AN engineer who tried to take down Union Jack and St George’s cross flags near a school in Sturminster Newton reportedly left the scene when he was met with abuse from members of the public.
Flags have been spotted on lampposts by Sturminster Newton High School on Bath Road, and roundabouts have been painted with red crosses – with similar scenes seen across the UK under the banner of patriotism.
Sturminster Newton Town Council issued a statement about the flags by the school and at Rolls Mill, adding they informed SSE “immediately”.
A spokesperson for the town council said: “We had a response advising that an engineer had attempted to remove them but was met with abuse from members of the public and so left the site.”
street lighting was the responsibility of its contract company Enerveo.
Dorset Council said the decision to remove flags is not political.
They said they also reported the vandalism of road markings in the town centre, adding that the paint Dorset Council’s highways team uses is heat sealed and applied with specialist equipment –something the town council is unable to do themselves.
SSE told your New Blackmore Vale that
A spokesperson said: “Dorset Council has a legal duty to maintain the safety and lawful use of public infrastructure. Under the Highways Act 1980, it is unlawful to deface road markings or place/affix any item to street furniture.
“Any graffiti on roundabouts or flags/ attachments of any kind placed on lampposts without express permission will be removed without notice.
“This is not a political decision. It is a matter of compliance, safety, and
responsible management of public assets.”
The leader of Dorset Council, councillor Nick Ireland, said: “We know how important national identity is to many people across Dorset.
“Symbols like the St George’s cross and the union flag can be a powerful way to show pride and community spirit – and as a council we’re proud to fly them at County Hall in Dorchester.
“We encourage residents who want to fly our national flags to do so in ways that are safe and respectful – at home, at community events, and on designated flagpoles. These are the spaces where pride can bring people together.
“Here in Dorset, we’re proud of our heritage and the values that define us –fairness, respect, and inclusion. Dorset is home to people from many backgrounds, and the strength of our communities lies in how we treat one another – with dignity and compassion.
“Let’s keep Dorset a place where pride is shown positively, and where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.”
Enerveo was contacted for comment.
Free holiday club places in Dorset
FAMILIES across Dorset will continue to benefit from free holiday clubs and nutritious meals for their children, after government funding is extended for another three years.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue to offer free places to children from reception to year 11 who are eligible for benefitsrelated free school meals.
HAF provides activities and healthy meals in the school holidays, helping children build confidence, develop social
skills, and stay active.
To access free holiday activities, families must register at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ haf-programme.
You can also email your child’s name, date of birth and school to the HAF team holidayactivities@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Places are limited, so families are advised to book early – the next round of HAF activities will run during the winter holidays, with listings going live on November 18.
Breaking bread
ARTISAN baker, Steve Oxford of Oxford’s Bakery, will be giving a talk next week at Fifehead Magdalen Village Hall.
Steve teaches sourdough baking at the family bakery in Alweston, which serves shops around Dorset.
He will be giving a talk on Oxford’s Bakery and the history of baking on Wednesday, October 15, at 7pm.
Tickets are £8 and include a glass of wine or soft drink –to book email fifehead.events@gmail.com
Spooky season with a twist
STEP into a world of folklore, mischief and old magic this autumn, as the National Trust launches an immersive Halloween-inspired adventure game.
The interactive game, Stranger Folk, which is available via Apple and Google, can be played at Dorset’s Kingston Lacy and promises an experience steeped in Britain’s myth and legend.
Using just one mobile phone, players are drawn into a spirited tale of ancient folklore where sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts, and mysterious Stranger Folk slip through a crack between worlds. To restore balance, players must harness the elements, solve challenges and seal the rift before mayhem takes hold.
Visitors can ask property teams for the secret password to
unlock the team-based quest and begin their story.
Families can enjoy play sessions as short as 20 minutes or make it a full-day adventure alongside autumn walks, picnics and scones.
Heather Dawe, senior visitor experience officer at Kingston Lacy, said: “As the leaves change on the trees and the shadows lengthen, there are hidden corners of the garden and woodland at Kingston Lacy waiting for spooky adventures to begin.
“Stranger Folk is a wonderfully playful experience that connects children and adults with their surroundings through play and storytelling. A sprinkle of digital magic really brings the story to life, and we can't wait for families to find the perfect spot for a worm dance or hidden doorways to another world.”
The Bed Specialist – Vispring Craftsman Day
Friday 24th October
In the beginning, inspiration struck.
James Marshall, a British Engineer living in Canada wanted to develop a superior system of comfort and support for his wife during a period of illness. Most mattresses in an age of old-fashioned uncomfortable feather and horsehair padded systems with bouncy and unforgiving open coil link spring mattresses just didn’t provide the comfort needed. James soon developed what we now know as the modern pocket spring, an individual coil capped at each end, encased in its very own fabric pouch and tied together with others to create the most responsive surface for the unforgiving contours of the human body to lay on. The idea took off, others fell in love with the feel and products and in 1901 John Nolan and Frederick James introduced Marshalls innovation to the UK, founding the Marshall Sanitary Mattress Company in London, by 1911 Vispring was born, adopting the Roman numeral VI, a nod to the six springs sewn into each pocket.
VISPRING continue to only make pocket sprung beds, and today you can be confident that you are still buying the original and the best. Handmade products from the finest materials VISPRING offer in quality, luxury and style. VISPRING is widely regarded as the finest handmade mattresses and divans in the world. There is no compromise when it comes to quality and the entire range of pocket sprung handmade beds are made to order in Plymouth, Devon.
Nick says “The exceptional strength of vanadium steel is used to craft each pocket spring making the core strength of each mattress robust and supremely responsive. We believe each mattress within the VISPRING collection is worth the investment, especially as we all deserve a great night’s rest without worrying if our mattress will live up to the average 8 hours use each night or 30,000 hours over 10 years and provide the prolonged comfort we all search for.”
FRIDAY 24 TH OCTOBER 2025 10 AM - 5 PM
This year The Bed Specialist is celebrating a huge milestone on the high street; their 60th Anniversary as a trusted family business. As a local independent bed and mattress specialist, much of what they offer is sourced from some of the best bed and mattress manufacturers in the UK, and they are thrilled to showcase the fantastic VISPRING brand throughout their showrooms in their Yeovil shop at 106 Huish, BA20 1AQ.
On Friday 24th October you can experience how these exceptional quality beds are made first hand between 10am and 5pm. We have talks and demonstrations by the craftsman, many of the beds available to try and purchase at further reduced prices only on the day with free luxury bedding gifts and other special offers.
Make sure you put this date in your diary and be sure to call in during the day to secure a special offer that will not be available at any other time – we can’t wait to greet you as we continue to celebrate our 60th Anniversary milestone.
Don’t’ forget, we offer free Nationwide delivery, and you can enjoy free old bed recycling on the day too worth £75.
Now is the time to invest in your sleep and enjoy some impressive savings on a new bed and mattress from The Bed Specialist at 106 Huish, Yeovil BA20 1AQ. Shop online or call us on 01935 423 596.
Locals show strength of feeling over lack of village bus service
by Julie Booker
STRATTON village hall was packed recently with people wanting to come up with a solution to the lack of public transport in the village.
Some 45 people attended the meeting, organised by Dorchester Transport Action Group (DTAG).
At DTAG’s annual open meeting back in June at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, one big area of concern was on the lack of public transport in villages surrounding Dorchester. The situation in Stratton came up strongly at the meeting, so DTAG agreed to organise a local meeting to see if enough residents were prepared to get together and see what could be done.
Stewart Palmer, chair of DTAG, addressed those present,
saying, “There needs to be realism about campaigning to get a bus service in a rural area (it took the community in Martinstown many years to successfully get a service).
“What Stratton could really do with is the reinstatement of the old 212 service, but the chances of getting that are in all honesty pretty slim.
“However that’s not to say that getting some sort of service is impossible and you might also want to explore other options at the same time. Like car and lift sharing schemes, which work very well in other rural areas”.
The first job for the group is going to be assessing exactly what sort of bus service local people want, finding out what they would need it for and checking that they would
actually support and use it. This could include canvassing adjoining villages – Frampton, Grimstone, Bradford Peverell.
A campaign to get a bus service would need to start by showing a real need and demonstrate that people would use the service.
Les Scarth, DTAG supporter and campaigner for the Martinstown bus, talked about some of the things they had done to show need and demand and what had worked best like the e-mail and letter blitzes and door to door surveys.
William Gibbons, the DTAG lead for buses, said “We can help you get a campaign going and share our collective experience. Dorset Council does have £4m of new money for things like community transport, but as always it will be about
priorities, so you need to make your case and make it the best case”.
At the end of the meeting, 22 of those present gave their contact details saying they could help form an initial core group to get something going.
DTAG will arrange a follow up meeting for them within the next few weeks.
Delays expected on A30 near Sherborne as work to take place to make notorious road safer
DRIVERS are facing weeks of delays as a busy and notorious road is set to see some safety improvements.
The A30 near Sherborne has seen four deaths from crashes from 2014 to 2025.
The Over Compton junction has been highlighted as a particular hotspot, after Charlotte Avis tragically died when another vehicle crossed into her lane in 2022.
Former MP for West Dorset Chris Loder called for speed cameras following her death, describing the area as an unofficial racetrack between Sherborne and Yeovil.
Now, in an effort to prevent future deaths, Dorset Council is carrying out some safety improvement works.
This includes no longer allowing right turns, U-turns and straight-over movements for vehicles entering or exiting Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane at the junction, with only left-in and left-out movements permitted.
The Loscombe Crossroads will also close, with temporary safety barriers installed and road signs refreshed.
Pedestrian and cycle access across the A30 will remain open.
This new road layout will remain in place for 18 months. When this ends, the council will then decide whether the changes should be made permanent.
Work is expected to last until the end of October.
While work is carried out, the area will see reduced speed limits, lane closures on the A30, short term closures on Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane and advanced warning signs to help drivers plan ahead.
Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: “We were deeply saddened by Charlotte’s death and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, as well as to all those affected by other incidents where people have been killed or seriously injured at this junction.
“We are taking this action to prevent further tragedies and make the A30 safer for everyone.
“We are conducting a feasibility study to explore the introduction of average speed cameras along this stretch of the A30. This would help ensure compliance with the new 60mph speed limit and support longterm safety improvements.
“If we do not see a significant reduction in speeding and collisions, further measures may be considered. These could include changes to other junctions along the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil.
“Thank you for your patience while we carry out this important work. Please drive carefully wherever you are.”
Find out more at www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ improving-safety-at-loscombecrossroads-a30-over-compton
Stewart Palmer, DTAG chair, addresses the meeting
Trips to the tip on hold
HOUSEHOLD recycling centres in the Vale will temporarily close this October for essential maintenance and deep cleaning.
Each site will close for two days to allow this work to be carried out safely.
Shaftesbury HRC will be closed on Friday, October 10, and Blandford HRC on Thursday and Friday, October 23 and 24.
You can use any other Dorset Council recycling centre during these closures, or keep hold of your waste until your local site reopens.
For more information and to find your nearest HRC, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ recycling-centres
Sheep meet
CERNE Sheep Group will next meet at 7.30pm on Monday, October 13, at the Fox at Ansty (DT2 7PN).
The guest speaker is Sophie Alexander, who farms at Hemsworth Farm, Whitchampton. She will tell the group about the farm’s organic status, its livestock and pasture management. Sophie was an arable innovator of the year finalist in the 2018 British Farming Awards .
Then on Monday, November 10, at 7.30pm (again, at the Fox), group member Malcolm Thompson will be hosting an illustrated talk.
Christmas supper, which follows a speaker, has been secured on Monday, December 8. More details to follow.
Correction
THE New Blackmore Vale would like to correct an error that appeared in our September 26 edition in the story headlined ‘Organ recital’.
Gordon Amery, organist at St Gregory’s Church in Marnhull, was responsible for overseeing the restoration of the organ at Gillingham Methodist Church in 2006, where he was organist at the time – not for the installation of St Gregory’s electronic organ in September 2013.
The funds for the new organ at St Gregory’s were raised through the hard work of many parishioners and local residents.
Planning ahead
ORGANISERS of the Blandford Yuletide Festival are preparing for this year’s event. They are looking for charity stalls, commercial stalls, performers and bands, sports clubs and organisations to participate in the event on Friday, December 5.
They are especially seeking marshals for the traffic barriers and the crowds.
Find out more at www.blandfordyuletide-festival.org.uk
Financial workshops for unpaid carers
UNPAID carers can access free financial advice, practical guidance and support this winter.
Carer Support Wiltshire and Dorset is offering four online workshops, which can be accessed from the convenience of your home.
These workshops last 30-40 minutes, with time for a Q&A session after.
They are packed with useful tips, support and resources to help carers manage their finances, caring responsibilities and wellbeing with confidence.
Run by the charity’s financial wellbeing officers, the workshops on offer this autumn/ winter include:
Financial MOT Are you getting what you’re entitled to? Many carers miss out on financial help simply because they don’t know what is available. This workshop gives an overview of benefits and entitlements, energy and utility
Nature, nurtured
savings, and how to access grants and support. There is also the chance to talk about longer-term support like debt advice and training.
Holiday ready The festive season can bring extra costs and stress, especially for unpaid carers. This session offers helpful budgeting tips, ideas for low-cost gifts and activities, and advice on avoiding seasonal debt. It will also explore ways to support carers mental and emotional wellbeing during busy or difficult times.
Energy saving at home This workshop will provide practical, low-cost ways to cut energy bills and keep homes warm and safe during the colder months. It will include energy-saving tips, how to access support for bills or debt, and ways to stay well during winter. Carer Support can help unpaid carers get on the priority services register and access vital equipment like carbon monoxide alarms.
FIND out more about the life story of Netherbury’s Happy Return nature reserve, from its beginnings in 1985 to the present day.
A presentation, Wild Garden, richly illustrated with colour photography, shows some wildlife highlights from over the years, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds.
It includes practical tips for attracting garden wildlife, as well as recommendations for trees, shrubs and flowers that are of particular interest to wild creatures.
Everyone’s welcome to find out more about this local wildlife sanctuary, and how they can make their own gardens and open spaces more wildlife friendly.
Wild Garden takes place on October 10, at Netherbury village hall. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is £3 on the door, and there’s a cash bar.
Working while caring In this session, experts will talk carers through their rights as working carers, including flexible work options and how to return to work if they have taken a break. They will also provide advice on job searching, building a CV, and where to find employment and skills support.
The charity’s Carer Money Matters service was established in 2024 in partnership with Carers Trust.
In addition to the online
workshops, the charity offers support services including financial wellness hubs across Dorset.
Dates and times of workshops can be found at https://bit.ly/4nbajQc
To reserve a space on these virtual workshops, email events@carersupportservices. co.uk
Carer Support Dorset can be contacted on 0800 368 8349 and information found at www. carersupportdorset.co.uk
New chair for youth charity
THERE’S a new chair of trustees at The Rendevous – the Sherbornebased charity that provides vital support to young people aged 13-25.
Paul Copp, who was born and raised in Long Street, Sherborne, was officially welcomed during the charity’s AGM.
Paul, who lives in Marston Magna, comes to the charity following a successful 30-year career in sales management with a global tailoring business. He has a lifelong passion for helping young people succeed through sports coaching and mentoring.
Paul said: “I’m delighted to join such a dedicated team of staff, volunteer tutors and wellbeing volunteers at The Rendezvous, whose record in helping young people overcome the challenges of anxiety, isolation and lack of opportunity is second to none.”
Chief executive Helen Da Silva Wood also spoke with enormous gratitude for the
contribution over five years of outgoing chair, Stephen Uden, while thanking his wife Ingrid, who has also been an invaluable volunteer at the charity.
Demand for the charity’s youth services increases year on year but funding is harder than ever to secure. If you can help, contact Helen da Silva Wood hdasilvawood@ therendezvous.org.uk or Fiona Franklin fiona.franklin@therendezvous.org.uk.
To find out more about The Rendezvous visit: www.therendezvous.org.uk
Outgoing Chair of Trustees Stephen Uden (left), welcomes Paul Copp (right)
Battle of the bards is hard won
DORCHESTER is celebrating after choosing its new bard.
Dorchester’s Corn Exchange was filled with words, song and story as the town gathered for the Bard of Caer Dur competition.
Supported by Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Arts, the event drew a lively audience and confirmed its place as a fixture in the town’s cultural life.
Hosted by the third Bard of Dorchester, Molly Dunne, alongside Peter Roe, Grand Bard of Dorset, the afternoon saw five finalists take to the stage before a panel of judges drawn from Dorchester and beyond.
The performances reflected the breadth of bardic craft – from heartfelt poems steeped in Dorset’s landscapes and history, to contemporary pieces speaking to today’s world.
Each brought their own knowledge, style and craft, from lyrical poetry to beautiful
song, making for an afternoon rich in talent and variety. Judges praised the range of styles on display and the commitment each finalist showed to their work.
The title was awarded to Rebecca Danicic, whose command of language, captivating voice and strong stage presence impressed both audience and judges alike.
In her first words as Bard, she called the honour “a profound privilege” and offered
Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG
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thanks to those who had supported her journey. She praised her fellow finalists as “fantastic and beguiling,” adding that they too were winners in their own right.
Rebecca spoke of her commitment to serving Dorchester and West Dorset over her “year and a day” in the bardic seat: “I will put my all into raising the voices of our community, exploring local issues, and weaving our heritage into a living, breathing tapestry. The bardship is about carrying forward the unique spirit of Dorchester, and I look forward to doing so with all who cherish its past, present, and future.”
The Bard of Caer Dur tradition continues to grow in reach and resonance, celebrating not only individual talent but also the collective voice of the community. You can find out more about the bard of Dorchester and follow Rebecca’s year at https:// bardofdorchester.substack.com
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Healing horse therapy
ONE of Britain’s best-loved racehorses paid a special visit to spinal injury patients, families and staff at Salisbury District Hospital, to celebrate the launch of Horatio’s Garden as the official Charity Partner of Wincanton Racecourse.
The first garden created by Horatio’s Garden, in the heart of the spinal centre at Salisbury District Hospital, opened in 2012.
At an event to mark the launch of the partnership, patients and their families along with those from the racecourse, hospital and Horatio’s Garden were joined by 2022 Badger Beer Chase winner Frodon – the first time a horse has entered the garden.
Now aged 13, Frodon was one of British jump racing’s most popular horses during a career which spanned eight-and-a-half years. He helped his jockey Bryony Frost become the first female jockey to win a race over fences at the Cheltenham Festival, before his retirement nearly two years ago.
Attending the launch event at Salisbury District Hospital was champion hurdlewinning trainer Jeremy Scott and his daughter Laura. Laura was a patient at The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital for three
months in 2017 following a riding accident that left her with a broken neck in two places, leaving her initially paralysed from the neck down.
Speaking during the event, Laura Scott said: “The garden is just amazing. As a patient you spend so long shut between the walls of a hospital ward, so to have the opportunity to come outside and enjoy the fresh air and feel a little bit normal for a few hours is really important.”
Blaithin Murphy, General Manager at Wincanton Racecourse, added: “To be able to bring Frodon into Horatio’s Garden today has been really special. Frodon has been an absolute star and enjoyed plenty of apples… We’d like to thank Jimmy Frost and his team for bringing him up for the morning – we know a lot of people won’t forget today.
“As a sport, we know that there are risks involved every time a jockey gets up on a horse and charities such as Horatio’s Garden have been vital in supporting them in their recovery. We look forward to working together to raise awareness and funds for such an inspiring cause, while offering our visitors the chance to engage
with a charity that makes a real difference.”
Throughout the season, Wincanton Racecourse will host a range of fundraising initiatives, including the Charity Raceday on Sunday, October 26, in aid of Horatio’s Garden.
To find out more about the partnership and upcoming raceday events visit www. thejockeyclub.co.uk or www.horatiosgarden. org.uk and to purchase tickets for the Charity Raceday, please visit EventBrite.
Top dog (and human!)
A VALE dog trainer has returned from international competition with an impressive medal haul.
The International Mix and Breed Championship Agility (IMCA), held in Italy, featured 26 teams from 15 countries, competing in four groups based on the height of the dog.
Charlotte Baker and Kita (pictured) were part of Team UK, which won gold in the jumping round. When the combined results from jumping and agility were calculated, they came away with the silver.
Charlotte, a trainer with JJ Dogs based in Wincanton, has been competing in agility since 2017. She has competed at Crufts and IMCA for four years. This year’s result improves on last year’s bronze medal. Well done Charlotte and Kita!
*Packed lunch included in these trips
Secret Sunday Lunch - DV954 Sunday 26th October - £60pp
Longleat Festival of Light, Safari & 2 course meal - DV956 - George Inn Longbridge Dev Saturday 15th November - £124pp
Secret Xmas Lunch & Entertainment - DV953 Sunday 30th November
Beamish Living Museum at Christmas - SB557 - Two nights - Holiday Inn, Washington
Saturday 13th - 15th December - From £325 - 355pp
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE, FIRST COME FIRST SERVED
West Somerset Railway - Festive Quantock Belle - First Class Dining Train- DV957Four course Christmas meal while travelling from Bishops Lydiard to Williton & ReturnChristmas carols along route,
Saturday 20th December - 7pm-9.30pm - £139pp
Christmas in Paignton – Esplanade Hotel – SB556 - 4 nights B&B eve meals 23rd - 27th December - from £729 - £789pp
GILLINGHAM’S Lloyds branch is set to close its doors to customers early next year.
It’s just one of a swathe of closures, with 49 branches across the UK to shut. Lloyds said more customers are opting to carry out their banking online rather than visiting a branch.
Lloyds said 708 regular customers use the Gillingham branch each month, but added that transactions dropped by 41% from 2019 to 2024.
The Lloyds bank in Blandford is also set to close its doors on November 10.
The Santander branch in nearby Shaftesbury closed earlier this year, as well as the branch in Wimborne Minster.
The closest Lloyds branch to Gillingham is now 22 miles away at Yeovil High Street.
Lloyds said it met with MP Simon Hoare (North Dorset, Conservatives) who raised concerns with the closure.
In a statement on social media, the MP said: “Very disappointed to receive news this afternoon of yet another bank closure, this time it’s Lloyds in Gillingham.
“Our high streets are changing we know but as I have raised in Parliament the impact of a bank closing on a rural market town high street has a disproportionate impact.
“Lloyds will have some form of community banking advice service from when the branch closes on January 8 and I am promised further details in due course.”
Customers reacted strongly to the news.
One said: “We only have NatWest left here in Shaftesbury now that Santander has also closed. It is making it much more difficult for us oldies!”
Another said: “Very sad news after just moving to the town. Having things like a bank on a high street gives people a reason to visit and in turn support other shops. The high streets everywhere are just dying.”
Lloyds customers can also visit any Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch.
Visit www.lloydsbank.com/ help-guidance/everydaybanking/banking-near-you/ branch-closures.html for more information.
NEW TRIP
Saturday 12th April 2026 - £145pp NEW TRIP
Malvern Spring Festival - DV962
Sunday 10th May 2026 - £89pp
Andre Reiu - BP Pulse Arena NEC - DV960 - Evening performance 7.30pm
Saturday 19th September 2026 - £179pp
Shaping the future
A VALE school is looking for people passionate about education to become school governors.
Graeme Wilson, headteacher of Wincanton Primary School, is keen to welcome new governors to become “a key part of our school’s ongoing success.”
That success was highlighted in the school’s recent Ofsted inspection.
Now, says Graeme, “we are looking for committed people to help drive forward the excellence that has been recognised by inspectors. Our school is thriving – and our governors play a vital role in ensuring that we continue to provide the highest standards of education, opportunities and support for our students.”
Governors influence the strategic direction of the school. They can both support and challenge school leaders to get
the best outcomes for pupils and are part of a dedicated team working to make a difference.
It’s not a one-way street –governors develop valuable skills in leadership, governance and teamwork.
The recent Ofsted inspection at Wincanton Primary School was a real endorsement of the work that Graeme and his staff have been doing. “It confirmed that our school is a place of excellence, ambition and opportunity for every student,” says Graeme.
The inspector’s report also commented on the positive role of the governors who ‘know the school well, as their monitoring gives a good understanding.’
Graeme is understandably delighted: “We are eager to build on this success with fresh perspectives and expertise. We are looking for governors from all backgrounds and experiences – you don’t need to be an
education expert! If you have enthusiasm, a commitment to supporting young people and a desire to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
“We all know that education matters. We hope you will join us and help shape the future for our students and our community.”
For more information or to
express interest in joining Wincanton Primary School’s governing body, contact headteacher Graeme Wilson or Charles Beck, who chairs the governors, at the school: 01963 32132 or office@ wincantonprimaryschool.co.uk Find out more about the school at www. wincantonprimaryschool.co.uk
Your problems solved
Central Dorset Citizens Advice begins a series of monthly columns
Q: I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute. How can I get a refund if this happens to me?
event is cancelled and the organiser has agreed to refunds (www.star.org.uk/ all-members).
A: Keep an eye on the organiser’s website and social media for the latest updates. You won’t be entitled to a refund if you change your mind about going but if an event is cancelled your refund rights will depend on how you bought the ticket.
If you bought your ticket from an official seller and the organiser cancels, moves or reschedules the event, you should get a refund. The official seller is the best point of contact to ask about how to get your money back.
If you’re having no luck getting a refund, check online to see if the seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers. If so, you can use STAR’s complaints procedure. STAR members should receive a refund at face value if the
You’ll probably only get the face value of the ticket back. Some sellers might refund postage if the event is cancelled before tickets are sent. If you had to pay booking or card fees, you might not get those back.
If the official seller isn’t a member of STAR, check how you can solve an ongoing consumer problem with a business seller. You may also be able to get your money back another way, such as through your credit card company (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer/get-more-help/Solve-an-ongoingconsumer-problem).
If you bought your ticket from a ticketreselling website, refunds will depend on the site’s terms and conditions.
If you bought from a private seller and the event is cancelled or rescheduled, it is unlikely you will be able to recover your money. We still recommend you contact the seller.
Be aware of scams. If your event is cancelled and someone gets in touch to offer their services to try to recover money on your behalf, be alert and make sure that you’re looking out for the signs of a potential scam (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer/scams/check-if-something-mightbe-a-scam)
For more information on getting a refund, take a look at the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer/event-tickets/getting-a-refund-onan-event-ticket
Fern Brook Lodge hosts ‘groovy’ sixties festival
Fern Brook Lodge care home residents in Gillingham stepped back in time and had a ‘groovy’ afternoon at their very own sixties festival.
Residents enjoyed singing and dancing along to various songs from across the 1960s performed by the band, The 2 Hats, at the home’s annual event.
To add to the fun, staff dressed up in 60s inspired outfits and put up colourful bunting to decorate the home’s dedicated community space, The Brook, to enhance the festival feel.
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, while continuing to pursue their own passions and interests.
The care home on Fern Brook Lane hosts regular events open to the local community including its Memory Café sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm. These sessions provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for people living with dementia and their carers to meet others, share experiences and enjoy a cup of tea together in a relaxed setting. There is no need to book - just
in on the day.
Poppy appeal needs your help
THE Royal British Legion in Wincanton is seeking volunteers to help this year’s Poppy Appeal.
It will be holding an information coffee morning on Saturday, October 18, in the Sun Lounge at Wincanton War Memorial Hall where prospective volunteers can find out more about how they could help.
No experience is needed and volunteers do not have to have
served in the Armed Forces or be a British Legion member to help out.
The coffee morning starts at 10am and runs until noon but anyone who cannot make it can contact Wincanton RBL secretary, Steve Lee, on 07551 191070 for more information.
Wincanton Silver Band is holding a Remembrance concert at Wincanton War Memorial Hall on Sunday, November 2, with proceeds being shared between the Silver Band and Poppy Appeal.
The concert starts at 3pm and finishes and 5pm. Tickets are £7.50 adults – children free accompanied by an adult – and are available from Got Your Six Hub, in the old NatWest Bank in Wincanton or call Steve Lee on the number above.
Steve said: “Wincanton is so fortunate to still have an active Silver Band who support so many local events and charities.
“They will be playing an assortment of their regular music and Remembrancethemed tunes.”
The Remembrance parade and service will be held this year on Remembrance Sunday, November 9.
Steve added: “Wincanton has always strongly supported both Remembrance and the Poppy Appeal.
“The Remembrance parade and service play a big part in that and brings together veterans, serving armed forces personnel, families of those who have served or are serving, youth groups and our three schools and many other organisations based in Wincanton.”
Cameras at the ready
BLANDFORD Forum Camera Club is asking for photographers to come up with five photos on five themes in five hours for its autumn photography challenge.
The event on Saturday, October 18, is open to everyone with a digital camera or a smartphone.
Anyone who wants to try their hand, should go along to the Old Water Tower in Station Court by 10am to find out the themes.
The images need to be returned by 3pm for judging. Entry is £5 – cash only or visit www.bfcclub.co.uk for pre-entry information and more details about the challenge. Entrants can also email bfccphotochallenge@gmail.com or phone 07770 961696 for more information.
MEMBERS OF TRUST A TRADER
SPRAY FOAM REMOVAL
FROM £995.00
If spray foam is fitted to your property it can mean that it may be unmortgageable, meaning when you come to sell your property the new owners may not be able to secure a mortgage due to the spray foam installed between your afters. If you have spray foam fitted in your roof, if left it can cause rafters and timbers to rot. The spray foam in your roof can be removed by our professional roofing team, rafters will be sanded down and wood filled and treated. Spray foam will be removed from your property and disposed of safely.
FIND AND REPAIR LEAKS & MOT FROM £175.00
Do you have damp patches, stains on the ceiling, water coming into the property? DON’T DELAY! Call Worksmart today on 01963 530544 / 07958 662504. Someone will be with you within 12 hours.
I am a great believer in prevention is better than cure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables. MOSS REMOVAL
Growing Community from the Ground Up
AtMulberry Fields in Sherborne, one resident has found that a lifelong passion for gardening can blossom into something much greater.
Diane moved to Mulberry Fields two years ago with her husband, Dave, looking for a secure and sociable retirement. What she didn’t expect was to become the driving force behind the community gardening group — and a key figure in bringing neighbours together.
“I never thought I’d be doing something like this,” she admits with a laugh. “But the support here has given me more confidence than I ever imagined.”
Raised in a gardening family, Diane inherited her green fingers from her mother, who tended plants well into her nineties. Today, Diane leads the seasonal planting at Mulberry Fields, rallying residents to help care for borders, beds and wildlife spaces. For her, it is both peaceful and purposeful: “You get so into caring for the plants that you forget everything else.”
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Fellow homeowners often stop to chat, sparking friendships that might never have formed otherwise. Beyond Mulberry Fields, Diane has also joined the town’s Sherborne in Bloom initiative, helping to plant hundreds of flowers in Pageant Gardens.
For Diane and Dave, life at Mulberry Fields — supported by Platinum Skies’ shared ownership model — has offered security, friendship, and fresh purpose. As Diane reflects, “Sometimes I go back up to the flat after gardening and think, I’m so lucky to be able to do this. And it’s even better knowing others enjoy it too.”
At Platinum Skies, it’s your retirement, your way. Join us for Open House Week. To find out more call 01722 626 374 or visit platinumskies.co.uk
Total Energy Services and Operation Christmas Child: donations now open!
Holly Lamb has been organising the Blackmore Vale & Stour and Avon (Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire) shoebox appeal for 6 years.
After being truly blown away by the support of our local community last year she is back accepting donations for the 2025 Operation Christmas Child Appeal.
Sending love and hope to ALL children
The Operation Christmas child shoeboxes go to millions of children in need across the world.
Currently Samaritan’s Purse in partnership with local churches are on the ground helping to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to people in areas of conflict and poverty. is perfect too.
Where do the shoe boxes go?
Over 220 million children have received a shoebox in over 170 countries around the world.
Gift ideas...
• Toys - stuffed animals, dolls, musical items, etc.
• Hygiene items - hairbrush, flannel, toothbrush, soap, etc.
• Educational: pencils, notepads, coloured pencils, paints, etc.
• Clothing: hats, gloves, mittens, leggings, socks, tops, etc.
Please DO NOT donate toothpaste, lotions, liquids, sweets /food or war related items
How can you help?
Simply drop any donations into our Blandford office and we will do the rest.
If you would like to get involved in the 2025 appeal or find out more information, you can either contact Holly at Total Energy Services (holly@totalenergy.co.uk) or call 01258 472132. Closing date for donations - 31st October
www.beaminstersheds.co.uk 01308 861144
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PUPILS from Trent Young’s CE School led a thoughtful harvest service at St Andrew’s Church, Trent, bringing together families, staff and members of the local community to reflect on the importance of harvest and giving.
The children took centre stage throughout the service to help everyone consider what harvest means, including how it impacts the community and how generosity can make a real difference to those in need.
They were also joined by Mat Callaghan from The Lord’s Larder, Yeovil, who spoke passionately about the charity’s work supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity and shared how donations – like those collected at the service – help stock the shelves and bring hope to many.
At the end of the service, Mat gratefully received a generous array of food items given by members of the school community.
Headteacher, Ros Baker, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for leading such a thoughtful and inspiring service.
“Their understanding of harvest and their compassion for others shone through.”
A big thank you
DEMENTIA Friendly
Gillingham has received £300 from Johnsons Textiles in Shaftesbury.
Annie Kings, from the group, said: “This is a really appreciated donation from Johnsons.
“It will allow us to make a difference to the lives of people by running the different music sessions, the swimming sessions and invest in companion pets to
help people living at home, and the jelly drops, hydration sweets, for those with more advanced dementia.
“For our committee, it’s always a balancing act between fundraising and spending to help those with dementia – so that’s why a cheque like this will do so much.”
Annie is pictured receiving a cheque from Karen Hannam, on behalf of Johnsons.
Safeguard
Shielding Your Home from Care Costs with a Living Trust
How a Living Trust Protects Your Estate
Protection from Care Costs
Your Hard-Earned Assets from 40% Inheritance Tax, Looming Care Fees, & Potential Family Disputes.
Placing your main residence into a living trust can provide effective protection against potential future care costs. If you were to require long-term care, the property held within the trust is ring-fenced, ensuring that it is safeguarded and that your intended inheritance is preserved for your loved ones.
Asset Protection
Inheritance Tax Planning: Are you concerned about losing 40% of your already taxed hard earned wealth to the government? Our bespoke legal strategies, meticulously crafted using trusts and wills, ensure your assets stay where they belong – in your family’s hands. Fully compliant with UK law, we shield your estate from the grasp of inheritance taxes, giving you peace of mind and financial security.
Transferring ownership of your home—and potentially other assets—into a living trust can help to shield those assets from a variety of risks. These include potential claims from creditors, the financial ramifications of divorce or remarriage, and claims associated with care costs. By utilising a living trust, you can ensure that your estate remains secure and less exposed to unforeseen claims.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Care Fees Protection: With average care fees hitting £2,000 per week and typical stays ranging from 3 to 7 years, these expenses can quickly deplete most estates. Our custom-tailored solutions offer a lifeline. While many believe protection is impossible, we’ve developed a tailored legal strategy fully compliant with UK law to safeguard your assets, including protection against care fees.
A living trust can also play a central role in estate planning, especially in terms of minimising inheritance tax liabilities. Assets placed within a trust may be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, which can reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries may be required to pay.
Trust Administration and Control
Upon establishing a living trust, you typically appoint yourself as the trustee. This means you continue to maintain control over your assets, managing and using them as you see fit. Should you decide to move house, the trust remains in place and extends its protection to your new home.
Personalised Advice
Wills: Don’t leave your loved ones squabbling over vague wills! Oakwood Wills specializes in drafting crystal-clear documents that leave no room for ambiguity. No more family feuds. Just smooth, conflictfree asset distribution that honours your final wishes. Lasting Power Of Attorneys: Statistics don’t lie – the chances of incapacity rise with age. With our Lasting Power of Attorneys services, you can appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. No more court approvals, no more uncertainty in times of crises – just peace of mind knowing your interests are in safe hands.
For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.
Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk
The effectiveness and suitability of a living trust will depend on your personal circumstances. Oakwood Wills offers a complimentary consultation in the comfort of your own home. For further information, you can call 07832 331594 or email info@oakwoodwills.co.uk.
A community cares for everyone in it
by Councillor Steve Robinson, cabinet lead for Adult Social Care – Dorset Council
IN exciting news, Dorset has recently become the UK’s 100th organisation to register as an Age-Friendly community. In doing so we join a network of forward-looking councils and part of a global network of Age-Friendly cities and communities which encompasses 1,705 cities and communities across 60 countries. The announcement is an important step forward in how Dorset plans for everyone and shows that we understand the unique mix of people who live here.
With one of the oldest populations in England and a sustained trend of inward retirement migration, Dorset faces both challenges and opportunities in rethinking how our communities, services and public spaces meet the needs of all our residents, across all life stages. Being ‘Age Friendly’ supports people of all ages to create communities where we can all live healthy, connected and dignified lives.
Above all, it fits within our Communities for All ambition of striving to improve the lives of all residents, from young to old, by fostering thriving communities, where everyone has the support they need and a sense of belonging.
Based on current projections, about 33% of Dorset Council’s population will be aged 65 or over by 2035. Indeed, some areas are already over 40% and
this estimate reflects Dorset’s distinctive demographic trajectory:
• The 65-79 age group is projected to grow by 14% between 2024 and 2034
• The 80-plus age group is expected to grow by 38% in the same period
• Dorset already has a median age of 52.3, compared to 40.5 nationally This means Dorset will continue to be one of the UK’s most aged counties, with implications for housing, transport, health and community
design.
Becoming age-friendly however, means looking beyond just providing services but ensuring that people live in communities where they feel valued.
Through becoming Age Friendly, Dorset will seek to create our own responses to the challenges of the World Health Organisation’s eight domains of age-friendly communities which cover housing, transport, civic participation, social inclusion, community support and much more. I am so excited by this initiative. It is a generational opportunity to redesign our county with older people at its heart—not on the margins. Through our registration we hope to bring in additional external funding to support local charities and communities. Age-friendly is also community-friendly. This is about making sure that all aspects of Dorset life, from parks to pharmacies and from transport to tourism, works for everyone. And it’s intergenerational. We
know that what works for an older person often benefits other groups too – parents with pushchairs, people with disabilities, those living rurally.
I am so pleased that we have received support from local stakeholders, including NHS Dorset, voluntary sector partners and community groups who have engaged closely with the council through recent consultation.
The next phase involves a major assessment of the current age-friendly facilities available in our villages and towns and the gaps that need filling. This will be supported by local demographic modelling with input from the community. Data on ageing-in-place, people moving to Dorset and service demand is expected to drive our long-term policies across housing, transport and health.
Age Friendly Dorset will then join the WHO global network of Age Friendly Communities as a leader in supporting our ageing populations, combatting prejudice and social isolation though empowering our towns, our parishes and our businesses to become more inclusive and accessible for older adults –supporting safe living, promoting good health and enabling full participation in community life.
We’re not just adapting to the future – we’re shaping it. Dorset can become a national model for how ageing societies thrive with vision, data and a genuine commitment to every resident’s future.
Councillor Steve Robinson, cabinet lead for Adult Social Care – Dorset Council
A surprise win
Words by Ray Long; photo by Darryl Howe
MEN’S Shed volunteers were pleased to be awarded the prize for best stand at the Wessex Heavy Horse Society Show.
The judges were particularly impressed because all the items for sale on the stand were handmade by Shed members.
Pictured is Shed member Nick Warren receiving the prize from Wessex Heavy Horse Society president Mike Horler.
The Men’s Shed, Sturminster Newton, is part of a nationwide charitable organisation, open to both men and women, and provides an opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends in a very friendly atmosphere.
To find out more please call 01258 471359.
Leading hot tub and swim spa retailer with over 50 years experience in pool construction, renovation, servicing and product distribution.
Date for your Diary Wednesday 15th October
TRIUMPH BRA FITTING DAY
Triumph representative in store.
7 out of 10 are wearing the wrong size bra are you one of them?
All our lingerie staff are trained bra fitters and are in store every day. On Wednesday 15th October we have a Triumph representative joining our team for the day to answer any of your questions or problems.
Help is on hand to kick the habit
ANYONE struggling with Stoptober can now access two new nicotine-free medicines, free on prescription from GPs and pharmacies offering stop smoking services.
We are also promoting Wear it Pink Breast Cancer Now in October. We have a super hamper £1 ticket to raise money for Wear It Pink – with a chance to win a Triumph Bra, Soak Wash, and other goodies.
With sizes 30AA – 48K and all this new season’s arrivals they choice is endless. We also have Anita mastectomy bras, sports bras and lots lots more.
We look forward to seeing you.
- Shirley and her team.
The medicines, varenicline and cytisine, help withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. They work by blocking the effects of nicotine in the brain, making smoking less enjoyable and improving the chances of quitting successfully.
The medicines are often offered alongside tailored behavioural support. When starting treatment with varenicline or cytisine, your pharmacist or GP will offer a personalised consultation to discuss your smoking habits, motivations and explain how the medicine works, including any potential side effects. They’ll also offer regular check-ins to support you throughout your quit journey.
If you’re ready to quit, speak to your GP or local pharmacy to explore your options. Free help is available when you’re ready.
FASHIONS & LINGERIE
Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash
Junior cricketers celebrate success
SHERBORNE Under 10s have enjoyed an incredible cricket season, winning the Mid Wessex League Under 10 cup final and finishing as Mid-Wessex Cricket League Group C winners.
Along the way, they claimed impressive victories over local rivals including Yeovil and Queen Camel.
Across the season, 14 players represented Sherborne CC, including several children playing cricket for the first time and some stepping up from the Under 9s.
Club chair, Richard Carter, said: “This group has been a joy to watch. Whether it was their first match or they’ve been playing for years, everyone contributed to our success.
“More importantly, they’ve had fun, made friends and supported each other every step of the way.”
Sherborne CC has a thriving junior section, starting from the U9s, with young players gradually developing their skills before moving into the senior teams.
The club’s excellent outdoor net facilities and winter nets from late January mean players can build skills and confidence all year round.
This early introduction to good techniques and game awareness helps every player reach their potential with qualified coaches taking sessions supported by an enthusiastic parent community.
Sherborne CC are looking to grow and are keen to welcome new players for next season, whether they have played before or are new to the sport.
Richard added: “We’d love more children to come and try cricket — you don’t need any experience, just enthusiasm, and we have girls playing too.
“Cricket offers the thrill of being part of a team while also giving players individual moments to shine.
“It also brings together children from different schools and backgrounds, building lasting friendships and community spirit.”
Sherborne CC are keen to hear parents of children who would like to give cricket a go next year – phone Tim Durston on 07585 041231.
A healthier life made easy
After a busy summer, many of us feel mentally drained. We make so many decisions each day, the constant overload can leave us too tired to think about anything, let alone ourselves and our wellbeing.
You might want to become healthier, but can’t commit when it means more decisions, more choices and not knowing where to turn for help you can trust. So, make life simple. LiveWell Dorset is here to take the stress out of feeling better this autumn.
It offers free support to any adult living in the county who wants to manage their weight, quit smoking, get more active or cut down on drinking. No hidden cost, no catches.
Taking that first step is easy, with an experienced team to gently guide you through a full range of free options like slimming group vouchers, activity plans, smoking quit kits (vapes, patches, gum) and LiveWell’s amazing 1-2-1 coaching.
Get personalised advice and the perfect package to help you break down any barriers, build confidence and see results - beginning with small, clear, achievable goals. No quick fixes, just a lifestyle change that lasts.
Register now for your autumn reboot: online at www.livewelldorset.co.uk or by phone 0800 840 1628.
Time to goodbyesay
Words by Simon Moon, picture by George Jeans
SALLY-ANN Hooper, senior library assistant at Mere library, has retired after 24 years.
Sally-Ann said: “My time at the library would not have been half as enjoyable if I had not had some amazing members of staff to work with over the years.
“Mere is a very special place and I have so many memories. When I started I imagined I would be getting itchy feet after a few years, but look what happened – Mere magic!”
She was presented with an orchid by Simon Moon (pictured above) on behalf of the volunteers who help at the library two days a week.
Cake and a cuppa
Words and pictures by George Jeans
THE people of Mere gathered for a cuppa and to raise money for Macmillan, a charity that has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer.
A Macmillan coffee morning was held at Mere’s United Reformed Church. There were so many cakes that Trudy Mead and Anne Rich held a sale in Mere Square afterwards to finally sell them all.
One in three people who receive care from Weldmar Hospicecare are directly supported by gifts left in Wills. The independent Dorset charity must raise over £27,000 daily, to provide free, specialised care for local adults with life limiting illnesses and expected to be in the last twelve months of life.
In addition to nursing and clinical care at their Dorchester Inpatient Unit and localised Hospice at Home hubs, Weldmar offers crucial wellbeing support, counselling, and therapies for both patients and their loved ones.
It’s estimated that over half of UK adults aged 50 and over have not yet written a Will. To help, Weldmar offers a free online Will-writing service, with additional support from local solicitors. After providing for loved ones, you can consider leaving a gift to Weldmar, creating a lasting legacy that makes an immeasurable difference to local families during their most challenging times.
Ziggy’s Story
Eight-year-old Ziggy is a whirlwind of giggles and into absolutely everything.
Ziggy has an ultrarare genetic condition called infantile hyperoxaluria type 1. Less than 20 years ago, Ziggy’s condition would not have been treatable but medical advances have given him a chance at childhood.
“The nurses at Julia’s House understand what we’re going through, says Ziggy’s mum Jackie. They give me that little bit of strength to keep going. To be honest, I don’t know where we’d be without them.”
Could you help us always be there for children like Ziggy by leaving a gift in your Will to Julia’s House? To find out how visit juliashouse.org/alwaysthere
Well met, ladies!
by Sheila Chapman
APPLE weekend at the Ancient Technology Centre was a magnificent conclusion to the summer season.
The reconstructed medieval apple press was worked by the centre volunteers and visitors alike to produce gallons of pure apple juice from donated fruit.
Blandford Evening WI, as usual, kept energy levels topped up by supplying excellent burgers, beverages and cakes while the knights and their ladies from the Wessex Medieval Alliance educated, entertained and enthralled both adults and children.
More information on the ATC can be found at www. ancienttechnologycentre.com, and on the Wessex Medieval Alliance at www.wessexmedieval.org.uk.
Autumn SLEEP
Electric bikes prove popular in town
RIDERS have taken more than 50,000 journeys across Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth on Beryl electric bikes since they launched in August last year.
190,000km (118,061 miles) have been travelled on the e-bikes in that time, with an average individual trip length of 3.5km (2.17 miles).
The scheme allows residents and visitors to explore the area in a clean, ‘green’ way and aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
121 e-bikes, operated by UK-based shared transport provider Beryl, along with Dorset Council, are available to hire from 30 Beryl bays across the three locations.
They can be hired via a Beryl app and picked up or dropped off at Beryl bays around the three locations.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “We are delighted the scheme is proving popular in Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth, and that so many people are choosing this environmentally friendly way to travel around this beautiful area.
“The bikes support health and wellbeing, and their extra power makes hills and longer journeys easier, opening cycling to
more people.
“Dorset Council has an important role to play in building a greener future for the county, and schemes like this help make cycling an option for more people, whether for commuting or leisure.”
Beryl chief executive and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We are proud to celebrate this milestone of over 50,000 journeys across Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth since launching in August 2024.
“Our partnership with Dorset Council is clearly having a significant impact, demonstrating that by providing a wellplanned, user-friendly and cost-effective e-bike share scheme, we can encourage more people to choose cycling.
“Reaching over 190,000 kilometres travelled is fantastic and shows that the scheme is delivering on its aim to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable for all, supporting the area's journey towards a greener future."
Users can pay for their journeys in a variety of ways, including Pay-As-YouRide, Minute Bundle and various pass options.
The Beryl app is available for free download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users.
Electric and non-electric Beryl bikes are also available to hire from bays in Corfe Mullen and Upton, providing a link with the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP Council) bike, e-bike and e-scooter share scheme.
For more information on the scheme and to find your nearest Beryl bay, visit www. beryl.cc
Our loose Canon
Considering the future of organised religion and the Church
of England
by Canon Eric Woods
THE appointment of the Bishop of London, The Right Reverend Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has attracted some pretty underwhelming media attention. There are some obvious reasons for this, not least the far more urgent news of a possible end to hostilities in Gaza and the murderous attack on a synagogue in Manchester. There is also a common view in the media that the Church of England is an irrelevance and hardly worth the column inches.
Both reactions I can understand. I want to concentrate in this article on the second. Considered as a national institution, the Church of England seems to many to be of diminishing importance, unable to adapt to its loss of prestige and respect.
been a parish priest for so many years. The people who matter to me are not prelates or ecclesiastical dignitaries, but those many, many people who have entrusted me with a fragment of their lives, their sad or their glad times, and allowed me to keep company with them along the way.
“Who cares?” is a terrible question, but one which needs an answer. Yet the Church of England was where I bumped into God – or did God bump into me? Ever since it has shaped me and made me open to its various traditions and insights and what used to be a truly “broad church” approach to them. I love its liturgy (well, most of it) and its glorious musical heritage.
But the institutional aspect of all of this has never mattered much to me. The strength of any church is not in its hierarchy but in what it can achieve amongst ordinary people and keeping alive the rumour of God in local communities and showing that love in plain, practical action. That is why I consider myself privileged to have
Some years ago I went on a course in Dublin on Celtic Spirituality, run by a Roman Catholic monk called John Ó Ríordáin. In his book Irish Catholic Spirituality: Celtic and Roman, he says this:
“In the long run, the over-dominant institution devours the very thing on which it depends and feeds, namely, the personal and communal faith and commitment of the people. In the final analysis, one is left with big churches, big plans, streamlined organisations, and nobody there. This process has already worked itself through in much of Continental Europe and the same painful process is presently going on in Ireland. We may schematise the process or cycle as follows:
1) The Good News is preached
2) There is a faith-response from the people
3) The institution emerges and builds on it
4) The institution devours the popular faith
5) The faith weakens
6) The institution collapses
7) The Good News is preached anew.
“There is a Zen saying which runs: ‘When my house burned down, I got an unobstructed view of the moon at night.’ Perhaps our present church structures, cluttered and obstructive as many still find them, will have to crumble further before the face of Christ can be seen clearly and joyously again.”
Busy festival programme promises something for all literature lovers
LITERATURE
lovers will gather in Mere for a festival celebrating works of all shapes, sizes and subjects.
From history, to mystery, food to fantasy, the programme offers something for readers of all sorts of books between October 13 to 19.
Founded in 1997, the festival has since raised thousands for town causes.
“The Mere Literary Festival is now the hub of the enlarged and improved event that is Mere Festival Week and is presented by the local community for the specific benefit of the wider local community and the good causes within the town,” a spokesperson said.
Now, it welcomes writers and creatives from a broad range of book genres, being overseen by new festival director, Wayne Stevens, and the Festival Committee.
“I am not alone in formulating a fantastic new event for you for this year, as other enthusiastic local residents have stepped up
to form a Festival Committee and are as excited as I am to present this wonderful annual event,” Wayne said.
Writers set to appear include Tim Bouverie, Josie Lloyd, Jane Moore Ben Aitken, covering everything from history and gardening, to murder mystery and music.
Log on to mereliteraryfestival. com for full details of all events.
Meanwhile, the Festival Committee said it is already planning for the future of the event - and it is set to get bigger.
“Our longer-term aim is to introduce new elements such as a full Children’s Festival and a Fringe Festival, which will focus on the spoken word in all its formats to give more performance-based event opportunities,” a spokesperson said.
If you run a charity in the town, or are involved in a specific interest
group or facility that serves the community and would like financial support from festival week fundraising, email Wayne via organiser@mereliteraryfestival.com.
Jane Moore and Tom Bouverie will apear at Mere Literary Festival
Walton House Antiques
WINTER SHOW
At the showrooms in Mere Saturday 8th November 2025 from 10am to 6pm
We will again have our party at the shop with bubbles and canapes. Come and see us and enjoy the day wandering through 3500 square feet of Showrooms and speaking to Nick, Paul and Richard Price and Susan Rumfitt from the Antiques Roadshow. THE SQUARE, MERE, WILTSHIRE, BA12 6DL 01747 860050
Your business could be here for as little as £45 per week...
*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert
Sprout & Flower is your quirky little shop in the heart of Mere. We sell fabulous flowers, great tasting fruit and veg, a hand selected range of wines, beers & spirits along with a tempting selection of local produce, with coffee and mouthwatering cakes to be enjoyed in our shop or to take away. Our delicious selection of locally baked bread, artisan pork pies, quiches and ham, Mere Trout and meat from Cole’s Butchers are just the tip of the iceberg of what we have on offer to tantalise your taste buds.
www.sproutandflower.co.uk
01747 860300 @sproutandflower
Fabulous Cherubim Music Trust Concerts
JUMBLE SALE, Sat 18th October 2pm. Community Connection, Stourview Close, Sturminster Newton. DT10-1JU. Cafe open from 12noon.
SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA
The Salt Path Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Friday 17 October | 6.30 for 7.00 pm £6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com
JUMBLE SALE Saturday 11th October 12pm
Durweston Village Hall DT11 0QA, £1 entry includes draw ticket for £25 M&S Voucher. Tea, coffee and cake Contact 07786-011321
BRIAN WILLOUGHBY AND CATHRYN CRAIG. Folk concert at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull, DT10 1PZ. 7pm, Saturday 18th October. Tickets: 07817 379006.
WANT TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, play awesome samba music and dress up like a chicken occasionally? Then Fowl Play is for you! Rehearsals on Wednesdays, 5:306:30pm at Shroton Village Hall. We’re also available for workshops and performances. For more information: fowlplaysamba@gmail.com
THE VINTAGE BAZAAR
Sat October 25th 9am-2pm at The Cheese and Grain, Frome
MARNHULL VILLAGE HALL AGM, Tuesday 18 November at 7pm in the Village Hall. Meeting details on https://www. marnhullvillagehall.org.uk/.
SHAFTESBURY
EMPORIUM, Friday 17th & Saturday 18th October, 9 - 4.30pm, Town Hall Shaftesbury, Lots of wonderful locally crafted & consumable items for sale. Free Entry, Supporting DSAA & Weldmar Hospice
QUIZ NIGHT
Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ
Saturday 11 October 7.00 for 7.30 pm Teams of 6 (max) | £5 per person | Hot Food | Bar Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com
ONE OFF EVENT, Fabric and Quilting book Sale, From 50p - £8 each , Thursday 23rd October, 47pm, Boobs Breast Cancer Shop, 7a Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8EL, All money will be donated to Boobs.
TRAD JAZZ BAND; Sunset Café Stompers are coming to Gussage All Saints Village Hall on Saturday 18th October, starting 19:00. To Include two course meal. Contact Bob 01258 840168 for tickets
ROLT MILLENNIUM GREEN, SHAFTESBURY - A.G.M. Wed 15 Oct. RMG Trust’s Annual General Meeting 2024-25 takes place at Grosvenor Hotel 6pm Wed 15 Oct. ALL WELCOME. Charity 1077130. A Breathing Space in the Heart of St James.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, Corton Denham: HARVEST FESTIVAL 12
October 11 am, followed by refreshments and distribution of products. All welcome
LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull
Royal British Legion
DT10 1HR on October 20th. Eyes down 7pm.
Sherborne Toy ColleCTorS Fair
December 13th 2025.
Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Road. Hosted by Pastimes of Sherborne - dealers in classic toys for 40 years. All enquiries call 07736 666414
Somerset Festival of Remembrance
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Wells Cathedral, with a special focus on honouring the contribution of the people of Somerset.
A SLICE of the Edinburgh Fringe will be coming to Chetnole when Duane Forrest performs his show Bob Marley – How Reggae Changed the World. The Toronto-based singersongwriter will present a captivating, award-winning music-storytelling show.
Duane has a deep personal connection to his Jamaican roots and a profound admiration for Bob Marley, and will be taking audiences on a journey through the history,
cultural impact and timeless songs of the reggae icon. Through storytelling, live music and audience interaction, he shares how reggae transformed his life and became a global phenomenon, all while capturing the essence of Bob Marley’s music.
Duane Forrest is at Chetnole Village Hall on Sunday, October 19, at 7.30pm.
Tickets priced £12.50, £6 under 18s, are available from Gwen on 07979 010332 or www.artsreach.co.uk
Toronto-based Duane Forrest will perform his show Bob Marley –How Reggae Changed the World at Chetnole Village Hall
Greek myths at the village hall
THE village hall in Halstock will be hosting comedy theatre company Living Spit when it presents Too Many Greek Myths.
The actors’ Herculean challenge is to squeeze 20 of the greatest Ancient Greek myths into a chaotic, side-splitting show. They will be tackling
everything from Hades to Heracles, Midas to Medusa with their trademark blend of hare-brained humour, questionable wigs and a total disregard for
historical accuracy. Too Many Greek Myths is presented with rural arts charity Arstreach on Wednesday, October 15, at 7.30pm.
Doctor reveals death’s secrets
FORENSIC pathologist, author and television regular Dr Richard Shepherd will be stopping off at the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil as part of a national tour.
Dr Shepherd has conducted more than 24,000 autopsies and worked on well-known cases including the Princess Diana inquiry, the Bali bombings, the Hungerford Massacre, the sinking of the Marchioness and the spy in the bag, Gareth Williams.
Time of Death – More Unnatural Causes follows on from a previous tour in 2021-22 and will look at the time factor in helping to understand why someone died.
Dr Shepherd suffered with PTSD following the Bali bombings and had a breakdown a few years ago.
Now retired from the Home Office, he continues to work as a forensic pathologist and expert witness on cases.
He wrote the best seller Unnatural Causes and has made several television series, with
Dr Richard Shepherd, who is appearing in Yeovil, has worked on some of the most high profile cases of recent years
his latest, Body in the Water, now on the True Crime television channel.
The audience in Yeovil can learn more about the world of forensic investigation into sudden and suspicious deaths on Saturday, October 25.
Movie treats at town festival
NEXT week’s Sherborne International Film Festival gives movie fans the chance to see foreign films they would not normally be able to see locally and raise funds for charity.
Drama, action, comedy, thriller and tragedy is on offer in the 14th International Film Festival being held from Thursday to Sunday, October 16-19, at the Powell Theatre in Abbey Road.
The line-up features: Pele – Birth of a Legend (2016) PG, Brazil, on Thursday, October 16, 7.30pm; La Femme Nikita (1990) 15, France, on Friday, October 17, 5pm; Parasite
(2019) 15, South Korea, on Friday, October 17, 7.30pm; Belle et Sebastien (2013) PG, France, Saturday, October 18, 5pm; Downfall (Der Untergang) (2004) 15, Germany, Saturday, October 18, 7.30pm; Cinema Paradiso (1988) 12, Italy, Sunday, October 19, 5pm; Indochine (1993) 15, Vietnam, Sunday, October 19, 7.30pm.
The festival will raise money for the HALO Trust, which clears landmines around the world.
For more information, visit www.shiff.uk – tickets are available online and from Winstone’s Books.
TANGLE Theatre’s fastmoving adaptation of Julius Caesar is coming to The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.
The production drives through the political chaos, power struggles and friendship betrayals at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest thriller in a high-energy production that brings African-inspired storytelling into the heart of ancient Rome.
Julius Caesar has become a tyrant. Cassius sees the threat. Brutus is torn by loyalty.
Shakespeare’s greatest thriller Orchestra plays for Christian Aid
THE Phoenix Cafe Orchestra promises something for everyone when it performs at the Methodist Church in Shaftesbury to raise funds for Christian Aid.
The popular musical group, under the direction of David Grierson, will play light classics, numbers from the golden age of musicals and hits from the roaring 20s onwards.
The Shaftesbury Area
Together, they conspire to kill Caesar.
When Cassius and Brutus murder Caesar in full public view on the Ides of March, they think they have heralded a new political age.
Instead, chaos erupts and civil war begins. Who will seize power? Will this bring conflict or stability? Will the new ruler also fall to corruption?
Julius Caesar is being staged on Friday, October 24, at 7.30pm – for tickets, visit www. artsreach.co.uk
committee of Christian Aid will be serving tea and cakes to end the afternoon, and donations towards the charity’s work will be gratefully received.
The local committee is hosting the event which, with the annual Lent Lunches in the town hall, is part of its annual fundraising efforts.
The concert is on Sunday, October 19, at 2.30pm.
Julius Caesar is at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton
Arts & Entertainment
30 years of making music together
MUSICIANS
Leon Hunt and Jason Titley first met back in the early 1990s before going on to form a band, ‘progressive’ Bluegrass outfit, Daily Planet.
Now they are back as a duo and will be playing three live concerts in Dorset this month as part of rural arts charity Artsreach’s autumn season.
Five-string banjo-wizard Leon Hunt has played alongside some of the world’s top musicians from across several musical styles, backgrounds and disciplines for over a decade.
Jason Titley is one of the most rhythmically engaging
Leaning heavily on American and British traditional music, their own compositions take on musical references from just about everywhere else.
Expect an evening of superb musicianship and funny anecdotes from their 30 years making music together as they perform in halls at Hinton Martell on Friday, October 17; Piddletrenthide on Saturday, October 18; and Studland on Sunday, October 19.
Tickets and full details are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk
Choir’s collection in singer’s memory
THE Mill Singers Male Voice Choir has presented a cheque for £620 to Weldmar Hospice following a collection held at Shaftesbury Fringe following the death of choir member Tony Thorne.
The choir, which performed the day after Tony’s death, presented the money to the hospice as it had cared for him at home until his last days.
A spokesperson for the choir said: “Not only did we want to put on a great show for the public, it was also our way of honouring his memory.
“While some of the songs –those that Tony had a solo spot in – proved hard to sing, bringing some of the choir to tears, nevertheless we did him proud and were enthusiastically received by the audience.
“The organisers then invited us to ‘pass the hat’ for donations and we were able to raise an amazing £620.”
The Mill Singers Male Voice Choir performs about eight concerts a year, all for charity, and welcomes new members at any time.
No musical experience is
required, just a love of singing and a willingness to learn.
For more information about
Richie mines his Irish roots
SINGER-SONGWRITER
Richie Ros, who hails from Ireland’s rugged west coast, where the wild Atlantic and rich musical traditions shaped his earliest influences, is set to play Ashmore Village Hall.
Ros says he draws inspiration from James Taylor, Don McLean and Van Morrison, alongside the raw spirit of The Dubliners and The Pogues.
In 2019, he released his debut album, Odyssey,
the choir, contact Tudor Hill 01258 861225 or email tudorhill@btinternet.com
Odyssey captures Ros’s warm, soulful songwriting and a voice steeped in intimacy and sincerity.
Since then, he has toured extensively across Europe captivating audiences with heartfelt lyricism and rich storytelling.
Ros is at Ashmore Village Hall on Saturday, October 18, and tickets priced £12 are available from www. ashmorevillagehall.co.uk or 01747 811364.
Doors and bar open at 7pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm.
‘flat pick’ guitarists around. His 2014 critically acclaimed solo album, Still Rolling,
featured a who’s who of the acoustic scene’s finest from the USA and UK.
Leon Hunt and Jason Titley first met in the early 1990s
produced by Grammy Award-winner David Odlum, founding member of legendary Irish band The
Frames – with Glen Hansard – and recorded at the renowned Black Box Studio in France.
Richie Ros is playing Ashmore Village Hall
The Mill Singers Male Voice Choir musical director, Nikki Budd, presents Tony Thorne’s wife Pat, with a cheque for the £620, which she received on behalf of Weldmar Hospice
Great Expectations at Shaftesbury Arts Centre –Dickens Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Step into a world of shadows, secrets, and shattered dreams this October, as Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Music & Drama Group presents Neil Bartlett’s electrifying adaptation of Great Expectations.
Dickens’ classic tale hurtles from the eerie Kent marshes to the glittering yet treacherous streets of London, following young Pip’s journey from humble beginnings to dangerous ambition. Along the way, he collides with some of literature’s most haunting figures: Miss Havisham, trapped in her decaying mansion and wedding dress, the coldly beautiful Estella, the lawyer Jaggers, keeper of secrets and the menacing convict Magwitch who alters Pip’s fate forever.
What makes Neil Bartlett’s adaptation so distinctive is its sheer theatricality. Instead of retelling Dickens’ novel as a traditional costume drama, Bartlett strips the story back to its dark, beating heart. With a lean, fast-moving script and inventive staging, this production captures the humour and raw emotional power of the novel in a way that feels startlingly modern and utterly compelling. Every scene drives forward with energy and intensity, pulling the audience deeper into Pip’s world of secrets, hopes, and shattered illusions.
Performed by a remarkable local cast in the intimate space of Shaftesbury Arts Centre, this is Great Expectations as you’ve never experienced it - bold, immediate, and unflinchingly dramatic.
Prepare to be gripped! 22nd–25th October at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Tickets available from www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or the Box Office (01747) 854321.
Milk price more bad news for farmers
DAIRY farmers in Somerset are set to be under even more pressure after milk prices have dropped notably. ADHB has predicted a fall in average farmgate milk price of 3.3ppl from 43.7 to 40.4ppl by December. Farmers had been expecting a long-overdue increase after recent contractual changes but will instead face serious financial challenges and disruption to their business plans.
This comes at the end of a very tough year for our farmers, with farm business confidence levels dropping to record lows following the family farm tax, the sudden closure of Sustainable Farming Incentive, flooding and a record dry spell in the summer.
Rural communities and agricultural businesses go hand in hand, with the industry supporting nearly 500,000 jobs. But with more and more farms closing their gates, communities are feeling threatened and
Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke
worried.
I have always pledged to stand up for rural communities and am pleased to do so as the new Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs. It is an honour to bring the voices of rural constituencies like Glastonbury and Somerton to Westminster – in this new role, I will magnify them even further.
From farming, nature and food security to transport, housing and digital connectivity, the challenges facing rural Britain are unique and urgent, and it’s more important than ever that
politicians pay attention –especially under a government which, with its Inheritance Tax hikes for family farms and small businesses and overwhelmingly urban-centric policy agenda, doesn’t seem to understand rural communities at all.
Several weeks ago, I visited Gatcombe Farm in Devon to talk about its innovative approach to managing Bovine Tuberculosis. Rather than focusing on vaccinating and culling badgers, farmer Robert Reed and veterinarian Dick Sibley are advocating for the emphasis to be placed on herd management, alongside an increased testing regime. By tackling cow-to-calf transmission, the spreading of infected slurry on fields and the trading of TB-positive livestock, they hope to drastically reduce Bovine TB rates across the south west – all they need is the funding to do so.
Robert and Dick had hosted the former Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner at Gatcombe before the recent cabinet reshuffle, and he had expressed enthusiasm for their project. Now, they told me, they feel as if they’re back to square one. It remains to be seen whether Zeichner’s successor, Angela Eagle, will adopt the same collaborative approach to her role, centring farmers’ knowledge, concerns and ideas in her policymaking – I certainly hope she does.
In my new role as Rural Affairs Spokesperson, and as a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter, I am determined to hold Eagle and the Government to account.
To do that effectively, I want to hear your voice. If you would like to share your views on rural life, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my advice surgeries, contact me at sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk
Let’s look to find common ground
DIVIDE and distract are tried and tested means of conquering opponents, and at present both are being heavily employed by toxic individuals hell bent on making our world one which feeds THEIR needs, rather than being for the benefit of all. Let’s call it what it is – insanity, driven by greed for wealth and power. And criminal insanity at that, because of the damage it is doing to innocent people’s lives, and the death and destruction it will ultimately cause unless it is checked. And that’s where we come in. We are not as powerless as some would have us believe!
The present US administration has shown that total lies can be spouted with impunity unless they are effectively challenged. In the name of defending free speech, a hostile campaign is underway to suppress any speech that does
Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset
not support the official narrative, no matter how false that narrative might be. The leaders of Reform UK are copying the US far right’s playbook, with false claims about climate change and immigration, for example, and stifling criticism by banning left-leaning journalists from party conferences.
Patriotism has been weaponised, aiming to drive a wedge between different communities and encouraging us to turn on one another rather than turn on the real perpetrators responsible for the crises we face. The recent so called Unite the Kingdom rally further fragmented us, with added violence towards the police resulting in dozens of officers being injured. We have to resist all attempts to get us to attack one another. Not everyone who supports Reform is a racist bigot. Many will have justifiable concerns around issues such as the broken housing market, the collapse of public services and the increasing inequality between generations. Populist politicians are skilled at using social media to turn austeritydriven discontent into anger at outsiders, dividing and
distracting us with an Us vs Them conflict narrative. One hope with the new Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, is that by positive use of social media we will successfully counter the toxic populist outpourings and establish the common ground between all those of us who just want a society that is genuinely fair, and free from anger and hate.
We all need to seek the best in others, especially those on the other side of the debate, and work to genuinely unite to reclaim a positive vision for the future of our world. We must resist the urge to condemn those we disagree with as the root of all evil and instead work to find the common ground between us all. The future is in our hands. When we find ways to work together, despite our differences, we can create a society that works for us all.
Dyslexia made my school years tough
OCTOBER is Dyslexia Awareness Month – a time to recognise the challenges faced by people with dyslexia, but also to celebrate their strengths and achievements.
For me, this is not just a campaign, it is personal. I am severely dyslexic and growing up I often found school incredibly tough. Too many times I was labelled as ‘naughty’ or ‘lazy’ when the truth was that I simply needed the right support. That experience has stayed with me, and it is one of the reasons I am determined to make things better for the next generation of children with dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits.
Earlier this year, I took an important step by presenting my first Bill in Parliament – a Ten Minute Rule Bill calling for universal screening in primary
Lib Dem MP for Yeovil
Adam Dance
schools to identify neurodivergence earlier, and proper training for teachers so they feel confident supporting pupils in their classrooms. At the moment, the only statutory check for children in primary schools is the phonics test, which asks pupils to read 40 words. That test is far too narrow. It risks missing children with dyslexia, ADHD and other
learning differences. By introducing light-touch, teacher-led screening, we can make sure no child is overlooked. This is not about labelling children with a diagnosis but about giving teachers the information they need to make small adjustments in the classroom that can make a huge difference.
I am proud this campaign has already gained national attention. Earlier this year I joined forces with campaigners, including Jamie Oliver, to highlight how the education system is failing too many children with dyslexia. Parents and teachers across South Somerset have told me how important this change would be, and I will continue to push the Government to act.
For children, early support is life-changing. It can mean the
difference between falling behind and thriving at school. For parents, it offers reassurance that their child is understood. And for teachers, it means having the tools they need to help every child succeed.
Dyslexia is not a barrier to success. Many people with dyslexia are creative, resourceful and determined –qualities our society needs more than ever. But without the right support, too many are left feeling as I did when I was young – that the system is stacked against them.
This Dyslexia Awareness Month, I want to send a clear message – every child deserves the fair start in life that comes from being understood and supported. I will keep campaigning in Parliament and here in Somerset to make sure that happens.
Time to look again at fracking
IT is always a pleasure to visit the National Trust’s Stourhead property, near Mere. This time there was a purpose beyond admiring the garden’s emerging autumn plumage. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is running a campaign to promote destination charging for electric vehicles in association with the NT and ZapMap. My visit was an opportunity to talk with those involved and admire the neat ranks of shiny new electric vehicle charging points in the car park. I also got to drive an EV for the first time. For now, I’ll be keeping my diesel, but I’ve seen the future.
Stourhead’s sweeping vistas have borne witness to centuries of technological change. Steam, gas and electricity each revolutionised the way we lived. Now we are in the throes of another shift.
The Government has set highly ambitious targets for the transition to electric vehicles. Sales of new petrol and diesel
Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire
Dr Andrew Murrison
cars are due to cease by 2035. Whether or not you think the timetable is realistic – I doubt it is – the future is clear and it is increasingly electric.
Charging infrastructure is central to achieving this government’s intent. If motorists are to be persuaded that EVs can reliably replace the mighty internal combustion engine, they must be confident their vehicles will not run out of juice and leave them stranded. At present, charging points are patchily distributed, and queues at service stations can be long.
Stourhead’s investment is therefore both practical and symbolic – a national institution recognising that its visitors expect, and increasingly demand, facilities fit for the electric age.
But charging points themselves need power. They must be fed by energy that is secure, affordable and sustainable. The UK cannot hope to participate in the EV revolution if our electricity grid is overstretched, as at peak generating times it is now, or if our power continues to rely on volatile, expensive imports. We need more generating capacity, and we need it from reliable sources.
That means nuclear and more licences to extract oil and gas from the North Sea, not fewer, as minister Ed Miliband wants. Offshore wind has been a real success story, but frustratingly the wind does not always blow. Solar is useful when not gobbling up prime agricultural land, but less so on dark winter
afternoons. Nuclear, by contrast, provides steady baseload power and should form the backbone of our energy mix. But oil and gas will be needed for many years to come.
We should go further. Look again at fracking. We’re sitting on gold and refusing to mine it. Shale gas has transformed America’s economy since 2008 but instead of kickstarting our own energy revolution, we live off theirs. What’s the sense of importing expensive American LNG with its added carbon footprint?
Furthermore, why have ministers turned their back on the proposed interconnector between Morocco and the UK? With its mix of wind and solar electricity, it stood to give us 8% of grid capacity – reliably, not intermittently like our own wind and solar. Power could have been heading our way in just a few years. I fear we will live to regret turning down this home-grown potential gamechanger.
Lloyds closure and post deliveries
IT was with a resigned ‘God, not another one?!?’ that I greeted the news that Lloyds in Gillingham is closing in January. High Street banks are closing at an alarming rate as the banks argue that our habits are changing. As I have stated before, I believe that the negative impact on a rural or market town economy is greater than in an urban setting, but this is never taken into account by the corporate beancounters.
Local councillors Barry von Clemens, Belinda Ridout, Val Pothecary and I will will now turn our attentions to explore the creation of a banking hub to serve the needs of Gillingham and the surrounding villages. The reduction in banking services in Shaftesbury should add weight to our overall case. The criteria for a hub is extremely tight but we will do our best.
A number of residents in Blandford had contacted me to
Conservative MP for North Dorset
Simon Hoare
complain about a reduction in postal deliveries across the town. Having contacted Royal Mail, I made arrangements for its director of public affairs to come to Blandford to meet me to discuss. The fall off in deliveries was recognised and attributed to nine posties
leaving Royal Mail almost simultaneously. A massive recruitment drive is underway which is bearing fruit. A ‘taskforce’ sorting office manager is also in place as they have experience of these sorts of situations. To try to help, the director of public affairs and I, together with an actual postie – we had to have someone who knew what they were doing – donned our uniforms and hit the streets to deliver some post. I am confident the sorting office will be able to meet the upcoming Christmas demand and I would be grateful if residents could email me – simon.hoare.mp@parliament. uk – if they do not see improvements. I impressed on Royal Mail how important a regular delivery is, particularly when it comes to hospital letters. The good news is that Royal Mail is working closely with the NHS and has devised a prioritising delivery of these important letters. This should help patients receive the treatment they need and not miss appointments, which, in turn, adds to a reduction in NHS productivity if people do not attend their slots because they had not received the letter. I will be making sure our local health providers are aware of this new
service.
On the issue of health, more and further problems with how Jhoots is delivering – or rather not – pharmacy dispensing services for residents of Shaftesbury and the surrounding villages. I spent a good 90 minutes in a meeting with Dorset NHS to discuss the issue and to make the point that local patients deserved better. The corporate problems of Jhoots have been well catalogued in the media and it appears to be a particular problem here in the south west. Pharmacies are private businesses and there is an overly complex route to managing the relationship between provider and ‘commissioner’. I will be kept up to date with progress. It is recognised that Shaftesbury and the surrounding area require two dispensing pharmacies and, while Boots is doing its upmost, it cannot be expected to pick up all the slack. If you have your prescription via Jhoots and wish to change your nominated collection point but don’t quite know how to do so, please email me – as above – or write to me at my constituency office: Simon Hoare MP, The Stables, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford DT11 7BU and we can help you.
Your Party launch
ORGANISERS were pleased with the turnout when the Frome and West Wiltshire branch of Your Party launched at Frome’s Assembly Rooms with more than 50 people attending.
Your Party is the new party co-led by former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and former Labour MP Zarah Sultana.
Spokesperson, Pete Mellen, said: “It was truly heartwarming to see so many people come forward to volunteer to help with pushing the movement forward.”
Attendees addressed their local and national concerns, with many highlighting the need for electoral reform, and the lack of social housing and services for young people. Other issues were responses to climate change, the NHS, regulation of big-tech social media and local river pollution.
• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am.
• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – services at 10.45am. Thursdays – coffee and chat from 10am-noon. Fridays – lunch club for over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book.
• Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury: Sundays –services at 10.30am. Second Sunday of the month, All Age Service. Everyone welcome.
• Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service, including classes for three-18 year olds. Monday Fellowship – weekly, 2.30pm3.30pm, everyone welcome, term times only. Tuesday –Footprints, an activities playtime for pre-school children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm, term times only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689 for more information.
• Broadstone United Reformed Church: Dorset Chamber Choir presents The Tudor Byrd, an introduction to the choral music of the Tudor era on Monday, October 20, 8pm. Admission free, cash donations encouraged.
• Castleton, Sherborne, St Mary Magdalene (DT9 3SA): First, third and fourth Sundays, Sung Mattins; second and fifth Sundays, Holy Communion. All services are BCP at 11.15am.
• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday. Sunday service at 10.30am. Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper. Rendezvous Community Cuppa – third Monday each month, 10.30am-12.30pm; support/ advice from local surgery, speak to a pharmacist, blood pressure checks and Age UK will attend. Profits to Rendezvous.
• George’s Church, Damerham: Nearly new sale, Damerham Hall SP6 3HD, Saturday, October 11, 2pm. Entrance 50p, raffle, refreshments.
• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.
• Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.
• Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.
• Milton-on-Stour Church: Hell-Ship to Hiroshima, a talk by Air Commodore Martin Sharp MA OBE (RAF retired), Friday, October 10, 7pm for 7.30pm start.
• Our Lady of Lourdes & Saint Cecilia, Blandford: Sunday, 9am Holy Mass; Monday/ Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday, 9.10am Morning Prayers, 9.30am Holy Mass; Tuesday, 6.10pm Evening Prayers, 6.30pm Holy Mass; Saturday, 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament/ Confessions; 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday.
• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm.
• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass – Sacred Heart, Tisbury, 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am.
• Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.
• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB
• Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy
Communion; The Lady Chapel. Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.
• Sherborne Museum winter talk: St John’s Almshouse, Sherborne, Past and Present with Dr Larry Burke at Digby Memorial Church Hall on Thursday, October 16 at 2pm. Admission £5, free to museum members.
• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.
• 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 Nicholas, Durweston: Family Communion Service every first Sunday of the month 11am; Evening Service every third Sunday of the month 4pm.
• 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, October 12 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Morning Worship/ Harvest at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Family Harvest at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, October 19 – 9.30am Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am Family Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Harvest at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston.
• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meet at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday, October 12, United Harvest Festival, 11am, all-age service, followed by a Harvest Lunch; 4pm Harvest praise service; Sundays, October 19 and 26, 4pm, afternoon services. Contact: Geoff.mead@yahoo. com or phone 01935 850838.
• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion.
• Woodlands Methodist Church: Jumble sale in Verwood Memorial Hall, Saturday, October 11, at 9.30am. New entrance charge of 50p. For more details, phone Brian on 01202 822066.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, Corton Denham: HARVEST FESTIVAL 12 October 11 am, followed by refreshments and distribution of products. All welcome
Letters
Housing policy and ‘social cleansing’
I WAS apoplectic with rage once again about the subject of one letter and one article in the September 12 issue of the New Blackmore Vale. The first, once again about housing.
Councillor James Vitali flagged up that Dorset Council has already closed consultation on changing the Social Housing income limit to £60,000.
I quickly concluded that the reason must be that the housing associations are broke and need to create more rent revenue.
Rents rise at the rate of the consumer price index plus 1% and this is cumulatively too much for a low earner.
A full-time job on minimum wage gives a take home pay of £20,799 annually.
These essential workers, and groups with even less income, are the people that should have social housing.
If passed, this policy will result in the social cleansing that has been happening for years in high property price areas, where the social rents are so high that people cannot pay however hard they work, are evicted and often housed hundreds of miles away from their homes.
We now have a social policy dictated to by the Markets –how truly Kafkaesque.
I would however, correct Cllr Vitali that social housing is NOT funded by Council Tax, but by central Government grants, rents and other finance.
I am also not sure if he is referring to affordable housing, which is quite separate, although still not ‘affordable’.
The second, was an article about Somerset Council spending up to £20 million over a number of years on a consultancy to cut council costs.
Excuse me? Is it not the job of the chief executive – salary £213,000 – to run the council to budget.
If he can’t, he should go.
The eye-watering amount spent on Executive leadership
team salaries should be enough for the council taxpayers to bare.
If they cannot do their job, they should go, too.
Although councils have legitimate reasons to find managing very hard indeed, we were told the unitary authorities would save money.
Have there been a few golden handshakes along the way, I wonder?
Diana Garner Blandford
In defence of democracy
“I AM a natural optimist, but I have to say that I am not optimistic about the future of democracy, in this country or elsewhere in the West.”
These are the words of the former UK Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption in his most recent book The Challenges of Democracy and the Rule of Law
I found it an enlightening read, and I’d encourage anyone with even a vague interest in keeping their rights and freedoms to read it too.
It struck me just how fragile democracy is.
Sumption points out that universal male franchise is barely 150 years old in Britain, and women did not get the vote on the same terms as men until 1928.
Throughout a large section of history, society has been ruled by tyrants.
And the frustrating thing is they are quite good at getting things done.
For example, Napoleon building the Canal de l’Ourcq, establishing the Code Napoleon, reforming the education system etc.
Bonaparte had such a firm grip on power and an equally strong vision that some of the reforms he made benefited his nation.
But ultimately, democracy is the only free and fair way of
conducting our affairs, and the only system of government we should accept.
However, democracy is rare. According to research conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit, it is estimated that in 2022 only 24 out of 167 countries covered ranked as full democracies.
Democratic values are not attractive to nations like China, which focus solely on economic growth.
It is also worrying the number of young people my age who do not fully understand what democracy is and would be in favour of populist demagogues breaking rules to get things done.
My generation – young people – are fascinated with populist ‘strongmen’ like Trump and Farage who supposedly embody the ‘popular will’.
For some reason, they have managed to cut through to young people on social media like no-one else.
This is a stark warning from a 17-year-old to defend our democratic values and to not take them for granted, regardless of political persuasion.
Elliott Wagner-Hale Via email
3,750 homes:What would Hardy say?
IT is a truth universally acknowledged that Hangman’s Cottage by the River Frome is a place of natural beauty.
The controversial proposed development to the north of Dorchester which would stretch from Charminster across arable fields to where Hardy’s heart is buried with his two wives at Stinsford Parish.
The site is one of significant heritage and the environment must be protected at all costs from this act of ‘cultural vandalism’ and violation of the land.
Of course, it is key to acknowledge that housing and
low-cost housing is important and that this letter is not an issue of nimbyism.
However, building a mass development of 3,750 houses larger than Poundbury is not the answer.
Furthermore, after attending the consultation event at the United Church last week the following statement was given on the invitation flyer: ‘A garden community is a sustainable, well-designed development that balances the need for new homes with nature.’
Arguably, the irony of this declarative is that the development will be a ‘concrete jungle’ built on our agricultural and fertile land.
We already have green spaces with our fields which are of national and international significance as a heritage asset. The location of the proposed development is inappropriate and I am sure other sites could be potentially considered .
Moreover, the writer Thomas Hardy used Dorchester as his setting for The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886) and he describes it thus: ‘It stood with the land adjoining, clean-cut and distinct, like a chessboard on a green tablecloth – it was compact as a box of dominoes and untouched by the faintest sprinkle of modernism – it had no suburbs – in the ordinary sense.’
I would like to suggest that Poundbury is our suburb and this proposed development will be larger than the estate owned by the Duchy of Cornwall –which, as an aside, is still being developed.
How will this new ‘garden community’ enhance the character of Dorchester and where is the infrastructure for this possible mass blot on the landscape.
With our NHS bursting at the seams and our GP surgeries inundated, alongside the traffic within the town adding vastly to pollution, how one might ask
will this development survive.
Dorchester already has many brownfield sites that could be used for housing including the flats above shops in South Street, Trinity Street and High West and East.
Has this been considered by Dorset Council which is obviously succumbing to the targets set by government.
Finally, it needs to be stated that the proposed development is to be created on ancient water meadows and floodplains – to build on this sacred land would be pure sacrilege and our tourism in the town relies on our links with Hardy.
Indeed, the river walk and land features in Hardy’s short story The Withered Arm (1888) and in The Three Strangers
As a man who ‘used to notice such things’ and as a conservationist and protector of the land, what would Hardy have thought of this proposal.
Would the Pair of Blue Eyes not have a tear in them at the thought of a vast increase in the town.
Jude would be even more ‘obscure’ at the thought of a vast increase in the demographic of Wessex.
Would the ‘Native’ have wanted to return to a desecrated heath.
Ultimately, Dorchester is Far from the Madding Crowd and that is where we want it to stay.
Mark Damon Chutter Chair and academic director
The Thomas Hardy Society
Cottage hospitals are an asset
I WANT to say a big thank you to the Westminster Hospital in Shaftesbury.
The care I received there was amazing – we must keep this hospital open.
The staff, especially Nikki and Lisa, could not have been kinder.
I went there in a mess last Saturday with a nasty cut to my head and came out all patched up.
Cottage hospitals are a great
asset to this community, so long may they remain.
Katharine Fear Via email
Charity offering energy support
FOR many, the sight of crisp leaves and the promise of cosy sofa nights by the fire brings comfort.
But for people struggling to keep their homes warm –especially with the energy cap rise on October 1 – this time of year can feel more uncertain.
That’s why I’m writing from the palliative care and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, to highlight how we’re helping more people this winter to get the support they need.
Sue Ryder staff and volunteers are working in partnership with teams from energy network SGN across the south east, signposting people to advice and information on staying safe and warm at home.
This includes help reducing energy bills, managing debt, understanding carbon monoxide risks and signing up to the free Priority Services Register (PSR), which offers extra help during power cuts and loss of gas supplies.
As a palliative and bereavement support charity, the partnership is particularly poignant.
People at the end of their lives often rely on medical devices and need warm homes – essentials that can lead a terminally ill person’s energy bill to rise by 75% after their diagnosis.
As we enter the colder months, now is the time to check on ourselves and those around us because no one should face hardship today or in their final days.
The PSR is free to sign up for people, including those of pensionable age, who have a disability, are chronically ill, have recently been bereaved, are pregnant or have young children under five.
To find out if you are eligible
and to register, visit sueryder. org/priority
To find out more about staying safe and warm, visit sueryder.org/safeandwarm Laura Tosh
Safe and Warm programme manager Sue Ryder
Lions supports World Sight Day
THE second Thursday in October – yesterday, October 9 – was World Sight Day.
Vision programmes are one of Lions Club International’s core world causes and a vital part of them is spectacle recycling.
Blackmore Vale Lions Club has been supporting the programme virtually since it was formed over 30 years ago.
When you have been to your optician, you will have seen Lions spectacle recycling bins.
You donate your old spectacles, Lions collects them, sorts them into prescription types and ships them to needy people – people who do not have free eye checks and the NHS, as there is in UK – and redistribute them to those who can benefit from them.
You can play your part, Lions can play its.
The opticians help and needy people benefit.
In Blackmore Vale’s case, via Dr Laurel Spooner, that is in Sierra Leone, where she once worked.
Win, win, win! You get tidier draws, people get their sight back – not a bad trade, really!
Go on, clear your draws out!
Tim Otter
Blackmore Vale Lions Club
Climate change: No need for hysteria
CHARLES Ellis – New Blackmore Vale, Letters, September 12 – recommends ‘joining the dots’ on climate change, so here are some dots he might like to try joining.
1
– The UK is responsible for less than 1% of global emissions, and nothing we can
do, even if we achieve net zero and bankrupt ourselves in the process, will materially affect the future course of climate change.
2 – Wind farms do not produce power when the wind does not blow, nor do solar panels when the sun does not shine. There were long periods of this last winter.
3 – To make up the shortfall, which will happen even if we carpet and industrialise the landscape with these eyesores, Britain has to import gas and oil from abroad. Off-shoring these necessities does not make us any greener.
4 – Moreover, even with turbines and solar panels, we have to import these too, and the panels come from places like China where it is reliably reported that they are produced with the use of what is effectively slave labour. Does this bother Mr Ellis at all?
He makes much of the fact that as he penned his letter the temperatures were high and his lawn brown.
As I write mine, temperatures have dropped markedly, the rains have come and my lawn is now a lush green, all in the space of two or three weeks.
While we can probably all admit that climate change is happening and needs addressing, I don’t think it helps to get too hysterical about it.
Roger White Sherborne
Job not suitable for married man
I WAS very excited to see an advert for ‘Sunday Groom’ in the New Blackmore Vale until I realised it wasn’t for a wedding.
I suspect my wife would have stopped me applying anyway.
Peter Fineman Barrow Street
SOMETHING TO SAY?
Then email newsdesk@ blackmorevale. net
Sudoku 3D puzzle
Across
7 Disclose comeback of Eastern European opposed to journalist (7)
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.
9 Din is found in revolutionary period (5)
10 Supplement commercial director (3)
11 Store shortly out here was renovated (9)
12 Church member that’s respected articles in Spain and Germany (5)
Sudoku Pro
14 Doctor entering two rivers is more agile (7)
16 Rates to vary for kitchen accessory (7)
18 Purchase the whole of British university? Certainly! (3,2)
Killer Sudoku Pro
19 Work is bound to come from such? (9)
Down
1 A radio employee with a bit of money nearby (8)
2 Enthusiastic French lawyer with papers
3 Fine cow and daisy, say (6)
4 Song then played in the morning (6)
5 Verse is followed by posh friend by sight?
6 Lake in former empire (4)
8 Print phrase that’s represented business
13 Disadvantage shown in section of hospital? (8)
15 Newspaper worker about to face caretaker
17 Nonsense put about line in peal of bells
20 Large market removing a tree (3)
21 Victor by pub first off is noisy (5)
22 Exact summary on Spain (7)
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.
18 US composer, one known for cutting style
19 Cover with slabs part of steep avenue (4)
20 Means for covering food counter (4)
Antiques & Collectibles
Advertiser’s announcement
124 silver bullion coins make £4k
ACREMAN St Auctioneers and Valuers, Sherborne, had some very good results in its September auctions.
The highlights were a collection of 124 silver bullion coins, hammer £4,000; an antique gold fancylink chain, hammer £2,800; a rare Georgian Dublin silver corkscrew, hammer £2,500; and a Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer datejust automatic wristwatch, hammer £2,400.
This month’s auctions are General Antiques and Collectors on Thursday, October 30, 10am; and Jewellery, Silver and Watches, Friday, October 31, 10am.
Viewing is on Wednesday, October 29, 10am-4pm.
The catalogue and bidding is available online through easyliveauction.com and
thesaleroom.com
Acreman holds regular valuation days where prospective sellers can take in items for its specialists to evaluate.
Valuation days, 10am-3pm, are: 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 go along on the allocated days should phone or email to make an appointment.
Photographs of items can be emailed to auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk
Experts are also happy to make house visits if required free of charge.
Acreman is accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and is happy to advise prospective sellers on anything they may be considering for auction.
It can take in everything from single items to complete collections.
It can provide advice and valuations to anyone downsizing or who needs to deal with a whole house and can arrange full house clearances at competitive rates.
Anyone who has anything they would like to consign can contact Gill Norman on 01935 508764 or 07908 333577 or email the address above.
Acreman Auctioneers and Valuers at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH is open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm.
Antique hunting and sporting related lots
CLARKE'S Auctions in Gillingham is holding its next Antiques & Collectables sale on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. Viewing days are the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before, from 9.30am4.30pm.
Clarke’s will be selling a large quantity of antique hunting and sporting related items from a local private estate including silver trophies and other equestrian related items.
Some of the lots on offer are a large silver salver engraved for the Wylie Valley Hunt Point to Point Races dated 1924; a large silver trophy cup engraved for the Portman Hunt Races dated 21st March 1928 and presented by the Earl of Shaftesbury; and
Clarke’s
Auctioneers & Valuers
an impressive Art Nouveau Walker & Hall silver twinhandled pedestal dish of hexagonal form.
From the same consignment is a large quantity of hunting and sporting related paintings, lithograph prints and first edition books by Cecil Alden, Lionel Edwards and Snaffles (Charles Johnson Payne).
Clarke’s is taking entries for this and all future sales, including its three-day Christmas sale being held between Christmas and New Year.
If you have anything you would like to enter or would like advice on values, give them a call to arrange a home visit or a visit to the salerooms in Gillingham.
For probate valuations, insurance valuations or 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.
Mummy mask an auction highlight
A SPECTACULAR double helix of sister auctions is coming up at Duke’s Auctioneers – the Autumn Auction and Art & Design: Post 1880. The Autumn Auction is on
Wednesday, October 15, and features an array of distinctive period examples including furniture, textiles, silver, a magnificent array of Baroque oils and relics of antediluvian wonder.
An Egyptian gilt cartonnage mummy mask is estimated to sell for £5,000£10,000 in the autumn auction
A particular highlight is an Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask, hailing from the age of the Ptolemaic dynasty. This Ozymandian relic is an archaeological triumph, surviving countless empires, ages, miles and hands, all while remaining in excellent condition.
Acquired by Albert Newall in South Africa in the 1950s, and thence by descent, its fine provenance and legacy hold it at an estimate of £5,000£10,000.
Art & Design: Post 1880 takes place the following day, on Thursday, October 16, and includes a plethora of wonderful contemporary paintings from esteemed painters such as Edward Seago, Mary Newcomb, Charles Walter Simpson and many more. Both sales are now online. Explore the entire collections at www.dukes-auctions.com Printed catalogues will be available alongside fully illustrated online versions.
Vintage Riley may sell for £35,000
A VINTAGE Riley is back on the market for the first time in over 40 years at Charterhouse’s specialist auction of classic and vintage cars at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, on Thursday, October 23.
“The Riley was bought as a retirement present to the owner in 1984, but he passed away a couple of years later before he could fully enjoy the car,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.
“It then went to his wife and several years later his daughter, both of whom regularly drove and enjoyed the car.”
The car rolled of the Riley production line in 1937 as a Riley Adelphi.
After the war it was made into a Riley TT Sprite Replica and was campaigned in hill climbs and races in England and
Ireland.
This Riley TT Sprite replica – pictured – is full of character and with perfect patina having been barn stored on its Somerset farm for the past 41 years when not being driven, and is estimated to sell for £30,000£35,000 at the auction.
Charterhouse is still accepting late entries into the classic and vintage car auction. For further information, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via cars@ charterhouse-auction.com
Evergreens that shine through autumn’s gloom
by Sally Gregson
AS the mists of autumn coalesce and the fogs of winter become the norm, the garden takes on an altogether different character. Gone are the joyous flowers of summer, the chattering birds and the last butterflies. But amid all this apparent gloom, evergreens are brighter. It’s not a trick of the light. Variegated leaves have matured and their colours have deepened. And some of the best evergreen shrubs and climbers are those related to the ivies.
X Fatshedera lizei or tree ivies are looking especially good this autumn thanks to the months of summer sunshine that have ripened their foliage. And they flower enthusiastically well until Christmas. X Fatshedera leaves are dramatically large, and architectural. A single plant will grow quite slowly and fill a 2m space. And it thrives in quite dry shade beneath trees, preferring somewhere out of the wind to protect its 30cm wide, leathery leaves. In late autumn a mature plant will be covered in creamy white balls full of fluffy,
Home & Garden
pollen-filled heads that are especially good for the late bees and pollinating insects.
It is that rare thing, a bigeneric cross between a Fatsia and Hedera. It combines the easy ways of ivy with the far bigger leaves of a Fatsia. It does not invade the whole garden while your back is turned. But as a hybrid, it does not produce any seed, however semi-ripe summer cuttings root well and easily. It can also be grown in a cold greenhouse or unheated conservatory.
Its exotic appearance belies its relative toughness. While it would not be recommended for a frosty garden with damp, heavy soil, it thrives in a dry, shady spot sheltered from cold winds. One of its parents, Fatsia lizei, is even tougher, but its leaves are not as big. It might be suitable for a smaller woodland area. And Hedera, our native ivy, needs no introduction. There are some striking variegated forms of x Fatshedera such as x F. lizei Variegata with cream margins, and x . lizei Annemieke with creamy white central veins and red stems. These might grow slightly more slowly, although x Fatshedera does not become too big for its engaging self.
How to protect plants on cold nights
by Sally Gregson
AS the nights get colder gardeners’ thoughts are turning to the coming winter frosts and the impact the lower overnight temperatures might have on our long-suffering gardens.
Somerset gardens tend to heavy clay. And it is this type of soil that is most affected by autumnal frosts. Lighter, sandy soils shrug off the low temperatures more easily. So, many gardeners use a cold greenhouse to conserve one or two precious plants until spring. Grey-leaved plants, lavenders, teucrium, santolinas, are especially vulnerable to cold,
and wet conditions. Plants such as the lovely pink-flowered Convolvulus cneorum, and Melianthus major and Senecio Angel Wings, with their dramatically large silver leaves, all need some protection from the damp, cold winds and driving rain. It is a wise gardener who has taken a few ‘insurance’ cuttings from such plants to overwinter under glass. If you don’t have a frost-free greenhouse to cherish tender plants, it is worth pulling out the fleece to wrap them up overnight. Heating a greenhouse is an expensive luxury that most can ill afford.
Wrap up frost-tender plants in fleece overnight. And it is worth unwrapping the plants every morning if those cold nights are followed by warm, sunny days. The whole episode usually only lasts a few days before milder nights return.
Seedlings and young, newly rooted plants are especially vulnerable. For them, it may be worth investing in an electric propagator with a clear lid just to protect them overnight. And if there is no power in the greenhouse it would be judicious to move these trays onto a north-facing windowsill just for a few days. And move
them back into the greenhouse again as the cold weather ameliorates.
Cold, bright days and sub-zero nights are to be welcomed – autumn colour is always much better. And very many traditional fruits such as apples and pears, need frosty nights to initiate flowering and fruiting. Many of our most loved shrubs also need a period of frost in winter. Hydrangeas initiate their flowers in the tips of their shoots in sub-zero temperatures. It’s worth covering the young shoots later in spring if a late frost is predicted, too.
Fatsia japonica appreciates partial to deep shade and a spot protected from strong winds but is reasonably hardy
Home & Garden
Get you home winter-ready
SORRY to be the ones to break the summer mood – although the recent rain started it – but now is the time to start preparing your home for colder weather.
Here’s a quick autumn home checklist from the team at Armishaws.com
Money boiler
HAVE you serviced your boiler recently? It can increase its lifespan and make it more efficient, reducing winter bills. If you don’t want to pay for a service, you can check the pressure yourself, most boilers run best at around 1 to 1.5 bar. Get on the fence
DON’T wait for that storm to tell you your fences – lying halfway down the street! – need
Online classified@ blackmorevale.net
securing. Check them for any weaknesses before they fly away.
Declutter the gutter
GIVE your gutters a quick clean now, rather than having to climb that ladder after the weather turns.
Lag it
LAG exterior pipes or taps to protect them against the winter chill, not forgetting those in loft spaces or outbuildings.
There’s nothing plumbers like more than fixing burst pipes in winter when they can charge premium rates to fix a potentially preventable issue. While you’re at it, disconnect and drain hosepipes to prevent them splitting.
Now is a good time to clean gutters before winter sets in
Chim-chim cheree
WHEN was the last time you had the chimney cleaned? And have you tested the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors recently?
Greener flames
IF you have a woodburner or open fire, autumn is a good time to research alternatives to burning wood, to reduce your carbon emissions. Many high-street stores and DIY shops now supply eco-friendly logs.
Radiator gladiator
BLEED them now. You get bonus points if you left the
Feel free to give us a call on 07355-295534 or email at Precision-fencing@hotmail.com
LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)
Spring Bulbs and Onion Sets available. Fruit Trees and Ornamental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Terracotta pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258-452513.
PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run
Business based in Shaftesbury, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size and Re-stuffing of feather cushions. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com.
LES BENHAM
Garden Property Maintenance
All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work
All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waste carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129 / Mob: 07951 284639
Home & Garden
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North Dorset Tree Surgeons
North Dorset Tree Surgeons
We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding. Ash dieback specialist. Fully insured and NPTC qualified.
We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding. Ash dieback specialist. Fully insured and NPTC qualified. Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872
Home & Garden
MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5TON DIGGER, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience
Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034
HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AP Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885-273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
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MOTORISED LEAF SWEEPER.£150 01963 250108
WANTED PERSON TO CUT GRASS fortnightly, occasionally other work. Tel 07736-283197
HASKELL FENCING, free estimates. Blandford and surrounding areas. Driveways also carried out. Tel: 07751 001515
JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07936-498493
VARIOUS GAZEBOS/ MARQUEES (4), outside tables (6) and outside chairs (22) for sale either together or separately. Tel: 07702-032322
WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER and operator hire. Paddock,orchards and neglected area clearance 07432 773151
Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478 SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647
OUTDOORS
TREES R US DORSET Hedges, Patios, Turf & Fencing call Peter 07976-667130
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Half Tipper Load £100 dumpy bag £90 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081
LOGS FOR SALE transit tipper load £260 Half transit tipper load £160 Dumpy bag £100 (Delivered FREE in and around Sherborne) TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294
ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
BAILEY & SUN LTD. Groundwork, man and machine hire. Footings, ditchings, driveways, new build, drainage, extensions plus lots more. Call for a quote. 07546-762236. sun@baileyandsun.co.uk.
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Chimney Sweep
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K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP
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THREE games in and the only two promoted sides yet to taste defeat were facing one another. Fresh off a 9-0 victory in their previous match, Basingstoke were confident of putting Blandford to the sword. But would their confidence prove to be their undoing?
The skies opened before the match but mercifully cleared just as the whistle blew for pushback. Blandford’s game plan was simple. Play the ball hard and fast and turn set-pieces
HOCKEY
into goals.
On the 12th minute, Blandford won a short-corner. Matty Lewis slipped the ball to an oncoming Gareth Hardiman, who struck the ball past the keeper to open the scoring.
Blandford kept pressing, creating chances, but were undone on 29th minute, when, despite Basingstoke going down to 10 men, they managed to smash the ball into the D for the Basingstoke striker to beautifully deflect into the roof
River challenge for youngsters
by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary
DORCHESTER Juniors made their annual trip to the River Stour, this time to the Upper Colber stretch at Sturminster Newton.
Seven Juniors fished on a slightly breezy day that gave a little rain.
It is one of the shallower parts of the river, but the anglers still found depths of 10 or 11 feet, something the juniors are not used to.
Long rigs and long poles can be awkward for those more familiar with depths less than half of those on the river.
Breezy conditions made the challenge more difficult, but everyone caught a few fish, some making their first trip to a river.
One of those first timers was eight-year-old Seth Hopkins
ANGLING
from New Milton who managed 4lb 7oz of roach and perch to take the win in his first ever match.
Seasoned junior angler, Jack Copp, claimed second with 3lb 10oz, with third going to championship leader Austin Scott-Kennedy with 2lb 15oz.
Special thanks to Sturminster & Hinton AA for allowing us to fish their river, landowner John Hanham for allowing access to his fields, Simon Dennis for expert help and support, and Ian Paulley for preparing the river for the youngsters to fish.
For more information about the junior section, email Juniors.sec@d-das.com, visit www.ddasjuniors.co.uk or www.d-das.com For venue information visit www.s-haa. co.uk
of the net.
Blandford continued to push for another goal, with Gareth Hardiman hitting the post, but Basingstoke held them at bay.
Seven minutes into the second half, Hardiman picked up the ball in the D, dragged it across his body and then placed it back inside the right post, to re-establish Blandford’s lead.
With Basingstoke showing frustration and losing their shape, Blandford were quick to capitalise. On the 52nd minute, an edge of the D strike deflected up inside the D, hanging in the
FOOTBALL
Exmouth Town 2 Shaftesbury 1
Pitching In Southern League Division 1 (South) by Avril Lancaster SHAFTESBURY returned to league action after nearly a month, going down to defeat at Southern Road.
Exmouth’s Sam Morcom set Matt Wright up for the opener after 15 minutes before Callum Shipton doubled Town’s lead nine minutes into the second half, having been set up by Aaron Denny.
Harry Baker reduced arrears with a header in the 63rd minute
GOLF
WINCANTON Golf Club results:
Cats Protection Trophy, September 20 – 1 Nigel Orr 36 ocb, 2 Jim Phillips 36, 3 Kevin Bieda 34.
Seniors monthly stableford, September 23 – 1 Kevin Bieda 38, 2 Chris Dibben 34, 3 Phil Francis 33.
Seniors Monthly Stableford Front 9, September 23 – 1 John Wolstenholme 16 ocb, 2 Keith Williams 16, 3 Richard Gaunt 15.
Seniors Singles Knockout
– Winner Cliff Hibberd. Seniors Pairs Knockout
– Winners John Wolstenholme/Jim Bunce.
air. Gareth Hardiman ripped a fire-cracker past the keeper, nearly breaking the net and Basingstoke’s resolve.
Another green card for Basingstoke and another opportunity for Blandford to extend their advantage when a cross took a touch from the Basingstoke runner, only to loop over the keeper’s head to make it 4-1.
With 10 minutes to go, once again Hardiman spun his man and swept the ball into the goal for his fourth goal to make the final score 5-1 to Blandford.
but Shaftesbury were unable to salvage a point. It was the fifth straight win for the Devon club.
Phil Francis.
Pairs Knockout – Winners John Burns/Jim Stephen.
Seniors roll-up Stableford Front 9, September 23 –Winners: Phil Francis / Jim Bunce / Neil Auckland 60 points.
Champion of Champions 2025, September 27 – Winner: Richard Czemerda. 1 Richard Czemerda nett 67, 2 David Amann nett 69, 3 Jim Phillips nett 71.
Seniors Roll Up Stableford BACK 9, October 3 –
Winners: John Westaway/ Richard Gaunt/Kees Schouten – 50 points.
Singles Knockout – Winner
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE IS GIVEN UNDER SECTION 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 that the Personal Representatives of the Estate of John Cox, late of 2 Gannetts Cottages, Todber, Sturminister Newton DT10 1HS, who died on 19th September 2025 intend to distribute the property of the deceased amongst the persons entitled to it. Any creditor or other person interested in the estate, or any part of it, who has not received a direct request for particulars of their claim, should send particulars of their claim to the undersigned within two months of the date of this notice. Enquiries to: Alastair Cox, Larkspur House, Salisbury Road, Shootash SO516GA [Executor]
GORDON ERIC STOKES (Deceased)
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 16 The Avenue, Wincanton, BA9 9HJ, who died on 09/02/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 01/12/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified.
E. Boulton, 5 Moor Lane, Wincanton, BA9 9EJ
GILLIAM WHITCOMB
Deceased
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of The Paddock, Lovells Court, Burton Street, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1JJ, who died on 08/06/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 11/12/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified
Thank you to everyone who attended Dave’s Service and Celebrations. Thanks also for all the cards, flowers, messages of sympathy and donations to Life Boats and British Red Cross. Please accept this as our personal acknowledgement.
JOHN COX OF TODBER
passed away peacefully at home on 19th September 2025 aged 80. Dearly loved father of Sharon, Mark and Alastair, grandfather of Michael and Emma and brother of Rodney and late of Maureen. Arrangements to be confirmed. Family flowers only, donations to Mind www.mind.org
DEATHS
MAUREEN SOWARD, SRN, SCM
Passed away peacefully after a short illness, endured with fortitude, at Milbrook House, Child Okeford on 16th September 2025 on her 65th Wedding Anniversary. Sorely missed by husband Patrick, children Nicola and Andrew, Grandchildren Richard and Emma and Great-Grandchildren Bailey, Clementine, Barnaby and Ivy. Funeral St Nicholas’ Church, Child Okeford, 11.00am, Friday 10th October followed by a buffet in the village hall
ADRIAN ARTHUR TRIM
Sadly on 19th September 2025 in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 81 years. Of Shaftesbury. A much loved brother to Jane. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 17th October at 12.00 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.
WARREN ELLA MARY ELIZABETH ‘Mary’
Aged 98 years of Holton on 16th September 2025, Peacefully at Elliscombe House Nursing Home, Higher Holton. Mary will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Funeral Service at St Nicholas Church, Holton on Tuesday 14th October at 2pm. Followed by private cremation. Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for St Nicholas Church, Holton, C/o Harol F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel: 01963-440367
TRANTER
ROBERT EDWARD ‘Bob’
Passed away peacefully at Wincanton Community Hospital On 18 September 2025, aged 95 years. Bob, from Henstridge, will be greatly missed by Liz his wife, family and friends. The funeral service will take place at Mendip Crematorium on Tuesday, 21 October at 1.30pm. Everyone welcome. Family flowers only. Donations if desired, in memory of Bob For The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570
DEATHS
John Peter Jenkins (JJ)
Of Gillingham formerly of Mere
Passed away peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital
On 06th September 2025, Aged 74
Beloved Husband of Florence, Father and Grandfather He will be missed greatly. A private Family Funeral will take place at Salisbury Crematorium. Donations in memory of John can be sent directly to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
Sadly we have lost Sally Catherine Chick (Nee Haskett/Sinclair)
of Sturminster Newton. She passed away at Dorset County Hospital on Saturday 13th September 2025. Her funeral will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 13th October at 2.40 pm and afterwards at Westlands Sports and social club. Please family flowers only but any donations will go to Marie Curie (something close to Sally’s heart) and Dorset County Hospital who have been amazing over the last couple of years.
Alexandira Elizabeth Armstrong “Alex”
(nee. Mapstone)
Passed away on 26th September 2025 at Westminster Memorial Hospice, Shaftesbury aged 50 years.
Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter and Sister. Funeral service to be held on Wednesday 15th October 2025, 10:40 at Yeovil Crematorium and a gathering afterwards at Motcombe Village Hall from 1-4pm. Family flowers only please but donations to Westminster Memorial Hospice Shaftesbury are welcomed in loving memory of Alex Armstrong. All enquiries to: Coop Funeralcare Inc G H Cook & Son, 8-11 Bond Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PE
PAULLEY Jean Beryl
Suddenly but peacefully, on 18th September 2025 at home in Sherborne, aged 83 years. Formerly of Glanvilles Wootton. Beloved wife of the late Dave. Much loved Mum of Jennifer, Michael and David. Dearly loved Granny and Great Granny. Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Glanvilles Wootton on Wednesday 5th November at 1.00pm, followed by private cremation. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Jean for Alzheimer’s Society and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570
MICHAEL SWINDON Of Wincanton
91 Years, Passed away on 24th September 2025, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. Wake to be held on 17th October 2025 at 2pm, at Rodber House, Wincanton, BA9 9AS.
Ronald “Ron” Mackay
Peacefully passed away at Yeovil Hospital on 23rd September 2025. Ron’s funeral is to be held at Mendip Crematorium on Thursday 16th October at 11:30am. Colours to be worn are optional and Polo Shirts welcomed. Funeral being arranged by Bracher Brothers, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QL 01747 822494
Michael Grant Laidlaw
Passed away peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital on 18th September 2025, Aged 71 Beloved Father to Christopher and Graham He will also be leaving behind his much-loved grandchildren. The Funeral Service will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 17th October at 10am. Donations in memory of Michael can be sent directly to the Dogs Trust
Margaret Joan Summerell
passed away peacefully at Odstock Hospital, Salisbury on September 18th 2025 aged 91of Sixpenny Handley. Formerly of East Ham, London and Horningsham, Wiltshire. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Margaret are for Julia House Hospice via Richard Adlem MBE funeral director Sixpenny Handley Sp5 5nj, Tel 01725552496
Funeral Service at St Mary’s Church Sixpenny Handley on 13th October 2.30pm
HOWARD BENTLEY-MARCHANT
Peacefully on 28th September 2025 in Yeatman Hospital, aged 82 years, of Sherborne, formerly of Yenston. Beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather. Funeral service at St. Nicholas’ Church, Henstridge on Monday 13th October at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Howard for Weldmar Hospicecare or SSAFA can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk. Cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570
DEATHS
IAN LEE
Passed away on 5th September 2025 at Dorset County Hospital. Aged 91 years. Dearly loved Husband of Liz. Proud Father of Chris, Jonathon and Kay. Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Service of Thanksgiving to be held at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keyneston on Friday 31st October 2025 at 12.00pm. All Welcome. Donations, if desired for either the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital or the Tarrant Valley Players, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk (Via the Much Loved Link) or cheques payable to the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital or the Tarrant Valley Players may be sent, c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133
Leonard John Bennett (Len)
Passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Lorna by his side 24th September 2025 aged 86 years. Much loved husband and father to Marie and Andrew. Will be sadly missed by his family and all those that knew him. Company Director of Castleton Caravans. Everybody is warmly invited to a celebration of life service for Len, to be held at Castleton Church Friday 17th October 2025 12.30pm. Family request all mourners wear a “splash of colour” Family flowers only please, but if you wish to make a donation in lieu, you may in the retiring collection or you may send a cheque made payable to Weldmar Hospicecare C/O Stuart Foster Funeral Services Ltd, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HZ. 01935 508971
ANN GUY
05/02/1953 – 09/09/2025
It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing away of our Sister, Mummy Ann and Nana Ann, from Hopsfield, Milborne St Andrew. Ann left us peacefully in Dorchester Hospital on the 9th September, aged 72 years.
Loving sister to Steve (Twin), Den and Rosalie. Auntie to Martin and Tony. Mum to Mandi, Ashley and Darren. Nana to Lewis, Suzie, Connor, Vicki and Jack.
A tribute to celebrate her life will be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday 17th October at 2pm.
No Flowers by request, donations if so desired, to either Waggy Tails or Guide Dogs, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk (Via the Much Loved Link) or cheques payable to Waggy Tails or Guide Dogs may be sent, c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133
Allison Ann Brittain Of Cann
Passed away peacefully on 27/09/2025 Aged 91 years A much-loved Mother, Grandma. Funeral Service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium On 29/10/2025 at 3pm To make an online donation in memory of Ann Brittain please visit (her Tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations
Peter Harry Collis
Passed away peacefully at his home in Marnhull on 12th September 2025 aged 89 years. Beloved Husband of Cynthia for 68 years. Much loved Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad, Father In-Law and by all his extended Family and Friends. Funeral Service at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Friday 24th October at 12noon. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The Injured Jockeys Fund. C/o Peter Jackon Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP.
RASHLEY
DEREK WILLIAM GEORGE ‘SHEP’
Aged 87 years, of Queen Camel. On 26th September 2025, Peacefully at the Ivelhurst Nursing Home, Yeovil. Dearly beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. Funeral Service at Yeovil Cremitorium, on Tuesday 21st October at 12noon. Family flowers only please, Donations in memory of Derek are being invited for Cancer Research UK or Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES, Tel: 01963-440367
ROE Michael (Blondie)
Passed peacefully away on Sunday 21st September 2025 aged 70 years, at Weldmar Hospice after a short illness bravely borne. Michael will be sadly missed by his sisters and brother. Funeral service will take place at St Peter’s Church Dorchester on Friday 24th October at 11am followed by a private burial in Poundbury Cemetery
Family flowers only please but donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare can be made online by visiting www.grassby-funeral.co.uk or sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW
DEATHS
Allison Linda Avril
Peacefully on 18th September 2025 in Yeovil District Hospital, aged 78 years. Lin of Templecombe, dearly loved Mum, Nana and Friend. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Templecombe on Monday 20th October at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Myaware. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP
John Douglas ‘Charles’ Trimmer
22 Sept 1926 -- 19 Sept 2025.
Family run Funeral Service
Family run Funeral Service
COLIN J. CLOSE
COLIN J. CLOSE
Consistent and caring: husband of Brenda (deceased), father (survived by Dave, Jen and Pete) and grandfather (to Anna, Douglas, Elsa, Jupiter and Phoebe). A much-loved man; he passed away peacefully. Funeral Service at Poole Crematorium on Friday 24th October 2025, at 12 noon.
Ann Rose Kelly
Peacefully on 30th September 2025. Ann Aged 82 years of Sturminster Newton. Much loved Mum, Grandma, Great Grandma and Friend. Funeral Service at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 22nd October at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Peel Close, BLANDFORD FORUM Tel: 01258 453133 www.close-funeral.co.uk
Peel Close, BLANDFORD FORUM Tel: 01258 453133 www.close-funeral.co.uk
GRASSBY & CLOSE
GRASSBY & CLOSE
Innes Ct, STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 471024
www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk
Innes Ct, STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 471024 www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk
GRASSBY
GRASSBY
27a High Street, SHAFTESBURY Tel: 01747 440815
27a High Street, SHAFTESBURY Tel: 01747 440815
www.grassbyshaftesbury-funeral.co.uk
www.grassbyshaftesbury-funeral.co.uk
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Independent Family Funeral Directors
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Six savings suggestions for smaller businesses
SMALL changes could help Dorset SMEs – small and medium enterprises – lessen the pressure on their finances, staff and management, a senior accounting professional has said.
International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has an office in Blandford.
Jeremy Gardner, head of Accounts and Business Advisory Services South at Azets, is encouraging directors and owners of SMEs to explore their options around technology, tax planning, rewards, retention and operational planning to see where they can free up time and potentially reduce their outgoings.
His six suggestions are: n Where appropriate, use technology to automate tasks, free up time and reduce the strain caused by staff shortages
and heavy workloads. Automating the manual aspects of tasks like logging invoices, reconciling bank accounts and spreadsheet-based accounting work can free up lots of time across the business – especially for senior staff.
n Reconsider how you reward your staff by introducing performance-linked incentives. Offering staff bonuses based on specific income targets sets clear performance goals, motivates employees to deliver by linking their rewards to the business’s success and shows that you as an employer want to reward those who help you grow.
n Explore your tax planning options and use tax-efficient benefits to keep staff motivated if the business can’t afford to raise salaries. Benefits like share options cost very little now, but reward staff for their contribution and their loyalty as
Prepare for new tenants’ rights, says law firm
LANDLORDS need to prepare for one of the most comprehensive overhauls of tenancy law in decades, experts at a south coast law firm have urged.
Senior lawyers at Ellis Jones Solicitors say the Renters’ Rights Bill will affect every private landlord and letting agency in England if passed as expected in the next few months.
The firm, which recently held the latest in a series of seminars on the subject, believes reforms included in
the Bill represent a ‘significant shift’ towards tenant security with greater responsibilities placed on landlords and agents.
In presentations at Bournemouth’s West Hants Club to local landlords and agents, Ellis Jones colleagues and solicitor advocates Conor Maher and Dan Flynn outlined progress with the Bill and its implications for the private rented sector.
Conor, a Bournemouthbased senior associate and specialist in dispute resolution and regulatory law, said: “The
the business grows, while salary sacrifices for pensions can reduce employer costs and increase staff’s take-home pay. Other incentives like salary sacrifice electric vehicle schemes also benefit staff by allowing access to new vehicles, reducing their tax payments, significantly reducing the cost of leasing a vehicle, and increasing their take-home pay, and can also help the business save money by reducing its NI costs for employees who take part in the initiative.
n Incentivise your team to bring in new hires by rewarding referrals rather than relying solely on agencies. Offering referral payments for new hires allows you to reward staff who help with recruitment and also saves on the commission you would pay an agency. It can also reduce the time spent on the recruitment process as your employees will know why someone from their network is potentially a good fit for a role you are looking to fill.
n Focus on staff retention –improving your culture, development programmes and flexibility cost less than losing talent – both financially and in
direction of reform is clear – a significant shift towards tenant security, transparency and regulatory oversight in the private rented sector.
“Landlords need to prepare now, not later, for the sweeping changes which will come into effect once the Bill passes its final legislative stages.”
Conor’s comments were echoed by Dan, a partner and specialist in dispute resolution.
“We must emphasise the importance of early preparation,” Dan told the seminar.
“We urge all landlords and letting professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
terms of productivity. This can take the form of basic steps like making sure staff understand how they will evolve with the business and know how their specific role supports the delivery of a company’s business plan, to investing time and money in employee training and development. According to PayFit, the average cost of replacing member of staff is £25,000 – investing a small percentage of that in developing your team can help reduce employee turnover and the costs associated with it.
n Refine your planning and forecasting – align shifts, overtime and roles to match the demand and ensure capacity is highest during your busiest periods. At its most detailed, this can take the form of planning the shape and structure of your team alongside your business plans and milestones 18 months to two years in advance, or at its simplest can take the form of introducing policies around how much time can be taken off by how many people during parts of the year where capacity is tightest and workloads are highest.
“Understanding the legal shifts now and adopting and best practices in line with the expected reforms will minimise future disruption and potential legal exposure.”
Ellis Jones partner and solicitor Matthew Clake introduced the event while the presentation team also included senior associate John McCarthy, who added his insight to unpack the evolving legal landscape and offer attendees practical advice on the rebalancing of landlord responsibilities and tenant rights.
Reforms under discussion included the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, rules around bidding, transparency and rent increases, requirements for allowing tenants’ pets in rental properties, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals and the introduction of an Ombudsman redress scheme.
Health & Wellbeing
The chemistry of connection
by Nicole Asghar
HUMAN beings are social by nature. From our earliest days, our brains are wired to seek warmth, safety and belonging. Two key chemicals – dopamine and oxytocin – play a central
role in how we connect, find joy and build resilience.
Dopamine is often called the ‘reward chemical’. It’s released when we anticipate or experience something pleasurable, like meeting a
friend, achieving a goal or sharing laughter. It motivates us to repeat enjoyable experiences and strengthens the memory of positive social moments, encouraging us to seek them again.
Meditations in nature: Autumn reflections
by Susanna Curtin
WE are well and truly into autumn now. Mother nature is letting go of all the beauty and bounty of summer and is quietly painting a different realm, one that is adorned by the colourful autumn leaves that fall and flow along the ground beneath my feet as I stride out on this crisp late afternoon. The air is so clean and vibrant, and the light is crystal clear in the mellow, orange glow of a lowering sun, it is a perfect time for reflection. The thing I love most about autumn is that it is a time for slowing down. My springs and summers are always so busy. Diaries are full, plans are made, and hopes are fulfilled. But now, as the darkness encroaches on the day only too soon, it is an opportunity to hunker down, to
A holistic treatment to help release deeply held patterns of trauma, tension and pain.
gather the wood for the fire, to eat comforting and nourishing food, and to cosy up in the warmth of home. But, before I do that this evening, I want to watch the sun set over the Stour, so that I can harvest the calmness and wonder of the nature that surrounds me in this October charm.
I head out through the shimmering woodland and then down to the riverside path where I can follow the twists and turns of this silent waterway. The rustling reeds that line its banks are now bent and quietened as the throaty, squeaking grumblings of the reed warblers that once made them their home have left for Africa. Quiet, that is, until I disturb a starling roost. On sensing my approach, these
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socially gregarious beings make haste downstream in a panic to find an alternative place to sit out the coldness of the night ahead. I am so sorry that I have intruded upon their peaceful spot.
But on following them downstream, I eventually reach a place where the reeds part. Here, I take the opportunity to sit a while beside the riverbank to watch the moorhens and coots, and the family of swans that are slowly drifting past –the young cygnets are now large but still adorned with their soft grey down. It will be some time before they turn a majestic white like their parents. Just above the noise of distant farm machinery and the bleating sheep, my ears pick up the unmistakable high-pitched whistle of a kingfisher. This piercing call makes me duck lower to hide against the reeds, for I am sure that this jewel of a bird is coming my way. I wait in anticipation for just a moment and then there it is – a flash of iridescent blue, skimming low above the centre of the river. Then it’s gone.
The light through the thinning trees is already changing colour. I must make haste to the old mill, my last stop. By now, the breeze has calmed and the water gently shimmers with shredded silver threads – the reflections of the waterside ash and willow trees creating a ghostly dance on its surface. For a moment, I am cast back into the times of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset, for this
Oxytocin, sometimes called the ‘bonding hormone’, is released through trust, touch and closeness. It lowers stress by calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol levels. Oxytocin supports empathy,
feels a ruined, time-scarred place. The old machinery of the once busy workings of the mill visibly rusting amid the nature that is slowly claiming it.
Beneath the darkening water, there are roach, dace, perch, pike and eels. They too will soon be hunkering down for the night by slowing their metabolism and finding a secure weedy hideaway or crevice until the morning returns. As the sky changes to crimson, and a faraway yaffle of a green woodpecker tells me it is time I went home and leave this place to the ghosts of yesteryear, I pick up my belongings and start walking. Continuing with my circular route through the farm and over the fields, and accompanied by several species of bats and the haunting cries of a tawny owl, I think about all there is to love about this time of year. There is the changing trees, the fiery colours, the warm, soft light, cosy jumpers, thick socks and boots, blankets, candles and log fires. It is a time for change, a season of letting go and slowing down, and a time to find stillness and peace.
I think of all the poems that reflect this autumnal sentiment, and then of my favourite from Emily Bronte, which I leave below for you to enjoy on an evening such as this. Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me, Fluttering from the autumn tree. I shall smile when wreaths of snow, Blossom where the rose should grow; I shall sing when night’s decay, Ushers in a drearier day. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com)
attachment and a sense of safety – helping us feel connected and cared for.
Together, dopamine and oxytocin form a powerful cycle – dopamine draws us toward connection by giving us pleasure in shared experiences, while oxytocin deepens bonds and provides emotional soothing. This combination improves mood, reduces loneliness and helps us find meaning in relationships.
As autumn arrives, the role of these chemicals can feel especially relevant. Shorter days and colder weather naturally draw us indoors, inviting us to slow down and turn toward one another. Sharing meals, enjoying cosy evenings or
simply sitting together can trigger dopamine’s joy and oxytocin’s comfort. These seasonal rituals remind us that connection isn’t just emotional – it’s biological.
Practical ways to support this chemistry include:
n Using physical touch, such as hugs, selfmassage and warming the skin.
n Sharing celebrations or moments of gratitude with others.
and you’re increasing serotonin, too!
n Offering eye gazing to those you love.
n Getting snuggly with candles, warm blankets and a hot meal inside you – make it carb-heavy
Science proves all these seemingly mundane and small actions can release significant amounts of dopamine and oxytocin – enough to help us feel and notice the difference. Science is confirming what we instinctively know –connection supports our health and well-being.
In autumn, when the world grows quieter and darker, leaning into relationships provides both warmth and resilience. Dopamine and oxytocin are not just brain
chemicals – they are nature’s way of reminding us that we are at our best when we are together. As we move towards colder months, reach out to those in need or to those you need and want to be close to. I feel it can make that transition into the darker months just a little more soothing…
n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist supporting clients online and near Bournemouth. She specialises in neurodivergence and trauma, yoga and nervous system regulation to support a reconnection with self and others. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds.com or www.ourluminousminds.com – she’d love to hear from you.
Health benefits of cooking with herbs
by Fiona Chapman
A STUDENT was asking me if I could recommend any herbal cookbooks because she wants to make her own herbal infusions and syrups. This got me thinking about how important it is to use herbs in cooking and what an easy way it is to be healthy, to benefit from all their nutrients and to make delicious food.
So many herbs are available that listing them all would take forever, but the ones that really spring to mind are turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary, basil, mint, oregano, thyme, chamomile, lavender…I could go on. But I use all these daily, so much so that my family laugh as all the cooking utensils are periodically stained yellow from turmeric.
Curcuma longa – turmeric –is a powerful anti-inflammatory and excellent for inflammation in the body, be it the digestive tract or joints. It helps with cholesterol and preventing heart disease, and being an antioxidant, protects the body from environmental toxins. You need to cook it with oil and black pepper to release all the curcuminoids. Cumin enhances digestion and absorption and can alleviate flatulence and
boating. Both can be used in a delicious homemade curry with some cayenne to increase circulation. Cayenne also clears toxins from the gut and is used for poor memory and concentration – clearing the gut can clear the mind! Some raw garlic – which has been chopped and left to sit for 10 minutes – then added to the curry will give immune benefits, being anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
Sprinkling cinnamon onto yogurt or a healthy cereal at breakfast, balances blood sugar levels. It is a circulatory stimulant, enhances the memory and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary is another circulatory stimulant and brain tonic. It calms the digestion and the mind and is a rejuvenative herb that can be used in meat or vegetarian dishes, or makes a delicious tea, steeped in just-boiled water for 10 minutes. The same goes for mint, which is brilliant for helping digestion, especially after a rich and heavy meal. Thyme is a very powerful immunostimulant and again helps with circulation and digestion and can be added to any number of dishes. Lavender
and chamomile will help relax the mind, soothe digestion and make for a delicious afternoon tea.
There are numerous ways of incorporating herbs into the diet
and using them as a food provides huge health benefits and delicious flavours.
n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).
Food & Drink
Duck delight in quick time
DUCK and plums blends rich, crispy duck with a sweet, tangy sauce – and is ready in just 20 minutes.
Duck and plum with creamy mash Ingredients
4 duck breasts, skin-on
Salt and pepper, to season
4-5 local plums, pitted and halved
200ml cider
4 large potatoes – for mashed potatoes
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
Butter and cream for the mash Tenderstem broccoli, for serving Instructions
1 Prepare the duck: Score the skin of the duck breasts in a criss-cross pattern and season generously with salt and pepper.
2 Pan-fry: Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold, dry skillet.
Turn the heat to medium and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the fat is rendered.
Then flip the breasts and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3 Roast with plums and cider: Transfer the duck breasts to a roasting tin – pre-set at 200 –and add the plums and cider around the duck in the roasting pan.
Pop it all in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the duck is cooked to your liking.
To serve
Blitz the cooked potatoes with a generous knob of butter and a splash of milk or cream. Season to taste.
I use electric beaters for really smooth creamed mash! Serve the duck on the mash with stems of broccoli and spoon over the plum and cider sauce.
n Annie des Forges, Director/ Chef The Table Bruton; Annie Austin, Director/Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.
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.
The dish is ready in 20 minutes
Christmas 2025 STARTERS MAINS DESSERTS
Served with garlic ciabatta STILTON & MUSHROOM SOUP
CAJUN KING PRAWNS
Atlantic King Prawns cooked in cajun
CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS
Battered Cauli fritters served with a sweet
HADDOCK & MOZZARELLA FISHCAKE
On a bed of salad with a tartare sauce dip
TERIYAKI CHICKEN SKEWERS
Marinated chicken skewer with salad, spring onion & sesame seeds
VE* Can be made vegan by omitting or substituting certain items
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
Served with roast potatoes & all the trimmings. Choice of:
ROAST TURKEY
With stuffing & pigs in blankets
FESTIVE BBQ MEDLEY
Half a rack of ribs, BBQ skewers & pigs in blankets. Served with herb crusted mac n’ cheese, chips, BBQ sauce & cranberry mayo
XMAS PIE
OVEN ROASTED SALMON
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Served with a rich brandy sauce
LEMON & LIME CHEESECAKE Zesty lemon & lime cheesecake on a ginger base served with whipped cream
ZILLIONAIRE TART
Chocolate pastry base, toffee sauce & chocolate ganache. Served with vanilla ice cream
FRUITY FESTIVE PAVLOVA
pavlova with a spiced redberry compote
MINT CHOCOLATE TRIFLE Layers of chocolate custard, brownie pieces, mint cream & crumbled flake
Finished with: TEA OR COFFEE & MINCE PIES
On a bed of crushed new potatoes, honeyed parsnips & topped with a prawn & white wine sauce
Shortcrust pie with a turkey, ham, cranberry & stuffing filling. Served with roast potatoes & seasonal veg BBQ LENTIL BURGER
Served in a brioche roll, salad, chips, coleslaw & cranberry mayo
mon-fri 12pm-5pm
Items for sale
CLASSIFIED ADS
METAL FRAME MARQUEE, 40ftx20ft, £150. Tel: 07918-627092
ROUTER TABLE, DOVETAIL JIG, dehumidifier, mobile gas fire, tile cutting machines, ironing boards, piranha pine shelves, paint spray equipment, lawn mower, any much more. Garage sale at Stonecroft, Kings Stag, DT102BE. 11 & 12 October from 9am
ACORN STAIR LIFT, GWO, offers. Tel: 07950-450824
TRAILER FOR SALE, Halfords medium size new tubes in tyres ,good condition. £120. Tel 07855-451398
CLASSIC BRITISH SEAGUL, short shaft outboard motor. GWO, £195 ono. Tel: 07950-450824
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
BRASS ORNAMENTS, for fireside. £10. Tel: 07791-847767
FREE - Hand-built, Large Dolls House, 24”high X 22”wide X 20” deep. Lots of furniture, needs finishing! Tel: 01258-473211
2 PAIRS OF LADIES SHOES. 6.5 size. 1 new pair and 1 worn. Cosyfeet, £50. Tel: 01935-814365
FARM TOYS. Stable,farm implaments and animals. £25.00 ono, 01747-870778
VonHous 3in1 ELECTRIC LEAF BLOWER with Vacuum & Mulcher. 10m Cable. Weighs 3.5kg. Shoulder strap and wheels. Little used. £30 Tel:01747 840262
WANTED : JEWELLERY, CASHMERE ETC, 07702-254779
WANTED VINTAGE TECHNOLOGY, Turntables, HIFI Separates, CD Players, Mini Disc Players, Laser Disc Players, VHS players and Camcorders. We recycle your unused and unwanted technology. We pay good prices for working items. Call Andrew 07799-417711
FREE OLD BOTTLE COLLECTION, medicine to beer. All to go or recycle.07985 484 674
ELECTRIC PAPER SHREDDER £30, tel. 01373896476.
15 x 500 PIECE PUZZLES all complete job lot only £20 07885-614137 (evenings) (Gillingham)
LAWN MOWWER, AL-KO, Pro140, Made in Austria, 460mm cut, 4 wheeled, Petrol. £50 Collect Gillingham, 01747 824 240 UNDER DESK TREADMILL,adjustable incline, remote control, barely used, boxed, user manual, collection Yeovil £30. Tel 07746-707014
ALUMINIUM EXTENSION LADDER, 4mtrs long extended. very little use, £40. Tel: 07518-771925
5 LARGE USED FENCE PANELS, some light repair needed. 3x 4” unused fence post. Craftsman made hardwood gate. Open to offers.Tel: 01963-251138
DOG RAMP: brand new, unused, Suit any car. £25. Will deliver, Mere. 01747-706008.
LADIES WIDE LEG LINEN TROUSERS, Blue & Stone size X/ XL . £10 per pair. 07956 123595
VARIOUS EGYPTIAN FIGURES, busts, papyrus papers etc. £45 ono, will sell separately. 01747 824482
FOLDING TREATMENT
COUCH, £10, Okeford Fitzpaine, Tel 07745-179632
WANTED, BILLY GOAT VACUUM leaf sweeper or similar. Private buyer, 07779-483113
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014
Roads policing officers at 10-year low
THE number of roads policing officers in England and Wales has reduced by more than 1,000 in the last 10 years, RAC analysis of government data has revealed.
Back in 2015 5,237 officers across 43 police forces were working in a range of roles from traffic units on the roads to safety camera partnerships focused on mobile speed enforcement.
As of 2025, this has fallen to just 4,149 – 1,088 reduction – making for a 21% drop.
Looking purely at police out on the roads or ‘cops in cars’, the reduction is greater with the number of traffic units decreasing by 1,116 from 5,005 in 2015 to 3,889 in 2025 – a 22% reduction.
And there has even been a slight decline in the number of officers dedicated to safety camera partnerships – or casualty reduction partnerships as they are formally known – with 42 fewer this year – 144 – than 10 years ago – 186.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “It’s clear from our analysis that the number of officers dedicated to roads policing is at a 10-year low which can only be seen as bad for the enforcement of motoring laws.
“Drivers we’ve surveyed express strong concerns about the dangers posed by others on the road breaking traffic laws, whether that’s speeding, drink or drug-driving, using a handheld mobile phone, driving
in an aggressive way or not having tax or insurance.
“While automatic number plate recognition cameras have become much more common in the last decade, not seeing as many officers in police cars lessens the fear of being caught breaking the law, which may explain why so many lawabiding drivers are concerned about the behaviour of others they share the road with.
“The deterrent value of ‘cops in cars’ should not be underestimated.
“We’d very much like to see a return to having more officers on traffic duty or significant new measures introduced to crack down on those who break the rules of the road.
“With the Government on the verge of publishing the nation’s first road safety strategy for over a decade, we hope there are plenty of positive measures planned to cut casualties and keep everyone safe on the roads.”
The number of officers has fallen by a fifth across England and Wales
Motoring
Learners shift toward automatic cars
THE AA Driving School now predicts one-third of all driving tests will be taken in an automatic car in 2026/27.
The latest data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shows a consistent rise in the number of automatic tests conducted.
In 2012/13, just 6.1% of all driving tests were taken in automatics.
By 2023/24, that had surged to 23.4%, and reached 26% in 2024/25, which equated to 479,556 automatic car driving tests being conducted.
This growth reflects a fundamental change in learner behaviour.
Searches for automatic driving lessons across AA and BSM have steadily increased year-on-year, rising from 26% in FY22 to 34% in the first half of FY26 highlighting a growing shift in learner preferences and shows the UK is accelerating
toward a new era of driving.
If current growth continues, AA Driving School expects automatic driving tests could reach 32% for the 2026/27 year, accelerating toward a tipping point where manual tests are no longer the norm.
The rise in automatic tests is being fuelled by a combination of technological innovation and government policy.
Electric vehicles, all of which are automatic, are becoming increasingly common on UK roads.
As more drivers make the switch to EVs, many learners are choosing to train in vehicles that reflect the future of driving.
This trend is reinforced by the UK Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires car manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric vehicles each year.
The AA Driving School is at
proportion was just over 6%
the forefront of this transition recently expanding its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to meet growing demand.
The UK’s largest driving school has added three electric vehicles to its fleet, increasing the choice of car for its franchised driving instructors.
Since June, AA Driving
School franchisees can opt for a Mini Aceman SE, VW id.3 Pro Hatch or BYD Dolphin Comfort.
In 2024, more than 68,000 hours of driving lessons were taught by AA Driving School franchisees in electric vehicles, and 36% of its instructor trainees opted to begin their
2011 (11) Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi XTR 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating, big boot, sliding rear doors, big internal space, cambelt kit replaced, full history, only 67,900 miles.............................................................................£5950
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
2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. . High seating, big boot, sat nav, Bluetooth, road sign assist, cruise, parking sensors & auto park, reverse camera, partial leather, auto lights & wipers, 61,800 miles..........................£11750
2016 (65) Audi A5 Coupe 1.8TFSi S Line Nav 2dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, full leather, heated seats, road sign assistance, Bluetooth, lovely sports coupe, 92,900 miles.................................................£8650
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
2011 (60) Ford Ka 1.2 Grand Prix 3dr. Rare limited edition, unique, parking sensors, air con, Bluetooth, USB, £35 tax, 50mpg, cambelt kit replaced, only 74,500 miles.................................................................................................£3500
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
2014 (14) Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCi Titanium X Pack SUV 5dr. High seating, leather, X pack, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, £35 tax, 60mpg, cambelt kit replaced, 87,800 miles.....................................£5450
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
2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV 5dr. Self-charging petrol hybrid, 50mpg, partial leather, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, main beam assist, collision detection, road sign assistance, Bluetooth, great size boot with meg box storage, 47,800 miles...................................£13250
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
2015 (15) Ford C-Max 1.6TDCi Titanium X 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating, big boot, partial leather, heated seats, panoramic roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, Bluetooth, cambelt kit replaced, 70,500 miles.........................£6750
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
(11) Ford C-Max 1.6T Titanium 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High
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
2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 Trend 12 Seat Minibus 5dr. 3 front & 9 rear seats, removable seats, skylight, Bluetooth, standing head room, ideal day van or camper conversion, 75,500 miles...............................£10500 + VAT = £12600
2017 (17) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ3 5dr. Compact high seating small car with character, auto lights, Bluetooth, full service history, 76,800 miles................£6350
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
2012 (12) Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.4D-4D 4WD 5dr. 4x4, spares or repairs, short MOT, clearance car, no warranty, lots of warning lights, poor bodywork, DPF poor flow, cheapest anywhere, 60,500 miles..................................................SOLD
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
2023 (73) Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0TD 3100 Pro L2 Van 6dr. Sat nav, reverse camera, cruise control, air con, twin side doors, ply lined, 21,300 miles, selling on behalf of a customer.......................................................£18250 + VAT = £21900
2011 (61) Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 Excite 3dr. MOT March, £35 tax, 55mpg, clearance car, no warranty, a few marks on bodywork, about as powerful as a ride on lawn mower, not perfect but its cheap, 117,900 miles...............................SOLD WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU
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
The AA thinks a third of driving tests will soon be taken in automatic vehicles – in 2012/13 the
teaching careers in an automatic vehicle.
So far, in 2025, that figure has risen slightly to 37%, which shows a steady and growing interest in automatic instruction.
Emma Bush, managing director, AA Driving School, said: “We have been tracking the growing trend for taking the test in an automatic for some time now.
“With more people becoming confident with the idea of their driving future being electric, the idea of needing to drive a manual vehicle will feel irrelevant to many.
1,602
die on
GB roads
NEW figures released by the Department for Transport show that 1,602 people were killed on Britain’s roads last year.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said: “Every death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy.
“Sadly, the figures show little to no improvement to reduce the number of people injured on our roads, and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive road safety strategy.
“Motorcyclist fatalities rose by 8% in a year, while pedestrian deaths increased by 1%.
“As we head closer to 2030 and the ban on the sale of new combustion cars, more and more learners will want to learn in an electric vehicle as that’s all they will plan to drive.
“It makes sense that we are able to offer a choice of these vehicles to our instructors, so they can ensure they are able to meet rising consumer demand.
“As EVs and hybrids become more popular due to lower day-to-day running costs and as the impending ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars gets closer, more people are choosing to learn in an automatic.”
“More needs to be done to help protect vulnerable road users to ensure they get to their destinations safely.”
The figures also show that fatal and serious injuries for young drivers and their passengers remain disproportionately high when compared to other drivers.
The 2024 Young Driver Factsheet said: “In 2024, passenger casualties accounted for 21% of all KSI – killed or seriously injured – casualties from a collision involving at least one younger car driver.
“By comparison, for collisions involving other aged car drivers, passenger KSI casualties accounted for 14% of all KSI casualties in 2024.”
Rural roads remain a particular risk for young drivers, with 49% killed or seriously injured on them, compared to 42% for other drivers.
One in six (17%) of younger drivers involved in a serious crash was not wearing their seatbelt, compared to 6% for those aged 50 and above.
CLASSIC FIAT 500, 1972, VGC. FSH, Lots of paperwork, for more info: Tel: 07950-450824
For SALE: CITROEN BERLINGO VAN. New MOT and cam belt. Good running order. £475 ono. Tel: 07716-207150
STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025
OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul - 07890 096907
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
2008 Grey, Diesel MOT Feb 2026
180,000 miles. Tow Bar fitted & Roof Box Included, £2,500 Tel: 07522-259054
Heart disease in dogs
by Lynn Broom
BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS
HEART disease in dogs generally fits into two broad categories. Muscle wall disease and valvular disease. Often large
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reliable cat sitting in your home.Jacqui 07791-198679
BLACK LABRADOR
PUPPIES available to reserve for their new loving homes, available from 28th September. Call 07702 588898 for details.
breeds have muscle wall conditions and small breeds develop valve conditions.
The most common form of cardiomyopathy in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and occurs most frequently in large and giant breeds. The heart wall of the left ventricle – the main pumping chamber of the heart – becomes thin and flaccid and loses its ability to contract effectively and pump blood through the heart. DCM can lead to collapse during exercise or sudden death in certain susceptible breeds.
Diet-associated DCM is not fully understood but has been
linked to diets high in pea proteins and grain-free diets possibly due to nutrient imbalances and is seen in all sizes of dog. Symptoms and cardiac changes may be reversed by a change in diet.
Valve disease is more common in small breeds and causes a heart murmur due to back flow of blood through a faulty valve which does not close properly or a narrowed opening due to a thickened valve. Not all small dogs with valve disease will develop symptoms but it can lead on to heart failure over time.
Heart disease can be congenital – present from birth – due to abnormal formation of the heart structure. French Bulldogs are prone to congenital heart disease such as pulmonary stenosis – narrowing of the pulmonary valve restricting blood flow to the lungs – and this can lead on to heart failure.
Genetic heart disease causing DCM is seen commonly in certain breeds such as Boxers, Dobermanns, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds. Mitral valve disease is seen commonly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and most individuals within this breed will have some degree of disease and it often leads on to heart failure.
Heart medication can be beneficial in reducing symptoms and slowing down the rate of progression and is more effective if damage is caught early to reduce ongoing deterioration. A heart murmur does not necessarily mean that functional heart disease is present, and further investigations should be carried out to determine the cause and to monitor progress together with allowing appropriate medication to be started where beneficial.
The most common form of cardiomyopathy in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and occurs most frequently in large and giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds
MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION
C ats looking for new homes
n For details, please call the helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/middorset
n Farm and stable homes needed for outside cats
Grieving pets: Coping with the loss of a caregiver
by Raychel
Curson PETS form deep emotional bonds with their human caregivers, and when a caregiver passes away, the surviving animals often experience grief in their own way.
Although they may not understand death as humans do, they do feel the absence, the changes in daily routine and the emotional atmosphere of the household.
n Signs of grief in pets DOGS and cats may display a range of behaviours that mirror human mourning.
Some pets become withdrawn, sleep more or lose interest in food and play.
separation anxiety or show guarding behaviours.
On top of this, animals are highly attuned to human emotions.
If the surviving owner is grieving, the pet may mirror or react to that distress.
n Supporting a grieving pet
THE most effective support involves patience, routine and reassurance.
Others may exhibit anxiety, clinginess to the surviving caregiver or even destructive behaviours.
Changes in training responses, such as ignoring recall or pulling on the lead, can also emerge, as emotional stress impacts focus and learning.
n Why these behaviours happen PETS thrive on stability and security.
When a caregiver is suddenly gone, the pet not only loses a source of affection but also part of their daily structure.
They may fear further abandonment, develop
Maintaining regular feeding, walking and play schedules helps restore a sense of security.
Positive reinforcement and gentle training refresh cues and encourage focus.
Providing enrichment, comfort items and quality
time strengthens the bond with the surviving caregiver.
If grief-related behaviours persist or worsen, consulting a veterinarian or reaching out for behavioural advice from someone like myself may be helpful.
Just like people, pets need time to adjust and heal.
With consistency, love and understanding, most grieving pets can gradually find comfort and stability again, even after the loss of a beloved caregiver.
n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching (email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk)
n Maddie, 10, sweet shy lady could be homed with Tabatha
n Tabatha, 10, gorgeous shy lady could be homed with Maddie
n Squeak, three, super affectionate
n Howl and Sophie, four months, needs the right people to bring them on.
n Joey and Phoebe, three months, and Chandler, Monica and Rachel, four months, looking for rural homes where they have the choice of an outdoor life if they choose it
n Muppet, one, gorgeous girl could be homed with Muffin
n Muffin, two, gorgeous girl could be homed with Muppet
Pets, like humans, can suffer with grief, if in a different form
Field & Stream
Now nature’s clock is telling sheep
by Tria Stebbing AUTUMN
arrived. The sheep are all behaving very strangely. The rams have got their tupping faces on, masculine lines that appear around their jowls making them supposedly look attractive to their females. They jostle for position, headbutting each other constantly, rather like rutting stags.
The ewes are skipping about with a spring in their step, rather excited and more scatty than usual.
I never cease to be amazed at the wonder of nature in setting clocks in these animals. The evenings get darker and the sheep want to breed, amazing!.
News from the Dorset County Show. Harry had a lot of competition in his class and came sixth out of an astonishing 22 young handlers. Eddie managed an amazing second in his class, too.
An old pal, miles of coast – and lots of wildlife
by AJ Selby
“Norfolk: too many people, not enough surnames,” Bill Bryson, The Road to Little Dribbling
AND so to Norfolk for my annual walk with my oldest pal, Clive. With over a half-century of friendship under our belts, the walking is both easy and enjoyable. Having walked in stages from Hunstanton, in the north-west of the county near the Wash, to Bacton, south of Cromer, over the last two or three years, we finally made it to the outskirts of Great Yarmouth at the end of September.
The north Norfolk coast is wild and mysterious with salt marsh, reed beds, deep winding creeks and mudflats, a barrier to the tide and sea further out. It passes through beautiful countryside dotted with villages with enchanting names like Holme-next-the-Sea, Brancaster Staithe, Burham Overy Staithe,
It has been a valuable learning curve for the boys learning that judging differs from show to show.
I asked the boys why showing their sheep is important for them, as I was curious. The world is so different for young people today, with old farming traditions maybe not so much in the forefront of rural life, but they are among a small minority who still enjoy their farming and showing.
Eddie said: “I’m proud of my sheep. I enjoy talking to people about them and am proud of the breed. I am especially proud of Misty as I bred her out of my ewe Cupcake. Misty is so friendly. I also enjoy getting
Wells-next-the-Sea, Stiffkey, Blakeney and Cley next the Sea. The coastal footpath traverses one of the best beaches in the country at Holkham – seaward of the wonderful Holkham Hall – and many nature reserves and bird hides.
There are lots of stories linked to this coast, from the meeting at Sheringham Golf Course between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his friend Bertram Fletcher Robinson that inspired The Hound of The Baskervilles – with tales of Norfolk’s big spectral hound known as Black Shuck – to Cromer where local author Samantha Bentley wrote The Beach Café, and Cromer pier, the setting for the denouement of the film Alpha Papa. Less known is the village of Winterton-on-Sea, which became the site of Robinson Crusoe’s first shipwreck in Defoe’s story.
To complete the literary
theme, Anna Sewell, of Black Beauty fame, was born in Great Yarmouth in 1820 and I also discovered that H Rider Haggard, who wrote King Solomon’s Mines, was born near Bradenham in 1856. At Bradenham Hall in 1909 a youthful LP Hartley was a visitor and it inspired his Brandham Hall in The GoBetween. A county and coast then that is not only beautiful and mysterious but can fire the imaginations of writers and artists.
The north-south coastal walk – down the flank of the county – is not quite as interesting as the west-east along the top –incidentally, the directions we try to walk if possible –although not without some surprises. The skies are huge and the beaches wide and deserted, or so we thought. At Horsey Gap we saw 500 seals lying on the beach drying in the sun and wind, with a few
dressed up and preparing the sheep. I really like doing well and it is brilliant when we win a rosette.
“My Grandpa has also now said that we don’t need to sell them!! He was annoyed with them earlier in the summer as they kept getting out, but when he saw us do well at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and how pleased we were, he said Well it looks like they will have to stay!”
Harry said: “I like showing a breed that you do not see so much at the shows and promoting the breed. I really enjoy the fact that we breed our own sheep and rear them, and then I show them.
“Zwartbles are a really
youngsters frolicking in the surf near the tideline. Further north at Walcott we rested awhile on the sea wall and soon had a couple of dozen turnstones for company, completely fearless coming right up to us, and keen to see if there were any crumbs from visitors enjoying a sandwich or pastry from the stores opposite.
As we strolled along the beach, the endless floating whisper of the waves was occasionally disturbed by fighter jets exercising above, and looking up, the eye would catch a motionless kestrel, or a shag flying arrow-straight as though on a mission. Scattered on the sand itself were gulls and oystercatchers aplenty with the occasional sandpiper taking off as we approached, its warning cry drifting over the dunes.
Near Sea Palling are tons and tons of stone placed as groynes to stem the inrushing and cliff-eroding tides. The stones are in lines parallel to the shoreline some 15ft high, 40 or 50 yards wide with a gap of 50 yards to the next block. At low tide these breakwaters create shallow pools enjoyed by swimmers and body-boarders but at high tide they are totally submerged, indicating the rise
Turnstones on the wall at Walcott
Young Harry (left) and Eddie have had success at shows
Field & Stream
it’s time to breed
friendly breed and one of my favourite things to do is to sit in the pen with them and talk to people about the sheep. I like it when people come around to the pen and look at them. I also really enjoy getting dressed up and the reward of winning a rosette.”
Keeping sheep clearly gives the boys confidence in both themselves and in talking to members of the public. They both understand that the sheep are a year-round commitment and put time and energy into what they do. Wouldn’t it be amazing if a small north Dorset business came forward to sponsor the boys to attend the shows next season?
The Highland cows are due
their TB test in the coming weeks. This weekend we will bring them down from the big hill and start to feed them by the cattle crush in the hope they will play ball this time and walk through for the vet. A stressful time for us all as we are at the mercy of a test that can be a game-changer for the fold.
The cows are enjoying the September sun and seem content grazing their field and being fed windfall apples as an occasional treat. It is so nice not to see them covered in the flies that summer brings. We have noticed increased colour on the tips of the horns, a sigh of growth, and I shall talk more about those horns in the next article.
and fall of the ocean – all you can see are white horses lapping over their tops.
At one point we thought we saw a couple of seals on a low rock basking in the early autumn sunshine but as we got closer we realised it was a somewhat curvy, older couple from the genus homo sapiens wrapped around each other seemingly asleep but also dressed – or should I say undressed – au naturel! We moved swiftly on looking for more ‘wild’ life. I saw a small bird in the tufts of the marram grass that cover the cliffs along the coast and was astonished to see it was a goldcrest, as far away from a pine forest as you
could get. Some 80 or 90 yards further on with a sugar beet field to our landward side we saw it again not 20 yards in front of us and unconcerned at our presence.
The walk finished with a small detour to Hickling Broad Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve, which offers a lot for the birdwatcher as well as the entomologist, and while it was the ‘quiet season’ for the bittern, I was rewarded with observing not one but two marsh harriers in the skies above me. All in all, another wonderful, relaxing and enjoyable few days in the company of an old friend and fabulous weather. I recommend it to anyone.
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Hundreds of seals lay on the beach at Horsey Gap
Day out at Dairy Event and milk price cuts
by Ruth Kimber
WE went to the South West Dairy Event at the Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet, on a beautiful autumn day.
On our way there we commented on the bounty in the hedgerows – apples and pears with as many on the ground as were still hung in the trees. Hedges red with berries and trees rich with acorns, beech mast/nuts and many more. The
thought was that nature provides for a hard winter to come.
Too many acorns can cause illness and even death in livestock – I have heard of at least three sheep that died through acorn poisoning.
I have bottled plums and pears, made chutney and gathered blackberries. Now the sloes are nearly ready, better after a frost, to make sloe gin or sherry, a Christmas treat!
Well, after the problems of
forage shortage, on the crop front, we now have grass to cut to help fill the barns that during the summer the cattle have emptied. However, I am sure fodder will be short, both in quantity and quality.
The dairy event is a great meeting place for farmers and was certainly well populated this year. The innovation of machinery, tools, ideas and the quality of dairy cattle on show was at its usual high standard.
But the news of the day was of milk price cuts of 1.5p-8p a litre. With the very dry summer and its shortages, farmers have had to buy in feed; the cost of labour with the increase in wages – no one begrudges this; and the NIC increases; all have to be paid for. Not to mention
the dreaded Inheritance Tax threats. We have invested in advice from our accountants and solicitors to help us. This doesn’t come cheap. A lean time ahead for dairy farmers.
Our turkeys are growing well, the early birds for the Thanksgiving market, Canada and the US, are being ordered now, and the Christmas orders are already coming in.
Many readers in this area have been customers of Reads Agriculture and I would like to congratulate Richard and Gill on 50 years in business.
A big ‘thank you’ to them for their service to the farming community. Their family is now fully involved in the business, so we can all look forward to another 50!
Farmer in the Big Brother house
SOMERSET farmer Cameron
Kinch is among contestants in the latest series of reality show, Big Brother 2025
The 22-year-old said he hopes to win over fellow housemates with his ‘leadership skills’.
“I do want to get past the first week and I’d quite like to do an eviction,” he said. “I’m looking
forward to going into the Diary Room to say who I want to nominate.”
Describing himself as a ‘country bumpkin-esque figure’, the farmer said he was singleminded.
“I think I’ll be quite different from the housemates as I suspect there isn’t another sort of country bumpkin-esque
figure and I’m quite looking forward to meeting new people,” he said.
“I think I’ll hopefully bring a bit of leadership to the house.”
And should he win the £100,000 prize pot after weeks living cut-off from the world, he said it would go straight into savings.
However, his Big Brother
appearance will not be Cameron’s first time in front of a camera – he appeared in a GB News broadcast during a protest over changes to inheritance tax.
In February, Cameron, who is understood to hail from Halse Farm, near Taunton, spoke to the broadcaster in London, saying the proposed increase was a blow to UK farming.
Forthcoming Dairy Sales
GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT
GTH Farm Sales
GTH Farm Sales
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email:
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Further details at www.gth.net
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)
Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALE (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.
Further details at www.gth.net
Tuesday 10th November at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves
The November Collective Dairy Sale of 305 DAIRY CATTLE
The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020
For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report.
NOVEMBER: Sat 7th
A 5% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on all lots. Bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie
n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am
Forthcoming Dairy Sale
n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed
n CLOSED HERD for 13 years
Ring 2: Saturday 7th November Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125
Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls
OCTOBER Thurs 16th SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Autumn Gold Collective Dairy Sale of Calved Cows, Heifers & Youngstock. To Include The Dispersal Sale of 168 Pedigree & Commercial Dairy Cows & Heifers for Merryfield Farmers Ltd (Removed from Merryfield Farm, Shepton Mallet, Somerset).
ENTRIES TO DATE: (2012, 6500 hrs) Claas Arion 630C TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 6150 TRACTOR; John Deere 2250 4WD TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 165 TRACTOR partly restored; (2007) Ifor Willams Tipping TRAILER; Tipping TRAILER; Bateson Tri-Axle 14’ Flatbed TRAILER c/w dropsides; 3 point linkage MUCKSPREADER; Fertilizer SPINNER; SIP 6 Rotor TEDDER; McConnell SUB SOILER; Hackett CHAIN HARROWS; 16ft CHAIN HARROWS; Small TOPPER; Fleming 8ft Ballast ROLLER; Small Ballast ROLLER; HD Muck GRAB; Big Bale SQUEEZE, like new; Loader BUCKET; Kidd PTO SAWBENCH; 6 Dumpy bags of LOGS; etc. ** Further Entries Accepted ** A 10% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on all lots subject to a cap of £250 (+ VAT) per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only. Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie
For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)
Approx 12.30pm Ring 1
Entries to date include:-
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.
NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24). Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 6408
n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 25th January 2025
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 4th October 2025
n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
n 14 Native Cows & Calves
DAIRY CATTLE (76) Heifers to £3250. Others £3150. Cows to £2400 (2x). Others £2100. (1167) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (905) Steers to £2590 (2x) (CHX & AA). Others £2580 (HEX) £2570 (CHX) & £2540 (SIMX). Heifers to £2290 (BRBX). Others £2280 (AA) £2230 (LIMX) & £2200 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (32) to £2320 (SIMX). SUCKLERS (6) to £2120. STIRKS (263) Steers to £1900 (BRBX). Others £1650 (BRBX) £1600 (SIMX) & £1570 (BRBX). Heifers to £1510 (BRBX). Others £1410 (LIMX) £1240 (CHX) & £1210 (BRBX). CALVES (580) - Beef Bulls to £780 (2x BRBX). Others £760 (5x) (BRBX & AA) £755 (BRBX) & £750 (BRBX). Heifers to £760 (BRBX). Others £740 (CHX) £680 (BRBX) & £650 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £295 (HF). (3866) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2409) to £145. Others £140, £137 & £136. Overall Ave £100.41. CULL EWES & RAMS (1303) Ewes to £190. Others £181 & £180. Rams to £210. Overall Ave £94.80. BREEDING EWES (128) to £218. Overall Ave £157.49. STOCK RAMS (21) to £390. Overall Ave £204.17. GOATS (5) to £158. Overall Ave £135.20. (36) PIGS – STORE/FAT PIGS (12) to £205. WEANERS (20) to £71. CULL SOWS & BOARS (3+1) Sows to £138. Boar to £140.
n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He
For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278
Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24)
The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 6th October 2025 PRIME CATTLE (71) Steers UTM av 360.9ppk to 399.5ppk & £2,883.80. Others 394.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 372.5ppk. Others £2,602.71, £2,508.86, £2,448.88. Heifers UTM av 352.7ppk to 405.5ppk & £2,595.20. Others 399.5ppk (2x) 388.5ppk (2x) & 385.5ppk (2x). Others £2,432.51, £2,362.08 & £2,294.42. Heifers OTM av 356.5ppk to 356.5ppk & £2,310.12. Steers OTM av 314.5ppk to 314.5ppk & £2,034.82. BARREN COWS (25) Continental av 227.4ppk to 279.5ppk & £2,068.30. Native Beef av 266.2ppk to 293.5ppk & £2,289.30. Dairy av 234.0ppk to 266.5ppk & £1,863.31. OVERAGE BULLS (7) av 280.3ppk to 292.5ppk & £3,201.31. FINISHED SHEEP (575) Lambs (575) av 301.83ppk to 346.0ppk & £197.00. Others 341.0ppk, 321.0ppk & 320.0ppk (2x). Others £190.00, £181.00 & £180.00.
Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm
Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB
Forthcoming Special Sales
TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020
OCTOBER
Sat 18th
Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED*** Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED***
DAIRY CATTLE (75) Heifers to £3200. Others £2600 (3x). Cows to £3000. Others £2650. (986) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (712) Steers to £2470 (AA). Others £2320 (BRBX) £2300 (AA) & £2290 (2x BRBX). Heifers to £2100 (LIMX). Others £2000 (BRBX) £1970 (AA) & £1960 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (23) to £2340 (LIMX). STIRKS (274) Steers to £1400 (CHX). Others £1385 (CHX) £1210 (LIMX) & £1190 (AA). Heifers to £1370 (AA). Others £1235 (CHX) £1185 (B/SWISS) & £1180 (AA). CALVES (273) - Beef Bulls to £665 (BRBX). Others £590 (BRBX) £575 (AA) & £570 (BRBX). Heifers to £540 (AA). Others £535 (AA) £515 (BRBX) & £445 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £260. (3443) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2359) to £149. Others £145, £141 & £140. Overall Ave £102.04. CULL EWES & RAMS (909) Ewes to £218. Others £195 & £188. Rams to £215. Overall Ave £101.55. BREEDING EWES (25) to £180. Others £178. Overall Ave £148.58. COUPLES (56E & 72L) Doubles to £355 (£118.33/life). Singles to £275 (£137.50/life). Overall Ave £97.38/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (16) to £75. Overall Ave £43.38. GOATS (6) to £132. Overall Ave £105.67. (108) PIGS – STORE/FAT PIGS (60) to £175. BREEDERS (1) to £355. WEANERS (43) to £72. Overall Ave £46.19. CULL SOWS & BOARS (4+1) Sows to £60. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 27th January 2025 PRIME CATTLE (159) Steers UTM av 338.4ppk to 389.5ppk & £2,504.90. Others 384.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,487.74, £2,473.52 & £2,457.51. Heifers UTM av 338.2ppk to 388.5ppk & £2,374.68. Others 385.5ppk (2x) 374.5ppk & 368.5ppk (4x). Others £2,361.92, £2,339.98 & £2,333.14. Steers OTM av 267.5ppk to 329.5ppk & £2,102.40. Heifers OTM av 287.3ppk to 349.5ppk & £2,285.73. BARREN COWS (48) Continental av 177.5ppk to 225.5ppk & £1,558.21. Native Beef av 197.6ppk to 269.5ppk & £1,965.78. Dairy av 174.0ppk to 264.5ppk & £1,796.37. BULLS (3) av 153.5ppk to 171.5ppk & £1,529.78. FINISHED SHEEP (440) Hoggs av 321.70ppk to 336.0ppk & £188.00. Others 333.0ppk, 331.0ppk (2x) & 330.0ppk. Others £187.00, £182.00 & £180.00. (15) Lambs av 337.93ppk to 341.0ppk & £147.50. Others 329.0ppk & 321.0ppk. Others £126.00 & £112.00.
For an up-to-date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre Saturday 11th October
Forthcoming Special Sales
For an up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre
Entries to date include:
Monthly Catalogued Sale of 194 Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Sale to commence at approx 12.30pm Ring 1
DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2
Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock to be booked in with the market office by 18th November. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm
Fri 27th Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm
• 73 Cows with 76 calves at foot – Ped Aberdeen Angus, Aberdeen Angus, British Blue, Ped Devon, Devon, Ped Hereford (incl Lanscombe Production Sale), Hereford, Jersey, Longhorn
Wed 29th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & over, Prime Cattle &
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Fodder The next online timed auction closes Thursday 20th February (all fodder that is located on farm for collection) Fodder The next live auction at the Market will be on Saturday 22nd February (fodder on the lorry/trailer
Sat 28th Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2
Forthcoming Fodder Sale
in with the market office by 22nd October. Sale commences 4.30pm. DEFRA general license required
NOVEMBER: Sat 21st
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 9th November 2020.
Andrew Lee Vegetation Management
Grass flail and scrub flail available for the management of scrub, brambles, grass etc.
Working on slopes of up to 50 degrees with operator.
Contact Mobile: 07850489782
Email: andrewlee01@btinternet.com
Pneumatic fittings
Air brake fittings
Hose clamps
Hydraulic Hoses
Quick release couplings Pressure wash hoses + lances Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Variation of oils Mobile service available
HEDGE CUTTING. Tel: 01747-855198
R&W FENCING. Agricultural paddock and stock. Also part time help required. 01258-88089207980-036250
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans, etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935-873169 or 07368-380477
WANTED COWS COWS COWS
Farmers short of winter fodder? Sell your surplus cows NOW to achieve higher prices.
An attractive livestock farm with a five bedroom farmhouse, a pair of cottages and a range of farm buildings. In all 279.62 acres (113.16 ha).
For sale as a whole or in up to six lots. Freehold. CTB’s E and C, EPC’s G and E.
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Thursday 23rd October at 11am
Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Dorset
Holwell
Celebrating 60 Years of Contracting
Guide £825,000
Kings Stag
| 01258 473766
Guide £1,195,000
An attractive residential farm in a pleasant rural position near a popular village with a four bedroom farmhouse, detached three bedroom cottage and a flexible range of barns. In all 17.63 acres (7.13 ha). Freehold. CTB’s G and C, EPC’s G and E.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Shroton
Shroton
Guide £435,000
Guide £435,000
Sale of 2 Case Puma Tractors, Hyundai 14t Excavator, Grassland & Arable Machinery
An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. CTB G, EPC B, Freehold.
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.
A beautifully positioned traditional four bedroom farmhouse with scope for reconfiguration and improvement. Set in 17.34 acres (7.02 ha) of pasture land with a range of outbuildings in an enviable rural location. Freehold. CTB-G, EPC-F.
Okeford Fitzpaine
Guide £775,000
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price
£1,100,000
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 38290
Leigh OIEO £500,000
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well
A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation over three floors in a quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold.
presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster | 01258 473766
accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.
An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse with plenty of charm and original character features along with a 100’ garden in the heart of the village. CTB F, EPC Exempt, Freehold.
A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
A large family house with over 3000 sq ft of internal family accommodation and lovely south west facing gardens and field with wonderful views to Bulbarrow. In all 2.35 acres. Freehold. EPC-D, CTB-G.
A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside is a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and paddock, in total 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available.
Mappowder Guide £595,000 surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Holwell
Guide £825,000
Guide £495,000
Shroton Guide £435,000
Marnhull Guide £525,000
An Edwardian stone house towards the end of a no-through lane on the edge of this sought after village with an adjoining level 4 acre field. Freehold. EPC-F, CTB-F.
Marnhull Guide £525,000 facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.
An extended and modernised period house combining character and charm with contemporary family living in a quiet location on a nothrough road with wonderful views, land and stables. In all about 2.40 acres. CTB F, EPC D, Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Guide £810,000
North Cheriton
OIEO £400,000
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.
A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with wonderful far-reaching views and garden and grounds of one acre. CTB D, EPC F, Freehold.
village. CTB D. Freehold.
An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. CTB G, EPC B, Freehold.
An extended and spacious three bedroom bungalow in a good sized plot of 0.28 acres in this popular village, with excellent community and lovely countryside on the doorstep. Freehold. EPC-C, CTB-E.
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.
A four bedroom courtyard development house presented in excellent order throughout with a fine summer house in the garden. Freehold. EPC-C, CTB-E.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Landlords, are you ready?
Register now for our autumn seminars.
Donhead St Mary
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Details of the Renters Rights Bill are imminent and will change property letting as we know it.
01258 474265 enewman@symondsandsampson.co.uk
Guide £800,000
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation over three floors in a quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold.
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 4.11
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
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Bedchester
Shillingstone
Sturminster Newton
Guide £475,000
Stourpaine
Bere Regis
PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM
PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 24TH JULY 2025 AT 2:00PM AT DIGBY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL, DIGBY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DT9 3NL
PROPERTY AUCTION FRIDAY 16 MAY 2025 2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE BH21 3AA & VIA LIVESTREAM
PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER 2025 AT 2:00PM MERLEY HOUSE, WIMBORNE AND VIA LIVESTREAM
Guide £60,000
Nether Compton Guide £50,000
Guide £25,000
A 0.13 acre (559 sqm.) parking area with a favourable pre-app response for a dwelling with parking and a garden. Freehold.
2.23 acres of diverse broadleaf woodland and pasture adjoining the River Stour, with single bank fishing rights, accessible by foot, bicycle and horseback. Freehold.
1.84 acres of gently sloping arable land adjoining a residential development, situated in the village of Nether Compton
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
East Stoke
Queen Camel
Woodlands
Guide £95,000
Guides £250,000 & £170,000
13.02 acres of wetland and woodland, rich in biodiversity, in a secluded, peaceful area south of the River Frome. Freehold.
Guide £50,000
Level pasture land and a traditional stone building set in 2.15 acres on the outskirts of the village of Queen Camel. Freehold.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
North Perrott Guide £45,000 3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Sixpenny Handley
20.48 acres and 13.49 acres of productive grassland situated in the rural village of Woodlands, available as two separate lots.
Guide £150,000
Holt, Wimborne Guide £80,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Yeovil | 01935 432526
A detached barn of about 125 sqm. in just under 1.70 acres with off-road
An opportunity to purchase a parcel of permanent pasture in the village of Holt, extending to approximately 4.51
Charlton Marshall
Swanage
Point. Freehold.
Guide £80,000
Melplash
Dorchester
Guide £300,000
Dorchester | 01305 236237
23.55 acres of permanent pasture, with fishing rights along the River Stour, which borders the land. Freehold.
A ground floor two bedroom flat of non-standard construction for modernisation. Leasehold 125 years, SC £2.60p/a, BI £90p/a, sinking fund £693.17 pa/a. EPC D, CTB A.
Wareham Guide £110,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Guide £50,000
Guide £65,000
Guide £200,000
Witchampton Guide £50,000
Yeovil
Bournemouth
Bovington
Guide £125,000
Guide £200,000
Guide £70,000
Verwood Guide £125,000
Wimborne
Swanage
Guide £75,000
Guide £150,000
A former village hall with parking situated on the main road in the heart of the village. GIA 175 sqm. Freehold. RV TBA.
A centrally located Grade II Listed property currently arranged as 3 x 1 bedroom flats and walled gardens, requiring modernisation throughout. CTBs A, EPC Exempt, Leasehold.
A building plot with full planning permission for a pair of semi-detached 3 bedroom dwellings with gardens, parking and coastal views. Ref: P/FUL/2025/00569
0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
Portland Poundbury | 01305 251154
Wimborne | 01202 843190
1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.
A grand, 4 storey (including basement) mixed-use Victorian building occupying a prominent corner plot on Lansdowne Crescent. RV: £53,500, £8,300, CTB A, EPC TBC. Freehold.
A Grade II listed building offering several uses/options with planning permission and LB consent for conversion to residential. Freehold. EPC-D.
A ground floor 2 bedroom flat for refurbishment with a garage and rear garden. Leasehold 959 years remaining, GR £25p/a, service charge TBC. EPC E, CTB B.
Yeovil | 01935 423526
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Tarrant Rushton
Winterborne Zelston
Milton on Stour
Guide £250,000
Guide £185,000
Guide £165,000
A 3 bedroom period cottage for renovation throughout, with a rear garden, in a convenient location close
Horton Heath
Turnerspuddle
Pallington Guide £350,000
38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Wimborne | 01202 843190
9.13 acres of freely draining land, predominantly comprising pasture with an element of woodland, located between Wareham and Wool. Freehold.
Guide
A detached, extended 3 bedroom cottage for renovation, enjoying a rural position and delightful countryside views in 0.20 acres of gardens. CTB C, EPC G, Freehold.
A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for refurbishment with scope for extension and remodelling (STPP) in a convenient location on the A31. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Blandford Forum | 01258 452670
Blandford | 01258 452670
Sturminster | 01258 473766
£225,000
Motcombe
Wimborne | 01202 882103
Frampton
Okeford Fitzpaine
Yarlington
Yeovil
Bradworthy, Devon
Guide £275,000
Guide
Guide
Guide £275,000
Guide £190,000
Guide £175,000/ea
A first floor 2 bedroom flat of nonstandard construction in need of renovation. Leasehold 125 years, SC £2.60p/a, BI £90p/a, sinking fund £693.17 p/a. EPC D, CTB A.
A semi detached, extended 4 bedroom period property for complete renovation with a generous garden adjoining Ferndown Forest. CTB C, EPC F, Freehold.
Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000
20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.
A charming 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with parking conveniently situated in the town centre, with parking. Leasehold. Service Charge £4,269 pa. G Rent £30 pa. CTB-D; EPC-D.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sherborne Sherborne | 01935 814488
Wimborne | 01202843190 Guide £225,000
Dorchester | 01305 236237
Milborne Port
Fifehead Magdalen
Colehill
Guide £250,000
Guide £250,000
A mid terrace 2 double bedroom property in need of renovation throughout, with an enclosed rear garden situated close to the town centre. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-D.
A partially renovated and extended 2 bedroom bungalow with potential for upwards extension, subject to planning permission. CTB C, EPC E, Freehold.
A pair of semi-detached 3 bedroom 1950’s cottages in need of renovation, enjoying a convenient yet peaceful rural location, close to road links Freehold, EPCs D, CTBs C
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Dorchester Dorchester | 01305 261008
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
An attractive semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage for renovation with a generous garden situated in this much favoured North Dorset village. CTB E, EPC G, Freehold.
A detached split-level property for renovation, with potential for extension (subject to planning permission/ consents), situated on a sought after road. Freehold, EPC D, CTB D
Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.
A charming 2 bedroom period cottage, situated at the end of a terrace in a quiet village location. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sherborne | 01935 814488 Guide £200,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Guide £350,000
Henstridge Guide £300,000
Fontmell Magna
Corfe Castle
Fiddleford
Guide £395,000
East Martin
£395,000
20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.
A charming semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage with a separate 1 bedroom, single storey annexe with off-road parking and gardens. CTBs C & A, EPCs D & B, Freehold.
£350,000
Bournemouth
Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000
Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000
A charming Grade II Listed semidetached cottage in the heart of the village with 3 bedrooms, a large garden, and views over the village green. Freehold. EPC F, CTB C.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Traditional stone barn set in 5.97acres. Positioned in a private location with residential conversion opportunity (STPP & relevant consents). Freehold.
A former primary school measuring over 6,300 sq. ft./585 sq. m. in grounds of 0.54 acres, providing development potential, subject to planning permission. EPC D, Freehold.
A semi-detached 2 bedroom cottage in 0.89 acres offering character and charm throughout and enjoying views over the surrounding landscape. Freehold. CTB-C; EPC-E.
Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000
Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Tiverton | 01884 218911
Guide
A historic commercial building situated at the edge of Yeovil town centre, opposite the Stars Lane car park at the entrance to the Yeo Leisure complex. Freehold, EPC C, RV: £35,000 & £27,500.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
Sherborne | 01935 814488 Guide £250,000
Yeovil | 01935 243526
£85,000
Horton, Wimborne
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.
Guide £525,000
74.24 parcels of level and southfacing arable land, arranged in two parcels of 54 and 20 acres, with the added provision of a circa 1,200 sqft barn currently used for the storage of machinery. Freehold.
Shaftesbury Guide £95,000
A former doctor’s surgery in 0.58 acres with prior approval for change of use to a residential dwelling under application P/PACD/2024/02991/. RV: £5,100, EPC C, Freehold.
A 0.97 acre site in this highly sought after village, comprising 3 redundant agricultural buildings with full PP for 3 single storey dwellings Refs: 23/11191 & 22/11012. Freehold.
A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.
Sturminster | 01258 473766
A lofty workshop with large and level fenced outside space. 0.66 acre plot on the Marsh Lane Trading Estate. Freehold. RV Workshop-£9,600 Yard£12,000; EPC-C. Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Guide £675,000
A charming Grade II Listed3 bedroom stone cottage for complete renovation, situated close to the centre of this highly sought-after village. CTB E, EPC Exempt, Freehold.
A spacious, detached 6 bedroom property with scope for modernisation enjoying front and rear gardens, parking and a convenient location. Freehold, EPC D, CTB F.
Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.
A detached 3 bedroom character property in a village location with scope for improvement, sitting in a 0.66 acre plot less than 2 miles from Sturminster Newton. Freehold. CTB-F; EPC-F.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £375,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Guide £400,000
Weymouth
Guide £225,000-£250,000
A substantial bungalow requiring renovation, providing potential for extension or replacement, subject to PP, in a rural position enjoying grounds of 1.60 acres. Subject to an AOC. CTB E, EPC F, Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £450,000
A 4 bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation throughout, with 0.62 acre grounds, multiple outbuildings and stunning views. Freehold. CTB-E; EPC-E.
An equestrian facility comprising a substantial, detached property with a separate 2-3 bedroom annexe, stabling, and 3.42 acres of paddocks and gardens, situated on the edge of the town close to amenities and road links. A further 2.50 acres available as a separate lot. Freehold, EPCs C, CTB F.
A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.
Iliminster | 01460 200790
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Somerford Road, Christchurch
A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Guide £650,000
A substantial and versatile character property with impressive sea views currently comprising a 90 cover restaurant with further outdoor seating, generating £45,000 income per annum. Situated in a prominent position on the seafront and providing scope for re-development (STPP/consents). Freehold, EPC C, RV: TBC.
A residential development site measuring 0.87 acres with full, detailed planning permission for 7 residential dwellings (planning ref: 20/01206/ FUL). Further 1.13 acre field included. Freehold. CTB-D; EPC-F.
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 236237
Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £500,000
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Guide £800,000
A site measuring 0.39 acres with full planning permission for an exclusive development of 9 x 2 bedroom apartments (8/22/0470/FUL), situated in the heart of Christchurch close to Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay. Potential for alternative schemes STPP. CIL: £98,735.93, Freehold.
Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Yeovil | 01935 382901 Guide £595,000 A detached 6 bedroom farmhouse in need of renovation and a courtyard of traditional and modern farm buildings, situated in a rural location on a no through lane and boasting far reaching views. In all 1.82 acres. Freehold.
£575,000 Galhampton
£340,000 Templecombe
£775,000 Wincanton
£325,000 Wincanton
£259,000 Bourton
Thinking of Moving in 2025?
Thinking of moving?
We still have many buyers looking to purchase a property in the local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.
We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase a property in local towns and villages. If you are considering a move in 2025 we will be delighted to offer a free valuation and marketing advice on your property.
Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.
Please call 01963 34000 or email wincanton@hambledon.net to book an appointment.
Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net
Bourton
£225,000 Wincanton
Wincanton
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APARTMENT FOR SALE
LUXURY APARTMENT lively village in Motcombe, Shaftesbury for age 55+. Spacious accommodation, hall, cloaks, lounge/diner/balcony, well fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, 4 piece bathroom. Lovely views. Beautiful gardens. PRIVATE LIVING and great friendly communal facilities as desired. Tel: 01747-229755
TO LET
HAZELBURY BRYAN..NEW INDUSTRIAL UNIT, 1600 sqft, 3 phase electric, fibre broadband, 24/7 HGV access, ample parking, CCTV, one year minimum term, £1200 pcm 07798-500059
SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 892476
Many buyers barely know area they’re moving to
NEARLY half of homebuyers are unfamiliar with their new neighbourhoods before moving in, with more than one in five admitting they visited the area fewer than three times before buying.
The Property DriveBuy surveyed more than 1,000 recent UK homebuyers and found that as many as one in five moved more than 50 miles from their original area of residence, while about one in 10 moved between 11 to 25 miles (12%) or between 26 to 50 miles (7%).
The most common reasons for moving long distances include the search for better
property types and sizes (37%), lifestyle preferences such as coastal or countryside living (24%) and the desire to be closer to family and friends (19%).
However, many buyers know little about the areas they are moving to.
Almost half (47%) of buyers say they were not familiar with the area they moved to.
And about one in five (19%) visited the area just once or twice before making an offer, with a similar number (22%) only visiting the area to view houses before making their move.
The gamble appears to pay off more often than not with 77% of buyers report being happier since relocating to their new area.
This does, however, leave almost a quarter (23%) who might take more care over their search next time around.
