Above: Youngsters fill hanging baskets to brighten up Vale town centre page 30
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81 years after her girlhood milestone coincided with the biggest party in European history, Wendy Martin was the centre of attention among guests at Newstone House.
Team members at the home set out to recreate the sense of occasion Wendy still recalls, decorating the lounge with Union Jacks and inviting residents to wave them with pride.
Newstone House chef Jack Wood also replicated Wendy’s ninth birthday cake, a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberries, to help bring back precious memories for her.
And with Frank Sinatra being Wendy’s favourite singer of the 1940s, a tribute artist was on hand to sing some of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ most popular hits from the decade.
Wendy, who spent much of her youth helping and working in her father’s pub and hotel in Yorkshire, said: “My ninth birthday
was one of the best I’d had so far as it was such a massive celebration for all of Europe.
“I recall the air raid warden making an unscheduled stop to warn against the noise and lights, before being told that the war was over!”
After her 90th birthday party, Wendy
said: “It was simply the best afternoon, absolutely magnificent. I could never have imagined celebrating my 90th in such style. I thank chef Jack for recreating my cake so well.”
Wendy was joined by husband Derek, other family members and fellow Newstone House residents for the party. Derek told staff afterwards: “I can’t thank you all enough.”
Wendy is one of several Colten Care residents, including service veterans and others who were children at the time, who recall the moment they heard the long Second World War was over in Europe at last.
A BBC radio newsflash on the evening of May 7, 1945, was followed by an official announcement from Prime Minister Winston Churchill the next afternoon declaring May 8 as VE Day and a national holiday.
It prompted widespread relief and rejoicing, with people taking to the streets to celebrate.
BLANDFORD Repair Café, based at the original Scout Hut in Eagle House Gardens (DT11 7BT), is helping people and the planet one repair at a time.
The Repair Café runs every month to restore and repair items and provide advice, and has repaired everything from
bikes, lamps, vacuum cleaners and toys to kitchen appliances, iPhones/iPads and clothes.
The next Repair Café is on Saturday, June 20, from 1.30pm-4pm.
If you’d like to volunteer, or have a question, email blandfordrepaircafe@gmail.com.
AUTHOR James Arbib will share the thinking behind his latest book Stellar: A World Beyond Limits, and How To Get There at Messums West in Tisbury.
The book, co-authored with fellow RethinkX co-founder Tony Seba, offers a vision of a future where abundant and cheap energy from solar, wind and batteries, as well as cheap labour and intelligence from AI and robotics, will lead to a ‘stellar’ production system.
Arbib explains that the system will transform the very root of human civilisation and produce ‘radiance’ – a super abundance of outputs.
The book emphasises the need for systems thinking and understanding how this transformation will impact social, political and economic systems, as well as humanity.
Johnny Messum talks with James Arbib on Friday, June 5, at 6.30pm.
THIS year marks the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday, the annual initiative which invites families to visit farms and learn more about the role farming plays in their lives.
Hundreds of farms will be opening their gates on June 7, providing a chance to step beyond the supermarket shelves and meet farming champions.
Open Farm Sunday, organised by LEAF – Linking Environment And Farming –has seen about 3.5 million people visit a farm over the past two decades and meet the faces behind their food.
Some 92% of visitors last year said their trust in British farming grew thanks to the experience.
The event offers a chance to ask questions, discover how farming works with nature and leave visitors feeling more confident in their food choices.
Host farms will be offering everything from farm nature walks, tractor and trailer rides to close-up animal encounters.
Words and pictures by George Jeans IT was with great sadness Kilmington and Stourton WI marked its closure after nearly 30 years.
The ladies were unable to find a secretary from among their 36 members, and so had to close the group.
Members held a farewell pot luck supper at Penselwood to mark the end of the road.
by Hilary Daniels
NORTH Dorset Railway (NDR) is preparing for a busy summer, kicking off with a 1960s Gala Weekend at Shillingstone Station to showcase how far it has come since it was ‘closed’ in 1966.
The weekend of June 6-7 will be very much a party to celebrate all that’s been achieved.
When the conservation group came into being, the track was long gone, the signal box had been demolished, and the station buildings were semi-derelict, so it’s taken an immense volunteer effort.
Today the station is alive and thriving, and even hoping to be carrying passengers within the year.
As well as tours of the station and the signal box (which was completely rebuilt by volunteers), there will be guided walks of the new track extension, and also a couple of model railway layouts, including a steam version.
Friends and neighbours will also be joining the party. The station will be welcoming displays by the Big Yellow Bus Project, the Countryside Regeneration Trust, the North Dorset Trailway and the
Blandford Fashion Museum, along with other heritage railway projects: the Spetisbury Station Project and the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a party without home-made cake and some toe-tapping music.
Thanks to special permission from the Performing Rights Society, the station will be bopping to a soundtrack of 1960s pirate radio classics.
There will be a free shuttle bus to and from the gala, thanks to Damory Buses and Pete Kearsey, starting from Morrison’s car park in Blandford and Station Road car park in Sturminster Newton. The service will run between 9.45am and 11.15am, departing roughly every half hour or when the driver has enough passengers. Return buses will start from 2pm.
Other attractions are in the pipeline, so keep an eye on the S&DJR Facebook page for updates.
The station will be open both days from 10am until 4pm and entry is free – although donations are welcome, to aid the ongoing development and maintenance of the station and railway.
THE world’s prima ballerinas are taking to the stage in a gala night of virtuoso performance that is as at home in Tisbury as it is in Dubai.
Covent Garden Dance, the company behind the extraordinarily successful Ballet Under the Stars at Hatch House, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Founded in 2006, Covent Garden Dance brings exceptional artists from the world’s leading ballet and dance companies into intimate settings, where audiences can experience ballet at close quarters.
It puts on sold-out performances across the UK, as well as far-flung destinations including Desert Palm, Dubai, and The Island House, the Bahamas. Its loyal audience returns as much for the atmosphere as for the calibre of the performances themselves.
Throughout its history, the company has welcomed dancers and creatives from many of the major companies. It has worked with most of the world’s greatest and internationally celebrated names including Carlos Acosta, Lauren Cuthbertson, Alina Cojacaru, Steven McRae, Mara Galeazzi and Lucia Lacarra.
Its signature gala format, an eclectic sequence of short classical, neo-classical and contemporary works, has become central to the company’s appeal, offering audiences an unusually varied and immersive evening of performance.
At the centre of this is Ballet Under the Stars at Hatch House in Wiltshire, a midsummer event that has quietly become one of the more magical fixtures of the
English summer season.
Set within Hatch House’s 17th-century walled Dutch garden, the performances unfold beneath a canopy of flora in a candlelit dinner theatre where ballet, live music and fine dining combine to create an atmosphere that feels closer to a continental arts festival than a conventional gala.
This year’s anniversary performances, taking place from July 24-26, feature an international cast.
Returning artists include Ksenia Ovsyanick, a much-loved Hatch House star whose virtuosity has ensured her place on stage almost every year. She first appeared at Hatch as a very young dancer; she’s now an acclaimed principal ballerina.
This year’s special guest stars also include Myriam Ould-Braham and Mickaël Lafon of the Paris Opéra Ballet, The Royal Ballet’s rising star Viola Pantuso and
Joseph Sissons as well as the incredible Joy Womack and Xander Parish (both ex Mariinsky Ballet Principal dancers).
They are joined by leading artists from the English National Ballet, Zai Calliste and Taela Rose Graff, creating an extraordinary evening that brings together some of the finest talent on the international stage.
Covent Garden Dance continues to prove that ballet can thrive far beyond the traditional opera house or theatre and that some of the most memorable performances happen not beneath chandeliers, but under the summer stars.
To book your tickets email production@coventgardendance.com or call 01749 813313. Find out more at www.coventgardendance.com.
Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade
THIS walk is a circuit of about eight miles, much of which is on country roads without pavements so take appropriate care.
Start at the church, which has some interesting features, then pass The Slade Centre and cross the road to visit the old cemetery, now maintained by the town council as a peaceful garden of remembrance. I’ve never seen as many daisies!
Return to the road, turn left and head west for a mile. You’ll pass an ancient milestone telling you that Shaston is five miles away and Wincanton six.
When you get to a road junction turn right, north, passing a former brewery with a tower like that of a church! Follow the road up to a junction and turn right to Milton on Stour, a hamlet that’s within Gillingham Parish although it has its own inspiring church, built in Victorian times.
After visiting the church, rejoin the B3092 and continue northward for a mile to the Wiltshire boundary, which is a double-
hedged bank with a footpath alongside taking you south west through fields to join the road through Huntingford.
When the tarmac runs out, the road having turned right, continue south east along a path that goes downhill through a field that’s about a chain wide and three furlongs long until it crosses a stream via a footbridge. The route continues uphill in the same direction until it enters the next field where it heads uphill to the south to join a road leading back into the town.
Turn right and follow the road for about a mile south west, curving round to the west and then around a bend to the left, south. Soon the tower of the Church will be in sight leading you back to where you started.
ARTIST Mary Tambini is having an open studio during Dorset Art Weeks.
Her work will be on show at the Old Union Arms in Child Okeford on Monday, May 25, and Monday, June 1.
It will include paintings in oils and acrylics plus collages constructed from past work.
‘Pots and Teas’ will be on offer when two small Stour Row enterprises come together during Dorset Arts Weeks.
The ‘pots’ are created by ceramicist Joanne Rutter as part of her exhibition, which includes several other artists.
Sarah Panton is providing the ‘teas’ from her 1963 vintage caravan, usually found selling honey and cakes at local shows and markets.
The ‘pop-up’ tearoom will be serving cakes, scones and slices in Joanne’s courtyard garden next to the art exhibition.
‘Pots and Teas’ on Saturday, May 23, 11am-4pm is at Thomas’s House (SP70 QW) on the Shaftesbury side of Stour Row and will be clearly signposted.
POP along to Shaftesbury Town Hall on Saturday, May 30, between 10am and midday, for a charity coffee morning.
Enjoy fresh tea and coffee, delicious cakes and sweet treats, and good company in aid of Operation Day Room.
Fundraising to improve the patient experience at Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, organisers hope to contribute vital cash to the hospital’s charity coffers.
THE ‘two Daves’, from Blandford, are cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of a charity dedicated to getting men to talk about their mental health.
DJ Dave James, 61, and his friend, vet Dave Harding, 54, will be riding 1,000 miles in 14 days for Andy’s Man Club.
They are cycling in memory of Dave James’ stepson Kieran, who was 34 and recently married when he took his own life in October 2025.
The two Daves will be setting off on their ride on Sunday (May 24).
PICK up inspiration from the beautiful gardens around the Vale, open in June as part of the National Garden Scheme – find the full list of open gardens at findagarden. ngs.org.uk.
Donhead St. Mary, Shaftesbury (SP7 9DG)
In 1969, Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe created a water garden for Lady Anne and Captain Michael Tree. The River Nadder rises at the top of the garden and is diverted into canals, waterfalls, rills and mysterious pools through a series of atmospheric garden ‘rooms’. A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special one day event, which includes a talk and private guided tour with the garden owner, Suzy Lewis followed by tea and cake.
Open Thursday, June 11, (2pm-4.30pm).
Admission £25, children free. Pre-booking essential at www.ngs.org.uk.
Blackmarsh Farm, Dodds Cross DT9 4JX
Over 200 colourful and productive flower beds showcase a sophisticated selection of cut flowers and foliage. The flower farm supplies florists and the public for weddings, events and occasions throughout the seasons. Traditional garden favourites, including delphiniums, larkspur, foxgloves, scabious and dahlias grow alongside more unusual perennials, foliage plants and
grasses, creating a stunning and unique display. A warm welcome and generous advice on creating your own cut flower garden is offered. Easy access from a gravel car park and wide grass pathways make it suitable for wheelchairs.
Open Saturday June 28 (1pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free.
Phillips Hill, Marnhull DT10 1NU
A series of gardens surrounding a 16th century farmhouse and barns.
Designed by Justin Spink, there are colourful long borders, walled gardens, swimming pool area, cutting and vegetable gardens.
Seating and wheelchair access.
Open Sunday, June 7, (1pm-5pm).
Admission £8, children free.
Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne DT9 6JT
This large and lovely farm garden has been created since 1960 by the late Jo Earle for year-round interest. Deep borders surround the lawns near the house, filled with a variety of roses, unusual shrubs and trees, clematis and other climbers. There’s a wonderful range of tree species, some quite rare and planted a long time ago – particularly oaks. There’s also a large, productive vegetable garden.
Open Sunday, June 7 (12-5pm). Admission £7, children free.
The Street, Sutton Waldron, Blandford Forum (DT11 8PF)
Situated on the site of an old brick works the property is bordered by over 30 mature oak trees. The garden comprises a woodland and stream (Fontmell Brook), meadows, substantial vegetable garden, orchard, spring-fed pond and small semi-walled garden. Being on clay soil roses thrive.
Views to Pen Hill and Fontmell Down.
Open Friday, June 12 (3pm-7pm) and Sunday, June 14, (2pm-6pm). Admission £5, children free.
Donhead St Mary, Shaftesbury SP7 9DL
Two acres of paddock with mown paths behind house and one acre of garden around house dominated by a 120-year-old Liriodendron tulipifera, which originates from North America, and the Nothofagus trees from South America. Both are unusual plantings for a farmhouse in Dorset.
The garden is divided into separate areas by mature hedges and old stone walls. The patio and rose garden are recent additions.
Open Sunday, June 14, (2pm-5pm).
Admission £5, children free.
Bulbarrow Lane, Winterborne Stickland, Blandford Forum DT11 0ED
A three-acre hilltop garden with extensive views. Includes a swimming lake, orchards, kitchen garden, mixed borders and unusual trees – Wolemia nobolis, Ginko biloba and Monterey pine.
Roses and hydrangeas thrive. The swimming lake is surrounded by a mass planting of hemerocallis, providing a wall of orange in the summer.
The mini arboretum and fernery are different to other parts of the garden offer contrast with the gravel garden, which has a tropical feel with palms, banana, bromeliads and tetrapanax.
Open Sunday, June 14, (10.30am4.30pm). Admission £5, children free.
Child Okeford, Blandford Forum DT11 8HN
Perhaps the only school in England with a working kitchen garden growing quantities of seasonal vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table. The children have their own garden plots, which they garden every Wednesday afternoon.
Open Sunday, June 14, (11am-3pm). Admission £5, children free.
A GROUP of Dorset mums are walking the Dorset coastline in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity. Inspired by the tragic story of David –‘DD’ – Langton-Gilks, who died from a brain tumour at just 16, Emma, Kate and Lisa will walk along the elevated Dorset coastline in his memory to raise funds for the charity. DD’s tumour spread from his brain to his spine; it took six weeks to diagnose, but his parents believe it could have been spotted much earlier. Since his death, they have campaigned tirelessly with support from North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare, and used HeadSmart to raise awareness about brain tumours. HeadSmart has since evolved to the Better Safe than Tumour
Lisa are excited about the challenge ahead.
“The idea had been for a group of us to go for walk somewhere different,” says Emma Chandler, MD of Cranborne Stone in Sturminster Newton. “But the more we talked the more we realised that we could do something more meaningful. Lisa is an experienced walker, so she was well-placed to plan our route.”
The walk includes elevations of up to 191 metres above sea level and is Strava-rated hard.
“I am very touched that Emma, Lisa and Kate are raising funds for the charity,” says DD’s mum, Sacha Langton-Gilks. “It’s a really kind gesture and a very
As the war in Ukraine grinds into its fourth year, we follow the story of one family forced to resettle in the Vale by
Olena
OUR return to Kyiv took eight hours, even though we only travelled 53km. Eight long hours; the children were so quiet… I cried when we entered the territory controlled by our troops and heard people speaking Ukrainian. I was so happy.
We made it home in the middle of the night, tired and hungry – we hadn’t eaten for more than 24 hours. Everyone wanted a shower. Oh, it was so good to have a hot shower! Normality felt amazing. I quickly fried eggs, my children cried with happiness, enjoying every morsel.
And on that first night, the Russians attacked a military factory 10 minutes from us. We were woken by a powerful explosion, it seemed like the building was jumping. Liliia and I hugged each other and cried, loudly, with all the pain that was in us. I decided to run away, to take the children who had already seen enough and experienced too much and run.
In the morning I called my friend in Vinnytsia, in the south-west of Ukraine. I asked him if they had space for us to stay for some time. And that is why, a couple of hours later, we were sitting with our backpacks on an evacuation train full of frightened people, each with their own sad story.
Sat next to me was an elderly lady with a walking stick and a dog on a lead. She seemed calm, but tired. We got talking; she used to live in the town of Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, with her disabled adult son. She also had two daughters. One of her daughters left Irpin on first day of the war – took her children and went to the west of Ukraine. The second daughter had just moved into a new flat; she didn’t want to leave it, until one day it was destroyed by a Russian rocket. Then she had to leave. Her daughters had wanted to take their mother with them. But there was the problem: Irpin was occupied by Russian soldiers and one
day that lady’s son went to the shop to buy some bread and didn’t come back. Family, neighbours, friends were looking for him. He had been disappeared.
But this lady didn’t lose her hope, she was waiting. Waiting, even when all her neighbours left. She lived without heating, without water, she cooked on the fire outside, she spent nights in the shelter. And she was looking for her son. Until one night a rocket hit her house and destroyed everything. She took her dog and left to join her daughters. She couldn’t take her two cats. One of them continued running after her as she was leaving… But all her thoughts and prayers were for her son.
Listening to her story, my heart broke. I gave that lady a hug, hoping she would find her son. Some people are in a much worse situation than we are, I thought. How much pain, how many tears this war has brought. To be continued next issue…
IT was an historic first for Dorset when Dorset woman Justine McGuinness took part in an ancient ceremony and presented the Worshipful Company of Communicators’ Letters Patent to London’s lady mayor Dame Susan Langley in front of the sheriffs and aldermen.
Never before in the City of London’s history has the ceremony been conducted by women, both mayor and master.
The Worshipful Company of Communicators is a new livery company, representing the public relations profession.
The Sherborne Castle Country Fair returns on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May
Set in the beautiful grounds of Sherborne Castle in Dorset, this local, much-loved event is celebrating 30 years of offering a fun day out for the whole family. With dragon boat racing on the lake, main ring attractions, dog competitions, rare breeds show, rural crafts, music, funfair, vintage vehicles, fishing, food and shopping, there is something for everyone.
The event is organised entirely by volunteers and last year it raised £29,000 for children’s charities in Dorset and Somerset. The Fair itself has raised over £1.4M since it first started in 1996 and over the years has supported over 100 local children’s charities.
On offer across the main rings is the Wild West Extravaganza horse-riding stunt show, a display of majestic heavy horses and waggons, Stuart Barnes and his Dog and Sheep display and the ever-popular terrier racing. The Solar Circus is making a welcome return with day-long fun that is free to watch – look out for their colourful big-top. The Sheep Show will be providing hilarious edu-tainment! Or for something more competitive, the Retriever Team Challenges take place in the Deer Park in the morning and at the lakeside for their afternoon finale.
Elsewhere on the showground there is plenty to see, do, watch ……or simply sit and have a picnic in the beautiful Castle grounds.
Entry is £15 for an adult and children aged 14 years and under go free with a fee-paying adult. You can buy online: https://www.sherbornecountryfair.com/ tickets. Or in person by visiting The Sherborne Market on Sunday 17th May, 10am – 3pm. Cards or cash accepted.
Don’t forget that money raised from ticket sales goes to the charities that the Fair supports. So you can enjoy a lovely day out whilst also supporting charitable youth work in your local area.
Organised and run by volunteers to raise funds for West Country Children’s Charities 25 TH MAY 2026 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
by Dr Rebecca Hiscutt PHD
MORE than 50 women came together at Wincanton Memorial Hall for a free women’s health event, organised by health coach Megan Perrin, working with the Wincanton Health Centre team.
The aim was to bring health information into the community. The events included two talks on women’s health and expert contributors on pelvic health and the intersection of menopause and cancer.
What we covered
We worked through the span of women’s health from first period to menopause and beyond. Dr Naomi Startin brought her extensive GP perspective on conditions affecting women across these stages.
My talk focused on The Metabolic Thread, the connection that runs through every stage of a woman’s hormonal life. Metabolic health describes how well your body produces and uses energy, affecting hormones from puberty to menopause. When it’s under strain, it can affect
menstrual cycles, fertility, menopausal symptoms and overall health.
The symptoms women associate with perimenopause (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and weight gain) overlap almost entirely with the symptoms of poor metabolic health. The tools to balance metabolic health make a difference.
Repeated blood sugar spikes can disrupt the signals between the brain and ovaries, affecting periods and ovulation. In
perimenopause, blood glucose swings have also been associated with hot flushes and brain fog.
To smooth blood glucose levels, include protein, fibre and natural fat in every meal. Three easy wins are: sliced meat or fish, cheese, a boiled egg, olives, cucumber and nuts; Greek or Skyr yogurt, berries and nuts; eggs your favourite way with avocado, mushrooms or tomatoes.
Use your big muscles after meals by going for a short walk. Ten minutes helps your muscles absorb blood sugar, softening the effects on mood and energy.
The full talks are available online: www. youtube.com/watch?v=zi4L2QDqBlc and www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_JyFhgLEGE
Questions covered endometriosis, PCOS, HRT and painful periods; many asked if we’d run more events – we will!
There is something important about bringing people into a room together, hearing someone else ask the question you hadn’t quite dared to yourself, and not feeling alone.
MAX Gate, the historic home of author Thomas Hardy on the edge of Dorchester, featured at the start of a new series of the BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, which aired last week.
The series, which celebrates the experts and volunteers caring for the places and collections in the National Trust’s care, is on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Max Gate, designed by Hardy himself in 1885, reflects his ambitions as an established figure in Dorset society. He wrote literary classics including Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure there, along with much of his poetry.
In the programme, viewers saw the National Trust team and specialist conservators at work restoring its sundial, a memorial designed by Hardy and erected after his death in 1928 by his wife, Florence.
“It’s extraordinary to see Hardy’s design brought back to life,” said Scott Welland, visitor operations and experience manager at Max Gate. “Every detail is a testament to Hardy’s vision.”
The episode also explored the wider Dorset landscape that shaped Hardy’s life, writing and love of nature, from the countryside surrounding his birthplace to the Cerne Giant.
The Wessex Event Company are delighted to be holding our 5th Summer Fair in the beautiful house and grounds at Bryanston School on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May this year.
Bring the whole family for a fabulous day out, there is something for everyone.
After being inspired by over 100 artisan foods, crafts, plants, garden furniture and accessories, why not chill out in our two Street Food Areas, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks, lunches and afternoon treats, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Thai, Falafels, Dorset Lamb burgers, Greek BBQ, Mac and Cheese, Hot Potatoes, Ice Cream, Churros and Crepes, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or something slightly stronger from the Outpost Bar. While you sit and eat and relax you will be entertained by fabulous local musicians.
Our popular workshops will again be taking place over the weekend, with Children’s Chocolate Lolly making and new this year Forest School and Pottery painting workshops for all ages., pluss flower arrsnging demonstrations on both days.
There will also be the ever popular falconry displays, classic cars and live fire shows.
There is so much for children to enjoy. Our children’s entertainments will include a climbing wall, cave, bouncy castle, rides, games and face painting., and new this year axe throwing and archery (both in a secure, supervised area}. We also have a Circus Skills Workshop, on both days for children to participate in and learn some of magic of the circus, Andy the Magic Man, Rugby Tots, Craft Area, Alpaca walking and meet the Disney Princesses and Superheroes.
The cost of entry is just £5 for Adults, with children under 16 just £1, making this one of the most affordable, family friendly, value for money days out you will find in the area this summer.
So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful day out in the most beautiful of settings.
We would like to thank our sponsors Meyers Estate Agents, The Blackmore Vale Magazine and Holt Recruitment for their continued support of our events.
MEMBERS of the Dorset Drafters cycling group cycled the distance to the moon as they raised thousands of pounds for the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal at Dorset County Hospital.
The cyclists collectively cycled more than 230,000 miles over last year in their ‘Moonshot’ challenge which saw them raise £3,600 for the appeal.
Members of the group, which was formed in 2023 and has now grown to a membership of 340, added up the total distance they cycled around Dorset, the rest of the UK and abroad in 2025.
Dorset Drafters member Brian Stalker worked for Dorset County Hospital for 30 years before retiring and was delighted to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. He said: “Dorset County Hospital is the local hospital to
us and provides essential care to the community. It was important to us that we could fundraise for it.
“The improved facilities and larger capacity of the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit will improve patient care when people need it, often under extremely traumatic conditions.”
Dorset Drafters member and organiser Andy Jones added: “The Moonshot challenge took place throughout the year and involved cumulative mileage from all our members. At the same time, individual members set their own challenges, contributing to our overall fundraising total.
“It gave our members a target which got them out cycling. We actually exceeded the distance of 230,000 miles, which was a great achievement by all.”
Simon Pearson, head of DCH Charity, said: “This is an
incredible achievement and a fantastic example of how community fundraising can be fun, inclusive and raise significant funds for Dorset County Hospital at the same time.
“We are very grateful to the Dorset Drafters for their hard work and commitment, and to those who donated.
“Supporting the appeal and funding state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in the
Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at DCH will make a difference to local people and families for generations to come.”
Dorset County Hospital’s new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit is set to open in 2027. DCH Charity’s £2.5 million appeal will fund enhanced facilities and state-ofthe-art medical equipment for the new development.
VALE resident Peggy Shepherd celebrated her 100th birthday on May 16, enjoying a tea party with her family and friends.
Guests wore a wonderful array of fancy hats. The prize for the best went to Peggy’s granddaughter Pauline for her effort ‘100 Pegs for Peggy’s 100th’ (pictured).
Peggy spent her childhood in
Yeovil with two sisters and a brother. In WWII she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), where she met her husband George, who was in the RAF.
Peggy has two children, Sue and Dave, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who are all proud of their lovely mum and nan.
by Andrea Airey
THE Friends of the Yeatman Hospital are delighted with their website’s major revamp.
The new site – www.friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk – was launched after many months of drafting, redrafting and compiling informative and helpful content.
The site details the Friends’ work, as well as information about events for Friends or for the general public.
You can also follow the Friends on Facebook (Friends of the Yeatman Hospital) to keep up to date with events and work.
The Friends would like to extend thanks to Charlotte Craig at Neon Web Design for her patience and guidance.
UNLEASH your energy this May half-term, as the National Trust and Pokémon team up for the exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail at Kingston Lacy.
Search for 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon across 10 trail points around the property.
Each trail point features a simple physical or creative challenge inspired by different Mega Evolution Pokémon, blending imaginative play with gentle activity.
A trail sheet will help young trainers keep track of their discoveries and at the end of the trail, explorers can celebrate their achievement together with a photo opportunity at a Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail backdrop.
The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are included with standard admission (free for NT members) and run in line with local May half-term dates. Themed activity sheets and trail sheets will be available. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/events
THE 25th anniversary Fun Day & Fun Dog Show, organised by the Shaftesbury branch of Save the Children, is hoping to raise a record sum at this year’s event.
The popular fun day and dog show at Upper Leigh Farm, East Knoyle (SP3 6AP), on Sunday, May 31, last year coined in £4,750.
The event runs from 11am5pm and includes a short dog agility performance at 2pm in the dog ring area followed by the dog show, which gets under way at 2.30pm.
The event is held annually in the gardens at Upper Leigh Farm, home to Nat and Katie Page – Katie is chair of the Shaftesbury branch of Save the Children.
Stands will showcase the
work of local artisans and stalls will include pre-loved clothes and accessories, home grown plants, quality bric-a-brac, wine tombola and lucky dip.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide selection of refreshments, including the Hyde Barbecue, home-made cakes and teas, savouries and drink.
Conor, the Shaftesbury busker, will be performing throughout the afternoon and will be happy to play requests.
Dog lovers are invited to enter their pets, and a wide range of fun classes are on offer with everything from the dog which most resembles its owner to dog with the ‘waggiest’ tail.
Entrance is by donation to Save the Children and plenty of parking space will be available.
Fern Brook Lodge residents shared memories of looking after the family home during a ‘spring cleaning’-themed reminiscence session.
The residents, who live in the care home on Fern Brook Lane, welcomed Jan from Rural Rhymes and Reminiscing to lead a session themed around items used for household chores in years gone by.
Jan brought a range of memorabilia including washing powder, washboards and carpet sweepers to spark memories for the residents about caring for their own homes over the years.
Fern Brook Lodge provides residential, respite and dementia care. A dedicated activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
Residents have a choice of private and communal lounges and dining rooms to relax indoors, as well as The Brook community space which hosts a range of events throughout the year. Care home residents also have access to a large garden area with wide, flat walkways and raised flower beds to make them accessible to everyone.
Fern Brook Lodge hosts its own Memory Cafe sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm for people living with dementia and their carers. It is supported by Age UK North, South and West Dorset and there is no need to book –just drop in on the day.
Gillingham Showroom 01747 833 789 Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG Opening Hours Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturdays by appointment
DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is encouraging everyone enjoying the sunny weather in our beautiful countryside to bring a picnic and not a barbecue. Warm and breezy weather increases the risk of fires in our open spaces. A wildfire can escalate quickly, so the fire service is asking everyone to follow simple safety advice:
• Stay alert for signs of fire – smoke, heat or unusual smells. If you spot anything worrying, call 999 immediately. Consider downloading and using What3Words to identify your exact location.
• Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are banned in many parts of Dorset.
• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows –take your litter home.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires or light barbecues as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.
• You can also help by reporting any anti-social behaviour anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555111. Landowners and land managers are also advised to be prepared for fires and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.
For more information on heath fires and countryside safety, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/ heath-fires-and-countryside-safety.
FURRY FRIENDS
Monday: 9am - 5pm Tuesday: 9am - 6pm Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 6pm Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
It’s right at the beginning or end of your Milldown walk, I normally go in for a coffee and some pet snacks as the doggy pick and mix’s are awesome. Staff are great know their onions, full of great advice, saved me a trip or 2 to the
Ella’s our little miracle
Ella’s mum Chloe says Julia’s House is helping to fill her daughter’s world with giggles and laughter...
When she was just three days old, we were told to prepare to say goodbye. Her consultants didn’t think she would survive long enough to come home. But Ella is five now, and she continues to surprise everyone.
Ella has the most severe form of Edwards’ syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects almost every organ and causes significant developmental delay. Children with this condition are often described as ‘incompatible with life’, but anyone who has met Ella knows how wrong that label is. She’s the happiest little girl you could ever meet – she’s constantly beaming. She loves her Labrador Rufus, having fun, and rough and tumble play. And she loves anything silly – basically the more silly you are, the more she’ll laugh!
Every moment matters
Ella was 3lb 4oz when she was born, and at her lowest weight in those first days in NICU she was just 2lb 9oz. She was so teeny-tiny.
When Ella was six weeks old, they let us bring her home. It was an unbelievable feeling. We were living with Kyle’s parents at the time, and we decided to surprise them. It was so nice and surreal really.
But then two days later, she became violently sick. She’d been given a rich feed for weight gain and her little body couldn’t handle it. She died in my arms, and I had to give her CPR to bring her back to life. It was terrifying. I laid her on the floor, and she was so tiny that I had to use just one finger on her chest, and I breathed over her whole face.
Thankfully, she came around almost straight away. And within minutes the paramedics had arrived to help us.
They sent Ella home from hospital that evening but the next day it happened again. This time, it felt like we knew what to do and it was awful but not as dramatic. The doctors changed Ella’s milk after that and fortunately it never happened again!
Up until she was around four years old, any little bug would make her really poorly and we’d end up in hospital. She is still susceptible, and we had a really scary stretch in hospital earlier this year, but things feel like they’ve calmed down a lot now.
Ella might be diddy but she is tough, and we have learned to treasure every single moment together
A safe space
Ella has been supported by Julia’s House for two years. She adores her nurses and carers, especially her named nurse, Molly, who always brings out the biggest smiles and giggles.
Ella loves anything sensory. At the hospice she’s a big fan of playing in the sensory room, or getting messy with sand, shaving foam, paints, all that sort of stuff. She loves music and reading and she loves when they do the baking at Julia’s House. She just loves it all really!
Most importantly, we know she is safe. We can relax, knowing the team understands Ella completely and knows exactly what to do if anything happens.
Fun and friendship
We do have to be cautious about where we go with Ella because she is extremely vulnerable, so she tends to miss out on socialising with other children. That’s why Julia’s House is so special. It’s a place where Ella can be herself, safely surrounded by other children who understand life with complex medical needs.
The moment we arrive, Ella gets excited. She loves the children, the noise, the music and the fun. She thinks kids are the funniest people in the world.
Julia’s House is your local children’s hospice, providing specialist care for children with life-limiting conditions and support for their exhausted families, giving them all a chance to have the magical moments and memories every child and family deserves.
Our amazing nurses and carers bring clinical care, fun, laughter and compassion to the children they support. And we give exhausted parents a much-needed respite break from around the clock care, with the peace of mind their child is in safe hands.
Read more of Ella’s story and discover how Julia’s House support families in your community. juliashouse.org/ella
FANS of real ale helped the Dorchester Beerex event at the Corn Exchange in the town make a profit of £24,000 and help good causes.
The sum was beyond the expectations of the Dorchester Beerex committee, made up of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club members.
The main charity beneficiary of the beer festival, sponsored by Cerne Abbas brewery and held in February, was People First Dorset.
The charity works with people with learning disabilities collectively and individually to promote self-awareness and acceptance in the community, as well as life skills such as social interaction.
People First Dorset was presented with a cheque for £10,000 – the biggest individual charity payment Dorchester Beerex has ever made.
At a cheque presentation, the group’s manager, Laura Kerr, said: “This amount of money is amazing and will make a huge difference to our day-to-day running.
“We will use the money for various activities, including interaction groups,
friendship groups, speaking up groups and independent advocacy.”
West Dorset CAMRA and Beerex 2026 chair Bruce Mead said: “It was a joy and a pleasure to have People First Dorset as our main charity.”
Dorchester Beerex committee members with charity representatives including (front, from left) Laura Barnes and Trudy Ritsema of the Dorchester Youth & Community Club, Bruce Mead Beerex & West Dorset CAMRA chair, Kerry Martin and Laura Kerr from People First Dorset and Mark Tattersall of Dorchester Arts Centre. PHOTO: Rich Gabe
Further funds from the raffle, which totalled £4,000, were presented to Dorchester Youth & Community Centre in Kings Road.
Youth worker Laura Barnes said: “Every penny of this money will go to young people, assisting with day trips, craft activities and day-to-day financial barriers.”
Dorchester Youth & Community Centre allows youngsters to safely meet and engage with each other away from the streets.
On behalf of Dorchester Arts Centre, artistic director Mark Tattersall received a cheque for £700 which will go to finance
*Packed lunch included in these trips
*WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER - ILFRACOMBE TO LUNDY ISLAND - Apply by telephone to office number below ASAP - DV976 Sunday 7th June - £119pp SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIAL - BRIXHAM - Berryhead Hotel 2 courseFree Time Brixham - DV980
Sunday 26th July - £69pp
*WINDSOR CASTLE & RIVERCRUISE - DV973
HIGHGROVE GARDENS & 2 COURSE SET MEAL in The Orchard Room - DV981
Saturday 1st August - £114pp NO SINGLE ROOMS LEFT ONLY TWINS/DOUBLES
Saturday 22nd August - £145pp
MAJESTIC MID WALES - 4 nights B&B & Evening Meals - Includes return Journey Rheidol Railway to Devils Bridge - One-way Journey Welshpool & Llanfair railway - Visit to Powis Castle - Visit to Elan Valley Visitor Center - Guided Coach Tour - SB559
Sunday 23rd to Thursday 27th August - From £729pp-£789pp
*ANDRE RIEU - 17.30pm performance - BP Pulse Arena Birmingham - DV960
Saturday 19th September - £179pp
SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIAL - L.O.W. Chequers Inn, Rookley - DV972
Sunday 27th September - £110pp
Parkinson’s Dance classes.
These fun and stimulating classes provide therapeutic benefits, which lead to better balance for people with the condition.
Further profits will be allocated to good causes.
Members of the Dorchester Beerex Committee 2026 would like to thank all the breweries –in particular Cerne Abbas – as well as barrel sponsors, raffle prize donors and customers who helped raise such a large amount of money.
Dorchester Beerex will return on Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, 2027.
AN immersive evening promises to bring 1830s courtroom trials to life, while raising vital funds for a local history landmark.
Step back into the drama of the 1830s as two real courtroom trials are brought vividly to life before an enthralled audience, appetites sated after a delicious two-course summer buffet.
Each case – drawn from meticulous research by history volunteers from Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum – reveals the stories of young defendants, the crimes they faced, and the stark realities of 19th-century justice.
You won’t just watch – you’ll take part. Join the jury, weigh the evidence, and deliver your own verdict before the original outcomes are revealed. The first trial unfolds through a gripping scripted performance, while the second invites daring volunteers to step into the roles on the night, adding an element of
surprise and excitement.
A bar will also be open throughout what promises to be a lively and thought-provoking experience.
Tickets (£30) are available from the museum’s front desk or can be purchased online at www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/ justice-on-trial
The evening takes place at Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, Dorchester (DT1 1UY) on Friday, June 5, at 7pm.
Words: Sue Jeans Picture: Sparkly Owl
MERE Brownies met their benefactors, the Lions Club of Gillingham Mere and Shaftesbury (GMS Lions).
“We have been very fortunate to receive £170, which allowed us to buy badge books,” said Sue Jeans. “We were very pleased to welcome four members of GMS Lions to meet the children.”
Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life.
Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life. A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family. By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones.
Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life. A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family. By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones.
Importantly, you remain in
A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family. By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones.
Importantly, you remain in
Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life. A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family. By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones. Importantly, you remain in
Importantly, you remain in control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.
control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.
control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.
control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.
Oakwood Wills offers free home no obligation consultation, providing clear, friendly advice tailored to your situation, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.
Oakwood Wills offers free home no obligation consultation, providing clear, friendly advice tailored to your situation, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.
Oakwood Wills offers free home no obligation consultation, providing clear, friendly advice tailored to your situation, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.
To contact Oakwood Wills please contact us on the details below.
Oakwood Wills offers free home no obligation consultation, providing clear, friendly advice tailored to your situation, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind. To contact Oakwood Wills please contact us on the details below.
To contact Oakwood Wills please contact us on the details below.
To contact Oakwood Wills please contact us on the details below.
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Call us today on 07832 331594
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info@oakwoodwills.co.uk
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info@oakwoodwills.co.uk
info@oakwoodwills.co.uk
A consideration of the Spirit, in light of Whit Sunday
by Canon Eric Woods
IN the mystery of God, the most mysterious Person is the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the Spirit on Whit Sunday, Pentecost, in two days’ time. St Mattthew tells us that Jesus was able to breathe the Holy Spirit into his disciples. The Spirit is God in us. But what is it? What do we know about it? How can we know it?
In St John’s Gospel, Nicodemus, a leading Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Council, comes to Jesus by night, for fear of his colleagues. We can picture them both up on the flat roof of the house enjoying the evening breeze, cool and refreshing after the heat of the day. And Jesus speaks to Nicodemus of the Spirit, and Nicodemus does not understand. And so Jesus gives him a simple but profound illustration of what the Spirit is like: “The wind blows where it wills; you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from, or where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
the day – are blown away. You are refreshed. You have experienced it. Yet all the time the Spirit itself remains ultimately unknowable and mysterious to you.
So, then, the Spirit of God is not a distant phenomenon nor a theological concept nor a subject for detached discussion. We either experience it or we do not. The Holy Spirit of God is known to us as a direct experience of something of which we can be sure because it happens to us.
The Spirit, then, is like the wind. Indeed, in Hebrew, and in Greek and Latin, one word does duty for both meanings: the Spirit of God and the wind that blows over the earth. So experiencing the Spirit is like standing in the evening breeze. It feels good. You breathe more freely. The cobwebs – the cares and preoccupations of
Another ancient analogy: God is like a fire: a log burning in the night. We may understand combustion but no-one can know the mystery of the fire: we will never know what it is like to be a log of wood or a flame. Only this much can we know: we can see the dancing flame and feel the warmth from the fire. And if when we think of God and of his Son Jesus Christ and come to them in prayer and open our hearts and minds to them we see that flame and feel that warmth – then we have known, we have experienced, the Holy Spirit, and that is an experience that can never be denied. So: the Spirit can be likened to a gentle breath, or to a rushing mighty wind, or to a fire that warms. Sometimes he comes to us dramatically, powerfully; sometimes he comes softly, gently. As always, trouble only begins when some Christians say: “The Holy Spirit only comes like this” and others reply: “No, he only comes like that.” What terrible arrogance. We need to learn, and learn again, that the wind blows where it wills. No-one can dictate how the Holy Spirit comes to you or to me, or to anyone else. But come he does, if we are open to him.
VOLUNTEERS are being urged to take part in a series of events aimed at documenting Dorset’s hedgerows.
As part of the sixth Annual Make a Difference Week, run by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), seven events will take place in the county between May 30 and June 7.
The Great Big Dorset Hedge (GBDH) Project is calling on
volunteers to contribute to restoration work by surveying hedgerows, and helping to map the surveys and the data gathered.
“Hedgerows are the unsung heroes of nature conservation in Britain,” said John Calder, GBDH project manager.
“They create vital habitat connections for multiple species by linking ecosystems, including
between rural and urban areas.
“Our vision is to connect biodiversity across Dorset through our communities working together to plant hedges and trees. That’s why we are so excited to take part in Make a Difference Week.
“While we are focused on restoring our local environment, the global scale of the event reminds us that, around the
world, thousands of others are also working to regenerate nature, for the benefit of their own communities.”
To find events near you, visit www.makeadifferenceweek.org/ find-an-event.
To sign up for the Great Big Dorset Hedge Survey between Sunday, May 30 and Friday, June 5, visit www.dorsetcan.org/ hedge/volunteer
GARDENS and historic properties across Dorset are looking tip-top and ready to welcome visitors…
Stourhead
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/ stourhead
Wellbeing walks: Make a connection on a free health and wellbeing walk. Every Tuesday and Thursday in May. Times vary, check website for details. Free event. Booking required.
Walks and talks tours: Discover the story of Stourhead and its landscape garden on daily guided tours.
Throughout May, 11am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking required. Trust 10: Free 10k trail run that gives you the opportunity to take up a new challenge, get outdoors and explore Stourhead’s wider estate.
May 24, 9am-11am. Free event. Booking not required.
Wider estate walks: Stretch your legs on a guided walk around Stourhead’s wider estate and enjoy routes that highlight the beauty of each season.
May 29, 11am-1pm. Free event. Booking required.
Botanical lino printing workshop: Create your own botanical themed lino cut in this 3 hour workshop with Gemma Lane from Green Fox workshops.
June 5, 10am-1pm. Price: £50pp (normal admissions apply). Booking required.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ kingston-lacy
Kitchen Garden Tours: Discover a history of home-grown produce and experimental planting schemes on these free, volunteerled tours.
June 3, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Formal garden tours: Volunteer-led tours revealing the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.
Throughout May, check website for exact dates, 11.30am-2pm and 2pm-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required
Japanese garden tours: Discover how Japanese horticulture techniques extend beyond the traditional tea garden, and experience this beautiful English interpretation of a Japanese garden.
May 27, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2pm3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Tractor and trailer rides: Join us for tractor and trailer rides across the parkland,
and see the Red Devon cows up close. May 30,12noon-1pm and 2pm-3pm. See website for prices (normal admissions apply). Booking required.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ hardys-cottage
Explore the landscape of Thomas Hardy’s imagination in this guided walk through Thorncombe Wood. Follow Hardy’s footsteps in his Wessex landscape including Rushy Pond, the Roman Road and Rainbarrows.
June 2, 12.15pm-1.45pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ clouds-hill
TE Lawrence Walk 2026: Join our expert guides on this 4.5 mile walk around Moreton to Clouds Hill. Learn about TE Lawrence and visit important local landmarks which are connected to his life. May 21, 10am-1.30pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Photo: Fiona Norman
PARISHIONERS of St Mary’s Church in Sturminster Newton met for a special thanksgiving gathering to celebrate the successful renovation of the Grade I-listed building’s grand stained-glass east window.
Fundraising efforts for the project began in May last year, with strong support from the local community and generous grants from Dorset Historic Churches Trust and Erskine Muton Fund. This vital financial backing enabled the much-needed restoration to get underway.
Marcus Chantry Architects identified several urgent issues requiring attention, including the deterioration of the iron support bars, sections of stonework and the stained panels themselves.
Fiona Norman, churchwarden at St Mary’s, said “We are delighted with the outcome of this project. St Mary’s is a vital community building and it is so important that we continue to care for and conserve our churches for future generations.
“The project stands as a testament to the high level of craftsmanship available locally. Special thanks are extended to Hammonds Builders, Albion Stonemasons and Holywell Glass for their exceptional
work and dedication.”
“The service marks not only the completion of the project, but also the strength and commitment of the St Mary’s community,” added His Honour David Grant, chairman of Dorset Historic Churches Trust. “We are delighted to have
been able to award grants to help the project on its way. However, the funding landscape is changing with the end of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. The Government has announced that listed churches will now have to pay tax on their repairs which will make it increasingly difficult for communities to protect, preserve and celebrate our historic churches.”
If you would like to help secure the future of Dorset’s historic churches, please visit www.dhct.org.uk
Offering exceptional design and craftsmanship, Fiddleford Ridge is an idyllic setting for your new home in the heart of Dorset. Surrounded by beautiful walks and countryside, all within walking distance to Sturminster Newton town centre, discover our range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £275,000 today.
Leweston School in Sherborne is opening its doors on the afternoon of Friday 19 June for a new kind of school visit.
Experience Leweston runs from 1.00pm to 4.00pm and is open to families considering the school at any stage, from Prep through to Sixth Form. While parents spend focused time with the Headmaster, senior staff and the admissions team, children take part in real activities led by the people who teach and coach at Leweston every day.
Activity options include Outdoor Education on Leweston’s 50-acre Dorset estate, a hands-on Music session with the Director of Music, an introduction to the school’s nationally recognised Modern Pentathlon programme, a stable yard session at the Leweston Chedington Riding Academy, and science: a hands-on session that quickly breaks the ice and shows children that school can be genuinely exciting and fun. The afternoon is open to children of all ages, and the admissions team will be on hand to discuss entry points from Reception to Sixth Form. It may be of particular interest to families with children currently in Year 5 considering Senior School, or those approaching Reception. Headmaster John Paget-Tomlinson will open proceedings for parents and children together before the afternoon divides into its two programmes.
Places are limited and must be booked in advance at info.leweston. co.uk/experience-leweston, or by contacting the admissions team on 01963 211015 or admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk.
PUPILS, staff and Old Bryanstonians took part in a 10km Whole School Walk through the school’s 450-acre estate and surrounding countryside in aid of families charity Home-Start Blackmore Vale.
Head of charities and outreach, Hannah Fearnley, said: “Our Whole School Walk is a true highlight of the summer term calendar and a lovely way to kick-start the term.
“The sunshine was glorious and provided a stunning backdrop for a walk through our grounds, giving pupils and staff time to reconnect before the busy exam season begins.”
During the walk, refreshments and pupil-made cakes were served, helping to raise just over £350 for Home-Start Blackmore Vale, a charity that supports families with young children through challenging times.
The money raised will go towards ‘Mothers in Mind’, a group for mums that meets weekly in Okeford Fitzpaine.
The group provides a safe space to meet and receive advice, support and comfort from group members and from Home-Start
team leaders.
The group focuses on mothers who have experienced or are experiencing anxiety, post-natal depression, low mood or loneliness around the time of pregnancy and after birth.
The mums in the group have chosen to use the money from Bryanston to buy wooden highchairs, a wooden supermarket and accessories, a ball pit, craft sets and a baby activity gym.
SHERBORNE Boys will host its fourth annual Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week in the final week of the summer term.
Fundraising efforts are supported by sales of souvenir brochures, a prize draw and generous sponsorships.
The curtain will be raised with Abbey House’s ‘Mums and Dads v Lads’ game on Sunday, June 14, before the week swings fully into action on Saturday, June 20, with
matches against Blundell’s. Other worthy opponents include Saltus Grammar School, Bermuda, Waterkloof High School from Pretoria, Sherborne Pilgrims, Dauntsey’s and Millfield. Sherborne Girls play their inaugural match against MCC.
For more info and to donate visit www.fundraise. ruthstraussfoundation.com/ fundraisers/hughtatham/ turn-cricket-red-2026
THE governors at Sherborne Schools Group have announced that Sophie Blewitt has been appointed as Hanford Prep’s next headteacher.
Sophie brings considerable experience of leadership within girls’ education.
She was previously director of studies at Sherborne Girls as well as head of languages, assistant head of Professional Development and a tutor.
Sophie, currently the interim headteacher at Hanford, said: “I could not be more delighted. I have loved living and working here these past months. Hanford is an amazing school where a magical childhood and academic excellence go hand in hand.”
YOUNGSTERS from The Gryphon School and Sherborne Abbey Primary School have planted dozens of hanging baskets that will decorate the town this summer.
Members of Sherborne’s Youth Council and young chaplains from The Gryphon visited Castle Gardens garden
centre and planted 60 baskets. Steph Rann, The Gryphon School, said: “Projects like this are a wonderful way for young people to feel connected to their community while learning new skills and working together.”
All 120 baskets will be displayed in the town centre at the end of May.
• 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 10am-noon. Fridays –lunch club for over-55s from noon. 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, 2.30pm-3.30pm, term times only. Tuesday –Footprints, activities playtime for pre-school children, 10am11.30am 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.
• 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.
• Digby Hall, Sherborne: Mothers’ Union meeting on Friday, May 22, 10am for 10.30am start. Judy Herten will give an illustrated talk on Church Recorders.
• Friends of Sherborne Abbey: Thursday, June 18, afternoon tea with music in the church hall 3.30pm-5pm followed by Girls’ Choir Evensong in the Abbey at 5.30pm. Tuesday, September 15, Friends’ outing to Gloucester
Cathedral.• 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.
• Open gardens and church: Sunday, May 24, 2pm-5pm, Manor Farm and Droop Farm, Hazelbury Bryan DT10 2ED. Parking at Manor Farm. Entry £5 per person (children free). Tea and cake, and cake sale. All proceeds to St Mary & St James’ Church. The church will be decorated with a children’s book theme. Regrettably no dogs.
• 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 Benefice: May 24 – St Peters, Holy Communion 9.30am; St Marys, Motcombe, Holy Communion 9.30am; Melbury Abbas, Holy Communion 11.15am; Enmore Green, Morning Prayer 11.15am; St Lukes, West Orchard, Morning Prayer 11.15am; Shaftesbury Abbey, Churches Together Pentecost Service 4pm, bring a chair – St Peters if wet; St James 6pm,
service cancelled. May 31 – St James Team Service 10am followed by bring-and-share lunch.
• 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.
• Stour Vale Benefice: Sunday, May 24 – 9.15am Parish Communion, St Michael & All Angels, Stour Provost; 10.30am Morning Worship, St John the Baptist, Buckhorn Weston; 11am Parish Communion, All Saints, Kington Magna and 6.30pm Evensong, St Mary Magdalene’s, Fifehead Magdalen. Sunday, May 31 – 10.30am Benefice Service, St Andrew’s, Todber.
• 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 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 6pm.
• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.
• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second Sunday, Holy Communion 11am; third Sunday, Evensong 6pm; fourth Sunday, Matins 11am.
• Sturminster Christian Fellowship: Service every Sunday at 10.45am.
• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday May 24 - Pentecost: 9.30am Communion at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford. Sunday May 31 – Trinity Sunday: TBA – See all services on www.achurchnearyou.com/ benefice/34-308BP
• West Camel Independent Methodists: All Saints Church (BA22 7QB) Sundays May 24 and 31, 6pm. Contact Geoff. mead@yahoo.com or phone 01935 850838.
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
8 Circuitous movement in whole or small part (5)
9 Stick put in part of reactor gets to deteriorate (7)
10 Someone with an instinctive aptitude for buff colour (7)
11 Unspoken merit a citation seals (5)
12 One pillaging place in the control of monarch (9)
14 Take action against endless fatty tissue (3)
15 Brood? It’s old-fashioned on reflection (3)
Killer Sudoku Pro
16 Card? It’s fine around clubs with small amount of money (9)
19 It could supply a connection, it’s said, in set of notes (5)
21 Stay possibly around North America with liberal economic expert? (7)
23 Advertising body to reign usually (2,1,4)
24 Follow translator with trouble (5) Down
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
1 Unite at college and enlist (4,2)
2 Get in the way of work of court around summertime in the UK? (8)
3 Excite gentleman touring Thailand (4)
4 Prophetic artist discounted concerning vision? (6)
5 Members in order? Three are converted in Britain and Norway (8)
6 Necklace actor carefully conceals (4)
7 Arrange support for driving seat (6)
13 Terrible director broke rule accepting commercial fine (8)
14 Party moved into medical facility for beauty treatment (5,3)
15 Friendly college I found in rising Asian country (6)
17 Check renovation of pale section in church
18 Pet let out finds farm animals (6)
20 Old friend brings precious stone (4)
22 Political group losing power interested in aesthetics? (4)
THE devastation of Newell House School, Sherborne, has been a disaster waiting to happen despite numerous attempts by many passionate residents who foresaw such a tragedy.
A great amount of energy has subsequently been spent analysing why and who to blame?
I include myself in this angry unforgiving bastion of despair.
Some has been directed towards the various authorities permitting this, others directed towards the owner leaving his uninsured premises so dangerously vulnerable, but also, why does our society not prevent mindless vandalism?
What is wrong with our decadent permissive society that turns a blind eye to crescendos of vandalism that are so apparent with empty listed buildings?
Historic England ultimately has a responsibility for Graded properties and has a power of enforcement to prevent grades 1, 2 and 2A slipping into such a condition.
However, the arguments then enter the grey realms of what is the cut-off point of acceptable deterioration set against the rational expenses of going to court for enforcement.
This has been the conundrum for Dorset Council officers.
Sadly, the post-event care programme is going to cost the public purse eye-watering sums of money to say nothing of the utter confusion, inconvenience and disturbance to Sherborne residents and those travelling the main A30 as it tortuously winds through the narrow streets of this Conservation Area.
There is unanimous ‘anger’ throughout the town that this has been permitted to happen and I do not use that noun lightly.
Many of us have complained bitterly about this centrally placed deteriorating blot on our
landscape and have repeatedly asked the authorities, who have the power, to do something.
The response has repeatedly been that there is no money and it is not appropriate to use public funds to save a private property.
Is there no contingency for these ongoing inevitable and increasing occurrences of the destruction of our everdwindling collection of Heritage properties? I humbly suggest that there should be!
I suspect the public cost now will be considerably greater than making a Compulsory Purchase Order, which many of us requested. What is this all going to cost Dorset county?
I believe the blame should be spread across many parties – some of whom are elected representatives – as much as the alleged arsonists and owner.
Historic England and central government also need not to be let off any hooks.
What statutory legislation permits flagrant destruction and ignorance but cannot exercise its authority through lack of funds?
Someone at the highest political level in the land needs to see the bigger picture, otherwise why do we bother to attempt protecting our heritage?
If the dragon has no teeth and only dentures are fitted that come in and out when convenient, as when a listed property changes ownership and new purchasers are
hammered within every criteria of the listing regulations, where is the safeguarding of properties as Newell House School?
Noting that this Grade 2 building had been on the aware list of the Georgian Group’s ‘most at risk register’ for 26 years and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings has been nervously aware, my sympathy for ‘que faire’ has dried up.
I and other neighbours have been dreading this moment for six years and campaigning to rescue it before the inevitable happened.
All I feel is a sense of failure, sadness and anger that our legislation is so impotent.
This will continue happening across the country unless there is a strong lobby to parliament to endorse the laws of the land over conservation.
Ted Hiscock Sherborne
THE fire which recently gutted Newell House – a Grade II listed building, Save Britain’s Heritage Property of the Month in April 2023 and a distinctive part of the Sherborne townscape since the 17th century – is not merely the cause of justified shock and dismay, widespread though these are throughout the town.
It should also be the cause of considerable shame and
self-reproach on the part of Dorset Council and Sherborne Town Council, which have disgracefully failed in their duty to ensure the protection and conservation of Newell House.
Given the increasing vandalism in the town generally, and of this building in particular, the fire was entirely predictable – both councils should be held to account.
Anne Simon Sherborne
LIKE many of New Blackmore Vale readers – especially those living in Sherborne – I was horrified to see the recent fire at Newell House, but sadly not surprised.
For many years I have lobbied West Dorset Council and its successor Dorset Council about the need to safeguard this historic C17 building.
I even went with others to Dorset Council’s annual meeting to exercise our right to speak from the floor about it – only to get the same dismissive response that had been adopted in earlier correspondence.
County councils have statutory powers in relation to historic buildings but here in Dorset they have failed to exercise them.
Historic England – ‘we’re the public body that looks after England’s historic environment’ – must also bear some responsibility, and I hope our MP will be urging it to be more proactive via representations to the relevant Minister, an Early Day Motion and – if he can secure one – an Adjournment Debate.
Shaun Leavey Sherborne
I HAVE recently started using a buggy to get around Blandford,
and I am grateful to all the people who have been kind to me when I needed help.
Packing shopping and putting it in the storage bag on my seat; picking up things I’ve dropped; standing back to let me proceed; taking items down for me from the shelves I can’t reach; and many other ways.
People’s friendly attitude has helped me to stop feeling daft when I ask for help.
The pavements in Blandford aren’t very helpful to me, though.
I dread bin days for the shops in town and houses, so I’d ask people to take care when they put out things on the already narrow pavements.
Thank you all those nice folk.
Catherine Miller Via email
‘Postie’ stepped in after fall
I WAS contacted via a neighbour’s daughter that her mother’s personal alarm had been activated, but they could not get any response via the phone.
As I have a door key, I went round to the house but could not get in as her key was in the lock.
I tried the side gate, but it was also locked, but I was able to shout to the lady and establish that she had fallen in her garden, was conscious and had a lot of pain in her hip and shoulder and couldn’t move or get up.
I updated her daughter by phone, who was an hour away, and an ambulance was called.
However, I could not gain access to assist in the meantime.
At that point, a Gillingham Royal Mail postman, Ian, arrived, and managed to climb over the gate to let me in. He then stayed with the lady while I assessed her and got blankets and cushions to support her and start warming her, as she was on cold patio stones in
a very strong wind.
I was also able to update the ambulance service.
After other neighbours and the family arrived, Ian returned to duty, but I was so impressed that he waited with me, and again when he called round to my house later that day to enquire after the lady.
I feel Ian showed great kindness and concern and did not hesitate in offering assistance.
Without it the lady would have been laying on the cold ground for over two hours.
After over three hours an ambulance arrived, and the lady was taken to hospital.
The lady and her family wish to remain anonymous but do want to pass on their grateful thanks to Ian for his prompt action and concern in an emergency.
I would also ask everyone not to leave keys in inside locks as it prevents access in an emergency.
H Warley Via email
IT is a regret that I find that I must respond to correspondent Mr Keatinge – New Blackmore Vale, April 24.
The concept of burning stuff to extract some of its latent energy is fraught with issues, usually man-made and presently war and a megalomaniac trying to take control of the global fossil fuel supply.
The two major fields in the North Sea presently being discussed publicly – one oil and one gas – each contain sufficient material to supply the UK’s need for less than one year and would be sold on the global market. Energy security from that source is a myth, so the UK needs to import all gas for those somewhat aged power stations.
There is some intermittency in renewables here in the UK, but energy can be stored in
many ways for the periods they are not available, for example, pumped hydro, such as the Dinorwig system, which has operated since the 1970s and can store more than 9GWh of energy, or using disused deep mines – tin or coal and so on –with winched weights, or employing any one of a vast range of battery storage chemistries now developed.
The supplementary route, during these periods, is by using ‘interconnecting’ cables with other countries, which can generate electricity while we are not.
A grid of HVDC cables across Europe and to North Africa is not only possible but is of smaller scale than the Chinese have already constructed – always it is China when technology is mentioned.
We could also easily lay such a cable to Iceland, where huge potential exists for geo-thermal generation.
The costs of a renewable connected system, when set alongside that of the new nuclear power station at Hinckley Point, which is taking over 15 years and, probably, £40 billion – still uncertain – to bring online, to provide just over 3GW of electrical energy, are highly competitive and risks are far lower.
The failure of the National Grid to plan and invest in connection to the new wind farms and so on ahead of their construction, and link to the areas of demand, is a comment on the ownership and is no surprise to anyone aware of the ‘Thames Water’ story.
Paul East Via email
EVERY day, despite some of the best medical care available in the world via our NHS, children are traumatised in hospital.
Clinical environments,
complex and painful procedures and isolation from friends can all build up to immense levels of stress.
The anxiety can be particularly acute for little ones, who find it hard to understand what is going on.
Healthcare-related trauma experienced in childhood can lead to the avoidance of medical appointments and delayed diagnosis and treatment. It can also affect access to care in adulthood and have a devastating impact on long-term emotional wellbeing.
According to Starlight’s research, 10% of adults in the UK said their childhood experiences of healthcare had negatively impacted their mental health.
Another little known fact is that play can stop this trauma in its tracks.
Starlight provides play resources to hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. We also provide support and high quality training to health play specialists and healthcare professionals to help them support children through play. We have launched an appeal to reach even more children as soon as they need it because play can be the best medicine for babies, children and young people.
Find out how you can help children like nine-year-old Arlo, who has a rare genetic condition and has spent weeks in hospital, at www.starlight.org.uk
Hannah Mattock Individual giving manager, Starlight
£1,250 raised for hedgehog rescue
WE would like to thank everyone who supported our cake sale at Parsons Yard, Sherborne, on Saturday, May 2. We raised £1,250 and all proceeds will go to Dorset Hedgehog Rescues.
HELP4HEDGEHOGS, Sherborne
ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding a two-day auction at the end of the month.
The General Antiques & Collectors sale on Thursday, May 28, at 10am includes some strong lots.
In the militaria section a group of Victorian medals is estimated at £2,000-£3,000. There is also a group of police medals awarded to Jessie Richardson, which includes two lifesaving medals awarded by the Royal Humane Society and the King’s Police Medal; a Queen’s Service Medal awarded to Mary Anne Gough for setting up the Red Cross in New Zealand; and an original Second World War Nazi Kreigsmarine Ensign flag estimated at £200-£300.
The Jewellery, Silver &
Watches sale is on Friday, May 29, at 10am. That includes an Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels platinum and diamond set brooch estimated at £3,000£5,000, a pair of ancient Greek 22ct gold hoop earrings with bull’s head detail (£300-£500), an 18ct gold antique enamel panelled bracelet estimated at £1,500-£1,800, and an 18ct gold heavy gent’s ring set with a cabochon ruby (£800-£1,000).
Viewing is on Wednesday, May 27, 10am-4pm. The catalogue and bidding are available online through easyliveauction.com and thesaleroom.com
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
CLARKE’S Auctions saw some strong results in its latest sale, including a Coronation of George VI 1937 gold proof coin set which attracted intense interest.
Four telephone bidders and bidders on both internet platforms battled fiercely for the lot before a London coin dealer eventually secured it for £17,440, including buyer’s premium.
Other lots that achieved strong results included a William and Mary oyster veneer miniature tabletop chest which sold for £2,275, and a pair of George III inlaid mahogany serpentine-fronted knife boxes with original fitted interiors containing Georgian silver cutlery, which fetched £1,300 hammer.
A private collection of
A pair of George III inlaid mahogany serpentine-fronted knife boxes with original fitted interiors sold for £1,300
antique sword sticks also sold well above estimate, with 14 being secured by a London collector, while a ‘Beaverman’ oak refectory table and set of six matching chairs by Colin Almack – apprentice and craftsman with Robert Thompson – sold to a local Gillingham couple.
Continued on page 38
DUKE’S Auctioneers is inviting collectors and design enthusiasts to its upcoming Interiors & Design sale.
Thoughtfully curated, the auction celebrates craftsmanship, character and timeless style, bringing together an eclectic selection of furniture, decorative arts, lighting and objects for the home.
A highlight of the sale is a striking Le Verre Francais –Schneider Glassworks – Art Deco polychrome art glass lamp, signed on the base, with the mushroom dome secured in place by three art metal lobed leaves.
evocative of the Art Deco period, the lamp – pictured – is estimated at £500-£1,000.
The sale is on Thursday, May 28 at 10.30am with public viewing on Tuesday, May 26, from 9.30am-5pm and Wednesday, May 27, from 9.30am5pm.
There will be no viewing on Monday due to the Bank Holiday.
Rich in colour and distinctly
Whether seeking decorative statement pieces, practical design classics or unusual finds with enduring appeal, Duke’s Interiors & Design sale offers collectors the opportunity to discover objects of style, history and individuality.
A LARGE single owner collection of military medals, estimated to sell for £35,000£40,000, is being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne later this month.
“The owner was a professional soldier during his life and ended up as a high-
ranking officer,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.
“In retirement, his interest in medal collecting took off and he spent nearly 30 years amassing the collection.”
The owner, who lived on the
Continued from page 37
Somerset/Wiltshire border, specialised in collecting medals from The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Nearly 100 lots of medals date from the mid-1850s through to the early 21st century.
The medal collection is part of the three-day auction at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, with a vast single owner collection of
automobilia on Wednesday, May 27; medals, coins, stamps and toys on Thursday, May 28; and antiques, interiors, clocks and wine on Friday, May 29.
All lots, details and live online bidding, are available at charterhouse-auction.com
Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, are available for valuations on 01935 812277 or via rb@ charterhouse-auction.com
Continued from page 36
enquiries from anyone considering the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
Home visits can be arranged for convenience or clients are welcome to visit the salerooms in Gillingham to discuss potential consignments in person.
For enquiries about consignment into upcoming sales, probate or insurance valuations, full or part house clearances, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.
NATIONAL treasure on the folk, roots and acoustic scene, Phil Beer, is set to play Sixpenny Handley Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday, May 23).
Phil is the multi-instrumental half of the west country’s award-winning acoustic duo Show of Hands.
And with a professional career of over 36 years, he has a great deal of material to draw on for his solo appearances.
Phil Beer, one half of Show of Hands, is at Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
That includes an eclectic mix of traditional tunes, Springsteen and The Hollies covers, his own compositions and songs by his contemporaries.
Tickets for the gig, which gets under way at 8pm, cost £20 plus booking fee and are available from www. ticketsource.com/6dhandleyhall
All profits from the evening will go towards Sixpenny Handley Village Hall CIO.
THE Affpuddle Art Collective will showcase a diverse exhibition during Dorset Art Weeks at the Flint Barn, Affpuddle Manor.
Glass artist Karen Hally’s fused glass works focus on vibrant geometric design and contemporary forms, shaped by heat, layered with colour and designed to shift subtly with the light.
Wood sculptor Chris French’s carvings reflect a lifelong connection to trees shaped by memory, time and place.
And illustrator Russell
SCOTTISH singersongwriter and acoustic guitarist Simon Kempston is coming to Ashmore Village Hall.
He has performed across the world in 38 countries and released 18 albums and performed at many major music
Lawford’s intricate, meditative drawings evolve over many hours into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Together, the artists each present a rich exploration of material, form and personal narrative.
The exhibition offers visitors a chance to experience new work alongside established favourites in a beautiful rural setting.
The Affpuddle Art Collective will be exhibiting from Saturday, May 23, to Thursday, June 7.
venues and festivals. He has also been dubbed ‘one of Scotland’s very best songwriters’ and ‘a master of fingerstyle guitar’.
Simon Kempston is at Ashmore on Saturday, May 30, at 7pm.
WESSEX Musical Theatre is returning to the Hardye Theatre, Dorchester, to perform Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 the Musical, following sell-out performances of Oliver! at Weymouth Pavilion last year.
The musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist boss and their plan to turn the tables.
The production, directed by Martine Burt and with musical direction by Jonathan May, features songs including 9 to 5, Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun and Get Out and Stay Out
The show will be supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded by Dolly
Parton, and which sends free books to children every month to help inspire a love of reading from an early age.
Bucket collections at each performance will go to Dorset County Hospital’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit Appeal.
The project will fund state-of-the-art medical equipment, a patient winter garden, relatives’ accommodation and child/ adolescent mental health facilities.
Performances run from Wednesday to Saturday, May 27-30, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets are available at www.wessexmusicaltheatre. co.uk
THE Don’t Panic Festival at Stalbridge Recreation Ground will pay homage to Douglas Adams, creator of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy
The 1978 radio comedy series was adapted into a ‘trilogy’ of five books that sold more than 14 million copies in
AFTER a sold-out run, National Theatre Live is bringing a recent adaptation of Arthur Miller’s classic play All My Sons to the big screen –including a showing at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.
The post-war drama is about the Keller family, whose comfortable life hides a terrible secret.
Joe Keller allowed faulty aircraft parts to be sold during the Second World War, causing the deaths of American pilots.
When his son Chris plans to marry Ann, the daughter of the man who took the blame for the mistake, the truth begins to emerge, exposing guilt, denial
and moral responsibility.
The play explores the conflict between family loyalty and social conscience in post-war America.
All My Sons will be screened at the arts centre on Saturday, May 30.
Adams’ lifetime.
His parents moved to Grove Lane, Stalbridge, in 1964 and he holidayed and lived there in his breaks from school and then university.
Struggling with his creative endeavours in London, he returned there in 1977 and was inspired to write Hitchiker’s.
Gugg Arts, known locally as The Gugg, has organised the Don’t Panic Festival – a celebration of “imagination, environmental action, and community spirit” – for Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, from noon-6pm.
The event, 25 years after Adams’ death, will include live music and performance, environmental information and community society engagement stalls, storytelling and creative writing spaces, youth and community performances, open mic and competitions.
There will also be
community art installations, local artisans – some demonstrating their crafts with opportunities to join in – food and drink stalls, plus the WI Jam and Jerusalem Pavilion.
Don’t Panic… will also include a talk by animator and filmmaker Kevin Jon Davies, who worked on the Hitchhiker’s television series, based on his best-selling book 42, The Wildly Improbable Ideas of Douglas Adams
And Rob Hopkins will share his vision of a thriving future in another talk – his approach to climate action is said to embody the spirit of Adams’ optimistic creativity.
The event will begin at noon with a live relay of the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to Douglas Adams at parents’ home at Grove Lane.
For tickets and more information, visit www. dontpanicfestival.org
Blandford’s Hidden Gardens on Sunday June 7th is an opportunity not only to visit a number of private gardens of all shapes and sizes, but also to explore the fascinating town built alongside the river Stour.
Famous for its Georgian town centre, completely rebuilt after a major fire in 1731 and including its recently refurbished Grade I listed Corn Exchange complex and Parish Church, it has developed through Victorian and Edwardian times through to more modern 20th century estates, all of which are included on the Hidden Gardens map.
The event is organised by the Blandford Environmental Trust, which also manages a small woodland in the town centre for the community which will be open on the day. Proceeds from ticket sales go to local charities chosen by the organisers. Those opening their gardens can also raise funds for a charity or cause of their choice by offering refreshments or plants for sale. More than 20 gardens will be open this year, and tickets will be on sale from May 23rd onwards from the Blandford Information Centre in West Street and the Blandford Town Museum in the Market Place.
CAR BOOT SALE, 31st May, Burtons Community Orchard, Shillingstone, DT11-0TX. Sellers 9am Buyers 10am. Cars £5, Vans £8
LYN’s BINGO on May 25th Marnhull Royal British Legion. Sodom Lane (DT10 1HR). Eyes down 7pm.
In aid of Horatio’s Garden
Friday 29th May, 12pm-5pm
Forbes Field Garden Gathering £10 per person online, £12 on the day, DT11 8DE
Beautiful gardens, refreshments and talk from horatios head gardener buytickets.at/horatiosgarden/2115252
Saturday 6 th June and Sunday 7 th June
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Afternoon tea and raffle in the Village Hall
Tickets £6 per adult (covers both days) available from Village Hall, SP7 OQF and selected gardens. In support of local charities.
Saturday 6th June at 2.15pm
In the glorious gardens of historic Gunville Manor
Tea & homemade cakes • Produce stall Pimms station • Bric-a-brac • Books
Bottle tombola • Games...and lots more!
Live music with Izi Styles and Back to the Shack
Family fun for all
Open Showroom at Plumber Cottage, Fifehead Neville, DT10 2AL
Anne Hildyard’s collection of Central Asian robes, cushions & suzanis Turkish kelims, rugs, bags, shoes, and new acquisitions from Istanbul
Thursday 28th - Sunday 31st May & Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th June 10am-5pm
www.treasuresfromthesilkroad.co.uk
PIMPERNE GARDENS
OPEN Saturday 20th June & 21st June £5 tickets at Pimperne Village Hall
CAR BOOT SALE, Nunton Recreation Ground, Nunton, SP5 4HW. May 24th, Sellers 7.30am. Cars £5, Small vans £8, large vans £15. Buyers 8.30am. Adults 50p. Refreshments. www.newsandnotes.net/ event-list
CHARLTON MUSGROVE OPEN GARDENS.
Sunday 31 May, 1.30-5pm.
Entrance fee £10 per person, Under 12’s free. Sustainable Church Flowers Demonstration 1.30-2pm in St Stephen’s Church BA9 8ES. Raising money for both Charlton Musgrove Churches & Tools for Self Reliance
STOUR PROVOST GARDENS OPEN SP8 5SA
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24
May 2pm - 5pm
Raffle and Cream Teas
Entrance £7.50
Under 14 Free Around 10 gardens
MAIDEN BRADLEY OPEN GARDENS
Sunday 7th June, 1pm-5pm
Bradley House and village gardens
Tea and cake
Parking BA12 7HL
Entrance £10.00 All funds for charity
PENSELWOOD CRAFT MARKET, Saturday 30th May, 10am3pm, Village Hall BA9-8LS, A lovely and diverse selection of hand-made items for sale. Refreshments available.
DESIGNER-JEWELLER Liz Tyler will be giving a talk about her career and how she combines traditional techniques and modern technology at Hinton Workspace.
Tickets for the talk on Thursday, May 28, at 6pm are £10, including a complimentary drink and nibbles – book at hintonworkspace.co.uk
Some of her work will also be on show from the exhibition she is staging at Shaftesbury Arts Centre from Wednesday to
‘POTS and Teas’ will be on offer when two small Stour Row enterprises come together during Dorset Arts Weeks.
The ‘pots’ are created by ceramicist Joanne Rutter as part of her exhibition, which includes several other artists.
Sarah Panton is providing the ‘teas’ from her 1963 vintage caravan, usually found
POP-UP TEAROOM, Thomas’s House Stour Row, May 23rd 11am - 4pm
ALWESTON CAR BOOT
SALE, 25th of May, Sellers 7am, Buyers before 7.30am - £5, Buyers after 7.30am - Donation. See Facebook for more
OPEN GARDENS & CHURCH, Sunday 24th May, 2-5pm, Manor Farm & Droop Farm, Hazelbury Bryan, DT10 2ED. Entry £5 pp (children free) All proceeds to St Mary & St James’ Church. Regrettably no dogs
AN EVENING AT THE MUSICALS, with The Song Birds, Friday 5th June, 7.30pm at Lydlinch Church, DT10-2JA. Tickets £12.50 including refreshments. Available on the door or from Williams Florist, Stalbridge (Cash only) or email sfrizzle1@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 3-9, during Dorset Art Weeks.
Liz hopes art lovers will come to her talk from other venues – equestrian and landscape artist Katie Scorgie is based opposite and Rose Hatcher close by at the Workhouse Chapel on the B3092.
At the arts centre she will be exhibiting alongside landscape and rivers artist Nick Andrew and Tanya Hinton, who paints wildlife on reclaimed wood.
selling honey and cakes at local shows and markets.
The ‘pop-up’ tearoom will be serving cakes, scones and slices in Joanne’s courtyard garden next to the art exhibition.
‘Pots and Teas’ on Saturday, May 23, 11am-4pm, is at Thomas’s House (SP70 QW) on the Shaftesbury side of Stour Row.
DORSET TRACTOR FEST, 5-7 June. Shaftesbury
BINGO NIGHT for Stour Valley Dog Rescue at Fontmell Magna Village Hall, Friday 22nd May. Doors open 7.15pm
BREAKFAST/COFFEE
u3a group every Saturday morning 10:30 atThe Crown:https://blandford. u3asite.uk/groups/
STOUR ROW OPEN GARDENS
6th and 7th June 2pm-5pm
Tickets £6
Teas and tickets in Village Hall SP7 0QF
MERLEY JUMBLE TRAIL
Sunday 24th May 2026 10am-2pm- residents of Merley will be setting up stalls outside their homes selling their unwated items-come and grab a bargain
HIS Majesty delivered the King’s Speech against the backdrop of his government in turmoil. Fresh from his hugely successful state visit to the US where he used his skills as Trump Whisperer to great effect, His Majesty read out Labour’s legislative programme for the next session of Parliament.
The speech, drafted of course by Number 10, was a confection of aspiration and incrementalism dressed up as change. The most eye-catching bit was a European Partnership Bill designed to inch us, stealthily, back towards Brussels. An NHS Modernisation Bill – another one – will unpick structural changes made by the last government, but at considerable cost. There will be an Armed Forces Bill but no clues on content, while veterans are harried through the courts thanks to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
But the real drama this week
Dr Andrew Murrison
was not in the splendour of the Lords Chamber but in the corridors and tearooms of the Commons where Sir Keir’s colleagues were busy falling out with each other. By the time the King had started reading his speech, 92 Labour MPs had demanded their leader set a departure date.
Sir Keir, for his part, declared he was ‘getting on with governing’, the last resort of
beleaguered politicians. He told his cabinet that no formal challenge had been triggered. Quite so. But the absence of a solution does not mean the absence of a problem.
Wes Streeting, the nowdeparted Health Secretary, recognised the problem in his scathing resignation letter: “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum.” Ouch. He seemed set to go over the top and challenge for the top job. But he smartly sidestepped in favour of Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester – the heir apparent in the eyes of the unions, Labour MPs and Labour Party members. The King in the North will soon seek to march south to claim his throne. Now it’s all up to the good people of Makerfield. I suspect they may well be on the point of declining to do what they are told by a party that has taken them for granted for far too long.
If Mr Burnham wins, there will be a coronation with Sir
Keir handing over the crown. If he loses, all hell will be let loose. I cannot see Labour uniting behind any of the alternative candidates. The Ship of State will drift on for months before Sir Keir finally quits and a new leader, almost certainly of the so-called soft left, steers us towards yet higher taxes, higher spending and higher borrowing costs, all amid rising inflation and rising interest rates. The technocrats of the IMF will be sharpening their pencils in anticipation of a 1976-style bailout.
We cannot allow this. We must live within our means or we face bankruptcy. We must rearm in the face of Russian aggression. We have to control illegal migration. I worry about Mr Burnham and his child-like belief that government can simply ignore international financial reality as represented, for example, by the bond markets. That is not what I expect from a serious and credible Prime Minister.
BY the time this goes to print I have no doubt it will be woefully out of date, so my apologies. However, it would be absurd not to acknowledge the last week of political drama in Westminster, and the now upcoming by-election in Makerfield. I cannot be the only one who is incredibly frustrated by the return to the political psychodrama of the party in Government squabbling over who should be Prime Minister. We are not even two years into this administration, and Labour has a huge majority, and yet it seems more interested in arguing over who has the top job than actually addressing the issues facing the country. If it does decide to change leader, it will be our fifth Prime Minister
in five years. I am old enough to remember when Italy was a laughing stock for the frequency with which it changed PM. It is worth noting Italy has now had
just one Prime Minister in the same period.
My frustration is born of the fact there are so many big problems, not least of which is the cost-of-living crisis, that desperately need attending to. But much like in the tail end of the last Conservative administration, the business of government and Parliament grinds to a halt while the PM battles for his survival. I am so angry that we once again find ourselves in this situation.
Last week both Houses convened to hear His Majesty The King open the new Parliament by reading the legislative programme. Regardless of the aspirations it contains, it is difficult to imagine much will be achieved
with a Government so divided. The risk is that while Labour looks inwards, and little gets done, people’s frustration will only grow, and they will look to the populist parties for solutions to the stalemate.
While we wait to see if the current Prime Minister will survive, my focus is entirely on West Dorset. Not just on the by-election we have in Bridport on May 21, but on saving our fire stations, a solution for Newell House, a new dentistry school, more funding for Dorset Police, support for our hospices, ending the blight of anti-social behaviour in West Bay and the many other local issues that matter to residents. The Government may be distracted but I am not.
JUST after the 2024 General Election, given the disappointing result for my Party, many people asked ‘did the Tory Party have a future’. I believe firmly we do and that as a party we are rebuilding trust and confidence among the electorate. We had a decent set of local election results, including in Wales and Scotland, and some encouraging signs of urban recovery in London. I am not saying we are out of the woods. We will take each challenge as it comes. But we are very much alive, considering policy for the future and reconnecting with voters who look to us for a viable alternative.
Another question which was asked was, against Labour’s massive majority in the House of Commons, what could a diminished Tory Party do in Parliament? I had never been in opposition before, so, truthfully, I did not know the answer. As we have just concluded the delivery of Labour’s first King’s Speech and with the new Session beginning, I have taken a look to see what we as a Parliamentary Tory Party have been able to achieve. Given that
two of the key roles of the Official Opposition is to scrutinise legislation and seek to improve it, I think we have done a pretty impressive job. Huge testimony must be paid to my Leader, Kemi Badenoch, who decided from the get-go that Opposition was about serious politics and not jumping on the first passing bandwagon. Our politics would be grounded in a clear set of commonsense, common ground principles. So, what have we achieved in the face of that massive Labour
majority? Some of the highlights include:
n Through Parliamentary debates and mobilising our partners we have killed off the ridiculous, expensive and downright dangerous surrender of our sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. This was always a bad idea and Labour has now dropped it.
nAgainst initial Prime Ministerial objection, we have secured the important national statutory inquiry in the evil of the grooming gangs.
n On the back of our Humble Address, we secured Parliamentary access and scrutiny of all the papers surrounding Mandelson’s appointment to Washington. Relevant papers are now put into the public domain while others are read by the Intelligence & Security Committee or by me as chair of the Public Administration & Constitutional Affairs Select Committee.
n Tory pressure led to the ban of mobile phones in schools. Government wanted it to be merely guidance, but we listened to Heads and teachers who wanted a total ban.
n Through continued debate in Parliament from Tory benches in the Lords and Commons we have moved closer to securing a ban on social media access to under 16s.
n Secured changes to the damaging and ill-conceived Family Farm Tax – I will not be content until we see it dropped entirely.
n Campaigned to see the restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment, which is so vital to so many rural pensioners.
n Ended the Sentencing Council’s proposals for two-tier justice sentencing policies.
n Forced a delay in the illjudged Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
n Created a Child Cruelty Register to protect children and protected women and girls from intimate online image abuse. Not too bad a set of achievements, I hope you will agree, especially when viewed against our reduced numbers in Parliament and the scale of Labour’s majority. We will continue in this manner of working during the second Session. In the words of the singer Yazz – “the only way is up!”
WITH support for the Green Party continuing to surge, the recent local elections saw the number of Green councillors rise from 121 to 577. Meanwhile, Party membership has soared from 60,000 last year to more than 216,000 now. This is no doubt partly due to disillusionment with the mainstream parties, but there is also increased public awareness and concern over climate and environmental issues.
The positivity behind the Green Party’s campaigning is also being increasingly welcomed on the doorstep. As the Party’s leader, Zack Polanski, put it succinctly: “We can reject the hate of Reform and instead bring in politics that actually benefits people’s lives, that improves their living standards, lowers their bills and redistributes power and wealth from the super wealthy into our communities”.
Huggins
Contrary to claims by some commentators, the Green Party has not abandoned its environmental campaigning. The lesson we’ve learned is that to get environmental issues taken seriously you have to have a seat at the table and to be part of the decision-making process. Successive Labour and
Conservative governments have allowed their decisions to be influenced or even dictated by their financial backers and the corporate lobbyists whose focus is on short-term money making with scant regard for any negative long-term consequences.
In November last year 10 leading experts gave a National Emergency Briefing in Westminster to an audience of MPs, business leaders, faith leaders and VIPs. The briefing issued a stark warning about the dangers the UK faces from climate and nature breakdown, and the imminent risks we face in terms of food security, national security, the economy and our health.
A film based on the Westminster event called the People’s Emergency Briefing (PEB) is now being shown around the country.
It is designed for
communities to watch and discuss together, with their MP and other local decision makers if possible. The key takeaway is that time is now very short and decisive action is needed urgently. The film outlines the solutions we can implement, including getting our government to take urgent action. I know some still have doubts about the reality and urgency of the situation, but the science is irrefutable and the evidence of our changing climate and loss of nature is clear to see.
There have already been several successful showings in Dorset, and there is one on Thursday, June 4, at 7pm at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester. Details of all showings can be found at www.nebriefing.org/ screening-map
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at kenhuggins@hotmail.co.uk
THE month of May has a special place in the calendar for Somersetonians as we celebrate May Day and, of course, Somerset Day, both of which are a wonderful reminder of everything that makes our county so special. From our rich farming heritage and thriving local businesses to our vibrant communities and proud traditions, Somerset has so much to applaud.
May 11 marks Alfred the Great’s call to arms in 878AD, when the people of Somerset united to march against the invading Viking army. That spirit of resilience, community and determination still defines Somerset today, and it was fantastic to see it on full display over the weekend Somerset Day is celebrated.
I had a wonderful time at the Somerset Cider Brandy Company at Burrow Hill Farm, enjoying Morris dancing, screen printing and meeting so many
people passionate about our county and its traditions. Events like these showcase not only Somerset’s unique heritage, but also the strength of our local economy and the importance of supporting local producers and rural businesses.
As Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, I believe we must do far more to champion counties like
Somerset and ensure rural communities are no longer overlooked by Westminster. That is why I am launching a new Stronger Somerset campaign focused on backing local and artisan businesses that form the backbone of our rural economy.
Somerset produces some of the finest food and drink anywhere in the country. Our farmers and producers are central not just to the local economy, but to Britain’s wider food security. Yet many are under immense pressure from rising costs, unfair trade deals and the damaging family farm tax introduced by Labour. That is why this campaign links closely with my Good Food Bill, which I recently introduced in Parliament. The Bill would place food security at the centre of government policy and create a proper long-term strategy to support British food production.
Food security is national security. If we fail to support our farmers and rural communities, we risk becoming increasingly dependent on imports and vulnerable to global shocks. Somerset has a vital role to play in producing high quality British food and protecting our countryside for future generations.
Over the summer, I will also be developing the Liberal Democrat vision for the countryside, focused on delivering a fairer deal for rural communities through better support for farming, local businesses, transport, healthcare and more.
I hope the Stronger Somerset campaign will gather real momentum in the months ahead and become a positive force for strengthening our local economy, supporting our farmers and celebrating everything that makes Somerset unique.
by Sally Gregson
AS every Englishman, and Englishwoman, knows, early summer is the traditional time for flower shows. Every part of the country throws caution to the wind and rain and offers a programme of displays and plant stalls at a flower show as part of the celebration of summer. Of course, the most famous, both here and throughout the world, is the Chelsea Flower Show, and it’s a ‘must-watch’ on the television every night now, at the end of May.
It is a fascinating task preparing for a big show. It starts over a year beforehand with the designer’s plans submitted to the organisers for
approval, and sponsors for the gardens found and brought on board. Once the go-ahead is given, the exhibitors must decide on the plants to be exhibited the following year and start preparing them. They will need to be potted on at the right time and placed under protection for the winter. Many garden exhibitors contact the specialist wholesale nurseries early to book plants they think they ‘know’ will be an essential part of their exhibit. It’s a very tricky situation – a balancing act, especially if the winter is unusually mild, or less likely nowadays, more severe than usual.
Once April dawns, the ideal is to have a bevy of very
beautifully grown plants to choose from to create a ‘garden’. But as every gardener knows, real life is never that simple. Many garden exhibitors leave it until the last minute to go shopping for plants that will be at their peak during Chelsea week. And the weather is just one of their logistical problems. Nursery exhibitors are similarly afflicted, of course, but additionally they need to ensure that they will have plenty of stock of the most popular items
that are going to be saleable at home during Chelsea week. And at this, the busiest time of year for a retail nursery, that they can field enough staff to man the stand for a week at Chelsea, as well as be present for their customers in their small specialist nursery. It may be very fraught, but the rewards are considerable, both to the reputation of the garden designers and the purses of the nurseries. And it’s great fun!
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Get in the Garden
Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group
SOME gardeners view their patch as a battleground. The feeling is that pests and diseases seem to think the garden was designed as a one-stop supermarket for them, ignoring what the gardener is trying to achieve! This is particularly irksome as in the first few weeks of the spring it seems that nothing can go wrong. However, controlling pests and diseases is all part of the game and whereas there was a time when to solve a problem, all some gardeners did was to open the chemical cupboard, we now must be much smarter.
It all starts in choosing plants that are right for any situation. This involves understanding the conditions in your garden, such as the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Most of our local soils are alkaline, which means acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, pieris and the like are not suitable without extra care. Another example is that if you have a hot, dry, sunny spot, then many plants with silver foliage, such as lavenders, will enjoy growing there, whereas should your soil be heavy and wet, then these may be plants to avoid.
Dorset
pyracantha varieties resistant to scab and fireblight. The saphyr range has yellow, orange and red-berried forms.
It is also important to keep plants in good health by watering where necessary on a regular basis. This will allow plants to grow to their full potential without stress from water shortage. Feeding too is crucial, but at the right time and with the correct type of fertiliser. Feeding hardy plants too early while there is still a chance of severe weather can produce soft growth that will become easily damaged. At the other end of the year, feeding too late can encourage growth that will be susceptible to the first frosts. So, a balanced feed is what is required. For a mixed garden with fruit, flowers, vegetables and shrubs, I recommend seaweed fertiliser which has a wide range of nutrients and will feed the soil environment, too.
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It is also possible to select plants that have in-built resistance to pests and diseases. Many examples include varieties of carrot resistant to attack from carrot fly, such as Resistafly and Flyaway. This is particularly useful as no chemical treatments are available to the amateur gardener for the control of the pest. (Cultural methods can be used, such as draping horticultural fleece over the crop). From the ornamental garden, there are now
Natural pest and disease control can be encouraged by making sure that your garden is as varied as possible. This will be enhanced enormously if wild areas are allowed. Sometimes this maybe an area where no-one sees, let’s say behind the garden shed. By letting it go wild it will become a natural habitat for predators and parasites of garden pests. These are often small, such as the ground beetle, ladybird or lacewing, but larger friends such as frogs, toads and slow-worms also can often arrive. I have a family of slow worms in our garden, and I have just spotted two adults bathing in the sun having survived the winter. We have also seen hedgehogs in the garden centre.
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Basket, Bedding Plants and Geraniums. Vegetable and Tomato Plants now available. Fruit Trees and Ornamental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Terracotta pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am – 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258-452513.
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THOMAS FIRBANK
trading as Johnsons Thomas Firbank of The Warehouse Lower Station Road Gillingham SP8 4PZ is applying to change an existing licence as follows to add an operating centre to keep 5 goods vehicles and 2 trailers at UNIT 3, CAMP ROAD, HENSTRIDGE AIRFIELD, TEMPLECOMBE, BA8 0TN. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centres who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle operator-licensing
T&L Hiscock Ltd of Church View Farm, The Borough, Holwell DT95LB is applying for a licence to use Church View Farm, The Borough, Holwell, DT95LB as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 2 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at http://www.gov.uk/object-hgvoperator-licence
JEAN SLATER Deceased
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 66 Linden Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8RN, who died on 29/01/2026, must send written details to the address below by 23/07/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified
Farnfields Solicitors, The Square, Gillingham, SP8 4AX. Ref: LHL/92781-0001
We are a highly successful Community Transport Organisation supporting the local community for over 30 years and provide transport for most SEND students in the Yeovil area. In addition we also offer a Volunteer Car Service for medical and social care for persons not able to access public transport. At this time we are seeking further trustees to help us grow our charity. You will need to have business experience and be prepared to offer your skills to our charity. We hold approximately 6 board meetings per year either in person or via Teams. If you would like to discuss the opportunity please contact us as below or view our website,
The Friends of Blandford Community Hospital will be holding their 69th
At 6:30pm on Wednesday 1st July 2026 at Blandford Community Hospital, Milldown Road, Blandford Forum
For further information telephone: The Friends Office – 01258 450095
Nominations for elections to the Council must be received by the Hon. Secretary at the Friends’ office by Friday 19 June 2026. All nominees shall have agreed to stand for election and shall have been duly proposed and seconded by members. Rule 9(b) states ‘no person shall be appointed who is not an individual subscribing member of The Friends’. Nomination forms are available from The Friends’ Office.
wishes to thank all who helped him celebrate his 90th Birthday on 10th May. Grateful thanks for all cards and gifts, which were much appreciated.
On the 27th May 1993, Remembering the crew of Star Trek 3
From Anne & Robin Young and Family
On 28th April 2026 aged 81 years. Dearly loved Husband of Ruby and Father of Pauline. Much loved Grandad of Amy- Louise and Brother of Peter. Funeral service at Christ Church East Stour on Tuesday 9th June at 2.30pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The Injured Jockeys Fund. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services
Passed away peacefully on 27th April 2026 at Yeovil Hospital. A funeral Service will be held on Thursday 4th June at 12pm At Christ Church in East Stour. Family Flowers only, Donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance c/o L C Hill & Son Funeral Directors, Water Street, Mere, BA12 6DZ
of Queen Camel,
Passed peacefully away on 13th April 2026 at the age of 94 at Yeovil District Hospital. A dearly loved husband, father, grandad and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all. Funeral service to take place at the Crematorium, Yeovil on Friday 22 May 2026 at 2.00 pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Arthur are being invited for St Barnabas Church, Queen Camel which may be left at the Crematorium or sent c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil. BA21 4BT.
Died peacefully at home supported by family, on 30th April 2026, aged 92 years.
Beloved husband of Joan, father of James and Deborah. Much loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandad and great-grandad. Cremation service at Salisbury crematorium Thursday 28th May at 12 noon.
Family flowers only please. Donations welcomed in Jim’s memory to the charity Brainwave (brainwave.org.uk)
Peacefully on 8th May 2026 in Dorset County Hospital, aged 59 years. Dearly loved by his family and many friends, he will greatly missed. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday, 1st June at 12pm. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Chris for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
Frederick Albert John (Fred)
Passed away peacefully on the 4th May at Cookson Court Care Home in Yeovil.
Beloved Husband to his late wife Yvonne, dearly loved Dad to Sharon and Scott. Grampy to Louise, Emma, Hayley and Harvey and Great Grandad. Funeral service takes place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 5th June at 12pm. Family flowers only. Donations are invited to Arthritis UK. These may be left after the service.
A woman of singular grace, wisdom and kindness passed away peacefully at home on 9th May, at home surrounded by her family. Isabel was a remarkable lady, a tireless, yet humble advocate of many things. She will be best remembered for her foundation and dedication to The Guggleton Arts Project and her legendary support of artists young and old, for which she receive her honour. Her funeral will take place at St Mary’s Stalbridge, on Thursday 28th May at 2pm. Everyone is Welcome. Parking for the funeral will be at Stalbridge Park.
of South Brewham
Passed away peacefully on the 12th May aged 88 years. Beloved Wife of the late Richard and a much loved Mum to Catherine, James, Andrew, and the late Helen. She will be greatly missed by all her Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and all her family and friends. Funeral service takes place at St. John’s Church, South Brewham on Friday 29th May at 12noon. Donations in memory of Liz are invited in aid of Dementia UK and St John’s Church. These may be left after the service, sent c/o Harold F Miles Funeral Directors Meadows Edge, Folly Lane, South Cadbury BA22 7ES or online at www.haroldfmiles.co.uk
Of Stalbridge
Died 12th May 2026, Aged 86. Private Family Funeral
Passed away peacefully on 7th May 2026 in Dorset County Hospital, aged 65 years. A much loved Wife, Mother, Nana, Sister and friend. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday, 3rd June at 2.00pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, in memory of Jackie for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
Passed away peacefully on 24th April 2026 at Whitecliffe House Nursing Home, Blandford. Aged 86 years. Much loved father to Steve. Charles will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Service to be held at St Nicholas Church, Durweston on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 2.00pm. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired for Dorset Wildlife Trust. Cheques payable to the charity may be sent c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133
Notification of the peaceful passing of Mike Plummer on 3rd May 2026, at his home in Kington Magna. Many will remember him as the owner of Mike’s of Henstridge and are welcomed to say goodbye at Hazelbury Bryan Church on Monday 8th June at 12noon. Strictly family flowers only. Donations to the British Heart Foundation.
C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP
Passed away peacefully on 29th April 2026 at Dorset County Hospital. Aged 72 years. Dearly loved Father, Grandad, Great Grandad and Brother. Glyn will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday 29th May 2026 at 1.00pm. Family Flowers only please. Donations, if desired for Dorset County Hospital Charity, for the Critical Care Unit, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk
(Via the Much Loved Link) or cheques payable to Dorset County Hospital Charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133
Passed away peacefully on 30 April 2026 aged 87 years. Reunited with her beloved husband Pat. A loving mother who will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Funeral service at Chilmark parish church on Wednesday 3 June at 11am. Family flowers only please but donations to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance c/o Chris White, 12 South Street, Wilton SP2 0JS. Tel: 01722 744691
Passed away peacefully at home on 26th April 2026, aged 90 years. Much loved husband to Josie, loving father to Mark, Tracy and Glenn, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and brother-in-law. Funeral service to take place at 10.30am on Monday 1st June 2026 at St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RU followed by burial at Norse Road Cemetery, Bedford. Family flowers only please but donations if desired for “Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal” may be sent to A L & G Abbott Funeral Directors, 150 Bedford Road, Kempston, Beds, MK42 8BH. Tel: (01234) 843222 or via www.abbott-funerals.co.uk
• Unattended funerals starting from £995
• Unattended funerals starting from £995
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Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494
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When your family suffers the loss of a loved one, we are here to support, guide and reassure youevery step of the way
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CHEERFUL EVENING ASSISTANCE near Tisbury for active elderly lady post hip replacements. 07790 524 241
PART TIME GARDENER required to work for local small gardening business. Would suit active retired person. 2-3 days per week. 01258 459582 evenings
CARER REQUIRED in Tisbury. Please Telephone 07468 538602
GENERAL FARM WORKER on dairy farm, mainly tractor driving. Sturminster Newton area. Tel: 01258-472050
EXPERIENCED PAINTER & DECORATOR position available, Must have own transport and tools. Phone Mark on 07930-492646
MILBORNE PORT PARISH COUNCIL is looking for a self-employed Gardener / Lengthman / Groundskeeper. 4 to 6 hours per week, with ability to do more as and when required. £18p/h –Email: parishclerk@ milborneport-pc.gov.uk
ON-CALL WARDEN REQUIRED at Hays Park Retirement Apartments, Shaftesbury, for 1 weekend a month and 1 night a week with flexibility to cover sickness/holiday. For more information about the role and pay please contact: Carolyn on 01747 830349 or email us at: hays.park@ googlemail.com
NVQ3 CARER AVAILABLE for days and nights. 20 years experience. All aspects of care covered. Excellent references. Blandford area. Please call 07384-273853
A GARDENER AVAILABLE to work, 2 days per week, all year round. 25 years experience. Lives near the Blandford area. Contact: 07989-166624
KIND AND COMPASSIONATE LIVE-IN CARER available with extensive experience with the elderly and dementia care. Own car, multiple references, CV and DBS certificate. Contact 07493-500530
Want to support your local Community by volunteering for a small independent charity?
Age Concern North Dorset is in need of a new volunteer treasurer to start in September this year but with an opportunity to work with the current treasurer over the summer months. This is a home-based role, approximately 12 hours per month with attendance at meetings as necessary.
The charity has two part-time members of staff so payroll experience would be an asset. The treasurer is also responsible for producing a set of annual accounts for audit and filing with the Charity Commission. Regular financial reports are required at each Executive Meeting, approximately four a year. Additionally, payment of all outgoing expenses on a monthly basis is required. Current spreadsheets are produced on Excel.
For more information and an informal chat please call the Age Concern North Dorset office on 01258 475582 or call in and visit us in Stour Connect, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1JR. Volunteer Trustees also welcomed with fund-raising experience. Registered Charity No. 1162034
PARISH CLERK; Ansford Parish Council. Part time, average of 4 hours per week. Work from home.
Good administration and people skills required. see http://www.ansford-pc.gov.
uk for more information and how to apply
Minimum 6 hours per week. The Manor House, Purse Caundle.
Please contact, Michael de Pelet: 07970-631291 michael.depelet@gmail.com
Seeking an IT Engineer to support staff and infrastructure worldwide working for a North Dorset Electronics Company
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Located in North Dorset
Apply in writing with CV and covering letter to: sysdevgradsdorset@protonmail.com
Suitable for a recent graduate with a Cyber Security Degree working for a North Dorset Cyber Security Company
Full-time position on initial 12 months fixed term contract
Located in North Dorset
Apply in writing with CV and covering letter to: sysdevgradsdorset@protonmail.com
Hemsworth Farm is looking for a capable, committed and conscientious
General Farm Worker to our progressive organic dairy of 250 Viking Red cows
We farm with a strong sense of custodianship, working in a way that is regenerative, thoughtful, and as light on the environment as possible. The wellbeing of both our animals and our team sits at the heart of everything we do, alongside a shared commitment to doing a first-rate job.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone practical, observant and motivated, who takes pride in their work and is comfortable being part of a hardworking team where everyone contributes.
Duties include:
Relief milking
Daily livestock care
Grassland and field management
Machinery operation
General farm and land upkeep
What we’re looking for:
Solid farming experience (essential)
A strong work ethic and reliability
Someone aligned with organic, regenerative and welfare-focused farming values
A proactive, adaptable approach
What we offer:
Competitive pay ~ Full-time position
Ongoing training and development
Accommodation available for the right candidate
If you’re committed to building a meaningful career in farming and want to be part of a team that values hard work, care, and doing things the right way, we’d like to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: 1st June 2026
Interviews to be held in week commencing: 1st June 2026
Call 07866-915305 or email s.hemsworthfarm@gmail.com to apply
Farwell Contracting are looking to recruit a new team member to help with our upcoming volume of work. We are looking for someone who has good knowledge of groundworks and landscaping and also the ability to drive plant and machinery.
The successful applicant will need to meet the following criteria:
- Work well with others. No attitudes or big Ego’s! we work in small teams and so it is important that our staff are friendly and supportive to each other.
- Live locally to Blandford Forum
- Provide references of previous employment/experience
- Have plant experience. We are looking for someone that can operate excavators to a good standard as well as dumpers, rollers etc. We can help with plant certification if needed.
- Be prepared to get stuck in with manual work such as concrete laying, drainage, tarmac etc.
- Be honest and reliable.
- Have a clean driving license
What we offer:
- Employed or self employed position
- Good rate of pay (paid weekly)
- Company vehicle (depending on circumstance)
- Training and plant qualifications
- Local, bespoke work, avoiding the large housebuilding sites!
- A small friendly firm where you are a vital part of the team and not just a number
- The chance to learn new skills and progress within the industry If you think that this is the right opportunity for you or you would like more information then please get in touch via email at admin@farwellcontracting.co.uk or Speak to Jan on (01258) 450800.
Please NO agencies! We manage our own recruitment and do not use agency assistance.
by Susanna Curtin
THIS enchanting month is named after Maia, the Roman goddess associated with fertility and growth, and no wonder, for it is indeed the most colourful and awe-inspiring time to be out in nature. The emerging leaves turn the countryside into translucent shades of lime, fern and emerald greens, the delicate blooms of the hawthorn whitewash the hedgerows, and the meadows are awash with a yellow sea of tall, gently swaying buttercups as the remnants of bluebells and cowslips fade. Our gardens, too, are resplendent with flowering trees and shrubs – lilacs, laburnum and ceanothus – all brimming with colour, marking the gradual transition from spring into summer.
My garden birds have been extremely busy creating the next generation. The first round of fledglings is appearing, totally dependent on their parent and looking helpless and vulnerable. My lady wren has, unfortunately, chosen a different nest to the one that her partner so diligently created in the ivy on my ash tree. But I watched him with glee this morning as
he came back to check on it and add some new feathers to the lining – perhaps this will be for their second brood. I hope so. Today though, I have left my garden birds to their dramas to enjoy the colourful brushstrokes of May. Meeting a friend at Martin Down nature reserve, we have planned a route which takes in the ridge of Pentridge and Penbury Knott – hills I have driven past countless times but have never truly explored. Under a cornflower-blue sky, we gather our belongings for the day and quickly take in the sights and sounds that surround us. There are the scratchy tunes of white throats and the familiar ‘little bit of bread and no cheese’ song of the yellowhammers. Blackcaps and skylarks add to the opera, alongside the continual call of cuckoos. I also listen carefully for the soft, gentle purring of turtle doves.
As we make our way along the edge of Bokerley Dyke, a Bronze Age territorial boundary stretching for three and a half miles, we are accompanied by orange tips, a painted lady, grizzled skippers, brimstones, holly blues and the first small
copper butterflies of the season. Much of my childhood was spent in the Chilterns chalk downlands, and I have always loved these wide, sweeping landscapes and the grasslands, woodlands and chalk streams that support a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Up here, high on the DorsetWiltshire border within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, there is a different kind of magic. It lies in the density of ancient earthworks – the dykes, ditches, burial mounds and barrows that thread through the countryside, marking the presence of those that lived here thousands of years ago. This is one of Britain’s richest prehistoric landscapes, including the Dorset Cursus, the longest neolithic monument in Britain. Later came the Early Bronze Age communities, often associated with the Beaker people, migrants from the continent. They brought new ways of working metal and new burial traditions, placing individuals in carefully furnished graves accompanied by pottery and personal ornaments. Walking here, it is
by Fiona Chapman SKULLCAP,
or Scutellaria lateriflora, is growing in abundance in my garden. I planted a few plants last year and they have multiplied in a very satisfying way, and I should get a good crop.
This herb was originally used in the United States, with probably limited success, to treat rabies. I think once the rabies virus has entered the system, not much can be done about it.
The Cherokees used the whole plant – the leaves and flowers – to treat diarrhoea and monthly periods; the roots were
made into a decoction – boiled and simmered – and used to expel afterbirth, make the individual sick if necessary and help with breast pain. Nowadays, skullcap is used as a nervous trophorestorative and indicated when spasms are caused by hysteria and nervous debility. It is used for those who tend to overthink and burn off energy too quickly, and for those who get twitchy, particularly at night, and feel they want to “crawl out from their skin”. It is great for women as it helps with the spasms of menstrual pain
hard not to feel how these layers of human life are still inscribed in the land itself. They chronicle the human experience of life and death and make me think about the footsteps of those who walked here then, and our own footsteps now. It feels as though we are simply passing through time and space.
Yet within these earthworks there are also natural treasures to be found. I know of one I have long wanted to share with my botanist friend. At the end of our circuit, we come upon a very special and very rare Pasque flower, Pulsatilla vulgaris. Its vibrant purple, bell-shaped blooms are found in only a handful of sites across the UK. I first stumbled across this plant nearly 10 years ago and have since made an annual pilgrimage to see it in flower. These plants thrive on ancient ground like this, where the soil is thin and low in nutrients and the land has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries. My friend is delighted to meet it, arriving just in time to catch its late flowering, and I am equally glad to have shared it. I have so enjoyed this walk for it has been the perfect combination of landscape, flowers, butterflies, birds and history that mark the wonder of May.
n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com)
and the general irritability the whole thing can cause.
For those of us who get headaches if too overstimulated at meetings or stressful situations, we should be drinking it by the cupful, before, during and after the meetings!
Skullcap is from the mint family and is a bitter, so it will help calm digestion, particularly griping pain, flatulence and colic. It is also sedative, so is good for insomnia, particularly that caused by stress. It will help for those going through the menopause and has also been
used for grand mal seizures. It has a small but lovely blue flower, and I need to wait until the flower is just out before harvesting it. I will make it into a tea, but it can also be put into tinctures and powders, and fresh or dried it tastes quite nice – not something to be said about all the herbs I take!
Skullcap will go with all the other herbs I am watching grow and steeling myself to harvest. As life gets more tense and the world seems ever more crazy, I think it is probably a good herb to have growing and I will nurture and treasure it.
n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).
by Nicole Asghar
I MOVED house recently. This transition has created an opportunity to reflect on how we experience endings, life changes and the feeling of loss.
As I removed the photos from my fridge, I felt a sadness that was familiar to me – a sadness that only comes from things ending. I remember the day my grandmother moved out of her house after my Grandpa had passed away – it left me with this heavy aching feeling in stomach. I was only 12, but I remember thinking that must have been so hard for her. It was a place of my childhood memories, a place of connection to someone gone. It was so much more than bricks and mortar. This is a memory I haven’t revisited for many years but came up when experiencing my own move.
Moving can mean grieving. In therapy, when someone comes wanting to talk about grief, it is often the kind we are most familiar with – the loss of a cherished person or pet. However, what often happens is an unfolding of all the different types of loss we’ve experienced. For some, the loss of a childhood home can be one of those painful losses. The loss of a home created in adulthood can be equally heartbreaking. As I experienced, one experience of an ending can
trigger the memory of another, and this is why grief is rarely about one loss.
We start to form our relationship to endings and loss from a young age. An important transition is from the home to childcare or school. Then junior to senior school. For some children, there are losses along the way, of loved ones, pets, homes, friendships, possessions – and the loss of toys. When there is no longer space for them, or they are deemed too babyish, toys can be discarded. These experiences can all be a form of loss and of grief.
If grief is an expression of our love, then the more we love, the more we grieve.
The more we hope for something that can never be, the more complicated the grief is. The more complicated the grief is, the more patient we must be with ourselves as we navigate life with the feeling of loss. This is no easy task. Waiting for the pain to subside takes courage and grace.
Having someone walk alongside you as you navigate loss can be one of the most powerful experiences. I’ve seen workshops and retreats being developed solely for the purpose of exploring your relationship to loss – there are books, support groups and bereavement specialists all there waiting to be with you and your story. No
If grief is an expression of our love, then the more we love, the more we grieve
loss is unimportant. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch.
n Nicole Asghar is a Dorset-
DarPod PODIATRY and Chiropody, For home visits please ring: 07943-194611
based therapist working online and around Bournemouth. Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma, and yoga. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.nicoleasghar.com
could be looking at your advert right now 90,000
LADIES BIKE LEATHERS, Size 12-14, £80. Tel: 07969-127136
MIRROR DINGHY restoration project. Launch trolley, road trailer, sails, cover. £100 Shaftesbury. 07905 317303
LOGIC FLAIL MOWER
£600 ono. Paddock Topper £600 ono. 01747 870247
CHINOISERIE DESIGN CURTAINS
W3.5m xL1.6m. Never used. £200.00. Also matching blind. 01935-812527
4 METAL BAR STOOLS, 2 with back-rest. £120. Tel: 07913-246938
MOBILITY SCOOTER, very good condition, quick sale, £275. Tel: 01258-452749
AXMINSTER LATHE
£100 with many attachments, Tormek sharpening system £100, Schepach belt and disc sander £60 07855-557585
MTD LAWNFLITE RIDE on mower, purchased 2019, excellent condition, moderate use. Buyer to collect. £1200. Tel: 01747-828820
BLACK METAL WALL
PLANT TROUGHS 60cm x 5, £30. Buyer collects W. Whitechurch 07704-574835
MOUNTFIELD PETROL SCARIFIER £50 Tel: 01747 870247
BRAND NEW, unused Outsunny 2.5 x 2.5m Patio Offset Parasol Umbrella Cantilever Hanging Aluminium Sun Shade Canopy Shelter 360° Rotation with Crank Handle and Cross Base £50 07491-151273
5 X 500 PIECE JIGSAWS , 1 x 250 piece . larger size pieces.£10 00. Gillingham 01747-708308
LOXICOM. 1.5mg/ml.100ml bottle, 90ml left.Expires 16/07/2026 . Purchased January 2026. £45 ono. Tel 07980 380287
SHOWER SCREEN Brand
New Still boxed Lakes Classic Range, sliding door 6mm glass, silver H - 1400mm, L1850mm adjustable. Cost £290, sell £50. 01963-504233
DUTCH GARDEN HOE, Kent & Stowe, almost new, £10. Gillingham: 07963-319751
BLOMBERG DISHWASHER
LDV42244 12 place, Hardly Used, 5yr warranty expires Jly’28. Collection Only. £50, 07930 150432
WHEELCHAIR USED ONCE
£50. Buyer collects. Tel: 01643-706570
SINGLE SIZE ELECTRIC BED £50. Buyer collects. Tel: 07835-989213
POND PUMP in good working condition. Pumps 1400 litres per hour. Long electric lead. £10 01747-854294
2 QUEST ELITE GARDEN
LOUNGERS, Navy Blue, Very good condition, £50 Tel: 01963 365 833
2 OUTDOOR WALL
LANTERN Grey with clear diffuser brand new, a pair in original box, smart looking. £15.00, 01747 81256 / 07973-686179
OIL TANK, plastic 1350 litres. FOC and free local delivery. Contact: nethercompton1@gmail.com
LADIES BEN ROSS GOLF CLUBS with Ping 14 Driver.£50. Tel:01747-859973
FREE-STANDING BEKO
UK AND EUROPE MAPS plus plans. £30. Mere. 07749 884679
OVAL TEAK MIRROR, coloured surround 14.5” x 22”
£5.50. Brand new boxed 6 tea knives £9.50. 2 tier tea trolley gold coloured frame £10.50. 01258 452703
BRONZE CHANDELIER with 4 arms + 2 matching wall lights
£20, Tel: 07708-657901
TODDLER TOILET SEAT with steps, toilet training seat and potty with removable insert.
£10. Tel 07817-031241
REAR CAR BIKE RACK
£20 Tel 07530-630663
NIKE ESSENTIAL GOLF
BAG Travel Cover. Padded, Self Standing with Wheels. Comes with three Padlocks. £40. Tel: 07807-043268
FISHING PENN, water-proof jacket, with quilted thermal lining. XL. Like new. £40. Tel: 07907-044084. Blandford.
AIR COMPRESSOR, 50ltr, 240volt, in gwo. £15. Tel: 01747-822345
SINGLE BED, never used, plus extra mattress for guests. Cash & Collect. £100. ono. 01202-696887
ELECTRIC COOKER. Double Oven, Ceramic Hob, vgc, £50. Tel: 01278-458729
PROFESSIONAL DART
BOARD in cabinet. £35. Sturminster Newton. Tel: 07773-619179.
SKIRTING BOARDS double faced 38ft x 6” £20 also other timbers. Enquiries: 01747-840835
ATCO ELECTRIC LAWNMOWER £30. 01258 503513
CANON EOS 300D Body, Zoom Lens EF75 . Charger, battery, Case, Tripod. £50. Telephone 01747 840473
LOVELY BURGUNDY COLOUR wool rug with flowers, as new. W1.6m x L2.35m. £50.00. Tel:01935-812527 (Sherborne)
COFFEE/TV TABLE. 2 shelves. silver and black. £10. Tel: 01258-452749
SUFFOLK PUNCH CYLINDER mower £25. 07555-525846
2 OLD SINGER SEWING MACHINES, 1931 & 1946. Old Remminton Typewriter, 1951, £50 ono. Tel: 01963-251138
2 KERB RAMPS. each 18”w x 4” tall x 13” d. As new. £16 for pair. Red Russell Hobbs, 2 slice toaster, nearly new, £5. Red 100% wool rug. 47” x 24”w. vgc. £20. Tel: 01963-350118
BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL sink/drainer left hand £50 07791-570097
SOFA AND ARM CHAIR excellent as new condition 3 seater neutral colour. Photos available. Moving must sell. £50. 07760 776792
DINING ROOM TABLE, Oak, 150x90cm. Very good condition, Free. Also 2 dining chairs. Tel: 07814 708886
SPEAR & JACKSON Electric Lawn Mower good condition £30 07933-190004
BRAND NEW CANTILEVER PARASOL Aluminium 360° Rotation with Crank Handle and Cross Base £45. Tel: 07491-151273
ELECTRIC FLYMO in working order £20. Four garden pots £5 each. Long handled scythe £20. Tel 07875-566224 (Sherborne)
PROFESSIONAL FOLDING steel artist easel £20, Car dog guard (heavy duty universal) fits most cars new £20, Tel 07449-116144
£10 IN PACKAGING Unused
Laminated Flooring, Red Alder scratch & impact Resistant. 8planks 8mm x 186mm x 1285mm = 1.9sq.mtrs. Collect Gillingham. 01747-824240.
CEMENT MIXER. Small electric, lightweight, used but clean. Ideal for those jobs you didn’t want to do! £50.00: 01747-812569
OLD COMPUTER PRINTER, great condition £30 offers considered, Frome area 07563-340823
OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014
THERE’S nothing more delicious than fillet of mackerel cooked for two to four minutes in a shallow baking tin on the slats of a barbecue.
The fish can be eaten as is or, when cool, forked or blitzed with other ingredients to make mackerel pate, a delicious simple lunch or starter.
Ingredients (Serves four)
Mackerel fillets (4-6 depending on size)
Half lemon, juiced 300ml tub crème fraiche
Horseradish – good teaspoonful
Black pepper
Maldon salt
Sourdough loaf for toasted slices
Bunch of new fresh season radishes
Salad leaves
Olive oil and lemon juice for the leaves
Method
crème fraiche, horseradish, juice of half a lemon and a good grind of black pepper in a blender or food processer – I like it chunky rather than a smooth pate – then season to taste with Maldon salt.
Serve on a side of toasted sourdough, with green salad leaves and a bunch of new season radishes.
Simply blitz mackerel fillets,
n Annie Austin, Director/Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip. Email: annie@ anniedesforges.co.uk; website: www. anniedesforges.co.uk; phone: 07834 487381
Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 - 5
Home reared and local produced meats, veg, Deli, also clothing and gifts emporium.
We are delighted that our renovation and expansion project has been well received by customers as have our food and beverage offerings. After a very long search, we now have a fully staffed kitchen and offer our full lunch and dinner menu every day from Tuesday lunch until Sunday lunch. We are closed after lunch on Sunday and all day Monday. We offer a wide range of beers, cider, wines and spirits as well as a range of non-alcoholic options.
STUDENTS at Gillingham School celebrated many success stories during their annual sports awards evening.
The event began with players’ players awards, chosen by students for sports including hockey, netball, football, rugby, handball, cricket and basketball.
Students who had shown dedication and commitment to several sports were rewarded with coaches’ commitment awards.
Recognition was also given to those students involved in sports leading and coaching within the school, primary feeder schools and the local community.
Individual awards went to students who had achieved high standards in a wide range of
sports including rugby, handball, equestrian and athletics.
The evening ended with the presentation of the Sports Personalities of the Year Awards to both Lower and Upper School students.
The event also included a dance performance and a tumbling display.
Award winners: Upper School Sports Personalities, Zara Jordan and Sam Barnes; Lower School Sports Personalities, Hollie Smart and Elliot Streeter-Loos; Burton Cup, Ollie Bradford-Peck; Ford Cup, Hen Jeanes; Digby Cup, Louis Mortimore & Raf Ohuanbor; Sports Challenge Award, Krzysztof Flis; Unsung
Pitching In Southern League Division 1 (South) play-off final
Malvern Town 3
Shaftesbury 2 by Avil Lancaster
HARRY and Sam Clark scored the second half goals that promoted Malvern Town to Step 3 in front of 2,100 fans at the AD Anywhere Stadium.
Joseph Tumelty had put the Hillsiders ahead after eight minutes before Alfe Santos D’Abadia levelled from the spot in the 11th minute.
Toby Holmes slotted his 33rd goal in his 51st appearance of
the season to put Shaftesbury ahead.
Malvern fought back with goals in the 69th and 79th minutes and will play in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division next season.
Whether that is the Central or South division remains to be seen for a side that was promoted from the Hellenic League Premier Division in 2022/23.
Shaftesbury will regroup in Pitching In Southern League Division 1 (South) next season
Hero, Mikey Ward; Maidment Cup, Krista Dubinske; Artistic, Olivia Caller; Dancer of the Year, Gabi Bach; Swimmer of the Year, Connie Irwin; Tennis Player of the Year, Ruen Comins; Cross-Country Runner of the Year, Monty Luck; Archer of the Year, Eva Bryce; Pippen Shield, Matilda Blackmore; Pippen Cup, Hen Jeanes; Bultitude Cup, Lara Tuffin; Barton-Smith Cup, Beth Walford, George Walford and Olivia Blackmore; Outstanding
Team of the Year, U15 Boys Football; Coach of the Year, Amelia Coward; Young Sports Leader, Darcie Score.
Coaches Commitment Awards: Year 7, Mollie Gulliver & Harry Yeo; Year 8, Elizabeth Young/Phoebe Gray and Monty Luxton; Year 9, Belle Bryce and Fraser Baird; Year 10, Aimee-Mae Pledger and Miles Blakeney; Year 11, Eva Bryce and Sam Irving; Seniors, Geneva Nelson and Josh Parkman.
SHAFTESBURY Bowling Club is rolling out the welcome mat, inviting both seasoned players and complete beginners to discover lawn bowls., at an open day tomorrow (Saturday, May 23).
Club members and experienced coaches will be on hand throughout the day to offer guidance, encouragement and a warm welcome.
Regular bowling opportunities include informal roll-ups, internal and external competitions, and participation in Dorset Leagues and the
Wessex Mixed Friendly League.
In the winter off-season members stay connected through indoor activities, including bingo and quiz nights, art sessions, ‘knit and natter’ mornings and a Friday night darts competition.
The club welcomes men and women of all abilities.
For more information, visit its website or phone 01747 850346.
The open day is at the club in Bleke Street, next to Barton Hill – parking (SP7 8QA) – from 10am-4pm.
BLACKMORE Vale Lions Club has confirmed the date of the rescheduled Blackmore Vale Half Marathon and Fun Run as Sunday, July 12.
Alfe Santos D’Abadia scored from the spot
The start point is Bishops Caundle (DT9 5NG) with the race headquarters in the village hall and start on the recreation ground. The event will get under way at 10am, an earlier time than previously, to reduce the number of people running in the hottest part of the day. The fun run will start shortly afterwards.
Entries can be made at www.bvlhm.yolasite.com
Anyone who would like to help out should visit www.bvlions. yolasite.com/Contact-Us.php or phone 0345 8337423.
TEENAGE rider Millie Bloomfield, who lives near the RAC Saddle Club at Bovington, had a top 10 finish in the prestigious Badminton Grassroots Championships –just over a year after a lifethreatening fall.
Millie, 15, who attends Bryanston, finished 1st in the Under 25s section and 7th overall in the 90 Championship, riding her horse Jinx.
During cross-country training last year, she suffered a fall in which the horse landed on her, leaving her with a fractured pelvis.
“Getting Jinx to Badminton was always the main goal, but after our fall I never thought it could happen this year,” Millie said.
But she returned to the saddle sooner than many expected and worked hard with physios and coaches to qualify.
Her partnership with Jinx has been years in the making. “I got him as a freshly backed five-year-old four years ago,” Millie said.
“It has been a long journey with a lot of lows, but that just makes the highs so much more special.”
Their journey has not been without challenges. “He is a difficult horse at times and after our fall we have both had a few problems with our confidence,” she said. “But he has the biggest
Bryanston student Millie Bloomfield has fought back after breaking her pelvis in a fall last year
heart and never fails to give me his all. I’m so proud.”
Millie credits much of her progress to the support network around her. “We had so much support through RAC Saddle Club, and from family and friends – that kept me going.”
Competing at Badminton proved to be a memorable experience beyond the result itself. “What made it so special for me was that the lower levels don’t really get the chance to experience a proper crowd cheering you on,” she said.
“The amount of people that show up is so special –cantering away from a tricky
jump with the crowd cheering behind you is an amazing feeling. Having so many friends and family there to support me was incredible.”
Millie hopes her story can inspire others facing difficult moments in sport.
“Keep looking up and keep kicking on,” she advised anyone else facing adversity.
JURASSIC Juniors Angling
Club made their maiden visit to Orchard Lakes near New Milton – a new venue for a new match season. It was a long trip for some, but the travelling was more than worth it. The venue is fantastic, as was the fishing.
Nine juniors competed in sunny and warm conditions, making a welcome change from the cold and windy weather of late. Fish were being caught right from the start. A variety of species, including barbel and ide, new fish for many of the
juniors.
At the sharp end of the match were a returning Harry Cryer in 3rd with 25lb 12oz.
Kenzie Toulson claimed a creditable 2nd place with an impressive catch of 40lb 10oz. But nudging ahead to take his first win of the season was Austin Scott-Kennedy who used a variety of pole techniques to catch 47lb 6oz and take 25 championship points. Austin also won £30 worth of Orchard
Winners in Jurassic Junior Angling Club’s match at Orchard Lakes, near New Milton
Lakes shop vouchers, thanks to the venue.
The youngsters’ next event is at Whitemoor Lakes, near Wimborne, on Saturday, May 30.
WINCANTON Golf Club results:
Monthly Stableford – May 3: 1 Steven Ireland, 38; 2 Jim Stephen, 35; 3 David Amann, 31.
Seniors Monthly Stableford – May 5: 1 Phil Francis, 37; 2 Jim Bunce, 33 ocb; 3 Richard Strong, 33.
Seniors 9 Hole Stableford – May 5: 1 Mike Case, 20; 2 Harry Eden, 17; 3 George Wagland, 16.
Seniors Roll Up Stableford Front 9 – May 8: 1 Martyn Andrews, 19; 2 Mike Case, 18;
For more club and membership information visit www.jjac.co.uk or email graham.jjac@gmail.com Go to www.orchardlakes.co.uk for more fishery information.
3 Keith Williams, 16.
The Mike Parfitt Memorial Glass – May 12: 1 Jim Stephen, 35 ocb; 2 Tim France, 35; 3 Chris Dibben, 35; 4 Phil Francis, 35.
The Mike Parfitt Putter –May 12: 1 Alan White, 20; 2 John Wolstenholme, 18 ocb; 3 Keith Williams, 18.
Seniors Roll Up Stableford Back 9 – May 15: 1 Chris Dibben, 21; 2 Nick Young, 20; 3 John Wolstenholme – 19.
Camelot Shield –May 16: 1 Steven Ireland, 70 ocb; 2 David Ivey, 70; 3 Jo Brickwood, 71.
The Mid Dorset branch of Cats Protection has a number of cats still needing veterinary care before being homed.
The group is also looking for people to foster cats and has other roles available in the branch.
To enquire about any of these roles or cats for rehoming, phone 07831 586114.
by Raychel Curson
THINKING about adding a furry friend to your life but unsure whether a small or large dog is the right fit?
You’re not alone!
Choosing the perfect size for your lifestyle can make all the difference in enjoying a happy, stress-free relationship with your pet.
Small dogs
SMALL breeds like chihuahuas, pomeranians and French bulldogs are perfect for apartment living or smaller homes.
Their compact size makes them easy to carry and handle, ideal for first-time dog owners or those who want a lap buddy.
Plus, they eat less and often cost less in supplies.
But don’t let their tiny stature fool you – many small dogs have big personalities and boundless energy!
Daily walks, playtime and mental stimulation are still essential.
Their small size also means you need to handle them gently to avoid injuries.
Large dogs
LARGE breeds such as labrador retrievers, German shepherds and great danes are often suited for homes with space to roam.
Large dogs can be incredibly loyal and protective, and they usually enjoy being part of family activities.
However, their size comes with responsibilities – they need more food, more exercise and sometimes more training to manage their strength.
First-time owners may find large dogs intimidating at first, but their loving, playful nature often wins people over.
Consider your lifestyle
ASK yourself: How much space do you have? How active are you? Do you travel often? Small dogs may be easier to take along on trips, while large dogs thrive with regular outdoor activity and family interaction. Thinking realistically about your lifestyle helps prevent frustration for both you and your dog.
Whether you choose a pintsized pal or a gentle giant, dogs bring love, joy and companionship.
By understanding your own habits and preferences – and considering the unique traits of different breeds – you can find the perfect dog to match your life, making every day with your furry friend a happy one.
Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.
Collection Service Farewell Room
Out of Hours Service provided
Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440
They’re perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching. Email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk
Small breeds like chihuahuas are perfect for apartment living or smaller homes
by Lynn Broom BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS
AS Brits we instinctively want to help animals, particularly those that appear sick or need help. While risks associated with this in the UK are relatively low, significant life-threatening infections are associated with animals elsewhere. Our food hygiene standards are also generally higher than many other countries.
The recent outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship is likely to have originated in rats and may have been contracted in South America and has been confirmed as the Andes Hantavirus. While the Seoul Hantavirus has previously been identified in the UK, there is a very low risk of becoming infected.
There has been a recent outbreak of Nipah Virus in Asia – currently India but previous outbreaks include Malaysia, The Philippines and Singapore. This is primarily a disease of fruit bats and infection is transferred via direct contact with sick animals and their secretions and via fruit contaminated with their urine, faeces or saliva. This virus has an up to 75% fatality rate.
Ebola virus originates in
African fruit bats but also infects primates and some other mammals. It is spread by contact with secretions and, once infected, humans can transfer it from person to person. Up to 90% of human infections are fatal.
Rabies is an ever-present infection in many countries, although significant steps have been taken to reduce its incidence. The dumb form can cause affected wild animals to lose their fear of humans, increasing the risk that humans may pet them. 99% of infections occur from dog bites or scratches, but all mammals can become infected. Mortality rate is 100% once symptoms appear but it can be prevented with vaccines and immediate post bite/scratch treatment.
Avian influenza – bird flu – is an ongoing risk. While the current serotype H5N1 is a relatively low risk to humans, previous outbreaks of other serotypes such as H7N9 have caused significant human infections and high mortality in China. The virus readily evolves and the current H5N1 outbreak has adapted to affect a wider range of species, including cattle in the USA, raising concerns regarding potential food chain exposure and future adaptation.
Bacterial infections not
The recent outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship is likely to have originated in rats
endemic in the UK include brucellosis and plague. Brucella in cattle was eradicated in 1985, although there was an isolated outbreak in 2004 of unknown origin. An upcoming source of Brucella is the import of infected dogs from sites in Europe and the government is considering control measures. Brucella causes abortion in affected animals, including humans. Plague is relatively rare with only 1,000-2,000 cases being reported worldwide, mainly in Africa, Asia and South America, with sporadic outbreaks being reported.
Parasitic infections include Echinococcus, Toxoplasmosis
and Taenia. These infections are common in Eastern Europe and infection is often transferred in undercooked meat. Echinococcus and Taenia are types of tapeworm and food hygiene controls in the UK make them relatively rare here. Toxoplasmosis is present in the UK and is typically spread in cat faeces but in other countries it is a significant health risk and is spread though undercooked meat, particularly lamb, pork and venison. It can cause abortion in pregnant women. It is recommended that individuals take simple precautions and remember that the risks here may be different
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MORE than half of drivers (57%) believe red ‘road ahead closed’ signs are ‘uninformative’ when trying to understand the details of road closures they’re approaching, a new RAC poll has found.
The findings conclude that the common red and white ‘road ahead closed’ signs are missing key details, making them unhelpful to drivers and other road users.
Of those that find the signs uninformative, the most common reasons for confusion were that they don’t state which road is closed (60%), or how far ahead the road is closed (56%). Meanwhile, 15% don’t trust that the signage is up to date.
In light of the widespread confusion, an overwhelming 93% of all drivers that responded to the survey would be in favour of councils and their contractors providing more information about where closures are.
Despite the fact that ignoring traffic signs can lead to fines, only 30% of drivers surveyed by the RAC said they always follow yellow diversion signs after seeing red ‘road ahead closed’ signs.
Looking at why drivers don’t follow diversions, seven-in-10 (70%) say they rely on their own local knowledge to find a better alternative, while 58% worry the diversion will take them miles out of their way and just over half (52%) state that they just follow their sat-nav.
“Simply stating ‘road ahead closed’ is too vague as it doesn’t give drivers enough information about the closures they’re approaching and is causing a lack of trust.
“Our findings also show that in many cases drivers aren’t taking official diversion routes, which could cause issues in terms of traffic flow and potentially lead to
dangerous situations around essential maintenance works.
“Sat-navs can be useful for finding alternative routes, but they don’t get everything right and sometimes won’t pick up emergency closures.
“Drivers ought to be able to trust the signs they are supposed to follow, and it wouldn’t take a lot of effort to improve them.
“By including key information, such as which road is closed, and ideally for how long, drivers would surely have more trust in the signage and be less likely to ignore official advice.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Our research with drivers reveals very clearly that, as things stand, ‘road ahead closed’ signs are not fit for purpose.
2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450
2007 (07) Alfa Romeo 159 Lusso 3.2V6 JTS Q4 4x4 4dr. 260bhp, 4-wheel drive, not perfect as its old, invoices for ££££’s spent, collector enthusiast car, 98,500 miles
£6500
2019 (19) Ford Focus 1.0T Titanium X Nav 5dr. 125bhp, top of the range, massive spec, 67,800 miles .................................................. £9250
2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950
2015 (65) Ford Focus 1.0T Zetec 5dr. 125bhp, £20 tax, cambelt kit replaced, 1 owner & only 20,800 miles
£6750
2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450
2014 (63) Ford Focus 1.0T Zetec 5dr. 100bhp, £20 tax, cambelt replaced at Ford in 2023, extras of appearance & convenience packs, only 49,200 miles
£4850
2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800
2012 (62) Ford S-Max 1.6TDCi Titanium 7 Seat MPV 5dr. 115bhp, high seating, big boot, flat fold rear seats, cambelt replaced, 74,800 miles, selling for a client
£4950
2023 (72) Mercedes-Benz V-Class V220 2.0CDi Sport Automatic 6 Seat MPV 5dr. 161bhp, luxury travel, 6 seats, massive spec plus extras, 44,900 miles £39500
2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250
2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. 115bhp, high seating, big boot, high spec, 82,500 miles £8450
2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON
2019 (19) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ3 5dr. 89bhp, small & compact, low running costs, 50,500 miles ............................................................. £7450
2011 (61) Vauxhall Meriva 1.7CDTi SE Automatic 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating. cambelt replaced, old so not perfect, clearance bargain, MOT August, 79,500 miles ....................................................................... £1650
2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles .........................................................................................................£12250
2023 (23) Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Black Edition 5dr. 108bhp, high seating, decent boot, high specification, 21,800 miles £15950
2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect T200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. 100bhp, material lined, bulkhead delete, 2 seats, no vat to pay, 58,300 miles
£8750
2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400
2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect T200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. 75bhp, ply lined, 2 seats, no vat to pay, 139,500 miles ...............................................
£5850
2015 (15) Hyundai i40 1.7CRDi S Estate 5dr. 140bhp, £35 tax, upto 65mpg, great spec load lugger, 65,200 miles
2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850
£6250
2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450
£7450
2017 (67) Kia Picanto 1.25 GT Line S Nav 5dr. 84bhp, top of the range, massive spec, 68,300 miles
2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950
2019 (69) Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDi Match Nav Estate 5dr. 113bhp, high spec, cambelt kit replaced, 76,800 miles ................................. £9950
2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250 WE
2016 (66) Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDi R-Line Nav 5dr. 148bhp, stunning car, high seating, big boot, massive spec, cambelt kit replaced, only 54,600 miles .......................................................................... £15850
by Tria Stebbing
MAY has arrived in the field and it is a sensory delight. It smells and looks beautiful with a myriad of colours and hues. Most striking for me this year is the hawthorn – the hedgerows are full of the fragrant blossom, a delight for the bees and insects. Steeped in tradition, the hawthorn has long been associated with Irish faery folklore and Celtic mythology.
Used in Beltane fire festivals it represents the transition to summer, to better times –equally it has a dark reputation for being protected by those same faery folk. It can also be called the ‘Clootie tree’ with strips of cloth tied on in exchange for healing wishes.
Sometimes called the May tree, it was mentioned in Anglo-Saxon times as boundary protection and as part of May Day celebrations. Young women wore the blossom to attract males, while others used the blossom as garlands and decorated the outside of houses with the leafy branches – it was considered bad luck though to take the garlands indoors. The blossom has been used to make
wine and jam and its tincture to reduce blood pressure. The perimeter of the field is a mass of white blossom. Beautiful as it is, the thorns are huge, so I will be leaving it where it grows.
The hornbeam hedge runs with the hawthorn – it looks a bit like beech and the sheep love it. They are foraging well currently and having finished the wild garlic have turned their attention to the hornbeam.
Better than any hedge cutter, they graze a neat line along the edge of the field – even the lambs, mimicking their mothers, nibble contentedly.
The weather has become a bit mixed, warm, cold, dry, wet it cannot make up its mind, which is a nightmare for the sheep prior to shearing. Flystrike season is here and checking in on the sheep has become a priority as it is so quick to take a life. The lambs are learning life lessons from the ewes. Little feet lifted in surprise when stinging nettles are walked on, nibbles on grass, looking for the best bits, all copied from the ewe.
We have to use a three-strand electric fence to strip-graze
some of the paddocks and the lambs learnt very quickly not to go near it, again by copying. Most of the time it is not even turned on, as they associate it with ‘ouch’ and steer well clear.
The weather at the time of writing is cold for May and dry, too. The lambs will be glad of
the extra bit of brown fat they are carrying. The farmer next door has the first sileage cut done and it is already mid-May. The elder is flowering, which seems a bit early, so my time will be spent foraging, like the sheep. Come on summer, we are all waiting for you!
A HEDGEHOG was rescued from a ‘perilous spot’ after falling into a 7ft-deep pipe Blandford Army Camp.
RSPCA animal rescue officer
Jo Blackburn was called to the camp after a member of the public spotted the stricken hedgehog.
Jo said: “I was taken onto the camp and to a deep, narrow pipe that went down into the ground.
“Using my torch, I could just make out the hedgehog trapped at the bottom of the shaft with absolutely no way of getting out.
“She was a large female, so she was stuck fast and had curled into a tight ball – she
must have been terrified.
“Using one of my long grasper poles, I was able to get the loop around her body and carefully pull her free.”
Jo checked the hedgehog over and she didn’t appear to be injured or dehydrated.
Jo added: “She was a healthy female in good condition, so I don’t think she’d been stuck for too long, thankfully. She was large, so she may well have been pregnant, and she was in a very perilous spot and would have perished if she’d not been found.
“Some lovely, enthusiastic Army officers were passing as I was rescuing her and were keen
to help out, so they helped me pop her in a cardboard box with some water and food. They were then going to release her back onto the campground at dusk.
“We’d like to thank everyone who helped this hedgehog get the help she needed as quickly as possible.
“If you find a sick or injured animal, or an animal who is trapped or has been abandoned, it’s important to get them the help they need as quickly as possible, so we have lots of advice on our website to help the public help animals themselves.”
Specialist officers will always
help with complex rescues like this where they can, to ensure the safety of both the animal and the public by using their specialist skills, training and equipment.
But there are also lots of situations where animal lovers can help animals themselves.
The RSPCA asks the public to help smaller trapped animals if it’s safe to do so.
Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically over the past few decades. To find out more about them and how to help them thrive in gardens, visit the RSPCA’s advice pages online.
by Ruth Kimber
THE first cut silage has been completed! The earliest ever on our farm. The quality will be good, but it was a bit too dry, really. Silage has been made all around owing to the early season, and after the grass is cut, it is allowed to dry. But this year with the hot winds it dried very quickly, and some grass was lost as it was picked up and blown into the trailers. We were lucky this didn’t happen here, but I know others’ losses were quite significant.
We have emptied the two slurry stores and ploughed the fields where we will grow maize, and half of the seeds are in. It is a real circle – cows eat, then poo, we spread the manure, we make silage and the whole process starts again!
It is a relief to get these important seasonal jobs done
without trashing the land, when it is too wet or muddies the roads. Now we are desperate for rain!
Fortunately, Tom bought forward fertiliser for use now, but we will have to hope there will be availability and prices will be affordable for later.
The milk price has been going down for months, but we have just had a small increase of 1.54 pence per litre. However, this goes nowhere to cover the extra costs in labour and fuel.
The fields look lovely at this time of year, the hedges have greened up, the white blossoms of the blackthorn are fading, but the cow parsley and elder are out. We have a couple of spinneys on the farm which have bluebells and wild garlic – these have also been early and are now all but gone over.
It has been great to see hares on the farm – two were playing in the field just behind our house. We have swallows in our garage nesting and more up the farm, but not quite the numbers we used to have. Great when they return, such joy makers, the swallows!
Our farm shop, internet sales and farmers’ markets have been busy, with sales of our meat and raw milk ever increasing. It is
time to put the turkey order in, and it is hoped the trials of bird flu vaccines will be complete and available for this season’s birds. This would take the worry out.
We enjoy the garden and are going to open it, along with several others, in Charlton Musgrove, on Sunday, May 31, 1.30pm-5pm. Look out for adverts in the New Blackmore Vale.
across the Blackmore Vale are being encouraged to start preparing for the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 scheme. The first application window opens in early June for farms up to 50 hectares and those without an existing agreement. A second application window for all other farms follows in September.
The latest version of the scheme is more streamlined than previous iterations, reducing actions from 102 to 71, but its focus remains on supporting farmers to manage land in ways that benefit the environment while continuing to produce high-quality food.
Significant changes introduced under SFI26 include a £100,000 annual cap per agreement, one agreement per farm business and the removal of the SFI management payment. All actions will now run for a standard three-year period, helping to provide greater flexibility for shorter-term tenant farmers.
A more detailed breakdown of the SFI26 actions and payment rates is available from defrafarming.blog.gov.uk.
For farmers across Dorset and Somerset, understanding how the revised scheme could fit alongside existing business
goals is an important part of planning for the years ahead.
Earlier this spring, Cornish Mutual supported Members with a series of practical workshops delivered in partnership with FWAG South West and Terrafarmer. The sessions provided straightforward guidance on the latest SFI offer, available actions and the application process.
If you missed out on attending a workshop, Cornish Mutual is running more SFI-focused events later this year. Alternatively, visit our website to stay updated on everything you need to know, from the latest updates and guidance to details of upcoming events: https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk.
Forthcoming Dairy Sales
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email:
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net
Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)
Tuesday 10th
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Further details at www.gth.net
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)
Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALE (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.
Further details at www.gth.net
November at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves
The November Collective Dairy Sale of 305 DAIRY CATTLE
The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020
NORTH SOMERSET COLLECTIVE MACHINERY SALE (Off A38 at Nates Lane, Wrington, Bristol, BS40 5RS) WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY at 10.30am (Items to be delivered Tuesday 26th May between 9.30am-4.30pm)
n 87 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers from Beneknowle, Bettiscombe (x14) Birchwood (x18 Dispersal) Clevian, Dinnaton, Dorset (x11) Hinton, Huntlodge, Lilylane, Peacehay & Rothereld Farms LLP (x12, Crossbreds)
n 16 Incalf Cows from Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds)
n 37 Incalf Heifers from Dayhouse, PT & JC Hinds (Pedigree), Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds) & J & J Waldron
n 3 Holstein Bulls from Beneknowle & Woodstone
n 8 Bulling Heifers from Greathill & Mr D Thorner
n 40 Yearling Heifers from Sutton Hall Farms
n 52 Heifers Calves from Hinton, Pensdown, Thakeham & Mr D Thorner
ENTRIES TO DATE (MORE EXPECTED AND ACCEPTED): TRACTORS & VEHICLES : (2005) Massey Ferguson 6470 TRACTOR 6,060 hours; Deutz-Fahr Agrokid 45 TRACTOR; MF 35 TRACTOR; MF 135 TRACTOR; (1982) Massey Ferguson 240 TRACTOR; (2020) Kioti cs2510 Sub-Compact TRACTOR c/w KL115 loader and bucket, 115 hours from new; (2011) Kubota L5240 TRACTOR 4,750 hours, 50hp, hydrostatic transmission, 4x4; JCB 16C-1 MINI DIGGER low hours, quick hitch, 3 buckets. FARM MACHINERY & TRAILERS: (New) Mckee 8T Dump TRAILER; (New) Bailey 6T Drop Side Tipping TRAILER; 12 Twin-Axle Tonne Dump TRAILER; Ruscon 8.8 Cuyo DUNG SPREADER; International 440 BALER; John Deere 342 BALER; John Deere 578 BALER; Lawrence Edwards Round BALE WRAPPER; MF Vintage BALER; Drum MOWER; 2 Drum MOWER; 6 Rotor TEDDER; Lely 280M MOWER; 5m Power HARROW; Framed HARROWS; HARROWS; DISC HARROWS; 2x Howard ROTAVATORS; 2x Vicon Fertiliser SPINNERS; Teagle Flail TOPPER; Flat 8 GRAB; Flat 8 Small BALE SLEDGE; LOADER; 8ft Ifor Williams LIVESTOCK TRAILER; SHEAR GRAB LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & MISCELLANEOUS: Feed SPREADER; Qty of GATES; Fleming Tipping LINKBOX; Fleming TB5 LINKBOX; LINKBOX; 5x 18mm Hexa plywood TRAILER BOARDS; Log SPLITTER; Stocks SLUG PELLETER (no control box); Edge Panther PRESSURE WASHER (S/R); 4 in 1 BUCKET; etc. ** FURTHER ENTRIES ACCEPTED ** A 10% plus VAT Buyers Premium is charged on all lots, subject to a cap of £250 plus VAT per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only. ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **
PRIME CATTLE (93) Steers UTM av 187.4ppk to 213.5ppk & £1,327.28. Others 209.5ppk, 209.0ppk, 208.0ppk & 206.5ppk. Others £1,293.63, £1,287.00, £1,283.12, £1,280.30 & £1,261.77. Heifers UTM av 180.7ppk to 214.5ppk (2x) and £1,310.50. Others 204.5ppk, 204.0ppk, 199.0ppk (2x) & 197.0ppk. Others £1,233.42, £1,205.05, £1,201.20, £1,168.50 & £1,138.32. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others £882.97 & £861.77. Dairy av 97.8ppk to 113.5ppk and £966.89. Others 112.5ppk & 109.5ppk. Others £945.73 & £914.63. FINISHED SHEEP (654) Lamb ave 202.94ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk, 220.0ppk & 219.0ppk. Others £113.00, £108.00 (5x) & £106.50.
Forthcoming Special Sales
THURSDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2025 at 10.30am (Items to be delivered Wednesday 5th February between 9.00am-4.30pm)
To Include The Dispersal Sale of 62 HOLSTEIN AND FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS AND HEIFERS
Comp: 47 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 12 Incalf Heifers & 3 Maiden Heifers
For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report.
NOVEMBER: Sat 7th
MORLEIGH PARKS FARM, MORELEIGH, TOTNES, DEVON, TQ9 7JN – Saturday 30th May at 10.30am
n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127
n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed n CLOSED HERD for 13 years
ENTRIES TO DATE: (2012, 6500 hrs) Claas Arion 630C TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 6150 TRACTOR; John Deere 2250 4WD TRACTOR; Massey Ferguson 165 TRACTOR partly restored; (2007) Ifor Willams Tipping TRAILER; Tipping TRAILER; Bateson Tri-Axle 14’ Flatbed TRAILER c/w dropsides; 3 point linkage MUCKSPREADER; Fertilizer SPINNER; SIP 6 Rotor TEDDER; McConnell SUB SOILER; Hackett CHAIN HARROWS; 16ft CHAIN HARROWS; Small TOPPER; Fleming 8ft Ballast ROLLER; Small Ballast ROLLER; HD Muck GRAB; Big Bale SQUEEZE, like new; Loader BUCKET; Kidd PTO SAWBENCH; 6 Dumpy bags of LOGS; etc. ** Further Entries Accepted ** A 10% Buyers Premium (+ VAT) will be charged on all lots subject to a cap of £250 (+ VAT) per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only. Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie
For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2: Saturday 7th November Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125
Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Approx 12.30pm Ring 1
Entries to date include:-
The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.
The Dispersal Sale of JCB Telehandler, 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment & Effects TO INC: (22) JCB TM320S TELEHANDLER; (06) McCormick MTX 150 TRACTOR; (06) McCormick MTX135 TRACTOR; (95) Case 5150 Powershift TRACTOR; International 78 TRACTOR; (24) Honda TRX520 4X4 QUAD; JF FCT 1050 Protec TRAILED FORAGER; (21) Vicon Andex 644 2-Star Rotary RAKE; (21) Vicon Extra 632T disc MOWER CONDITIONER; (90) Foster REAR ACTOR; (96) Dowdeswell 130 POWAVATOR TILLER; West 2000 DUAL MANURE SPREADER; Ritchie 21ft folding GRASSLAND HARROWS; Grays 8’ push off BUCKRAKE; Taarup 814 STRAW CHOPPER; (11) Vicon PS04 VARISPREADER; (1996) Marshall 26’ Bale TRAILER; Marston 8T silage TRAILER; Marshall 8T Silage TRAILER; Ifor Williams TA510G 10’ Cattle TRAILER c/w partition gate; CLK Quad TRAILER; Watson 10’ ROLLER; (12) BALE SQUEEZE; (2025) 2.3m Matbro shovel BUCKET; Albutt SHEAR GRAB; (15) 8’ Silage/Dung SPIKE; (2025) SWL 500KGS Man CAGE; IAE Hoof Trimming CRUSH; Wydale Milk TANK; Qty JFC Agri calf COATS; etc. INC BY KIND PERM: (23) Hisun 550 QUAD BIKE; 12T Grain TRAILER; Ifor Williams Quad Bike TRAILER; 4 Bale Hay SPIKE. **Further details at gth.net.** For AJ Parker ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5535
n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 25th January 2025
n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim
NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).
Sedgemoor Auction Centre
North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24)
Telephone: 01278 410278
n 42 Continental Cows & Calves – 6 Ped Lim cows & calves
n 14 Native Cows & Calves
n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He
For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278
Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am
Returns for Saturday 16th May 2026
Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED*** Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED***
Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm
DAIRY CATTLE (75) Heifers to £3200. Others £2600 (3x). Cows to £3000. Others £2650. (986) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (712) Steers to £2470 (AA). Others £2320 (BRBX) £2300 (AA) & £2290 (2x BRBX). Heifers to £2100 (LIMX). Others £2000 (BRBX) £1970 (AA) & £1960 (LIMX). GRAZING COWS (23) to £2340 (LIMX). STIRKS (274) Steers to £1400 (CHX). Others £1385 (CHX) £1210 (LIMX) & £1190 (AA). Heifers to £1370 (AA). Others £1235 (CHX) £1185 (B/SWISS) & £1180 (AA). CALVES (273) - Beef Bulls to £665 (BRBX). Others £590 (BRBX) £575 (AA) & £570 (BRBX). Heifers to £540 (AA). Others £535 (AA) £515 (BRBX) & £445 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £260. (3443) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2359) to £149. Others £145, £141 & £140. Overall Ave £102.04. CULL EWES & RAMS (909) Ewes to £218. Others £195 & £188. Rams to £215. Overall Ave £101.55. BREEDING EWES (25) to £180. Others £178. Overall Ave £148.58. COUPLES (56E & 72L) Doubles to £355 (£118.33/life). Singles to £275 (£137.50/life). Overall Ave £97.38/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (16) to £75. Overall Ave £43.38. GOATS (6) to £132. Overall Ave £105.67. (108) PIGS – STORE/FAT PIGS (60) to £175. BREEDERS (1) to £355. WEANERS (43) to £72. Overall Ave £46.19. CULL SOWS & BOARS (4+1) Sows to £60. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 27th January 2025 PRIME CATTLE (159) Steers UTM av 338.4ppk to 389.5ppk & £2,504.90. Others 384.5ppk, 377.5ppk & 370.5ppk. Others £2,487.74, £2,473.52 & £2,457.51. Heifers UTM av 338.2ppk to 388.5ppk & £2,374.68. Others 385.5ppk (2x) 374.5ppk & 368.5ppk (4x). Others £2,361.92, £2,339.98 & £2,333.14. Steers OTM av 267.5ppk to 329.5ppk & £2,102.40. Heifers OTM av 287.3ppk to 349.5ppk & £2,285.73. BARREN COWS (48) Continental av 177.5ppk to 225.5ppk & £1,558.21. Native Beef av 197.6ppk to 269.5ppk & £1,965.78. Dairy av 174.0ppk to 264.5ppk & £1,796.37. BULLS (3) av 153.5ppk to 171.5ppk & £1,529.78. FINISHED SHEEP (440) Hoggs av 321.70ppk to 336.0ppk & £188.00. Others 333.0ppk, 331.0ppk (2x) & 330.0ppk. Others £187.00, £182.00 & £180.00. (15) Lambs av 337.93ppk to 341.0ppk & £147.50. Others 329.0ppk & 321.0ppk. Others £126.00 & £112.00.
TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143
For an up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre
DAIRY (66) Heifers to £3200. Others £3000 (2x). Cows to £2850. Others £2800 (2x). (1178) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (792) Steers to £2390 (CHX). Others £2340 (LIMX) £2270 (AA) & £2220 (LIMX). Heifers to £2180 (BRBX). Others £2160 (AA) £2120 (LIMX) & £2080 (BRBX). GRAZING COWS (16) to £2200 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (2) Bulls to £1970 (DEV). STIRKS (386) Steers to £1690 (AA). Others £1680 (BRBX) & £1650 (CHX). Heifers to £1480 (LIMX). Others £1430 (LIMX) & £1380 (LIMX). CALVES (329) - Beef Bulls to £900 (LIMX). Others £875 (2x BRBX) £830 (BRBX) & £820 (BRBX). Heifers to £770 (LIMX). Others £760 (BRBX) £715 (AA) & £695 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £600 (BF). (3139) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (1225) Suck Lambs to £199. Hoggs to £238. Others £230, £228 & £225. Overall Ave £153.66. CULL EWES & RAMS (1460) Ewes to £282. Others £279. Rams to £295. Overall Ave £156.57. COUPLES (152E & 213L) Doubles to £480 (£160/life). Singles to £420 (£210/life). Overall Ave £110.20/life. GOATS (37) to £210. Overall Ave £176. ORPHANS - Lambs (52) to £100. Overall Ave £47.79. The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 18th May 2026 PRIME CATTLE (107) Steers UTM av 327.01ppk to 366.0ppk & £2,471.70. Others 353.0ppk, 352.0ppk & 347.0ppk. Others £2,456.76, £2,384.56 & £2,345.00. Heifers UTM av 319.5ppk to 355.0ppk & £2,290.42. Others 345.0ppk, 342.0ppk & 340.0ppk (2x). Others £2,275.89, £2,233.35 & £2,200.88. Steers OTM av 319.4ppk to 333.0ppk & £2,134.11. Heifers OTM av 296.0ppk to 334.0ppk & £2,006.55. Heifers OTSM av 221.4ppk to 288.0ppk & £1,955.52. BARREN COWS (22) Continental av 263.4ppk to 318.0ppk & £2,143.98. Native Beef av 260.0ppk to 265.0ppk & £2,200.65. Dairy av 202.4ppk to 240.0ppk & £1,766.60. OVERAGE BULL (1) av 270.0ppk to 270.0ppk & £2,716.20. FINISHED SHEEP (670) Hoggs (81) av 412.79ppk to 435.0ppk & £244.00. Others 425.0ppk, 424.0ppk & 416.0ppk. Others £242.00, £240.00 & £226.00. Lambs (589) av 471.20ppk to 514.0ppk & £225.50. Others 502.0ppk, 497.0ppk & 492.0ppk. Others £216.00, £215.50 & £215.00.
Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020
DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2
Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock to be booked in with the market office by 18th November. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm
Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of 300+ In Lamb Ewes 12pm Including a genuine flock reduction comprising 130 Suffolk Mule & Bleu du Maine.
Fri 27th Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm
Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1 Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Fodder The next online timed auction closes Thursday 20th February (all fodder that is located on farm for collection) Fodder The next live auction at the
Sat 28th Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2
Forthcoming Fodder Sale
NOVEMBER: Sat 21st
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage
BUTTER makers Natalie and Simon Clapp, of Brue Valley Farm in Glastonbury, are appearing in a new television advertisement with celebrity chef Tom Kerridge.
The pair are again featuring in the Marks & Spencer’s Farm to Foodhall campaign with the new ad airing this month.
Brue Valley Farm is a fifth-generation family-run business that has worked with M&S for over 40 years.
Originally known for its cider production, the farm turned to dairy in the 1950s and now produces small-batch
SHEEP GRAZING long Term 6 acres 01749 850282
BELTED GALLOWAY
PEDIGREE, COW
48 months and 11 month old heifer. TB tested, £2,200 for both, ono. 07907-688820
SPRINGHILL POULTRY
BH21 4JE, Point of lay chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, Feed and bedding, 07970-672003
WANTED land to buy in Dorset 07810 472347
DEER STALKING WANTED Venison for home, friends and family consumption only. Within 30 minutes of Sherborne. DSC1 Qualified BDS Member Safe, reliable and good communicator. Please call Richard 07831-545035
‘Collection’ butters for M&S.
In the new advert, Kerridge samples the three M&S Collection butter flavours –Garlic & Herb, Parmigiano & Truffle and Cowboy – a spicy and smoky butter made with smoked paprika, chipotle chilli flakes and cayenne pepper.
M&S’s Farm to Foodhall campaign spans television, in-store, online and social media, following Kerridge as he visits M&S farmers and suppliers across the UK.
Brue Valley’s artisan butter is made from cream from west country farms churned in old-fashioned barrels for about 40 minutes – roughly 10 times as long as for mass-produced butter – for better texture and taste.
Natalie Clapp, of Brue Valley, said: “It’s fantastic to be featured once again in M&S’s Farm to Foodhall campaign.
“We’re incredibly proud of the amazing ‘Collection’ flavours we’ve developed.”
R&W FENCING Agricultural paddock and stock. 01258-88089207980-036250
PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS (Wessex herd) March born yearlings and 2 year olds. Health scheme. Black or red bulls. Puddletown £3000 07770 794615 jake@wessexgrazing.uk
CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans & boat removal, cars, trailers, vans, etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935873169 or 07368-380477
SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE / HIRE
Tel: 01258 472288
Mob: 07977 936109
New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks
Grass
and
• All Grades
•
•
•
•
• Haulage Arranged
GUINEA FOWL EGGS and keets available. Mixture of colours. 07545-468700
CONCRETE GROOVING, Mobile Grain Crimping and dry rolling Service. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040
by Charlotte Debbaut, veterinary surgeon, Synergy Farm Health
TURN-OUT has come as a relief, with winter forage supplies running very low on many farms after last year’s challenging growing season.
When grazing heifers there are several things to consider, especially during the first grazing season.
In most years, supplementary concentrates will need to be fed from around July onwards to ensure growth targets are met, unless a strict and well monitored grazing strategy is applied – for example, rotational grazing with a back fence.
Often, it is safest to keep heifers housed until they are in calf, to ensure adequate nutrition and negate the risk of parasite infections which could delay growth, onset of puberty and first service.
If heifers are turned out before first breeding, regular,
fortnightly weighing is the only way to ensure parasite problems or nutritional issues are picked up before it has a big impact on growth.
Reduced weight gain or scours due to gut worms are a common problem.
Another important cause of scours after turn-out is coccidiosis.
The coccidia species that cause disease in youngstock at grass are different from the species present during the indoor rearing period.
There is little cross-immunity between those species, so immunity built up when housed doesn’t necessarily protect against outdoor species.
turn-out.
Vaccinated heifers should NOT go out to clean pasture –for example, silage aftermath – as they need low-level lungworm exposure to boost immunity levels post vaccination.
This often catches farmers out, resulting in delayed treatment, permanent gut damage and growth checks.
On farms with lungworm problems, a Huskvac vaccination course – two doses four weeks apart – should be completed two weeks before
Finally, consider trace element status in animals that graze with little supplementary feed.
Copper, iodine and selenium deficiencies can affect fertility, growth and general health.
Blood sampling five heifers – this can be funded by the AHWP – can show if supplementation is needed.
THE NFU has welcomed new legal guidelines designed to help tackle hare coursing.
The farmers’ union says the Sentencing Council’s guidelines to courts, which come into force next month, mark a step forward in deterring hare coursing and ensuring courts recognise the harm and intimidation the activity poses to farmers and growers.
Hare coursing, where dogs are released to chase hares, catching and potentially killing them, is a criminal offence that blights rural communities.
The guidelines set out aggravating factors for judges to consider, including the use of social media to film offences and breaches of community protection notices.
They also draw attention to key powers introduced under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, enabling courts to disqualify offenders from owning dogs and to order them to pay the costs associated with the seizure and detention of dogs involved in hare coursing.
In January 2025, the Sentencing Council launched a consultation on the guidelines, with the NFU submitting evidence highlighting the voices and experiences of farmers and growers.
The NFU also attended the
Operation Galileo Conference at Leicestershire Police HQ, where two NFU members gave evidence on the impact of hare coursing on victims.
NFU vice-president Robyn Munt said: “Hare coursing doesn’t just damage farmland, it leaves a lasting emotional scar on farming families, many of whom are left feeling vulnerable, isolated and fearful of going about their daily work.
“These new guidelines send a clear message that this crime will be treated with the seriousness it deserves, and that courts must consider the full impact on victims and rural communities.
“Farms are not just places of work but are also our homes and for too long dangerous criminals have exploited this.
“We know of one farmer who has reported more than 200 incidents of hare coursing in the past eight months.
“The NFU has driven its campaign to ensure the voices of farmers and growers are heard, and we welcome the Sentencing Council’s recognition of the need for tougher, more consistent sentencing to help protect farmers and their livelihoods and restore the feeling of safety on farm and in rural communities.”
Saturday 30th May at 10.00am Cottage Farm, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6BA
Hare coursing is a criminal offence that blights rural communities
Friday 20th June
Friday 20th June
STANDING STRAW AUCTION
STANDING STRAW AUCTION
ON-FARM AUCTION
ON-FARM AUCTION
Thursday 17th October at 11.00am
Thursday 17th October at 11.00am
Thursday 17th October at 11.00am
Dispersal Sale of 6 Tractors, Telehandler, Digger, Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment & Workshop
Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm
Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm
Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm
Genuine Dispersal of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, 24:24 Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, Grassland & Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items, etc
Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN
Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm Bindon & Pinhay
Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN
Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN
Bindon & Pinhay
Bindon & Pinhay
Genuine Dispersal of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, 24:24 Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, Grassland & Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items, etc
The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset
830ac of Standing Straw
Including: Case 5150 Pro (97), Case 856XL (88), Manitou MLT629T (99), Kubota KX91-3 Alpha, Massey Ferguson 35 (61), Massey Ferguson 135 (68), Fordson Major (58), Lely Hibicus 485 Single Rotor Rake, Twose TR555 4 Rotor Tedder, Kverneland Taarup 2628 Disc Mower, Amazone ZA-M Special N1800 Fertiliser Spreader, Ifor Williams TA510G Livestock Box, Ifor Williams GD64 Trailer, 6t Silage Trailer, 4t Dump Trailer, Wheatley Tipping Trailer, 25ft Bale Trailer, Twose 8ft Lead & Ballast Roller, Bomford B458 Hedgetrimmer, 6ft Bush Wacker Topper, Howard 1.8m Flail Topper, 3m Power Harrow, Parmiter Post Driver, Lowloader Trailer, Ferguson Post Hole Borer, Ferguson Winch, Ferguson PTO Pulley, Ferguson Ploughs, Ferguson Cultivators, Cattle Crushes, Round Feeders, Qty of Cattle Hurdles, Qty of Gates, Feed Barriers, Qty of Bosch Power Tools, Qty of Chainsaws, Qty of Stonesaws, Qty of Hedgetrimmers etc.
The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset 830ac of Standing Straw
Thursday 17th October at 11.00am Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up,
Genuine Dispersal of Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment
Genuine Dispersal of Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment
Genuine Dispersal of Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up,
• 461ac Wheat
461ac Wheat
• 461ac Wheat
461ac Wheat
• 237ac Winter Barley
• 237ac Winter Barley
237ac Winter Barley
2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds
132ac Oats
• 132ac Oats
• 132ac Oats
132ac Oats
Friday 30th June at 12 noon Durweston
Friday 30th June at 12 noon
Friday 30th June at 12 noon
Durweston
T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) &
6,220 acres of Standing Straw
Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset
Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset 6,220 acres of Standing Straw
Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset
• 2,442ac Wheat
2,442ac Wheat
• 2,442ac Wheat
• 2,006ac Winter Barley
• 2,006ac Winter Barley
2021 Merlo TF 42.7 CS Turbo Farmer (2,690hrs), 2010 Case Puma 140 (10,939hrs), International 674 with Loader, 24:24 Fullwood Afimilk Parlour, Cotswold Flush, Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Teat Sprayer, 2000 Fullwood 12,500ltr Fabdec Bulk Tank, ND Jeanes 15t Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t High Discharge Bin, Mollasses Tank & Stand, 2018 Anka Pro Foot Trimming Crush, 2010 Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, 2005 Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, 2017 Keenan VA2-18 Feeder Wagon, 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F Mower, 2012 Pottinger Lion 301 3m Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper, 2002 Major 700 Road Brush, Ifor Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft Bucket, Wylie Shear Grab, 25ft Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single Leg Mole Plough, Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit PTO Lagoon Stirrer, Quicke 210 Loader Bucket, Logic Contact 200 Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Shallow Disc
2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011 Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, 2019 Massey Ferguson 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson 10’ Tandem Rollers, KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn Vari-
• 1,557ac Spring Barley
• 1,557ac Spring Barley
KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn Vari-
1,557ac Spring Barley 178ac Oats
1,557ac Spring Barley 178ac Oats
• 178ac Oats
• 178ac Oats
T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson 10’ Tandem Rollers, KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn VariMaster 153 5f Rev Plough, McConnel 3m Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Topper, Bomford
Introduced: Massey Ferguson 35X (63), Malone Post Driver, Cook’s Bale Sledge, Twose 402 Yard Scraper, Haymaker HM300 Haybob, Jones 155 Conventional Baler, AS Marston 8t Silage Trailer, Richard Western 8t Silage Trailer, New Holland 719 Trailed Forager, Rice Horsebox etc.
Master 153 5f Rev Plough, McConnel 3m Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Topper, Bomford Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L
Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit),
2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011 Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, 2019 Massey Ferguson 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, 2012 JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson 10’ Tandem Rollers, KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Trailed Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn VariMaster 153 5f Rev Plough, McConnel 3m Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Topper, Bomford Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.
Injector, Feed Trailer, Large Quantity of Electric Fencing Stakes, Reels & Fencers, Quantity of Feed Troughs, Various Feed Buckets, Mobile Milker, Hook on Buckets, Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel Group Hutches, Various Field & Yard Gates, 32mm Water Pipe, Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro Turf, Emergency Bulk Tank, Concrete Water Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Poly Tunnels.
2021 Merlo TF 42.7 CS Turbo Farmer (2,690hrs), 2010 Case Puma 140 (10,939hrs), International 674 with Loader, 24:24 Fullwood Afimilk Parlour, Cotswold Flush, Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Teat Sprayer, 2000 Fullwood 12,500ltr Fabdec Bulk Tank, ND Jeanes 15t Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t High Discharge Bin, Mollasses Tank & Stand, 2018 Anka Pro Foot Trimming Crush, 2010 Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, 2005 Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, 2017 Keenan VA2-18 Feeder Wagon, 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F Mower, 2012 Pottinger Lion 301 3m Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper, 2002 Major 700 Road Brush, Ifor Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft Bucket, Wylie Shear Grab, 25ft Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single Leg Mole Plough, Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit PTO Lagoon Stirrer, Quicke 210 Loader Bucket, Logic Contact 200 Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Shallow Disc Injector, Feed Trailer, Large Quantity of Electric Fencing Stakes, Reels & Fencers, Quantity of Feed Troughs, Various Feed Buckets, Mobile Milker, Hook on Buckets, Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel Group Hutches, Various Field & Yard Gates, 32mm Water Pipe, Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro Turf, Emergency Bulk Tank, Concrete Water Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Poly Tunnels.
Fertiliser Spreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Topper, Bomford Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.
Friday 7th July at 12 noon
Friday 7th July at 12 noon
Friday 7th July at 12 noon
1298 acres of Standing Straw
• 599ac Wheat
• 599ac Wheat
The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, 1298 acres of Standing Straw
The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, 1298 acres of Standing Straw
• 281ac Winter Barley
281ac Winter Barley
• 119ac Spring Barley
281ac Winter Barley 119ac Spring Barley
• 119ac Spring Barley
• 119ac Spring Barley 229ac Oats
• 229ac Oats
• 70ac Oil Seed Rape
70ac Oil Seed Rape
Thursday 4th June at 11.00am Summerleaze Farm, Kilmington, Axminster EX13 7RA
East Devon Collective Machinery Sale to Include 2 Genuine Dispersal Sales
Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk
On behalf of Spicer Partners
Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk
Gomershay Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton STANDING STRAW AUCTIONS
Gomershay Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton STANDING STRAW AUCTIONS
On behalf of Spicer Partners Online bidding available
On behalf of John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467
On behalf of John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467
Entries to date inc: New Holland TN75DA with Quicke Q35 Loader (08), Case International 685 (90), David Brown Cropmaster (49), Land Rover 2A (69) Avon 4.8m Rib with Suzuki 50hp Engine, Suzuki Jimny (04), Honda CRF 250R Motorcross Bike, Westwood T1600 Lawnmower, Hi-Spec 2300 Vacuum Tanker (16), Redrock 13t Silage Trailer (03), AS Marston 12t Grain Trailer (13), Abbey 2500 Vacuum Tanker, Marshall 75 Side Discharge Dung Spreader (13), Belmac Dung Spreader, Marshall QM11 Grain Trailer (14), Kverneland Taarup 9439 Single Rotor Rake, Shelbourne Reynolds Sand Dispenser (20), Hudson Agri 22ft Livestock Trailer (12), Bailey 25ft Flat Bed Trailer, Agrimac 26ft Cattle Trailer, Marshall QM1600 Silage Trailer (15), Twose 6m Cambridge Rollers, Redrock 12t Silage Trailer, Single Axle Redrock Silage Trailer, 25ft Bale Trailer, Shelborne Grass Harrows (06), Krone Swadro 46 Single Rotor Rake, Kuhn 4 Rotor Tedder, Marshall MS90 Dung Spreader, Teagle Tomahawk Bale Shredder, Kidd Topper, Teagle Tipping Trailer, McHale Bale Squeeze, Vicon Fertiliser Spreader, KRM Bredal F2 Fertiliser Spreader, Ifor Williams DP120G 12ft Livestock Trailer, FlexiFarm Springtine Cultivator, Sutton Brush, Stocks AG Turbo Jet Seeder, Redrock Shear Grab, 3 x Agri Plastics Group Calf Hutches, 5 x Agri Plastics Individual Calf Hutches, 15 x Intershape Individual Calf Hutches, Qty of Pig Arcs, Qty of Fencing, Qty of Workshop Items etc.
Wednesday 25th June
Wednesday 25th June
DISPERSAL AUCTION
ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION
ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION
Pinhay and Bindon – The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon
Pinhay and Bindon – The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon
ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION Saturday 29th July
Saturday 29th July
Approx. 1,000ac of Standing Straw
Saturday 29th July
Saturday 29th July
Approx. 1,000ac of Standing Straw
Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH
Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH
Friday 27th June
Friday 27th June
Pinhay and Bindon – The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon
Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and
Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and
Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and
Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and
Pinhay and Bindon – The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon Approx. 8,5000ac of Standing Straw
Approx. 8,5000ac of Standing Straw
Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988 Same Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.
Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988 Same Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Marshall SM6 Drop Side Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.
Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Marshall SM6 Drop Side Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.
Our Agents will be at The Dairy Event on Wednesday, 2 October
Our Agents will be at The Dairy Event on Wednesday, 2 October
Mower Conditioner,
Further suitable entries welcome.
Further suitable entries welcome.
Further suitable entries welcome.
Please call in to our stand for refreshments and to meet our rural and agricultural experts
Please call in to our stand for refreshments and to meet our rural and agricultural experts
Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467
Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467
Further suitable entries welcome. Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467
Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467
Wylye, Wiltshire. 478 acres
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total
4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,
North Cheriton
Cheriton
A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488 Shroton
4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Gabriella Placidi | 01380 710535
OIEO £400,000
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488 Leigh OIEO £500,000
A ring-fenced block of productive arable land located in the Wylye Valley. High-yielding, attractive, grade 3 farmland sporting appeal with excellent transport links including direct access to the A303. Freehold
£400,000 the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.
|
| SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON
Lower Bagber
Guide £1,150,000
Mappowder Guide £595,000
Hazelbury Bryan
Guide £530,000
Marnhull Guide £525,000
A spacious detached house and fantastic home studio / annexe in a wonderful rural location with fine far reaching views and about 5 acres. Freehold. CTB G; EPC D.
Mappowder Guide £595,000 surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. Marnhull
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Fitzpaine
Guide £450,000
Shroton Guide £435,000
A very well presented 2 or 3 bedroom converted Chapel with parking and a small garden to the side adjoining the village playing fields. Freehold. CTB A; EPC D.
village. CTB D. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Kings Stag
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Guide £400,000
A renovated and extended bungalow in a peaceful and secluded surrounding with lovely gardens, driveway and garaging. Freehold. CTB B; EPC D.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.
A renovated detached bungalow with attractive gardens in a peaceful edge of village location. Freehold. CTB E; EPC E.
E.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Marnhull
Guide £425,000
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
A mews style conversion with elegant reception rooms and wonderful rear garden in a quiet and private location within the village. Freehold. CTB D; EPC D.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sturminster Newton
Guide £315,000
Leigh OIEO £500,000
A very well presented and conveniently located townhouse a short walk from the town centre. Freehold. CTB D; EPC C
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
| DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON
Henley, Langport
PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2026 at 2:00PM AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3AA
DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON
Guide: Lot A - 12.79 acres £50,000
Lot B – 9.84 acres £40,000
Lot C – 5.94 acres £40,000
The land comprises four parcels of level pasture land split into 3 separate lots, extending to 28.57 acres (11.56 hectares) in total. Situated outside the village of Henley offering a wide variety of flora and fauna. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Nether Compton
Guide £25,000
4.92 acres (1.99 hectares) of mixed woodland situated on the edge of the popular Dorset village of Nether Compton, bordering 9 properties. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Shaftesbury
Guide £55,000
4.91 acre (1.99 hectare) pasture field with mains water and direct road access. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Mappowder Guide £595,000
Mappowder Guide £595,000
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding Sturminster
Sherborne
Guide Lot A - £75,000. Lot B - £25,000
A well-located building plot with full planning permission for a detached 3 bedroom home. Lot B is an additional parcel of land offered to the buyer of Lot A. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Shroton
Crewkerne Ilminster | 01460 202995
Guide £75,000
An opportunity to create a unique and impressive detached contemporary 4 bedroom residence set in just under an acre, close to the town centre. Freehold.
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southSturminster Newton | 01258 473766
North Cheriton Sherborne | 01935 814488
Guide £185,000
1.24 acre site in North Cheriton with Permission in Principle (Planning reference: 25/10604/PIP) for 2-4 dwellings. Located in a sought after village. Freehold.
Sixpenny Handley
Guide £225,000
A substantial detached property with a GIA of 4,538sqft. (421.6sqm), requiring comprehensive refurbishment. Benefitting from full planning permission to re-develop into 7 flats. Freehold.
Blandford | 01258 452670
Cheriton
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this mo
This but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this mo
Sturminster
Salisbury
Guide £120,000
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A Grade II* Listed Building arranged as a ground floor retail sales office, with rear ancillary office/storage, staff kitchen facilities on the 1st floor and with an additional office space at second floor. RV £TBC. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Somerton
Guide £270,000
Light industrial/business unit containing a mix of warehouse, storage and offices together with ancillary kitchen and WC facilities.
RV £19,750. Freehold.
Yeovil | 01935 423526
With a 95% success rate across our two most recent property auctions, our experts are perfectly placed to help you to sell via this fast, effective method.
A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southNr
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over
Bridport
Guide £450,000
A mixed use, Grade II Listed property in Bridport town Centre. Comprising 2 x GF retail units, 1 x FF office and 1 x 2 bedroom cottage.
RV £58,500. CTB B. EPC C. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000
Contact us to find out more 01258 473766
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster
Weymouth
Guide £700,000
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
Versatile character property with stunning sea views, containing a 90-cover restaurant with additional outdoor seating. Includes a 2-bedroom owner’s flat. RV £8,800. Freehold.
Dorchester | 01305 261008
DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET
| DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON
Swanage
Guide
£50,000
A 1 bedroom first floor flat, of non-standard construction, in need of renovation throughout. Leasehold. New 125 year lease on completion. SC £2.60 pa, BI £90pa. Sinking Fund £693.17 pa. CTB A. EPC C.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Blandford
Guide £150,000
A Grade II Listed town centre property with a total GIA of almost 2,000 sq ft, currently arranged to provide two flats and a pretty courtyard garden. Freehold. Both flats CTB B.
Blandford | 01258 452670
PROPERTY AUCTION THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2026 at 2:00PM AT DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3AA
Bridport
Guide £160,000
A well-maintained 2 bedroom, second floor apartment offering light accommodation. Leasehold. 997 years remaining. SC £1454.50pa. GR £250pa. CTB A. EPC E.
Bridport | 01308 422092
Corfe Castle
Guide £250,000
A delightful 2 bedroom cottage nestled at the foot of Corfe Castle, with garden and outbuilding. Grade II Listed. Freehold. CTB C. EPC E.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Beer, Seaton
Guide £200,000
A handsome stone property comprising two flats each with 2 bedrooms in the heart of a popular fishing village. Freehold. Both flats CTB A. 8 - EPC D. 9 – EPC C.
Axminster | 01297 33122
Broad Oak
Guide
£195,000
A semi-detached 3 bedroom property for modernisation with a useful outbuilding, front and rear gardens, and far-reaching views. Freehold. CTB C. EPC E.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and south-
Corfe Castle
Wimborne |
This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this mo
but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this mo
An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over
Verwood
Guide
£295,000
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A detached 3 bedroom bungalow of 1,545sqft. (143sqm.) requiring refurbishment. Situated on a favourable road on the edge of Verwood, in grounds of about 0.22 acres. Freehold. CTB D. EPC D.
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Netherbury
Guide £300,000
A spacious 3 bedroom bungalow with excellent potential, set within a generous and mature plot, offering driveway and garage. Freehold. CTB E. EPC E.
Beaminster | 01308 863100
Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,
A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Take the stress out of buying, selling or remortgaging your home
Trickey Conveyancing based in Hazelbury Bryan and Shaftesbury with
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all day. 30 minutes free. ROOM TO LET IN
Please phone for more details. Tel: 01258-473598
YARD TO LET 29mx13m (377 square metres) enclosed on 3 sides. All concrete floor 24/7 access. Enquiries 07811-551161 DT11 8RA. TAKING THE TRAIN?
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Characterful new homes homes ready now in Marnhull now ready Marnhull
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The Sandford Orcas Summer Fete is here! Sunday 7 June at 12 noon
The Sandford Orcas Summer Fete is here! Sunday 7 June at 12 noon
There will be stalls galore, from a giant bric-a-brac to a mega raffle, tombola, homemade jams and plants.
There will be stalls galore, from a giant bric-a-brac to a mega raffle, tombola, homemade jams and plants
Not forgetting amazing vehicles to explore and a live band on stage.
You can enjoy tea and cakes at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, burgers from the Manor House Gothic Grill and ice creams & a bar with drinks to quench any thirst.
You can enjoy tea and cakes at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, burgers from the Manor House Gothic Grill and ice creams & drinks to quench any thirst.
Make it a family day with games and rides in our Kid’s Corner including a World Cup Shoot-Out, bouncy castle, pony riding and animals to meet including rare breed sheep, Fozzy the alpaca and Beanie the Shetland.
Make it a family day with games and rides in our Kid’s Corner including a World Cup Shoot-Out, bouncy castle, pony riding and animals to meet including rare breed sheep, Fozzy the alpaca and Beanie the Shetland.
Dog Show 12.30-2.30pm
Catagories will include:
- Cutest puppy
- Handsomest dog
- Prettiest bitch
- Musical sit
- Fastest recall
- Longest stay
- Temptation alley
- Dog most like its owner
- Waggiest tail
- Scruffiest dog
- Best child handler
