The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 118

What’s inside this issue…

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Creaky Cottage, Chebbard

Dorset’s High Sheriff honours local heroes

‘Drop dead gorgeous’ Sherborne is one of the UK’s top towns

SHERBORNE, which has been described as “drop dead gorgeous”, has been crowned one of the best places to live in the Southwest for 2025.

The market town on the edge of the Blackmore Vale has long been praised by residents who have fostered a strong sense of community over the years – and now the town is in the national spotlight for just this.

The Sunday Times released its annual Best Places to Live in the Southwest guide on March 21, and Sherborne has been included thanks to its “deep community spirit”.

“There are more than 200 groups covering every conceivable interest.

“The inspiring Sherborne Community Kitchen, a lunch club, has gone from strength to strength.

A judging panel, formed of experts, has highlighted the “inspiring” work of the Sherborne Community Kitchen and praised how there are more than 200 community groups for “every conceivable interest”.

The judges also highlighted the “lively” high street, “impeccable” schools, as well as the increasing number of start-ups, which they say points to how the town has

transformed from a retirement destination to a bubbling hub for families and entrepreneurs.

“So too has the number of start-ups –evidence that an influx of families and entrepreneurs during the pandemic has freshened up Sherborne’s reputation as a retirement destination.”

The Sunday Times’s expert judges assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

They said: “True beauty really is more than skin deep in this historic, honeycoloured town surrounded by rolling countryside.

“It’s a drop-dead gorgeous address with a lively high street, welcoming pubs, cosy cafés, impeccable schools (both private and state) and, above all, a deep community spirit.

Elsewhere in Dorset, Southbourne in Bournemouth was also included in the list, while the Chew Valley in neighbouring Somerset was named as the regional winner in the annual guide.

Saffron Walden in Essex was named the overall best place to live in the UK.

Visit www.thetimes.com/best-places-tolive for the full list.

Pictures: Visit Dorset

Taking the plunge for cancer charity

TWO ‘slightly crazy’ Dorset grandmothers have decided to step out of their comfort zones – and out of a plane door – to help local families affected by cancer.

Friends Beccy Soulsby and Claire Wing will take part in a 15,000ft skydive on Saturday, June 14, in Salisbury, to raise funds for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Claire, 52, from Shaftesbury, said: “Beccy and I are not daredevils by any stretch of the imagination, but we have both had our own experiences of cancer and we wanted to do something really meaningful for a local charity which helps so many families here in Dorset.”

Claire is married to Phil, and between them they have four children and seven grandchildren.

She said that her skydive will celebrate a significant upturn in her own health: “Up until December 2023 I was struggling to the point that it scared me, so January last year I started Slimming World, which gave me the boost to do more.

“In May, I did the trek26 for Alzheimer's Society in Salisbury and while soaking my tired feet after the walk I looked up and saw people skydiving. I turned to my husband, Phil, and said: ‘That's what I am doing next!’.”

Claire has just retired from a career in care which began at the age of 16 but is still working part-time as a supervisor cleaner for Shaftesbury School and as a shop assistant.

She added: “I wanted to fundraise for a cancer charity after losing my beautiful mum to the disease and I found the perfect one in DCCF.

“When I told Beccy what I wanted to do, she said she would do it too – and then we had two slightly crazy women falling from the sky at 124mph!”

The DCCF was set up by three nurses in Poole in 2012

hardship because of cancer.

Non-returnable grants totalling over £3/4 million have already helped families pay for accommodation costs, utility bills and transport to and from hospital treatment.

Beccy, a self-employed carer from Sherborne, is married to Lloyd, and they have two children and two grandchildren.

She said: “I turned 50 in January and decided I needed to dare myself to do something that scares me – and thanks to Claire, this is it!”

She added: “My family have been hit by cancer several times throughout my life and an old school friend of mine has terminal stage 4 cancer having already lost her mother and twin sister to cancer within a year of each other.

“I have seen how hard she has had to fight to get financial help during her darkest times for herself and the young children in her family.

“Cancer can hit anyone at any time and financial burdens should not be another battle a person or family has to face.”

The women have launched themselves into their fundraising with vigour.

Dorset grandmothers Claire Wing (left) and Beccy Soulsby are doing a skydive for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

sale on Saturday, April 5, at the Silver Band Hall in Shaftesbury, and hope everyone who can, will pop in and support us,” said Claire.

“We are also asking everyone we know to sponsor us, and we are also going into our own towns to do a collection. Plus, we have launched our own online JustGiving pages. We want to raise as much money as we can for the DCCF.

“It means so much to Beccy and I that we will be helping a local family to make ends meet at such a dark time in their lives.”

Beccy agreed: “Skydiving at 15,000 ft is a little scary, but knowing I have my best friend

me will make every second we freefall worthwhile!”

Jannine Loveys, fundraising manager for the DCCF, said: “Beccy and Claire are our absolute heroes, and we simply cannot wait to see their amazingly brave adventure unfold.

“We hope people will show their appreciation for what they are doing, and sponsor them, knowing that their donations will go straight to families here in Dorset who are experiencing real hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.”

To sponsor the women, visit www.justgiving.com and search for ‘Claire’s fundraiser for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation’.

Giant steps…

STURMINSTER Newton Heritage Trust and the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society are looking forward to a talk from local archaeologist Paul Cheetham.

Paul has been working on a dig in Cerne Abbas, during which surprising new discoveries have been made about the giant and its origins.

He’ll present Standing on the Shoulders (and Other Parts) of a Giant: The Cerne Abbas Giant Reconsidered on Wednesday, April 16, at 7.30pm in the Bow Room, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton (DT10 1FH). Tickets are £4; hot and cold drinks are available at the bar.

Support for the visually impaired

DORSET Blind Association is inviting visually impaired adults of working age to join its active and welcoming community.

The group offers not only social activities but also practical and emotional support to help navigate life with sight loss.

There are opportunities to stay active and connected, from pub lunches and bowling to kayaking, acoustic shooting and even driving a dual-controlled car on an airfield.

But beyond the activities, it’s the friendships, shared experiences, and mutual support that make this club so valuable.

“One of the hardest things about sight loss is feeling isolated,” says Grainne Barry, DBA community support worker.

“This group helps people regain confidence, build friendships, and find

reassurance from others who really understand the challenges of living with sight loss. The peer support within the group is

just as important as the activities themselves.”

For many members, the group has been life-changing.

“Since specific social services for the blind were cut back, many people lost all support,” says DBA member, Sam.

“From then on, DBA became even more valuable to me – offering practical and emotional support that cannot be found anywhere else. Quite simply, they are a lifeline for many. As I find it difficult to work, DBA also gives me the opportunity to volunteer and fundraise so I can give something back.”

The group meets regularly at different locations across Dorset, making it easy to get involved. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with sight loss for years, you’ll find a warm welcome and the chance to meet people who genuinely understand.

To find out more email Grainne@dorsetblind.org.uk

News

Nature immersion

A NEW course harnessing the therapeutic powers of nature is being offered free of charge to people living in south Somerset who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Organised and run by experienced outdoor practitioners from The Balsam Centre in Wincanton, Step Into Nature teaches people how to incorporate contact with nature into their weekly routine as a way of supporting positive mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

The course runs for eight weeks and takes place at Moldrams Ground Nature Reserve in Pen Selwood. Transport is provided from The Balsam Centre.

The course is based on the ‘Five Pathways to Nature Connection’ devised by the University of Derby as a way of helping people develop a closer attachment to nature.

Participants will spend time exploring and appreciating the natural world, connecting with nature as a means of finding

tranquillity and peace, and learning techniques that will help them emotionally in the future.

The course also offers the opportunity to develop practical outdoor skills that can help when applying for a job or voluntary position, and to survey wildlife such as dragonflies and solitary bees on behalf of specialist wildlife groups.

Course leader, Nick Truman, said: “People who’ve come on previous courses say they find it both peaceful and motivating.

“The emphasis is on helping you to get away from it all, at a slower pace than usual, connecting with the natural world, learning new outdoor skills, and meeting new people, all within a safe space.

“You could say it’s a kind of Forest School for adults.”

Outdoor practitioner, Kate Hathway, added: “People are sometimes put off attending courses like this as they think they need to be the ‘outdoorsy’ type, but that’s really not the case.

“In many ways, we do similar sorts of crafts around the fire to those you might do in front of the television in the evening but using natural materials.

“Nick and I are here to make sure everyone feels comfortable. We have a shelter in case of wet weather, and there’s lots of mutual support from the other participants.”

Step into Nature begins on Monday, April, departing for Moldrams Ground from The Balsam Centre at 10.30am and returning at 2.45pm.

to join the group should contact The Balsam Centre at info@ balsamcentre.org.uk or 01963 31842.

01258 475582 Office open Monday - Friday 9:30am - 1:30pm info@acnorthdorset.org.uk | www.acnorthdorset.org.uk

It is free to attend but spaces are limited so anyone wishing

More information can be found at www.balsamcentre.org. uk/step-into-nature

Council bids farewell

SHAFTESBURY town clerk, Brie Logan, has announced her resignation after seven years at the town council and will leave on May 23.

Brie joined in 2017 as the council’s business manager. After a stellar career at Marks & Spencer, Brie discovered an interest in local government. Hired to drive projects and initiatives for Shaftesbury, Brie hit the ground running by re-starting the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, which had been stalled for some time and was successfully ‘made’ in 2021.

Brie passed the CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) in June 2019 and was appointed deputy town clerk in 2021, then promoted to Shaftesbury’s permanent town clerk in May 2022.

During her tenure Brie has accomplished many successes, notably heading up the council’s Covid response, delivering the renovation of St James’ Park, spearheading a complete change of fortunes at the lido and securing over £300k of external funding to support various STC projects. By restructuring the council’s operations, she has created a more productive ethos, which councillors are determined to continue.

Brie says: “It is with a heavy heart that I resign as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at STC. It has come to a point that I have done all I can for STC and it is therefore timely to hand over the baton to a new clerk to take forward the future STC plans and priorities.”

“Shaftesbury Town Council wishes to thank Brie for her passion, her commitment, her phenomenal hard work and all her many achievements over the last seven years,” said a spokesperson. “Whilst we are very sad to say goodbye, we wish her the best in her future endeavours.”

Trains – model and in real life!

by Hilary Daniels SHILLINGSTONE

Station is hosting an Open Day and Model Railway Show next Saturday (April 5) – so whatever size you like your trains, North Dorset Railway has it covered!

For model rail enthusiasts there will be 10 layouts, everything from Z gauge – life size, but only if you’re less than a third of an inch tall – to garden gauge – you might be a whopping three inches!

There’s also vintage tinplate, a ‘live steam’ display and sale of donated model railway bits and bobs – all displayed in station buildings and railway carriages.

But if you prefer your railways full size, there’ll be lots to see at Shillingstone, with steam and diesel locos on site, display wagons, the museum and guided tours of the signal

box.

There’ll be a book sale, the usual fabulous views over the Stour Valley and, as always, a warm welcome and delicious food in the cafe.

Plus the chance to buy raffle tickets for the station’s grand prize draw, with the opportunity to win a wide range of prizes,

Bournemouth AFC shirt signed by the first team, a year’s subscription to Railway Modeller magazine and much more.

The station is being made ready for the spring and summer, with lots of work being done in the gardens, and more than a little fresh paint applied.

If you haven’t visited for a while, come and see the progress that’s been made – but do look out for changed parking arrangements. The station is open from 10am-4pm. Admission is free, but if you choose to buy a programme and contribute to the restoration and development work of the North Dorset Railway, a donation of £2 – or more – will be much appreciated and used well.

including life membership of North Dorset Railway, a framed

Clock up the miles for air ambulance

RUNNING shoes at the ready: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced a new fundraising challenge for April.

Called ‘Marathon in a Month’, this exciting event invites everyone to walk, run, or even swim their way to 26.2 miles. Every step, stroke or stride you take will help to save lives across Dorset.

The beauty of this event is you don’t need the stamina of a seasoned long-distance runner to take part. Tackle the challenge all in one go, or spread the miles out over the month – it’s up to you.

It’s free to sign up and you will receive a complimentary t-shirt once you have activated your fundraising page, so you can look great whilst clocking

up the miles.

Tracy Bartram, DSAA’s Communications Manager said:

“Our challenges have historically been a fantastic hub of engagement for everyone who takes part. The online challenge group is a wonderful space for people to share their journey with others. It contains messages of support, photos of people’s progress and encouragement at all times. I am sure that our brand-new Marathon in a Month will be no exception! We are really excited to see what everyone gets up to and we will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Find out more and sign up for DSAA’s Marathon in a Month Challenge at www. dsairambulance.org.uk/ marathoninamonth

Guild to learn about Coast Watch work

JUDY Clarke, a station manager for Coast Watch, will be talking to the members of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild. The talk will take place after a short business meeting followed by a break for tea and coffee, at 2pm on Monday, April 14, in Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury (DT1 3DF). Visitors welcome (£4).

Theatre double-bill

TWO performers are set to bring a unique double bill of new productions to Dorset later this month.

Grace Kirby and Peter Macqueen perform their own shows, each directed by the other.

Nancy’s Orange is inspired by Grace’s experiences in a part-time job delivering NHS prescriptions to patients, often elderly and isolated. Brief encounters happen on doorsteps, in gardens, in kitchens and even on balconies, revealing lives richly lived through stories of love and loss, sadness and joy, infused with poetry and humour.

As well as a successful actor and writer, Peter Macqueen is a keen amateur naturalist with a particular passion for butterflies and moths.

The Butterfly Collector brings both these strands of his life together by exploring personal experiences of the effects of climate change.

He draws on childhood memories of happy holidays collecting butterflies and sets them against the drastic attempt to rescue that collection – and those memories – 50 years later, when Storm Desmond flooded more than 7,000 homes in Cumbria, including his own.

This double bill of live theatre is at the village halls at West Stafford on Friday, March 28; Child Okeford on Saturday, March 29; and St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas, on Sunday, March 30.

Find tickets and further info at www.artsreach.co.uk

Memories of school days

OKEFORD School (1873-2022) was built in the centre of the village following the 1870 Education Act.

Unfortunately, the building was badly damaged by fire in 1942 and most of the school records were lost.

Now that the school has sadly closed, the community is aiming to piece together a history of the school from 1873 onwards using photographs and the few archive materials that are available.

There is to be an exhibition and community event at the village hall (DT11 0RE) on May 3 and 4, from 10am-4pm to gather information, especially the oral history of former pupils.

Refreshments will be available and all donations will go towards the village hall.

Morrisons plans cafe closure

THE Morrisons store in Warminster is set to be affected by a huge shake-up by the supermarket giant.

Morrisons is planning to shut 17 stand-alone convenience stores, 52 cafés, as well as several hot food counters, florists and pharmacies across the country.

The move comes as the company looks to help mitigate

Chance to meet the artists at new show

ARTWORKS inspired by themes including home, journeys, memories, family and nature are going on show in On Close Inspection, an exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre next week.

The work is by members of the Twenty3 art collective –Sophie Firth, Richard Gregory, Jinny Jehu, Zara McQueen, Sarah Moore and Hester Poole – plus internationally renowned silversmith Yvette Cannon.

The exhibition features jewellery, painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media works and runs from Wednesday to Tuesday, April 2-8, 10am to 4pm – free admission.

Twenty3 art collective formed after completing the MA Fine Art course in the summer of 2023.

Visitors can meet the artists on Saturday, April 5, 4pm-6pm for a drink.

Artist talks will take place from 4.45pm.

“recent significant cost increases” and 396 employees are at risk of redundancy. Included in the list of planned closures is the Morrisons café in Warminster, found on Weymouth Street.

Rami Baitiéh, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate

Morrisons.

“In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.

“But as we modernise we are making some necessary changes to the areas of the model which

are simply uneconomic.

“Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues.

“We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes.”

Caring for war graves

DONHEADS Gardening Club, in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is set to present a talk, Gardening the World, by Christopher Brown.

He will give insight into how the Commission looks after more than 150 war grave locations around the world.

The talk is at St Andrews Church, Donhead St Andrew, on Monday, April 14. Doors open at 6.15pm, with the talk starting at 7pm.

Guest entry is £5 on the door. Donations can be made to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

If you’d like to go, email gardeningclubevents@aol. com

Listed church urgently needs repairs

ST MARY’S Church in Gillingham, which is facing a bill of more than £350,000 for repairs to the roof, has launched an appeal for funds.

The roof’s age and stormy weather in recent years have resulted in numerous leaks which need to be fixed as soon as possible before they cause further issues.

The work will be divided into two phases, with the first going ahead this spring costing about £45,000.

The second phase will see the whole roof at the east end of the building replaced, as it is coming towards the end of its life.

The architect has estimated this work will cost more than £300,000 and it cannot start until funds have been raised.

Tom Wickson, a churchwarden, said: “Neither the central church nor the Government have any grant schemes for local churches, so we will be applying for funds to various bodies.

“They will be happier to support us if we have already raised some money from our own resources.”

St Mary’s is Gillingham’s only Grade 1 listed

building and has stood in the town since the early 14th century.

“It is our task at this point in time to repair the building and keep it in good order for future generations,” Tom added.

“We are optimistic that the cost can be met and we shall be able to raise enough to maintain this important public space for the town.

“It is a storehouse of community history and memories. Please help us if you can.”

For more information, pick up an appeal leaflet in the church or contact gillinghamanglican@ gmail.com

CIRCA 1896

SOLD IN NOVEMBER 2024

HAMMER PRICE: £1,300

More banking branch closures

THE Santander branch in Shaftesbury will close later this year, the bank has confirmed.

This comes after Santander announced it is set to close 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk.

The bank said these closures are needed due to an increasing number of people switching to online banking rather than inperson.

The Shaftesbury branch, found on the High Street, will close on Wednesday, July 23.

The Wimborne Minster branch will close on Monday, August 4. Santander says all locations where branches will close will be covered by new Santander community bankers providing face-toface money management and general support for customers, visiting local communities weekly, as well as attending banking hubs.

A spokesperson for Santander UK said: “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.

“However, we believe that the introduction of our new community bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and work cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.”

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Don’t let paying to park be a pain

WITH the cost of parking set to rise from April 3, Dorset Council is shouting about ways you can save when using its car parks. If you regularly use car parks, Dorset Council offers two cost-effective permits.

Flexi Stay permit: Ideal for those who park all day for work. This permit can be used in most Dorset Council car parks by residents and non-residents working in the council area. It is available to buy monthly or annually

Short Stay permit: Perfect if you park for shorter periods, such as shopping, appointments or leisure. This permit allows for a parking session of up to three hours every day. It can be registered for up to two cars, although they cannot use it at the same time. It is available to buy annually.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: “We are all feeling the pressure of continued rising costs, including the council.

“With the increasing demands on council services, the ongoing reduction in government funding, and rising inflation, our parking tariffs will increase

from 3 April to meet these challenges and continue to support our highways responsibilities.

“Our permits offer a money saving way to pay for parking. For example, if you work in Dorchester five days a week 48 weeks of the year, with our Flexi Stay permit your parking would work out at £1.28 a day compared to £6.30 a day without a permit.”

Find out more, including which car parks you can use your permit in and which are excluded, at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ flexi-stay-car-park-permit and www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/short-stay-car-parkpermit

Apply now and beat the price increases at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/permits

See the Short stay and Flexi stay webpages for qualifying car parks.

A fee of 10p is also to be introduced when using JustPark (via app, phone or text) to pay for parking.

The fee (including VAT of just under 2p) will cover JustPark’s payment maintenance operations and will be added each time a new parking session is paid for on the app.

Cllr Andrews continued: “Until now, we have been covering the fee from our parking income, but we can no longer afford to do this without impacting other services. In most other counties where JustPark operates, the 10p fee is already paid by motorists who use the service.

“It is a convenient way to pay for parking, but you can avoid the 10p fee by paying for parking by cash, credit card or contactless payment at any of our car park machines.”

The 10p fee will also apply when using the JustPark in car parks run by the town councils of Bridport, Shaftesbury and Sherborne, which utilise Dorset Council’s Just Park contract.

Prize winning shop up for sale

The Child Okeford Village Shop and Post Office has been put up for sale.

The shop came to prominence last year when it achieved first prize in the Countryside Alliance Awards for the best village shop in the South West of England. It went on to be voted runner up village shop in the United Kingdom.

Andrew Stevenson-Hamilton the present owner, has decided that it is now time to step down: ‘We have a great team, we have worked hard and we have gained some recognition. However I believe that I have taken the shop as far as I can and it’s time for someone else with new ideas to take the business forward’ says Andrew.

Andrew, who was new to shopkeeping when he bought the shop in 2020, set his goal to make the village shop and post office the centrepiece of the village community. He hopes that the new owner will continue in this quest. He added ‘I hope that I am evidence that you don’t need to have run a shop before to have a go.’

The sale is being managed by Christie and Co. 0333 034 1756

Thank for

Get your feet ready for Spring

S

hirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie Shaftesbury dates for your diary Tuesday 1st April 9.30am to 4pm.

New this season Gabor Trainer and sandals have just arrived in store this spring, superior comfort and quality are crafted using durable, luxurious materials and expert design.

Gabor collection offers an range of size and width options so that you can find the perfect fit.

We are very excited to say Paul from Gabor will be in our store Tuesday 1st 9.30am to 4pm to help our customers with fitting and advice on all the new season Gabor trainers and sandals.

Free gift with Gabor purchases on the day April 1st, also all Gabor purchases throughout April will be enter into a draw to win a pair new season Gabor trainer or sandals to be drawn 30th April.

Get your feet out ready for spring, the staff are looking forward to seeing you.

Don’t forget to ask to sign up to our reward scheme, in store. 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG.

Keep informed and entertained with the WI this year

BLANDFORD Evening WI (BEWI) meets on the second Friday of the month in the Parish Centre, The Plocks, Blandford Forum (DT11 7DW) at 7pm.

The group hosts an informal coffee morning at 10.30am on the third Friday of every month in the tea rooms of the Blandford Fashion Museum. Everyone is welcome and it is often an easy way to meet the members for the first time.

A busy calendar of events is planned for the year, including:

April 11 Line dancing lesson

May 9 Carter tiles with Jill Amey

June 13 History of hats (Ascot theme) with Sue Outhwaite

July 11 Cake competition with a Bake Off judge

August Summer outing (TBA)

Sept 12 Elizabeth Taylor, her men and her jewels with Phil Holt

Oct 10 TBA

Nov 14 Christmas craft evening

Dec 12 Christmas party with entertainment from Rockit Choir

You’ll find full details of forthcoming activities throughout this year and into the next on the BEWI Facebook page, www.facebook.com/blandfordeveningwi

FASHIONS

& LINGERIE

Paul from Gabor will be in store Tuesday 1st April 9.30am to 4pm to help our customers with fitting and advice on all the new season Gabor trainers and sandals.

FREE GIFT with Gabor purchases on the day, Gabor purchases throughout April will be entered into a draw to win a pair new season Gabor trainer or sandals to be drawn 30th April

A helping hand with the menopause

A NON-PROFIT organisation

supporting women experiencing the menopause is celebrating after securing funding for projects and activities across the county.

Dorset Menopause Support is a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC) founded three years ago by Rowan Chambers.

It comprises a small group of volunteers who support women through all stages of menopause. As well as a wealth of information, they offer support in groups or one-toone, guidance for couples and educational talks for everyone.

It was Rowan’s experience of perimenopause and her position as a volunteer health champion at two local GP surgeries, alongside her own research, chatting with local people, and supporting friends with similar experiences, that led to the beginning of Dorset Menopause Support.

“I wanted to offer a safe and friendly place for women who feel confused and alone when menopausal,” Rowan explains.

Complete Care Solutions

Women emerge with positive solutions, evidence based information and new friends, and they are not facing this challenge on their own.”

Women who receive the right support during perimenopause and menopause are better able to manage their symptoms. They are happier, healthier and have renewed confidence and vitality to reach their potential both professionally and personally.

“The inequality in women’s health care has for too long been ignored,” says Rowan. Dorset Menopause Support addresses this

inequality, taking a preventative approach to health, encouraging women to address their lifestyle choices in midlife, including nutrition, stress, sleep and exercise, and to approach their GP for appropriate treatment.

In doing so, Dorset Menopause Support helps more women reach their full potential, by raising awareness and supporting them at the earliest stages of perimenopause. Support meetings are held at Riversmeet in Gillingham on the third Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm, and the Vale Family Hub in Sturminster Newton on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5.30pm. A menopause support after breast cancer group is run in conjunction with BooBs Breast Cancer Awareness Charity at The Royal Chase Hotel in Shaftesbury on the third Saturday of each month at 11am.

There’s also a supportive Facebook group. Full details of all the services can be found at www.dorsetmenopausesupport. co.uk

Luxury residential care at Bramley House

Bramley House in Mere, unlike modern purpose-built care homes, has been tastefully converted from a former rectory. Carefully adapted to enable professional care within an environment that really does look and feel like a real home.

Elegant ensuite bedrooms, beautiful gardens, relaxing spaces, engaging activities, delicious food, and most importantly real loving care.

Residential care Day care

Convalescent stays Respite care

Left to right: Claire Stone (director) Emily Tytheridge, Rowan Chambers (founder and director) and Alison Tytheridge (director)

Why it’s good to talk

by Mel Lane

WHEN being left-handed was no longer seen as something terrible, more people were able to live in peace getting on with just being left-handed.

When being gay stopped being illegal, more people could be open about who they were and even get married.

Similarly, as transgender people found information (and each other) on the internet, plus support from the NHS and legal protection too, more transgender people have felt able to live authentically as themselves.

The young (age 16-28) transgender and gender-diverse people, who volunteer with me to tell their stories to teachers, talk about the huge positive impact of support from teachers in schools. It has helped them stay in school, get a good education and go on to university. They talk about how great it is to have supportive

parents and carers too, who help them live happy lives. These transgender young people are living their best lives.

My role, as a volunteer with Space Youth Project, isn’t ever to tell a child or young person who they are. They’re still working that out for themselves. Talking to them about LGBT+ lives is part of work on protected characteristics (including gender, race, religion, disability).

Learning about and celebrating the different ways to be a human helps children understand life in modern Britain and it helps them feel good about themselves too.

All children benefit when we talk about LGBT+ lives as being just another way to be a human because everyone gets the message that whoever you are or whatever your family looks like, that’s just right for you.

63% of 8-15 year-olds (YouGov polling, June 2021) already know someone close to

them who is LGBT+. They also often know LGBT+ celebrities or characters on TV. Consequently, conversations about LGBT+ lives are already happening among young people. Quality LGBT+ education in schools helps children ask questions in a safe environment with teachers they trust, who can give them age-appropriate answers. This is much safer than children searching for answers on the internet. The Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and the Government’s RSE guidance all help to inform schools of their duties in terms of LGBT+ inclusion and education.

A member of a senior leadership team in a Dorset school recently told me, “We support our trans young people because we see the positive impact it has on them.”

You can’t turn someone transgender. You can’t turn someone gay. But you can help

children to understand that difference isn’t something to be scared or ashamed of; it’s what makes the human race so successful. When we welcome and celebrate difference, we all benefit.

Mel Lane is volunteer

Education Lead with Space Youth Project, a Dorset-based charity providing youth groups for LGBT+ young people across Dorset. Mel’s work involves leading LGBT+ staff training and student sessions. She is widely published in the education press and is a co-author of the book What Does LGBT+ Mean?

High Sheriff honours helpers

DORSET’S High Sheriff, Anthony Woodhouse, presented 13 charities, organisations and an individual with a coveted High Sheriff Award at a ceremony at The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury.

The evening celebrated some of the most deserving people and organisations he has met during his year as High Sheriff of Dorset.

Mr Woodhouse said: “As my year as High Sheriff draws to a close, it’s important to me to recognise those who spend their time giving so much to others.

“In my shrieval year, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to meet so many wonderful organisations with amazing people doing amazing things often in challenging circumstances and without public recognition.

“It has also been humbling and has delivered a dawning realisation that our society would simply cease to function without voluntary and charitable organisations.

“It is an honour to be able to thank these compassionate, dedicated people with a High Sheriff Award.”

The recipients of a High Sheriff Award included Escapeline, set up by Lisa in 2019 after she identified that many children, some as young as six, were being exploited by county lines gangs. Escapeline provides

training and education to professionals, young people and parents in the community.

Wayne Knapton received a bravery award on the recommendation of the court for intercepting an incident in which the victim had been seriously assaulted by someone with a machete. .

Award recipient Dr Louise Parkin founded Respected in response to her experiences in general practice. The organisation works to ensure every young person has the required support and knowledge to make healthy and informed decisions around sex and relationships.

Marie Waterman and her team at Volunteer Centre Dorset were recognised with a High Sheriff award. The Centre supports charitable organisations, advertising roles and matching them with volunteers. Marie has worked for the charity for almost 25 years.

Nourish Blandford is one of 23 food banks in Dorset. Sophie Burditt and Gail Del-Pinto are among the team recognised for providing support to those living in Blandford and within the postcode area of DT11. As well as providing access to the community larder, Nourish is the first port

of call for those suffering from other challenges including debt, addiction, and loneliness.

Future Roots Sherborne (Chantal Sykes) was also honoured. A not-for-profit social enterprise, Future Roots enables young people to work in a rural environment. On the farm, which is owned by Julie Plumley, the same team also runs Countrymen – a sister charity that helps to meet the challenges faced by men who find themselves isolated due to deteriorating physical or mental health.

The High Sheriff is the King’s representative in the county in respect of law and order and plays an increasingly active role in promoting the voluntary sector within their communities and highlights the work of often unsung heroes.

Anthony Woodhouse has now been succeeded in the role of High Sheriff by Callum Bremner.

Theearly spring days that we have with the sun shining through our windows remind us that if it feels hot now behind the glass it’s going to be unbearable by the summer. With that in mind the Spring is a good time to get planning how you are going to keep your home and outdoor living areas cool over the summer.

At LPSS we have a vast range for internal and external shading. If you are looking for blinds or shutters we are experts in getting the right product installed to provide you with a cooler, shaded room or a darkened room for sleeping as the daylight hours lengthen.

Our extensive range of products for your outdoor living area include folding arm retractable Awnings, pergola Awnings, Verandas with glass or polycarbonate roofs with optional sides and sliding glass doors. External roller blinds for rooflights or windows, and premium quality louvred roof pergolas. We will listen carefully to what you want to achieve and advise you on the best option for you and guarantee our first class installation.

Tel: 0787 9992000 E: enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk

Birthday bash helps fund cancer centre

AT his 80th birthday bash at The Old Brewery Cafe, Gillingham, Pete Starkey raised £1,000 in donations from friends and family for the Radiotherapy Fund at Dorset County Hospital.

Pete was treated for prostate cancer in September 2020. The presentation took place in the treatment centre when he was reunited with some of the staff who cared for him. “Fellas, be safe – get tested!” says Pete.

Countryside culture

AN AWARD-WINNING bookshop is continuing its successful collaboration with a local hotel to bring a programme of author talks to Shaftesbury this spring and summer.

FOLDE Dorset, the nature-themed bookshop and gallery on Gold Hill that was last year awarded Best Independent Bookshop in the South West at The British Book Awards, is once again partnering with the Grosvenor Arms on a series of talks from a diverse line-up of nature writers, on subjects ranging from hedge laying to land access, to the plight of some of our ‘unloved’ vanishing species.

The authors appearing at the Grosvenor include:

The winner of the 2024 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, Michael Malay, who will be in conversation about his book Late Light, the story of his own journey as an Indonesian Australian making a home for himself in England and finding strange parallels between his life and the lives of the animals he examines.

Hannah Dale, who will be giving an illustrated talk about A Wilding Year, her book recounting her ambitious rewilding of her 300-acre farm in Lincolnshire.

Patrick Galbraith, who asks readers in Uncommon Ground to rethink their

relationship with the countryside as demand for greater access to it grows.

Julian Hoffman speaking about Lifelines, his story of searching for home in the mountains and lakes of northern Greece.

Award-winning environmental justice researcher and educator, Joycelyn Longdon, talking about Natural Connection, in which she asks readers to understand environmental action in its proper global context.

Nic Wilson, whose book Land Beneath the Waves is a moving, honest and revealing memoir of living with chronic illness and the ways a relationship with the natural world can affect us.

The bookshop is hosting two separate events with Paul Lamb, better known to his many thousands of fans on Instagram as the West Country Hedgelayer, to accommodate the demand to hear him speak about his new book, Of Thorn & Briar. Both of these events are sold out with a waiting list in place.

FOLDE is also collaborating with Shaftesbury’s nature groups on a talk with the former environment editor of the Independent, Mike McCarthy, in celebration of Shaftesbury Cuckoo Day.

FOLDE co-owner, Karen Brazier, added:

Paul Lamb, the West Country Hedgelayer, is one of the authors appearing in FOLDE Dorset’s programme of nature writing talks

“Our collaboration with the Grosvenor Arms has been a real game-changer for FOLDE.

“Our shop has a small footprint that could otherwise restrict our ambitions for author events but, thanks to the Grosvenor’s kind loaning of their Assembly Room, our programme is going from strength to strength.

“It’s great news for the cultural life of the town.”

For details of FOLDE’s full talks programme, visit www.foldedorset.com/ events, or pick up a flyer from FOLDE or the Grosvenor Arms.

Changing faces behind the counter

THE end of March marks the end of an era at Motcombe Community Shop, with the retirement of shop manager Kay Francis.

The shop became a community project in July 2010, after the retirement of its previous owners. Since then it has been operated largely by volunteers, with paid staff managing it and its associated Post Office branch.

Kay has been the subpostmaster and shop manager since then, steering the shop through the stormy waters of regulatory and financial pressures, uncertain supply chains, supermarket and home delivery competition and, of course, Covid.

Under her leadership, the shop has thrived, winning prizes in competitions, as well as plaudits from regular customers,

visitors and passers-by alike.

Customers comment on how it offers an attractively presented and surprisingly comprehensive range of groceries and household goods, including fresh vegetables, bread, bakery goods, meat and fish, taking orders for items not normally on display. It sells stationery and gifts, as well as operating a book exchange.

The sum is so much greater than its parts, and the shop is vital for more than just what it sells. It’s an important social hub for the village – staff and customers often know each other well; people frequently meet friends at the shop, enjoying a hot drink and a chat; tickets for village events are sold; lost property is brought here; local information is sought and freely given.

The shop is one of the principal features of Motcombe,

an attractive, thriving village, with its own character.

“Many people have contributed their time, money, talents and energy to making the shop what it is today,” said a village spokesperson. “But it is Kay, more than anyone, who has made it work through her vision, imagination, commitment and love for it all. She will be sorely missed.

“We are really lucky to have found Paula Hibbens to replace Kay as manager. Paula moved into Motcombe not long ago and has been working in the Post Office, so she has already got the feel of the shop and its culture.

“Paula comes with extensive business experience, boundless energy and enthusiasm for the role she is now assuming.

“We wish Kay and Paula the very best of luck and good fortune.”

…And hello to Paula as she takes the helm Motcombe Community Shop bids goodbye to Kay…

Community fund now open to applications

MONEY is available for community groups to help reduce anti-social behaviour in Dorset.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick’s Operation Relentless Community Fund was established in 2021 to empower communities and help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Since the Operation Relentless Community Fund began, £150,700 has been awarded to community groups for 35 initiatives which reduce ASB or increase feelings of public safety.

Now, the latest round of funding is being launched, with community groups encouraged to apply for grants between £100 and £5,000 to help make their communities safer places to live.

Projects which have been successful previously include community outreach work, employment skills workshops and sports activities, as well as sessions in primary schools to educate pupils about the dangers of county lines.

“Anti-social behaviour in Dorset is currently at its lowest level since 2007-08,” said Dorset PCC David Sidwick. “In the last year alone it has fallen by 12%, and I am determined it stays that way. Alongside the hard work carried out by Dorset Police in tackling this behaviour, we know this initiative makes a difference as the public have told us so.

“That’s why I am so pleased to be launching round five of the Operation Relentless Community Fund to ensure these low levels remain low and communities can be free of the detrimental impact this behaviour has.

“If you are a charity or local organisation and fit the criteria, I encourage you to apply for funding. Together we can continue to drive down ASB offences and make a difference to where we all live and work.”

Applications are open until May 2, for grants between £100 and £5,000; www. dorset.pcc.police.uk/working-in-partnership/ operation-relentless-community-fund-asb

Dine out to help out

OPEN House Shaftesbury is set to celebrate 10 years of service to the community with a charity dinner and auction.

The event at The Fathers House, Shaftesbury, includes a pre-dinner drink on arrival, dinner, live music, a bar and the auction.

Open House, a Shaftesbury Churches Together project, has helped many clients with emergency aid –including food parcels, household and personal hygiene packs and electricity/ gas top-ups – housing and benefits advice and support services.

It also provides a welcoming space to meet and chat with old and new friends while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and a home-made cake.

Tickets for the event on Friday, May 9, 7pm-11pm, are available through Eventbrite – access the link at www. openhouseshaftesbury.co.uk – priced £25.

Gardening fun for Fern Brook

Lodge residents

Residents at Fern Brook Lodge care home have been planting a range of seeds to mark the start of spring.

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Members of the home’s men’s club gathered to pot up a range of seeds including strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, radishes and peppers. The residents will tend to the seeds over the coming weeks and months, enjoying the benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise, and a shared sense of achievement.

The care home’s dedicated activities team runs daily events to encourage socialising and friendship. Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care.

It hosts free Welcome Wednesdays sessions each week, where visitors can enjoy complimentary cakes and hot drinks while experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere of the home.

Fern Brook Lodge also hosts Memory Café sessions every Thursday 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.

How to stay steady on your feet

FALLS are one of the leading causes of emergency hospital admissions for older people but, despite popular belief, falls are not an expected consequence of getting older.

Ann Mann, falls prevention lead at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, has seen first-hand how the effects of a fall can impact quality of life.

She advises: “One of the first things to ask after a fall, is whether the person’s pain is under control. If it’s not, it can really affect movement, for example if it hurts to walk a person may they find themselves shuffling instead.

aids for them.

“There are a variety of factors which could contribute [to a fall], such as eyesight, balance, medical conditions and a history of falls.

“But there are also things we can control, such as making sure the environment is as easy to navigate as possible. Check the floor isn’t uneven with rugs, and whether a night light could help avoid tripping in the dark.

“Footwear is also important. Shoes and slippers that fit well and are in good condition can help provide grip and stability.

“I’d encourage people to make sure they have had a medication review at their GP surgery, as we’ve found many people are taking medications which could have side effects and are actually no longer needed. But don’t stop any medications without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

“Some simple leg exercises before getting up from bed or a chair can help increase your circulation which helps, as well as drinking and eating regularly to combat dizziness and dehydration, which could cause a fall.”

BlackmoreCopyrightVale

“Then we look at whether they are using the right mobility

AgeUK has a wealth of resources and advice on preventing falls at www.ageuk. org.uk/information-advice/ health-wellbeing/exercise/ falls-prevention.

Mums are worth it!

Sowing the seeds of empowerment

WOMEN farmers, growers, rewilding experts and herbalists from across the Blackmore Vale and beyond gathered at the SEED Hub with Sarah Dyke MP to celebrate International Women’s Day and explore the challenges and solutions for women working with the land.

About 50 women attended to hear the talks throughout the day facilitated by Lynne Franks with speakers including Chelsea Flower Show winner and rewilding landscape designer Lulu Urquhart; Ruth Kimber of Kimber’s family farm and farm shop; flower farmer and influencer Georgie Newbery; Sue Place, chief executive of Wincanton’s Balsam Centre Community Charity; and award-winning Flower Essences producer Saskia Marjoram.

All the speakers as well as the audience agreed on the urgency of regenerating the soil and rewilding the land to ensure the food chain stays healthy and strong.

Sarah Dyke told the audience that according to government statistics, women make up 55% of the farming workforce in England and Wales, if unpaid and family labour is included, although only about 16%

are officially farm owners or managers. She also concurred with the other speakers that women are leading the way in farming and growing and are at the forefront of the sustainability movement.

Other subjects discussed during the day included the growth of mental health issues in the farming industry, the importance of land education for children and the good news regarding the opening of more forest schools in the area.

Several farm owners discussed the concern of housing for farm workers and young families who want to live and grow on land that has restrictive out-of-date planning laws.

The importance and acceptance of the ancient art of using herbs for natural healing was celebrated and the fact that women are increasingly coming together as healers and medicine women in their communities.

Everyone openly shared and discussed their stories and issues and all agreed they wished to continue connecting as a community facilitated by Lynne Franks and her SEED Network.

All the talks from the SEED International Women’s Day are on the YouTube channel Lynne Franks SEED TV.

Help making end of life decisions

by Flora Myer

EVERYONE knows that eventually we all die, but most of us manage to ignore that fact until the grim reaper comes knocking – at our own door or that of someone we love. A traumatic scramble may follow.

But there is a different way to tackle the inevitable: to prepare for the end of life so that, with everything in order, we can get on with living.

Three local end-of-life doulas – who work within the community to help people have the sort of death they choose –are running a workshop in Marnhull covering everything from advance care wishes and advance statements about treatment, to wills and lasting powers of attorney.

Also included will be mental capacity, who will speak for you if you no longer can, funeral planning, digital legacy, and organ donation.

The workshop will be held on May 24, from 2pm-5pm in Marnhull village hall.

The fee of £30 includes all materials and light refreshments, and bursary places are available for anyone whose funds are limited.

“While we cannot control the time and cause of our death, we can influence where and how we are cared for,” says Nicky Donaldson from Marnhull.

“This preparation can be done at any stage of life so there is more likelihood that your wishes will be respected, and also you can save those close to you from having to make difficult decisions on your behalf.”

The Marnhull workshop promises to be friendly and informal.

“The topic may feel scary but we really are not,” Nicky says.

“Everything discussed is confidential, and we talk together over a cuppa and cake.”

Nicky is one of three experienced end of life doulas leading the workshop – the others are Aly Dickinson and me, Flora Myer.

All three of us were drawn to end of life work following the experience of losing loved ones and facing mortality.

Doulas have a non-faith, non-medical role of accompanying the person with a terminal diagnosis, at any age or stage of illness, and the people close to them.

“We offer practical, emotional and spiritual support,” says Nicky.

“We can work in the person’s home as well as in hospices, hospitals and care homes.

“Doulas also encourage discussion within the community, which is where this workshop comes in.

“Death has been termed the last taboo, even regarded as a medical failure. But it’s as

natural a part of life as being born. People find it reassuring to know they are well prepared for when the time does come. Then they can relax.”

For fuller information please see the End of Life Doula UK website https://eol-doula.uk

For tickets or more information please email Aly Dickinson on alizoun@alid. co.uk or call her 07887 840663.

End of life doula Nicky Donaldson, from Marnhull

Our loose Canon

Links forged with the Baltic countries lead to feelings of unease for our Canon

by Canon Eric Woods

LAST week, HRH The Prince of Wales spent two days in the Baltic State of Estonia. He was there, not just as heir to the British Throne, but also as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. Soldiers from the regiment were taking over from the Royal Dragoon Guards as the UK’s 900-strong deployment of troops there. They, along with soldiers from other NATO countries, are acting as a deterrent to any Russian aggression on NATO’s northern flank.

My interest in the countries of the Baltic, especially Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, (Finland, Sweden and Poland also border the Baltic Sea) began in 1999 when the Anglican Church of St Saviour, in Latvia’s capital Riga, asked if Sherborne Abbey might “twin” with it. The Diocese of Salisbury was already twinned with the Latvian Lutheran Church, so a link between the Abbey and St Saviour’s, the only Anglican church in Latvia, made perfect sense. Loathe to ask the Abbey to fund our trip, Sandra and I raised the money to fly to Riga for five days to explore the possibilities. Imagine our surprise when we were met by a car from the British Council, and invited to coffee with the British ambassador. But Latvia was still in the early days of independence. Like its

neighbours Estonia and Lithuania, it had suffered several years of German occupation during the Second World War, followed by decades of incorporation into the Soviet Union. It did not achieve NATO and EU membership until 2004. Our Abbey-St Saviour’s link was seen as a significant step forward in building new relationships with the West.

There followed many happy years on my watch at the Abbey promoting links with St Saviour’s. We organised numerous group visits from Sherborne, usually adding a few days in Tallinn or Vilnius, the capitals respectively of Estonia and Lithuania (the Old Town parts of all three cities are absolutely beautiful). Folk from St Saviour’s visited us too. But always there was a sense of fear – fear that one day any of the three states might be “reclaimed” by Putin’s Russia. Estonia, the most northern, is seen as at the greatest risk. But all three are vulnerable.

Theoretically, their membership of NATO should protect them. An attack on one member is deemed an attack on all. But Donald Trump has made this all look a bit shaky. Estonia has a population of just 1.4 million, Latvia 1.9 million and Lithuania 2.9 million. They have nowhere to retreat. If invaded, they could be overrun tomorrow. Would Trump come to their aid? The other members of NATO know they cannot depend upon it. Hence the need to bolster western defences. And hence, too, the importance of Prince William’s visit. It demonstrates the United Kingdom’s solidarity with these little Baltic states. I, for one, hope that the NATO bond will hold, if ever put to the test. I pray that such a test never comes.

Photo by NormanEinstein

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order

Get your karate kicks

KARATE students from all over the UK and Channel Islands attended a course hosted by Mere-based instructor Peter Manning and taught by former champion Matt Price.

Sensei Matt Price 7th Dan is the former UK, European and World Shotokan Kata and Kumite champion.

He taught for three hours at the Five Rivers Leisure Centre in Salisbury.

Peter Manning 8th Dan is head of the Traditional Shotokan Karate Association (TSKA).

He will be opening a new club at the Five Rivers Leisure Centre in April –call 07776 061819 for info.

Fines for fly-tipping on the up across Dorset

MORE people are feeling the cost of fly-tipping in Dorset as the number of penalties handed out goes up.

The number of Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping in Dorset has increased by more than three-quarters in the last year.

The hard work of Dorset Council’s environmental enforcement team has been bolstered by the introduction of an enforcement officer, jointly funded by the council and the police.

As a result, more people have found out the hard way about the cost of committing waste crime.

The number of fixed penalty notices issued for waste crime has increased by 78%. There has also been an 11% increase in vehicles linked to waste crime being seized, a 43% jump in fines for commercial waste tips and a 600% increase in fines for household fly-tipping. In total, 53 fines totalling £16,500 have been issued in 2024/25 across the Dorset Council area.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, said: “I know how much fly-

tipping affects landowners and how the people of Dorset hate to see our countryside being abused in this way and that’s why funding this post has been so important.

“Fighting waste crime criminals requires close partnership working, and I’m immensely proud of the relationship formed between my office and Dorset Council, and between all the members of the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime.”

Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “We are proud to work with the OPCC on tackling fly-tipping, with our officers out every day around Dorset investigating reports and trying to catch the criminals responsible. Flytipping is a blight on our county, a drain on taxpayers’ money and we all have a duty to prevent it.

“We will always pursue all avenues to hold offenders to account, so please report fly-tips to us when you spot them and check out www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/scrap for more information on how to make sure you are covered when handing waste to someone else.”

· Easter Monday 21st April

· Bank Holiday 26th May

· Sunday 29th June

· Sunday 27th July

· Monday 25th August

· Sunday 28th September

· Sunday 26th October

Steam train every hour from 10.00 until 16.00

Energy on the sea and in the sky

by Sheila Chapman

BLANDFORD Evening WI president, Vicky Watkinson, presented Cathy Underwood (the local representative of Poole RNLI) with a cheque for £250 at the March monthly meet.

Their visit to the RNLI College last month so impressed the ladies that the vote for which charity to support this year was overwhelmingly in favour of the RNLI.

The presentation was followed by an engaging talk given by photographer extraordinaire David Boag about that dynamic bundle of bright blue feathers and energy – the kingfisher. The talk was illustrated by a selection of David’s ground-breaking and beautiful photographs.

What a catch!

by Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary DORCHESTER & District Angling Society (DDAS)

Juniors came together for the first junior match of the year at Harbourbridge Lakes, near Chickerell.

Milder conditions arrived at last, despite the easterly breeze.

10 juniors took part in the match, and with a further five doing a coaching session, it was a fantastic start to the 2025 season.

Josiah Wells-Parkes made the most of a good draw with a winning weight of 31lb 4oz of good-sized carp caught on the method feeder from under the far bank.

Soon to be crowned champion Austin Scott-Kennedy got off to a good start in his title defence in second place with 24lb 15oz, also on the feeder.

Venue specialist, Jack Copp, fished with pole and feeder to finish just behind in third place with 22lb 6oz, including 10lb of silverfish on the pole in difficult conditions.

The next event for coaching will be at Revels fishery on Saturday, April 5.

Fishery information from harbourbridgelakes. com; membership information from d-das.com; and DDAS Juniors information from to ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@d-das.com

It may be surprising to learn that a significant portion of your estate could be liable for Inheritance Tax upon your passing

Our team of experienced and qualified financial advisers can help you reduce the impact of Inheritance Tax through strategic planning, including gifting, establishing trusts, and making full use of available tax allowances and reliefs.

Get in touch today for personal financial planning tailored to your individual needs.

Clockwise from main picture: Josiah WellsParkes, Jack Copp and Austin Scott-Kennedy

Miners’ Mass

THE iconic Anglo-Chilean band Quimantú will be performing The Miners’ Mass this spring at three concerts in Dorset staged with local community choirs.

The first concert in the Surtierra Touring Project is at Blandford Parish Church on Friday, April 4, and features the Palida Choir and Shaftesbury School Choir.

The second half of the event will feature music from Quimantú’s repertoire of Latin American and world music, alongside songs from the Palida Choir, led by Karen Wimhurst.

The concert in Cerne Abbas at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, May 11, will be the finale of the Cerne Giant Festival.

The project culminates with a concert at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Sunday, June 15, with more than 80 singers from all the Dorset choirs taking part on stage alongside Quimantú.

Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, director of Quimantú, escaped the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile five decades ago and made the UK his home.

Mauricio Venegas-Astorga said: “It’s wonderful to bring the Surtierra Project to Dorset – having performed here over the years we have good friends and are delighted by how the local singers are embracing the music of the Misa de los Mineros [The Miners’ Mass].

“This is exactly what we hoped the project would achieve –sharing music and culture and building bridges between communities.”

Tickets and further information are available at www.artsreach. co.uk

Improving East Stour’s water supply

We’re working hard to enhance the water supply network in your area, ensuring you have improved quality and a more reliable source for years to come.

As part of this improvement drive, we’re carrying out essential work on Front Street (A30) in East Stour during April and May.

This will involve a closure of Browns Lane, as well as multiway traffic lights on Front Street (A30) in East Stour between Tuesday 1 April and Friday 16 May, while we carry out this project.

Our team will be working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and we’re also working closely with local businesses, ensuring that they remain very much open to their customers throughout this period.

We thank all our local customers for their patience, support and understanding and we hope you will continue

local businesses while the essential work is taking place.

“SONGS FROM THE SHOWS” Saturday, 26 April at 7pm, Thornford Village Hall, DT9 6QB, Tickets £10 on the door, www.friendsofstmichaelschurchbeerhackett.org

NEW GARDENING CLUB Opening in Poole, ROOTED IN FREINDSHIP. Commencing 1st April, and there after on the first Tuesday of every month, 2-3.30pm. The Salvation Army, 2 New Orchard, Poole, BH15 1LY. Entrance via carpark. To Share ideas about gardening, swap seeds and plants etc. Free Parking, £2 including coffee, tea and cake.

DORSET CHAMBER CHOIR EASTER CONCERT

St Mark’s Passion by Charles Wood Monday 14th April at 7:30 pm

Broadstone URC, BH18 9AB

Tickets £10, students/children free. Available on the door cash/card or website http://www.dorsetchamberchoir.com/

Lawrence’s and Hardy’s homes re-open

THE homes of two of Dorset’s most famous figures have re-opened to the public after the winter break.

Hardy’s Cottage, the childhood home of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, and his self-designed Victorian home, Max Gate, are welcoming visitors again.

Clouds Hill, the small cottage once owned by TE Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, has also re-opened.

Rachael White, property operations and experiences manager, said: “We’re excited to be opening Hardy’s homes

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion DT10 1PR on April 7th. Eyes down 7pm.

THE FORESTRY BAR, Wimborne St Giles, Line Up: Live Music with street food catering changing each week. See what’s on at http://www.stgilesdorset. com

and Clouds Hill again.

“After a deep clean this winter, the houses are looking their best, and the gardens are starting to come alive with spring flowers.

“It’s a lovely time of year to explore these special places and discover more about the lives of Thomas Hardy and Lawrence of Arabia.”

Visitors will be welcomed at all three houses with introductory talks from knowledgeable volunteers and invited to explore the rooms and gardens for insight into the lives of the two historical figures.

Pre-booking is essential for Hardy’s Cottage and Clouds Hill. For Max Gate booking is strongly advised but not compulsory.

To book tickets, visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk

JUMBLE SALE Saturday 12th April 2.30pm Buckhorn Weston hall. SP8 5HF

JUMBLE SALE Saturday 29th March 1pm-3pm Hooper Hall Lydlinch DT10 2JA. Admission 50p.

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PANTO ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ 28 + 29 March, 4 + 5 April 7.30pm tickets Williams Florists Stalbridge

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Marnhull Village Hall

Burton St, Marnhull, Dorset

Over 20 Craft Stalls Face Painting

Lucky Dips Gourmet Cakes Afternoon Teas

JUMBLE SALE in aid of Stour Valley Dog Rescue at Durweston Village Hall on Saturday 29th March at 12pm

JUMBLE SALE, Penselwood Village Hall, Sat 29th March at 2pm. Proceeds in aid of St Michaels Church. Jumble, White Elephant, Cakes and Raffle.

SAT MARCH 29th10-2pm, Sale of Shed and House Items, Books, vintage china, baskets, bed linen, pictures,clothing and much much more - come along and grab yourself a bargain. Old Village Hall Pimperne DT11 8UB

• All Saints Church, West Camel: West Camel Independent Methodists, Sunday, March 23, 4pm –afternoon service; Sunday, March 30, 6pm – United Service; Sunday, April 6, 4pm – Sunday @ Four, informal United Service with tea; Palm Sunday, April 13, 6pm –evening service. A warm friendly welcome to everyone. Contact Geoff.mead@yahoo. com or phone 01935 850838.

• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am. BH21 5LZ.

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – everyone is invited to services at 10.45am. Thursdays – coffee and a 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.

• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday – weekly gathering for older people 2.30pm-3.30pm followed by refreshments. Tuesday – Footprints, an activities playtime for preschool children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm. 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.

• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2pm3.45pm.

• 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. Taizé Service second Sunday each month at 6.30pm – half an hour of prayer, meditation and music; further details from vicarlesley@outlook.com. Rendezvous Community Cuppa – third Monday each month, 10.30am-12.30pm; chat, ‘cuppa’ (£1) and cake (£2); support/ advice from local surgery, speak to a pharmacist, blood pressure checks and Age UK will attend; all welcome; profits to Rendezvous.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Sherborne Quakers – meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599. Children’s Choir – rehearses at the Almshouse on Mondays at 4pm. Contact charlie.gurnham@sherborne abbey.com, assistant director of music, to join, or just turn up. Friends’ coffee morning on Wednesday, March 26, 10.30am-1pm. An informal opportunity to meet over tea/ coffee and cake. It would be helpful, for catering purposes, to RSVP to Joanna.Sams@ sherborneabbey.com. Mothers’ Union – meeting on Friday, March 28, at 10am for 10.30am. Talk by Sue Place on The Balsam Centre, Wincanton.

• 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.

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

• Lufton Church: BA22 8SU, just to the west of Yeovil. Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www. lufton.co.uk for details.

• 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: Picturing Easter art exhibition, Saturday, April 19, to Wednesday, April 30. Visual meditations on the Easter story by the Rev David Marl ARCA.

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

• St James Church, Longburton: Village cafe, tea, coffee – free refills – and cakes for just £2.50, Tuesdays April 1, 15 and 29 10.30am-noon. Lent Lunch on Tuesday, April 8, 12.30pm. Soup, bread and cheese lunch. Donations for Christian Aid.

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

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

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

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, March 30 – 10.45am Together Communion at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston. Sunday, April 6 – 10.45am Together Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10am-11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am-11.30am April 24; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesday to Friday.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sundays, March 16 and 23, 4pm – afternoon services. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff. mead@yahoo.com

MPO wins the big one in awards

MPO Musical Theatre was nominated for six awards in the annual David Beach competition organised by Somerset Fellowship of Drama – ‘The Somerset Tonys’.

It won two awards at a dinner in Weston-super-Mare attended by more than 300 people.

The top award, Best Male Lead, went to Lloyd Davies as Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone

Neil Harrison-Shaw and his team won Best Props, including a refrigerator door which turned into an entrance, and an aeroplane assembled on stage in seconds by the cast and flown to Rio for the carnival.

All nominees and winners star in the group’s next show, The Witches of Eastwick, at Milborne Port Village Hall, from Wednesday to Saturday, April 23-26, at 7.30pm.

Film classic on West End stage

CINEMALIVE is bringing Billy Elliot the Musical to Shaftesbury Arts Centre later this month.

The musical about the boy who falls in love with ballet dancing against the backdrop of the 1984-85 miners’ strike is celebrating its 20th anniversary in London’s West End this year.

The show, based on the 2000 Lee Hall film and with additional music by the legendary Elton John, has translated well onto the stage.

It remains true to its story while at the same time being infused by spectacular choreography and a range of catchy tunes.

Star Shines Down provides an emotionally compelling introduction to the story while Angry Song lets Billy show his fantastic dancing skills.

Billy Elliot is screened on Sunday, March 30, at 7pm and tickets are available at www. shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or from 01747 854321.

Neil Harrison-Shaw with the award for best props at the David Beach awards dinner

Lloyd Davies, winner of Best Male Lead in the David Beach competition

Choir celebrates 60 years of song

CASTLE Cary Choir is set to mark its 60th anniversary with two concerts.

It starts celebrations with a joint concert with Wincanton Silver Band at All Saints Church in Castle Cary on Saturday, April 12, at 7.30pm, in aid of the church.

Tickets are £10 available from Bailey Hill Bookshop and the Market House Information Centre in Castle Cary, and from Ticket Source on the All Saints website, www. castlecaryallsaints.org.uk/ coming-up

The choir’s second concert is at Sherborne Abbey on Saturday, May 31, at 7.30pm

when it will be joined by three professional musician friends who have supported it over the years – Tom Toomey (guitar), Marta Fontanals-Simmonds (soprano) and Adelaide Brown (flute).

In 2015 the choir held its successful 50th anniversary concert in Sherborne Abbey in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. This time it will be singing to raise money for Maple Ward, the new Breast Cancer Unit at Yeovil District Hospital. Tickets are £10 available from the abbey Parish Office and Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary. A retiring collection will be

Theatre comes to the village hall

NATIONAL Theatre Live comes to the newly upgraded village hall at Nether Compton next weekend with a screening of Dr Strangelove.

The stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece is co-adapted by Emmy Award-winner Armando

Iannucci and Olivier Awardwinner Sean Foley – Foley also directs.

Steve Coogan, a seven-time BAFTA Award-winner, plays four roles in the play about a rogue US General who triggers a nuclear attack.

The National Lottery funded

split between the abbey and Maple Ward.

The music for both concerts will be the choir’s usual mix of genres, from songs from the shows, via original music written by talented musical director Martin Emslie, traditional and classic choral pieces, and specially arranged spirituals to sacred music.

The choir is a four-part community choir and a charity

and is always keen to welcome new members in all voices –choral experience is not needed, nor is the ability to read music.

It rehearses at the Methodist Church, North Street, Castle Cary, on Mondays from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

For further information, visit the choir’s website, www. castlecarychoir.org.uk and go to the Events page.

the hall’s new screen, projector, sound system and LED lighting.

Dr Strangelove is screened

Choir welcomes rising star

MEMBERS of Wincanton

Choral Society will have a rising star in their midst when they perform Bach’s St John Passion at St Luke’s Catholic Church in the town.

Tenor Matthew McKinney won first prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Awards 2024, the most prestigious competition for solo recitalists globally.

The jury congratulated him for “passionate, committed singing, that in its

outstanding communicative power celebrated so movingly the spirit of Ferrier herself.”

He joins five other soloists and an 18-piece orchestra, all held together by musical director Neil Moore, for a mighty choral re-telling of the events leading up to and including Christ’s Crucifixion, one of the masterpieces of Western art.

Singing it for the first time ever in their 35 years, the

choir will be putting their all into delivering a powerful and memorable performance.

The concert is on Sunday, April 6, at 7.30pm and tickets priced £15 – under-18s free –are available from www. ticketsource/wincanton choralsociety or on the door.

For further details, phone 01749 860457, and see www. facebook.com/wincanton choralsociety and wincanton choralsociety.co.uk.

on Saturday, April 5, at 7pm.

For tickets, email lynn carter349@gmail.com or phone 07776 218350.

TREES are the subject of an exhibition being staged for one weekend only at the Summerleaze Gallery in East Knoyle.

Talented photographer, Steve Hawkins, from Mere, and artist, Eliza Parker, from Zeals, have got together to stage the show.

The pair have photographed and painted trees locally –including Stourhead – and abroad throughout the year.

Sixty pieces of work will be on display at the gallery on Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6, from 11am-4pm.

Castle Cary Choir is singing with Wincanton Silver Band next month

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Lousy unction spilt without interruption (12)

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

8 A line backing strange revolutionary wall decoration (5)

9 Red coat tailored in ornamental style (3,4)

10 Old musical instrument, we hear, in sack (4)

11 Miles tramped around island in France making one weaker (8)

14 Comedian with hard rather than large dairy food (6)

15 Some beast at icecap is not moving (6)

Killer Sudoku Pro

17 Hearing about universal religious books in turn in lesson (8)

Down

1 Manic co-pilot stirred up difficulty (12)

2 Most limited pointer found in comfortable residence (9)

3 Move along furtively with sun out in lounge

4 Upper-class fur of practical value? (6)

5 Tamil scrambling aboard pick-up truck is last (8)

6 General in Liege at regular intervals (3)

7 Role narcotic plays – characteristic of some prisons? (12)

12 Genuine critic’s caught out in work around North (9)

18 Small car popular in Michigan (4)

20 Manage deliveries with letter (7)

22 Large ox is working behind entrance to barn (5)

23 Typical rich criminal defending ring – feigning truth? (12)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

13 Urge among English in this way to get coffee (8)

16 Concern about to be resurrected in occupation (6)

19 Short account of a late party? (4)

21 See material held by creative lyricist (3)

Most limited pointer found in comfortable

Move along furtively with sun out in lounge (4)

Upper-class fur of practical value? (6)

Tamil scrambling aboard pick-up truck is last (8)

6 General in Liege at regular intervals (3) 7 Role narcotic plays – characteristic of some prisons? (12) 12 Genuine critic’s caught out in work around North (9) 13 Urge among English in this way to get coffee (8)

16 Concern about to be resurrected in occupation (6)

Short account of a late party? (4)

See material held by creative lyricist (3)

Politics

Dyslexia: I know the issues personally

THIS month I had the pleasure of joining chef and author Jamie Oliver in Westminster to call for urgent action to improve support for children and young people with dyslexia. As someone with dyslexia myself, this is an issue that is incredibly close to my heart.

Growing up with severe dyslexia and ADHD, I know how tough it can be to navigate a school system that isn’t built for you. I spent years struggling to read, watching words float around the page, feeling like I was falling behind. Sadly, too many young people today are still experiencing the same barriers. We know that one in 10 people in the UK have dyslexia – that’s more than one million school children. Yet, the British Dyslexia Association estimates that about 80% of dyslexic pupils leave school

undiagnosed.

This isn’t just about education – it’s about confidence, well-being and a fair chance in life. At our event in Westminster, I heard moving stories from parents, pupils, teachers and campaigners about the daily battles many still face in getting the right diagnosis,

support and access to tools like audiobooks and reading aids.

That’s why I am calling for three key changes – universal screening for dyslexia in schools, better training for teachers and senior staff, and wider access to assistive technology like audiobooks and e-readers. Simple adjustments like these can make a huge difference, helping young people to thrive, not just survive.

It was fantastic to stand alongside Jamie Oliver, who shared his own journey with dyslexia and highlighted how much needs to be done to change the system for the better. Jamie is helping shine a national spotlight on this issue, and I am proud to be part of the growing movement demanding action.

The rally we held outside

Parliament was a powerful moment. Teachers, parents, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and children gathered with placards calling for change, all united by the message that we must fix the system, not the kids.

This is something I’ll continue to fight for in Parliament. Every child –whether in Yeovil, Somerset or across the country – deserves to have their needs properly understood and supported. As someone who has been through this personally, I know how transformative the right help can be.

If you are a parent, teacher or young person affected by dyslexia, I would love to hear your experiences. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at Adam.Dance.MP@ parliament.uk

Veterans Minister pays a visit

WELCOME to the first of my monthly columns! Greg Williams has moved onto pastures new, and I want to thank him for his informative and thoughtful pieces and this opportunity to join the New Blackmore Vale magazine family.

I made Dorset my home 24 years ago after moving from South East London. Bournemouth, Poole and Mid-Dorset and North Poole have welcomed my family warmly and as I work, rest, play and volunteer in our beautiful county, I could not imagine living anywhere else.

Many of you will know that I stood as a candidate in the general election last year –finishing third and increasing the Labour Party’s vote in Mid-Dorset and North Poole by 35%. Being selected to run in my home constituency for an opportunity to enter the

Candice JohnsonCole, on behalf of Dorset Labour

parliament of our country was an honour and a privilege, and I would like to thank everyone I met along the way.

I have been extremely lucky to have four Labour MPs in Dorset who were elected –Jessica Toale MP, Bournemouth West; Tom Hayes, Bournemouth East; Neil Duncan-Jordon, Poole; and Lloyd Hatton MP, Dorset South;

who have continued to support me after they entered parliament and have afforded me many opportunities to attend crucial debates, votes, committees and events.

Last week, by invitation of Jessica Toale MP, I participated in a Veterans Round Table discussion at St Thomas’s Church, Bournemouth, attended by Veterans Minister Alistair Carn MP – a former Royal Marine himself.

We questioned the minister and heard how his new role in government is to connect with veterans and serving personnel to ensure all Defence Bills and Labour policies are shaped to deliver and improve the lives of veterans all over the UK. We discussed Articles 15 and 20, the EHRC, mental health, diversity in recruitment, covenant funding and military charity joint working – locally and nationally.

He had visited the Helping Homeless Veterans UK’s Hub at the British Legion in Winton before coming to us, so time was tight. The minister has ties to Blandford, so he promised to return one weekend and spend a day with us – we couldn’t ask for more than that!

What is great about the military, is that you can walk into a room of veterans and serving personnel and you are with family – it’s a great feeling – a real comfort. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, I fought to get out my question to the minister – I hope no-one noticed my voice cracking!

So Amedeo and Tony – they run the veterans’ group – we will see you at the veterans Bournemouth Above and Beyond Boatshed on a Tuesday or Thursday on Southbourne beach and if you are lucky, I might go in up to my ankles! Get that barbie going!

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil

Adam Dance

Variety the spice of an MP’s life

THERE is always a lot of things happening simultaneously in Parliament, and it is impossible to be everywhere all at once. So often tough decisions have to be made about what to prioritise. Choosing one issue over another does not diminish the importance of the one not chosen and I try to make sure that time is dedicated to all the issues that matter over time.

Being a member of both the Foreign Affairs Committee and the National Security Committee means that often I am in meetings that deal with national and international issues that might seem far removed from day-to-day life but are no less pressing for it. Britain’s role in the world and our domestic security affects us all.

Nonetheless, I am always grateful when I get to spend time in the Chamber or constituency

raising things I know matter to the residents of West Dorset.

That’s why in the last week I asked the Government why it is refusing to make water companies statutory consultees on all new housing developments. Not doing so means that new developments do not come with the necessary upgrades to the sewage system

to avoid increased pollution being released into our rivers and beaches.

I had the chance to press the Government for more support for our maritime sector and especially our local boatbuilders.

I also raised the issue of crippling business rates that are making it almost impossible for local businesses to make a profit. One pub in the area has seen its business rates jump from £8,000 a year, to £27,000. This is unsustainable. Unless the Government acts we risk losing our small businesses, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Employers that are vital to West Dorset’s economy. I will continue to raise with Ministers and urge action.

Back home, and taking advantage of the beautiful weather, we enjoyed this

weekend. I kicked-off English Tourism Week with a visit to Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, just one of the many local gems that help draw thousands of tourists to West Dorset every year.

I also met Sherborne CPRE about its exciting plans for a new draw for the town and what support I can provide. As well as attending a demonstration of a new water testing kit in Lyme Regis that can tell if the water is safe to swim in in just 13 minutes. A vast improvement on the usual 18 hours required with existing Environment Agency tests.

I’m afraid this column does not allow me space to list everything I get up to, but I would urge readers to follow me on social media for more regular updates on what I am doing in Parliament and West Dorset.

Labour MPs lacked backbone

I APPRECIATE that what I am about to write is easier to do when in Opposition. However, there are times in a Parliamentary career when you have to ask, how in the name of Heaven did the Whips decide it to be a good idea to vote against an amendment to a Bill. Last week we MPs voted on amendments from the House of Lords to the National Insurance Contributions Bill. These amendments would have exempted our precious hospices, GP surgeries and small businesses from increased employer NICs. Many Labour MPs see this as a good idea. The Government does not, and so they were whipped to vote against, and indeed the amendments were defeated. What was depressing and disappointing in single measure was that not a single Labour MP rebelled or even abstained. Where is/was their backbone?

I spoke at a well-attended pan-Dorset business event this week in Blandford. There is a

Conservative MP for North Dorset

real growing sense of unease that the Government’s lack of any business or private sector experience is now beginning to be felt on the shop floor. It is not just an ignorance of what it is to do business in today’s Britain is all about but an overriding unwillingness to try to fill their ignorance vacuum. Increased costs, taxes and regulatory burdens are job destroying. We have seen in recent months record numbers of businesses de-registering at Companies House. The appetite to set up a business venture is being extinguished. At a time when growth and productivity are uppermost in the vocabulary of

the Government its words point in the opposite direction. UK plc will be all the worse for this and our public services will suffer. Many of us in the countryside are asking what on earth has UK agriculture done to so upset the Government. We are witnessing an anti-farming vendetta from DEFRA and the Government. Hot on the heels of the hated Family Farm Tax came the communistic proposal that councils could buy at current use value land they want for housing. Still further, support for our developing fruit and salad vegetable sector was announced to be stopping at the end of the year with nothing to replace it. So we will see further job losses, a downgrade in investment and an increase in carbon-generating freight miles from overseas as retailers fill their shelves from afar. Short-sighted is not the word!

And finally, as the coup de grace, the sudden ending of the Sustainable Farming Initiative – a few hours’ notice given in

lieu of the promised six weeks. Many North Dorset farmers were mid-application or on the cusp of submission when this further rug was pulled from under them. Why would farmers trust the Government again? And this is such a negative move meaning as it does that incentives to explore and deliver on-farm environmental and biodiversity improvements are snuffed out. DEFRA Ministers seem unwilling or unable to stand up to a desperate Treasury which seeks only to cut to backfill the holes its doomladen, business-hostile narrative and policies have created. I do, however, welcome the Government’s tearing down of NHS England. A Frankenstein’s Monster of a QUANGO which my party created but could not control. It was always bonkers to have unaccountable people responsible for the most public-facing public service. I hope this is not the only QUANGO/Arms Length Body in the Government’s firing line.

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

Simon Hoare

Fuel allowance decision looks dumb

NATIONAL Highways and the Department for Transport have finally completed their study of what so-called strategic route north-south can be nominated between the Dorset coast and the M4.

The report recommends improving the A36 and the A350 that runs right through the middle of Yarnbrook and Westbury to make for much faster, better connections between south coast ports and the motorway network.

I’m all for improving road connections. But the question is how. If the proposal is simply to tart up the A350 as it presently exists, I’m against. Traffic in the centre of Westbury is already unacceptable, especially with all the heavy goods vehicles that thunder through.

But there is an opportunity which is the long-awaited

Westbury/Yarnbrook western route bypass. It could well be that this study and its recommendation is the only way we’re going to get it. I hope the proposal means a western bypass around

Westbury. It would connect to the A36 as the A350 already does but avoid the unnecessary traffic in the middle of both Yarnbrook and Westbury. It would be faster for drivers and quieter for residents.

I’ve written to the relevant minister to ask precisely what’s in his mind and to get an idea of timelines. What would be wholly inappropriate is the designation of the A350 as part of a strategic route without a bypass.

The Government continues to ignore even its own research on the impact of taking away pensioners’ Winter Fuel Allowance. As I said in the House of Commons last week, the Labour Party’s own research found in 2017 that 4,000 old people would probably die if the then government removed the Winter Fuel Allowance.

They, rightly, made a big song and dance about it then. Well, the Conservative government kept the allowance. Labour has now removed it.

I went on to say in that debate that we already know from NHS England that 100,000 extra people aged over 65 have been through A&E this, relatively warm, winter. That’s why it’s been estimated that the Government’s choice will cost the NHS – already hard pressed – £169 million. Isn’t this just a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul?

I will continue to urge the Government to impact assess the choice it has made on the Winter Fuel Allowance. Rather like the National Insurance hike, it’s increasingly looking like a dumb thing to have done. I hope sense will prevail in time for next winter.

Flooding and farming on agenda

SOMERSET is so often at the forefront of flooding and climate change, so we must work collaboratively as a community to ensure we are best prepared and able to mitigate the worst effects of extreme weather. As part of my commitment to supporting this, I recently hosted a wellattended and impactful flooding event.

Bringing together many at-risk residents with key stakeholders from the Somerset Rivers Authority, Environment Agency, Somerset Council, Emergency Volunteer Action Group, Wessex Water and others, the meeting marked a vital step forward in creating robust emergency extreme weather resilience plans for our communities. Underscoring the necessity of collaborative, community-driven, forwardthinking solutions to safeguard lives and property in Somerset in the face of climate change. The discussions were candid and constructive, with residents

LibDem

for Glastonbury & Somerton

sharing first hand their often heartbreaking accounts of the hardships endured during recent floods. Stakeholders were able to share support measures, information and resources, and a clear commitment was made to working side-by-side with our communities to develop emergency strategies that not only address immediate needs but also build long-term resilience.

Building on the momentum of this recent success, I’m

delighted to announce my upcoming Farming Symposium: The Future of Farming in Somerset, set for April 11. This event will bring together farmers and experts to discuss the pressing issues facing agriculture. The event promises an open forum to explore innovative practices, sustainable techniques, flood resilience and policy reforms essential for our farming future here in the county. It is a unique opportunity for us to reflect on our challenges, share experiences and collaboratively forge pathways to support our local farmers.

In parliament, I have been a steadfast advocate for our farming communities. Recently, I took the Government to task on Defra’s decision to close applications for the Sustainable Farming Initiative overnight. This abrupt move leaves many hardworking farmers – who are critical players in our fight against climate change – in an untenable position, unable to

deliver vital sustainability measures that balance the importance of nature and farming.

With significant subsidies already cut, our farmers continue to struggle under the hangover of botched Conservative farming policies, their disastrous underspend of the farming budget and a disconnect with a Labour government that doesn’t understand the realities of modern agriculture.

I warmly invite farmers and everyone involved in farming in Somerset to join me at the event. I want to hear your voices to help me shape the future of farming policy and our rural economy.

As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.

dykemp@parliament.uk

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

MP

Sarah Dyke

Outstanding results at HOLTS Winter Auctions

HOLTS Winter Auctions finished with outstanding results, 90% of lots sold on the hammer, achieving close to £1.55 million adding the sealed bid results gave a total £2.2milion! All trends certainly indicate an increase in value of all good quality guns, from modern shotguns and rifles to antique and collectable pieces.

As usual locally consigned lots did well with some outstanding results, two of note were.

A pair of J. B. Ronge percussion target pistols, c1845, with blued octagonal rifled barrels. This pair, which were cased with their original deluxe accessories sold for £10,000 against an estimate of £7000 - £9000!

A Winchester model 1894 leveraction carbine, still with it’s carbine rear sight and saddle ring. Even with ironwork re-blued, it still achieved a very healthy £2400 against an estimate of £1,000-1,500.

HOLTS are now accepting consignments for their next auctions with valuation days throughout the region. The next ones being in April at The NFU Mutual Sturminster Newton on the 10th and The GWCT

Fordingbridge on the 16th. For a full list of venues please see the HOLTS website, www. holtsauctioneers. com. To book an appointment or discuss a valuation or home visit, contact David Thurgood on 01297 306123 or by email at westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com

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

WANTED All militaria bought. British/Foreign Single items or collections. Contact Tim on 07904-082997

ORIGINAL MOTOR RACING & MOTORING memorabilia wanted by established local dealer -Tel 07771 518629

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN MAGHONAY GLAZED BOOKCASE. Floor standing with double doors, key and 4 adjustable shelves. Ht116cms W86cms D27cms. Excellent condition. £395 ono. Contact 01935 389606

EDWARDIAN DISPLAY CABINET C1900 standing on square tapered legs. Inlaid with beautiful detail and original fabric lined interior. Glazed sides and door, with key. Three shelves. H119cm W51cm D37cm. Excellent condition. £395ono. Contact 01935 389606

Sturminster Newton Dorset, DT10 1BD

Wednesday 16th April The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Burgate Manor Fordingbridge Hampshire, SP6 1EF

Brigadier General portrait for sale Motorcycle and nautical models

CLARKE’S Auctions in Gillingham is busy preparing for its upcoming sale on Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, when it will be offering a single owner collection of Minichamps 1:12th scale Grand Prix British Superbike motorcycles.

More than 200 individual vehicle lots collected over the last 20 years, and all in collectable condition and in their original packaging, will be for sale at estimates ranging from £30 to £150.

The Classic Vehicle section will include a selection of large V-twin motorcycle cruisers from Yamaha and Honda, and an ex-works Greeves trials bike.

A single owner private collection of pre-Second World War maritime collectibles includes a boardroom model of Warwick Castle by Bassett-

Lowke with blueprints and original correspondence between the original owner, Mr Blenkinsop, and Bassett-Lowke.

Other models include a Destroyer, an RNLI lifeboat, an ocean-going liner, a model of the Britannic White Star Line liner, steam yachts, steamships and other nautical-related pieces.

The colour catalogue will be available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com from Friday, April 4, with viewing for the sale on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 9-11, 9am-5pm.

For enquiries about consignment into Clarke’s sales, probate or insurance valuations, full or part house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

A LARGE portrait of Brigadier General Reginald Stuart Oxley is estimated to sell for £2,000£3,000 in Charterhouse’s three-day auction on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 2, 3 and 4.

“Provenance is important, and this has impeccable provenance being sold by a direct descendant of the sitter,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

painted by John St Helier Lander, measures 113cm x 88cm.

Charterhouse’s April three-day auction features automobilia and enamel signs on Wednesday, April 2; pictures, books and sporting items on Thursday, April 3; and Asian art, antiques and interiors on Friday, April 4.

“Rarely do you come across such portraits in great condition and which have never been on the open market before.”

Brigadier General Reginald Stuart Oxley was born on December 31, 1863, and died in Queen Camel, Somerset, on October 4, 1951.

This oil on canvas picture,

All information about the lots and viewing details, and live internet bidding, is available at www. charterhouse-auction.com

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

1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co uk

Jewellery, Watches & Silver 31st Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 1st Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls 2nd Doulton, Beswick & other Ceramics 3rd

Asian Art can deliver surprises

THE eternal magnificence of Asian Art returns on Thursday, May 22, to Duke’s Auctioneers. With consignments open until Thursday, April 24, the beloved auction is already forming into great shape, curating a collection of fine quality.

The auction will feature a diverse array of items, including porcelain, bronzes, jade, furniture, paintings and more, from every corner of Asia.

to organise a free valuation.

Anyone who would like to consign an item for the auction, should contact Duke’s at enquiries@dukes-auctions.com

A Chinese porcelain blue and white double gourd vase sold for £3,500 at Duke’s Auctioneers

A highlight of Duke’s previous Asian Art sale was a Chinese porcelain blue and white double gourd vase, from the collection of Dinah Reynolds, author of Worcester Porcelain 1751-83, published 1989. Despite being estimated at £200-£400, the vase made a remarkable £3,500, solidifying Asian Art’s unpredictable and wondrous nature, with surprise hiding behind every corner, where even the most unassuming items can conjure vast fortunes.

dates and valuation days

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding its 20th Century & Modern Art Auction on Thursday, April 25, at 10am; General Antiques & Collectors Auction on Thursday, April 25, at noon; and Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, April 26, at 10am.

The catalogue will be available to view one week before the auction on Acreman’s two online platforms, Easyliveauction.com and Saleroom.com. Physical viewing is on Wednesday, April 24, 10am-4pm.

Acreman holds regular valuation days at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne (DT9 3PH) where prospective sellers can take in items for its specialists to evaluate for auction.

Valuation days (10am-3pm) are: Jewellery & Watches,

Tuesdays and Saturdays; Silver & Obje’t D’art, Tuesdays and Saturdays; Toys & Collectables, Wednesdays and Saturdays; Oriental & Asian, Thursdays and Saturdays; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera, Fridays and Saturdays; Militaria, Fridays and Saturdays; Textiles & Fashion, Saturdays; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Saturdays.

Anyone unable to get along to the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment – house visits can also be arranged if required. Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk

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

Allotments are a

I WOULD like to draw attention to a wonderful opportunity available in Blandford Forum – allotments.

These small parcels of land offer countless benefits and I encourage readers to consider renting one.

Growing your own vegetables and fruit is not only rewarding but also delicious and cost-effective.

By cultivating your own produce, you can significantly cut down on grocery bills while enjoying fresher, healthier food.

Allotments also provide a tranquil space to relax, reflect and take pride in watching your garden grow.

money or simply a fulfilling pastime, an allotment has something to offer.

To take the first step, reach out to the Blandford Allotment Society at secretary@ blandfordallotments.co.uk.

Don’t let these wonderful spaces go unused – they’re waiting for you to unlock their full potential.

Sarah Mirza Via email

Scheme against village’s wishes

In addition to these rewards, allotments promote physical well-being.

Digging, planting and weeding are gentle yet effective ways to stay active in the open air, which is a refreshing antidote to indoor routines.

Many people hesitate to apply for an allotment because they assume there are long waiting lists.

However, Blandford Forum currently has empty plots available, ready for enthusiastic hands to bring them to life.

These plots are affordable to rent, inexpensive to run and manageable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned gardeners.

Tending an allotment is more than just a hobby – it’s a gateway to community, health and a deeper connection with nature.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a way to save

THE article Marnhull’s Plan for Future Generations – New Blackmore Vale, March 14 – was one individual’s plan, that of the largest landowner in Marnhull, Paul Crocker.

His plan is being pushed by him and his team despite the wishes of residents.

In the New Blackmore Vale’s February 14 issue, you reported that the 2023 parish survey supported opposition to the plan on several grounds.

I would like to point out an error in the March 14 article in relation to the crowdfunding exercise to contribute to legal fees being incurred by the parish council in fighting the appeal.

It is the parish council that initiated the exercise, not one ‘organised by some residents’, as reported.

In his statement, Mr Crocker says he wants a ‘fair debate’ over the scheme but has not offered one.

He has simply entered planning application after planning application without engaging the village.

He has shown no inclination to address the village on any of the three large planning applications he has submitted, two of which have since been approved, one of which is now under consideration.

He goes on to say: “One of the biggest issues is that there isn’t enough infrastructure” and

wonderful thing

that the project will support the village with the new homes coming through.

However, in the planning documentation, Tess Square has been presented as a destination site.

So evidently going well beyond the needs of the village and is obviously a commercial venture first and foremost.

He then says he has come up with ‘a plan to pick up the centre of the village’.

I don’t know what he means by ‘picking up’ but the village does not have a centre, nor does it need one.

In fact, it could be detrimental for two reasons. First, increased traffic heading to the same location from various points around the village would cause disruption in many of the rural lanes that thread through the village and pose threats to non-vehicular road users.

Secondly, as some readers may know, Marnhull is a dispersed village and residents in the outlying areas may lose their local amenities – Robin Hill Stores and the Spar shop – forcing them to use a car just to do a small local shop, exacerbating the traffic issues.

Finally, Mr Crocker says the parish council has ‘closed ears’ about the proposal. This is very far from the truth.

It has opened its ears to the village as a whole – through the survey – and after having received villagers’ reply is acting on it.

I am encouraged that all three levels of government, our MP Simon Hoare, our local councillor, James Vitali, and the parish council are unified in their opposition to the overdevelopment that this plan represents.

The property consultant says: “A shop, post office; he’s going to have to be supporting them financially, because it will take them a while to get established.”

You could read into that

statement he will be offering incentives to pull in businesses.

That is fair enough and obvious but please do not dress it up as goodwill. It is not, it is just business.

I am looking forward to the inquiry and hope the inspector sees through all the hype, considers the true impact on Marnhull and dismisses the appeal.

Rob Cullender Via email

Out of town shopping issue

I WOULD like to comment on three items that appeared in the New Blackmore Vale’s February 14 edition.

First, was a letter from Mr Chant about the railings replaced after the work to the river bank at Sturminster Newton.

This was very competently answered by Pauline Batstone in the March 14 issue.

I agree with her, the problem is with the drivers.

That section of road is in the middle of a 30mph limit, but numerous drivers completely ignore this – after all speed limits are there for other people to obey, not them, right?

My view is if they come unstuck and end up in the river, it is their own fault – just so long as they do not injure anyone else at the same time.

Secondly, a letter from Mr Rawles asked why Blandford town centre is in such a sorry state.

I suspect the rot started in April, 1995. Why then? That is when a short-sighted planning committee allowed Tesco to open a large store ‘out of town’.

Parking there was free, all sorts of goodies were sold and services were available, so people could do their week’s shopping in one go without having to pay to park, saving time and money.

Is it not obvious that footfall in the town would drop, causing shops to close for lack of trade?

This was happening all over the country, but no-one could see it.

Now it is getting worse because so many people prefer to shop and bank online rather than in person.

Lastly, we have the article by Mr Gargrave in the ‘Politics’ section.

That I did see first time round, but having seen which party he represented I turned away thinking to myself ‘that will only be the usual codswallop’.

I should have read it, but I cannot stomach most of what comes out of the mouths of those from Reform UK.

Initially I thought the party might be a way forward, until Nige got involved.

Is it true that Reform UK does not believe we are in the middle of a climate crisis and would stop all this country’s attempts to help slow down what is happening?

I used to thank God I lived in the UK and not the United States, where so many people have been so stupid as to vote for Trump, and then to do it again!

I did not think anyone here could follow suit.

Ann Baseden Via email

‘Invisible’ car sidelights

THE article on the brightness of vehicle headlights – New Blackmore Vale, February 28 –outlines the problems some face from the glare of LED lights –but that is not the only problem. Some drivers still only use sidelights in poor visibility. Not only are these often very dim, but when seen – or rather not seen – alongside the majority of cars that are now fitted with automatic driving lights, or use headlights, those sidelights become virtually invisible.

Peter Fineman Barrow Street Wiltshire

‘Distressed’ fingerpost looking good

AFTER three years passed looking at a very distressed fingerpost, I submitted pictures to Dorset Council.

Months went by and nothing happened.

So I sent the pictures to Simon Hoare MP for North Dorset with a What3words location.

Mr Hoare responded and directed me to the ‘Fingerpost Restoration Project’, James

Purkiss.

Mr Hoare, along with Mr Purkiss, contacted Julie Hawkins of Gillingham Town Hall asking for a solution.

As a result, with the help of the above, the fingerpost sign is now in full glory in its place of Bugley.

A random act of kindness goes a long way.

Rodney Latham Gillingham

Home & Garden

How to grow ornamental grasses from seed

by Sally Gregson

AS with most perennials, grasses can be propagated both by seed and by division. Where a grass bears a name in three parts, such as Acorus graminea ‘Ogon’, its divisions will remain exactly the same – with shining golden stripes along the evergreen leaves. But a name in just two parts such as Festuca glauca will seed itself more or less true all the time. That is its seedlings will be like grey-blue, hairy little hedgehogs.

So, if you want a colony of them, it is best to buy the seed from a reputable seedsman, and sow them now in spring. Sow them thinly in shallow trays and they will germinate readily and with enthusiasm. Once the

seedlings are big enough to handle, separate little bunches of them and dibble them into small, 7cm pots. Prick out 10% more than you think you need to allow for losses. And no more. Little pots of grasses take up a lot of space in a coldframe or greenhouse, which is where they need to be placed to grow on. And space will be at a premium later in spring.

By May they will have filled the pots and be ready for planting out. Slower and larger grasses may take longer and may involve potting on the little plants until they are ready to face down the slugs and snails in your garden. When they are large enough to go out, harden them off by putting the

pots outside in the sun and keeping them well watered. Grasses you have divided and potted up need the same care and treatment, just as you would treat divisions of perennials.

Make sure each little grass is correctly labelled. Grasses do look frighteningly similar while they are young and it can be

MOWING JUST WENT ELECTRIC

very easy to forget who is what. And if you plan to propagate them regularly it is very wise to write the date of each process on at least one master label. In that way you will gradually learn what to do and when. You can be sure your surpluses will be welcomed by fellow gardeners and neighbours if you have too many.

Festuca glauca will seed itself more or less true all the time

Get in the Garden

The only way is up!

GARDENS in general are getting smaller. The density demanded by planners means there are more houses per square metre, which to me means less garden.

are to be grown in a pot.

Purpose-made obelisks, whether metal or willow, are useful climbing frames, but a wigwam of 8ft canes will do equally as well and may give a better height for optimum results.

The cup and saucer vine Cobaea scandens has large white or purple flowers which, if laid on their side, look like a cup and saucer.

These will attain a height of 8ft-plus in a short time.

More delicate is the Asarina with flowers that are reminiscent of antirrhinums, hence the common name of climbing snapdragon.

Planting climbers doesn’t have to be plants that you may be stuck with for years – if you want variety, then choose from the wonderful range of annual climbers.

The first is well known and that is the good old sweet pea.

Individual colours are available but longer flowering is often achieved with mixed colours, such as the Spencer varieties.

These are long stemmed and good for cutting with great perfume.

They will do best in the ground but also can be effectively grown in a deep pot with a quality potting compost.

Plenty of water is the key and regular picking will keep the flowers coming.

A relative, of course, is the runner bean, which was originally introduced as an ornamental flower.

The advantage is that an edible crop is produced as well as wonderful flowers.

Keeping these moist is crucial, for pollination purposes especially, if they

These climb with their growing tip winding around the climbing frame.

A number of colours are available, but the most effective are snow white and mystic rose.

Others in the annual climbing range include Thunbergia, commonly known as black eyed susan.

The standard variety is yellow with a black centre to the flower and there is also a variety called African sunset with a dusty apricot hue.

Both are very happy in a good soil or in pots with plenty of depth.

Not really climbers but good fun plants, even if you just want to be one step ahead of your gardening neighbours, are the climbing fuchsias and climbing geranium.

Really, they have a habit that makes them grow much taller than their normal relatives but they are a bit of fun.

So, lots of colour on quick-growing plants that will fill space in a very short time which every garden will have space for.

The latest gardening news, hints and tips, with Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group

Home & Garden

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DEADLINES

Don your favourite garb for a trip

WHATwas it like to live in Wincanton in 1825? Or 1925?

The answers to these - and more - questions will be revealed during a special event next weekend.

Wincanton History Day will see a raft of displays, attractions and more across the town, giving people an insight into all things historical.

As well as telling stories of town life through he centuries, the event will also give an insight into a range of other historical pursuits - from using a metal detector to hunt for treasure, to life in a classroom in the 1880s.

“Our theme this year is The Horse, in Work, Sport, and Leisure, and at the centre of the day’s events will be a parade of horses along the High Street, their riders in historic dress, including Queen Elizabeth I, Vikings, Hussars and knights in

Gee Hirst, of Vikings fame, will open the day at 10am

full armour,” a history day spokesperson said.

“We encourage everyone to dress up for the occasion, don your finest costumes and join in

with the fun. We will have First World War Tommies, Civil War soldiers, Victorians, Georgians - you may even spot Queen Victoria herself.

“There will be two professional photographers roaming the town snapping all of those fantastic costumes –with prizes for the best outfits, so get rummaging in your

wardrobe and get ready for Wincanton History Day 2025!” For petrolheads, a display of vehicles through time will show off the best cars and more from the last century, while a range of experts will be on hand to answer any questions from curious visitors.

Venues across the town will host special events, aimed at

Actor

Picture: Netflix

through time!

giving

Wincanton History Day gets underway at 10am, with a

THIS year’s History Day Talk, entitled Queen of Speed, Riding, Driving, Flying: A life lived on Horsepower, will be given by Carey Chapman, an authority on the amazing and inspiring life of The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce. Mr Bruce’s childhood passion for racing her Shetland pony led her to become one of

Britain’s famed Bentley Girls, a Monte Carlo Rally winner and fearless global aviatrix.

“Breaking speed records on land, sea and air, she should be an inspiration to us all,” a spokesperson said.

“This talk is not to be missed.”

Tickets will be available on the door, or in advance via wincantonhistorysociety.com.

VEHICLE BODY REPAIR SPECIALISTS A SMALL BODY SHOP WITH A BIG HEART

We are a small family run bodyshop with over 30 years experience. The bodyshop was passed from father to son over 10 years ago now. We have carried on the same core values of producing a quality job with a fast, friendly service and we go the extra mile to help our customers. We adapt the motto of loving your car as much as you do and that our customers leave here happy. We use all up to date technology, equipment, paint, lacquers and materials.

So if your vehicle needs some TLC, then give us a ring or email to make an appointment for us to look at your car.

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Wincanton through the years on parade during a range of street parades

THE streets of Wincanton will come alive with history during displays throughout the special day.

The clip clop of hooves will echo through the eras during a parade of horses and ponies in the High Street from noon.

That will be followed by children, who get the chance to join in with their own hobby horse, taking part in the Hillbrush Grand National Parade!

Prizes are up for grabs for the best silks and best turned-out horse.

Young people can decorate their very own hobby horse, supplied on the day, and can also dress up in their favourite colours for the national parade!

“Win or lose, the hobby horse will be yours to keep,” a spokesperson said.

There is a suggested donation

of £3 per entry and to reserve a horse, email enq@ wincantonhistorysociety.com. Hot on their hooves will be the historic Transport Parade -

Daily Specials

Saturday - Dolphin Full English

Includes bottomless filter coffee/tea Served from 8am - 2pm

We offer a range of menus to suit all special occassions (From birthday parties, christenings, anniversaries, room for hire meetings etc)

1774 - The Rainbow Inn, kept by William Harvey.

1794 - Occupied by Robert Bessant under the name ‘Daulphin’.

1826 - George Lapham moved in.

featuring sports cars, racing cars, trucks, and vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Running twice down the High Street, the vehicles will

then park up in the Memorial Hall car park to allow car fans to get a closer look at some classic from a century of motoring.

FREE CAMPING WITH YOUR TICKET 14 YEARS AND UNDER FREE sunnyhillcampsite.co.uk

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ e/1049827170327?aff= oddtdtcreator

1830 - George Lapham appears in a County Directory. 1840 - George Forward was in possession.

1861 - Charles Hunt entered, carrying on a baking business.

1878 - Mr Charles Howes migrated from the New Inn to the Dolphin. For enquiries please call or email us on 01963 32215 - admin@thedolphinhotelwincanton.com

Wincanton Sports Centre BA9 9SP

Live the Victorian life!

VISITORS on the day are being offered the chance not just to learn about life through the centuries - but to actually experience what it was like.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church will host a Victorian schoolroom from 10.30am on Wincanton History Day, so take the yung people in your life along for a taste of schoolroom discipline from a bygone age!

There will also be chance for parents to take a break - or children to recover - during a coffee morning and bell-ringing displays.

At Coles Yard, a range of artisan crafts will be on show, also from 10.30am, giving an insight into skills passed down through generations, including weaving, basket-making and traditional saddlery.

Elsewhere, the Freemasons’ Lodge Open Day opens at 10.30am, with the Quakers

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Come visit my shop at: 8 High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JP

Meeting House hosting an exhibition, while the Methodist Church will be home to an exhibition, as well as offering tea and coffee, all from 10.30am.

For folks interested in finding out more about their family, there will be an opportunity to ask the experts about genealogy, family and local history in the Balsam Centre, from 10.30am.

Also at the Balsam, budding collectors can bring along their historical finds, or family heirlooms, to be identified and valued by antiques experts, starting at 10.30am.

Also at 10.30am, the Balsam Centre will also be home to a metal detecting display, where you can find out all you need to know about unearthing treasures.

HIGHSTREET RECORDS

Quick timetable

10am: Celebrity museum opening with Viking’s Gee Hirst. 10.30am – 3pm: Events through the day including: Family genealogy, antique valuations, tea and cake at the Balsam Centre.

Metal detecting. Victorian School Room at St Peter and Paul’s Church.

Weaving, Basketry and Saddlery demonstrations at Cole’s Yard. Hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunch and tea dancing at the Memorial Hall. Quakers, Freemason and church displays. Noon: Horse parade through

town followed by… 12.15pm: Kids’ hobby horse parade.

1pm: Vintage transport parade through town.

1.30pm – 2.30pm: Events around town continue OR have a spot of lunch at the Memorial Hall History Day Café.

1.30pm: Winner of the Victoria Sponge Baking Competition announced in the Memorial Hall.

2.45pm: Talk in the Memorial Hall on the phenomenal speedster and aviator Mrs Victor Bruce.

Established 1929

BA9 9JF TEL: 01963 33589 ladsanddadsbarbershop @hotmail.co.uk

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

Hambledon’s vision is to be the agent of choice. We set out to change people’s perception of Estate Agents by being friendly, honest, and always be ready to help. In short, to take the usual stresses and strains out of buying and selling, and make the whole process as simple and straight forward as possible.

Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to arrange a free valuation.

01963

WINCANTON ROOFING

1. Museum Opening 5 High Street. Opened by Gee Hirst at 10am.

2. Metal Detecting

Starts at 10.30am. Balsam Centre Garden.

3. Victorian Schoolroom

Open from 10.30am at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Also coffee morning, bellringing and displays.

4. Ask the Experts about genealogy, family or local history

Balsam Centre, from 10.30am.

5. Antiques Valuations

Have your items identified and valued by our experts. Balsam Centre, starting at 10.30am.

6. Artisan Crafts in Coles Yard starting at 10.30am.

7. Freemasons’ Lodge Open Day from 10.30am.

8. Quakers Meeting House exhibition from 10.30am.

9. Methodist Church

Tea and coffee and church display from 10.30am.

10. Soggy Biscuit Band

and Tea dance Memorial Hall, 11am to 2.30pm.

11. Horse and Costume Parade

from noon, followed by the Hobby Horse parade in the High Street.

12. Vintage Transport Parade

Will travel down Bayford Hill at 1pm and parade along the High Street twice before parking in the Memorial Hall Car Park.

13. Talk at 2.45pm in the Memorial Hall on The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce, Queen of Speed, Riding, Driving, Flying: A life lived on horsepower, by Carey Chapman. Tickets on the door £3 (or the website wincantonhistorysociety.com)

14. Schools competition entries displayed in the Memorial Hall.

15. West Country Tommies

16. The Memorial Café For when you get peckish, plus a cake competition.

River Cale

Hunters Lodge was originally a house built in the 17th Century and extended throughout the 20th Century.

It was a coaching stop through most of the 1800s and was first recorded as a public house in 1903. A large barn sat at the top end of the car park housing all facilities required for looking after horses.

The Hunters Lodge had an enviable position sat on the main road to the South West. In the early 1900s the road was actually below the main building. We have been informed it was one of the first venues serving hot food to travellers on the original A303.

Large extensions (functions room, kitchen areas and restaurant) were added in 1972 to accommodate additional trade.

When bypassed in 1977 trade declined and was finally bought by current owners in 2006. Later additions include the building of “The Lodge” accommodation block in 2006, converting of function room to “The Inn” in 2010, extending the restaurant in 2012 and installation of outside sitting areas, playground and landscaping.

Home & Garden

WANTEDDave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

GREENHOUSES

Supplied/Erected Alloy TenColours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258-452632

HEDGING PLANTS

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 416022

SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647

WELL ROTTED MANURE

WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER and operator hire paddock,orchards and neglected area clearance 07432 773151 paul25.06@outlook.com

Quickthorn £86/100 & Blackthorn £119/100 For list and availability

For all your fencing and decking needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted. Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

JOHN DEERE RIDE ON MOWER, 279 model. 48” mulching deck. £950. Hayter mower, 56 model, £220. Tel: 07879-060338

FOREVER-GREEN LANDSCAPES. All aspects of garden maintenance & landscaping 01747 825134/ 07885-586716 mathughes@hotmail.co.uk

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

MILLERS EXTERIOR CLEANING.

Somerset & Dorset. Gutter clearing. Pressure washing. uPVC cleaning. Window cleaning. Roof cleaning. Fully insured. Call/message Nick 07870-498616

SPRING HAS SPRUNG. For your Garden Maintenance needs. Darren 07832-828855

G.D HOUSE CLEARANCE. Fully Licensed, Family run, FREE Quotes. Tel: 07301-094707

WANTED: A PERSON TO MOW LAWNS Fortnightly. 07736-283197.

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

LOGS

• Fully qualified & insured tree surgeon

• All aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting & stump grinding

• Competitively priced

• Free no obligation quotes

HEDGE CUTTING and Lawn mowing services, Shaftesbury-Blandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

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

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

LOGS FOR SALE

transit tipper load £260

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD

LOGS

£190 double load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250

LOGS R US

Tipper Load £200

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

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale

Barn-stored Any size of load

If you want anymore help contact Andy

SMALL FENCING JOBS.

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

JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07387-687037

CURTAIN ALTERATIONS

Curtains made to measure

Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

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

WOODLAND CLEARING AND COPPICING, pruning, hedge cutting, Chain-sawing and general garden/estate maintenance. Call David: 07786-658708

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.

HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AP

Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com

JAMES AYRES

DORSET TREE CARE

Specialist Tree Workers

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

HUNGRY NOW?

Your business could be here for as little as £45 per week...

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert

GUTTERS CLEARED

• Windows, • Fascias, • Soffits, • Gutters cleaned,

Repairs, • Free Estimates 07788-376752

GARDENING SERVICES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)

Seed Potatoes, Shallots and Onion Sets. 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

LES BENHAM Garden Property Maintenance All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work

Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

OUTDOORS

WINDOWS

&

DOORS RESTORATION

RESTORATION OF YOUR WOODEN WINDOWS, DOORS and So Much More. Embrace the old don’t buy new. Ask me first and see what I can do tel 01747 822537 / 07734-943848

maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk

Brick work 07971-982565 llewie30roberts@gmail.com

of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius.

07974 185923 or 07811 211586.

to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Building Construction Specialists

G.S GENERAL BUILDER. Extensions, renovations, alterations, plastering, brickwork, block-work, stonework and patios, fencing. NO VAT. Call Garry: 07933-921382

ALL DIGGER WORK.

Natural Stone Walls. Footings-Drains-Drives. Tel: 07301-007855 LOCAL BOOK KEEPER available to work remotely or on site. Phone 07777-753180

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.

Email: enquiries@teesbooks.co.uk SMALL FENCING JOBS. New or repair. Special Low Rates for OAP’s. No VAT. Phone Phillip on 07716-207150

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD.

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

HARRY JACK, HOME SERVICES. Handyman, home maintenance, landscaping, roofing. Harryjackhome services@gmail.com 07855-544618

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

Martin Simmonds

Martin Simmonds

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Martin Simmonds

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service

Martin Simmonds

Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance 07368 250305/01747 590799

longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

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

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service

longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered Friendly, Reliable Service longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

• Wood & multi-fuel stove installation

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 Services include

• New build houses – No chimney No problem

• Electric fire installation

• Metal twin wall chimney installations

• False fireplaces & media walls

• Chimney take down rebuilds

• Hetas inspection repair to current regs

• Log burner flexi liner installations

• Fireplace alterations drone surveys

• Cherry picker & scaffold if required

• Thatch property wood burners

• Plastering rendering exterior decorating

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help

• Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet

• Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

COUNTRY CARPENTRY

Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570

M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07534-952486 / 01305-849380

WEST

SERVICES and wall-paper specialist. Also hand-man. 35years experience. Free quotes. 07773-459168. paul.west945@gmail.com

INTERIOR PAINTER & DECORATOR - Excellent quality work, attention to detail. References available. Free no obligation quote. Call Kerry-07785-912667

GARETH TANNER G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com

Banham’s

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services

Refreshing sale and rental upgrades

Handyman projects

Plumbing repairs Tiling services

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

PICTURE FRAMING

Bespoke service with attention to detail.

years experience, friendly advice offered. Please contact Jane 01747 855788 27A High Street, Shaftesbury freezeframejane@gmail.com

new services and drainage problems call Real Utilities for a free quote 07824-859627

Should I breed from my dog?

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

THE idea of having lots of

puppies running around and making some money at the same time can seem enticing, but it’s

CELEBRATING

50 YEARS

OF SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Branscombe Kennels and Cattery consistently offers high levels of boarding care for the four-legged members of the families, from across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and beyond.

often not that straightforward and can be much more complicated and end up costing you money.

Dog boarding Cat boarding

Day boarding Twice daily walks

Exercise and agility arena

On-site groomers

Shop selling the Albion range, other animal feed, dog toys and accessories

First of all, you want to be a responsible breeder, so you want to ensure that both parents are not going to pass on known genetic defects to their offspring. Various tests are available for many breeds and can often be tested using a cheek swab or blood sample. Hip and elbow scoring is carried out using x-rays.

to make money? If she dies due to her pregnancy, this could have been avoided and there is no benefit to your bitch to have ‘just one litter’ either physically or mentally. If she dies, you may have multiple puppies to hand feed every two hours through the night.

Is there a market for your puppies? What happens if you can’t sell them? You may have to end up keeping one or more puppies, selling them to less suitable homes or giving them to a rescue centre.

5*

KENNELS

www.branscombekennels.co.uk www.facebook.com/branscombekennels

Branscombe Kennels, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, SP7 0QW 01747 838323

Owners: Elaine & Ed Tilley

5*

KENNELS

Lattiford, Wincanton, BA9 8AF | 01963 32104

Email: merrymeet.kennels@btinternet.com Website: www.merrymeetkennels.co.uk

Let us pamper your pet in our luxurious kennels and cattery. All accommodation has central heating and double glazing to keep our guests comfortable. Our dogs are exercised in secure gardens. Open for boarding 7 days per week from 09.00am. See website for details of opening times.

DOGGIE DAY CARE FROM 07.30 AM

WE NOW STOCK A RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY RAW FROZEN DOG FOOD

PLUS A RANGE OF WILD BIRD FEEDERS AND TABLES.

WE STOCK A VARIETY OF QUALITY DRY DOG FOOD.

MERRYMEET SUPER PREMIUM 12KG ONLY £43. BURNS 12KG £46.

WE ALSO STOCK ARDEN GRANGE, AUTARKY, HARRINGTONS, BAKERS AND SKINNERS.

ALL AT LOW PRICES!!!

Is your dog’s temperament suitable? She may be good at home but is she nervous around other people or dogs? There is a genetic basis to temperament, but puppies also learn behaviours from their mother. If she is anxious, the puppies will learn from this and may grow up to be anxious themselves.

Consider the worst case financial scenario. Your bitch needs a caesarean in the middle of the night and all the puppies die. Significant costs are involved with emergency surgeries and you will be unable to recoup those losses from selling the puppies. Pet insurance – except for breeder’s policies – specifically exclude all costs related to pregnancy.

Is your dog your pet or a way

CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home.

Jacqui 07791-198679

C.B. Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife

Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food

Cat - Wet & Dry Food

Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories

Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107

Rescue centres are already full of abandoned dogs and it could be considered unethical to add more dogs to this.

Responsible owners breeding healthy confident dogs with homes lined up for each puppy are providing the new generation of pets. It is important, however, that we avoid breeding from unsuitable dogs because they are more likely to cost their new owners more money in vet bills and more likely to end up in a rescue centre if their temperament makes them difficult to live with.

If you feel your situation and your dog is ideal to breed from, then ensure you research pregnancy and whelping to ensure you know how to prepare and know what to expect, and you will reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong.

SHORT LEGGED JACK RUSSELLS ready now. Frontline, wormed and microchipped. Used to cats and handled by children. 07769-960360

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

COCKER SPANIEL BITCH 2 years old from working stock but more ideal for a pet. £500. 07495-423751

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

Mel and Sue, six years. Sweet, sensitive pair looking for a home together

Misty, 10 years.

Delightful girl who is a bit of a character, never wanting to miss out on attention

Jasper, 11 years. Absolute dream boy, looking for his retirement home, find out more about his story online

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.

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.

n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats. org.uk/middorset

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Body talk: What your cat is saying

by Raychel Curson

CATS are mysterious creatures, often communicating through subtle body language rather than vocalisations. Unlike social animals like dogs and humans, they have evolved as solitary hunters and as they don’t have the same anatomy to communicate, they can be perceived as more difficult to read, but learning to interpret their signals can help strengthen your bond and ensure your feline friend feels safe and understood. Here’s a breakdown of some key cat behaviours.

Tail talk

• Upright tail with a curve at the tip: A sign of a happy, confident cat.

• Puffed-up tail: Indicates fear or agitation, often seen when a cat feels threatened.

• Low or tucked tail: A sign of submission, insecurity or anxiety.

• Swishing or thrashing tail: Often a warning sign of irritation or overstimulation.

Ear positions

• Forward ears: Sign of curiosity and engagement.

• Flattened ears (pinned back): Suggests fear, aggression or

discomfort.

• Rotating ears: Indicates your cat is listening intently to surrounding noises.

Eye signals

• Slow blinking: A sign of trust and affection. You can return the gesture to reassure your cat.

• Dilated pupils: Can indicate excitement, fear or playfulness, depending on the context.

• Direct stare: Often seen as a sign of dominance or challenge.

Body posture

• Arched back with raised fur: Defensive stance, usually in response to a perceived threat.

• Lying on back, belly up: Can mean trust, but doesn’t always invite belly rubs!

• Crouched with tense muscles: Indicates a cat is ready to pounce or escape.

By paying close attention to your cat’s body language, you can better understand their emotions and needs. This knowledge helps create a deeper bond and ensures a happy, stress-free environment for your feline friend. Every cat is unique, so observing their individual habits and responses will give you even greater insight into their personality.

n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching; email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk.

Health & Wellbeing

Mindfulness at work: Slowing down

by Danielle Goshawk

DO you ever find that when you have a bunch of things to do, it can be hard to focus and prioritise? I know I can get frazzled when tasks feel overwhelming, and that level of stress makes it hard to achieve anything. It’s at times like that when bringing in some

mindfulness can be helpful. Essentially, mindfulness is about intentionally paying attention – without judgement – to what is happening in the present moment, that is noticing thoughts, emotions and sensations from all five senses. Through regularly practising mindfulness we become used to

Meditations in nature: Of mice and men

by Susanna Curtin

INSPIRED by the spring sunshine, I have set aside the day to declutter my garage. Among the countless piles of wood, recycling bags of tin foil and soft plastics, plus the old sentimental items once belonging to my late parents, that for some reason I have kept, I know there are a family of mice somewhere, but where? I am rather hoping they have not set up home in my kayak. So, the obvious place to start is to carefully remove the pile of summer camping chairs and bags that are stored on top of my boat.

Just as I lift the last chair, a wood mouse scurries away as fast as he can, followed closely by another, and another. Eventually I find the nest. It is a work of fine art. A ball of ‘fluff’ comprised of the blue and red fabric from the camping chairs, tiny pieces of shiny tin foil, some black fabric, unfortunately from the seat of my kayak, and miniscule pieces of plastic, all superbly mixed up and carefully crafted into the perfect burrow for the winter. As I slowly dismantle this colourful bundle, two more mice scatter away, frightened and startled from their different ‘chambers’ – each of which is lined with leaves still warm from their furry bodies.

noticing what is going on for us rather than operating on autopilot.

This is great to apply to any area of life, but let’s focus on work as an example. It might seem counter-intuitive that by slowing down or stopping you will become more productive and efficient at work. But when

we don’t rest and just keep working through, say for exams or a deadline, eventually we burn out and stop being productive altogether. Slowing down and reflecting to make the best decisions and actions is a mindful way of working.

At a certain level, stress is useful, it can push you to get a

This is a bitter-sweet moment. I am glad, in a way, that I have disturbed them, especially given the damage to my kayak, but at the same time, I feel the act of my wanton destruction when they have gone to so much endeavour to create such a comfortable winter hideout.

The wood mouse is a native rodent to Europe and north west Africa. It is a commensal rodent, that enjoys the benefits of living alongside us having evolved side-by-side with humans in a millennia-old relationship. It is sometimes referred to as a long-tailed field mouse given that its tail is the length of its head and body combined. It has a reddish brown back with a white or grey belly, large black eyes and big round ears. It is also a highly adaptable creature, capable of living anywhere but generally preferring grassy fields, hedgerows, gardens and woodlands. They can live for up to a year and tend to stay in one location, although they are known to take night trips of up to a quarter of a mile in search of berries, seeds and sometimes snails. During these foraging expeditions, they carry twigs and leaves to mark their paths so they don’t get lost. Instead of hibernating, wood mice gather in communal burrows

where there are a number of chambers and food stores, just like there were in the nest in my garage. In the wild, these burrows are used and modified by several generations. Wood mice tend to live near a food source, as they have big appetites eating up to 15 or 20 times a day in between regular bouts of cleaning themselves. Finally, they have rib cages that are collapsable, allowing them to get into the smallest of places in order to enter our buildings.

Although many people do not like mice, we owe them a great deal. They are genetically very similar to us with the same bodily systems and organs. In fact, they share about 85% identical genes to humans and 90% of their genome, that is the total amount of DNA, which is why they are a mainstay of biomedical research. Without them we would lack understanding of major diseases such as cancer, genetic disorders and life-threatening infectious diseases, or how to treat them. While I dislike the idea of experimenting on fellow mammals, where would we be without them?

But more than just their usefulness, they are intelligent,

Mice share about 85% identical genes to humans and 90% of their genome, that is the total amount of DNA

adaptive, sociable creatures in their own right. I remember how, a few years ago, I accidently disturbed a nest in my garden. This time it was a mother and her blind, furless babies, only days old. I watched in awe as she carefully carried each baby to a safe haven after being made homeless by my actions. I’d forgotten how sad I had felt.

As I continue with my big tidy-up, my thoughts turn to the daily news of bombardments and killings – the thousands of people made homeless through the deliberate violence of war, the lack of humanity and the cruelty, the inability to coexist with ‘others’, and the human obsession of power and land. I worry that if we cannot look after and live alongside our own kind, what hope is there for the conservation of wildlife or the planet?

As I sweep the garage for the last time, I hope that the mice are safely stowed in the log pile at the back of the garage. Before I finish up for the day, I cannot help myself. I have to leave a few nuts, seeds and fresh bedding material just in case they need it!

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

to speed up

particular piece of work done on time, it can focus you and you can produce great work when under pressure. It’s helpful to be able to recognise when your stress is at such a high level that you become unproductive and unfocused, and take the opportunity to use mindfulness techniques to get back on track.

Here are a couple of suggestions you might try incorporating into your working day:

n Use your tea break as a mindful moment. Focus on your hot drink – tune into the warmth on your hands; notice the colour and the scent; the texture of it when you take a sip; if you blow on it to cool it down, what do you notice? These are ways to tune into your senses and become present, even if just for a few moments.

n Pause between tasks. For example, if you have back-toback meetings, take yourself into the bathroom and give

Tel: 07864-947259

ARE YOU HOUSE BOUND?

Foot, Haircare and Assisted bathing/showering, in the comfort of your own home. Fully qualified, DBS and references. Covering 12miles radius of Sturminster Newton. Tel: 07979-217522

yourself a couple of minutes to breathe mindfully. There’s no need to change how you breathe, just notice an aspect of it, like the rising and falling of your chest, or the temperature of the air as it enters in and out of your nose. This can help you to reset before heading on to the next task.

When you first start practising mindfulness you will get distracted and your mind will wander, but if you persevere, you will find it easier to manage your mind. After a while, your ability to concentrate increases, as does your general sense of wellbeing. n Danielle Goshawk is a counsellor working with adults and couples, based in Lytchett Matravers and online – www. acaciacounselling.net. She is also the co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support which provides local businesses with counselling and wellness services. For more information, email DorsetEWS@proton.me.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE SOLUTIONS (CCS)

Built on 35 years of experience. Diploma in level 5 social care management, with all the relevant knowledge and certification required. Need comprehensive Care for Adults or children? I offer 24 hour extensive care packages to suit individual needs. From ad hoc to full 24 hour adult Care, to inc Children with ADHD, ADD, AUTISM, ALL with Person centred care, to meet individual needs. Call CCS to discuss your needs. 07808-660776

760333

Food & Drink

Lemon and wild garlic pesto risotto

THIS delicious and colourful dish offers a taste of spring. The makings

Finely diced banana shallot

Clove of garlic

Vegetable stock cube – add 2 litres boiling water 100g butter cubed

Risotto (Italian rice)

In a large deep-sided frying pan gently melt the butter cubes and cook off the shallots, and then add the chopped garlic clove for a minute or so.

Tip the risotto rice into the pan and coat in all the melted butter etc.

Now add the vegetable stock, splash by splash, and stirring with a wooden spoon in between.

Once the rice has cooked

– about 20-25 minutes – take off the heat.

Add the pesto you have made – below – and fold into the rice, so you have a vibrant green risotto!

For the pesto and method

2 good lemons – zest the unwaxed skin first for garnish later – then juice and dispose of pips

50g grated parmesan (optional)

3-4 bunches/clusters of wild garlic leaves – handpicked from shady damp woodland, if possible

50ml or so of extra virgin olive oil

Good pinch Maldon salt

2-3 good grinds of black pepper

Preferably blitz all these ingredients in an electric

Upcoming events

Sunday 20th April:

Easter Sunday Lunch from 12.30pm. Come & enjoy a festive Easter Lunch with 2 & 3 Course Options.

This risotto dish is a fresh taste of spring in a pan

blender rather than pestle and mortar because of the juice and the leaves, which are not as malleable as basil leaves.

To finish and garnish

Spring onions sliced for crunch

Fresh wild garlic leaves Lemon wedge n Annie des Forges, Director/ Chef, The Table Bruton. Annie Austin, Director/Host and Concierge Somerset Roadtrip.

Friday 25th April:

Music Night With Graeme Budd Playing Saxophone always an enjoyable occasion with Graeme playing softly in the background

years

Over recent years David, Mary & Marc have been trying to sell our Lovely Restaurant with Rooms. This has not happened which is great news for all of you.

David Mary & Marc are still here and still preparing, cooking & serving our delicious food.

Open for Dinners Tuesday To Saturday Evenings from 6.30pm

Also for Lunch Parties over 15 & special occasion lunches

Packaging blamed for fresh food waste

HUNDREDS of thousands of tonnes of potatoes – nearly half of those purchased – are binned by households in the UK, according to a new report.

The Love Food Hate Waste campaign, in its long-running annual Household Food Management Survey, says an estimated 510,000 tonnes of potatoes, representing 46% of what is bought, are thrown away.

It said that fresh produce was the most binned food category with 21% of bread, milk, potatoes and chicken wasted.

This represented an increase, as the pressures of food price inflation, concerns about the cost of living and food availability in recent years had eased.

Love Food Hate Waste, which released the figures during Food Action Week, says one of the key reasons for food waste is the amount fresh produce that is sold packaged, preventing shoppers being able to buy just what they need.

In the UK, only 19% of fresh produce is sold loose by large retailers.

Jackie Baily, senior campaign manager for Love Food Hate Waste, said: “We see fresh produce as the real kitchen victim when it comes to food waste.

“Because most fruit and veg is sold packaged, we have to buy what we’re given, not what we need, and that means a lot goes to waste.

“As a result, our bins have a diet that most nutritionists would envy.

“And we’re a long way from breaking our food waste habit because of this packaging.”

Love Food Hate Waste is keen to help people reduce the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables ending up in the bin through better access to loose produce.

It says an estimated 60,000 tonnes of food waste could be prevented if all apples, potatoes and bananas were sold loose.

An Evening to Savour – April 12th in Poole

This 22-year-old chef is redefining fine dining in Poole. With one vision and twelve guests each month, James is creating experiences you’ll talk about all year.

Hosted in an intimate, elegant setting, you’ll enjoy a three-course set menu crafted before your eyes, showcasing the best of Dorset’s seasonal produce. As White Pepper’s Head Chef and professional tutor, James blends bold flavours with refined technique—this is more than a meal; it’s a culinary delight. Perfect for food lovers and curious diners alike. Spaces are limited—book now at www.jamesprivatechef.co.uk.

Your go-to spot for delicious breakfast, lunch & coffee

Housed in what was once Matthews & Co Brewery, the cafe maintains many of the buildings original features, including a stunning garden for all to enjoy. With the addition of a classic motorcycle collection and a wonderful array of food and drink on offer, The Old Brewery Cafe & Kitchen is a destination not to be missed.

FOOD & DRINK

Delicious, freshly prepared and home cooked food. Delicious locally roasted coffee from 918 Coffee and a fully licensed bar.

Choice of rooms and catering options to suit all tastes and budgets to make your conference or event truly memorable.

Collection of classic motorcycles on display and gorgeous gardens for al fresco dining in the summer months.

enquiries@theoldbrewerycafeltd.co.uk

HIRE OUR VENUE

ENJOY OUR MOTORCYCLES

James Palmer-Snellin

He cooks, plates your meal, and serves you. There are only 12 seats at his table. Monthly exclusive dining events in Poole.

HONEYBUNS POP UP SHOP

Join us for cake and a catch up in our tea tent

Open first Saturday of each month 9.30-12.00 March to December

Gluten free cakes, dairy free / vegan options. Find out more at honeybuns.co.uk/popupshop

Naish Farm, Stony Lane, Holwell DT9 5LJ

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

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

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

Chicken feeds etc available.

Half a lamb £90 | Half a pig approximately £160

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm. 01258 450050

Dairy marks anniversary with tree planting project

DAIRY company BV Dairy, based in Shaftesbury, has marked a year since its acquisition by dairy cooperative First Milk by planting 365 trees.

BV Dairy and First Milk colleagues planted the trees at Woodhouse Farm in Trowbridge, run by First Milk member Lucy Noad.

The aim was to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Greg Jardine, First Milk chief finance officer and BV business unit director, said: “Bringing BV Dairy into the First Milk family has been a fantastic step forward for our business.

passion of the BV Dairy team, and it has been great to work together to further strengthen the business and drive sustainable growth over the last 12 months.

“We look forward to building on this strong foundation in the years to come and have some exciting plans in the short term.”

“We have seen first-hand the dedication, expertise and

Mr Jardine added:

“This tree planting initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment.

“As a farmerowned cooperative, we recognise the importance of working in harmony with nature, and this project is just one of many ways we are making a positive impact.”

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

A SWIFT 2 BERTH CARAVAN, £300. Tel: 01963-23477 FOR SALE A NUMBER OF MATURE SHRUBS in containers. eg. Yew, Pittosporrum, Griselinia and bamboo. From £30. suitable for new gardens. Tel: 07969-431732

PRIDE ENDURANCE MOBILITY Travel Scooter. Will fit in car, plus saddle bag with stick holder, as new, never used. Cost £1700. £800. Tel: 01258-818219

TWIN FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKES good condition with some acessories. £75 each or £125 the two. Come and try! 01747-853294

CLASSIFIED ADS

BAY TREE, 7ft high in pot, needs planting in garden. £350. (Gillingham) Tel: 07769-708992

MIRROR DINGHY, on heavy duty trailer with lights and launching trolly, all garage stored, plus extras. £500. Tel: 01963-220637

LOGIC FLAIL MOWER

£1,000 ono, Paddock Topper £600 ono, 2 prong Bale Spike £200 ono. Tel:01747 870247

3 GREYS PRODIGY CARP rods, 12ft with 15ml butt rings, £150 the lot. Tel: 07512-457147

JOHN DEERE RIDE ON MOWER, 279 model. 48” mulching deck. £950. Hayter mower, 56 model, £220. Tel: 07879-060338

‘ACRE’ DANISH CARBON FIBRE “Rollator”. Super lightweight – One finger lifts it. Folds nearly flat. Cost £480. Offers ?? 01747-229325

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

BOX OF PICTURES & FRAMES

£10 - 01935-873441

HALOGEN RECESSED SPOTLIGHTS x6 boxed +instructions, never used £6 call 01963-824376

METAL CENTRAL CHANDELIER, John Lewis. £25. VGC. Mere area. 07770 941 622

BREADMAKER RUSSELL HOBBS BREADMAN ULTIMATE HEALTHY OPTIONS MODEL NO 12683 Very good condition. Comes with instructions and recipes. £30. 07747 840163

HEADBOARD FOR DOUBLE BED, Laura Ashley cream metal, £40. Buyer collects. Tel: 01258863718. Child Okeford. (previous messages deleted in error!)

DOG TRAVEL CAGE/PEN, Caddy’s , as new unused black, two number entrance doors, 30”w x 18”d x 20”h £48 .07760 776792

RADIATOR NO LONGER REQUIRED replaced with towel radiator 55cm x 70cm good condition. £5. Tel: 07707112910

SEVERAL READING BOOKS all different authors hardbacks perfect condition 60p each ono. cd’s for sale different artists g/c 70p ono. contact number to view in first instance. 01935-412892

BRAND NEW CASIOTONE, CTS100 digital keyboard. £50. 01747 826330.

CHAISE LOUNGE. Original. Mahogany base. Well looked after. excellent condition. open to offers. Tel: 07879-314198

LAY-Z-SPA MILAN 4-6 person hotub complete with pump & heater. Inflated diameter 6ftx26” high. Working order. £50, buyer collects: Wincanton 07773-753654

GENTS COLORADO MOUNTAIN

Bike. VGC. with stand and riders helmet. £50.Tel: 01963-31930

2 BLACK CARRYING CASES 23”x12”x9”. £5 each, Black flight case 17”x13”x6”. £8, 01985 216546

GENTS BIKE FOR SALE. 26 inch wheels. Good working order. £40 ONO. 01963 31072.

MARLEY ROOFING TILES, 6x10. 20p each. enquiries. Tel: 01747-840835

A PAIR OF BEDSIDE CABINETS. each with 3 drawers. £20. Tel: 07793-497608

FRAMED MIRROR, MEDIUM

PINE Six-sided 36 x 31 inches £35. ROUND Bevel edge mirror with gilt frame 14 inch diameter £25. Tel 07966 053208 (Shaftesbury)

FREE TO A GOOD HOME. 2

Merry Tiller rotavators, 1 lawn mower (all petrol) Some needs attention. But can be done. For more info, telephone Tony. 07950-450824

ELECTRIC THERMOPOT

NEOSTAR 3.5 L water drinks boiler. Kitchen worktop model. Hardly used £15, 01747-812569

MID CENTURY MODERN STYLE settee in good condition in beige self collect £50 Milborne port 07751-016907

ANGELINA COT/BED BIRTH to 5yrs. Variable height, pocket sprung antimicrobial mattress, temp regulated, washable, hardly used, £50 cash 01747-858369.

ROOF BOX FOR CAR, large capacity, £25 ONO. Coral (Weymouth) 07563 105 836

ELECTRIC LAWN MOWER, Stihl 339. 3 years old, serviced each Autumn. Unused since last one. Sparkford. £50, 01963-440475

SET OF 4, HENSELITE LAWN BOWLS, size 5, in a box. £30. Tel: 07707-596857

KARMA WHEELCHAIR. Hardly used complete with footrests. Black. £50. Buyer collects. (Free to a needy home) 01747 229325

NEW CRASH BAR HIGHWAY HAWK for a large cruiser motorbike. £45. 01305-848097. Call after 5pm.

PENNY LLAMA & ALPACA RESCUE, excess bags of Llama manure to clear (for free) to collect bags call 01725-552061

CALOR MOBILE HEATERS, 1 new.1 used+2 full bottles.£160.07840-986402 OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

COMO SPRINGS WATER FOUNTAIN with LED lights £50. 01258-452118.

VARIOUS SIZED TERECOTTA garden pots. 20-40cm, 07814-630408

ELECTRIC LAWNMOWER, Qualcast Elam 32. £50. Tel: 01258-471126

CAR DOG GUARD. Fits any car. £10. 07785 534 524.

FOR SALE A NUMBER OF MATURE SHRUBS in containers. eg. Yew, Pittosporrum, Griselinia and bamboo. From £30. suitable for new gardens. 07969-431732

MANGO WOOD HEAVY SEATING BENCH, 150cm long, good condition, kept in shed,£50. Wincanton 07840-986402.

2 VINTAGE WOODEN STORAGE boxes hinged lids approx 36 inches long 26 high excellent condition used for storing sacking £50 Horsington 07526-341-536

FLYPAST MAGAZINES x 190. From 1995 - 2020. Some complete year sets.Offers. 07760-311393

Announcements

90th BIRTHDAY

Happy 90th Birthday Brian Wareham

for March 31st with all our love from: Shirley, Roger & Susan, Grandchildren, Jess, Devon, Scott and Georgie, Great Grandson son Riley

PUBLIC NOTICES

Gillingham Town Council

Join Us for the Annual Town Assembly

Date: Wednesday 16th April 2025

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Gillingham Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham SP8 4QR

Have your say in the future of Gillingham!

The Annual Town Assembly is your opportunity to:

• Hear updates from Gillingham Town Council on key projects and future plans.

• Find out what’s happening from several local organisations and community groups.

• Ask questions and share your views on local issues

This is your town, your voice—come along, get involved, and help shape Gillingham’s future!

We look forward to seeing you there. www.gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of application for the GRANT of a PREMISES LICENCE.

Proposed licensable activities:

Supply of alcohol, Name of applicant: Neil Anthony Barker hereby give notice that I have applied for a premises licence in respect of A Barkers Fermenting, 31 Dorset Street Blandford DT11 7RF. The licensable activity is to allow the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises from Monday to Saturday 09:00 until18:00 and Sunday from 10:00 until 16:00. Any interested party or responsible authority wishing to make representations to the Council about the application, may do so in writing to Licensing Section, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or Licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 18/04/2025. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty ofsuch an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5000

PUBLIC NOTICES

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

BRYAN G PAULLEY LTD of Hallets Farm, Kings Mill Lane, Stalbridge. Dorset, DT10 2SN

is applying for a licence to use Hallets Farm, Kings Mill Lane, Stalbridge, Dorset, DT10 2SN as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 1 trailer. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their reasons within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office

IN MEMORIAM

BRENDA MAIDMENT 1.4.24

My name on a stone might not be found, or on a stick stuck in the ground. But as you look down from above, you will see that you got my Eternal love. ROB xxxxx

DEATHS

Maureen Grey

Passed away peacefully at Whitecliffe House Nursing Home on 2nd March 2025 aged 88. Much loved wife to the late Alan, Mum to Chris and Caroline, Nanny to Nikki, Dan and George and Great Nanny to Jesse. Will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral will be held on Tuesday 15th April at St. Marys Church, Winterborne Stickland at 1pm Family flowers only. Donations, if desired to Diabetes UK may be made online at www.funeraldirector.co.uk/funeral/maureen-grey

Dennis George Luffingham

Passed away on 13th March 2025, after a short illness, aged 90 years. He was such a warm and friendly person, who will be missed by all his family and friends. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 10th April at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for RSPCA, may be sent to Grassby & Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, Tel: 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

DEATHS

DUDLEY GEORGE RIGGS

Much loved husband of Beryl Riggs sadly passed away on 5/03/25 the day before his 94th Birthday. A lovely father to Christine and Judith who will be greatly missed by all who knew him

Mick Budden

It is great sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Mick Budden aged 79 years, on Monday 17th March 2025. Mick passed away peacefully in his beautiful home in Southern Ireland. Mick was the loving husband of Teresa, adored Dad of Paul, Trudy & Tessa, cherished step Dad of Jack & Oliver, and treasured Grandpa of Amberley, Albert, Harriett, Jack, Lottie, Dennis, Jayden, Oscar, Scarlett, Daniel & Benji. Mick’s funeral service took place on Monday 24th March in Ireland.

Edward George Coles

Founder of EG Coles & Son, formerly C&O Tractors. Passed away at home aged 81 on 19th March. Beloved Husband of Jane, a loving father to Sarah, Andy, Fiona and Gemma, adored grandfather to Tom, Olivia, William, Eleanor, Harry, Sophie, Phoebe and Bonnie, cherished father-in-law to Roger, Lucy, Ant and Dan and a wonderful friend to many. Funeral service to take place on Monday 14th April at 10.30am at Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6AN. Donations if desired to Julia’s House via www.harbourview.co.uk

Robert William Blackman (Bob)

Passed away peacefully on the 11th March 2025 in Yeovil District Hospital with family at his side, aged 81 years, of Templecombe. Beloved Husband of Brenda. Much loved Dad to Paul and Sally. Loving Grandad, Great Grandad and friend to many. Funeral service at Templecombe United Reformed Church, on Friday, 4th April at 12 noon, followed by interment. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, in memory of Bob for Yeovil District Hospital Charity can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity can be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570

WHITE Hilary Carol

Passed away peacefully at Yeovil & District Hospital on Sunday 9th March 2025, aged 71 years.

Funeral service will be held at Mendip Crematorium on Monday 7th April 2025 at 11:30a.m.

Donations, if desired, to ‘Multiple Sclerosis Society’. All donations and enquiries to A. J. Wakely & Sons Ltd, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

Please make cheques payable to ‘M. S. Society’

Lee, Ella Patricia Grace

Known to all as ‘PAT’

Passed away on March 11th 2025. Sadly missed and fondly remembered for her positive outlook on life. Much loved wife to Alan, mother to Andrew and Richard,Grandmother to Hannah, Evelyn, Georgina, Millie and Daisy. Funeral service at 12.00 noon, Wednesday, 2nd April, at St Mary’s Church Cerne Abbas. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Pat to Alzheimer’s Society may be made online at www.grassby-funeral.co.uk, or cheques can be made payable to the charity and sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW

Jonathan Neil Smith

Peacefully at rest, Jonathan aged 68 of Stalbridge. Devoted husband of Nesta, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and great uncle. He leaves behind Claire, his loving partner. Neil will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, friends and neighbours. A funeral service to celebrate his life is to be held at St Mary’s Church, Stalbridge at 11am on Friday 28th March 2025. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Motor Neurone Disease Association and Weldmar Hospice. Enquiries to: Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0RB

Alan (Mac) McPhillimy

Passed away peacefully on the 11th March 2025 aged 77. Loving wife of Hilary and father to Paul and Neil. Funeral service at Poole Crematorium on Tuesday 1st April, 11am. Wake at the Power House in Bryanston. No flowers please. Donations in Alan’s memory are for the Alzheimer’s Society and Parkinson’s UK and may be made via https://alanmichael-mcphillimy-1947-2025.muchloved.com/ or cheque made payable to either the Alzheimer’s Society or Parkinson’s UK c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service

Announcements DEATHS

RODNEY DAVID GOULD

on 18th March 2025, peacefully at home aged 81 years. Of Blandford. Much loved husband to Pauline (Sue), a loving dad to Sarah and brother to Barry. Loved and missed by all. A service to celebrate his life will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna on Tuesday 8th April at 1.00pm. Donations, if desired, for the Robert White Centre at Dorset County Hospital, can 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. Please make any cheques payable to University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

Douglas John Ryall

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

A J Wakely& Sons

A J Wakely Independent Family Funeral Directors

Choice of Hearses available including A J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors

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

Peacefully on 10th March 2025. Doug aged 90 years of Stalbridge. Much loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and Lolo. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 3rd April at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The RNLI. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0PP.

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

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

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

– 24 Hour Service –

– 24 Hour Service –

A J Wakely& Sons Independent

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

– 24 Hour Service –

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Family Funeral Directors

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Sherborne Tel: 01935

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

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

Wincanton Tel: 01963 – 24 Hour Service

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

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Pre-payment plans available

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans

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

– 24 Hour Service –

– 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated

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

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

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

THOMAS SAMUEL GEORGE CRABBE ‘TOM’

Peacefully on 19th March, 2025 at Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury aged 86 years. Of Motcombe. Beloved Husband of Brenda, much loved Dad of Tracey, a dearly loved Grandad of Chloe & Harry and a good friend to many. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Motcombe on Friday 11th April at 11.00am followed by interment. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, for The Stars Appeal at SDH 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

MILES

Clifford

passed away peacefully in his sleep at Tower House Care Home on 15 March 2025. Beloved Father of Kathryn, Jamie and Jody, Grandfather of Zachary, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Georgina and Michaela and Great Grandfather of April. Will be sadly missed by us all. Funeral service to take place at St Mary’s Church, Sixpenny Handley on Tuesday 8th April 11am. All are welcome. Family flowers only, but donations can be made in Clifford’s memory to Dementia UK through Much Loved cliffordmiles.muchloved.com. c/o Darren MacDonald Funeral Directors, 26 Pennyfarthing Street, Salisbury, SP1 1HJ Telephone 01722 330598

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans available

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

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

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

Your Local Funeral Professionals

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

• Prepaid funeral plans also available

• Prepaid funeral plans also available

• Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none

• Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism

• Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none • Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494 Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Speed-busters put lives at risk

ALMOST half of UK police forces (48%) have caught motorists driving over 90mph on 30mph roads – more than three times the speed limit, new data analysed by the RAC reveals.

A Freedom of Information request to the UK’s 45 police forces also found that, of the 40 with data, almost all (90%) had clocked people driving at 60mph – more than twice the limit – on these roads.

With the highest recorded speed on any road being 167mph on a 70mph stretch of the M1 by Leicestershire Police, the new RAC study paints an alarming picture of the speeds some motorists have been caught driving at.

Looking at the largest difference between the speed recorded and the posted limit, the highest logged speed was

161mph on a 50mph eastbound stretch of the A303 in Somerset.

More than half of police forces (23, or 58%) recorded drivers travelling in excess of 140mph.

While most of these contraventions were on 70mph motorway stretches, this wasn’t always the case.

South Yorkshire Police clocked a driver at 146mph on a 50mph southbound stretch of the M1, while Police Scotland detected someone driving at 148mph on a 60mph section of the A68 in the Scottish Borders.

on 20mph and 30mph roads – those that are far more likely to have high numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users using them.

South Yorkshire Police recorded a speed of 122mph on a 30mph road, while North Wales Police logged a vehicle being driven at 88mph on a 20mph road. Both speeds are more than four times faster than the speed limits.

In total, six-in-10 police forces (24) have caught motorists driving over twice the speed limit on 20mph roads, with seven recording speeds of more than 60mph.

2023 speed contributed to 888 fatalities and 39,882 collisions of all severities.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Although this data is a snapshot, it shines a light on the incredibly dangerous actions of a few, that are putting lawabiding road users at serious risk. Thankfully, the police were on hand to catch these drivers.

“There is no place for the vastly excessive speeds that some people are prepared to drive.

“While some speeds were recorded in the middle of the night when traffic will have been lighter, this isn’t always the case – some of the fastest drivers were clocked at other times of day when they’d have been sharing the roads with many others.

But perhaps most disturbing of all are the speeds some people are prepared to drive at

Government data shows speed is the biggest factor reported in fatal road collisions – it is a factor in 58% of fatalities and in 43% of road collisions of all severities. In

“Speed is the leading cause of deaths on UK roads. We look forward to the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy understanding what can be done to reduce such avoidable casualties on the UK’s roads.”

A BIKER died after a crash near Wincanton Racecourse earlier this month.

Police said they were called to the scene, on the B3081 Old Hill, at just before 6am on Wednesday, March 19, by the ambulance service, which was attending a crash involving a motorcycle.

Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene, they said.

“Their next of kin has been

Police appeal after fatal crash Surgery issues parking plea

informed and they are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult time.

“The road was closed while emergency services carried out enquiries. It has since been re-opened.

“We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, to please contact us.”

Anyone who can help with the investigation should contact police on 101 and give the reference number 5225080211.

A SHERBORNE surgery has called on motorists to be respectful of restrictions in the car park each week – to allow the bins to be collected.

The Grove Medical Centre, in Wootton Grove, has posted a picture of one vehicle – a Tesla – parking alongside cones set out to reserve the space, which is used to turn around the bin lorry.

“We have to cone off two parking spaces in our car park twice a week so the council can come in and empty our bins,” a spokesperson said.

“They need this additional

Parking restrictions are designed to allow the bins to be collected

space to turn their lorry around.”

However, they said people parking in the space has become ‘a big problem’.

“Please can we request that nobody parks in the coned-off areas, otherwise our refuse won’t be collected,” they went on.

“This has happened for the last two Tuesdays now, and is becoming a big problem for us.

“Our other collection day is currently Friday, but will be moving to Thursday next week.

“The council workers move the cones aside once they have been to allow parking again.

“They are also having issues getting into the surgery car park because vehicles are parked on the white lines outside and inside the main entrance.”

BULLIT HUNT

MOTORBIKE,250cc, long MOT,3700 miles,£1200. 07444-761594

VOLVO V70 ESTATE, 115,400 miles, 2006, Auto 1984cc Petrol 8 months MOT, black, Volvo serviced from new, 2 Owners. Drives well £1,975 . Tel 07802 344899

2003 MERCEDES ESTATE C270 CDI Auto. MOT-0126 164k. Reliable workhorse. Only 4 keepers. £1,300. Any questions: 07830-212549. Gillingham/Wincanton.

VW GOLF, 1.9SE BLUE MOTION TECH Tdi. Silver, 5dr, 87k, MOT Sept 25, New battery, timing belt replaced, VGC, Private plate included, (MRT) £4950.

Tel: 07736-790595

2017 COACHMAN VISION 520 plus 4 berth, New tyres last year, New service and habitation last month, New brakes fitted. Lovely condition both in and out, All areas re-sealed externally, Comes with ¾ air suncamp awning with floor covering, Hitch and wheel lock, waste and clean water drums, Recent leisure battery , Lead, Price £12,250 ovno, Telephone 07794 875991

WANTED

VANS, CARS, 4x4's MOTOR HOMES, CARAVANS, MOT FAILURES RUNNER & NON RUNNERS, FARM MACHINERY or just in your way ANYTHING CONSIDERED

Please call James anytime on 07389705470

MERCEDES SLK AMG, Red, 2012, ex.condition, 11-months MOT, Low mileage, petrol, selling due to loss of garage. £7,750. Tel: 01747-825547

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Motoring

ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, f rom small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS , SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Bodyshop

Bodyshop also available.

Diagnostics Air conditioning Valets

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air conditioning Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions ed Forces a es

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

parking sensors, £35 road tax, 55mpg, cambelt kit replaced, 34,900 miles................................................................£6250

2015 (65) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, Free road tax, park sensors, reverse camera, ½ leather, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, new cambelt fitted, 72,800 miles...........................................................................................£6450

2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV SUV 5dr. 155bhp, petrol hybrid, manual gearbox, partial leather, sat nav, park sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, collision detection, road sign assist, 47,200 miles ...........................................................................£14650

2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, high seating, sat nav, road sign assist, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, park sensors, auto parking system, ½ leather, 61,800 miles ............................................................................£12750

2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 Trend L2 H2 12 Seat Minibus 5dr. 125bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, 11 seats plus driver, 3 front seats, 9 rear seats, Bluetooth, electric step, 75,500 miles..£11500+VAT = £13800

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 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, 97,100 miles .................... £18000+VAT = £21600

2017 (67) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Automatic 5dr. 102bhp, petrol, automatic gearbox, park sensors & reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, collision detection, road sign assist, cruise control, 27,600 miles ........................................................................................£12750

2008 (08) Honda Jazz 1.4 SE Automatic 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, automatic gearbox, lovely low mileage example, flat folding rear seats, parking sensors, only 39,900 miles .......................Due in April £4650

2017 (17) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ-T 5dr. 90bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, great looking small car, low running costs, £20 yearly road tax, upto 60mpg, sat nav, reverse camera, automatic lights, Bluetooth, 42,900 miles ..............................................................................£8250

OAKWOOD TAXIS

REQUIRE PART-TIME DRIVERS to cover various school runs in and around Dorset. Drivers can keep the vehicle at home enabling them to work more efficiently in their area. Must be over 25. Could suit semiretired person. No area knowledge test required. All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only. To arrange an interview please ring Andy on 01258 455555 or email oakwoodtaxis@aol.com

TRACTOR DRIVER

WANTED for Drainage work at Remedy Oak Golf Club. April to September, Contact Tim 07775 812770

FULL TIME LIVE IN CARER/HOUSEKEEPER

required for family with physically disabled teenager living in SW London. £21,000 to £28,000 gross, full board and lodging plus monthly trips to Blandford area. Tel: 07810 477086

EVENING SHIFT PRODUCTION OPERATIVES required for Local Medical Manufacturing Company. Shift Hours 3pm-11.30pm Monday to Thursday, 2pm-10.30pm Friday, email julie@meditechsystems.co.uk for immediate interview

MULTI-SKILLED ESTATE WORKER

required by Stourhead (Western) Estate. This is a full-time role including forest track maintenance, hedge trimming, and fencing. See www.stourhead.com/estate/about for details

HOUSEKEEPER. THE GOOD LIFE

Sadly we are losing our Housekeeper after 8 years so this has created a wonderful opportunity. We are looking for a Housekeeper to manage the house, this includes cleaning to a high standard, occasionally some cooking, gardening & also taking care of our animals. Pygmy goats, alpacas, chickens & dogs, as if they were your own. This is very much a lifestyle/ vocation rather than a job! Stunning location in the heart of West Dorset. In return you will receive a salary & the use of separate private accommodation to include council tax etc. Look forward to hearing from you Please contact me christinewoodibiza@gmail.com

Full Time Employed Vacancies

• due to increased workload & retirement

• immediate starts available

Bricklayer/Stone Mason

All aspects of masonry work.

General Builder

All general building items including plastering, wall & floor tiling.

Please apply through our Office

T: 01963 824444 E: info@hhpltd.co.uk W: builders-south-west.co.uk

Recruitment

SIGMA ENGINEERING

Vehicle Mechanic/Engineer

Required for work on classic road and race cars.

Engine rebuilding, repair, fault finding etc. Gillingham, Dorset.

Email: info@sigmadorset.co.uk 01747 823 270

Stone Pickers Needed 2 days work. No experience needed. Happy to work outside with others.

Please contact Tim on 07766906046

01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE

The UK’s leading trade distributor of Irrigation Products

Requires a Full Time WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE

This position is based at our premises in Dinton (Part of the MJ Abbott Ltd Company)

The role involves picking and packing orders, preparing dispatch paperwork, stock control, accepting deliveries and other general warehouse and yard duties.

The candidate will be:-

Conscientious with an attention to detail and be able to work well with others within our small hard working team.

Physically fit as working within the warehouse will involve heavy lifting and carrying on a daily basis.

Ideally able to operate a forklift and be computer literate, experience is desirable but not essential as training will be given.

Hold a full UK driving licence.

Excellent pay and conditions for this permanent role.

Mrs Jules Simmons

M J ABBOTT LTD, Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5EB

Email: jules.simmons@mjabbott.co.uk mjabbott.co.uk

MJ Abbott is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Recruitment

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER to join our team working on a prestigious 7 acre garden near Shaftesbury. Previous experience required and references. 07792-892999.

A.P.STEPHENS AND SON: Require “General Labourer” to join the team, Experienced ideally, Full time work, Must be able to drive, Good work ethic, Dorset based work, Call Luke on 07818297152 Pay to be discussed

Blandford hit New Forest for six

by Paul Cross Blandford 6

New Forest 0

BLANDFORD entered the game knowing a single point was enough to secure second in the table and with it promotion to South Central 5. Their opponents, third-placed New Forest, who beat Blandford 5-0 last time out.

However, Blandford, fresh off the back of a season-defining performance the week before, were at the peak of their powers, which New Forest soon discovered.

It took just 10 minutes for Blandford to open the scoring. A short-corner was rocketed towards the keeper by Matty Lewis and pinged off the keeper, but Theo Browning pounced on the rebound with a reverse strike.

Two minutes later, Lewis looked to continue his renewed run of form in front of goal after ending his drought away at Romsey the previous week. Blandford were awarded a short

HOCKEY

Blandford went into their match with New Forest knowing a single point would secure promotion

corner and Lewis took his usual position in the castle for a strike. Having already set an assist for Browning, Lewis opted for something different. Utilising his mighty slap pass, his strike struck the backboard to double the lead.

On the 20th minute, Andy was given space on the rightwing. He exploded down the flank and smashed the ball into the D. Browning ghosted in front of his man and nicked the ball past the keeper to put Blandford three ahead.

Blandford continued to press, but New Forest held on to keep

the deficit at three at the half. Blandford eased into the second half, but had the opportunity to go four up in the 43rd minute. They won another short corner and went to work. Bri dragged the ball out to Gareth Mitchinson, who slipped the ball short to Lewis. He drilled a shot low across the D. New Forest had a defender on the post but the power was too much and it deflected up into the back of the net

Then the game turned interesting for four minutes. It started with a Brian Bell finish to put Blandford 5-0 up on the 50th minute. A minute later, New Forest looked to break down the right, but were thwarted by a Tom Tridgell wonder tackle. The moment was soon sullied when he loudly exclaimed how good his tackle was and was green carded for his enthusiasm.

A minute after this, Chris Kipling, not to be outdone, earned himself a yellow card, briefly putting Blandford down

to nine players. However, this just seemed to spur Blandford on.

Lewis completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute. After some clever play down the right, he saw the Forest players flock to the ball, opening up a huge space in the D. Captain Paul Cross combined a decisive tackle and pass, sweeping the ball across to the waiting midfielder. The pass bounced up off the ground as Lewis took a one-time strike to send a rocket into the goal, shattering the backboard!

Lewis secured the Man of the Match award.

Blandford are holding a reunion match on Saturday, April 12. If you have played for Blandford in the past and fancy reconnecting, contact the club at crossyboy82@googlemail.com

To complete a successful weekend, Blandford Ladies beat Bournemouth 4s 7-1, with goals from Linda Smith (three), Maddie Cowley (two), Jenny Smith and Emilia Green.

Boys’ and girls’ teams county champs

by Nick Mowat

YEOVIL & Sherborne Hockey Club’s Under 14s have been crowned Somerset County Champions.

At the Somerset County finals, in Taunton, the club’s Under 14s girls’ and boys’ teams were triumphant with both running out as county champions.

The girls faced sides from Taunton Vale, Shepton Mallet,

Chard and Cheddar and won every match.

Goalkeeper and captain Naomi gave her usual solid performance in front of goal.

Sophie, Emilie, Elspeth and Lotty locked up the defence and marked the opposition out of the game.

Annie, Millie, Elodie and Bella put in a lot of hard work in midfield and created the opportunities.

Bea rotated as striker and gave the midfield a target.

Goalscorers were Bea, Bella and Annie.

Meanwhile, the boys Under 14 team competed against sides from Wellington, Cheddar Valley, Chard and Shepton Mallet.

Again, they won all their matches.

The coaches’ player of championship was Lyon P.

Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club have an active junior section – for any parents or carers who think their youngsters would like to try the sport, coached sessions are available for juniors from the ages of seven-14 regardless of their experience and ability.

For more information about the club, visit www.yshc.co.uk/ junior-hockey

Rockies stage late-late show

by Avril Lancaster

SHAFTESBURY have picked up back-to-back wins over Bristol Manor Farm and Westbury United to move up to 13th place in the Pitching In Southern League South Division 1.

A late salvo earned a 5-2 win over Westbury United at Cockrams on Saturday.

Remus Nixon opened the scoring after 12 minutes and Alefe Santos DAbadia put the home side 2-1 ahead in the 56th minute after Charlie Wooding had equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot.

Westbury United levelled once again with another penalty from Stephen Hulbert before a superb strike for Shaftesbury from substitute Moss JacksonCollis with five minutes left.

Gabriel Rogers and Jack Hoey both finished late moves off to add some real gloss in a game that was very even up to

FOOTBALL

Westbury United

PHOTO: Issac Fewins

that point.

Nixon was on target as the Rockies earned a fine 2-0 win at Bristol Manor Farm with Hoey adding a second on time the previous weekend.

Nixon now has 16 in all competitions, returning after a long injury lay off.

Shaftesbury travel to promotion-chasing Mousehole AFC on Saturday.

WEIBANG UK, sponsor of Wincanton Town Ladies Football Club for the 2024/5 season, have welcomed the team to their headquarters.

Managing director, Stewart Anderson, said: “I am proud to be able to support ladies football in the local area.

“As well as sponsoring the away kit, one of our first projects, along with team members and other club

volunteers, was to use WEIBANG machines in May 2024 to clear a previously overgrown area at the local sports ground which is now being used as a training and match pitch for the WTLFC Junior Hornets.”

The team – pictured –enjoyed seeing behind the scenes at Weibang before going on to secure a 2-0 victory on Sunday.

GOLF

Headshave for charity

WHEATHILL Golf Club’s former lady captain, Judith Roswell, is putting her head – or more precisely, her hair – on the line for a fantastic cause.

She is having her head shaved to raise funds for Cancer Research UK following the Captains v Vice-captains competition on Saturday, April 5.

Judith’s sister beat breast cancer and her daughter, Paula, is undergoing chemotherapy for the same condition.

The club’s present lady captain, Fiona Cruse, has chosen Cancer Research UK as the club’s charity and also has a family member coping with the disease.

Anyone who would like to add their support can attend on the day or visit Judith’s JustGiving page, www. justgiving.com/page/judithrowsell-1

Fundraiser

for juniors

by Nic Bloyd

MEMBERS of Wheathill Golf Club enjoyed a lovely early spring day to compete in the Mary England Trophy.

After many wet weeks and the golf club closed so often due to flood conditions, players enjoyed being out on the course in short sleeves, on dry greens.

The competition, in only its third year, is a fundraiser for the club’s junior section and with 22 entries of teams of four, £288 was raised.

The winning team, Phil Marshfield, Jenny Marshfield, Kelvin Dagger and Neil Pidgeon, comfortably won the day with a combined score of 135 points in a Bowmaker format.

Wheathill extend their thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this day so successful and for such a good cause.

GOLF

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – March 11: 1 Brian White 37 ocb; 2 Phil Francis 37; 3 Jon Reed 36.

Seniors 9 Hole Stableford – March 11: 1 Geoff Lye 17; 2 John Morgan 15 ocb; 3 Keith Williams 15.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – March 14: Winners, Simon Lenton/John Westaway/Jon Reed, 55 points.

4 Ball Better Ball – March 15: Winners, Steven Ireland/ Tristan Sams, 44 points.

Seniors 4 Ball better Ball, March 18: Winners, Chris Mieville/Jim Stephen, 46 points.

Seniors 9 Hole 4 Ball Better Ball – March 18: Winners, Ray Phillips/Robin Price, 17 points.

Seniors Roll Up Back 9 –March 21: Winners, Phil Francis/Kevin Francis/Kevin George, 58 points.

Monthly Medal – March 22: 1 Jim Phillips nett 66; 2 Mike Case nett 67; 3 Nigel Orr nett 68.

n SHERBORNE Golf Club competition result – Women’s March additional Stableford.

Division 1 PHPoints

1 Caroline Beaumont 8 35

2 Julie Whelan 16 34 3 Patricia Rawlins18

Judith Rowsell and Fiona Cruse

The Rockies chalked up wins against Bristol Manor Farm and

Wildlife and history on a visit to the Hoo peninsula

by AJ Selby

“To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh” – Rachel Carson IT’S good to see wildlife and countryside in other areas of this isle and a trip during that fine week in early March to Kent to visit my eldest son offered the opportunity to revisit Cliffe Pools on the North Kent marshes. This haven for waders and other estuary birds covers 700 acres of former gravel pits which have been left to nature for many years and now offer a range of habitats from lakes and la-goons to mudflats and tidal creeks, saltmarsh and untouched rough grassland.

The North Kent peninsula, known as the Hoo peninsula – Hoo meaning Spur in old English – extends from just east of Gravesend and north of the Medway towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham –with a hard ‘G’ – all the way east to the village of Grain. Throughout this sparsely populated and little visited chunk of the Garden of England are some extremely interesting places such as Cooling, whose castle is home to Jools Holland, and Cooling church, a location in Dickens’s Great Expectations. The churchyard and the marshes to the north were the haunt of the convict Abel Magwitch in the same book.

It covers an area of almost 40 square miles with a population of about 30,000 with much uninhabit-ed marshland. Other areas of interest include High Halstow, with a 130-acre nature reserve, part of which is RSPB Northwood Hill SSSI that features the largest heronry in Britain with up to 200 pairs nesting each spring. The

raucous noise of hungry chicks in May needs to be experienced.

The easternmost point is known as the Isle of Grain, although it is no longer an island. It has nothing to do with corn as the word comes from the old English of Greon, meaning gravel. The entire area is home to 300,000 breeding birds and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, both locally and nationally, when a dozen years ago Boris Johnson proposed an international airport and supporting infrastructure be built on the Thames at the north of the marshes – fortunately,

Field & Stream

see the city of London a dozen miles away.

Passing some rough grassland, a dozen lapwings launched themselves into the air, caught by the breeze as they danced away with a twist and a turn. The old name for these birds is the peewit, after their call, and they hold a special spot for me as I was in the peewit tribe in the boy scouts many dec-ades ago. After years of decline, they are making a comeback, and not a moment too soon.

The sea wall loomed in front of us and as we looked over we saw the Thames in full flow with Essex and Tilbury Docks on the far bank. A few small vessels plied the battleship grey water, their spray catching the sunlight and giving off myriad sparkles of colour, and then we spotted a larger ship com-ing upstream. As we watched it pass, its bow wave ran up the creek beside us and filled the muddy channel with water, going on and on as the groove in the mud started to narrow. Back on the edge of the river, many gulls were looking for scraps and then soaring into the wide blue sky with some morsel or another.

common sense pre-vailed. Walking from the car park at the RSPB reserve of Cliffe Pools we spotted tufted duck and dabchicks at the first lake we came to. The hedge-lined track is also busy with wrens and sparrows and the air is both refreshingly brisk and yet with that cleanliness that you find in exposed environments. The next gravel pit looked to be tidal and contained some shallow water and a muddy scrape where avocets, redshank and shelduck fed, filtering out the tiny crustaceans from the mud. The insistent call of the redshanks as they take off as a small flock hint at the loneliness of their habitat and while this place feels as remote as Dartmoor, you can

Skirting along the sea wall and back inland we spotted a pair of stonechats in a furze bush ahead and then in a narrow dyke, a greenshank, furtively poking around for some titbit. A walk of around five miles took us back to the car park having seen much, and I can heartily recommend a trip to the Hoo peninsula if you find yourself in the far south-east. There are some wonderful places to visit includ-ing the lovely wide beaches at Egypt Bay and St Mary’s Bay. The Saxon Shore Way crosses here on its way around the Kent coast and into East Sussex to Hastings. There is so much history to this place, as well as wildlife, and as we left feeling we wanted to see more, I started planning my next trip back before too long.

Cliffe Pools on the North Kent marshes is a haven for waders and other estuary birds covering 700 acres of former gravel pits which have been left to nature for many years PHOTOS: Google

Farming

Surprise as lamb makes early arrival

by Tria Stebbing

“IN with a BANG – out like a fool,” or so the saying goes. The lambs due from April 1 gave us a couple of weeks to get ourselves organised and ready. From stocking the fridge to making sure the dog has enough food in the cupboards, we were ticking along quite nicely. The sheep were in situ on the grass, the shelter was clean and my lambing on the go bag was ready, well nearly.

After a long day at work, I stopped by the field to check on the ladies and to feed, stroke and water. There, sauntering across

the field, without a care in the world, was a lamb! A beautiful ram lamb, well-marked, dry, so not a recent birth. We certainly were not expecting that. As we had scanned, we knew the ewe was only expecting a single lamb, so did not need to panic. After a hunt about for the afterbirth, we could only assume the crows had eaten it.

The little lamb was on his wobbly legs and feeding from mum with ease. She had found her voice and was bleating to

Forthcoming sales

Wessex Machinery Sale, Shaftesbury SP7 8BT

Major Collective sale by auction of 80 Agricultural tractors & Vehicles

500 Lots of Farm Implements & Machinery

500 Lots of Associated Spares

On Friday 25th April 2025

Entries close Thursday 10th April

Entry forms available from our website or by post and catalogues available in due course

Enquiries to Simon Whaley 07971 571612 simonwhaley@scauctioneers.com

On behalf of Mr M C Denning

FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON THE PREMISES

175.71 Acres (71.21 hectares) OF ORGANIC GRASS KEEP

Comprising

134.69 Acres (54.61 hectares) in 5 Lots

At Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen and 41.02 Acres (16.60 hectares)

At Kings Court Palace, Gillingham

Available to both Organic and Non-Organic Farmers

Auction at Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen SP8 5RR on WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL 2025 at 7.00pm

Sale particulars available online or by post

Enquires to Iain Soutar 07971 571608 iainsoutar@scauctioneers.com

For details and catalogues of all of our sales including; Salisbury Livestock Market, Beaulieu Road Pony Sales and our online timed auctions of Furniture and General Items, Sporting Goods and Carpets visit our website www.scauctioneers.com or ring 01722 321215

him to let him know where she was and to keep him from wandering too far. I picked the little lad up, holding him away from my body to not transfer my smell onto him, and walked with her to the safety of the field shelter. A maternity pen was hastily set up, his umbilical cord dipped in iodine, and mum and lamb settled down to find that important bond. The other ewes looked as though the penny had dropped, realising why they were on lovely new grass and getting lots of attention.

If our calculations are correct, he will be almost a month older than some of the other expected lambs. We have decided to keep him complete as he is well marked, and from a new bloodline. Already he has a strong ram-like stance and presence.

The Dutch Spotted are

WANTED

Cows Cows Cows All Grades

behaving well while we are distracted and Bramble has transferred her attention to Wild Garlic and clearly moved on from wrapping herself in the barbs, which works for me.

Highland cow Belle is now clearly looking pregnant, and we have been able to put our hands on her side and feel the calf moving about. Grass has become in short supply, as it has not started to grow yet, and so they are being supplemented still with the small bale hay which we harvested last summer. Some decisions will be made soon about Babybel – he continues to act like a moody teen and give Belle a hard time if she gets too close to the food. As his Doosan – fringe – is now long, he swings his head from side to side to see us, which would be okay if his horns were not so large now.

We will re-write that farmers’ saying: “In with a BANG – out on the Spring Equinox!”

Also, Bulls plus Organic Cattle Farm Assured or Non-Assured No V.A.N Number, No Problem! Payment on the day - Farm purchases Haulage Arranged

Brookfield Livestock

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

. All June made. 3ft, 4ft and 6ft bales. Collect or delivered. Call Mark 07860 759996 or 01300 345293. www.henleyhaylage.co.uk

Fun and games at lambing time

by Ruth Kimber

THANKFULLY, we have had a fortnight’s dry weather and some lovely spring bright days. This has dried up the land and even our clay ground has become passable with care. Paul managed to do some rolling, and knowing where the soft spots may still linger, managed not to get stuck! It’s a small window to be able to roll without damaging new grass shoots. Once damaged, it takes valuable time to repair.

However, after a wet autumn when the cattle’s feet poached some of the fields, it was desirable to flatten out the footprints. We were able to relieve the slurry store, putting the farmyard manure to good use on the land.

It’s been a long winter with all the work that goes with it. Travelling around, the arable farmers have been working hard, long hours to get over the field work, ploughing or min-til, meaning minimum soil disturbance where possible, power harrowing to break down the lumps, applying fertiliser and drilling.

We are about to order the

Christmas turkey day olds –poults – so the year turns.

Darren will be lambing soon, so hoping for a continuation of the dry weather – the sheep are happier being cold and dry than wet and warm or cold.

When I was a child, we didn’t have sheep, but always reared some orphan lambs, which we children loved doing. But as the lambs grew, it was more difficult to hang on to the bottles – we used half pint beer bottles! They would pull the teats off and knock the bottles out of your hands. The greedier ones would finish first then try to pinch their neighbour’s. If you went into the field, they would chase after you bleating for milk – it was quite a performance! Nowadays, there are lamb bars to feed multiple lambs.

We did the same for our children, until we bought broken mouth ewes and lambed them down, selling them as couples. Ewe and her lambs often went to people with an orchard or paddock, which they used as lawn mowers during the summer, before selling the lambs and selling on the ewe.

We did this for a number of years, until one very wet spring when we didn’t know what to do with them, as the fields were too sodden with the cold rain and the shed was at bursting point! However, I enjoyed lambing time and went on a lambing course to learn all about it.

We had a ewe simulator and we learnt about what to do with a lamb in different birth positions – leg back, head back, breach or even just a tail, muddled up twins, maybe a head from one lamb and a leg from the other! It was a great way to learn. There was also training on lamb and ewe care, resuscitating a weak lamb at birth, clearing its airways, getting its heart beating and so on, making sure the ewe has plenty of water and if intervention at lambing a covering injection was given to make sure of no infection.

Grand-daughters Mabel and Grace recently went on a lambing course, organised by our local Shepton Vets, where they learnt very similar things.

many family farms. Getting advice is vital but the solicitors and accountants are really stretched as their services are so in demand. The details of the Budget proposals are still not out. Valuations of assets is the big one – where you farm will have a huge effect. A postcode lottery should not play a part, but as it is understood, it probably will.

The shop has been busy, many customers lending their support over the Inheritance Tax and two years of tricky weather. It really helps when people show they care.

Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278 Est 1886

Inheritance Tax worries continue to take centre stage on

The Blue Tongue virus BTV-3 is creeping across the country and vigilance is required to spot and report any signs – fever, reddening of the eyes, sores on nose, gums and the area above hooves, runny nose, swollen face, lameness and a generally depressed animal. Movement restrictions are in place in certain areas. Check with #BTV3 or the Gov. UK sites – however, some websites are not always up to date, so maybe check with a vet or, if an NFU member, it will help.

What does Stress Awareness Month mean for farmers?

Despite recent discussions on the over-diagnosis of mental health conditions, looking after your mental well-being is as important as your physical health when you’re a farmer. Speaking on Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus™ podcast, Nuffield Scholar Chris Manley highlighted the importance of being in a good headspace when running a farming business.

“Farming is an amazing career, but farmers are dealing with more volatility and external factors, and so being resilient is key,” Chris explained. “If your mental health is in a good place, you’re going to make better decisions and will be more likely to be consistent with your performance.”

To build resilience and manage stress, Chris suggests monitoring your wellbeing on a scale of 1 to 10: “Whatever the number, it is useful to have an idea of how you can respond to how you are feeling to pick yourself up. This might be going for a walk, going to the gym, or if you are a people person, picking up the phone and having a chat and cultivating relationships with people who are empathetic and can listen.”

Farmer and Farming Community Network (FCN) ambassador Charles Anyan echoed this message: “Everyone has an off day. Several years ago, at a low point, my friend Julie messaged asking how I was, and we then talked over the phone about why I wasn’t feeling great, and the sadness just lifted.”

That conversation became the inspiration behind FCN’s Who’s Your Julie? campaign, which encouraged farmers to identify someone they could turn to during difficult moments. “Look out for other people. In a lot of cases, we don’t know when people have a problem,” Charles added.

April is Stress Awareness Month. Use this time to check in with yourself and those around you. For more information on available support, visit: https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/health-wellbeing/

Charles Anyan & Chris Manley

VINTAGE & CLASSIC TRACTORS wanted for parts. 01935-873169

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE.

Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109

New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

APPROX. 7 ACRES

GRAZING, with stables and water. TO LET in Sandford Orcas. Preferably somebody prepared to look after 4 beef cows as well. Tel: 01963-220773

EVERY WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SALES OF PRIME CATTLE CULL CATTLE DAIRY

WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL SALE OF REARED CALVES EASTER SHOW & SALE OF SPRING LAMBS ********************************************************************

MONDAY 14th APRIL SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE ********************************************************************

WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL SALE OF PIGS & BREEDING BULLS ********************************************************************

WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL SPRING STIRK FAIR FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL

BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288

TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031

ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859

ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com

D.E.D RESISTANT ELM TREES.

Ademuz. 2m Tall Bare Rooted Whips. £25 each plus VAT and delivery. Phone Peter Shallcross 07974 140848 Plant Healthy certified

ROUND BALE SILAGE for sale. Milborne Port. 07811-594029

SHEEP KEEP WANTED for a small flock of yews and lambs. Anything considered. 07495-423751.

MOBILE CRIMPING AND ROLLING. All cereals, pulses and maize, up to 20 tonnes per hour. Call Andy 07979-758907.

GOOD 2024 BARN STORED small bale hay, £4.50. (near Sturminster Newton) 01258-820062

MASSEY FERGUSON 35 Industrial Original yellow Paint Runs well £2200 Contact Tim 07775 812770

R&W FENCING. Agricultural paddock and stock. Also part time help required. 01258-880892 - 07980-036250

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans, etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 019350-873169 or 07368-380477

Roland Heming

Forest & Arb Training & Assesment

FREE WOODLAND MANAGEMENT FOR LANDOWNERS & FARMERS

We can help manage your woodlands, process the timber into firewood for you with our chainsaw training courses free of charge.

We are looking for tree felling sites from 2 acres and over, coniferous or deciduous.

Fully insured and can apply for and pay for any felling licences needed.

We can also purchase standing timber if required.

STANDING STRAW AUCTION

STANDING STRAW AUCTION

3 April at 11.00am Bagber Farms, Milborne St Andrew, Blandford

ON-FARM AUCTION

ON-FARM AUCTION

Thursday 17th October at 11.00am

Thursday 17th October at 11.00am

Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm Bindon & Pinhay

Bindon & Pinhay

Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN

The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset 830ac of Standing Straw

Genuine Dispersal of Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment

830ac of Standing Straw

• 461ac Wheat

• 237ac Winter Barley

Including: John Deere 9780 CTS Combine (04), New Holland 115A Plus (06), John Deere 732 24m Trailed Sprayer, Simtech T-Sem300 Drill (17), New Holland BR7060 Round Baler (09), Twose 6.3m Ring Rollers, Quivogne APXRS 3m Discs, Lely Splendimo 280F Mower Conditioner (13), AS Marston 25’ Bale Trailer, 3 x 10T Grain Trailers, Teagle Dual 285 Topper, Spearhead XL 605 Hedgetrimmer, Charterhouse Wild Flower Seed Harverster, etc

• 132ac Oats

2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011 Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, 2019 Massey

132ac Oats

Friday 30th June at 12 noon Durweston

Durweston

Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset 6,220 acres of Standing Straw

6,220 acres of Standing Straw

• 2,442ac Wheat

• 2,006ac Winter Barley

• 1,557ac Spring Barley

T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson 10’ Tandem Rollers, KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn Vari-

Ferguson 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson 10’ Tandem Rollers, KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn Vari-

Introduced: Claas Lexion 760 Terra Trac Combine (12), Bateman RB26 S/P 24m Sprayer (09), Fendt 720 Power Plus (18), John Deere 6155R (22) & 2130 (79), Isuzu D-Max Pick-Up (13), Kubota KX080-4 Mk 4 8T Excavator, Strautman Giga-Vitese CFS 3601 Forage Wagon (14), JCB 3CX (97), Claas Variant 380 Baler (07), Kuhn FC 3160 TCD Mower Conditioner, 45’ & 33’ Artic Bale Trailers, 16T & 14T Grain Trailers, NC 12T Dump Trailer, etc.

Master 153 5f Rev Plough, McConnel 3m Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Topper, Bomford Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.

Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.

Friday 7th July at 12 noon

The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, Dorset 1298 acres of Standing Straw

On behalf of Mr John Hawkins t/a Bagber Farms (Change in farming policy) Sale of 2 Combines, Bateman Sprayer, 4 Tractors, Pick-Up, Arable & Grassland Machinery, etc.

The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester,

catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

Thursday 17 April at 11.00am Manor Farm, East Stoke, Wareham

Dispersal Sale of Tractor, Grassland & Livestock Equipment, etc

Including: John Deere 6195R with Loader 2,100hrs (22), 2 x Stewart 32’ 18t Bale Trailers (21 & 13), West 10t Grain Trailer, Kverneland 85112 10 Rotor Tedder (18), Kverneland 9578C Twin Rotor Rake (12), Opico 6m Grass Harrows with Seeder (17), Twose 10’ Tandem Ballast Rollers, Ifor Williams 16 Tri Axle Trailer, Fleming 8’ Ballast Roller with Tow Kit, 8’ Cambridge Roller, Albutt Flat 8 Bale Grab, Twose Bale Squeeze, Various Sheeted Doors, Miscellaneous Gates, John Deere Wafer Weights, Straps, Ramps, etc

On behalf of John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467

ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION

Saturday 29th July

Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH

Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and Miscellaneous

Introduced: Marshall Livestock Box with Sheep Decks, Ford Connect Van, Browns Buzzard Falt 8 Bale Grab, Ifor Williams Tilt, Fibreglass Canopy, Twose Transport Box, Quantity of Sheep Lambing Hurdles, etc.

Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988 Same Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Marshall SM6 Drop Side Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.

4000 (fully

Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973

Our Agents will be at

PortAgric 6’

1976 International 454 2wd,

The Dairy Event on Wednesday, 2 October

Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.

Further suitable entries welcome.

Further suitable entries welcome.

On behalf of C E Barnes & Son (Retiring)

Please call in to our stand for refreshments and to meet our rural and agricultural experts

Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467

Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 10 APRIL 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 THE GUILDHALL, AXMINSTER AND VIA LIVESTREAM

Bridport

Guide

£25,000

North Perrott Guide £45,000

3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

An attractive 0.86 acre parcel of amenity land with an old stone piggery and an area of SSSI situated within close proximity to the coast and enjoying impressive far-reaching views.

Axminster | 01297 33122

Yeovil | 01935 432526

Dobwalls, Liskeard

Guide £70,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

Hawkchurch Axminster | 01297 33122

An 6.76 acre parcel of amenity land with an abundance of wildlife, situated in a peaceful location just outside the village of Hawkchurch, within easy reach of Axminster.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Guide £235,000-£265,000

A single lot comprising 3 properties for refurbishment on a good-sized plot, providing an excellent redevelopment or investment opportunity.

Wool, Wareham

Guide £90,000

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 self-build garden plot with outline planning permission for a single residential dwelling situated in the popular village of Wool, close to a range of amenities.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Yeovil

Guide £150,000

A detached 2 bedroom bungalow requiring modernisation throughout with a generous garden and off-road parking, situated in this favoured residential area and close to local amenities.

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000 20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01963 423526

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Guide £285,000

An attractive 33.55 acre block of level and gently sloping pasture/arable land situated on the edge of Wilmington village in an accessible location between Honiton and Axminster.

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.

Axminster | 01297 33122

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Wilmington Axminster | 01297 33122

Collective Property Auction

Batcombe, Dorchester 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

Friday 16 May | 2:00pm Merley House, Wimborne BH21 3AA

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Magna

Guide £350,000

A former doctors surgery with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling, enjoying grounds of about 0.58 acres and views over farmland. RV £5,100.

Sturminster | 01305 261008

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Shaftesbury Guide £95,000 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.

We are the leading firm of land and property auctioneers in the southwest, selling over 90% of our lots to local, national, and international buyers.

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Mark Lewis 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

To find out more about this efficient method of sale or to arrange a free auction appraisal of your property, please contact:

Hurcott Guide £200,000 A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

Tarrant Gunville Guide £225,000-£250,000

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Iliminster | 01460 200790

A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

Motcombe Sturminster | 01258 473766

Guide £295,000

Meredith Wallis 01202 843190 16 May

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 two bedroom semi-detached cottage, with one bedroom granny annexe, in need of light refurbishment. Sitting on the edge of the village, with countryside views and off road parking.

Milborne Port Guide £150,000

Belchalwell Guide £250,000

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Fontmell

Mappowder

Leigh

Guide £595,000

Guide £1,250,000

Marnhull

Guide £525,000

Guide

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.

surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

A thoughtfully updated Grade II listed farmhouse which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern living. Plus a detached 1 bedroom cottage, gardens and pasture, in all 11 acres.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Guide

Guide £435,000

A large, detached bungalow with a fantastic 971 sq ft workshop and field, situated on the edge of the village and enjoying far-reaching views. In all about 3.55 acres.

facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

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 473766

| 01258 473766

village. CTB D. 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.

for various business, industrial, storage, distribution, and similar uses.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Dorchester | 01305 261008 (option 3)

30 April | Kings Road, Chelsea

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Our experts will be meeting buyers to promote properties from across the South West to those looking to trade urban living for country life.

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 472244

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, i 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

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, i 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Marnhull

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Shroton

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Shroton

Wincanton

A 3.71 acre serviced commercial development plot to the north of the town, suitable

£400,000 per acre

Stourton Caundle

£800,000

Hartgrove

19.11 acres of undulating, productive pasture land situated in an accessible rural position with far reaching views. Mains water connected.

Guide £175,000

Sturminster

UK Removals

All

Storage

European Removals

Our friendly team will help guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Emergency Storage

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

We’ll collect and deliver to and from your location to give you one less thing to deal with.

£685,000 Sparkford

£440,000 Charlton Musgrove

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

Thinking of moving?

Now Spring has arrived we are registering 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.

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

Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.

£330,000 Templecombe

£200,000 Wincanton

£575,000 Bayford

FOR SALE

Opportunity to purchase a hidden gem in

S W Portugal, an area known as the “California of Europe”.

5 miles from the stunning S W Alentejo coast.

16 acres of mature corks, olives and fruiting orange trees with a small registered ruin (dated from 1912), Re-roofed and re-rendered.

Permission for 450m2 of further development.

Ideal for a villa and resort.

Borehole, pump house and water storage tank. Pure, drinkable water, analysis available. Mains electric. Small river crosses the property. Easy road access, very close to walking/cycling route of Rota Vicentina. 20 minute drive to surfing beaches of Odeceixe. Future urban potential as land borders the market town of Sao Teotonio.

Guide price €315,000 (Approximately £262,500). Offers always considered. Further details: https://www.marcelapropriedades.com/ property-for-sale/plot-with-ruin-odemira-ref_rc275/24309 Speak to agent Helen Sands in Portugal 00351964387482 (WhatsApp) or the vendor Robert Awdry 07960 737646 in the UK

RHJ CONSTRUCTION LTD

Specialists in listed building restorations, extensions, project management and general building. Member of The Federation of Master Builders RHJConstruction. co.uk 07747 606 605

GARAGE WANTED TO RENT Blandford area. Just for storage. 07483-304830

SOON TO LET IN GILLINGHAM, 4 bed semidetached, with off-road parking and good size garden. £1750.pcm. References and soft credit checks to be carried out. (no CCJ’s) No Dogs. Call: 07717-112730

BLANDFORD FORUM ALMSHOUSE CHARITY

ONE BEDROOMED GROUND FLOOR FLATS available at our Barnes Homes site

Trustees are looking to appoint a single person or couple (aged 50+) who is/are of good character and have strong links with Blandford or immediate area. Applicants must be of limited income, be non-smokers and able to live independently. No pets are allowed. There is no parking on site.

Initial enquiries may be made by calling the Clerk to the Trustees on 01258 451810.

Trustees look forward to receiving your written expression of interest giving details of your current residency, personal circumstances, and reasons for applying.

By post to: - The Clerk, Blandford Forum Almshouse Charity, Barnes Homes, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7HU. By Email to: - clerkbfc@googlemail.com

Hunts Farm, Rudd Lane, Upper Timsbury, Romsey, SO51 0NU, Tel: 01794 367898

The Courtyard, Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton, SP2 0BH, Tel: 01722 433545

14-15 West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DN, Tel: 01252 423438

2025 British & European HOLIDAY BROCHURE

Convenient & FREE local picking up points throughout DORSET Including Sherborne, Sturminster, Blandford Plus Yeovil

BRITISH

5 Days - Mon 9thth to Fri 13th June Kent - Castles & Cruising

A new imaginative itinerary

5 Days - Mon 30th June to Fri 4th July

The Suffolk Villages Unchanged landscapes that inspired so many famous artists

2 Days - Sat 2nd to Sun 3rd August Battle Proms at Highclere Castle

“Last night of the proms” style concert, wartime songs, air display, exhibitions and fireworks ONLY £219 (coach, hotel and show)

5 Days - Mon 4th to Fri 8th August Shropshire & The Severn Valley

A region of unique “AngloWelshness”. A hidden delight.

6 Days - Thur 28th Aug to Tue 2nd Sep A Northern Secret

The Northern Pennines and North Yorkshire Dales - stunning!

5 Days - Mon 1st to Fri 5th September Lincolnshire

A county of great contrast

5 Days - Fri 26th to Mon 29th Sep Mind Your Manors in OXFORDSHIRE

Visit 3 great manor houses and stunning gardens

3 Days - Thur 9th to Sat 11th October Freedom of London

2 nights B&B budget hotel in Central London - ONLY £259

EUROPEAN

8 Days - Sat 24th to Sat 31st May KEIL - Gateway to the Baltic Sea

A beautiful region of Germany Maritime history, architectural treasures, culinary delights

5 Days - Fri 15th to Tues 19th August HOLLAND The Boat-Train Holland is more than just tulips Includes historic steam train and vintage museum-ship cruise

Our selection of individually tailored coach holiday tours offer a custom made product providing a feeling of luxury and aspiration. Specifically aimed at the more discerning customer. And many more... Phone us for free postal dispatch of brochure