The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 155 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Edition 155

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Friday, August 28, 2026

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FREE FAMILY FUN Anonymous Festival on Bank Holiday Monday Page 3

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What’s inside this issue…

• Main pic: Blandford Summer Fair is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday page 25 • Above: Dorset History Centre is opening its doors as part of Heritage Week page 24 • Left: Retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade is walking around Haydon page 6

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

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

66-69 45-47 48-50 43 82 50-51 81-85 80 70-71 72-73 52-57

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

44 36-37 57-65 74-75 76-77 40-42 86-87 38-39 69 78-79 44

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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Festival fun for all the family FAMILY-FRIENDLY fun – free of charge – is on offer at the ever-popular Anonymous Festival in Dorchester this August Bank Holiday Monday. The event, now in its 16th year, features activities for all ages, from craft and circus skills to bouncy castles and bungee trampolines – and all the activities and entry to the event at Borough Gardens are free. Visitors will be able to test their staying power on an inflatable surfboard, have their face painted with glitter and have their photo taken in a vintage horsebox. They can even do a masterclass in how to create a special effects wound! New this year, games on the tennis courts will allow visitors to while away the afternoon playing crazy golf, skittles, cornhole and much more. Musical entertainment featuring talented young

performers is on offer throughout the day on two stages, with the locally loved Vinyl Van spinning discs in the chill-out corner. There will also be a couple of walkabout acts. A range of affordable food will be on offer, including burgers, sausages and chips, Nepalese dumplings, freshly cooked Thai dishes, authentic falafels and pizza by Basilico. The park kiosk is open for light snacks and drinks. Visitors should feel free to take their own blanket or deckchair and make a day of it. Event organiser, Emma Scott from Dorchester Town Council, said: “A special shout out must go out to our funders this year including Dorchester Town Council, Dorset Council, Dorchester Youth Council, Poundbury Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Dorchester Casterbridge, Magna Housing and Dorchester Round Table.

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providing the staging this year. Plus, thanks to our partners Antix Music who are bringing the PA. “We’re really pleased to have raised the money so that we can offer all the activities for free and support our local families and community.” The Anonymous Festival is on Monday, August 31, from 11am-5pm.

“The event is also supported by local company Jurassic Scaffolding – who are kindly

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Grants for groups MONEY is available for organisations wanting to start new activities and events that benefit their community. The Community and Culture Project Fund, now in its 11th round, is open for applications until September 30. Dorset Council, which manages the grants, is looking forward to applications from not for profit community groups. Small grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 are available to support organisations launching new activities or events that make a real difference to the lives of Dorset residents, especially those who

are marginalised or disadvantaged. Applications will close at midnight on Wednesday, September 30. Applicants must provide a minimum of 20% of their total project costs and demonstrate how their projects will make an impact in their communities. Visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/w/community-and-cultureproject-fund for more details including how to apply. See all the funding available for voluntary and community groups at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/voluntary-andcommunity-funding.

Kingfisher talk

THE Netherbury Nature Group season of talks kicks off on Friday, September 11, with an illustrated talk about kingfishers. David Boag, wildlife photographer and author of 18 books on natural history, will be presenting an illustrated talk on the life of this remarkable bird. Doors open at 6.30pm at Netherbury Village Hall, entrance £3. Cash bar. Everyone is welcome.

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Adam Vincent for Dike & Son (right) presents a cheque to Brigadier (Retd) Donald Wilson CBE, chair of the Dorset Committee of the ABF (left) and Lt Col (Retd) John Grierson

Band night news INDEPENEDENT supermarket Dike & Son at Stalbridge has stepped in to help with the cost of staging a concert in Sturminster Newton in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). The store, along with the charity Making a Difference Locally, has stumped up £400 to help put on the Strike Up the Band concert featuring the Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles, at The Exchange. The money will help cover venue hire, band transport and

publicity for the concert on Saturday, October 17. The concert, which promises a mix of classical, contemporary and popular music, is the principal fundraiser this year for the Dorset committee of the ABF. Tickets for the concert are available through The Exchange at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or on 01258 475137, or from the ABF by email at southwest@ armybenevolentfund.org or phone 01392 342786.

Best in show Words: George Jeans; photo: ChrisTopham

STOURTON Flower Show dates back over 100 years and features flower arranging, cookery, art, photography and other crafts. This year’s show, held in the memorial hall, saw a mix of youth and adult entries vying for a trophy first dated 1947. Louise Harris was best in show. Audrey Hoare presented the cups and trophies.

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Allotments the perfect venue for a jolly good night of music DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY charity In Jolly Good Company held a Summer Evening in the Garden fundraiser at Kingston Lacy Allotments Growing Spaces. Guests had the chance to learn more about the work of the charity, which puts on ‘Jolly Days’ for older people across Dorset, and enjoy live music and homemade refreshments on a warm summer evening. The event also offered an opportunity to find out about the Step Outside gardening group. Guests were treated to homemade cakes from Jenny, with Brendan behind the bar serving refreshing drinks and savoury nibbles. The charity thanked both volunteers for giving their time and talents. Live music from Lydia

Laughing, featuring harp, cello, guitar and vocals, provided the soundtrack to the evening. Thanks to donations on the door, the event raised £500 for In Jolly Good Company. The next Summer Evening in the Garden is on Friday, September 18, from 5pm-7pm, at Kingston Lacy allotments. The event will feature live music from Dark Horses, who perform regularly at the White Horse Inn in Stourpaine. To book a place, contact Sarah at sarah@ injollygoodcompany.com or phone 07884 333117. In Jolly Good Company patron Lord Shaftesbury, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, will welcome Lydia Laughing, Ann Liu Cannon and other young musicians for a night of contemporary folk music at

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

children free.

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, September 6 (1pm-5pm). Admission £7, children free.

Athelhampton House Ardhurst

Athelhampton, Dorchester DT2 7LG

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

Athelhampton House

The award-winning gardens at Athelhampton surround the Tudor manor house and date from 1891. The Great Court, with 12 giant yew topiary pyramids, is overlooked by two terraced pavilions. This glorious Grade I architectural garden is full of vistas with spectacular planting, ponds with fountains and the River Piddle flowing past. Open Wednesday, September 3, (10am5pm). Admission £12.50, children free.

Knoll Gardens Manor Farm

Stapehill Road, Wimborne BH21 7ND A prairie-style garden featuring naturalistic plantings of ornamental grasses interspersed

Photo © Becky Williamson / geograph.org.uk

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

START at the former church, which is one no longer, and walk north up the road. You’ll pass a road junction; continue for about 100 yards to join a footpath on your right that takes you downhill across a field. When you enter the next field, head west, uphill, towards the right hand side of the wood that you can see at the top of the field. The path continues uphill along the edge of the wood, swerving left at the end of the field, within the edge of the woodland. Then it goes downhill and enters a large section of woodland emerging at the parish boundary with Purse Caundle. Continue alongside the wood, then across a couple of fields until you reach the road at the bottom. Turn right and head south-west along the road for a quarter of a

Knoll Gardens

with an array of flowering perennials. Grand specimen trees and beautiful shrubs offer shady spots to take in the open vistas. On Tuesday, September 1, owner Neil Lucas will be guiding a tour of the gardens (tickets must be pre-booked at www.ngs.org. uk). The tour will focus on the garden’s changing seasonal highlights, from some of the spectacular individual plants to mass plantings of Knoll’s acclaimed grasses. Open Friday, September 18, (10am-5pm). Admission £8.95, children £6.95.

Museum of East Dorset

23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster BH21 1HR Behind the Museum of East Dorset is a tranquil walled garden tucked away in the centre of Wimborne. Colourful herbaceous borders and heritage orchard trees line the path, which stretches down to the mill stream. This year the NGS has three evening garden lectures taking place at the Museum – visit www.ngs.org.uk for details. Evening openings (6pm-8.30pm) Friday, September 11; Friday, October 16; Friday, November 20. Admission £15, children free.

mile, having reentered Haydon parish. You’ll find Huish Lane, an unsigned byway, on your right. This takes you uphill, westward, for about half a mile then weaves its way down towards Haydon Farm, where the lane becomes tarmac. Having passed Haydon Farm and a large empty barn you come to a kissing gate on your left. This takes you onto a footpath passing the church and back to where you began, having walked less than three miles and enjoyed some wonderful views.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Repair Café

THE July Netherbury Repair Cafe saw volunteers repairing garden parasols and lawn mowers, and sharpening garden tools. After a break during August, the volunteer repairers will be back in Netherbury Village Hall on Sunday, September 27. As usual, homemade cakes, Clipper teas and quality coffee will be on offer. For more information, email lisagracewillis@gmail.com.

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Walkers warned over ticks TICKS are small, spider-like creatures found in long grass, woodland and heathland. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Walkers are advised to take precautions against inadvertently picking up a tick when out and about. So before you head out: • Wear long sleeves and

trousers where possible. Stick to paths and avoid brushing against long grass. • Use insect repellent suitable for ticks. After your walk: • Check yourself, children and pets for ticks. • Pay particular attention to behind the knees, under the arms, around the waist and hairline. •

•

Remove any ticks promptly using a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. A spreading circular rash around the bite site, and flu-like symptoms can be signs of Lyme disease. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if symptoms develop following a tick bite. For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ lyme-disease.

History matters

DIMMER – More Than a Dump is the subject of an illustrated talk by Maureen Wincott to Cary History Society at Caryford Hall. The talk, on Sunday, November 8, at 3pm, will tell the fascinating story of this ancient settlement from an Iron Age village to Second World

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THE Sero charity is throwing open an invitation to an evening of Christmas entertainment and quiz at Child Okeford Village Hall. The event on Saturday, November 21, from 7pm, also includes silent auction, raffle and bar. Tickets priced £15, including refreshments, are available from serocharity@gmail.com, Kate on 07725 245066 and Cynthia on 07733 989476. Sero raises funds for good causes including Julia's House children's hospice.

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Shaftesbury School SOME 47 students in the sixth form at Shaftesbury School took a wide range of academic and vocational subjects in their A levels and BTECs. Nearly 20% of the A Level grades were at A* or A, with more than 36% at A* to B. In addition, over 27% of students achieved at least one A* or A grade or the equivalent vocational result. A spokesperson for the school said: “Students can be rightly proud of what they have achieved. It is important to remember that it is not all about the top grades, and all students have worked incredibly hard to achieve what they have, battling pressures of balancing schoolwork, paid employment, responsibilities of caring for family members or being separated from those they love. Subjects including Graphics, Computing, Health and Social Care, Travel and Tourism,

Classical Civilisation and Psychology performed particularly well, with classes overall exceeding their target grades. Sport BTEC saw over half of the class exceed their statistical target grade. Many students will progress to university destinations including Cardiff, Durham, Exeter and Southampton, while others will begin apprenticeships in areas such as business and finance. One student is embarking on training to become a commercial airline pilot, and others are taking a gap year while deciding what their next step should be. Students and staff at the school also celebrated a range of successes in this year’s GCSE results, with improvements in key areas alongside excellent individual and subject achievements.

In English, 71.3% of students achieved a grade 4 or above – a significant increase on last year. More than half of students achieved a strong pass at grade 5 or above in English. The school also saw an improvement in the proportion of students securing a standard pass in both English and Maths. Within a relatively small Year 11 cohort of 128 students, youngsters secured 89 grades at 7-9, including 13 grade 9s – the highest grade available at GCSE. The top grade 9s were achieved across a wide range of subjects, including Fine Art, Drama, English, Film Studies, Mathematics, PE, Design & Technology and Religious Education. The school’s Drama students achieved an impressive set of top-end results, with five grade 9s. Fine Art, History, Spanish and Religious Education

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students made particularly strong progress against their individual target grades. Headteacher Stephanie Bowen said: “Many of our students have had challenges to overcome along the way this year, and today is an opportunity to recognise their determination, resilience and hard work” The school’s 2026 results also saw an improvement in its overall Attainment 8 score.

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Sherborne Girls STUDENTS at Sherborne Girls are celebrating excellent A level, BTEC and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results. Some 45% of all A level grades were at A or A*, and 22% of youngsters achieved three or more A* or A grades, with five securing straight A*s. Some 64% of EPQ candidates – completed by 24% of the cohort – achieved A or A*, and all students completing B/CTECs secured Distinction or Merit in their subjects. All the students with offers from Cambridge met or exceeded their required grades, as did others with places at the London School of Economics, University College London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Durham, Leeds, the Royal Veterinary College and the Royal College of Music, among others. Headteacher Dr Ruth Sullivan said: “I am truly

Sherborne Boys

delighted for this cohort who have not only worked incredibly hard throughout their sixth form, as shown by their fantastic examination results, but also contributed so generously to all areas of school life, been wonderful role models and an absolute pleasure to work with.” The school thanked the students’ parents and its staff for their support, encouragement and inspiration.

ONE in three of all A level entries were graded A* or A, and 15% of the cohort achieved three or more grades at A* or A. Boys taking B/CTEC qualifications also excelled, with 78% awarded Distinction* or Distinction across subjects including Media, Sport and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Out of those going into higher education, 80% secured places at their chosen universities, including Oxford, Durham, LSE, Manchester, Warwick, Edinburgh, Exeter, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bath and Kings College London, as well as conservatoires and other specialist institutions, including the Courtauld. They will be reading subjects including Law, History, Maths, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Languages, Economics,

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Business and Finance, while some are taking alternative routes, including overseas universities. Headmaster Simon Heard, said: “These results are testament to the hard work and sustained effort of the boys and the professionalism and commitment of their teachers. “All this alongside an extraordinary array of other curricular and co-curricular activities mean our boys head into the world as rounded young men. “They should be very proud of their achievements, as we are of them. “Our thanks go to parents for their unwavering support and to our staff for their dedication in helping the boys achieve their full potential.”

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Harbour Vale HARBOUR Vale School in Sherborne was delighted to celebrate the achievements of its Year 11 students in GCSE and vocational qualifications. This year's cohort faced significant barriers to education, including prior low attendance rates and a high proportion of students eligible for Pupil Premium and Free School Meals support. 100% of students achieved GCSE qualifications in English, Mathematics and a Science, while 73% achieved five or more Level 1 qualifications. Students also celebrated success in vocational learning, including Distinction grades in Child Development BTEC qualifications. The school’s Pathways programme also celebrated success with 92% of students achieving English and Maths GCSEs. Students will go on to a range of further education providers, including Weymouth College, Bournemouth and Poole College, Yeovil College and Kingston Maurward College.

The Blandford School SIXTH form students at The Blandford School celebrated an outstanding set of A level and vocational Key Stage 5 results. They achieved a 100% pass rate across all subjects, with one-third achieving at least one A* or Distinction grade. Some 60% of all results were A*-B grades or equivalent. Results over the past three years have placed The Blandford School among the top 1% of all sixth form providers nationally for student progress. This year, students are moving on to a wide variety of destinations, with 94% of students securing a place at their first choice university. One student has secured a local higher apprenticeship in bookkeeping and accountancy, while another is gaining valuable experience shadowing the podiatry team at Blandford Hospital ahead of beginning a degree apprenticeship in the field next year.

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Others will be continuing their studies at universities across the country, including Edinburgh, Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff. Of the Year 11 students, some 10% achieved an average grade of 7 or above across their all their GCSE subjects. And 17% of all grades awarded were at top grades 7-9. Headteacher Alan Jones said: “We are particularly pleased with the strong outcomes achieved in English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Business Studies, Geography and French, and with the significant number of students who attained the highest GCSE grades. “While we will always look at areas we can improve, there is much to celebrate in this year’s results.”

Mydentist Stalbridge are taking on new private patients with Dr Patel. Jinesh Patel qualified as a dentist in Mumbai in 2004 and has been practising dentistry in the UK since 2006. He holds a Master’s degree in Advanced General Dental Practice from King’s College London. Over the past 18 years, Jinesh has worked in both NHS and private practices in Gillingham and Salisbury, gaining a wealth of clinical experience. Jinesh is highly proficient in all aspects of general dentistry and is particularly valued for his calm demeanour and gentle approach. His reassuring manner and soft-spoken nature help even the most nervous patients and children feel at ease. Alongside general dentistry, Jinesh has a special interest in dental implants, facial aesthetics, and smile design. He is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles through personalised treatment plans. Outside of dentistry, Jinesh lives in Salisbury with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and has a keen interest in politics, sports and international relations. If you’re looking for a caring and experienced dentist, Dr Patel would be delighted to welcome you to the practice and help you achieve your dental goals, whether that’s maintaining your oral health or transforming your smile.

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The Gryphon School THE headteacher of The Gryphon School in Sherborne said he was ‘proud’ of sixth formers’ achievements in their A levels. Some 30 students achieved three A grades or higher, and 79 students achieved at least one A grade or above – nearly 50% of youngsters in the year group. Six students achieved three A* grades or above. Headteacher Jim Gower said: “We are immensely proud of what our students have achieved this year. These results are a testament to their hard work, determination and ambition, and they should feel rightly proud of everything they have accomplished.” The school maintained an average A level grade of B- and it highlighted 90% of students achieving grades A* to C in Ancient History, Chemistry, Economics, History, Music, Drama and Fine Art. Some 82% of students have accepted places to their chosen universities, with courses including Aeronautics and Astronautics, Ancient History, Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Chemical Engineering, Comic and Concept Art,

Creative Writing, Game Development, Interior Design, International Development, Law, Mathematics, Musical Theatre, Nuclear Engineering, and Palaeontology, to name a few. Students have also secured degree

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apprenticeships at employers including Leonardo Helicopters, the RAF and Avon & Somerset Police. The school also highlighted the achievements of students in the key subjects of English and Maths in this year’s GCSE results. It said the proportion of Year 11 students achieving grades 9-4 in both English and Mathematics had increased significantly over the last two years. The school added that youngsters had achieved strongly across the full breadth of The Gryphon’s creative, vocational and academic curriculum. Mr Gower said: “Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students and the achievements they have worked so hard to secure. “We know how much effort, perseverance and commitment goes into preparing for GCSEs, and we are delighted to see that hard work recognised in their results.”

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. To arrange a visit, give us a call or simply turn up.

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Gillingham School STUDENTS in Year 13 at Gillingham School posted excellent A level and other Level 3 results. Some 89.9% of students achieved AAB or better, and 62% positive value-added scores, indicating performance above that predicted from their prior attainment. Some 16 students achieved a value-added score of plus one grade or higher, with three students achieving plus two grades or higher. Students are moving on to destinations including Russell Group universities, competitive degree courses, apprenticeships, employment and specialist training pathways. Year 13 head Andy Newman said: “I am incredibly proud of every member of the Class of 2026. These outstanding results, including 89.9% of students achieving AAB or better, are a testament to the hard work,

perseverance and determination that this year group has shown throughout their time in the sixth form.” The School also highlighted the importance of good attendance as it celebrated youngsters strong GCSE results. Some 65.1% of students secured Grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, improving on last year’s figure and placing the school above the national average. Gillingham School outperformed the national average across all subjects, with 71.2% of GCSE grades awarded at grade 4 or above, compared to the national average of 67.3%. The school said students who attended lessons for over 95% of the academic year achieved exceptional outcomes, compared to those with lower attendance. Strong progress was also

EXAM RESULT S

seen at the highest grades, with increasing numbers of students achieving the top GCSE outcomes. Headteacher Paul Nicholson said: “We are particularly pleased to see improvements across most of our key measures, with outcomes in English and Mathematics continuing to strengthen and overall attainment increasing significantly. “It is especially encouraging that our students have achieved

outcomes above national averages, demonstrating the success of both our students and staff. “The outstanding outcomes achieved by students with excellent attendance show just how important it is to be present, engaged and making the most of every learning opportunity.”

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Their Childhood as it should be TO ATTEND OUR NEXT OPEN MORNING ON SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE INDEPENDENT DAY + BOARDING PREP SCHOOL IN DORSET FOR GIRLS AGED 7 TO 13

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

News EVERY MISSION FUNDED BY YOU ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE ADVERTISING

ir Ambulance Ambulance Week Week takes takes place place from from 7–13 7–13 September September and and ir celebrates the the life-saving life-saving work work of of air air ambulance ambulance charities charities across across celebrates the UK. the UK. Dorset and and Somerset Somerset Air Air Ambulance Ambulance brings brings the the hospital hospital to to the the Dorset patient, delivering delivering specialist specialist critical critical care care to to people people who who are are critically critically ill ill patient, or injured when every second counts. or injured when every second counts. As aa charity, charity, every every mission mission we we undertake undertake is is funded funded by by people people like like As you. Your Your generosity generosity helps helps keep keep our our crew crew ready ready to to respond respond across across you. Dorset and and Somerset, Somerset, 19 19 hours hours aa day, day, every every day day of of the the year. year. Dorset One of of the the biggest biggest ways ways our our supporters supporters make make aa difference difference is is through through One our Flight Flight for for Life Life Lottery, Lottery, which which currently currently funds funds almost almost three three days days of of our our operations every week. our operations every week. For just just £5 £5 aa month, month, you’ll you’ll be be entered entered into into weekly weekly cash cash prize prize draws draws For while helping helping to to fund fund our our life-saving life-saving service, service, helping helping to to ensure ensure our our while crew can continue providing specialist critical care whenever it’s crew can continue providing specialist critical care whenever it’s needed. needed. Every ticket ticket played played helps helps Every bring hope to patients and bring hope to patients and their families and ensures their families and ensures we can can be be there there today, today, we tomorrow and and for for years years to to tomorrow come. come. Your support support could could help help make make the the next next life-saving life-saving mission mission possible. possible. Your

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Sturminster Newton High School

EXAM RESULT S

STUDENTS, families and staff at Sturminster Newton High School celebrated when sixth form students received their A level, BTEC and Level 3 results. The school highlighted excellent value-added outcomes in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Students also performed well in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), demonstrating their desire to extend their learning beyond the taught curriculum. Headteacher Mike Motteram said: “At SNHS we really do believe it takes a village to raise a child and to help young people achieve their potential. “These successes have been made possible through the commitment of our students, the support of their families, and the dedication of our teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to help every young person flourish.” Sixth form head Samuel Ling said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and their successes today.” And added: “We have long embraced the principle of Kaizen – making small improvements each day, in a supportive environment – leads to greater success in the long term.” The school also noted its ongoing partnership with Shaftesbury School’s sixth form.

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EVERY MISSION FUNDED BY YOU Dorset and and Somerset Somerset Air Air Ambulance Ambulance brings brings the the hospital hospital to to Dorset the patient when every second counts. As a charity, every the patient when every second counts. As a charity, every mission we we are are tasked tasked to to is is funded funded by by local local people. people. mission Help keep keep our our crew crew ready ready to to respond respond by by joining joining the the Flight Flight for for Help Life Lottery. Lottery. For For just just £5 £5 a a month, month, you’ll you’ll be be helping helping to to fund fund Life life-saving missions missions while while having having the the chance chance to to win win fantastic fantastic life-saving cash prizes prizes every every week. week. cash In 2025/26 2025/26 net net income income from from the the lottery lottery raised raised £3.5 £3.5 million million towards towards the the funding funding of of our our life-saving life-saving service. service. Dorset Dorset In and Somerset Somerset Air Air Ambulance Ambulance is is aa registered registered charity charity in in England England and and Wales. Wales. Charity Charity Number: Number: 1078685. 1078685. Registered Registered and charitable company, company, limited limited by by guarantee, guarantee, in in England England and and Wales. Wales. Company Company Number: Number: 3893356 3893356 charitable

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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EXAM RESULT S

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King’s Bruton

KING’S Bruton marked a record year of A level and BTEC success, with 70% of A level grades awarded at A* to B, 60% of BTEC grades at Distinction or Distinction* and 47% of all qualifications graded at A*or A or equivalent. In addition, 94% of EPQs – Extended Project Qualification – were graded A* or A. Some 11 students achieved straight A* and A grades. King’s Bruton is a coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. It was recently commended for Sporting Achievement at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. In addition, the year 11 students have celebrated an excellent set of GCSE

King Arthur’s

examination results. More than 90% of grades were at grades 9-4 and over a third at the highest grades of 9-7 (A*/A). Seven pupils secured nine or more at the highest grades and 17 achieved five or more grades at 9-7 (A*/A). More than half of all grades awarded in History, Art, Further Mathematics, Music and Physics at grades 9-7 (A*/A). Headmaster Matt Radley said: “These results are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our pupils.” And he added: “My thanks also goes to the teachers and staff for the diligent support and care they have shown to these pupils throughout their GCSEs.” Most of the youngsters will be continuing into the sixth form at King’s in September.

KING Arthur’s School has celebrated the achievements of its Year 11 students following this year’s GCSE results. The proportion of students achieving a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths increased again this year, and the number of students achieving grade 7 or above in both subjects more than doubled. Particular success came at the highest grades in English, with the proportion of students achieving grade 7 or above increasing to 14.3%. Higher grade results also increased in Maths, with some exceptional individual performances across the year group, as well as in Further Maths.

Several year 10 students sat GCSE examinations in Statistics and Polish a year early, achieving excellent results. Headteacher Jonty Archibald said: “We are pleased with the increase of the higher grades and this demonstrates our long term strategy to raise attainment at King Arthur’s. “I was delighted to see pupils’ amazing individual results which was testament to their hard work and dedication. I wish the pupils the best of luck with their next steps.”

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News

20 years of the Oak Fair 29th & 30th August

ADVERTISING FEATURE

elebrating the 20th event this year The Oak Fair champions countryside, woodland, timber, traditional craft and above all, conservation. With over 200 exhibitors showing everything from handcrafted wooden furniture to industrial machinery, the Oak Fair provides a platform for rural crafts and countryside conservation, offering something for everyone. Demonstrations include the ever-popular chainsaw carving, falconry, heavy horse logging, and the daredevil stunts of the Adams Axemen display. Get involved with hands on activities including scything, willow sculpture and archery, and children’s activities including bushcraft skills, face painting, tree climbing and tractor & trailer rides. 29th & 30th August, 10.00am Stock Gaylard Estate, DT10 2BG Early bird tickets: £15 adults, £3.50 children, children in prams go free, £11 concessions. www.theoakfair.com

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival ADVERTISING FEATURE he countdown is on for the return of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026.

Organised entirely by volunteers and held in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the festival has become one of Dorset’s most popular food and community events, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the South West. The festival celebrates the very best of local food, drink, crafts, music and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of artisan cheese producers, local food exhibitors, craft stalls, live entertainment, family activities, demonstrations, real ale, cider and wine bars, alongside a variety of refreshments throughout the weekend.

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More than just a celebration of cheese, the festival is a charitable event run under the auspices of the Sturminster Newton Rotary Club. Thanks to the support of visitors, exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors, the festival has donated more than £450,000 to local charities, community groups and good causes over the last decade. Recent beneficiaries have included local schools, youth organisations, community projects and charities that make a significant difference to people across Dorset and the surrounding counties. The festival continues its commitment to being an affordable family day out, with children aged 15 and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Visitors can expect: • Award-winning cheese and food producers • Artisan crafts and gifts • Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend • Children’s entertainment and family activities • Real ale, cider and wine bars Advance tickets are available now through the festival website. For tickets, programme updates and further information, visit: www.cheesefestival.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Trailway on track to link communities by Rosie Gall

THE future of the North Dorset Trailway has received a boost, with proposed extensions to the popular traffic-free route featuring in Dorset Council’s newly published draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2026–2036. The Trailway itself is highlighted as a case study in the plan, recognising the benefits it already brings to local communities. Following the route of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway, it provides a largely traffic-free corridor used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, as well as people using mobility aids. The council also recognises its value for everyday journeys, exercise and health and wellbeing. But perhaps most exciting are the plans for where the Trailway could go next. The implementation plan identifies proposed extensions

from Stalbridge north to Henstridge and south to Sturminster Newton, together with longer-term links from Spetisbury to Sturminster Marshall and onwards to Corfe Mullen. Indicative timescales run from 2027 to 2034. The plan also recognises the importance of making routes accessible to as many people as possible and highlights the role former railway lines can play because of their width, gentle gradients and surface quality. Joe Hickish, chair of the North Dorset Trailway Network, said: “It is tremendously encouraging to see the North Dorset Trailway recognised in this important plan, not only for what it provides today but for what it could become in the future. “The Trailway is a wonderful asset for North Dorset – somewhere to walk, cycle, ride, wheel, exercise, enjoy nature or

simply get from one community to another away from busy roads. Extending those connections would allow many more people to benefit.” As a registered charity, NDTN relies on the support of its members. Membership costs £10 per household per year, with lifetime membership available for £100, helping the charity continue its work to

protect, promote, improve and extend this much-loved local route. The draft ROWIP is currently open for public consultation until October 12, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to have their say on the future of Dorset’s rights of way network. Have your say at https:// consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk.

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Sixth Form Information Sessions Tuesday 8 September (online) Saturday 12 September Wednesday 30 September A Level, International Baccalaureate, CTEC courses

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Co-educational boarding and day school admissions@bryanston.co.uk | 01258 484 633

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Bryanston, a Dorset School with a Different Way of Thinking ADVERTISING FEATURE

ost schools teach young people what to think. Bryanston teaches them how to think, built on the belief that independence of mind is the true purpose of learning. Independent study, imaginative teaching and weekly one-to-one tutoring give every pupil sustained personal attention, not a passing pastoral check-in twice a term. Step onto campus and the first thing you notice is how little the pupils resemble one another. There’s no uniform, no mould, no expectation to conform. Dancing shoes sit beside rugby boots and Doc Martens. A broad curriculum and enrichment programme give pupils room to explore, from entrepreneurship one term to music, art or sport the next. Self-expression is celebrated; there’s no template for a Bryanstonian, only the expectation you’ll find your own way. That individuality has carried Old Bryanstonians into remarkably varied futures, from Oxbridge to conservatoires, art schools, professional sport and entrepreneurship, united by the confidence to choose one that reflects who they are. Boarding reflects the same flexibility with full boarding, day with a bed, or day without, whatever suits the family, with one shared community at the heart of them all. A global celebrity might sit beside a family from a local village, with no assumptions made either way. Bryanston also welcomes pupils eligible for fee support, bringing fresh perspectives and life-changing opportunity. That same warmth runs through pastoral life. House parents and tutors get to know each pupil well enough to notice when something’s wrong before it becomes a problem, and to celebrate the small wins too. When things do go wrong, care follows a restorative approach, exploring what happened, why, and how it can be put right, treating mistakes as part of growing up. People often say Bryanston has wider corridors than most schools, not just architecturally but in spirit. Its Vision Makers project, photographic portraits lining the corridors, captures exactly that. A gallery of individuality and aspiration, grounded, imaginative, ambitious and proudly unwilling to fit the mould.

Spend the Summer bank holiday at the Summer Brocante ADVERTISING FEATURE

njoy the last days of summer with The Dorset Brocante at Moyles Court on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August - 10 - 3pm.

The perfect way to relax and enjoy the day out vintage shopping at a French Brocante in the English Countryside. With over 40 stands set out on the lawns at Moyles Court, offering decorative antiques, vintage finds, French Brocante, small furniture, rugs, slow fashion and interiors, alongside artisan makers, stationery and soft furnishings. Local artisan food stands will offer fresh coffee, light refreshments, crepes, ice cream, wood fired pizzas and burgers all day in the courtyard in the heart of the Brocante. Bring your friends to this sublime setting located between Ringwood and Salisbury to enjoy a little taste of France in the New Forest. All tickets £8 on the gate, or buy in advance £7. Children are free. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the fair. Free parking on site. The Summer Brocante Moyles Court, nr Ringwood, New Forest BH24 3NF Please look at www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk for more details and to buy advance tickets. We look forward to seeing you on 31st August at the Brocante.

SU M M E R B RO CA N T E M oyl es Co ur t Scho o l N ew Fo rest, B H24 3 N F

B/ H M o n da y 31st A u g u st 10 - 3p m Advance tickets £7 | On the gate £8 Children under 16 free Well behaved dogs on le ads welcome A carefully curated selection of 40 Ar tisan, Vintage & French Brocante Exhibitors of fering lovely homewares, gif ts, textiles & lifest yle products with Ar tisan food & drinks in the gardens. Fo r f u r t he r in f o r m a t io n & t o b u y a d va n c e t ic ke t s , p le a s e v is it : w w w. t he d o r s e t b ro c a n t e . c o . u k

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

National Trust / Sophie Bolesworth

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Step into last of summer with the NT GARDENS and historic properties across Dorset are looking tip-top and ready to welcome visitors…

Kingston Lacy

Stourhead

PHOTO: Rupert Truman

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/ stourhead Walks and talks tours: Stretch your legs on a guided walk around Stourhead’s wider estate and enjoy routes that highlight the beauty of changing seasons. 25 September, 11am-1pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Wellbeing wanders: Meet new people and join a gentle health and wellbeing walk in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the social atmosphere and make a connection with nature. Tuesdays and Thursdays (until November), Times on website. Free event. Booking required. Drawn to trees: Step into the landscape garden and discover a new outdoor trail created in collaboration with artist Luke Adam Hawker, inspired by his evocative book The Last Tree: A Seed of Hope. Until November, 9.30am-4.30pm. Price: £2 per trail booklet (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Tree zodiac exhibition: Inspired by an ancient Celtic zodiac rooted in the 13 lunar months, each associated with a different tree or plant, Luke Adam Hawker has created a series of 3 intricate etchings that explore personality traits drawn from the character and symbolism of each species. Until November, 9.30am-4.30pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Trust 10: Stourhead’s Trust10 10k trail run is a challenging, multi-terrain run involving

some public roads. Beginning and ending at Stourhead house, the trail takes in pasture, woodland and an Iron age hillfort with King Alfred’s Tower marking the mid-way point. September 27, 9am-11am. Free event. Booking not required. Summer of play: Endless fun at the Stableyard and the Summer of Play Meadow. Scramble up the mighty straw castle, aim for gold at the archery range, or race through the meadow maze to find the hidden camp. Until August 31, 10am-4pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Forage and cook course: A crash course that covers everything from identification, to preparation and cooking of wild food from Stourhead’s beautiful wider estate. September 20 and 27, 10am-4pm. £70pp (normal admissions apply). Booking required.

Kingston Lacy

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ kingston-lacy Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail: Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodlands for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges. Until September, 9.30am-5pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Kingston Lacy social walks: Discover the ever changing Kingston Lacy woodlands and countryside and have the opportunity to meet new people on these gentle strolls, ranging from 3-4 miles (around 1.5 hours). September 15, 10am-11.30am. Free event. Booking required. Japanese garden tours: Discover how Japanese horticulture techniques extend beyond the traditional tea garden, and experience this beautiful English interpretation of a Japanese garden. September 30, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Rani Lacy: revealing an Indian treasure: Explore the culture, craftsmanship and creativity surrounding one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures: the Visakhapatnam cabinet. September 1 to October 23, 10.30am3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.

Kingston Lacy

Japanese tea garden experience: Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Japanese Tea Garden with one of Kingston Lacy’s gardeners, before sitting down to enjoy tasters of Japanese tea in this peaceful spot. September 12, 11am-12noon and 1-2pm. £25pp (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.

Hardy’s Cottage

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ hardys-cottage Hardy’s Cottage to Max Gate (return): A free guided walk from Thomas Hardy’s birthplace to Max Gate, the house Hardy designed, built and lived in until he died. September 19, 10.15am-3pm. Free event. Booking required.

Max Gate

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ hardys-house-max-gate Walking in the paw prints of Wessex: Walk some of the pathways loved by Thomas Hardy and his pet dog. This walk was a favourite of Thomas Hardy, which he regularly did with his faithful companion, Wessex the dog. Join NT volunteers for a 2.5-mile stroll through the countryside near Hardy’s home, Max Gate, to the resting place of William Barnes, the Dorset poet. Individuals and families welcome, dogs are optional but must be kept on a short lead! September 29, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Free event. Booking required.

Clouds Hill

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ clouds-hill TE Lawrence walk: Learn about TE Lawrence and visit important local landmarks which are connected to his life on a 4.5 mile walk around Moreton to Clouds Hill. September 10, 10am-1.30pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking required.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Money matters FREE advice to help people manage their money is on offer at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester. Dorchester Baptist Church is holding a three-hour Christians Against Poverty (CAP) course on Saturday, September 19, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Participants will learn how to put a budget together, how to make money go further and how to be disciplined about spending. The course comes at a time when the cost of living continues to affect many Dorset residents. Despite inflation easing from the 2022 peak, UK households continue to experience high costs. Spending power has been eroded over the past five years, with £100 in 2020 now buying only £78.54 worth of goods at 2020 prices, a 21.5% loss in purchasing power. Food prices remain 12% to 18% higher than in 2023, and energy bills for a typical dual-fuel household are capped at £1,862 a year for July to September 2026. In April 2026, 79% of adults reported an increase in their cost of living, with 92% citing food price rises and 80% citing fuel costs (Source: House of Commons library) Dorchester Poverty Action and Dorchester Foodbank are backing the course by offering a £20 Co-op voucher to participants who live in DT1/DT2 postcodes. Dorchester Baptist Church is running the course using material created by Christians Against Poverty. To book a place, visit www.dorchesterbc.org.uk/cap.

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Watching Their Friend Lose Her Savings Changed Everything By Chris Tennant Legacy Planning Consultant, Oakwood Wills

eter and Anne enjoyed a comfortable retirement in Dorset. Their mortgage was paid, they had savings and hoped their home would eventually provide an inheritance for their children and grandchildren. Then a close friend, Margaret, developed dementia and required residential care. They watched as substantial care fees began eating into savings she had spent a lifetime building. As costs continued, difficult decisions also had to be made about her home. Driving home after visiting Margaret, Anne asked Peter: “We’ve worked all our lives for our home. Could the same thing happen to us?” That question changed their approach to estate planning. They wanted to understand whether steps taken well in advance of needing care, as part of genuine estate planning, could provide greater protection for their home and family wealth. Following professional advice, Peter and Anne reviewed their Wills, arranged Lasting Powers of Attorney and considered placing their home into a properly structured Living Trust. A Living Trust can provide valuable asset protection and, depending upon the circumstances, can help protect the family home where future care costs become an issue. Carefee planning must, however, be undertaken correctly. Local authorities can challenge arrangements where avoiding care charges was a significant reason for transferring assets, particularly where care needs were already foreseeable. Their planning also provided greater protection against probate delays, divorce, bankruptcy or creditors affecting their children’s inheritance. Their experience taught them one important lesson: The time to consider protecting your home is while you’re fit, healthy and planning for the future — not when a care crisis has already arrived. Book Your FREE Home Protection Review During your personal home visit we’ll help answer questions such as: • Could your home be vulnerable to future care costs? • Will your current Wills achieve what you intend? • Should you have Lasting Powers of Attorney? • Could your family’s inheritance be affected by divorce or creditors? • Are there simple steps you can take now to better protect your family and your estate? There is no obligation—just clear, practical advice in plain English. Book your FREE Home Protection Review We come to You - In the Comfort of Your Own Home Call Oakwood Wills today on 07832 331594 Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk www.oakwoodwills.co.uk Wills • Living Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney ADVERTISING FEATURE

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Behind the scenes at history centre HISTORY lovers and people curious about Dorset’s past are being invited behind the scenes at Dorset History Centre next month as part of Heritage Week. Four free guided tours will provide a rare opportunity to explore areas of the centre, in Bridport Road in Dorchester, not usually open to the public. Visitors can learn how Dorset’s archives are cared for and about ambitious plans to protect the county’s heritage for future generations. The history centre preserves millions of documents, photographs, maps and records that tell the story of the county and its communities, for the use of residents, schools, researchers and local groups. Visitors will discover more about the centre’s collections, see archives stored on 8.5 miles of shelving and learn about the specialist work carried out in the conservation studio. Tours take place on Tuesday, September 15, at 10.30am and 2pm; and Saturday, September 19, at 10am and 11.30am. Places are limited, so advance booking is essential – free tickets can be booked at ticketsource.com/dorset-history-centre.

Visitors will also be able to find out more about Past Lives, Future Proofed, a major project designed to secure the future of Dorset’s archives and improve access to local heritage. Dorset Council has approved the next stage of the project and allocated £540,000 of capital funding towards the scheme. The council’s investment will help unlock further external funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has already awarded £603,000 for the project’s development phase. Other donors have also added to the fund, including £10,000 from Dorchester Town Council. If successful, a future funding application

could secure a total investment of more than £5 million in Dorset History Centre. Plans include creating around 30 years of additional archive storage capacity, improving environmental conditions to protect internationally significant collections, upgrading public areas and creating more opportunities for learning, volunteering and community involvement. Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, economic growth and strategic assets, said: “Dorset History Centre looks after some of the county’s most important historical records and helps people connect with the stories that have shaped our communities. “Our investment is helping to attract millions of pounds of external funding into Dorset, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve public access to our shared heritage while protecting nationally significant collections for decades to come.” The development phase is expected to last about 18 months until late 2027, with opportunities for local people to get involved through volunteering, consultation activities and public engagement events.

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Fern Brook Lodge welcomed community Fern Brook Lodge welcomed community for summer celebration ADVERTISING FEATURE for ern summer celebration Brook Lodge care home The ADVERTISING Brook community FEATURE space which

FF A delightful day on the riverbank

by Sheila Chapman THE sun will be shining, the trees will be shading and the river will be cooling when the Blandford Summer Fair takes place down at the Marsh and Ham river bank in Blandford. The fair organisers are completing the plans now and are pleased with the programme they have put together for this, the second of what is planned to be an annual event. The event is free, with the bonus of free parking in town all day. Free programmes can be picked up from a stall in the Market Place staffed by town mayor Colin Stevens and mace bearer David Jardine every Thursday until the fair. The Blandford Summer Fair is on the August Bank Holiday (August 31). End your summer with a home grown event before the children go back to school!

ern Lodgewelcomed care home The Brook community which in Brook Gillingham hosts a range of eventsspace throughout in Gillingham welcomed a range of home eventsresidents throughout residents, families and members hosts the year. Care residents, families and members the year. Carefrom homea residents of the local community for an also benefit large garden ofafternoon the local community for an also benefit from aflat large garden and of fun. area with wide, walkways afternoon fun. area withflower wide,beds flat walkways and The sunofwas shining as the raised to make them The sunofwas shining asDonna the Toye, raised flowertobeds to make them Mayor Gillingham, accessible everyone. Mayor of Gillingham, Toye, to everyone. officially opened the Donna Summer Fayre accessible Fern Brook Lodge hosts its own officially opened theonSummer Fayre Fern Brook Lodge hostsevery its own at the care home, Fern Brook Memory Café sessions atLane, the care home, on Fern Brook Memory Café sessions every which is run by not-for-profit Thursday morning from 10am Lane, which is South. run by Everyone not-for-profit Thursday from 10am charity, Care to 12pmmorning for people living with charity, Care 12pm forand people with enjoyed liveSouth. musicEveryone from The 2 Hats todementia theirliving carers. It is enjoyed live music fromBrook The 2Choir Hats dementia andbytheir It is South band, before the Fern supported Agecarers. UK North, band, the Fern Brook Choir supported Age UK tookbefore to the stage to entertain the and Westby Dorset andNorth, there isSouth no took to the stage to entertain the and West Dorset– and is no crowd. need to book just there drop in on the crowd. need Head Chef Phil was kept busy day.to book – just drop in on the Head Phil was keptfood busyto day. at the Chef barbecue, serving atresidents, the barbecue, serving to families and food visitors, residents, visitors, while anfamilies array ofand stalls added to while an array of atmosphere, stalls added to the afternoon’s which the afternoon’s which reflected Careatmosphere, South’s ethos of reflected Careand South’s ethos of ‘Food, Fun Friendship’. ‘Food, and Lodge Friendship’. FernFun Brook provides Fern Brook respite Lodge provides residential, and dementia residential, respite and dementia care. A dedicated activities team care. A dedicated teamof organises a dailyactivities programme organises daily residents programme of events toa bring together to events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships. socialise and build Residents have afriendships. choice of private The Mayor of Gillingham Residents have lounges a choiceand of private and communal dining The attended Fern Brook Lodge’s Mayor of Gillingham and communal rooms to relaxlounges indoors,and as dining well as Summer Fern Fayre. attended Brook Lodge’s rooms to relax indoors, as well as Summer Fayre.

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Proud to be part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as care at home services across Proud to be part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of the south ofdementia England.and Registered * Correct at time of print. residential, nursingCharity care, asNo. well1014697. as care at home services across the south of England. Registered Charity No. 1014697. * Correct at time of print.

Fern Brook Lodge_Blackmore Vale_196mm x 133mm_Mar_26_2025_Quarter_page.indd 1

23/02/2026 10:37:37

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Hold your horses!

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New community hub

VILLAGERS in Piddletrenthide are set to run a race night with a difference to raise community spirit and money for the village church. The event, in the grounds of the Manor House, will feature pantomime horses! Host James Boughey said: “We just want villagers to come together and socialise, mingle and get to know each other.” Races will consist of four horses competing in four races over a set course, complete with pre-parade ring and running commentary, with the winner of each race progressing to the final ‘Manor Classic’ race. Visitors will have the chance to buy a horse and use an on-site Cash Tote betting facility. The event on Saturday, September 12, from 4pm, will also include a full bar, food stalls and on-site parking. Organiser Tracey Mitchell said: “This is something that will hopefully become an annual event.”

WORK is set to begin on the Mampitts Community Hub in Shaftesbury, says the town council. A new cafe, community activity space and landscaped outdoor areas will provide a place for residents of all ages to meet, connect and take part in activities. The community hub will also be home to the Dorset Family Hub, bringing together services and support for families in one accessible location. Councillor Greg Williams, chair of the Mampitts advisory committee, said: “The combined cafe, activity hall and family hub, located within a multi-use landscaped setting, will provide a true community focal point. “The project has been moulded by the

input of local residents. We will continue to engage through the construction phase, and as the use of the building and the grounds take shape.” Work is currently planned to get under way on September 14. Community groups interested in using the new space should contact the town hall office to register their interest.

Telling tales

THE first of what it is hoped will be a series of talks launches at St Andrew's Church, Okeford Fitzpaine, today (Friday, August 28). Jeremy Gartside will speak about his life as a young navigating officer in the merchant navy in the 1960s and 1970s under the 'Telling Tales' banner. Entry – from 6.15pm – is by donation to the church's current fundraising projects. It is hoped other people may have a tale to share – anyone who does can contact Jeremy or Dilys on 01258 860157 or via email at jeremygartsode@gmail.com.

Central Dorset Citizens Advice offers help with access to benefits

Q: I’ve recently had to stop work following a serious car accident and I’m worried about how I’m going to cope with the drop in income. I’m not sure what benefits I can get – where should I start? A: Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s worth checking. Claiming benefits can also mean gaining access to other financial help like cost of living payments and discounts on energy and transport. To get started, you can use an online benefits calculator. You’ll need information about your savings, income, pension, childcare payments and any existing benefits for you and

your partner, if you have one. You can use the Entitledto benefits calculator or check out the Policy in Practice version for a detailed overview. The Turn2us online tool can provide a quick idea of what benefits and other financial help you might be eligible for. If you are still employed, you may be entitled to either contractual or statutory sick pay. If your sick pay has ceased, your medical condition makes it difficult to work, and you meet the National Insurance requirements, you may be entitled to the new-style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), which is not means-tested. The main means-tested benefit available for most people of working age is Universal Credit. You should check if you can get Universal Credit if you have less than £16,000 in savings or other

investments. If you’re finding it difficult to work because of your injury, you might get more UC or not have to look for work. You’ll need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions that you have a health condition when you claim UC and, if possible, submit a fit note. You might be entitled to other benefits depending on your situation, like your age, if you’re disabled or if you have a child. Some people are able to claim more than one benefit – for example, disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (if you’re under pension age) or Attendance Allowance (if you’re over pension age). These disability benefits aren’t means-tested and can often be claimed in addition to other benefits like Universal Credit.

Photo by Simran Sood on Unsplash

Your problems solved

IMAGE: Askew Cavanna

Take a look at the Citizens Advice website for more details. If you pay council tax, you might be able to get a reduction in your bill. If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, your first port of call should be your energy or water provider. You might also be able to get extra money from the government, your local council or a charity. If you are still struggling, contact your local Citizens Advice, where an adviser will try to help you to find a way forward.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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State-of-the-art Trackman range opens to the public on 5 September

Tucked on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, Sherborne Golf Club is about to take a significant step forward. On Saturday 5 September its brand-new Trackman driving range will open to the public for the first time – a modern facility designed not just for members, but for the whole community. The launch day runs from 12pm until 3pm and is open to everyone. Visitors can enjoy a BBQ, take part in fun competitions including Beat the Pro and Long Drive contests, and experience the new range in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No experience is required. At the heart of the project is Trackman technology, supported by the club’s new Husqvarna robotic range mowers and automatic ball collectors that keep the facility immaculately presented. Board member Roger Paul, who led the development, said: “The new facility will be a great opportunity for the community of Sherborne and give young people, people new to the game and avid golfers alike a chance to engage with the sport.” Chairman Tony Lawrence added: “We must give thanks to Tom Hunt, CEO of Hunts Food Group, who have supported the club with a generous donation in order for us to get this project completed to the highest standard.” This investment will help establish Sherborne Golf Club as one of the best golf clubs in the county and safeguard its long-term viability for future generations. The new range gives Sherborne something it has never had before: a highquality practice facility that is open, welcoming and built to last. Come along on 5 September between 12pm and 3pm, enjoy the BBQ, try the competitions, and be part of the next chapter for golf in Sherborne.

Sherborne Golf Club, Higher Clatcombe, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4RN

01935 814431 www.sherbornegolfclub.co.uk | sgcoffice@sherbornegolfclub.co.uk

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Our Loose Canon The number of parish priests is spread ever more thinly

by Canon Eric Woods I RETIRED as Vicar of Sherborne just over six years ago. After 27 years of trying to be a worthy priest in the community, it was a huge wrench. But I was 69 and the then bishop insisted – probably wisely – that all his clergy should retire by the age of 70. We had found a lovely house in Sturminster Newton, and we continue to enjoy both our home and our new town. But downsizing during lockdown was a challenge, and we realise that we lost some things we will never see again. Hey-ho: it’s just ‘stuff’ – and we still have far too much of it! What I particularly miss is two graphs someone had sent me. One was about the Royal Navy from 1918 to 2018. It

plotted the number of ships on a line over the century, starting at a high point on the left-hand side, and finishing at an alarming low on the right-hand side. Meanwhile another line, showing the number of serving admirals, began low on the left-hand side and rose steadily across the century. The second graph showed the number of serving parish priests in the Church of England during the same period. With a few exceptions – for example, there were significant rises in the years following the two world wars – the graph showed a massive plunge from top left to bottom right. Meanwhile, a second line revealed that the number of bishops and administrators had risen steadily over the century.

ver Dmiosrceo…

So, especially in more rural areas, parish priests are spread ever more thinly. Our excellent vicar has three parishes; her husband, also a priest, ministers to five communities – and his is officially a part-time post. Things are worse further afield. A letter to The Times recently revealed that the number of parish priests in the Diocese of Truro has roughly halved during the past 20 years, while over the same period the number of diocesan administrators has increased from 17 to 40. The diocese is currently merging 16 parishes into a single benefice! I would have thought the bishops should be making a concerted effort to encourage a sense of vocation to ordained ministry among their congregations. But not many do.

BEST

Years ago, a bishop in another part of the country invited me to become one of his archdeacons. I played for time and asked that the job description and other relevant information be sent to me. A huge package duly arrived. Its introduction began: “The new archdeacon will work with the diocesan bishop, the suffragan bishop and the other archdeacons in managing the decline of the church in the diocese.” I had no desire to join a defeatist team pursuing a defeatist agenda. The whole package went into the recycling bin. Quentin Letts, journalist, author and Anglican layman, recently wrote in The Spectator that “Pews empty while race advisers, environmentalists and Safeguarding experts are marching as to war, spouting passive-aggressive managerialism...as they hassle the few weekly worshippers.” The younger ‘me’ would have rebutted that robustly. Now I think Letts may be right.

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Covent garden dance leaves Hatch House for a new venue ADVERTISING FEATURE

he last season at Hatch House for Ballet Under the Stars was a sensational and emotional sellout three nights.

As nearly 17 years of summer ballet at Hatch House drew to a close in July, the sun had shone and the audiences were left in no doubt that this was a very special farewell. Many of them have been coming for years, they’ve seen the gala grow from a tiny audience to over 430 each night over 3 nights. The dancers have always been sensational and this year brought back familiar faces and audience favourites from Ksenia Ovsyanick and Xander Parish to the stars of Paris Opera Ballet Myriam Ould-Braham and Mickaël Lafon. The works selected by Matt Brady, Director of Covent Garden Dance, had the audiences spellbound, in particular the finale piece, Kiss Pas de Deux from Le Parc (Angelin Preljocaj). The intimacy of this dance was really spectacular, it left the audience utterly mesmerised.

“Over the past two decades we have created nearly thirty original works, the overwhelming majority receiving their world premieres here at Hatch House. That spirit of creation has always mattered enormously to us. Ballet must preserve its heritage, certainly, but it must also remain alive enough to make new history.What moves me particularly this year is the passage of time reflected within the cast itself.”

Ksenia Ovsyanick performing the Carmen Solo. Photo: Alice Pennefather.

Myriam Ould-Braham and Mickaël Lafon perform the Kiss Pas de Deux from Le Parc. Photo: Alice Pennefather.

This July marked the 20th anniversary of Covent Garden Dance, two decades of presenting world-class ballet and dance and for most of that time Hatch House has stood at the centre of the Company’s artistic life. “It is impossible for me to reflect on these final performances at Hatch House without an overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness. To have worked alongside so many exceptional artists, both onstage and behind the scenes, has been one of the great privileges of my life. Dancers, choreographers, répétiteurs, musicians, technicians, designers, production staff, volunteers and audiences have all shaped what Hatch House became. In many ways, Covent Garden Dance Company, and of course, myself personally, grew and developed there every year. Each summer brought new lessons, greater confidence and deeper artistic understanding. Without Hatch House, Covent Garden Dance would simply not be what it is today” Matt Brady.

“Some of the principal dancers appearing in these performances are artists I first worked with from when they were members of the corps de ballet. Others have returned to Hatch House year after year for more than a decade. Watching their artistry evolve and their personal journeys has been one of the deepest joys of my own journey. If it had not been for their guidance and kindness I would not have had the opportunity to learn and develop my skills, and achieve a greater understanding of the art that I feel so passionatly about; a journey of enlightenment that has no end. These incredible otherworldly performances have become part of the fabric and memory of Hatch House,” Matt continues. This is not the end of Ballet Under the Stars. It will be moving to a new home, Charlotte’s Lake. Charlotte’s Lake is named in memory of the author Charlotte Bingham, Matthew’s mother. This is a concept that Matt has dreamt of for a very long time and he is finally able to bring those dreams to reality. Incredibly ticket sales have already nearly sold out for this exclusive and secret waterside performance. Watch this space for more information as and when we get it!! www.coventgardendance.com

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

News

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5 & 6 SEPT 2026

2026 HIGHLIGHTS:

DISCOUNT ENDS 30 AUGUST

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Paws for thought CASTLE Lodge care home in Mere welcomed residents, families, friends and members of the local community for its popular Woof Fest community dog show. The event at the care home in Castle Street brought together local dog owners and residents for a fun-filled morning of competitions, conversation and lots of four-legged visitors. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages took part in categories including Loveliest Lady, Fabulous Fella, Golden Oldie, Cutest Pup, Best Rescue, Waggiest Tail, Best Trick Dog and Resident Favourite. Residents at Castle Lodge enjoyed meeting the dogs, watching the different categories and helping to choose their favourites. Dog Wise Training School also joined the event and supported the team throughout the morning.

Emma Jones, wellbeing coordinator at Castle Lodge, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many members of the Mere community to Castle Lodge for Woof Fest. “Our residents absolutely loved meeting all the dogs and being involved in the day. “Events like this are a lovely way to bring local people and our residents together, create new friendships and strengthen our connections with the community.” The event also raised £162 for the Castle Lodge Residents’ Comfort Fund, which helps provide additional activities, experiences and treats for residents to enjoy in addition to their daily activities programme. The Castle Lodge team would like to thank everyone from Mere and the surrounding Wiltshire community who came

Castle Lodge

A Country Court Care Home

Our First Summer in Mere We have enjoyed a busy first summer at Castle Lodge Care Home, with lots of opportunities to welcome local people into our home and support the wider Mere community. We hosted a bingo fundraiser for Mere Carnival, continued our monthly coffee mornings and launched a new Memory Support Group for people living with memory loss, their families & carers. Residents, families and local dog owners also joined us for Woof Fest, our community dog show.

Save the Date!

We’d also love to welcome you to our Summer Fayre on Saturday 26th September, 11am–2pm, for a fun-filled day at Castle Lodge.

Enquire today 01985 440 321

chris.guest@countrycourtcare.com

www.countrycourtcare.com

Lounge and dine

along, entered their dogs and helped make Woof Fest an enjoyable and successful event. For more information about life at Castle Lodge, contact customer relations manager Chris Guest at chris.guest@ countrycourtcare.com or phone 01985 440321.

ABOUT 30 jobs will be created with the opening of Sereno Lounge in the former Original Factory Shop in Cheap Street, Sherborne, next month. The venue will be open all day seven days a week, and serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. It will have dedicated children’s, gluten-free and vegan menus, with everything from comfort food to healthier choices and indulgent treats. Families will also be catered for with games, books, colouring materials, high chairs and baby changing facilities. Sereno Lounge is opening on Wednesday, September 9.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

News

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Inspired by

HERITAGE .

At the heart of The Hamlet sits six substantial homes surrounding a central green. Located in Poundbury and enjoying views across open countryside, every home is distinctive, showcasing natural materials including slate and local Purbeck stone, alongside unique architectural features such as a traditional lychgate. Rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, The Hamlet brings together timeless design and exceptional quality in an exclusive collection of homes. Just six 3 & 4 bedroom homes, starting from £1,050,000.

SHOW HOME NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR VIEWING: Morrish Homes, 47 Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury, DT1 3SU 01305 213745 | poundbury@morrishhomes.co.uk | morrishhomes.co.uk

MORRISH HOMES

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

News

Poetry for hospital appeal POEMS by a retired English teacher, inspired by the memories he shares with his wife, Rosemary, who has been living with dementia for several years, will benefit Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal. John Cox’s book, Memories for Rosemary, is written to celebrate and renew memories of their lives together. Rosemary continues to recognise people and communicates her understanding through smiles and facial expressions. The inspiration for the book came after John wrote a sequence of poems for his wife. He said: “Last December I wrote A Christmas Crown for Rosemary, a sequence of 15 sonnets about our lives together. I read it to Rosemary and was deeply moved by her response. When I’d finished, I asked if it was all right. She smiled and actually said, ‘yes!’. The poetry somehow sparked in her

something beyond what talking might do. “I’ve gone on to write more poems in different forms, with travel often a recurring theme, and have also written about memories of my life before I met Rosemary. Having shared the poems with family and friends, I would like them to reach a wider readership and to benefit the Stars Appeal, which does such hugely important work for so many people.” The project also reflects Rosemary’s lifelong dedication to healthcare. A nurse throughout her career, she trained at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and worked as a coronary care nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital when she and John first met. After moving to Salisbury and raising a family, Rosemary returned to nursing at Salisbury District Hospital. She worked at the Spinal Treatment Centre before transferring to Salisbury

Hospice. Her final role was as a Sister, liaising with medical staff across the hospital on palliative care. John said: “Having given so much to so many during her working life, Rosemary is now the recipient of nursing care. Excellent nurses may not always make good patients, but she has become one.” In recognition of Rosemary's nursing career and the care she has received, all proceeds from sales of Memories for Rosemary will be donated to the Stars Appeal, the charity that supports Salisbury District Hospital. Dave Cates, from the Stars Appeal, said: “It is incredibly generous that the proceeds from Memories for Rosemary are coming to the Stars Appeal to support our work with patients and families at Salisbury Hospital. We are very grateful to John for choosing to support our charity in this way and wish him every success with the book.”

One-stop sight advice INDIVIDUALS living with sight loss are being invited to a Dorset Blind Association (DBA) event in Dorchester, showcasing the latest support, equipment and advice available. Families, friends and carers are also welcome at the charity’s annual Low Vision Day at The Dorford Centre in Bridport Road. The free of charge event will bring together leading organisations, healthcare professionals and specialist exhibitors, offering visitors the chance to discover practical solutions that can help people with sight loss live more independently. Among the highlights will be a live demonstration of Meta smart glasses by Vision Express Dorchester, showcasing how wearable AI technology is opening up new possibilities for people living with visual impairment. Visitors will also hear from consultant ophthalmologist Lucy Howe, who will present a talk on the latest advances in the treatment of macular conditions before hosting an interactive question and answer session focusing on Age-

related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Visitors will also be able to explore a wide range of low vision aids, meet local support organisations, discover assistive technology and speak with DBA’s community support workers. Leah Cross, community support manager at DBA, said: “Many people don’t realise how much support is available after a diagnosis of sight loss. “Low Vision Day gives people the opportunity to discover practical equipment, meet experts, experience the latest technology and find out what services are available locally, all in one place. “We’re incredibly grateful to Ridgewater Energy for their generous sponsorship. Their support enables us to bring together organisations like Vision Express Dorchester, alongside expert speakers such as Lucy Howe, helping us deliver what promises to be one of Dorset’s most informative events for people living with sight loss.” The event is on Saturday, November 21, 10am-2pm. Admission is free and no booking is required.

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Retired teacher John Cox

Copies of Memories for Rosemary cost £10 and are available from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row, Salisbury. The book can also be ordered online for £12, including postage and packaging, via www. memoriesforrosemary.org Through the sale of the book, John hopes to share the power of poetry, memory and love while supporting a charity that continues to make a difference to patients and families across the Salisbury area.

Saddle up

by Dilys Gartside DID you know – 70% of all journeys made in UK are five miles or less? A person of average fitness could cycle that in just 30 minutes. If you’d like to grow your confidence on two wheels and get out more, help is at hand. This autumn, the Big Bike Revival is offering free sessions to get you back in the saddle. Aimed at non-riders, lapsed riders or improvers, the free, two-hour sessions are delivered by myself – an instructor with over 20 years’ experience. In addition to the training sessions, Big Bike Revival participants can take part in a guided ride to practise their skills in the safety of a group and away from road traffic. Sessions are running throughout September and October – to join a session at a time that suits you, email me at cyclewisesouthampton@gmail.com Big Bike Revival is a governmentfunded scheme administered by CyclingUK and delivered by partners around the country. Find out more at www.cyclinguk. org/bigbikerevival.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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Panel open to question at ‘green’ forum EXPERTS on climate change and nature loss, and local politicians, will make up a BBC Question Time-style panel at the conclusion of this year’s Dorset COP, the annual ‘green’ forum. Dorset Council and BCP leaders Nick Ireland and Mille Earl will be joined by Dorset MPs Edward Morello (Lib Dem, West Dorset), Lloyd Hatton (Lab, South Dorset) and Simon Hoare (Cons, North Dorset) answering questions from members of a 200-strong audience at Kingston Maurward Coastland College, near Dorchester. The panel will also include independent climate experts General Richard Nugee, a leading contributor to the National Emergency Briefing

last November in Westminster; Olympian Laura Baldwin, who sits on the World Olympians Association’s environment committee and is an international ambassador for sustainability in sport; and environmental activist Caroline Dennett. This year’s fourth COP – Dorset’s equivalent of the international COPs or ‘Conference of the Parties’ – is on Saturday, November 14, and is being organised by Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) with Coastland College. The day-long event, focussing on ‘How to make an impact for climate and nature’, will include workshops, talks, clinics, seminars and

networking events during the day – details of which are still being finalised – as well as the Question Time afternoon highlight. For the first time this year, the Saturday event will be preceded by a special Youth COP on Friday – November 13 – aimed at students from local schools. DCAN chair Giles Watts said: “Since last year’s event, we’ve seen more climate records broken with severe flooding last winter and terrible wildfires across the UK and Europe in the longest sustained hot dry period since records began. “The case for reducing carbon emissions has never been stronger to tackle material

‘Info’ point on Hardy Way THE Marnhull Heritage Initiative has unveiled an updated Hardy Information Panel at The Crown in Marnhull. The Crown is generally thought to be the inspiration for the ‘Pure Drop Inn’ in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles and the previous panel had stood there for 40 years. The event was attended by David and Felicity Burnet from The Thomas Hardy Society, who read passages from Tess, describing Marnhull as “This fertile and sheltered tract of country, in which the fields are never brown and the springs never dry, is bounded on the south by the bold chalk ridge that embraces the prominences of Hambledon Hill, Bulbarrow, Nettlecombe-Tout, Dogbury, High Stoy, and Bubb Down.” The Crown at Marnhull stands on the 217-mile-long Hardy Way and, with support from Marnhull Parish Council and the Marnhull Hub, the Initiative has recently published

The information panel is unveiled at The Crown in Marnhull

The Hardy Trail leaflet. This highlights the key locations in ‘Marlott’ associated with Tess of the d’Urbervilles and can be found in and around Marnhull and on the website. Guided walks along the Hardy Trail are available, which take about 1-1.5 hours. The Marnhull Heritage Initiative is a local group, set up in 2025, which aims to preserve, promote and celebrate the heritage of Marnhull in all its forms – built, natural and cultural. It focuses on locally distinctive features of Marnhull’s historic character, as well as local stories that have

helped shape the village. The Initiative is currently working on a number of projects, including the production of a more detailed guidebook on Marnhull’s association with Hardy, supported by CG Fry and Sons, and is also planning to mark the centenary of Hardy’s death in 2028 with a series of events in the village. For more information on the Marnhull Heritage Initiative, visit www.marnhullheritage.org. uk, the ‘Marnhull Heritage Initiative’ Facebook page or email info@marnhullheritage. co.uk.

News

DCAN chair Giles Watts

threats to food supply, the economy and national security. Yet, despite some encouraging initiatives, we have seen little of the required urgency from our leaders. “We’re hoping this year’s Dorset COP… will help provide local groups with the skills and support they need to make a difference in their own communities.” For more information on Dorset COP 26 and to book tickets, visit www.dorsetcan. org.

Hospital riders

MEMBERS of staff at Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury took part in a sponsored static bike ride to raise money for the hospital day room refurbishment project. Service co-ordinator and personal assistant Jayne Simpson and senior sister Kate Norris were joined by colleagues in the event – and were pleased to welcome chief executive Matthew Bryant. The team pedalled the equivalent distance from the hospital to Westminster Abbey in London and back – a total of 220km – using two static bikes and raised nearly £700. Fundraising has already helped create the hospital’s memorial garden and refurbish its wellness room and end of life suite.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Letters

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Help us honour soldier who died I AM writing to the New Blackmore Vale from the Netherlands in the hope that readers can help us solve a long-standing historical puzzle and connect us with the family of a local Second World War hero. My name is Nico Verhoeven and I organise the annual remembrance ceremony in the village of Helvoirt in North Brabant, the Netherlands. Every year, we honour seven brave soldiers who were killed in action here on November 4, 1944, during the liberation of our country. One of these men was Private Philip Aylen – Service No. 573542 – who served with the 5th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). Philip was from your area. He was born in Blandford Forum, Dorset, on May 3, 1923. His parents were Thomas William Aylen and Phoebe May Olive. Philip was the youngest son in a large family, having three sisters and two brothers. His mother Phoebe passed away in September 1943, and just over a year later, Philip gave his life for our freedom at the age of 21. He is buried at the Bergen op Zoom war cemetery. In the Netherlands, we have never forgotten his sacrifice. However, we do not have a photograph of Philip, and we would dearly love to know what he looked like so we can display his portrait during our annual ceremonies. More importantly, we would love to get in touch with his surviving relatives – nieces, nephews or cousin generations – who might still live in Dorset or the surrounding counties. Often, families in the UK do not know that their uncles or great-uncles are still honoured with such dedication across the North Sea. If you are a relative of Philip

Phoebe Aylen, mother of Philip Aylen. Philip died in the Second World War aged just 21 in the village of Helvoirt in the Netherlands

Aylen, or if you have any information or photographs regarding the Aylen family from Blandford, please contact me. Help us bring his story full circle. Thank you for helping us honour a son of Dorset. Nico Verhoeven Helvoirt, The Netherlands (Email nicoverhoeven1@ outlook.com)

£2 bus fare good news for low paid I AM sorry that Mr B Borwell of North Dorset – New Blackmore Vale, August 14 – is `outraged’ that Andy Burnham will reduce the price cap of £3 to £2 on bus fares next January. Many public transport users will appreciate the saving of £1

a journey, especially those in minimum wage jobs or zero hours contracts to whom any financial help is invaluable. But as Mr Borwell is a pensioner, I am surprised he considers the above an issue because he is entitled to free travel on local bus services. The cost of the fare cap at about £450 million is effectively petty cash in Government accounts and is rather less than the support given to local authorities to administer and fund the free bus travel scheme for senior citizens. Rural Dorset has many attributes that attract people to live here, but public transport has never been in the equation for isolated and most rural communities, and Mr Borwell

SOMETHING TO SAY? Then email us at newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Letters

blackmorevale.net in choosing to live there has to accept that bus travel will rarely be available. He should also appreciate that any council will not prioritise pothole repairs on obscure country lanes, used extensively by sturdy agricultural vehicles, when there are many other highway demands. Realistically he should live with this situation or consider moving to a town where there are regular public transport links and therefore be less car dependent. Roy Mitchell Shaftesbury

BBC gets it wrong on weather stories LISTENING to the BBC News on Saturday at 8am, I was frustrated to hear back-to-back stories about the effects of our dry, hot weather – cows have little to eat, crops are failing, railway accidents due to overheated rails, fire destruction rampant. But not a SINGLE mention of Climate Change. Not one word. This would be like filling the news with the details of long waiting lists for surgery, people sleeping in hallways at A&Es, lack of consultant appointments, and poorly run mother and baby units, all without mentioning historic underfunding of the

NHS. Or indeed mentioning the NHS at all! People need to not only KNOW what is happening but given information about WHY it is happening. It is disturbing that the BBC is frightened to mention the causes of the issues we are facing and one has to ask why it is not allowed to connect even the most obvious dots! Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews Blandford

Question for the Loose Canon

SO, the Loose Canon compares ‘religious observance’ with ‘soccer enthusiasm’ – New Blackmore Vale, July 31. A question: does God greet us like a man who has just scored a goal – racing into the corner, bragging – or like a woman who’s just done that – turning round, opening wide her arms and full of glee? I know what I think! Hope I’m right! Rev Dr David Wheeler Via email

Cost of business on the High Street ONCE upon a time our towns had independent newsagents and many had a WH Smith store as well. Unfortunately, the

newsagents disappeared and now the successor to WH Smith is also going from our town centres. I am told this is because business rates and rents are too high. Surely landlords and councils will be the losers in the long term. Nick Smith Blandford Forum

£50 to winner of duck race

THE 26th annual duck race to be staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom will take place tomorrow –Saturday, August 29 – at 3pm. The ducks will be launched into the river at the bottom of Mill Lane, beside the Riverside Mews Café, and cross the finishing line beside the garden at the back of the Rising Sun in East Street. Ducks, at £1 each, will be sold outside Waitrose supermarket on Thursday and Saturday, August 27 and 29, and outside the Co-Op store in Crown Mead on August 22, 27, 28 and on race day. The winner will receive £50, 2nd £25, 3rd £10 and 4th, 5th and 6th £5 each. Wimborne in Bloom is grateful to Puddle Ducks Dorset for its kind sponsorship. Anthony Oliver MBE Wimborne

READER’S PICTURE

Watching brief: New Blackmore Vale reader Kevin King took this photo of two foxes near Madgeston

Tory precedents for ‘coronation’ I READ with amusement the part of the column by Dr Andrew Murrison, Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire, in which he bemoaned the fact that Andy Burnham had been recently ‘crowned’ the ‘King of the North’ and not elected – New Blackmore Vale, July 31. He seems to have forgotten the ‘Coronation’ of Teresa May in 2016, Liz Truss’s disastrous brief spell and the ‘reign’ of the hapless Rishi Sunak, none of whom was elected, either. Perhaps Dr Murrison should refrain from using such rhetoric when his party has been champion at putting its people in the top spot without the country having a say. Darren Lambden Via email

Paltry rise in pension

I HAVE just had wonderful news through the post. My pension has increased by 25p a week as I’ve just turned 80. I am hoping prime minister Andy Burnham will be visiting Sherborne on his countrywide tour when I can ask him: ‘Is this a sensible use of Government funds?’ Maggie Buckingham Via email

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026 BLACKMORE VALE

THE NEW

MAGAZINE

Edition 155 Edition 90

Z 10

Arrow words Modern Persian tongue

Jazz variant

Thrash

Rises

Z 10

Crossword 1

Tropical forest

Bistro

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Oral

13 10

ADSL provider (inits)

Male teacher

Peruses

Curve

Coniferous tree

Conflict

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D L A I R T H R P G N I S G I

Asian Countries

H N U U A O P S H P S E D U A

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D R I H R I A I T U J O I A B

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N N S M A A T O A I I D A T K

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A S K E J A U I N U F N E N N

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R A A A B O N H R I M A A N D

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P D A A S A D S L S Y R I A A

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Brain chain 34

-23

RESULT

+21

×1/2

-25%

×1/3

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Z 10

Sudoku 3D puzzle 5

MAGAZINE Edition 155 Edition 90

Cryptic crossword 1

THE NEW

BLACKMORE VALE

4 5

9 3 4 6 7 4 9 5 3 8 9 1 9 5 5 2 7 6 3 9 3 1 7 7 4 1 4 4 5 7 8 5 3 4 1 8 9 9 4 8 2 7 6 5 1 3 5 4 1 8 7

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23+

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-50

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For the

RESULT

-5

For the solutions, solutions, turn turn to to page page 86

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Don’t pass over the wonky carrot THIS summer’s extreme weather has brought home just how vulnerable our food system is to a changing climate. Across the country, farmers and growers have been battling prolonged heat and drought, and crops are showing the strain. Cauliflowers are turning yellow, cucumbers are growing in unusual shapes and potatoes are developing knobbly skins. The produce itself is not the problem. It remains perfectly safe, nutritious and good to eat. Yet it’s being rejected because it does not meet the strict cosmetic standards set by the retailers. One surplus food redistributor I spoke to recently told me they received 6,000 rejected cauliflower heads in a single week. Meanwhile, UK growers have reported retailers turning to imported produce to fill shortages rather than accepting British fruit and vegetables that might look a little different. That is simply not good enough.

Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke Here in Somerset, we know the enormous amount of effort that goes into producing our food. Farmers are already facing soaring costs and increasingly unpredictable weather. They should not then be penalised because a cucumber is not quite straight or a cauliflower is not perfectly white. That is why I have written to the Government calling for urgent action to stop perfectly good British food going to

waste. I want Ministers to work with supermarkets and retailers to introduce greater flexibility around cosmetic specifications during periods of extreme weather. I am also calling for stronger protections for farmers against unfair trading practices, so that growers are not left carrying all the risk when conditions beyond their control affect a crop’s appearance. But this is about much more than wonky vegetables. We need to look at the resilience of our whole food system. Food security is national security. If we want British farmers to continue putting food on our tables, we need to give them the tools to adapt to a changing climate. That includes investing in agricultural water infrastructure so farms can capture and store more water during our wet winters and use it through increasingly dry summers. It is also why I have been pushing forward my Good Food

Bill, which would put our long-term food security at the heart of Government decisionmaking and ensure farmers have the support they need to keep producing food here in Britain. We can all play our part too. Next time you’re grocery shopping, don’t pass over the wonky carrot, the yellow cauliflower or the misshapen cucumber, put it in your basket instead. It tastes exactly the same, and choosing it sends a message to retailers that consumers care more about substance and nutritional value than shape. I would much rather see nutritious British produce on our plates than it being left to rot in a field simply because it is not cosmetically perfect. As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk

Bluetongue is another challenge they simply do not need. Vaccination is currently the best way of protecting livestock from the disease. But when I speak to farmers, there are understandable concerns. Can they get hold of the vaccine when they need it? How much will it cost? What about additional vet bills? And what support is available when animals become seriously ill or die? The Government says it is working with vaccine manufacturers to improve supplies and is encouraging livestock keepers to speak to their vet – but farmers need more than advice. They need reliable access to vaccines, clear and up to date information, and practical support when their farms are affected. There are also concerns around reporting, mapping cases

and the wider financial impact of the outbreak. My Liberal Democrat colleague and neighbouring MP Sarah Dyke has been pushing Ministers for greater action, and I fully support her calls. Our farmers work incredibly hard to produce our food, support our rural economy and care for our countryside. When an outbreak like this happens, they need to know the Government is on their side. I will continue listening to farmers across South Somerset and pressing the Government to give them the practical support they need. If you keep livestock, please remain vigilant, speak to your vet about vaccination and report any suspected cases. Our farming families already have enough to deal with. They should not have to face bluetongue alone.

Bluetongue adds to farmers’ woes FARMING is part of everyday life across South Somerset. It supports our villages, our local economy and helps look after the countryside around us. That is why the growing number of bluetongue cases across our part of the country is so worrying. For anyone who isn’t familiar with it, bluetongue is a virus spread mainly by biting midges. It does not affect people and there is no risk to food safety, but it can have a devastating impact on livestock, including sheep, cattle and goats. Somerset has been particularly badly affected. By the middle of August, there had been 52 confirmed cases in Somerset. Across the UK, there had been more than 440 cases, with thousands more potential cases being investigated. Animals can suffer from fever, swelling, lameness,

Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance breathing difficulties and other serious symptoms. Sadly, in some cases animals have died. Behind every one of those cases is a farmer dealing with the worry, cost and practical impact on their farm. Our farming community is already under enormous pressure. The unusually hot and dry weather this summer has caused problems with crops, grazing and animal feed.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Time to rethink ‘grade boundaries’ SINCE the last publication we have now had both A level and GCSE results. As I wrote earlier in the year, we had two of our daughters doing both, so at times domestic stress levels were on the high side! I want to congratulate all the young students of North Dorset on their efforts before and during the exams and very much hope they secured the grades they wanted and deserved. One thing that has struck me through the process is the somewhat arbitrary nature of ‘grade boundaries’. These change every year, seemingly at the whim of the exam boards – of which, frankly, I have come to the conclusion there are too many – and can lead to dramatic changes year on year. I now believe that as we have a National Curriculum there should be a National Exam Board and that board should set the percentages required to

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare secure an A*, A etc. This would give much greater certainty to teachers and would certainly provide clear parameters for students. Moreover, for colleges, universities and employers, it would provide a much steadier template for offering places and jobs. As it stands, a grade A this

year might equate to an A* next and likewise a C this year could become a D. An element of flex in any set of rules is, I believe important, but there does seem too much when it comes to these mightily important and often life-dictating exams. Another area that clearly needs reform is the length of time it takes to undertake road or energy/water repairs. Two recent examples. The closure of the A31 affected adversely many of my Verwood and Alderholt constituents. The closure was as a result of a wildfire and significant damage was done and safety measures needing replacement. But did it really have to take as long as it did. Surely, on routes of national status, a 24/7 work programme should be put in place to speed the reopening of a major road route? 4An ingenious constituent has contacted me

with the suggestion that firebreaks should run along these routes so that, if drier hotter summers are to become a feature, and another fire breaks out, then limited negative impact is made on the road network operationality. I shall be taking this up with Highways England and ensuring that all the lessons learned from this are implemented. The same problem is arising in Tarrant Gunville where an inordinately – and I believe unjustifiably – long period of road closure is proposed to facilitate new service provision by SSE. The proposed road closures are four weeks on Church Hil and six weeks on Valley Road. That’s 10 weeks in total and given the works are scheduled for OctoberDecember what are the odds on adverse weather adding to the timetable? I am doing all I can to speed things up.

father was! You will need to book Bryan as a guest speaker – I definitely will be doing so – to find out which daughter! The service was officiated by Wimborne Minster’s Reverends Andrew Rowland, Roger Redding and Jonathan Herbert, and Betty Billington-Smith from Kushti Bok, and I was reassured by the way it interwove the elements of remembrance, prayers and music with the readings by Lynda Ford-Horne, chair of the Bournemouth and Poole Holocaust Committee, Kerri Brushett and Karen Packman, both from Kushti Bok, and Katie Lite, a New Forest Romany gypsy. I was elated to also get the opportunity to hear guest speaker Ashley Laverne Jackson, founder of PUSH: The Next Generation – she is a consummate professional and polished speaker, who effortlessly conveys an

authenticity and passion for her social change and civil leadership work. Ashley put the Romani and Sinti murders into the wider context of the evil nightmare that was Auschwitz and the fight for equity, equality and civil rights for all marginalised peoples that unfortunately continues to this day. The full Roma Holocaust Service is on YouTube – please watch when you can. I would rather be part of any solution than the problem. We protect race and religion in the Equality Act 2010 and media misinformation in the Online Safety Act 2023 – let’s use them both to preserve the rights of our gypsy sisters and brothers and foster good relations between us all. n My sincere condolences go out to the wife and children of Professor Jason Arday PhD PGCE MA BA. May he now rest in peace.

Roma and Sinti remembered THE annual memorial service in remembrance of the Sinti and Romani people persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust was a late addition to my diary at the start of the month. It was organised superbly by the Ferndown-based gypsy and traveller heritage charity Kushti Bok, and a wide selection of contributors provided all of us in attendance with a delicate balance of truth, education, passion, contemplation and warranted condemnation. I cannot stress how important it is to open our hearts and minds, to learning from the lived experiences of those around us, both in the present, as well as that of our ancestors. Kudos to Kushti Bok’s Bryan Keet for his presentation, ‘Romany Origins – A Brief History’ – well researched and packed with facts, truths and quite a few revelations. I thought I knew everything about the Tudors, especially

Candice JohnsonCole, on behalf of Dorset Labour Henry VIII. Bryan informed us of the king’s abhorrence of the gypsy people – he passed the Egyptian Act, which permitted the forced eviction, deportation and even death of gypsies. One of his daughters doubled down on this hatred and persecution by being even more hateful toward gypsies than her

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Politics

blackmorevale.net

Westbury whiffs and wildfires SINCE the late 1990s young people have too often been sold degrees on a false premise. It is blighting lives and damaging the country’s workforce on which our future growth depends. I approve of the Government’s stated intention to shift towards a skills-based future in higher and further education but the Chancellor must also come up with a better offer for existing graduates whose working lives are being plagued by impossibly high levies for debt that often will never be fully repaid. Indeed, many of those existing graduates are losing most of their income to high repayment thresholds plus income tax and National Insurance. This is plainly unsustainable, counterproductive and wrong. That is why I’ve signed a letter to the Chancellor, along with

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison 120 other MPs and peers from across party lines, calling for an urgent review before the Autumn Budget. It cannot and should not be allowed to go on like this. Nearer home, the Westbury Whiff hasn’t gone away. I heard from residents at the

Westbury MBT drop-in in Laverton last week who were unable to open their windows or enjoy their gardens this blistering summer thanks to the stench emanating from the Hills Waste bio-recycling site in Northacre. No fixes have worked. Time to decommission this antiquated operation – and bin plans for the burner next door. My constituents have put up with both for far too long. Then there’s the extraordinary spectacle of the Government using the national Emergency Alert system – designed, let us not forget, to warn the public of imminent emergencies such as nuclear attack – to remind people not to have a barbecue. I’m all for fire safety in this drought, but there is something faintly absurd, and a little insulting, about repurposing a system built for national survival into

a nanny-state nudge about sausages. If ministers want people to take wildfire risk seriously, they might start by not devaluing the very system meant to signal genuine national emergency. Which brings me to the fire itself. The blaze near the Westbury White Horse last month was a reminder of what our fire and rescue service is actually for, and why closing eight stations across Dorset and Wiltshire would be an act of self-harm. Retained firefighters got to that hillside fast because the infrastructure was still there to let them. With longer, hotter, drier summers now the pattern rather than rare exceptions, this is precisely the wrong moment to be totting up efficiency savings on the back of a fire engine. Keep the stations open – we’ll need them again in the years to come.

New NHS dentistry school needed ACCORDING to analysis by the Nuffield Trust, nearly 600 dentist practices have stopped delivering NHS dentistry over the last 10 years. Dorset is the fourth worst affected, with a 20.4% reduction in the number of practices offering NHS services. This will come as no surprise to anyone living in West Dorset, where getting an NHS appointment is as close to impossible as it gets. My inbox is full of stories of people suffering with unimaginable pain, unable to find an appointment anywhere. In fact, I recently had one constituent tell me that when they looked on the NHS portal to try and find an emergency appointment, they were told their closest was Bristol, but in the time it took for them to work out if they could get there, it had already gone. I

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset Edward Morello have had reports of children missing school, and stories of people resorting to removing their own teeth. It is why I, and my South Dorset neighbour, have been pushing so hard for a new NHS dentistry school to be set up in

either Dorchester or Weymouth. I have also been pushing for a change in the rules to mandate that trainee dentists can only do NHS work while in training, as this would dramatically increase the number of appointments locally. I also want to ensure that all Dorset’s NHS dentistry budget gets spent. My Mid-Dorset & North Poole colleague recently highlighted that as much as £17 million went unspent last year. That is money for NHS dentistry services funded but not delivered. I met the Minister for Care several times to push for improvements in Dorset NHS dentistry, the need for a local training school and changes to training rules. He was extremely receptive. Sadly, with the change of Prime Minister, as so often happens, we have a change of

Dorset has seen a 20.4% reduction in the number of practices offering NHS services over the last 10 years

Minister, and so the work begins again. I have written to the new Minister to outline the appalling state of NHS dentistry in Dorset and requested a meeting. It will take time before we start to see any improvement, but it will take even longer if we don’t act now. I hope the new Minister will be moved to action.

SOMETHING TO SAY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Church

blackmorevale.net • 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, 2.30pm3.30pm, term times only. Tuesday – Footprints, activities playtime for pre-school children, 10am-11.30am and 1.15pm-2.45pm, term times only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – small groups meet at homes at 7.30pm. • 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.• Friends of Sherborne Abbey: Wednesday, October 7, coffee morning 10.30am-1pm in the church hall.• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion. • Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion. • Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church. • Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am

Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service. • Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details. • Milton-on-Stour Church: Sam Woodcock’s imagined conversation with the artist John Constable on Friday, September 25, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Free entry but donations in aid of the church welcome. Refreshments, raffle and parking at the school alongside (SP8 5QD). • 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 Team Benefice: August 30 – Margaret Marsh Team service at 10am. No other services in Shaftesbury. September 6 – St Peter’s All Age Worship, 10am; St James, no service; Enmore Green Parish Communion, 11.15am; Margaret Marsh Matins, 11.15am, Motcombe Evening Communion, 6pm. • Sherborne Abbey: Sunday, 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist and 6pm Choral Evensong. 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: Friends outing to Gloucester Cathedral on Wednesday, September 16. Coach leaves Culverhayes car park at 9am and departs Gloucester by 6.45pm at the latest. Coach travel, cathedral tour and afternoon tea £38. • Stour Vale Benefice: Sunday, August 30 – 9.15am Parish Communion, St Andrew’s, Todber; 11am Benefice Songs of Praise, St Mary’s, West Stour. Sunday, September 6 – 9.15am Parish Communion, St Andrew’s, Todber; 10am Morning Worship, St Mary’s, West Stour; 11am Parish Communion, Christ Church, East Stour. • 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 John’s Church, Enmore Green: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion the first Sunday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday. • St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0AZ: Alternating first Sundays Mattins and Holy Communion, 11.15am. • St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm. • St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First, third and fourth

Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion. • St Mary & St Bartholomew’s Church, Cranborne: Book of Common Prayer Evensong with the Benefice Choir, first Sunday of the month at 6pm. • St Mary’s Church, Stalbridge: All Sunday Services start at 9.30am. Rector, Canon Richard – phone 01963 363367; email canonrick@icloud.com • St Nicholas, Durweston: Family Communion Service every first Sunday of the month 11am; Evening Service every third Sunday of the month 6pm. • St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion. • St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second Sunday, Holy Communion 11am; third Sunday, Evensong 6pm; fourth Sunday, Matins 11am. • Sturminster Christian Fellowship: Service every Sunday at 10.30am. • Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, August 30 – 10.45am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton; 3.30pm Hymns and Pimms at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury. Thursday, September 3 – 10am BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford. Sunday, September 6 – 10.45am Together Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury. Coffee and Cake – Spetisbury 10am-11.30am, first and third Monday each month; Coffee and Cake – Blandford St Mary 10am-11.30am, September 17; Crafternoons – first Thursday of every month 2-4pm. £3 including refreshments; Coffee Stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm – Tuesday to Friday.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Items for sale

blackmorevale.net FERGUSON STEREOGRAM MODEL 3363. On legs can be used as coffee table. 46” x 19” £50 01747-840835

MOBILE PHONE BERGSTROM 4G phone, brand new, in box, unwanted gift. £40 o.n.o. Tel: 077122-38371

KITCHEN TENT, 1800x1400, interlocking metal frame, £60. Buyer to collect, Sherborne. Tel: 07818-080173

BAMBOO / WICKER CHAIR, slightly reclining for patio or indoor 45 pounds call Jan 07990-239978

PLANT POTS - Plastic - 150 + c. 15 ‘TRAY’ packs, various sizes. £10 Street 01458 443264

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

GAS ROOM HEATER with large cylinder nearly full. £40 Tel: 01963 220464

CLASSIFIED ADS BIKE RACK - Thule Velo Compact 925 bike rack includes loading ramp. As new condition and rarely used. £250 For more details pandlhopkins@ btinternet.com

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS 2 x STAIRGATES BY SAFETY 1st 69cm wide 73cm high £15 each or £26 both. 2 x freestanding towel rails chrome effect 82cmhigh 50cmwide £5 each or £8 both 07969-288043

DIFFERENT HARD WOODS, £10 upwards. Old wooden moulding planes, £10 upwards. Tel: 07503-850209

PERFORM BAND SAW £40, ono. 07855 557585.

PUZZLES 1000 PIECES all complete in good condition. Waggle, raven etc £2.50 each. 01747 851296

LARGE DOG CRATE. 42inWx29inDx32inH. Good condition. £25. Sherborne. 07512-626054

FRUIT PRESS VIGO HOBBY 6ltrs, 26cms H, 20cms W. As new with instructions. £45. 07858 263179

18 INCH WHITE TEDDY BEAR. Never used, still packaged. £20. Tel: 01749 830241

PRO-KLEEN ORGANIC TOILET Sanitizer for caravan/ motorhome . 2 x 2ltrs £20. Unopened. 07874 266213

GAMING/ OFFICE CHAIR, blue & black,faux leather from Argos. Good condition £10 Tel 07951-132253 OMLET EGLU GO. Classic chicken house and run £40.00. 01258-455838/07716-762427 CozyPet 36” car dog cage unused in original packaging. Plastic tray. W90xD59xH69cm. £35. 01963 362594. ALUMINIUM EXTENDING LADDER. £45.Buyer to collect from Sherborne. Tel: 07818-080173 BOSCH BUILT IN OVEN and matching hob £10. Toilet with matching cistern £10. Electric tile cutter £15. Manual slide tile cutter £12 phone: 01747 854850 1 DOZEN WALL FLOWERS, for £1. Tel: 07811-008737

VINTAGE RUSTIC WOODEN seven tread Aframe stepladder ideal for displaying or upcycling. £50 Stalbridge. 07933-737265 . LADIES GOLF CLUBS plus bag, trolley, battery & charger £50 01747 859973 DUSTBIN TYPE INCINERATOR. £5 Gillingham Tel: 01747-229148 10 SHELL CLASSIC SPORTS CAR models. 5 Days Gone By models. Mint, boxed. £20 for the lot Tel:01749 813529 HOTPOINT FRIDGE FREEZER, 188cm high x 60cm wide, 50/50 fridge freezer, gwo, slight split to freezer seal. FREE to collect. Tel: 07919-214864 BEKO WTK82041W, washingmachine, slight leak from waste hose. GWO. FREE to collect. Tel: 07919-214864

LIVARNO folding camp bed. Excellent condition. £20.00 Tel 07765-800413 GAS BOTTLE: Camping gaz blue bottle refillable. , carry a spare you might need it. £15.00. 07973-686179

4-WHEEL WALKER. Blue. As new. Just weeks old. Never been outside. Seat, basket, collapsible. Cost £90, accept £45. 07776 147242

RABBIT HUTCH VGC. 42inWx16inDx21.5inH. Folding run to suit.£50 the pair. Tel: 07512-626054

READING FLOOR LAMP dimable wood effect g.w o. coppers £25 07899-691847

FOLDABLE DOG CAGES, OF METALMESH, with Trays, One 800X600X650mm. £25 One 1050X700X700mm £35 collect Gillingham, T 01747-824240.

AIR RHINO TYRE PRESSURE kit, Brand new, never been used. £20 Tel No 01935 509227

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WANTED JAMES BUYS VINYL RECORDS. Call: 07970-769946

CIGARETTE CARDS WANTED. Bought for cash. Fair prices paid. Phone Kevin. 07907-888672

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

ALL THINGS VINYL. Turntables, HiFi Separates, Amplifiers, Records particularly LP’s from the 60’s to present day. We collect and pay good prices. We even take the dust! Call Andrew 07799-417711

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

Antiques & Collectibles

WANTED Classic Cars & Motorbikes For private collection Call 07885 373113 or 01278 431244 Graham

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

A charming original watercolour by Louis Wain sold for £11,000 hammer

Cool for cats – £11,000 picture THE summer sales have come to an end at Clarke’s Auctions and it is now taking entries for its Friday and Saturday, September 11-12, sale.

Classified advertising

place your ad today

email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

BUSBY

For anyone who has anything they are thinking of selling, now is a good time to get in touch.

Auctioneers & Valuers

Continued on page 46

Fine Art & Antiques Sale

Thursday 17th September Viewing 15th & 16th 10am - 5pm

Next Sale

European Ceramics & Glass; Clocks & Instruments; and Antique Furniture & Objects Saturday 12th September 2026 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

A Ceylon sapphire & diamond pendant.

SOLD FOR £10,000

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

Contact info@busby.co.uk 01308 420 100

The Old Hemp Store North Mills Bridport DT6 3BE

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Antiques & Collectibles

Advertiser’s announcement

Auction house’s upcoming sales ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, is holding another two-day auction this month. An Antiques & Collectors sale will be held on Thursday, August 27, 10am, with Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, August 28, 10am. Viewing is on Wednesday, August 26, 10am-4pm. The catalogue and bidding are available online through easyliveauction.com and thesaleroom.com. Next month’s auctions are on Thursday, September 24, when it is General Antiques & Collectables, with Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, September 25. 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. 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: Textiles & Fashion, Monday; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Monday; Jewellery & Watches, Tuesday; Silver & Obje’t D’art, Tuesday; Toys & Collectables, Wednesday; Oriental & Asian, Thursday; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera, Friday; Militaria, Friday. 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

ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE

GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Thursday 27th August 10am

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 28th August 10am

Viewing

Wednesday 26th August 10am-4pm

Antique portrait oil painting of Sophia Frances Harington 1809-79 Est. £300 - £500

Call to sellers

Continued from page 45

Clarke’s is looking for furniture, silver, gold and jewellery, ceramics and glass, modern and traditional art, rugs, watches and more, and is happy to advise on anything prospective sellers may be considering putting into auction. Its August sale produced some excellent results including a charming original watercolour by Louis Wain which sold for £11,000 hammer. The painting came from the deceased estate of a wellrespected London antiques dealer and attracted strong bidding online and on the phone before being bought by a leading London gallery. Born in London in 1860, Louis Wain became a full-time illustrator and is best known for

blackmorevale.net his drawings of cats dressed and behaving like people. In the jewellery section, a Georgian yellow metal necklace sold for £4,000 hammer, while a fine 17th/18th-century Flemish tapestry achieved £4,900 hammer. Measuring 10ft by 6ft and depicting a classical scene, the tapestry would probably originally have been used to help insulate the stone walls of stately homes and palaces. Following some very good results from the August sale, the September auction is taking shape. Clarke’s would be pleased to hear from anyone who has items they would like valued or is considering selling –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 & & Saturday Saturday12th 10th August Friday 11th September Viewing Wednesday 9th, Thursday 10th and Friday 11th from 9.00am to 4.30pm

An Omega De Ville gentleman’s wristwatch Sold for £750

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, August 28, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Advertiser’s announcement

Clock could sell for £3,000

DUKE’S auction house presents antique and modern gifts of distinction in next month’s Interiors & Design auction. Step inside Duke’s everevolving emporium, where history, artistry and craftsmanship come together in the Interiors & Design sale on Thursday, September 3. Featuring a carefully curated selection of fine art, period furniture and decorative objects, the sale offers everything from classical paintings and intriguing miscellanea to exquisite porcelain, silver and contemporary design. Each lot has its own story, bringing timeless elegance and character to any interior. A highlight is an exceptional

Atmos Royale Clock – pictured – estimated to sell for £1,500£3,000. Celebrated for its ingenious engineering and refined design, it is a striking example of enduring craftsmanship. Duke’s Interiors & Design sale is more than an auction, it is a celebration of exceptional objects and their enduring appeal. Whether you’re an experienced collector or searching for a unique statement piece, this sale offers the opportunity to acquire treasures that will be admired for generations, continuing their remarkable stories in new homes. The full catalogue is now online at Dukes-auctions.com to view and bid.

Antiques & Collectibles

Italian motorbikes going for auction ONE man’s collection of nearly 30 motorcycles is being sold in the Charterhouse auction of Classic & Vintage motorcycles later this year. “It is an amazing collection of bikes, predominantly Italian, which spans models produced from the 1930s onwards and is only being sold due to advancing years,” said George Beale, from the auction house. The earliest bike is a 1935 Moto Guzzi 500S estimated at £5,000-£6,000. The owner’s pride and joy in

the collection is a 1985 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood replica with under 29,000 miles, estimated at £8,000-£10,000. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this auction being held at the Haynes Motor Museum on Thursday, November 26. George Beale and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, are available for motorcycle valuations on 01935 812277 or via bikes@charterhouseauction.com This 1985 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood replica from the collection is estimated to sell for £8,000£10,000

19th November

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

blackmorevale.net

World of music at town church In the picture (from left) Richard Nye, Andrew White, Kirsten Johnson and Sarah Clevely

REVIEW ST MICHAEL’S Church in Mere hosted a concert of new music from around the globe when Dr Andrew White, Professor of Voice at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, stopped off on a five-day ‘tour’ of the UK. He presented a programme showcasing his work with the New York-based new music organisation Vox Novus. Founded by the composer Robert Voisey, the organisation aims to promote new music through positive collaboration between performers and composers. To date 500 concerts have taken place in more than 30 countries worldwide. Andrew’s concert in Mere comprised a first half from his Fifteen Minutes of Fame series where composers create a work for baritone, no more than one minute long for solo voice or

accompanied by a ‘fixed media’ soundtrack. These works were superbly presented, with Andrew’s voice filling the nave of the church, accompanied by a wide range of electronic and acoustic sounds. Oxford-based composer and pianist Kirsten Johnson was in the audience to hear her atmospheric work, Do You Bloom performed with skill and precision. Swanage-based composer Sarah Cleverly was also in attendance to hear her work As the Rain, a beautiful setting of a

Gaelic prayer sung unaccompanied, as the first half came to an end. The second half was devoted to the world première of The Fragmentalist, by Sturminster Newton’s Richard Nye. This music theatre work in three ‘acts’ is accompanied by a complex fixed media soundscape, comprising electronics, sound samples and recordings of acoustic instruments. Andrew expertly delivered the piece, bringing the reclusive central character to life, trying

to keep control of his existence, make sense of his situation and deal with the hostile world around him. The concert was very well received with many in the audience sharing their delight at being treated to something completely new. Andrew himself was very pleased with the reception he received, with the music he performed transcending boarders, cultures and political challenges. Vox Novus provides composers from all backgrounds and walks of life opportunities to create new music, through, among others, the continuing Fifteen Minutes of Fame initiative. Mere’s concert was filmed and will shortly be broadcast in New York via the Composer’s Voice cable channel and online via its YouTube channel. More information can be found at voxnovus.com

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Step back in time and relive the golden age of rock and roll as The Class of ‘55 reunites for one unforgettable night celebrating the legendary sounds of Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis! Fri 28th August 7.30pm Tickets £28.50

SNAKE OIL & FRIENDS A NIGHT IN NASHVILLE Get ready for a heartwarming, feelgood Country Rock and Tex Mex show with Snake Oil Band and Friends. Sat 5th Sep 7.30pm Tickets £17.50

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VOODOO ROOM: A NIGHT OF HENDRIX CLAPTON AND CREAM Weds 2nd Sept 7.30pm Tickets £24.50

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THIS WORK CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGES WHICH MAY AFFECT VIEWERS WHO ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY Fri 4th, Mon 7th, Tue 8th and Wed 9th Sept 7.30pm Matinee Tue 8th Sept 2pm Adult: £9.00 evening/ £8.00 matinee Child under 16: £7.00

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

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Behind the masks women must wear “SHOW no pity”, the Marquise de Merteuil advises her charges in Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and director Marianne Elliott shows none for her characters whose attitudes and exploits are savagely punished in this outstanding revival at the National Theatre. Giving precedence to the exploitation, assaults and deceptions endured by women in the play over the louche, bad boy charm of the Vicomte de Valmont, Elliott’s control and combination of staging techniques, dance and performance offer a mercilessly contemporary commentary that looks behind the masks women must wear to survive. Frustrated that her favourite schemer Valmont is pursuing a dutiful and married woman, the Marquise de Merteuil agrees to wager a night with herself if Valmont can produce proof that he has bedded Madame de Tourvel.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre

But having been crossed in her own affairs by a lover who now plans to marry the virginal Cecile, she also requires Valmont to seduce the 16-yearold as punishment. It’s all great sport until the consequences of their actions rebound. Lesley Manville’s Merteuil is a scarlet vision of power and

Rising stars on the choral scene

seductive prowess – yet Elliott never loses sight of her commentary, that women are exploited, oppressed and shamed, having to conceal themselves behind layers of compliance, given only two choices – control society or be consumed by it. And this concept is powerfully played, opening

with tones of the Liaisons everyone remembers – the audience chuckling at the fateful bargain that Valmont and Merteuil strike up, enjoying his naughty reputation right up until the moment he forces himself on Cecile. Suddenly, the music becomes ominous, the tone shifts, and we see him as only a predator and his actions nothing short of sexual assault. From this moment, everything unravels for the leads. The second part of the play sees the pair lose control of their game entirely, destroying everything, even themselves, and Elliott metaphorically smashes their glamorous, exciting world at a gathering pace. Les Liaisons Dangereuses is screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Sunday, August 30, at 7pm. Tickets online or from the box office. CONTRIBUTED London vocal ensemble Siglo de Oro are coming to Dorchester

THE outstanding London vocal ensemble Siglo de Oro, and their conductor Patrick Allies, will give the first concert in the new season of performances at St Peter’s Church in Dorchester. Siglo de Oro are rising stars on the international choral scene with a recent Wigmore Hall residency, tours of the US and Canada, and concert and festival appearances throughout the UK and Europe.

At their performance in Dorchester on Friday, September 4, at 7pm they will present Stargazing, an ethereal programme of choral works from across the ages, including works by James MacMillan, Taverner and Monteverdi. Tickets are £20 and available online at ticketsource.co.uk/ st-peters-church-dorchester Music at St Peter’s presents a busy schedule of choral services,

recitals and concerts each year. Season highlights include a candlelit performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations by the Royal College of Music harpsichord scholar Markus Sandler in November, and a performance of Handel’s

Messiah given by the Choir & Orchestra of Music at St Peter’s in December. Full details and the autumn music brochure are available from the Music at St Peter’s website, www.musicatstpeters dorchester.org

BROADSTONE Players are set to stage their ever popular Plays ‘n’ Chips event, a tradition they have been upholding for over 30 years. Audiences sit at tables, watch three one-act plays and enjoy a

hot supper and a raffle. This year’s plays are all comedies and showcase several actors new to Broadstone, as well as three directors making their debut with the Players. Plays ‘n’ Chips is at

Broadstone War Memorial Hall theatre on Fridays and Saturdays, September 4-5, and 11-12, and includes a hot supper in the price of £16. A matinee will be staged on Saturday, September 5, at

2.15pm, with a Dorset cream tea included in the £13 ticket price. A licensed bar will be on offer. Tickets are available from honsec@broadstoneplayers. co.uk or phone 01202 678449.

Play time is supper time

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Espionage on agenda at authors’ event TWO of Britain’s most acclaimed espionage writers, Nicholas Shakespeare and Charles Cumming, will be talking about their work at Messums West in Tisbury next week. They will talk about the inspiration behind their latest novels, Frame 37 and Icarus 17, as well as the enduring appeal of espionage fiction and the art of building suspense. Shakespeare’s Frame 37 follows former journalist John Dyer as he investigates the death of an old friend and uncovers a political conspiracy rooted in a crime committed over 40 years earlier. Shakespeare is an awardwinning novelist and biographer whose books include The Dancer Upstairs, Snowleg, The Sandpit, Priscilla and Six Minutes in May as well as acclaimed biographies of Bruce Chatwin and Ian Fleming. He has twice been longlisted for the Booker Prize and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of

Literature. Cumming’s Icarus 17 sees BOX 88 intelligence chief Lachlan Kite return to the field after a former lover asks for his help in finding her missing son. What begins as a search in Athens quickly becomes an international race against time. Cumming is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of 13 novels, including A Spy by Nature, Typhoon, The Trinity Six, the Thomas Kell trilogy and the BOX 88 series. He is also a screenwriter, with credits including the Gerard Butler film Plane. The conversation, hosted by Chloe Fox of Fox & King Books, will be followed by questions from the audience and a book signing. Tickets for the event on Wednesday, September 2 – doors and bar open 6pm; conversation 7pm-8pm – cost £10 and can be redeemed against a book purchased at the event.

THE Fisherton Mill art gallery in Salisbury is hosting an exhibition by Louise Bougourd next month. The award-winning artist has been sketching and painting the landscape for over 30 years. Her latest collection, The Stillness of Becoming, is an evocative series of abstracted landscapes in mixed media and oils.

Louise’s work has been exhibited at many prestigious venues including Mall Galleries London, Chelsea Art Society, Society of Women Artists and the Royal Institution. The exhibition at Fisherton Mill runs from Saturday, September 5, to Monday, September 28. She will be available for meet the artist events on both of those dates from 11am-3pm.

Events

blackmorevale.net

That’ll Be The Day will be at Weymouth, Yeovil and Bournemouth

Rocking and rolling back the years ROCK ‘N’ ROLL theatre show That’ll Be The Day will be taking in Weymouth, Yeovil and Bournemouth as part of a 36-date nationwide tour when it returns next month with a new production. The show, which has

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entertained audiences for decades, combines live music, comedy and nostalgia, and celebrates iconic hits from the 1950s through to the 1980s. The production is refreshed with new content each year and has built a loyal fanbase across the UK – and raised more than £1 million for charities including Childline, Make-A-Wish and Help for Heroes. That’ll Be The Day is at the Pavilion Theatre, Weymouth, on Saturday, September 2; the Westlands Entertainments Venue, Yeovil, on Thursday, September 3; and the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth, on Friday and Saturday, September 4-5.

COMPTON ABBAS “VINTED” sale and coffee morning. Saturday 12 September 1030-200 @ village hall

Theatre on screen 90,000 readers could be

NETHER Compton Village Hall is showing the latest National Theatre Live performance, Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The screening is on Friday, September 11, at 7pm, and tickets priced £15 are available from lynncarter349@gmail.com or on 07776 218350. See previous page for full review.

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01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Events

blackmorevale.net

Fun for all the family at Fordingbridge! ADVERTISING FEATURE

elcome to the Steam and Vintage Festival in Fordingbridge, Hampshire this our 4th year hosting this event. After such tremendous support from exhibitors to the public we have decided to return in 2026. We have lots of fun filled entertainment for the whole family. We are a group of people that have come together to create a family friendly event. We had a pre 1970’s theme that we have now increased the age to include the classic cars and have brought it up to the 2000’s which means you can bring along that Escort or Sierra that you are so proud of. If you want, you can dress up and join in you can or just enjoy seeing what we have. We will have also have a selection of new farm equipment as well as Steam Engines, miniature and full size, Vintage Tractors, Classic Cars and Motorbikes, Traditional Ploughing and Farming equipment, as well as animals, performers, and horses to see. We have a bar plenty of food and live bands in the evening. Our vision is for everyone to enjoy exhibiting their pride and joy, as well as the public enjoying spending the day with us, don’t forget your dogs, as long as they are on leads. We have plenty of free parking too.

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Home & Garden

Sunshine in the garden: The joy of flowering salvias by Sally Gregson THIS glorious summer has been generous with flowers, none more so than those of the flowering salvias. These beauties, which were once quite unusual, now seem to fill the borders of every open garden this summer. Some of the best for our hot, dry, sunny summer are the hybrids of Salvia greggii. This species is native to the southern states of north America – south west Texas and into Mexico. It has that happy Mexican disposition. The colours of the flowers are bright and clear, reflecting the sunshine. Each individual flower lasts a short time, but every one that fades is replaced the following morning. The effect is joyous. This species, like so many salvias, flowers over a long period, tolerates long spells of dry, sunny weather, and attracts lots of bees and butterflies. In

Salvia Mirage Cherry Red makes the classic red and green combination very successfully

south west USA it would be pollinated by hummingbirds. But perhaps that is a little too optimistic for Great Britain. Many gardeners are already quite familiar with Salvia greggii Hot Lips. Many plants

Drought-tolerant plants for summer gardens by Sally Gregson THIS summer is proving to be especially difficult for many gardens and gardeners. Not only the lack of rain, but the intensity of the heat is exceptional. But it is always possible to grow those plants that are suited to such conditions. Plants that come from southern Europe in particular have proven their ability to grow and flourish in these scorching temperatures. Beth Chatto’s dictum ‘the right plant in the right place’ has, as always, proven correct. She would be smiling to see all her sun-lovers growing away so happily. While we are a long way from her stamping-ground

in Colchester, the dry heartland of Essex, we can see from the nursery’s website how well her planting is doing. Beth Chatto researched the plants she put In, especially when she turned her car park into a dry garden. Famously she chose drought-tolerant plants such as silver-leaved lavenders, santolina and catmints that grow in dry, poor soils in full sun in their native habitats. She mixed them with shrubby Cistus and x Halimiocistus, and Osteospurmum, interspersed with grasses and bulbs that naturally thrive on poor, dry soils. Chatto started in the winter

have grown up to one metre in all directions, quite unfazed by our winters. Their bi-coloured flowers seem sometimes in some years to become all-white, or all red, and then the following year they are bi-

blackmorevale.net coloured again. And some of the newer hybrids are equally floriferous. Salvia Mirage Cherry Red makes the classic red and green combination very successfully and seems to be equally hardy. And S. Mirage White also seems to be hardy and tough with big, bright white flowers. It is a plant that has already become a great favourite for our hot summer gardens. They benefit from being trimmed and tidied in spring – they get a little straggly over the course of our usual wet winters. But provided the soil is well drained, and the situation in full sun, they ‘come back’ well after their spring ‘haircut’. However, most ‘wise’ gardeners take a few cuttings during the growing season and over-winter them on a sunny windowsill or under glass. ‘Just in case’. The softwood cuttings root easily and the little plants respond to being potted in spring. Keep the youngsters out of the way of any late spring frosts and the garden will be full of clear, bright colour again throughout next summer. Beth Chato’s new gravel garden was planted to cope with a dry, hot summer

by digging in plenty of garden compost and grit to put the compacted soil of the old car park in good heart. The plants were put in and initially watered very well to ‘set them up’ for what she thought was to come. However, little did she know that the first summer would see record temperatures and drought – sound familiar? But she stuck to her plan. If a plant died, she mourned its passing but did not re-plant that particular one. And by the end of the first year the new gravel garden was declared

a success. She never watered that area again. She had proved that by selecting plants that are naturally suited to their environment, gardeners could avoid lots of excessive, and expensive, watering. It had suddenly become completely unnecessary. The Dry Gravel Garden is now a template for anyone who gardens in similar conditions. As are all the other specialist areas of her lovely garden that is so up-to-the minute.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Home & Garden

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SKIP HIRE 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 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.

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

CLIVE SMITH (See Condition 17 overleaf).

Vehicle Registration

Driver

Customer

Address

ANYTIME

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

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Description

DATE

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Mixed Con, Brick

170107

4 Yrd

Concrete

170101

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Soil & Stone

170504

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G Mixed Waste

170904

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

• Fully qualified & insured tree surgeon • All aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting & stump grinding • Competitively priced • Free no obligation quotes

07851 498248 01747 828460 damorytreecare@yahoo.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

Get in the Garden

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

SUMMER bedding displays can be kept on top form using several techniques. Firstly, regular dead heading as flowers begin to go over will have a significant impact. Dead heading is the removal of flowers as they fade but before they turn to seed. Once seed has set an annual plant knows its job is done with the next generation planned and so flowering slows up or stops. Dead heading convinces the plant that more work is to be done and so it continues to flower. Regular and even watering will also keep bedding plants flowering. Allowing a basket or tub to dry out will even for a short time inevitably lead to a temporary halt to the display. If this has happened, then soak the basket a few times before feeding with a general fertiliser, such as Miracle Gro, Phostrogen or Maxicrop, to rejuvenate the plants. If in good shape, though, a weekly feed with a high potash fertiliser, such as Tomorite, will help keep a summer bedding display in flower. However, as day length reduces and night temperatures fall, so the potential of the plants to produce flowers will decline. This may not occur until late September, but should your displays have become tired then it may be time to start to include autumn and winter bedding varieties. With this summer’s weather, the displays may also lose their lustre sooner than normal. The leading lights in this group are, of course, the winter pansies and violas. The pansies come in a vast range of colours and many varieties now have huge flower heads. Violas too have a similar colour range with smaller, neater flowers. The latter also tend to cope with less favourable conditions and will still produce colour even in the toughest part of the winter. Other autumn and winter bedding plants are old favourites that have had a resurgence of interest, often in

the form of new improved varieties. Included here are the daisies known as bellis with their giant daisy flowers in the autumn and again in the early spring. The distinctive forget-me-nots are a delight with the traditional blue flowered forms my favourite, although the white and pink forms too are a delight. It’s time, too, to plant sweet williams, a form of dianthus, for early spring flowers. These are also available as ‘bare rooted’ plants, along with wallflowers and cheiranthus. Bare root plants are now a rarity, but we still stock them because it’s the best value and quality way of growing wallflowers and the like. At this stage of the year, of course, they are just green leaves but tend to be planted now as they are biennial with flowers produced in the spring of their second year. As a centrepiece to a tub, the autumn ‘Mums’, a group of naturally dwarf chrysanthemums, produce a huge show of blooms from now until the first nasty frost of the winter. They are, however, perennial and hardy, and so will come back again in the spring where they are best used as a border plant. Around such can be planted several alpine plants which will provide interest and excitement either with their foliage, for example, ajuga and sedum, or with their flowers, such as allysum saxatile or aubretia. The great thing about this is that these plants can be reused elsewhere in the garden come the spring. When planting tubs and baskets for the winter, bear in mind that at the darkest hour bulbs will come to the rescue and so planning ahead by under planting your displays now with dwarf narcissi and daffodils, plus the smaller bulbs, such as chionodoxa, crocus and dwarf iris will produce dramatic results when all else is struggling.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Home & Garden

blackmorevale.net

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

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

TREEWISE

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

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

Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814 246332

Garden & Property Maintenance

HANDYMAN SERVICES Available. Call Gavin. Tel: 07495-892240 WANTED Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975 HEDGE CUTTING AND GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE. Call David on: 07786-658708

BL GROUNDWORKS

FENCING & LANDSCAPING 07765 930317 Blewiscontracting@gmail.com

Call For

A Free cooperg685@gmail.com

Quote

07754 821 232

A FRIENDLY FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS

rth Dorset Surgeons North Tree Dorset Tree Surgeons

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

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

fessionalProfessional ExperiencedExperienced Reliable

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

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

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING - Your local mobile service 07760 469411

Family run Door and Window installations and repairs company with 20 years’ experience We’ll help you fall in love with your home again at an affordable price

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

Call for a free quote on

or view our gallery at www.lovedoorsandwindows.co.uk

HEDGE CUTTING AND LAWN MOWING SERVICES, ShaftesburyBlandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130 ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 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

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

LOGS

WINDOWS & DOORS

01747 859 209 / 07429 680 959

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

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £200 transit load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250 LOGS R US Tipper Load £200 Half Tipper Load £100 dumpy bag £90 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Home & Garden

GARDENING SERVICES LAWN MOWING, strimming, hedge cutting etc. Contact Billy 07849-571742

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

PRECISION FENCING & GATES

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

Local Services AIR CONDITIONING

Don’t spend another year suffering at home in the heat Install a dedicated Worcester Bosch air conditioning unit Installed by a professional with waranty and peace of mind

Annual maintenance contracts available

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

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

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.

To place your

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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

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.

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

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD. All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301

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

TOR EXTERIOR CLEANING Windows.Fascias. Soffits.Gutterings Patios. Driveways.Etc CALL US ON: 07783 966152

B.LUCAS General builder

25+ Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified

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

FREE estimates 07809 362919

30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE 07588804253 | 07791432215 Elevatebuild@outlook.com

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 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.

01963 400186

•General building •Extensions/Renovations •Loft conversions •Oak frame buildings •Groundwork/Landscaping •All your property needs

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

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

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

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

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL 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

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL WORKS ADDITIONAL SOCKET TO FULL REWIRE PROUDLY SERVING TEMPLECOMBE, WINCANTON, SHERBORNE NEW BUILD AND SURROUNDING AREAS FAMILY BUSINESS • COMPETETIVE RATES RENOVATION

CALL IAN OR SARAH:

07346 814585

RICH BARTLETT FLOORING SPECIALIST

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

FULLY QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED

T F PLANT

DAS Excavators Ltd A family-run Yeovil business, supplies and hire reliable excavators to the agriculture, construction and DIY industries. We offer the versatile HT25 2.5-tonne mini excavator with cab, rubber tracks and buckets, plus HT18, HT30 and premium HT35 models. Contact us on 07707 808769 or email derekstark36@outlook.com

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

BATHROOMS

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

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

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simple 01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net

Bathroom & Kitchen Fitter Independent and Experienced Fitter.

Work undertaken can also include any wall or floor tiling requirements. Fully insured. For free Quotation, please contact: Tel: 07896 338902 Email: mattleach91@gmail.com

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

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

CHIMNEYS

CHIMNEYS Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep Established in 1978

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

:phoenixchimneys1@gmail.com

Find Us Online

Manual and Power Sweeping,

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

NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered

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

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

01258 455251

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

longthorpeindustries@gmail.com

www.blackmorevale.net

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD

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

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

CLEANING

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

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED

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COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

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

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

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH

Get connected. Stay connected. WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

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

• Buying advice, setup and installation

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

Call me now on 07805 783147 DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

Painting & Decorating COUNTRY CARPENTRY

Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

Bespoke Carpentry Quality Craftsmanship Door & Window Repairs

35 Years Experience

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

FREE Estimates. No VAT

Dorset based.

Mob: 07825512627

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

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

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

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

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

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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

ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS

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Tel: 01258 880670 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

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email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

M & M Painting & Decorating. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07921-783296 / 01305-849380

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

blackmorevale.net

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS 24/7 Locksmiths & Garage Door Repairs

Dorset com Doors .com - Residential Lockouts - Garage door repair specialists - New garage doors & automation - Lock repair and replacements

07979 978 751 drew@dorsetdoors.com

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Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire

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

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

Tel 07969443979

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

PEST CONTROL

MUSIC

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

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

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

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with. All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken.

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

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ROOFING

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

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

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

GASTECHPLUMBING.COM

01747 854887 07525 755696

07783 994377

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

DWS DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

Sewers • Toilets • Sinks • Downpipes • CCTV Surveys • HP Jetting

Call David on 07526484529

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

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

Tom the Roofer All Roofing Services & Repairs All Aspects Of Roofing Undertaken

Based in Wincanton Contact Chris

01747 854887 07525 755696

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

• 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.

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

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01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Local Services

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TARMAC / SURFACING

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE

Rob’s Clearance • • House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed

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

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

BLACKMORE VALE

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

JOBS GROUP

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

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

C&G SURFACING LTD, THE DEPOT, LONGCROSS, ZEALS

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TILING

THE HANDYMAN

Inside/Outside work Electrics Plumbing Painting/Decorating Tiling

Email:

Charles.white40@aol.co.uk

Call: 07788 724616 or 01935 712046

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WINDOWS & DOORS

G&M TILI N G WALL & FLOOR T I L E R 35 years experience Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen Fully insured

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.

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07973 430681

WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE SKIP HIRE ALTERNATIVE We do all the Work! Please call Paul on 01258 440838 or 07853 275379

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

blackmorevale.net

Local Services

Removals throughout Dorset and beyond

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Announcements DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY DAVID & SANDRA BAIN Congratulations on your Diamond Anniversary Lots of love from your sons Andrew, Stephen & Paul and all the family

PUBLIC NOTICES MARY THERESA CHESTERFIELD Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 29 Ten Acres, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8PW, who died on 02/06/2026, must send written details to the address below by 29/10/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified. Farnfields Solicitors, The Square, Gillingham, SP8 4AX. Ref: TMH/93410-0001/Chesterfield LILY ELIZABETH HINE Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 78 Cereleton Park, Charlton Marshall, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9PN, who died on 20/12/2025, must send written details to the address below by 29/10/2026, 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: JXD/HOO0117/0001 TERRENCE EDWARD COOPER Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 73 Forest View Drive, Wimborne, BH21 7NY, who died on 05/11/2025, must send written details to the address below by 29/10/2026, 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/COO0086/0003

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that Ruby Jane Lysons has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence in respect of The Burger Box, Unit 2, Milldown Business Centre, Blandford DT11 7TD for late night refreshment and the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of Monday to Thursday 10:00 – 23:00 and Friday 10:00 through until Sunday 23:00. Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: Licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice. The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours. It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited. DATE: 21/08/2025

blackmorevale.net

PUBLIC NOTICES Public notice - Licensing Act 2003 OM Turm Limited has applied to Somerset Council to vary the Premises Licence for The Village Shop, Charlton Horethorne, Sherborne, DT9 4NL to permit off-sales of alcohol daily 06:00 23:00 and remove embedded restrictions and timings. Representations must be made in writing by 17/09/2026 to: Licensing, Somerset Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. The application may be viewed at the above address during normal office hours or at somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and licences/licensing/recent-licence-applications/. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on summary conviction is an unlimited fine.

DEATHS Alan Edwin Ames Passed away, suddenly, at home in Gillingham on Saturday 1st August aged 60. A much loved Husband to Nida, Father to Ryan and Ethan, Son to Ann and Dennis and Brother to Robert and Katherine. Alan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral has been held.

Andrew Clive Pollard On the 12th August 2026. Andy aged 72 years formerly of Marnhull. Much loved Husband of Sue, Dad of Lauren and Sarah. Dearly loved Brother and Uncle. Funeral service at St. Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Tuesday 1st September at 2pm. Family flowers only please donations if desired for Countrymen UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Henstridge, BA8 0PP

Glen Miller (Chubb) Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on 3rd August 2026. Aged 78 years. Loving husband to Jacky. Dad to Shaun and Lisa, Grandad and Great Grandad. Graveside Service to take place at Blandford Forum Cemetery on Monday 7th September 2026 at 1.00pm. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired for Cancer Research UK, 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

Book online: blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Announcements

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DEATHS Sandra Atherton of Back Lane Sherbourne passed away peacefully in her sleep aged 85 at Hunters Care Center Cirencester on 30th July 2026. The cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life at The Sherborne Friday 4th September. 1-3pm. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Kenneth Stobbs passed away peacefully in Dorchester County Hospital on 1st August 2026 , aged 88. Much loved husband of 63 years, Father, Grandad and Great-Grandad. Remembering his 24 years of service in the Royal Corps of Signals and 40 years teaching music across the county of Dorset. A family service was held at Weymouth Crematorium on Tuesday 25th August.

Bett Holt Passed away peacefully at home on 8th August 2026 aged 90. Beloved Wife of the late John. Much loved Mum, cherished Grannie, Great-Grannie, Sister and Auntie. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 2nd September at 11.20am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The British Heart Foundation. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Henstridge, BA8 0PP.

GRAY Thomas George - ‘Tom’ Peacefully on 16th August 2026 at home in Silton, aged 86 years. Beloved Husband of the late Pat. Dearly loved Dad of Tammy and Kirsty. Loving Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Gillingham. Date to be arranged. Donations if desired, in memory of Tom for Stars Appeal can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk All enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570

NEIL SUTER Beloved dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and friend. Died 16 August age 87 in The Knoll Nursing Home in Yeovil. Neil left Zeals aged 17 to serve in the Royal Navy and the Foreign Office before retiring to Gillingham in Dorset. He served in South Africa, Japan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Belgium. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral. He is survived by his children Loraine, Lesley and Lee; his grandchildren George, Rose, Alice and Eoghan; and great-grandchildren Myla and Alexander. Any enquiries to 07976 965614.

MAURICE GEORGE TREVETT George, formerly of Blandford, died at Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham on 11th August 2026, aged 93. A private burial at Winterborne Clenston has taken place.

To place an obituary or remembrance advertisement in

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

please call us on

01963 400186 or www. blackmorevale.net FUNERAL DIRECTORS

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 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

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

The New Blackmore Vale DEADLINES

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

adverts@blackmorevale.net

Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net or online at blackmorevale.net

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

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

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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

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Recruitment

FUNERAL DIRECTORS CHEESE PRODUCTION STAFF REQUIRED for small friendly business . hours to suit apply on 01963 32231 for further details

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CARING PERSON REQUIRED. Donhead St Mary, Dog loving, mature, friendly person generally help and take sole charge occasionally of beautiful house and gardens. Tel: 07740-404708

PERSONAL ASSISTANT WANTED. Organised person required 2 mornings pw to help with basic personal administration, digital tasks and light household duties. Driving license required, Sherborne area. 01963-220773 or 07708-842553 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

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

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in all areas for national companies with great rates of pay £100,000 plus OTE van and tools required or can be supplied Contact: 07393-972008 fin plumbers 365 A to Z Classic Car Restoration are looking for the following:

A Mechanic who knows their way around classic vehicles, who can fix and repair and also weld and fabricate, working unsupervised for a 40hr week this position is self employed and ongoing. Also we are looking for a qualified Paint Sprayer who also does prep work again a 40hr week self-employed, also ongoing. Good workshop and facilities, no tools required unless you have your own spray guns.

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Recruitment DOMESTIC HELP REQUIRED. 3 mornings housework per week, in large house, Cottage available, Mature couple preferred. Tel: 01258-830578 rhfarqu2000@live.co.uk

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

FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT

We are seeking to appoint a Food Service Assistant to work various hours between Wednesday and Saturday. Additional overtime hours are available during the school holidays if desired. The successful candidates will report to our Head of Catering and work closely with the School’s Chefs and the wider catering team. Candidates should have a cheerful and caring nature and work well in a team. For full details of the role and application procedure, please visit our website; portregis.com/vacancies or scan the QR code below. Early applications encouraged.

FULL TIME COOK WANTED for private family nr Shaftesbury Thursday to Sunday. Competitive salary Live-in accommodation may be available. Driving licence & own car essential. 07470 433803 familycookrecruitment@gmail.com

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

Simple tart a summer treat CELEBRATE summer’s garden bounty with this vibrant, double-layered courgette tart, in which a savoury, roasted pulp meets paper-thin mandoline slices atop golden puff pastry. Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable – whether you swap in a glut of tomatoes or pivot to a sweet apple version – it makes an effortless yet impressive centrepiece for a gathering . Tarte des zuchinni two ways Ingredients 1 or 2 fresh packs of puff pastry Courgettes – large for pulp but smaller ones for the mandoline Fresh or dried thyme 1 lemon – juiced Extra virgin olive oil Maldon salt – invest in a box, it’s worth it!

Black pepper 2 garlic gloves 1 red or ½ an onion roughly chopped, or a couple of shallots 1/2 an onion, sliced Feta cheese crumbled or cheese to melt over (optional) To garnish Use a mandoline to fine-slice 2-4 courgettes and half – or whole, depending on size – red onion. Marinade the courgettes and onion in a mixing bowl with olive oil and mixed dry herbs – or strip back fresh thyme leaves – the juice of a lemon and grind over black pepper. Toss and leave. Cover with clingfilm or a tea towel.

01963 220 317 info@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Find us in Corton Denham, just 4 miles from Sherborne

sliced marinated courgette, thyme strips and onion – be quite generous and layer them up as they are thin and will cook through. Drizzle with olive oil all over and sprinkle a good pinch of Maldon salt and grinded black pepper, and cover with feta or favourite grated cheese to melt. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes. Garnish with a basil leaves and serve with good salad leaves dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. If I didn’t use the pulp, I’d probably just put the marinated courgette straight onto the egg-washed pastry, seasoned and as above. Other gluts This recipe could be done exactly the same way with a glut of tomatoes, of course, or an apple tart, with caramelised brown sugar and butter. n Annie Austin, Director/Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip. Email annie@ anniedesforges.co.uk; website: www. anniedesforges.co.uk; phone: 07834 487381.

Pub garden award EVERYTHING in the garden’s rosy for the Spyway Inn at Askerswell, which has won an accolade from real ale group CAMRA for its outside space. The pub, in the shadow of Eggardon Hill and with distant views of Golden Cap and the Marshwood Vale, won the West Dorset branch of CAMRA’s Pub Garden of the Year 2026. Set on a slight incline to the rear of the pub, the garden is bordered by shrubbery, hedging and a small stream with a large Acer tree outside the back entrance door from the pub to

the garden. The garden is a vista of colours and features plants including geraniums, cosmos, salvia and marigold, all blended with herb plants in a pretty cottage style. At the top of the garden is a vegetable patch with a large plum tree and sweet pea bush that is in bloom. Other features include a pond, shepherd-style pods ideal for when the weather chills, a teepee tent for children to play in, a fire pit for late summer/autumnal nights and a large summer house

t h g i r y Cop e l a V e r o m k c Bla

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.

Pulp Rough chop and season 2-3 more courgettes and put into a roasting tin with a couple of bashed garlic cloves and roughly chopped onion, olive oil, seasoning and thyme, and cook for 20-25 minutes at 190 degrees. Unfurl fresh ready-rolled puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and with the tip of a knife engrave a rectangle 2cm in from the edge. Beat an egg and using a basting brush wash it all over the pastry. Add some baking beans in the centre – or dried legume/peas – and cook off in the oven for 10 minutes at 200 degrees on the middle shelf. This will crisp the base and the edges etched form the sides. Now cover the base with the pulp and then with the fine-

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ENFORD DT11 FARM SHOP 0QW

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Food & Drink

blackmorevale.net

So, could you impress Bake-Off star? CALLING all chocolate lovers, star bakers and kitchen creatives, Wimborne Food Festival and Wimborne Minster council is inviting the community to rise to the challenge in its Chocolate Cake Competition. Participants are encouraged to create their most delicious and visually stunning chocolate cake and take them to the Marquee on Willow Walk, near Waitrose, on Saturday, September 19, between 3pm and 3.30pm. The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, including Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie Richardson and top Dorset chef Colin Nash, who will be casting their keen eyes over flavour, creativity and presentation. And who knows – you might

even earn a Paul Hollywoodstyle handshake from Maggie herself! This deliciously fun contest invites cake enthusiasts of all ages to bake for a good cause. Once the winners are announced, slices of the cakes will be sold to raise funds for the mayor’s chosen causes – Lewis Manning Hospice and Waggy Tails Rescue, turning every bake into a meaningful contribution to the community. The top prize is a Neff pan set, worth more than £100, donated by Dacombes of Wimborne. As well as an adult category, this year’s competition features two junior categories – seven to 11 years and 12 to 16 years, with book token prizes for the triumphant younger bakers. Mayor of Wimborne Jeff Hart is encouraging young

Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie Richardson will be judging the chocolate cake competition held as part of Wimborne Food Festival

bakers to get involved. He said: “We’d love to see entries from Scouts, Guides, youth groups and all young baking enthusiasts. “No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a love of

cake and chocolate!” Wimborne Food Festival is organised by Wimborne BID with support from Dacombes of Wimborne. It is a celebration of local food, drink and produce from across Dorset.

GOT A STORY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

aditional village pub A tr in t

he h eart of

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, August 28, 2026

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net

The weight of getting back to normal by Kay Parkinson THE signs arrive quietly. School uniforms reappear in shop windows. Holiday out-of-office messages become less common. The roads seem a little busier. Diaries begin to refill. Long before autumn arrives, many of us have already begun preparing for the return of routine. There is a particular kind of

weariness that arrives at this point in the year, not dramatic enough to call exhaustion, but hard to ignore once noticed. It shows up in small ways first. An email left unread a little longer than usual. A sigh before answering the phone. The sense that the ease of recent weeks is being packed away with the summer things, folded into the cupboard for another year.

Meditations in nature: Sunny faces in a parched landscape by Susanna Curtin I HAVE always loved daisies. Any colour or size, they have fascinated me since early childhood. I distinctly remember the pre-school me crying unless my Dad picked them all before he mowed the grass. That poor man! Now, all these years later, I find myself mowing around clumps of either my oxeye daisies or the common daisies that have conquered my lawns. Even this year, during the longest, hottest and driest summer I can ever recall, the daisies have survived. Walking out in this parched countryside today, with my footsteps crunching through the dry vegetation, you can imagine my joy when I unexpectedly come across a field of sunflowers. A single flower is a wonder in itself, but a whole field of them? Well, what a joyous sight for a daisy-lover. These sunny beings are native to North America and parts of northern Mexico. Indigenous Americans domesticated them as agricultural crops thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans, for they had many uses, namely as food, for oil, colour, medicine and materials.

In addition, they held ceremonial symbolism. For some tribes they represented the health and generosity of the land – for others they represented the power of the sun, endurance, hope and happiness. These magnificent plants also captivated the imagination of the Spanish explorers who brought them to Western Europe around the 1500s where they were initially planted in ornamental gardens in Madrid. Then, in the 1700s, Tsar Peter the Great encountered sunflowers in Holland and sent seeds back to Russia. Eventually, in the 1800s, the nutritional value of their seeds for oil was recognised, and the plant shifted from a botanical novelty into a major economic crop. I remember being fascinated, when, on my early travels from London to Athens on the Magic Bus, I passed through the vast sunflower fields of what was then Yugoslavia. I had never seen entire fields of sunflowers before, and perhaps because of that, I’ve always associated them with Europe. In fact, commercial cultivation didn’t really take off in Western Europe until the 1960s. Now, though, they seem

We call this getting back to normal, as though normal were simply waiting for us, unchanged, ready to be picked back up exactly where we left it. It rarely feels that way. Normal, it turns out, has weight. Meetings resume. Routines tighten. The quieter pace of summer gives way to something more scheduled, more demanding, more watched. The

Sunflowers seem to be becoming an increasingly common crop in the UK, perhaps because of the changing climate

to be becoming an increasingly common crop here in the UK, perhaps as our changing climate makes conditions more favourable for growing them. They love plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day, and warm temperatures. Walking past them now, I can’t help myself. I want to sneak in to take some photographs and have a closer look at their flower heads. On inspection, the centre of the flower is made up of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tiny individual flowers. These are the ‘fertile florets’ that produce the seeds, while the yellow petals around the edge are known as the ‘ray florets’, whose colour attracts bees and other pollinators. But at the heart of a sunflower, mathematics has quietly shaped the living form. The thousands of tiny florets are arranged in spirals, winding in opposite directions. Apparently, they often follow numbers from the Fibonacci sequence, with each new floret growing at an angle of about 137.5 degrees, allowing the flowers to fill the head with remarkable efficiency. Of course, it is not the sunflower

space that appeared in the longer days begins to shrink again. It is easy to assume this feeling belongs only to households with children, the school run returning, uniforms found, routines reset. The return of normal, though, touches far more of us than that. Anyone whose days opened out over summer feels some version of this shift – the retired person

that has calculated this pattern. Instead, it is a beautifully engineered structure created purely by nature. I also notice that the flowers are all facing the same way, but not towards the sun as I once believed they would. Like so many things in nature, it is more nuanced than that. When they are young, sunflowers exhibit a behaviour called ‘heliotropism’. During the day, the developing flower head moves from the east to the west, following the sun. Then, at night, it returns towards the east, ready to greet the morning sun. As this happens, cells on the shaded side of the stem elongate, allowing the head to bend towards the light. But as the plant grows and the flower head becomes bigger and heavier, the stem thickens to support it, and the sunflower eventually stops tracking the sun. Instead, mature flowers generally face east, allowing them to absorb the warmth of the early morning sun and attract pollinators. Making my way out of this dusty field, I say goodbye to all the sunny faces looking at me and get back onto the track towards the dry, sun-bleached landscape. Like the sunflowers, I love the sunshine, but I also miss the verdancy of England’s green and pleasant landscape. And because it has been so hot, I know that when it finally comes, I will love the sound and the earthy scent of the long-awaited rain falling onto this parched ground. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Health & Wellbeing

blackmorevale.net settled into a gentler rhythm, the person between jobs grown used to unhurried mornings, the carer whose responsibilities never paused but whose support quietly did. We talk about getting back to normal as though it were simply administrative. Diaries refill. Emails return. Life resumes. Less often do we admit that part of us was, briefly, relieved to have less asked of us. The return of demand carries its own quiet sense of loss.

Perhaps the honest version is this. Normal was never neutral. It always had a cost. We had simply grown used to paying it. Summer, whatever shape it took for you, may have offered a glimpse of a lighter load. Its ending does not mean you have failed to hold on to that lightness. It means life is asking more of you again, and you are noticing the difference. There is nothing wrong with

Many benefits of the humble blackberry by Fiona Chapman MY dogs are getting extremely bored with me on our walks. They do not understand why I am going so slowly when usually I stride around at the rate of knots! Blackberries – they are utterly delicious this year and abundant – and incredibly early. Breakfast has been blackberries and Tupperware boxes have been filled and the contents frozen for the winter. I have also put some with just-ripe apples for future crumbles. I even took my reluctant husband blackberrying. It ended up with him being as bored as the dogs, holding all the Tupperware while I did the picking to fill the containers and then practising golf swings with his walking stick! The juicy fruit makes you feel

so well. Full of Vitamin C for the immune system, and Vitamin K and manganese, which, among other things, are very good for bone health. Something I think we all need when we get older. They also contain anthocyanins, extremely effective antioxidants. These and polyphenols, also in this amazing little berry, are excellent for inflammation in the body caused by oxidative damage to the cells from pollution, our lifestyle, diet, stress and so on. Blackberries are also full of fibre, both insoluble, which makes them good for digestion and keeping regular bowel movements, and soluble, which attaches itself to bile in the digestive tract and helps to remove LDL’s, the bad cholesterol from our bodies. All these actions also help

feeling the weight of that return. It does not mean you are ungrateful for your life, or unable to cope with it. It simply means you have noticed something true – ease and demand are not the same, and moving between them asks more of us than we admit. Perhaps that is worth remembering before deciding you should be coping better. The

problem may not be that you have changed at all. Life may simply be asking more of you again. n Kay Parkinson is a psychotherapist and founder of Place to Talk Therapies. Counselling is available in person across Bournemouth, Ferndown and Burbage, and online across the UK. The Return Reflection and other wellbeing resources are available at https://payhip.com/ PLACETOTALK/collection/all

with the cardiovascular system, helping to control blood pressure. And because they are very low in sugars – although tasting them this year, they are extremely sweet – they help to stabilise blood sugar levels – which stops the cravings, then dips, you have if you satisfy the cravings!. Tests have also been carried out on their ability to help cognitive function and their ability to prevent some cancers. It is all out there, growing in abundance and free. The only disadvantage to blackberries is

getting a bit stung and scratched picking them, the odd thorn or two and very black fingers, which are difficult to clean. I think, however, the benefits far outweigh the cons – it is such a peaceful thing to do and good for the soul to be outside quietly appreciating what nature has to offer. I try to tell my dogs this, but they still look at me with exasperation as I stop every few minutes by another bush! n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist – email Pellyfiona@gmail.com

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Motoring

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01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk CAR SALES

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22017 021 (17) (71)Ford Citroen C4 1.2 Sense Plus Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox,

sat nav, sensors, parkingcruise sensors, reverse camera, control, auto lights & parking control, hill hold, air con,cruise Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior a spacious 76,900 milesroad ....................................£6450 wipers, head with up display, carinterior, play, hill holder, sign assist, collision detection 77,600 .....................£9450 2012 (62)system, Ford Ka cambelt 1.2 Studioreplaced, 3dr. 69bhp, petrol,miles 5 speed manual gearbox, £35

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2020 (20) Nissan Qashqai 1.3DIG-T Acenta Premium Automatic 2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic

Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, 5 speed auto gearbox, & shocks SUV 5dr. 158bhp, highpetrol, seating, big boot, sat nav,recent road new signroof assist,

absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers,

parking sensors, camera, autosale lights & wipers, cruise control, cruise, park sensors,reverse MOT June 25, private on behalf of a customer, 77,500

milesholder, ...........................................................................................................£4250 hill Bluetooth, 66,800 miles ..........................................£10650 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, 2018 (18) DS Automobiles Citroen DS4 1.6HDi Elegance 5dr. private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950 2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed (19) Peugeot 2008 Signature 5dr. 82bhp, auto&lights & 120bhp, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, hill 2019 automatic gearbox, sat nav, park1.2 sensors, reverse camera, auto lights wipers, 2014 (14) Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium70mpg, X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp,113,500 diesel, 6 holder, roadFord sign assist, Bluetooth, cambelt replaced, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has wipers, cruise control, hill holder, sat nav via car play, mirror screening, speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON miles .........................................................................................£4350 park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, parking sensors, cambelt replaced, 33,700 miles ......................£7750 sign recognition, hill Fiesta hold, electric cambelt replaced, 92,500 .........£7450 2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 2023 (23) Ford 1.0Ttailgate, ST-Line X 5dr. 100bhp, STmiles styling kit, 6 speed(68) automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise130 control, auto lights wipers, parking 2018 Peugeot 3008 1.5HDi GT Line SUV&5dr. 130bhp, reverse camera, parking sensors, sat nav, car play, cruise control, auto 2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable big boot, partial leather, sat nav, car play, parking sensors, lights & wipers, maindiesel, beam assist, road sign assist, heated seats, heated high miles seating, .........................................................................................................£12250 seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front steering wheel, hill holder, 21,950 miles ..................................£13950 reverse camera, lights & wipers, cruisepetrol, control, hill manual holder, gearbox, road seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800 2017 (17) Vauxhallauto Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, 5 speed auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign 2011 (11) Mercedes-Benz CLC 180K 1.8 Kompressor Sport Coupe sign assist, cambelt replaced, 46,200 miles .............................£10850 2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950 3dr. exceptional documented history, seats,9 5dr. 143bhp, 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed condition, manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver,leather 2 front seats, 2005 (55) Subaru Legacy 2.0 R Estate 5dr. 162bhp, 4 wheel drive rear seats, auto lights & wipers,auto cruiselights, control, parkingmiles sensors, heated front seats, 2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed parking sensors, Bluetooth, 44,100 .................£4850 hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400 Estate, manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive,MOT high seating, big boot, heated clearance bargain, June 2027, not heated perfectleather as itsseats, old but it’s 2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. 115bhp, high seating, steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, 2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 useful 4x4& load lugger, miles .....................................£1650 reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, sat nav via mirror screening, cruise aperformance economy, upto151,300 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors &

control, partial leather, heatedpartial seats,leather, hill holder, milescontrol, ....£7750 reverse camera, electric sunroof, heated82,500 seats, cruise sign recognition, hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850 2016 (16) hill Nissan Pulsar 1.2DIG-T N-Tec Automatic 5dr. 113bhp, £35 sat 3, nav, reverse camera,petrol, park6sensors, 2016road (66)tax, Mazda 2.0road SE-Lsign Nav assist, Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto cruise control,miles parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, autolights lights& wipers, & wipers, 49,800 ......£7850

sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

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

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Motoring

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Learners look to automatic cars AUTOMATIC car driving tests reached their highest level on record in 2025/26, as learner drivers continue to shift towards automatic vehicles. Analysis by AA Driving School of DVSA data shows automatic tests accounted for 29.4% of all car driving tests conducted in 2025/26, compared with about 4% in 2007/08. In 2025/26, the automatic test pass rate also reached a new high of 44.6%, compared with 37.5% in 2007/08. The figures highlight a continuing shift in learner behaviour as more drivers consider whether they need a manual licence in a future

where new vehicles are increasingly automatic. The growing move towards automatic learning comes as the UK prepares for the wider transition to electric vehicles. EVs do not have a conventional manual gearbox, meaning learners who choose to learn in an EV will take an automatic test. However, under the current licensing system, drivers who pass their test in an automatic vehicle are only licensed to drive automatics. Those who later want to drive a manual car, for example for work, hire cars, family vehicles or when driving abroad, must pass a further practical test in a manual car.

TOYOTA YARIS DIESEL (2011). FSH, MOT. Excellent condition. £2,495 ono. For further details, Frome 01373 301155

CARS, VANS, 4x4 HIRE. Kings Stag Garage Hire. DT10-2AZ. Tel: 01258-817350

TRAILER FOR SINGLE MOTORCYCLE. MOTOLUG SE can be assembled and dismantled easily for storage in shed or boot of car. 10 inch wheels with spare wheel and rear lights included. £550 07929-053985

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/ Transfer. Please Phone Paul - 07890 096907

VOLVO V50 ESTATE DELUXE 2009 MOT May 2027 reg L80 AEC good condition throughout. £1,950. 01935 713730

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

Indoors • Safe • Secure Motorhomes, Caravans, Cars, Boats, & other Vehicles Puxey Farm, Puxey, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2HR Friendly, reliable service at Competitive Rates Contact: Steve Vining on 07910 266527 Nici Vining on 07838 293751 | nici.vining@outlook.com

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We provide high-quality carbody repairs and paintwork services for cars and vans  Accident repairs  Dent and bodywork repairs  Professional paint matching and refinishing  High-quality spray painting We are one of the few local repair specialists with a professional spray booth large enough to accommodate vans! This allows us to deliver a proper, high-quality finish even on larger vehicles. +44 1747 708072

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Pets

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Is a rescue dog right for me? Things by Raychel Curson

THINKING about getting a dog is exciting — especially when you imagine giving a rescue dog a second chance at a happy life. But adopting a rescue isn’t just a feelgood

decision – it’s a real commitment that comes with rewards, challenges and a lot of heart. So how do you know if a rescue dog is right for you?

Rescue dogs come with a past UNLIKE puppies from breeders, rescue dogs often arrive with unknown histories. Some may have had loving

Early action crucial for lumps in female dogs by Lynn Broom BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS MAMMARY tumours are abnormal overgrowths of mammary tissue. In many animals this tissue extends from the armpit area to between the back legs. Tumours can be benign, malignant or a mixture of both. Tumours develop under the influence of oestrogen. Bitches spayed before their first season have very little risk of developing these tumours. The risk gradually increases until the bitch is two-and-a-half years old and spaying after this age will have no effect on whether these tumours develop or not in the

future. Benign tumours are typically small hard lumps within the mammary tissue when first noticed. They tend to be slow growing and don’t spread to other organs. They can grow large and may eventually ulcerate allowing secondary infections and significant pain. Malignant tumours tend to grow rapidly and can spread to other organs – metastasis – within the body, typically the lungs and liver. Because it is not easy to tell which tumours are benign and which are malignant, and because mixed tumours can contain both types of tumour, it is always recommended to remove them as soon as they are

ALL BLACK FLATCOAT/ GOLDEN PUPPIES. Will be ready mid September. Girls and boys. Will be chipped, vaccs, wormed. Need lots of execise. Tel: 07931 198441

FOX TERRIER PUPPIES playful, affectionate and full of character. Lovely companions. Flead, wormed and chipped. Available from 2nd September (8 weeks). Boy £1500, Girls £1600. 07873-366685 01258-830569.

Mid Dorset Cats Protection

Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 07831 586114 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/middorset Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

found to reduce the risk of metastatic spread. Histopathology – lab investigation – is available to assess the type of tumour after removal, which will provide information as to likely future consequences. It is important to realise, however, that future tumours may not be the same as any previously removed tumours, and benign, malignant and mixed tumours can occur at the same time in the same dog. Entire females tend to get more rapid growth of tumours around their season due to the surge in oestrogen production. Spaying is beneficial to slow future growth of new tumours but will not prevent them developing. Surgical options include removing the mass itself only, removing the affected gland and associated glands – different mammary glands share lymphatic and blood supplies with certain adjacent glands which may increase spread of tumour cells to neighbouring

C.B. Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/Wildlife Food, Feeders & Accessories Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB

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homes before, while others may have experienced neglect, inconsistency or trauma. This doesn’t mean they can’t thrive — it just means they may need extra time, patience and

glands – or doing a mammary strip. It is also important to realise that, even after tumour removal, any remaining mammary tissue can develop further tumours, and surgical options can include a ‘mammary strip’ to remove the whole length of mammary tissue on that side. This involves a long incision and, where both sides are to be removed, this procedure is usually ‘staged’ to allow one side to heal before repeating the procedure on the other side. Where malignancy is suspected or confirmed assessment of potential metastases is available. This can include chest x-rays – as the lungs are the most common place for these tumours to spread to – but may involve full assessment of the chest and abdomen with a CT scan, particularly after histopathology has confirmed malignancy in order to plan for potential future treatment. The sooner you take action for any form of mammary mass, the more you reduce the risk of future problems. Please discuss any concerns you may have with your veterinary surgeon and they will be happy to advise you. DACHSHUND PUPPIES ready to go 2 adorable boys 07790-430280 SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES, Black and White, Good working parents, ready now. Tel: 07974-691423 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

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to consider before you adopt

period of learning and adjustment, not instant perfection. Time, patience and routine matter RESCUE dogs often do best in calm, structured homes. Ask yourself honestly – do you have time for regular walks, training and gentle bonding? Consistency helps them feel safe and secure.

Training may take extra work SOME rescue dogs arrive with basic training gaps or behavioural challenges. This doesn’t make them ‘difficult’ — it just means you’ll need patience and positive reinforcement to help them learn new routines. The emotional reward is huge

WHILE rescue dogs can require more understanding at first, the bond you build is often incredibly strong. Many owners say there’s nothing quite like seeing a oncenervous dog finally relax, trust and show affection. A rescue dog is a wonderful choice for the right home — one that is patient, flexible and ready for a

Pets

journey rather than instant results. If you’re willing to invest time, love and consistency, a rescue dog won’t just fit into your life — they’ll transform 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)

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 n Three feral kittens needing a new home on a farm, stable or smallholding type of environment

n Oscar and Millie, 12, brother and sister looking for a home together

n Willow, three, very sweet shy girl

n Ajax and Axel, four month old playful boys needing new owner to give them time to settle and bring them on. To be homed

n Polly, nine, lovely cuddly boy – yes a boy!

n Ronnie and Reggie, four months, looking for a home together. Project kittens needing time and patience from a new owner to bring them on

n Leo and Milo, brothers in need of going on a diet. Handsome friendly boys, to be homed together n Wilma, three, a gorgeous black girl looking for a special home where she can live life at her own pace. She has always been an indoor cat and has only just started interacting with people, so she’ll need a patient owner who is happy to give her the time and space she needs to settle and give encouragement to build confidence

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Sport

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National award for football-mad Chris THE founder of Dorchesterbased Jurassic Chargers FC, Chris King, has been recognised for his contribution to disability football, winning New Volunteer of the Year at the England Football Grassroots Football Awards. Chris, who lives with cerebral palsy, was presented with his award by sports broadcaster and BBC Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman. Chris was also invited pitch-side ahead of the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and joined the guard of honour as the teams entered the pitch. He had played Powerchair football for eight years and founded Jurassic Chargers securing sponsorship, grant funding and venues, and fundraising to give new players a chance to try the sport for the first time. Chris said: “Football gives me joy, and I’d always dreamed of starting my own team. When the funding we had in place

Chris King, founder of Jurassic Chargers FC, won New Volunteer of the Year at the England Football Grassroots Football Awards

disappeared, I knew I had the strength to keep going and find another way to make that dream happen. “Thankfully, we were able to secure the funding we needed, and seeing Jurassic Chargers FC become a reality was incredibly special. To now have that journey recognised with this award makes it even more meaningful.” The Grassroots Football Awards, which were presented

by Howdens and celebrate the volunteers involved in the sport, saw a record 12,200-plus nominations submitted across 12 categories. More than one million people support grassroots football each year, taking on roles ranging from putting up goalposts and making refreshments to coaching teams and supporting the safeguarding and welfare of players.

James Kendall, director of football development at the FA, said: “The Grassroots Football Awards are the pinnacle of the season where we shine a light on the contribution our family of volunteers, and particularly our winners, make to the game. “From pitch maintenance, to respecting the standard, to making the game more welcoming, diverse and inclusive – the grassroots game thrives because of volunteers who put time, effort and care into football and their communities. “Every year, the thousands of stories that pour in from every corner of the country show how appreciative the game is of those who keep it running. Huge congratulations go to this year’s recipients for their outstanding contribution.” Forbes McNaughton, group company secretary for Howdens, said: “We are delighted to be the lead partner of the Grassroots Football Awards this year, celebrating the heroes behind the clubs. “Grassroots football clubs are central to local communities, and they represent more than just places to play a match, and the awards are a wonderful recognition of these efforts.”

Race track reprieved from closure A DORSET race track famous for hosting the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Lando Norris has received a reprieve from closure amid plans for a new holiday resort. The Clay Pigeon Raceway, behind the George Albert Hotel on the A37 near Dorchester, is set to be demolished as part of plans to create a 226-chalet resort. BIKE RACK - Thule Velo Compact 925 bike rack includes loading ramp. As new condition and rarely used. £250 For more details - pandlhopkins@ btinternet.com

MOTORSPORT Plans for the park were recently approved by Dorset Council, sparking fears over the immediate future of the track. However, the raceway has now confirmed karts will continue racing “for at least another two to three years” as the resort development begins. A statement from raceway operators Lee Rennison, Barry Crook, Ian Rennison and the team, said: “Further to the granting of planning permission for the proposed holiday park and with discussions between the management and owners of Clay Pigeon Raceway, we are

The Clay Pigeon Raceway PHOTO: Google

delighted to announce that we are still open for practice, hire karts, corporate events, sprints and all racing for at least another two to three years, and then year-on-year as the development moves on. “Understandably, we realise the emotions that losing the venue can bring but we’re still here for all our enjoyment with

the sport we all love and we are looking forward to the next few season’s race meetings. “Hopefully we will see you all soon – past, present customers and organisers – and the owners, staff and management would like to thank you all for your support and are looking forward to seeing you all again for the next few years.” Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, from Frome, is reported to have trained regularly at the Dorchester track, while fellow British F1 heroes Hamilton and Norris also raced at the Clay Pigeon Raceway.

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Sport

blackmorevale.net

Rockies go down in FA Cup FOOTBALL

Former Shaftesbury striker Greg Peel is marshalled by Jim Ward PHOTO: Avril Lancaster

by Avril Lancaster Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Andover New Street 2 Shaftesbury 1 TWO goals from Ollie Erdinc sent Shaftesbury crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup to their Wessex League Premier Division opponents at Foxcotte Park. Harry Baker had broke clear to give Josh Staunton’s Shaftesbury side the lead after seven minutes. The Swifts levelled after pressure from Peel and Claudio Herbert saw Rhomey Ashby Hammond parry the ball away, only for Erdinc to hammer home the rebound with 14 minutes played. Erdinc put Jamie Coleman’s side ahead in the

Seven up for Shaftesbury by Avril Lancaster Shaftesbury 7 Bideford AFC 2 SHAFTESBURY picked up their first points of the season after bagging seven goals against the Robins. Bideford took the lead after three minutes when Javan Wright found Ryan Turner, who turned the ball turned past Rhomey Ashby Hammond. Sonny Pike picked out Harry Baker to level in the 14th minute and 10 minutes later Alefe Santos put the Rockies ahead. Sonny Pike headed in Louis Sweeten's corner with 38 minutes played and Dawid Regula added to the lead on the hour. Turner headed Bideford back into the contest four minutes later. Rockies substitute Ollie

Harry Baker was on scoring form for Shaftesbury as they ran riot winnng their first points of the season against Bideford

Hughes then set up Baker for the fifth, before scoring himself in the 73rd minute.

Alefe Santos ran in the seventh goal with nine minutes left to complete the scoring.

52nd minute with a piledriver from outside the box. Hammond made a point blank save from seemingly Malachi Dotse as a cluster of players piled into the six yard box. Shaftesbury’s Dawid Regula and Harry Baker both had efforts clear the bar as the game drew to a close, with substitutes Tom Hewlett and Cameron Murray creating chances. The Rockies missed influential midfielder Alefe Santos DAbadia, though the home side were tenacious with George Bennett and George Higgins solid in protecting Luke Cairney’s goal. Shaftesbury face another difficult tie when they travel to Isthmian League Division 1 South Central side AFC Stoneham in the Isuzu FA Trophy first qualifying round tomorrow (Saturday).

GOLF WINCANTON Golf Club results: Seniors Roll Up Stableford Back Nine, August 11 – 1 Ray Phillips 22, 2 Malcolm Faulkner 17 ocb,3 Phil Francis 17, 4 Kevin George 17. Seniors Roll Up Stableford Front Nine, August 14 – 1 David Hallett 22, 2 Cliff Hibberd 21, 3 Andy Blandford 20. Monthly Medal, August 15 – 1 Jo Brickwood nett 67 ocb, 2 Terry Ings nett 67, 3 Charlie King nett 68 Seniors Monthly Stableford, August 18 – 1 Martyn Andrews 36, 2 Tim France 35, 3 Dave Hardiman 33 ocb, 4 Chris Mieville 33. Seniors Monthly Nine-Hole Stableford, August 18 – 1 Jim Bunce 22, 2 John Wolstenholme 19 ocb, 3 Alan White 19. Seniors Roll Up Stableford Back Nine, August 21 – 1 Geoff Lye 23, 2 Kevin George 20, 3 Mike Case 19 ocb, 4 Martyn Andrews 19.

GOT A SPORT REPORT? Then email sports@blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Field & Stream

Eclipse of 1999 ‘the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in the natural world’ by AJ Selby “When life gets too overwhelming, just look up at the night sky and lose yourself for a while.” – Rachel Wolchin ALL the excitement about the solar eclipse turned into a little bit of a damp squib. It was a beautiful evening, and we drove up White Sheet Hill at the top of Mere to watch the event, but, in fact, the landscape itself was more stunning than the eclipse. It was great to see families up there with children of different ages, some with special glasses, one man with a welding mask, and many with homemade gadgets such as colanders and white paper cards, and cereal boxes with pin holes. However, while it was only ever touted as around 95% of totality, I still expected more darkness as we reached that point where the moon and the sun aligned. In 1999 we were very lucky to see a full eclipse, and having been keen on astronomy as a lad, inspired by an enthusiastic leader in the Boy Scouts, I was aware of the date of August 11, 1999, for several decades before. So, having booked a holiday in Cornwall for August of that year, we took ourselves down to Polzeath beach in preparation for the event, which I seem to recall took place during late morning. At the time I was disappointed it was a cloudy day, but in hindsight, seeing the outline of the sun behind the moon without special glasses but behind thick cloud was most memorable. What sticks with me more than anything is, however, the few minutes before totality as we were looking out to sea. There was a sudden rush of blackness travelling immensely quickly across the ocean and engulfing us on the beach. It was the most astonishing thing I

think I’ve ever seen in the natural world – in fact, it was almost otherworldly. This vast nothingness of darkness approaching us at incredible speed from far out to sea as the sun appeared to be extinguished. Once we hit totality, people were cheering and clapping on the beach and their cameras were sending off flashes as they took photographs of the memory. It is something my children still remember today, and with luck some of them may see the next one in another half a century or so. I first got interested in star watching in my early teens with said scout leader who took us boys out on several evenings to help identify the key constellations. Sometimes we were lucky enough to see a planet or two, often Venus low down on the horizon, or the giant that is Jupiter. Using my pocket money, I saved up and bought The Observer’s Book of Astronomy, which I still have, and this was my introduction to learning about star locations, magnitudes and size. It also had some very helpful drawings of

how different stars pointed to others – for example, following the stars in Orion’s belt southwest to north-east you can find Taurus the bull with its bright star Aldebaran, and the Pleiades, known as the ‘Seven Sisters’ – a revelation to see these through binoculars for the first time. One of the best known is to find the two stars to the left of the Great Bear, Ursa Major, which will point to the Pole Star, enabling you to know where north is at night. A nighttime country walk with clear skies is immeasurably enhanced by star-gazing. Once you start to learn the constellations you never really forget them, certainly the major ones, and it’s beyond our comprehension to think that these stars, and us, are travelling at great speeds through the universe but never seem to move. And the realisation that the light from these stars was emitted millions of years ago defies reasonable thinking. Back in the 1980s, travelling in Australia and New Zealand, I was astonished in both the Outback and in the remote

blackmorevale.net South Island of New Zealand to see how clear was the sky, and how vivid and star-laden was the Milky Way. It may be a slight exaggeration to say that you could read your newspaper by starlight Down Under, but it was considerably brighter than anything I have experienced in England, even in dark sky areas. It was the unbelievable density of stars in the sky that I remember most and how tiny and insignificant is Earth and its inhabitants. Back on Terra Firma, the dry weather continues, although it’s interesting how, in the secondhalf of August, not only is it getting lighter later in the morning, but that smell in the evening of slight autumn dampness has become more prevalent. Once we get into September, we will have less than 14 hours of daylight, the mercury will drop and at some stage we will start to see rain. We certainly need a wet winter again, although these extremes of weather concern me a lot – in the past, English weather always evened itself out, usually within a short space of time, but now we’re almost becoming tropical with three or four months of dry heat and then three or four months of deluge. I hope that in the not too distant future we can get back on a more even keel with good old British rain and shine within the same month.

A nighttime country walk with clear skies is immeasurably enhanced by star-gazing

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Farming

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Drought and a pig on the loose on the A303! by Ruth Kimber FARM life continues, albeit with the challenges of the drought. So many decisions to make influenced by the drought. We would have cut our maize by the time you read this and it is hoped will have some forage with food value for the dairy. The maize plants were dying in the field, so we had no choice but to take the crop as it was. The worry is that as it is cut the all-important cobs may fall to the ground and not reach the trailer. We will see. We are not alone – farmers up and down the land and throughout Europe are facing these problems. There have been a few messy mornings, but no real rain. We live in hope. We usually reseed a few acres of grass each year about now? I was thinking about my childhood memories of pigs. My father had about eight breeding sows, but no boar,

which was not uncommon, so when one of the sows was in season and needed mating my father would load her up in the little car trailer and take her to Mrs Tasker, who kept pigs, including boars. Many of the local farmers used Mrs Tasker’s boars for service. She lived the other side of Wincanton to where we were, so it was a bit of an outing for us children. The boar had served the sow and it was now time to go and collect her, but on the journey home, as we were approaching Wincanton on Lawrence Hill, the trailer lost a wheel. The first Dad knew was a strange rasping, bumping sound, then a wheel rolling down the road in front of us, gathering speed. Moments later the pig broke out of the trailer and was also overtaking us. This was the old

Ruth Kimber has had a good showing of swallows on her farm this year

A303, and although the traffic was nothing like as heavy as it is today, needless to say we caused quite a stir! Several people stopped and helped reinstate the wheel and sow to the trailer. We still keep pigs, but only stores, buying litters of piglets from farmers and taking them through to pork weight for the shop. We use mostly Gloucester Old Spot and other traditional breeds, and the resulting pork is sweet, with a covering of fat producing the all-desirable crackling. Our pork sausages

come in different flavours, but the traditional plain is a favourite. We have made hundreds, if not thousands of beef burgers, but now people are also asking for joints for a Sunday roast. We have had a good showing of swallows this year at the farm, our garage and in the near locality. They assemble on the electric lines just outside my office window, using our pond, which is somewhat lower now as a drinking place, swooping low, collecting a beak of water as they pass. Ariel magic!

Calving & Calf Rearing Courses

01963 400186

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Government drought package ‘important step’ to building Andrew Lee Vegetation Management water and food resilience

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THE Government's drought package announced this month will help farmers better manage the severe pressures they are battling caused by sustained hot, dry weather and a continued absence of rain, the NFU said. England has now experienced three droughts in five years. It has led to a very early harvest and historically low yields, stunted grass growth forcing livestock and dairy farmers to use winter stocks to feed their cattle, and potatoes, sugar beet and other field crops failing because of lack of water. For those who can irrigate, many are facing abstraction restrictions or reservoirs are simply running low or empty. The drought will increase the

cost of producing food for many farmers and growers, at a time when they are already facing a myriad of challenges, from midge-driven diseases such as bluetongue to high costs of fuel, energy and fertiliser. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Providing this relief package and meeting with farmers to hear first-hand from them, it’s clear that the prime minister has recognised the serious impacts this drought is having on farmers and on our ability to water crops, feed livestock and keep food production on track. It signals that investment in farming’s resilience is an investment in the country’s resilience. “We’ve all seen the brown,

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net A farmer’s field during the drought conditions of this month

bleak fields, but the impacts on food production, and therefore on the 29 million households which all rely on three meals a day, goes much deeper. “The £65 million of investment into the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and water infrastructure is very important strategic support that will benefit farmers. However, we are experiencing a huge crisis of cashflow and confidence across all sectors and urgent support will be needed for farmers who are feeling that pressure now, so they are still producing food next year. “This Government has said food security is national security, a sentiment the prime minister has echoed. Securing access to water for food production is vital to this, and so is building resilience across our entire food system. “Today’s announcement is welcome and includes many of the NFU’s asks, but more detail is needed to understand how these will work in practice. Investment in water is critical, it is the lifeline of our food system, and we must ensure the process is streamlined and that grants are accessible. “As we look forward, I hope we can build on the important steps taken today and work towards a resilient food system that delivers for farm businesses, families and communities, both now and for generations to come.” The NFU has been making the case at the highest levels of government for action to build the UK’s resilience to extreme weather, which is becoming increasingly common, to enable farmers to continue to produce the nation’s food despite climatic challenges.

ignificant updates to England’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations take effect on 6th August 2026, with the formal introduction of the highly anticipated exemptions for small development sites of 0.2 hectares or less. Under the new rules, any project with a total red-line boundary area of 0.2 hectares or less will be completely exempt from the mandatory 10% biodiversity uplift requirement, provided Bowridge, £1,250,000 Hazelbury Bryan £1,150,000 theGillingham development doesGuide not contain priority habitat, suchGuide A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating extended and modernised period house combining character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 An Marnhull Guide £525,000 from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with contemporary family living quiet location a noA fine Grade II listed former Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house in in anaexcellent centralonvillage as mature native hedgerows. If priority habitat is present, Outside is a wonderful stone barn with (stp), workshop, largechurch garden and through roadawith views, land and stables. In alland about 2.40 workshop southa substantial barn/workshop and potential lovely views to the village and location with largewonderful oak-framed double garage, paddock, in totalcountryside. 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available. acres. CTB F, EPC surrounding CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB Freehold. then BNG still required irrespective ofD,E.Freehold. scale of the Sturminster Newton || 01258is 473766 Sturminster Newton |the 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 472244 Sturminster | 01258 473766 development.

NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins said: “It’s clear that our weather patterns here in the UK are changing. We can no Under the existing regime, the requirement to create a longer always rely on rain minimum 10% uplift in BNG has been causing considerable throughout the year, and it’s headache and cost. If onsite BNG creation is not possible, then imperative that we invest in our credits have had to be purchased, with the current price range national water infrastructure so for a single unit being in the region of £26,000 to £28,000. we can capture and store water at Holwell Guide £825,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 times of plenty for use in times An Not only is this good news for small-scale residential Shroton Guide £435,000 A North Cheriton OIEO exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre. CTB away on This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated An attractive, double-fronted property of shortage. development sites but who may be having countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. G, EPC B,for farmers D, Freehold. but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart ofCTB this also most desirable an EPC idyllicF,country lane with character features throughoutto and views over Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. “This announcement rightly Sherborne apply planning permission forSturminster livestock buildings where Sturminster | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 | Newton 01935for 814488 | 01258814488 473766 recognises it will take a they lie within 400 metres of an affected dwelling. Under the combination of approaches – old rules they would have to employ an ecologist and find a improved planning to remove solution for providing the BNG mitigation, often at considerable unnecessary barriers and make it cost. Provided the new buildings fall under the 0.2 hectares easier to build farm threshold, then this requirement drops off. Under the existing infrastructure, simplified permitted development rights for agricultural buildings, BNG is 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 abstraction arrangements so exempt in any event, and this now creates a level playing field. Guide £800,000 Okeford Fitzpaine St Mary Guide £775,000 Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 farmers can access water more Donhead A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse Tucked away down through lane ishave this extended and veryrecent well A tastefully 4-bedroom house with light andwith spacious Where there been planning on sites of over three floors in aa no quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views with plenty improved of charmapprovals and original village character features along a 100’ presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yardD, & Freehold. paddocks, in total accommodation, setof in the attractive and backing farmland. easily and financial support to over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD garden in the heart village.gardens CTB F, EPC Exempt,onto Freehold. 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. 0.2 hectares or less and BNG mitigation conditions are included Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 help invest in farm reservoirs Sturminster | 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 473766 in the decision notice, then it may be worth considering making and equipment to build longan application for a variation of condition to remove the BNG term food resilience. S I D E N T I A L | A G R I C U LT U R A L | C O M M E RC I A L obligationsR Eand thus potentially saving a considerable cost. “The NFU will continue to Edward Dyke, partner in Symonds & Sampson’s Sturminster work with government and its Newton last some positive news on the Guide £1,150,000 agencies to achieve our shared Bowridge, Gillingham office comments, Guide“At £1,250,000 Hazelbury Bryan A fine period farmhouse in a quiet position boasting far reaching views. Dating extended and modernised period house combining character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 An Marnhull Guide £525,000 planning front! This has been a long-known change that has finally ambition of plentiful water for from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with contemporary family living quiet location a noA fine Grade II listed former Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house in in anaexcellent centralonvillage Outside is a wonderful stone barn with (stp), workshop, largechurch garden and through roadawith views, land and stables. In alland about 2.40 workshop southa substantial barn/workshop and potential lovely views to the village and location with largewonderful oak-framed double garage, paddock, in totalcountryside. 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. available. an enormous acres. CTB F, EPC D, surrounding CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB E.Freehold. Freehold. producing food, which will been enacted, and itFurther willlandmake difference to our Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 472244 Sturminster | 01258 |473766 make a real difference to farmers client base of farmers, landowners and small-scale developers. and our ability to withstand the It will save considerable costs in pulling together a planning current and future droughts." application and should also speed the whole process up for NFU vice-president Robyn securing planning permission.” Munt said: “The derogations on For advice on all aspects of planning and development, please SFI requirements will provide contact Edward on 01258 472244, or one of our planning much-needed flexibility for experts in your nearest office. farmers in existing schemes Holwell Guide £825,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 A North Cheriton OIEO An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000 Set within beautifully landscaped gardens wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre. CTB This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated An attractive, double-fronted property away on – particularly those struggling to standard. countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. G, EPC B, D, Freehold. but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart ofCTB this most desirable an EPC idyllicF,country lane with character features throughout and views over Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. provide forage for their livestock Sherborne Sturminster| Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 01935 814488 Sturminster | 01258814488 473766 and who want to protect their farm against wildfires. “Investment in the SFI scheme is crucial – supporting on-farm practices, such as improving soil health, is what will underpin business resilience against the climate pressures we Donhead Guide £800,000 Okeford Fitzpaine St Mary Guide £775,000 Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 A particularly spacious family house with 3500 sq ft of accommodation An attractive and beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse Tucked away down through lane is this extended and very well A tastefully 4-bedroom house with light andwith spacious over three floors in aa no quiet location with wonderful far-reaching views with plenty improved of charm and original village character features along a 100’ see today. We will continue to presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. over the Wiltshire/Dorset countryside. CTB G, EPD D, Freehold. garden in the heart of the village. CTB F, EPC Exempt, Freehold. 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. work with Defra to ensure this Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster | 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 473766 scheme delivers for both farm businesses and farmers’ R E S I D E N T I A L | A G R I C U LT U R A L | C O M M E RC I A L ambitions for the environment that supports them.”

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

of it. In this sort of climate animals are often short of food and will go in search of things they wouldn’t normally eat, especially youngsters. We have seen a number of plant poisonings in the last few weeks, and they can be quite severe. Please check fencing and make sure animals, especially youngsters, can’t get at anything they shouldn’t. Hot weather can also expose underlying infectious disease issues. If performance isn’t where it should be, don’t assume the weather is solely to blame. Regular vaccination and parasite monitoring remains

essential for maintaining herd health and performance throughout the summer. As expected, we are starting to see the fertility effects from the heatwaves with lots of disappointing pregnancy results. Farms which have invested in heat abatement equipment, such as fans, have certainly coped better with the repeated hot spells. The return on investment by the milk loss alone stacks up. With the Government’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) grants now approved, many farms will be starting to see new equipment arriving on site. As you plan installations, remember that our veterinary team is always happy to be involved in discussions with clients around fan placement, feeding systems and shed design. A little planning can help ensure you get the maximum benefit from your investment, while supporting both animal health and productivity. Most farms have produced more forage than they had done this time last year, however the feeling would be that winter stocks are going to be tight given grass growth has stopped, and maize crops are a mixed bag, along with precious little carry over from last year’s.

DURING the summer heatwaves, Synergy Farm Health vet Josh Swain joined BBC Radio 4 Farming Today presenter Caz Graham to discuss the challenges hot weather can present for cattle, and the steps farmers can take to help keep heat stress to a minimum on their farms. We are so proud one of our team has featured on such a high profile radio programme

– make sure you have a listen on our podcast page by scanning the QR code (right).

Cows shelter from the heat – the hot weather has had several adverse effects on farm animals

Summer vet diaries

Vet Caroline Perry

by Caroline Perry, veterinary surgeon, Synergy Farm Health SUMMER 2026 will be remembered for being very hot and very dry – and we have been seeing the expected associated problems. Animals, farmers and vets all suffer from heat stress and providing enough water and shade, while not perfect, can be helpful in mitigating the worst

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Farming

blackmorevale.net

Supporting Somerset and Dorset’s farming communities

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Alongside tailored insurance, Cornish Mutual offers a growing range of risk management services, including health and safety and fire risk assessments. Farmers can also access advice and insights through the Farming Focus™ podcast, local workshops and on-farm events, helping them stay informed and share experiences with others in the industry. This year, Cornish Mutual is proud to be main sponsor of the Melplash Show and Headline Livestock Sponsor of the Dorset County Show, recognising the important role agricultural shows play in bringing people together, celebrating local farming and strengthening connections across the rural community. Peter Beaumont, Chief Executive of Cornish Mutual, said: “Our simple but important role is to work with farmers across the region every day, protecting what they’ve built and helping them prepare for whatever comes next. We’re proud to be part of this community,

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New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Property

blackmorevale.net

TO LET TO LET. WORKSHOP 8265 sqft Low rent Longbridge Deverill 01985840401 FLAT AVAILABLE DONHEAD ST MARY, Dog loving, mature, friendly person generally help and take sole charge occasionally of beautiful house and gardens. Tel: 07740-404708 SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 892476

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.

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Spacious semi in popular village THIS spacious and light-filled semi-detached home, with first floor side extension, landscaped gardens and parking, is in the sought-after village of Stourton Caundle. It is within easy reach of Sherborne and surrounding countryside. The property on the ground floor has entrance hall, living room with open fireplace, and kitchen/diner leading to a utility/boot room, which could also be used as a study, and cloakroom. Upstairs are four bedrooms, including two doubles with built-in wardrobes, along with two more bedrooms and family bathroom, currently a wet room. The back garden is landscaped and includes a patio,

another seating area, shed and discreetly located oil tank. The front garden also has a patio, and there is a carport with parking for one vehicle with more parking available at the front. Symonds & Sampson has the property for sale at a guide price of £350,000 – for more information phone the Sherborne office on 01935 814488.

(from pages 38-39)

Edition 155

Cryptic crossword

Sudoku 3D puzzle 9 6 3 5 4 2 8 5 4 7 4 7 7 5 1 8 8 2 6 1 5 3 9 3 9 5 1 6 2 2 1 8 6 2 8 4 8 2 3 1 3 7 6 9 3 7 4 4 4 6 7 4 9 9 3 3 7 6 7 9 7 6 9 5 2 6 3 8 9 2 1 8 9 4 18 5 1 8 9 54 5 1 7 1 2 5 2 3 5 4 6 8 6 3 2 7 2 1 8 6 8 9 7 6 3 7 9 2 4 1 8 9 5 1 6 2 7 3 5 6 5 9 4 2 3 1 5 9 3 2 7 4 9 7 1 4 3 6 8 5 8 1 5 4 4 2 5 2 3 1 7 7 8 6 5 2 3 8 6 3 4 4 9 7 2 8 6 7 9 8 9 5 3 1 2 3 9 4 1 9 6 1 5 6 4 6 2 1 8 4 7 8 7 2 5 4 9 3 7 8 3 4 5 8 3 7 5 9 6 1 6 8 1 6 1 8 2 2 1 5 7 9 7 3 6 4 2 3 5 4 3 5 4 9 2 6 1 9 8 7 1

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C P A J A R F U R E N U G A P A L V O E O N C A W A Y R A D E C R O W

New Blackmore Vale, August 28, 2026

Property

blackmorevale.net

Various Garage Sites: – Blandford – Single, freehold garage Guide £6,000 – 01258 452670 – Blandford – A block of 3 freehold garages Guide £10,000 – 01258 452670 – Stalbridge – 2 freehold garages Guide £10,000 – 01258 473766 – Dorchester – 2 single garages in a block of 6 Guide £10,000 – 01305 261008 Mappowder Guide £595,000

Mappowder Guide £595,000 A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, – Blandford – 6 single garages a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and Guide countryside. £10,000 –CTB 01258 452670 surrounding E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

– Alton Pancras – a block of 3 garages Guide £15,000 – 01305 261008

– Shaftesbury – a substantial block of 5 garages Guide £30,000 – 01258 473766 – Stalbridge – a block of 6 garages Guide £35,000 – 01258 473766

Land for Sale: – 1.53 acres at Shillingstone – Freehold Guide £18,000 – 01258 472244 – 0.68 acres at Avon, Christchurch – Freehold Guide £30,000 – 01202 843190 – 0.14 acres at Melcombe Bingham – Freehold Guide £40,000 – 01305 261008 – 0.14 acres commercial use Sherborne – Freehold Guide £40,000 – 01305 261008 – A potential redevelopment site in Fortuneswell – Marnhull Guide £525,000 Freehold A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village Guide - 01305 251154 location with a£45,000 large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. – 3.41 acres of meadow/pasture land at East Burton Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 – Freehold Guide £95,000 – 01305 251154 – Lot A 16.04 acres – Guide £175,000 Lot B 5.66 acres - Guide £85,000 at Lamyatt – Freehold – 01935 423526 – 15.88 acres at Corfe Mullen – Freehold Guide £225,000 - 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. Blandford NewtonGuide £75,000 Sturminster | 01258 473766Sturminster Newton Guide £100,000 Grade II listed, 2 bedroom maisonette, with garden, in the centre of town. Leasehold. 54 years remaining. GR £150 pa. SC £850pa. CTB A.

A unique investment opportunity, formerly two cottages but now a cottage and office space with potential for a range of uses (STPP). Grade II listed. Freehold. CTB A. RV TBC.

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 | 01935Guide £150,000 Fontmell Magna Guide £185,000 814488 A spacious 3 bed lower ground floor apartment in the heart of Sherborne. Leasehold. 947 years remaining. GR peppercorn. SC £4,200pa. CTB D. EPC C.

A recently renovated detached bungalow of non-standard construction in a peaceful cul-de-sac in the middle of this popular village. Freehold. CTB C. EPC E.

Blandford | 01258 452670

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £295,000 North Cadbury Guide £275,000 Shaftesbury Nr Sturminster Newton Guide PriceAn£1,100,000 attractive 3 bed cottage, situated 3 bed semi-detached former farmhouse theextended heart of the picturesque with large garden in a arural setting. lane isinthis Tucked away down no through and very wellhilltop town of Shaftesbury, close to amenities. Requiring modernisation presented 4 bedroom throughout. country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total Freehold. CTB D. EPC D. Freehold. CTB C. EPC G. 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Tisbury Guide £400,000 Tarrant Hinton Guide £495,000 Leigh £500,000 A modern, detached 4OIEO bed property for A detached, 4 bed stone house in need remodelling andlight modernisation (STRC) of complete modernisation. Set in 0.97village A tastefully improved 4-bedroom house with and spacious enjoying a privateonto walled garden, acres, on the edge of Freehold. accommodation, setTisbury. in attractive gardens and backing farmland. CTB D. EPC G. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. situated in a sought after village. Freehold. CTB F. EPC TBC. Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Blandford | 01258 452670

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