert Venner 07889 006503, Jeremy Bell 07860 319379, Derek Biss 07850 932555, Adam Hayes 07889 064309, Paul Ashton 07866 673857 & George Bone 07919 146100 Tues 28th Prime Cattle, Barren Cows, Prime Lambs, Killing Ewes, Dairy Cattle, Calves & Pigs JAN 2022 New Year’s Day – No Market – Market Of昀ce Closed Sat 1st Mon 3rd Normal Prime Market

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Farming

Keeping the birds cool a challenge this year Farmer’s Diary

by Ruth Kimber Christmas is coming, the geese and turkeys are getting fat…

All our poultry are now inside to protect against avian flu, this is now a legal requirement.

We are all ready for our really busy time. The weather is crucial, not too cold for the

pickers, but cold enough for the turkeys! We have hired a cooling fan this year as the weather is so all over the place, one day not like the other. The birds are best when the temperature is stable, then the all-important maturing process can work its magic.

Most of the animals are now housed for the winter. The fields can not cope with lots of

Urgently wanted

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heavy feet damaging the sod.

We are on heavy clay here, and we must look after the soil structure if we are to have good crops next year.

There is lots of talk about the government changes being made to the BSP system, this is the payments made to farmers, currently based on land held.

However certain criteria have to be met to get a payment. This is about to change after much discussion, but we still await the detail. Scotland and Wales have already published their new arrangements, which we know will be more generous and not the same as England. It is very difficult to plan ahead.

Currently the offer from the Government doesn’t cover the cost of delivery, found by independent research. There seems to be no thought of protecting our very productive food producing land. As more and more land is taken out of food production in the UK, it causes virgin land and nature rich land abroad to be used to feed us instead!

Better news on the Milk Price, we have been told there will be 1 penny per litre for December and another 2p for January. We are still 3p behind even after this increase. We produce high quality milk, from cows who graze on the pastures most of

the year, and when housed they eat our home-grown silages.

I think this needs more recognition!

Our farm shop has been super busy and orders are well up on last year, our staff are a loyal hard-working bunch, both in the shop and at the farm. We welcomed back Sam Reynolds to join Jason and Jack in the butchery, good to have him back as a member of the team.

Some of our shop staff, Emma, Mandy and Jack came down after work to help me dress our life size Nativity models, we had some fun doing it.

Paul now needs to repair the stable trailer that was blown over and damaged in the latest storm, so we can install them.

We dug a wildlife pond some months ago as you may remember, but have been losing water, each time it rains it fills some more but then gradually the levels go down again. We found some really old 3” drainage pipes just below where James Bird finished digging, we had no idea they were there, probably well over 100 years ago when they were installed! Well, on the second attempt to stop off the drainage pipes, we are hopeful that the pond will fill, we are using rainwater from the farm rooves, so when it rains, we call it pond filling and rush out to check on the Mobile Service levels!

Agricultural Specialist Kimbers Over 35 year’s Experience Farm Shop Kitchen & NIGEL MARTIN Trading 07921 929891 Barn BA9 8HD B3081 Linley Farm Open TuesFri 8.30am 5pm Sat and (Sundays till Christmas) 10am-4pm kimbersfarm shop.co.uk 01963 33177

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Pupils show their school’s livestock Land-based students from the Dorset Studio School based at Kingston Maurward took part in Dorset County Show’s Winter Show.

The committee held the event in Dorchester’s market area, with competitions to mirror the main event usually held at Cokers Frome in September, but sadly postponed this year and last.

Pictured, Emily, Robert and Mya – three-quarters of the calf grooming team.

Birdwatching in winter Country Diary

By AJ Selby “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” - Aristotle Somewhere in a cupboard I have a birthday card given to me about 40 years ago drawn by the brilliant and talented Norman Thelwell, he of funny fat ponies fame. It’s called ‘Breaking Cover’ and the drawing is of a line of trees going away in the distance. In the field to the right of the trees three foxhunters are sat on their horses having reached the tree barrier. On the left and on the other side of the trees are three pheasant shooters, guns ready. However, between the shooters the fox is sprinting away from the horsemen to safety, and over the heads of the foxhunters and hidden from the guns by the trees are ten or so pheasants in full flight, looking like they won’t stop until they get to Siam!

It’s a brilliant caricature of the practicalities of country sports where natural obstacles and strange and unforeseen circumstances combine to thwart the hunters. Another, called ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ sees the smug and satisfied shooter watching his dog bring back the bird he has just bought down, whilst a cunning fox runs away

behind him with one of the birds from his bag. Thelwell was a very talented artist with an eye for the ridiculous!

Winter gives the nature lover the opportunity to see lots of bird life at close quarters, and only recently I stopped to stretch my legs on Hampshire downland returning from a long journey to be greeted by several coveys of partridge, both English and French. It was lovely to see them at close quarters and watch them take off and skitter over the hedge; with bare hedgerows and leafless woodland the watcher can see a lot more than when nature is in her full summer gowns.

Walking in the dead of winter brings many pleasures, and one notices how small birds ignore our presence.

Robins, finches and wrens are all too busy foraging for whatever they can eat in a day too short of light to worry about us. I have often stood near a shrub watching a dozen long-tailed tits searching for insects and who were completely oblivious to me. These busy little birds are a delight to observe and I often see them in the silver birch in my front garden just a few feet from the front window.

It leaves me to wish you all the compliments of the season and to encourage you to get out and about and enjoy our gorgeous countryside during the festive break.

A.J. Selby

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TO FOLLOW SALE OF WEEKLY DAIRY WEDNESDAY 15TH DECEMBER 60 In-Calf Heifers X Bred Feb/Mar Calving On Line Bidding & Livestreaming Available

WEDNESDAY 15TH DECEMBER Fortnightly Sale of Pigs

WEDNESDAY 22nd DECEMBER Last Reared Calf Sale of 2021

WEDNESDAY 29TH DECEMBER Last Sale of Pigs 2021 CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES WEDNESDAY 22ND DECEMBER OPEN TO INCLUDE STORE CATTLE FRIDAY 24TH DECEMBER CLOSED WEDNESDAY 29TH DECEMBER OPEN TO INCLUDE STORE CATTLE & PIGS FRIDAY 31ST DECEMBER CLOSED WEDNESDAY 5TH JANUARY OPEN WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & PROSPEROUS 2022 COMING JANUARY!!!

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Avian Influenza control and surveillance measures .By Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health With the change in seasons influencing environmental conditions, we always anticipate coming across, common diseases, at certain times of the year. For example, annually we anticipate diagnosing things like pneumonia and parasite infestations including gut worms and lice. The chance of some disease flare ups (particularly parasites) can even be forecast in specific regions based on changes in rainfall and temperature. However, there are also diseases out there that we are aware of but are less predictable and seen rarely.

Some of them are notifiable diseases, and they must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The nature of these diseases are serious and often they are highly infectious to the animal species they affect; they may cause high 45"X 95" ALARMED BARN available for storage.

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mortality and sometimes are zoonotic (infectious to humans).

Even where these notifiable diseases are only suspected, every case must be investigated.

A few years ago, if I was asked to name a rarely seen ‘exotic notifiable disease’, I would suggest Avian Influenza, otherwise known as bird flu.

Certainly, at the time, the outbreaks and spread of this disease that we experienced a year ago came as a surprise. But unfortunately, new outbreaks have been confirmed again this year and I can’t help wondering if this is going to be another MEADOW HAY, 4ft round bales. £25 each.

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disease that we may now start to predict on an annual basis too? It seems no coincidence, that this disease arrives now, since it is transmitted by wild, migratory birds, who arrive on our shores at this time.

As with last year’s outbreak of bird flu, control and surveillance was implemented immediately which again, this year has led to England being declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. This means that because the risk of infection has spread beyond the localised outbreaks, biosecurity measures must be taken by any keeper of poultry (including game birds and pet birds) or other captive birds across the entire country. Additional housing measures came into effect on November 29, which means all poultry and captive birds must be housed inside.

This can be in a purpose-built poultry house or in any adequately lit and wellventilated area such as a shed,

polytunnel or garage. Any gaps that wild birds can gain access to should be closed off with netting. Chickens and turkeys must be housed and kept separate from ducks, geese, and game birds. If it is impossible to house your birds indoors, they must be kept in a completely netted enclosure. All food, water and bedding must be kept indoors or under cover so wild birds cannot have any contact with it. You can also make your premises unattractive to wild birds by using deterrents such as bird scarers, streamers, scare crows, up turned bottles or hanging CDs. Further up-to-date information is at gov.uk/guidance/avianinfluenza-bird-flu#latest-situation.

But if you suspect disease in any poultry or captive birds report it to DEFRA by calling 03000 200 301 or if you find dead or sick wild birds these must be reported to 03459 33 55 77 immediately.

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Farming

FODDER & ONLINE AUCTIONS 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

ON FARM FODDER AUCTION Tuesday 14th December 10.00am

Fairway Farm, Ruskway Lane, Westport, Langport, TA10 0PR 50 x Round Bales Hay – barn stored 435 x Conven琀onal Bales Wheat Straw – barn stored, bales already stacked on a trailer ready for collec琀on

11.00am

Caswell Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, DT9 6JP 100 x (80 x 70) Bales Wheat Straw – barn stored 70 x (80 x 70) Bales Hay – barn stored Also to be sold by sample at Caswell Farm: Barn at Folly Lane, Yetminster, Sherborne, DT9 6HG 100 x 80 x 70 Bales 2nd cut, 1 st year ley rye grass Hay barn stored. No access for ar琀cs

12.00 noon Wood Farm, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HR 70 x 4’6” Round Bales Wheat Straw – barn stored 100 x (80 x 70) High Density Bales Hay – barn stored Also to be sold by sample at Wood Farm: Mapperton Hill Farm, Gillingham Road, Mere, BA12 6LH 28 x Round Bales Hay – stacked in 昀eld 12.45pm

East Farm, Hammoon, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2DB 100 x Round Bales Cer琀昀cated Organic Hay – barn stored 100 x Round Bales Cer琀昀cated Organic red and white clover Silage – not spiked

1.30pm

Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, Blandford, DT11 9DE 75 x Quadrant Bales Spring Barley Straw – barn stored 90 x 4’ Round Bales 2nd cut Haylage – not spiked

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

Also to be sold by sample at Glebe Farm: Stock Farm, Furzehill, Wimborne, BH21 4HT 110 x Round Bales permanent pasture Silage – not spiked 130 x Round Bales ley grass Silage – not spiked 2.30pm

Portesham Dairy Farm, Bramdon Lane, Portesham, DT3 4HG 90 x (80 x 70) 5’ Bales 1st cut Silage – not spiked 75 x (80 x 70) 5’ Bales 2nd cut Silage – not spiked

ALL LOTS TO BE PAID FOR IN FULL ON THE DAY

ONLINE TIMED AUCTION

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

Tuesday 14th December Sale currently live, bidding closes from 7.00pm Tuesday 14th December Collec琀ve Auc琀on of Tractors, Farm Machinery, Dairy Equipment, etc To include John Deere 6215R (17), John Deere 6145R (17), New Holland TL100 c/w Trima Loder, Massey Ferguson 6480 Dyna-6 4wd (07), Case IH CS110 4wd c/w Chilton Loder, John Deere 2650 4wd, Manitou 626T Telehandler and Dispersal Sale of the contents of Stoodleigh Sawyard, Tiverton.

Sawyard viewing day: Saturday 11th December from 10am – 2pm

Contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

symondsandsampson.co.uk

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Farming

Solicitors expand agri team

Battens Agri team left to right Michelle Lane, James Owen, Rachel Saltonstall, Tracy Neal

Battens Solicitors have expanded their agriculture and rural property team.

Senior associate solicitor Rachel Saltonstall and conveyancing executive Michelle Lane are joining the team, bringing with them a wide breadth of experience in agricultural and commercial law. Rachel has worked in the South West for the past 17 years, acting for a diverse range of clients in the private, commercial, charitable and agricultural sectors. This includes sales and

acquisitions, all aspects of non-contentious landlord and tenant matters, telecommunications, and renewable energy projects.

Michelle is a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has specialised in agriculture and rural property since 2014. She advises on matters associated with the ownership and occupation of land and rural properties, such as sales, purchases, easements, tenancy agreements and borrowing secured on land.

From pages 72-73

Puzzle solutions Crossword

Sudoku

1 3 8 5 9 4 2 7 6

5 9 2 6 7 3 1 8 4

4 7 6 8 1 2 5 9 3

2 6 5 7 8 1 3 4 9

8 1 9 3 4 5 7 6 2

7 4 3 2 6 9 8 5 1

6 5 4 1 2 7 9 3 8

9 2 7 4 3 8 6 1 5

3 8 1 9 5 6 4 2 7

Brain chain 36

18

3

1

20+

7

1

8

9

4

4

15+

7 2

5

12+

6

9÷

9

6

1

25+

5 8

5

5 1

62

2

3

6

7

3

9

1

5

13+

6

8

12+

8

48

4

180×

4

2

4

9

6

5

2

1

1008×

1 8

6

72×

B E E S

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 9

12

Killer Sudoku Pro 864×

D I S P L A Y

S H A D I E R I E L N D U C E D E L E A S H A S W R T P P E A L A O T M M I N I M A N O R A T E N R A E O E R F O W N

3 2

5

3

9

4

7

2

7

1

9

6 7

3

5

7

2

2

3

4

1

8

9

6 3

14+

4÷

72×

2

6÷

60×

1 4

48×

8

504×

2 9

15+

3

6

8

9

4

7

5

3

7

8

2

1

4

5

6

12+

252×

Arrow words A S C U R I M P T I S

R E A R R A N A V G O I S I N L G O A

H Y E A L P S A E N A A L O N G Y L

6 3 8 2 1 4 1 59 5 7 9 7 4 1 6 7 5 2 6 8 2 9 8 3 9 2 8 7 7 8 4 9 8 1 9 5 3 5 8 7 4 2 3 3 5 6 3 1 1 2 5 7 6 6 4 3 5 3 1 4 6 4 2 9 1 3 8 6 2 7 9 5 5 6 16 8 4 2 6 31 7 9 5 7 2 2 7 9 8 8 3 4 5 3 4 1 1 7 4 9 2 5 3 1 6 8 4 2 1 7 2 9 7 6 2 9 8 6 7 4 6 9 4 5 1 9 2 8 9 8 3 9 2 8 5 3 3 6 1 8 1 3 4 5 4 3 2 9 4 5 6 7 5 7 1 7 6 1 6 7 8 5 7 8 4 6 4 8 3 2 2 3 3 9 7 2 9 9 1 6 3 5 1 9 8 1 5 6 2 8 4 4 2 7 2 8 7 5 3 9 7 3 9 6 1 43 4 5 5 8 58 9 5 1 4 6 6 1 8 1 6 4 9 2 3 2 7 7 5 1 3 4 7 6 8 9 2 4

S W K E Y J I B E B D C P E R H C O O D I N I E C N E S I T S

L W O L A L I A P O S P E T F

A R D O A R D E S B L A I N D A O L

S M S N Y A N K

Brain chain (Hard) 32

87

29

159

152

38

Cryptic Crossword C I N E M R P T A X I T S M E R T O L A N T E U A M P L E E E C R I T E A G A L M O S

A R O X E M O V E I N A M S P T O P E L R I N C R I A O N T T W

C O C O O O M E N T M C A Z O N C G O T H E S A N E T Y U G L Y R O E E N Y

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 109

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Property

QUALIFIED | EXPERIENCED | PROFESSIONAL

Horsington

Guide £950,000

Galhampton

Guide £825,000

A country smallholding with poten琀al. A tradi琀onal stone 3 bedroom co琀age da琀ng from 1816 with amazing views (EPC F), a separate 2 bedroom apartment, purpose built stable yard with alterna琀ve use poten琀al, a 6-bay barn and produc琀ve pasture land, in total 12.88 acres.

A mul琀faceted rural smallholding with far reaching southerly views.

A period a琀ached main house with 5 bedrooms (EPC E), a separate 2 bedroom bungalow annex, both with well 昀nished interiors, garaging, small stone barn, 4 stables and level pasture land. In total 4.31 acres.

Sturminster 01258 472244

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sherborne

O昀ers Over £660,000

Marnhull

Guide £675,000

An elegant 3 storey 4 bedroom town house with double garage situated in a sought a昀er town loca琀on. With 昀exible accommoda琀on and stylish enclosed rear garden this property would make for a perfect family home. EPC C

A superb 3 bedroom chalet style house with over 2000 sq 昀 of beau琀fully presented accommoda琀on in a quiet posi琀on at the back of the site with private south facing garden situated in a popular North Dorset village with a wide range of ameni琀es. EPC B

Sherborne 01935 814488

Sturminster 01258 473766

SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS

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Property

Poetic home in the heart of Stur Newton Symonds & Sampson are delighted to bring to the market Vine House in Sturminster Newton. Partner Giles Wreford-Brown is excited with the instruction: Vine House has been in the same ownership for many years and is a Grade II Listed house of great importance.

Built in the 17th century, there are some lovely features including an imposing oak carved staircase, stone mullioned windows, deep chamfered beams and window seats. It also has some notoriety as the Dorset poet William Barnes worked for three years as a solicitor’s clerk at the property.

And recorded by local historian Terry Townsend: “This impressive house was formerly the home and office of local solicitor and magistrate Thomas Dashwood. When Thomas Hardy and his wife, Emma

lived in Sturminster, they became friends with solicitor Henry Charles Dashwood, Thomas’s grandson. They dined and took tea together on a regular basis.

“On their last evening in Stur, in March 1877, the Hardys: ‘slept at Mrs Dashwood’s, after breakfasting, lunching and dining there; and in the morning saw their goods off,

and left Sturminster for London’.

Soon afterwards in WW1 it became officers’

retreat/hospital before becoming a private house once again.”

Giles speculates about a future resident: “We are meeting a lot of buyers from the cities and the home counties and they like the pace of life of our part of Dorset.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we sold to someone local however, although whether they will be inspired to pen poetic odes remains to be seen!”

Vine House is being marketed through Symonds & Sampson in Sturminster Newton with a Guide Price of £1.25 million. Contact Giles on 01258 473766 for further information.

National Country & Equestrian Property Specialists

Withy Mills, Somerset A real one off opportunity to acquire a stunning block of pasture with huge potential as a building plot, situated in the outskirts of Bath Potential Building Plot • Huge Potential For a Dwelling (Subject to Planning) • Well Fenced • Stunning Views • Static Caravan To arrange a viewing please call Maddie Standing-Gill on 01722 782727 or email maddie@foxgrant.com

1.13 Acres

Stunning Quiet Rural Location

Guide £195,000

If you are thinking of buying or selling please contact 01722 782727 or email admin@foxgrant.com

foxgrant.com COUNTRY & VILLAGE

FARMS, LAND & SMALLHOLDINGS

EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS

TOURISM & LEISURE

New Blackmore Vale, December 10, 2021 111

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Property

REMOVALS & STORAGE

Memb No: A101

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a Eurpean service for full and part loads

Local and National Removals Container Storage Packing Service All Full Time Operatives Personal Service Covid advance planning for your removal to keep you secure plus remote survey option

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Sherborne (01935) 433341

Warminster (01985) 215991

Wincanton (01963) 34065

Yeovil (01935) 433341

Head Office: 01963 34065

email: enquiries@armishaws.com

OFFICE/STORAGE UNITS TO LET, from £26 per week, work unit approx 1250 sq ft. £57 per week. Tel 07811 837061

www.armishaws.com

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNIT, 45 x 30ft, Bowridge Hill, Gillingham, 07974 034439

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