New Blackmore Vale - September 12 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

01963 400186

Armishaw

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Drake

lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

Calls for cafe operators at upcoming Mampitts Community Hub

A NEW community hub is coming to Shaftesbury – and experienced operators are being sought to help run the café at the site.

The Mampitts Community Hub is a flagship project being developed by Shaftesbury Town Council (STC) and is expected to open in spring of next year.

The hub, funded by developer contributions with further support from the town council, aims to serve as a focal point for the community and offer a family and youth-friendly environment.

A café has been planned for the site, and STC is now seeking experienced operators to help run it.

The opportunity includes the use of a fully fitted café space, external seating, access to facilities, and options to engage with community activities in the adjacent park.

An STC spokesperson said: “Interested operators should share their background, community approach, operational needs, and any questions to help shape the project.

“This is not a formal procurement but will inform future stages.”

Operators would take on the ground floor of the premises on a lease arrangement for a period of 10 years with a mutual break clause after three and six years.

The land will be owned by Dorset Council before STC takes on ownership after three years.

The successful tenant would take on all responsibility for maintenance, insurance,

utilities and operation of the unit and the outdoor space they use and be responsible for all costs in relation to this.

The remaining space will be maintained by STC with the option for the operator to discuss usage and maintenance of this space.

Two fit-out options are being offered.

The first would see the successful operator fit out and decorate the ground floor to their own specification post build to first fix and a rent-free period, with a lower rent to reflect the capital outlay by the operator.

The second option would see the town council fit out the café and community space for the tenant to then furnish and equip. The tenant will be subject to a higher rent and paying of rent on commencement of the lease.

For more information, visit www. find-tender.service.gov.uk/ Notice/052478-2025

Stunning views on Fovant Badges walk by cubs and scouts

by Tom Garner; photos by Susan Berry

ON August 10, cubs and scouts from the 1st Alcester Panther Cubs and 1st Alcester Macleans Scouts groups gave up their time during their summer holidays to visit the Fovant Badges.

Led by Susan Berry, they parked at East Farm during the late morning and met with the Badges’ Conservator Martin Wallis, who explained why the badges were created in the Great War.

From there, Martin, led the team towards the base of the Badges. Along the first part of the walk, Martin discussed current efforts to preserve the Badges and recent attempts to make them more engaging to the younger generation, and more accessible to those with mobility difficulties.

The walk was refreshing despite the warm temperatures, and the scouts and cubs enjoyed the physical exercise (centre picture). As they ascended the Badges, the clouds receded, and the full blast of a summer sun

made the landscape stunning.

Once they had reached the top, Martin discussed several future proposals to raise publicity and awareness regarding the Badges, in particular associated with local council support and engagement. Before descending, they sheltered under a tree to enjoy a midday picnic (left picture).

As per seasonal tradition, the picnic lasted a while and both parties enjoyed each other’s company. Martin also pointed out some local landmarks from the height of the Badges to

those who had already finished lunch.

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As the sun disappeared behind the clouds again, it was time to descend the Badges. The walk back to East Farm was more relaxed due to the cooler weather, and the young leaders enquired about the importance of the Badges as commemoration for those who fought to protect the Nation and Empire during the Great War.

Shortly after three hours, the scouts, cubs, young leaders and adults (36 altogether) thanked Martin for his time. Sue, team leader, said, “It was brilliant, and all the younger people were definitely impressed with the Badges and the walk.”

Overall, the visit was warmly received by both the visitors and guides with the Fovant Badges Society reflecting on the importance of youth engagement and the challenges faced by maintaining the recognition of key historical landmarks for new generations.

Recycling centre closures

THE household recycling centre (HRC) at Dorchester will close for four days for essential maintenance this month.

Dorchester HRC – Louds Mill – will be closed from Tuesday to Friday, September 16-19, reopening on Saturday, September 20.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth event will also affect access to the recycling centre.

Dorchester HRC will remain open on Sunday, September 14, but access may be disrupted

until early afternoon.

Residents are advised to either delay their visit until later in the day, use another site or wait until Monday, September 15.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “We thank residents for their understanding and encourage planning ahead for any waste disposal needs during these periods.”

For further updates and alternative site information, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ recycling-centres

Win! Winstone’s tickets

WE’VE got two tickets, worth £10 each, to hear film critic Mark Kermode and radio producer Jenny Nelson talking about their new book, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound: Stories of Movie Music

The talk, organised by Winstone’s Books of Sherborne, is at Cheap Street Church (DT9 3BJ) on Thursday, September 18, at 6.30pm for 7pm.

To be in with a chance of winning, send your answer to the following question: Who wrote the film score to the Godfather? to winstonebooks1@gmail.com

Model railway open evening

STURMINSTER Newton Museum is holding a model railway open evening on Tuesday, September 23.

Visitors can see the model of the old Sturminster Newton railway station and its surroundings, and chat to the individuals who built it, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Cerne sheep group

MEMBERS of Cerne Sheep Group visited Ian Baggs’ West Mill Farm at Wareham on Monday (September 8).

Ian (pictured) gave a talk to the group on regenerative farming, which he practises at his family farm, last year. He returned to the farm after training as a civil engineer and is also a Nuffield scholar. The group will be next meeting on Monday, October 13 – details to be arranged.

Eagles have landed in Dorset, after 240 years away

BRITAIN’S largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, has successfully bred in Dorset for the first time in over 240 years.

The parent birds were released as part of a conservation project in 2020, settled in the county and paired in 2023.

The single male chick which has fledged this year from an undisclosed location was the pair’s first successful breeding attempt.

Remarkably, the male adult bird has only one leg after losing the other leg four years ago.

Two female chicks have also fledged from a nest in Sussex as part of a conservation project run by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England.

So far, 45 young white-tailed eagles collected from nests in Scotland, including eight birds this summer, have been released from the team’s base on the Isle of Wight.

Roy Dennis OBE, founder of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, said: “We are delighted to see another year of successful breeding and that two pairs have now reached this key stage.

“This is a long-term project, and it will take some years

before the population is fully restored, but the progress made over the last year has been incredibly encouraging.

“We have some wellestablished pairs and two that are actively breeding.

“We hope to build on this progress, and I’m really pleased that we have been able to release an additional eight birds this year to further boost the population.

“I always find it particularly rewarding to see so much support for these magnificent birds and the positive impact they are having on so many people’s relationship with the natural world.”

White-tailed eagles, which have a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, typically reach breeding maturity at four or five years old.

The birds were once widespread across England but became extinct due to human persecution.

The conservation project began reintroducing the birds in England in 2019 and three pairs the project has released have formed and established territories in the south of the country.

Several of the younger birds are in potential breeding areas, typically close to freshwater

Shop til you drop!

A SHOP run entirely by volunteers, for the good of the town, is celebrating what they have given back to the community.

Stalbridge Community Shop is a community hub at the heart of the town. For the past four years, its volunteers have been proud to serve Stalbridge.

“Thanks to the generous donations from the community, we’ve not only kept the shop running but have also been able to give back in a meaningful way,” said Maggie Mowbray, the Shop’s director.

“To date, we have donated just over £50,000 to support local causes.

“Each year, we invite community groups to apply for funding, helping them grow, thrive, and continue the wonderful work

wetlands or the coast, where they can catch fish, their preferred food.

It is hoped a population of six to 10 breeding pairs will become established within 60km of the release site on the Isle of Wight.

The six chicks born in the wild through the project are fitted with satellite tags to track their progress.

Steve Egerton-Read, whitetailed eagle project officer for Forestry England, said: “We have been patiently monitoring these nests for many months and hoping they would be successful.

“It is always such an exciting time but also incredibly nerve wracking.

“This was especially the case for the pair of eagles in Dorset who were first-time parents.

“It was an incredible moment when we caught our first glimpse of that tiny fluffy chick in the

nest, but equally, it is an anxious time as the parents get to grips with what they need to do.

“Ultimately, it has been so rewarding to see this pair of eagles, often spotted in and around Dorset, care for the chick all the way through to it fledging the nest.

“Now it won’t be long until he is starting his own journey and hopefully one day, he will breed somewhere in southern England.

“Returning lost species like the white-tailed eagle is a key part of Forestry England’s approach to restoring biodiversity and helping nature to recover.

“We hope that in years to come these iconic birds will become a much more common sight, inspiring future generations and deepening their connection with nature.”

they do. Every purchase and every donation made to the shop helps us reinvest in the people and projects that make Stalbridge such a special place to live.

“The Stalbridge Community Shop is

proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together and if anyone would like to volunteer as a member of our team we would like to invite you to call at the shop for more details.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support.”

Feeding time: One of the adult white-tailed eagles feeds its chick

PHOTO: Forestry England

Pictures: Finn Taylor

Hard work

LIFE in the Victorian Workhouse will be the subject of a talk at Stour Connect in Sturminster Newton.

Luke Mouland will give the talk, presented by the Blackmore Vale group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society, on Thursday, September 25 at 7.30pm.

Visitors will learn about conditions in Dorset workhouses from historical records. Entry is £4.

Healthy smiles

SHAFTESBURY Library will be hosting an oral health workshop tomorrow (September 13), 11am-12pm.

Learn how to brush properly and the importance of a healthy diet and regular dental visits. This workshop is perfect for children from three up and their parents, and will include a craft activity.

Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Call Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Don’t bin it!

BRING broken items to the friendly volunteers at Blandford’s repair cafe, and find out if they can be fixed.

The cafe is held at Blandford scout hut, Eagle House Gardens (DT11 7BT) on Saturday, September 20, from 1.30pm4.30pm.

Subsequent cafes will be open on October 18, November 15, and December 13.

For more information, to volunteer or donate, email blandfordrepaircafe@gmail. com

Plenty of bats in the belfry

THE Church of St Mary Magdalen in Fifehead Magdalen had a bat survey carried out in the churchyard in 2011 and five different bat species were identified.

Now the church will welcome Mariko Whyte, from the Dorset Bat Group, to give a talk and lead a walk around the churchyard to see what bats are present now.

Mariko will give her talk on Friday, September 19, at 6.30pm and tickets priced £10 include a picnic supper and soft drink –visitors can take a bottle if they want something stronger.

To book a place, email rosemaryredwood@hotmail.com

Saint & martyr

THE Rt Revd Stephen Lake, the 79th Bishop of Salisbury, will be taking the St Eustace Day service at St Eustace Church, Ibberton (DT11 0EN).

The service, on Sunday, September 21, at 3pm, will be followed by tea and cakes at the village hall.

Outrage as dentist ditches NHS

by Simon Moon

RESIDENTS of Mere have reacted with anger and dismay to news that the town’s only dentist is axing NHS treatment.

From December 1, adults using Mere Dentistry will have to become private patients or hope to find NHS treatment elsewhere.

A notice in the September issue of the local Mere Matters magazine states: “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cease offering adult NHS dental care…

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but reflects the growing challenges faced by NHS dentistry across the country.”

The notice adds: “While this change marks the end of one

chapter, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new one.”

One unhappy patient commented: “There is nothing exciting about paying £55 instead of £27 for a five-minute check-up.”

Dozens of residents posted their reactions on social media.

Several complained the practice had not emailed or texted them about the change.

Others said no explanation had been given when they were unable to make an NHS appointment and a number said the practice was interested only in ‘money, money, money’.

Current NHS charges include £75 for fillings. From December these will cost at least £150.

Mere Dentistry says the higher charges will not apply to patients aged under 18.

Celebrating the Dorset dialect

PROBABLY the oldest man who still speaks in the Dorset dialect is giving a talk at St John’s Church Hall, Enmore Green.

John Cluett, 93, a lover of the work of Dorset poet William Barnes, will be talking about his life as a folk musician and storyteller.

Tatie Bogle – John and

Margaret Cluett – will be providing musical interludes.

The talk, A Dorset Man, on Wednesday, September 24, at 6.30pm for 7pm, is in aid of the St John’s Appeal Fund.

The venue is at the top of Church Hill (SP7 8QR) and entry is £8, payable at the door. Drinks will be available.

From Stur to Canada

STUDENTS involved in the Swanskin Project will be giving tours of Sturminster Newton Mill for History Week.

Swanskin was a type of heavy, warm woollen cloth woven in Sturminster Newton’s mills between the 17th and 19th centuries.

It was exported in large quantities to Newfoundland, where it was prized by fishermen for its durability and warmth in harsh conditions.

Visitors can find out more about the links between Sturminster Newton and Newfoundland on Sunday, September 21.

Home from Home

You’ll have complete peace of mind for your loved one in the supportive care of our qualified colleagues.

Rated as good in all inspection categories by the Care Quality Commission, our care homes in Sherborne and Blandford Forum offer the best in residential and dementia care.

You’ll have complete peace of mind for your loved one in the supportive care of our qualified colleagues.

As a not-for-profit provider, our focus is purely on the care, well-being and lifestyle of those we support, all in a warm, friendly and safe place that everyone calls home.

Rated as good in all inspection categories by the Care Quality Commission, our care homes in Sherborne and Blandford Forum offer the best in residential and dementia care.

As a not-for-profit provider, our focus is purely on the care, well-being and lifestyle of those we support, all in a warm, friendly and safe place that everyone calls home.

For more search ‘The Hayes Care’ or ‘Castleman House Care’ on-line, call 01305 224318, or e-mail referrals@caredorset.co.uk

For more search ‘The Hayes Care’ or ‘Castleman House Care’ on-line, call 01305 224318, or e-mail

referrals@caredorset.co.uk

Call for better buses

A PETITION has been launched to improve bus access for the thousands of residents in Sherborne’s west end.

Sherborne Transport Action Group (STAG) has launched a campaign calling for the CR5 bus route (Yeovil–Sherborne–Dorchester) to divert through the west end of Sherborne on all its journeys, not just at school times.

The change would mean around 2,500 residents in 1,100 households have easier access to shops, services, and rail connections – while boosting local businesses by making Sherborne, Dorchester and Yeovil town centres more accessible.

The withdrawal of the 57 bus in 2018, which served the west end of Sherborne, has left many in the community isolated.

Many residents in the west of Sherborne currently live more than half a mile from the nearest bus stop.

Older people, those with mobility challenges, and families without cars now find it difficult to reach shops and services, while others are forced to drive.

By extending the CR5 diversion to cover all services, campaigners argue that:

• Local businesses would benefit from increased footfall and spending

• Residents could more easily reach shops, medical appointments, and railway stations

• More people would be encouraged to shop locally rather than online

• Congestion and pollution could be reduced as people leave their cars at home

“This is a small, practical change to the existing route,” said a STAG spokesperson.

“It would make Sherborne town centre more accessible, support businesses, and make life easier for residents who currently struggle to get into town.

“It’s about connecting people with shops and services while cutting congestion and pollution – a win for residents and a win for businesses.”

STAG has launched a petition to demonstrate public support for the proposal. Search “CR5 bus” on change.org or visit chng.it/k9CKMqGMHt.

You can also sign the petition in person at STAG’s stand for “Catch the Bus Month” outside Waitrose in Sherborne tomorrow (September 13) between 10am and 3pm.

School expansion

BLANDFORD Children’s Centre has become part of Archbishop Wake CE Primary School.

The new collaboration sees the Centre renamed Archbishop Wake Nursery, and the school’s after-school club, previously known as Oscars, now called Archbishop Wake CE Primary School Wraparound Care. It will continue to offer high-quality before- and after-school care, as well as a holiday club during school breaks.

This transition is part of a handover to the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, recognising its strong record nurturing children’s learning and development. The Trust is exceptionally well-placed to deliver this vital service to the community, ensuring that children continue to receive the best possible start in life.

To find out more about childcare places, please call the school directly on 01258 453120.

For information about Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School, please visit www.archbishopwake.dsat.org.uk.

A healthier life made easy

After a busy summer, many of us feel mentally drained. We make so many decisions each day, the constant overload can leave us too tired to think about anything, let alone ourselves and our wellbeing.

You might want to become healthier, but can’t commit when it means more decisions, more choices and not knowing where to turn for help you can trust. So, make life simple. LiveWell Dorset is here to take the stress out of feeling better this autumn.

It offers free support to any adult living in the county who wants to manage their weight, quit smoking, get more active or cut down on drinking. No hidden cost, no catches.

Taking that first step is easy, with an experienced team to gently guide you through a full range of free options like slimming group vouchers, activity plans, smoking quit kits (vapes, patches, gum) and LiveWell’s amazing 1-2-1 coaching.

Get personalised advice and the perfect package to help you break down any barriers, build confidence and see results - beginning with small, clear, achievable goals. No quick fixes, just a lifestyle change that lasts.

Big thanks to all!

AN AFTERNOON tea and raffle was held in the cafe of Morrisons in Wincanton in aid of Breast Cancer Care recently.

Thanks to the hard work of Pauline Newton, Mandy Johns and Sharon Wadman, £1,545 was raised.

Organisers would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that attended.

Health hubs across Dorset

NEW drop-in spaces offer mental health and wellbeing support in North Dorset.

New Access Wellbeing drop-in spaces have opened across North Dorset, offering free mental health and wellbeing support to anyone aged 18 and over, with no appointment needed. The new services are managed by Dorset Mind, as part of a collaborative partnership with four other

Dorset charities and the NHS.

Access Wellbeing drop-in spaces are now open in Blandford, Gillingham, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury.

Anyone looking for support, whether that’s for mental health and emotional wellbeing, or practical worries such as finances, work or housing, can drop in during opening hours and the team of friendly

Mark Kermode & Jenny Nelson

Thursday 18th Sept 6.30pm for 7pm at The Cheap Street Church, Sherborne

Join us as award winning film critic Mark Kermode and radio producer Jenny Nelson talk about theit new book, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound: Stories of Movie Music.

Tickets £10

Tickets in store or online at winstonebooks.co.uk

wellbeing coordinators will be on-hand to chat. They can take the time to listen, then help people to access the right support and advice.

The new North Dorset drop-in spaces are:

• Blandford

Blandford Leisure Centre, Milldown Rd, Blandford Forum DT11 7DB

Tuesdays 10am-3pm

Thursdays 10am-3pm

• Gillingham

Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4HX

Mondays 10am-4pm

• Gillingham

Citizens Advice, 4 Newbury Court, Gillingham SP8 4QX

Thursdays 10am-4pm

• Shaftesbury

St Peter’s Church Hall, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JW

Wednesdays 10am-4pm

• Sherborne Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA

Tuesdays 10am-4pm

Thursdays 10am-1pm

Check www.

dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/ community_drop_in_spaces before planning your visit.

The new North Dorset drop-in spaces are part of the Access Wellbeing community mental health programme, which now provides three hubs and 25 drop-in spaces across Dorset. These offer easy access to early help that can prevent concerns from escalating. More details on the full Access Wellbeing programme and the support available across Dorset are available at www. dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk

Sherborne Event

Forces families welcome to pop in and play

SERVING armed forces families in and around Wincanton are being invited to a new weekly drop-in group designed especially for parents and their pre-school children.

Tea, Toast and Play! will run every Monday morning during term time at The Balsam Centre, offering a relaxed space where little ones can enjoy games, crafts and drawing, while parents take a well-earned break over a hot drink and freshly buttered toast.

The free sessions have been set up by Sandra Stevens (pictured), Community Connections family support worker at The Balsam Centre, as part of the Armed Forces Covenant’s Serving Families: On the Move programme.

This national initiative supports service families who may be impacted by frequent moves or deployments, helping to reduce isolation and build connections within local communities.

Sandra said: “Service families often have to adjust to frequent relocations and periods of separation, which can make it harder to put down roots and feel part of a community.

“Tea, Toast and Play! gives parents a chance to connect, share experiences and feel supported,

while their children enjoy fun activities in a safe, friendly environment.”

The sessions are free, with no need to book.

Families are welcome to drop in at any time between 9.15am and noon on Mondays.

For more information, go to www. balsamcentre.org.uk/ military-families or call The Balsam Centre on 01963 31842.

AUTHOR and playwright, Christopher William Hill, is launching a Reading Round community reading group for the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) in Sherborne. It is one of only 16 Reading Round groups around the country, is free to join and will be led by Christopher, an RLF fellow. The group will meet weekly to read and discuss stories and poems. No reading is required in advance of each meeting. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10am11.30am at the Digby Hall, Sherborne – next to the library – starting on Tuesday, September 23. For more information, email christopher.hill@ rlfeducation.org.uk

for over 30 years

Andy Garrett Trusted for over 30 years

One Journey, One Community - The Power of a Through-School Approach

Dominic Floyd, new Head of Bryanston Prep

Joining Bryanston Prep as Head has been both a privilege and a significant milestone. As a parent whose son attended the school, I have personally experienced the benefits of a distinctive Bryanston education. What excites me most is its through-school model, providing a seamless and stable journey from early years to senior school life.

This offers continuity, security, and confidence, enabling smooth transitions while celebrating individuality, inspiring talents, and encouraging growth in a supportive community. True community means being known, understood, and allowed to develop at the right pace, which is crucial for building confidence, resilience, and character

From Nursery onwards, children enjoy unique experiences such as Forest School adventures, pony care, and specialist teaching in art, performing arts, science, design, and sport. As they progress, they benefit from Bryanston Senior School’s specialist teaching and exceptional facilities, including design studios, theatres, concert halls, and extensive sports grounds. By Key Stage 3, more than 30% of learning takes place at the Senior School, ensuring a confident and seamless Year 9 transition.

Flexible boarding further enriches school life, building independence, resilience and lifelong friendships. I feel privileged to lead a school where children thrive academically, develop strong character, and embrace opportunities, ready to step into senior school and beyond with confidence.

Open Morning - 26th September 2025

Daily transport from Dorchester, Ringwood, Sandbanks / (Salisbury coming soon)

Taking over the airwaves

by Hilary Daniels

NORTH Dorset Railway at Shillingstone will be playing host to an annual ‘ham’ radio event later this month.

Railways on the Air (ROTA) is organised every year by Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Society and this year will be particularly notable, commemorating 200 years of rail passenger travel.

The first ever journey was made on September 27, 1825, when hundreds of passengers were carried 26 miles on what came to be known as the Stockton and Darlington Railway, not far from Bishop Auckland.

Railway buffs will note that the Somerset and Dorset was therefore not the first S&D, only coming into being in 1862.

Wimborne-based FRARS – Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society – will be taking over Shillingstone’s signal box for the weekend, setting up its very tall radio antenna on the track.

From there it will be connecting with other similarly ‘occupied’ heritage railway signal boxes around the UK and, if possible, further afield.

It makes a point of contacting the sister

Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway signal box at Midsomer Norton, though that doesn’t always run smoothly, thanks to the station’s site surrounded by the Mendips.

On one occasion, particularly active solar radiation disrupted the connection but, as luck would have it, FRARS succeeded in bouncing a signal off a communications satellite which just happened to be passing overhead.

FRARS was founded in 1982 by employees of Flight Refuelling Ltd who based themselves in the company’s social club building.

The society has kept its original name, even though Flight Refuelling was renamed Cobham in 1994, after the company’s founder, and the social club is now privately

Visitors to Shillingstone Station will be able to find out more about amateur radio, see what’s going on and maybe try their hand.

The station will be open as usual over the weekend of September 27-28 for the ham radio event, between 10am-4pm, as will the ever-popular cafe. ‘Ham’ sandwich, anyone?

Specialist wing designed to cater for residents with advanced stage dementia

Garden View at Bramley House in Mere is our exclusive, intimate wing offering unparalleled, personalised care for residents with advanced-stage dementia. Garden View provides a rare opportunity for personalised, high-quality care in a serene and controlled environment. This exclusivity ensures that each resident receives the utmost attention and bespoke care, tailored to their unique needs.

Why choose Garden View

“ Slimming World Saved My Spark”

By Evelyn Taylor

Before joining Slimming World in January 2023, life had become boring. I felt sluggish, unmotivated, and stuck in an inactive routine. I was eating far more than I needed and exercise had become a distant memory. I’d reached a point where I knew something had to change.

I carried not just physical weight but emotional weight, too — a quiet sense of defeat that crept into many areas of my life. I didn’t realise how much it was holding me back until I stepped through the doors of Slimming World and found a place where change felt possible. Joining Slimming World wasn’t just about changing numbers on a scale — it was about finding belief in myself. So far I’ve lost 3 stones –and it’s changed my life.

Over the first few months, the weight came off steadily, and I felt motivated and excited. But like many, I hit a bit of a plateau. What kept me going? The unwavering support from my Consultant and fellow Group members.

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Next, I turned my attention to exercise — or as Slimming World calls it, Body Magic. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I’d done any sort of structured activity, so I started small. Just 15 minutes with the online Slimming World Body Magic videos (completed in the bedroom where my husband couldn’t see me!). Gradually, I built up my stamina,confidence and energy, and now I exercise at least three times a week.

Slimming World believes that you’re the best person to decide what’s right for your body, your lifestyle, and your goals. Your target should reflect what success means to you—not anyone else. There’s no pressure, no judgement, and no onesize-fits-all. Because at Slimming World, it’s not about chasing a number on the scales—it’s about creating a healthier, happier you.

Evelyn opens a group in Tisbury at Hinton Hall, Church Street on Monday 1st September.

“ Slimming World Saved My Spark”

unmotivated, and stuck in an inactive routine. I was eating far more than I needed and exercise had become a distant memory. I’d reached a point where I knew something had to change.

weight, too — a quiet sense of defeat that crept into many areas of my life. I didn’t realise how much it was holding me back until I stepped through the doors of Slimming World and found a place where change felt possible. Joining Slimming World wasn’t just about changing numbers on a scale — it was about finding belief in myself. So far I’ve lost 3 stones –and it’s changed my life.

steadily, and I felt motivated and excited. But like many, I hit a bit of a plateau. What kept me going? The unwavering support from my Consultant and fellow Group members.

Tractors, please

ENTRANTS are being invited to take part in a tractor run organised by Caundle Marsh PCC to raise funds for the church and support the Alzheimer’s Charity.

The event will take place at Hawkins Farm in Caundle Marsh on Sunday, October 5.

Participants can register from 9.30am and will depart at 10.30am, returning for tea and cake later in the day.

Entry is £15 per tractor, including breakfast and a hot drink for the driver – available for supporters and spectators for £3.50. A raffle will offer attractive prizes.

Evelyn opens a group in Tisbury at Hinton Hall, Church Street on Monday 1st September.

Slimming World

Sherborne

Blandford

Raleigh Hall

Shaftesbury

Digby Road

Methodist Church

Tuesday 7pm

Wednesday 9.30am

Julie 07871 821928

Sally 07973665167

Blandford

Sturminster Newton

Methodist Church

The Exchange

Thursday 5.30pm, 7.30pm

Monday 5.30pm, 7.30pm

Tracey 07776309982

Gail 07748643783

Blandford

British Legion

Puddletown Village Hall Thursday 7pm Julie 07871821928

Royal Chase Hotel

Tisbury Hinton Hall

Thursday 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am

Lorraine 07771013728

Church Street

Gillingham

Social Club

Monday 7pm starting from 1st September

Hardings Lane

Tuesday 5.30pm, 7pm

Shaftesbury

Wincanton Memorial Hall

Royal Chase Hotel

Wednesday 5.30pm, 7pm Hazel 07967 591652

Sherborne

Raleigh Hall Digby Road

Wednesday 9.30am

Sally 07973665167

Sally 07968979810

Evelyn 07825 556871

Thursday 5.30pm, 7.30pm

New consultant from 1st September

Sherborne

Gail 07748643783

Raleigh Hall

Digby Road

Puddletown Village Hall

Thursday 7pm

07871821928

Wincanton

Memorial Hall

Wednesday 5.30pm, 7pm

New consultant from 3rd September

Wednesday 8.30am, 10am, 11:30am

Tracey 07776309982

Gillingham

Youth and Community Centre

Tuesday 9.30am, 11am

Lorraine 07771013728

Tuesday 5.30pm, 7pm

Sally 07973665167

Monday 5.30pm, 7.30pm Gail 07748643783

Hazel 07967 591652

New consultant from 3rd September

Deadline looms for funding applications

COMMUNITY groups, cultural organisations and sports clubs across Dorset are being reminded that the deadline to apply for capital funding is fast approaching – with just four weeks left to submit applications for the September Grants Panel.

Managed by Dorset Council, the Capital Leverage Fund supports a wide range of initiatives including:

• Community spaces

• Arts venues

• Accredited museums

• Heritage projects

• Sports facilities

• Youth and play projects Grants can be used to refurbish, improve, or adapt existing spaces – or to develop entirely new ones. Projects must be based within the Dorset Council area

and demonstrate clear benefits for local residents, such as improved access, increased sustainability, creating stronger communities, and broader community engagement.

Grants cover up to 20% of the total project costs, with a maximum award of £25,000.

Applicants must show how they will raise the remaining funds.

Successful applicants have up to two years to secure match funding before the council releases its grant.

Applications to go before the September panel must be submitted by September 18.

The final deadline for applications is January 20. Organisations that have already received a Small Capital Grant must complete their project before applying again.

However, those who were previously unsuccessful are welcome to reapply.

Cllr Ryan Hope, cabinet member for customer, culture and community engagement, said: “I’m delighted that Dorset Council continues to support community-led projects through these vital grants. Previous rounds have helped launch exciting initiatives that make a real difference to people’s lives. We look forward to supporting even more projects in the months ahead.”

For eligibility criteria and application guidance, visit www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ capital-leverage-fund

If you want to speak to a member of the team about your project idea, please email communities@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk

Peat-free promo

AWARDWINNING author, garden writer and peat-free campaign advocate, Sally Nex, will host two talks at Castle Gardens in Sherborne.

They are organised by Treasure Gardening, the social enterprise behind peat-free compost, Wonderfuel.

The free to enter talks are on Saturday, September 13, at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are available at store.thegardensgroup. co.uk/webshop/events

Everyone who goes along will be entered into a prize draw to win a year’s supply of Toast beer.

Secure Your Home. Safeguard

Safeguard Your Hard-Earned Assets from 40% Inheritance Tax, Looming Care Fees, & Potential Family Disputes.

Your Legacy. Discover the Power of a Living Trust

Advertising Feature

Your home is more than just bricks and mortar — it’s the foundation of your family’s future. But without the right legal protections, it could be vulnerable to rising care costs, probate delays, and unnecessary inheritance tax. At Oakwood Wills, we help you shield your assets with one powerful tool: the Living Trust.

Why Consider a Living Trust?

Inheritance Tax Planning: Are you concerned about losing 40% of your already taxed hard earned wealth to the government? Our bespoke legal strategies, meticulously crafted using trusts and wills, ensure your assets stay where they belong – in your family’s hands. Fully compliant with UK law, we shield your estate from the grasp of inheritance taxes, giving you peace of mind and financial security.

Protect Your Assets from Care Costs. Placing your main residence into a living trust can ring-fence it from potential future care fees. With care costs now averaging thousands of pounds per month, this can be a crucial move to safeguard your estate — and your children’s inheritance.

Care Fees Protection: With average care fees hitting £2,000 per week and typical stays ranging from 3 to 7 years, these expenses can quickly deplete most estates. Our custom-tailored solutions offer a lifeline. While many believe protection is impossible, we’ve developed a tailored legal strategy fully compliant with UK law to safeguard your assets, including protection against care fees.

Minimise Inheritance Tax Liability. A Living Trust can be a valuable tool in inheritance tax planning. By legally transferring ownership of your home and selected assets into the trust, they may fall outside of your taxable estate.

Avoid Probate: When a property is in a Living Trust it is not subject to Probate.

Family heirlooms

CHRISTENING gowns and vintage memorabilia from a private collection will go on display at Bishopstone Village Hall later this month.

The display is mainly of gowns from the collection of more than 700 pieces of Ayrshire and other Whitework, including outstanding examples.

It will feature the collector’s family gown made by Canadian nuns in 1885 for the children of her great-great-grandfather, Alexander McKenzie Ross – a civil engineer who in 1853 was appointed chief engineer for the Grand Canadian Trunk Railway and a designer of the Victoria Bridge at Montreal.

Another gown was worn in 1880 by Captain Lawrence Oates – known as Titus – an Antarctic explorer who died during the Terra Nova expedition in 1912.

Other antique and vintage items relating to children from the 1850s onwards will also be on show, including bonnets, shoes, dolls, highchairs, prams, books, Bunnykins china and more.

The event is on Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, from 11am-4pm, and entry is £10, with funds raised going to The Friends of Bishopstone Church Roof Appeal.

Tea and cakes will be for sale.

For more information, email annewheelwright@gmail.com

Maintain Full Control of Your Assets. When you set up a living trust, you remain as one of the trustees — often alongside trusted family members. This allows you to manage and use your assets as normal, with surviving trustees stepping in only if you lose capacity or pass away, ensuring a smooth transition with no court delays.

Personalised, In-Home Consultation – Free of Charge

Oakwood Wills offers complimentary consultations in the comfort of your own home or via online meetings.

Call us today on 07832 331594

Wills: Don’t leave your loved ones squabbling over vague wills! Oakwood Wills specializes in drafting crystal-clear documents that leave no room for ambiguity. No more family feuds. Just smooth, conflictfree asset distribution that honours your final wishes. Lasting Power Of Attorneys: Statistics don’t lie – the chances of incapacity rise with age. With our Lasting Power of Attorneys services, you can appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. No more court approvals, no more uncertainty in times of crises – just peace of mind knowing your interests are in safe hands. For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.

www.beaminstersheds.co.uk 01308 861144

Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk A family-run business established more than 29 years ago, offering a huge range of sheds and outbuildings, including:

Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

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Sheds To Suit All Budgets & Uses, From Hobbies To Workshops

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Yeovil Blood Bikes was just one recipient of fundraising cash from Gillingham in Gear

Gillingham in Gear

GILLINGHAM in Gear (GIG) presented cheques for £150 to Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and Gillingham Carnival.

Despite bad weather on this year’s event day back in June, GIG still saw a good turnout of classic cars, although the number of motorbikes was somewhat reduced.

The GIG planning team are already preparing for next year’s event on June 13 – make a note in your diary!

Find Your Fit at Leweston Sixth Form

Choosing the right Sixth Form is one of the most important steps in a young person’s education, and Leweston Sixth Form in Sherborne makes that choice easier with its wide range of courses and supportive environment.

During Leweston Visit Week, students and families are invited to discover everything the co-educational Sixth Form has to offer. With a curriculum designed to suit individual strengths and ambitions, Leweston ensures every student can follow a path that is right for them. From creative options such as Photography A Level to vocational routes like Equine Management BTEC, the breadth of choice reflects the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for all interests and aspirations.

But Leweston Sixth Form is about much more than subject choices. Here, academic achievement goes hand in hand with personal development and preparation for life beyond school. Students are encouraged to build confidence, leadership, and independence

alongside their studies, equipping them for university, apprenticeships, or the workplace.

This holistic approach has earned Leweston national recognition. The school has been shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Student Careers for the second year running, highlighting its dedication to guiding students towards successful futures. Careers advice, enrichment opportunities, and tailored support ensure that every student leaves Leweston with both strong qualifications and a clear sense of direction.

Whether you are drawn to academic study, creative exploration, or practical experience, Leweston Sixth Form offers a welcoming and inspiring environment where you can thrive. Visit Week is the perfect opportunity to see the school in action, meet staff and students, and start planning the next exciting stage of your journey.

Leweston Sixth Form – find your fit, discover your future.

admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk | 01963 211015 | www.leweston.co.uk

Fascinating finds

ARCHITECTURAL historian, Dr Jonathan Foyle, will deliver Shaftesbury Abbey Museum’s autumn lecture at the town’s arts centre later this month.

His talk, Fragments, will focus on how relics and piecemeal historic artefacts can tell a story.

Dr Foyle is a lecturer at the University of Bath, specialising in Building Conservation and Architectural History.

He has also featured on Time Team on television and presented series such as BBC’s Climbing Great Buildings.

Tickets for the talk on Wednesday, September 24, at 7pm, are priced adults £15, Friends of Shaftesbury Abbey and students £13.

They are available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s box office at www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or on 01747 854321.

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476 Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL

Warminster: 01985 219 200 5 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

Friendship on Your Doorstep with Platinum Skies

AtPlatinum Skies, we see every day how friendship transforms lives. The connections made in our communities bring laughter, support, a renewed sense of purpose, alongside proven health and wellbeing benefits, from reducing stress to boosting confidence.

Homeowners enjoy a vibrant social calendar with activities for all interests and abilities. From art classes and fitness groups to book clubs, quizzes, live music, and seasonal events, there are countless opportunities to meet like-minded people and build meaningful friendships.

“It’s vibrant, friendly, supportive - and full of different people with different interests,” says Jane, a homeowner at Chapters in Salisbury, whose passion is open-water swimming. “It’s always been important to me to belong, and here, I’ve found new friendships that add to that sense of family.”

You can take part in as much or as little as you like - there’s never any pressure. However, the chance to connect is always on your doorstep, whether it’s an impromptu coffee and catch-up in the Bistro or simply sharing a smile with a neighbour.

“I don’t think I imagined I’d live in a retirement village,” Jane says, smiling. “But if I could’ve painted a picture of an ideal retirement, it would be pretty close to this.”

With affordable homes and welcoming shared spaces, Platinum Skies offers a lifestyle that’s filled with warmth and companionship.

At Platinum Skies, it’s your retirement — your way. To find out more, or to secure a place at our Discovery Day at Chapters, Salisbury on Thursday 25th September, call 01722 447338 or visit platinumskies.co.uk

Traditional dance group seeks new members

THE Wessex Morris Men are looking for new members as they start their winter practice evenings, after a busy summer, at the Antelope Inn, Hazelbury Bryan.

The group, founded in 1957, boasts a great deal of dance, folk song and music knowledge and is happy to teach complete beginners to help continue the tradition of Morris dancing.

Another busy summer season has seen it attend folk festivals, fairs and shows – and Cerne Abbas Village Hall will be the venue for an autumn ceilidh on Saturday, September 20.

The event will feature barn dancing, music, songs, a dance caller, bar and a light supper all for £10.

Cerne Abbas Brewery, the Wessex Band, caller Pip Oxenbury and the Wessex Morris Men will be there –doors open at 7pm with the event from 7.30pm-11pm.

Wessex Morris dance in Somerset and Dorset and parts of Wiltshire, and has made many foreign trips, often in association with Sherborne Douzelage.

It dances in historic towns and villages over the summer, between May 1 and midSeptember, often finishing in a pub for music, songs and a chat.

The winter practice evenings used to be held at Pulham Village Hall, but that is currently undergoing structural repairs, and the Halsey Arms, opposite the village hall has recently closed.

David Chiplen, squire Wessex Morris Men and Dorset Ooser beast handler, said: “The Halsey Arms, where Jonny, Karen, Ken and Elsie used to look after us so well, have decided to move on and we wish them all well for the future.”

Wessex Morris Men has not arranged a practice hall for the long-term but it will be at the Antelope Inn in the skittle alley Mondays 7pm-9pm, between September 15 and October 13 – inclusive – to start the winter practice season.

Members will be learning new dances and brushing up on old ones.

“Please do come along, we will be in the bar after for a beer, music and songs,” David added.

Anyone interested in joining the Wessex Morris Men as a dancer or musician can find more information and contacts on its website, www. wessexmorrismen.co.uk, email bagman@wessexmorrismen. co.uk or phone 01258 818237.

Dave and daughter Racheal have got the support of the whole family as they tackle Dorset on foot

Cross-county for cancer charity

A RETIRED farmer and his daughter will be walking across Dorset to raise money for Cancer Research.

72-year-old Dave Selby is from Twyford, but now lives in Gillingham. He and daughter Racheal Birley will start their walk at Dorset’s most southerly point – Portland Bill – and walking to its most northerly point – Bourton village.

They set off tomorrow (September 13) and aim to finish on the September 16, covering approximately 50 miles.

“This is all in aid of raising as much money as possible for cancer research,” said Dave. “We’ve probably all been affected by cancer in one way or another, so we just wanted to do our bit and help where we can by raising as much money as possible, £2,000 is our target. Any donations would be gratefully received.

“We can’t do this without support from the rest of the family. My wife Jackie will be joining us throughout as much of this journey as she can, alongside out other daughter Hayley and her three children – Lily age 10, Evie age nine and Jack age six.

“Last, but not least, my son Harry who will be supporting while being 100% committed to his dairy farm. He will be providing us bed and breakfast on route, as we will be passing very close to his farm.”

Donations can be made via fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/ page/daves-giving-page-2346

Our loose Canon

speaker, immediately becomes the target of often quite vicious hate campaigns.

by Canon Eric Woods

I OFFICIALLY retired as Vicar of Sherborne at the end of June 2000. Thanks to COVID we had to forfeit the planned celebrations of my 27 years as Incumbent. When a window for the move at last opened, in effect we folded our tents like the Arabs, and silently stole away (to paraphrase Longfellow).

For many of those Sherborne years, I wrote a weekly column for the Western Gazette. But our new home in Sturminster Newton wasn’t in WG territory, so I thought that was that. But then, when it too emerged from COVID, the New Blackmore Vale Magazine invited me to write a fortnightly column for them. So for the past five years, these articles have been my equivalent of Sudoku, helping me to keep my little grey cells alive and active. This is my 127th column.

I have been thinking about what has changed in my approach during that time, and indeed since I began writing for the Western Gazette. And the answer is easy, I now write with a little alarm system in my brain which will alert me to words or phrases deemed unacceptable to the “thought police” who now seem to control what we can and can’t think, write or say. Use an unacceptable word or a phrase which is deemed by some to be offensive, and the author, or

Which leaves me with a regular conundrum. If I want to comment about the appalling treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, does that make me anti-Semitic? If I want to write about the vulnerability of British Jews (and not least young Jewish students in our universities) does that make me anti-Islamic? And if I want to talk about the hideous persecution of Christians in so many parts of the world, what does that make me?

The loss of freedom of speech and expression in our country is real, and menacing. By that I do not mean freedom to express sexist or racist or hate-filled sentiments. I mean the liberty to try to have sensible, courteous dialogue with those with whom we do not necessarily agree.

In 1758 the French philosopher ClaudeAdrien Helvétius published a controversial work entitled De l’esprit (‘On the mind’). It was roundly condemned, and the Sorbonne (the famous university in Paris) had copies publicly burned. Another philosopher, François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume as Voltaire, is said to have written to Helvétius the famous words “I wholly disapprove of what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.” There is some debate as to whether those were his exact words, but there can be no doubt of his defence of freedom of thought, speech and expression. Above all, he advocated tolerance. As he wrote, “Tolerance has never provoked a civil war; intolerance has covered the Earth in carnage”. And so say I.

Photo by Farrinni on Unsplash

Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar of Stockbridge and London has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental handwoven carpet trade. Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi.

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. Masoud is often called upon by auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value carpets and invited to share his expertise with media outlets such as the BBC.

We would be remiss to say that is all they do, carrying out general repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.

Bakhtiyar believe that no rug is ever a lost ruin, beyond repair. As Persian Poet Rumi once said “where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure”. Their team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th of October 2025

Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

Join Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, third generation and internationally renowned Persian and Oriental carpet specialist, together with his son Koroush and immerse all your senses in the delights of hand woven carpets, runners & flat weave kelims at our three day selling exhibition.

Home viewings can be arranged during and after the exhibiton.

Taste the delicious home-cooked food of Persia over a leisurely lunch, with all proceeds raised in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

MINTERN BARN, LUCCOMBE FARM, MILTON ABBAS, BLANDFORD FORUM DORSET, DT11 0BE

Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the Milton Abbas Road. (AA signposted)

Ample parking is available and the Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.

Classic rally car on display

SOMERSET Sight is set to be the beneficiary of a classic car display and car boot sale at Yarlington House, the home of Charles and Carolyn de Salis.

One of the cars on show will be an Aston Martin DB2-4 MK11 which Charles drove in The Tulip International Rally in 1956, winning his class.

The car has been restored by Phil Torr, from Kent.

Phil was able to get all original parts for the project except the paint.

Charles, now 95, also drove in the Monte Carlo Rally and won his class. Princess Grace of Monaco awarded him his cup.

He also won a Coupe des Alpes in the Alpine Rally in 1956 and drove a Cooper Monaco at Silverstone and Goodwood.

He stopped racing in 1960 as

he felt rallies had become too dangerous.

Charles was advised by John Coombs, a friend, driver and racing team owner, that rallying was “no game for a married man”!

The classic car display and boot sale on Sunday, September 14, from 8.30am-3pm, will also include traditional games and entertainments, a dog show, food and stalls.

Entry is £5 including the gardens, under-16s free.

Fern Brook Lodge residents ‘go back to school’ during reminiscence session

Fern Brook Lodge care home residents went ‘back to school’ for a day during a fun, interactive reminiscence session.

Jan Millward from Rural Rhymes and Reminiscing led a school-themed session for the residents at the Gillingham home in partnership with the home’s in-house activities team.

Residents were given school uniform-themed items to wear and shared memories of their school days, before having a mini game of lacrosse.

Fern Brook Lodge care home is proudly supporting ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’ throughout September with a range of events and activities.

Run by not-for-profit charity, Care South, Fern Brook Lodge provides residential, respite, and dementia care. The care home’s dedicated activities team runs a daily programme of events to encourage residents to socialise and make new friends over shared interests.

Visitors can enjoy complimentary cakes and hot drinks while experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere at Welcome Wednesdays sessions taking place from 2pm to 4pm each week.

Fern Brook Lodge also hosts Memory Café sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 11 am for people living with dementia and their carers. There is no need to book - just drop in on the day.

Leweston School – A Future as Unique as Your Child’s Ambitions

Leweston School in Sherborne offers a setting where every child’s future is nurtured with care, ambition, and individuality.

At Leweston, education is never “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, it is a personalised journey shaped around each child’s strengths and aspirations. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through the school’s vibrant co-curricular programme, every pupil is supported to reach their full potential. Staff foster a culture of encouragement, guiding students to achieve great things while developing the skills and resilience they need for the future.

Flexibility is also at the heart of school life. With a wide choice of boarding options – including day, weekly, flexi, and full boarding – Leweston combines academic excellence with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere tailored to modern life. This balance allows pupils to benefit from the best of both worlds: the strong community and opportunities of boarding, alongside the flexibility busy families value.

During Leweston’s upcoming Visit Week, families are warmly invited to explore the wealth of opportunities on offer. From touring the school’s extensive facilities to meeting staff and students, the event provides a true sense of the welcoming environment that sets Leweston apart. Here, pupils are not only encouraged to learn, but to thrive with confidence, independence, and purpose.

Leweston Senior School is more than a place to study; it is a community where ambitions are supported, talents are celebrated, and futures are shaped. Visit Week is the perfect chance to

The

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, which began in the early 1990s, aims to provide enjoyment for all ages and to celebrate quality food and crafts produced mainly in the south-west of England. There is entertainment for all ages, bars to sample the best beers, ciders and wines and wide choice of food to purchase from over 85 exhibitors plus over 70 Crafts exhibitors.

Entry costs and food and drink prices are kept as low as possible (children under the age of 15 free) as our primary aim is to provide enjoyment and not profit. We also enable local charities and clubs raise money during the Festival and by paying them for work they do to help run the Festival.

However, the Festival does in some years have a surplus and over the last 20 years we estimate that more than £450,000 has been generated for charities and local clubs of societies.

Most recently the Cheese Festival together with the Sturminster Newton Rotary Club awarded Yewstock school sufficient funds to enable them to purchase a replacement minibus for their older vehicle which had reached the end of its life. Yewstock provides education for children having complex needs and the new vehicle will enable the school to offer outside educational activities aimed at helping pupils understand the more complex world beyond their families and their school.

More information about the Festival is available from our website: cheesefestival.co.uk

Mere Literary Festival returns in October 2025 and it is

Running for a full week between 13th - 19th of October, the Festival tickets are on sale NOW and based on the quick sell-out of one of our speakers already, do not delay in booking your seats!

Full details of all our 20 great events can be found on our website www.mereliteraryfestival.com

So if you like contemporary or historical fiction, military history, travel, gardening, cookery, poetry, folklore, radio drama, walking or exploring - get your tickets now!

YARD SALE, Sunday 14th September, 10-1pm, Oakley Gillingham, SP8-4HZ.

SIXPENNY HANDLEY

AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull Royal British Legion DT10 1HR on September 22nd. Eyes down 7pm.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BINGO!

11

5

Stalbridge Hall Thursday 25th September

40 64 22

Doors open 6.30pm

Autumn is bold, brilliant and beautiful at Kingston Lacy, the National Trust property near Wimborne. Where to start? Maybe with a walk through the garden, where the acers in the seven-acre Japanese Garden will be turning every shade of red, orange and yellow. Stroll down to the Kitchen Garden, where the orchards are laden with fruit (there are apple discovery days on 24 and 31 October, and you can join the harvest on 24 September and 4 October) and the cutting gardens filled with dahlias.

Saturday 13 September 10.30 am - 2.00 pm, FREE entry. Crafts | Hot & Cold Snacks | Homemade Cakes Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

Eyes down 7.30pm In aid of hall funds 90

Autumn is bold, brilliant and beautiful at Kingston Lacy, the National Trust property near Wimborne.

Where

to start? Maybe with a walk through the garden, where the acers in the seven-acre Japanese Garden will be turning every shade of red, orange and yellow. Stroll down to the Kitchen Garden, where the orchards are laden with fruit (there are apple discovery days on 24 and 31 October, and you can join the harvest on 24 September and 4 October) and the cutting gardens filled with dahlias.

THE FRIENDS OF WINCANTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, SUMMER FETE 2025.

Inside the house, there’s a special exhibition inviting you to discover one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures. A Rembrandt ‘selfie’, normally on display at Buckland Abbey in Devon, will be at Kingston Lacy from 12 September. Settle into comfortable seating, tune into an audio guide, and explore gentle prompts designed to inspire mindful looking and deeper reflection. What will you see when you slow the pace?

Saturday 13th September 2- 4pm, Raffl e, Bouncy Castle, Prize Skittles, Tombola, Pony Rides, BBQ, Refreshments, Stalls and Crafts, and much much more! All money raised will go directly to WCH and other community health projects

Saturday 13th September 12:30pm - 4:30pm

On the Glebe

Steam engine rides • BBQ • Bar • Kids tent

Live music • Meggy Moos • Raffle • Tractors

Tombola Dog show • Pony • Miss Shroton

This October, there’s a digital adventure for adventurous 7-11 year olds and their grown ups. Download the Stranger Folk app when you arrive to start your folklore magic adventure. Your guide, the Crone, will direct you and yours to the cracks where the stranger folk are sneaking in, so you can help us close the gaps between their world and ours.

Sophie’s Pottery • Stalls • Stocks • Fowl play

Look out for three days of free entry as well – between 18-20 September we’re throwing open the doors as part of Heritage Open Days. There’s no charge for entry, and a free bus service to boot. Discover all the details on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy.

Shroton Fair gin • Hoopla • Tug of War • Pimms & MUCH MORE!

Spend time with one of the National Trust's greatest treasures. From 12 September, Rembrandt's self-portrait comes to Kingston Lacy. What will you see when you slow the pace?

Wessex Heavy Horse Society Show

and Country Fair

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Wessex Heavy Horse Society’s Show & Country Fair will take place at the Turnpike Showground on Sunday 21st September.

Visitors to the show will be able to see heavy horses being put through their paces in the in-hand, harness, driven and ridden classes. The Show will feature heavy horses from across the West Country and beyond.

Some of the best horses in the area will be competing in the prestigious West of England In-Hand and Harness Championships, the highlight of the day. Competitors will have qualified at shows across the south-west this year and bring together the Champions from each of those shows to see who is the best in the West!

Other attractions at the Show will include the Adams Axemen, a horseshoe making competition for local farriers, displays of vintage and classic vehicles, scurry racing, trade and craft stands. Visitors to the show can also enter their four-legged friends into the Fun Dog Show, which always proves to be very popular.

For more pictures of last year’s show, and information as to the work of the Society, please visit our Facebook page –Wessex Heavy Horse Society or our website www.wessexheavyhorsesociety.co.uk

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Friday 19 September| 6.30 for 7.00 pm £6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

14th SEPTEMBER2.30-4.30pm, PAGEANT GARDENS,Sherborne. Sherborne Town Band are playing the last event of the summer program. All our favourite pieces from over the summer with a ‘last night of the proms’ finish. It’s free ( but we love donations), keep an eye on social media for any wet weather alternatives. The Templecombe Scout Group will be providing yummy refreshments, so bring your flags, friends and family.

THE ROYAL AIRFORCES ASSOCIATION in Shaftesbury will be holding their annual service and reef laying to commemorate the Battle of Britain in 1940. Park Walk, Shaftesbury, 10.45am Sunday 14th September. All welcome to attend

SONGS FROM THE HEART’ AN EVENING OF MUSIC, song and laughter for all ages performed by GEOFFREY HORTON SERO, The acclaimed Bass-Baritone. Saturday, 22nd November 7 pm, Child Okeford Village Hall, Tickets £15, to include light refreshments, Bar and Raffle, Tickets email: serocharity@gmail.com Or ring Julie on 01258 861218 or 07749 486733 Or Kate on 01258 863695 or 07725 245066

Ballet stars in charity gala

DANCERS from The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet are coming together for two evenings at Minterne House this weekend.

The charity gala event, now in its fourth year, is curated by Meaghan Grace Hinkis, first soloist with The Royal Ballet.

The event aims to bring the best of UK ballet to new audiences in the south west and, as in previous years, funds raised will go to charities supporting the performing arts.

Meaghan Grace Hinkis said: “Having already donated more than £150,000 to date over the last three galas, I’m thrilled to be back for 2025 so we can continue to provide muchneeded support for the

performing arts sector.”

She added: “This year is especially exciting because it’s not just one company, it’s three.

“Bringing together this extraordinary mix of dancers is something truly special.

“There’s a rare energy that comes from combining different artistic voices and backgrounds, and I think the audience will really feel that on stage.”

Thanks to a local sponsor, 105 children and teachers from nearby ballet schools will be invited to watch class and the final performances.

The performance weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14, will also feature a live on-stage masterclass for 24 selected students, taught by Ricardo

Cervera, teacher at The Royal Ballet School and former first soloist.

The programme will range from classical to contemporary works, featuring rarely seen pieces –subject to final permissions – by influential contemporary choreographers including Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, Liam Scarlett, Christopher Wheeldon,

Wayne McGregor, Johan Kobborg, José Martinez, Edward Clug, David Bintley, Harris Beattie and more.

Accompanying the dancers will be Royal Ballet concertmaster Sergey Levitin on violin and Royal Ballet pianist Michael Pansters.

Tickets are available via Dorchester Arts at https://www. dorchesterarts.org.uk/whats-on

Dancers Luca Acri and Daichi Ikarashi with Sergey Levitin on violin

PHOTO: Andre Uspenski

Entertainment

Art showcase for ‘Romantics’

THE Dorset Romantics are showing work featuring the county’s countryside and coastline in an exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre this month.

The group was founded to re-create the romance of painting from the 18th to the 21st centuries and several of its seven members are inspired by the likes of Turner, Fred Cumings, John Constable and

England’s Romantic Impressionists.

Members of the group come from a variety of backgrounds, from chartered surveyor to lifelong artist, from oriental rug conservator to ex-Royal Navy sailor.

They are showing more than 40 small works at the arts centre, including oil paints, collage, watercolour, Lino printing, plein air and studio work.

The exhibition, only the group’s second in two years, is at Shaftesbury Arts Centre until

Quire seeking new recruits

THE Stanchester Quire will be pleased to welcome new members when it begins preparations for its Christmas carol concerts at Leigh Village Hall, near Sherborne, tomorrow (Saturday, September 13).

Tuesday, September 23. Entry is free and one of the artists will always be in attendance.

The community choir, which is about to enter its 30th year, performs carols and songs collected from or written about the south west of England, some from the New Blackmore Vale area.

learn everything by ear.

The choir is meeting tomorrow at 10am for registration and singing from 10.30am until about 2pm.

New members are always welcome and the ability to read music is not essential as singers

Singers prepare for a busy year

THE Athenaeum Singers are looking forward to an exciting year.

The singers, who were set to return to rehearsals earlier this month, will welcome Bob Chilcott as their new president at a concert in Warminster on Saturday, November 29.

They will perform his Requiem, first staged in 2010, paired with a new composition by the singers’ music director,

Thomas Mottershead.

The singers will join forces with The Malmesbury Singers, which Thomas also conducts, to perform The Dream of Gerontius in Bath Abbey on Saturday, May 9.

This work by Sir Edward Elgar is seen by many as the pinnacle of his choral writing.

The Athenaeum Singers are seeking new singers, and while music reading skills are

Anyone who goes along should take a packed lunch, but hot drinks are provided free of charge throughout the

invaluable, learning and listening tracks can be provided online to help.

Thomas Mottershead is a young conductor, composer and tenor soloist who has recently been appointed to Apollo 5, a group of five singers who perform widely in this country and abroad.

He made his debut with the group in July in a sold-out concert in Milton Abbey and left for a performance in Germany the next day.

Anyone interested in joining the choir can attend three rehearsals before any payment is due.

day.

New members do not have to pay for the first session and participation in the carol concerts is not compulsory. To find out more about the choir, visit its website, www. stanchesterquire.org, or email stanchesterquire2@gmail.com.

The Athenaeum Singers are seeking new recruits

Visit www.athenaeumsingers. com for more information about the choir’s activities.

HISTORIC Summerhouse Hill in Yeovil will see a temporary giant art installation unveiled this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14).

Consequences, a 40m x 30m artwork, was created by Radical Ritual artist Becca Gill for the Inside Out Dorset festival, a biennial feast of international outdoor arts.

It is part of Nature Calling, a project encouraging audiences to connect with their natural landscapes.

Community groups played a part in making the artwork during a mammoth game of Consequences in which artists took turns to add to the picture.

The Dorset Romantics (from left) Stephen Bithell, Kevin Moore, Rachel Sargent, Sue Fawthrop, Roger Seddon, Kim Pragnell and Rob Adams

Buy DORSET

Join your NBV as we showcase the very best of Dorset

WEall know how Dorset boasts some of the finest locally-produce goods in the country.

From fruit to furniture, restaurants to farm shops, the county offers everything grown, made and offered for sale, right on our doorsteps.

Your New Blackmore Vale wants to champion all things wonderful about the county - and our Buy Dorset campaign is at the heart of it.

So read on, and find out more about the very best of businesses you can utilise right here, right now.

Buy the best, BUY DORSET

To launch our campaign, we thought we would highlight an upcoming event offering people the chance to taste and experience some of the finest offerings Dorset has to offer.

People can tickle their taste buds ahead of the winter season at a special event.

Planned for Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, the Savour the Season: Dorset Food & Drink Winter Cheer Food Fair will offer the best of county delights for the darker nights.

“We’re making our lists and checking them twice to make sure we’ve got all the ingredients for a cracking line up of Dorset

food, drink, artists, and makers, to bring you a weekend of festive shopping and gift inspirations and live music,” a spokesperson said.

“Come rain or shine, we’ll be pleased to welcome you. Plenty of parking and most of the stalls are under cover in the event marquee.”

The event will be open from 10am to 3pm each day, promising “a superbly curated blend of local producers and makers”.

Foodies are being urged to book in advance for the event, with early-bird bargains on offer, though some tickets will be available on the gate.

The spokesperson said the event was an opportunity for people to Buy Dorset ahead of the Christmas and winter season.

“Shopping small is big for local businesses, where you can discover unique gifts,” they said.

“So whether it’s local cheese, funky craft ales, seasonal treats, seasonings, chocolate, wine, or something made by talented artisans - there are plenty of stocking fillers, so you can shop small or large depending on your budget.

“Plus, it’s a great way to support your local producers and makers – many with multi award-winning products.

“Keep it local, and get to know the

grow, craft, and create lovely things.”

Festive tipples on offer are set to include wine, cider, beer, spirits, cocktails, gingerbased cordials, and liqueurs, as well as hot food, cheese, game, locally-reared fresh meat, coffee, tableware, honey, handmade soaps, candles, preserves and chutney.

And Dorset delights keep coming, including spicy sauces, pies, biscuits, mince pies, artisan jewellery, glass art, local photography, art cards, paintings, charcuterie, cakes, Christmas puds, chef knife sets, seaweed, artisan bread, traditional Dorset bakes, tea, oils and spices, and festive coffee bars.

Meanwhile, Athelhampton House Café will be selling snacks and hot drinks, though the house will be closed for full viewing, except the Great Hall.

Some of the Garden will also be open, so visitors will be able to explore and enjoy the late autumn and early winter colours.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.

n For more details on the Winter Food Fair - and to book tickets from £5 - visit althelhampton.com/events.

people who make, bake, brew, cook, farm, fish, sew,

THE CRICKETERS

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the impressive roadside pub in the picturesque village of Shroton. Here at The Cricketers, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand.

Situated at the foot of Hambledon Hill, home of an Iron Age hill fort, and just off the Wessex Ridgeway footpath, a right of way passes right through our garden, making it a delightful spot for walkers to rest and enjoy some well-earned refreshments!

Here at the Cricketers, we see ourselves as being a real village pub – delicious food, a great selection of drinks and the warmest of welcomes. Well behaved dogs welcome.

THE

SHIP INN

Authentic pub, cask ales, a true local.

Welcoming to all for a good pint and a chat. A visit is a must!

01747 830221

thebenettarms@gmail.com | thebenettarms-semley.co.uk Semley, Shaftesbury, Wiltshire SP7 9AS 10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT EVERY

•

More Dorset dates

SEPTEMBER 19

Sherborne Farmers’ Market

From Farm, Sea and Plot to Table: Whether its fresh fish, veggies, cheese, bread, wine, beer or cakes. It’s made, grown, fished, farmed, brewed and baked by the same person selling it to you.

Runs on the third Friday of each month in Cheap Street, from 9am to 1pm.

SEPTEMBER 27

Poundbury Farmers’ Market

At Poundbury market you can find plenty of fresh local produce including quality meat, bakers, fruiter (autumn/winter), preserves, sauces, fishmonger, cheese stands, plus guest stallholders.

Runs on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm, outside Waitrose.

Living Food with Daphne Lambert-Hands

A hands-on food & nutrition day workshop, including a three-course, plant-based lunch.

Join Daphne Lambert, an expert in living seasonal foods and nutrition, for a day in the idyllic setting of Happy River Retreat, in Wareham Forest.

Learn how to enliven your diet with more vibrant, seasonal plant foods for optimal health and enjoyment.

In this one-day workshop, engaging all the senses, you’ll learn how to harness the power of the edible plant kingdom for thriving health: for you and the planet.

Artisan chocolatier creating handcrafted chocolates, chocolate bars and chocolate gifts.

ChocolateArthouse.co.uk

Please see our portfolio pages on our website for more examples of our work or contact us:

Come and visit our shop! Next door to our Shaftesbury shop is Cranbornes Toys.

Stoney Farm, Bishop’s Caundle, Sherborne, DT9 5ND

Buy DORSET

for your diary...

Price: £125 including a three course plant based lunch.

Happy River Retreat, Bere Road, Wareham, BH20 7PA. Call 01929 556389.

OCTOBER 12

Pop-up Mushroom Morning, with Andy Knott

Join Andy Knott, founder of Jurassic coast mushrooms and one of Dorset’s most knowledgeable and passionate expert fungi foragers, as he finds some amazing specimens on a fascinating walk.

Begin your adventure from the beautiful tree-encircled slice of woodland paradise that is Happy River Retreat, out through wider Wareham Forest to spot and gather mushrooms of the season, talking you through them as you go.

With bulging baskets, you’ll return to the Happy River barn for a hot drink and treat to enjoy while Andy guides you through an identification table of your collected treasures

Adults: £30, Family £55 (two adults, two children). Happy River Retreat, Wareham.

OLD SCHOOL GALLERY CAFE

10% off for dining in or collection orders over £30 on Tuesdays with this advert. Artisan Neopolitan Homemade Pizzas Homemade Pasta Dishes Authentic Italian Desserts

Fully licensed to serve alcohol Gluten free, Vegetarian and Vegan options available.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30-9:00pm Last orders 8.30pm

Check our Facebook page to see why our customers like our Pizza’s and Pasta: @Nonna Amalia’s 4

info@oldschoolgallerycafe.co.uk www.oldschoolgallerycafe.co.uk

Dorset Blue Vinny

A Genuine Farmhouse Cheese

Available direct from the farm from our vending machines which are stocked full of local produce including our own chutney, rice pudding, soup, eggs and of course cheese!

OPEN EARLY TO LATE 7 DAYS A WEEK

Visit the farm or order on our website today at: www.dorsetblue.co.uk

01963 23133

info@dorsetblue.co.uk

Woodbridge Farm, Stock Gaylard, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2BD

2-6pm

Thursday 10am to 5pm Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 5pm

10% OFF IN STORE WITH THIS VOUCHER

Spring Farm, Bradford Lane, Longburton Dorset www.twistedcider.co.uk/events

Welcome to

Motcombe Community Shop

Proud to serve our community

Motcombe’s very own community owned shop with Post Office offering fresh and local produce, along with daily newspapers, gifts, cards and so much more.

Walk this way & shop local first!

Tea Chest

Open 10-4 Tuesday-Sunday.

A

beautiful tea room based at Mangerton Mill by the lake serving breakfasts, lunches & cream teas.

01308 281546 | Jomcbrewer@aol.com

Mangerton Mill, Bridport DT6 3SG

Fabric and Haberdashery Shop at our home in Corfe Mullen and online

We are a family run fabric and haberdashery shop selling quilting/dressmaking/bag making fabrics, we also stock haberdashery and bag making patterns/supplies. Brands stocked include - Liberty, Moda, Riley Blake, Robert Kauffman, Tula Pink, Makower, ByAnnies, Noodlehead, Prym, Sewline, Vlieseline, Pellon and many more.

Our shop is on the side of our house at 50 Roman Road, Corfe Mullen. BH18 9DN.

SOLID ROUND PINE TABLE

42ins vgc £150 plus small free pine chest 01963-210607

HOUSE CLEARANCE. Help yourself to all sorts of items. Near Sherborne. 01963-23477.

TYROS 4 YAMAHA STAND/ speakers 3 foot peddles, stool, hand-book. £850. ONO. Tel: 07788-782860

CLASSIFIED ADS

PIANO ACCORDION, 48 Bass, £130. Tel: 01258-820908

AXMINSTER FLOOR

STANDING lathe, chisels etc

£400.00, ELU 1751 24” cross cut saw & stand. £400.00, Dovetail jig £80.00 Photos available 07811-129022

MIGHTY MAC, LEAF

VACUUM/MULCHER, 9hp. Almost new condition. £500. Tel: 01747-828036

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

TRIAL MOTORCYCLE HELMET

- Hebo T-Zero. Size M-57/58, red/ white/black. Barely used, as new - £30. Tel: 07400-620070

INTERNAL STANDARD DOOR

£15. 07791-847767

IKEA WOODEN BAR STOOL

Excellent condition £10. 07960 914925 Tisbury

CHINA COLLIE & ST BERNARD, 7” long, £4. each. Tel: 01963-350118

WIESE MOTORBIKE TROUSERS. Waterproof, padded, black, Size XL. New. £20. Tel: 0781-4401027

UPVC HALF GLAZED DOOR and frame. door 78”x29” frame 81”x33” approx. £50. 07807-971670.

GENTS DAWES BICYCLE SHIMANO 21 gears. Immaculate, as new. £50. 01258-473881

1 PAIR OF BROWN LEATHER club chairs, comfortable, good condition £45 tel 07818-345464

2 IKEA DOUBLE BED slatted base, never used £20 Tel 07818-345464

STATESMAN CHEST FREEZER. 730 mm Wide 523 mm Depth 850 mm High. Freezing capacity 146 Ltr.Good condition. £50. Tel: 01747 832287 or 07522 610877

PINE CHEST OF DRAWERS. H:21” W:18.5” D:17.5” £25. Tel: 07771-349263

WHEELCHAIR FOR SALE, little used includes cushion and belt. £50 . Call 07790 243989

WHEELED COMMODE, Shower Chair, foldable footrest. Very good clean condition. £30 ono. Tel. 07752-089828 (Shillingstone area)

G PLAN 3 SEATER SOFA

CHENILLE FABRIC LIGHT

BEIGE £50.TEL 01985 845211

WORKSTATION DESK for Homeworker or student 113cm x 67cm 4 storage shelves £10 07960 914925

SONY BRAVIA 32” TV.

Excellent working condition. £50. Buyer collects. Tel. 01258 817226

VINTAGE DIANE TEA SET by Wade - 6 cups/saucers/plates, white and blue/grey colour. Japanese porcelain from 1970s. Unused (unwanted gift) - one cup has small chip near handle from moving house(!), otherwise immaculate condition. £15. Tel: 07971 607386

DYSON, DC15 The ball, telescope reach, animal. with tools. £45. 0772 1678 777

48 COPIES OF AUTOMOBILE

MAGAZINE 2021- 2025 vgc £20

Buyer collects 01963 359463 Castle Cary

KARCHER PRESSURE WASHER £25 GOW unwanted. Tel: 07931-177614

FISHING EQUIPMENT. 1 x

Leeda Carp Power 12ft rod 3 x Shimano Hyperloop 12ft rods. 2 x Okuma Power Liners (PL 600 & 860) & 1 x Okuma Interceptor IBF 50. All in good condition. £50. 01460-929580

MENS BLOUSON TAN

LEATHER JACKET. Size L. Ex.condition. Hardly worn. Cost: £150. Will accept £35. Tel: 01963-31930

36 MTRS of 6” DOUBLE FACED skirting boards. £45. (also other timber) Tel: 01747-840835

BLACK DINNER SUIT, Jacket

48L reg fit, trousers 40W x 33L. vgc £25. Blandford call 07767-622159

ROBUST OR STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE. No stand. Best offer up to £50 secures. Collection only. 01963-32535

DAEWOO SPOT & UPHOLSTERY WASHER, as new. Includes carpet shampoo. £20.Shaftesbury 01747-852494

BRAND NEW ROLLATOR £40. Tel 01258-450271

GILLINGHAM BOWLING CLUB shirts x 3, white jumper, water proof jacket all 2xl £20 good condition. Tel: 07890-207391

TWO FEEDING STATIONS, 4 luxury bird feeders,2 large fat ball feeders, 1 container full of fat balls. £50. 07709-121099

DAYS TRIWALKER, easy fold and lightweight. £35 (collect). 01747-812457

BRABANTIA IRONING BOARD

124cm long x 38cm wide, adjustable height, space needed, in excellent condition £40, Tel 01305 849539

7 SOMESET REBELS SPEEDWAY programmes. £10. Large collection Army bands and LP’s. Will split as required, £2. each. Tel: 07873-309713

HOT TUB PARTS. Electric Motor/Filtration Unit plus other unit. Bought/Connected Unused due to house move, £50.00. Tel:07721 585588

AGAPANTHUS (2) big plants in pots, need winter protection. £25. OO pair, buyer collects. W. Whitechurch. 07704-574835

LIGHT OAK EXTENDING TABLE and 4 chairs. Like New. £50. Tel:01258-452118

VAX BLADE 3 CORDLESS VACUUM cleaner (unused). Buyer collects (Sherborne) £40. 01935-815648.

PLYWOOD, as New, Two Sheets of 19 mm at 2440 X 1220mm, only £50. or £30 each Collect from Gillingham, T: 01 747-82440.

LOVE SIX STRING GUITAR , exc . Cond. cost over £100 absolute bargain £30, Tel: 01747-822422

BLACK & DECKER ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER £15.00. 01747-860645. Mere

GENTLEMAN looking for a slim lady partner. Text or call: 07754-232184

WANTED: Ride-on mower model Lawn Flite MTD 548. 01258-857865.

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

Wordsearch

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Brain chain (hard version)

£60,000 social housing salary limit

WE have been told by the Liberal Democrats since they won the council in 2024 that the financial situation necessitates hard decisions on council expenditure.

That is why they have cut the highways budget – money set aside to fill potholes, among other things – in real terms, and why allegedly they have proposed that Dorset moves to a booking system at our recycling centres – although this reasoning has always seemed suspect.

Yet at the same time, the Liberal Democrats are now proposing that people earning up to £60,000 a year should be eligible for social housing, provided they meet other criteria.

In other words, someone on the median income of £32,000 in Dorset could be subsidising the housing costs through the council tax of people earning twice as much.

There is a balance to be struck between generosity and fairness to taxpayers in our social housing system.

This clearly gets the balance wrong.

And at a time where tough decisions are having to be made on council finances – and when the Liberal Democrats are putting council tax up – we simply cannot justify subsidising those on high annual incomes.

But this is not just about being responsible with council taxpayers’ money.

It is also about making sure we get support to the neediest and the most vulnerable in our county.

By having such a high salary threshold for social housing eligibility, we are in practice elongating the list for social housing and deprioritising those in real need, who then have to wait longer to get support.

Local authorities should be a safety net – a proper safety net for those who most need it. They should not be a housing

provider of first resort.

That is why I and the Dorset Conservatives are calling for the threshold to be reduced.

The Liberal Democrats will no doubt point to precedents in other authorities or indeed the previous situation in our own.

But it is they who have now been in control of the council’s finances for over a year and who need to get serious about controlling spending and reducing the burden on council taxpayers.

We are a relatively affluent and very generous county.

We have strong services and a great record on the environment and recycling thanks to the previous Conservative administration.

But we need to do much more to support those hardworking households on average incomes in Dorset. Putting up their taxes to pay for people earning vastly more than them is unjust.

The consultation on this earning threshold in Dorset’s Housing Allocation Policy closed on August 26.

I will now be advocating for a reduced earnings threshold at every available opportunity.

Cllr James Vitali

Stalbridge and Marnhull Ward

Same old, same old on High Street

I NOTE that Gillingham Town Council has welcomed two new businesses to the town recently – an estate agency and a hair and beauty shop.

If anyone were to visit Gillingham they would think we spend our time eating – either takeaway, eating out or shopping from the many supermarkets; having our hair/ nails/other parts of the body beautified; or buying and selling houses.

With all the new estates being built, surely it’s time for the local council to try and attract new interesting and

diverse businesses instead of the same old, same old.

And on the same subject, the town council seems to have money to waste.

Why did we need a signpost in Shiresgate directing us to the community orchard – you can see it from the signpost –Colesbrook Ford and Frog Hollow, neither of which I would call an attraction, while roads in and around town are neglected with weeds growing everywhere.

If it wants people to move to the town then there has to be more to attract them than the unkempt high street with its empty shops and – mostly –uninspiring businesses.

Mrs S Smith Gillingham

No to more local government

WE should pay urgent attention to Colin Winder’s letter – New Blackmore Vale, August 15.

Having been associated with local government for some years, he knows what he is writing about.

Every new or proposed level of government is paid for by the unfortunate council taxpayer, which results in him or her receiving less actual benefit.

Currently the new council covering South Somerset says it has no money, yet it is paying huge salaries to some staff and consultants.

In Wincanton, where Colin Winder resides, I believe the town council does the best it can, with very limited resources, to try and maintain the best minimum standard.

If yet another intervening level of government is interposed, there will be even less for the residents.

Many local small towns have similarly suffered.

Remember Wincanton in 1939 or even 1945 – perhaps you cannot.

Recall the main street just 20 years ago and look at it now.

Note the elderly struggling to get to the few remaining shops. No new Mayor is going to help them.

Michael Tarrant Wincanton

Lack of ‘bonhomie’ between councils

THE opening page of the Castle Cary and Ansford magazine flags up the friction that exists between the town and parish councils.

How ironic it is therefore that Castle Cary Town Council is embarking on a £1million Pither Pavilion fundraising scheme to build the ninth ‘rentable’ public hall within the two administrations with the clearly stated intention that ‘our community’ can get together socially.

It is a great shame that this ‘bonhomie’ is so resolutely absent at council level.

Dorian Wood Castle Cary

Hardy’s novels and road names

TRAVELLING out of Blandford on Salisbury Road, as you approach the bypass, on the left is a housing estate based around a small group of roads which, those of you with some knowledge of Thomas Hardy may realise, are named after the names by which Hardy referred to local Dorset towns in his novels.

These are Sandbourne Avenue (Bournemouth), Mellstock Close (Stinsford and Higher & Lower Bockhampton), Casterbridge Close (Dorchester), Wetherbury Close (Puddletown) and Shottesford Avenue (Blandford).

I believe that, on the street signs, the last two have been spelt incorrectly.

I am under the impression that Wetherbury should correctly be spelt Weatherbury, with an ‘a’, and that Shottesford should correctly be spelt

without the ‘e’, as in Shottsford. This erroneous misspelling of Shottesford, which includes an ‘e’, has also crept into Blandford Forum’s Wikipedia entry and onto Dorset Council’s Archive-Catalogue website.

In Far from the Madding Crowd (Chapter VI) we are told that Shottsford is: “Ten miles t’other side of Weatherbury.”

In The Woodlanders (Chapter IV) we see that Mr Bawtree says: “Well, Shottsford is Shottsford still” and In Chapter XXXIV we read: “Mrs Melbury has gone on a visit to an acquaintance at ShottsfordForum three days earlier.”

So, on examining the text of a couple of Thomas Hardy’s novels it appears that he referred to Puddletown as ‘Weatherbury’, with an ‘a’, and Blandford Forum as both ‘Shottsford’ and ‘ShottsfordForum’, neither of which include an ‘e’.

Chris Hinchcliffe Blandford Forum

Reform flyer:

Join the dots…

OUR household, like many others across North Dorset, received a promotional flyer from Reform 2025 Ltd on the eve of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The flyer, promoted by North Dorset Reform UK and based in a London SW1 address, was delivered by a loyal supporter to promote the party’s agenda of lies and misinformation.

It did not take me long to cut through the narrative of the alarmist figures quoted in bold, that 1.2million people came to the UK illegally in 2023.

A quick Google search reveals the 1.2million figure derives from the Pew Research Centre, which says that there were between 800,000 and 1.2million illegal immigrants, the upper figure having been chosen to make a point. How convenient that I can fact check the data so easily. It is almost as if it has been set up. And guess what? The Pew Research Centre is funded by

the Pew family’s Pew Charitable Trust, the wealthy US family having a fortune derived from big oil interests – the Sun Oil Company, SUNOCO.

Apart from the figures inflaming the divisive hatred surrounding the migration of people into this country, the flyer goes on to express other policy issues, including the scrapping of Net Zero initiatives, falsely claiming that would drive growth and innovation.

As I write this on a Bank Holiday Monday, the garden thermometer reads 27C at midday, cool by comparison to other days earlier in the summer. The grass is parched to a sandy brown colour.

The complete denial of the climate catastrophe that is upon us will only make migration matters worse.

If you think we have a problem now, let’s have another couple of decades of unmitigated climate breakdown and the small number of poor souls who seek refuge here today will seem insignificant in number compared to what lies ahead.

For now, can we just start joining the dots? The oil wealth funding ‘fact tanks’ producing data that’s being used to fuel a pop-up political party’s narrative that distracts us from the status quo so that it can be business as usual for the super-rich.

And if you’re seriously thinking of voting Reform in 2029, please look across the Atlantic to see how the success of this type of agenda is playing out. It is simply terrifying.

Charles Ellis Blandford Forum

No shame in pride in the flag

I HAVE read with interest the views and opinion of the ‘Leader’ of Dorset County Council.

I must thank him so very much for galvanising unintentionally the views of

others against his opinion.

In a single message he has managed to alienate himself from reality, that most people in Britain regardless of ethnicity and culture love this country.

He has made it abundantly clear in my opinion that it is ‘His’ language which is not only divisive, but I find very corrosive.

Is this to be the Liberal Democrat view on those who hoist the flag with pride?

I have travelled worldwide and know of no other country where flying the nation’s flag is so maligned.

He demonstrates a totally disloyal respect for King and Country where so many of our Armed Forces have protected his right to dribble his opinion.

I believe the ‘Leader’ should apologise to all those who hold this country dear to their hearts.

Tim Craven Hartgrove

Music and art festival postscript

“WELL, we did it. Again. You have all been as great a team as ever,” were Jennifer Malyon’s words to all the volunteers who put in all the hard work to bring together a pitch perfect Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art 2025.

Jennifer, as chair of the organising committee, now knows that all the efforts put in since last January were well worthwhile – largely sold out concerts; a fantastic turnout for the picnic lunch on a beautiful

sunny day in the rectory gardens after the Tuesday concert, which featured a 10-year-old piano virtuoso playing; a terrific jazz evening; the most moving performance of Wagner’s Vorspiel and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, prefaced by an outstanding whirlwind of a synopsis of the opera’s plot by David Juritz, the festival’s artistic director, for those not familiar with the Wagner storyline.

The sounds of Henry Wood’s British Sea Songs at lunchtime might have made some think they were hearing the Last Night of the Proms, while the Gala Concert performed by the full Festival Orchestra – sold out weeks before – fulfilled the public’s expectation of being a concert not to be missed.

Moreover, the screens put up this year for the first time to improve viewing from St Mary’s south side and from behind the stage received largely positive reviews.

No wonder Jennifer told all volunteers to pat themselves on the back for bringing this outstanding week of music, performed by internationally acclaimed musicians in a West Dorset village, to life.

Not to fail also to thank all those who bought tickets to support this wonderful outpouring of music of all genres close to home.

She hopes next year’s festival will garner as much support as this one’s.

A sold out picnic lunch after the concert in Rectory Gardens at the Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art

Laura Nottingham Via email

Church

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

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

• Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury: Sundays –services at 10.30am. Second Sunday of the month, All Age Service. Everyone welcome.

• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday Fellowship – weekly, 2.30pm-3.30pm, everyone welcome, term times only. Tuesday – Footprints, an activities playtime for preschool children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm, term times only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689 for more information.

• Castleton, Sherborne, St Mary Magdalene (DT9 3SA): First, third and fourth Sundays, Sung Mattins; second and fifth Sundays, Holy Communion. All services are BCP at 11.15am.

• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday. Sunday service at 10.30am. Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper. 31st anniversary concert in aid of Save the Children, Friday September 12, 7pm. Seven choral scholars and an organ scholar from St John’s College, Cambridge. Tickets from Winstone’s Book Shop – cash only – adult £20, student £10. Taizé Service: The next service is on Sunday, September 14.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: The Mothers’ Union in Argentine: A Powerpoint presentation by Shelley Stokes on Friday, September 26, in the Griffiths Room.

• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

• Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.

• Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.

• Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.

• Milton-on-Stour Church: Hell-Ship to Hiroshima, a talk by Air Commodore Martin Sharp MA OBE (RAF retired) about his father’s experience as a Japanese prisoner from 1942-45, Friday, October 10, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Free entry but donations requested to help church running costs. Refreshments and raffle, parking in school alongside.

• Our Lady of Lourdes & Saint Cecilia, Blandford: Sunday, 9am Holy Mass; Monday/ Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday, 9.10am Morning Prayers, 9.30am Holy Mass; Tuesday, 6.10pm Evening Prayers, 6.30pm Holy Mass; Saturday, 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament/ Confessions; 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday.

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from

10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.

• Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Recitals will resume on Monday, September 8, at 1.30pm.

• Sherborne Quakers: One hour of silent prayer or meditation every Sunday at 10.30am at Raleigh Hall, Digby Road DT9 3NL. Everyone welcome. Contact Nick Jackman at sherbornequakers@ gmail.com

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.

• St James’ Church, Shaftesbury: Organ recital by Stephen Binnington, Sunday, September 28, 3pm. Varied programme. Donations appreciated for church funds.

• St John’s Church, Enmore Green: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.

• St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0AZ: Alternating first Sundays Mattins and Holy Communion, 11.15am. Everyone welcome.

• St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and

fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm.

• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion.

• St Mary & St Bartholomew’s Church, Cranborne: Book of Common Prayer Evensong with the Benefice Choir, first Sunday of the month at 6pm.

• St Mary’s, Beaminster: Jazz concert with the John Maddocks Jazzmen on Saturday, October 4, at 7.30pm, in aid of the church. Tickets, from Bridport Tourist Office, are £15 (£3 under-16s).

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

• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second Sunday, Holy Communion 11am; third Sunday, Evensong 6pm; fourth Sunday, Matins 11am.

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, September 14 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston; 4pm Evensong at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall. Sunday, September 21 – 9.30am Harvest Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 10.45am Family Harvest Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Family Service at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. • West Camel Independent Methodists: Meet at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Contact: Geoff.mead@yahoo.com or phone 01935 850838.

• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.

Stunning church restored to glory

A SLEEPY Vale village is home to rare wall paintings by Great Exhibition artist Owen Jones.

Thanks to National Lottery funding, a team of volunteers have overseen the restoration of probably the most important surviving and complete example of Victorian polychromatic wall decorations.

St Bartholomew’s church in sleepy little Sutton Waldron is awash with intricate and unique red, blue and gold decorative artwork, which was the inspiration for Owen Jones’s later Great Exhibition interiors.

Owen Jones (1809-1874) was profoundly influential on Victorian decoration. In 1851, he designed the painted decoration of the Crystal Palace. Jones’s most important publication was The Grammar of Ornament (1856), a compendium of colours and ornament from all the historic civilisations of the world. He was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal in 1857.

Home for Jones was Argyll Place in London, where one of his neighbours was a church architect named George Alexander. Meanwhile, back in Sutton Waldron…

The rector of St Bartholomew’s was Canon Huxtable, who had a very wealthy wife, Maria. With his wife’s money, Canon Huxtable knocked down the village’s small Saxon church and commissioned George Alexander to build a new one.

Alexander and Jones hatched a plan,

Heritage open day

VISITORS are being invited to St Andrew’s church in Okeford Fitzpaine as part of the Heritage Open Days event.

The church was transformed into a vibrant community space in a decade-long project and reopened in May with a visiting triptych by artist Anne Grebby called Enfleshed Word

Visitors are invited to learn about this large interpretation of Christ’s baptism, which adorns the west baptistery until the end of September.

They will also be able to hear stories of scandal and smuggling, stained glass and seating.

Meanwhile, Benefice by Bike offers a guided cycle tour of neighbouring churches in the Okeford Benefice.

Participants can choose morning or afternoon, a short ride or longer loop, but all end back at St Andrew’s for tea and cake at the new servery.

Rides need to be pre-booked.

Benefice by Bike coincides with Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s (DHCT) Ride and Stride event, and riders are invited to bring their bikes and make a donation on the day or at www.justgiving.com/page/okefordfitzpaineandrewdgbv05

All funds raised and donations made during Heritage Open Days from September 12-21 will go to DHCT.

whereby Jones would have an opportunity to trial his new designs prior to using them for the Great Exhibition. For good measure, they also incorporated floor tiles designed by their friend Augustus Pugin.

To celebrate the completion of the restoration, there will be a weekend of events at the church.

On Friday, September 26, a concert will provide a musical interpretation the life of Owen Jones, with performances by the Dorset String Quartet, John Edwards and Rachel Kerensa. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Booking is essential. Email admin@owenjonessuttonwaldron.org

On Saturday, September 27, from 10.30am-12pm art activities will be available for children. From 1pm-5pm examples of original Owen Jones designs will be on display. And from 2.30pm-5pm Dr Ailsa Boyd, Philip Emery and Caroline Dakers will be leading themed talks.

A church service on Sunday, September 28, at 6pm will be led by the Bishop of Sherborne. Everyone is invited to attend in Victorian costume.

From October, the church will be open every day to visitors from 10am to 4pm.

A music feast of uplifting concerts

ST GREGORY’S Church in Marnhull will be welcoming organist David Bednall for an afternoon of music.

One of the leading choral composers of his generation, David is choral director at Clifton Cathedral, an organist of St John the Evangelist, Bath, and director of Bristol Bach Choir, Bristol Chamber Choir and Chew Valley Choral Society.

In a career that spans time at Wells Cathedral, Bristol Cathedral, Queens College, Oxford, Gloucester Cathedral and performances at NotreDame, a highlight must be appearing as stunt-organist on BBC TV’s Dr Who!

You can hear David from 3pm on Sunday, September, 21, at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull (DT10 1PZ).

Then, at 7pm on Monday, September 22, St Gregory’s

church will host the girls of Salisbury Cathedral Choir, who will be performing a concert entitled ‘A Concert of Sacred Music’.

The music will be directed by David Halls and John Challenger will be on the organ.

The choir will be singing music by Gibbons, Weelkes, Mozart, JS Bach, Rutter, Elgar, Mendelssohn, Lloyd, Goodall and Parry. Admission to both these concerts is free, but donations in aid of church funds will be welcomed. Refreshments will be provided following the concert.

Further details of both concerts can be obtained by calling organist and concert organiser Gordon Amery on 07817 379006 or from the church’s Music at St Greg’s Facebook page.

Bill is deeply personal to me

BY the time you read this, I will have stood up in Parliament to present my very first Ten Minute Rule Bill – calling for universal screening for dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence in primary schools. As I write, I don’t yet know the outcome of the vote, but whatever happens, it has been important to use my platform as your MP to raise an issue that is so personal to me, and so vital for thousands of children and families.

Growing up with severe dyslexia and ADHD, I did not receive the help I needed at school. Instead, I was often labelled as ‘naughty’ or lazy. I can still remember the humiliation of being singled out in class when I had to take ADHD medication. Those early experiences left me feeling different, and too often left behind.

many children today, though, are still missing out because their needs are never properly identified.

Over time I came to understand that my brain just works differently. Yes, dyslexia and ADHD bring challenges, but they also bring creativity, determination and new ways of looking at the world. These are strengths that deserve recognition and support. Too

1976 and all that...

FIRST came the global financial crisis 17 years ago. That forced the Bank of England to print money and the Government to spend it and seems to have killed productivity growth. But at least inflation and interest rates were practically zero and by the end of that decade the books were balancing.

Then in two short years, a global pandemic and the worst war in Europe since 1945 spiked energy prices and with it, inflation, interest rates, and the cost of living. Had we not cut our cloth early in the last government, it would have been very difficult to keep households and businesses afloat without the situation we now find ourselves in being impossibly bad. The UK, not poor old France, would have likely been top of the IMF’s at-risk register.

We have been here before, when an indebted state in an inflationary economy was hit by an energy shock, eventually forcing a Labour chancellor to

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

go cap-in-hand to the IMF for a bailout after a record hot summer. That was Denis Healey in 1976. But the way things are going, in this year of another record hot summer with another Labour chancellor in Number 11, it could happen again once the IMF has sorted out our even sicker continental neighbour. The underlying problem is

That is why universal screening is so important. At the moment, whether a child is diagnosed can come down to luck – whether parents can afford private assessments, or whether a teacher happens to spot the signs. This creates a postcode lottery where some children get help early, and others are left to struggle. That is not fair, and it is not good enough.

My Bill calls for every child

demands on the welfare state growing faster than the supply of money to pay for it. We have always relied on economic growth to bring in the tax revenue to bankroll welfare. But now we are stagnant and highly vulnerable to external shocks. We are, in short, living beyond our means. Taxing those perceived as rich may scratch an ideological itch for the left but we know it won’t bring the cash that’s needed.

What’s worse, the population is ageing. When the State Pension was introduced 116 years ago, there were seven or eight workers for every pensioner. Today, there are just three. And in 2050, 25% of us will be 65 or older, compared to 18% today. Soon we simply will not have enough economically active folk to support people dependent on benefits.

We could like Mr Micawber simply rely on something turning up. Technology may be our salvation, for example, but

to be screened for dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence at primary school, so no one falls through the cracks. It also calls for proper training for teachers and fairer funding so that schools actually have the resources to provide support once needs are identified. Because this isn’t just about school. If a child’s needs go unnoticed, the effects can last a lifetime – from mental health to job opportunities, and even relationships. But with the right support in place, children with dyslexia and ADHD can thrive and succeed.

For me, bringing forward this Bill has been about making sure no child has to go through what I went through. Whatever the outcome in Parliament, I will continue to fight for early intervention, fairer support and a system that ensures no child is ever left behind.

don’t bet the farm on it.

The recent reshuffle suggests Sir Keir knows he must cut the welfare bill. Trouble is his backbenchers don’t – they sank his modest curbs to the ballooning welfare state in June. This Government is much too busy banning banter in the workplace with their misconceived Employment Rights Bill, a woke measure that is both creepy and antigrowth.

We must cut our cloth according to our means. That means giving the welfare state a serious haircut. Nobody pretends it will be easy or painless but either the government does it or the IMF will come in and do it for us.

Halfway up the stairs at Number Ten, portraits of Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan hang side by side. Some day Sir Kier will join them. For all our sakes, I hope he does so having avoided their 1976 tryst with the IMF.

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance

Adam Dance in the Commons PHOTO: House of Commons

PARLIAMENT’S six-week Summer Recess has ended and I have returned to the routine of being in London half of the week. Although not much fun for our farmers, the sunny summer weather meant I had the opportunity get to the beach some evenings and enjoy a swim or two with my family. I am always grateful for this time in the constituency and with my family, even if being back home doesn’t mean they get to see me as much as they’d like, as it is also a time to catch up on some of the work that being in London often denies me the chance to do.

I had meetings with Dorchester BID, Dorset Healthcare, Royal Mail, Access Wellbeing, the Woodland Trust, Sherborne Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Group, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Chief and the new chief executive of Dorset Council.

Visited Bridport Clothes Bank, Poundbury Nature Project, Hilfield Priory, three care homes, the Pineapple Estate near Bridport, Beaminster Museum, Fire Pot

That was the summer that was Consultants appointed to save cash

CASH-STRAPPED Somerset Council has appointed a consultant to help make savings - signing a contract worth up to £20 million.

The authority, which is struggling to fend off bankruptcy amid a funding gap of millions, says the appointment of Newton Consulting Ltd as a ‘Strategic Transformation Partner’ will help transform the council’s finances.

The council’s Executive has voted to appoint the firm for an initial phase of work costing up to £1.5m, with the total value of the contract - subject to further approvals - capped at £20m.

For every pound spent, the contract is set to return between £2.50 and £3, the authority said, as part of its best practice guidelines.

Now, Newton will be charged with working with council teams to “accelerate delivery of the Inspiring

Food, Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre, Dorset Downs Vineyard, Bagwell Farm Touring Park, among others.

I spent the day with South West Ambulance Service and visited Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

I was on an NFU panel at the Melplash Show. Held dozens of residents’ surgeries and went to more village fetes than I have space to list here.

I also continued holding my policy round table, most recently it was on help for West Dorset’s hospitality sector.

I also did a tour of some of the villages I haven’t had the chance to be to in a while and held residents’ Q&A sessions in the village hall to discuss their national and local concerns.

Over the summer I held meetings in Broadmayne, Martinstown, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Chetnole,

Innovation transformation programme” - an initiative aimed at cutting millions from council costs.

Somerset Council sys the programme is “the key next step” to tackle the self-declared financial emergency at the authority, aiming to “achieve savings while maintaining high-quality public services for Somerset residents”.

Cllr Theo Butt Philip, lead member for transformation, human resources and localities,

Thorncombe, Netherbury, Litton Cheney, Cheselbourne, Toller Porcurum and Stratton.

Each has been very well attended, and I’m grateful to everyone who came along to ask questions, give me a grilling, and tell me what matters to them.

With the new parliamentary term starting I was informed that since February I have written 760 questions to Ministers, and that only two MPs have written more.

According to separate analysis by Politico, once all activity –speeches, questions, Early Day Motions – is taken into account I am the fourth most active of the 335 new MPs elected in 2024.

The summer recess has certainly given me plenty more to work on now Parliament is back in session. It’s great to be back.

said: “We’re delighted to appoint Newton Consulting Ltd as our new Strategic Transformation Partner to help us drive forward our Inspiring Innovation programme.

“Like most councils, Somerset’s financial situation remains critical with costs and demand for services rising much faster than our ability to raise income.

“Although we have already found significant savings ourselves, including £34m

through restructuring, we now believe we need the input of external experts who have proven credentials in delivering the next level of change.

“By using a partnership approach rather than outsourcing, we keep control, stay focused on outcomes, and we upskill our staff. And importantly, there are clear expectations in terms of return on investment to ensure best value for taxpayers.”

In July, the council approved its Inspiring Innovation Transformation Plan, aiming to make savings by addressing five core areas: budget workstreams, change projects, transformation initiatives, culture and capability, and future direction.

It seeks to “modernise systems, drive financial discipline, adopt radical innovations, invest in leadership and digital skills, and set a long-term vision for a digitally enabled, agile council”.

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset Edward Morello

Politics

Time for a North Dorset College

THIS year has been a challenging one for local farmers.

The wettest winter since Noah was in maritime construction meant fields under water for huge periods of time, sown seeds rotting and newly sprung crops struggling to survive in paddy field conditions.

This was followed by the driest spring and a drought-hit summer meaning livestock farmers left short of pasture, leading to early feeding, silage making reduced and arable yields down.

What there is of it to harvest is now in and farmers and all of us who support them must pray for a more meteorologically balanced 2026.

All these pressures are not just felt by our food producers – they will be seen in our food bills as prices go up.

Inflation, already too high, will unfortunately tick upwards

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Simon Hoare

reducing disposable incomes and curtailing further reductions in interest rates.

However, against this depressing backdrop, harvest season allows me to say an enormous thank you to all our farmers who do so much for our local economy and playing an important part in food security.

Nitrate neutrality is an

important policy initiative. It will play an increasing role in water quality improvement. Farmers and landowners wish to play their part.

They have always seen their role as environmental and landscape custodians being an integral part of their job.

However, in conversations with local farmers, they have found advice and guidance, from among others the Environment Agency and water companies, sometimes slow, contradictory and disengaged.

The chopping and changing of farming policy, most notably the stop-start, handbrake turn approach to the Sustainable Farming Initiative, has far from helped.

So, I was pleased to raise the issue with the Secretary of State at DEFRA at Oral Questions when we returned from Recess.

I was pleased that the Secretary of State replied: “I agree with the point the hon. Gentleman makes. We are working with farmers and landowners to ensure they are getting the support that they need to take the kind of action that he talks about.”

I shall continue to monitor the situation and am happy to receive any thoughts from those involved.

Please email me at simon. hoare.mp@parliament.uk. Getting around rural North Dorset by public transport can be, shall we say, a challenge.

The Government’s Bus Services Bill returns soon to the Commons.

I am very pleased to be a signatory to an amendment tabled by the MP for Poole which would extend the fare price cap to students.

I have received a number of emails from students and their parents setting out the impact that high school transport costs have on family budgets.

It seems sensible to me to extend the price cap regime to cover students so that they do not become a too easy cash cow to milk.

I hope the Government will support this amendment. As I want to make access to learning and skills as wide and as easy as possible, I am pleased to be joining forces with local Conservative councillors in pressing for a new college to serve the growing needs of North Dorset.

Lots of our youngsters attend the excellent Yeovil and Salisbury colleges but, and especially with all the threatened new housing, now seems a good time to press for more local, easier to access, provision.

If we want our local businesses to grow and new ventures to set up, they need access to a skilled local workforce.

A North Dorset College would be really useful to helping to deliver it.

Trio of American family portraits with link to famous author

A RARE trio of mid-19th century American family portraits feature in Charterhouse’s picture auction later this month.

“While we regularly see and sell British portraits from the past few centuries, more often than not we sadly have no idea who the sitters are, but on this occasion, we know who the American sitters are, which makes great change,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

Painted in the manner of George Peter Alexander Healy,

a US artist (1808-94), the trio is made up of a portrait of Joel Henry Cooper; his wife, Perses Elizabeth Cooper; and his son, Henry Allen Cooper.

Joel Henry Cooper was related to James Fennimore Cooper, the author of such American romantic classics as The Last of The Mohicans and The Deerslayer

He was born in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, in 1822 and married Perses Elizabeth Allen on July 18, 1848, at Elk, Illinois, having one son and four daughters, Henry Allen,

SKYHAWK-1145P Parabolic Newtonian Reflector Telescope. £150. Tel. 07802-294445

Florence, Mary Elizabeth and Jeanette.

Henry Allen Cooper (18501931) was elected member of Congress for Wisconsin (1893-1919).

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of pictures,

maps and books on Thursday, September 25.

For valuations, help and advice on single items or complete collections, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse in Sherborne on 01935 812277 or email rb@ charterhouse-auction.com.

Henry Allen Cooper as a child with a favourite dog – the picture is estimated to sell for £400-600

1,000-plus lots in weekend auction

THE two-day Antiques and Collectables sale being held by Clarke’s Auctions in Gillingham this weekend features more than 1,000 interesting lots.

One item expected to do well on Saturday is a charming Edwardian Suffragette 9ct rose gold bracelet set with amethyst, peridot and pearls, the symbolic gemstones used in Suffragette jewellery to represent the colours of the movement. The bracelet is estimated to sell for £400-£600.

This

secretaire chest-on-chest and more modern pieces including a tapering Arts & Crafts open bookcase, a modern design R&Y Augousti Lily console table and Ercol dining tables, chairs, bookcases and a plate rack.

The sale starts at 10am both days for viewing and live bidding in the room.

A colour catalogue can be found at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com, and prospective buyers can register to bid live through either auction platform.

Acreman

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, are holding their Modern, 20thC & Fine Art Paintings Auction on Thursday, September 25 at 10am, General Antiques & Collectors at noon on Thursday, September 25 and Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, September 26 at 10am.

With record prices being achieved for gold and silver jewellery, it is very good time to consign.

We are also acheiving high prices for jewellery such as Georgian paste, antique amber beads and antique carved coral pieces.

A wonderful Georgian portrait miniature depicting a Royal Naval Officer, with a hair plait and seed pearl mourning decoration on the back, is attracting a lot of interest, as is another portrait miniature depicting the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II (reg 1806-37) in procession seated on an elephant. These are estimated to make £100-£200 and £30-£50.

Clarke’s is taking entries for all future sales and anyone who has anything they would like to enter or get advice about can call them to arrange a home visit or visit the salerooms in Gillingham.

The furniture section featuring more than 200 lots being sold on Saturday afternoon includes a late 18th century Irish oak dresser, a late 18th/early 19th century

Clarke’s Auctions

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th September

For probate or insurance valuations or full or part house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

Our jewellery specialists are very happy to assees any items you may be considering for auction free of charge.

The catalogue and bidding is available online through easyliveauction.com and thesaleroom.com.

We hold regular valuation days where you can bring in

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August

Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com A large 20th century carved chesnut and plaster figure of an albatross, 191cms wide by 120cms high.

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS Thursday 25th September 12 noon

SILVER & WATCHES Friday 26th September 10am

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales

e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectables

Estimate £500-£900. 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk www.clarkesauctions.co.uk

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF

63cm long 9ct gold curb link necklace is estimated to sell for £400 to £600

Advertiser’s announcement

sales programme

your items for our specialists to evaluate at 121, Acreman Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PH.

VALUATION DAYS (10am3pm):

Jewellery & Watches - Monday to Saturday

Silver & Obje’t D’artTuesdays & Saturdays

Toys & CollectablesWednesdays & Saturdays

Oriental & Asian - Thursdays & Saturdays

Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera - Fridays & Saturdays

Militaria - Fridays & Saturdays

Textiles & Fashion - Mondays & Saturdays

Paintings & Contemporary Art - Mondays & Saturdays

Alternatively, phone or email to make an appointment if you are unable to come in on the allocated days.

Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers, 121, Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

We are also happy to make house visits if required.

We are now accepting consignments for our upcoming sales. We are happy to advise you an anything that you may be considering for auction, you are welcome to email photographs to us - auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk - or alternatively bring your items in for us to take a look at. We are open Monday to Saturday 9am - 4pm.

We can take in from single items to complete collections. If you are downsizing or needing to deal with a whole house we are happy to help with advice or valuations and are able to arrange a full house clearance at competitive rates. If you have anything that you would like to consign contact Gill Norman on 01935 508764 or 07908333577 or email auction@acremanstreetantiques. co.uk.

Picture could make £10,000

DUKE’S Auctioneers is gearing up for two spectacular sales – the Autumn Auction and the Art & Design Post-1880 Auction.

The Autumn Auction is on Wednesday, October 15, and features an array of distinctive period examples including paintings, furniture, textiles, silver and an array of Baroque oils from an esteemed private collection.

crowns – no doubt commonplace in the age of its conception (163190). The vibrancy and quality of this 400-year-old work is striking.

A standout example is The Flower Festival by a follower of Abraham Brueghel, estimated at £5,000-£10,000.

The piece vividly portrays a wild village revelry, complete with music, dancing and flower

Art & Design Post-1880 is the following day, October 16, and includes a host of contemporary paintings, such as Strangford Lough by Frank McKelvey RHA, depicting a tranquil boat scene, estimated at £8,000-£15,000.

Printed catalogues will be available alongside fully illustrated online versions. More information on all upcoming auctions at www.dukes-auctions. com or on 01305 265080.

The Flower Festival is estimated at £5,000–£10,000 in Duke’s Autumn Auction

Home & Garden

Taking stock and looking forwards

by Sally Gregson

SEPTEMBER always seems more like the beginning of a new year than the end of summer, but this year, after months of drought and intense sunshine, it is good to remember that the cool, and it is hoped damp, winter is still to come. We gardeners are ever optimistic and any excuse to indulge in a little forward planning is welcome.

This year, more than ever, the prospect of rain, and lots of it, is well anticipated. This summer has proven whether we have done enough mulching and planted the right plants in the right place, in all, been modern, 21st century gardeners able to deal with weather extremes.

In the meantime, we can plan ahead – console ourselves with

bulbs fresh from the specialists, fat and ready to plant from October to November, and order a delivery of mulch – fibrous and moisture retentive to redeem our sun-dried, parched soils as soon as the rain arrives.

We perhaps should take stock of which plants we have lost, and whether it is right to replace them, or perhaps consider ordering more of those that survived this summer, always bearing in mind, however, that the next one could be as wet and cold as this one has been dry and hot.

Among those herbaceous perennials that do seem to have managed well in our Somerset clay soils are hardy geraniums and Alchemilla mollis – always a good combination; alliums, bearded irises and agapanthus

Foolproof bulb for colour after Christmas

by Sally Gregson

AS the spring bulb catalogues drop through the letterbox, it’s a very pleasant summer task to look through and choose bulbs for planting in the autumn. Checking out the details online often throws up new ‘musthaves’. It’s easy to get carried away.

Pots of spring bulbs make very acceptable Christmas presents for gardening friends and relatives. Or perhaps a more exotic plant. Potted hippeastrum, that we used to call amaryllis, have been developed over the years and some of the new forms are especially lovely. These will flower in glorious Technicolor

that love to perch on top of the border soil in the sun; and the peonies that gave a good show, albeit with buckets of water thrown on them from time to time.

Every gardener could list those that suffered – from drooping Phlox paniculata; tired, dusty thalictrum; and unhappy dahlias that needed gallons of water, all bravely trying to grow in heavy Somerset clay that had baked hard.

Those with light, dry sands

are in a far worse situation. For those gardens it might be time to consider growing quantities of self-sowing ‘volunteers’ to provide colour. Even in clay soils, the seedlings of Oenothera stricta Sulphurea, Nigella damascena Love in the Mist or that bright magenta little geranium G. Bill Wallis seem to power through hot adversity. All these could be sown in spring after the winter mulch has been spread in autumn. They will guarantee a flowery summer whatever the weather.

after Christmas, long before the spring bulbs are up and about. A good-sized hippeastrum bulb should produce more than one flower spike, and are so easy to grow, they are foolproof. The old favourites, H. Red Lion and H. Apple Blossom deserve their reputation, but there are many new varieties to choose from. For example, try H. Apricot Parfait with large soft apricotpink flowers with amber flares from a central green throat. It would certainly make a very welcome present at Christmastime.

Plant the bulb in a pot just slightly larger than the bulb itself, that is adequately drained. Position the bulb so its top third

remains exposed above the compost. Then water it in well initially, but be sparing thereafter while the bulbs start to grow.

Put it somewhere warm to start it off – a sunny, spare bedroom windowsill, for example. But once the flowerbuds start to arrive you can prolong the flowering by keeping it a bit cooler – about 18 centigrade is ideal, if possible.

Once the flower is over, cut

back the head, leaving the green stalk, and feed it every 10 days with a liquid fertiliser. If the plant is still in leaf by next September, stop the watering and feeding and allow it to die down and go dormant for a time.

Once the top starts to show a little green again, repot it, water and feed it again, and it will soon produce another dramatic flowerhead or three to cheer the coldest months of next year. Or the year after.

Agapanthus and alliums have coped well in a hot summer

Hippeastrum Red Lion ‘deserves its reputation’

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 416022

WELL ROTTED

HORSE MANURE

£60.00 a transit load. Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 / 07751 278363

HORSE MANURE, large amount, does not include any bedding. Buyer collects. Witham Friary. Tel: 07966-439383

PRECISION FENCING & GATES

• Installation • Repair • Maintenance

Feel free to give us a call on 07355-295534 or email at Precision-fencing@hotmail.com

ALL GARDEN WORK. All types of garden maintenance, improvements, tidy-ups and structural repairs. Qualified, insured and over 20 years experience. Call Jo on 07706417594, 01747-824484.

L.DAVIS AND SONS

Fencing, and garden design

Concrete bases, patios, gravel, garden clearance and much more.

We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458-241230 or 07950-261510

PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run

Business based in Shaftesbury, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size and Re-stuffing of feather cushions. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com.

GARDEN AND PLANTING DESIGN. Wildlife gardens and meadows. Expert gardening, plant care and advice. Extensive plant knowledge. Call Stephen and Claire at Manyberries 01963 441454. www.manyberries.co.uk

JAMES AYRES

DORSET TREE CARE

Specialist Tree Workers

All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waste carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129 / Mob: 07951 284639

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)

Spring Bulbs Available. Fruit Trees and Ornamental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Terracotta pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258-452513.

Home & Garden

HEDGE CUTTING AND LAWN MOWING SERVICES, Shaftesbury-Blandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130

Stockists of new Alko, Mountfield, Stiga, Weibang and Echo.

M & A J

2 SHORT DAY PER WEEK GARDENING JOB near Shaftesbury. Caring for a 2.5 acre charming and varied garden. Relevant experience required. Rosi 07540 893908.

Landscaping ~ Fencing ~ Walling ~ Patios/Steps ~ Concreting/Tarmac ~ Tree work ~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377 GUTTERS CLEARED

All

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

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Ash dieback specialist.

Fully insured and NPTC qualified.

Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872 970741

Call Will today on

01747 854517 or 07872 970741

Professional Experienced Reliable

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling.

Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Family run business since 1946

•

Tel: 01963 250005

Family run business since 1946

Mobile: 07976 934 252

Tel: 01963 250005

Mobile: 07976 934 252

Home & Garden

JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07936-498493

WANTED -

Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

GARDENING SERVICES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Lawn mowing, strimming, hedge cutting etc. Contact Billy 07849 571742

SMALL FENCING JOBS. New or repair. Special Low Rates for OAP’s. No VAT. Phone Phillip on 07716-207150

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER AND OPERATOR HIRE. Paddock,orchards and neglected area clearance 07432 773151

OUTDOORS

TREES R US DORSET Hedges, Patios, Turf & Fencing call Peter 07976-667130

LOGS

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING - Your local mobile service07760 469411

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

£200 transit load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250

GOOD QUALITY

SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale

Barn-stored Any size of load. If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773-254174

LOGS FOR SALE transit tipper load £260 Half transit tipper load £160 Dumpy bag £100 TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294

SEASONAL LOGS. Barn dry. Mainly Ash. 20 miles radius of Sherborne. Preferably evenings01935 815534.

LOGS R US

Tipper Load £200 Half Tipper Load £100 dumpy bag £90 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647

07495-892240

MAN WITH MICRODIGGER & 1.5TON DIGGER, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034 ASBESTOS REMOVAL

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

O’BRIEN WELDER & FABRICATOR

Local, friendly, family business. CAD drawings available on request. Contact Philip on: 07902 003573 obrienp307@gmail.com

Architectural Services

Local Services

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

G ROSE PLASTERING. For all your Plastering needs Experienced and reliable Phone Gavin 07766-243762

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076

G.S BUILDING & LANDSCAPING SERVICES.

Extensions, renovations, alterations, plastering, brick-work, block-work, stone-work and patios, fencing. NO VAT. Call Garry: 07933-921382

LR LANDSCAPING, Patios, Garden walls, Fencing. Call Luke: 07476-533581

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD.

All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

BAILEY & SUN LTD. Groundwork, man and machine hire. Footings, ditchings, driveways, new build, drainage, extensions plus lots more. Call for a quote. 07546-762236. sun@baileyandsun.co.uk.

ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com

T F PLANT

Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected. Small or large loads also bulk bag materials & small handy bags. Muck-away service of inert materials

JAYS CARPETS

FREE ESTIMATES

Open 7 days week

Supply/ﬁt Carpets Vinyls Underlay Gripper Doorbars Next Day Fitting Available Professional with over 20 years experience. www.jayscarpets.com 07790340846

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

Accredited installers of Wood burning & Multi fuel stoves, Chimney liners, twin wall flues, fireplace conversions, replacement hearths, chimney restoration & rebuilding, dealing with water ingress, cowlings, bird guards. Fully Insured, long term established. 01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

insuring a quality finish and not waiting for other tradesmen. Established reputable company with excellent reviews and vetted by checkatrade. Relining existing woodburners, all building work undertaken from plastering/rendering/demolition and fireplace alterations even exterior painting or chimney/roof leak fixing.

Call now for a free survey 07521647885

CHIMNEYS

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP

Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038

B.SNOOK CHIMNEYS, Brush, Vacuum, Sweep, Problem Chimney Solved, we also supply bird guards to chimney pots to keep out birds. Phone Donhead or leave message on answer machine: 01747-828904. Cover insurance 5million.

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS

registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

CHRIS THE SWEEP

Friendly and fully insured. Evening and weekend appointments available. 07725-112160

kin Nicely

SHINY STOVES

OVEN CLEANING

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc. Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

Martin Simmonds

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

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

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

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

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

COMPUTERS

/ Wi-Fi & TECH

Martin Simmonds

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Joseph Crocker Computers

Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices General computer and IT advice NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824 josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

FRIENDLY LOCAL EX BT TELECOM & WIFI ENGINEER. Apple specialist. Problems solved, fully insured & DBS checked. 35 years experience. Adrian 07799 105008

• 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.

M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07921-783296 / 01305-849380 PAUL WEST DECORATING SERVICES and wall-paper specialist. Also handyman. 35years experience. Free quotes. 07773-459168. paul.west945@gmail.com

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

PAUL SPILLER PAINTER & DECORATOR, Interior & Exterior. Est. 1984. 01258-471037. 07903-069556.

GARETH TANNER

G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com

Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570

and Carpentry

PEST CONTROL

IN MEMORY

David Nichols

A gathering to celebrate David’s life will be held at Henstridge Village Hall on Saturday 20th September from 11am

The memorial service will start at 12pm, but you are welcome to drop into the village hall until 2pm that day. Please RSVP by text to 07812-692435 or leave a message at 01963-363123

In loving memory of Alison Jane Caines

13th September 2024.

58 years forever young.

You were the light and sole of the party. You lived life to the full with a cheeky one always to hand. You were the rock of the family, the glue that held us all together. You were the constant laughter and smile. Your kindness, big heart and wicked sense of humour is missed. We will forever miss you, keep shining bright up there mum until we meet again.

Love you to the moon stars and beyond.

Your loving Husband Ian, Daughter Abbey and Son Bradley xxxx

THANK YOU

JOAN WEBB neé MILLARD

Thank you to those who attended Mums cremation, on 4th September 2025. A special thank you to Jo Chislett of Stuart Foster Funeral Services. We deeply appreciate your kind expression of sympathy in our time of great sorrow. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement

ADAMS Eileen

The family wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Yeovil District Hospital and the local doctors & nurses for all their kindness and care. We also thank relatives and friends for their kind cards and messages of sympathy, for their attendance at the service and for donations which are being gratefully received for St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, Wincanton or Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

c/o Mr. Harold F. Miles, funeral director, South Cadbury BA22 7ES. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks.

PUBLIC NOTICES

WINIFRED GEORGINA REES Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 13 Portman Drive, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HU, who died on 31/10/2024, must send written particulars to the address below by 13/11/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified

Susan Lacey c/o Farnfields Solicitors, 4 Church Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JT

Ref: SL/89873-1

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003

To whom it may concern:

I, Caroline Sharley, hereby give notice that I have applied to Somerset Council for a Premises Licence at Schimmel Hardware, Fore Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BG. The application is to enable the sale of alcohol off the premises during Monday –Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm. Any person wishing to make a representation in relation to this application must do so in writing to by Friday 26 September 2025 and send it to; Somerset Council, Licensing, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. Representations may be made for 28 consecutive days from the date of this notice.A copy of the application for the grant of the above licence is available on their website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-andlicences/ licensing/recent-licence-applications/ Alternatively, a copy is kept by; The Licensing Unit, Somerset Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. The application can be viewed Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Not including bank holidays. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for making a false statement is level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited amount).

Caroline Sharley. Dated: 30 August 2025.

DEATHS

Arthur Duddridge

of Marnhull, aged 101 years, died peacefully at Newstone House Care Home on August 19th 2025. Arthur will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral service at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull, on Monday 22nd September at 11am. Donations if desired to St Gregory’s Church. Everyone is welcome.

Valerie (Val) Joy Maddock

Died peacefully after a short illness on the 21st August 2025 at Dorchester County Hospital aged 80 years. Will be greatly missed by her husband Michael, their children Michelle, Stuart and Kieron and her seven grandchildren. The family wish to thank all those that have sent condolences.

DEATHS

EDWARD GEORGE FISH 1937 - 2025

Ed, husband to the late Sybil Fish, passed away peacefully in Hospital on Saturday 16th August 2025. Funeral to take place on Monday 22nd September 2025, 11.00am at Poole Crematorium.

Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ed, for the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk (Via the Much Loved Link) or cheques payable to the charity may be sent, c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

MOORE

ALISON JANE

Formerly of Shillingstone, passed away 11th August in Exeter. A much loved Daughter to Bernard and the late Susan Moore. Sister to Sarah and Steven, Aunty to Jordan, much loved partner to Steve. Memorial service at Exeter Crematorium, 16th September at 2.30pm, EX2-6EU. Burial service at Winterborne Stickland Church on 17th September at 1pm, DT11-0NT

CARNE BARBARA MARY

Aged 94 years of Sherborne, formerly of Wincanton, On 24th August 2025, Peacefully at Abbey View Nursing Home, Sherborne, A much loved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend. Funeral service has taken place, Donations in memory of Barbara are being invited for The R.N.L.I, C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22-7ES. Tel: 01963-440367

FORD David William

Peacefully on 22nd August 2025 at home aged 80 years. Much loved partner of Caroline, father to Clare, Lee and Alex, and grandad to Taylor, Emily, Henri, Grace, James, Finley, Otis, Ivy, Autumn, and Dexter. Lifelong Dorset Farmer. He will be sadly missed. David’s Funeral Service will take place at St Mary’s Church, Puddletown on Wednesday, 17th September at 12 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of David can be made to Weldmar Hospicecare, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance or Cancer Research UK, online at www.grassbyfuneral.co.uk or cheques can be made payable to the charity and sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW.

LAKE

ANNIE EMILY

Aged 96 years of Sparkford. On 19th August 2025. Peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved Mum, Nan, Great Nanny, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Funeral service at St Barnabas Church, Queen Camel, on Thursday 18th September at 12noon. Followed by private interment in the church yard. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Annie are being invited for The British Heart Foundation or Dementia UK. C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22-7ES. Tel: 01963-440367

Ann Shirley Moors

Of Blandford Forum, passed away peacefully on 17th August aged 88 years. Beloved wife of the late Gordon. A much loved Mum, Nanny and Great Nanny. Ann will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Funeral service to be held at Poole Crematorium on 19th September at 11am. Family flowers only. Donations if desired, for Julia’s House, C/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU

ALEC RUSSELL HALL

aged 84 years, of Iwerne Minster, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on 1st September 2025. Beloved Husband of Shirley, Dad to Sally and Richard and a very proud Grandfather to Lucy, Sophie, Jamie, Laila and Calum. Funeral service will take place at Poole Crematorium on Tuesday 16th September at 12.00noon.

Donations in his memory for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

BATTEN

PATRICIA MARY

‘Trish’

Aged 64 years of Wincanton. On 25th August 2025. Peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital, A much loved Partner Mother, Nan, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Funeral Service at Mendip Crematorium on Mondy 6th October at 11.30am. No formal dress code, please wear something bright and comfortable. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Trish are being invited for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22-7ES. Tel: 01963-440367

Announcements

DEATHS

Collins Louis R (Lou)

of Pitcombe, Bruton passed away peacefully on 24th August 2025 aged 96 years. A dearly loved husband, dad, granddad and great granddad who will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Now reunited with his beloved wife Win. Funeral service to be held at St. Marys Church Bruton on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 at 2 pm. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu made payable to Dementia Friendly Gillingham may be made online via funeral-notices.co.uk or forwarded to Forsey and Son, Funeral Directors, Willowfields, Lowerside Lane Glastonbury, 01458 831020

ADAMS, Dennis

Passed away peacefully on 30th August 2025 aged 58 years. A service of thanksgiving will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Lysander Road, Yeovil BA20 2BU, on 16th September 2025 at 1:30pm, Donations in memory of Dennis for St Margaret’s Hospice may be sent c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil BA21 4BT

HEATHER EVA TUCKER

On 6th September 2025, peacefully at home aged 72 years. Of Shaftesbury. Wife of the late Paul, much loved Mum to Stuart, loving Mother in law to Katie and Nanny to Charlotte and Noah. She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 3rd October at 12.00 noon. No flowers please. Donations in her memory for Julia’s House may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

TREW Marion Cicely

Peacefully on 21st August 2025 at St. Denis Lodge Care Home, in Shaftesbury, aged 92 years. Formerly of Bishops Caundle. Dearly loved wife of the late Ted, much loved Mum, Granny and Great Granny. Funeral service at Bishops Caundle Parish Church on Monday, 6th October at 1.00pm, followed by interment. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, for The Friends Of Yeatman Hospital can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Alternatively, cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

J Wakely

& Sons

& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Family Funeral Directors

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Family Funeral Directors

A J Wakely& Sons

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse Wakely& Sons Funeral

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Brister & Son

Independent Family Funeral Directors

When your family suffers the loss of a loved one, we are here to support, guide and reassure youevery step of the way

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Independent Family Funeral Directors

– 24 Hour Service –

available including our Land Rover Hearse

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

– 24 Hour Service –

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

– 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Hour Service –

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Please call Teresa or Daniel for an appointment

Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Tel: 01935 816817

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

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

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

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Tel: 01963 31310

Pre-payment plans available

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

Pre-payment plans available

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

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

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

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

Pre-payment plans available

member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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

100 Lenthay Road, Sherborne DT9 6AG Email: info@wsbrister.com 01935 812647

Woodside Court, Woodside Dairy Yard, Sparkford BA22 7LH Email: info@wsbrister.com 01963 850165

www.wsbrister.com

Business

DORSET small and medium enterprises are invited to attend The AI Exchange – a new series of hands-on workshops designed to help business owners and leaders explore the real-world applications of AI.

The events, hosted by business advisory firm Evolve and funded by Business Growth Dorset, will take place in Sherborne, Bridport, Ferndown and Poole this September, with spaces limited to 20 participants a session.

Each session will bring together local business leaders to explore how AI is being used, the challenges and ethical questions it raises, and the tools making a difference.

The AI Exchange will offer hands-on learning through open and facilitated discussion, peer-topeer learning and suggest practical tips to take back into the workplace.

AI in the real world: Find out more... Airport high-flier with customers

BOURNEMOUTH Airport has been ranked among the UK’s top six airports in a major survey by consumer champion Which?, securing Recommended Provider status for customer experience.

Bournemouth was praised for its friendly staff, efficient check-in, smooth bag drop and swift security process.

Its sister airports, Exeter and Norwich, which are all part of the Regional & City Airports group, are also in the top six, with Exeter ranked number one.

Passengers highlighted Bournemouth Airport’s ease of access and relaxed atmosphere, which many said made for a stress-free start to their journeys.

The survey gathered feedback from almost 6,000 passengers, rating airports across categories including

Attendees will be encouraged to bring their laptops and share their own experiences and ideas – whether they’re AI-curious or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and automation software.

The sessions will be co-hosted by Evolve’s David Mutton and Dan Griffiths from Interpin Solutions, who will guide discussion and provide technical know-how.

“AI isn’t coming – it’s already here,” said David

Mutton, business advisor at Evolve.

“But too many business owners are either overwhelmed by the hype or unsure where to begin.

“These interactive events are about cutting through the noise and figuring it out together – in a relaxed, collaborative space with others in the same boat, facing the same AI challenges and opportunities.”

The AI Exchange dates and locations: Ferndown – Tuesday,

September 16, 8.30am-11.30am, Arena Business Centre; Poole – Tuesday, September 16, 3pm-5.30pm, Evolve, Winchester Place; Sherborne – Tuesday, September 30, 8am-11am, Studio Sherborne; Bridport – Tuesday, September 30, 3pm-6pm, The Bull Hotel. The events are free to attend and open to SMEs based in the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas.

To book a place, visit www. evolveadvisory.co.uk/events

customer service, security queues, bag drop and seating.

Steve Gill, managing director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This recognition from Which? is a fantastic endorsement for Bournemouth Airport and our dedicated team.

“We pride ourselves on offering a straightforward and welcoming experience, and it is hugely rewarding to know passengers value the care we provide.

“As we continue to expand our destinations and enhance our facilities, our focus remains on ensuring that every passenger enjoys a positive and hassle-free journey.

“It’s particularly pleasing

that Bournemouth’s sister airports, Exeter and Norwich, also feature in the UK’s top six.

“Together, we’re demonstrating the benefits of strong management and a consistent focus on customer service across the Regional & City Airports group.”

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: “Next time you’re booking a flight, it’s well

worth considering not just your choice of airline but also your airport – it could make all the difference to the start of your getaway and maybe even get that holiday feeling started a little sooner.”

Bournemouth Airport currently serves 48 destinations. The airport employs about 450 people and in the year ended March 2025 welcomed 1.1 million passengers, an all-time record. The airport is in the midst of a £50m-plus investment buoyed by the arrival of Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays which established its 12th UK base at Bournemouth this year, and recently secured planning permission for a major terminal expansion.

David Mutton, business advisor, Evolve Advisory

The free to attend AI Exchange events are being held at locations including Sherborne and Bridport

Bournemouth Airport rated well in Which’s? survey

GENERAL FARM WORKER needed on a dairy and beef farm, between Wincanton and Bruton. Tel: 07812-009364

A GARDENER REQUIRED to work for 2days per week in Blandford area. 20 years experience. Tel: 07989-166624

SEEKING SELFEMPLOYED female carer Shaftesbury. WhatsApp 07971-517778

RELIEF MILKER

REQUIRED, every other weekend. Family farm near Sturminster Newton. 220 cows. Excellent rate of pay. Call 07944392177

CLEANER WANTED - mornings Monday to Friday, 25 hours a week £15ph, Nr Shroton, Tel: 07425-161688

P/T CATERING HELP Energetic person to help with setting up, serving, clearing busy lunches, 5m north of Blandford. 9am - 3pm, 20 days between 27th September to 31st January, various days of the week. References required. Fiona 07768 708708 flgf@ranston.com

GARDENING ASSITANT

An opportunity has arisen to join a small garden team in a very beautiful and extensive private garden in Somerset. The successful applicant will either have varied experience and/or good horticultural instincts with an active desire to learn more. Salary will realistically reflect experience and potential. Please contact Kay Brewer at: kayfbrewer@gmail.com

EXPERIENCED FARMER

Animal Welfare, Maintenance, Health & Safety

Based on a 30-acre care farm

Salary Range: £30,000 - £31,000

40 hours a week including alternate weekends. This is a permanent, full-time role. 52 weeks of the year, 28 days leave.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing date: 1pm Tuesday 30th Sep

For further information about the role contact Julie Plumley (Director Future Roots) on 01963 210703 or via email: office@futureroots.net

Please visit our website www.futureroots.net to see the full range of what we do.

PART TIME GARDENER WANTED

PERMANENT POSITION TO START IMMEDIATELY

An excellent and exciting opportunity has become available for a dedicated, experienced and skilled gardener to focus on the gardening and general maintenance aspects of a 5 acre property which comprises of a one and a half acre formal garden, circa one an acre less formal and 2 and a half acre meadow with stream.

All equipment is on sight from a new lawn mower to battery operated machinery. Hedge cutting is an essential part of this role. We are undergoing an extensive development of our grounds but a leading landscape designer so this offers a unique opportunity to be involved from the onset.

The position is offered to self employment on a hourly rate TBC with holiday pay to be agreed - this is a sole position - three days per week throughout the year. There will be additional support from the housekeeper.

We are located six miles east of Dorchester, Dorset - there is a principle house with a separate guest cottage sitting within the five acres. This position is available immediately - references required. All enquiries - 07767471409 - or eggberesford@me.com

Sunday Groom

An enthusiastic Sunday groom is required to join an existing team on a private yard in West Dorset. You will be required to work every Sunday from the middle of October until the middle of March. You will be required to work 5 hours per day on a split shift of 3 hours in the morning and 2 hour in the afternoon. Duties will include mucking out stables, turning out, bringing in, feeding, hay and water. Good rate of pay.

Please send CV with a covering letter highlighting all experience via email to estateoffice@ilchester-estates.co.uk or call Lee on 07974 428669 for further details.

3 PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

1)Morning help with horses on stud farm. To predominantly work with Mares, foals and blood stock. To involve feeding, handling, yard work, maintenance and other associated tasks. Liaising with farrier and vet etc. as needed. Hours variable and flexible according to requirements. Average 3hrs per day. 5 days per week, occasional weekend cover.

2)Afternoon feeding and stable work associated with above. 5 days per week, occasional weekend cover.

3)Grounds maintenance, field maintenance, property maintenance. Fencing, harrowing, topping, mowing, strimming etc. Hours by arrangement probably 8 hrs over 2 days according to weather.

Rate for all 3 positions, £13.00 to £16.00 per hour depending on experience. Jobs can be combined.

Near Milborne Port DT9. Please reply by text in the first instance to 07734 599223, giving some details of interest and experience. References will be required.

Steve & Anna Chubb Trading as John Cooper Livestock Services

Applications are invited for a

FALLEN STOCK COLLECTOR DRIVER

Re-advertised due to unforeseen circumstances

We are seeking a dedicated and responsible Fallen Stock Collector Driver to join our team.

This full time position involves the dispatching and collection of farm animals; completing collection paperwork and driver records.

Candidates should hold a full driving licence – HGV Class C1 essential, have completed Driver CPC and either hold a Firearm Certificate or be able to apply for one.

Previous experience of working in an agricultural or fallen stock background would be advantageous. Full training will be given.

For further details or to apply please contact Steve on 07831 383 392.

‘OLD blokes and young women’ from Gillingham Wheelers, as one of the competitors put it, have been achieving triathlon success abroad and showing what an inclusive sport triathlon can be.

Daisy Davies marked her professional debut in an Ironman branded race with a sixth place after a chain drop on the first climb, while Innes Wright took two of the podium places in the European Triathlon age group championships.

Daisy, from Milborne Port, toed the line with 28 other professionals at the popular, beautiful and competitive Ironman 70.3 Zell am See in Austria.

TRIATHLON

She came out of the 1900m lake swim with the lead pack and set off on the bike in second place.

World number one, Kat Matthews, took control on the 90km bike leg while Daisy got to the run leg in sixth place.

A hot half-marathon saw Daisy maintain her position and secure a creditable sixth on her first 70.3.

In Istanbul, Innes Wright, from Donhead, and Vince Hounsome, from Gillingham, were selected for the British team in the 60-64 age group, the European Standard Distance Triathlon Championships

promising a unique experience.

A 6.30am start saw the triathletes enter the Bosphorus and swim 2.2km downstream by any route.

The longer route offered the opportunity of finding faster water in the middle but risked the chance of not turning early

enough and missing the finish.

The alternative was to stay close to the banks.

The 40km bike course took the riders over the Bosphorus out of Asia to Europe, turning back at the impressive Galatasaray Stadium and then heading back over the bridge, all on closed motorway and trunk roads.

The final leg was a three-lap undulating road circuit of 10km.

Innes took the risky route and came out of the water second with Vince’s more ‘directionally challenged’ swim taking three minutes more.

Innes soon moved into the lead on the bike while Vince finished the bike in fifth.

Innes extended his lead on the run, winning by an impressive seven minutes, while Vince worked his way through the field to nab the final podium spot.

Wheelers trio perform well Team Dorset shine at National Relays

TEAM Dorset athletes made their mark on the national stage at the prestigious National Relays in Birmingham, competing with three teams across the Under-15 categories.

The composite club, built from Dorchester AC, Poole AC, Poole Runners and Wimborne AC, have a growing reputation for relay success, delivering strong performances against the country’s best.

The Under-15 Girls’ 4x100m squad – Grace, Kayla, Sophie and Ava – stormed to fifth place in their heat with a personal best time of 50.62s.

Meanwhile, the Under-15 Boys’ 4x100m team – Thomas, Elliott, Adam and Harley – also claimed fifth place in their

heat, smashing their own personal best in the process with 47.87s.

The highlight of the day came from the Under-15 Boys’ 4x300m team – Theo, Elliott, Thomas and Harley – who produced a powerful run to secure third place overall and take home a well-deserved bronze medal. Their achievement adds to Team Dorset’s proud record at the championships, following last year’s silver medal from the Boys’ 4x300m squad – Rufus, Will, Elliott and Verna – and the Girls’ 4x100m relay team, Grace, Kayla, Ruby and Ava, getting through to the final.

Innes Wright (left) and Vince Hounsome competed in Istanbul

Bowlers overcome stiff competition

MERE Bowls Club’s team of Les Manwaring, Marie Wright and Shaun Tealey won the hard-fought Westbrook League Gala Shield at Salisbury Bowls Club.

They won from a field of 21 teams, including Salisbury, Sixpenny Handley, Alderbury, Amesbury and Wilton, winning all four rounds and obtaining a maximum points total.

Mere were runners-up last year.

Mere were also in the final

Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Shaftesbury 1

Exmouth Town 1 by Avril Lancaster

LEIGHTON Thomas kept the Rockies in the competition with a stunning strike that went in off the bar a minute into injury time.

Exmouth Town keeper Aaron Dearing had to be replaced by substitute Josh Cann after landing awkwardly after the strike.

Exmouth Town looked to be going through after Matt Wright headed a corner back for Ethan Slater to glance a header past Ben Taylor in the 21st minute. Liam Farrugia went close for the Rockies in the second half bringing a superb stop from Dearing before Thomas earnt a replay.

of the Harold Ford Cup set to be played yesterday –September 11 – at Downton and are currently top of the Westbrook League with one game in hand.

Mere won an away match against Salisbury Bowls Club three rinks to nil.

The team of Chris Coombs, Jon Wright and John Marks scored a maximum nine points on one end and so will be applying for a ‘Hotshots Award’.

Tim Courtney and Shaun Tealey won the club threewood pairs with John FitzGerald and Jon Wright

SHAFTESBURY faced one of the favourites for the Pitching In Southern League Division 1 South title in Swindon Supermarine.

Harry Baker turned to give the Rockies the lead in the 12th minute before Shaftesbury were reduced to 10 men when Jack Lovell was sent off after an off-the-ball incident.

Dan Warre levelled for Swindon Supermarine on the half hour with a stunning shot from 20 yards past Ben Taylor.

The Rockies held out until first half injury time when Luke Burbidge was felled in the box and the visitor’s Sam Turl was dismissed.

Alefe Santos DAbadia slotted the penalty past Luke Purnell to put Shaftesbury ahead at the break.

Luke Burbidge sealed the win in the 87th minute after Santos DAbadia picked out a peach of a pass which Burbidge controlled and clipped past Purnell.

Star man – Brendon Holmes (Shaftesbury).

Golf Club results. Seniors roll up stableford, July 25:

Winners - Pete Starkey / Philip Dewar / Mike Case 56 points

Club Championship July 26/27

Club Championship Winner - best overall Gross score – Jim Stephen 175

Best nett score Day 1 – Mike Doddington nett 64

Best nett score Day 2 – Anthony Garrett nett 66

Best overall combined nett score – Anthony Garrett - 136

Seniors Roll Up StablefordAugust 1

Winners : Kevin Dinneen / Kevin Francis / Dave Shean 58 points Stableford - August 2

1. Mike Doddington 38

2. John Burns 37

3. Richard Czemerda 36 Seniors Roll UP StablefordAugust 8

Winners – John Morgan / Richard Strong / Mike Case / David Ivey – 61 points

Ray Adsett Greensomes TrophyAugust 9

1. John Burns / Mike Doddington 42 ocb

2. David Ivey / Mike Case 42

3. Adam Smith / Tristan Sams 40 ocb

4. Anthony Garrett / Richard Czemerda 40

5. David Whitehand / Nigel Orr 35 ocb

6. Jim Stephen / John Westaway 35

7. David Cartwright / Phil Francis 33

8. Jim Phillips / David Amann 31

The Ron Smith Tropy - August 15

1. Jim Stephen nett 64

2. Jim Bunce nett 66

3. John Westaway nett 69

Seniors 9 Hole Medal - August 15

1. Kevin Dinneen nett 33 ocb

runners-up.

Anyone interested in giving bowls a try can go along to the club on Tuesday and Thursday at 5.30pm, or Saturday at 3pm, for roll-up – practice – sessions.

All that’s needed are flat-soled shoes – the club supplies the rest, including refreshments afterwards.

Contact club secretary, John FitzGerald, for further information on 01747 860867 or via e-mail at fitzgerald.jns@ sky.com.

2. John Wolstenholme nett 33

3. Reg Gazzard nett 34

Monthly Medal - August 17

1. Mike Doddington nett 69 ocb

2. David Whitehand nett 69

3. David Ivey nett 72

Seniors Roll Up 9 Hole Stableford

- August 22

Winners: Malcolm Faulkner / Kevin Dinneen / Chris Dibben - 58 points

August Masters - August 23/24

Day 1 Best nett score – David Whitehand nett 65

Day 2 Best nett score – Adam Smith nett 63

August Masters Winner – Adam Smith – combined lowest nett 131

Masters Chandler Trophy – Adam Smith – combined lowest gross 157

Jack Smale’s Memorial Trophy - August 26

1. Mike Case 40

2. John Westaway 39

3. John Wolstenholme 37

Jack Smale’s Memorial GlassAugust 26

1. Keith Williams 22

2. Philip Dewar 18

3. Reg Gazzard 17

Seniors Roll Up - August 29

Winners - Colin Jacobs / Philip Schofield / Richard Gaunt - 49 points

Monthly Stableford - August 30

1. Tristan Sams 42

2. Adam Smith 38

3. David Ivey 36

Seniors Roll Up - September 5

Winners – Richard Strong / Cliff Hibberd / George Wagland - 50 points

Pairs Texas Scramble - September

1. Mike Doddington / David Whitehand 38 ocb

2. Richard Czemerda / Jim Phillips 38

3. David Amann / David Ivey 36 ocb

4. Steven Ireland / Tristan Sams 36

Shaftesbury 3 Swindon Supermarine 1 by Avril Lancaster

WINCANTON

Mere Bowls Club players receive the Westbrook League Gala Shield from the league chair

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: A ‘spidery’ September

by Susanna Curtin

SEPTEMBER is upon us. There are warm days and cool, dewy nights. It is a month of transition and symbolically a harvest of all that we have sown, and a time of reflection and gratitude for the summer we have had. 2025 has been the hottest summer on record, and as I sit in my garden taking in the early morning light, my lawn is yellow and thin and the shrubs and flowers are looking tired, almost willing the cooler and damper days of winter to come, so they can enjoy a period of rest.

Yet even in my weary garden, new shoots are betraying the drought and preparing for the next season. There are hummingbird hawkmoths, dragonflies and an abundance of late butterflies – commas, peacocks, large whites and red admirals. But as I watch the sunlight intensify, it is the fine gossamer orbs of the garden spiders and the airborne threads of money spiders that are creating the most magic this morning. The artistry of each web and the long silk strands that create pathways across the

‘gardenscape’ are extraordinary. When I was young, even as a wildlife enthusiast, I found that spiders were the hardest to admire. There was something quite alien about their multiple legs and eyes, and their fast, unpredictable movements. I knew they couldn’t really hurt me but the evolutionary predisposition to fear them was stronger than my desire to know more about them. The only ones I vaguely liked were the cute little jumping zebra spiders. My fascination with other arachnids only began when I was at a conference, and a spider expert gave a talk about how they can fly through the air by releasing silk threads to catch the wind, a behaviour known as ‘ballooning’. You will be pleased to know it is mostly

A holistic treatment to help release deeply held patterns of trauma,

The raft spider is a large chocolatebrown, velvetylooking species that lives around the edges of ponds on heathlands and bogs

small money spiders that tend to do this to disperse from their siblings and improve their chance of survival. Spiderlings may travel hundreds of miles and at high altitudes attached to their parachutes, many providing food for our swallows and swifts. I also learned that spiders can sail across the oceans by adopting postures that allow them to use the wind direction to control their sea-crossings, using their legs or their abdomens as sails. Suddenly these rather disturbing little creatures took on a whole new perspective.

We have more than 600 species of spider in the UK, and there are two that I particularly admire. The first is the mediumsized, colourful wasp spider that is a recent arrival from the continent and has slowly spread over the south of England. It is stripy, black and yellow, like a wasp, and creates an orb web in heathlands and grasslands. The web has a wide zig-zag strip running down the middle of it. What this is for, no-one really knows, but it reminds me of Harry Potter’s lightning bolt scar on his forehead, and it makes them easier to find.

The second is my all-time favourite, the raft spider, ‘Dolomedes fimbriatus’, which is a large chocolate-brown, velvety-looking species that lives around the edges of ponds on heathlands and bogs. They sit perfectly still for hours on floating pond vegetation with their front feet resting on the surface tension of the water. On sensing vibrations, they step out onto the pond to ambush their

prey – usually invertebrates, but sometimes small fish and amphibians. They can even dive underwater to avoid predation. They do this by trapping a layer of air on their body and legs using their hairy surfaces, thus creating a ‘diving bell’ that allows them to breathe and remain submerged for minutes at a time. Raft spiders can be quite difficult to spot, particularly as their bodies have a pale yellow stripe running down each side which resembles plant stems. The females are very devoted mothers, carrying their young in an egg sack which they hold up to the sun to keep warm or in the water to keep cool. When the babies are ready, she releases them into a nursery web where she will guard them until they disperse.

My appreciation of spiders eventually extended to having them as house guests. This began when a small female common house spider moved in one late October. She spun her neat, tidy web in the corner of my bathroom window – female spiders tend to stay put waiting for roaming males to find them – and would run to hide in the window vent whenever I came into the bathroom. I grew quite fond of her over the winter and watched as she protected her eggs and even tried to camouflage them. It was fascinating. I named her Ida the spider and was quite sad when one day, in early March, she disappeared, leaving me with a ball of tiny spiderlings.

Now with each passing September day, I am noticing the number of spiders that are appearing in almost every corner of my house. I am doing my best to welcome most of them as they are good at pest control. However, I must confess there is one species that even I struggle to live with, due to their enormous, loose, untidy webs, the piles of debris they leave, and the way they hang precariously from their webs, and that is the cellar spider. They simply have to go!

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

Herb effective remedy for insomnia

by Fiona Chapman

THE weather has truly broken. Last night as I lay in bed, not sleeping, listening to the rain, I tried to tell myself the sound of it is supposed to be soothing and sends some people to sleep.

Unfortunately, not me, and this got me thinking about sleeping herbs and Passiflora incarnata came to mind.

I have planted lots of Passiflora to grow up the house and the amazing flowers look like colourful spaceships. It loves to grow on a sunny wall,

and I am thrilled it seems so happy. It is not, however, Passiflora incarnata – which is difficult to find – so I cannot pick the flowers and use them to help with sleep, as not all Passifloras – and there are a lot of varieties – are safe to use. Passiflora incarnata – native to parts of the US – has a purple flower and edible sausage-like, golden fruit when ripe.

The flowers and leaves are used in herbal medicine as a nervine herb, meaning they calm the nervous system. It is

Mindfulness or meditation?

by Nicole Asghar MINDFULNESS and

meditation are often spoken about as if they are the same thing. While there are similarities, there are clear differences between them. Understanding those distinctions can help you decide what feels most supportive for you.

Mindfulness is a way of being. It is the art of meeting each moment as it unfolds, with curiosity, openness and without judgment. It is noticing the breath as it rises and falls, the sound of footsteps on the pavement, the taste of tea on the tongue. Mindfulness is about being present with whatever arises. It offers us a moment to surrender to what we cannot change and connect to what we can. It is a gift to ourselves in the here and now.

Meditation is a more deliberate turning inward. The intention of your meditation practice can vary from mastering the breath, to offering loving-kindness or experiencing a ‘sense of oneness with all’. It can also be a powerful way to calm the mind, which in turn can bring insight and clarity into daily life. Many philosophies use meditation – there is no right or wrong way.

believed to act on the cerebral cortex, particularly the medulla oblongata, part of the brain stem that governs stress-related blood pressure fluctuations, the Vagus nerve and sleep. It is a very effective remedy for insomnia if you are prone to being a thinker, headstrong or chronic worrier. It will help to cut out the ‘internal chatter’ that so often keeps one awake at night. It gently calms the system without you really realising what it is doing, and once asleep, it is a normal sleep with no nasty, drowsy after-

way of being.

Mindfulness and meditation can be practised separately, but they are often woven together, benefiting each other.

Meditation often brings relief to those carrying stress or anxiety, offering calm to restless minds, softening emotional hurt. It can restore inner reserves and be a pathway to deeper selfunderstanding or spiritual connection. We call them ‘practices’ because we do just that – practise, learn, revisit. It takes patience to cultivate a calm mind, body and breath, but for some, it is not always the right time and can present as too dysregulating.

I recommend working with a trained teacher or professional if you have experienced trauma, low mood or struggle with intrusive thoughts.

Neurodivergent individuals can also find meditation challenging – however, there are ways to make it accessible, and it may take a different form than the traditional practice we are familiar with. This is always okay. Meditation and mindfulness are not about striving for perfection or pushing through – they are about cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and finding a more compassionate

As a neurodivergent person myself, it has not been easy to create a meditation practice, but it has been a wonderful gift to myself and to those around me. Connect with someone if you are struggling yourself – there is always a way.

n Nicole Asghar is an

effects.

As it acts on the nerve centres, it will also help to normalise stress blood pressure and insomnia when the heart is racing due to tension and when you have a little too much alcohol! It comes in a tincture or tea. Drink the tea throughout the day and then pop a few drops of the tincture under your tongue before bed or on waking during the night.

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

integrative therapist supporting clients online and in Bournemouth. She specialises in neurodivergence and trauma, incorporating yoga and movement to support reconnection with self and others (www.ourluminousminds. com; nicole@ ourluminousminds.com).

Nice and easy autumn supper

AS the early autumn evenings to set in, the cosy thoughts of supper can get a little heartier.

This is a quick and easy dish yet feels a little more substantial than lighter warm salads over the summer months.

Pork fillet with apple, cider and cream sauce

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 pork fillet – tenderloin – about 500-600g

2 tbsp olive oil

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

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

Chicken feeds etc available.

Half a lamb £90 | Half a pig approximately £160

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

01258 450050

1 tbsp butter

1 onion, finely sliced

2 eating apples – firm but slightly tart, such as Braeburn or Cox – cored and sliced into wedges

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

200ml dry cider

150ml chicken stock

150ml double cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard – optional, for depth

Few sprigs of thyme – or ½ tsp dried thyme

Sea salt and black pepper

For the potatoes

600g skin on diced potatoes

2 tbsp olive oil

1 sprig rosemary or thyme

Sea salt

Method

PRE-HEAT the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Toss the potatoes in olive oil, rosemary/thyme and salt. Roast for 25 minutes or until golden and crisp outside, fluffy inside. In a large, heavy-based frying pan, add a little olive oil and heat on a medium flame or hob. Trim any silverskin from the pork fillet.

Season well with salt and

pepper.

Slice the pork fillet into 1cm slices and pan-fry on a low heat with a little olive oil and butter, until lightly caramelised with the fine sliced shallot, garlic and apple wedges. Turn the pork and apple over and add 100ml cider and let it reduce. Once the apple is soft and the pork cooked, take the pan off the heat and add a 300ml of cream or creme fraiche. Spoon it all gently together and put back on the heat when the potatoes have roasted and are golden and crispy.

Add a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce and loosen with the chicken stock as needed for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve the pork and the cider sauce with potatoes – or rice – and garnish with fresh sage or herb of your choice.

Serve with steamed Tenderstem, peas or a crisp green salad.

n Annie des Forges, DirectorChef, The Table, Bruton; Annie Austin, Director-Host and Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB

SERVING

FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.

We are delighted that our renovation and expansion project has been well received by customers as have our food and beverage offerings. After a very long search, we now have a fully staffed kitchen and offer our full lunch and dinner menu every day from Tuesday lunch until Sunday lunch. We are closed after lunch on Sunday and all day Monday. We offer a wide range of beers, cider, wines and spirits as well as a range of non-alcoholic options.

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

The bar and snug have been refreshed but retain all the old features that made this cosy area so attractive. And, by popular demand, we have a new wood burning stove to provide atmosphere and warmth whenever needed! We have a completely new kitchen, beer cellar and new male, female and disabled washrooms. The old conservatory is now an insulated garden room and we have a new dining area which can accommodate a further twenty guests.

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

By experimenting with our menu and listening to our customers we have developed a popular menu ranging from light snacks to exciting specials and everything in-between. Please look at our menu and see if you can spot your favourite country pub meal. For Sunday lunch, in addition to our full menu, we offer a traditional roast with all the trimmings. Our range of drinks has evolved in response to customer demand and caters for all tastes. But most importantly we have built a wonderful team to look after you all and ensure a great experience at the Plough.

We hope to see you soon, Cheers, Peter & Karlene

More electric cars eligible for government discount

MORE electric cars have been added to a list of those qualified for a government discount –including some which will receive the full £3,750 price cut.

The government Electric Car Grant scheme offers discounts of varying amounts on the purchase price depending on levels of emissions in the manufacturing process.

The end of last month saw the first tranche of vehicles qualifying for the full £3,750 discount, after a range of cars were unveiled in Band 2 – a £1,500 price cut.

Overall, the number of cars so far announced as qualifying for a discount has reached 37 as part of the £650 million scheme.

The discounts are available on electric vehicles (EVs) bought or leased, with a price of up to £37,000 in a bid to support

THE QUALIFYING CARS

THE full list of vehicles that qualify for a discount, as of September 2, is:

n £3,750 discount: Ford Puma Gen-E; Ford e-Tourneo.

n £1,500 discount: Alpine A290; Citroen e-Berlingo; Citroen e-C3; Citroen e-C3 Aircross; Citroen e-C4; Citroen e-C4 X; Citroen e-C5 Aircross; Citroen e-Spacetourer; Cupra Born; DS 3; DS No 4; Nissan Micra; Nissan Ariya; Peugeot e-208; Peugeot e-2008;

more affordable options.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: ”We’re delivering on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric.

“This is about backing drivers, putting money back into people’s pockets and creating the jobs and growth that will drive Britain forward, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Responding to the latest additions, RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “It’s great to see details of the first two models qualifying for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.

e-308; Peugeot e-408; Peugeot e-Rifter; Peugeot e-Traveller; Renault 4 E-Tech; Renault 5 E-Tech; Renault Megane E-Tech; Renault Scenic E-Tech; Skoda Elroq; Skoda Enyaq; Toyota bZ4X; Toyota Proace City Verso; Vauxhall Corsa Electric; Vauxhall Combo Life Electric; Vauxhall Astra Electric; Vauxhall Mokka Electric; Vauxhall Frontera Electric; Vauxhall Grandland Electric; Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric; Volkswagen ID3.

“This represents a significant saving for drivers which we hope further stimulates demand and encourages other manufacturers to follow suit.

“We’ve long called for the Government to reintroduce an EV grant aimed at the more affordable end of the market, so it’s very positive to see this happening in support of the switch to electric motoring.”

The RAC has welcomed news of the first electric cars qualifying for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant

Peugeot

Summer heat fuels pothole problem

HOT weather this summer has contributed to an increase in the number of pothole incidents the AA has been called out to.

The AA Pothole Index for July showed a spike in incidents compared to the same period last year.

Earlier this year, callouts for pothole damage to members’ cars had reduced, thanks to more extensive road repairs and increased government financial support.

Yet hotter weather this summer contributed to a surge in pothole incidents, reversing positive trends.

Summer heat may have worsened already weakened road surfaces and increased the risk of tyre damage.

It may have also made worn or damaged tyres more susceptible to failure.

Increased road trips on

unfamiliar rural roads, often a lower priority for repairs, may have also contributed.

The Pothole Partnership, an alliance made up of the AA, JCB, British Cycling and the National Motorcyclists Council, plus other supporting organisations, has voiced concern over the issue.

The partnership says the combined impact of extreme weather and neglected infrastructure places all road users at heightened risk – from drivers and cyclists to motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly exposed the fragility of Britain’s roads.

“While investment and repair campaigns have made a difference, the recent setback illustrates that much more must be done to create a safe and

reliable road network for everyone.

“We urge the Government and local authorities to redouble their efforts in tackling the pothole crisis, prioritising rural routes and frequently used cycling and motorcycling corridors.”

Caroline Julian, brand and engagement director at British Cycling said: “The state of the The summer heat may have made already weakened road surfaces worse and increased the risk of tyre damage

2016 (65) Audi A5 Coupe 1.8TFSi S Line Nav 2dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, full leather, heated seats, road sign assistance, Bluetooth, lovely sports coupe, 92,900 miles............ £8650

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450

2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950

2015 (64) Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi XTR Automatic 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating, massive boot, £35 road tax, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, tip & tumble rear seats, split opening tailgate, cambelt kit has been replaced, only 43,500 miles.............£8450

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450

2011 (60) Ford Ka 1.2 Grand Prix 3dr. Rare limited edition, unique interior & exterior, stands out from the crowd, parking sensors, Bluetooth, £35 road tax, 50+mpg, lots of history, cambelt replaced, only 74,500 miles..............................................................................................£3500

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800

2019 (69) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium Nav 5dr. Sat nav, road sign assist, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, climate control, Bluetooth, 50mpg, lovely example with only 17,200 miles.............................£10950

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2014 (14) Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCi Titanium X Pack SUV 5dr. High seating, leather, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, £35 road tax, 60mpg, cambelt has been replaced, 87,800 miles...............................................................................................£5450

2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850

2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. Sat nav, road sign assist, cruise control, parking sensors & auto parking system, reverse camera, partial leather, auto lights & wipers, 61,800 miles...........£11750

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 Trend 12 Seat Minibus 5dr. 3 front & 9 rear seats, removable seats, skylight, Bluetooth, standing head room, ideal day van or camper conversion, 75,500 miles..................................................................£10500+VAT = £12600

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250

2012 (12) Peugeot 508 1.6THP SR 4dr. Sat nav, cruise control, Bluetooth & USB, climate control, road sign assist, only 43,900 miles...............................................................................................£4500

2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON

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2016 (16) Toyota Yaris 1.3 Icon Automatic 5dr. Lovely little automatic, £35 road tax, upto 55mpg economy, Bluetooth, reverse camera, cruise control, only 49,900 miles.......................................£8850

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950

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UK’s roads continues to be a huge barrier which prevents many people from getting on a bike and these latest figures are a big concern.

“The increasing number of incidents highlights the growing danger to people who are already choosing to ride bikes, as well as acting as a deterrent to people who might be interested in taking cycling up for fun or fitness.

“We strongly advocate cycling as a critical part of the solution to the nation’s economic, social and health inequalities, but the increasingly poor condition of our roads continues to jeopardise this.

“We echo the call for more to be done to create a safe and reliable road network to protect all road users.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, the National Motorcycle Council’s executive director, said: “Although the NMC has welcomed recent investment announcements, the July Pothole Index underlines that the urgency of the problem remains.

“Potholes, damaged surfaces

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and other related road conditions remain a serious hazard for motorcyclists and other two-wheel users, with riders often citing this as a major road safety issue for them.

“Local authorities must act on recent investment announcements, including undertaking the requirement for road maintenance reporting which will unlock additional funding.”

Ben Rawding, general manager at JCB, said: “The latest AA Pothole Index highlights how vulnerable our road network remains, especially under the strain of extreme weather.

“While funding plays a vital role, it’s innovation that enables us to do more with the resources already available.

“At JCB, we’re focused on permanent repair methods, such as the JCB Pothole Pro, that extend the life of the road surface.

“Moving away from shortterm fixes is essential if we’re to make meaningful and lasting progress.”

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Insights into the genetics of dog breeding

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

THE Kennel Club in the UK recognises 223 breeds of dog. A breed can be recognised if it has at least three generations which breed ‘true’ – it can take multiple generations to achieve this – and if it fits a breed standard as well as needing to have a significant number of individuals of that breed.

The benefits of having a Kennel Club recognised breed is that you will have a fairly good idea of the size, temperament and energy levels of the dog you are getting. The disadvantages are that that many breeds have developed an increased risk of certain health abnormalities. Genetic testing can help reduce the risk of breeding from an individual which carries an abnormal gene, but not all conditions can be tested for.

It is important that we do not

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‘normalise’ abnormalities or underestimate their significance to the individual affected and their owners. Conditions such as syringomyelia – an abnormality of the spinal cord – are very common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but are often under diagnosed. Studies have shown that up to one in two Cavaliers have the condition.

Ideally, we only breed from individuals which are fully healthy and have good temperaments. It is not a good idea to breed from an individual which may fit the breed standard perfectly but is anxious or aggressive because most puppies from a litter will become family pets. Even if that individual is only anxious due to incomplete socialising, it can pass its own anxieties onto its puppies in its behaviour responses.

If an individual has a known health problem, then breeding

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from them is not a good idea. Just because a condition is common within a breed does not make it okay to continue to breed from affected individuals. If we are breeding puppies which will or are likely to develop health conditions, then we should not be breeding them. Just because these conditions may be treatable with surgery or managed on medication does not mean they should be perpetuated. Common breeds have pros and cons for breeding. If there are many individuals within a breed, then a broad gene pool is usually available, and responsible breeding allows abnormal individuals not to be bred from while still maintaining genetic diversity. The downside is that, when breeds become popular, less responsible breeders will breed from less suitable dogs and this can rapidly lead to unhealthy dogs flooding the market. It is

important, therefore, to research the puppy you are thinking of buying to ensure you are not buying yourself a problem.

Rare breeds can cause problems because the genetic diversity is small, and it can be difficult to breed out health conditions without introducing new ones if only a small number of dogs are available to breed from. All dog breeds are man-made, and it may be a good idea to add in ‘new blood’ to then choose the traits of the desired breed for future breeding stock to re-establish that breed’s ‘breed standard’ to encourage breeding from healthier individuals.

Buying a pedigree puppy allows you to plan for the likely adult dog type you will end up with. But please ensure you are buying from a responsible breeder and ensure the parents are healthy. Research the breed to ensure it will be compatible with your home life.

An abnormality of the spinal cord is very common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but is often under diagnosed

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ats looking for new homes

n Tabatha, 10, shy lady looking for a home in the country. Could be homed with Maddie

n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/middorset

n Cats’ Protection is also looking for homes for farm cats

LOST CATS

IF your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost. For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

FOUND CATS

IF you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs. First, check if it is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary. Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media and community groups. Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring. For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

Labrador UK’s favourite dog

DOG owners dedicate more than two hours a day to their pets, Dachshunds are becoming increasingly popular, and Teddy and Poppy are the most popular dog names – those are just some of the results from the Dogs Trust’s 2025 National Dog Survey.

The survey found that Labradors are once again the UK’s most popular dog breed.

Nationally, they account for 13.5% of all pure-breed dogs, while in the south west, 8.5% of all dogs are Labradors.

Poppy and Teddy take the top spots for the most common names in the region, closely followed by Milo, Luna, Bertie and Bella.

The survey also found that Dachshunds have entered the top 10 most popular dog breeds among puppies under one year old for the first time.

hours and 14 minutes each day caring for their pets, just over the national average.

The Dogs Trust’s dog survey found that across the UK, prospective dog owners should expect to dedicate around two hours and 12 minutes daily to dog-related activities such as walks, grooming and feeding.

Nationally, the bulk of this time is spent walking – 67 minutes; followed by feeding and enrichment – 41 minutes; with an additional 24 minutes typically spent running errands with their dog.

French Bulldogs, currently 15th among puppies under one year old, now appear to be declining in numbers, either as a result of fewer puppies since the pandemic puppy boom or growing awareness around the health issues linked to flat-faced – brachycephalic – breeds.

The UK’s dog owners are still crossbreed lovers, with 42% of dogs in the UK a type of crossbreed – a dog whose parents are two different breeds.

‘Marvellous mixes’ – dogs with unknown ancestry – make up a significant portion of mixed-breed pets, but among identifiable crosses, Cockapoos – Cocker Spaniel x Poodle; Cavapoos – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle; Labradoodles – Labrador x Poodle; and Lurchers – a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki crossed with another breed of dog such as a Collie or Terrier; take the top four spots.

In the south west, dog owners spend an average of two

In 2022, Dogs Trust responded to its National Dog Survey results by launching a Behaviour Support Line, offering free guidance and expert advice, as a result of insights showing that dog owners were struggling with their dog’s behaviour.

Chief executive of Dogs Trust, Owen Sharp, said: “With thousands of responses, the National Dog Survey paints a picture of the nation’s everchanging relationship with its canine companions.

“But the National Dog survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names.

“It is a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges and the joy of dog ownership.

“Whether you are one of the 94% of people who treat your dog as a member of your family, or you have a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.

“The results of the National Dog Survey will help Dogs Trust to continue to tailor our services to meet and support the real needs of dog owners and ensure that every dog has the best chance at finding their forever home.”

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Field & Stream

As rain turns fields green, Nova and Nirvana lead the flock astray

by Tria Stebbing

SEPTEMBER arrived along with autumn. I spent a rare day at the beach with the visiting grandsons on Monday and by Tuesday autumn had literally blown in.

The ewe lambs had not seen rain as such, and I wondered what they thought about being wet and having to shake their fleece constantly.

The parched field, on which the sheep were grazing dust, within days started shooting green and, unbelievably within the week, from a distance, looked green.

The surrounding countryside changed too, green fields and signs of autumn as struggling trees shed their leaves and conkers fell prematurely to the ground.

We have been busy moving the flock off and onto new pieces of land, so getting the new lambs used to being handled has taken priority.

They have now tuned in to the sound of the field gate opening and run to the bucket of food being shaken, a useful tool

when it comes to moving them.

The wild cards are not so predictable! Nova and Nirvana, the two bottle fed lambs, have developed differently to the rest of the flock, and expect their humans to stop, give head rubs and provide snacks at every opportunity.

They have also worked out how to shimmy under the stock fence to the fields next door, where the grass is certainly greener, because it hasn’t been grazed.

As soon as they hear the gate, they run back through. This week, however, they took some of the ‘proper’ lambs with them, who then couldn’t work out how to come back through.

The Highland cows, Sebastian, Belle and Babybel, are grazing a rough piece of land off, and enjoying thistle and bramble as a supplement to just grazing grass.

They are quiet at the moment, content to graze and take the occasional apple as a treat. We managed to comb the burrs out of Babybel’s fringe, so he can see now – always a

Alfie and Austin score pairs win

DORCHESTER Juniors endured wet and windy weather at Todber Manor for the annual Junior Pairs match.

The conditions, along with the very low water level, made the match a challenge for all the juniors.

The event incorporated a special ‘two methods match’ and a championship points match all rolled into one.

For the first half of the event, the juniors could only fish with a bomb or feeder.

For the second half, they were only allowed to use a float, forcing them to use all their skills in difficult conditions. Winner of the points match and collecting a new Daiwa Feeder rod given by Nigel

bonus!

TB testing has come round again, so the cows will be bought down to the lower field so that they can safely be tested while standing in the cattle crush.

We also hope to pregnancy test Belle at this time, as she is changing shape and hungry again.

We have been fortunate not to have been forced to start feeding the winter hay yet –

Kemp, was Jack Copp.

In the pairs, third place went to Jack Copp and Josh Roe with 10 points.

Freddie Campbell and Jayce Hardware claimed second place with 8 points.

But the winners of this year’s pairs match were Alfie Ellis and Austin Scott-Kennedy with 6 points.

For more information, go to www.ddasjuniors.co.uk or contact the junior secretary, Graham Howard, for more details.

For fishery information, go to www.todbermanor.co.uk

many local farmers are already digging into winter stores due to the lack of grazing, a worrying byproduct of the extreme summer weather conditions.

As I write, Harry and Eddie, the two expert young handlers, are gearing up for the last show of the season, Dorset County. It goes without saying we wish them well and continue to be very proud of their commitment to showcasing the breed.

Heads down: The ewes lambs learn to eat from the trough

Dorchester & District Angling Society pairs match winners Austin Scott-Kennedy (above) and Alfie Ellis (below)

Does heavy fruit crop mean a hard winter?

by Ruth Kimber

FOLLOWING my notes on haymaking last time, more hay has been made this year as the weather has given confidence of no rain spoilage! The big benefit is no expensive plastic wrap or cover to buy and then dispose of after the winter. Silage-contaminated plastic has a very individual putrid smell, difficult to wash off the hands. I remember one harvest festival service when a latecomer farmer sat behind us. He quickly realised he was still smelling of silage wrap and spent the service with his hands in his pockets!

Haymaking also had its romantic side, needing lots of people to bring the harvest home. As children we would love to jump over the rows of drying grass, then later picnic under the stacks of bales. Making dens in the barn was forbidden. My mother would make lemonade and ginger beer to send to the hay fields. After the bales were in the barn, a late salad supper was shared in

the farmhouse.

The media has reported quite a lot about the low yields of corn and vegetables this year. Many people do not consider grass a crop, but to any stock farmer it is the main crop and food for the animals during summer and winter. The yields this year have been really low, with very little after-growth for the animals to feed on. Lots of farmers are feeding their winter stores now, in the hope we will eventually have rain to grow some autumn grass. Our cows are being topped up with second cut silage as well as

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Branches have been breaking under the burden of apples, plums and pears

going out to look for grass.

As for the straw crops, it is very variable – some fields have little, with the next-door field a reasonable amount. The risk and reality of fires is always present, much more this year. Often corn – wheat, barley and oats – is grown on chalky flinty soils. Flint and metal produce sparks and tractor drivers all carry extinguishers and buckets. The combine harvester can also catch fire with the dusty debris accumulating around the engine. Frequent clearing is essential, especially the guards

around the cooling fans.

The maize fields around the area are very variable – some plants simply failed to grow at all and others are much less vigorous. The crop used to be solely grown for animal feed. We also used to feed apple pumice, brewers’ grains and sugar beet pulp to the dairy cows, but a lot of these biproducts and maize now feed digesters to produce fuel. How things have changed.

Fruit crops have been tremendous this year, with branches breaking under the burden of plums, apples and pears. I used to do lots of bottling when the family was young. I have bottled plums again this year – they are so delicious and convenient, no defrosting and planning required! I will bottle some pears and maybe blackberry and apple as well. The old thought was if we have a lot of fruit we will be in for a hard winter. Global warming may have changed this.

Our farm shop and cafe has been busy all through the summer months, with our regular customers and lots of visitors. Maybe the sunny weather has encouraged more people to holiday at home.

Farmers’ call on CS agreements

THOUSANDS of farmers who have spent years delivering environmental benefits on their land now face uncertainty as their agreements are set to expire at the end of this year, the NFU warns.

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An FOI request to Defra has revealed that 5,820 Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements will end in December, leaving farmers with no clear pathway forward.

With the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme still not available and the CS higher-tier option only being available to a handful of farmers invited for pre-application, many farmers risk being forced to abandon projects that have supported biodiversity and environmental delivery for decades.

NFU deputy president, David Exwood, said: “Farmers have long been the custodians of our countryside and many farmers have had agri-environment agreements for 30 years.

“Through these agreements, farmers have done everything from creating wildflower corridors for pollinators and growing feed for farmland birds to nurturing species-rich grassland, all of which contribute to the government’s environmental targets.

“But without a plan from Defra about the future of these

schemes, they’re left with a difficult decision – to either continue their environmental work, potentially putting them out of pocket, or to put this land back into food production, which isn’t always a straightforward or immediately available option.

“Certainty is a vital ingredient in farming and right now, that is missing altogether.”

The NFU is urging Defra to set out a clear way forward before agreements come to an end on December 31, including:

n Allowing existing Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements to roll over for one year, preventing an immediate loss of environmental delivery while giving Defra time to develop a long-term plan.

n Delivering the new SFI scheme quickly to ensure farmers can enter agreements without losing the financial means to deliver for the environment.

Mr Exwood added: “I’ve written to the Farming Minister to highlight our concerns and asked Defra to set out a clear way forward.

“This is an opportunity for Defra to show it values farmers not just for producing food, but for the environmental benefits they deliver.”

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Andrew Lee Vegetation Management

Grass flail and scrub flail available for the management of scrub, brambles, grass etc.

Working on slopes of up to 50 degrees with operator. Contact Mobile: 07850489782 Email: andrewlee01@btinternet.com

Quick release couplings

Pressure wash hoses + lances

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked

Variation of oils

Mobile service available

Buckland Newton 282.28 (114.23 ha)

Will Wallis | 01305 236237

Motcombe

Guide £605,000 (Whole)

61.34 acres of arable capable pasture land, yard and building situated in an accessible rural position, available in two lots.

Donhead St Mary

Guide £800,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

An extended and modernised period house combining character and charm with contemporary family living in a quiet location on a nothrough road with wonderful views, land and stables. In all about 2.40 acres. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Guide £3,575,000 (Whole)

An attractive livestock farm with five bedroom farmhouse, a pair of cottages and a range of farm buildings. For sale as a whole or in up to six lots. Freehold. CTB’s E and C. EPC’s G and E.

Thursday 18 September at 12.00pm Thickthorn Farm, Lyneham

Dispersal Sale of Combine, 4 Tractor, 2 Sprayers, Telehandler, Quad Bike, Ford Fiesta Car & Arable Equipment

Guide £810,000

A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with wonderful far-reaching views and garden and grounds of one acre. CTB D, EPC F, Freehold.

Lot 1, 44.41 acres – Guide £425,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price

£1,100,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Lot 2, 16.93 acres – Guide £180,000

A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation over three floors in a quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold.

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Andrew Tuffin | 01258 472244

Sturminster | 01258 473766

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488 DORSET | DEVON |

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

| 01258 473766

Inc: John Deere 6185R with 575 hours (24), John Deere 6130R Premium (21), Manitou MLT 524 (97), Frazier Phantom TDI PHT 670 Sprayer, Frazier Agri Buggy 4D Turbo (95), Ford Fiesta (11), Honda 450 Quad Bike, Starfire 7000 Reciever, Starfire 6000 Reciever, AS Marston Ace 12 Grain Trailer (13), Kuhn Multi-Master 153 5 Furrow Reversible Plough, Kuhn HR 3001 Power Harrow, Amazone ZA-V 3200 Fertiliser Spinner, Accord Pneumatic DA Drill, Einbock Pneumaticstar Pro Grass Harrows (11), Ken Wooton 8 Grain Trailer (95), Twose JHF Ring Rollers, Watson Transport Box, McConnel 7 Leg Shakerator, Kongslide Delta 3m Cultivator, etc.

Okeford Fitzpaine

Introduced: New Holland CX7.90 c/w New Holland 22V Header with 507hrs (22), Massey Ferguson 6485 (04), John Deere 6910 (99), Mzuri Pro-Til 3T Drill (22)

Guide £775,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

On behalf of Boole Crop Specialists (Change in Farming Policy)

An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse with plenty of charm and original character features along with a 100’ garden in the heart of the village. CTB F, EPC Exempt, Freehold.

Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909/07817 517467

No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

Online bidding available

Sturminster | 01258 473766

North Cheriton OIEO £400,000

Bedchester

Sturminster

Bowridge, Gillingham

Todber

Guide £1,250,000

Guide £975,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000

Hazelbury Bryan

West Bourton

Guide £1,150,000

Guide £595,000

Marnhull Guide £525,000

A beautifully renovated stone house with a separate annexe and a range of barns and workshops in gardens and grounds of just over an acre. CTB D, EPC C, Freehold.

A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside is a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and paddock, in total 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens,

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Shroton Guide £435,000

Fitzpaine

Guide £550,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated

An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. CTB G, EPC B, Freehold.

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

A beautifully presented Grade II listed cottage, fully restored and sympathetically modernised with a sheltered south-facing garden in the heart of the village. CTB D, EPC Exempt, Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Property Showcase

20 March | The London Office

October | The London Office

Connect with London buyers at our forthcoming West Country Property Showcase.

Donhead St Mary

Guide £800,000

A detached house with a lovely private rear garden in a small rural hamlet yet within easy reach of local towns and amenities. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Contact your nearest office for further Information.

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Guide £525,000

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on

EPC F, Freehold.

A spacious and well arranged bungalow in a small cul de sac of similar houses, with plenty of parking and delightful gardens. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

North

A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with wonderful far-reaching views and garden and grounds of one acre. CTB D,

Marnhull

Okeford

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2025

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

2:00PM AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE DT9 3AB & VIA LIVESTREAM

PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025 2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE BH21 3AA & VIA LIVESTREAM

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 24TH JULY 2025 AT 2:00PM AT DIGBY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL, DIGBY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DT9 3NL

Bridport Road

rich in biodiversity, in a secluded, peaceful area south of the River Frome. Freehold.

Level pasture land and a traditional stone building set in 2.15 acres on the outskirts of the village of Queen Camel. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Yeovil | 01935 382901

0.15 acres and 0.11 acres of land offered as separate lots, with potential for a variety of uses (STPP/consents), in a convenient location 2.5 miles from Dorchester. Freehold.

North Perrott Guide £45,000 3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Sixpenny Handley

Guide £150,000

Dorchester Agricultural | 01258 473766 Guide £7,500

Holt, Wimborne Guide £80,000

Yeovil | 01935 432526

A detached barn of about 125 sqm. in just under 1.70 acres with off-road

An opportunity to purchase a parcel of permanent pasture in the village of Holt, extending to approximately 4.51

and

Dorchester

Melplash

Dorchester

Guide £200,000

Guide £50,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

A former village hall with parking situated on the main road in the heart of the village. GIA 175 sqm. Freehold. RV TBA.

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

1.11 acres of sloping woodland and level river bank adjoining the chalk stream River Frome, in an accessible location on the edge of Grove Trading Estate. Freehold.

A centrally located Grade II Listed property currently arranged as 3 x 1 bedroom flats and walled gardens, requiring modernisation throughout. CTBs A, EPC Exempt, Leasehold.

Dorchester Agricultural | 01258 473766 Guide £15,000

Dorchester | 01305 261008

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Woodlands

Charlton Marshall

Guide £300,000

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Winterborne Zelston

Tarrant Rushton

Guide £250,000

Guide £185,000

4.50 acres of predominantly level permanent pasture land located in the rural village of Woodlands, suitable for a variety of uses, subject to any required consents. Freehold.

Wareham Guide £110,000

23.55 acres of permanent pasture, with fishing rights along the River Stour, which borders the land. Freehold.

Pallington Guide £350,000

38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Dorchester | 01305 236237

9.13 acres of freely draining land, predominantly comprising pasture with an element of woodland, located between Wareham and Wool.

Wimborne Agricultural | 01202 843190

A detached, extended 3 bedroom cottage for renovation, enjoying a rural position and delightful countryside views in 0.20 acres of gardens. CTB C, EPC G, Freehold.

A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for refurbishment with scope for extension and remodelling (STPP) in a convenient location on the A31. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

Blandford Forum | 01258 452670

Blandford | 01258 452670

Guide £225,000

Motcombe

Corfe Mullen

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Bradworthy, Devon

Okeford Fitzpaine

Maybank

Guide £295,000

Guide £250,000

East Knoyle

Yeovil

Bournemouth

Hindon

Guide £125,000

Guide £200,000

1.03 acres of deciduous and coniferous woodland in an accessible, rural position 1 mile southeast of the A350. Freehold.

A Grade II listed building offering several uses/options with planning permission and LB consent for conversion to residential. Freehold. EPC-D.

Verwood Guide £125,000 1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

A grand, 4 storey (including basement) mixed-use Victorian building occupying a prominent corner plot on Lansdowne Crescent. RV: £53,500, £8,300, CTB A, EPC TBC. Freehold.

Sturminster Agricultural | 01258 472244 Guide £19,000

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Heath

Fitzpaine

Guide £150,000

Guide £50,000

A storage barn measuring approx. 851 sqft., in a convenient location off the A303, benefitting from mains electricity and shared private access. Freehold.

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000

A semi detached, extended 4 bedroom period property for complete renovation with a generous garden adjoining Ferndown Forest. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.

20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

A charming 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with parking conveniently situated in the town centre, with parking. Leasehold. Service Charge £4,269 pa. G Rent £30 pa. CTB-D; EPC-D.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wimborne Wimborne | 01202843190

Sherborne Sherborne | 01935 814488

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Guide £190,000

Guide £90,000

Guide £275,000

Fifehead Magdalen

Milborne Port

Guide £250,000

Guide £200,000

A mid terrace 2 double bedroom property in need of renovation throughout, with an enclosed rear garden situated close to the town centre. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-D.

A 0.30 acre building plot with planning permission for a 2 bedroom bungalow, vehicular access, parking and garden enjoying a rural location and views. Freehold.

A partially renovated and extended 2 bedroom bungalow with potential for upwards extension, subject to planning permission. CTB C, EPC E, Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Dorchester Dorchester | 01305 261008

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

An attractive semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage for renovation with a generous garden situated in this much favoured North Dorset village. CTB E, EPC G, Freehold.

Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

A charming 2 bedroom period cottage, situated at the end of a terrace in a quiet village location. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

9.44 acres of level, productive pasture land with direct road access and a pocket of conservation land on the edge of the village. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster | 01258 473766

3.85 acres of permanent pasture with mature boundaries and a timber field shelter, in a convenient location close to an extensive bridleway network. Freehold.

20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

A charming semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage with a separate 1 bedroom, single storey annexe with off-road parking and gardens. CTBs C & A, EPCs D & B, Freehold.

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

Sturminster | 01258 473766 Guide £295,000

Wimborne Agricultural | 01202 843190 Guide £100,000

Tiverton | 01884 218911 Guide £395,000 Traditional stone barn set in 5.97acres. Positioned in a private location with residential conversion opportunity (STPP & relevant consents). Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Guide £775,000

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

Horton, Wimborne

A substantial bungalow

74.24 parcels of level and southfacing arable land, arranged in two parcels of 54 and 20 acres, with the added provision of a circa 1,200 sqft barn currently used for the storage of machinery. Freehold.

An agricultural stone and block building measuring 2927 sqft. with an adjoining 0.70 acre paddock, enjoying views over surrounding countryside. Freehold.

Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £450,000

A semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage in 0.89 acres offering character and charm throughout and enjoying views over the surrounding landscape. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

A former primary school measuring over 6,300 sq. ft./585 sq. m. in grounds of 0.54 acres, providing development potential, subject to planning permission. EPC D, Freehold.

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Yarlington Sherborne | 01935 814488

Yeovil Agricultural | 01935 423526

Sandford Orcas

Guide £400,000

A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

A 4 bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation throughout, with 0.62 acre grounds, multiple outbuildings and stunning views. Freehold. CTB-E; EPC-E.

Iliminster | 01460 200790

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Lyons Gate

Fontmell Magna

Guide £350,000

Henstridge Guide £300,000

Kingsbury Episcopi

Guide £395,000

£115,000 9.63 acres of pasture and woodland providing stunning views over the Blackmore Vale, enjoying an unspoilt and peaceful location and a network of bridleways and footpaths. Freehold.

Shaftesbury Guide £95,000

A former doctor’s surgery in 0.58 acres with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling under application P/PACD/2024/02991/. RV: £5,100, EPC C, Freehold.

A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.

Sturminster | 01258 473766

A lofty workshop with large and level fenced outside space. 0.66 acre plot on the Marsh Lane Trading Estate. Freehold. RV Workshop-£9,600 Yard£12,000; EPC-C. Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Agricultural | 01258 472244

Guides £125,000 and £175,000

2 x building plots measuring 0.36 and 0.86 acres, both with full planning permission for detached 3 bedroom dwellings in a sought after village location. Freehold.

Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.

Fiddleford Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

A detached 3 bedroom character property in a village location with scope for improvement, sitting in a 0.66 acre plot less than 2 miles from Sturminster Newton. Freehold. CTB-F; EPC-F.

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Guide £225,000-£250,000

Somerford Road, Christchurch

A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold.

Blandford | 01258 452670

Bridgehampton Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £500,000

A residential development site measuring 0.87 acres with full, detailed planning permission for 7 residential dwellings (planning ref: 20/01206/ FUL). Further 1.13 acre field included. Freehold. CTB-D; EPC-F.

Guide £650,000

A site measuring 0.39 acres with full planning permission for an exclusive development of 9 x 2 bedroom apartments (8/22/0470/FUL), situated in the heart of Christchurch close to Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay. Potential for alternative schemes STPP. CIL: £98,735.93, Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

A detached 6 bedroom farmhouse in need of renovation and a courtyard of traditional and modern farm buildings, situated in a rural location on a no through lane and boasting far reaching views. In all 1.82 acres.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Yeovil | 01935 382901 Guide £595,000

Horton

Chilthorne Domer

Freehold.

the Fleet to White Nothe

to Start Point. Freehold.

Okeford

Clifton

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2025

PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 24TH JULY 2025 AT 2:00PM AT DIGBY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL, DIGBY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DT9 3NL

2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE BH21 3AA & VIA LIVESTREAM

2:00PM AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE DT9 3AB & VIA LIVESTREAM

Poole

rich in biodiversity, in a secluded, peaceful area south of the River Frome. Freehold.

Level pasture land and a traditional stone building set in 2.15 acres on the outskirts of the village of Queen Camel. Freehold.

Guide £225,000

Wimborne | 01202 843190

North Perrott Guide £45,000 3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 382901

Sixpenny Handley

An attractive 3 bedroom mid-terrace property for modernisation, with a garden and parking in a popular road in the Longfleet area of Poole. Freehold. EPC E. CTB B.

Guide £150,000

Holt, Wimborne Guide £80,000

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Yeovil | 01935 432526

An opportunity to purchase a parcel of permanent pasture in the village of

A detached barn of about 125 sqm. in just under 1.70 acres with off-road

Alweston

Yeovil

Melplash

Guide £275,000

Guide £200,000

Guide £50,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

Guide £125,000

Charlton Marshall

Guide £300,000

the Fleet to White Nothe and to Start Point. Freehold.

Guide £300,000

Dorchester | 01305 236237

A charming 3 bedroom Grade II Listed property with ample garaging, driveway parking and a quaint garden in a sought after village location. Freehold. CTB E.

Wareham Guide £110,000

23.55 acres of permanent pasture, with fishing rights along the River Stour, which borders the land. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Dorchester | 01305 236237

9.13 acres of freely draining land, predominantly comprising pasture with an element of woodland, located between Wareham and Wool. Freehold.

Verwood Guide £125,000

Guide £150,000

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

Freehold. CTB D. EPC D.

A detached bungalow in 0.39 acres in need of modernisation throughout with scope to re-develop the plot, subject to planning permission/consents.

A former village hall with parking situated on the main road in the heart of the village. GIA 175 sqm. Freehold. RV TBA.

A centrally located Grade II Listed property currently arranged as 3 x 1 bedroom flats and walled gardens, requiring modernisation throughout. CTBs A, EPC Exempt, Leasehold.

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

Dorchester Dorchester | 01305 261008

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Wimborne | 01202 843190

1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

A grand, 4 storey (including basement) mixed-use Victorian building occupying a prominent corner plot on Lansdowne Crescent. RV: £53,500, £8,300, CTB A, EPC TBC. Freehold.

A Grade II listed building offering several uses/options with planning permission and LB consent for conversion to residential. Freehold. EPC-D.

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A semi detached, extended 4 bedroom period property for complete renovation with a generous garden adjoining Ferndown Forest. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000 20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

A charming 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with parking conveniently situated in the town centre, with parking. Leasehold. Service Charge £4,269 pa. G Rent £30 pa. CTB-D; EPC-D.

Wimborne | 01202843190

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Winterborne Zelston

Tarrant Rushton

Guide £250,000

Guide £185,000

A detached, extended 3 bedroom cottage for renovation, enjoying a rural position and delightful countryside views in 0.20 acres of gardens. CTB C, EPC G, Freehold.

A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for refurbishment with scope for extension and remodelling (STPP) in a convenient location on the A31. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

Pallington Guide £350,000

Blandford | 01258 452670

| 01305 261008

Blandford Forum | 01258 452670

Batcombe, Dorchester

Guide £250,000

Bradworthy, Devon

Horton Heath

Dorchester

Guide £275,000

Guide £190,000

Milborne Port

Fifehead Magdalen

Guide £250,000

Guide £200,000

A partially renovated and extended 2 bedroom bungalow with potential for upwards extension, subject to planning permission. CTB C, EPC E, Freehold.

A mid terrace 2 double bedroom property in need of renovation throughout, with an enclosed rear garden situated close to the town centre. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-D.

Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000

42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

A charming 2 bedroom period cottage, situated at the end of a terrace in a quiet village location. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

An attractive semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage for renovation with a generous garden situated in this much favoured North Dorset village. CTB E, EPC G, Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Dorchester | 01305 261008

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Henstridge

Fontmell Magna

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Guide £395,000

Guides £40,000 to £115,000 20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

A charming semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage with a separate 1 bedroom, single storey annexe with off-road parking and gardens. CTBs C & A, EPCs D & B, Freehold.

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Tiverton | 01884 218911 Guide £395,000 Traditional stone barn set in 5.97acres. Positioned in a private location with residential conversion opportunity (STPP & relevant consents). Freehold.

A semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage in 0.89 acres offering character and charm throughout and enjoying views over the surrounding landscape. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

A former primary school measuring over 6,300 sq. ft./585 sq. m. in grounds of 0.54 acres, providing development potential, subject to planning permission. EPC D, Freehold.

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Sherborne | 01935 814488

A former doctor’s surgery in 0.58 acres with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling under application P/PACD/2024/02991/. RV: £5,100, EPC C, Freehold.

forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.

Forthcoming Auction Dates

Sturminster | 01258 473766

A lofty workshop with large and level fenced outside space. 0.66 acre plot on the Marsh Lane Trading Estate. Freehold. RV Workshop-£9,600 Yard£12,000; EPC-C. Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Horton, Wimborne

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

situated close to the centre of this highly sought-after village. CTB E, EPC Exempt, Freehold.

Milborne Port Guide £150,000 renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.

property in a village location with scope for improvement, sitting in a 0.66 acre plot less than 2 miles from Sturminster Newton. Freehold. CTB-F; EPC-F.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Thursday 16 October at The Guildhall, Axminster Lots include agricultural and amenity land, woodland, and commercial and residential property across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Bridgehampton

Thursday 23 October at Merley House, Wimborne

Confirmed entries so far include property for renovation, building plots, pasture land, woodland, and commercial and residential investments across Dorset, Bournemouth and Hampshire.

Chilthorne Domer

Guide £595,000

Guide £450,000

A substantial bungalow requiring renovation, providing potential for extension or replacement, subject to PP, in a rural position enjoying grounds of 1.60 acres.

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Subject to an AOC. CTB E, EPC F, Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Bincombe, Weymouth Dorchester Agricultural | 01305 236237

A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

A 4 bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation throughout, with 0.62 acre grounds, multiple outbuildings and stunning views. Freehold. CTB-E; EPC-E.

Iliminster | 01460 200790

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Somerford Road, Christchurch

Guide £225,000-£250,000 A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold.

Guide £650,000

We are still taking entries for our sales on 23 October and 14 November.

Mark Lewis 01258 473766

Blandford | 01258 452670

Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £500,000

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

Meredith Wallis 01202 843190

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Yeovil | 01935 382901

Plush

£400,000 Zeals

This exceptionally well presented two bedroom detached bungalow is set in a peaceful, tucked away position within a private close of just six properties. Light and

£775,000 Wincanton

£259,000 Bourton

Thinking of moving?

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.

Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.

We still have many buyers looking to purchase a property in the local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property. Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

single garage. EPC Rating: C. Freehold.

Wincanton

£595,000 Castle Cary

£525,000 Gillingham

£750,000 Shaftesbury

We currently have proceedable buyers looking for property in the current locations: Shaftesbury, Mere, Motcombe, Iwerne Minster, Gillingham & Ludwell.

£475,000 Shaftesbury

If you are thinking of selling then please contact us on 01747 851151 to arrange a free no obligation market appraisal.

£365,000 Shaftesbury

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Professional family of 4 looking for 3 bed home to rent long term. Sherborne areas. Excel refs. Tel 07798-760107

HAZELBURY BRYAN..NEW INDUSTRIAL UNIT,

1600 sqft, 3 phase electric, fibre broadband, 24/7 HGV access, ample parking, CCTV, one year minimum term, £1200 pcm 07798-500059

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 892476

Lot has planning for three homes

A VACANT commercial property in Gillingham town centre, with consent to be turned into residential usage, is being auctioned again.

The freehold building at 7-9 High Street – pictured – with a guide price of £220,000£240,000, is among 191 lots listed across southern England in Clive Emson Auctioneers’ September sale.

the bridge, which features in the painting by John Constable, the building has consent for conversion to three twobedroom units.

“Once completed, the units will be suitable for resale into the local market or for retention as letting investments.

It is the firm’s largest auction by number of lots in 13 years.

Mike Marchant, a senior auction appraiser for Dorset, said: “Within a stone’s throw of

“The property is relisted from our July auction, at the same guide price.”

The online auction ends on Thursday, September 18.

Bidding is live from 48 hours beforehand.

Cheryl from Dualit will be in-store, bringing the brand to life with hands-on demonstrations of their premium kitchen appliances.

Don’t miss the chance to see Dualit’s products in action and get expert advice directly Cheryl.

25% OFF NEW SEASON JOULES, SEASALT & WHITE STUFF

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