The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 122

What’s inside this issue…

Armishaw

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Spot the volunteer

by Hilary Daniels

WHAT does a volunteer look like? If you come along to one of the volunteer days at Shillingstone Station, either Wednesday, May 28, or Saturday, May 31, you could be in for a surprise.

A heritage project like North Dorset Railway (NDR) is the sum of many moving parts. Its volunteers are doing very different things, but all with one objective: people laying track, running the café, restoring rolling stock, keeping buildings in good shape, tending the garden, serving in the shop. Painters, engineers, carpenters, plumbers, crane drivers, gardeners, electricians…

But that’s just those you might spot any time you’re at the Station. Behind the scenes there are administrators, planners, photographers, fundraisers, designers, magazine editors, cakemakers, CAD technicians, curators, movie editors, archivists, researchers; people looking after finances, the membership, PR, event planning, health and safety, environmental issues, training.

And in 2026 NDR is aiming to go ‘operational’ – offering train rides to

passengers – which means it will also be needing volunteer drivers, guards, shunters, signallers, ticket sellers, and crossing gatekeepers.

There are currently 150 enthusiastic volunteers, including family groups, and many will be at the Station on the two volunteer days, ready to share their experience and excitement, answer your questions and, hopefully, encourage you to join in.

Are you happier with a spreadsheet, a spatula or a screwdriver? Would you like to keep up your skills, learn new ones, add to your CV, or make your UCAS personal statement more eye-catching?

Do you have a lot of spare time to offer, or only a little?

Do you like meeting people? Or simply fancy living longer – (it’s been proved that volunteers are healthier and live longer, on average, than non-volunteers!)

Whatever your skillset, your motivation or your availability, there’s sure to be a role to suit you at North Dorset Railway.

The Station is open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm, including both volunteer days.

If you can’t make it on one of those two days, don’t think you’ve missed the boat (or the train!) – there are leaflets and application forms at the Station, or you can apply on-line at www.northdorsetrailway. co.uk/volunteer.php

So what does a volunteer look like? Have you got a mirror handy, because maybe a volunteer looks exactly like you.

If you’re at the station on Wednesday, May 28, it’s your last chance to buy a raffle ticket. The draw will take place on Saturday 31.

Helping the hedgehogs

SHERBORNE Hedgehog Group would like to thank everyone who came to support their cake sale.

The day was a huge success, raising a fantastic total of £869 from the sale of homemade sweet and savoury treats, and nesting boxes made from recycled wood by the group's volunteers.

All proceeds have been donated to the Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan, where it will be used to help many sick and injured hedgehogs.

During warm, dry weather, water is hard to come by and this can take its toll on hedgehogs and other wildlife. There are many hedgehogs being taken to rescue centres suffering from dehydration.

Placing a shallow dish of fresh water in your garden or on your driveway this summer will help wildlife, and could be a lifesaver.

For more information about the group please email hedgehogs. sherborne@gmail.com

Springtime surprise

FOUR visiting lambs delivered a springtime surprise for residents of a Dorset care home.

There were cuddles and bleats aplenty as Midnight, Trevor, Magic and Bounty delighted residents of Castle View in Poundbury.

The young delegation was brought along by Donna Peck, whose family run the farm north of Dorchester where the lambs were born.

Donna said: “They were welcomed with open arms. The residents loved stroking their soft wool and watching them run around and explore the room.”

Magic was even afforded the chance of a special detour to visit, with permission,

Blandford’s magnificent seven

by Sheila Chapman

Yet again, Blandford Town Council leads the rest of the county by nearly achieving the national goal of having an equal number of men and women serving as councillors.

There are 16 councillor places around the council table, and Blandford is now made up of seven ladies and eight men with one place unfilled. Maybe there is a lady out there who will come forward to step into the breach?

The magnificent seven were all present at the VE Day 80 Service in Woodhouse Gardens last week and were photographed before proceedings began.

some residents in their bedrooms, spreading joy to them too.

Companionship team leader Hayley Legg said: “The remaining three lambs continued entertaining everyone in the lounge with their playful antics. It was a heartwarming and lively scene that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

“The visit was wonderful pet therapy, lifting spirits and promoting engagement. Events like these give residents a chance to connect with animals and learn more about the lives of staff outside of work.”

Resident Mary Brayley said: “Donna’s thoughtful gesture made the day extra special for all of us.”

Alien invaders

A FLASH fiction competition on the theme of invasive species has been launched by the Countryside Regeneration Trust at Bere Marsh Farm.

Open to all local schools, entrants are being asked to write a 50-word poem, story or opinion piece with the title ‘Invasive Species’ for a flash fiction nature writing event.

Owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone uses nature-friendly farming methods to support biodiversity, with a further vision for the landscape in local awareness and education.

“At Bere Marsh Farm, May is the month when invasive species work themselves into the farm landscape,” said Charlotte Weatherby, farm estate and community officer. “The sweet-smelling but poisonous hemlock water dropwort sidles into our ditches, and elsewhere, there is doubledealing from the Himalayan balsam, that friend to bees but disruptor of local ecological harmony.”

Entrants will have the chance to win a free place at one of the farm’s future events, and to have their writing published on the CRT national website.

Entries can be hand-written or typed. The author’s name and age category should be clearly marked – the junior competition is open to children from 7-11 years, the senior competition to those 12-16 years (sixth form entries are very welcome too).

Email entries to c.weatherley@thecrt.co.uk or drop them into the Bere Marsh Farm office in Shillingstone, DT11 0QY before June 6.

Man jailed over crash that took Mary

A MAN has been jailed for causing the death of a popular cyclist near Shaftesbury – as she made her way home from the Filly Loo event.

Mary Emerson-Reed, 63, of Shaftesbury, sadly died after being knocked off her bike on the B3081 between Tollard Royal and Shaftesbury, a mile east of Zig Zag Hill, at around 11pm on June 23, 2023.

The experienced cyclist, pictured, and a friend were on the road with their lights lit and wearing high-viz tabards when Mary was struck from behind by a Vauxhall Insignia driven by Alan Morris.

Morris, 75, of Budbury Circle, Bradford on Avon, initially claimed to have been unable to see her due to the lights of a car coming from the opposite direction.

However, forensic enquiries following the crash demonstrated Mary and her

friend would have been visible from a distance of at least 200 metres due to the lighting on both Mary and her friend’s bicycles.

Morris was also found to have been driving at around 69mph, above the 60mph limit.

He eventually pleaded guilty to death by careless driving.

At a hearing at Salisbury Crown Court on May 9, he was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 29 months, and will need to pass an extended test of competence, as well as being ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.

T/DC Alex Collins, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Mary’s family

during this undoubtedly traumatic time for them.

“It has been a lengthy process to get to this point, with numerous complex enquiries needing to be completed, including a reconstruction of the incident. I’d like to thank them for their patience and I hope this sentence can bring an element of closure.

“There can be no excuse for Morris’s driving. Mary and her friend had their bicycle lights illuminated and they were correctly wearing high visibility, reflective clothing given the late hour.

“Morris had ample opportunity to see Mary and failed to do so, colliding with her and sadly causing fatal injuries.

“Careless driving is one of

the fatal five driving offences –the five offences most likely to lead to serious injury or death.

“This sad case highlights the importance of giving your full attention to the road, no matter the hour.”

After her death in 2023, the Gillingham Wheelers cycling group paid tribute, saying: “Mary was a long-standing member of the Gillingham Wheelers who was always happy to help out at our various events.

“Mary loved riding her bike, and loved her music too. She was regularly spotted riding Robbie, Ruby and Candy on the roads of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, as well as guiding members around Mallorca where she earnt the nick-name Mary Maps.

“Mary’s death will leave a huge hole in our Club and many people’s lives. Rest in Peace Mary.”

VE Day celebrations

by George Jeans, Mere Kilmington held its VE Day Celebrations at The Home Guard Club. Visitors enjoyed live music from Mustang Sally.

GILLINGHAM’S mayor, councillor Roger Weeks, started the town’s celebrations by reading the VE Day Proclamation alongside deputy mayor, councillor Fiona Cullen.

by George Jeans, Mere

AT St Michael’s church, Mere, the bells rang out at 6.30pm. Among the ringers was Joseph Tibbit from Mere, aged 15. New bell ropes were used, part funded by The Lecture Hall Trust and Mere Carnival.

by

George Jeans, Mere

RESIDENTS of Steep Street and Old Hollow, Mere, held a street party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

residents at

THE children of St Gregory’s school, Marnhull, celebrated with a tea party in the school playground.

The children and staff came dressed in clothing from the 1940’s and the parents provided an array of wonderful food to share. They took part in a two-minute silence while listening to Sir Winston Churchill's VE day speech.

The

Elliscombe Park, some of whom are 98 years young, enjoy a VE Day tea.

The Sherborne Castle Country Fair returns on Bank Holiday

Monday 26th May

Set in the beautiful grounds of Sherborne Castle in Dorset, this local, muchloved event appeals to all ages. With dragon boat racing on the lake, main ring attractions, dog competitions, online auction, rural crafts, rare breeds show, music, funfair, vintage vehicles, food and shopping there is something for everyone.

The Fair’s Online Auction is now LIVE, so do follow the QR code and have a browse at the lots on offer.

The event is organised entirely by volunteers and last year it raised a wonderful £41,000 for children’s charities in Dorset and Somerset. The Fair itself has raised over £1.35M since it was first started in 1996 and over the years has supported over 100 local children’s charities.

On offer in the main ring are the Dartmoor Hawking team - flying eagles from horseback and the daring Dangerous Steve with his thrilling quad bike stunt show. Elsewhere the Mini Pony Show returns and the fiercely competitive Gundog Team Challenges take place in the Deer Park.

Elsewhere there is plenty to see, do, watch ……or simply sit and have a picnic in the beautiful Castle grounds.

Entry in advance is £15 for an adult, £4 for a child (www. sherbornecountryfair.com/tickets/) – and of course all money raised from ticket sales goes directly to the charities that the Fair supports. So you can enjoy a lovely day out whilst also supporting charitable youth work in your local area.

SHERBORNE CASTLE

Swarm catchers

by Robbie Baird, North Dorset Beekeepers

A FUNDRAISING talk will shed light on the wonderful world of bee swarms.

All the good weather we’ve been having recently has triggered an earlier than usual swarming season, with regular reports of honey bee swarms over the past few weeks. If you have spotted something like the swam in the picture, they’ll stay there until they’ve decided where they want to live next – could be an hour or a whole day – although they don’t always look as neat and tidy as the one shown!

Maybe you saw them on the wing, looking like a small cloud as they flew by? If so, they’d probably found a new ‘des res’ and were intent on getting there before nightfall.

So, what’s swarming all about? Well, the first thing to say is that it’s a good thing. Although there are several ways a swarm might be triggered, it usually happens because a honey bee colony has become so big, it makes sense for some of the bees to set up a second colony, giving them time to build in numbers and to store honey before the next winter. It’s part of the replication process of the honey bee and a new colony is born.

Each colony of bees has a single queen. She’s a special type of bee, and is the mother of all the bees in that colony. She also makes a pheromone – think of it as a perfume – that’s passed on through contact among all the other bees. It’s a kind of

‘everything’s fine’ signal to the colony. As the number of bees hits a summer peak (up to 55,000!), the effect felt from the queen’s pheromone is diluted – the same amount of pheromone has to be shared with more and more bees. This can trigger the colony to start making preparations to divide. A swarm will happen soon…

Because the colony will soon divide in two, one queen won’t be enough. So, the first step is raising a new queen. Part way through that process, when they know there’s a new queen on the way and before she emerges into the colony, the old queen leaves with about half the bees. They fill themselves with honey and stream out of the hive, finding a suitable place nearby to stop. Scouts will be sent out to find a new place to live and, eventually, a consensus will be reached about where best to go.

At that point, the whole swarm will set off to set up their new home. You just have to hope the best place they could find isn’t down your chimney or in your cavity wall.

It’s much easier to manage a swarm of bees when they stop after leaving the original colony and before they’ve chosen their new home.

Most beekeepers will be happy to collect a swarm at this stage, if it’s in an accessible location (see our website www. northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk for help).

It can be trickier to remove a colony once they’ve set up home, but it may still be possible, and that’s so much better than calling in pest control. Bees are precious.

A walk around… Chettle

Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer

Chris Slade

THIS is an easy walk of about three miles with gentle slopes and lots of parkland. There are several seats at view points . Start at the church, which is usually closed. It is near the mansion, Chettle House.

Walk along the byway that heads south westwards through the park and is part of the Jubilee Trail. When it reaches the parish boundary it turns right, north west.

After about a furlong look out for a small boundary stone which marks where three parishes: Chettle, Tarrant Hinton and Tarrant Gunville meet. After another furlong you’ll find Chettle Long Barrow, which runs along the parish boundary and gives wide views.

Having explored the Barrow, continue to the end of the field and turn right, east, alongside the hedge to the corner of the field from where the path will take you north east down to New Barn. The path gives you good views towards the Cranborne Chase and passes a beacon.

And if all of this makes you think these creatures are amazing, you’re right – they are! And there’s so much more to discover. If you’d like a fun but gentle introduction to the world of the honey bee, you’d enjoy an afternoon with North Dorset Beekeepers at one of their Bee Experience Days in May and June. Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ northdorsetbka to find out more and to book your place.

When you get to New Barn, cross over the byway and head north across the field to enter Chettle Down where the OS map shows there had been an ancient settlement. At the moment the land is under a crop but, possibly, after harvesting it might be visible. Otherwise try to find it on a Lidar map (try www.archiuk.com).

Turn right and follow the hedge line eastwards to a junction. Turn right, south eastwards, to join a road that takes you through a magnificent avenue of trees down to the village where the road turns left and curves right, passing a lovely play area – you might be tempted to pause and frolic on the equipment!

Continue past the village hall and soon you’ll be back where you started.

Photo © Mike Searle geograph.org.uk

Swarming bees will rest en route to their permanent home, and can be gathered by an experienced beekeeper

Visual innovations

A FUNDRAISING talk will shed light on the wonderful world of ophthalmology, in aid of Dorset Blind Association.

Lucy Howe, consultant ophthalmologist and former head of the eye department at Dorchester Hospital, will deliver ‘Sight, science & spitfires – the wonderful world of ophthalmology’ on Friday, June 6, at The Digby Hall,

Guild talk

THE subject of this month’s talk at Dorchester Townswoman’s Guild will be MV Freedom –disabled access to the sea.

The talk will be at 2pm on Monday, June 9, at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury (DT1 3DF).

MV Freedom is a charity that provides access to the sea by a 10-metre motor catamaran for people living with any disability/mobility issues.

Visitors are welcome (£4). Enquiries: 01305 832857.

Digging up the past

HAVE you found buried treasure?

Bring your finds along for Ciorstaidh HaywardTrevarthen and Claire Pinder to identify as they make a welcome return to Sturminster Newton museum (Market Cross House, Sturminster Newton DT10 1AN).

Thursday, May 29 – by appointment only from 10am-noon, or drop in between noon and 1pm. Email finds@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more information.

Sherborne (DT9 3AA). Lucy will explore her experiences in ophthalmology, highlighting the remarkable advancements in sight-saving treatments over the years. From groundbreaking medical innovations to the unexpected connections between vision science and Spitfires, Lucy will offer a unique and inspiring perspective on eye health.

The event is open to the general public, individuals living with visual impairment and healthcare professionals.

Doors open at 10am for the Dorset Blind Association stall and café. The talk begins at 11am. Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling 01202 712865 or online at https:// DBALucyHoweTalk.eventbrite. co.uk.

Eyes down!

BINGO in aid of the Poppy Appeal will be held at the Royal British Legion Hall, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury (SP7 8PF) on Friday, May 28.

Doors open 6.45pm. Eyes down 7.30pm. Raffle and cash prizes.

A Magical Night of Dance - Every Night

Ballet Under the Stars 2025

25th-27th July

Ballet Under the Stars, held from July 25th to 27th, 2025, at Hatch House in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, is a truly unforgettable event. For the past sixteen years, this annual ballet gathering has captivated audiences, offering a blend of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballet in an extraordinary setting. The performances take place in a stunning 17th-century Dutch walled garden at Hatch House, an enchanting location that adds to the magic of the evening.

This year’s lineup features renowned dancers from The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet. Lauren Cuthbertson, Guest Principal at The Royal Ballet, makes her much-anticipated return to Hatch, performing alongside Gareth Haw, Principal at English National Ballet. New faces to the event include Sarah Lamb and William Bracewell, both Principals at The Royal Ballet, as they make their debut at this iconic venue. Xander Parish OBE, a Hatch House favorite, will also be gracing the stage once again.

Adding a local flair, Bahamian dancers Courtney Celeste Spears and Vernal Adderley will bring their exceptional talents to the event. Courtney, who has performed and taught across the globe, and Vernal, with his diverse training from the Dance Bahamas School, will surely leave a lasting impression.

The evening offers more than just world-class ballet—it’s a full experience. Guests are treated to a three-course gourmet dinner, complete with wine, while enjoying performances that last for approximately 30 minutes each. The atmosphere, under the stars in the garden, is nothing short of magical. After the show, guests can head to the cocktail lounge for drinks and dancing, extending the evening’s celebration until 1:30 AM.

With tickets starting at £185, Ballet Under the Stars has become one of the most coveted events of the social calendar, offering an exceptional blend of culture, beauty, and charm in a spectacular setting.

Booking info here: events@coventgardendance.com | www.coventgardendance.com

Photo credits: Alice Pennefather

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

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. They pride themselves on meeting client’s specification, advising on projects whether it be a trade enquiry at their London warehouse, or a customer at one of their shops in Stockbridge, Hampshire. Masoud is often called upon by auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value carpets and invited to share his expertise with media outlets such as the BBC.

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

Their team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

Friday 6th to Sunday 8th of June 2025

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

Join Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, third generation and internationally renowned Persian and Oriental carpet specialist, together with his son Koroush and immerse all your senses in the delights of hand woven carpets, runners & flat weave kelims at our three day selling exhibition. With contemporary pieces freshly cut off the looms, to eye catching antiques found in the hidden depths of the Bazaars and Mosques, there is something to suit all interiors.

Home viewings can be arranged during and after the exhibiton.

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

We offer a cleaning and repair service and are giving complimentary appraisals during the exhibition.

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

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

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

Marathon celebrations

CONGRATULATIONS to four intrepid Dorset runners, who completed the London Marathon along with 57,000 other competitors and 800,000 spectators.

Lucy Comyn from Evershot ran it in 3:45, Becky Head from Cerne Abbas ran it in 3:51, Arthur Crittal from Charlmington ran it in 3:58 and George Richardson from Frome St Quintin ran it in 4:28. Congratulations to you all!

Superb kitchens designed and installed for you

Visit our showrooms to view our kitchen displays

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL

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

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

On the trail of castle’s history

IMOGEN Bittner will be leading a guided walk to and talk about Sturminster castle.

Leaving from Sturminster Newton Mill (Newton Hill, DT10 2DQ) on Sunday, June 1 at 2pm. There will be tea and cakes available if the mill has reopened.

Please register your interest online at www. sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk or by calling 01258 473178. The walk is free, but any donations would be gratefully received. No dogs please.

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order

Gillingham Showroom 01747 833 789

Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG

Opening Hours

Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturdays by appointment only. Closed Sunday.

www.solsticekitchens co.uk

Lucy Comyn

George Richardson

Arthur Crittal

Becky Head

Rotary turns 75

WIMBORNE Rotarians recently celebrated 75 years of their club.

First chartered in 1950 with 30 founder members, Wimborne Rotary has supported numerous local organisations and charities over the years by organising fund-raising events including the annual Jazz at the Allendale concert, the craft fair, and the increasingly popular Great Santa Stour Fun Run – which last year saw nearly 200 runners raising £2,000 for Julia’s House.

Wimborne Rotary President, Sue Young said, “As we celebrate 75 years of service to the local and wider community, I am conscious that our membership is ageing, and we do need to attract younger members.

“Membership of Wimborne Rotary is open to all. Whether in work, retired, or simply at a loose end, membership will provide an opportunity to engage with the local community, socialise and make a new circle of friends”, she added.

Fete’s special guests

CELEBRATE all things countryside at the Piddletrenthide and Plush village fete.

A fun-filled day of activities is promised, catering to all ages, and includes two very special (and very hairy) guests!

The charming Hairy Coos are local residents who have inspired the theme for this year’s fete.

The fun and games include skittles, village stocks, junior tug of war and the ever-popular china smash. Guess the name of the baby coo, enter the children’s cake competition, re-energise on the bouncy castle and laugh with popular entertainer Smartie Pants the Clown.

Traditional stalls, cream teas, a barbecue and bar are also on offer. Music will be courtesy of Nina Garcia.

Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends – the dog show, with fabulous pet prizes, starts at 3pm!

Piddletrenthide and Plush village fete is on Saturday, June 7, from 1pm-4.30pm, in the beautiful grounds of Piddletrenthide’s late 18th-century manor house.

For more information, visit piddlevalley.life

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

Current members of Wimborne Rotary with (front left) Sue Young, president and (front right), Brian Dryden, vice-president. Photograph by Corin Messer

Our loose Canon

How would you design a flag that told the world who you are?

by Canon Eric Woods

IF you saw any of London’s Victory in Europe Parade on Monday 5 May, you won’t have missed the huge Royal Standard flying over Buckingham Palace. In different sizes, it flies from all the King’s residences and vehicles whenever he is in them. Should you stand in the Mall in London and watch him arriving at the Palace by car or carriage, you will see that as he arrives, the Royal Standard is broken out on the central flagstaff. It means that the King is at home. He is in residence.

Next Thursday, May 29, is Ascension Day. It is the 40th day of Easter, and marks a pivotal point in the resurrection story. For a few short weeks the risen Christ has been with his disciples, and that defeated band of men – who fled from the scene of his death – has begun to realise the meaning of his teaching that he would indeed be raised from the dead to inaugurate a new kingdom – the Kingdom of God. But then, on that first Ascension Day, he is taken from them again.

It must have felt like a second bereavement – but Jesus had warned them that it was absolutely necessary. He needed to withdraw from them so that he could become available to all people, everywhere – and in every age. They finally understood

what he meant when on the Day of Pentecost – Whit Sunday, as we still call it – he returned to them in the Holy Spirit. It was such a dramatic experience that they recalled afterwards that it was like tongues of fire descending in a great, rushing wind.

So Ascension Day was not a going away by Jesus, as the disciples must have thought of it at first. Rather it was a returning home, to reside and to rule in heaven – and in our hearts, if only we will let him.

Sadly, Ascension Day isn’t much celebrated these days. That’s partly because it always falls on a Thursday, and weekday churchgoing has long fallen out of favour with most Christians, at least in the West. In addition, those responsible for these things in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches have decreed that Easter is no longer a feast of 40 Days, but of 50: it doesn’t end until Pentecost. That seems to me to devalue both Ascension Day and Pentecost, but there it is. As the joke in my trade goes, what’s the difference been a liturgist and a terrorist? Answer: you can sometimes reason with a terrorist.

But back to the Royal Standard, and a question for you. What sort of flag flies from the flagpole of your heart? If you had to design a flag or a coat of arms that told the world who you are and how you wanted to be thought of, what would you put in it? It’s an interesting exercise – one which children greatly enjoy. It is fascinating how often the Cross is there, quartering family and football, cats and computers. Does the Cross fly over your life? I hope so. It is the ultimate Royal Standard – the best in the world.

Luxury residential care at The Old Rectory

From our excellent home cooking to individually decorated private rooms and above all real loving care… life is tailored to you.

The Old Rectory is a beautiful residential care home that specialises in dementia care. Tastefully converted from a former rectory and carefully adapted to make it safe and secure for residents giving them the freedom to have a full and active life. We offer a caring and welcoming environment that is a true home in every sense of the word, where people with dementia are respected as individuals.

Residential care Day care Respite care Convalescent stays

Photo by Samantha Woodford on Unsplash

Day out at the Palace

A GROUP of dedicated staff from Weldmar Hospicecare were delighted to discover they had been invited to Buckingham Palace, to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The King, who has been Patron of Weldmar Hospicecare since 1994, held the reception to honour those who work in community care for people with cancer (although Weldmar’s care extends to a number of other life limiting illnesses).

Weldemar’s director of clinical services, Caroline Sweetland, shakes hands with King Charles III

The King shared a personal message with all those who attended, speaking of his own cancer diagnosis and the “daunting and at times frightening experience” for those who are affected.

Caroline King, health care assistant with Weldmar’s North Dorset Specialist Hospice at Home hub, says: “I am still buzzing! I feel immensely honoured to have had the chance to represent Weldmar. The event was overwhelming, humbling, and such a inspiration to be amongst such wonderful people.”

The King also said in his message to guests that, “What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience of a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a ‘community of care’, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.”

Karen Arnold, Specialist Hospice at Home administrator, says: “It was a

marvellous experience. In our conversation with the King he acknowledged he is looking forward to visiting us in the future. There are too many ‘pinch me’ moments to list, but entering the palace with it grand opulence and being introduce to the King and Queen will be a treasured memory.”

Caroline, Caroline, and Karen were joined by community nurse Emma Randall, and Weldmar community nurse specialist Cathy Stone. Cathy says: “I felt so honoured, and very lucky, to have been nominated to attend this event to represent the new Specialist Hospice at Home Service, and in turn to be an ambassador for Weldmar Hospicecare as an organisation. The King, Queen and dignitaries all interacted with us and genuinely were interested in our work and what we do. It was a very inclusive evening and I think we all felt overwhelmed and emotional at times – tears at times but lots of laughter too! It’s a day that will stay with me always!”

Crossing continents

THE story of two young Dorset men who protested against political corruption in Blandford during a by-election – and were sentenced to death in 1832 before ultimately being transported to Australia – is told in a new book, From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land. Richard Bleathman, a butcher from Sturminster Newton, and George Long, a shoemaker from Blandford, were respected local tradesmen but were not allowed to vote at the time, as that right was restricted only to those who owned a certain amount of property.

The pair were annoyed that Blandford solicitors George Moore and Septimus Smith misused confidential client information to disqualify individuals who refused to vote for the solicitors’ preferred candidate, Lord Ashley, in the election.

Had these disqualified votes been allowed, it is likely Lord Ashley would not have won the by-election.

Bleathman and Long were found guilty of a thinly constructed charge of ‘beginning to pull down the house and property of

(Blandford’s) George Moore’. Judge Sir Stephen Gaselee (pictured below) sentenced them in a Dorchester courtroom to be hanged in Dorchester Jail on March 31, 1832.

However, people in the Blackmore Vale successfully petitioned for clemency.

Instead of the gallows, Bleathman and Long were transported to the distant penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land – now Tasmania in Australia, a

notorious convict island, renowned for savage punishments.

Awaiting transportation, the two men were confined to the decaying and disease-ridden

prison hulk, Captivity, in Plymouth, and put to hard and hazardous work in the nearby dockyard.

Judge Sir Stephen Gaselee was wellknown to celebrated author Charles Dickens, as both were Portsmouth men.

The author mocked the judge in Pickwick Papers, as he regarded him as incompetent – and so effective was Dickens in describing the judge’s inadequacies, Gaselee resigned.

It is still possible to visit the cells where Bleathman and Long were detained and the courtroom where they were sentenced, as part of Dorchester Shire Hall Museum.

From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land includes a foreword by BAFTA Lifetime Television Award winner, Mick Robertson, a presenter on ITV children’s programme Magpie in his younger days, who lived at Ibberton for 25 years and has a strong interest in local history.

The last chapter of the book is written by Bill Bleathman, a direct descendant of Richard Bleathman, and retired director of the Tasmanian Gallery & Art Gallery. His niece, Alice Bleathman, penned a poem for the book, Richard, Our Richard, in the style of an Australian bush ballad.

From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land by Blandfordborn Barry Barnett is available in paperback from Amazon.

f the recent hot spell has not yet prompted you to think about how you are going to shade your home during the summer months, then now is the time.

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The most effective way of keeping your home cool is by shading from the outside before the sun reaches the glass. We offer a variety of retractable Patio Awnings with optional drop-down valances, side screens, lighting, sun and wind sensors and the Weinor Plaza Viva framed awning.

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Dorset’s finest

TWO Dorset ladies were thrilled to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace, in honour of their charity work.

Jackie Vacher and Gail Del-Pinto, both from Pimperne, enjoyed a magical day at the Palace.

Gail was nominated for all she has done for Blandford and the food bank over the years, Jackie for fundraising for various charities.

Year 5 Activity Day at Leweston School

Imagine a school where your journey is as unique as you are— welcome to Leweston School, where every student is seen, heard, and inspired. Here, education is an adventure, not just a curriculum. Picture yourself exploring the world through our equestrian centre or shining on stage in productions like the recent dazzling Seussical the Musical. At Leweston, we don’t just teach; we ignite passions and build futures with fantastic value-added experiences. Ready to embark on an educational adventure tailored just for you? Discover the difference at Leweston School today!

L eweston Year 5 Activity Day | 13 June, 09.00 – 16.30.

Join Leweston’s admissions activity day for children currently in Year 5 and considering Leweston for Year 7 2026 or Year 9 2028.

Participants will be asked to use their imagination to design their own country including its geography, national costume and flag. The day will also include music and sports activities as well as the opportunity to tour the school and meet current pupils. Parents are invited to join the tea with the Headmaster at the end of the day.

Contact their Admissions Team, or visit their website to book your place – admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk | 01963 211015 | www.leweston.co.uk

Small spaces grow big joy

IN a peaceful corner of Kingston Lacy Allotments, a joyful transformation is taking place…

Older adults are coming together not only to garden, but also to connect and relax.

While they sow seeds, tend the raised beds, prick out and pot up plants, the gardening group fosters friendships.

Working together, the group grows and harvests fruit, herbs, vegetables and flowers. The harvest can be taken home, along with a healthy recipe.

People connect with nature and each other.

As part of the group’s sustainable practices, it uses a no-dig method and

makes compost.

This year, the volunteers are expanding their connection with nature by creating a wildlife pond and installing a polytunnel to grow more, all year round.

The pond is to attract more wildlife, improving biodiversity and will be a relaxing water feature to enjoy. They hope it will be a sanctuary for frogs, insects and bird.

The polytunnel extends our growing season, protects crops, enabling more variety, and yearround harvests, such as salads, tomatoes and herbs in the colder months. It also offers another space for people to enjoy activities in the cooler, damp days.

The Step Outside allotment group has been run by Dorsetbased charity In Jolly Good Company since 2016, and is always welcoming of new faces.

You don’t need any gardening experience to join in – just a willingness to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Find out more at www. injollygoodcompany.com or call Sarah on 07884 333117.

Step back in time

JOIN Stalbridge History Society for a trip back to 1918.

A new exhibition, ‘Stalbridge Sold: A town under the hammer’, is at Stalbridge Hall (DT10 2NF) from Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15.

The main exhibition illustrates what life was like for Stalbridge residents during a time of turmoil. Find out what life was like in Stalbridge over 100 years ago, as the First World War was coming to an end, and when Lord Stalbridge decided to sell the entire town at auction.

The stories, photographs and history it contains are taken from a newly published 350-page book, and there will be an opportunity to view and purchase a copy at the exhibition.

Two print runs have sold out in the last couple of months, so this may be your last chance to acquire a copy!

On Saturday, June 14, a one-day Stalbridge Family & Local History Fair will be held concurrently in the community hall at Stalbridge Hall. Family and local history societies and commercial exhibitors will be on hand to offer advice, chat and help you learn more

about researching your family or local area.

The exhibition is open from 10am-12.30pm on Friday, June 13, and from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15.

This exhibition has been sponsored by Dorset Council, Stalbridge Town Council and Stalbridge Community Shop. Entry is free, with free parking and is wheelchair friendly.

Learning more about life on the row

UNLIKE picturesque

Church Street, The Row in Sturminster Newton is a mismatch of properties.

Jaqui Wragg will reveal its interesting history in a talk next month.

Surviving documents reveal information dating back to 1650, including a Waterloo veteran with a connection to Robert Young, a draper who married his housekeeper, and how residents were affected by the fire in 1729.

Entry £4; Wednesday, June 18, 7.30pm in Bow Room, The Exchange (DT10 1FH).

It’s good to talk

FAMILIES in Dorset are being offered free relationship therapy, to help parents and children argue ‘better’.

The Support for Inter-Parental Communication (SIPCo) project is offering free relationship therapy to parents in the Dorset Council area who have children age up to 18 (25 for young people with special education needs and disabilities).

With support from the local team, the project will help families learn coping techniques to communicate and argue in a better way.

One participant in Dorset said: “I was sceptical about it at first but gave it a go and it turned out to be brilliant. I can’t recommend it enough. It really helped us reconnect and see where the other person was coming from.”

Cllr. Claire Sutton, Dorset Council cabinet member for children services, education and

skills said: “Arguments are a part of normal family life, but we know that children struggle to thrive in a home where their parents or carers are arguing all the time or where the conflict is never resolved.

“So I am pleased that we are offering this help to families in Dorset who are struggling to communicate well with each other.

“The family does not need to be involved with children’s services to take part in the programme so I would encourage any parents, or their partners, who are experiencing parental conflict challenges to reach out to the team to find out more.”

The SIPCo project is running until April 2026.

To find out more about the SIPCo Project and taking part, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/w/support-for-inter-parentalcommunication-sipco-project

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Guy Ritchie launches new restaurant

A TEXAS-style barbeque restaurant owned by Hollywood director Guy Ritchie has opened its doors in Dorset.

Lore Of The Sky can be found at the historic Compton Abbas Airfield, a site owned by the renowned film director who is known for The Gentlemen (2019), Snatch (2000) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998).

Ritchie purchased the airfield in 2022, and he has now launched a new restaurant that blends barbeque with “rustic countryside charm”.

Taking inspiration from its London-based sister pub, Lore of the Land, Lore of the Sky brings locally sourced produce to the scenic surroundings of Compton Abbas Airfield.

This reimagined restaurant serves authentic Texas barbecue, with a menu curated by head chef Alex Brown, featuring mouth-watering dishes such as

tender oak-smoked pork belly, loaded Smokehouse nachos, and a rich, slow-braised jackfruit

Guy Ritchie’s Lore of the Sky offers a varied menu - alongside prime views of comings and goings at the historic Compton Abbas Airfield

burger. All are smoked on-site using the state-of-the-art J&R Oyler

Smoker – the first of its kind in the UK and only the second in Europe, flown in directly from the barbecue heartlands of Texas.

A selection of draught beers, ales and ciders from Dorset and Wiltshire breweries are on offer at Lore of the Sky.

Altitude, a locally brewed lager, has also been created in-house to celebrate the airfield’s aviation legacy.

A spokesperson for Guy Ritchie’s team said: “With the legacy of Lore of the Land behind it and a deep connection to aviation heritage, Lore of the Sky is poised to become one of Dorset’s favourite new dining destinations – where storied history, stunning views, and irresistible barbecue food come together for an unforgettable experience.”

n To book a table, visit www. loreofthesky.com.

Gorgeous gardens around the Vale open to visitors this summer

TAKE a wander around beautiful gardens, open as part of the National Garden Scheme – find the full list of open gardens at findagarden.ngs.org.uk.

Tulip Tree

Donhead St Mary, Shaftesbury SP7 9DL

Two acres of paddock with mown paths behind house and one acre of garden around house dominated by a 120-year-old Liriodendron tulipifera, which originates from North America, and the Northofagus trees from South America. Both are unusual plantings for a farmhouse in Dorset.

The garden is divided into separate areas by mature hedges and old stone walls. The patio and rose garden are recent additions. Parking is on hard-standing in paddock. Specified disabled parking near the house. Sloping path from top to bottom lawn.

Open Sunday, June 22, (2pm-5pm), £5, children free.

Black Shed

Blackmarsh Farm, Dodds Cross DT9 4JX

Over 200 colourful and productive flower beds showcase a sophisticated selection of cut flowers and foliage. The flower farm supplies florists and the public for weddings, events and occasions throughout the seasons. Traditional garden favourites, including delphiniums, larkspur, foxgloves, scabious and dahlias grow alongside more unusual perennials, foliage plants and

grasses, creating a stunning and unique display. A warm welcome and generous advice on creating your own cut flower garden is offered. Easy access from a gravel car park and wide grass pathways make it suitable for wheelchairs.

Open Sunday June 29 (1pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free.

Frankham Farm

Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne DT9 6JT

This large and lovely farm garden has been created since 1960 by the late Jo Earle for year-round interest. Deep borders surround the lawns near the house, filled with a variety of roses, unusual shrubs and trees, clematis and other climbers. Spring bulbs through to autumn colour. A wonderful range of tree species, some quite rare and planted a long time ago – particularly oaks. There’s also a large, productive vegetable garden. Sorry, no dogs.

Frankham is a working farm (organic arable & livestock) which includes woodland walks underplanted with spring bulbs and camellias. It has a ground-level tea room with Frankham-grown lunches plus tea and cake.

Open Sunday, June 1 (12-5pm). £7, children free.

Chantry Farm

Phillips Hill, Marnhull DT10 1NU

A series of gardens surrounding a 16th century farmhouse and barns.

Designed by Justin Spink, there are colourful long borders, walled gardens, swimming pool area, cutting and vegetable gardens.

Seating and wheelchair access.

Open June 4, (1.30pm-5.30pm).

Admission £8, children free.

Philipston House

Winterborne Clenston, Blandford Forum DT11 0NR

Charming two-acre garden with lovely views of the Winterborne valley. Many unusual trees, rambling roses, wisteria, mixed borders and shrubs. Orchard with mown paths planted with spring bulbs. Dogs welcome on leads. Wheelchair access is good providing it is dry.

Open Saturday June 7 (2pm-5pm); £5, children free.

Hanford School

Child Okeford, Blandford Forum DT11 8HN

Perhaps the only school in England with a working kitchen garden growing quantities of seasonal vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table. The children have their own garden plots, which they garden every Wednesday afternoon.

Open Sunday June 15 (1pm-5pm); £5, children free.

Black Shed

Frankham Farm

Philipston House

Tulip Tree

Chantry Farm

Hanford School

On the trail of art

Words and pictures by George Jeans I VISITED venues on the Wylye Valley Art Trail in Mere, Zeals and Gasper.

The Wylye Valley Art Trail is a nine-day festival of visual art and craft in southwest Wiltshire, now in its 25th year. It is funded entirely by the participating artists, groups and galleries, and organised by a team of volunteers.

Visitors can experience open studios and workplaces, group exhibitions and galleries and talk to artists and craftspeople. Original art is for sale at many of the venues.

Pickups for peace

TWO friends from the Vale have just returned from driving a fully-stocked pickup to Ukraine, to help with the war effort.

Michael Tulloch from Mere and Jeremy Moger from Hazelbury Bryan, who were at naval college together and then later both joined the army, joined forces with the charity Pickups 4 Peace.

They raised the money to purchase a second-hand pickup, filled it with vital supplies and drove it to Ukraine – where

they handed it over to the Ukrainian army. It will be used to resupply the front-line troops and to casevac wounded soldiers back for treatment.

They filled their Ford Ranger with generators, spare tyres, medical supplies, engine oil, tools, ratchet straps and a host of other items. Much of it was kindly donated by local firms including: Martin Richards Agricultural Engineers, C J Cox Ltd, Kings Stag Garage, Harts of Stur, R F Stratton & Co, Crockers Ltd, Hillbrush of Mere, Jeans Electrical, Gillingham Tyre Services & T J S Services Centre Ltd.

Michael and Jeremy would like to thank the many people who have responded to their fund-raising efforts. You can still donate at www.justgiving.com (search for OPs for Peace). With sufficient funds it is hoped that a second pickup can be purchased and driven out later in the year.

The conversation we’ve been avoiding for too long

We avoid talking about long-term care. About inheritance planning. About what happens if a loved one can no longer make decisions.

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Because once the conversation starts,

All about Alma

HAZELBURY Bryan residents met at the Red Barn Stores to dedicate a bench to the memory of Alma Tenwick, who died aged 91 on Boxing Day 2024.

The ribbon was cut by Steve Murcer, chair of the parish council and member of Dorset County Council.

He spoke of how Alma believed that age was only a number and always lived life to the full. She stayed young by keeping busy.

After the ‘unveiling’ of the bench, tea and cakes were served in the village hall. It was decked with Alma’s art, along with cards she had printed from her original paintings.

She will be greatly missed.

Bus improvements a reality

DORSET Council has upgraded bus routes within the Vale, with the aim of improving accessibility for rural communities.

The CR2 (Shaftesbury –Gillingham) now connects better with CR3 at Gillingham, making onward travel to Marnhull and Sturminster Newton smoother—perfect for trips to the health centre or town visits.

It now operates a half-hourly service across most of the day. From Saturday, May 24, CR2 will operate six days a week, mirroring its weekday timetable.

The route circuits Shaftesbury, taking in newer developments and providing a connection to Gillingham railway station.

CR3 (Sturminster Newton –Gillingham) between Gillingham, Marnhull and Sturminster Newton is operating

more frequently on weekdays and, from May 24, it will run on Saturdays too.

The CR3 now better connects with CR2 at Gillingham, for easier onward travel for passengers from Motcombe and Shaftesbury.

The council also says it has ‘significantly improved’ rail connectivity at Gillingham Station.

Passengers can now reach Sherborne from Shaftesbury in under an hour using a combined bus and train journey, with return trips in just 45 minutes, six days a week.

At Gillingham Station, trains now currently run:

• West every hour towards Exeter

• Up to half-hourly at peak times, and hourly throughout the day, towards Tisbury, Salisbury, and London

Fern Brook Lodge honours 80th anniversary of VE Day

F

ern Brook Lodge care home residents and staff gathered to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The home, based on Fern Brook Lane, held a service of reflection and remembrance, featuring Taylor Crowther, Senior Care Assistant at the home, who played Last Post on the cornet.

Afterwards, the residents reminisced and shared their memories of the war while looking at a special poppy display in the home’s reception area. They then listened to a range of music dating back to the 1940s and 50s with the care home team dressed in wartime-themed clothing.

With fast bus connections at Salisbury Station to Bournemouth up to twice an hour, family days out, commutes and leisure trips across Dorset and beyond are becoming more realistic.

The council has also introduced the £1 Gillingham Town Ticket – for just £1, Gillingham residents can travel freely within the town all day.

Cllr Derek Beer, Ward Member for Shaftesbury Town, welcomed the improvements, saying:

“Public transport is vital for a thriving, connected community. These improvements make travel easier, more frequent, and better linked with rail services, creating a seamless transport network. I encourage everyone to embrace these expanded services to support sustainable, accessible travel across the county.”

Road closure

ESSENTIAL water supply improvements will close a road in Yeovil at night for a week in early June.

The connection of a new main means a section of the A37 Ilchester Road leading to and from the roundabout junction with Mudford Road and Preston Road will be closed to through traffic in both directions during the evenings from June 2-6.

A diversion, using the A37, A303, A3088 and A30 will be in use at night while the work is carried out between 6.30pm and 6am.

A spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and have written to local customers.’’

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

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

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

TIME YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO OUR

DATE

11:00 Wednesday 4 June AM

LOCATION

Finch House, Wilton Road, Salisbury, SP2 7FD Discovery Day Event

Your visit includes a tour of our beautiful homes, meeting our welcoming community and a complimentary lunch in our bistro.

Our spacious, affordable, and energy-efficient 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes start from just £99,500*, many featuring their own private gardens, offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and community. Enjoy the convenience of private parking, all just a short walk from the heart of Salisbury. Join us at our Discovery Day at Chapters, Salisbury and experience a life with more excitement *Based on 50% shared ownership

A-Z of Inspiration: How One Homeowner Captured the

Spirit of Retirement at Chapters ADVERTISING FEATURE

When Jill moved to Chapters in Salisbury, she quickly discovered that community life at Platinum Skies was anything but ordinary. From coffee mornings and choir practice to tai chi, ukulele performances, and art classes, the calendar was bursting with activity — yet some homeowners, especially new ones, did not fully realise the full range of options available.

So Jill, a passionate member of the Social Group, teamed up with Community Manager Jenny to create something special: Chapters Life A–Z — a beautifully compiled guide to over 50 activities, clubs, and events available at the community. Their mission was simple: to inspire homeowners to try just one more new thing.

“There’s truly something for everyone,” says Jill. “Whether you love being active or prefer a quieter pace, whether you enjoy group activities or just a friendly chat — we wanted this to be a reminder of what’s possible right on your doorstep.”

Lovingly written by the community, for the community, the A–Z is filled with fun and meaningful ways to spend time — from line dancing and quizzes to Scrabble, knitting, film afternoons, and supper clubs. It celebrates the diversity of interests within Chapters and showcases how each homeowner contributes to the vibrant spirit of the place.

But while this guide was created for Chapters in Salisbury, it also serves as a window into life at all Platinum Skies communities, each of which benefits from a dedicated on-site Community Manager and a social calendar shaped by the people who live there.

“Retirement isn’t about slowing down,” adds Jenny. “It’s about having the freedom to live how you choose. The A–Z shows just how many doors are open, whether you want to step through one — or all of them!”

If you’re researching retirement options or wondering what life at Platinum Skies could look like for you or a loved one, this booklet is well worth a read. It’s proof that community living can be as lively, creative, and sociable as you want it to be.

Download the Chapters Life A–Z at http://platinumskies.co.uk/community or call 01722 626 385 for more information.

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

VALUATION ROADSHOW

by TV’s Clive Attrell from ITV and BBC Television

Clive has a well-established and successful antiques warehouse on the High Street in Hastings Old Town. You may also recognise him from Dickinson’s Real Deal, on which he was an appraiser for over two years, and numerous other television productions.

Clive is always in the area and FREE PRIVATE/HOME valuations are available by appointment.

JUNE

Mon 9th June (AM)

Tue 10th June (AM) Mon 9th June (PM)

Tue 10th June (PM)

11th June (AM)

TOP PRICES PAID FOR

• SWORDS

• MILITARIA

• CLOCKS

• PAINTINGS

• BRONZES

• FIGURINES

• MEDALS

• OLD COINS

• DIAMONDS

• PRINTS / BOOKS

• TOYS / GAMES

• POSTCARDS

• TAXIDERMY

• JADE ITEMS

• ANTIQUE IVORY

• SOVEREIGNS

• WATCHES (working or not)

• SILVER (in any condition)

• GOLD (in any condition)

• OBJECTS OF INTEREST

• COSTUME JEWELLERY

• CHINESE CERAMICS

• MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

• KRUGERRANDS

FREE OFFERS

Clive Attrell is always in the area and FREE private/home valuations are also available by appointment.

Remember Clive is always ready to make you a genuine no obligation offer.

There is NO obligation to sell so let Clive offer you is advice for FREE. He will advise you personally on your items & absolute discretion is guaranteed.

HATTON GARDEN

Town showcases its strengths on coach tour

THE first ever Discover Gillingham Day has helped spotlight the town’s growth, community achievements and ambitious vision for the future.

The event, hosted by the town council, brought together more than 30 guests, including elected members, senior officers from Dorset Council, representatives from local businesses and community leaders, for a tour of Gillingham’s present and future assets.

The day’s itinerary, led by Mayor of Gillingham, Councillor Roger Weeks, and town clerk, Julie Hawkins, highlighted strategic developments and key community projects across the town.

Delegates were welcomed at the town hall before embarking on a guided coach tour that took them to key sites including:

RiversMeet Leisure Centre, Hardings Park, Brickfields Business Park, The Southern Extension, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Gillingham Town Meadow, Gillingham Library and Gillingham Museum, and St Martins House Extra Care Scheme.

Delegates discussed key priorities including sustainable transport, investment in sport and leisure, and the ongoing need for affordable housing and healthcare provision.

Mayor, Roger Weeks, said: “Discover Gillingham Day was

a wonderful opportunity to showcase the unique strengths of our town, including its rich heritage and vibrant community.

“It also gave us the chance to engage directly with partners and stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges we face as one of the fastest growing towns in the south west.”

Town clerk, Julie Hawkins, added: “This event highlighted the importance of partnership working between local and principal authorities, alongside the business and voluntary

sectors.

“The level of engagement and support shown by attendees was truly inspiring and clearly demonstrated our collective ambition to make Gillingham a leading example of sustainable and inclusive development.”

Among the guests were the High Sheriff, Callum Bremmer, representatives from the Arts Development Company and Active Dorset, and councillors and senior officers from Dorset Council, including the heads of Planning, Housing and Communications.

Scan me with your smart phone for more information and hear directly from clients and loved ones.

The Discover Gillingham Day party at the The Old Brewery

Stairs, skills and celebrations

by Sheila Chapman

ANOTHER busy month for Blandford Evening WI started off with a visit to climb to the roof of St Peter and St Paul parish church in Blandford.

Led by their guide Sara Loch, after a short tour of the church itself they ascended to the heavens through the bell tower of the newly refurbished roof for a magnificent view of Blandford and its surrounds.

Roof visits occur on the third Saturday of the month and can be booked on 07985 090360.

The following Saturday saw the ladies exhibit their prodigious talents at their arts and crafts exhibition where examples of their combined skills were on display. There were cakes, but definitely no jam!

Four members then helped the town council staff by serving the refreshments prior to the VE80 Day service in the

Sell-out show

AN exhibition of paintings by Thurnwood Art Group sold out, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – a whopping £3,730 was donated.

Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford.

The rest of the VE 80 weekend saw four ladies, who are also members of the Commemoration Group, put on the VE 80 Exhibition in the Pavilion, donning wartime dress to advertise the display showing Blandford through the war years.

The monthly meeting was a bit calmer, with an interesting and relevant talk by Jo Amey on the Carter Tile Co, whose tiles are now being uncovered in the Corn Exchange during the refurbishment.

Top dog?

DOES your canine companion have what it takes to be best in show?

Find out at the fun dog show outside Martinstown village hall (DT2 9JP) on Sunday, June 22. Entries will be taken from 9am, for a 10am start to the show.

The show comprises the usual six classes for pedigrees and mixed breeds and 12 fun classes to include waggiest tail and fancy dress.

Rosettes will be awarded to pooches in first to fourth place, with a goody bag for each winner generously donated by show judges Park House Pet Supplies.

The village is holding open gardens on the same day, and refreshments will be available in the village hall

To find out more call 07813 196958.

Vintage bazaar

THE Vintage Bazaar is returning to Frome next month, promising an old-fashioned antiques jumble experience.

The event is at The Cheese and Grain on Sunday, June 1, from 9am-2pm.

Entry is £3 and ample parking is available outside the venue.

Half term fun at the library

THIS half term Shaftesbury Library will be holding three events for children, in addition to its regular preschooler events. Drop in on Saturday, May 24 and make your own set of Elmer ears for Elmer day.

On Thursday, May 29, as it’s Railway 200 month, create an animal train.

Listen to a monster story and make a mask on Friday, May 30. It can be as scary or as friendly as you like!

All these events are suitable for children over three years old. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

For more info call Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Village fete

EAST Stour village fete will be held in the village hall and on the field (SP8 5JY) on Sunday, June 8.

Expect refreshments, entertainment, craft and stalls from midday onwards. Entry is free.

Discover Rare Automotive Treasures at Haynes Motor Museum’s Autojumble

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Haynes

Motor Museum is thrilled to announce the return of its popular annual Autojumble event on Saturday 14th June 2025.

Located in Sparkford, Somerset, the internationally renowned Museum will welcome enthusiasts from far and wide. Now in its third year, the Autojumble offers a prime opportunity to buy and sell automobilia.

From sought-after car and motorcycle spares to rare vintage parts, magazines, manuals, clothing and quirky collectables, there’s something to satisfy every automotive enthusiast.

Held next to the Museum, the large outdoor venue accommodates up to 200 trade stands, plus food and drink outlets and a display of classic cars.

“We’re delighted to bring the Autojumble back for 2025 following the tremendous success of previous years, ” said Liv Fripp, Conference & Events Commercial Manager.

“It’s become a favourite among enthusiasts, and we’re excited to see what motoring treasures will be on display. The Autojumble is now a key fixture in our event calendar.”

General admission tickets are £5 per person in advance, with entry from 9am. Trade stands cost £35 before 2nd June and £45 thereafter, including a 5m x 5m pitch and setup access from 6am.

New this year is a £15 overnight pitch for motorhomes and campervans, offering added convenience for traders.

Founded by automotive publisher John Haynes OBE, the Museum houses more than 300 vehicles spanning the history of motoring, from nostalgic classics to Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.

For more information and to book tickets, visit haynesmuseum.org/autojumble

Summer Fair at Bryanston

The Wessex Event Company are delighted to be holding our 4th Summer Fair in the beautiful house and grounds at Bryanston School on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May this year.

Bring the whole family for a fabulous day out, there is something for everyone.

After being inspired by the host of artisan foods, crafts, plants, garden furniture and accessories, why not chill out in our two Street Food Areas, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks, lunches and afternoon treats, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Thai, Falafels, Dorset Lamb burgers, Hot Potatoes, BBQ, Tibetian Street food, Ice Cream and Crepes, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or something slightly stronger from the fairs Bar. While you sit and eat and relax you will be entertained by fabulous local artists

NEW THIS YEAR

Foraging, Willow making, Children’s Chocolate lolly making and Flower Arranging workshops.

There will also be the ever popular falconry displays and classic cars.

There is so much for children to enjoy. Our children’s entertainments will include a climbing wall, cave, bouncy castle, rides, games and face painting. We also have a Circus Skills Workshop, on both days for children to participate in and learn some of magic of the circus, Magic Man, Rugby Tots,

Craft Area, Alpaca walking and meet the Disney Princesses and Superheroes.

The cost of entry is just £4 for Adults, £3.50 for concessions, with children under 16 just £1, making this one of the most affordable, family friendly, value for money days out you will find in the area this summer.

So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful day out in the most beautiful of settings.

We would like to thank our sponsors Meyers Estate Agents Blandford, The Blackmore Vale Magazine, Holt Recruitment and Taylor Wimpey for their support of our events.

at Bryanston School, Blandford

Admission

Adults £4.00 | Concessions £3.50 | Under 16’s £1.00 www.thewessexeventcompany.co.uk

Live music | crafts | food & drink | garden | plants | home and kid’s entertainment 24th & 25th May 10am - 5pm

Play is vital for young minds

by Jane Westbrook

LIKE many small Dorset villages, Stourton Caundle has no shops or public transport –but a thriving pub, village hall (with the Beehive Café on Thursday mornings) and a large playground.

This was set up by local people 25 years ago and remains a really popular place to play.

However, after 25 years of use, the play area is a bit tired, and so the village is planning to redesign the playground and install new equipment.

Children need a great deal of free play to thrive – the small challenges and setbacks that happen during play prepare them for bigger challenges later in life.

Young children’s brains grow to 90% of their full size by five years old, but then take a long time to configure themselves – a time to learn the skills needed to successfully navigate their way through life.

Playing is an essential way to develop social skills, such as conflict resolution and physical skills.

Children learn through play to connect with each other. They admire and want to

emulate older children in the group, following their lead in games and behaviour.

If you replace free play with smart phones and internet connected devices, a child is alone with the phone and has no opportunity for social connection. Away from family or community, they may be influenced by questionable values with no age grading or restrictions.

Thus a well resourced playground remains a vital part of growing up for children of all ages.

With this in mind, the Stourton Caundle parish council and a sub committee of

Celebrating stories of life and culture in Palestine

ARTISTS from the UK and Gaza took part in a showcase of art and culture in Dorchester.

The event – marking the 77th year since the Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948 – took place at the town hall and featured poetry from local performers, photography from the UK and Gaza and “in real time” paintings by artists who draw and paint pictures of events as they unfold.

More than £600 was raised by the sale of artwork donated by the artists and donations from those attending in aid of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Each artist and performer offered a unique perspective of the ongoing crisis in Palestine and raised the importance of human stories and keeping Gaza’s culture alive.

Artists included Inga

Bystram, Tim Sanders, Shadi Al-Wawy, Yousuf Sarfaraz, Sara Masry (pictured right) and Poppy Vera, alongside other poets and speakers each contributing their creative solidarity with the people of Gaza and the West Bank.

During the exhibition a one minute 17 second silence was held; a second for every year of displacement since the Nakba

parents are working together to raise funds to refurbish the large play area and continue to provide a safe space where children can play, learn and grow, with the kind of freedom for outdoor play that is so important to them.

– the mass displacement of Palestinians from their land.

Artist Inga Bystram and Actor Sara Masry of Saudi, Palestinian and Yemeni heritage travelled down from London to speak at the event.

“It is not only vital to keep the struggle for Palestinian justice alive through direct action but also through displays of culture and solidarity,” said Poppy Vera, the organiser of the event.

“It was a real honour to showcase such beautiful work here in Dorchester and shine a light on the resilience and steadfastness of the people in Palestine who have been faced with oppression for 77 years.”

Shadi Al-Wawy – a photographer featured in the exhibition who is living in Gaza – said: “With deep gratitude I would like to thank everyone who attended this exhibition and

contributed to its success.

“All my photographs have sold, not just as images, but as stories of pain and dignity, from a land under siege but unshaken. Thank you to everyone who believed in my message and to everyone who read the story behind the lens. This success is not just mine, but yours as well. Without you, it would not have been possible. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.”

Knights set to do battle at the big show

MEDIEVAL and modern horsepower are coming together this summer in the shape of two spectacular acts at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show.

The Knights of Albion, making their first ever appearance in Dorset, promise a theatrical horse show spectacular with mounted medieval knights battling each other.

The Knights have rapidly established themselves as one of the UK’s premier jousting teams with breathtaking displays, original storylines, movie-quality armour and

GILLINGHAM

HANDMADE

PRESENTS Crafts on the Meadow, Saturday 31st May 10-3, On the Town Meadow in Gillingham SP8 4AA. Pop along and have a browse around the wonderful handmade stalls.

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion DT10 1HR on June 2nd. Eyes down 7pm.

vibrant costumes.

Tom Armstrong-Frost, from Outlaw Entertainments, runs the spectacular in between working in television and film as a stunt rider.

Modern horsepower will take centre stage when the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team roar into the arena.

Spectators can watch the team of stunt riders, featuring children aged five to 16, perform high-speed manoeuvres and precision formation riding. Visitors to the show, on Wednesday and Thursday, August 13 and 14, can also see livestock parades, agricultural

WINCANTON

YFC

Fathers Day Charity Clay Shoot. Sunday 15th

June 2025, from 11am. Maperton, Nr Wincanton BA9 8EW. More details on our social media.

ART FAIR

Sat 31 May and Sun 1 June 10 am to 4.30 pm Stourpaine Village Hall DT11 8TJ

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Knights of Albion will be at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

and countryside exhibits, equestrian events, vintage machinery and cars, steam engines, live bands, a funfair and many other rural displays.

One-day admission for adults is £19, family tickets – two adults and two children – £43. Children under five years of age go free. Two-day tickets are also available. Visit www. gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

Half-term

fun at motor museum

HAYNES Motor Museum at Sparkford promises a good day out for young car fans this half-term.

The museum will have outdoor displays showcasing different eras and marques, including iconic cars from the delightful Heinkel Kabine bubble car to the powerful 2005 Ford Mustang.

Youngsters will also be able to race past Somerset’s most famous landmarks on a Somerset-themed Scalextric track.

That includes miniature versions of the Pyramid Stage from Glastonbury Festival and Cheddar Gorge.

The updated Williams Racing F1 exhibition, features new cars, fresh stories and interactive exhibits.

Young visitors can also journey through racing history in the ‘Go! Go! Go!’ family trail and discover a series of motorsport vehicles, from royal

The Somerset-themed Scalextric track

go-karts to F1 cars.

Youngsters can answer questions and learn fun facts as they wind through the museum’s exhibits.

Little ones can explore a motoring-themed outdoor car play area and, for younger drivers, a selection of Little Tike cars can transport them around the museum.

All activities over the week are included with a museum entry ticket.

The

‘KINGS OF WESSEX REMEMBERED’ - June exhibition and lecture series in Sherborne Abbey. See ‘events’ on abbey website.

SAT 14 JUN 2025 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, ABP Langport have joined forces with local businesses and volunteers after a successful festival in 2024. The festival welcomes everyone in and around the community with all proceeds going to HEPS Playground Project.

TURNWORTH DAY SUNDAY 25 MAY 11:004:30. Teas/ Plants/ Family fun/ Pre-loved/ Produce/ Crafts. Free entry/parking.

GRIZZLY & THE GRASSHOPPERS

Councillor goes back to his roots

OUR Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School in Wincanton recently welcomed back former pupil and the youngest councillor in Somerset, Tom Power, for a special return visit.

Head Teachers Danuta Girton and Sheila Loftus guided Tom through the familiar corridors where his journey into public service began.

Reflecting on his visit, Tom noted how much the school has evolved, expressing his admiration for the vibrant new curriculum.

This fresh approach has sparked excitement and engagement among pupils, incorporating memorable learning experience days to places like the Villa Ventorum at the Newt, Carymoor Environmental Trust, Fleet Air

Early years

Arm Museum, and Nothe Fort. With further adventures planned to Gore Farm, a Tudor Day in Taunton and a visit studying coasts to West Bay later this summer, the school is truly embracing hands-on learning.

In addition to a diverse academic curriculum, the school proudly supports its military families through the dedicated Military Club. This club provides a supportive space for children from British Army, Royal Navy, and Army Air Corps backgrounds, as well as those whose parents are on attachment from as far afield as Africa and New Zealand. It’s a place where these students can share their unique experiences, building friendships and connections that last a lifetime.

Tom was impressed by the excellent facilities the school

LEWESTON School will launch a new Early Years Unit in September 2025. It will incorporate the oldest children at Leweston Nursery and those in the Reception at Leweston Prep.

For Pre-School children the move will provide more integration with the Reception class, better preparing them for transition to ‘big school’. They can play alongside, and learn from, their older peers. The closer proximity to the Prep School also means that the children will be able to benefit from some of the additional facilities such as the tennis courts and riding academy.

The Reception class will be able to continue to develop their maturity and confidence with younger counterparts nearby, and will benefit from the increase in activities on offer, thanks to the increase in specialist staff.

Leading the Early Years Unit will be Miss Lauren Blundell, who is joining Leweston as Head of Early Years, and has a Masters in Theatre for Young Audiences.

For more information about Leweston Early Years please call 01963 211015 or visit leweston.co.uk.

now offers, describing it as a “hidden gem in Wincanton” with its expansive astroturf and wrap-around playground, both cleverly tucked away from the roadside.

During his visit, Tom credited his early education at Our Lady’s with sparking his passion for public service, highlighting roles such as house captain and school council member as instrumental in developing his leadership skills. He shared this encouraging message for current pupils:

the youngest councillor in Somerset, Tom added:

“If you want to make a change or a difference, don’t give up at the first hurdle – you will get there in the end.”

Reflecting on his position as

“Being the youngest Somerset councillor is a real honour. It’s also a privilege to represent the community where I grew up and the schools I attended, like Our Lady’s and King Arthur’s, which helped shape who I am today. Staying connected to where you come from keeps you grounded, no matter how significant your role in life.”

Challenging gender stereotypes

BRYANSTON School recently hosted the Nurturing Equality Festival, a full-day event that put gender equality and inclusivity front and centre.

Organised in partnership with The Blandford School, the Festival welcomed 72 Year 6 pupils from neighbouring primary schools for a series of interactive workshops led by Bold Voices, renowned gender equality specialists, and a team of 30 sixth form ambassadors.

Children from Spetisbury Primary, Durweston Primary School, Blandford St Mary Primary, Milldown School, Downlands, and Bryanston Prep spent the day in small groups, exploring how everyday assumptions and stereotypes can limit potential.

Through interactive discussions, the children examined how gender stereotypes develop, the inequalities they can create, and the ways to interrupt harmful ideas through thoughtful intervention.

Natasha Eeles, founder of Bold Voices, commended the event, describing it as a powerful example of “prevention-led education” aimed at tackling gender inequality and gender-based violence head-on.

Sixth Form Ambassadors, “upskilled” to guide younger pupils, sparked fresh conversations about gender, power, and language, enabling honest, empathybuilding dialogue across age groups.

Bryanston’s dedication to inclusion, already recognised by a 2023 Talk Education “Award for Innovation” in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, shone through as the school continues weaving open discussions about equality into everyday life.

Through active learning, community partnership, and relatable cultural references, Bryanston and The Blandford School demonstrated that dismantling gender stereotypes is more than a classroom exercise; it’s a collective mission that resonates powerfully with today’s youth.

Game on

THE Blandford School’s headteacher, Sally Wilson, stepped up to the oche for a few throws at the launch of the school’s new darts club.

The club, inspired by staff member Miss Ward, is based in the school’s cricket pavilion, Coker’s Cabin.

Dorchester Country Summer Darts League provided professional boards, darts and equipment, and the school’s site team — Ian Smith, Mark Rendell and Amir Nazir —worked hard to create the perfect set-up.

The club has already attracted a mix of boys and girls who will play friendly matches the rest of this academic year.

Champs with laser focus

LEWESTON School proudly hosted the Laser Run and Triathle European Qualifier events, both pivotal competitions in determining the Great Britain teams for the upcoming European Championships.

Over the course of the two-day event, the school welcomed nearly 340 athletes from across the country – 180 for the Laser Run and 160 for the Triathle – bringing together some of the nation’s most promising young talents in modern pentathlon disciplines.

Leweston athletes delivered exceptional performances throughout the weekend. In the Laser Run, 11 Leweston students competed, with standout results including a Gold medal for Izzy K (U15) and Silver for Izzy W (U19). Congratulations to the six Leweston pupils who earned

their place on the GB Team for the European Laser Run Championships. The excitement continued with the Triathle which saw 13 Leweston athletes once again deliver remarkable performances. Special congratulations go to medal winners: Gold: Izzy K (U15), Izzy W (U19), Dylan R (U19) Silver: Josh H (U19) Bronze: Esme L (U19).

Following their exceptional performances, nine Leweston pupils have been selected for the GB Triathle Team.

Leweston is honoured to support and celebrate the next generation of international athletes – best of luck to all those heading to the European Championships!

Why aren’t music greats on radio?

I THINK it is unfortunate that certain types of music –including Easy Listening, Crooners and Smooth – and artists are not played on radio.

Neglected artists would include male singers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Matt Monro and Andy Williams, and females such as Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Lena Horne.

The UK population is almost 69 million people and almost 20% of them are aged over 65, about 15 million.

One would have thought that many people would have a loud enough voice, but it appears not.

I like many others am an ardent and regular listener to the radio, BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and its local stations, and several independent outlets.

I think many of the 65-plus age group who grew up listening to the singers such as Sinatra and Fitgerald would love to hear them played on radio.

But that does not happen – surprisingly, not even on the Sunday Love Songs show. Why? Should not the wishes of those 15 million people be catered for?

Both the BBC – rarely – and

the independent stations, Global and son on – occasionally –dedicate a whole programme to music from the 1960s or 70s.

Sounds of the Seventies, now hosted by Bob Harris, for example, can be great listening, and includes the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elvis.

But those programmes do not include music by the singers I have named.

Sinatra was at his peak in the 1960s and was still performing in the 70s and 80s, as were Dean Martin, Perry Como, Matt Monro and Andy Williams, and most of the female artists listed, in addition to several others not mentioned, yet nary a broadcast.

Are those who control the playlists completely blinkered, obsessed and solely focused on attempting to please younger listeners? If so, this thinking is out of touch.

Most of the younger generation – I have 24 grandchildren – listen to their music via a download on their smartphone and rarely listen to radio.

But if they did listen to radio, they would be deprived of hearing, enjoying and maybe even appreciating this great quality music.

Similarly, traditional jazz is

READER’S PICTURE

never heard on radio. During the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the UK boasted many great exponents, such as Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball and Chris Barber.

These artists were still performing well into the 1990s and yet their music is ignored. Why?

James Ackland via email

Country walks for Dorset’s naturists

WERE you out walking in the Dorset countryside during early April’s glorious weather?

If so, you may have encountered a group of British Naturism members wearing little more than their boots and a smile.

The midweek walks ranged from Verwood in the east to Hambledon Hill in the north to Abbotsbury in the west, amid some of the best scenery, history, flora and fauna that Dorset has to offer.

Further walks are planned.

Aren’t they breaking the

law? No.

Police call handlers will confirm to anyone reporting a naked rambler that simple nudity is lawful in the UK.

So, if you meet some this summer enjoying the exhilarating feeling of the sun and breeze on their skin, just exchange cheery greetings or even stop for a chat.

Who knows, you might be tempted to join them in future!

Peter Simpson British Naturism

Gaza: Silence is deafening

A SIMPLE word of thanks for publishing Ken Huggins’ thoughtful piece (New Blackmore Vale, May 9).

You are one of a very few publications which allow commentary critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

On the whole, the silence is deafening.

I appreciated Ken’s piece as it managed to cover international, national and regional issues in a thoughtful, honest and constructive way. Thanks again.

Sandra Rose SW Wiltshire

Detectorist James Power, from Wimborne, of the Stour Valley Search & Recovery

was metal detecting at Tarrant Hinton when he took this photo of a herd of deer in full flight

Arts & Entertainment

Take 6 for town’s literary festival

THIS summer’s Sturminster Newton Literary Festival boasts impressive headline acts including Damien Lewis, Tracy Chevalier and Natasha Solomons, and more than 20 activities from walks to talks and a writing competition.

The festival, now in its sixth year, will form part of a book launch by Jonathan and Christine Hainsworth from Adelaide, Australia.

The couple have researched the Shakespeare Ladies Club led by Susanna Ashley-Cooper, 4th Countess of Shaftesbury from Wimborne St Giles and who campaigned in the 1740s to get Shakespeare’s plays restored to their original format, including all the saucy verses.

Ashley-Cooper’s group also campaigned to get Shakespeare’s memorial in Westminster Abbey, only for the achievement to be credited to men.

The programme also features

Everest and swim the English Channel.

Elvis Presley would have been his 90th year this year and his fashions feature in a talk by Lorraine Gibson.

Damien Lewis will talk about SAS escapes during the Second World War, while Poole-based writer Greg Duncan shares his research on family connections to the French Resistance.

Pen Farthing and Mark Blackburn will discuss their experiences of projects that expanded way beyond their expectations.

award-winning crime writers Rachel McLean and Tess Burnett whose book plots are set in the west country.

Adventurer Jessica Hepburn will talk about her achievements as the first woman to run the London Marathon, climb

Spring concert festival prelude

BURTON Bradstock Festival of Music and Art’s spring concert will be held next month in the village hall.

The prelude to the festival’s 43rd season will feature musical director, David Juritz, on the violin, and Nadine André on the piano.

The programme will include WA Mozart Sonata for violin and piano in F major K.377; JS Bach Sonata No. 1 for violin solo, BWV 1001; and Igor Stravinsky Suite Italienne, followed by selections by Ravel, Debussy and Kreisler.

The concert is on Friday, June 6, at 7pm and tickets priced £14 are on sale at Bridport Tourist Information Centre, by phone on 01308 424901 and online at www. bridportandwestbay.co.uk/ tickets

The main festival starts on Sunday, August 10, opening with a nine-day art exhibition, followed by six days of music by internationally acclaimed musicians.

More information is available at www.burtonbradstockfestival. com

David Juritz on violin and Nadine André on piano

to integrate the local Bulgarian community into the festival programme.

Festival chair, Councillor Pauline Batstone, said: “Thank you to all those working to give this sixth festival such an exciting and varied programme, something for everyone.

The stained glass created by Sturminster Newton artist Mary Lowndes will be integrated with a talk on Venetian glassmakers with Tracy Chevalier.

Two talks featuring Thomas Hardy explore grief and a crime-based sequel.

Finally, a cultural event aims

Lunch date with a spy...

SPIES will be on the menu when the first meeting of the Last Thursday Lunch Club is held in Blandford St Mary at the end of the month.

Author Tim Spicer will give a talk about his book, A Suspicion of Spies, a biography of Biffy Dunderdale, at The Stour Inn.

Dunderdale was an extraordinary man, suave, sophisticated, genial and rich – and a ruthless and effective spymaster.

At the age of 17 he sank four German ships while taking a submarine out on trials with an untrained dockyard crew.

A buccaneering career followed with the British Secret Intelligence Service, which

“We continue our commitment to recognising local writers and topics and involving local people.”

Sturminster Newton Literary Festival features the three historic writers associated with the town –Thomas Hardy, William Barnes and Robert Young –contemporary writers with a Dorset and Wessex connection, and aspiring writers.

The festival runs from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 15, and tickets and the programme are available at www.sturlitfest.com

Dunderdale described as ‘40 years of licensed thuggery’.

The lunch club is meeting on Thursday, May 29, at 12.30pm with the talk at 1.45pm.

Tickets for the event, including buffet lunch and first free drink, are £20 – not including fee – and available from Eventbrite.

Proceeds are in aid of Blandford St Mary Church Funds.

PARNHAM Voices are set to present an evening of a cappella choral music at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charminster. Love is in the Air will be directed by Kris Emmett. Tickets for the concert on Saturday, May 31, at 7pm are £10, available in advance on 01305 213403 or 07818 508011, or on the door on the night.

Interval refreshments will be served and all proceeds will go to church funds.

Historical novelist Tracy Chevalier will be appearing at Sturminster Newton Literary Festival, as will the authors of The Shakespeare Ladies Club (right)

Arts & Entertainment

Shakespeare al fresco big day for tiny village

by Anne Sherrard

LAMYATT is a tiny village, nestled above Bruton, but once a year everything changes.

It welcomes between 200-300 people for an outdoor Shakespeare production and to picnic among breathtaking views.

Some describe the performance space as Lamyatt’s answer to The Pyramid Stage.

As part of their national tour, the Festival Players – patron Dame Judi Dench and director Michael Dyer, formerly of the Minack Theatre – arrive at what they say is the smallest place they visit and with sometimes their largest audience.

This year the play is As You Like It on Saturday, June 14.

There could be no better place to venture into the Forest

of Arden, with views to Creech Hill and beyond – once a site of a Romano-British temple at Lamyatt Beacon.

Shakespeare in Lamyatt is very much a local affair, organised by villagers. Children are involved, too,

helping with decorations as well as wheelbarrows to transport picnics and chairs.

The aim is to fundraise for the 13th century church and village hall – the latter boasts an incredible range of events from National Theatre Live to pub

nights.

Local farmers Jen and Ern Richards move their sheep and open up their fields by the village hall to welcome the audience to picnic from 5.30pm before the performance at 7pm – and the Cross-Garter Bar will be open for this once-a-year theatre.

Westcombe Dairies lends its marquee – there is protection from all weathers, including intense sun!

Novelist, Suse Elderkin, who lives not far away, describes the event as ‘the highlight of our Somerset summer’.

Shakespeare in Lamyatt began 15 years ago in the gardens at Speed’s Farm.

To celebrate, Lucy Jago will give a talk at The Chapel in Bruton on Thursday, June 5 – The Story of Shakespeare in Three Objects

Tickets are now available for both events on the www. shakespeareinlamyatt.co.uk website.

The Festival Players are bringing As You Like It to Lamyatt

Tennant in Macbeth for the history books

NATIONAL Theatre Live is coming to Shaftesbury Arts Centre next week with a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth starring David Tennant.

No stranger to Shakespeare, Tennant takes on the titular role for the first time in his career and easily demonstrates why he has become such an acclaimed actor in recent years.

Words could never do justice to the performance Tennant gives as Macbeth full of intensity and anguish as ambition and supposed destiny bring about repercussions that leave their mark.

Watching it at the Donmar must have been an intimate

experience but that intimacy has been retained for this filmed version – recorded at Donmar Warehouse – as he looks straight into the camera throughout, penetrating it with his gaze and allowing audiences to feel the very nature of his character and look deep into his soul even through the medium of the screen.

Few actors would be able to convey this as strikingly as Tennant does.

Though I have seen him on stage in several plays over the years, I dare say I have ever seen him as phenomenal as this.

This is a Macbeth for the history books – one that leaves its mark in such a way, it will be

Exhibition celebrates life in ‘model village’

THE much-anticipated Poundbury Unwrapped art exhibition will be staged later this month at the Jubilee Hall, Poundbury.

The Jubilee Hall is venue 2 on the biannual Open for Art trail – Dorchester, Weymouth and surrounding areas.

‘Poundbury’ will be the exhibition’s theme for the first time, showcasing local artists’ artistic interpretations of the area.

The ‘model village’ has attracted much comment, positive and negative, since its inception in October 1993, thanks to its architecture, design and ambition to capture the feel of the best parts of London.

Artists in the exhibition have been selected for their unique approach to Poundbury, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the area and its distinctive architectural styles, as well as its seemingly ad-hoc layout of streets, alleyways and squares.

Featured artists include Mike Willdridge, Rebecca Guyett, Penny Treadwell, Mick O’Hea, Judy Tate, and Pam Philip, alongside 15 other members of the Art in Poundbury Club.

The exhibition runs from Saturday, May 24, to Sunday, June 1, from 10am-4pm.

For more information, visit www.artinpoundbury.co.uk

hard to ever wash it off.

Macbeth is screened in Shaftesbury on Friday, May 30,

Take five: Ceramic artists on show

THE work of five accomplished ceramicists is set to go on show in a new exhibition, 5 Joys of Clay, at Walford Mill, Wimborne.

Elaine King’s delicate and intricately textured forms draw inspiration from organic patterns, capturing the subtle details of the natural world.

David Pointer’s sculptural works explore the elemental forces of erosion and time, blending rugged textures with smooth, fluid contours.

at 7pm – tickets from box office or the website. CONTRIBUTED

Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down – pictured – brings a dynamic approach to thrown forms, balancing precision with expressive energy.

Julie Massie’s work explores the colours and fragility of the Dorset Coastline with her unique porcelain wall art that stimulate the senses, especially touch, sight and sound.

Jane Staniland’s figurative ceramics tell stories of our time through finely crafted forms, expressing the emotions and joy of activity and nature. Pieces will range from functional ware to abstract sculpture and visitors will have the chance to engage with the artists through live demonstrations and workshops.

Dan Sandham, a finalist on

The exhibition runs from Wednesday, May 21, to Sunday, June 1, open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm and 11am-4pm Sunday.

David Tennant in Macbeth PHOTO: Marc Brenner

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Terrible flaw possibly about university (5)

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

4 European clubs remain to tour Sweden giving intense joy (7)

9 Uncle, say, in story (8)

10 Extended diary around November (4)

11 Chemical substance in a large carpet (6)

12 More elevated part of Oxford, say (5)

13 Release payment to cover labour ultimately (4)

15 Move down slopes and lose control almost (3)

16 By the sound of it, single student’s finance? (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

2 Turn round bicycle (5)

3 A French woman entering wild area lacking knowledge (7)

5 Focus in manic eccentric to get body of beliefs (12)

6 Bring up place around island with large flower (5)

7 A grain’s brewed in Spanish drink (7)

8 Vain TV relic’s upset government employee (5,7)

14 Renew note in official request for silence

17 Defect reported in part of department (5)

19 Idea in new drink, not soft (6)

21 Group around college, closely bonded lot (4)

22 Remove summary (8)

23 Son detained by figure needing a drink? (7)

24 Some chronicler, known record keeper (5)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

16 Alter work with a line regarding a side?

18 Some spot terrain for aquatic animal (5)

20 Old cricket club rejected rugby? It gets happen (5)

Church

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

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – 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. 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: Mothers’ Union: Friday, May 23; 10.30am. 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@sherborneabbey. com, assistant director of music, to join, or just turn up.

• 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.

• Longburton Village Café: In St James’s church. Tea, coffee – free refills – and cakes £2.50. Tuesday, May 27, 10.30amnoon.

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

• Milton-on-Stour Church: David Beaton will give a talk on Dorset Heroines on Friday, May 23, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Free admission but donations welcome; refreshments and prize draw; parking at Milton School.

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.

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

• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Mondays at 1.30 pm, free entry, retiring collection

• Sherborne Abbey Remembering the Fallen: Short service on the third Friday of the month at 11am in the Lady Chapel

• Sherborne Abbey: The Faith in Action Committee is seeking unused art materials, board games and jigsaw puzzles, to support the Friends of Guys Marsh, which offers support to prisoners. To donate, text trustee, Mary-Ann, on 07900 056551 to arrange collection

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

• St James Church, Shaftesbury: Chris Mahon will be giving an organ recital on Sunday, June 1, at 3pm, to celebrate his 80th birthday on June 8. Refreshments will be provided after the recital. Admission is free but donations for the upkeep of St James Church will be gratefully received.

• 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 Sunday, Holy Communion 11am; third Sunday, Evensong 6pm; fourth Sunday, Matins 11am.

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, June 1 – 10.45am Together Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, June 8 – Pentecost –9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Family Service at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton; 4pm DementiaFriendly Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury: 10am-11.30am; first and third Monday of each month; coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary: 10am-11.30am; Wednesday, June 19; ‘crafternoons’ –Blandford St Mary: first Thursday of each month; 2pm-4pm; £3 including refreshments; coffee stop –Charlton Marshall Parish Centre: 10.30am-12.30pm; Tuesday to Friday.

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

Fuel allowance and Pension Credits

THE power of words is something that cannot be either denied or ignored. We live in a perpetual cycle of rolling news and social media, on our screens, smart(!)phones and for some of us still, radios!

Worryingly, standards seem to be slipping in the presentation of the facts. Now, this might be due to the sheer volume of government policy, opposition reaction and parliamentary business required to be gathered, reported on and fed back to us. Or could it possibly be by design? I dread to think.

I have witnessed many opposition politicians, interviewers, commentators and presenters shape their own language around government policy and putting it out there for voters to lap up and debate over – ‘family farm tax’, ‘Winter Fuel Allowance cuts’, ‘two-tier’, ‘migration invasion’! More often than not, blatant

Candice JohnsonCole, on behalf of Dorset Labour

inaccuracies are left unchallenged.

Take the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA), for example, and yes, I am not afraid to go there! The word ‘cuts’ and ‘axed’ are used often in this debate, when, in fact, the annual

allowance amount of £200 or £300 has not been cut and remains the same. The WFA used to be received by every pensioner regardless of income or wealth and now is only paid to those who qualify for Pension Credit – that is pensioners on the lowest incomes.

Spurred on by the government publicity campaign and possible loss of their WFA, 50,000 additional pensioners who had not realised they qualified for Pension Credits, are now receiving up to £984 a month extra – single person – in their pocket, with many now also automatically qualifying for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefits, free prescriptions, dental and eyecare.

We all know when something is awarded based on income, there has to be a figure where people no longer qualify, and it is those people who just miss out on the help with their bills

that will feel it most. This is where the Household Support Fund comes in – an extra £742 million given to councils in September 2024 by the Labour Government, to assist those who just missed out on Pension Credits and therefore the WFA and also other households.

When the newly elected Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, stated in a post results interview that Doncaster Council used council moneys to help those who no longer received the WFA, she was actually referring to her share of the government supplied £742m!

So, if you know any pensioners who no longer qualify for the WFA and are struggling to heat their homes and pay the utility bills, please help them to contact both their local council about the Household Support Fund and their nearest Citizen Advice –previously Citizen Advice Bureau.

Truth of a real immigration ‘reset’

LAST week, the Government unveiled its latest borders bill to ‘reset’ the immigration debate – a measure I could not vote on, having chaired a committee that examined it in detail.

Nevertheless, I asked the Home Secretary how much immigration could be reduced by the promised funding for more workforce training and increased pay in social care. Her response? A masterclass in evasion. No plan, no budget, no clue.

The truth is, a real ‘reset’ on immigration would require an annual cap on numbers and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights. As Churchill famously said: “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, madam?” And so it is that I’ve hardened my views on the ECHR over time. The facts are that the ECHR is now regularly invoked by our

Conservative

MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

own Supreme Court to thwart deportations, frustrating the will of the democratically elected government. Critics claim leaving would undermine the Good Friday Agreement, but that is nonsense. The ECHR is a post-war construct – the GFA is

a bilateral accord. They are separate instruments with distinct purposes.

Fundamentally, a Member of Parliament exists to serve his or her constituents – and mine have made it abundantly clear that they want legal immigration reduced and illegal immigrants deported. I got that both barrels on the doorstep during the general election campaign. So, it’s not an abstraction – it is my marching orders democratically handed down by voters. The day we elevate the moral universalism of politicians and lawyers above the expressed will of the people, is the day democracy dies.

As for another anticipated ‘reset’ coming next week – the UK-EU summit in London on Monday – I’d urge the prime minister to use his strong cards. He mustn’t allow the EU to forget that the UK has borne more than its fair share of the

burden of European defence since 1945. Our sacrifices and our spending have helped keep the continent safe, and that should not be overlooked in any negotiations – least of all when it comes to protecting the livelihoods of our fishermen. No selling them up the river, as it were.

I am tired of left-liberal politicians and their endless, evidence-free lamentations about the ‘cost of Brexit’. Hitchens’ razor cuts both ways: “That which can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.” Since leaving the EU, we have struck 17 trade deals that would have been impossible under EU rules, including landmark agreements this month with India and the US. The long-term economic benefits of Brexit are becoming clearer. The democratic benefits are surely beyond dispute.

Give youngsters level playing field

I WANT to start this week’s column by sending my very best wishes to all the students across Glastonbury and Somerton currently sitting their exams. I know how hard you’ve worked to get to this stage and how much pressure many of you are under. I hope you feel proud of everything you’ve achieved so far and good luck for your remaining exams!

This time of year reminds us of the importance of education, for individuals, our communities and our local economy. Yet, here in Somerset, and some other parts of the country, our young people are being let down by a failed funding system which isn’t fit for purpose, impacting children of all ages and from all backgrounds, but particularly our most disadvantaged. I’ve heard from so many parents who are desperate to get the right support for their children but are seeing their needs go unmet. It’s deeply upsetting.

As vice-chair of the f40

Group – a cross-party campaign representing the lowest-funded local authorities in England –I’ve been a vocal advocate in Parliament for fairer education funding. It’s frankly unacceptable that a pupil in Somerset receives about £5,000 less a year in funding than one in better-funded parts of the country. Budgets are cut even deeper for children with SEND – having spoken many times on this issue, this month I again

urged the Government to address it. We’re seeing the results of 14 years of chronic local government underfunding by the previous Conservative government – struggling schools, overstretched staff and limited support for the children who need it most. This postcode lottery is simply not fair.

Access to opportunity should never depend on where you grow up, yet in large rural counties like Somerset, that’s too often the case. Poor transport links, socio-economic challenges, limited sixth-form or college options and the ‘rural premium’ – the fact delivering services in rural areas costs 10% more – all stack the odds against young people in places like Glastonbury and Somerton. This disparity will also be compounded by the current Government choosing to remove the Rural Services Delivery Grant – crucial for counties like Somerset to keep critical services running.

We know the system is broken. The local authority funding model must be reformed to be more responsive, so that schools can receive funding based on need. Otherwise, we’ll continue to see children let down. Alongside my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I’m pushing the Government to address these inequalities, invest in education, our children and the future.

Children in Somerset deserve the same life chances as those growing up anywhere else in the country. I’ll keep fighting for them in Westminster and championing our local teachers, support staff and education leaders who do so much, often with far too little.

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.dyke.mp@parliament.uk.

How to handle housing challenges?

IN West Dorset, we face a growing housing challenge. Young families are struggling to find homes in the villages where they were raised. Key workers cannot afford to live close to their jobs. And older residents, wanting to downsize, find too few suitable options. We need more homes – homes that are affordable, well-designed and rooted in the needs of the people who live there.

Our landscape is, in my unbiased opinion, the most beautiful in the country. Over 70% of West Dorset falls within a protected National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a far more appropriate label, in my opinion. It is at the heart of our £320 million tourism economy. Housing policy must

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

reflect the balance we need to strike – delivering homes for our residents while protecting the places that define our communities. Rigid central government housing targets, imposed

without flexibility or enough local insight, risk forcing inappropriate developments onto these precious areas, undermining the very qualities that sustain our economy and our environment.

We need a system that empowers local authorities to deliver the right homes, in the right places, with the right infrastructure.

In West Dorset, 78% of homes are under-occupied, with nearly 46% having two or more surplus bedrooms. With nearly half our population now over 55, many older residents are living in homes too large for their needs unable to downsize and stay in the communities they love. While young families are priced out of staying in the communities they grew up in.

I believe every home must come with the infrastructure it needs. Too often, developments go ahead without the GPs, schools, dentists and roads to support them, let alone the sewage systems. In West Dorset, our sewage infrastructure is outdated and overwhelmed. Last year alone, we saw more than 4,200 sewage spills. This is an environmental and public health disgrace.

The Liberal Democrats believe that local authorities must lead this process. Councils know their areas best. They should have the power to set planning fees, buy land at fair prices and shape the future of their communities.

Development should be community-led, not developerled.

Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke

Maternity care should be near home

AS of this week, Yeovil Hospital’s Maternity Unit has officially closed its doors to births. Families across South Somerset are now being asked to travel further afield – to Musgrove Park in Taunton, Dorchester or Bath – to give birth. For many, this sudden and unsettling change has caused real fear and confusion.

Although the trust has stated this is a temporary closure for an initial six-month period, I have not received any firm reassurance that the service will reopen. That simply isn’t good enough. Residents in Yeovil and the surrounding area need clarity – not vague timelines – and above all, they need local, safe maternity care.

It’s important to understand how we got here. A Care Quality

Commission (CQC) inspection in January identified concerns around paediatric services. And yet, despite having nearly five months to plan, the trust gave just six days’ notice of this closure. Local councillors, NHS staff, MPs and the wider public were left in the dark. That is

completely unacceptable.

In recent days, I’ve spoken to many constituents – expectant mothers, NHS staff and midwives. Their voices are powerful. Some are devastated by the idea of giving birth miles from home. Others are staff who have worked tirelessly in difficult conditions, only to feel ignored. Let me be clear – the challenges facing the unit are not a reflection of the staff themselves, but the result of chronic understaffing and systemic pressures they’ve been forced to work under. These issues should never have been allowed to reach this point.

I’ve written to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust demanding answers. What risk assessments have been carried out? What specific plans are in place to

make sure women and babies travelling further afield will be safe? What support is being put in place for midwives and maternity staff – especially those now expected to carry the burden in overstretched units like Musgrove Park?

I’ve also called for transparency on the timeline of this decision and clarity on the long-term future of maternity care in Yeovil. Families deserve honesty. Communities cannot plan, and cannot feel safe, without clear communication and accountability.

Maternity care is not a luxury – it’s essential. And it should be available close to home. I will keep fighting to protect this vital service and to make sure the people of South Somerset are never taken for granted.

Starmer’s immigration about turn

ONCE again, the topic of immigration is in the news. It is worth remembering that virtually every country in the developed world is wrestling with the challenges that immigration presents. Across the developed world the ricochets of foreign wars, famines, civil disturbance and invisible economic and social mobility progress act as turbo charges to the human instinct to find safety, income and hope.

Our UK Government has announced it intends to follow a more robust policy path than it ever indicated when in Opposition. In my years as your MP, I have never known Labour or the Lib Dems support a single immigration-control measure. So, we shall wait, as they say, with bated breath.

I did smile with some irony to hear Sir Keir say he was going to deliver the possibility of processing applications ‘off shore’. This can’t be the same Sir Keir who ridiculed and then vetoed the self-same idea in Rwanda? Surely not.

One thing I want to make

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Simon Hoare

clear is that there are three strings to the immigration ‘bow’. The first is asylum –those fleeing persecution etc and for whom there is a legitimate and recognised route to entry.

The UK has a noble history in this area, and it is one I shall always champion. The UK can also be ‘that beacon on a hill’. As a freetrading, former Empire building and outward looking nation, our country has always been a melting pot of creeds and colours. It was Enoch Powell who encouraged post-war West

Indian migration to help rebuild the country and deliver vital services. With an ageing population and declined birth rate UK plc needs legal migration.

But it is the word legal that is important, and which is the second string to the bow. I have never believed it to be intolerant, or narrow or racist, for any sovereign country to want to know that who resides within its boundaries does so legitimately. To know that people are here legally de-escalates community tensions rather than adds to them. This is a point that has been made to me over the years by many in our settled immigrant communities.

If we are to set caps for legal migration, then we need to have a very sensitive understanding of the emerging economic needs of business. My thinking has always been that our education system needs to be more fleet of foot to ensure we are delivering the skilled young people that employers need. Nature abhors a vacuum and yearns to fill it – if we don’t, someone else will and

someone else will enjoy the benefits.

I have also argued that the Government is right to deliver reform to the welfare system, but it is taking the easy harvest of the lowest, most vulnerable, hanging fruits. More advantageous to UK plc is to relentlessly and energetically propel people of working age and ability into work rather than being able to opt out. If we fill the education and welfare ‘vacuums’, fewer from overseas will be required.

Finally, the lazy call of ‘leave the ECHR and all will be well’ is a siren one. There is no distinct problem to the ECHR and its domestic impact apart from the fact that the Blair Government enmeshed it into the domestic Human Rights Act. A decoupling of the two would solve the legal challenge problem. The apportioning of the rights protected within the Human Rights Act, such as advocated by my Party, if limited only to those in the UK legitimately, would also be of enormous benefit.

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance

Antiques & Collectibles

Batman’s butler’s

Irish dresser makes

10 times estimate

CLARKE’S Auctions in Gillingham saw some strong results in its May sale –including an early 19th century painted pine Irish dresser which sold for almost 10 times its estimate.

The same dresser was illustrated in the book Irish Country Furniture 1700-1950, by Claudia Kinmonth, with a photograph and brief description of the piece stating

it was made in the early 19th century in West County Cork. The dresser was owned by the late actor Michael Gough – one of his more famous roles was as butler to Batman –Michael Keaton – in Tim Burton’s classic Batman films.

A single owner collection of air rifles, air pistols and other shooting-related items realised more than £15,000 – hammer – with 95% sold.

An SMK Victory M22 .177 air rifle with telescopic sight sold for £450 and a BSA R-10 Mk2 .177 air rifle with BSA telescopic sight made £380 – hammer.

The market for gold, silver and jewellery is buoyant and it could be time to take advantage of the strong prices being achieved.

If you are thinking of selling, call Clarke’s to arrange a time to chat with one of its valuers, who would be happy to look at any items.

If you have amassed a collection of antique or vintage items and would like advice on value or suitability for auction, again give them a call.

For enquiries about consignment into Clarke’s June 13-14 sale, or any future 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.

Stamp of approval

A VICTORIAN £5 orange stamp is estimated to sell for £2,500-£3,500 for its Somerset owner in the Charterhouse auction of stamps, coins, militaria and toys on Thursday, May 29, in Sherborne.

“Having had an interest in stamps for over 50 years, this is one of the best examples of a Victorian stamp I have had the pleasure to see and handle,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

The orange £5 stamp, at the time over a month’s wages for a farm worker, was first issued in 1882.

The stamp at Charterhouse, cancelled in Glasgow on April 15, 1882, was issued within the first three weeks of the £5 orange stamp first being printed.

Only 246,759 £5 stamps

May

Auction Programme

Wine, Port & Whisky 28th

Stamps, Militaria, Coins & Toys 29th

Antiques & Interiors 30th

Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 27th Jewellery, Watches & Silver 28th Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls 29th Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 30th

Historic contents of Bridehead up for sale

It is estimated only about 8,000 are still in existence today and it was the highest value pre-decimal stamp ever to be issued.

This rare £5 orange stamp forms part of the three-day May auction at Charterhouse with wine, port and whisky on Wednesday, May 28; stamps, coins, militaria and toys on Thursday, May 29; and antiques and interiors on Friday, May 30.

Viewing is at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, from Tuesday, May 27, with all lots and live internet bidding at charterhouse-auction.com

MANY of the historic contents of Bridehead, a Regency manor in West Dorset and home to the Williams family for over 220 years, will be auctioned next month ahead of the estate’s sale.

Bridehead, set in the village of Littlebredy and first recorded in the Domesday Book, has evolved from a 17th century farmhouse into a Gothic Revival home, surrounded by landscaped grounds.

The auction, conducted by Duke’s of Dorchester on Thursday and Friday, June 12-13, features a remarkable collection of art, furniture and antiques.

Highlights include oil paintings by Richard Ramsay Reinagle and Adriaen Van De Velde, a rare 1636 floral still life by Jacob Marrel, Regency furniture, including a 4.5-metre

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

Bridehead dining room, featuring paintings and furniture on sale June 12-13 were issued to post offices for use over its life of 21 years.

oak dining table, and exquisite Chinese Famille Rose ceramics.

A vast family library of more than 1,000 books, including John Hill’s The Vegetable System, and a full set of Political Sketches by John Doyle, are also for sale.

Public viewing will take place at Bridehead the week before the auction.

For more information, visit bridehead@dukes-auctions.com or phone 01305 265080.

Antiques & Collectibles

Victoria and Albert, and Tennyson autographs

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding a two-day auction later this month.

General Antiques & Collectors on Thursday, May 29, includes a scratch built bi-plane as a child’s sit-in model and a scratch built blue Bugatti as a child’s sit-in model, circa 1900 teddy, a collection of 19th century autographs, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and Alfred Tennyson.

The Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale on Friday, May 30, includes an 18ct gold-cased half hunter pocket watch by

Advertiser’s announcement

Cook & Burchett and a fourpiece silver tea set.

The catalogue and bidding are available through Easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com, and, for Acreman’s timed auctions, at Auctionet.com

The auction house is now accepting Garden & Architectural items for its end of July Specialist Auction.

Acreman holds regular valuation days where prospective sellers can have their items evaluated by its specialists at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH. Valuation days run from

blackmorevale.net

10am-3pm: Jewellery and watches, Tuesdays and Saturdays; silver and obje’t d’art, Tuesdays and Saturdays; toys and collectables, Wednesdays and Saturdays; oriental and Asian, Thursdays and Saturdays; coins, stamps, books and ephemera, Fridays and Saturdays; militaria, Fridays and Saturdays; textiles and fashion, Mondays and Saturdays; paintings and contemporary art, Mondays and Saturdays.

Anyone unable to get along on the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment – house visits can also be arranged if required.

Acreman is also accepting consignments for its upcoming

Acreman is holding regular valuation days at its premises in Sherborne

sales and can offer advice on items being considered for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk or visit the salerooms, open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm.

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections.

It can also offer advice and valuations to householders who are downsizing or who need to deal with a whole house and can arrange full house clearances at competitive rates.

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

Timeless treasures await you at Station Road Antiques

Since opening Station Road Antiques in Semley (formally Dairy House Antiques) in August 2024, Andy and Sally have built a loyal customer base.

As well as selling their own stock, there are an additional 30 traders within the centre selling a huge range of antique and vintage items.

Station Road Antiques are open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm selling an eclectic mix from traditional antique furniture, French, industrial lighting, haberdashery as well as couture clothing and gardenalia. A day out destination well worth a visit.

High prices for Rolex watches

SEMLEY Auctioneers’ April sale of Watches, Jewellery, Coins & Silver included four Rolex watches, three from the same property.

A gentleman’s Rolex Submariner 18ct gold watch made £21,500, a gentleman’s Rolex Cellini sold for £16,500 and a gentleman’s Rolex Yacht-Master II made £14,000.

Semley Auctioneers holds five sales of Watches, Jewellery, Coins & Silver each year, with its next one on Saturday, June

14. Entries are being accepted for this sale until Friday, May 23 – its other specialist sales are listed on its website, www. semleyauctioneers.com. Enquiries should be directed to Paul Strange or Simon Pearce at the Semley, Shaftesbury, office on 01747 855 122, Kath Barber at the Wimborne office on 01202 842900, or Rose Halton at the South Kensington, London, office on 0207 5910159.

gentleman’s Rolex Submariner 18ct

Home & Garden

by Sally Gregson

AFTER so many unseasonally sunny days, the idea of gardening in the shade, once perceived as a problem, begins to appeal. And water, or at least the sound of it, far from wet mud, seems refreshing and cool.

The traditional Persian gardeners who made paradise gardens, understood the appeal of cool shade in a hot climate. The gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada were laid out in the 13th century by Muhammad I for the Moorish kings who had conquered southern Spain. They are an inspiring example.

The gardens of the Alhambra are formally laid out. Burbling water bubbles up and tumbles

Shade, water and the gardens of the Alhambra Long dry spell prompts thoughts on watering

by Sally Gregson

WE have just experienced one of the driest Aprils on record. This year there have simply not been any ‘April showers’ to speak of. And April is the month when plants are reemerging after winter –growing, budding and flowering. They need lots of moisture.

Watering the garden barely keeps plants alive, let alone growing and developing flower and seed. Trees, in particular, need very large amounts of water daily, depending on their size, age and species. On average a mature tree needs about eight gallons of water per inch of the diameter of the

down the middle of the flower beds, full of perfume and light. They made a flight of steps with a narrow passage for water to trickle down the middle of the handrails at just the right height to run your fingertips through the running water.

And shade is important. At each end of the central ‘canal’ is an exquisitely carved arbour with a central ‘bowl’ of water bubbling quietly. The whole garden is a Persian ‘paradise’. And it’s one that could be emulated.

On the British market today there are some very beautiful water ‘features’, any one of which could be eye-catching in the right place. The sparkling

water catches the light and draws the attention and interest.

The planting in the hot climate of southern Spain comprises roses and jasmine to clamber over the walls – and thyme, lavender, sage and rosemary that release their essential oils to the touch. Trachelospermum jasminoides makes an evergreen substitute for summer jasmine which can

be a little wild in its excesses. And it is hardy in the UK, too. These are all plants that love hot, dry summers and would bring an exotic touch to an English garden. A flight of steps with a water channel down the handrail is another easily constructed artifice. And placing a bubbling water feature would transport you to another clime, another world.

trunk daily. Newly planted trees need even more, especially during a dry summer. And most perennial plants need about 2.5cm water a week to keep them growing healthily.

It’s quite a statistic. But it’s one that is worth bearing in mind when watering flagging plants. Splashing them with water from a can is just a tease. Use a can with a long spout that can get right down into the middle of the plant, as close to the roots as possible.

Garden sprays lose a lot of moisture to evaporation unless you spray at night. If you are thinking of going away for a time, it would be wise to put all your garden pots around a

central spray on a timer, set for 2am when evaporation is at its least.

In an ideal world the wise gardener mulches the borders and shrubberies in winter while the soil is good and damp. This minimises water loss from evaporation, but it’s not a complete answer.

And planting correctly is very important. Especially if your soil is well-drained and sandy. Plants that are adapted to hot dry conditions are quite

distinctive. They are often quite hairy or silver-leaved. Under a lens the surface of a grey leaf is covered in small hairs that hold the moisture and prevent the leaf from drying out completely.

But, so long as you don’t plant roses and expect a green lawn all summer, the sandy soil in your garden will support a beautiful collection of plants from the driest parts of the world that will revel in the unexpected sunshine.

The gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada were laid out in the 13th century for the Moorish kings who had conquered southern Spain

It’s a good idea to water as close to the roots as possible

BLACKMORE VALE

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Get in the Garden

A PROBLEM I have is that often when I am speaking to a garden club about a group of plants, saying how wonderful they are, I find that I’ve fallen for them, too!

This means that at the end of the talk I have to take some home to grow them in our own garden.

This has happened with a group of Geraniums, or to be more accurate Pelargoniums. The group in question are the Zonal Pelargoniums with variegated foliage.

The sort that a Great Aunt would have growing in her conservatory in the 1970s but which are now very much back in fashion.

Home & Garden

bedding plants around.

With a less inspiring name but one that is an accurate description is the variety Contrast.

This has a powerful red flower that appears in abundance above a canopy of creamy yellow, red brown and green bands.

The foliage is really striking but with the red flower above the effect is fabulous.

With more exotic names and colours, are Lotusland with bronze and gold foliage with sharper leaf shapes and a pink flower, and then Occold Shield with similar colourings but softer shaped leaves and orange red flowers.

The range of colours in the foliage is quite something, from dark chocolate brown through reds, golds, yellows and then white.

A favourite, because it’s been around a while, is the variety Frank Headley.

The variegation in the foliage is a broad white edge to the leaves with an inner brown circle.

The flowers are a pleasing salmon pink and the whole plant stands up well, giving a pleasing effect on its own or in the centre of a pot with other

If you are a confectionary fan, then look out for Chocolate. The dark chocolate colours dominate the leaf with the green edge setting it off nicely.

The flowers are red with the leaves the perfect foil.

These plants have enough going for them to be planted on their own in a, say, 12-in – 30cm – pot or as the centrepiece of a bedding display.

They can come into a well-lit window or a conservatory for winter, so will give much more than a seasonal display.

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

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

2025-17THYEAR

Blandford Hidden Gardens

Sunday 08 June 2025

BLANDFORD’S HIDDEN GARDENS

£7.00 FOR ALL GARDENS

Visit some lovely gardens in our unique Georgian town

SUNDAY 8TH JUNE 11AM TO 5PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM 24TH MAY AT:

Blandford Information Centre (01258 454770)

Blandford Town Museum (01258 450388)

Organised by Blandford Environmental Trust Ltd and sponsored by Colten Care. Contact: blandfordhiddengardens@gmail.com to enter your garden. Please visit and support the beautiful outlying gardens. All monies raised go to charities and good causes.

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotations amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

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Blandford’s Hidden Gardens will be on display again on Sunday June 8th, when private gardens, large and small, in the Georgian town centre and outlying areas will be open to visitors in support of local and national charitable causes.

It’s an opportunity to explore parts of the town you may not have seen, and in the gardens of Georgian, Victorian and more modern houses you will find ponds, wildlife planting, World War II and natural defences, sometimes ancient and award-winning trees, artworks and ceramics, and a wide selection of shrubs, perennials, annuals and climate-resilient plants.

Proceeds from ticket sales go to local charities chosen by the organisers, the Blandford Environmental Trust, and those opening their gardens raise funds for a cause of their choice by offering refreshments or plants for sale.

Last year over £3000 was raised bringing the total raised since the event was first held in 2008 to over £30,000.

Most of the gardens will be open to the public between 11am and 5pm on the day, and tickets giving details and allowing entry to them all are on sale from the Town Museum in the Market Place and the Blandford Information Centre in West Street.

For further information, email blandfordhiddengardens@gmail.com

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Home & Garden

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Meditations in nature: A spring reunion

by Susanah Curtin

AT this time of immense global change and uncertainty, springtime is a miracle that gladdens our hearts and brings us hope. I have never met anyone who does not love this time of year. The lengthening days and the bright, warm sunshine are a temporary relief to the world’s current ills. After the dormancy of winter, new life is flourishing forth. Walking amid the bluebells and ramsons that adorn the woodland corridors, I feel immensely grateful to be alive and free to witness the resilience of nature, and this time of renewal and rebirth.

But most of all, I love being here to welcome back my favourite migratory birds as well as the familiar spring blooms that I have not seen for a year. I greet the flowers like old friends, reaching out to them, touching their petals, just to say ‘hello’. The tiny clocktower florets of moschatel, the starlike clusters of sweet woodruff, the weird-looking broomrape, the hanging bells of Solomon’s seals, wood sorrel and the early purple orchids are all reunions that I look forward to every year. Ridiculous, I know, but I am genuinely so reassured to see them again. Alas, like most flowers, they are only here for such a short time. Although our returning migrant birds stay around a lot longer, they are most noticeable at this time of year when they are busy reacquainting themselves with their summer home and finding a mate. Already I have seen my first swifts. These astonishing flyers that spend their entire life, apart from raising young, totally on

the wing. Their arrival seems especially early this year, perhaps because of the prolonged warm weather. Then there are the dainty common whitethroats who are ushering their fast, scratchy and slightly scolding melodies, the blackcaps who are as tuneful as a blackbird with the speed cranked up, and the rather elusive willow warblers with their unforgettable melodic, descending sequence of notes so reminiscent of my childhood summers. I have only heard one so far this year, but let’s hope there are more to come. Seeing and hearing these ‘old friends’ makes me feel incredibly lucky. To quote the nature writer Simon Barnes: ‘Nature may not make us wealthy, but it certainly makes us rich’.

To enjoy the season of plenty today, I have made my way to my local butterfly reserve – a favourite place of mine to hang out for a couple of hours and while away the time, gently and slowly taking in the heady atmosphere. The weather is unusually warm and sultry for early May and there are brimstones, orange-tips, speckled-woods and large white butterflies on the wing. The bluetits flit around their nest boxes, buzzards circle and screech overhead, and creeping potentilla, clumps of bugle and silverweed lie between my footsteps. Clouds of pollen drift aimlessly in the air, mostly released from the willows and poplars, and there are gnats a plenty. Above an orchestra of the repetitive calls of chiff chaffs, a lone nightingale sings its mournful arpeggios – a song that stops me in my tracks waiting for it to sing again.

Health & Wellbeing

Wood sorrel: ‘A reunion to look forward to every year’

I linger a while under the bright green, wavy, lobe-shaped leaves of the oak trees. The colour is so rich against the brilliant blue sky. This intensity is caused by the way foliage develops. The part of the plant that contains pigments of green chlorophyll are still developing, giving rise to lighter leaves that are also thinner and have not yet developed the accessory pigments that darken them in summer. The upshot of all this incredible nature around gives me a sense of utter happiness.

As well as this emotional joy, there are also biological reasons why the onset of spring can make us feel better. The intensification of daylight increases our levels of serotonin, a chemical we produce that regulates our

moods, digestion, sleep and healing. The extra light enhances our levels of vitamin D that we need for healthy muscles and bones, and then there is dopamine, which boosts motivation, attraction and feeling good. Finally, the prevalence of birdsong, abundance of blooms, and a sky that gets brighter and bluer by the day inspires people to reconnect with nature more at this time of year than at any other. This reconnection is so important in our busy lives. Now that I have seen and heard some precious species, I can go home satisfied that I have reacquainted myself with the icons of spring I have grown to love.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.

Health & Wellbeing

Healthy hit in a pint of juice

by Fiona Chapman

BOTH my husband and I are feeling a bit arthritic. I also feel very dry and itchy. I think, despite having been away, living in centrally heated houses dries the skin out and the damp atmosphere outside makes the joints ache. I just feel like I need oiling!

As we get older, our bodies become more acidic, not helped by coffee, sugar, alcohol, dairy produce and processed foods. Being acidic means we are unhealthy and inflamed, which leads to all sorts of problems, including heart disease and cancer.

I have been craving juices recently, which is my body’s way of telling me that it needs hydrating, alkalising and more nutrients.

Listening to your body is very important, so I have been juicing and thought I would share the ingredients and a brief summary of why I have used them.

Two small beetroot. Good for the blood, helps to lower blood pressure and is alkalising –contains lots of minerals and vitamins, including iron.

Two celery sticks. High water content, full of electrolytes and alkalises the blood. Helps with cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sodium and potassium in celery stimulates urine production, so enables elimination of acidic build-up in the body.

One clove of garlic. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, thins the blood – so anyone on blood thinners should take care. Supports the immune system

and protects against free radicals. Also good for discouraging parasites.

Half a lemon: High vitamin C content enables absorption of iron – the citric acid stimulates digestion. Once metabolised, the lemon becomes alkaline and helps to balance pH in the body and blood, therefore helping to reduce inflammation.

Half a cucumber: Very hydrating and contains vitamin K – for calcium absorption and bone health – and silica, which is good for the skin. It has antioxidants and potassium, which regulate blood pressure. It also helps to lower blood sugar levels.

One apple: Lowers cholesterol, good for blood pressure, therefore heart health. Apples are good for the brain, full of antioxidants and vitamins.

In one pint of juice, I am giving my body a healthy hit. It is best to drink the juice straight away to preserve all the benefits. I have to remember to not breathe over anyone because of the raw garlic and that I have had beetroot as it can turn pee and faeces red, which can give you a bit of a fright first thing in the morning!

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

The healing nature of creative expression

by Nicole Asghar

I AM asked to listen to the sounds around me. I can hear the waves, the wind, the long grass on the sand dunes, a faint barking of a dog playing at the seashore.

“What do you need today?” asks my therapist. A question that lands so clearly now that I have taken time to tune into the present.

“I want to do some art,” I reply.

Looking at the blank page, I feel a moment of hesitation. Then I remember – creative expression comes from the freedom to produce something without a particular goal. I don’t need to be the next Monet – I can simply see what my hand creates. As art therapist Shaun McNiff says: “Art’s medicines are based on surprises...”

It takes courage – and a softening of my mind and body

– to express myself through art. As I make strokes of yellow, blue and pink, I notice my anxiety easing, the enjoyment moving through me. I look up at the sea, then down to my page. More softening, and so it continues.

Drawing and painting are just a few forms of creative expression. When I trained as an integrative therapist, I was unsure about using the arts, due to my own perfectionism, yet I learned its power in various forms such as music, movement, poetry, sound and more.

When we read a gripping fictional book, characters can help us find meaning and allow us to make links to our own lives. When we hear a song that is so emotive, we can feel our bodies respond and change –illuminating the possibility of our emotional landscape. And when we see an image

PUPILS at Bryanston School have been raising money for a charity that tackles the hardships of homelessness.

Student-led initiatives raised more than £11,500 for YMCA Bournemouth.

The fundraising began with a 10km whole school walk through the school’s woodland

and surrounding countryside.

A Year 12 pupil also rallied classmates to run the course for sponsorship.

Joined by 20 fellow runners and supported by staff, her efforts raised more than £5,600.

Cakes were baked and sold at checkpoints to boost the fundraising total.

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Health & Wellbeing

or photograph that reminds us of the beauty in the world, we can feel hope, even in the darkest of times.

Creativity – whether we are expressing it or witnessing another’s – can help us heal. When we are experiencing the challenges, pains and sorrows of life, it is easy to lose perspective and to zoom into the darkness. I believe that using creative expression can reconnect us to hope by reminding us of our ability to evolve and find expansion in our existence. Creativity becomes a gift to ourselves. What kind of creative expression do you enjoy?

Here in Dorset, we’re lucky to have many theatres, galleries and exhibitions to explore. And if you’re curious about therapy that includes the arts, I welcome you. And just as McNiff says, it might surprise you, in the most wonderful way.

n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist working with adults and children online and in Bournemouth and Poole. She specialises in neurodivergence and enjoys using the creative arts, yoga and massage to help clients connect with themselves and others. Find out more at www. ourluminousminds.com or email nicole@ourluminousminds.com.

Then, more than 100 year 12 pupils spent a night on Bryanston’s floodlit AstroTurf for the A3 Sleep Out.

The pupils braved the chill in cardboard shelters inspired by the YMCA’s call to ‘sleep out for one night so that others don’t have to’.

It was the fourth year

Bryanston has taken part in the YMCA initiative, with the event sponsored by Dorsetbased law firm Steele Raymond.

Youngsters warmed themselves with hot chocolate and biscuits, and Steele Raymond treated the pupils to Domino’s Pizza.

home! Bad back? Stiff neck? Aching knee? Stiff Hip? Bad ankle? Shoulder pain?

07596 477222

Creativity – expressing it or witnessing it – can help us heal

HUNGRY NOW?

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

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert

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

Watercress salad a

tasty treat

WATERCRESS says spring and summer and this tasty salad is a treat on a warm day.

Hot honey salmon and watercress salad

Serves 2

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Ingredients

80g watercress

2 salmon fillets

1 lemon, quartered

1 avocado, sliced

For the hot honey

50ml honey

2 garlic cloves, halved 1–2 tsp chilli flakes

honey gently in a small pan. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and allow to infuse. Once fragrant and spicy, remove from the heat.

For the red onions, in a bowl or jar with a lid, add the sliced onion. Pour over the vinegar before sprinkling in the salt and sugar. Give it a mix, or shake, to combine and let it sit while you prepare everything else.

For the quick pickled red onions

½ red onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp vinegar – white wine or apple cider

½ tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

Method

For the hot honey, warm the

Brush one side of the salmon with the hot honey. Lay it coated side down in a hot pan and cook for five or six minutes.

Brush the topside with a little more of the honey, flip and repeat.

To assemble the salad, split the watercress between two plates. Add ½ the avocado to each plate. Top with the salmon fillets and a spoonful of the red onion. Drizzle everything with a little more of the hot honey.

Serve with the lemons, squeezing fresh lemon juice over everything.

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

CONGRATULATIONS

Dr Luke Gassmann

Congratulations on achieving your PhD in Computer Science. Love from the Family

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Friends of Blandford Community Hospital will be holding their 68th

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At 6:30pm on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 at Blandford Community Hospital, Milldown Road, Blandford Forum

ALL ARE WELCOME

For further information telephone: The Friends Office – 01258 450095

Elections 2025

Nominations for elections to the Council must be received by the Hon. Secretary at the Friends’ office by Friday 20 June 2025. All nominees shall have agreed to stand for election and shall have been duly proposed and seconded by members. Rule 9(b) states ‘no person shall be appointed who is not an individual subscribing member of The Friends’. Nomination forms are available from The Friends’ Office.

Charity No. 800482

MILTON ABBAS EMILY FAULKNER TRUST

The Trust makes a limited number of modest grants to assist students about to undertake University or vocational courses. Those eligible are students or former students of The Blandford School or those primarily resident in the North Dorset area.

Anyone wishing to apply this year must submit his/her application no later than 20 July 2025.

For further information and an application form apply to: The Secretary, MAEF, Blanchards Bailey LLP, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9LQ or email val.dear@blanchardsbailey.co.uk

DEATHS

SHEILA WEEDON

Sheila of Stalbridge passed away peacefully on 19th April 2025 at The Mellowes Care Home Gillingham aged 87 years. Funeral Service at the chapel at Colin J Close Funeral Service Peel Close Blandford DT11 7JU and burial at Sturminster Newton Cemetery following, on 28h May at 12.30pm. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for The Donkey Sanctuary 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

John Housley

Passed away peacefully at home on 28th April 2025, aged 87. Much loved husband, brother, dad and grandpa. Private funeral at St Nicholas Church, Child Okeford on 21st May 2025. Donations, if desired for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk (Via the Much Loved Link) or cheques payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

MIKE CHANT

Aged 76 of Gillingham. Suddenly on 20/4/25 dearly loved Husband, Father and Grandad. Good friend to many. Special thanks to Air Ambulance and Police. Cremation has taken place. Sue & Family invite any who knew him to join them at the Dolphin, Gillingham for an informal get together to remember him. On Thursday 12th June from 2pm onwards. Donations if desired, cheques payable to Dorset & Air Ambulance may be sent direct or C/o the Co-operative funeral Care, 2 High Street, Gillingham Dorset, SP8-4QT

Upshall

Arthur George

Passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on 27th April 2025. Beloved partner of Liz. Much loved father of Nick, Michaela, Davinia, Cassandra and the late Gavin. Loving Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and a good friend to many. He will be sadly missed by all. Funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 27th May at 2.40pm all welcome. Please feel free to wear something colourful. Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Funeral Directors L C Hill & Son, Mere, BA12 6DZ

KATHLEEN JOAN MARTIN

On 2nd May 2025, peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 93 years. Of Bedchester and formerly of Twyford. Wife of the late John. Adored Mummy to Jane and Andrew and Grandmother to Tim. She will be deeply missed. Funeral service takes place at St. Mary’s Church, Compton Abbas, on Thursday 29th May at 11.30am. Flowers welcome or donations for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and the NSPCC 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.

Announcements

DEATHS

MARY KNIGHT

Passed away peacefully, aged 83. At The Nazareth Lodge Care Home, Sturminster Newton. Formerly of Wincanton. Will be sorely missed by her children. Private Cremation.

BEATON RUBY JOAN

Aged 91 years of Castle Cary, On 3rd May 2025, Peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium, On Thursday 29th May at 12noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ruby are being invited for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: 01963 440367

CLAPP

William John

Peacefully on 24th April 2025 at Fern Brook Lodge Care Home, Gillingham, aged 98 years. Dearly loved Husband of Ann. Loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral service has taken place. Donations if desired, in memory of John for the Royal British Legion. Cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ Tel: 01747 833757

SYLVIA ROSEMARY ROBERTS

on 7th May 2025, peacefully at home, aged 75 years. Of Motcombe. Much loved soulmate to Phil, devoted mother to Trefor and Gareth and granny to Dylan, Edward and Jasmine. A service to celebrate Sylvia’s life will take place at St Mary’s Church, Motcombe on Monday 2nd June at 11.30am. No flowers please but donations for Weldmar Hospicecare, Wheels for the World and Medical Detection Dogs 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. Please make any cheques payable to the individual charity.

FIANDER, GARY

Passed away peacefully in St Nicholas Hospice. Bury St Edmunds aged 59 on 12th May 2025. Will be sorely missed by all of his family.

MARGARET RUSSELL

Henry and the family would like to thank everyone for their cards, messages of sympathy and offers of kind support over the past few weeks. Please accept this as our personal acknowledgement.

LONGMAN, BRENDA MARY

Aged 91 years of Galhampton on 2nd May 2025, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved Mother, Grandmother and dear friend. Funeral service at St Michael the Archangel Church, North Cadbury on Friday 30th May at 2pm followed by private interment in the churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Brenda are being invited for Macmillan Cancer Support, c/o: Harold F Miles Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: (01963) 440367.

GORRY RUBY ETHEL MAY

Aged 94 years of Wincanton, On 5th May 2025, Peacefully at Wincanton Community Hospital, A much loved Mother, Grandmother, Sister Aunt and Friend. Funeral Service at St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Wincanton, Today Friday 23rd May at 12 noon. Followed by interment in the cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ruby are being invited for The Friends Of Wincanton Community Hospital. C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: 01963 440367

JENNIE JONES

Mrs. Jennie Jones, widow of the late Canon Dick Jones, died at home in April of this year at the age of 88 years. Her Funeral will take place in St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna on Wednesday 11th June, at 12 noon, followed by Burial in the churchyard. No flowers, please. Donations, in memory of a dearly loved mother, grandmother and friend, would be gratefully received for The Children’s Society, 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

DEATHS

THOMPSON Barry James

Peacefully on 4th May 2025 at Newstone House Care Home, aged 75 years of Kington Magna. Dearly loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and friend. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 6th June at 11.20am. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Barry for the Stroke Association can be made via peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

Dorothy Lilian Moore Née Frampton

Passed away at the age of 95 on 25th April in Gillingham. Wife of the late John Moore. Loving partner and friend of the late Jack Masters. Mother to, Belinda, Susan, Jennie, Anna, William, Richard, 8 Grandchildren & 6 Great grandchildren. Private cremation, with a public celebration of life at 2pm on Tuesday 3rd June at Church of St. Simon & St. Jude, Milton on Stour. No flowers, no collection, informal dress. All enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services Tel: 01747 833757

William Frank Williams

Passed away 16 April 2025 at home in Gillingham. Aged 75. Son of William Edward Williams and Agnes Doreen Williams. Funeral service to be held at the Plough Chapel Brecon, 1 Lion Street, Brecon, Powys, Wales, LD3 7AU on Friday 6th June 2025 at 12 noon, followed by a burial in Brecon Cemetery, Cradoc Road, Brecon, Powys, Wales, LD3 9LH. Donations if desired to Cancer Research UK. All enquiries to AV Griffiths & Son, Funeral Directors, Felinfach. Tel: 01874-623477 / 07527-759945

Irene Dorothy Oldale

On the 30th April Irene passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at Hay’s House Nursing and Care Home, Shaftesbury. Much loved wife, mother, granny, sister and friend, who so loved being a student, water colour artist, gardener, pianist and singer, homemaker and life giver through blood donations for 42 years. Now at peace painting the flowers of Heaven but sadly missed by us all.

Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 3rd June at 12.00 midday followed by a service of thanksgiving at Tisbury Methodist Church at 2.00pm. As we will be remembering Irene’s life, please wear something colourful to reflect her love of colour. Please no flowers but donations in her memory, however, are invited to Dementia UK. c/o Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Nankervis Robert (Bob)

Passed away peacefully on the 30th April at the age of 86. Father to Bobbie, Kevin, Amanda & Darren and loving grandad and great grandpa. Cremation service will take place Monday, 2nd June at 12.00 pm at Poole Crem. Donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Teresa Karen Quick

Sadly passed away peacefully on 8th May 2025 aged 56. Much loved mum, daughter, sister, partner, aunty, niece Funeral service at St Andrews church , Okeford Fitzpaine on Tuesday 27th May Family flowers only , donations if desired for Pancreatic Cancer uk C/O Colin J Close funeral services, Peel Close, Blandford Forum, DT11 0TP. 01258 453133

Michael Robert Peach

Suddenly on 16th April 2025. Michael aged 82 years of Cherry Trees, Stourton Caundle. Dearly loved Dad, Granfy and Brother. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 5th June at 2pm. Family flowers only please donations if desired for The Woodland Trust. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel 01963 362570.

Sheila Lilian Barnes

Peacefully on 26th April 2025. Sheila aged 90 years. Dearly loved Wife, Mum, Nan and Great Nan. Funeral Service at St Nicholas Church, Manston on Wednesday 28th May at 11am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0PP. Tel 01963 362570

Brian Wareham

Peacefully passed on 10th May 2025, aged 90 years. Very much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Funeral service at St. Mary Church, Hermitage, DT2 7BB. On Wednesday 28th May 2025 at 2pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Trust or Hermitage Village Green Fund. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0PP

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Winners and dignitaries at the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards. From left are Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling; Sarah Matthias, from University Hospitals Dorset; Aleasha Ellis, from Bluebird Care; Alfie Blake, from BCP Council; Morgan Simpson, from Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen; Jack Lant, from Poole Accident Repair Centre; Sonnaz Nooranvary, from House of Sonnaz; Richard Jenkins, from Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN); and Superior managing director, Tim Brown.

Apprenticeship awards winners

WINNERS were hailed for their ‘inspirational achievements’ when the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards were announced.

They claimed honours in five categories at a ceremony with dignitaries, organisers, guests, employers, and education and training providers.

Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual celebration of success with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior.

The winners were:

n Supported Internship Award: Alfie Blake – BCP Council/ SWRAC

n Intermediate Apprenticeship Award: Morgan Simpson –Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen/ Bournemouth and Poole College

n Advanced Apprenticeship Award: Jack Lant – Poole Accident Repair/RWC Training and Skillnet

n Higher Level Apprenticeship Award: Aleasha Ellis – Bluebird Care/t2 group

n Degree Level Apprenticeship Award: Sarah Matthias –University Hospitals Dorset/ Bournemouth University

The ceremony was held at manufacturing business and longstanding awards sponsor Superior in Ferndown.

Former apprentice and upholstery expert from

television programme The Repair Shop, Sonnaz Nooranvar, presented the awards and shared her own experience about becoming an apprentice at 17.

She urged employers to support this valuable training route. She was accompanied by fellow presenters Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling; Superior managing director, Tim Brown MBE; Richard Jenkins, of Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN); Cllr Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council; and Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council.

Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “Congratulations to all of our very worthy winners.

“They impressed the judges with their inspirational achievements in a field of incredibly strong entries that demonstrates the great depth of talent we have among our apprentices in Dorset.

“The ceremony was a fitting celebration of all of our apprentices and their employers who recognise the value of nurturing the next generation and giving them opportunities to progress their careers.

“My thanks go to everyone who entered, judges, sponsors, employers, training providers and all who contributed to the success of this year’s awards.”

News Extra

Military charity in volunteer appeal

AN RAF veteran is calling on people across Dorset to volunteer to provide vital support for men and women who have served their country.

Veteran’s charity Help for Heroes is trying to expand its reach in local communities and to help do so wants more volunteers to come on board.

The charity provides essential support for veterans across the country, and with five people on average medically discharged from the UK military each day, the need for support grows.

Clare Keating, 44, lives in Poole and served for seven years in the RAF, servicing helicopters.

In 2008 she was medically discharged after developing an eye condition, which left her partially sighted.

She has received support from the Help for Heroes mental health service and has taken part in sports and social activities organised by the charity, including singing with the choir.

She said the charity was there when she most needed support.

“It’s really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served,” she said.

“As well as providing clinical, mental health and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the charity works with groups to support veterans and

their families to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities.

“These activities can be an important part of recovery and the charity wants to expand this activity in Dorset but to do this, it’s going to need volunteers.”

Help for Heroes is currently supporting 101 veterans across Dorset.

The charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer

activities for veterans and their families such as wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, as well as activities such as photography and creative writing.

It is also hoping to expand its regular drop-in cafe social sessions.

Clare added: “I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does.

“There are approximately 22,884 veterans living in Dorset and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the charity can do more for local people.

“We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events.

“Last year our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations.”

For more information about volunteering with Help for Heroes, visit www. helpforheroes.org.uk/givesupport/volunteer/

Water works could cause road delays

DRIVERS are being warned of potential traffic delays around Wincanton as water works get underway in the coming weeks and months.

A number of traffic lights will be installed in the Lattiford and Lawrence Hill areas as a new pipeline is connected.

Wessex Water said the works would run in the following areas around Wincanton and between the following dates:

n June 16-July 11: Rolling two-way traffic lights, manually controlled during peak hours, between Lattiford Lodge and Rose Farm, Lattiford.

n July 7-11: Some

carriageway incursion in Old Road, near Earl Cottage.

n July 28-August 29: Multi-way traffic lights, manually controlled during peak hours, will move

around Hopkins Depot and head towards the Lawrence Hill roundabout.

“Access will be maintained for residents, but it may be delayed at times,” Wessex

Water said.

The work will be carried out on public roads and in private fields, the firm said, using ‘open cut and some directional drilling methods’.

The work comes as part of a £700,000 upgrade of the water supply on the outskirts of Wincanton.

“These mains are prone to bursting, causing inconvenience and disruption to customers in the area and replacing them will ensure improved water quality and a more reliable supply,” the firm said.

The first phase of work was completed between September last year and January 2025.

Roadworks to improve the water supply will be taking place around Wincanton in the coming months PHOTO: Google

Clare Keating said Help for Heroes was there when she needed it PHOTO: Help for Heroes

Firms honoured in disability awards

LARGE and small businesses which have carried out exceptional work in hiring, retaining and supporting disabled people in the workplace have been recognised in the annual Disability Confident Awards in London.

Judged by DWP’s Disability Confident team, winners were chosen from a wide selection of nominations ranging from tech companies developing accessible equipment to a heritage trust breaking down barriers for disabled people.

The two winners, chosen for their work in the travel industry and fitness sector, were:

n Small organisation winner (fewer than 250 employees) –Seable, a bespoke travel agent which provides experiences for people who are visually impaired.

The company hires blind and partially sighted people who share their lived experiences, so holidays reflect the needs of their

customers.

n Big organisation winner (more than 250 employees) –The Gym Group, which runs schemes such as the Inclusive Traineeship which helps disabled people in the workplace with dedicated support staff and programmes to help them break into the fitness industry.

The Disability Confident scheme is a Government initiative designed to encourage employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

It has more than 19,000 members, with more than 12 million employees working in their businesses.

To become a Disability Confident employer, organisations must provide accessible and inclusive recruitment practices and a public commitment to supporting employees with a disability.

These also signal to disabled jobseekers which companies may be suitable for their needs.

PART-TIME CARER/PA WANTED for the Tisbury area. Flexible, cheerful and energetic please! 07790-524241

OAKWOOD TAXIS

require night drivers Friday night, Saturday night 7pm till late. If this is something that you are interested in please ring Andy on 01258 455555 between 08:00 and 16:00 or email oakwoodtaxis@aol.com

SITUATIONS

CHEMISTRY TUTOR Experienced GCSE and A Level teacher. Call 07732 418488 or visit www.cometugrow.com/services.

LADY AVAILABLE TO HELP with early morning routine ie, help to get dressed, wash and prepare breakfast, very experienced. Wincanton, Bruton or Castle Cary area preferred. Please contact me for more details on 07841-538939.

A GARDENER 1 day a week, for house in Todber. Tel: 01747-838617 / 07837-391288

Recruitment

QJ HULL LTD QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN required Full/Part time 01747-830518

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER to join our team working on a prestigious 7 acre garden near Shaftesbury. Previous experience required and references. 07792-892999.

General Builders

All general building items including plastering, wall & floor tiling.

Full Time Positions

[employed/self-employed]

sites generally within a 25 mile radius of our Office (Wincanton)

Bricklayers/ Stone Masons

All aspects of masonry work.

Visit our website to see examples of our projects

Please apply through our Office: T: 01963 824444 E: info@hhpltd.co.uk W: builders-south-west.co.uk

Communications Officer

Salary: £30,559 - £32,654 pro rata

Hours per week: 22.2 hours, permanent

Location: Tollard Royal, SP5 5QA

Apply by: 22nd June 2025

Are you creative, imaginative with a passion for engaging people with the countryside and beautiful landscapes? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Communications Officer who can regularly update our website, compile and send engaging regular newsletters/bulletins, update SM channels and find imaginative ways to reach different audiences.

Find out more and apply:

Why your dog’s bad belly could be a medical emergency

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

GASTRIC dilatation volvulus (GDV) is an acutely lifethreatening condition where the stomach becomes obstructed or twists, causing the stomach to rapidly fill with fluid and gas.

This occurs more typically in large deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, Weimaraners and Saint Bernards. The typical cause is a full stomach, such as following a large meal or a dietary indiscretion, and then exercising. The full stomach in a deep-chested body allows room for the stomach to rotate. causing rapidly developing bloat, pain, unproductive retching and circulatory collapse.

While this is the typical described cause, it also occurs without this history. The risk of occurrence can be reduced by

feeding small meals more frequently and avoiding exercise straight after eating. A gastropexy, which involves suturing the stomach to the body wall to prevent it rotating, can be carried out pre-emptively in susceptible breeds either during neutering or on its own. The stomach is suspended inside the abdomen within the rib cage on a ligament and attaches to the oesophagus at the front and the small intestine at the back. If it twists, the outflow from the oesophagus and small intestine is obstructed, and fluid, which is constantly secreted in to the stomach, together with gas from digestion and the food present in the stomach, rapidly builds up causing the stomach to expand and become taut. Typically, the abdomen will look distended and will become taut like a drum.

GDV typically occurs in large deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes

The spleen is attached along the wall of the stomach and, when the stomach twists, the spleen becomes obstructed and rapidly fills with blood and becomes enlarged. The combination of obstructed blood vessels, fluid being secreted into the stomach but not being released and the pressure of the enlarged stomach on the lungs and other organs causes

circulatory collapse. The stomach loses its blood supply due to compression of its blood vessels and irreversible damage can develop to the stomach wall.

When seeing a dog with GDV, it is essential to try to stabilise them prior to surgery. They need high flow fluids to support their collapsed circulatory system.

WEIMARANER DOG PUPPY for sale. 01747-841126

CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home.Jacqui 07791-198679

TRUSTED LOCAL DOG WALKER & SITTER! DBS checked - Fully insured - Pet First Aid Trained. Contact Jessie 07772-132390

QUIET GENTLE MIDDLE AGED B/W NM cat looking for a new home Would suit older person. Contact Exclusively Cats 01747-854013

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

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

,

Rosie, three, sweet girl looking for a quiet home

n Jasper, 11, and Misty, 10, delightful pair still looking for their forever home together

Teasel, seven, beautiful little fluffy

n Robin, eight, shy boy, lost an eye. Needs an indoor home and a special person to bring him on

n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/middorset

LOST CATS

If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost. For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/middorset

National Dog Survey – have your say

DOG charity the Dogs Trust is giving people in Dorset and Somerset the chance to share their stories about the vital role dogs play in their lives.

The 2025 National Dog Survey, Britain’s largest dog census, this year focuses on the everyday joy dogs bring people.

Last year, 373,000 dog owners took part in the survey, sharing details about more than 430,000 dogs.

The survey found that:

n 89% of owners said owning a dog makes them more active.

n Half of owners (52%) said they struggle with their dog’s barking.

n 96% of owners said owning a dog is good for their mental health.

n 80% of dog owners said they were confident in reading their dog’s body language – yet only a quarter (24%) could consistently identify what a worried dog looked like.

The National Dog Survey helps Dogs Trust shape its services and support for the 13 million dogs and their owners in the UK.

The survey at dogstrust.org.

uk/survey-25 is open until Tuesday, June 24, and takes just 15 minutes to complete.

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “As we all know, dogs are so much more than just pets – they’re family!

“This year’s National Dog Survey will focus, for the first time, on the way our dogs bring joy to our best days and comfort us in our hardest moments.

“So, we’re calling on the dog lovers of the south west to help us understand the incredible bond we have with our canine friends.

“How does your dog shape your everyday life? What makes your relationship so special? Is your dog your pal, your confidant or even your adventure partner?

“Share your story, celebrate your dog and contribute to this incredible project today.”

The survey is sponsored by People’s Postcode Lottery which, since 2013, thanks to support from its players, has raised more than £26million for Dogs Trust, improving the lives of 100,000-plus dogs.

n Meme, six, gentle loving girl

n Cole

17, bit of a character

n

n

girl, no young children

The

Parking firms set to issue 14.5m tickets this year

PRIVATE parking firms are on course to issue a record 14.5 million tickets to drivers this year with just five companies responsible for almost half, RAC analysis of the latest government data shows.

In the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, requests to the DVLA from car park management companies for vehicle keeper details hit 7.2m – the equivalent of 41,000 a day and a 12% increase on the same period 12 months before –6.5m.

If this trend continues when figures for the second half of the year are published, nearly 14.5m drivers will have been sent £100 parking charge notices for alleged parking

contraventions, equating to £1.4bn.

This would be more than double the number dished out six years ago (2018-19), just before the Government passed an Act of Parliament intended to clamp down on rogue private parking operators.

The Private Parking Code of Practice was withdrawn in 2022 following legal challenges from private parking and debt recovery companies. This has meant the behaviour of private parking companies has not been scrutinised as intended by the Act, which may be part of the reason why so many more parking charge

notices have been issued.

In March there was a widely reported story about the operator of Syston Town Square car park in Leicestershire issuing £100 parking charge notices to drivers for what they claim is a fault with the payment machine when entering their number plates.

More than 130 people have joined a Facebook group because they were unhappy with their treatment by Euro Car Parks.

Prior to that Excel Parking threatened a driver with court action for £1,906 after she took longer than five minutes to pay for parking on several occasions in Derby. The case was subsequently dropped following media publicity and MP intervention.

Both of these cases came to light after the two private parking trade associations – the British Parking Association and the International Parking

Community – published their own code of practice in October 2024 which the RAC believes demonstrates the need for the Government-backed code.

Further analysis of the DVLA data shows that just five companies are responsible for making nearly half (45%) of the 7.2m requests to the DVLA for vehicle keeper details in the first two quarters of the 2024-25 financial year.

These are ParkingEye (1.1m), Euro Car Parks (891,600), Horizon Parking (439,896), Smart Parking (423,809) and APCOA Parking (367,465). ParkingEye was responsible for 16% of the total, and just 10 companies made nearly two-thirds – 64% – 4.6m – of all the requests to the DVLA. Each request costs £2.50 to make.

To help drivers, the RAC has published a detailed guide on how to appeal both private parking charge notices and penalty charge notices issued by councils.

WANTED 4x4 TOYOTA HONDA Landrover etc. Been standing can repair for farm runaround. 07740-378644.

ALFA GT FOR SALE, 2004, low milage, must sell hence £2,500 good condition. Phone 01258-473598 for details

VW CAMPERVAN 1972

Late Bay. Great condition, MOT, leisure battery, power assisted steering and electronic ignition fitted. Lots of service/work history. £22k ono. 07867 802070

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS,

/ 07704 813025

WANTED

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

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert (Not including

Phone

07890 096907

on 07474 737577

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450

2013 (63) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, partial leather, heated seats, £20 road tax, upto 60mpg, cambelt kit has been replaced, 24,500 miles................................... £7850

2005 (55) Mercedes-Benz SL350 Automatic 3.7 V6 Convertible 2dr. 245bhp, petrol, automatic gearbox, electric folding hard top, sat nav, heated leather seats, parking sensors, cruise control, 61,500 miles..........................£8500

2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950

2014 (63) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Zetec 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, cambelt kit replaced, £20 a year road tax, upto 60mpg economy, parking sensors, 56,900 miles.................................................................................................£5850

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450

2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV SUV 5dr. 155bhp, petrol hybrid, manual gearbox, partial leather, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, 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, cruise control, park sensors, reverse camera, auto parking system, partial leather, 61,800 miles............£12750

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800

2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 Trend L2 H2 12 Seat Minibus 5dr. 125bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, 3 front seats, 9 rear seats, Bluetooth, standing head room, 75,500 miles..................................................£11500+VAT = £13800

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat. 130bhp, diesel, automatic gearbox, cruise control, heated seats, parking sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,100 miles..........................£18000+VAT = £21600

2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850

2013 (63) Hyundai i10 1.2 Active 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, manual gearbox, great value low-cost motoring, £20 a year road tax, upto 60mpg, 45,500 miles..................................................................................Available soon £3850

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, automatic gearbox,

2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles .........................................................................................................£12250

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950

2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250

Sport

Vase victory for Blandford after penalties drama

by Hannah Waters

BLANDFORD and Sturminster won a thrilling Hampshire Senior Ladies Vase final against Southampton University 3s after a penalty shoot-out.

Nerves from both sides resulted in a tight first half. Blandford won four shorts, each saved convincingly by Southampton’s keeper.

Southampton earned two shorts themselves, with Zena Parry saving both.

The pendulum swung in the second half. Southampton did not fire a single shot, giving Blandford confidence. The opposition’s frustration resulted in green card for a tackle on Justine Turnbull who in turn was carded for trying to restart too quickly.

Blandford kept pressing. Jenny Smith had a goal disallowed and, minutes later, Justine took a free hit on the

edge of the D and drove the ball out left before hitting it to Susan Bovenizer, who saw another ‘goal’ ruled out.

In the last minutes of the game, Blandford were relentless. Shots peppered the Southampton goal with Maddie Cowley, Laura Robinson and Jenny all peppering the opposition’s goal.

With the game ending 0-0,

Tough going for youngsters in lake contest

by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary

THE fourth round of the Dorchester & District Angling Society Junior Points championship took place at a very out of sorts Canal Lake at Whitemoor fishery.

The carp were finishing off doing what comes naturally to them at this time of year, making the fishing very difficult on an already challenging venue.

Difficult fishing coupled with wind-blown pollen spores made

conditions extremely hard to deal with.

Every bite counts when they are hard to find and sadly one or two went home without catching anything.

But championship leader Josiah Wells-Parkes showed patience and determination to land four fish weighing 12lb 2oz to claim yet another 25 championship points.

hit put the score 1-1. Zena ensured the score stayed even with a fantastic save to prevent Southampton’s second taker.

Caroline Smith followed her sister, beating the keeper for pace and calmly slipping the ball in. Blandford, 2-1.

The third Southampton taker was given a masterclass in goalkeeping by Zena, who forced her back, forth and out wide. Though the ball went into goal, Zena’s dedicated delaying ensured it was out of the eight-second time limit.

Georgia Turnbull stepped up to the line, dragging the keeper out wide and hitting a bullet to make it 3-1.

All the pressure was now with Southampton who had to score to keep any hopes alive. And they did.

penalty shuffles loomed, where players must run from the 22 line into the D and score within eight seconds.

Susan was up first, and the Southampton keeper’s domineering presence forced her to shoot wide. Southampton’s first shuffle was a success. Blandford 1-0 down.

Jenny’s self-assured reverse

Kenzie Toulson, on the end peg, caught only five smaller fish to weigh 5lb 13oz for second place.

Third, with just a single fish weighing 3lb 14oz, went to Mia Evans, claiming her second junior podium.

Up stepped Laura Robinson with a chance to win the game and take home the Ladies Vase. The sound of the ball hitting the backboard signalled the end of the game and the start of Blandford’s celebrations.

The team have won everything there is to win this season – a Vase, a league title and promotion.

For more information on the club, visit www.ddasjuniors. co.uk, or email the junior secretary at juniors.sec@d-das. com. For fishery information go to whitemoorlakes.com

Hampshire Senior Ladies Vase final against Southampton University 3s – plus, this season, the league title and promotion

Second-placed Kenzie Toulson caught 5lb 13oz

First placed Josiah Wells-Parkes bagged 12lb 2oz

Successes on and off pitch for Sturminster Newton

by Martin Silk Sturminster Newton

United FC 2

Hallen AFC 2

STURMINSTER Newton completed their first campaign in the Jewson Western League with a deserved draw away to league champions, Hallen.

The match concluded a season that went far beyond expectations, the club finishing in eighth place, agonisingly just out of reach of the play-offs.

They also enjoyed an inaugural FA Vase run and giant-killing achievements in the Dorset Senior Cup, and delivered a new stand to give the club a great foundation to build for the future.

The long, gruelling league season began in the July heat with a nervous home tie against Cheddar, followed by early season evening away games at eventual play-off teams which

GOLF

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Monthly Medal –April 8. 1 John Westaway nett 66 ocb; 2 Colin Jacobs nett 66; 3 Kees Schouten nett 67 ocb; 4 Phil Francis nett 67; 5 Jon Reed nett 67.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – April 11. Winners: Geoff Lye / Chris Mieville / Kevin Francis – 63 points.

Monthly Stableford – April 12. 1 Steven Ireland 68; 2 Nigel Orr 69; 3 Phil Francis 70 ocb; 4 Rick Graham 70.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – April 15. 1 Chris Dibben 39 ocb; 2 Jim Stephen 39; 3 John Morgan 37.

Seniors 9 Hole Stableford –April 15. 1 David Hallett 22; 2 Robin Price 18 ocb; 3 Geoff Lye 18; 4 Malcolm Faulkner 12.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – April 18. Winners: John Westaway / Richard Strong /

FOOTBALL

tested the resolve of the young squad. Performances were good, but results were not forthcoming.

However, a season-defining moment came away at Bitton in September, where a 3-0 win over a league title contender gave belief to the squad that they not only belonged in the league, but could achieve good things.

A six-run winning streak before Christmas left the team in a buoyant position as the new year approached. This was spoilt by eventual play-off winners Bradford Town in a 5-1 defeat.

Sturminster bounced back and were just in touch of the play-off race for the rest of the season but failed to make them despite a four-game unbeaten streak in the final fixtures.

Malcolm Faulkner / David Hallett 73 points.

Pairs Sheild – April 19.

Winners: Steven Ireland / David Amann – 68 points.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – April 25. Winners: Kevin Francis / Alan Rogers / Geoff Lye – 57 points.

Club Foursomes – April 27. Winners: Richard Czemerda / David Whitehand – 37 points.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – May 2. Winners: Chris Mieville / Cliff Hibberd / Kevin Dinneen / John Morgan – 59 points.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – May 9. Winners: Phil Francis / Kevin George / Philip Dewar – 59 points.

Camelot Sheild – May 10. 1

Richard Czemerda nett 71; 2

Steven Ireland nett 72; 3 David Ivey nett 73.

Mike Parfitt Memorial Glass – May 13. 1 Jon Reed nett 65; 2

Neil Auckland nett 66; 3 Geoff

The first appearance in the FA Vase was historic for the club. The first preliminary round threw up a trip to Folland, which was won 3-2, then they beat Infinity, from West Sussex, 5-0.

The first round proper awaited, and a home tie against Okehampton, but a close game saw the visitors score in the second half to destroy any hopes of prolonging the cup run.

A great season on the pitch was matched with efforts off the pitch, too.

A new stand was ordered and installed in April, opened by the mayor in front of a large crowd before the home game with Gillingham Town.

The club drew many plaudits from the league, opponents, groundhoppers and charitable causes throughout the season, which was one to remember but set the bar high for next year.

Lye nett 67. Mike Parfitt Putter. 1 Derek King nett 33; 2 Keith Williams 33; 3 David Ivey 35.

A SHOTGUN start at 8.30am saw 21 four-ball teams set out across Wheathill Golf Course on Sunday, May 5. It was dry with some sun, but a cold wind meant the players kept jumpers and coats on.

Many dressed in red, white and blue clothing and a few flags were flown to mark the forthcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Awaiting the competitors after 18 holes were tables set up outside loaded fine grub. A great day out was had by all. The winners were Anne Gates, Chris Reed, Kevin Snook and Roy Smith, who were awarded a glass decanter, and a money prize.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford – May 16. Winners: Steven Ireland / David Amann / John Morgan / David Ivey – 61 pts. Monthly Stableford – May 17. 1 David Whitehand 38 ocb; 2 Rick Graham 38; 3 David Amann 38.

Ladies win back trophy

A LADIES team from Sherborne Golf Club have reclaimed the Jenny Oldham Trophy.

Caroline Beaumont, Fleur Collins, Claire Woolley, Patricia Rawlins anWd Charlie Gartell – pictured –made the most of

home advantage against a team from Yeovil, who took the title in 2023.

Last year’s game was called off due to torrential rain, but this year, a good fun, competitive round of golf was played in baking hot spring sunshine.

GOLF

Items for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS

COSATTO PRAM, pushchair and car seat. £60. 07817-031241

SUMMIT MOUNTAIN BIKE for sale. 6 gears. £100. Tel: 07384-969157

2 ADULT BICYCLES.

1 ladies, 1 gents. £45 each. Good Condition. Tel: 01935-815745

CHARMING COMPACT

Edwardian 2-seater sofa, recovered, VGC, W:138cm, D:68cm, H:85cm. £170. ovno. Sherborne: 07902-316800

2 RTM MAMBO KAYAKS

£250 each. Includes oars and seats. 07860-541376

MTX NEPTUNE 48 self propelled petrol lawn mower. Good condition. Buyer collects £80 North Barrow. 07880-714034

BSA AIRSPORTER 22, very powerful, lovely condition £100 Tel 07970 742471

COSATTA PRAM, pushchair and baby carrier car seat. £69. 07817-031241

PLYWOOD DINGHY, 12ft, on trailer. Comes with oars and sail £400. Plywood 2 seater touring kayak, 17ft with paddles. £200. Fiberglass, single seat ‘Dawn Treader’ Sea Kayak, 16ft with paddles (suit experienced kayaker) £200. For any of these call or text: Chris on 07714-014657

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

ROTATING TAPESTRY FRAME, with floor stand. £15. Tel: 01929-553927

3.5 L WATER BOILER

NEOSTAR. Worktop size or ideal in caravan. Hardly used. £10.00 01747-812569

GAS BARBECUE, with part filled gas bottle. Good quality and vgc. £60 (Okeford Fitzpaine) 07919 338105

LIGHTWEIGHT STRAW

DESIGN SUN HAT with wide brim new never worn suit holiday, cruise,wedding. £10 Gillingham area 07769-708992

GRANDPARENTS SELLING

COSATTO HIGH CHAIR £20, extendable fire guard £10, ornamental fire screen £10. All good condition. Child Okeford 07413-877130

TWO JOHN LEWIS WOODEN slatted compost bins. 93cm x 93cm x 7 1.6cm. Holds approx 605 litres. As new. £40 each.Tel 07732-264850

4 DRAWER MAHOGANY

BUREAU with metal handles 38” high x 30” wide £30. Tel 01935-816481

MOLE VALLEY DOUBLE DOOR

Foldable Dog Crate Black-Small 63cm x 44cmx 50.5 cm-£20 07967-444150 or 01747-840141 leave a message Gillingham Area

THREE COMFORTABLE

PADDED fishing chairs, one lightweight. £15 each. One good keepnet free. 07732-179986 Shaftesbury

AIR FRYER, cook essentials, green, with dishes, never used, £50. Sherborne, 01935-817782

RAILWAY BOOK BOURNE’S London to Birmingham 1839, reproduction 1970 , Historical account & 30 Plates for framing, 21in x 15in, good condition. £50 . 01985 844606

LARGE WHITE TABLECLOTHS. Egyptian Cotton 264x209cms, Irish Linen 248x172cms, Polyester 274x179cms. £15. 07971-001852

CEMENT MIXER, Belle Minimix 130 240v, Old but in usable condition. £30 ono. 07903-678306.

SET OF 3 PETANQUE MATCH BOULES. JB Steel, P36, 700mm dia 720G weight. £50. 01747-841175.

MENS FOOT JOY GOLF SHOES. Size 8. Worn twice. £50. Shaftesbury, 01747-631888

DOREMA FULL SIZE AWNING

fits a Swift Conqueror 480 fair condition jut no longer required £40.00 ono, Tel 07975-735443

BRAND NEW IN UNOPENED

DRAPER 12VOLT JUMP STARTER. As new. £35. Tel: 07791-847767

HEAVY METAL PARASOL BASE, Tower Stick Vac Cleaner £5 each. Selection of china jugs. £2 each. Tel: 01963 -350118

CARPENTERS/ WOODWORKERS bench with vice, solid hard wood, mid century. £50. Tel: 01258 818219

JODIE BABY BOUNCER with mobile. £10. 07817031241

WICKER PICNIC BASKET L57cm W40 D27 £10 Wooden 3 Drawer Filing Cabinet £20 Tel 01747-822430

THREE PUZZLES 250 pieces and two 500 pieces large size pieces for sight impaired. £14.00. ring 01747 708308

PANASONIC INVERTER combination oven, grill, microwave. in exellent condition. £50 cash only, must collect. Call 07964 307869

OLD MAHOGANY TILT TOP TABLE on tripod leg base. Reasonable condition. £40. Tel: 07563-677169. N Gillingham.

PHASE EIGHT PLUM SATIN

high heel shoes worn once size 6 £15. Tel: 07769-708992 Gillingham area

CHAINSAW PETROL HITACHI

14”. Little used but engine problem £45. Tel 07486-585174

2 BLUE SUN LOUNGERS. £20. Tel: 07518-771925

FAUX RATTAN, cube garden furniture, with cushions, FREE to collect. (Gillingham) Tel: 01747-822755

BLOUZON LIGHT TAN

LEATHER jacket, size L. Nice condition, cost £260 new. except £45. Tel: 01963-31930

POLY TUNNEL, FRAME ONLY, 4mtr X 3mtr £30. Tel: 01747-841206

HARDWOOD LOUNGER with cushion set. Very good condition. £45. Tel: 07807-009768

PENNY LLAMA & ALPACA RESCUE, excess bags of Alpaca manure to clear (free ) to collect bags call 01725 552061.

UPRIGHT BLOMBERG FREEZER 177litre white 145cms high x 55cms wide. Good condition. £50. Tel: 07485 163197

LARGE DOME CLIMBING FRAME, £40 ONO, Will be dismantled for collection, Around 7 years old. In pretty good condition, Collection from Bishops Caundle, Tel: 07794-900663

BOX victorian plumbing 1000 hinged square bath screen with fixed panel. bargain £50 Tel: 07976-937830

TRAVEL COT & HIGH CHAIR

£10 each or £15 for both. very good condition as only used at grand parents. Tel 07721 530520

A MAC ELECTRIC MOWER, used twice, £50. Tel: 01747-822064

FLOORING: TWO PART

PACKS OF interlocking flooring, each 1.6 - 1.7 sq. metres, plus some underlay. Offers, please. Enquiries: 01747 833734.

FRIGIDAIRE FREEZER 194L capacity £30 , hotpoint fridge iced diamond 83cm £5, in working order. Buyer collects Tel: 01747 840301

ELECTRIC WOODBURNER, excellent condition, selling because of move. £50. Tel: 01935-812985

ROLLATOR FOR SALE. Only used 3 times. £20. Tel: 07586-633985. Buyer collects. Sherborne.

INDESIT FRIDGE FREEZER, elec oven 1 Yr old,white gloss kitchen cabinets, offers 07557-787949 Henstridge.

VACUUM CLEANERS, CAMCORDERS, VHS Players, HIFI Equipment, Digital Cameras, Atari, Nintendo, Sega, PS Games Consoles. Find a new home for your unused electrical items. We pay excellent rates for your unwanted items, must be in working order. If its electrical and gathering dust then call Andrew on 07799-417711

Dry cow nutrition and transition-related diseases

by Jade Mowlem BVMSci MRCVS

THE close-up dry period is a critical period in the last three weeks before calving to prevent transition-related diseases and ensure a successful lactation. It is very tempting now we have had some nice weather, to chuck the dry cows out to grass and leave them there until calving!

Over the past year, as a practice, we sold the following drugs that are related to transition-related diseases:

n 538 tubes of Metricure (to treat endometritis)

n 225L of propylene glycol (to treat ketosis)

n 708 bottles of Calcibel (to treat milk fever)

In this article, I am going to discuss some options for dry cow diets that may help to reduce transition-related diseases. The target calcium level in a dry cow diet is 30g/ head/day. To put this into context, the average calcium content of grass silage is 8-10g/ kg DM. If a cow eats 12kg of forage DM a day, she will

consume 120g of calcium. Excess calcium will stop a cow from mobilising it from her bones when she needs it at calving. Heavily fertilised grass (high in potassium) will also reduce calcium mobilisation. So, what are some options?

Goldilocks diet

n The term ‘Goldilocks’ is used as it provides just the right amount of nutrition –requirements are met but not exceeded when the diet is fed ad-lib.

n A diet low in energy and high in low quality forage (such as straw) to achieve good rumen

fill

n Straw must be chopped to 2cm for palatability

n Can be fed for the entire dry cow period

n No grass silage used

n Should contain more than 1.2kg of metabolisable protein, provided by a concentrate such as soya

n Good at preventing milk fever and ketosis

DCAB diet

n Balances minerals in diet to create slightly acidic conditions in the blood to allow calcium mobilisation from the bones

n Magnesium chloride flakes are used as an anionic salt

n This diet is harder to monitor

– blood acidity can be measured by testing urine pH

n Used in higher yielding herds

Calcium binders

n Bind excessive calcium in the diet to reduce milk fever

n Used where a high amount of silage is fed in the diet

n Can feed alongside a fairly normal diet

n Expensive

n Does not reduce other transition related diseases we l, such as ketosis

n May be useful in smaller AYR calving herds

Standing hay for grazing herds

n Leave fields to grow for more than months and then strip graze to provide a high fibre, low energy diet

n Eat 8-10kg DM/day

n High yielding cows will need supplementing with dry cow rolls

n Cheapest diet

n Works well for outdoor systems, but weather can play a big part in this

n Works well for autumn block calving herds

Forage and dry cow rolls

n Forage such as haylage (25-30kg fresh weight) and dry cow nuts (2-3kg/head/day)

n Simple

n Dry cow nuts provide protein and energy

n Works well with smaller groups

3

Mob: 07973 642278 Est 1886

jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz

Tel: 01258 452307

n Usually approximately 500g zeolite/head/day

If you think you’d benefit from a transition review, give the practice a call.

Jade Mowlem

MONDAY 16 th JUNE SALE OF

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

Ewes and lambs on the hillside

by Tria Stebbing

THE dry spring has been a blessing with the flock. The lambs and ewes returned to the home village to graze the paddocks, but it was a difficult decision to take them from the luxury of the field shelters and barns and leave them with just hedges for shelter.

It makes for a very traditional pastoral scene with the sun out on the hillside, the ewes lying down chewing cud with the lambs bouncing around them.

Right on cue, we’ve booked the shearer for next week – and the forecast is changing. The sheep must be dry for shearing to avoid injury to both sheep and shearer, reduce the risk of electrocution from the shears, prevent slips on the shearing board and slippery shears, and ensure the wool doesn’t become mouldy in storage.

The flock are at risk of fly strike until they are shorn and with the weather changing the risk will increase. As soon as they are finished, we shall apply the treatment and breathe a sigh of relief.

The lambs are weaning themselves, tentatively grazing and trying the different fare in the field. They appear to love the wild garlic but avoid the stinging nettles.

The Highland cows are next to the sheep and view the lambs with interest. From under their hairy Dossan we are not sure how much they can see but seem quite animated by the antics of the lambs, who show no fear when it comes to approaching the beasts. The cows have now been injected against Blue Tongue and passed their TB test, so a quiet few months for them, now.

The dry weather and dry spring is making for an interesting hedgerow. The apple blossom has been amazing, and if the crop is as good as the blossom, we shall be very happy.

Latest News from Synergy Farm Health Vet Louise Silk

We have seen a change in our region over recent years, with farms switching to calving and lambing more animals outdoors, and as a result pushing their lambing and calving dates back to later in the spring.

The dry spring weather this year, whilst not very conducive to grass growth, has certainly made this spring season a more pleasant one for farmers and vets alike, and we have seen little in the way of disease problems in newborn animals.

Farmers are also reporting low losses and with stock prices high, the mood is generally upbeat. We are also thinking ahead to next year, with bull fertility testing season now well underway.

With the Easter and May bank holidays causing havoc with delivery days, we are endlessly grateful to our dispensary and driver team for keeping the show on the road and ensuring that all our clients continue to receive their medicines on time.

Change, Challenge and Community

As turbulent times continue to shape agriculture, the final episode of our latest Farming Focus™ podcast series reviews insights from previous episodes and explores what they mean for the future of farming. Host Peter Green speaks to farmer and strategic advisor Emily Norton about the opportunities for UK agriculture.

In her study of agricultural policy design, Emily looked internationally and gained insights from other ‘small and crowded’ island nations such as Taiwan, Cuba and the Isle of Man. Each of these nations has complex food security relationships and strong cultural connections to farming. But unlike the UK, these countries see their identity “as being intrinsically linked to their ability to feed themselves,” said Emily.

When visiting these countries, she was told: “We keep people farming because it allows us to live, it allows us independence, and it allows us to retain our cultural identity as a place. This is our food.”

In Emily’s view, adopting this mindset offers the UK opportunity. Moving away from commodity thinking, the UK could embrace farming not just for its outputs, but for its value to communities, culture and well-being: “We have 75 million hungry people on our doorstep who need to eat at least three times a day. And every time they eat, it should make them happy. And that is what we can do.”

Listen to the full episode at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/ news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/ - also available via Spotify and Apple podcasts.

We’re in it together

813957

07971 012628

07977 936109

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 5TH JUNE AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3AA

Leigh, Sherborne

North Perrott Guide £45,000

Guide £38,000

3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

A 1.31 acre (5,282 sq.m) plot of level pasture land on the edge of a popular village. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Yeovil | 01935 432526

Osmington, Dorchester

Witchampton Guide £50,000

Guide £100,000

3.10 acres (1.25 hectares) of grassland with three stables, haystore and tack room. Far reaching views. Freehold.

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Martock, Somerset

Milton Abbas, Dorset

Pallington Guide £350,000

Guide £165,000 - £200,000

Guide £175,000

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.

A single building plot, with planning approval, enjoying a secluded setting in this much sought after village. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Axminster | 01297 33122

A substantial block of mixed woodland in a private setting, extending to a total of 376.85 acres (152.51 hectares). 374 acres let to The Forestry Commission. Freehold, subject to a lease.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

to

Lamyatt, Shepton Mallet

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

Guide Lot A £300,000 Lot B £125,000 Lot C £50,000 46.47 acres (18.80 hectares) of pasture land and two stone barns available in 3 lots. Lot A 37.40 Acres, Lot B – Barns in 5.14 acres, Lot C 3.93 acres. Situated on the Western edge of Lamyatt. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

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.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wareham, Dorset

Guide £110,000

Melplash, Dorset

Winfrith

Guide £150,000

9.13 acres of freely draining land, predominantly level lying with a sloping gradient into the wood. Freehold.

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.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Wimborne | 01202 843190

12.94 acres (5.24 hectares) of level to sloping pasture land with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Portesham, Dorset

Guide Lot A £110,000 Lot B £20,000

outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

A total of 14.88 acres of permanent pastureland with fantastic, far-reaching views looking onto White Nothe to Star Point. For sale as two lots - Lot A – 14.05 acres

Lot B – 0.83 acres. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Askerwell, Dorchester

Guide £400,000

A useful sized block of productive pastureland extending to 42.30 acres (17.12 ha) with an agricultural building located just off the A35, with views across undulating Dorset countryside.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Wednesday 20 August at 2:00pm | Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth We are excited to announce our first property auction in Bournemouth. To enter your property please contact Meredith Wallis 01202 8343190

Hinton, St Mary

Guide £95,000

PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 5TH JUNE

AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3AA

Blandford

Guide £125,000

Yeovil

Guide £142,000

Yeovil

Guide £150,000

North Perrott Guide £45,000 3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Witchampton Guide £50,000

Verwood Guide £125,000

Winfrith

A former garage and MOT bay with full planning permission for conversion to two, two bedroom dwellings. EPC Garage F, MOT bay E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Yeovil | 01935 432526

Mosterton

Guide £175,000

An imposing Grade II Listed Georgian property for complete renovation or re-development STPP/Listed Building consent. CTB C, EPC exempt. Freehold with flying freehold.

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

Blandford | 01258 452670

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Guide £180,000

Pallington Guide £350,000

A mid terrace 3 bedroom cottage in a village location. Unlisted with garden and parking for 2. CTB B, EPC E, Freehold.

1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

A Grade II listed retail premises with planning approval for conversion to residential use (planning ref:23/02564/ LBC), within the town centre. EPC D, Freehold

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A 2 bedroom, 2 reception room bungalow requiring modernisation and benefitting from a large garden, driveway parking and a single garage. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Guide £250,000

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.

Beaminster | 01308 863100

Dorchester | 01305 236237

A light industrial unit with forecourt yard and parking, suitable for a variety of commercial uses. Approx. 319 sq. m (3,434 sq. ft). RV: £11,250. EPC D Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 423526

East Knoyle

Guide

£400,000

Overcompton

Guide £400,000

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

A detached 2 bedroom bungalow with scope for modernisaton with a garage, off-road parking and private garden. CTB C, EPC D, Freehold.

| 01258 452670

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Guide £295,000

Guide £400,000

An opportunity to redevelop existing barns, with planning permissions (PL/2022/04148 and 15/05830/FUL) in a idyllic village location. Freehold.

A versatile commercial property offering a range of potential uses (subject to necessary consents), in grounds of 1.29 acre. RV: £16,250 EPC Shop C, Restaurant C, Freehold.

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

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Lambrook, Somerset

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

Guide Lot A £475,000 Lot B £20,000

A detached barn conversion with outbuildings with 14.68 acres. Lot B 0.70 acre paddock. The successful purchaser of lot a will be offered Lot B at a fixed price £20,000 CTB B. EPC D. Freehold.

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Yeovil | 01935 423526

Beaminster Beaminster | 01308 863100

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 fabulous opportunity to purchase 3 cottages (one Grade II Listed) with a generous garden plot to be sold as 1 lot in need of renovation throughout. CTB C EPC 18 D 20 D 22 E, Freehold.

Guide £1,200,000

A unique opportunity to a historic Grade II Listed property, originally built with as a gamekeepers cottage for the neighbouring Manor House. With outbuildings, and gardens and grounds of 8.35 acres, tucked away in a secluded position.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Milborne

East

Nether Compton, Sherborne, Dorset

Blandford

Blandford

Crewkerne

Guide £975,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000

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.

Thoughtfully renovated and extended, this beautifully presented property boasts impressive views, set within 6.07 acres. The property offers equestrian facilities, including a range of outbuildings. CTB E, EPC D, Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

A

Guide £775,000

Freehold.

CTB D. Freehold.

An imposing and spacious detached house with stunning countryside views and a large paddock, in all approximately 4.44 acres. CTB F, EPC C, Freehold.

Marnhull Guide £525,000

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

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

A

Guide £740,000

and

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.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Newton | 01258 472244

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

A beautifully presented home offering versatile

Guide £650,000

with a

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Blandford | 01258 452670

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £610,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Stour Row

A double fronted detached house built of local stone in a central village location, with views. Barn style garage/workshop with office above. CTB E, EPC D, Freehold.

Marnhull

wonderful family house with large garden, summer house, outbuilding, parking

access to the Blackmore Vale. CTB F, EPC C, Freehold.

Gillingham

detached farmhouse with two traditional stone barns set in 0.78 acres located on a quiet country lane. A further 65.32 acres of productive agricultural land available. CTB D, EPC F, Freehold.

Higher Ansty

accommodation

generous garden and wonderful views of surrounding countryside. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.

Sturminster

Sturminster

Yetminster

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Wiltshire. Guide Price £2,250,000

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A fine unlisted Arts & Crafts country house, set in 34 acres with superb long-reaching views over the Wylye Valley, situated up a long drive, with stables and outbuildings.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

6 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, range of outbuildings, stabling & workshops. River, lakes, pasture & woodland. 2 bedroom cottage available as lot 2.

Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire. Guide Price £1,595,000

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

A handsome village house in the ever-popular Donheads with charming gardens and far-reaching views over open countryside.

5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, drawing room, study and playroom, office outbuilding, garage & parking, garden and views over open countryside.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens. Hall, five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings &

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A pretty, well-proportioned period farmhouse with superb ancillary accommodation, in about 14 acres on the fringe of this popular village.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

A charming and beautifully refurbished period cottage situated in an idyllic hamlet with delightful gardens.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station. East Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, variety of outbuildings including stabling and tackroom, 2 bedroom cottage, paddocks & ancient beech woodland.

A charming detached period cottage with a large level garden and further ancillary accommodation, set in a lovely edge of village location.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

4 bedrooms & 3 bath/shower rooms, sitting room, dining/ garden room, bespoke kitchen, reception hall and wc, about 1/3 acre of garden, parking, garage/workshop.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens. Hall, five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

3 bedrooms & 2 bath/shower rooms, hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility WC. 1 bedroom annexe with sitting room & shower room, carport & parking, large garden.

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Misterton, Somerset. Guide Price £1,270,000

Common, Wiltshire. Guide Price £1,495,000

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A rare chance to acquire three individual properties on the outskirts of Crewkerne, requiring some improvement, but positioned next to each other and offering a lifestyle opportunity.

A charming country house set in a superb location on the edge of the Donheads with a lovely garden and outstanding southerly views to Win Green.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

5 bedroom seventeenth century Farmhouse, 3 bedroom converted Granary, 1 bedroom seventeenth century Cottage, gardens, orchard, barn, walkable to mainline Station.

4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, wc. Pool house with potential, outbuildings, parking, garden.

A substantial family home of great character, situated in a rural location overlooking fields on the outskirts of this popular town.

East Orchard, Dorset. Guide Price £995,000

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation,

A handsome Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

An Edwardian country residence with wonderful rural views, extensive & versatile accommodation, outbuildings and delightful gardens.

6 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast room, office. 3 bedroom annexe, games room/annexe, range of outbuildings set around courtyard, garden, parking.

Hall, five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

five reception rooms, family kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2nd kitchen, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, studio, carport, outbuildings & stores, gardens approaching 1 acre.

6 bedrooms & 6 bath/shower rooms, 5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility & storerooms. Studio annexe & outbuildings, 0.82 acre of gardens, grounds & pond.

£595,000 Wincanton

£425,000 North Cheriton

An exceptional family home blending modern living and period styling with stunning views across the Blackmore Vale. Comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, stunning kitchen/diner, utility room, sunny aspect sitting room, study, master bedroom with balcony and en-suite, further three bedrooms, stylish bathroom, gardens and ample off road parking. EPC Rating D. Freehold.

£500,000 Wincanton

A four bedroom detached bungalow tucked away at the end of a private driveway. Spacious sitting room with wood burner, useful utility/ boot room, study, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, double garage, delightful secluded garden. EPC Rating: C Freehold.

Thinking of moving?

Thinking of Moving in 2025?

The spring market continues to be busy with 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.

£325,000 Wincanton

bedrooms, family bathroom, attached garage/workshop, timber cabin, delightful garden with a rural outlook. EPC Rating F. Freehold.

£294,000 Wincanton

An imposing period town house situated in the heart of Wincanton. Sitting room with attractive fireplace, separate dining room, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, further two bedrooms and delightful cottage garden. EPC Rating: E. Freehold.

£700,000 Pen Selwood

A substantial four bedroom detached house situated in a delightful location off a country lane. The property has undergone an extensive program of refurbishment including new kitchen, bathroom, en-suite and heating system. Ample off road parking, double garage, secluded garden and views over adjoining fields. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

OFFICE/SALON/STORAGE in traditional tythe barn to let. Prices from £24pw to £33pw. 07811 837061

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

VACANCIES IN THRESHOLD COHOUSING COMMUNITY in Gillingham: 2 large rooms to let in shared farmhouse: 1 en suite £520 pm, 1 with adjacent bathroom £495 pm. (inclusive). If you think you would like to live with and contribute to our small intentional community, please contact membership@threshold.info or phone 07934 568648

TO LET WANTED TO LET

RENTAL WANTED, Family home, Long term let. 3 bedrooms, pets allowed, good sized garden, Milborne Port area. Maximum rent, £1300 pcm. Tel: 07369-285426

Locals seek to buy their village pub

A COMMUNITY bid to buy the village pub in order to ‘keep it open as an essential meeting place’ will be launched at a beer festival this month.

The Bird in Hand Society will launch a Community Share Issue on Saturday, May 31, at Henstridge Village Hall.

The move comes after the group said it had received ‘enthusiastic support from the local community’.

Now, the society has published a business plan outlining how it intends to finance the project to buy the Bird in Hand pub, in Ash Walk, and keep it open.

“The most difficult part is finding the money,” a spokesperson said. “The pub is

on the market for £460,000 but the society needs to raise over £500,000 in order to have funds to carry out renovations and to support running costs. While it hopes to get some grant funding, the society wants to raise at least £250,000 from the Community Share Issue, which is open from May 31 to July 31.”

Community shares are priced at £1, with the minimum purchase being £100.

However, people wanting to take part do not have to live in Henstridge.

Full details of the share issue and how to apply are published on the society’s website at birdinhandsociety.org.uk.

Currently, the Bird in Hand is open and making a profit, but is up for sale as the owners – who have run the business for over 40 years – wish to retire.

The beer festival opens at 2pm and runs until 8pm, with a barbecue from 3.30pm.

The Courtyard, Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton, SP2 0BH, Tel: 01722 433545 Hunts Farm, Rudd Lane, Upper Timsbury, Romsey, SO51 0NU, Tel: 01794 367898

14-15 West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DN, Tel: 01252 423438