The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 152

Edition 152

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

Friday, July 17, 2026

The New Blackmore Vale www.blackmorevale.net

FLOWER POWER FRIENDSHIPS! FULL STORY: PAGE 10

PEDAL POWER Vicar hopes epic ride will save local church Page 6

HAPPY EVER AFTER Twins celebrate double wedding anniversary Page 8

Community garden set up during pandemic marks landmark anniversary with special high tea party!

Heating, Plumbing & Renewable Experts

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FLYING THE FLAG Joy after town park wins Green Flag status Page 14

What’s inside this issue…

• Main pic: Discover the plethora of gardens open for charity across the Vale page 24 • Above: Appeal launched to save Bastard House for the community page 4 • Left: Free summer school places available at The Reptile Academy page 22

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

EDITORIAL Paul Jones - Editor in Chief We love hearing your news and views.

Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186 Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

53-56 33-35 36-37 28 38 71-74 70 60-61 58-59 39-44 62

Letters Local Services Motoring Pets Politics Property Puzzles Recruitment Sport Wanted

32 45-52 63-65 68-69 29-31 75-79 26-27 57 66-67 62

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

ONLINE : www.blackmorevale.net ADDRESS: 3 Alfred's Way, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RU

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Wincanton takes Pride in diversity

by Dominic Winter WHAT an incredible day Wincanton Pride 2026 was!

It was wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate equality, inclusion and diversity. We welcomed so many local people and visitors, creating a fantastic atmosphere filled with kindness, acceptance and pride.

The event was packed with amazing attractions, including a variety of fantastic stallholders, face painting, arts and crafts, a vibrant main stage, the Balsam Centre, Aloe Vera products and so much more. There really was something for everyone to enjoy.

We were also delighted to welcome our local MP, Sarah Dyke, who joined us for the parade and showed her support for Wincanton Pride and everything it stands for. Her presence meant a great deal to our community.

Pride is about ensuring everyone feels

seen, valued and respected. It’s about celebrating who we are, supporting one another, embracing the diversity that makes our community so special and creating a place where everyone belongs.

A huge thank you goes to Kevin Moody for his continued support throughout the

event. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Natalie from Dark Arts, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, reaching out to schools, local businesses and the wider community.

Her dedication and commitment helped make this event the success it was.

A special thank you also goes to Charles for capturing the day through his wonderful photographs. His images have preserved so many special memories and will ensure this year’s Pride is remembered for years to come.

Finally, thank you to every volunteer, stallholder, performer, supporter and everyone who attended. You helped make Wincanton Pride a truly unforgettable celebration.

We can’t wait to start planning an even bigger and better Wincanton Pride 2027.

See you next year!

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Blandford’s appeal to buy landmark AN appeal has been launched to raise funds to purchase one of Blandford’s most historic buildings for the community after its owners, a local charity, announced its intention to put it on the market.

The Grade I listed Bastard House, which straddles Bere’s Yard at the junction of East Street and the Market Place, has been owned by the Charity of William Williams since it was built after the Blandford fire of 1731 for and by John and William Bastard, the architects responsible for the rebuilding of the town.

It is currently home to the charity shops Age Concern and Weldmar Hospicecare and, in the burgage plot behind, Blandford Town Museum and its Victorian garden.

Town councillors agreed at their planning committee meeting in May to nominate the site as an asset of community value (ACV) on the grounds of the site’s ongoing community use and value. If successful, it

will allow six months after the site and property is put on the market before it can be sold, giving time for a community bid to be made for its purchase.

The Blandford Town Museum, Arts & Heritage Trust, which held its annual general meeting at the end of May and has for many years been seeking further premises in which to expand its work, has appealed to its members and the wider community for support and pledges of financial donations for what it describes as an exciting opportunity to either own or lease more of the site. Find out more on its website at www. blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk and at www. blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/ museum-development-appeal/.

The museum trustees have

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The Bastard House, a key building in Blandford’s history, is shown to a group on a town heritage walk.

been examining the possibility of securing grant funding to repair and restore the property,

part of which was placed under scaffolding following a masonry fall from the roof at the beginning of June.

It is understood that William Williams’ initial plan to put the site up for auction later this month has now been postponed.

For more information, contact Nicci Brown, 01258 459346.

Wandering Wessex THE Wessex Wanderer Rail Walks programme consists of circular and linear walks of various lengths, which start and finish from stations along the Heart of Wessex (Bristol to Weymouth) railway line.

The walks are led by experienced members of the Ramblers from across the four areas covered by the line (Avon, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire and Swindon).

Next Wednesday (July 22) the route will follow the River Frome from Maiden Newton to Dorchester. This moderately paced, 12-mile linear walk includes some climbs to ridgeways to enjoy the views.

Catch the 8.03am train from Bristol Temple Meads or the 9.32am from Weymouth. Return train to Bristol Temple Meads leaves Dorchester West Station at 5.52pm. There are frequent buses to Weymouth.

There are plenty of cafes and shops in Poundbury and Dorchester to enjoy at the end of your walk. There’s the option to reduce the walk by about two miles by catching the bus from Poundbury into Dorchester.

No dogs except assistance dogs – please contact the leader prior to the walk.

You do not need to be a member of the Ramblers to join a walk, nor do you need to prebook.

A full programme of rail walks takes place between April and October and can be found at www.wessexrailwaywalks. org.uk and Instagram.

Call 07403 104180 for more information.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Grand theft opera?

CANADIAN soprano Delea Shand presents Madame Chandelier’s reimagining of Mozart’s opera classics at Shaftesbury library.

Part of Shaftesbury Fringe, the performance is described as the Magic Flute meets Mario Kart!

The event is on Saturday, July 18, 1pm-2pm. More info: 01747 852256 or shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Charity chop CARING Ludwell Primary School pupil Lucy Underwood is set to have her hair cut today (Friday, July 17) for the very first time – as she prepares to start her secondary education.

Lucy will be having her very long locks cut at the school summer fair in aid of the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for young cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, and Ludwell Primary PTFA, to help fund resources, trips and activities for the children.

Lucy has had her own health issues, after being born with two holes in her heart, which also meant her hair barely grew until she was almost four.

When her hair did start growing, she saw an advert featuring children who had lost theirs due to chemotherapy.

After a chat with mum, Kirsty – who also has long hair and is also cutting it at the school fair – Lucy decided to donate her hair to the charity when it was long enough.

Anyone who would like to contribute to Lucy’s fundraising efforts should visit her give wheel page at https://gvwhl. com/RXQXH.

On your bike!

VICAR Jane Durham is Vicar Jane Durham at St getting on her bike to Mary Magdalene church, cycle across Somerset Keinton Mandeville with the aim of raising £15,000 for St Mary Magdalene church in Keinton Mandeville.

Jane will be visiting 15 St Mary Magdalene churches as she cycles 275km over five days.

The money she raises will help make the church in Keinton Mandeville more accessible for wheelchair and mobility aids users, and for pushchairs.

She said: “The changes will also enable us to host events and services for the community and congregation.”

Jane said she used to love cycling when she was at her previous parish in Liverpool but a long-term health condition – which left her struggling with balance and using a walking stick – meant she had to stop.

However, when she moved to Somerset, and with the help of a physiotherapist and lots of hours strength training in the gym, she discovered electric assisted cycling.

Jane is cycling five days in July, August and September, including 3,450 metres of ascents and 3,731 metres of descents.

Her programme is: July 21 – Sparkford and Stowell (48km); July 28 – Ditcheat and Upton Noble (50km); August 21 – Exford, Winsford, Withiel Florey, Clatworthy and Taunton (58km); August 27 – Barwick, Cricket Malherbie and Stocklinch (64km); September 15 – Great Elms, Chewton Mendip and Wookey Hole (67km).

To support Jane’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com and search ‘Vicar on a Bike’.

A walk around… Halstock Photo © Maigheach-gheal / geograph.org.uk

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

THIS is a short walk of less than five miles, across gently sloping fields with wide views. I did my reconnaissance on a very hot day so wore shorts and received only one nettle sting but two bramble scratches.

Start at the church, which is tucked away at the roadside to the north west of the village. It’s in need of repairs to the roof and, usefully in the hot weather, offers people a place to chill and refresh.

Across the road, two footpaths begin. Take the one turning right, north west, which leads you to Locke Farm. Just past the farm, close to overhead power cables, turn left and head west across a couple of fields to Halstock Mill, which is no longer functioning.

Turn left, crossing the mill stream, and you soon come to a road.

Cross the road and join the footpath that takes you south west for over half a mile across several fields and horse paddocks to Neville Farm where you go through a kissing gate (which is where I was brambled).

Join the road and turn right passing through Lower Halstock Leigh. At Leigh Farm take the footpath on the left (with a wobbly stile) and head south to reach a small wood in which you need to find a way round a couple of fallen trees. Upon leaving the wood you are now in Corscombe parish but carry on south until you reach Common Lane.

Common Lane is an ancient track which has been linking Corscombe and Halstock for possibly thousands of years. It now has a gravel surface and is easy to use and takes you north east for over a mile, passing the site of a Roman villa, to reach the road into the village. Head through the village on the Yeovil Road until you reach the last house, just beyond which is a footpath on your left which takes you west across a couple of fields and then along a drong back to where you started.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Group activities improve memory

CASTLE Lodge care home in Mere will be the venue for a new memory group starting this autumn.

The group will offer the chance to join in gentle activities that support memory, confidence and wellbeing.

There will also be a chance to chat and enjoy free refreshments.

The group will run at 2pm on the second Thursday in October and December this year and February, April and June 2027.

News

Kate Adie in conversation VETERAN journalist Kate Adie will be in conversation tonight (July 17) at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

During her extraordinary career as BBC chief correspondent, Kate Adie brought countless major news stories to our television screens such as the Iranian embassy siege, the Tiananmen Square uprising, the Gulf War and the

Rwandan genocide, bringing her respect and accolades across the world for her courageous journalism. As the long-time presenter of the BBC’s flagship programme From Our Own Correspondent, Kate continues to offer a unique perspective on global events, sharing thoughtful reflections on the realities of frontline reporting in an ever-changing world.

An Evening with Kate Adie CBE kicks off at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £22 in advance or £25 on the night. Available from the Allendale Centre or online via their website.

The event is being organised as part of The Mayor’s Charity, which this year will be supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and Waggy Tails Rescue.

B O U R N E M O U T H

Keep calm KEEP Calm – I’m An Air Traffic Controller… That’s the title of Philip Holt’s presentation to Probus Blandford next month.

Philip joined the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in 1972 starting a career that spanned almost 40 years.

He served at seven locations, including Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world.

The group’s meeting is at the Langton Arms in Tarrant Monckton on Wednesday, August 26, at 11.30am.

Visitors and guests are welcome, but places must be reserved beforehand – visit www.probus.org.uk/blandford or contact john.boother@yahoo. co.uk.

Future talks include F1 The Race That Never Was, Putin and Me in September, The Search for the North-West Passage in October, and Napoleon, Soldier and Lover in November.

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Happy hundred!

Double the fun TWIN sisters Elizabeth and Christine (nee) Sherrin have celebrated an unusual anniversary.

The sisters had a double wedding at St Nicholas church, Henstridge, 60 years ago – the first double wedding there for 84 years.

Christine and Michael Smith and Elizabeth and Brian Wareham have now celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a few family

members, at the Virginia Ash in Henstridge, where they originally held their wedding reception.

Both couples were surprised by one of the bridesmaids bringing her original bridesmaid’s dress to the occasion – although unfortunately she didn’t still fit into it!

An extra surprise was an anniversary card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

MORE than 90 family members celebrated Edie Langley’s 100th birthday in a marquee decked out with bunting in Ashmore.

Edie has been a pillar of the community in the hilltop village for nearly 80 years, says daughter Diane Berry, serving on every committee, organising events and raising funds for village and charitable causes.

Edie was born in Kent on July 4, 1926, and served in the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War. She met Ken Langley, who was stationed at Hawkinge Aerodrome, near Folkestone, with the RAF, and they became pen pals until the war ended.

He then proposed and they started their life together in Ashmore until Ken passed away in 2009.

Edie is a much-loved mum, grandmother and greatgrandmother, who, says Diane, is admired by everyone.

Diane said: “Edie has spent her life working hard and putting others’ needs before her own – a truly remarkable lady and an inspiration to all who know her!”

Action-packed summer on the farm THE Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) has announced a varied programme of summer events at Bere Marsh Farm near Shillingstone, inviting visitors to enjoy wildlife, farming and the countryside through hands-on activities, guided walks and community events.

The programme begins with a summer workshop: Grow Mushrooms on Wood (July 29, 10am-1pm). Led by passionate mycologist Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, the session offers the chance to learn the art of log plugging, a traditional low-cost, high reward method of growing mushrooms on wood. Everybody will have the opportunity to produce their own mushroom log, while learning all about cultivating fungi, along with other simple methods for encouraging mushrooms in your garden and green spaces.

Discover Bats in Summer with guest expert Mariko Whyte from the Dorset Bat Group (August 8, 8.15pm-10pm).

Participants will be able to use heterodyne bat detectors and learn lots of fascinating facts along the way. The CRT has been monitoring bats at Bere Marsh Farm for several years to better understand bats.

There are 18 bat species in the UK, and the CRT has routinely recorded seven of these at Bere Marsh Farm to date.

A Cyanotype Workshop (August 15, 10.30am-3.30pm) will introduce you to this

photographic printing method, which produces images with a distinctive Prussian-blue colour. Prints are made by applying a light-sensitive solution to paper and then placing objects on top to mask the UV light from the prepared paper. When the paper is exposed to UV light the areas will turn blue.

Willow Weaving Garden Sculptures (August 16, 9.30am-4pm) with willow artist and basket maker Yanina Stockings is practical and educational. Participants will learn how the willow is grown, harvested

and processed, and learn several key weaving techniques to produce their own garden sculpture. Some of the willow available to use was planted in 2021 at Bere Marsh Farm.

An inaugural Moth Tetra Pak Printing Workshop will take place with Arty Genny at the farm’s Threshing Barn (August 27, 10am-1pm). Participants will have the chance to observe the 25 moth species recorded at Bere Marsh Farm and select ones they would like for their prints. Tetra Pak is the brand of carton packaging used for milks and juices, amongst other things.

The interior of the carton is foil-lined and makes a versatile printing plate. The added bonus is being able to upcycle something that is usually discarded with the rubbish.

The summer programme ends with the Farmers and Makers Market (September 5, 11am-3pm), showcasing local produce with The Buzz Café open selling tea, coffee and soft drinks as well as delicious cakes made by CRT volunteers.

The CRT will also continue with its weekly Friday Farm Walk, which is a free event from 2pm-3pm, led by farm manager Hannah Bosence and other experts. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.

Find more information about CRT events, including ticket prices, and to book where required, at www.thecrt.co.uk/Pages/ Events.

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Words and photos: George Jeans THE Friends of Whitesheet School, Zeals, lucked out with the sunshine on the day of their summer fair. Pictured are Somerfry Morris, who practice close by at Charlton Musgrove

Pigsty Cottage, Chilcombe

Pride and joy PHOTO: Janice Robinson

90s DANCE icon Janice Robinson gave a surprise performance at Sherborne Pride.

Robinson, the original vocalist of Livin’ Joy, is best known for the number 1 global dance hit Dreamer, which she performed along with There Must Be Love.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who sang, danced, smiled and reminded me why I have loved doing this for so many years.”

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Friendship garden marks birthday THE Fontmell Friendship Garden has celebrated its fifth birthday with a high tea party to thank everyone who has made the project a success.

The community garden was set up during the Covid pandemic for the health and wellbeing of local people.

Villagers turned a bare field into a garden of raised beds for accessibility and filled it with cut flowers for local people to enjoy.

The villagers grew from seed, raised money and accepted targeted donations from local businesses.

Sian Highnam, who leads, runs and facilitates the project, said: “We have built partnerships with our surgery through the wellbeing team, local nursery school, primary school, local independent school, the village shop, church, pub and local charity garden.

“All have been involved either through planting, growing plants, selling plants or receiving donations of plants from us.”

The local primary school plants yellow flowers every year for national Hello Yellow Day and large swathes of the village have been planted with daffodils and crocus.

A weekly volunteering programme runs during term time with the local independent school, and a village potter and natter group takes place weekly to maintain the garden.

Sian added: “Our garden group also runs summer pop up cafes and coffee mornings to raise funds, and an annual large plant sale, in addition to a large sale of dried flowers and crafts at our village Christmas fair. We have held craft afternoons, family days, workshops and lunches.

“We are completely self-funded and aim to raise money through lovely gardenthemed events.”

The Friendship Garden has received three significant awards – the Dorset volunteering award, a recognition for community work from the High Sheriff of Dorset and a level five and outstanding from the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood.

The garden is always evolving and looking at new projects, and ensuring it is sustainable, and has lots planned for 2026-27.

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A place to remember A MEMORIAL bench – a joint venture between the Royal British Legion and Sherborne town council – was dedicated in a thoughtful ceremony.

The chair, Dave Bows, and members of the of the Sherborne and District branch of the Royal British Legion were honoured to be joined for the event by the mayor of Sherborne, Cllr Suresh Jeganathan, Sir Andrew Graham, Dorset county president of the Royal British Legion, along with town councillors, veterans and people of the town.

Reverend Martin Lee, rector of Sherborne, led the simple but poignant dedication ceremony with a prayer and blessing of the seat.

The new memorial seat is sited on the Abbey Green overlooking both the Abbey and the war memorial.

“This specific location has been chosen to provide a permanent year round place of quiet reflection dedicated to our service men, women and their families past, present and future,” said Dave Bows.

“Additionally it will be adjacent to the top of the annual Field of Remembrance where poppy crosses are placed to remember the fallen.”

Steve Shield, Sherborne town clerk, said “This memorial seat is a way for Sherborne to say thank you to all who have served. We hope this spot becomes a special place for quiet reflection and remembrance at the heart of our town”.

Organisers would like to thank everyone who donated to this worthwhile cause, those who came to the dedication and the Sherborne Town Council Grounds Team.

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Toy theatre THE Neptune Theatre in Charlton Horethorne is going back in time by producing a ‘toy theatre’ play it can stage in village halls or homes.

Toy theatre was hugely popular in the first half of the 19th century.

Printers produced sheets of characters and scenery for the dramas of the day. These were supplemented by playbooks – badly abridged scripts.

The Neptune Theatre is keeping this tradition alive in its replica of a Georgian toy theatre and has produced its own play.

The Beatles: A Medieval Mystery Tour is billed as ‘a comic but chilling portrayal’ of the Beatles ill-fated 1964 tour with the Dave Clarke Five.

The first performance in December is sold out – the maximum audience is six people – but bookings are being taken for next year.

The cost is £30 with the proceeds going to Charlton Horethorne Primary School funds – email mchugh_hill@ hotmail.com.

Every day feels a little brighter in the Bramley House gardens At Bramley House, we believe exceptional care extends beyond the walls of our home.

Our beautifully landscaped gardens provide residents with a peaceful place to relax, enjoy the sunshine, spend time with loved ones, take gentle walks and experience the changing seasons.

Whether it’s enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace, watching the birds or simply sitting amongst the flowers, our gardens are an important part of daily life and contribute to residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

It’s one of the many reasons families choose Bramley House.

Why not experience the gardens for yourself?

We warmly welcome prospective residents and their families to visit Bramley House, enjoy a personal tour and perhaps even stay for lunch.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Family festival donates £185,000 to children’s charities THIS year’s Teddy Rocks Festival, held near Blandford, raised £185,000 for children with cancer, taking the fundraising total over the lifetime of the event to more than £1 million.

The sum is a major milestone for the festival, which began as a small charity gig in Blandford pub The Greyhound in 2012.

The event welcomes thousands of music lovers and families every May Bank Holiday weekend at Charisworth Farm.

The money raised from this year's event will be donated to cancer charities including Teddy20, set up by festival founder Tom Newton and his family following the loss of his 10-year-old brother Ted to a rare bone disease.

The other charities to benefit are Young Lives vs Cancer, Bone Cancer Research Trust, George’s Rockstars and Alfie’s Wish.

Tom Newton said: “This is an absolutely surreal milestone. I remember counting coins in a bucket after the first gig at The Greyhound raised £400, so to see the total now over £1m is really something to

process and we can’t quite get our heads around it.

“We’re making this as an announcement, not as a pat on the back for us, but as a huge thank you to everyone who’s been a part of it, every ticket bought, every pint poured, every volunteer shift, every band which has taken to the stage, any contribution of any size, because everyone has contributed to this.

“This is dedicated to everyone who’s grown it into the festival it is today.”

The festival this year celebrated 10 years since moving from its original pub venue to Charisworth Farm, where it has grown into a multi-stage festival attracting visitors from across the UK. Tom added: “It’s been 16 years since Ted left us, but he’s very much always by our side and in our minds – and he probably thinks we’re totally mad for doing all this – but a huge thank you to everyone for getting

involved and keeping his memory alive.

“Raising these valuable funds is the whole reason we put ourselves through this every year.”

Plans are already underway for the 2027 festival, with Tom and the team promising another weekend of live music, family entertainment and fundraising to continue supporting children with cancer.

Tickets are available now for the 2027 festival, which takes place between April 30 and May 2. Visit www.teddyrocks.co.uk for more information.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Summer Holiday Club at Tinney’s Youth Club, Sherborne - 27th to 31st July ADVERTISING FEATURE

A

re you looking for something exciting for your children to do in the summer holidays? Kids bored and spending all their time on screens, rather than getting out and about with exciting activities?

Why not come along to “Focus on Youth” week at Tinneys Youth Club in Sherborne, and experience the wide range of fun activities taking place, between Monday 27th and Friday 31st July?

All sessions are heavily subsidised thanks to kind donations from local charities, making them very affordable. They are run by our experienced Youth Group Leader, Aaron, and his fantastic team of helpers. This is for children aged between 10 and 16.

Lunch is provided free for children staying all day.

Also on offer is a 3 hour football session every morning for 9 to 13 year olds, so you can learn new skills and meet new friends.

As well as activities in the centre every day, there are a wide range of external activities, such as a trip to Splashdown in Poole, a master class at a Bakery, Golfing fun and many more.

The week culminates in a fun gala and barbecue, on Friday afternoon.

For all the details of this exciting week, go to www.tinneysyc.org/focus-on-youth-2026 All bookings are online. Book now as places are filling up fast. All bookings are on a first come first served basis.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

News

blackmorevale.net

Pretty perfect park

IT’S official – Borough Gardens in Dorchester is one of the country’s best parks.

The Green Flag award is bestowed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the British government. The awards are open to any free-to-enter, publicly accessible green space, including parks, nature reserves and cemeteries.

The flag will be formally raised as part of Love Parks Day – a free familyorientated day full of fun activities – which this year falls on Thursday, July 23.

Borough Gardens is a busy but peaceful green space for the community in Dorchester, where numerous events are held throughout the year. These include weekly weekend music events, the Dorchester Cider Festival and the yearly carols concert.

A full list of summer events can be found on the Borough Gardens Facebook page and on the Discover Dorchester website.

Dorchester’s mayor, councillor Les Fry, said “To receive the award again this year is great news. I often visit the gardens and know they are always kept in fabulous condition, which is a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team

L to R: Mayor and mayoress of Dorchester Cllr Les Fry and Julie Fry, Dorchester town clerk Charmaine Denny and the gardens team, Iain Adshead, Molly Hearne, Dave Hawkins, Nathan Hawker and James Simpson

who care for them. It’s their efforts that ensure they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.

“I was very pleased to meet them again to thank them and to receive the flag. We are so lucky to have the gardens centrally located in Dorchester so people can easily access them to take a walk, sit and relax or to use Borough Gardens House Community Room.”

Racing for children

THE High Sheriff of Somerset, Peter Dixon, is organising a charity race day at Wincanton this autumn with a Somerset-based charity.

It will raise money for the High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust and Eloise and Katie Memorial Trust.

The Eloise and Katie Memorial Trust is a Somerset-based charity set up in 2003 in memory of two Plunkett sisters who died of cancer – Katie aged 16 and Eloise aged 27. The charity helps fund educational and sporting activities for children/young people.

Tickets to the race day on Sunday, October 25, cost £120 a head or £1,200 for a table of 10, including a welcome drink, lunch and cream tea.

Alice Plunkett, former national hunt jockey and broadcaster, will be on hand to provide expert commentary on the runners and riders throughout the day.

To reserve a place, visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/racing-for-childrentickets-1989832878705.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

News

blackmorevale.net

Our loose Canon Freedom of expression is under threat as great writers are edited for a modern audience’s sense of offence

by Canon Eric Woods HAVE you heard of Thomas Bowdler, an English physician (1754-1825)? I’m sure his name will be familiar to many of you. He is best remembered for publishing The Family Shakespeare, an expurgated version of Shakespeare’s plays edited by his sister, Henrietta Maria Bowdler, removing any sexual references, profanity or double-entendres so that the plays could be read aloud without causing embarrassment to children – or women! At the time of his death he was working on a similar expurgation of Edward Gibbons’ Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Thus he unwittingly created a verb, “to bowdlerise”.

All in the past, you think? Don’t you believe it. Bowdlerism is alive and well and being applied to censoring books, films and television programmes to remove anything of which our current Woke Thought Police do not approve. It even happens to the Bible.

For example, in 1 Samuel 24, where King Saul is chasing David and his small band of men, the King goes into a cave where David happens to be hiding. The Hebrew is quite clear: Saul goes into the cave to “cover his feet” – a euphemism for dropping his robe in order to squat down to do you-know-what. Some modern American translations can’t cope with that and insist that Saul “went into the cave to go to the bathroom”. Some extreme puritan commentators

translate the passage as Saul going into the cave to lower his robe to keep his feet warm whilst he had a snooze. Read the chapter for yourself and see what you think (the important point is that David has the King at his mercy and spares him).

Meanwhile, the works of Charles Dickens were extensively bowdlerised after his death.

The practice continues to this day. Best-selling crime writer Val McDermid had to sit down with a “sensitivity expert” to update her earlier works to remove anything liable to cause offence. She steadfastly refused except in a few cases where there might have been racialist overtones. The publisher of Enid Blyton’s books for children has made countless changes to her works about the Famous Five and the rest. A big row erupted in 2023 when the publisher Puffin made hundreds of changes to Roald Dahl’s books, so beloved of children, removing many of his colourful descriptions and making his characters less “offensive”.

So they can’t be called “fat” or “ugly” anymore.

The attack on Dahl’s work has a partially happy ending. In 2023, Queen Camilla – who is proving a star at encouraging us all to read more, not least children – held a literary reception at which she said this to her audience of authors: “Please remain true to your calling, unimpeded by those who may wish to curb the freedom of your expression.” There were roars of “Hear! Hear!”. She smiled, and simply added “Enough said”. The very next day Puffin announced a “Collector’s Edition” of Dahl’s novels which would remain true to the original. But they sell alongside the woke version. The Thought Police are ever with us. I find it chilling.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

News

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Pupils’ passion projects GENE editing, ADHD in girls and even the science behind catchy songs getting stuck in a person’s head were among the topics explored by Year 8 pupils at Sherborne Prep School.

The school’s annual Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ) exhibition saw pupils present months of independent research to parents, staff, governors and visiting representatives from senior

schools.

The event is considered one of the biggest academic milestones of the year for Year 8 pupils, challenging them to investigate a topic they are passionate about.

This year’s projects covered a wide range of subjects, from the ethical dilemmas surrounding gene editing to why girls are often misdiagnosed with ADHD, alongside research into ‘earworms’ – the science behind songs that become impossible to forget.

Unlike a traditional classroom assignment, the SPQ is designed to develop independence, with pupils

New novel

leading their own research over several weeks, supported by mentors.

Annie Gent, head of Sherborne Prep, described the exhibition as one of the most demanding but rewarding parts of the school year.

“The SPQ and resulting exhibition is one of the most demanding things we ask of our Year 8s and is an important milestone in their final year experience,” she said.

Among those exhibiting was Jack M, whose project explored the history and hydrodynamics of wing foiling.

He said he felt proud about researching a subject in such depth and creating a project to showcase what he had learned.

Visiting the exhibition, Sherborne Boys head Simon Heard praised the standard of presentations, describing pupils as taking ‘genuine ownership of their learning’.

A SINGLE mum of three who lives in Templecombe has her first novel out.

Louise Edwards, who attended Sexey’s School in Bruton, has bipolar disorder 1 and her novella, The Madness of Queen Lil, touches on various states of mental health.

The book is about the eternal love of two angels who set themselves the task of living through history in the hope of finding each other again.

They miss each other many times until they meet in the 1980s.

They find each other again in 1994, after a long separation, and decide to help each other.

The book is about the plight of women and what it means to be strong when foreboding takes hold.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Putting on the glitz EVERYTHING from supercars and army vehicles to tractors, motorbikes – and even an ice cream van – were the order of the day when Year 11 students at The Blandford School held their prom night.

The youngsters turned on the style as they arrived at the school watched by proud parents, carers and staff before heading off to The Crown Hotel for the prom in a vintage bus.

19

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A spokesperson for the school said: “Staff are incredibly proud of the Year 11 cohort and wish them every success as they move forward to the next stage of their journey.

“We are also delighted that many of our Year 11 students will be returning to continue their education with us in the sixth form, where they will begin the next exciting chapter of their journey.”

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

News

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Great Dorset Chilli Festival, there’s so much more than hot chillies!

T

he Great Dorset Chilli Festival, 1-2 August, has a fanbase stretching to the furthest corners of the planet and is much more than merely a celebration of the chilli pepper. With artisan chilli sauce makers from across the UK, plus chilli plant competitions, chilli sauce competition and even chilli eating competitions, it’s a chilli-lovers paradise, but the GDCF is loved by everyone because there’s loads more for chilli-haters and children.

For visitors who like chilli but fear the heat, the majority of the artisan sauce makers create milder sauces for less robust palettes, with all the flavour profiles of the hot sauces, but without the burn. The organisers always cater for chilli-haters too, with carefully selected artisan foods from around the region and beyond. Gourmet mushrooms, speciality black pepper from Cambodia, artisan gins, rum and liqueurs, kimchi, a wide range of cheeses, biltong, spices, artisan bakers, cooking sauces and more. The shopping opportunities continue with quirky and quality crafts and homewares such as beautiful wooden chopping boards, hand-painted ceramics, jewellery, clothes, gardenware, and affordable art.

The Cook-off Competition is the biggest ever this year, with 20 teams competing onsite over the weekend to produce the best curry (Saturday) and the best chilli (Sunday). Visitors get the chance to judge the entries too (limited availability).

The children will love watching the chilli eating competition which takes place each afternoon at 4.00pm, and you can keep them entertained all day with the bouncy castles, rides, circus skills workshops, facepainting and falconry displays.

Visit the Talk Tent where you can learn how to make your own chilli sauces at home, and watch local chefs demonstrate some of their favourite chilli dishes. Chilli plant experts will talk about how to get the best results when growing chilli plants at home.

Live music includes the Fat Marrow Blues Band on Saturday, and a mix of country, bluegrass and ragtime with the Stomp Swamp String Band on Sunday.

Of course, familiar Mexican tunes from the roving 3-piece Mariachi band will be heard all weekend. Enjoy the music with some delicious streetfood and a local cider, ale or a rum cocktail, or perhaps a glass of bubble tea or a Dorset-roasted coffee.

H

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Resident’s lifelong passion for Land Rovers reignited with special day out

A

Fern Brook Lodge resident enjoyed a special day out celebrating a lifelong passion, thanks to the support of his care home team.

George, who lives in the care home on Fern Brook Lane in Gillingham, spoke to the team about his passion for the four-wheel drive vehicles he owned, as well as the horse trailers he used to build for them to tow.

In response, the Fern Brook Lodge team arranged for George to attend the Land Rover Weekend at Compton Abbas Airfield at the end of June. While there, George explored a host of Land Rovers ranging from the early Series 1 and 2 vehicles through to the more modern Defenders. He enjoyed meeting owners and hearing the stories behind their vehicles, from restoration projects to adventures on the road.

George also enjoyed chatting to the team from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service who had brought along their modified 4 x 4 appliances, as well as meeting volunteers and their animals from Veterans with Dogs.

As part of the experience during the day, George got the chance to make a Land Rover-shaped keyring as a memento with the help of travelling blacksmith Simon from the Nowhere Forge. After

watching Simon at work, George was then invited to don some safety goggles and put his smithing skills to the test.

The special visit was arranged as part of Care South’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, which encourages residents to share hobbies and passions they once enjoyed but are now unable to pursue without the home’s support. The care home team then works to bring the special wishes to life.

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.

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George pictured with Sarah, a carer from Fern Brook Lodge, and Simon from Nowhere Forge

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Free places at reptile summer school DORSET school children aged 8-16 could be eligible for one of 170 free places on the summer programme at The Reptile Academy.

The Academy, which is based at Manor Farm in Gussage St Michael (BH21 5HT), is an educational centre dedicated to providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. It specialises in alternative provision education, SEND and SEMH support.

The places are funded by Dorset Council and the Department for Education under the Holiday Activity and Food programme, which provides healthy meals, enriching activities and free childcare places to children from low-income families.

The programme combines hands-on science and animal care with the excitement of a holiday club. Children will enjoy a

variety of activities, including: • Animal handling and encounters with snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs and some invertebrates.

• Microscopy and science sessions exploring reptile biology and

ecosystems.

Outdoor activities and physical play.

Diet and nutrition, where young people will be able to link healthy diets and lifestyles in animals, such as with the Eat like an Iguana workshop, to their own food intake.

Each day includes a hot lunch, plus healthy snacks and drinks.

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Places are non-transferable and non-refundable, to ensure continuity of provision. Find out more and book online at www. reptileacademy.co.uk/haf.

• •

Your problems solved Central Dorset Citizens Advice offers help with lasting power of attorney Q: I have been dealing with a bereavement and it has made me think about getting my own affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t know where to begin.

A: Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone to act on your behalf if you ever lose mental capacity. This could be because you’re diagnosed with a health condition or because something happens to you, such as an accident.

The kinds of illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself include: dementia, mental health problems, a brain injury, alcohol or drug misuse or the side-effects of medical treatment. Setting up an LPA doesn’t mean you’re expecting anything to happen, it’s something you might want to do in case something happens in the future.

There are two types of LPA, property and financial affairs and health and welfare. You must make an LPA while you are still capable of making decisions for yourself. Both types must be registered before they can be used and you should choose who manages your affairs for you, if you’re no

longer able to, very carefully.

A property and financial affairs LPA gives someone the authority to make decisions about things like buying or selling property, bank, building society accounts, welfare benefits and debts.

A health and welfare LPA gives someone the authority to make decisions about things like where you live, your day-to-day care, and your healthcare treatment. It’s not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity.

There are two ways you can make an LPA – either online via the Government website or by

downloading forms from that website and filling them in by hand. If you want someone to look after both aspects, you’ll need two separate LPAs. You’ll need to register the LPA by sending the completed forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. If you need to pay a registration fee, you’ll need to send that too.

If the form has been correctly completed and there are no objections after people have been notified, the Public Guardian must register it. This can take around 20 weeks.

The Public Guardian must notify you and your attorneys that they have registered the LPA, and it can then be used.

Find out more about LPAs and other shorter term power of attorneys at www.citizensadvice. org.uk.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Open gardens for high summer PICK up inspiration from the beautiful gardens around the Vale, open in August as part of the National Garden Scheme – find the full list of open gardens at findagarden. ngs.org.uk.

Open every Sunday, July 19 to August 16, (2pm-6pm). Admission £4.50, children free.

Ardhurst

Shute House Broomhill

Broomhill

Rampisham DT2 0PT A former farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in two acres.

Clipped box, island beds and borders packed with shrubs, roses, grasses and unusual perennials. A less formal area with large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas, bog garden, late summer border. Orchard and vegetable garden.

Open Thursday August 6 (2pm-5pm).

Admission £5, children free.

Ardhurst

Nash Lane, Marnhull DT10 1JZ This garden is organic and has been ten years in the making. A plantsman’s garden with deep perennial borders, large netted vegetable area and water harvesting, and all a work in progress.

It’s a riot of colour in August, with salvias, grasses and hot plants thriving.

Every plant is grown for pollination and year-round interest. Tall grasses and varied fruit trees.

There’s a greenhouse, and butternut squash scrambling through and up the hedges.

Open Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 August (1pm-5.30pm). Admission £7, children free.

The Old Rectory Hilltop

Hilltop

Woodville, Stour Provost SP8 5LY Summer at Hilltop is a gorgeous riot of colour and scent, the old, thatched cottage barely visible among the flowers. Unusual annuals and perennials grow alongside the traditional and familiar, boldly combining to make a spectacular display, which attracts an abundance of wildlife. Always something new – the unique, gothic garden loo is a great success.

glorious churchyard, ha-ha, and an enchanting flower filled bog garden with stream and islands.

Open Sunday August 2 and Thursday August 6 Aug (2pm-5pm). Admission £10, children free.

The Old Rectory

Pulham, Dorchester DT2 7EA Four acres of formal and informal gardens surrounding an 18th-century rectory with splendid views.

Yew pyramid allées and hedges, box parterres, mature trees, a pleached hornbeam circle and 10 acres of woodland walks.

Circular herbaceous borders filled with late summer colour. Exuberantly planted terrace, with purple and white beds. Pond,

Manor Farm

Manor Farm

Stour Provost, Gillingham SP8 5SA The garden has been created on a site that surrounds the 15th-century farmhouse.

The planting consists of deep herbaceous borders, set against the old stone walls. Old existing fruit trees have been incorporated in the design. A natural swimming pond was added in 2024. Formal hedging and a huge amount of bulbs were added to the front area of the garden in 2021 and 2025.

Open Saturday and Sunday August 1 and 2 (1.30pm-5pm). Admission £7, children free.

Manor Farm

Manor Farm

Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7LX. Traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for by three generations of the Trehane family for over a 100 years. Noted for its herbaceous borders and rose beds within box and yew hedges. Mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Excellent plants for sale at openings.

Open Sunday August 2, and Sunday September 6 (1pm-5pm). Admission £7, children free.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026 BLACKMORE VALE

THE NEW

P3

MAGAZINE

Edition 152 Edition 90

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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THE NEW

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BLACKMORE VALE

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MAGAZINE Edition 152 Edition 90

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28

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Church • 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.

• 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

blackmorevale.net Family Service.

• Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm.

Sung Mass on the third Sunday.

See www.lufton.co.uk for details.

• Our Lady of Lourdes & Saint Cecilia, Blandford: Sunday, 9am Holy Mass; Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday, 9.10am Morning Prayers, 9.30am Holy Mass; Tuesday, 6.10pm Evening Prayers, 6.30pm Holy Mass; Saturday, 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament/ Confessions; 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday.

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

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

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

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB. • Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel.

Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel.

Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel.

Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• Sherborne Abbey: Welcomers are wanted with the commitment one hour on alternate weeks.

Three slots are vacant – Mondays 2pm-3pm and 4pm-5pm, and Fridays 4pm5pm. Anyone who would like to join the team should contact the

Parish Office on 01935 713777 or email andrew.cross@ sherborneabbey.com • St Benedict’s, Gillingham: Sunday Mass, 11am.

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am.

Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk • St George’s Church, Damerham: Cream teas by the river every Sunday in August, 2pm-4.30pm, Damerham Village Hall (SP6 3HD).

• St James, Longburton: Cream tea on Saturday, July 25, 3pm-4.30pm to celebrate St James’s Day. Suggested donation £5.

• 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, Compton Abbas: Cello recital with Scottish cellist Hugh Mackay on Saturday, July 18, 6pm. Tickets £15, including glass of wine or soft drink.

Proceeds to Compton Abbas and Twyford Community Hub (CATCH).

• 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.

• Stour Vale Benefice: Sunday, July 19 – 8.45am Breakfast church, village hall Buckhorn Weston; 10am Morning Prayer (BCP), St Andrew’s, Todber; 10.30am Parish Communion, St Mary’s, West Stour; 6pm Evensong (BCP), Christ Church, East Stour. Sunday, July 26 – 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; 6.30pm Songs of Praise, St Mary Magdalene, Fifehead Magdalen.

• Sturminster Christian Fellowship: Service every Sunday at 10.30am.

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday July 19 – 9.30am Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am All Age Worship at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long. Sunday July 26 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long; 11am BCP Matins at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: All Saints Church (BA22 7QB). Sundays, July 19 and 26, 6pm. A warm and friendly welcome is assured.

Contact: Geoff.mead@yahoo. com or phone 01935 850838.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

29

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Rewiring regions and saving stations THE Prime Minister in waiting, Andy Burnham, the King of the North, says he wants to ‘rewire’ Britain. There is to be a ‘Number 10 North’ in Manchester – the ‘nerve centre’, we’re told, of the latest national re-engineering project – with power flowing out of Whitehall and into the regions.

Forgive a little west country scepticism. Our own devolution bid, the admittedly controversial Heart of Wessex partnership with neighbouring authorities, was shown the door when Labour drew up its devolution priority list last year.

Discussions continue, and perhaps the former Manchester mayor will fancy creating a new Wessex mayor, but for now it seems devolution – with attendant extra money – begins somewhere north of the Watford gap.

But here’s the thing about wires – they only carry power.

First, you need to generate it.

You can install mayors galore, combined authorities of combined authorities, Number

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison 10s North, South, East and West. What’s missing is the generator of a dynamic, growing economy. Only private enterprise and businesses can do that. Local government can facilitate at best – it cannot conjure growth from nothing.

Without wealth creation, you’re just rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic as we plough on towards the iceberg of a sovereign debt crisis. The

OBR confirmed as much in its annual report this week – we must cut welfare spending urgently or the IMF will do it for us as the condition for a bailout. So how about we encourage the business founders, the risk takers, the ambitious and the competitive, before it’s too late? These are the motivations that whip up a moribund economy into a prosperous one, but they’re an aspect of the human condition to which our government seems either blind or even contemptuous.

Speaking of local government tax revenue, there is news on the threatened closure of eight on-call fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire, including Mere and Wilton. I’m delighted that the Fire Authority has stepped back from the brink – the right decision, and a tribute to the communities, firefighters and parish councils which made the case so forcefully. I’m also grateful to the fire service minister for her help.

But there’s always small print. The reprieve comes with three conditions – the Government allowing the Service to push its slice of council tax up to at least the national average from 2027/28, the Fire Authority nodding that rise through next February and no further squeeze on its funding.

I don’t like taxes going up, even a little bit, when people are hard-pressed, and I don’t want to be back in the same place in three years’ time. Some restructuring is needed to put the frontline first.

It’s true that keeping all eight stations properly crewed will not be easy. These are on-call stations, and recruiting on-call firefighters – incredible local people who drop everything when the pager sounds – gets harder every year.

So, we have a mission – let’s put our weight behind the recruitment and retention of volunteers for the fire service.

Without them our fire stations will remain vulnerable.

Police and NHS, also lets us down when it comes to transport. Dorset’s allocation under the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, designed to cover the 2026-30 period, is just £13.8 million.

This is the lowest in the south west. £10.9m less than Somerset and £7.5m less than Wiltshire over the same period.

I’m pressing the Government to review the funding formula to ensure it properly accounts for rurality, ageing population, visitor numbers, percentage of residents with disabilities and existing transport links. Unless it does so Dorset will continue to be disadvantaged compared with neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, I am also working with Dorset Council on innovative local solutions. A hub-and-spoke community bus

model offers a cost-effective alternative to reinstating lost larger commercial bus routes after years of underinvestment.

The CB3 Beaminster service demonstrates how strong community partnerships can successfully maintain essential connectivity.

There is also the potential to use technology to support flexible, ‘on-demand’ bus services, as already seen in parts of Wiltshire, using algorithms to decide fastest routes for customers. A large-scale pilot in West Dorset could test whether bookable, dynamic services improve accessibility and convenience for rural residents.

The challenge is great and will involve everyone, from parish councils up, to work together but West Dorset deserves better buses.

Area deserves better bus services LAST week I was granted a debate in Parliament on government support for bus services in West Dorset. It is an issue that is raised with me frequently by residents.

Problems with rural bus services are not unique to West Dorset but we do face serve pressures due to our geography and high proportion of older residents.

Not to mention the fact that during the summer months our population increases by 42% with visitors to our amazing countryside and beautiful coastline.

Between 2010 and 2024 there was a catastrophic 62% decrease in bus services in West Dorset. The Campaign to Protect Rural England report into ‘Transport Deserts’ highlighted that 10 out of 14 towns in Dorset are categorised

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset Edward Morello as ‘transport deserts’ or are at serious risk of becoming one.

The central Government funding formula, which I have spoken about many times in relation to the Fire Service,

30

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Christian message rule for life LAST week in Parliament, Christian MPs and Peers, together with a wide range of Christian groups and clergy, gathered in the historic surroundings of Parliament’s Westminster Hall for the annual Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast.

This event is a special occasion blending worship and fellowship.

At a time when many Christians around the world face discrimination and persecution, it is a reminder of the importance of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country.

We were able to gather without fear of attack or arrest. We take these simple freedoms for granted. We should not. They were hard won and all too easily eroded.

On a recent school visit I was asked by a student, who had done a bit of research on me and knew I was a Catholic, what I thought the most important

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare message of the Christian faith was? The answer I gave is one I always give: Luke Chapter 6 verse 31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you”. It is a an incredibly simple, self-evident message – treat other people as you would like them to treat you. Not very

difficult is it?

And yet, in this polarised and fractured world, for too many it seems too hard. Some of the prayers at Breakfast urged the sentiment upon us. Let us hope it bears fruit. Life would be so much more pleasant for all of us wouldn’t it?

We are blessed in North Dorset to have a massive range of community groups and people who are prepared to step up and organise things. To that end I was delighted to attend Blandford’s Armed Forces Expo and met a wide range of organisations including RBL, SSAFA and Blandford Veterans’ Club. All of these organisations, and so many others, do such fantastic work in supporting our service and ex-service community. The Expo closed Armed Forces week, which gives us pause for thought and allows us to thank those who put on uniform to protect us and

our values.

I was also pleased to attend the new organisation, Gillingham Rising’s, event at the town Meadows. Those of us who love Gillingham know the town centre could be even better. I welcome the work the town council, Gillingham Chamber and now Gillingham Rising is doing to raise the profile of the town and its retail economy. I will continue to work alongside them to maximise Gillingham’s potential.

Being an MP allows you to meet a wide range of people.

Recently, I addressed a group of first term Ghanian MPs about how Westminster works and our relationship between MP and constituents. I also spoke at a meeting of the Nordic Council Conservative Group held in Westminster where we discussed defence and climate issues. Life is never dull!

investment in Yeovil College and campaigning for improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction railway station.

I’ve also been proud to establish regular farming and SEND forums, ensuring local people can speak directly about the issues affecting them. Our rural communities face unique challenges, and it’s important that those voices continue to be heard in Westminster.

Whether I’m meeting farmers, businesses, schools, parish councils, charities or volunteers, I always come away with a better understanding of the challenges facing our communities. Those conversations shape the work I do in Parliament and the questions I put to Ministers.

Like many of you, I know there is still much more to do.

Healthcare, housing, transport, support for farming and tackling rural crime remain major priorities, and I’ll

continue pressing for improvements in each of those areas. Progress often takes time, but I remain determined to keep pushing on behalf of our constituency.

Being your MP isn’t something that switches off at the end of the working day. It is a responsibility that stays with you every day, whether you’re in Westminster or back home in Somerset. While it can be challenging at times, it is also incredibly rewarding.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the past two years, particularly my hardworking team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help constituents and support the work we do. It is a real privilege to represent the place I’ve always called home, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to build an even stronger future for our communities.

Two years in, lots done, lots to do THIS month marks two years since I was elected as your Member of Parliament for Yeovil.

As someone who was born at Yeovil District Hospital and has lived locally all my life, representing communities across South Somerset is one of the greatest honours of my life. Every day, I strive to repay the trust local people placed in me by working hard on their behalf.

Since being elected, my team and I have helped create more than 15,400 constituency cases, submitted 585 Parliamentary Questions, made 180 spoken contributions in Parliament and kept residents informed through more than 26,000 policy updates.

While figures tell one part of the story, what matters most is the difference we’re making locally. Of course, there is far too much to mention in one column, but some highlights

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance include helping secure the £1 billion Leonardo New Medium Helicopter contract, welcoming two new NHS dental practices, supporting the reopening of Yeovil’s maternity unit, helping bring a banking hub to Crewkerne, championing

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

The great wealth divide WHAT might the length of your personal piece of string tell you about where you stand in society’s present distribution of wealth? The answer may well surprise you, it certainly did me. As Dorset’s local Green Party branches continue to actively engage with members of the public, discussing common concerns, challenges and solutions, the Blandford branch has used a novel way to illustrate the extreme levels of wealth inequality that exist in the UK today.

The Blandford branch’s regular market day stall, with its welcoming banner inviting passers-by to ‘Meet Your Greens’, now includes an intriguing display that graphically illustrates the depths of inequality that exist in the UK. It equates a level of wealth to the length of a piece of string and invites curious

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset passers-by to compare the length of their personal piece of string with that of others – especially with those who have far more than they could possibly need for a comfortable life, and those who don’t.

Based on figures for 2022, published by the Office for National Statistics, the median

Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke safe and decent accommodation is at odds with the UK’s Military Covenant and has a significant impact on the quality of our servicepeople’s lives. 78% of all personnel live in Service accommodation, but just 51% of these remain satisfied with the state of their housing.

To make matters worse, the SFA system has not been sufficiently modernised to account for diverse family

Politics

– not the average – wealth of people in the 25-34 age group is £110,000. If this is represented by a 1-metre piece of string – the length of a long stride – then a homeowner with a mortgage would have a 3.7m length, and a homeowner without a mortgage would have a 5.9m length. A millionaire’s piece of string would be 9m long, and a billionaire’s would be 9,000m – 5.6 miles. On the same scale, some 40% of the UK population are calculated to have savings equivalent to less than a 1cm length of string.

The relentless increase in the level of UK poverty, especially among children, is a national scandal – accompanied as it is by a steady increase in the number of excessively wealthy individuals. In 1990, there were 15 UK billionaires, worth £27bn. By 2024, their number had swollen to 165, with a

combined wealth of £670bn, equating to a piece of string 6,000km/3,800 miles long.

This clearly exposes the fallacy of the so-called TrickleDown theory of economics, which claims that wealthy people share their prosperity by creating jobs and paying tax. In fact, much extreme wealth is generated through property speculation, financial markets, inheritance laws and tax avoidance schemes. Extracting wealth, rather than creating it.

The present UK economy is effectively a means for the upwards redistribution of wealth, which in turn enables the purchase of political influence through excessive donations and gifts.

This is far from a ‘politics of envy’ as some try to portray it. It is a politics of care, fairness and concern for all, and for the future of our country.

structures. I have had constituents contact me regarding their inability to access military accommodation because they are unmarried, despite raising children with partners who are in the military.

This has left them without stable housing, affecting their finances, their mental health and their children’s wellbeing.

This is an incredibly shortsighted cost-cutting exercise, as any money saved on accommodation quality will necessarily be pumped back into recruitment. The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2025 showed that one in five personnel plan to leave, and over a quarter of them cited the standard of accommodation as a reason. How does the Secretary of State expect our Armed Forces to retain personnel, and keep our country safe, if we cannot provide our servicepeople with decent living conditions?

This is why, in Parliament, I asked the Minister what this funding delay will mean for personnel serving at RNAS Yeovilton and their families. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will keep pushing the Government to commit to improving the quality of housing for service personnel – requiring the Ministry of Defence to provide housing above minimum standards and giving service personnel stronger legal rights as private tenants. Those bravely defending our country deserve proper housing without leaks, mould, floods, freezing temperatures and exposure to anti-social behaviour.

As always, I want to hear from you. If you want to share your experiences of SFA or have another issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.dyke. mp@parliament.uk

Homes fit for servicepeople OUR servicepeople put everything on the line, day after day, to serve our country and secure our safety. It is only right that they are afforded the same access to high quality housing that the Government has guaranteed the UK’s civilian population.

Yet, while I was delighted to see welcome improvements to single living accommodation at RNAS Yeovilton during my recent visit, I am greatly concerned by reports that funding to refurbish or replace thousands of service homes has been delayed until 2035, to fund the Government’s Defence Investment Plan. This is despite the Liberal Democrats successfully changing the law so that Service Family Accommodation (SFA) should now be assessed against the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

The Government’s failure to provide military families with

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32

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Letters

blackmorevale.net

Defence money and pensions scheme I READ with interest and concern the commentary in the political – notably by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare – and letters pages of last week’s New Blackmore Vale, regarding defence spending.

The fact is, the nation is in a precarious position. Successive governments have underfunded the defence of our shores as they have laboured under the delusion that the USA would come to our rescue.

I was confronted with the reality of the ‘cavalry charging in’ myth when I was a young army officer in Germany.

I asked the brigade commander, as he had briefed us as to what we would do after blowing up bridges as the ‘Orange’ forces advanced – we did not call them Russians in those days.

His reply was along the lines of – ‘there will no point in waiting for the Americans to cross the Atlantic to bail us out, we’ll be on our own’.

For nearly 50 years the peace dividend has been squandered, not just by the UK but also by much of the EU. So what can we do?

One option, which is obvious, is to increase defence spending, but where from?

We have covering England and Wales something called the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – and it is sitting on a £148 billion surplus.

Local taxpayers keep funding this, even though the amount of excess funds over liabilities is now eye-watering.

Gordon Brown set a precedent when he raided private pension funds dividends, and, more recently, Rachel Reeves has announced that unused personal pension pots will now be treated as part of an individual’s estate for inheritance purposes.

The LGPS fund must not be a sacred cow, where the worship of surplus cash can never be challenged.

In the LGPS surplus we have

Tisbury Croquet Club players relaxing after their game

the almost ludicrous situation that one part of the nation has vastly over-funded benefits, while the nation as a whole is at its most vulnerable since the end of the Second World War, due to lack of cash.

So, why do no politicians show the creativity, courage and leadership to state the blindingly obvious – our safety is far more important than hoarding a pensions surplus the size of the GDP of Bulgaria, Kenya, Venezuela and so on, and dwarfs that of nations where many may well take a sunny break, such as Cyprus or Malta.

The £4.7bn current shortfall in the recently begrudgingly expanded budget could be evaporated in a blink of parliamentary eye, if we only had true strategic thinkers in charge.

Mike Madgwick Shaftesbury

Croquet club on the up and up

FROM local beginnings to regional success, Tisbury Croquet Club is making its mark on the competitive croquet scene.

Last week, Hamptworth Croquet Club hosted a Short Croquet One-Day Midweek Tournament for individual entries.

10 players entered and four came from Tisbury. Two Tisbury Club players came top of the table. Tisbury member Jan Kot scored the most hoops

and was awarded the tournament cup.

Although only four years old, Tisbury Croquet Club has rapidly established itself as one of the south west’s rising stars.

Competing in Association, Golf and Short Croquet, the club is now proudly taking on established clubs across the region – and winning recognition along the way.

In 2025, the club was honoured with Croquet England’s prestigious Apps Heley Award, celebrating Tisbury’s remarkable achievement in creating a true centre of excellence for the sport.

Today, members are discovering the excitement of competitive croquet.

Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced player, opportunities exist to represent Tisbury in leagues that suit every ability and handicap level.

The club makes entering competitions easy and enjoyable.

Interested members can be assessed by the club’s official handicapper, with handicaps then adjusting naturally through competitive play.

Regular monthly competitions held at Tisbury provide the perfect opportunity to gain experience, improve skills and enjoy the friendly spirit of the game.

And for those eager to raise their game even further, experienced players offer coaching and share invaluable

tips and tactics – the ‘tricks of the trade’ that can make all the difference on the lawn.

Of course, competition is only part of the story. Tisbury Croquet Club is also about friendship, camaraderie and enjoying memorable games in beautiful surroundings.

Why not join us and see where croquet could take you?

Find out more at www. tisburycroquet.club and follow us at TisburyCroquet on Facebook and @ tisburycroquetclub on Instagram.

Anna McDowell Via email

Renewables and air con demand

THIS summer’s excessive heat is raising major questions about how we can lead our lives in the new climate.

One of the key topics is air conditioning.

Across the world many countries are almost totally dependent on air conditioning for homes and business.

On Friday, BBC4‘s Anti Social presented an excellent programme covering the subject.

Millions of people in Britain are now living in homes that are totally inadequate for today’s summer heat.

Developers and house builders are doing little to build sustainable dwellings designed for the future.

Thank goodness for our drive towards renewable energy – our energy consumption is going to rise dramatically.

Summer generation of solar and wind is higher, so we will have lots of spare capacity to answer the demand for air conditioning.

I would recommend taking time out to listen to the programme, it is only 45 minutes and quite an eye opener.

Vince Adams Via email

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

Sapphire ring could make £10k A LARGE multi-coloured sapphire ring is estimated to sell for £10,000 in Charterhouse’s upcoming two-day specialist auction of silver, jewellery and watches at its Sherborne salerooms.

“This crossover ring certainly sparkles and pops in the light,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

“It would not look out of place at a cocktail party, but at the same time is eminently wearable when popping down to the supermarket for a load of bread and a pint of milk!”

The ring was bought for the owner as a present by her late husband from a Christie’s jewellery auction in New York nearly a decade ago.

Made in fashionable 18ct

white gold, the ring is set with two octagonal step cut sapphires – one blue and one yellow – each of about 4ct.

While many sapphires are heat treated to embellish their colour, the blue and unusual yellow sapphire set in this ring are their original colour and not heat treated.

Viewing details, all lots and online bidding for the sale on Wednesday and Thursday, July 22-23, is available at charterhouse-auction.com Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, are available for valuations on single items, collections and complete house contents on 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction. com

Antiques & Collectibles

The 18ct white gold, diamond, blue and yellow sapphire ring being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Thursday, July 23, £8,000£10,000

ORIGINAL MOTORING & MOTOR RACING memorabilia wanted by established local dealer - Tel 07771 518629 WORLD WAR 1/2 MILITARIA and ephemera wanted by private collector please call 07931-727074 WANTED Classic Cars & Motorbikes For private collection Call 07885 373113 or 01278 431244 Graham

Next Sale

European Ceramics & Glass; Clocks & Instruments; and Antique Furniture & Objects Saturday 12th September 2026

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL

For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

ADVERTISE HERE * FOR JUST PER WEEK

£45

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

*

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

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A pair of 18th century Italian marble topped mecca console tables.

SOLD FOR £34,000

For free verbal valuations please contact

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

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Antiques & Collectibles

blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

Two days of sales coming up

This antique horse velocipede tricycle is estimated at £100-£200

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding a two-day auction at the end of the month.

The Antiques & Collectors auction, including Garden & Architectural, is on Thursday, July 30, at 10am with

Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, July 31, at 10am.

Viewing is on Wednesday, July 29, from 10am-4pm.

The catalogue and bidding is available online through easyliveauction.com and thesaleroom.com

Expert guidance for sellers CLARKE’S Auctions in Gillingham has become one of the most trusted auction houses in the area when it comes to selling antiques and collectables.

Whether you are selling gold, silver and jewellery; furniture, paintings, militaria, garden items, ceramics or glass, Clarke’s is happy to appraise items and advise on value and suitability for auction.

Clarke’s combines traditional auction expertise with modern marketing to achieve outstanding results.

The company has earned a reputation for professional advice and a friendly, approachable service.

Every item is carefully researched, professionally photographed and promoted to a worldwide audience through the UK’s leading online bidding platforms, the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com This global reach attracts collectors and buyers from across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia, creating competitive bidding that helps vendors

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Thursday 30th July 10am

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 31st July 10am

Viewing

Wednesday 29th July 10am-4pm

Antique horse velocipede tricycle Est. £100 - £200

Acreman is accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and is happy to advise on anything prospective sellers may be considering for auction.

Photographs can be emailed to the address below.

achieve the best possible prices.

Whether you are selling a single item, downsizing, managing a probate estate or clearing an entire property, Clarke’s Auctions offers expert guidance every step of the way.

Free valuations are available at its Gillingham saleroom or, for larger pieces and collections, in your own home.

The company also provides probate and insurance valuations, collection and delivery services, and full or part house clearances.

At Clarke’s Auctions, every item has a story and every client matters. It is this commitment to exceptional service, expert knowledge and achieving the best possible results that makes Clarke’s the auction house of choice for sellers across the south west.

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.

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques && Collectibles Sale Antiques Collectables Friday 9th August Friday 7th&&Saturday Saturday 10th 8th August An early 20th century Austrian cold painted bronze table lamp by Franz Xavier Bergman Sold for £1,100 hammer

Catalogue available to view through thesaleroom.com & Easyliveauction.com We are still accepting items for our upcoming auctions

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600.

For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

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

Clarke’s Auctions offerFactory, free home visits and verbal valuations.

The Old Glove Buckingham Road Now accepting items for this and 4QF future sales Gillingham, SP8

01747 685592

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

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net Acreman also holds regular valuation days where prospective sellers can take in their items for its specialists to evaluate at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PH. Valuation days, 10am-3pm: Jewellery & Watches, Tuesday; Silver & Obje’t D’art, Tuesday; Toys & Collectables, Wednesday; Oriental & Asian, Thursday; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera, Friday; Militaria, Friday; Textiles & Fashion, Monday; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Monday.

Anyone unable to go in on the allocated days can phone or email to make an appointment and experts are also happy to make house visits if required free of charge.

Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign can contact Gill Norman on 01935 508764 or 07908 333577 or by email at auction@acreman streetantiques.co.uk

Advertiser’s announcement

Antiques & Collectibles

Thomas Beach, Portrait of the Reverend William Chafin (1733– 1818)

Summer Auction and Modern Art DUKE’S Auctioneers has a compelling pairing of sister sales coming up – The Summer Auction and Modern Art, each showcasing works from distinct periods and styles.

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The Summer Auction, on Wednesday, July 22, features a selection of period pieces, paintings, furniture, textiles and more.

A highlight is Thomas

Beach’s (1738–1806) Portrait of the Reverend William Chafin (1733–1818), from the celebrated Milton Abbey series, depicting the Captains of the Dorset Yeomanry Cavalry and their Chaplain.

The portrait, with distinguished provenance through Milton Abbey and Came House, was admired by King George III during his 1804 visit to Milton Abbey – he described it as a ‘good likeness’ of a ‘remarkable-looking person’.

Modern Art follows on Thursday, July 23, with works

by Paul Nash, Bob Dylan and two paintings ascribed to Bernard Buffet (1928-99), both titled Fleurs.

The works, originally acquired from Galerie David et Garnier, Paris, and recorded in the Maurice Garnier Archives, exemplify Buffet’s bold, graphic style which made him one of post-war France’s most celebrated artists.

The catalogue is now available to pre-order.

THE

SUMMER AU C T I O N

27th July

23rd July

19th August

Silver & Silver Plate Auction 22nd July Jewellery & Watch Auction 23rd July Antiques & Interiors Auction 24th July Airgun Collection Auction 27th July All lots, viewing & bidding on our web site

Specialist Valuation Days in Sherborne

2 2 J U LY | 2 0 26

Jewellery, Watches, Gold & Silver 20th Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 21st Model Trains, Cars, Dolls & Toys 22nd Wine, Port & Whisky (bottles/cases) 23rd

Dave Angel Collection Auction 19th August Classic Bike Auction 26th November Entries now being accepted

The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

ht

e

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

Weaver marks 40 years at the mill NEW work by silk weaver Debby Kirby to mark 40 years of weaving at Walford Mill Crafts in Wimborne is going on show.

Threaded Together, ‘a celebration of colour, texture and form’, will also feature new work by ceramicist David Pointer.

Debby invented and perfected a method of handweaving paper, aluminium, photographs and paintings through her hand-dyed silk, which has led to collaborations with artists, designers and photographers.

le

Va

GUITAR TEACHER

1st Lesson Free Friendly, patient, humorous tutor with plenty of guitars in garden studio in a pretty village.

Please mail andypalmer.guitar@gmail.com or call 01258 817063

Debby Kirby is staging an exhibition at Walford Mill Crafts

The exhibition features solo and collaborative work alongside painter/printmaker Manda Beeching; fine artist

Claire Thomas; jeweller Sarah Ricketts, aluminium artist Caroline Parrott and photographer Jez Randall.

THE National Trust is offering a free walking event from Max Gate, home of celebrated author Thomas Hardy, in Dorchester.

‘Walking in the Paw Prints of Wessex’ was a favourite walk Hardy did with his faithful

companion, Wessex the dog, and sometimes visitors to Max Gate.

The walk is on Tuesday, July 28, from 1.30pm-3.30pm – to book, visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/visit/dorset/hardyshouse-max-gate

Hardy’s dog walk

The exhibition opens on Wednesday, July 29, with an opening celebration party on Saturday, August 1, from noon-6pm.

Debby, who will be on hand every day of the exhibition, which runs throughout August, will be leaving the mill at the end of the year.

Walford Mill Crafts is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm, and is closed to the public Monday and Tuesday.

DORSET Art Society is holding its summer exhibition in Wimborne.

The artists’ showcase is in Church House from Saturday, July 25, to Saturday, August 1, open daily from 10am-5pm.

The Dancer by Joan Lyons is pictured above.

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

LIVE/WIRE: THE AC/DC SHOW Sat 18th July 7.30pm Tickets: £24.50

THE CHRISTOPHERS (15)

SAVAGE HOUSE (15)

ROCK FOR HEROES

Sat 25th, Mon 27th & Tues 28th July 7.30pm Matinee Mon 27th July 2.30pm Tickets Adult £9 evening | £8 matinee | Child under 16 £7

Mon 20th & Tues 21st July 7.30pm | Matinee Tues 21st 2.30pm Adult £9 evening £8 matinee Child under16 £7

Weds 29th July 7.30pm Tickets £26.50

DAVID GRAHAM & THE ESKIMO BROTHERS WITH SPECIAL GUEST BEN WATERS

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KING THE AMERICAN O U R REVUE E B SMILLS WITH WBEN ITE

Weds 22nd July 7.30pm Tickets £31.50

Thurs 23rd July 7.30pm Tickets £27.50

THE ULTIMATE COMMITMENTS & BLUES BROTHERS EXPERIENCE

BARRY STEELE: THE ROY ORBISON STORY

Thurs 30th July 7.30pm Tickets £26.50

Sat 1st August 7.30pm Tickets £29.50

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

BON GIOVI

THE WORLD’S PREMIER TRIBUTE TO BON JOVI

Fri 24th July 7.30pm Tickets £23

THEATRE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE 2nd - 27th August Box Office remains open for ticket sales

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

English song from down the centuries DORSET Chamber Choir will give its summer concert at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall, a new venue for the choir.

The music comes from a range of English composers from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

The choir will sing a set of madrigals from the 16th and 17th centuries plus From the Bavarian Highlands by Edward Elgar (1837-1934), Four Songs for Sailors by George Dyson

(1883-1964) and Choral Dances from Gloriana by Benjamin Britten (1913-76).

Musical director John Watkins will conduct.

The concert is on Saturday, July 25, at 7pm, and tickets cost £12, free for anyone under 18.

Tickets can be ordered through the choir’s website and are also available from choir members and at the door.

For more details, visit www. dorsetchamberchoir.com

Country tale sparked riots THE Playboy of the Western World might strictly speaking be classed as a comedy, but as the formerly no-nonsense, selfassured barmaid Pegeen – a nuanced Nicola Coughlan, pictured – sits crumpled on the floor in its final moments, letting out a guttural wail, it’s not so clear-cut.

Nothing is, really, in John Millington Synge’s 1907 play, where the arrival of a mysterious traveller causes chaos in a tight-knit rural Irish community in County Mayo.

The play sparked riots when it premiered in Dublin, in part because of its portrayal of

virtuous women fawning over a criminal, but also for its sullying of the rural idyll image of western Ireland held in the capital at the time.

There are no rainbows and fairies here – instead, it’s a place of obsession and longing, where the village folk are both fearful of outsiders and desperate for fresh blood.

In Caitríona McLaughlin’s stylish and stylised production, all of this is captured vividly.

The Playboy of the Western World is being screened with National Theatre Live at Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Saturday, July 25, at 7pm.

THE last meals of prisoners on death row in Texas are depicted in an unsettling new art exhibition at The Sherborne.

The 13 realistic paintings and photographs by Mat Collishaw show the final

meals of named inmates awaiting execution.

The subjects are deceptively ordinary, such as fried chicken, hamburgers, pecan pie and sweet tea.

There is also a peach, orange and apples, as ordered

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Arts & Entertainment

Hugh’s cello recital

SCOTTISH cellist Hugh Mackay – pictured – is giving a recital at St Mary’s Church, Compton Abbas, tomorrow (Saturday, July 18).

Hugh studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has

performed at major European venues including Wigmore Hall, the Elbphilharmonie, Konzerthaus Dortmund and the Palace of Versailles.

Proceeds will go to Compton Abbas and Twyford Community Hub (CATCH), a new charity raising money to buy the village hall for the benefit of the community.

Tickets for the recital, which gets under way at 6pm, are £15, including a glass of wine or soft drink.

Balsam artists on show AMATEUR artists from the Balsam Centre in Wincanton are staging an exhibition at Castle Gardens in Sherborne.

It will be a first exhibition for the artists who have a regular class at the centre under the direction of Caroline Morriss.

The Balsam Artists’ vibrant display of drawing, collage,

Last meal has lots to say...

by Cornelius Gross hours before his death, and a communion wafer and wine, the choice of Jonathan Nobles.

The exhibition raises questions about capital punishment, the ritualised nature of execution and what

Work by Rosemary Engert

watercolour and acrylic painting is on show from Friday to Friday, July 24-31.

it means to grant a condemned man his choice of a final meal.

Last Meal on Death Row, Texas is on show until Sunday, September 6.

For more information, visit www.thesherborne.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Events

blackmorevale.net

LYN’s BINGO on July 20th Marnhull Royal British Legion.

Sodom Lane (DT10 1HR).

Eyes down 7pm.

JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull Royal British Legion, Sodom Lane DT10 1HR on Saturday 25th July.

Doors open at 10.15.

ROLLS ROYCE FOR HIRE

CHARITY CREAM TEA and Tombola. St Mary’s Church Winterborne Zelston.

Satruday 8th August 1.30-4pm CHARLTON MARSHALL FETE Sat 18th July 1pm4pm. Children free, Adults £1. BBQ, Pimm’s, Cream Teas, Skittles etc.

CAR BOOT SALE, Nunton Recreation Ground, Nunton, SP5 4HW. July 19th, Sellers 7.30am. Cars £5, Small vans £8, large vans £15. Buyers 8.30am. Adults 50p.

Refreshments. www. newsandnotes.net/event-list

Singing legend bidding farewell The Sherborne Open

www.arrive-in-style.co.uk or tel:

01747 826282

Art Exhibition 2026

Sat 18th - Sun 26th July 10am - 5pm (1pm on Sunday 26th) The Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AA

Laurence Belbin – Hot Day for Sheep

Admission Free

Open to all Artists • Entry details on the website • Hand-in 10th &11th July

Sherborne Art Club w w w. s h e r b o r n e a r t s . o r g sherborneopen@sherbornearts.org

71st Traditional

Village Fete

C EV AS EN H T

Flower, Produce & Handicraft Show

Saturday 1st August, 12 noon All your favourites including

White Elephant

Barbeque & Beer Tent plus Pen Teas!

Grand Draw ~ Bottle Tombola ~ Plants & Produce etc...

Parking available. No dogs on field.

Proceeds to the Church and Pen Selwood Community Association Please check final updates on www.penselwood.ning.com

SINGER and entertainer Tony Christie – pictured – is bringing his Great Farewell ‘Unplugged’ Tour to The Mowlem in Swanage tomorrow (Saturday, July 18).

Christie’s career spans over six decades and his final live tour promises showmanship, warmth and powerful vocals

– and an intimate experience thanks to the ‘unplugged’ format.

The set list features his trademark big hit Is This The Way To Amarillo and others including Avenues & Alleyways, Walk Like A Panther and I Did What I Did For Maria, along with covers.

HILLSIDE PARISHES FETE Ibberton Village Hall DT11 0EL from 1.30 pm Bar/BBQ, 2.00 pm Fete, 2.30 pm Dog and Flower Show with Blandford Stour Valley Band

CAR-BOOT Burton’s Community Orchard Shillingstone DT11 0TX July 19th & August 23rd. Sellers 9am, Buyers 10am. £5 per car, £8 per van/trailer. Also The Mills Singers Male Voice Choir on November 14th Portman Hall.

COMPTON ABBAS CELO RECITAL, featuring Hugh Mackay & duets with Harry Ellison-Wright.

Saturday 18th July at 6pm, St Mary’s Church, Compton Abbas. Tickets £15, includes a glass of wine or soft drink.

Reserve tickets at buytickets.at/cellorecital.

Profits go towards the purchase of our village hall.

DORSET CHAMBER CHOIR, SUMMERTIME. Choral Music by English composer from the 16th to 20th centuries. Sat 25th July 7pm. St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Sturminster Marshall, BH21 4BU. Tickets £12 (under 18’s free) from choir members, our website, or at the door.

71st Anniversary of the Penselwood Fete ADVERTISING FEATURE n Saturday the 1st August from noon, Penselwood holds its 71st Anniversary Traditional Fete plus flower and produce show. There will be a toy stall, pre-loved clothing, ice cream stand and a book stall. Your 50p Grand Draw ticket could win you £250 or an annual membership to the Newt for two or many other great prizes.

O

There will be great bargains at the White Elephant with vintage clothes, ornaments and a general rummaging

area. There is live music, a flower produce and craft show, BBQ, Pen Pub tent and lovely teas in the Village Hall.

Proceeds will go to St Michael’s Church and the Penselwood Community Association.

Only Assistance Dogs allowed on the Fete field and cash is preferred with limited card facilities.

Visit for final updates: www.penselwood.ning.com

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

Garden ponds a magnet for wildlife

by Sally Gregson A GARDEN pond is a delight on very many levels, and in the vegetable garden a pond is not just ornamental, but practical.

Ponds attract a great deal of wildlife, as we are always being told, and much of that wildlife is beneficial to vegetable growing. Placed in the middle of an organic veggie patch, it will attract, often within minutes of its inception, frogs, newts and toads, as well as lots of beneficial insect life. And those green, hopping ones, live almost entirely on slugs and snails that in turn seem to live entirely on your young vegetables. A pond will be home to your own army of predators of the slimy ones.

Try to resist the temptation to add goldfish to the mix of

wildlife. They are a bit too successful at eating everything that would otherwise feed the frogs and toads. And, inevitably, they tend to stir up the sediment at the bottom of the pond, blocking out the light and downgrading the quality of the water.

Ponds are best started during the winter months when there seems more time to undertake a major addition, but finding the right site on a sunny day is a good start. Think about where to place the spoil, the soil that has been dug out. It needs to be close by the site to avoid lots of hard work barrowing.

Keep sloping edges at a shallow end of the pond so that newts, frogs and toads can climb in and out. And ensure the

A garden pond placed in the middle of an organic veggie patch will quickly attract frogs, newts and toads

edges are covered in lots of leaves and concealing undergrowth. Leave wood piles in the wilder areas of the garden to overwinter the adult frogs and with luck they will soon find the water and lay their spawn.

Fill a new pond with rainwater if at all possible. If tap water is all that is available, let it stand for at least three days

before filling the pond. Allow the sun to warm it to about 15-20 degrees centigrade.

Insects will arrive within hours of filling up a new pond.

Even the heron will check it out for fish. Dragonflies will lay their eggs to be incubated out of sight and hatch into fierce predatory larvae, and your garden birds will stop by for a drink.

Apple trees can be pruned slightly earlier than normal because of the hot summer

fruiting shoots for next year.

Avoid cutting back short shoots less than 20cm long.

They may well be in the course of forming new fruiting spurs for next year. Remove the long, leafy new shoots that are growing from the existing side shoots to just one, or at most, two leaves above the existing side-shoot. This will encourage the formation of more fruiting spurs for next year.

If no heavy rain is forecast, ensure that the whole tree is very well watered with several cans, and if you have any damp garden compost, put it around the base of the tree without touching the bark. It should give it a short-term reservoir during those sunny spells. And finally give the tree a long, liquid feed high in potash to encourage lots of fruit.

How to summer prune apple trees

by Saly Gregson AFTER such a glorious, but exceptionally hot, summer so far, the apple trees are almost ready to be summer pruned.

Trees that are highly manipulated – cordons, espaliers and those shaped into fans and pyramids – benefit especially from summer pruning.

In an ordinary season this is usually left until mid-August, but this hot year in particular slightly early pruning will allow the wounds to heal properly and the tree to re-grow, albeit slowly, throughout the course of the remainder of the summer.

Unlike traditional winter pruning, summer pruning does not initiate the growth of lots of thin, green shoots, it allows air to circulate through the tree and lets the sun ripen the young

shoots. It’s an essential job that can be done so well on warm evenings, with the aid of a large straw hat and pairs of sharp loppers and secateurs. The tree has the remainder of the summer to heal the wounds naturally. And in a hot summer, such as this one, it reduces the

39

amount of green leafy growth vulnerable to the drying effect of high temperatures and wind.

Start by cutting back any vigorous shoots that are growing into the centre of the crown. This will keep the air circulating in the centre of the tree and help to ripen the

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

G

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Co ac py km ri g or ht e Va

Est. 1955, Sandford Orcas, Sherborne

lenholme Herbs is a family run nursery growing a wide range of herbs, Salvias and Pelargoniums.

Our family has been growing plants in Sandford Orcas, Sherborne since 1955, with a focus on herbs for the last 20yrs.

We now grow over 250 varieties of herbs including all your favourites; Parsley, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Thyme along with some more unusual ones too!

The nursery is open Tuesday - Saturday 9-4. March- Oct. Come and browse our range of high quality plants at very reasonable prices, with friendly, expert advice always available. Customers are welcome to wander around our display garden filled with our Herbs and Salvias.

See how we incorporate herbs into our flowerbeds, and how they can be attractive and beneficial to both people and wildlife.

Family run nursery selling a large range of Herbs, Salvias and Pelargoniums Open March-October | Tuesday-Saturday | 9am-4pm

@glenholmeherbs 07814 461385

www.glenholmeherbs.co.uk

Find us on Google Maps

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

We will be holding our 5th open weekend for charity this year on 25-26th july Raising money for some incredible charities such as Parkinson’s, Macmillan cancer support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and more! There will be Teas, Coffees, delicious cakes, a children’s trail and a guided walk from medicinal herbalist Kim Creswell at 11am each day. Join us for a lovely day out and help raise money for some wonderful charities.

Bl

NG RE

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GARDEN SERVICES Dorset Gardens of Steve Manuel Do you want your garden to look gorgeous and vibrant?

Contact Dorset Garden Services for expert garden maintenance services at competitive prices.

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Home & Garden

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Making gardening nice ‘n’ easy...

MOST of us want a garden we can actually enjoy, somewhere to sit with a cup of tea on a summer morning, or a space that looks cared for without having to worry about maintenance every weekend.

But not all of us have the time or the gardening know how to spend on our outdoor space.

As part of its Make it Bloom campaign, British Garden Centres has put together some simple ideas anyone can try to give their garden impact with little work, whatever their experience or the size of their outdoor space.

Start with containers CONTAINER gardening suits any size of garden, even if you have a small patio or a balcony.

There’s no digging, no difficult soil and no weeding to worry about. You choose your plants, pop them in a pot and enjoy them. Lavender is a great place to start, with its fragrant, drought tolerant nature, and is irresistible to bees. Heuchera offers year-round interest with its striking foliage, trailing lobelia tumbles beautifully over the edge of pots all summer, and sedums are virtually impossible to kill in a sunny spot.

For shady corners, hostas bring lush, architectural leaves to spaces where little else will grow. If you tend to forget to water, look out for containers with built-in self-watering reservoirs as they keep plants happy even when life gets in the way.

Plant perennials PERENNIALS come back year after year without needing to be replaced, slowly filling borders and genuinely getting better with age, so you can have a border or container with little maintenance. Rudbeckia brings cheerful golden-yellow flowers from late summer into autumn, while Echinacea

A summer planter of zinnias, fushia and petunia

produces bold, daisy-like blooms in pinks and purples that pollinators can’t resist.

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a real workhorse as it flowers for months on end and spreads gently to cover bare ground.

Salvia nemorosa and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ both deliver real drama with almost no effort, and once you have a good mix established, a perennial border largely looks after itself.

Scatter wildflower seeds A WILDFLOWER patch is possibly the most effortless garden project there is. Scratch over a small patch of ground, scatter your seeds, lightly rake them in and simply wait. Look for mixes that include Ox-eye Daisy, Corn Poppy, Cornflower

and Field Scabious as all of them self-seed readily, attract bees and butterflies in good numbers, and many will return entirely on their own the following year, making this a garden feature that gets easier over time, not harder.

Lay some stepping stones A SIMPLE path of stepping stones protects your lawn from heavy foot traffic, keeps mud out of the house through the wetter months and can make even a modest garden feel much bigger if you let it curve gently through the space. Tuck a few low-growing thyme or chamomile plants between the stones for a lovely fragrance when you walk over them and combine with gravel for a finish that’s both attractive and

weed-resistant.

Mulching ONE afternoon spent mulching can save hours of weeding over the months that follow. A layer of bark chippings, garden compost or gravel spread over borders suppresses weeds before they get started, locks moisture into the soil so you water less often and gradually improves the soil structure as it breaks down. Aim for around five centimetres deep, applied in spring or autumn, and keep it clear of direct contact with plant stems.

Add shrubs and ground cover plants SHRUBS are among the most underrated plants in a low maintenance garden, giving you year-round structure and seasonal interest with very little in return. Viburnum tinus flowers in winter, stays evergreen all year, and barely needs pruning. Hydrangea paniculata asks for just one cut in spring before producing spectacular blooms all summer.

For bare ground between plants, spreading ground cover like Vinca minor, Alchemilla mollis and Geranium ‘Rozanne’ block out weeds naturally, letting plants do the work so you don’t have to.

Julian Palphramand, head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “People often think gardening is too complicated, too time consuming or that they simply don’t have the space. What we love about these ideas is that they prove otherwise. A pot of lavender on a doorstep, a handful of wildflower seeds scattered in a sunny corner, and a few perennials planted and left to settle in are small things that make a real difference, and anyone can do them. You don’t need expertise or hours to spare. You just need to start somewhere, and the rewards follow very quickly.”

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Home & Garden

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SKIP HIRE

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 416022

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

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE Waste Transfer Note

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

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

Ticket No:

PLEASE NOTE

CUSTOMERS ORDERING VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON • No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

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

PLEASE NOTE

Date ________________ ALL AREAS COVERED ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OF SKIP PLEASE RING

CLIVE SMITH • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids

Vehicle Registration Customer

(See Condition 17 overleaf).

Driver

Address

ANYTIME

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

L.DAVIS AND SONS Fencing, and garden design Concrete bases, patios, gravel, garden clearance and much more.

We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products.

01458-241230 or 07950-261510

S.I.C Code: 38110

Skip Size

Description

DATE

2 Yrd

Mixed Con, Brick

170107

4 Yrd

Concrete

170101

DELIVERY

6 Yrd

Soil & Stone

170504

8 Yrd

G Mixed Waste

170904

EXCHANGE

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

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

COLLECTION

By signing this form I confirm I have fulfilled my duty to apply the Waste Hierarchy as required by Regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

PRINT NAME __________________________________ WHITE - OFFICE

YELLOW - CUSTOMER

BL GROUNDWORKS

SIGNATURE ________________________________ TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (SEE REVERSE)

LES BENHAM

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

Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance

Hedge Cutting, Tree Shaping/ Pruning, Felling, Tree Removal & General Maintenance

FENCING & LANDSCAPING

07398222325

Blewiscontracting@gmail.com

vincentandsontreeservices@gmail.com

(Established 1997)

Tree Surgeons TREE WORK

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

HARDWOOD LOGS AND WOODCHIP FOR SALE

ASH DIE BACK SPECIALISTS LANDSCAPING

Fencing Patios Sleeper walls All hard landscaping

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

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

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

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Family run business since 1946 Tel:business 01963 250005 Family run since 1946 Mobile: 07976250005 934 252 Tel: 01963 Mobile: 07976 934 252

Looking for work or RECRUITING? Join our jobs group on FACEBOOK

Blackmore Vale Jobs Group

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net PRECISION FENCING & GATES • Installation • Repair • Maintenance Feel free to give us a call on 07355-295534 or email at Precision-fencing@hotmail.com JAMES AYRES TREE CARE Specialist Tree Workers All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned.

Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared.

Licensed waste carrier. Fully insured.

Tel: 01747 850129 Mob: 07951 284639

FREE

No obligation quotes

CO

ND GEN

ES

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2

All types of blinds supplied and fitted for home, office, conservatory or commercial premises.

We also supply patio awnings (electric and manual), shutters, curtains and poles.

N IO

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A

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01258 313110

W

for a FREE home appointment

ISHED IN

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LOCAL FAMILY COMPANY CALL US TODAY

BL

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

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PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run Business based in Shaftesbury, Offering awide range of services including foam cut to size and Re-stuffing of feather cushions.

01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com.

YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST DRIVEWAY CONTRACTORS

MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS & CURTAINS CARPETS & VINYL FLOORING

WE SUPPLY & INSTALL MOTORIZED & MANUAL PATIO AWNINGS

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

Come & visit our showroom:

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

CONTACT US ON: 01747 708406

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Home & Garden

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PRECISION TURFING, Tel: 07496-863806. email precision-turfing@hotmail.com GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •

For all your fencing and decking needs

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

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GC GARDEN CARE

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

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

NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations.

Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

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Gates made to measure.

Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814 246332

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HANDYMAN SERVICES Available. Call Gavin.

Tel: 07495-892240 PADDOCKS AND LARGE AREAS OF GRASS MULCHING, short to very tall grass, call David on: 07786-658708 MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5TON DIGGER, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034

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.com

Stockists of new Alko, Mountfield, Stiga, Weibang and Echo.

Servicing, repairs, and parts for all major brands.

Come and see our range of garden machinery including lawn mowers, chainsaws, hedge cutters, battery products and more.

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195 WANTED Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

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Contact Chris Hussey 07885-273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com

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01202 826502

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BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING - Your local mobile service 07760 469411

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

45

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

AIR CONDITIONING

Don’t spend another year suffering at home in the heat Install a dedicated Worcester Bosch air conditioning unit

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL G ROSE PLASTERING. For all your Plastering needs Experienced and reliable Phone Gavin 07766-243762

L R MASONRY GENERAL BUILDER, Stone work, Brick work 07971-982565 llewie30roberts@gmail.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Installed by a professional with waranty and peace of mind

Annual maintenance contracts available

Phone: 07971 865496 Email: okefordheating@yahoo.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

BAILEY & SUN LTD. Groundwork, man and machine hire. Footings, ditchings, driveways, new build, drainage, extensions plus lots more. Call for a quote. 07546-762236. sun@baileyandsun.co.uk.

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

Now available... Rockery Stone

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

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Traditional builders specialising in older and listed properties

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

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

From houses and farm buildings to factories, schools and industrial sites, we deliver expert demolition across all sectors. Site clearance, scrap collection and licensed asbestos removal, handled safely and in full compliance.

ALL TYPES OF DEMOLITION COVERED Farmyard, residential & industrial demolition

Licensed asbestos removal

Call or text Louie Smith: 07977 509294 www.bemacross.co.uk

mail@bemacross.co.uk

46

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

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ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings.

Repairs. Restoration.

01258 880301

T F PLANT

Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied

Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected.

Small or large loads also bulk bag materials & small handy bags.

Muck-away service of inert materials Trusted family-run business, ring for enquiries

01747 826107

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

Book online: blackmorevale.net

J&C Handyman Services

Plumbing Door hanging & skirting boards Painting & decorating Guttering and facia clearing Shed erecting & repairs and replacement Flat pack furniture Fencing Shelves & curtain rails Pointing etc...

No job too small. Please call with your requirements.

01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com

ELECTRICIAN

Providing reputable electrical services for over 30 years.

Prompt service at reasonable rates.

Shaftesbury Based.

8am - 8pm

Call Alan: 07442 026385 Email: alanaac1@aol.com

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

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD. All aspects of building and plumbing catered for.

Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services •General building •Extensions/Renovations •Loft conversions •Oak frame buildings •Groundwork/Landscaping •All your property needs

Mobile: 07979 527379 | Email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

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

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

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

CALL NOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL QUOTATION

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

CARE SERVICES CERAM CARE LIVE IN CARE PROFESSIONALS. Full time personalised care in the comfort of your own home.

Visit our website for more information http://www.ceramcare.co.uk

Book online: blackmorevale.net

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

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

48

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

CLEANING

CHIMNEYS Place your classified advert today

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps

CLASSIFIED

NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) CCTV

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

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01258 455251

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

Advertising made

simple

01963 400186 Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping,

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

01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

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Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

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BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 07855-287150 01963-362403 www.dcenet.co.uk

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

Established in 1978

The New

Blackmore Vale

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

Get connected. Stay connected.

 :01258 455947

:phoenixchimneys1@gmail.com

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

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

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

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and

01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com

colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation CLEAN • RELIABLE • FULLY INSURED Ope n f ires | Log burner s | Fl u es Sweeps from £60 | NACS Registered

07795 803461

lcmchimneysweep@outlook.com Sherborne & surrounding villages

Quote

“VALE” when booking

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

Call me now on 07805 783147

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY NEIL PIERCY PLASTERING ALL TYPES OF PLASTERING, FLOOR SCREEDING & RENDERING. WINCANTON & 20 MILE RADIUS. HELPFUL ADVICE & FREE QUOTATIONS CALL NEIL: 07974-185923 or 07811-211586

PAUL WEST DECORATING SERVICES and wall-paper specialist.

Also handyman. 35years experience. Free quotes.

07773-459168. paul.west945@gmail.com

M & M Painting & Decorating.

30 years experience.

Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote.

Tel: 07921-783296 / 01305-849380

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

Painting & Decorating Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

35 Years Experience FREE Estimates. No VAT

Call Richard on

Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627

49

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY GARETH TANNER G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736-644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com

ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS

FLOORING SPECIALIST

SPECIALISING IN LVT, CARPETS AND VINYL T: 07968845623 E: richbartlettflooring@outlook.com

01963 400186

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Italian Courses

24/7 Locksmiths & Garage Door Repairs

throughout the year

- Residential Lockouts - Garage door repair specialists - New garage doors & automation - Lock repair and replacements

Classes and private tuition

RICH BARTLETT

Contact Us to advertise

Contact

CHRISTINE JEWELS

01935 425958

www.italianlanguageservices.co.uk

Dorset com Doors .com

07979 978 751 drew@dorsetdoors.com

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

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

CAMILLE ELIZABETH

Sectional Doors / Roller Doors / Up and Over Side Hinged / Personnel Doors Spares & Accessories Installation / Servicing Automation / 2 into 1 Conversions Insulated Garage Doors Call 01963 363782 or 01258 472830 www.dorsetgaragedoors.co.uk

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

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

BLACKMORE VALE

JOBS GROUP For jobseekers and employers The New

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

NOW ON Facebook

50

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire

Tel 07969443979

MUSIC

PEST CONTROL

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

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

D&T Plumbing and Heating

Contact us for a free quote!

Repairs, Services, Upgrades, Automation & New Door Installations.

High quality doors at low prices from a family run business with excellent service! www.grp-garagedoors.co.uk

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with.

All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken.

Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

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

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

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

• Sinks • Toilets • Sewers •Downpipe • Installation of new drains • Manholes and gully’s • Repairs to existing drains • CCTV Surveys • HP Jetting • No dig Relining

Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Installs Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Mere & surrounding areas

Reliable, professional service for all your plumbing & heating needs.

GASTECHPLUMBING.COM

01747 854887 07525 755696

07783 004377 FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services 24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week prior to publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, HOWEVER these will be subject to space.

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

Need to replace your septic tank?

Speak to your local experts 01747 823731 or 07970 484890

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Call David: 01747 640188 07587238563 Book online: blackmorevale.net

Established 1980

www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk

51

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

REMOVALS

+

Removals throughout Dorset and beyond Excellent

Call us now – 0808 175 1966 ◆ Complete packing services ◆ Overnight and long term storage and delivery ◆ UK wide removals

◆ Fine art, wine cellars, specialist items ◆ In person or remote video surveys ◆ European removals

sales@armishaws.com | www.armishaws.com Wincanton Business Park, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RU

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

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

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

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

Contact Us to advertise

01963 400186

All Aspects Of Roofing Undertaken

Tom the Roofer All Roofing Services & Repairs

01747 854887 07525 755696

Based in Wincanton Contact Chris

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

STORAGE

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

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

CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SECURE INDOOR STORAGE facility near Wimborne.

Please phone Tora Snell for more details 07887 687344

SHIPPING CONTAINER (20ft) storage facility near Wimborne. Please phone Tora Snell for more details 07887 687344

52

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

STAIR LIFTS

TILING

Classified ad?

S A L E S / R E N TA L S • I N S TA L L AT I O N S E R V I C I N G • R E PA I R

TELL OUR 90,000 READERS for just

£1.12

per word*

*Not including VAT

G& M T I L I NG WA L L & F L O O R T I L ER 35 years experience Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen Fully insured FREE estimates | No VAT

Call Graham on

07973 430681

TREE SURGEON LOCAL TREE SURGEON Yeovil based reasonably priced.

For a no obligation quote call: 07985-160422 stctreeservices.co.uk

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE SKIP HIRE ALTERNATIVE We do all the Work!

Please call Paul on 01258 440838 or 07853 275379

For honest, independent advice, get in touch:

Book online: blackmorevale.net

01749 346 900 / 01803 678 073 www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk

Rob’s Clearance • •

Covering Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon

TARMAC / SURFACING

House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed

• Recycling carried out • Good/interesting items bought for cash • Friendly and reliable

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

HOUSE CLEARANCE -MACHINE OR HAND LAY -OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE -LOCAL AUTHORITY APPROVED -PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN -ALL ASPECTS OF SURFACING, ROADS, DRIVES, FOOTPATHS & DROP KERBS CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE ON 01747 820234 OR EMAIL INFO@CGSURFACING.CO.UK C&G SURFACING LTD, THE DEPOT, LONGCROSS, ZEALS

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

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

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

.com

WINDOWS & DOORS BLACKMORE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Locally based company in Stalbridge with 25 years experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

THANK YOU DAVID ANTHONY DOBBINS The family would like to thank everyone that came to the funeral and the lovely cards and letters we received.

And a special thank you to Peter Jackson for all the kindness they showed us.

RAYMOND “RAY” PAUL CARTER Fred & family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages, and for attending Rays funeral. Donations totalled £400 which has been split between Air Ambulance & Weldmar Hospice. Thank you from us all.

PUBLIC NOTICES IAN SKIPPER Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Manderley 7 St Andrews View, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0QY, who died on 26/05/2026, must send written details to the address below by 18/09/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

53

Announcements PUBLIC NOTICES LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE (Section 17 of the Act) Notice is given that The Doghouse (Boozers) Ltd 15392928, The South Westen Hotel, Station Road, Tisbury, SP3 6JT. The application, if granted is to enable the following licensable activities on the Premise Licence: Retail Sale of Alcohol (on and off) Monday to Sunday 800:0100A copy A copy of the application may be inspected by visiting https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-new-premises applications or by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk Any representations by a Responsible Authority/Interested Party or other persons must be received in writing within 28 days of this notice, by email to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or by writing to The Licensing Authority, Wiltshire Council, Public Protection, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. Date of Notice: 8th July 2026, End of Consultation 5th August 2026 It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, punishable on summary conviction with an unlimited fine.

MacLachlan Solicitors Limited, 2 Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8EJ. Ref: 122354655 DAVID JAQUES Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Barnview, Letton Close, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7SS, who died on 03/11/2025, must send written details to the address below by 18/09/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

Blanchards Bailey LLP, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LQ. Ref: HST/AK2/JAQ0005/0004

Advertising made

simple

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

IN MEMORIAM CLIVE WELSH

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence John Wood Trading as Merley Hall Farm of Willett Road, Ashington, Wimborne, BH21 3DH is applying to change an existing licence as follows. To keep an extra 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailers at the operating centre at Merley Hall Farm, Willett Road, Ashington, Wimborne, BH21 3DH 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 www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle operator-licensing

23.07.25 “The Grand Prix of life has ended” but memories will race on forever.

Lindsay

DEATHS STUART KIMBER Passed away peacefully on 24th June 2026 at Dorset County Hospital. Aged 64 years. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday 24th July 2026 at 11.00am. Dress code informal. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired for either R.N.L.I. or Cancer Research UK, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to either charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

54

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Announcements

blackmorevale.net

DEATHS ZWIRN Gerald Godfrey

NORMAN HARDY

Peacefully on 14th June 2026 at Streets Meadow Care Home, aged 92 years, of Sturminster Newton.

Beloved Husband of Daphne.

He will be sadly missed. Private burial has taken place.

WICK David George - ‘Dave’ Peacefully on 14th June 2026 in Dorset County Hospital, aged 81 years, of Marnhull. Beloved Husband of the late Sarah.

Much loved Dad, Grandad and Brother. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 24th July at 10.00am.

No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Dave for Royal British Legion and Cystic Fibrosis Trust can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

Richard Ackland Passed away peacefully on 3rd July 2026. Aged 82 years.

Dearly loved husband to the late Liz, dad, grandad and great grandad. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday 31st July 2026 at 2.00pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired for the Alzheimer’s Society, may be made online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

Hilary Gallop.

Passed away on Monday 22nd June 2026 at home.

Much loved wife of Richard and Mother to Kate and Sarah, Grandmother to Daisy, Ben, Tallulah and Harry.

Funeral service to be held at The Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 23rd July at 2pm. Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers are being received on behalf of The Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury or left in the donations box after the service.

All enquiries to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL. Telephone 01747 822494

To place your

CLASSIFIED ADS

The New

Blackmore Vale

Magazine

book online: adverts@blackmorevale.net

of DURWESTON

Passed away peacefully on July 7th2026 at Marchfield House, Ferndown aged 83. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Memorial service at St Nicholas Church, Durweston . at 11 am Wednesday 12th August 2026 followed by a gathering at Durweston Village Hall. No flowers please but donations if desired to Dementia UK or Farming Community Network FCN

Richard Albert Kinnibrugh Peacefully on 6th July 2026. Richard aged 89 years, formerly of Stalbridge. Much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Brother. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church Stalbridge, on Friday 24th July at 12noon.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for Railway Children or London Transport Museum Friends.

Made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or directly to Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Henstridge.

It is with sadness that the family of the late Keith John Grant of Guy’s Marsh, announce his passing on 26th June 2026. aged 72. His funeral service will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on 4th August at 2pm. All welcome.

Bright clothes (no black) and family flowers only please.

Donations in Keith’s memory can be made for Stour Valley Dog Rescue at https://keith-grant.muchloved.com or at any Southern Co-op Funeralcare branch.

ANTHONY PHILIP BAKER “TONY” Tony died on a quiet summer afternoon on 4th July 2026 aged 97 years. Much loved and appreciated by his four children, nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Funeral service takes place on Tuesday 28th July at 12 noon at the Church of the Holy Rood, Shillingstone.

No flowers please but donations if desired to RNLI, may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Announcements DEATHS

BOB PASHEN

Passed away peacefully on Thursday 18th June 2026 at Pine Martin Grange Nursing Home, Wareham aged 84 years.

Much loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

WOODS & TAPPER FUNERAL SERVICE Just want a private family funeral?

Many people choose to invite just family members to a funeral. Our funeral homes have ceremony halls that are ideal for small and intimate gatherings.

Our ceremony halls are light and modern with comfortable seating, and have no time restrictions on their use.

Funeral Service to be held at Harbour View Crematorium, The Barn, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6AN Friday 24th July at 11am.

Family flowers only but donations if desired for Margaret Green Animal Rescue c/o Tapper Funeral Service, 32/34 Parkstone Road, Poole BH15 2PG

Find Us Online

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

www.blackmorevale.net

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Ask about our ‘celebrations of life’ 01305 250425

or visit www.woodsfuneralservices.co.uk

H E L P I N G YO U E V E RY S T E P O F T H E WAY H E L P I N G YO U E V E RY S T E P O F T H E WAY

Your Local Local Your Funeral Professionals Professionals Funeral

To place an obituary or remembrance advertisement in

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine please call us on:

01963 400186 or email:

www.blackmorevale.net

• Unattended funerals starting • Unattended from £995 funerals starting from £995 • Tailored and unique • Tailored unique Attendedand Funerals Attended Funerals • Prepaid funeral plans • Prepaid funeral plans also available also available • Local knowledge and expertise • Local expertise with aknowledge reputationand for quality with a reputation for quality that is second to none that is second to none • Reassurance that your • Reassurance your loved one willthat be looked loved one utmost will be looked after with care and after with utmost care and professionalism professionalism

BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Newbury, Gillingham Newell, Sherborne Newbury, Newell, SP8 4QL Gillingham DT9 4EZSherborne SP8 4QL 822494 DT9 4EZ 813479 Tel: 01747 Tel: 01935 Tel: 01747 822494 Tel: 01935 813479 Available 24 hours a day.

Available 24 hours a day.

Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.

Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.

55

56

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Brister&Son Independent Family Funeral Directors When your family suffers the loss of a loved one, we are here to support, guide and reassure you every step of the way Please call Teresa or Daniel for an appointment 100 Lenthay Road, Sherborne DT9 6AG Email: info@wsbrister.com 01935 812647 Woodside Court, Woodside Dairy Yard, Sparkford BA22 7LH Email: info@wsbrister.com 01963 850165 www.wsbrister.com

Still a family run business, serving Dorset communities since 1861 Colin J. Close Funeral Service Peel Close, BLANDFORD FORUM Tel: (01258) 453133 www.close-funeral.co.uk

Grassby & Close Funeral Service Innes Ct, STURMINSTER NEWTON

Proudly serving your local community

01747 860 361

Water Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6DZ

Call us for immediate support, advice, or to find out more about our prepaid funeral plans.

We are here to help 24 hours a day. "

www.lchillandsonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

@

Independent Family Funeral Directors We've provided compassionate and dignified funeral services for over 100 years together.

Tel: (01258) 471024 www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

Grassby Funeral Service 27a High Street, SHAFTESBURY

Bespoke Cremations & Burials

• Service Chapels • Direct Funerals • Memorial Masons

Sherborne:

Tel: (01747) 440815 www.grassbyshaftesbury-funeral.co.uk

Direct Cremation

01935 816817

Pre-Payment Scheme Available Wincanton:

01963 31310

www.ajwakely.com

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Recruitment

blackmorevale.net/jobs

SITUATIONS WANTED

Could you benefit from a virtual assistant? Do you need help with admin or sales tasks?

I can help with anything from chasing invoices, emailing customers, running social media, to arranging travel plans.

My prices start from hourly rates to monthly retainers. I can help you from as little as an hour a week or just for one-off projects!

W: www.southshoreva.co.uk E: kim@southshoreva.co.uk

57

HOME HELP NEEDED. near Stur 6 hrs over 2 weekday mornings £15 per hour phone 07990-759838 weekdays 1-4 pm only.

GARDENER REQUIRED Donhead St Mary SP7 4 hours every two weeks Mow, weed and general garden maintenance Contact pippa@donheadhall.co.uk.

Tel: 07836-548844 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

GROUNDSMAN/GARDENER to join a friendly and hardworking team. Enjoy landscaping, Horticulture, and outdoor maintenance, then join us in Mid Dorset.

Competitive salary. Email: headgardener25@gmail.com

BLACKMORE VALE

JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

To place your

The New

Blackmore Vale

CLASSIFIED ADS

Magazine

book online: adverts@blackmorevale.net Seasonal Work at Superplants Ltd.

We require a part timer to work 3 days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for 4 hours each day.

This will be to water our plant nursery in Sherborne so must be able to have transport.

Please enquire at info@superplants.co.uk

Small friendly manufacturing company in Semley, now recruiting for the following Full-time positions; Metalwork Machinery Operator Training provided, opportunity to gain experience in sheet metalwork processes, (press-brake & laser cutting) and other machining disciplines as the role progresses.

Experience preferred but not essential.

Assembly Technician Will suit someone with an interest in electrical and mechanical assembly, needs a good eye for detail. Experience or knowledge/understanding beneficial, but not essential.

Enquiries & Applications - 01747 851060

Business Growth Consultant We’re looking for a confident, personable individual to join our growing team.

An award-winning prep school for ages 2-13, situated between Gillingham and Shaftesbury, Dorset

DATA SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR We are seeking a proactive and organised Data Systems Administrator to manage school data systems, timetabling and calendars.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and administrative skills, be able to prioritise workloads, enjoy working both independently and as part of a team.

A kind, caring and cheerful nature is essential. We offer an exceptional working environment in a delightful prep school.

Hours of work (35 weeks per year) Thursday 0900 to 1300 and Friday 0900 to 1730.

For full details of the role and application procedure, please visit our website at portregis.com/vacancies or scan the QR code below. Early applications encouraged.

Not a traditional sales role. We’re looking for someone who can build genuine relationships with local business owners, understand their goals and recommend solutions to help them grow.

Full training will be given on our newspapers and digital channels, along with analytic tools.

Package: • Competitive basic salary • Uncapped commission • Full training (print & digital) • Great team support If you’re self-motivated, enjoy meeting new people and want a career with real earning potential, we want to hear from you.

We want you to succeed, so the more you sell, the more you’ll earn and continue to grow within the company.

Local knowledge and/or sales experience would be advantageous.

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks.

To apply, please send your CV to; chris@blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Meditations in nature: Butterflies, mad dogs and Englishmen

by Susanna Curtin TODAY I am on a mission to find a particular species of butterfly on my local butterfly reserve. It is one of the hottest June days on record, and as is quite often the case with my butterfly watching, I have not timed things particularly well.

You would think that I would learn after all these years of butterfly quests, coupled with my innate ‘fear of missing out’, that I would know how to time it right. White admirals are a magnificent butterfly to see.

They begin to emerge from their chrysalis from mid to late June, and fly throughout July and into the beginning of August. Last year, and the year before, I was too late. This year, I am probably a tad too early, and not only that, it is far too hot for them.

Butterflies are ectotherms.

They are cold-blooded creatures, so their body temperature depends on their surroundings.

Most British butterflies are active when the air temperature is between 18 and 30 degrees centigrade. But once temperatures climb much higher, and especially in places that are in full sun with little wind, they soon take refuge, and switch from feeding and courtship to simply avoiding overheating.

Almost all butterflies have a DarPod PODIATRY and Chiropody, For home visits please ring: 07943-194611

Ear wax removal in the comfort of your own home or at one of our conveniently located Clinics run in the heart of your community.

07544 857 560

enquiries@nowaxear.co.uk www.thenowaxearcompany.co.uk

specific flight season when the adults are only on the wing during particular weeks or months of the year. This is usually dependent on the availability of their caterpillar food plants, and the weather conditions. They are therefore only on the wing for a brief period, spending most of their lives as eggs, caterpillars or pupae. I can’t tell you how many times I have visited a site to see a particular butterfly only to find that, apart from a few bedraggled stragglers, they are finished, and I have missed them until the following year.

However, despite not getting to see my white admirals, it is still a stunning day to be out on the reserve. The high humidity is causing a misty opaqueness to the hot blue sky and distant horizons, and while an occasional welcome breeze blows through, the land lies low and seems to trap the rising heat.

Emerging from the cool oaklined rides, I find myself following a new path cut through the meadows. There are marsh and spotted orchids amid clouds of birds-foot trefoil, betony, broom, thistles and cinquefoil – all showing beautifully among the tall, swaying meadow grasses. And then, in among the flowers, fly dozens of meadow ELDERLY COMPANION AVAILABLE. Whether to cook, clean, housekeep, shop, take on local road trips, or just for some company. With 13yrs experience in Care. Call Martin on 07940-057322

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browns and marbled whites.

Every now and then, I can hear lizards scuttling through the sun-baked grass. I know it’s them because of their short sharp bursts of movement. I can also see emperor dragonflies skimming over the grasses and, as I approach a section of hedgerow decorated with large old oaks, there is a welcome coolness. Birdsong was prolific when I arrived on the nature reserve. Blackcaps, garden warblers, chiffchaffs and song thrushes were all singing beautifully and there were the familiar shrieks of a kestrel and young buzzards in the distance.

But as the temperature becomes more oppressive, the singing has all but stopped apart from the constant calls of chiffchaffs and the continuous buzzing of insects – somehow intensifying the feeling of the day’s oppressive heat.

Following this newly cut path instils a sense of adventure in me for I have never walked this way before. It is taking me across the fields and to the magnificent oaks that separate the meadows until there, before me, lies a pond adorned with a group of mallard. I find it incredible how you can visit a place so many times but without paths to guide you, you can walk the same tracks and miss hidden jewels like this tucked away in the folds of the landscape. I take a moment to be still. How lovely that we have places like this. I haven’t seen another soul all day.

There is a sense of remoteness,

solitude and adventure. I know it is hot, but I do not want to turn back, for this is a perfect midsummer’s day and the reason I love summer so much.

The path continues into the distance leading me to an unknown place. It feels like an analogy of our own lifejourneys. We follow paths that interest us without knowing where they might lead.

Sometimes to the right place, and sometimes not. But from there, there are new paths to guide us, and when we look back, we can see how far we have come – the story of each human life unfolding along its own trajectory.

Although meadow browns, painted ladies and marbled whites are still gracing the fields, I feel the passing of high-noon and the afternoon heat bouncing in waves off the vegetation. I decide to turn back towards the reserve to see the large bright orange silver-washed fritillaries – the first of the crop. They fly so fast and with so much purpose. I love that about them – that they are in front of you one minute before disappearing into the thicket. Sometimes if you sit still, they come around again as they patrol their territories.

Eventually, and at last, I reach my car which is registering 42 degrees. Had they still been alive, my parents would have reminded me that only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun! n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).

KIT’S COUNSELLING Dip.Couns., BSc (Hons),ENP(rtd) I offer holistic, one to one counselling for adults of all ages in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

Email: kitscounselling2@gmail.com

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59

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

Finding forgiveness through yoga

by Nicole Asghar WHEN I think about how we encourage, ask, and often expect children to forgive generously, I wonder whether we, the adults, can do the same. I think we most likely cannot.

Like most young people, I used to struggle with forgiveness, but when I found yoga, and most crucially, yogic philosophy, I was able to see how I could feel differently about past situations, my body and emotions. During my teacher training, I discovered the meaning of true forgiveness.

When I learnt how to truly forgive, I felt my body soften. I could feel the space around my heart release. My body could let go of the tension that had resulted from the anguish of the ‘wrong-doing’ or the deceit or unkindness. I felt like my whole

physiology could change – just from the act of forgiving.

When I began studying yoga philosophy and meditation, I was amazed to learn that forgiveness and compassion have been scientifically proven to alter physiology.

Psychologists and neuroscientists have examined how the brain and human behaviour change when compassion-based meditations are practised regularly. I’d like to share one with you – you might like to try it now.

Make yourself comfortable and see how this feels – it’s called The Metta Meditation: A Tibetan Loving-Kindness Meditation or Prayer.

Feel your feet on the floor or your legs on a chair or sofa – just become aware of your body for a moment. Breathe slowly and

by Fiona Chapman WE were lucky enough to be given Centre Court tickets for Wimbledon this week. Having never been, we jumped at the chance and had an amazing day watching fantastic tennis. What impressed me, however, were the ball boys and girls at all the matches. They were so disciplined, efficient and stoic.

They ran everywhere, stood to attention the whole match and just did a great job. I was blown away.

The staff serving us were great too – polite, smiley, efficient, chatty if engaged or discrete if not – even the lovely girls who had obviously drawn the short straw and had to attend the loos. I think the Government could take some advice from those who run Wimbledon and be taught how to behave!

It is an incredibly long day for

the staff, the ball boys and girls – uncomfortable for the ones crouching by the nets – and the players, and it got me thinking about herbs for endurance.

There are quite a few of them, called adaptogens, but some are very specific and have been tried and tested, particularly in Russia. Siberian ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus is perhaps the best known – it has been used to increase energy and mental and physical performance. It promotes blood flow to the brain and improves concentration and mental stamina. It also will counter stress-induced fatigue – useful for us all!

Another is Rhodiola rosea, which is very good for physical stress and taken regularly increases resilience while improving memory and concentration. It also helps bring

Thinking of herbs after Centre Court at Wimbledon...

deeply and exhale through your mouth.

Now, gently breathe in and out through your nose, and try to soften your body.

Thinking of someone you love, repeat out loud or in your mind: May you be happy; may you be safe; and may you be at peace.

Now, thinking of a group of people that need love and security – those less fortunate and repeat: May you all be happy, may you all be safe, and may you all be at peace.

Now, thinking of someone that needs your forgiveness – hold them gently in mind and offer them the kindness behind these words and repeat: May you be happy; may you be safe; and may you be at peace. Really feel these ones.

Lastly, hold yourself in mind

and offer yourself forgiveness and compassion for the struggle you may have experienced around the situation that made you feel hurt. Say to yourself: May I be happy; may I be safe; and may I be at peace.

Take another gentle breath in and out – your Metta meditation practice is complete. You might like to come back to this another time or try out other compassion-based meditations.

If you do, feel free to get in touch, and I can recommend some others – or let me know how you found this. I’d love to hear from you. n Nicole Asghar is a Dorsetbased therapist working online and around Bournemouth.

Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma and yoga. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.nicoleasghar.com

Dried root of Siberian ginseng

heart rates back to normal quickly after intense physical exercise.

Panax ginseng, perhaps usually used by men – for erectile disfunction and low libido – more than women, is good for us all as we get older. It is strengthening and rejuvenates.

All these herbs also protect the heart and liver and help the body to adapt to the stresses of life.

I know the players and staff at Wimbledon have youth on their side, but a good herbal supplement to help them get through these tournaments might be just what they need. I was so impressed and hope Wimbledon’s organisers feel incredibly proud of their youthful staff. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

60

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

A 78-YEAR-OLD ‘grandlord’ pulled her first pint for 26 years during a visit to a Sherborne pub.

Shirley Mayo was pub manager at The Crown in Blandford for 14 years, before retiring in 2000.

But she got back behind the bar at The Digby Tap in Sherborne to fulfil a long-held wish to pour a pint again.

Shirley, who has a daughter, Tonya, and two grandchildren, now lives at The Hayes, a Care Dorset residential care home in Sherborne.

So, when she told staff she missed being behind the bar, they started organising a trip.

“I’m excited to get back behind the bar. I spent some of my best years pulling pints,”

touch to ask if Shirley could pull a pint, we were only too happy to oblige,” he said.

“There’s something very satisfying about pulling a good pint, so I’m not surprised to hear she’s missed it.”

The Hayes’ activities officer, Vicky Feltham, added: “Shirley is full of character and always has a smile and a story to share.

“As soon as she told me she missed being behind the bar and would love the chance to pull a pint again, we knew we had to make it happen.

“Seeing her return to something she loved is going to be a special moment for everyone involved.”

‘Grandlord’ Shirley gets back behind the bar

Shirley Mayo shows you never forget how to pull a pint – and (inset) with bartenders Oscar Ashford and Chelsea Roper

said Shirley.

“I met lots of interesting people in the pub – that was my favourite part of the job. They say you never forget how to pull a pint – we will soon find out if that’s the case.”

Born in 1948, Shirley grew

up in Blandford, where her father was a gardener and her mother a waitress.

The Digby Tap landlord Oliver Wilson said the venue was delighted to welcome Shirley.

“When Care Dorset got in

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

aditional village pub r t A i

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Dorset

A pub with warmth & atmosphere 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.

07783 009402 | email@ploughmanston.com | ploughmanston.com Shaftesbury Road, Manston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1HB

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

61

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

Spicy treat from the south of Italy I USED to live in Tropea in Calabria, in the south of Italy, and to celebrate a family achievement this week made this incredible dish I’d eaten there with my own personal twist.

Chicken and ndjua with red pepper and tomato Ingredients Chicken breasts Sauce 2 roasted red peppers with skin off – or from a jar 4 large vine tomatoes 2 teaspoons spicy ndjua paste or the sausage meat itself 2 tablespoons crème fraiche A couple of pinches of dry oregano 1 sweet red onion – or a Tropean onion, if you can find them 3 garlic cloves Croutons 4 slices thick sourdough bread Olive oil and Maldon salt Garnish Fresh basil leaves and a gently roasted tomato cut in half In a deep-sided sauté pan,

cook off the ndjua with the diced red onion and three crushed garlic cloves.

Once softened, add the fresh tomatoes and red peppers, and simmer – add a little water if it needs to be looser.

Once all softened, let it cool a little before putting in a blender.

Blitz and return to the pan then add a couple of dollops of crème fraiche if it’s two spicy for you – it makes a lovely ‘pink’ sauce.

Now add the large chucks of chicken breast and cover with a lid or tin foil, and let the chicken gently braise.

While the chicken is cooking, cut each of the four thick slices of sourdough into four pieces, toss in olive oil, place on a roasting tin and sprinkle with Maldon salt.

Put the bread in a low oven at 130 degrees for 20 minutes to dry out and crunch.

To serve, place the croutons on a plate, spoon over the

t h g i r y Cop e l a V e r o m k c Bla

chicken and sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a juicy, gently braised plum tomato. n Annie Austin, Director/Host &

Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.

Email: annie@ anniedesforges. co.uk; website: www. anniedesforges.co.uk; phone: 07834 487381.

ENFORD DT11 FARM SHOP 0QW

Open Wednesday to Saturday

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Home reared and local produced meats, veg, Deli, also clothing and gifts emporium.

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

01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

01963 220 317 info@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Find us in Corton Denham, just 4 miles from Sherborne

Sit out on our terrace, with views over Somerset and Dorset and try our light lunch menu.

Join us for a burger and a pint every Tuesday for £18.

Open Seven Days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from 8 - 11pm.

62

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Items for sale

blackmorevale.net

CLASSIFIED ADS 2014 MOBILITY SCOOTER, half a mile on the clock from new, Kynco Maxer. Never-used. £1150 ono. Tel: 07856-243102 BMW BOOT INSERT, 103cm x 111cm x 25cm high, used but in good solid order. £90 Tel: 07768-435343 (anytime) RMA HEALTH, S110 Virgo Mobility Scooter. £550. 5 months use from new. Tel: 01935-423876 / 07787-718096 SHED FOR SALE, approx. 1 year old. 8x6, pent-roof, double door, 2 windows, over-lap cladding, felt-roof, VGC, dismantled, ready-to-go.

Buyer collects. £325.

Tel: 01747-228291 / 07891-686275

BEDROOM SMALL TUB chair, fawn material, vgc, £85. Tel: 07768-435343 (anytime) 2 TRAILERS FOR SALE. 1x four wheel trailer, 5ft wide x 8ft 4” long, with box. £1150. 1x Galvanised trailer, 6ft 11” long x 4ft 6” wide, £175.

Tel: 07856-243102 SHED FOR SALE, used, 8x6, apex roof, shiplack cladding, felt-roof, single-door, windows, vgc, dismantled ready to go, buyer collects, £225.

Tel: 01747-228291 / 07891-686275

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RECYCLED PARQUET FLOORING; very good condition, 6”x 1” blocks 21 sq yds +; offers invited.

Hexagonal shaped paving stones in very good condition, 44cms diameter, x 50; offers invited.

Triple section lightweight aluminium ladder as new max 10m height. offers invited. Buyer/s to collect; Sherborne. 07388 233602

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

CAR BIKE RACK £5 cmax wiper blade new£5 s/s sink/ drainer new. £10, 07791-570097 PANASONIC 32” TV, TX-L32S20B plus remote.

Fully working. £25 Ono. Call 01747 841101 VICTORIAN 1870 TREADLE SEWING MACHINE Base, for upcycling, maybe adding a table top. £15 Gillingham 01747 825614 SHOPRIDER SOVEREIGN 889. Free to takeaway needs a bit of TLC,forward reverse switch.phone Terry on 01935 475451.

MAHOGONY DINING ROOM TABLE and 4 chairs. £48. Tel: 01747-840835 CAMPING GAZ BOTTLE 907 BLUE. 2.75 kg empty but refillable. £25.00.

07973-686179 8 CUBE UNIT, as new, £35.

Tel: 07933-790004 JETMASTER FIREBOX and sparkscreen. 24” wide, 26” high, 14” deep, Free to collect Dinton SP3.

07796 846317 5ft x 3ft METAL CAR TRAILER. Needs replacement wood panelling and general overhaul. £50.

Tel: 01935-479992 / 07904-129489

UNUSUAL HEAD-BOARD, Japanese style, dark brown finish, 55” wide X 21” high. £45. Tel: 07768-435343 (anytime) GRACO CHILD’S CAR SEAT, 15-35kg weight capacity. Only used twice. £15. Tel: 07787-371823 TOWER BRAND STAND MIXER hardly used. £40.

Call 07789-676689 OLD, ALL WOOD *STEPHEN & CARTER” Extension LADDER, 3.6 Mtrs. closed, Rectangular Rungs, £45 Collect Gillingham, Tel: 01747 824240 DRAWING BOARD. Table top. W95cms x H67cms with sliding T square and retractable angle stand. excellent condition £45.

Gillingham 07922 487573 ELECTRIC HOOK UP REELS, for Camping. £30 ono. Also camping bits and pieces. (Blandford) Tel: 01258-455407, 07486-682917 EXERCISE BIKE Confidence Fitness. Very good condition £45.

Collection BA9. Phone 07814 559096.

GARDEN SUN LOUNGER white £20. 07588 053555

NEXTBASE, 322GW front and rear dash-cam. Surplus to requirement. GWO. £50. ono Tel: 07483-875814

SOLID WOOD FRAMED double bed with mattress antique pine effect good condition £50 07969-288043

CLASSICAL GUITAR with solid case, very good condition. £50 Tel:07845-288871

PHOTAX 10x8 Print Dryer/ glazer. £10. As new.

Tel. 01747-8303299

WANTED

WHITE TRAINERS, Mens.

Size 8.5, £10.(Brand new, in box) Tel: 01258-817136

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

1/2 SIZE CLASSICAL acoustic guitar, new, £20, 07526 419143 TWO MATCHING CREAM LEATHER SOFAS, 3-seater 200 cm long, 2-seater 160 cm. Good condition, fire certificate, free to collector, donation optional. Gillingham, Tel. 01747 833734

TWO ADULT BICYCLES (LADIES & MENS) Good condition, little used since last service. Mens mountain bike 21 gears & toe clips, both with stands. £30 each or £50 for both. Sherborne, 07713 244579

Find Us Online

www.blackmorevale.net

COIN & STAMP COLLECTIONS WANTED Discerning collector/investor seeks pre-war collections of stamps and coins.

Individual items considered.

Call Rod on 01308 863790 or 07802261339

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Motoring

blackmorevale.net

One of the most important cars in recent years?

by David Young THE new BYD Dolphin G DM-i has landed in the UK, with the latest addition to the supermini class making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this month.

None of which is relevant to BYD’s recent and rapid expansion across Europe. In this instance, what is much more relevant is that the new Dolphin G DM-i is the first car the brand has developed specifically for European customers rather than adapting a Chinese market model.

The result is a compact hatchback designed to appeal to European tastes, with the added twist of being the only plug-in hybrid supermini on sale.

The BYD Dolphin, give or take a couple of centimetres, is basically the same length as a Polo or Clio, though it’s a touch wider than some rivals.

What really sets it apart from those rivals is its powertrain.

The emphasis is on an EV-like driving experience, with the petrol engine only stepping in when needed.

BYD’s Super Hybrid with DM technology gives it the ability to cover daily commutes on electricity alone, while still offering the long distance flexibility of a petrol engine. The Dolphin’s electric motor produces about 160bhp, allowing a 0-62mph acceleration sprint in just 8.3 seconds, which isn’t quick, but that’s not the

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The new BYD Dolphin G DM-I is anticipated to be the cheapest plug-in hybrid in the UK

point. The point is efficiency.

The two sizes of Blade Battery offered have that covered. A 7.42kWh variant delivers 24.8 miles of pureelectric range and a combined total range of 633 miles, while a larger 18.3kWh Blade Battery extends the pure-electric range to 65 miles and the combined total range to 646 miles. Base models come with a 3.3kW on-board charger that can top up the battery from 15-100% in three hours. There is also a 6.6kW version with 39kW DC capability for the bigger 18.3kWh battery, delivering

10-80% charge in 26 minutes.

The headline is obviously the combined range of more than 630 miles, an extraordinary number for a car of this size.

And if that’s not enough, all of that efficiency and cuttingedge technology is wrapped in an undeniably stylish package.

The line-up starts with the Active trim, which comes with 16-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and LED lights. Cabin features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with intelligent voice control, an Continued on page 64

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64

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Motoring

blackmorevale.net

Are you thinking of selling your car or van?

Contact Jason at Crews Car Sales in Shaftesbury on 01747 854789.

We pay good prices and consider most vehicles, Quick, Easy, Same day payment and we complete all the paperwork for you. ADVERTISING FEATURE

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n the modern era of internet scams, fraudulent buyers & sellers, legal implications, fluctuating vehicle values and your DVLA obligations as a registered keeper of a vehicle, it can be a difficult and sometimes worrying prospect to sell your vehicle privately.

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New BYD Dolphin G DM-i Continued from previous page

8.8-inch digital instrument panel, climate control and front USB ports.

Boost trim gets you a larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, multi-coloured ambient cabin lighting, a 15W wireless smartphone-charging pad, a couple of extra USB sockets for rear passengers and an eight-speaker audio system.

Comfort trim introduces more high-end features such as a headup display, an upgraded infotainment system with Google built in, a panoramic roof, exterior-mirror ‘puddle lights’, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a 360 degree camera, along with 18-inch alloys.

Finally, the range-topping Sport trim adds further design features to the specification for an even sharper look. It gets discreet badging, a darker style of 18-inch alloy wheels, and a

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk CAR SALES

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2017 (17) Dacia Duster 1.5DCi 4x4 Laureate SUV 5dr. 110bhp, 4 wheel 2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, drive, high seating & ground clearance, big boot, Bluetooth, cruise control, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, parking sensors, cambelt replaced, roof rails, miles crossbars, boot liner, towbar, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 ....................................£6450 69,500 miles ..........................................................................................£8250 2012 (23) (62) Ford Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 2023 Fiesta 1.0T ST-Line X 5dr.

100bhp, reverse camera, parking yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, sensors, sat nav, car play, android auto, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, auto private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950 main beam, sign assist, partial leather, heated seats & steering wheel, hill holder, 21,950 miles ........................................................................................£14650 2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed(15) manual gearbox, highTitanium seats, leather, seats, screen, nav, 2015 Ford Fiesta4x4, 1.0T 5dr.heated 100bhp, £20heated road tax, citysat pack, parksensors, sensors, auto park, reverse camera, autoBluetooth, lights & wipers, cruise,full lane aid, park cruise control, auto lightssunroof, & wipers, hill holder, sign recognition, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450 cambelt wetbelt hill kit hold, replaced, 71,900 miles .............................................£5250 2020 (03) (69) Ford Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium 320 L1 H1onAutomatic Seat 2003 Fiesta 1.4 Ghia2.0TDCi 5dr. MOT April 27, selling behalf of a9 client, Minibus 5dr.

130bhp, diesel, speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, paintwork damage down left 6side thanks to supermarket parking, hencereversable the low seats only for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front price, 77,000 miles .........................................................................£1000 seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800 2019 (19) Ford Focus 1.0T Titanium X 5dr. 125bhp, sat nav, partial leather, 2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB L2&H2 11 Seat heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control, auto MR lights wipers, hillMinibus holder, 5dr. sign 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 road assist, 67,800 milesmanual ................................................................£9250 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, 2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect T200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. 100bhp, material hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400 lined, bulkhead delete, 2 seats, parking sensors, roof rails, no vat to pay, 58,300 miles 2014......................................................................................................£8750 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox,Connect high seating, decent boot,Van sat 5dr. nav, parking 2018 (18) Ford Transit T200 1.5TDCi 75bhp, sensors ply lined,& 2 reverse electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign seats, nocamera, vat to pay, cambelt kit replaced, 139,500 miles........................£5500 recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850 2012 (61) Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K Roadster 1.8 AMG Sport Automatic 2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav cruise Automatic 5dr.auto 120bhp, 6 speed Convertible 2dr. 184bhp, sat nav, control, lightspetrol, & wipers, heated automatic gearbox,electric sat nav,roof, auto38,900 lights &miles..........................................£9500 wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, leather, Bluetooth, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

two-tone cabin treatment, with a motorsport-style suede finish on the seat panels.

The BYD Dolphin G DM-I will be available to order in the UK in the next few weeks, with deliveries expected by late summer, early autumn. The only detail missing is, unsurprisingly, the price. Having said that, I can – relatively confidently – confirm the new BYD Dolphin G DM-I is anticipated to be the cheapest plug-in hybrid in the UK, with a starting price for entry-level Active models expected at just under £20,000, making the new Dolphin G DM-i one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids in the UK, an advantage in a segment where most rivals are still petrol only.

A supermini with meaningful EV range, long distance hybrid flexibility and genuinely accessible pricing is something the market hasn’t seen, and it could make the BYD Dolphin G DM-i one of the most important new cars of the last few years.

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2011 (11) Mercedes-Benz CLC 180K 1.8 Kompressor Sport Coupe 3dr.

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic 143bhp, exceptional condition, leather parking Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol,documented 5 speed autohistory, gearbox, recentseats, new roof & shocks absorbers,Bluetooth, full history, 15 lights, stamps,only heated leather, roof, auto lights & wipers, sensors, auto 44,100 mileselectric ...................................£4500 cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500

2006 (06) Mini Hatch 1.6 One 3dr. Bargain clearance, MOT May 2027, not miles ...........................................................................................................£4250 perfect as its an old car, cheap runabout with only 75,000 miles... Due in soon 2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed

2016 (66)gearbox, Nissansat Qashqai 1.2T N-Connecta SUV 5dr.

113bhp, seats, automatic nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights &high wipers, cruise control, hill auto hold, lights only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg cambelt has big boot, sat nav, & wipers, cruise control, hilleconomy, holder, park sensors, been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON reverse camera, sign assist, 43,500 miles ..............................................£8350 2019 (19) Captur Iconic Automatic SUV seating, 5dr. 90bhp, 2019 (19) Renault Mitsubishi ASX1.5DCi 1.6 Juro 5dr.

115bhp, high big diesel, boot, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, partial leather, heated sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 seats, hill holder, 82,500 miles................................................................£7950 miles .........................................................................................................£12250

2019 (19)Vauxhall PeugeotAstra 20081.4 1.2SRi Signature 5dr. petrol, 82bhp,5 cambelt kit replaced, 2017 (17) 5dr. 100bhp, speed manual gearbox, auto lights lights && wipers, wipers,parking cruise control, hill holder, sat nav via car play, mirror sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition,parking hill hold,sensors, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950 screening, 33,700 miles ...............................................£8250 2016 (66) Mokka SE 4x4 SUV 136bhp, diesel, MOT 6 speed 2005 (05)Vauxhall Toyota Yaris 1.01.6CDTi T2 Automatic 3dr. 5dr.

Bargain clearance, Jan manuala gearbox, 4 wheel drive,onhigh big cheap boot, heated leather automatic, seats, heated 2027, few cosmetic marks theseating, bodywork, low mileage steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, only 48,500 miles .........................................................................

Due in soon performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250 WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES

TO SELL GIVE US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES

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01747 854789

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Motoring

blackmorevale.net BLACK ASTRA, SRI, 1800cc 1 owner from new, recent MOT, (spent £800) £1400 ono.

Tel: 01747-828904

PEUGEOT BOXER, L1, Diesel Van, 2010, MOT, well looked after. £2650.

Tel: 07715-867145

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/ Transfer. Please Phone Paul - 07890 096907

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Over Over Over 3030 30 years years years experience experience experience

t e h g al i r y eV p r o o C m WANTED k c a l B simple Advertising made

01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

VANS, CARS, 4x4's MOTOR HOMES, CARAVANS, MOT FAILURES RUNNER & NON RUNNERS, FARM MACHINERY or just in your way ANYTHING CONSIDERED Please call James anytime on

07389705470

Best Best Best prices prices prices paid paid paid please please please call: call: call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk

Classic car upholstery & servicing Lower Leigh Farm, East Knoyle, Salisbury SP3 6BZ

Looking to sell your car? advertise it in The New Blackmore Vale! email:

adverts@blackmorevale.net

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We are one of the few local repair specialists with a professional spray booth large enough to accommodate vans!

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66

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Business

blackmorevale.net

Winners of the 2026 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards (from left) William Trowbridge, Maisie Sansom, Phillip Grounds collecting on behalf of Oliver Barge, Brian Bartlett and Laura Davis

Top apprentices in the spotlight RISING stars of the workplace have won honours at the 2026 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards.

Winners in five categories were announced at a ceremony with dignitaries, organisers, sponsors, business leaders and special guest and keynote speaker Sonnaz Nooranvary.

There were also speeches from

Deputy Lieutenant Cleeves Palmer and Superior managing director Tim Brown.

The winners were: Maisie Sansom: Supported Internship; William Trowbridge: Intermediate – Level 2; Oliver Barge: Advanced – Level 3; Brian Bartlett: Higher – Levels 4 and 5; Laura Davis: Degree

IT was game on when former Arsenal ace Ray Parlour regaled guests with tales from his dazzling football career at a sporting lunch in Poole.

The star spoke about his memorable life on and off the pitch as well as the modern game during the event at Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant.

He entertained guests at the latest Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch sponsored by Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors and supported by Julius Baer International Limited.

Midfielder Parlour made 466

appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals. His honours included three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup. He also won 10 England caps.

He was joined by Dorset Sporting Clubs organiser Kyran Bracken and Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith on the top table.

Nigel said: “Ray is an Arsenal and Premier League legend who won a glittering array of silverware during his career.

“He was tremendous company at the sporting lunch

Former Gunners star good sport at lunch

– Levels 6 and 7.

Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual contest with sponsorship from Superior to celebrate the achievements, commitment and impact of apprentices and supported interns.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Congratulations to all the winners for their richly deserved successes.

“It was a difficult choice to select them from another

exceptional field of entries this year which once again showed the commitment of employers to training and the immense talent pool among Dorset’s apprentices.

“My thanks go to all who entered and supported this year’s awards as a wonderful celebration of the valuable contribution apprentices make to their employers, the local economy and the community in Dorset.”

The awards ceremony was held at Superior in Ferndown with dignitaries including Dorset Chamber president Gareth Sherwood, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Cleeves Palmer, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Sir Christopher Chope, Superior managing director Tim Brown, Coastland College principal Kate Wills, Health Sciences University vice -chancellor Prof Lesley Haig, Bournemouth University vice-chancellor Prof Alison Honour and SWRAC managing director Adrian Gunner.

Dorset Chamber has been organising the apprenticeship awards since 2022.

Former Arsenal and England footballer Ray Parlour (second right) signs a shirt at the latest Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch in Poole. From left are Matt Lee of Julius Baer International Ltd, Dorset Sporting Clubs organiser Kyran Bracken, Ellis Jones Solicitors managing partner Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones partner and head of dispute resolution Lauren Day, and Gerry Bradley, executive director of Julius Baer International Ltd

when he generously shared many stories from his time at the top of the game as well as insights into football today.

“We are very grateful to Ray

for joining us for another very successful lunch and to Dorset Sporting Clubs for the opportunity to support the event.”

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

67

Sport

blackmorevale.net

Rockies get ‘minutes in legs’ in pre-season friendly

GOLF

FOOTBALL

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Category Championships, June 27: 1 James Thow nett 65, 2 Steven Ireland nett 68, 3 Terry Ings nett 79.

Category 4 – June 27: 1 Mike Doddington nett 75, 2 David Whitehand nett 79.

Seniors Roll up Stableford Back 9, June 30: 1 Derek King 22 ocb, 2 John Westaway 22, 3 Alan Armstrong 21.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford Front 9, July 3: 1 Pete Starkey 21, 2 Phil Francis 20, 3 John Westaway 19 ocb, 4 John Wolstenholme 19.

Captain’s Cup, July 4: 1 Richard Strong 43, 2 David Whitehand 41, 3 Andy Blandford 38 ocb, 4 Jim Stephen 38.

Seniors Monthly Stableford, July 7: 1 Pete Starkey 36 ocb, 2 Kees Schouten 36, 3 Kevin George 36.

Seniors Monthly 9 Hole Stableford, July 7: 1 David Hallett 18, 2 Keith Williams 17, 3 Geoff Lye 15 ocb, 4 Jim Bunce 15.

Seniors Roll Up Stableford Back 9, July 10: 1 Keith Williams 27, 2 Kevin George 21 ocb, 3 Mike Case 21, 4 Phil Francis 21, 5 Pete Starkey 21.

Shaftesbury 2 Sturminster Newton United 1

by Avril Lancaster STURMINSTER Newton, newly promoted to the Wessex League Premier Division, arrived at Cockrams following their first pre-season friendly at Pitching In Southern League Division 1 (South) side Westbury United.

Despite a 2-1 defeat there, the Cherries have now put in two decent showings against Step 4 opposition.

Rockies manager Josh Staunton fielded different sides in each half and with Sturminster Newton without key players it made for a fairly even contest.

The aim for Staunton and assistant Steve Rutter, and opposition manager Nick Squires, was to focus on game time and ‘minutes in legs’,

making for a typical pre-season friendly.

Former Rockies favourite Aaron Lane Laney made inroads into the Shaftesbury defence and ex-Shaftesbury and Paulton Rovers player Nick Hewlett was in the visitors’ midfield.

The Rockies took the lead when Harry Morgan had the first clear-cut opportunity of the match, drilling a shot past Theo Crane into the bottom corner with 24 minutes on the clock.

Both sides passed the ball around, but there were few goalscoring opportunities, although Crane prevented Harry Baker from scoring from point blank range.

Shaftesbury’s Pietro Almedia pressed and the experienced Jack Hoey looked key to

breaking up play.

Sturminster Newton moved the ball around well and levelled when substitute Denzel Gurang finished off a good move.

The Cherries probably deserved a draw but Moss Jackson-Collis broke clear and laid the ball off to Baker to guide the ball into the net for the Rockies’ winner with virtually the last kick off the game.

A healthy crowd watched the match with a good number from ‘down the hill’.

Pre-season results are not too relevant for the season ahead, but Sturminster Newton will feel they have matched two

by Graham Howard JURASSIC Juniors Angling Club’s open day, held with Gillingham & District AA and Sturminster & Hinton AA at Lodden Lake in Gillingham, was a resounding success.

Volunteers from all three clubs provided tips and techniques to more than 35 juniors and adults, most of whom were having their first taste of fishing.

Participants in a two-hour session in the morning and in another session in the afternoon, caught fish of all

sizes right from the start, including impressive bream and carp.

Todber Manor fishery and Sonubaits provided bait, and a fabulous barbecue was enjoyed for lunch.

The volunteer coaches and cooks, and parents and children, all enjoyed the day.

Anyone who would like more information about running a similar open day can contact Graham Howard for details at graham.jjac@gmail.com

More than 35 juniors and adults had their first taste of fishing at Lodden Lake

Shaftesbury played different sides in each half of their match against Sturminster Newton

Fishing lessons down at the lake

GOT A STORY OR REPORT? Then email sports@blackmorevale.net

68

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Pets

blackmorevale.net

Five easy tricks all dogs can learn –

by Raychel Curson TEACHING your dog tricks isn’t just about showing off cute behaviours – it’s a brilliant way to build communication, confidence and focus.

The best part is that you don’t need advanced training skills or hours of free time.

Most dogs can learn simple

tricks in short, fun sessions using positive reinforcement.

Here are five easy tricks almost any dog can learn with a little patience and consistency.

1 Sit ‘SIT’ is often the first trick dogs learn, and for good

reason. It helps teach impulse control and calm behaviour. To teach it, hold a treat above your dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head. As they naturally lower their back end, reward immediately and say ‘sit’.

Keep sessions short and

positive.

2 Paw THIS classic trick is fun and easy. Start by asking your dog to sit. Show them a treat in your closed hand and wait for them to paw your hand then reward by opening your hand. Repeat until they begin offering the paw on their own when you

by Lynn Broom BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS DOGS can bleed abnormally for several reasons. This can be due to external or internal causes.

Rat poison typically prevents blood from clotting. It can take two to three days before effects are seen and this can present in external bleeding such as vomiting blood or urinating blood. Often the bleeding occurs internally and large haematomas – collections of blood – can form at the site of relatively minor injuries. Dogs may present pale and short of breath due to bleeding into the abdomen or chest. In severe cases, immediate blood transfusions may be required to prevent death.

Treatment for known rat poison ingestion is to induce vomiting as soon as possible and, where absorption may have occurred, start on Vitamin K supplementation checking clotting times at various times after treatment.

Genetic haemophilias such as Von Willebrands Disease are more common in certain breeds such as Dobermanns. They can vary in severity depending on the extent of the abnormality and, in relatively mild cases, abnormal bleeding may only be noted during or after surgery.

Donated blood or blood products may be needed to temporarily replace the missing factor to allow clotting to occur.

Lung worm infections can

lead to spontaneous bleeding through chemicals released from the parasite. If a dog bleeds unexpectedly during or after surgery, or has a wound that bleeds more than expected, it is worth testing for and/or treating with an anthelmintic – parasite control – to remove this as a possible underlying cause.

Auto immune conditions such as Immune mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP) and Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) can develop.

IMTP develops when the body destroys its own platelets.

Platelets are involved in clot formation and bleeding may occur spontaneously or may not stop following tissue damage.

IMHA develops when the body starts destroying its own red blood cells (RBCs).

Bleeding is not seen but the RBC count can drop rapidly and jaundice – yellowing of gums and other tissue – can be seen due to high amounts of the breakdown products of RBCs building up in the body.

Both of these conditions can be rapidly life threatening and high doses of immune-

suppressing drugs are required to try to prevent ongoing damage. Even with treatment, dogs may not survive either due to the condition having progressed too far, lack of sufficient response to immunesuppressing drugs or an underlying cause such as cancer.

Vomiting large volumes of blood or passing black faeces or large amounts of red blood in faeces can be signs of gastrointestinal disorders such as a stomach ulcer or haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. These can be both be life threatening despite treatment but are often not secondary to a bleeding disorder.

Rupture of an internal organ, such as the spleen, following trauma or spontaneous bleeding of a tumour, such as a splenic haemangiosarcoma can lead to severe internal blood loss and dogs may present collapsed or very weak, often with a distended abdomen.

It is important to monitor your dog for signs of sudden onset lethargy or abnormal bleeding to allow investigations and treatment to be started as soon as possible.

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Ins and outs of bleeding disorders

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For more details, please call our helpline 07831 586114 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/middorset Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

GUINEA PIGS. Male & Female. £15 each.

Tel: 07736-886736 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

blackmorevale.net

even beginners will love these! present your hand.

3 Lie down FROM a sitting position, guide a treat slowly towards the ground between their paws. As they follow it, they’ll naturally lower into a lying position.

Reward as soon as they’re down and add the cue ‘down’ once they understand the movement.

4 Spin HOLD a treat near your dog’s nose and guide them in a slow circle. Reward once they complete the movement. Add the cue word ‘spin’ once they start to understand the action.

5 Touch (hand target) HOLD your hand out and reward your dog for touching it

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

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.

n Flash 18, lovely, sociable old lady. Still in her home in Alderholt

Pets

with their nose. This trick is incredibly useful for recall, focus and redirecting attention in distracting environments.

Trick training doesn’t need to be complicated.

Short, positive sessions can strengthen your bond while giving your dog mental stimulation and confidence.

A few minutes a day can turn simple behaviours into impressive skills – and your dog will love every second of it. 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)

LOST CATS

FOUND CATS

If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely.

Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding.

Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities.

Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat.

Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost.

For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 07831 586114.

If you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs.

First, check if it is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary.

Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip.

If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media and community groups.

Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring.

For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 07831 586114.

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n Onna, 14. Beautiful friendly lady

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69

Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

70

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Field & Stream

blackmorevale.net

Flat eight proves a boon for baling

by Tria Stebbing WITH all eyes on the weather forecast it became apparent we needed to get the antique baling equipment regrouped and in one place ready to roll when the five-day window looked good to go.

A strategical nightmare with a tractor in one place, a trailer in another and so forth – farmers keep their stuff anywhere they can, especially if it is not used regularly.

Grease gun primed and tractors in place, we were good to go with baling part one. As smallholders we also have day jobs, which works well as the sun needs to be high to start.

First on the list, our field and the next door borrowed field, neither of which had been grazed off this year. Good quality with some wildflowers and occasional thistle, which could easily be picked out. Cut, tedder – fluff up – repeat for three to five days and bale. The scorching conditions made drying the hay a quick job and we were ready to bale up earlier

than planned.

The new piece of kit, a flat eight grab, made my life so much easier, as it usually falls to me to follow the baler and throw the bales onto the trailer to transport them.

The flat eight grabbed a group, squeezed them together and put them on the trailer – win, win.

Hard graft in the sun, but with a barn full of bales, a rewarding sight for a tired smallholder.

The following week was cooler and showery which meant a well-earned rest, and with the forecast for another spike in the heat we were able to regroup the equipment again ready for the second baling.

This time in our home village, we had three large paddocks to cut off better grass, with a good base to it and lots of Timothy mixed in. A beautiful sight as it rowed up, which made the paddocks look as though the grass had been platted, row upon row of

beautiful cut bunches laying out to dry.

Gatekeeper butterflies fluttered everywhere giving the appearance of the field moving in the breeze.

Baling fell on a Saturday, which gave the opportunity for all generations, right down to the youngest, to get involved – always a warm fuzzy feeling.

Everyone had a job and the antique equipment behaved really well for us. The hay was collected straight from the field,

YOUNG people are being urged to submit ‘green’ design ideas for a Dorchester phone box.

The traditional red box, next to Shire Hall, has been bought by the Dorset Climate Action Network (CAN) under the BT Adopt a Kiosk scheme – and they now want to redesign it.

The organisation is calling for help from people aged between four and 18 to submit ideas for how the phone box could look – and what it could be used for.

Entries are being accepted on ideas for posters, artwork or sculptures, creative shelving and interior spaces, exterior design

and colouring, recycled or upcycled creations, educational displays or messages, interactive ideas, neon signs, poetry or environmental pledges, and more.

Prizes are being offered for top entries from first schools, middle schools, upper schools and sixth forms, with submissions to be received by the end of the summer term from schools, and by the end of the summer holidays from individuals.

To request an entry form, email dorsetcan@gmail.com or go through their school or college.

Dorset Climate Action Network is inviting young people to transform the red phone box outside the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester

Tria Stebbing was pleased the ‘antique equipment’ she uses ‘behaved well’ during baling

so no need for us to store this batch.

The tractors are again scattered, the equipment covered over and bales are stacked ready for winter. What to do? Rest, have down time?

No, of course not, we need to round up the flock and treat them with a preventative for fly strike, now that their fleeces have grown a bit.

Due to the persistent hot, dry weather the UK’s wheat and grain harvest is about 10 days ahead of schedule and ripened blackberries have been reported already. What a jumble of weather, causing nature so much confusion.

‘Green’ designs for red phone box

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Food leaders’ call to new PM THE NFU, British Retail Consortium (BRC), The Food and Drink Federation and UKHospitality have joined forces to urge incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to back a five-point plan for a more resilient and affordable food system.

As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, the food and drink industry from farm to fork is worth more than £153 billion and supports four million-plus jobs across the supply chain.

The plan shows how economically valuable food and farming already is to the country, but also how a more resilient food system will add further value by protecting the 29 million UK households from future food shocks.

In an open letter, the organisations outline how action in key areas – delivering value for the public, well-negotiated EU realignment, improvement to planning, securing workers, and supporting investment and growth – will deliver long-term food security and address

vulnerabilities in our food system, which are putting both businesses and households under pressure.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “British farmers and growers are the foundation of our food system.

“With 70 million people reliant on us to produce their food, we must act now to secure a resilient, affordable food system in the coming years.

“To drive success, farmers and growers need to know they’ll have the workforce they rely on, regulation which supports efficiency and growth, and a planning system that drives investment in muchneeded farm infrastructure such as poultry sheds, storage for valuable manures and reservoirs.

“These are all things that will build resilience in food production, and these investments will help both hard-pressed farmers and struggling consumers.

“I urge the incoming Prime Minister and their team to get behind this plan and lead the charge.”

Andrew Opie, director of Food & Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Food retailers are proud to support British agriculture and already source the vast majority of their food from the UK. “In order to grow this investment, government must work to remove some of the hurdles which hold back British farmers, including on costs, planning restrictions and reducing friction in EU realignment.

“This would allow the UK to build a more resilient and affordable food system that can deliver for both consumers and the economy long into the future.”

Karen Betts, chief executive of The Food and Drink Federation, said: “Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing £42 billion to the economy and employing more than half a million people in great jobs over long careers.

“Our industry should be driving growth and creating new jobs in every postcode across the country.

“But instead, many businesses are struggling with the cost of rising bills and complex regulation.

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“We want government to work with our sector to incentivise investment, particularly in new technologies, advanced skills and the R&D necessary to make our food system more resilient and our diets healthier.

“Too often food and drink has been overlooked by government and our industry’s work to ensure households everywhere have access to a wide range of fresh, nutritious and affordable food has been taken for granted.

“The new Prime Minister should seize this opportunity to partner with us to strengthen and safeguard the UK’s food system today and into the future.”

Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality feeds millions of people every day, whether it’s a quick bite to eat, lunch at work, or dinner with friends.

“Our pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and contract caterers, to name a few, are reliant on a sustainable and resilient food system to continue feeding the nation.

“It’s critical that the next Prime Minister supports the food supply chain by reducing its tax burden, cutting red tape and enabling businesses from farm to fork to grow.”

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Calf Rearing Advanced Friday 10TH July | 10:30am-3:30pm

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For more information or to book your place, please call the farm office on 01258 472314 or visit friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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Hunstman fined after hounds chased hare A HUNTSMAN has been fined more than £1,500 after a pack of Basset Hounds was seen chasing a hare through North Dorset countryside.

The case, believed to be the first successful Dorset Police prosecution involving a huntsman leading a pack of Basset Hounds in a hare hunting offence, followed an investigation by the force’s Rural Crime Team.

The incident happened near Sturminster Newton on October 13, 2024, when witnesses reported seeing a pack of hounds pursuing a hare across fields.

Investigators found evidence showing the dogs chasing the animal while the huntsman, who was in charge of the pack, made no attempt to stop them or call them away.

Although there was no evidence that the hare was caught or killed, police concluded that an offence under the Hunting Act 2004 had been committed.

A 20-year-old man from Somerset appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on June 18, where he was found guilty of hunting a wild mammal with dogs.

He was fined £648 and ordered to pay a £259 victim surcharge and £650 in court costs.

PC Lauren Middleton, from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We are committed to investigating all reports relating to hunting offences and using available legislation to bring those responsible for committing offences before the courts.

“We have worked hard to compile evidence and this case was the first time that our force has secured a prosecution for a huntsman leading a pack of Basset Hounds for offences involving hunting a hare.”

The conviction follows ongoing efforts by Dorset Police to tackle rural crime and enforce legislation designed to protect wildlife.

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 01935-873169 or 07368-380477

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Farming

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Podcast hit with listeners

Supported through Nature Recovery Dorset and Dorset National Landscape’s Farming in Protected Landscapes D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N programmes, it showcases how farmers, communities and Friday 20th June STANDING STRAW AUCTIONare working A DORSET-BASED podcast organisations GomershayON-FARM Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton AUCTION exploring food, farming and together to restore nature while Thursday 17th October at 11.00am Genuine DispersalWednesday of 2 Tractors,28th Telehandler, Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, June at24:24 6.30pm nature is setGrassland to continue after producing food.

Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9local 6SN & Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items, etc Bindon & Pinhay achieving chart success.

Tim Gelfs, who farms The Grain Store, Rousdon, Dorset Genuine Dispersal ofHeathfield, Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 2021 Merlo TF 42.7 CS Turbo Farmerfree-range (2,690hrs), 2010 Case Puma 140 Second Nature: Down in hens and 4 Tractors, 830ac 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, pedigree of Standing Straw (10,939hrs), International 674 with Loader, 24:24 Fullwood Afimilk Parlour, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment Dorset, co-hosted by local Aberdeen Angus • 461ac Wheat Cotswold Flush, Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Teat cattle Sprayer,near 2000 • 237ac Winter Barley farmer Tim Gelfs and nature Beaminster, brings overReynolds 40 Fullwood 12,500ltr Fabdec Bulk Tank, ND Jeanes 15t Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t years High 2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne • 132ac Oats Discharge Bin, Mollasses Tank Stand, Anka Pro FootSprayer, Trimming Crush, 2010 podcaster Lizzie McLaughlin, is 2018 of experience to the 2019 podcast and RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011&Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Massey Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, 2005 Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, 2017 Keenan 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718isDyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland inFerguson the UK top 20 for Home and passionate about helping VA2-18 Feeder Wagon,Friday 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F 30th June at 122012 noon T7.210 (3,610hrs) & Top T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, JCBunderstand 531-70 (2,145hrs) & Garden in2012 Apple’s 200. people better Mower, Pottinger Lion 301Durweston 3m Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper,modern 2002 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, Major 700 Road Brush, Ifor Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft Originally launched asFarm, a Durweston, farming.

Travellers Rest Blandford, Dorset McConnel 8.2mShear & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson Rollers, Bucket, Wylie Grab, 25ft Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single10’ LegTandem Mole Plough, four-episode mini-series in “It’s been brilliant seeFolding how 6,220 acres of Standing Straw KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m PTO Cultivator, Kuhn HRQuicke 4004toHyd. Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit Lagoon Stirrer, 210 Loader February, theContact podcast has struck well the podcast has been •Trailed 2,442ac Wheat Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn VariBucket, Logic 200 Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Shallow Disc 2,006acof3m Winter Barley Injector, Feed Trailer, Large Quantity Electric Fencing Stakes, & Fencers, a chord with by•McConnel received inKverneland such aReels short space of Master 153 5flisteners Rev Plough, Shakerator, TL Geospread Quantity Feed Various FeedSpring Buckets, Mobile Milker,Topper, Hook onBomford Buckets, • 1,557ac Barley FertiliserofSpreader, McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset highlighting theTroughs, role farmers time,” he said.

Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel Group Hutches, Various • 178ac Oats Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart playField in nature recovery.

“Reaching the UK top 16-21L 20 & Yard Gates, 32mm•Water Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro Turf, Oil Seed Rape Grain Trailers, Marshall BC2537ac BalePipe, Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), In Emergency response to itsTank, success, there’s realPoly appetite Bulk Concrete Watershows Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Tunnels.for Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.

Further entries invited.conversations about Dorset Council has confirmed honest Friday 7th July at 12 noon funding will continue until at Wynfordfarming Eagle and the countryside and The Grain with Store,the Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, least November, we’re really pleased that most of potential for further episodes. Dorset the listeners are also based in 1298 acres of Standing The series brings together Dorset Straw or the wider south west.

• 599ac Wheat farmers, residents and • 281ac Winter“It’s about bringing farming Barley environmental groups for• open and nature 119ac Spring Barley closer to people and conversations about key issues • 229achelping Oats us all better understand affecting Dorset’s countryside. both.”

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Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N

Saturday 25th20th JulyJune at 9.30am Friday STANDING STRAW AUCTION Gomershay Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster ON-FARM AUCTION Gannetts Farm, Todber, Sturminster Newton,Newton DT10 1HS Thursday 17th October at 11.00am Genuine Dispersal of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, 24:24 Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm Sale 2 Tractors, Cat Excavator, Vehicles,Online Machinery, On behalf Dispersal of Spicer Partners bidding available Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 Grassland &Building Livestock Workshop Items, etc & Equipment, Workshop Items, etc6SN Bindon & Pinhay

The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset

The4240 Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset Genuine Dispersal ofLoader Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, Case XL (95), David Brown 780 Selectamatic 2021 TF 42.7 CSwith Turbo Farmer (2,690hrs), 2010 Case Puma 140 OnIncluding: behalf ofMerlo John Swain Limited Online bidding available STANDING AUCTIONS 4 Tractors, 2 JCB(Retiring) Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, 830ac of STRAW Standing Straw Livedrive, Cat International 428B Excavator (94), Ford Ranger Single Cab (05),Parlour, Vauxhall (10,939hrs), 674 with Loader, 24:24 Fullwood Afimilk Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment • 461ac Wheat Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467 Astra 1.6Ltr (97), Hydraulic Stone Guillotine, PTO Stone Saw – 1.2m Blade, Cotswold Flush, Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Teat Sprayer, 2000 Wednesday 25th June ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION •Rev. 237ac Winter Barley Fullwood 12,500ltr Fabdec ND Jeanes 15t Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t High Kverneland 110/160 3fBulk Plough, Howard 3m Power Harrow,Reynolds Vicon 2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Pinhay and Bindon – Tank, The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon • Chain 132ac Oats Discharge Bin, Mollasses Tank &Bateman Stand, 2018 Anka Pro FootSubsoiler, Trimming Crush, 2010 Fertiliser Spreader, 14’ Folding Harrows, 2 Leg Weeks 3t RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011 RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, 2019 Massey Approx.

1,000ac of Standing Straw Saturday 29th July Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, 2017 Keenan Tipping7720S Trailer, Single Axle2005 Dump Trailer, 8’ Cambridge &2016 Ballast Rollers, Ferguson Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), New Holland Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH VA2-18 Feeder Wagon, 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F Friday 27th June Friday 30th June at 122012 noon Buckrake, Concrete Water Troughs, Large Quantities of: Fencing Stakes && T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) Mower,Posts, 2012 Pottinger Lion 301 3mGrain Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper, 2002 Pinhay and Bindon – Tube, The Store, Heathfield, Rousdon Straining Natural Stone, Flat, Box & Angle Steel, Workshop Tools, Durweston 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, sale ofIfor 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and MajorDispersal 700 Road Brush, Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft Approx.

8,5000ac of Standing Engineering Lathe, Pillar Drill, Workbenches, G-Rack Racking, New Cement Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset McConnel 8.2m & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose &Straw Watson Rollers, Bucket, Wylie Shear Grab, 25ftMiscellaneous Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single10’ LegTandem Mole Plough, Approx.

500 Lots.

Fibre Barge Boards, Guttering, Roof Slates, Scaffold Tower.

6,220 acresNZ of Standing Straw KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HRQuicke 4004 Hyd. Folding Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit PTO Lagoon Stirrer, 210 Loader •Trailed 2,442ac Wheat Power Harrow, KV DXA Discs, LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn VariBucket, Logic Contact 2004.7m Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Shallow Disc Including: 1995 Same Silver 80KV 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988 •McConnel 2,006acof3m Winter Barley Injector,153 Feed Large Quantity Electric Fencing Stakes, Reels & Fencers, Master 5fTrailer, RevExplorer Plough, Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Same 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Quantity ofSpreader, Feed Troughs, Various FeedSpring Buckets, Mobile Milker,Topper, Hook onBomford Buckets, • 1,557ac Barley Fertiliser Magnum EuroInternational 280 Hyd Offset Ford 4000McConnel (fully restored), 1976 454Hutches, 2wd, Various Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel Group • 178ac Oats Our Agents will be at Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L SM632mm DropWater Side Pipe, Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping FieldMarshall & Yard Gates, Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro Turf, • 37ac Oil Seed Rape Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, TS59 & Poly TS90 Emergency Bulk Tank, Concrete WaterRansomes Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Tunnels.

Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.

ADVERTISING FEATURE D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N

Capital Grants Pop Up Advice Centre

T

h e 2026 Capital Grants offer is due to open later this month, enabling farmers and landowners to apply for funding from an estimated ‘pot’ of £225 million for a wide range of projects including trees, fencing, hedges and water infrastructure.

The application window isn’t expected to be open for long; therefore, Bowridge, Gillingham that you prepare Guide £1,250,000 Hazelbury Guide £1,150,000 it’s essential inDating advance so Bryan that it can be submitted atand Bowridge, Gillingham Guide £1,250,000 Hazelbury £1,150,000 A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. extendedBryan and modernised period house combining Guide character Mappowder Guide £595,000 An Marnhull Guide £525,000 fine period in a quiet position boasting reaching views.

Dating extended and modernised period house combining character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 charm Marnhull Guide £525,000 from 1737 the farmhouse farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4far bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. with contemporary family living in quiet location onvillage a noAA fine Grade II listed former Post House with attractive gardens, AAn character south-facing stone house in anaexcellent central the earliest opportunity.

The RPA require supporting documents and maps from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with contemporary family living in a quiet location on a nogardens, A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village Outside is a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, large garden and through roadawith views, land and stables.

In alland about 2.40 double garage, workshop southa substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and location with largewonderful oak-framed Outside a wonderful stone barn with potential (stp), workshop, largechurch garden and through road wonderful views, land and stables.

In alland about 2.40 a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to theland village and location with awith large oak-framed double garage, workshop southpaddock, inistotal 4.13 acres.

CTB E, EPC E, Freehold.

Further available. acres.

CTB F, EPC D, Freehold. surrounding countryside.

CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens.

CTB E. Freehold. within a short timeframe to ensure applications are valid. paddock, in total 4.13 acres.

CTB E, EPC E, Freehold.

Further land available. acres.

CTB F, EPC D, Freehold. surrounding countryside.

CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens.

CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton |473766 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 472244 Sturminster | 01258 Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 472244

Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 |473766

Symonds & Sampson’s Rural Grant experts in your nearest office can help you prepare your application and supporting evidence, or alternatively, they invite you to call into their ‘Capital Grants Pop Up’ at Frome Livestock Market on Wednesday, 22nd July from 8.30 am, where their experts can either guide you through preparing your claim, or review your application to ensure all is in place.

Holwell Guide £825,000 Holwell Guide £825,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable Shroton Guide £435,000 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated standard.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated countryside views, in a highly sought-after village.

G, EPC B, but retains great charm.

It is situated in the heart ofCTB this most desirable countryside views, in a highly sought-after village.

G, EPC B, but retains great charm.

It is situated in the heart ofCTB this most desirable Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold.

Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold.

Sturminster| Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne 814488 Sturminster01935 | 01258 473766 Sherborne | Newton 01935 814488

Bedchester Guide £810,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 North Cheriton OIEO A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 North Cheriton OIEO A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre.

CTB An attractive, double-fronted property away on wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre.

CTB An attractive, double-fronted property away on D, Freehold. an EPC idyllicF,country lane with character features throughout and views over D, Freehold. an EPC idyllicF,country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 Sturminster |01935 01258814488 473766 Sherborne | 814488 Sturminster | 01258 473766

Guide Donhead StStMary Guide£800,000 £800,000 Mary NrDonhead Sturminster Newton Guide £1,100,000 Nr Sturminster Newton GuidePrice Price £1,100,000 AA particularly spacious family with 3500 sqsqftftofofaccommodation particularly spacious familyhouse house with 3500 accommodation Tucked away down aa ano through lane is extended and Tucked away down no through lane isthis this extended andvery verywell well over three floors inin location with wonderful far-reaching views over three floors aquiet quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views presented 44 bedroom home stable yard &&Freehold. paddocks, presented bedroomcountry country homewith with stable yard paddocks,inintotal total over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside.

CTB G,G,EPD D, over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside.

CTB EPD D, Freehold.

4.11 acres.

CTB E.Freehold, 4.11 acres.

CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sturminster Sturminster| 01258 | 01258473766 473766

Okeford Guide £775,000 OkefordFitzpaine Fitzpaine Guide £775,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 An attractive and restored Grade IIII listed farmhouse attractive andbeautifully beautifully restored Grade listed former former farmhouse AAn improved 4-bedroom village house with and spacious Atastefully tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light light and spacious with plenty and original character features along with aa 100’ with plentyof ofcharm charm originalgardens character features along with 100’ and onto farmland. accommodation, set ininand attractive accommodation, setof attractive gardens andbacking backing onto farmland. garden ininthe heart the village.

CTB F,F,EPC Exempt, Freehold. garden the heart of the village.

CTB EPC Exempt, Freehold.

No Noonward onwardchain. chain.CTB CTBF.F.Freehold.

Freehold.

Sherborne ||01935 814488 Sherborne 01935 814488 Sturminster Sturminster||01258 01258473766 473766

The Dairy Event

entries invited. & TS91 Ploughs, Further Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Friday 7th July at 12 noon Feeders, Stationary Engines,2 Signs, Bygones, etc. on Wednesday, October Wynford On behalf of the Executors of Eagle F T L Warren (Deceased) The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, suitable entries welcome. bidding available Please callFurther inNotoInternet ourDorset stand for refreshments 1298 acres of Standing Straw517467 experts and to meet rural and agricultural Contactour Greg Ridout: 01935 382909/07817 Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 Contact Yeovil Office – 01935 382909 • 599ac Wheat • 281ac Winter Barley • 119ac Spring Barley SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS | PLANNING | NEW HOMES RESIDENTIAL | AGRICULTURAL • 229ac Oats | COMMERCIAL symondsandsampson.co.uk • 70ac Oil Seed Rape

Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

73

RREESSI IDDEENNTTI IAALL | | AAGGRRI ICCUULLTTUURRAALL || CC O OM MM M EE RR CC II A A LL

74

New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N

Beckington, Frome Guide £1,450,000 A 135 acres (54.5 hectares) prime shooting estate in a beautiful setting Mappowder Guide £595,000 in the Grade Frome IIValley. enchanting mix of parkland, river meadows, A fine listedAn former village Post House with attractive gardens, mature woodland, plantations, 5 flight and 1.2 mileschurch of the and River a substantial barn/workshop and lovelyponds views to the village Frome.

Freehold. surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton || 01258 472244

Kington Magna, Gillingham Guide £1,425,000 A traditional Dorset smallholding in an enviable rural yetGuide accessible Marnhull £525,000 location.

Period 5 bedroom farmhouse with spacious accommodation, A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village 3 holidaywith cottages, buildings and land totalling 13.13 workshop andacres. southlocation a largefarm oak-framed double garage, Freehold.

CTB CTB G; EPC D. facing gardens.

E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton|| 01258 01258473766 472244

Misterton, Crewkerne Guide £895,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 A former stock and dairy farm boasting a handsome 4 bedroom This delightful end-of-terrace cottage has been and fullymodern updated farmhouse for 2-bedroom modernisation, well positioned traditional but retains greatalong charm.

It is5situated in parcels the heart this most desirable farm buildings, with adjoining ofofproductive pasture village.

D. Freehold. land.

InCTB all 29.23 acres (11.83 hectares). Freehold. CTB E; EPC E. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Yeovil | 01935 423526

Semley, Shaftesbury Guide £180,000 North Cheriton15.35 acres (6.21 hectares) of attractive permanent OIEO £400,000 Approximately An attractive, double-fronted property on pasture with good access and3-bedroom mains waterperiod connected, in atucked highlyaway soughtan idyllic character features and views over after ruralcountry locationlane on with the edge of Semley.

Forthroughout Sale by Formal Tender, the neighbouring countryside.

CTB C. Freehold. offers by noon Wednesday 19th August.

Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

East Orchard, Shaftesbury Guide £75,000 Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 5.00 acres (2.02 hectares) of undulating, pasture land Tucked away down a no through lane is thisproductive extended and very well situated in 4a bedroom very accessible position withyard good&highway access presented countryrural home with stable paddocks, in total 4.11far acres.

CTB E.Freehold, and reaching views over the Blackmore Vale. Rights to connect to mains water.Newton Freehold.

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton Guide £75,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 A parcel of permanent pasture with an house area ofwith hardstanding and A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village light and spacious range of agricultural (c.gardens 3,000 sq.ft) extending total to accommodation, set inbuildings attractive and backing ontoinfarmland.

No onward chain.

CTB F. Freehold. approximately 1.82 acres (0.74 ha). For Sale by Formal Tender, offers by noon Monday 17th 814488 August.

Sherborne | 01935

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

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D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N

Sturminster Newton Guide £1,050,000 Mappowder Guide £595,000 A renovated and substantial bungalow in a simply stunning location with A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, views over the Blackmore Vale and approximately 11 acres of post and rail a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and equestrian fields, steel framed barn and large arena. Freehold. CTB F; EPC D. surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 01258 473766

Manston Guide £900,000 Marnhull Guide £525,000 A fine individual family home commanding outstanding views towards A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village Hambledon Hill and Bulbarrow with gardens and adjoining land. location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southIn all 2 acres. Freehold. CTB G; EPC C. facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton|| 01258 01258473766 473766 Sturminster Newton

Shaftesbury Guide £670,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 A chalet style house in an elevated position on the edge of Shaftesbury This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated offering flexible accommodation, private rear garden and exceptional but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable southerly views.

Freehold.

CTB F; EPC D. village. CTB D. Freehold.

Okeford Fitzpaine Guide £550,000 North Cheriton OIEO £400,000 A beautifully presented Grade II listed cottage, fully restored and An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on sympathetically modernised with a sheltered south-facing in the an idyllic country lane with character features throughout andgarden views over heart of the village.

Freehold.

CTB D; EPC Exempt. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 473766 Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488

Child Okeford Newton Guide £500,000 Nr Sturminster Guide Price £1,100,000 A large stone bungalow with tremendous scope to modernise and Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well 0.38 acres 4ofbedroom gardenscountry tucked away this everyard popular development. presented home on with stable & paddocks, in total Freehold.

EPC E. 4.11 acres.CTB CTBF;E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 473766

Shillingstone Guide £450,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 An extended and spacious bungalow in a good sized plot of over 1/4 A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious of an acre in thisset popular village gardens with excellent community and lovely accommodation, in attractive and backing onto farmland. countryside on the doorstep.

Freehold. CTB E; EPC C. No onward chain.

CTB F. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

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New Blackmore Vale, July 17, 2026

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S H I RatE 2:00PM | C O R N WA L L | LO N D O N D O R S E T | D E V O N | PROPERTY S O M E R S EAUCTION T | H A MTHURSDAY P S H I R E |23WJULY I LT 2026 AT MERLEY HOUSE, MERLEY HOUSE LANE, WIMBORNE, DORSET, BH21 3AA

Swanage

Guide £50,000

1 bedroom first floor flat of nonstandard construction, with rear garden.

Leasehold. New 125 year lease on completion. SC £2.60 pa. BI £90pa.

SF £693.17 pa. CTB A. EPC C. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Isle Abbotts

Guide £140,000

A spacious semi-detached 2 bedroom period cottage enjoying an idyllic rural setting and offering scope for further improvement.

Freehold. CTB B. EPC E. Ilminster | 01460 200790

Bishopstone

Guide £225,000

A charming 2 bedroom mid terrace cottage requiring modernisation in a private rural location set in 0.21 acres.

Freehold. CTB B. EPC G. Salisbury | 01722 334323

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

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

Marnhull Guide £525,000 A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Swanage

Bishopstone

Guide £70,000

2 bedroom first floor flat of nonstandard construction, with rear garden.

Leasehold. New 125 year lease on completion. SC £2.60 pa. BI £90pa.

SF £693.17 pa. CTB A. EPC C. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Isle Abbotts

Guide £160,000

A spacious semi-detached 3 bedroom period cottage enjoying an idyllic rural setting and offering scope for further improvement.

Freehold. CTB C. EPC E. Ilminster | 01460 200790

Guide £250,000

A charming 2 bedroom end terrace cottage requiring modernisation in a private rural location. Set in 0.44 acres and benefitting from off road parking.

Freehold. CTB B. EPC F. Salisbury | 01722 334323

Corfe Castle

Guide £250,000

A charming Grade II listed, 2 bedroom cottage set in the heart of Corfe Castle, conveniently close to local amenities and looking onto St Edward the Martyr Church. Freehold. CTB D. EPC F. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Shroton Guide £435,000 This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

Bridport Newton Guide £160,000 Sturminster | 01258 473766Cannington Guide £300,000 - £350,000 This well-maintained second floor apartment offers 2 bedrooms, a private balcony and off-road parking. Leasehold.

977 year lease. SC £1454.50 pa. GR £250pa. CTB A. EPC E.

A delightful detached 3 bedroom character house set in 3.24 acres enjoying a beautiful rural location.

Freehold. CTB D. EPC F.

North Cheriton 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.

Buckland St |Mary £360,000 Shillingstone Guide £450,000 Sherborne 01935Guide 814488 Set in 2.39 acres on the edge of the picturesque Blackdown Hills, this individual detached property offers versatile accommodation, with 4/5 bedrooms. Freehold. CTB E. EPC E.

A substantial 5 bedroom property of over 3,876 sqft. with scope for modernisation, in gardens and grounds of about 0.65 acres.

Freehold. CTB G. EPC E.

Bridport | 01308 422092

Axminster | 01297 33122

Ilminster | 01460 200790

Blandford | 01258 452670

Devizes Guide £140,000 Swanage Guide £200,000 Nr Sturminster Newton Guide PriceA £1,100,000 Converted in 2008 from a warehouse, mixed use property comprising a retail this office spacedown offersaano reception a 1 bedroom Tucked away through lane isunit thisand extended andmaisonette, very well situated area, meeting open plan offices, in the town yard centre,&with a potential presented 4 rooms, bedroom country home with stable paddocks, in income total kitchenette WC. GIA 1,901 sq ft. of £20,000 per annum. Freehold. RV 4.11 acres.and CTB E.Freehold, Freehold. No current RV. EPC E. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766£3,550. CTB A. EPC E (Shop) and D (flat).

Devizes | 01380 710535

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Beaminster Guide £325,000 Weymouth Guide £700,000 Leigh £500,000 An attractive mixed-use, grade II listed A versatile property withOIEO sea views, offering investment a village potential residential development STPP. A tastefullyopportunity improvedcomprising 4-bedroom houseforwith light and spacious fully let restaurant and 3 gardens Containing a 90-cover restaurant with accommodation, set residential in attractive and backing onto farmland. bedroom flat.chain.

Freehold.

RVF.£11,750.

No onward CTB Freehold. outdoor seating and 2-bedroom owner’s flat.

CTB B. EPC B (restaurant) and D (flat).

Freehold. RV £58,500. CTB B. EPC C. Sherborne | 01935 814488 Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

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H I R E | C O R N WA L L | LO N D O N D O R S E T | D E V O N | S PROPERTY O M E R S E TAUCTIONS | H A M P AT S HWIMBORNE I R E | W I LT&SSHERBORNE THURSDAY 23 JULY 2026 at 2:00PM AT MERLEY HOUSE, MERLEY HOUSE LANE, WIMBORNE, DORSET, BH21 3AA

Hayle

Guide £20,00 - £40,000

0.8 acre (0.32ha) of amenity land just over a mile from Hayle Beach.

Freehold.

Southover

Guide £30,000

0.50 acres (0.20 hectares) of attractive pastureland on the edge of the hamlet of Southover with stream frontage.

Freehold.

Yarcombe

Guide £50,000

A spacious detached garage / workshop and southerly facing garden area with fabulous views across the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

Freehold.

Axminster | 01297 33122 Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008 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

Ilminster Marnhull| 01460 200790

Poole

Gillingham

Guide £60,000

A site measuring approximately 0.30 acres providing development potential (STPP), with direct vehicular access and adjoining residential properties.

Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Penzance

Guide £80,000

3.29 acres (1.33 ha) of pasture/amenity land, on which sits a number of stables and caravans, in a tucked away spot.

Freehold.

Axminster | 01297 33122

Wimborne

Guide £55,000

2.87 acres (1.16 ha) of pasture, scrubland and woodland conveniently located off Wimborne Road in Colehill.

Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190 Guide £525,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £125,000

5.78 acres of pasture in two parcels adjoining the River Lodden, with a concrete block storage barn and stables extending in total to approx. 2,100 sqft.

Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Frampton

Guide £150,000

17.55 acres (7.10 hectares) of attractive and secluded pasture and woodland on the edge of Frampton Park with stream frontage to the north.

Freehold.

Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008

WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 2026 at 2:00PM at DIGBY HALL, HOUND STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3AA

Shroton Guide £435,000 This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Poole

Guide £25,000

A former reservoir under a site measuring 0.27 acres, adjacent to Constitution Hill Viewpoint. Potential for alternative uses (STPP).

Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

77

Poole

North Cheriton 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

Guide £35,000

A former water pumping building. GIA of approx. 483 sqft. in 0.04 acres, situated in a prominent position providing excellent scope for other uses (STPP).

Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Holt Guide £250,000 Nr Sturminster Newton Guide PriceSherborne £1,100,000 Lot A - Guide £50,000 A detached Grade II Listed 2 bedroom - Guide Tucked away down a no through lane is this extendedLot andBvery well£25,000 cottage for renovation with scope for A well-located plot with presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yardbuilding & paddocks, infull total extension and remodelling (STPP and planning permission for a detached 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, consents), in 0.50 acres. three-bedroom home, close to local Sturminster Freehold. CTBNewton D. EPC G.| 01258 473766

Lattiford Guide £500,000 £550,000 Leigh OIEO An attractive Grade II listed4-bedroom cottage offering over 2,500 sqwith ft of characterful A tastefully improved village house light and spacious accommodation, including bedrooms, 2gardens bathroomsand andbacking 3 reception rooms.

Rich in period accommodation, set in5 attractive onto farmland. features and offering excellent scope for modernisation, the property enjoys approximately No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

6 acres of gardens, paddocks, orchard and woodland, together with a range of outbuildings, Sherborne | 01935 including two annexes and814488 stabling. Freehold. CTB G. EPC F for house and both annexes.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

amenities. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

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TO LET STUNNING, RURAL, CEDAR LODGE RENTAL, nr Shaftesbury, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, no pets £1500 pcm plus bills. More details: mvwinery.co.uk/cedar-holiday-lodgeto-rent/ Call Clare 01747 854206

Village semi with good gardens

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THIS three-bedroom semidetached house in the heart of Milborne Port, on a quiet no-through road, is for sale with Symonds & Sampson.

The accommodation includes entrance hall with access to the staircase and an open-plan living/dining room, with a kitchen at the back of the property and a conservatory at the side.

The first floor has a double bedroom, two single bedrooms and family bathroom.

The gardens are on a generous plot, wrapping around the front, side and back of the house, and include a patio.

There is also a summer house with power and lighting which could be used as a home office, study or hobby room, and single garage, with parking in front.

The property in Paddock Walk is for sale at a guide price of £280,000 – for more details, contact the agents on 01935 814488.

(from pages 26-27)

Edition 152

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ABOUT CHUTNEY’S

Chutney’s focuses on modern and traditional Indian food, Established in 2000, Chutney’s is one of the South West’s best eateries, located in the heart of North Dorset on the ever evolving Gold Hill. For almost a decade, Chutneys has graced Shaftesbury with its fine cuisine and has grown to be recognised locally and internationally with a reputation for excellence.

Between our wonderful atmosphere, delicious food and our loyal customers (including the likes of David Beckham), we can get pretty busy! Therefore we encourage booking as we hope to accommodate everyone.

Monday-Sunday | 12pm-2pm & 5pm-10pm 01747 852585 info@chutneys-restaurant.com www.chutneys-restaurant.com Chutney’s, 28 Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8EJ

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