The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 138 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Edition 138

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

Friday, January 2, 2026

The New Blackmore Vale www.blackmorevale.net

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FULL STORY:

Village residents pitch in to make community rewilding project a success ALL THE AYES Pupils get up close and personal with the politics of government Page 19

PAGE 5

CELEBRATE & SUPPORT Christmas fair raises funds for community hospital Page 10

SADDLE UP! Mini showjumpers get a taste for the competition Page 7

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What’s inside this issue…

• Main pic: Sherborne Community Fridge has been a big success in its first year Page 4 • Above: Couple join aid convoy to wartorn Ukraine and see life in Lviv Page 17 • Left: Air ambulance team members recognised at awards Page 8

Announcements Antiques & Collectables Arts & Entertainment Church Events Farming Field & Stream Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden

EDITORIAL Paul Jones - Editor in Chief We love hearing your news and views. Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186 Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

53-55 37-39 32-33 30 26 65-67 64 58-59 56-57 40-44

Items For Sale Letters Local Services Motoring Pets Politics Property Puzzles Sport Wanted

26 31 45-53 60-61 62-63 34-36 68-71 28-29 27 26

ADVERTISING Debi Thorne Sales Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Rachelle Cooper Classified Adverts adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Anna makes marathon effort to raise money for Mind THE practice manager at an opticians in Frome is taking on ‘the biggest challenge of her life’ in memory of her 22-year-old friend. Anna Cooper, from Eyetech Opticians, is running the London Marathon 2026 to raise money and awareness for the mental health charity Mind following the death of her close friend, Teilo How, in January. The 21-year-old says Teilo is the motivation for her challenging training schedule. She said: “This will be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but I think of Teilo all the time when I’m running, and that keeps me going. “If I can turn this effort into something positive – into hope, help and change – then every step will be worth it.” Currently training three times a week, Anna said: “While the thought of training for a 26.2-mile run is daunting, it is nothing compared to the challenges many face every day in silence. “I’m not a runner but I’ve been getting

out about three times a week. The furthest I’ve done so far is 15k and that was a real struggle. “Teilo was always trying to help other people. He was supported by Mind in the past and he’d done a lot of fundraising for them, so I wanted to carry on his legacy.” Anna met Teilo through her local panto group and described him as ‘happy, uplifting, vibrant and motivated’. She said: “He was passionate about stage lighting and was due to move to London to pursue a career in this field.” To take part in the run on April 26, 2026, Anna needs to raise £2,500 and her fundraising efforts are being supported by colleagues at the Market Place practice. She has harnessed her passion for baking, taking custom orders and selling cakes at local markets. Anna is now busy planning a fundraising night at Warminster Cricket Club on Friday, February 6, 2026. To sponsor Anna, visit her Just Giving page.

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Community fridge reduces waste and helps feed the community SHERBORNE Community Fridge has had more than 1,000 visits and saved over one tonne of food from being wasted in its first year. The Community Fridge, at the Pod at 54 Cheap Street, offers produce from local companies to local people. Cllr Suresh Jeganathan,

Sherborne’s Deputy Mayor and a Fridge Volunteer, said: “We are enormously grateful to our local suppliers, including Oxfords Bakery, Sherborne Market Store and Co-op, who give us their surplus produce each week, to the volunteers at the Pod who keep the doors open and help visitors and to

our small band of fridge volunteers who collect and organise the food each week.” He added: “The fridge is for the benefit of anyone who would like to try something from our usual selection of bread, fruit and vegetables. “It just makes sense to give the produce one last chance to be enjoyed. “Reducing food waste is also good for the environment, which was one of the key drivers behind the initiative.” The Community Fridge,

backed by Sherborne Town Council, is open 10am-noon and 1-3pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10am-noon on Saturday.

Community Fridge volunteers, including Deputy Mayor, Cllr Suresh Jeganathan and Cllr Paul Jacobs

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Sapling planting

RESIDENTS of a Vale village have planted hundreds of young trees in an effort to restore wildlife habitat. Pimperne parish council secured a 50-year lease on what was the former school field of Pimperne Junior School. Working with Dorset Wildlife Trust, volunteers are working to improve the field’s biodiversity, and create a more welcoming community space. A team comprising counsellors and enthusiastic villagers have planted 420 saplings, in an attempt to restore natural hedging on the field's boundary as well as two ‘pocket woods’. This has been done with the long term vision of creating a peaceful place for villagers and visitors to enjoy and increase the biodiversity.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Your problems solved Central Dorset Citizens Advice offers help with a common dilemma

Q: I’m worried about losing power due to stormy weather. I keep imagining being stuck in the cold, struggling to feed the kids, with no way of contacting people. What should I do if this happens, and is there anything I can do to prepare? A: Power cuts can be unexpected and worrying, especially if your power doesn’t come back on quickly, so it’s good to know who to report an outage to and what you can do to prepare. If you lose electricity due to stormy weather your electricity network operator is responsible for fixing it. They provide the wires to your home, and they’re different from your electricity supplier, which is the company that sends your bills. To report an outage, call 105 – a free line that puts through to your electricity network operator. In most cases, it’s your electricity that will go off in a storm, but it can seem like your gas is disrupted because you usually need electricity to start up a gas boiler. Gas pipes tend to be underground, safe from storm damage, unlike pylons and overhead

cables. That said, if you smell gas or if your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, turn off the boiler, go outside and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. You might be entitled to compensation if a power cut isn’t fixed within 24 hours. It’s also worth noting that some power cuts are planned, and you should be told in advance if there’s going to be one in your area. After an unexpected outage, your power might not come back on straight away. Here’s a checklist of things you can do to prepare for the worst: • Check you can keep warm. Make sure you have access to blankets and extra layers. You might want to plan to stay with friends or family. Alternatively, check if your local council has any public places you could use to stay warm. • Check you can contact people. Charge all devices like mobile phones using battery power banks. If you don’t have anything like this, write down important phone numbers and keep them safe – an analogue phone line might still work during a power cut. • Keep a torch and spare batteries: check it every month or so. • Have food at home that you can eat without heating. Stock food with a long

use-by date, like tinned fish and vegetables, tinned fruit and custard. If you’re not able to boil water to make baby formula, use pre-mixed formula. • Check if you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). This can give you extra support during a power cut. You might be able to sign up if you’re disabled, pregnant or have young children. See the full list of eligibility criteria and how to sign up on the PSR website. For more information and advice about power cut visit our website citizensadvice. org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/ problems-with-your-energy-supply/preparefor-a-power-cut.

Sing when you’re winning… SOUNDS Better CIC performed at the annual Christmas tree festival at St Thomas’s Church in Salisbury. All four of its local singing groups had worked together to compose a song for the occasion – and had learned British Sign Language (BSL) for another. They performed their song, Gather Round, and chose what other songs and carols would be performed at the event – including Silent Night in which one verse was performed in BSL. After the performance, the groups had a photo taken with Mayor of Salisbury, John Wells. Liv McLennan, director of Sounds Better CIC, said: “We’ve had a great year, and all of our groups have worked hard

to compose this new song, as well as to learn BSL for Silent Night. “It felt great to be able to show the people of Salisbury what we’ve been working on.” The Sounds Better group is made up of: The Downton Downtime

group, for people living with dementia and those who support them. Meets on a Tuesday morning. The group is run in conjunction with Muse CIO and Beyond Dementia. The Salisbury Breathless Singers group is for those living with lung conditions and meets

on a Tuesday afternoon in Wilton. Harmony for Health is also for those living with lung conditions and meets in Mere every Thursday. Salisbury Singing for Parkinson’s meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at St Francis Church. The group is run with the Salisbury branch of Parkinson’s UK. Sounds Better CIC also runs six-week Sing and Breathe introductory courses in partnership with Salisbury’s parish nurse at venues around Salisbury and simultaneously online via Zoom. A video of the Sounds Better groups singing Gather Round can be viewed at www.facebook. com/share/v/1DF3cpM9aP/.

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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PHOTO: Stephen Nicholls

Feeling festive at the station THE Blandford Ukulele Group provided the entertainment when the Spetisbury Station Project put on seasonal refreshments for friends, volunteers and supporters in the run up to the festive season.

Florence in her first ever competition PHOTO: Rebecca Reed Photography

Best in show

THE Half Moon Stud at Motcombe was the venue for a Mini Show Jumping competition with a Christmas fancy dress theme in the run up to the festive season. Classes started with a pole on the ground and gently progressed in height throughout the day. Rosettes and sweets were plentiful with every competitor leaving with a prize. Equestrian coach, Nikki Forbes, built and judged the courses. The next competition is a Valentine Special on Sunday, February 8. Entries can be made through horse monkey – enquiries to julie.deverill@hanoverian. co.uk.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Flying doctors MEMBERS of the team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) have been recognised at this year’s Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence, coming out winners in two categories and earning high commendations in two others. Specialist practitioner in Critical Care, Steve Westbrook, won the Practitioner of the Year category. He was recognised for his leadership, patient care, support for colleagues at incident scenes, contribution to major incident planning and the creation of a voluntary responder scheme. Speaking of his achievement, Steve said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award and it was a big shock to have won. I would like to thank the amazing team at DSAA I work with and, of course, my wonderful wife and family for their unwavering support for the job I do.” Captain Kev Rutherford was this year’s Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year after going above and beyond his core role as a pilot for DSAA. He was recognised for his technical skill, calm leadership, compassion and the wide range of voluntary responsibilities that demonstrate his dedication to others. These include mentoring new pilots, supporting colleagues’ mental health, assisting clinicians at emergency scenes and volunteering as a community first responder in his local town. Kev has also extended his support internationally, volunteering to deliver medical supplies to hospitals in Ukraine. Kev said: “I was humbled and honoured to be nominated for this award by DSAA. To go on to win is special but is really a recognition of the exceptional standards that the entire aviation team at DSAA demonstrates every single day. It is a privilege to be part of such a professional

blackmorevale.net Specialist practitioner in Critical Care, Steve Westbrook, won the Practitioner of the Year category

Chloe Riley, patient and family liaison nurse at DSAA, highly commended in the Aftercare Supporter of the Year category

and committed team. Having that acknowledged by Air Ambulances UK is fantastic.” Chloe Riley, patient and family liaison nurse at DSAA, was highly commended in the Aftercare Supporter of the Year category. Her work over the past year has touched on every aspect of aftercare – supporting patients and families, empowering clinicians, fostering regional collaboration and shaping national practice. Her contributions is defined by a sustained commitment to compassion, innovation and excellence. Chloe said: “It was an honour to be nominated by my colleagues for this award. To be further recognised by wider teams and be highly recommended in this category is equally very special. With patients and families at the heart of everything we do, I am proud to work in a role dedicated to supporting all those who have been treated, affected, or touched by such a wonderful air ambulance charity.” Dr Matt Taylor has worked for DSAA for the past six years and was highly commended in the Critical Care Doctor of the Year category. Matt demonstrates extraordinary impact for the region’s patients and their families. He inspires everyone

Captain Kev Rutherford was this year’s Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year

Dr Matt Taylor was highly commended in the Critical Care Doctor of the Year category

to achieve more and through his clinical expertise and compassionate leadership, the quality, safety and consistency of care provided by DSAA has reached new heights over the past year. Matt said: “I was delighted to be highly commended for this year’s Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year. The award

recognised the work of all of us at DSAA, who provide the best possible care to patients who are critically ill or injured across Dorset and Somerset. Every day I am inspired and humbled by the patients I meet working on the helicopter – it’s a great privilege to be part of this team.”

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Pearly King wows shoppers by Caroline Salt

THE sight of the Pearly King of Harrow collecting for Home-Start Blackmore Vale at Waitrose in Gillingham always stops shoppers in their tracks. Many wanted to know more about the tradition and whether he was a real Pearly King. The Pearly King, David Hemsley, lives in the west country now but inherited his title from his grandmother, a Pearly Queen from Harrow. He continues the Pearly tradition of carrying out charitable work and meets regularly with other Pearly Kings and Queens in Covent Garden in London. This year he wants to send a special thank you to all the shoppers in Waitrose for their generosity in these difficult times – and a huge thank you to the shoppers who returned to their cars to raid their parking money as our card machine was out of action! The Pearlies collected just under £400, which will go towards the cost of funding a volunteer for a year. Once again, a huge thank you to Waitrose, Gillingham, for allowing us to

collect again. Caroline Salt, a trustee of Home-Start Blackmore Vale, would like to thank the Pearly King for giving up his Sunday to make the collection such a success. Home-Start has helped many hundreds of families in our area since its inception in 2012. We are looking to recruit new volunteers, from Beaminster in the west to Blandford in the east. Do you have parenting experience and can commit to two or three hours a week to help a struggling family? After completing their training, volunteers commit to two or three hours each week to work with a family. They use their training and parenting experience to offer friendship, support and advice, helping them to find coping mechanisms for the challenges of bringing up young children. This approach has been proven to help transform the lives of those we work with. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss family support or volunteering. For more information, visit our website, www:homestartblackmorevale.org.uk;

The Pearly King, David Hemsley, collects for Home-Start Blackmore Vale at Waitrose in Gillingham

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Christmas fair helps local hospital THE spirit of giving was alive and well at Wincanton Community Hospital, as families gathered for a joyful Christmas fair filled with festive cheer. From Santa’s Grotto and face painting to mulled wine, barbecue treats and bustling gift stalls, the event brought together the community in celebration and support. Thanks to the incredible turnout and kind donations, the fair raised an impressive £3,008.07, all in aid of Wincanton Community Hospital and the local community. The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital, which helped bring the event to life, is welcoming new members. Anyone who would like to get involved – whether by volunteering, fundraising or simply staying connected – can contact Vivien Armson for more details on 07875 701581 or vivienarmson@gmail.com. Future events a.re shared on The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital Facebook page.

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Real and authentic living requires effort and discomfort, but it is worth the pain by Canon Eric Woods I AM no good at New Year’s resolutions. I know there is no point in my making them, as I never keep them. Yet there is one I have kept, more or less, for many years now, and that is to sit down on New Year’s Day to re-read the first few pages of a book written in 1937 by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, at that time desperately trying to sound a wake-up call to German Christians to be aware of what was happening all around them in the Third Reich. How is this for the first words of a first chapter? “Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace. Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjack’s wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices. Grace is represented as the Church’s inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; grace without cost!” I’m no good at New Year’s resolutions – but I read that first chapter of Bonhoeffer’s book every year for three reasons. First, because I believe cheap grace is still the deadly enemy of our Church, and of every Christian. Second, because I know that I am

often tempted to take the route of easy popularity and half-hearted discipleship by preaching and practising cheap grace myself. Third, because I know in my heart of hearts that in the end cheap grace offers people nothing. I think we all know in our heart of hearts that real and authentic living is costly. We all know that there are no joys without sorrows, no laughter without tears, no sunlight without clouds. Just think about last year, 2025. I am sure it brought you many joys and many blessings. But didn’t 2025 bring you a crop of sins and sorrows as well? Things you thought or said or did and are now utterly ashamed of: hot words, angry words, jealous words, meanminded actions, nasty little deeds, evil thoughts? You would do anything to have the slate wiped clean. And then along comes the Church and says “Never mind. We all do it. Forget about it. Don’t worry. God is good.” It won’t do, will it? It doesn’t cleanse the wound of guilt and remorse and sorrow. Real forgiveness, real healing, needs something more astringent than that. Iodine hurts, it stings, it brings tears to the eyes, but it cleanses, it allows healing and new growth. Would you have the love and forgiveness of God be anything less? Do anything less? No, nor would I. The January sales may be on, but there’s nothing worth having in the spiritual bargain basement. The love and forgiveness of God cost him everything. And, as the old hymn puts it, ‘love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.’ Have a happy – and holy – New Year.

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Mumisisthriving thrivingsince sinceshe she Mum movedtotoa ahome homecloser closertotome. me. moved I’vegot gotpeace peaceofofmind mindthat that I’ve she’swell wellcared caredfor for she’s and,without withoutthe the and, distance,we wecan can distance, spendmore morequality quality spend timetogether. together. time Heather Daughter Heather -Daughter Daughter Heather ---Daughter Heather of Sue (resident) of Sue (resident) of Sue (resident) Heather Daughter of Sue (resident) Heather - -Daughter Sue(resident) (resident) ofofSue Whether it’s your mother or father, at Care South, we know care Whether it’s your mother or father, at Care South, we know care Whether it’s your mother or father, at Care South, we know care Whether it’s your mother or father, at Care South, we know care about more than medical needs. It’s about reassurance. It’s is about more than medical needs. about reassurance. It’s isisis about more than medical needs. It’s about reassurance. It’s Whether it’syour your mother father, atCare Care South, weknow know care about more than medical needs. It’s about reassurance. It’s Whether it’s mother oror father, atIt’s South, we care about comfort. It’s about quality of life. It’s about Food, Fun and comfort. It’s about quality of life. It’s about Food, Fun and about comfort. It’s about quality of life. It’s about Food, Fun and isabout about morethan than medical needs. It’s about reassurance. It’s comfort. It’s about quality of life. It’s about Food, Fun and isabout about more medical needs. It’s about reassurance. It’s Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, about comfort. It’s about quality life. It’s about Food, Funand and Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, about comfort. It’s about quality ofof life. It’s about Food, Fun engaging activities and awarm warm welcoming atmosphere. engaging activities and a warm welcoming atmosphere. engaging activities and a welcoming atmosphere. Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, engaging activities and a warm welcoming atmosphere. Friendship. Our friendly teams are here 24/7, with delicious meals, engagingactivities activitiesand anda awarm warmwelcoming welcomingatmosphere. atmosphere. engaging Finda acare carehome homenear nearyou youatatCare-South.co.uk Care-South.co.ukororcall callususon on01202 01202712410 712410 Find HeadOffice Office| 39 | 39Commercial CommercialRd Rd| Poole | Poole| BH14 | BH140HU 0HU Head CareSouth, South,a anot-for-profit not-for-profitcharity charityand andleading leadingprovider providerofof Care residential,dementia, dementia,nursing, nursing,assisted assistedliving livingand andcare careatat residential, homeacross acrossthe thesouth southofofEngland. England.Registered RegisteredCharity CharityNo. No. home 1014697.*Correct *Correctatattime timeofofprint. print. 1014697.

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Hear them roar! THE Kingfishers, Mr Webb’s Year 5 class at Stalbridge School, took part in Blackmore Vale Lions Club’s ROAR Science and Technology Project Competition. The winning team, Foodlamp 3000, of Indie, Sebi, Charlie and Thomas, advanced to the Lions district competition where their project was highly commended. To celebrate the Kingfishers’ achievements and their imaginative ideas and projects, Tim and Julie Otter from the Lions Club went to the school and presented medallions (pictured), made by Achievements UK.

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Trees enhance helicopter habitat VETERANS and employees from Leonardo have planted 2,000 native saplings at the aerospace and defence company’s site in Yeovil. The aim is to create new habitats for wildlife and increase the site’s natural ability to absorb carbon. A further 2,000 saplings will be planted in the local community by the end of the planting season. Loris Buffon, sustainability lead at the company, said: “We felt really proud to work alongside the veterans planting a local range of sapling trees. “Planting 4,000 trees will help us create resilient and dynamic habitats, working towards our goal of achieving net zero for our operations – Scope 1 and 2 – by 2030.” Leonardo collaborated with social enterprise Carma for the planting session. Carma provides employment

for veterans, using their skills to deliver local climate initiatives in support of the Standing Tall Foundation. Jim Holland, co-founder of Carma, said: “Days like these are why we built Carma. Seeing veterans and Leonardo employees working side by side, planting 2,000 native saplings that will protect wildlife and strengthen the local ecosystem for decades is incredibly special.” The Standing Tall Foundation promotes the mental and physical health of community groups through counselling, addiction support and physical activity. The new hedgerows will offer shelter, nesting sites and a continuous food supply for a wide range of animals. Hedgerows act as ‘wildlife corridors’ linking habitats and allowing species to move safely across the landscape.

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Leonardo volunteers pictured with veterans and Carma co founder Jim Holland

And they contain flowering species that provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, crucial for the wider ecosystem. The Leonardo site is home to a number of historic green spaces, including two badger setts thought to be over 200 years old. Thousands of pied wagtail

roost at the site each year, as well as wheatears, which nest in old rabbit holes. The trees on site, which include oak trees, are surveyed every year to ensure they remain healthy. Any trees which do not thrive where they are planted are relocated to a different area to allow them to prosper.

All residents with a DT, SP or BH postcode can visit Monkey World for half the usual entry price. Simply show proof of postcode on entry and then enjoy your day at the park!

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Longthoms, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH www.monkeyworld.org Please Note: This offer is valid from 2nd-31st January 2026 only. Offer valid for both on line bookings & on the gate only. Proof must be shown on entry- ID/household bill. Excludes all School, Pre-School and Group bookings. (Monkey World reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time).

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Volunteers run wild at wildlife wood DORSET Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) Wild Woodbury nature reserve, near Bere Regis, welcomed residents, volunteers and local VIPs to celebrate nature, wildlife and the power of community-led conservation. The event drew almost 300 guests who planted a ‘community food forest’ and enjoyed wildlife-themed activities for all ages. Site rangers led guided walks offering visitors a chance to explore the rewilding site and learn about the ecological changes taking place. In just over four years, since DWT acquired the site, Wild Woodbury has been transformed from intensively farmed land into a thriving mosaic of wetlands, woodlands and meadows. The rewilding project has restored natural processes, improved biodiversity and created vital habitats for species ranging from dragonflies and skylarks to otters and orchids. Daisy Meadowcroft, Wild Woodbury ranger, said: “It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and many who were visiting Wild Woodbury for the first time.

Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs were planted at the Wild Woodbury nature reserve PHOTO: Clare Johnson Photography

“Days like this remind us how vital community involvement is in shaping a wilder, more resilient future for nature and

wildlife in our landscape. “Many of the visitors took the opportunity to share their views on our ideas board and by taking part in our consultation questionnaire which will help us shape the future of Wild Woodbury.” Steve Shill, from the Woodland Trust, said: “Our Free Trees for Schools and Communities scheme is immensely proud to donate a Wild Harvest Pack of 420 native saplings to such a great initiative. “This beautiful blend of shrubby species and fruit-bearing trees will not only boost biodiversity but also offer a delicious bounty of fruits and nuts, perfect for homemade jams, jellies and even wild wines for years to come. “Beyond their culinary charm, these trees will play a vital role in enriching the local environment, providing essential food and shelter for wildlife, and helping Wild Woodbury flourish as a vibrant, nature-rich haven for the community. “We’ll be eagerly watching as this beautiful project takes root, growing not just trees, but connections and a thriving future.”

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Ukraine mission: Pair see impact of war on daily life POIGNANT memories will stay with a couple from Stourton who joined an aid convoy to Ukraine before Christmas. Ashley and Connie Gray were part of Convoy #87 with the Ukrainian Action charity, which took five pick-up trucks carrying protective armour, helmets, generators and medical supplies to the war-torn country. They also took wrapped Christmas presents for a children’s home supporting children who have lost their parents. And there were skis and snowboards for the charity’s rehabilitation programme in the Carpathian Mountains, which uses sport to help wounded soldiers rebuild physical strength and mental resilience. Connie said: “It was a real privilege to help raise awareness and funds for Ukrainian Action. “Being part of this convoy has been a profoundly moving and a life-changing experience.” The convoy drove many hours across Europe before arriving at Lviv in western Ukraine where they spent two days. The couple said that every day, at exactly 9am, the entire city stopped for a minute’s

silence to honour those killed in the war. Cars, buses and lorries halted, drivers stepped out and everyone stood in silence. They said: “It is extraordinarily powerful to witness – and this is replicated across Ukraine.” Ashley and Connie said the absence of men aged between 25 and 60 was impossible to ignore and those in that age bracket were in uniform and home on leave. They also noted the constant

hum of generators filling the city, as well as shops open in darkness with no power to turn on the lights. Ashley and Connie saw historic monuments wrapped and protected from drone attack, streets kept immaculately clean by teams of refuse collectors out all hours and a Christmas tree erected in front of the Opera House – although Christmas decorations were understandably not high on the list of priorities. They said Lviv is a university city full of students, and it was difficult not to think about them at some point being sent to the front line. The Ukrainian Action team visited the city’s historic Lychakiv cemetery where they saw the cost of the war with Russia – a vast car park, repurposed as a military cemetery, filled with lines of

Ukrainian flags blowing in the wind, and hundreds of graves. Ashley said: “We feel deeply honoured to have been part of Convoy #87. “The pick-up trucks and supplies have now been delivered to the front line by Ukrainian volunteers. “It remains to be seen how long any of the trucks will survive, as many are destroyed by drone strikes, sometimes within a few days. “We definitely plan to become more involved and hope to return next year. “Our next aim is to acquire an old pick-up truck to donate to Ukrainian Action. “If you happen to know a kind farmer or local business with a well-used workhorse – 150,000 miles max – they might part with cheaply, please do let us know.” He added: “Ukraine is a brave, extraordinary country and it needs the West’s help more than ever. “If our journey inspires you, we cannot recommend Ukrainian Action highly enough. “The camaraderie, focus and determination of the team was remarkable – I have not experienced anything like it since working in Sri Lanka after the tsunami.” Anyone who would like to donate to Ukrainian Action should visit www.justgiving. com/page/ashley-connie-gray-1

Julia’s House and other local charities. Fundraising this year has included a bric-a-brac stall at Child Okeford Hey Day and refreshments at the village Art Trail, as well as during the Sturminster Cheese Festival weekend. Other events were a race night and a VE Day quiz evening. Next year, as well as the usual dates, SERO is planning an antique-themed tea party at the Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary,

on Wednesday, March 11. BBC Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow expert Tim Medhurst will be on hand to talk

about his favourite pieces and to give advice and valuations. For more details, email serocharity@gmail.com

A convoy of five pick-up trucks headed to Ukraine

£12,000 for children’s hospice THE SERO charity presented a cheque for £12,000 to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice at its Christmas wreath-making day. The event saw 30 creations produced, guests aided in their crafting skills by homemade shortbread, cake, soup and a glass of Prosecco. SERO is now in its 22nd year and its name comes from a Latin word and one of whose meanings is to ‘link up’. The group has a small committee of 10 ladies who host and run events to raise funds for

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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A taste of life in politics DOZENS of students from Gillingham School took a visit to the heart of British political life during Parliament Week. 48 youngsters visited the Supreme Court, HM Treasury and Parliament in London. They also took part in a student-focused conference featuring politicians across the political spectrum, from Reform to the Greens. They explored key national institutions in action – the Supreme Court’s role in upholding the constitution, the Treasury’s work in public finance and the democratic debates taking place in Parliament. A meeting with North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare, offered a valuable opportunity for students to ask questions and experience first-hand how

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elected representatives work with their communities. The students were at the Treasury a day before the Budget and heard from two former Gillingham School students who are now civil servants in the Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

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Ending 2025 5 clothes sizes smaller! By Annette

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Huge well done Lisa - 2½ stone lighter!

hen I look at my “before” picture, I don’t see someone unhappy – I see someone I’m proud of. She was doing her best to survive an incredibly difficult time.

or most of my life, weight was a struggle, and I often turned to carb-rich foods for comfort during stressful times, trapped in the cycle of “yo-yo” dieting.

After a minor surgery in June 2023, I reflected on my health and decided to make a change for both my physical and mental well-being. In October 2023, I joined the Slimming World group in Sturminster Newton. Despite initial fears, the welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere helped me feel supported. Over time, I worked on changing my relationship with food, focusing on healthier snacks and breaking my weight loss into manageable targets. In 26 months, I lost over 6.5 stone, reduced my BMI by 32%, and dropped five clothing sizes. My confidence has grown, and I now enjoy being active. While I haven’t set a final target weight, my goal is to feel my best and maintain my progress. I encourage anyone unsure to take the first step— Slimming World is a supportive, kind community.

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My husband was diagnosed with cancer twice in quick succession, and food became my way of coping while trying to stay positive for him, our three children, family and friends. That comfort was always short-lived, leaving me feeling sluggish and low. After moving to Blandford, with my husband cancer-free, I knew it was time to focus on me. I joined Tracey’s Wednesday 08:30 group, nervous but determined. I needn’t have worried – the group welcomed me with reassurance and kindness. Since then I’ve attended the Thursday group too, fitting weigh-ins around my busy life. It hasn’t been a straight road, but I’ve learned my true goal is simply to be the healthiest I can be. Today, I feel happier, stronger and more in control – still enjoying food, just in a way that supports me. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Volunteers needed for Diverse Abilities in the Blackmore Vale DORSET disability charity, Diverse Abilities, is seeking volunteers to help with ongoing projects and its own events, and community events throughout the year. Volunteering activities include: running stalls at events; helping and marshalling at events; being part of a cheer crowd for a sponsored run; volunteering in the charity’s services supporting children and adults with disabilities; gardening at The Treehouse, the home for our Children’s Short Breaks service in Hurn; using a volunteer day at work to do painting and decorating at one of the charity’s supported living bungalows.

raised will ensure the charity is able to provide support through its services. Becky Edwards, marketing and volunteers executive at Diverse Abilities, said: “We’ve got lots of things volunteers can get involved in 2026 and beyond. “There’s some great events and fundraising initiatives happening in the local community with tasks such as

The charity supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities through services such as Langside School, a specialist school for children aged two to 19, and The Beehive, a therapy and activity centre for adults. Any help received or money

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running stalls, handing out flyers, helping at events or being part of a cheer squad for running events.” Volunteers could learn new skills, meet new people, enhance CVs, gain experience, discover new interests and improve mental wellbeing. For more information and to register interest, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ volunteer.

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Community fund spreads festive cheer with Christmas grants SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) awarded £28,500 last month to 64 community groups through its dedicated Festive Fund. The grants of up to £500 helped grassroots organisations spread warmth and cheer through food, gatherings and activities over the festive season, supporting people who may otherwise have felt isolated or alone. “We know the festive season can be challenging, and there are people in our communities who find it particularly difficult,” said Kirsty Campbell, senior programmes manager at SCF. “We’re delighted that this year we’re able to award £28,500 to the groups bringing local people together over Christmas at a time no one should feel alone.” Activities supported included Growing Space offering free wreath-making sessions in Wincanton; Somerset Opera hosting a festive concert; and Baltonsborough Volunteer Support Group and the Seniors Christmas Dinner welcoming around 90 senior residents for food, music and games. Anyone who would like to support projects like this can donate at www.somersetcf.org.uk/giving.

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Fundraising firewalk ST MARGARET’S Hospice is inviting brave souls to step up for a fundraising Firewalk at its Yeovil hospice. Firewalk participants will receive expert training on the night before walking barefoot across glowing embers in front of a crowd cheering them on. The event is on Friday,

February 27, from 6pm, and entry is £25. Firewalkers are asked to make a fundraising pledge of £125. A crucial portion St Margaret’s funding comes from local community support. For more information and to sign up, visit www.st-margaretshospice.org.uk/event/fireandice.

Time to celebrate Pictures and words by George Jeans, Mere HAYLEY’S Hair Design in Mere has celebrated 20 years in business. The salon and garden came alive with delicious cocktails, top notch live music, tasty food and treats, and family, friends and clients.

Best foot forward A SECOND series of the popular 12-week Dance Because You Can workshops for the over-60s is set to get under way at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. The gentle dance classes, run by Pavilion Dance South West and Dorset arts charity Artsreach, are designed for older people who would benefit from low level fitness, socialising and having fun. Yvonne Gallimore, Artsreach assistant director, said: “We are very grateful to both the Britford Bridge Trust and Dorset Community Foundation for their continued support of these sessions, enabling us to run a second series of workshops in north Dorset. “As the winter months approach and we all tend to spend more time indoors, these workshops have actively helped to connect people with each other in their local communities and help reduce loneliness and isolation.” The classes, led by a specially trained teacher from Pavilion Dance South West, launch on Thursday, January 8, and run every week until March 26. The classes cost £8 and are open to anyone over 60 who would like to improve their fitness, have fun and meet new people – no dance experience is necessary and post-class refreshments and social time are included. Those interested in finding out more can attend the first session as a taster, before committing to the 12 weeks. Anyone not mobile enough to attend alone is asked to bring a carer for more support. Classes at The Exchange will run every Thursday from 2pm3.30pm and can be booked by contacting The Exchange on 01258 475137.

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JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull Royal British Legion DT101PR on January 10th 2026. Doors open at 1015am

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Items for sale CAR SAFETY EMERGENCY PACK, 4 Gillet’s, 3 Triangles, I zipped pouch, Not new but never opened £7.50, 01258 456400 ELECTRIC SCARIFYER. £25. 01963 220538 OLD BIBLE CIRCA 1890. book of common prayer 1912, Salvation Army Song book, 1906. Offers. Tel: 01963-23412 ELECTRIC COOKER VGC space required buyer collects £50 01258/881217

FREE!

JIGSAWS PUZZLES, 9 x used once and new ,boxed good quality.£50. Wincanton 07840-986402 OFFICE SWIVEL CHAIR High back, faux leather, 5 wheels, arm rests, fully adjustable. £45. 07767-650045 A SET OF 12 NEVIL SHUTE BOOKS used leatherette hard cover by Heron Books. £25.00. Call for titles. 07973 686 179 near Shaftesbury.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Men and women top of the table Blandford & Sturminster Men’s Hockey 6 Fareham 5s 4 BLANDFORD were in touching distance of finishing the year unbeaten in their final match of 2025. And with new signing Noah Browning strengthening the side further, they were confident of getting the job done. The game started well and it took just two minutes for Blandford to open the scoring through Nathan Reeman, dribbling through the left side of the D, before smashing in a reverse strike. But when Blandford conceded a 15th minute short corner, Harry Lemon squeezed the ball inside the right post, to equal the score.

HOCKEY Blandford soon bounced back, utilising their classic short corner routine to put Gaz Hardiman in to slide the ball past the keeper. Then, on the 21st minute, some zealous tackling once again put Blandford’s unbeaten record at risk. First, debutant Browning was carded and sent to the bench, with Blandford conceding their first penalty stroke as a result. Lemon doubled his tally for the day. No sooner did Browning return than fellow defender Chris Nobles received a yellow card for a firm tackle on the halfway line. Despite being down to 10

men, Blandford continued to press. Reeman failed with his first reverse drive, but his second effort restored Blandford’s lead heading into half-time. Blandford worked to keep the ball but captain Matty Lewis gave the ball away to the opposition forward, allowing Fareham to run past the Blandford players and slot the ball away. Disaster turned to calamity, as Blandford conceded a second penalty-stroke and Lemon completed his hat-trick. However, despite Blandford’s habit of making the easy look difficult, they also have a habit of thriving in adversity. With just over 10 minutes to

Rockies win one, lose one by Avril Lancaster Bashley 1 Shaftesbury 3 SHAFTESBURY won a hard-fought match at Bashley, who are currently sitting in the drop zone. Harvey Bradbury set up Toby Holmes for a 17th minute opener before Tyler Edmonson levelled for the home side, four minutes after the break, with a close range effort. Bradbury put the Rockies ahead from the spot after new Bashley goalkeeper, Conal McDermott, felled Holmes in

FOOTBALL the box in the 64th minute. A superb cross ball from Jack Hoey found Lewis Brown four minutes later, which he fired past McDermott into the bottom corner to earn Jim Milligan’s side a ninth win in 10 league games. Winchester City 2 Shaftesbury 0 THE home side took the lead when Jahiem Dotse broke clear to fire his 22nd minute shot the opposite side of the advancing Ben Taylor.

Before that, the Rockies had good chances for Toby Holmes, Harry Morgan and Lewis Brown saved by Winchester City keeper Tommy Scott Jamie Whisken replaced Sonny Pike before the game due to Pike feeling unwell and Alefe Santos DAbadia watched on the sidelines due to an injury. Jim Milligan’s team were unable to fashion an equaliser and Winchester City tied the match up three minutes from time when substitute Bradley Waters got free to put away the Citizens’ second goal.

Six-year-old match winner by Graham Howard, lead coach DORCHESTER Juniors held their final match of the year at Todber Manor’s Hillview Lake in changeable conditions. The water levels had risen substantially since the droughts of summer, and this may have influenced the weights which were much lower than anglers have experienced in the past. Despite this, 14 juniors and

ANGLING their parents were itching to get fishing as the rain stopped for a while, but it was likely it would be harder than most expected. At the end of the match, all the juniors were able to choose gifts from a huge pile of presents organised by resident Santa, Jerry Bracey. Todber Manor Fishery gave vouchers to the top three.

Former champion Jack Copp was 3rd with 33lb 1oz and Josiah Wells-Parkes was 2nd with 36lb 8oz. The winner of the match, however, was six-year-old Alexander Adey, who has been fishing 18 months. He and mum, Charlie, even had breakfast at the restaurant during the match, but still caught five big carp and a bream to win with 37lb 11oz.

Sport

go, Blandford equalised, when Reeman launched a drag-flick into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, Blandford took the lead, with Finley Hardiman scoring his signature lifted strike from wide of the post. A head injury to Chris Nobles and a yellow card for Fareham briefly paused the game, but there was still enough time for a final goal when Fareham conceded a penalty. Up stepped Reeman to score his fourth goal of the day to end the game 6-4 to Blandford. Blandford ended 2025 with both the Men’s and Ladies’ teams sporting identical records of 10 wins and two draws, leaving both side top and unbeaten.

GOLF

SYLVIA Bates, ladies captain of Wheathill Golf Club, was proud to present the Senior Ladies Double on 5’s Trophy to Marion Hodgson, a well-deserved winner, with a total of 43 points. Despite a dull and chilly day before Christmas, spirits were high at Wheathill golf course as 18 ladies teed off for a Stableford competition. Laughter, great golf and friendly rivalry warmed the day, making it a great occasion for everyone involved. The event marked the second competition of the new Ladies Captain’s year – and it promises to be a wonderful season ahead.

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026 BLACKMORE VALE

THE NEW

MAGAZINE

Edition 138 Edition 90

Z 10

1 Tempests

Natural disaster (3,2,3)

Longest Scottish river

Crossword

Arrow words Identify

Z 10

Pause marks

Crazy

Emphasizing

1 Pimply skin condition

8 9

Pinches, squeezes

12 11

Rower

Organscanning method (inits.)

Workout centres

Photocopier brand

Half a dozen

Mail

Utter defeat

Large antelope

Wordsearch

Fictional Doctors

A H

C Y

W L

A N Q K H Y

Y C S

C G R N R O D O

Y C

O P

R R R

R R H B

N U

S N

O U A

S C H

N S H P

A N R

S O

C R B H

U Y Q R

H B H

S N R R C A

S C

G C C N C

B B O

N R

N Y

H B R

C S

N H A

C Y C

O R

R N

E Q W E O E

Q O H

BASHIR COCKROACH CRUSHER CYCLOPS DOLITTLE EVIL FRASIER CRANE HANNIBAL LECTER

S U S T

1 Lens opening setting (1-4) Across 4 Circus performer (7) 1 Lens opening setting (1-4) 9 Astonishment (8) 4 10 Circus performer (7) Captured (4) 9 11 Astonishment (8) bird (6) Black-and-white 10 12 Captured (4)high opinion of yourself (5) Having a Large, wide-mouthed 11 13 Black-and-white bird (6)jug (4) Part of a circle’s circumference 12 15 Having a high opinion of yourself (3) (5) Rising and falling of jug the (4) sea (4) 13 16 Large, wide-mouthed 17 Start afresh (5) 15 Part of a circle’s circumference (3) 19 007 and friends? (6) 16 21 Rising and falling of structure the sea (4) A simple wooden (4) 17 22 Start afresh (8) (5) Stomach 19 23 007Seems and friends? (6) (7) Oiliness (5) 21 24 A simple wooden structure (4) 22 Stomach (8) 23 Seems (7) 24 Oiliness (5)

Down 2Down Spa facility (5) 3 In writing (2,5) 2 Spa facility (5) 5 Bug (6-6) 36InExceed writing(5) (2,5) 57Bug (6-6)(7) Averted 68Exceed (5) out of a spring (7,5) It bubbles 14 Combat(7) vessel (7) 7 Averted 16 (7)of a spring (7,5) 8 ItProposition bubbles out 18Combat Gentle push (5) (7) 14 vessel 20 Private educator (5)

16 Proposition (7) 18 Gentle push (5) 20 Private educator (5)

Easy sudoku

8 5 7 1 3 7 5

6 8 2 4 5 6 8

O H K

C R R C S

HIBBERT JEKYLL QUINCY QUINN ROSS GELLAR SCULLY VICTOR FRIES WHO

20 20

2222

Across

Portent

19 19

Dull brown

Plainclothes detectives (inits.)

Immediately Not at home following

1818

21 21 Film effects (inits.)

1717

MI6 (inits.)

Cupid’s Greek counterpart

14 13

High mountain

Noughts

‘So be it’

R N

5 1 7 4 7 1 3

1 2 6 4 9 8 Brain chain 29

RESULT

+18

-33

×3

÷6

-5

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Z 10

Sudoku 3D puzzle

1 6

2 9 3 2 1

6 7 5 8 9 3 7 8 7 6

8 6 8 5 6

2 4 2

8 1 9 9 3 1 8

Edition 138 Edition 90

3 1

5 2

3 1 2

4 1

13 15

3 9 6

8 4

6 8

7 1

MAGAZINE

8 4

Cryptic crossword 7 5 1 3

THE NEW

BLACKMORE VALE

18 1

18 5

19 6

2120

Across

Down Across 1 Tak 7 Critical piece about struggle by women (6) 1 Take away from bronze, organized arou 7 Critical struggle by women (6) Eur 8 Country importing refined saycampaign (6) 11 piece about12 European Parliament (7) 8 Country importing refined bronze, say (6)9 Ill-behaved 2 Sto child gets right to enter club (4) Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as9 Ill-behaved child gets right to enter club10(4)Irritating 2 Stop time for restricted intake (4) 3 Exc male trailing note in Hebridean 13 4 Re (8)Exchange whip (6) each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t 10 Irritating male trailing note in Hebridean island 3 11 Highly 4delighted with occupies public hospital, Republican a fakeone place of ret island (8) cross the thick black lines. 14 15 16 5 Tea over month (6) (4,3,4) 11 Highly delighted with public hospital, one reformedretreat fas 14 Dislike5aim in some embroidery Team’s moved ball in (11) this way in dignified reformed17over month (4,3,4) 6 Od 18 I’m against claim dividing much of fashion (8) 14 Dislike aim in some embroidery (11) 12 Trio competition (8) 6 Odd expression of surprise in card game 18 I’m18 against claim dividing much of exp 19 Some broach 19 a troubling conversation (4) 12that’s Trio playing with Cher creating competition (8) 13 A F 20 It’s era broadcast lampoonery (6) showy 22+ 126× 7+ 10+ 180× expression (8) confines of gallery 19 Some broach a troubling conversation (4) 15 Clu 21 Remaining group within Sudokulampoonery Pro 13irritable A French (7 20 It’s era Killer that’s broadcast (6) getting 16 Gre (6) fellow losing cap is miserable 15 Club chauffeur (6) 21 Remaining group within confines of gallery Place numbers 1 to 9 vig 20 21 21+ 3÷ 17 A S 16 Green working on end of sustainability sho getting once irritable (6) into every each 19 Fre vigour (6) row, column and 17 A Scandinavian in turn gets dismay (5) bold-lined 3x3 box. 19 Freshwater fish caught by centre (4) 0 9+ 25+ 1

Killer Sudoku Pro

No digit may be

6×

140×

36+

1440×

40×

432×

12×

20+

24×

Across repeated in any 7 Critical piece about struggle by women (6) dash-lined cage,say and(6) 8 Country importing refined bronze, 9 Ill-behaved child to enter club (4) allgets the right digits in any 10 Irritating male trailing note in Hebridean cage must add up to island (8) thewith value shown inone 11 Highly delighted public hospital, reformed over that month (4,3,4) cage. 24×14 Dislike aim in some embroidery (11) 18 I’m against claim dividing much of competition (8) 19 Some broach a troubling conversation (4) + that’s broadcast lampoonery (6) 20 It’s18 era 21 Remaining group within confines of gallery getting irritable (6)

20+

Down 1 Take away from organized campaign around European Parliament (7) 2 Stop time for restricted intake (4) 3 Exchange whip (6) 4 Republican occupies a fake place of retreat (6) 5 Team’s moved ball in this way in dignified fashion (8) 6 Odd expression of surprise in card game (5) 12 Trio playing with Cher creating showy expression (8) 13 A French fellow losing cap is miserable (7) 15 Club chauffeur (6) 16 Green working on end of sustainability shows vigour (6) 17 A Scandinavian in turn gets dismay (5) 19 Freshwater fish caught by centre (4)

28×

Brain chain (hard version) 213

RESULT

-39

+50%

÷3

×5

×2/3

For the solutions, turn to page 70

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Church • All Saints Church, Langton Long: Hot lunches to eat in or take away throughout the winter months – November to March inclusive – on the first and third Friday of the month, noon to 2pm. Donations welcome. • Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am. • Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – services at 10.45am. Thursdays – coffee and chat from 10am-noon. Fridays – lunch club for over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book. The church offers help to those in need – call church steward John Cornish on 07799 516735. • Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury: Sundays – services at 10.30am. Second Sunday of the month, All Age Service. • Blandford Evangelical Church: Sunday – 10am Family Service. Monday Fellowship – weekly, 2.30pm3.30pm, term times only. Tuesday – Footprints, activities playtime for pre-school children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm, term times only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. The church is in Albert Street. Phone 450689. • Castleton, Sherborne, St Mary Magdalene (DT9 3SA): First, third and fourth Sundays, Sung Mattins; second and fifth Sundays, Holy Communion. All services are BCP at 11.15am. • Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion. • Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2pm3.45pm. • Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time – 9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday. Sunday service at 10.30am. Monday Music second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper. Rendezvous Community Cuppa – third Monday each month, 10.30am-12.30pm.

blackmorevale.net • 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. • 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, Marnhull: Sunday Mass, 9am and 6pm. • Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass – Sacred Heart, Tisbury, 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am. • Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. • Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB. • Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem

Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. • Sherborne Abbey: The Faith in Action Committee is seeking unused art materials, board games and jigsaw puzzles to support the Friends of Guys Marsh, which offers support to prisoners. To donate, text trustee, Mary-Ann, on 07900 056551 to arrange collection. • Sherborne Quakers: One hour of silent prayer or meditation every Sunday at 10.30am at Raleigh Hall, Digby Road DT9 3NL. Everyone welcome. Contact Nick Jackman at sherbornequakers@ gmail.com. • St Benedict’s, Gillingham: Sunday Mass, 11am. • 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. • St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm. • St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion. • St Mary & St Bartholomew’s Church, Cranborne: Book of Common Prayer Evensong with the Benefice Choir, first Sunday of the month at 6pm.

• St Mary’s Church, Stalbridge: All Sunday Services start at 9.30am. Rector, Canon Richard – phone 01963 363367; email canonrick@ icloud.com • 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. • Sturminster Christian Fellowship: Service every Sunday at 10.45am. • Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, January 4 – 10.45am Together Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, January 11 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11amFamily Service at All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long. Sunday, January 18 – 9.30am Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am All Age worship at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, January 25 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10-11.30am, first and third Monday each month. Crafternoons – first Thursday of every month 2-4pm. £3 including refreshments. Coffee Stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm – Tuesday to Friday.

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Letters

blackmorevale.net

If we value democracy, we must vote! I HAVE stood in three local by-elections and come second in all three. The most recent being East Ward – Shaftesbury Town Council on December 4, 2025. I have not achieved a majority of fairly small turn-out numbers, the most recent seeing just 11.28% of eligible residents vote. As I have trawled through the records, this is one of the lowest turn-outs on record, not just in Dorset, but nationally. Each time I have stood there have been a number of items in my mind. The first is that we must keep our democracy alive. As I walked up paths and passed doors, I looked at the Ukrainian flags fluttering in the wind or in windows, the question in my mind was: ‘Will that household vote for their own democracy?’ I guess we’ll never know but I do wager that the number of flags was not far short of the 400-odd who voted. The next item was a note-toself, remember as many negative comments as flattering ones, as once elected I’d be duty bound to represent all those in the parish, be they voters, non-voters, for me or against me. To treat all with respect as a civic leader – however minor and inconsequential – and to ensure I held a torch for the highest standards when others fell short. Following that, was to thank everyone who did vote – our democracy is precious and all the indicators are, as per my election letter, more and more people are being turned off politics. This is a dangerous slope, as soon the majority of a minority will approach a very small number of the ‘central committee’ or worse. It is also important to congratulate the winner in the first past the post system as they will have worked as hard as I did in garnering votes and seeking to put a message out there. Well done, Cllr Jenny

Daultrey! Another important item that has never occurred when I lost to Cllrs Wild and Edwyn-Jones and now Cllr Daultrey was to make a point of quickly seeking out the other candidate and asking their views – what would they share as to how we collectively drive better democratic engagement and standards? Would they have skills and ideas that would benefit the community? Our current political system places far too much emphasis on winner takes all in an increasingly self-defeating dynamic as per the last general election which saw the second lowest turn-out since the universal suffrage in 1928. If we collectively value our democracy we must vote – yes, it is a chore, and maybe the selection of candidates was not that inspiring. Shaftesbury’s small band of social media keyboard warriors are certainly brimming with ideas from the sidelines and maybe they could also join the fray and stand – stand in the rain and wind approaching voters and asking them to vote, doing something unusual in today’s world, face to face interactions. As I said to many, vote – even for the other person. But for goodness’ sake vote, as unless people do, politicians of the established parties will tell us with ever greater authority what we think, building on the 30-plus years they have spent getting it so badly wrong, always with the public picking up the pieces and, of course, the ever-growing bill and associated debt mountain! Mike Madgwick Shaftesbury

Solar panels are no silver bullet

KEITH Wheaton-Green extols the virtues of solar panels mounted on his own roof and in

the village of Hazelbury Bryan – New Blackmore Vale, Letters, December 5 – which generate energy for domestic and commercial use. That’s fine as far as it goes, as the panels are not using up productive farmland or disfiguring the rural landscape – though I do not think that panels should be allowed to spoil the appearance of listed buildings. However, it remains a documented fact that in addition to many panels being manufactured by what is effectively Muslim slave labour in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, they are made using coal and their intermittency has to be backed up by fossil fuels. So, they cannot realistically be considered a silver bullet in dealing with the much-hyped challenges of climate change. Roger White Sherborne

More objections to anaerobic digester

AS you published large sections of my objection to the anaerobic digester proposal near Shaftesbury – New Blackmore Vale, November 21 – I wondered if I could also draw people’s attention to just what a terrible idea this is from an environmental and food security point of view, not just from its impact on the local landscape. 97,000 tons of biomass will be digested each year, 17,000 of which will be ‘whole crop’. At an estimated yield of 20 tonnes an acre, this will require 850 acres to be taken out of food production in a country that already cannot feed itself. The rest of the input is farmyard manures, straw and vegetable waste. All of this will be converted from matter that would retain structure in soils if applied properly, to a liquid more akin to an artificial fertiliser, which

will do less for the soil and be more prone to leaching. Nearly 18,000, 20-ton lorry movements a year will be required – it is not clear which routes will be most impacted. In return for a pin-prick contribution to the nation’s energy needs, this is a lot of environmental damage. The energy may be renewable, but it cannot be sustainable or economic. Mike Barclay Via email

Enormous cost of covid fraud

THE official reports by the Covid Counter Fraud Commission have confirmed that £1.4 billion was lost on undelivered contracts and unusable PPE equipment, and a further £10.9bn lost on fraud, on the then government’s furlough wage schemes, Eat Out loans and so on. A total to date of £12.3bn squandered by utterly incompetent Ministers and their civil servants who awarded contracts to – obviously fraudulent – companies with no experience or resources set up just a few weeks before, and who utterly failed to ensure contracts had the most basic of safeguards. I look forward to reading due apologies from the Conservative MPs who write columns for the New Blackmore Vale. Roland Britain Via email

Super Christmas lights display

I WOULD like to say how much I enjoyed seeing the display of Christmas lights in Shaftesbury. We drove through the town one evening before Christmas and they looked amazing – well done all. Helen Rawles Blandford St Mary

SOEMTHING TO SAY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

Songs of protest in the courthouse MUSICIAN Billy Bragg will perform songs of protest in a fundraising concert at the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester. His acoustic set – A Short History of Protest Songs – in the hall’s historic courtroom, is in aid of the Shire Hall Trust. The performance will feature a selection of protest songs, around a dozen influential covers and some of Bragg’s own compositions. Bragg said: “The Shire Hall is an amazing space, scorched with history and drama. “Justice has been meted out within its walls – and injustice, too – for it was here that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and condemned to transportation. “Seems fitting then to play songs of protest in its courthouse.” Bragg’s career includes

benefit performances for causes such as the miners’ strikes, the Labour Party and CND, as well as over 20 years curating and leading Glastonbury Festival’s Left Field political stage. He received the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award at the Ivors in 2018 and has a street named after him in Barking – Bragg Close. He was most recently honoured with a place on the Camden Music Walk of Fame alongside artists such as Madness, Amy Winehouse, The Who, David Bowie and The Kinks. Billy Bragg is at the Shire Hall Museum on Saturday, January 24, at 7pm. Tickets priced £20 are available only online at https:// www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/ billy-bragg-presents-a-shorthistory-of-protest-songs

t h g ale V re RUNNING UNTIL 4TH JANUARY Saturday 13th December - Sunday 4th January | Various times | Tickets £19.50 adult / £15.50 under 16 | 1 in 10 free available via Box Office Plus, by popular demand, there will also be 4 ADULTS ONLY (ages 16+) performance on 2nd, 3rd, 5th & 6th January 7.30pm!

Mon 12th & Tues 13th Jan 7.30pm Matinee Thurs 15th Jan 1.30pm Adult £9 evening £8 matinee Child under 16: £7

Rum do at David Hall

NEWFOUNDLAND is coming to the David Hall in South Petherton in the shape of Rum Ragged. The quartet, on bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, won Ensemble of the Year at this year’s Canadian Folk Music Awards.

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE

THE GARY MOORE BLUES EXPERIENCE

MADE TO MEASURE PRODUCTIONS PRESENT:

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

SPRINGSTEEN - DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE (12A)

Billy Bragg PHOTO: Peter Dunwell

Thurs 8th January 7.30pm Tickets £16

AN EVENING WITH JACK THE RIPPER AGE GUIDANCE 12+

Weds 14th January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50

FROM THE BLUES BAND

PAUL JONES & DAVE KELLY Thurs 15th January 7.30pm Tickets £32.50

They lean on striking vocal harmonies, excellent musicianship and captivating storytelling. Rum Ragged are returning to the UK after a sold-out tour and appearances at the Cambridge Folk Festival last year. They are at the David Hall on Friday, January 23. PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OUR G WEBS ITE

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE

MAGIC OF THE BEE GEES

A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

Fri 9th January 7.30pm Tickets £32

Sat 10th January 7.30pm Tickets £33.50

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

ANEMONE (15)

ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

Sat 17th January 7.30pm Tickets £27

19th January 7.30pm Matinee 20th January 1.30pm Tickets adult: £9 evening £8 matinee Child under 16: £7

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Panto kicks off village venue’s centenary year

Arts & Entertainment

THE Woolstore Theatre in Codford is preparing to celebrate a major milestone, as the much-loved village venue enters its 100th anniversary year in 2026. Opening the centenary celebrations will be a lively

production of the pantomime Robin Hood, running from January 9, 2026. The theatre’s roots stretch back to its days as a working wool store, before being converted into a performance space.

The building even served as a small cinema before becoming a theatre – known locally as the Codford Empire – and provided entertainment for Australian troops stationed nearby during the First World War. Today, the Woolstore is a Grade II listed building and home to a cosy 107-seat auditorium equipped with modern facilities. Over the past century, the venue has grown into a cultural hub for the Wylye Valley, hosting a wide variety of

GRAFFITI Classics, presenting everything from Beethoven to Elvis, will be on a mission to make classical music irresistibly fun when they come to Dorset. The string quartet promise a mix of musical comedy, gypsy folk, opera, bluegrass, stand-up comedy and dance.

They are at Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall on Thursday, January 8; Lytchett Matravers Village Hall on Friday, January 9; and Blandford Corn Exchange on Saturday, January 10. Tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Graffiti Classic are high energy

PHOTO: David Pickens

AUTHOR Shaun Leavey, from Sherborne, spent some time working in Greece during the troubled years of the military dictatorship from 1967-74. This prompted his interest in the involvement of the British Army after the

withdrawal of German forces at the end of the Second World War and later during the Greek Civil War (1946). It became apparent that a single British regiment had remained in the Salonika area until early 1950. Shaun’s novel, A Wasp in

Salonika, is a fictional account of that time. It was prompted by a conversation with an elderly retired officer who had served there. On being asked what his regiment had been doing he replied: “Not much fighting… but there were a lot of pretty

girls”. The novel tells a story reflecting that recollection. Shaun has privately published the book and £10 of all sales go to Ukraine Relief. Copies are priced £12.50 and can be ordered via spleavey@gmail.com

by Jane Toomer GOLDILOCKS and the Three Bears, this year’s panto at the Tivoli in Wimborne, is a vibrant, high-energy show bursting with colour, laughter and family fun. The panto springs to life with a chaotic and exciting circus scene that sets the tone for a thoroughly entertaining production. The circus theme is used brilliantly throughout, with Joey the Clown – Lee Redwood – delivering some of the biggest laughs. His hilarious antics, clever gags and excellent

audience interaction had children and adults fully engaged. Baron von Tinklebottom – Paul Hill – was a fearsome, memorable villain. He sang high and low notes comfortably and had a strong, confident stage presence that made him intimidating and amusing. In contrast, Goldilocks – Lucia Jade Barker – is warm and likeable, and had a sweet singing voice that added charm and heart to the production. One standout moment was a cucumber trick, which was a hit

with the entire audience. The references to local towns added an extra layer of fun and made the production feel wonderfully personal. Courtney Jackson – Betty Barnum – was a real highlight. Her larger-than-life performance had the audience in fits of laughter and perfectly captured the spirit of panto. The Three Bears were full of character, working well together and contributing to the fast pace and comic rhythm of the show. The ensemble dancers were excellent, adding energy and

polish to the musical numbers and helping to maintain the fast pace of the show. Colourful costumes, lively choreography and a steady stream of brilliant jokes kept the audience entertained from start to finish. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a joyful panto filled with circus chaos, local humour and laugh-out-loud moments that delighted adults and children alike. Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs until Sunday (January 4).

Quartet have fun with classical

Goldilocks goes to the circus

productions, film nights, musical performances and community events. Its strong amateur dramatics tradition remains at the heart of village life. Robin Hood marks the beginning of a full year of special events planned to honour the theatre’s long history and the generations of local performers and volunteers who have kept it thriving. Tickets for Robin Hood are now available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/thewoolstore-theatre

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Health issues a priority for 2026 AS we begin 2026, I want to share an update on the work I have been doing on your behalf and the priorities that will guide my work in the year ahead. Protecting local health services has been one of my strongest focuses. Throughout 2025, I worked tirelessly to oppose the proposed closure of the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil Hospital. I submitted call in requests, raised the issue repeatedly in Parliament, met ministers and the Integrated Care Board and supported a growing public petition. This campaign remains ongoing, and I will continue pressing for stroke services that are safe, local and properly resourced. The future of Yeovil’s maternity unit has also been a major concern for many families across our area. Over the past year, I raised this directly with the Prime Minister,

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance secured an Adjournment Debate in Parliament, met health ministers and joined parents and campaigners at a rally outside the unit. I also ensured Yeovil was included in a national review so lessons can be learned. I welcome confirmation

that the unit is set to reopen in the spring, and I will continue to work closely with clinicians and decision makers to ensure it reopens fully and safely for local families. Supporting children with SEND and neurodiversity needs remains a key priority. In 2025, I introduced a 10-Minute Rule Bill on dyslexia and worked closely with parents, pupils, teachers and national charities. Too many families still face a postcode lottery when it comes to support, and that is not right. I will continue pressing for better, fairer provision, with further progress expected this year. Rural communities are at the heart of this constituency. I have spent time visiting farms, meeting food producers and listening to the pressures facing those who work the land. I launched a local Farming

Forum and joined calls to scrap the family farm tax, which risks putting family farms at real risk. Supporting farmers and rural livelihoods will remains a core focus of my work. Access to NHS dentistry continues to be a serious issue. I presented a petition to Downing Street, worked with the British Dental Association and welcomed the opening of a new dental practice in Chard. Another practice is planned for Crewkerne later this year, alongside continued pressure for reform of the NHS dental contract. Above all, I remain committed to listening. From holding surgeries and visiting schools, to knocking on doors and supporting local charities, my priority is to stay rooted in our communities. I will continue working hard for our area throughout 2026.

As I look back on the year, I’m incredibly proud of some of the successes I have had a role in achieving for you all. My team and I have worked hard to make sure you get the representation and support you need – securing hard-won concessions from the Government on the Family Farm Tax, fighting for Yeovil Hospital’s Maternity Unit to reopen, obtaining payments for constituents affected by the infected blood scandal and refunds for tax overpayments and seeking justice for victims of scams. Going forward into 2026, and as Rural Affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, I am renewing my commitment to fighting the Government on the issues that really matter to you. I am particularly focused on continuing to fight for our farmers this coming year. While I was pleased that just before Christmas the Government finally listened and raised the

threshold for farming inheritance tax – protecting smaller family farms – it is utterly inexcusable that farmers have been put through over a year of uncertainty and anguish. This concession has been hard won, and I am so grateful to all the farmers who have fought tirelessly to achieve this. If we undermine British farming, then we also undermine our food security and national security. Our farmers are the best in the world and we must ensure they can continue their vital work – I will continue to do everything I can to fight for our farming communities in Parliament. As we enter the new year, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah. dyke.mp@parliament.uk

I’ll fight for our farmers A VERY happy new year to everyone in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency. I hope the festive period was a joyous one, with plenty of rest, relaxation and time spent with loved ones. This new year, I’m reflecting on a busy 2025 which seems to have flown by. It’s a privilege to have represented you all for another year. Whether by standing up for rural communities, fighting for local businesses, taking the Government to task on dental deserts and the cost-of-living crisis, or by challenging the Family Farm Tax, I have worked hard to ensure the things that are most important to you are at the forefront of conversations in Westminster. Across the constituency, it’s been a pleasure to connect with you all in schools, businesses, charities and my advice surgeries and events. You – the people of the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency – are

Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke what make this part of the world so special, our communities so robust and our local rural economy thrive. I’m proud to be your representative in Parliament – thank you so much for your continued support and engagement.

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Green Party membership is surging THERE’S no denying last year was a rollercoaster, with even more dramatic ups and downs than usual. The worst of the downs included the actions of the present American administration, the genocide in Gaza and Palestine, and war in Ukraine. And a backdrop to it all is the ever-worsening extreme weather events around the world. Turning to the positives, however, two in particular give me hope. Firstly, worldwide there is a boom in the development of renewable energy technology and infrastructure, in spite of all the climate denialism and delay tactics employed by the fossil fuel industry through its lobbying and political puppets. Secondly, there is the pushback around the world against the ugliness of hard right politics. Here in the UK

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset what had seemed like an unstoppable rise in the fortunes of Reform has begun to stutter in the face of a surge of support for more moderate and humane political choices. The Green Party’s phenomenal rise in membership shows no sign of abating, due in no small part to

the popularity of its new leader, Zack Polanski, who has successfully taken the fight to Reform on social media and seized the initiative with a constant stream of positive interviews and videos. The party’s dramatically increasing membership continues to delight, particularly with the steady influx of enthusiasm and energy among the younger new members. So, let’s look to the new year with as much optimism as we can muster. We must do things better, and we can if we focus on what’s good for ourselves, our country, our positive role in international affairs, the environment and, of course, the future – a future we can look forward to. To achieve that will require us to act cooperatively with determination, humanity and humility. The future is in our hands, and what we do in

the next 12 months will have a profound effect, both on our lives and the lives of those who will inherit what we create. In the words of Zack Polanski: “This country did not break overnight – it was neglected for decades. And that neglect ends when courage begins. The Green Party is ready. Ready for the scale of change people are demanding. Ready to hold the balance of power at the next election with integrity. Ready to rebuild trust where others have traded it away. Ready not only to challenge the old order, but to replace it. Hope is not naive. Hope is powerful. Hope is momentum. Hope is contagious. And right now, hope is growing. And in 2026, we must make sure hope wins.” We’re all in this together so, regardless of political leanings, Happy new year to everyone!

for and financially support older people. Integrated Retirement Communities (IRCs) are part of the answer, where residents own their homes, socialise with each other and staff keep an eye on them in case they need professional medical care. Done properly, IRCs keep people independent for longer and reduce pressure on the NHS and local authority budgets. Admittedly, they are not always done properly. That is why I presented a Bill to the Commons the day before recess to introduce a Retirement Occupancy Lease – an idea for which I owe credit to ARCO, the industry body. Residents would still own their homes; contracts would be reset for each new owner; management fees would be fixed and simplified; operators would have to register with an ombudsman and disclose their fees; since homes are bought directly from

operators, residents would be brought squarely under consumer protection laws; and, crucially, operators would have to take a financial stake in the resale value of every unit. New Zealand grasped this years ago with its Retirement Villages Act 2003. But we muddle along, as usual. Under this aimless, spineless government, we cannot expect a visionary reimagining of the welfare state. These ministers could not even understand that spaffing £570 million on rejoining the EU’s Erasmus scheme is a foolish exercise in mistaken ideology. We are broke, raising taxes, and desperately need to invest in further education and homegrown skills to revive a flagging economy, not European jaunts for middleclass humanities students. Spend it on that instead. Incremental reforms like these will have to do for now. But they matter.

Retirement communities way ahead

ALL the country wants for Christmas is some vision. Sir Keir started out like Scrooge, taking away pensioners’ Winter Fuel Allowance to let them freeze, then the Ghost of Labour Past came back to haunt him. Now all he can see is socialist red as he stuffs higher taxes, higher spending and heavier regulation in the public stocking. The vision we need most of all may well be how to deal with our ageing population. In 1972, the share of the population aged over 65 was around 13%. Today, half a century later, it is just under 20%. Another half century from now, in 2072, it is forecast to be 27%. This is already happening and, barring another pandemic or other catastrophe, is destined to continue and worsen. Consider the consequences. The welfare state depends on younger workers paying, through taxation, for older

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison people’s pensions and healthcare. When the ratio of young to old tips too far the wrong way, the sums stop adding up. That is plain old maths. If we want dignity in old age without bankrupting the country, we need radical reform in how we house, care

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Politics

Village pubs are on the brink AS your Member of Parliament, may I begin by wishing all residents of North Dorset a very happy and successful, stressfree 2026. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas and opportunity to recharge the batteries ready for the year ahead. We are perhaps too often told that society/community is at best dwindling if not dying. I think this is a gross exaggeration and what binds us together is best illustrated at Christmas. The organisers of the multiple carol services, organists, readers and choirs. The volunteers who help check in on our elderly or veterans. The Lions, Rotary, RBL and Probus members who rattle a collecting tin for a range of good causes. To those who collect gifts to dispense to those in need. For all who make a special charity donation to help the vulnerable. Our health

BALANCING a multi-millionpound council budget is rarely straightforward and hundreds of Dorset residents have had the chance to find out for themselves. More than 700 people stepped into the shoes of councillors by taking part in Dorset Council’s online Budget Challenge – an interactive simulator designed to show the difficulties in closing a significant funding gap while protecting essential services. In total, 745 residents adjusted spending across key areas while also deciding how much council tax should rise. Most participants made only small adjustments to everyday services with waste budgets cut by less than 1% on average and highways

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workers, emergency blue light services and our military who put their sense of duty to their communities first and sacrifice precious family time in the doing. To all of them an enormous and heartfelt thank you. What you do is not just precious, it is so important as it reminds us

that “no man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. This new year is going to be an important one for rural Britain. From my conversations with pub landlords, we are clearly as close to breaking point as we ever have been. The Chancellor is going to have to get her thinking cap on and create innovative solutions if our village pubs are to survive. I am lobbying for a reduction in VAT for hospitality. Life without a pub in the vicinity, providing as it does a meeting place for locals, is a dark prospect indeed, but too many publicans are telling me that is what is in prospect. Treasury, too, is going to have to rethink the Family Farm Tax. It needs to realise that there are ways of raising revenue but taxing the family farm to extinction is not one of them.

The Government appears spectacularly tin eared on the impact of this policy. In the Commons, when I raised the early-induced death of an elderly farming constituent in order to save the family farm from the tax man, I was met with the most emotionally desiccated response imaginable. No compassion or empathy, merely Treasury-speak. The same, too, when the Prime Minister was cross examined at the recent Liaison Committee meeting in the Commons. My chin dropped when I heard him reply to a question about farmer suicide that he was aware but had no plans to change. We need to make 2026 the year when urban Britain understands rural Britain and its importance to our landscape, heritage, environment, economy but above all food security. Without the ability to feed ourselves, we are nothing.

seeing a modest increase. To balance the books, many opted to reduce spending on adult social care – the council’s biggest area of expenditure – as well as corporate services. On average, participants proposed council tax rises of more than 7%. The council is legally capped at a maximum increase of 4.99% without triggering a local referendum. Feedback from the challenge has been shared with councillors ahead of budget proposals for 2026/27, which are set to be published early this year. A follow-up survey found that nearly 60% of participants felt they had a better understanding of how the council’s finances work

after completing the challenge. On the back of that response, the council has reopened the simulator so more residents can take part. Cabinet member for finance and capital strategy, Cllr Simon Clifford, said the results underlined the tough

choices he and colleagues face. He thanked residents for getting involved and encouraged others to try the tool, describing it as a simple way to see where council tax money goes.

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

Hundreds rise to Budget Challenge

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Antiques & Collectibles

Advertiser’s announcement

WANTED Books, collectables and bric-a-brac. Call Jack: 07542 389447 WANTED Classic Cars & Motorbikes For private collection Call 07885 373113 or 01278 431244 Graham

Advertising made

simple

Ex-Barry Sheene Suzuki XR23 estimated at £100,000-120,000

Iconic motorbikes valued at £200,000 A TRIO of important motorcycle race bikes valued at more than £200,000 are entered into the Charterhouse auction of Classic & Vintage Motorcycles on Thursday, March 12, at the prestigious Haynes Motor Museum. “We are delighted to be instructed to sell this trio of important motorcycles into the auction,” said George Beale, from the auction house. “Rarely do you find such bikes on the market, so to see three all at once from long term ownership is a great privilege.” First up is the works Suzuki XR23 machine used by Barry Sheene to win the 1978 MCN Superbike Championship estimated at £100,000. The owner purchased this bike direct from Suzuki GB in 1986 and it was totally rebuilt in the Suzuki race shop before selling. Next up is the factory Kawasaki KR750 used by Mick

Grant to contest the 1977 MCN Superbike Championship and the Isle of Man TT, on which he won the 1977 1000cc TT race. Estimated at £75,000, it was totally rebuilt by Kawasaki UK and purchased by the owner in 1987. The last of the trio is the 1982 Kawasaki KR350 ridden in the World Championship by Jean Francois Balde estimated at £40,000. He won the French, Dutch and British Grand Prix and finished 3rd in the 1982 350 World Championship. The owner bought this KR350 directly from Jean Francois Balde in 1989. Further entries are now being invited for this Classic & Vintage Motorcycle auction. George Beale and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, are available for valuations on 01935 812277 or via bikes@ charterhouse-auction.com Ex-Jean Francois Balde Kawasaki KR350 estimated at £40,00050,000

01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Clocks Unlimited

Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk

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Pictures, Books, Prints & Ephemera; European & Asian Ceramics & Works of Art; and Antique Furniture & Objects Saturday 24th January 2026 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

A Chinese carved celadon jade marriage bowl.

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For free verbal valuations please contact

Head Office & Salesrooms: Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London

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Antiques & Collectibles

General antiques and jewellery ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding its General Antiques & Collectors auction on Thursday, January 29, and Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale on Friday, January 30. Viewing is on Wednesday, January 28, from 10am-4pm. Acreman is open on Saturdays after auctions for collections but not otherwise. The catalogue and bidding are 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: Jewellery & Watches, Tuesdays; Silver & Obje’t D’art, Tuesdays; Toys & Collectables,

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Wednesdays; Oriental & Asian, Thursdays; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera, Fridays; Militaria, Fridays; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Mondays. Anyone unable to go in on the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment and 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 on anything prospective sellers may be considering for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3PH is open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm. It can take in everything from single items to complete collections and can help with advice and valuations to anyone downsizing or who needs to deal with a whole house. It can also 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 by email at auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Thatcher Papers could make £100k AN epochal discovery is set to headline Duke’s the Winter Auction later this month. Unearthed in a cardboard box in a Somerset garage, a cache of highly important political papers has been hailed by experts as the ‘find of the century’. Known as The Thatcher Papers, the archive documents the pivotal moment Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 1975, a turning point in British political history. Its emergence is especially

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

GENERAL ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS Thursday 29th January 10am

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 30th January 10am

THE

T H AT C H E R PAPERS

VIEWING

Wednesday 28th January 10am-4pm

Antique rare silver Rolls Royce table lighter Hammer £2,400

Catalogue available to view through thesaleroom.com & Easyliveauction.com We are now accepting items for our January auctions For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

THE WINTER AUCTION 2 9

J A N U A R Y

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“This cache of papers is of great historical importance. Margaret Thatcher was a trailblazer in every sense. Her philosophy – Thatcherism - changed the United Kingdom forever” - Guy Schwinge of Hanover Forbes

www.dukes-auctions.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

blackmorevale.net resonant, coinciding with the centenary of Thatcher’s birth. The archive is made up of more than 60 documents and letters, including Thatcher’s original nomination paper, proposed by Keith Joseph and seconded by her campaign manager, Airey Neave. In her own hand, she writes: “I, Margaret H. Thatcher, consent to being nominated,” signing and dating the document 27 January 1975. There are also ballot papers, correspondence from Thatcher, Edward Heath and then prime minister Harold Wilson, and the decisive result sheet dated February 11, 1975. Signed by the 1922 Committee scrutineers, it records Thatcher’s emphatic victory with 146 votes to William Whitelaw’s 79. The archive, described by experts as ‘utterly sensational’ is estimated to sell for £100,000. It is for sale with Duke’s of Dorchester in the Winter Auction on Thursday, January 29.

Advertiser’s announcement

Antiques & Collectibles

Motor racing in another time... CLARKE’S Auctions would like to wish all its local customers a very happy new year and is pleased to announce a free valuation day on Tuesday, January 6. Anyone with antiques or collectables seeking advice on selling in a forthcoming auction is welcome to pop into the salerooms in Gillingham for a chat with a valuer. Following the success of Clarke’s three-day Christmas sale, preparations are well underway for the February auction, which will feature an extensive Grand Prix and Motor Sports Racing library covering all aspects of motor sport. Consigned locally, the collection is made up of more than 100 books offering a comprehensive insight into the world of motor sport.

One of the highlights is a limited edition copy of Sixties Motor Racing, by Paul Parker, with photographs by Michael Cooper. Published by Palawan Press, the book contains nearly 400 photographs from Formula One spanning the years 1960-69, many drawn from Parker’s private collection. It features iconic figures such as Sir Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart, with many images never previously seen, and is estimated to sell for £400-£600. From the same consignment is a copy of Grand Prix Who’s Who, published by Travel Publishing Ltd. This volume is signed by Moss and includes about 100 autographs, among them Michael Schumacher, Rob Walker, Ross Brawn and

Sixties Motor Racing by Paul Parker, with photographs by Michael Cooper, is estimated to sell for £400-£600

Gordon Murray, estimated at £200-£300. An intriguing pop-up pamphlet, The Modern Motor Car, dating from the 1930s/40s, featuring pop-up illustrations explaining the workings and functions of early motor cars, is estimated at £20-£30. For enquiries about consignment into any of Clarke’s upcoming sales, probate or 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.

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques && Collectibles Sale Antiques Collectables Friday & &Saturday 10thFebruary August Saturday9th 14th Sunday 15th Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com Sixties Motor Racing by Paul Parker, with photographs by Michael Cooper. Estimate £400-£600

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions offerFactory, free home visits and verbal valuations. The Old Glove Buckingham Road Now accepting items for this and 4QF future sales Gillingham, SP8

01747 685592

Units 1 & 2Factory, KingsettleBuckingham Business Park,Road The Old Glove Gillingham, SP8 4QF

enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk 01747 685592 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk www.clarkesauctions.co.uk enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

12th March

2nd January

26th March

Specialist Valuation Days in Sherborne Clocks, Music Boxes & Collector’s Items 8th Jewellery, Watches & Silver 9th Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 10th Doulton, Beswick & other Ceramics 11th Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards 12th

March Classic Motorcycle Auction March Classic & Vintage Car Auction Further Entries Now Invited The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Home & Garden

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All seems quiet, but the garden’s not asleep... by Sally Gregson ONE of the pleasurable pastimes as new year dawns is to take a look where the snowdrops live and see if they are returning. It is usually successful, bringing the promise of another spring, or in the case of snowdrops, late winter, to the flower garden. Just occasionally a really early snowdrop will have braved the cold and opened its flowers already. It’s at this seemingly quiet time of year that the garden can seem asleep. But sleeping it is not. Below the surface of the bare earth, roots, bulbs and seedlings are all gathering their forces to push up green shoots as soon as the days are long enough and the earth begins to

warm. Gardeners are all too aware how short these beautiful winter days are at the turn of the year. It is during this apparent lull in activity that the opportunity needs to be taken to prune back the wisteria and the dormant acers ready for another year. Wisteria flowers on short spurs that can be cut from the long side-shoots. Leaving one or two streamers to climb and twine, and, using a really sharp pair of secateurs, reduce some of the side shoots to two or three outward-facing buds. These will become the flowering spurs next year to form clumps at intervals along the horizontal main-stem. During the summer, in about

by Sally Gregson STEALING a kiss under the mistletoe is a widespread custom whose origins lie deep and almost lost in the mists of western myth and legend. The name is thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon ‘mistletan’ where mistel means ‘bird dung’ and tan means a twig. That is, ‘the twig that springs spontaneously from bird dung’. However, ‘mistl’ also means ‘different’ in Anglo-Saxon – a different twig from the tree. Perhaps it was an Anglo-Saxon pun. Mistletoe, Viscum album, is a strange, parasitic plant. It’s a European native that grows on soft-barked trees such as apple – though not pear – ash, hawthorn and occasionally oak.

Its berries stick to a bird’s beak, the bird rubs its beak clean on the bark and the seed germinates in any clefts. The Druids regarded the occasional mistletoe that grew so rarely on oak, as especially sacred. At the beginning of the year, at a particular age of the moon, a young priest clad in white robes would be despatched up the tree with a golden scythe. The priest carefully wrapped the sprig in a white cloth to prevent it touching the ground, a very ill omen, and gave it to a boy. He would take the sprig around the village to announce the new year. The oak tree that produced the mistletoe would have been granted great respect and the

Be careful when you kiss under the mistletoe!

Now is the time to prune back wisteria

August, reduce by about a half, the long, waving shoots that appear as side shoots along the main stem. These will be the shoots to cut back next January. Japanese acers have a propensity to bleed when they are cut back while the sap is rising. January is definitely a dormant time when the sap definitely does not run, so trim the stalks that have gone black and died back. If you need to shape the shrub, prune it back

now to outward facing buds. Remove any stalks that are crossing or growing into the middle of the plant, thus forming an open basket-shape for the air to circulate. Then gather up the prunings and pop them in the compost bin, and head indoors as the light fades. The days are short, but very soon they will noticeably get longer. To paraphrase the Bard, ‘winter has all too short a date’.

Mistletoe is a European native that grows on soft-barked trees such as apple, ash, hawthorn and occasionally oak

mistletoe would then be used to make many medicines. It was considered to be a panacea of all ills, and sprigs were tied above the doorway to give protection from evil spirits. Mistletoe was thought to grow on trees struck by lightning, so it also protected the house from fire. So, who knows what we are celebrating when we kiss under

the mistletoe? But be careful when you do. One berry should be plucked from the sprig for each kiss, and when the sprig runs out ill fortune will befall any who kiss under it thereafter. The sprig should be burned on Twelfth Night or the kissers may never marry, and any unwed ladies not kissed will remain single until next Christmas. Happy new year!

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

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Surgery.Reductions. Reductions. Felling. TreeTree Surgery. Felling. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies. Woodchip supplies. Family run business since 1946 Tel:business 01963 250005 Family run since 1946 Mobile: 07976250005 934 252 Tel: 01963 Mobile: 07976 934 252

rth Dorset Surgeons North Tree Dorset Tree Surgeons

e carry out allcarry aspects surgery, We outofalltree aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and cutting stump grinding. hedge and stump grinding. Ash diebackAsh specialist. dieback specialist. Fully insured andinsured NPTC qualified. Fully and NPTC qualified.

Call WillCall today ontoday on Will 747 854517 07872or 970741 01747or 854517 07872 970741

fessionalProfessional ExperiencedExperienced Reliable

Reliable

All ground works undertaken including mini and micro digger for small garden landscaping and drainage.

TEL:

01963 250955 MOBILE:

07971 063307

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turﬁng Free Quotations amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: 01747 631471 www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: 07921 637227

All types of blinds supplied and fitted for home, office, conservatory or commercial premises. We also supply patio awnings (electric and manual), shutters, curtains and poles.

KEEP IT LOCAL!

FREE

No obligation quotes

01747 852111 • info@bvblinds.co.uk • www.bvblinds.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST DRIVEWAY CONTRACTORS

Groundworks & Concrete

Block Paving

Natural Stone & Patio

Tarmac

Resin Bonded Surfacing

Fencing

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Try our products in your space by using the Visualiser Tool on our website.

Simply upload an image of your property and choose any swatch you fancy to generate your design.

Station Road Gillingham Dorset SP8 4PZ

01747 822080

info@kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

L.DAVIS AND SONS Fencing, and garden design Concrete bases, patios, gravel, garden clearance and much more. We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458-241230 or 07950-261510 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

HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com www.

.com

GARDENING SERVICES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE Lawn mowing, strimming, hedge cutting etc. Contact Billy 07849 571742

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

GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •

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

UP TO 50% OFF REMNANTS

GREENHOUSES Supplied/Erected Alloy TenColours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258-452632 HEDGE CUTTING AND LAWN MOWING SERVICES, ShaftesburyBlandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130 FOR CHAIN-SAWING, WOODLAND CLEARANCE, coppicing, jet-washing, hedge-cutting, pruning and general garden/estate maintenance. Call David on: 07786-658708

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 / 07751 278363

HALF PRICE UNDERLAY

10% OFF ALL RUGS 30% OFF ALL CLEARANCE RUGS

SELECTED CARPETS REDUCED UP TO 20%

AMTICO STUDIO FEATURING THE COMPLETE RANGE UP TO 10% OFF SELECTED HARD FLOORING

FREE Planning & Estimating Service on all carpets & hard floors | Free Parking

**Best price guarantee - relates to any high street retailer. *Simplicity underlay on selected products over £20m2

Wilton Shopping Village, King Street, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0RS Monday Friday: 9.30am - 5:30pm | Saturday: 9am - 5pm | Sunday: 10am - 4pm

01722 742733 www.wiltoncarpets.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Home & Garden WANTED Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

WELL ROTTED HORSE MANURE £60.00 a transit load. Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

30% UP TO

OFF

PRECISION FENCING & GATES • Installation • Repair • Maintenance Feel free to give us a call on 07355-295534 or email at Precision-fencing@hotmail.com

T&Cs apply

N ER

www.AshleyBlindsUK.com

£45 *

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert (Not including VAT)

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

01258 313110

ADVERTISE HERE * FOR JUST

OUTDOORS

ND GEN

CALL US TODAY

for a FREE home appointment

JAMES AYRES TREE CARE Specialist Tree Workers All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waste carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129 Mob: 07951 284639

Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net

LOCAL FAMILY COMPANY

Garden Property Maintenance All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

PER WEEK

ISHED IN

LES BENHAM

M & A J Landscaping ~ Fencing ~ Walling ~ Patios/Steps ~ Concreting/Tarmac ~ Tree work ~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 416022

GC GARDEN CARE Garden & Property Maintenance

Tree Pruning/Cutting Lawn Mowing Weed Control Hedge Cutting Driveway/Patio Cleaning Landscaping Low Maintenance Gardens Fencing Stump Grinding

Stockists of new Alko, Mountfield, Stiga, Weibang and Echo. Servicing, repairs, and parts for all major brands. Come and see our range of garden machinery including lawn mowers, chainsaws, hedge cutters, battery products and more. www.gillinghamgardenmachinery.co.uk

Call For

A Free cooperg685@gmail.com

Quote

A FRIENDLY FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS

07754 821 232

01747 859564 Unit 1, Brickyard Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4JL

GARDEN SERVICES Dorset Gardens of Steve Manuel Do you want your garden to look gorgeous and vibrant? Contact Dorset Garden Services for expert garden maintenance services at competitive prices.

07814064266

www.dorsetgardenservicesstevemanuel.co.uk sjmanuel@btinternet.com 1 Green Lane, Crossways, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8BP

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

ASBESTOS REMOVAL 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

TREEWISE HARDWOOD LOGS AND WOODCHIP FOR SALE

(Established 1997)

Tree Surgeons TREE WORK

ASH DIE BACK SPECIALISTS

Felling Section felling Pruning/shaping Hedge cutting Scrub clearance Stump grinding Planting £10M public liability insurance

LANDSCAPING

Fencing Patios Sleeper walls All hard landscaping

Vale Tree Surgeons Limited www.valetreesurgeons.com Tel: 01747 228484 Mob: 07770 833734

NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations. Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

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

For all your fencing and decking needs

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

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

HUNGRY NOW?

HAND-CARVED NATURAL STONE FIREPLACES

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

hello@hearthstonemasonry.co.uk

01747 440625

hearthstonemasonry.co.uk

HAMBLEDONS Premium Outdoor Services • Hedge Cutting & Maintenance • Hedge Reduction & Removal • Hedge & Tree Planting • Fencing & Gates • Decking & Pergolas • Sheds & Garden Buildings • Concrete & Garden Building Bases • Drainage & Soakaways • Gravel Driveways & Paths • Retaining Walls • Turfing • Devegetation & Site Clearance • Security Bollards • Commercial & Domestic Welcome

North Dorset Based 01258 721552 07833 475565

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

JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07936-498493

hambledons.net info@hambledons.net Get In Touch For a Free Quote

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 5x2 advert

LOGS SEASONAL LOGS. Barn dry. Mainly Ash. 20 miles radius of Sherborne. Preferably evenings 01935 815534.

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING - Your local mobile service 07760 469411

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £200 transit load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250

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

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale Barn-stored Any size of load. If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773-254174

LOGS FOR SALE transit tipper load Half transit tipper load Dumpy bag (Delivered FREE in and around Sherborne) TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD. All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered Sand Gravel Stone Cement Blocks etc Supplied Loose or in Big Bags Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

Competitive Rates 01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk

Building Construction Specialists

Home extensions | Barn Conversions Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes Project Management Established over 40 years Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280 E: andy@sandsltd.biz w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

T F PLANT

Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied

Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected. Small or large loads also bulk bag materials & small handy bags. Muck-away service of inert materials Trusted family-run business, ring for enquiries

01747 826107

Advertising made

simple

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

TF Plant, 8 Brickfields Industrial Estate, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4JL

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

B.LUCAS General builder

25+ Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified

Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

FREE estimates 07809 362919

Adam Evans

Handyman Services

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076 GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073

Painting internal/external Household & Garden waste removals

Advertising made

simple

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

Gutter cleaning/Gutter repairs No job too small - call me for a quote

07983 448076

Limited Fully Insured, Free Survey Failed Double Glazed Units UPVC Windows and Doors Shower Screens, Balustrades T: 01747 631899 / 07708 180306 e: shaftesburyglass@gmail.com w: www.shaftesburyglass.co.uk

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

J&C Handyman Services

Plumbing Door hanging & skirting boards Painting & decorating Guttering and facia clearing Shed erecting & repairs and replacement Flat pack furniture Fencing Shelves & curtain rails Pointing etc... No job too small. Please call with your requirements.

01963 364457 07368 516658

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL

CALL NOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL QUOTATION

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com

TRADITIONAL BUILDING & RESTORATION Traditional builders specialising in older and listed properties

• External & internal lime works, pointing & rendering • Full restoration service • Bespoke extensions, disabled & granny annex conversions - from planning to completion • Cob work - new & repairs • Oak timber framining

Call Dave Welsh 07492181788 or 07838654468 www.repointdorset.co.uk tradbuildrest@gmail.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL 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.

BUILDER. RENOVATIONS, BUILDING. 07778-451649 ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301 L R MASONRY GENERAL BUILDER, Stone work, Brick work 07971-982565 llewie30roberts@gmail.com

CHIMNEYS K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038

Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping,

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

01963 400186

Stove Servicing and Maintenance,

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered

07368 250305 / 01747 590799 Friendly, Reliable Service NVQ Qualified, APICS Registered longthorpeindustries@gmail.com Friendly, Reliable Service

longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

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

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

CHIMNEYS Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps NACS certiﬁcates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) CCTV

01258 455251

Tel: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

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

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

90,000 readers could be looking at your advert right now

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

High quality fireplace installation at great prices. Specialist multi-fuel & wood burning stove installations with our qualified hetas engineers, including a large experienced in house building and maintenance team, insuring a quality finish and not waiting for other tradesmen. Established reputable company with excellent reviews and vetted by checkatrade. Relining existing woodburners, all building work undertaken from plastering/rendering/demolition and fireplace alterations even exterior painting or chimney/roof leak fixing.

Call now for a free survey 07521647885

Services include • Wood & multi-fuel stove installation • New build houses – No chimney No problem • Electric fire installation • Metal twin wall chimney installations • False fireplaces & media walls • Chimney take down rebuilds • Hetas inspection repair to current regs • Log burner flexi liner installations • Fireplace alterations drone surveys • Cherry picker & scaffold if required • Thatch property wood burners • Plastering rendering exterior decorating

WWW.STOVEANDCHIMNEYSOLUTIONS.COM

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH

CHIMNEYS

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 07855-287150 01963-362403 www.dcenet.co.uk Established in 1978

Chimney Sweep • Property Maintenance Fireplace & Stove Servicing  :01258 455947

:phoenixchimneys1@gmail.com

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

Accredited installers of Wood burning & Multi fuel stoves, Chimney liners, twin wall flues, fireplace conversions, replacement hearths, chimney restoration & rebuilding, dealing with water ingress, cowlings, bird guards. Fully Insured, long term established.

01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713

To place a classified ad in the Local Services section email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Need a website to establish ONLINE PRESENCE? LET WEBSITE VIBE HELP GET YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

CLEANING

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

Our Best Deal Yet!

Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc. Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

07561 762229

Navigate to www.websitevibe.co.uk

50% off first payment (month/year)

WEBSITEVALE2025 Expires Friday 5th December 2025, 23:59

Get connected. Stay connected.

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

01963 400186

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

Advertising made

simple

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH

Joseph Crocker Computers Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop & laptop repair Help with mobile devices General computer and IT advice

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

FRIENDLY LOCAL EX BT TELECOM & WIFI ENGINEER. Apple specialist. Problems solved, fully insured & DBS checked. 35 years experience. Adrian 07799 105008

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY PAUL WEST DECORATING SERVICES and wall-paper specialist. Also handyman. 35years experience. Free quotes. 07773-459168. paul.west945@gmail.com

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

Painting & Decorating Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

COUNTRY CARPENTRY

35 Years Experience

Bespoke Carpentry Quality Craftsmanship Door & Window Repairs

FREE Estimates. No VAT

Built-to-measure alcove units, shelving, wardrobes, doors, flooring, storage solutions and more expertly crafted to suit your home.

Call Richard on

Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Contact Nick 07887 358 570 Nick.elliott1@sky.com

01963 400186

LES BENHAM PAINTING SERVICES Property Maintenance Domestic/Commercial Inside or Out Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade

CAMILLE ELIZABETH PAINTER AND DECORATOR

PHILIP STIRK Painting, Decorating & Property Maintenance Free Quotations/No VAT Tel. 01747 825725 or mob: 07984 524446 Email: philipstirk@btinternet.com

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Dorset based.

‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

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

ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS The New

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

Italian Courses

For jobseekers and employers

NOW ON Facebook

Classes and private tuition

throughout the year Contact

CHRISTINE JEWELS

01935 425958

www.italianlanguageservices.co.uk

DUST FREE SANDING SYSTEM Fully Qualified - 20+ Years Experience camillepainting1@gmail.com | 07759 644755

JOINERY Manufacturers of Purpose-made Hard & Softwood Joinery

01202 622441

Advertising made

simple

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

01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

info@elegantjoinery.co.uk www.elegantjoinery.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

Classified ad?

TELL OUR 90,000 READERS for just

£1.12

per word*

*Not including VAT

Dorset com Doors.com 24/7 Locksmiths & Garage Door Technicians - Residential Lockouts - Garage door repair specialists - New garage doors & automation - Lock repair and replacements

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

D&T Plumbing and Heating Reliable, professional service for all your plumbing & heating needs.

01747 854887 07525 755696

07979 978 751 Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire

To place your

CLASSIFIED ADS

K & M PLUMBING SERVICES for all your plumbing & heating problems. 24 hour call out 07932-574294 The New

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

book online: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Repairs, Services, Upgrades, Automation & New Door Installations. High quality doors at low prices from a family run business with excellent service! www.grp-garagedoors.co.uk

FOR WATER LEAKS, new services and drainage problems call Real Utilities for a free quote 07824-859627

FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services

Tel 07969443979

24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

Sectional Doors / Roller Doors / Up and Over Side Hinged / Personnel Doors Spares & Accessories Installation / Servicing Automation / 2 into 1 Conversions Insulated Garage Doors

Septic Tanks, Treatment Plants & Soakaways Problems with your sewage system?

Call 01963 363782 or 01258 472830 www.dorsetgaragedoors.co.uk

Need to replace your septic tank?

MUSIC

01747 823731 or 07970 484890

PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos.Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194

Speak to your local experts

DEAN CARTER GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

Established 1980

www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk

PEST CONTROL SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with. All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken. Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED

Reliable Heating & Plumbing services by Barry Halls

Telephone 07584294722 • 01722 466546

01963 400186

hallshplumbing@gmail.com

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

UNBLOCKING DRAINS • Sinks

• Installations of new drains

• Toilets

• Manholes and gully’s

• Sewers

• Repairs to existing drains

ROOFING Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

• Downpipes • CCTV Surveys • HP Jetting • No dig relining abbeydrainage@outlook.com | 01747 640188 | 07587 238563

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

General Plumbing Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

ROOFING

• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

STONE MASONRY

MARKST NE Masonry & Conservation Specialist

Traditional Stone Walling Stone Carving Restoration and Repair Works Traditional Limeworks and Repointing

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

mark@markstonemasonry.co.uk

Tom the Roofer

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

All Roofing Services & Repairs

01747 854887 07525 755696

07738-111953

All Aspects Of Roofing Undertaken

Based in Wincanton Contact Chris

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out. PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

STORAGE BARNS, SHEDS AND CONCRETE PADS available for storage. Templecombe. 07980-584550.

TREE SURGEON

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

LOCAL TREE SURGEON Yeovil based reasonably priced. For a no obligation quote call: 07985160422 stctreeservices.co.uk

90,000 readers could be looking at your advert right now

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

TARMAC / SURFACING

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE Clive Smith Waste Transfer Note.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2020 09:33 Page 1

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE Waste Transfer Note

Smiths Triangle, Fifehead, St Quinton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AW (Also disposal site) www.clivesmithskips.co.uk Email: clivesmithskips@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01258 860 166 Mobile: 07974 822243 Waste Carriers Number: CBDU112820 Permit Number: EPR/JB3101KP VAT Reg Number: 634 6316 44

PLEASE NOTE

CUSTOMERS ORDERING VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRANSPORT AN OVERLOADED SKIP, THIS INCLUDES BOARDS TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD. THE DRIVER MAY REFUSE TO REMOVE AN OVERLOADED SKIP AND/OR AN EXTRA CHARGE WILL APPLY TO COVER COSTS.

• No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids

PLEASE NOTE

-MACHINE OR HAND LAY -OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE -LOCAL AUTHORITY APPROVED -PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN -ALL ASPECTS OF SURFACING, ROADS, DRIVES, FOOTPATHS & DROP KERBS

CLIVE SMITH Vehicle Registration Customer

(See Condition 17 overleaf).

Driver

Address

ANYTIME

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 S.I.C Code: 38110

Skip Size

Description

2 Yrd

Mixed Con, Brick

170107

4 Yrd

Concrete

170101

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who passed away on 19th December 2024 in Yeatman hospital. Beloved Husband of Maria. Much loved Dad of Jenny and Lee. A loving Grandad, Brother and Father In-Law. Always in our thoughts.

DEATHS BAILEY Roy Fernley Peacefully on 4th December 2025, at home in Oborne, aged 86 years. Beloved Husband of the late June. Dearly loved Dad, Father-In-Law and friend. Funeral service at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Oborne on Monday, 5th January at 12pm. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Roy for Christian Blind Mission,can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

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PHILIP EDWARD MAIN Passed away at home on 12th December 2025. Beloved Husband, Dad and Grandad. Funeral will take place 13th January 2026 at 2pm, At Semington Cremetorium. Followed by Frome Rugby Club. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Phil to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

OSBORNE Alan Nelson of Bayford, formerly of Rectory Farm, Charlton Musgrove. Alan passed away peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on the 18th December aged 93 years. Widower of the late Rae and a much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. A celebration of Alan’s life will take place at St Andrews Church, Stoke Trister on Thursday 22nd January 2026 at 2pm. Donations are invited in aid of The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Young Lives vs Cancer (CLIC Sargent). These may be left after the service or sent c/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Directors, Folly Lane, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. www.haroldfmiles.co.uk

HOWELL Diana Passed away peacefully at home in Charlton Musgrove on the 17th December aged 85 years. Wife to David and Mother to Stephen, Serena and Shonagh. Funeral service takes place at St. Leonard’s Church, Pitcombe on Saturday 10th January 2026 at 2.30pm. Donation are invited in aid of The Salvation Army and may be left after the service or sent c/o Harold F Miles Funeral Directors, Folly Lane, South Cadbury BA22 7ES. www.haroldfmiles.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Health & Wellbeing

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Meditations in nature: Time passages by Susanna Curtin WITH Christmas Day, and all the frantic preparations now behind us, I have found some space to spend a moment to think about the new year ahead and to celebrate the recent passing of the winter solstice – a time when our hearts lift as we welcome the slow and gentle returning of the light. Although the Earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the Sun, marking the beginning of winter, the solstice is an emotionally and culturally significant time, as with the longest night now behind us, it symbolises hope, rebirth and renewal. Up here on a secluded spot high above the rolling Dorset hills, I am wrapped up in warm clothes and sat on a bank sheltered by the edge of a woodland. Before me, the night sky stretches out into eternity. The first quarter of December’s waxing gibbous moon is spreading its ethereal silver light over this ancient landscape, drenching the intensity of the constellations and drowning out the Milky Way. Orion, however, is still clearly visible as it looms over the hills, and with my binoculars, I can just make out the Orion Nebula (M42), a cloudy cluster of gas and dust which appears as a fuzzy middle star in Orion’s sword just below his iconic belt. Jupiter, currently in the constellation of Gemini,

is also prominent and gleaming. Looking at this vast infinite expanse of stars, I can’t help myself reflecting on the concept of time as another year of my life draws to its close. This human fascination with the passage of time is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Britain, especially, has some of the strongest solstice traditions in the world, evident in our many ancient monuments that are aligned with the sun, stars and solstices. The winter solstice was a time for celebration – there were bonfires and rituals such as lighting yule logs, and decorating surrounds with holly and mistletoe to symbolise resilience and eternal life. Communal feasts were accompanied by themes of sharing and survival before the harshness of winter set in. For the ancients that once occupied this hillside, the passing of the seasons was a profound natural force that governed their survival, their religious beliefs and their connection to the land. Today, our relationship with time is far removed from nature, governed purely by society and technology. It is mixed with a paradoxical blend of precise measurement and subjective anxiety that, for me, seems to be getting worse. I am always racing against the clock,

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focused on ticking off the chores, of being productive rather than being mindful or connected to the present moment. The only time I can truly disconnect from phones, laptops and people is when I am alone in this wonderful landscape. Technology has arguably warped our sense of time. We evolved in tune with our natural circadian rhythms governed by the darkness, light, seasons and events. But with the countless screens that we can no longer live without, time has become segmented and urgent, the clock has replaced the sun, and we have moved from cycles to deadlines. Time feels like something I am running out of, not living in. The theory of human time is incredibly complex as it is such a subjective experience. As I get older, time seems to speed past me at an ever increasing rate. Our ancestors did not measure time in the same way as we do, they experienced it more as a cyclical process. For example, day to night to day again, or winter to spring to summer to autumn and back to winter – birth, death and rebirth. Modern perceptions of time are more linear – a continuous one way flow from the past to the

present, and to the future. The past is behind us and the future is in front. Intriguingly, some cultures, like the Aymara people of the Andes or the Māori of New Zealand, view the past as being in front of them and the future as behind them – the logic being that we can ‘see’ or know the past, whereas the future is both unseen and unknown. Sitting here quietly for an hour in the damp fresh air under this incredible sky and contemplating the speed at which this year has passed, I am reminded of just how calming it is to be in the moment. I vow that this winter will be a time of slowing down and realigning myself to nature, to rest and recharge. Besides, there is much to love about January, not only a fresh start but a chance to appreciate winter’s stark beauty, with hot drinks and winter walks, and awe-inspiring night skies like this one. If like me, you love a good night hike, then look out for the first celestial event on January 3 and 4 – a meteor shower called the Quadrantids which will appear near Ursa Major, the Big Dipper. Happy stargazing, and happy 2026! n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com)

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Health & Wellbeing

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Dandelion root, the ‘liver dredger’ by Fiona Chapman IT is that time of year again. The excesses of Christmas and new year will start to fade, except for the spare tyre that seems to appear round my tummy each year and it is time to detox and boost the immune system. It is nice to think that for a whole month there is no alcohol, coffee or sugar – think being the operative word. As soon as I tell myself to go on a diet or not to eat or drink certain things, I tend to do the absolute opposite. My husband, secretly, quite looks forward to doing a bit of a detox, too, even to the extent of him wanting to go to India again

to an Ayurveda centre next year. So, as we are not going to India this year, we will have to do it ourselves. It is a strict diet with no drinking and eating sensibly and healthily, and some good old detox tea to help get rid of the toxins. This contains mostly Taraxacum officinalis – radix – more commonly known as dandelion root. This is a fabulous liver remedy. It increases bile production, which promotes digestion and the breakdown of food as well as stimulating the gall bladder to release stored bile. My lecturer used to say it was

a ‘liver dredger’ – just the thing you need after a boozy Christmas. If toxins are not processed properly by your liver and taken away, they circle again and again in the blood and cause autotoxemia, which leads to all sorts of problems from hormonal imbalances to autoimmune diseases to heart disease. It is vital that your liver is working well and giving it a break from overindulgence and just looking after it will help it to rejuvenate in a healthy state. Not only is dandelion root good for the liver, it will also help to reduce heat in the body and the

blood. It is used by herbalists for high cholesterol, gout, constipation, various veins, acne and obviously any gallbladder, liver or pancreatic problems. It is quite bitter but not unpleasant and should be boiled and then simmered for 10 minutes minimum before being drunk. Add other herbs to make it more palatable, including liquorice – although not if you have high blood pressure – cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds, cardamon or lemon peel. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

by Nicole Asghar AS the year turns, there’s often an unspoken pressure to start again. To reset. To leave behind the pain, the grief, the worries, the parts of ourselves that feel heavy or unfinished. New year, new you, someone that is healthier, calmer, more ‘together’ and productive. But what if we resist the reset and let ourselves be open to evolving instead? What if, instead of wiping the slate clean, we allow this new year to be a continuation of who we already are – shaped by everything we’ve lived, felt and survived? The learnings, the heartbreaks, the disappointments, the anxiety that sat in the body long before it had words. These experiences aren’t obstacles to becoming ourselves, they are part of the process. When we try to discard them, we often end up fragmenting – subtly telling ourselves that some parts are too messy, too sensitive, ‘too much’ to bring forward. The sensations and emotions we push away are often meaningful messengers. Pain can point to values that have been violated. Grief speaks to love. Anxiety can signal what feels uncertain, unsafe or deeply important. When we abandon

these inner experiences, we’re not just avoiding discomfort, we’re turning away from parts of us that are communicating needs, boundaries and what truly matters. Integration begins when we listen with curiosity rather than judgement, acceptance rather than abandonment. I think it can be especially helpful at this time of year to remember that grief doesn’t end because a calendar changes. It softens when it’s welcomed. Worries don’t disappear through force, they settle when met with compassion and reassurance. Even our mistakes carry information when we approach them with care rather than self-attack. So perhaps we could notice any impulse to abandon parts of ourselves in the name of growth. Instead, see this threshold as an evolution – a gentle unfolding. When we allow ourselves to move forward intact, tender, imperfect, and still learning, we quietly give others permission to do the same. We show that self-acceptance isn’t something earned after fixing ourselves, it’s a possibility for us all, just as we are. I think this is a way for us to have a year that can feel radically different to the last few. It might be easier said than done,

though! What do you think? How do you approach the new year? If you have any thoughts on this topic, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch. n Nicole Asghar is a Dorset-

based therapist working online and around Bournemouth. Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma, and yoga. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.ourluminousminds. com

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Food & Drink

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Winter warmer I MADE this many years ago and added anything I could find that was red, and it gave a comforting sweetness to the savoury lamb. Jackets are the ultimate January hibernation food! Red wine lamb casserole with barley Ingredients 1.5kg lamb – shoulder or leg – cut into chunks

For the jacket potatoes 4 large baking potatoes Olive oil and sea salt Method 1 Prepare the jacket potatoes. Preheat the oven to 220C (390F). Wash the potatoes and prick them a few times with a fork. Rub them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour or until the skins are crispy and the insides soft. 2 Cook the lamb casserole. In a large casserole pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set it aside. 3 In the same pot, add the shallots and garlic, and saute until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute. 4 Add the tinned tomatoes, red peppers and rosemary to the pot. Return the browned lamb to the pot as well. 5 Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large shallots 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tomato puree 400g tinned tomatoes 2 red peppers, diced 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 200g pearl barley 500ml red wine 500ml beef stock Redcurrant jelly Salt and pepper to taste

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beef stock and bring the mixture to the boil. 6 Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the pearl barley. Cover the casserole and let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the lamb is tender and the barley is cooked. 7 Season to taste 8 Serve the lamb casserole hot with the jacket potatoes on the side. Can cut open the jacket potatoes and add a bit of butter or crème fraiche if you like. After adding the beef stock and bringing the mixture to the boil, stir in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of redcurrant jelly. This will help balance the flavours and give the casserole a richer, more complex taste. Once the jelly is fully dissolved, continue with the rest of the instructions as stated. n Annie des Forges, Director/ Chef, The Table Bruton. Annie Austin, Director/Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip. Email: catering@anniedes forges.co.uk; website: www. anniedesforges.co.uk; phone: 07834 487381.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Motoring

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2,500-plus speeding tickets have been AN ‘ANOMOLY’ between speed cameras and variable limits on motorways and A-roads in the UK has been blamed for more than 2,500 tickets being incorrectly issued. National Highways said it is ‘implementing a fix’ to address the problem – detected in the way some variable speed cameras interact with signs on some routes. “This has resulted in a very small number of people incorrectly facing enforcement action for speeding and we

apologise to anyone who has been affected,” a spokesperson said. “The anomaly has meant there was at times a slight delay between cameras and variable speed signs, leading to some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding after the limit had changed. “As a result, National

A MAJOR new report warns that the UK’s number plate system is outdated and poorly regulated and has created a situation that enables criminals and organised crime groups to operate undetected on the road network, lets dangerous drivers

off the hook, poses serious safety concerns and leads to a significant loss of public funds. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety (APPGTS) launched the report following a cross-party inquiry into vehicle registration plates,

Highways have identified approximately 2,650 total erroneous camera activations on impacted roads since 2021, which is the equivalent of fewer than two a day.” They said the number of false tickets being issued was small, with more than 6 million activations on the impacted roads. “Not all activations are enforced, so the amount of

people impacted will be lower than this,” the spokesperson went on. “This anomaly impacts just 10% of the Strategic Road Network, which is made up of motorways and major A roads in England. “National Highways apologises to anyone affected. They will be reimbursed and have points removed from their licence where relevant. “Steps will be taken to remedy any incorrect enforcement action, and

following calls from MPs and experts who had drawn attention to the issue. The UK’s advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, now capturing about 90 million reads each day across more than 18,000 cameras, is being ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES undermined by weak regulation of number plate production, INCLUDING HORSEBOXES supply and a lack of AND MOTORHOMES enforcement. SUNRISE SERVICE & Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, As many as one in 15 vehicles may carry modified, from small scratches to complete resprays, MOT CENTRE MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS non-compliant plates including insurance work welcome. ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES ‘ghost’ and stealth plates MOTS, MOTSSERVICING – class 4,5AND andREPAIRS 7 INCLUDING HORSEBOXES designed to evade ANPR ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES detection. Diagnostics AND MOTORHOMES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES These plates, often sold AND MOTORHOMES Air conditioning Bodyshop also available. openly online by unregulated Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, Valetsto complete resprays, suppliers, enable drivers to from small scratches MOTS classwork 4,5 7 MOTs –– class 4, 5 and and 7 insurance welcome. avoid paying road charges, Courtesy Cars Diagnostics MOTS Air – class 4,5 and 7 tolls, congestion fees and fines. Diagnostics Conditioning Collections a 5 mile radius Airwithin conditioning Criminals are also using Diagnostics Courtesy Cars ANPR-evasive plates to Air conditioning Valets Concessions forConcessions Pensioners, for Armed Forces facilitate activities including Valets Courtesy Cars and Emergency Services Armed Forces and Emergency Services rogue trading, drug dealing and Courtesy Collections within a 5 Cars mile radius organised crime such as human Collections within a 5 mile radius Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces trafficking and people Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services smuggling. and Emergency Services The inquiry heard from National Trading Standards that: “Ghost plates pose a serious threat to counterterrorism operations. 15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road “Vehicles with stealth plates Blandford DT11 8ST 15B Sunrise Business Higher Shaftesbury Road 15B Sunrise Business Park,Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road can bypass surveillance Blandford DT11 Tel: 01258 459798 Blandford DT11 8ST8ST Tel: 01258 459798 systems around critical Email info@sunriseservicecentre.com Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com infrastructure such as airports, Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com government buildings and

transport hubs. “This creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited by terrorist groups planning vehicle-borne attacks.’’ The report exposed weaknesses in the number plate manufacturing ecosystem. 34,455 suppliers are registered with the DVLA to produce UK number plates, with many operating from private homes or small workshops, with no background checks in place. Some suppliers handling customers’ ID documents were found to have serious criminal convictions, including for violent offences and fraud. Innocent motorists are also increasingly being targeted by criminals who clone their number plates. Many have found themselves accused of offences they did not commit, facing fines, debt collection, and in some cases, police investigation. The widespread use of ghost, tampered and cloned plates poses an acute risk to public safety. The report highlights evidence that taxi drivers are tampering with plates to avoid drop-off and road charges. The inability to trace these vehicles raises risks for women’s and girls’ safety, as

Up to one in 15 number plates are

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Motoring

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wrongly issued anybody affected will be contacted directly.” National Highways said it has now developed a data check to ensure nobody will now be prosecuted incorrectly and is liaising with police on its implementation. “Enforcement remains in place and anybody breaking the law could face prosecution,” the spokesperson added. “National Highways will also be increasing other safety measures, and policing will continue to enforce speeding and

other offences on our road network.” Chief executive, Nick Harris, said: “Safety is our number one priority and we have developed a fix for this technical anomaly to maintain the highest levels of safety on these roads and make sure no one is wrongly prosecuted. “All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force.”

breaking the rules

well as for vulnerable passengers. The key recommendations in the report are: n Standardise design of registration plates, with security features to bring the UK up to international standards. Ban the use of 3D and 4D plates. n Significantly restrict the number of licensed sellers via annual fees, regular audits and removal of non-compliant sellers. n Increase fine and give offenders points for use of an illegal plate, and seize vehicles of repeat offenders.

RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “It’s clear from this report that urgent action must be taken to stop the widespread abuse of number plates, which has serious and far-reaching consequences for our society from road safety to national security. “Ghost and cloned plates have no place on our roads as no one should be able to drive a vehicle that’s invisible to enforcement cameras or untraceable by the police. “It’s vital we introduce new, higher security standards for number plates and those who produce them.”

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Pets

blackmorevale.net

The ins and outs of out of hours care by Lynn Broom BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS CURRENTLY, even in dedicated emergency veterinary clinics, out of hours cover is designed to cover emergencies. They often cannot provide routine treatments and costs will be higher than day clinics because of, among other things, the unsociable hours. Emergency clinics are set up to provide immediate care as needed when day clinics are closed, such as at night, at weekends and on bank holidays. They will assess your pet’s clinical needs and recommend further investigations if necessary and provide immediate treatment. They will frequently recommend ongoing care and reassessment at your regular vets when they reopen. Where day practices provide their own emergency cover, it is common for the vet to be on call from home. They may have worked the previous day and may be working the next

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Insurance companies are becoming more reluctant to pay for out of hours treatment

day as well. If you wake them at 2am to ask if you can order some flea treatment – yes, I’ve had this happen! – they will advise you to call again during normal working hours. Emergency vets will try to assess if your pet needs seeing as an emergency. This is to avoid you having an unnecessary journey with those associated costs. Sometimes they can give advice such as to give oral pain relief, if you

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have it, at home and to attend your usual vets in the morning. Video consults may be available and allow a vet or vet nurse to assess if it is an emergency. Insurance companies are becoming more reluctant to pay for out of hours treatment if it was not considered an emergency or life threatening, so do not assume you are automatically covered if you request a consultation. Many situations can wait until the morning, but some cannot. You may need to ring for advice to decide if a visit is recommended. Remember that your vet cannot diagnose your pet’s condition over the phone and is relying on your perception of their symptoms. They will often recommend a visit if it is not clear how significant your pet’s condition is. If your pet has been unwell for several days, try to contact your usual practice during normal working hours. More staff will be available to

provide their care and costs will be lower than an out of hours service. Be aware that many conditions require further investigations to reach a diagnosis or a diagnosis may be reviewed depending on response to initial treatment. Emergency vets often provide symptomatic treatment to keep your pet comfortable overnight prior to further investigations at your usual vet clinic. Emergency clinics often do not have access to your pet’s clinical history and the vets there rely on you to provide an accurate history. Some treatments are dependent on tests already carried out and medications already dispensed, and vets may choose medications which are less likely to interact adversely with previously prescribed medications. While we now live more and more in a 24-hour society, veterinary care is currently predominantly a day time provision and out of hours care is really only designed for emergencies which can range from the provision of pain relief for a sudden onset lameness to immediate surgery for life threatening conditions. We understand that it can be difficult to tell if you do have a genuine emergency and vets will be happy to provide advice on this. Consider why you might call an emergency clinic. Remember that they are not just a night version of your usual practice and should not be contacted unless you think your pet needs emergency care. You will then get the appropriate advice and treatment and not pay unnecessarily for treatment that could have been provided by your day clinic.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Pets

blackmorevale.net

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

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Animal charity’s blanket appeal THE RSPCA is inviting animal lovers in the Blackmore Vale to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help pets in need this winter, as part of its Big Give Back to Animals appeal. The charity is appealing for handmade blankets at a time when the ongoing cost of living crisis is leaving many families struggling to keep their pets warm. Blankets will be distributed through the RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank Partnership, which works with food banks and community groups to provide essential items, including food, toys and blankets to pets whose owners are facing financial hardship. Alison Fletcher, the RSPCA national lead for Pet Food Banks, said: “Every pet deserves warmth, comfort and care, especially during winter. “Our supporters are incredibly generous, and this activity is a wonderful way for people of all ages and abilities to get involved and help keep more pets safe and warm.” The RSPCA is increasingly concerned about rising numbers of pet abandonments.

The charity has launched its Big Give Back to Animals appeal to support its frontline teams, with abandonment incidents reported to the charity having risen 23% in the first 10 months of last year. The charity hopes that encouraging people to create and donate blankets will also spark wider awareness about the role animals play in people’s lives. Alison added: “Sadly, we’ve seen reports of neglect and abandonment surge this year, indicating that many pet owners are struggling. “That’s why our Pet Food Bank Partnership is such a vital lifeline and why small acts of kindness, such as knitting and donating a handmade blanket, can make a real difference. “Those taking part are encouraged to use soft, petsafe yarn such as wool, acrylic or cotton, and tightly woven patterns to keep little paws safe.” Finished blankets can be posted to Pet Food Bank Partnership, RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre,199 Castle Way, West Malling ME19 5HW.

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation n Biscuit, two, beautiful blue grey and peach tortie – no cats

n Cosmo, seven, gorgeous calico tortie – no children

n Farm and stable homes needed for outside cats n Please take a look at our website, www. cats.org.uk/middorset, to see which cats we currently have in our care looking for homes. Many thanks for all the support we had in 2025, we wish you all a Happy New Year.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Field & Stream

50 years ago a home without electricity wasn’t so unusual by AJ Selby “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them” – Andy Bernard MOST people I know are becoming more concerned with the state of the environment, and indeed, the entire planet. What resources will be available to our grandchildren? Will there be water wars? Will there be great migrations in the future? Some of the scenarios one reads about are quite frightening and it was no surprise to read these words last week. “A good deal has been written in recent years on the wastefulness of a consumer society making inroads into limited natural resources, and pollution of the environment as these resources are turned into consumer goods.” Except it was a surprise, as looking through my bookcase, I dug out my hardback original of The Cottagers Companion written in 1975 – that above sentence was in the introduction to the book. Plus ça change. The book, by DS Savage, is a useful manual to being more selfreliant in the countryside and

along with the standard vegetable growing and livestock keeping, there are chapters on sourcing water and power for cottages without utilities. When I first bought the book 50 years ago, that wasn’t such a strange notion. A lad in our village and a year younger than me at primary school lived in a house without electricity and it wasn’t considered particularly odd. His parents had built their own wooden two-storey chalet-type house on a large plot of land and erected the house on it in the late 1950s when it was a lot easier to get planning permission. The lad was called David, and his dad designed and built the house, although he was a much older man than most of our fathers and carried a long, white beard – very Victorian. His mother was a kind and folksy woman who always seemed to be in a pinny, and she used to pick wild herbs and plants for cooking and did most of the gardening, too. Some of us used to go to David’s house to play after school and it was lit with oil lamps and Tilley lamps – I can still hear the hiss of those lamps

blackmorevale.net when I close my eyes and think back. The family had a big shed, 30ft long, and we used to take a lamp in there in winter and mess about with wood and metal and use his dad’s tools. Different days, but not really so very long ago. There were about 15 houses in our part of the village, which was close to the tiny village school and hall. The entire village was very spread out having the pub and village shop a mile away to the west of us and the church a half mile to the east, all in a fairly steepsided valley. I can still remember many of the names of the families in each of those houses. I started school in the January, when I was five – I seem to recall it was the day after my birthday and I do remember it had been snowing. So, we walked to school in wellies with our mothers and changed into shoes when we arrived, hanging our coats around the coal fire in the classroom on the fireguard. I doubt if children will ever have an open fire in classrooms again, or, given the regularity of our wet and dreary winters, walk to school in January in snow. We had a local bobby, Mr Wheeler, who would come and tell us in a kindly way that if we were caught breaking windows or scrumping apples, not only would he give us a clip around the ear but so would our fathers. We didn’t break windows, but we did make sure we weren’t caught in the apple orchards! The Reverend Ford would also

speak to us but he never preached, preferring to talk more about kindness and community – we did struggle to take him seriously in later years as, with his slightly protruding front teeth, he was a dead-ringer for Dick Emery’s vicar! A visit by the reverend caused me the first cringeworthy moment of my life, when I was about eight or nine, and I still shudder when I think of it. During a practice session singing hymns, we were told to learn a new one – Once in Royal David’s City. Well, one skill I had then and still have now is an excellent memory and it only took me about 15 minutes to learn the words. Thinking I could go and read a more interesting book than a hymn book, I put my hand up and told the headmistress that I had learnt the words – and could I please do something else. She said, ‘well done’ and as I glowed in the praise, she followed it with ‘but if you have learnt it already, please come to the front and sing it to the entire class’. My legs wobbled, my hands were clammy, I was as red as a beetroot and sweat beads formed on my brow. All my life I have had a voice somewhere between someone shovelling gravel and a dentist’s drill. I got to the front of class, ‘sang’ a couple of verses and was excused after that, sitting down in my seat to prevent my jelly legs giving way under me. Lesson learned. Keep your mouth shut in future Selby.

by Tria Stebbing NEW year brings a time of reflection and peace. For us it brings time for him outdoors to indulge in his own mindfulness. The tree is down, the flock are fed and the cows have returned to the top of the hill, so it must be time to lay a hedge. The National Hedgelaying

Society describes hedgelaying as ‘a craft that preserves the past and protects the future’, a great description of the love and care put into this ancient craft. Laying a hedge involves partially severing the stem of the tree or hedge, bending or laying it down at an angle of about 45 degrees.

Mindfulness is…laying a hedge Hedgelaying is ‘a craft that preserves the past and protects the future’

Continued on page 67

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Turkey time and shortest day been and gone by Ruth Kimber HAPPY new year to you all! The Christmas turkeys looked wonderful, but as they had to be shut in, away from the fields, they grew more than predicted. We know they ate more! We had to keep them in because of a government directive on bird flu, and we are very grateful we escaped the disease. The birds’ changed living circumstances meant we picked up lots of turkey eggs, and we decided to sell this unplanned harvest in aid of the Farm Crisis Network. We had a good season for turkey sales, lots of whole birds and crowns, and turkey breast rolls. December was dominated by the turkey work, with lots of preparation on the farm to get over the increased workload. The same went for the shop – our staff worked doubly hard to get over the much-increased

worload to get Christmas delivered to the various destinations we serve. The farmland is now really wet – let’s hope the ground water reserves and reservoirs are filling. With changing weather patterns, we must all learn to conserve water, our most precious resource. Remembering years past, my father always selected a handful of sweet hay for the crib we had indoors and one for the church. One year our pet cat decided it would make a perfect place for her to have her kittens! The figures in the stable suffered some damage, one of the kings losing his head, and we had to carefully put a cocktail stick between body and head! I still have the same set of figures, and the story has gone through the generations. It is a special job for a grandchild to set up the nativity. As has become part of our

Farmland is now really wet after lots of rain

Christmas routine, we also had a lifesize Nativity in a stable on a trailer at the farm shop. The Christmas season is busy for many, including those who arrange a Christmas church service, carol service, christingle and midnight mass. Christmas morning communion, with many parishes being in interregnum – that is without a parish priest – can fall to retired clergy and the people of the church to keep it going. We have to thank this group of retired rectors for all their work. It is amazing how quickly the shortest day has come and gone, and we can soon look forward to lengthening days and the changes of birdsong. Past NFU chair, Baroness Batters, has been working on a

government paper looking into national food security, nature protection and profitable farming. She spoke of active family farms producing food for the nation and exports, at the same time as protecting and delivering for nature, the difficulty for farmers in making a fair profit and the threat to these farms with Inheritance Tax issues. The paper has just been published by the Government and runs to 150 pages with many recommendations, particularly drawing attention to climate change and Europe’s unstable position following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. National food security should be up there with national security.

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Farming

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net Continued from page 64

A bill hook is used to make the cut, which is not too deep to sever the limb but deep enough to bend, a skillset in itself. It is a winter craft as hedges can only be worked on out of bird nesting season, so November to March. When I did some research, I discovered that the first description of hedgelaying is in Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War, when his army was inconvenienced by thick woven hedges during the Battle of the Sabis in Belgium. Once the branch or limb is down, it can be woven into its neighbour, cutting away at the wood on the side of the stem and in line with the hedge, this is called a pleacher or pleach, the piece of bark or sapwood left is crucial to keep it alive. Over time the pleach will die, but the base, the stool, at ground level should grow a new stem. Upright stakes made from sticks and offcuts are placed along the line of the hedge, to give it extra strength. Different areas finish the laying differently – in the north of the country, the hedges are designed to keep

heavy bullocks in, the stakes face the road and the brush is on the animal side. In Somerset and Lancashire, double stakes are used but no bindings. The hedges around our field have been laid and provide shelter for the animals in bad weather, the thickness keeping the worst of the wind out. The hedge has rejuvenated itself and provides a habitat for many birds and protection of the grass in growing season. This year I have benefited too, as well as the birds, with an abundance of berries and sloes. My part in hedgelaying is to help with clearing the scrap branches away and providing endless cups of tea followed by hearty farmer fodder. Belle is now only six weeks away from the calf being due, so we will be looking at finding the best spot for her. A lot will depend on the weather, wet and mild or cold and frosty? Happy new year to all the followers and supporters of the column – fingers crossed it is a better one than last year.

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Successful year for young farmers THIS year, Wincanton YFC have had another exceptional year, with more than 70 members being part of the club. They have all chipped in, in their own ways, helping to contribute to the club and its efforts in fundraising for charity this year. The club’s chosen charities for the year were Yellow Wellies and The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital. We picked a local charity to the club and a charity that is having a big, positive impact in the farming industry currently and will in the future. To fund for our charities this year, we as a club held a Cava and Canapé evening, online raffle, Father’s Day Clay Shoot and we were lucky enough to do some Glastonbury Festival stewarding. We’ve had some great fun hosting these charitable events and raised some amazing funds for the charities and the club. With the year at an end, Wincanton have decided that we will donate £500 to both charities of their fundraised money and have donated some amazing amounts to the Wincanton Food bank. We are sure that these charities will appreciate this donation. Wincanton YFC would like to thank everyone that has spread the word and helped out this past year. We look forward to seeing the club thrive another year! ADVERTISING FEATURE

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Property

blackmorevale.net

So, what’s the worst day to move house..? WHETHER it’s triskaidekaphobia – fear of the number 13 – or paraskevidekatriaphobia – fear of Friday the 13th – it’s certainly true that fewer people choose to move home on Friday the 13th. But is it really the unluckiest day of the year? Armishaws Removals has searched ancient texts, spoken to oracles and danced under a full moon to determine the unluckiest dates for anyone thinking of moving home. n April 4 IN Chinese, the word for the number four – sì – sounds remarkably like the word for death, so April 4 is their Friday the 13th. n April 14 TERRIBLE tornadoes, sandstorms, hailstorms, the assassination of Abraham

Halloween may not be the best day to change abode

Lincoln and the sinking of the Titanic all occurred on this day. n April 19 WESTLIFE released their first single, Sweat It Again, a truly dark day in pop music history. n April 24 1971, the play Frank Merriwell opened and closed on Broadway on the same day. The date is now considered unlucky in theatrical circles. It’s also the date the Trojan Horse entered the city of Troy.

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n June 28 ON this day in 1914, Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, was assassinated, sparking the First World War. Golfer Lee Trevino was struck by lightning at a tournament in Illinois in 1975, and in 1925 Arnold Dolmertsch moved to Surrey, where he popularised the teaching of wooden recorders in schools, creating ear-splitting torture for millions of parents. n August 6

THE world’s oldest tree, known as Prometheus, was cut down by a graduate student studying climate change in 1964. The tree, located in Great Basin National Park, was estimated to be nearly 5,000 years old. n August 8 IN India, the number eight represents the Shani, the Hindu god of misfortune, making the 8th of the 8th a date shunned by many. n August 15 IN Japan, August 15 marks the anniversary of the death of Buddha in 483 BCE making it very bad luck for couples to marry on this day. It was also on this date in 1040 that King Duncan of Scotland died in a battle against his cousin and rival, Macbeth. n October 31 ALL Hallows Eve – Halloween – carries all kinds of dread and fear – unless you happen to sell sweets or fancy dress costumes. Read more house moving articles online at Armishaws. com/blog

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Property

blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Property

Ups and downs in property market MUCH of the UK’s housing market saw modest price growth last year but that has not been the case for sellers in some areas. Across the UK, the average house price showed growth of 2.6% in the year between September 2024 and September 2025, climbing from £264,750 to £271,531, according to analysis from Springbok Properties. Several regions delivered steady, albeit modest growth, including the south west and south east. In both regions, prices increased by 0.9%. Others have shown stronger momentum, with Yorkshire & Humber up 4.5%, Scotland prices up 5.3% and Northern Ireland up 7.1%.

London is the only region where prices have fallen in the past year, by 1.8%. The City of London has seen average values collapse by 15%. Westminster is close behind with a 14.4% drop, followed by Kensington & Chelsea (11.3%), Tower Hamlets (8%) and Hammersmith & Fulham (6.9%). Other housing markets that have performed poorly include Merthyr Tydfil in Wales (6.3%) and the City of Aberdeen in Scotland (6.2%). Coastal and rural districts such as Ceredigion (6%), Eastbourne (5.2%), Torridge (4.4%), Hastings (4.4%), and Rother (4.3%) have also seen significant price reductions.

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290

Christmas comes early for sellers at auction

Symonds & Sampson’s final auction of 2025 was a true Christmas cracker with fifteen lots under the hammer across six counties. Auction partner Meredith Wallis was pleasantly surprised by the prices achieved for garage sites at the auction. “We offered sites in Poole, Wimborne, Wareham, and Portland, all ofHazelbury whichBryan generated a tremendous level Bowridge, Gillingham Guide £1,250,000 Guide £1,150,000 Bowridge, Gillingham Guide £1,250,000 Hazelbury £1,150,000 fine period farmhouse a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating extendedBryan and modernised period house combining Guide character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 An Marnhull Guide £525,000 A fine period in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating extended and modernised period house combining character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 with Marnhull Guide £525,000 of Afrom in informer the lead up the auction, 60contemporary people downloading the legal 1737 the farmhouse farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4to bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with family living in quiet location onvillage a noAinterest fine Grade II listed Post House with attractive gardens, AAn character south-facing stone house in anaexcellent central 1737 thebarn/workshop farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4 andchurch 2 bathrooms. charm with family living in aexcellent quiet location on asouthno-2.40 gardens, A fine II listed former Post House withvillage attractive A character south-facing stone house ingarage, anand central village Outside isGrade a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and through roadcontemporary views, land stables. In alland about double workshop a from substantial and lovely views tobedrooms the and location with awith largewonderful oak-framed Outside istotal a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, largeguides, garden and through road wonderful views, land andand stables. In alland about 2.40 packs. sold at double their others 220%, 126% 50% above a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and location with awith large oak-framed double garage, workshop southpaddock, inSome 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available. acres. CTB F,at EPC D, Freehold. surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. paddock, in totalcountryside. 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available. acres. CTB F, EPC D,E.Freehold. surrounding CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB Freehold. Sturminster Newton 473766 Sturminster Newton |473766 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton || 01258 472244 Sturminster | 01258 guides. Local competed against bidders from further Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 afield, all recognising Sturminster Newtonbidders 472244 Sturminster | 01258 |473766 a solid investment opportunity”. Amongst other lots sold on Friday were • Land on the outskirts of Wincanton selling for £10,000 per acre, • Mixed-use investment properties in Blandford and Christchurch, both selling in excess of their guides • There was great interest in a delightful cottage at Sandford Orcas near Sherborne (, in a cottage near Par in Cornwall, and in a house at Amport in Holwell Guide £825,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 Holwell Guide £825,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 A North Cheriton OIEO Hampshire. An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 A North Cheriton OIEO An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. G, EPC B, but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart ofCTB this most desirable

wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre. CTB An attractive, double-fronted property away on wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre. CTB An attractive, double-fronted property away on D, Freehold. an EPC idyllicF,country lane with character features throughout and views over

countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. G, EPC B, D, EPC Freehold. but retains great charm. It is situated in theone heart ofCTB this desirable an idyllicF,country lane with character features throughout and views over The showstopper was ofmost Ilminster’s most important private Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. residences, Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sturminster| Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 Sherborne 01935 814488 Sturminster 01258814488 473766 Sturminster | 01258 473766 of £550,000 was easily Sherborneexceeded, ||01935 Sherborne | Newton 01935 814488 Sturminster | 01258814488 473766 and the sale concluded where the guide price 18% above the guide price.

“2025 has been a vintage year for the auction department with varied lots across the south and west”, concluded Meredith, “we have sold agricultural land and woods, cottages and houses for renovation, development sites, farms, and commercial properties. Add in the odd water tower, and it certainly has been an eclectic year”. Find the resultsGuide from£1,100,000 all of our 2025 auctions on the Symonds & Sampson Guide Donhead StStMary Guide £775,000 Guide£800,000 £800,000 Okeford OkefordFitzpaine Fitzpaine Mary Guide £775,000 NrDonhead Sturminster Newton Leigh OIEO £500,000 Nr Sturminster Newton GuidePrice Price £1,100,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 AA particularly spacious family with 3500 accommodation attractive and restored Grade IIII listed former farmhouse particularly spacious familyhouse house with 3500 sqftftofof accommodation attractive andbeautifully beautifully restored Grade listed former farmhouse Tucked away down aa ano through lane is extended and AAn tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious website, and meanwhile, ifsqyard you would likeAn discuss entering your in Tucked away down no through lane isthis this extended andvery verywell well Ato tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house withproperty light and spacious over three floors inin location with wonderful far-reaching views with plenty and original character features along with aa 100’ over three floors aquiet quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views with plentyof ofcharm charm and originalgardens character features along with 100’ and backing onto farmland. presented 4 bedroom country home with stable & paddocks, in total accommodation, set in attractive presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. garden ininthe heart of village. over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside.CTB CTBG,G,EPD EPDD,D,Freehold. Freehold. garden the heart ofthe the village.CTB CTBF,F,EPC EPC Exempt, Exempt, Freehold. Freehold. 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. their auction calendar, please dochain. contact Mark Lewis or Meredith 4.112026 acres. CTB property E.Freehold, No onward CTB F. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster| 01258 Newton473766 | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster Sturminster Sturminster||01258 01258473766 473766 Sturminster 01258 473766 Wallis on |01258 473766. RREESSI IDDEENNTTI IAALL | | AAGGRRI ICCUULLTTUURRAALL || CC O OM MM M EE RR CC II A A LL

(from pages 28-29)

Edition 138

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Q O H E T S T J C R R C S R N

New Blackmore Vale, January 2, 2026

Property

blackmorevale.net

ST NE RU W CT IO N IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

H ◆A ◆M ◆B ◆L ◆E ◆D ◆O ◆N £700,000 Zeals

£450,000 Shepton Montague

An impressive 5 bedroom detached house tucked away within a small close of just five houses. Large sitting room with double doors flowing into the dining room, well equipped kitchen, utility/boot room, study, conservatory, cloakroom, bathroom, ensuite, large attractive gardens, double garage and new heating system with Samsung heat pump and 20 solar panels. No forward chain. EPC Rating B. Freehold.

Originally built in 1903, this former village chapel offers a rare opportunity to own a delightful individual home. Set within a garden approaching one-third of an acre, the property enjoys a tranquil setting with rural views. 2 bedrooms with feature arched windows, cloakroom, sitting room with wood burning stove, kitchen, conservatory, ample parking, garage, stable and tack room. EPC Rating D. Freehold.

WINCANTON

£410,000

An individual and deceptively spacious four bedroom detached bungalow which enjoys the benefit of a large landscaped garden. Characterful sitting room, separate dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite and useful attic room. EPC Rating: D.

SOUTH CHERITON

£430,000

A substantial three bedroom detached bungalow situated in a small close in the sought after village of South Cheriton. Spacious sitting room with open fire, separate dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room, en-suite shower room, attractive landscaped garden and garage.

ST NE RU W CT IO N

There have been many people viewing properties online over the Christmas period indicating there will be a busy start to the year. If you are considering moving in 2026 we will be delighted to provide a free valuation and marketing advice. IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Happy New Year from all the team at Hambledon Estate Agents

£149,950 Wincanton

£100,000 Wincanton

Characterful two bedroom end terrace cottage situated Delightful 2 bedroom first floor apartment accessible within easy reach of the town centre and nearby park. via both lift and stairs in the well-regarded retirement Please call 01963 34000 or email Charming open plan living room/kitchen with attractive development of Homecanton House. Entrance hall, fireplace providing a warm & cosy ambience, bath/ lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom and attractive steve@hambledon.net to book an shower room & kitchen featuring exposed brickwork and house situated within a short walk of communal with seating areas. A spacious four bedroom terrace An exceptionally well presentedgarden three bedroom semi-detached house with appointment. stunning far reaching a breakfast bar. EPC Rating E. Freehold. EPCviews Rating B. Wincanton Leasehold. and countryside beyond. local schools. The property enjoys the benefit of a loft conversion creating over

BRUTON

£225,000

WINCANTON

£226,500

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

ST NE RU W CT IO N

a master bedroom with dressing room/study and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

£357,500 Bourton WINCANTON

£145,000

£440,000 Henstridge WINCANTON £179,950

An exceptionally well-presented 3 bedroom link-detached house, situated on the edge Beautifully presented 3 bedroom attached house set within a large landscaped garden. An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular of Bourton with an outlook over development. adjoining fields. Spacious Generous sitting L-shaped kitchen/dining room,bathroom, Stunning dining hall featuring an inglenook fireplace, is sitting room with wood burning a mature room, kitchen/diner, residential development. The property presented in excellent orderstove, and bright and welcoming living room, triple glazed windows, downstairs cloakroom, large master bespoke fitted kitchen, cloakroom, galleried landing,enclosed exposed beams, family easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first enjoys the benefit of aimpressive car port, long driveway, garden,stylish sitting bedroom with en-suitetime shower room, delightful garden and off road parking. bathroom, room, impressive principal bedroom with en-suite, charming summer house and solar buy. EPC Rating:landscaped C. fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D. EPC Rating C. Freehold. panels. EPC Rating D. Freehold.

Wincanton W I Wincanton NCANTON 01963 0Tel: 1 9(01963) 634000 3 3 434000 000

Shaftesbury

Ha mlet Lettings

Newton G I Gillingham LLINGHAM S H Shaftesbury AFTESBURY S T USturminster RMINSTER N EWTON 01747 851151 01963 34006 Tel: (01747) 824924 Tel: (01747) 851151 Tel: (01258) 472647 0174 7 8 2 4 9 2 4 0174 7 8 511 51 012 5 8 47 2 6 47

HM AM ED . N. ENTE T W WW WW. W H .A BBLL E DOONN WWW.HA MBLEDON.NET

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